Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Christmas Parade set
The city of Pine Bluff will present Mistletoe Magic, the annual Christmas Parade, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 starting at Sixth Avenue and Main Street and ending at the east parking lot next to the Pine Bluff Civic Center/City Hall. “The parade promises to be a spectacular showcase of holiday cheer, featuring beautifully decorated floats, lively marching bands, and local organizations,” according to the release. “Participants from across the community will bring this theme to life, offering family-friendly entertainment for all ages to enjoy.” Local businesses and organizations interested in participating in the parade are encouraged to sign up early, as spots fill quickly. For registration details and more information, contact Mary Liddell at (870) 643-2383 or marylddll@yahoo.com or Mar’Tavius Proctor at (870) 730-2004 or mproctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov.
Civic Auditorium panel to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission in person meeting is scheduled for Dec. 3 at noon, according to a news release. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
Alphas to host event at WCSD
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter is celebrating Alpha Week 2024. Events include today: Alphas will participate in a mentoring program at Watson Chapel High School.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 3
2025 Leadership Pine Bluff class open
Now is the time to nominate outstanding individuals or apply for the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Leadership Pine Bluff class. The deadline to apply is Dec. 3, according to the Chamber newsletter. Leadership Pine Bluff is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders by offering participants a unique opportunity to network with community leaders and peers; learn about key sectors, including education, healthcare, law enforcement, tourism, and industry; connect with top executives from local businesses and organizations; and gain insights into the economic development and future growth of the region. Details: the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Underway
Hunger relief grants available
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is offering applications for the 2025 Capacity Building Grant. Applications will be accepted from Dec. 2 through Jan. 10. This grant is designed to help local hunger relief organizations strengthen their ability to serve communities more effectively, according to a news release. This opportunity is open to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other hunger relief programs. Grant funds can be used for items such as kitchen appliances, storage solutions, meal prep tools, and office equipment. To apply visit https://emma-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/8mbgb/a3970e7cd59c3ce5d91ec77bbc958a50/2025_Capacity_Building_Grant_Overview___General_Grant_tips__1_.pdf . For questions or help with the grant portal, email scollins@arhungeralliance.org or cgiles@arhungeralliance.org.
Alphas offer scholarships
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter and the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, are offering $1,000 scholarships to 2025 graduating seniors who reside in and attend a high school in Jefferson County. The deadline to apply is Dec. 20, according to a news release. Applications are available at Jefferson County high school counselors’ offices or by contacting Scholarship Co-Chair James Word at (870) 329-4738.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
SEARK president to speak at Alphas’ celebration
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Lambda and Gamma Delta Chapters, will celebrate the 118th Founders Day at 7:06 p.m. Dec. 4 at Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St. The keynote speaker will be Brother Tyrone Jackson, EdD., president of Southeast Arkansas College. The theme is Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc: 118 Years of Empowering Change Through Scholarship and Service to and for our Community.
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles should be submitted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Dec. 5
UAPB plans Shark Tank event
All high school and junior high school student entrepreneurs are invited to participate in a Shark Tank event at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Henderson-Young Hall auditorium. The event is sponsored by the UAPB Department of Human Sciences in collaboration with the Office of Recruitment, according to a news release. Students will have the chance to pitch their business ideas for a Shark Tank event. The grand prize of $100 will be announced at the end of the event. Registration ends Dec. 2. To register, students must fill out the form available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/VG8WVFM . Details: Marilyn Bailey at baileym@uapb.edu or Kimberly Haynie at hayniek@uapb.edu.
Mininstry After Divorce event set
Ministry After Divorce Teleconference will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 via Zoom. The meeting ID number is 8986356066. The pass code is 9611508. To participate by phone, call 1.646.931.3860 (Enter the meeting ID and pass code when prompted.) The sponsor is Alfred Carroll Ministries. Panelists include the Rev. Fernando Kittrell known as “The Mental Health Pastor” of Austin, Texas; the Rev. George Glass, pastor of Greater Word of Life Ministries in Bastrop, La.; the Rev. Richard Lewis, pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, Texas; and the Rev. Alfred Carroll, pastor of Greater Pine Bluff Baptist Church, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 5
Ivy Center offers free ACT Boot Camps
The Ivy Center for Education will offer free ACT Boot Camps, presented by Charity Smith-Allen, principal associate for education at Fetterman and Associates, and her team. All workshops will be held on Zoom only. Students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to attend, according to a news release. The dates and subjects for the ACT Bootcamps include: Dec. 5 — 6-8 p.m. — Math and English; and Dec. 12 — 6-8 p.m. — Science and Reading. To participate, use the Zoom Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Interested students should email Mattie Collins, president of the Ivy Center, at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Friday, Dec. 6
White Hall sets Hometown Christmas
Come join the celebration to welcome Santa to town, with lots of crafts, cocoa, cookies, popcorn and hotdogs, for White Hall Home Town Christmas from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the White Hall Community Center. Admission is free. There will be crafts and food as well as pictures with Santa. People can donate an unwrapped toy or make monetary donations, according to the White Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. Santa will be arriving on top of the fire truck like always and this also kicks off the lights in the park in White Hall. If a business or church wants to participate, contact a member of the White Hall Chamber of Commerce. The sponsors are Scotty Ray at FBT and Jay Callaway/Jaylu’s, according to the post.
Rock Painting set
Rock Painting with Paula Kittrell will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Public Library, 600 S. Main St. A mixer kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Rock Painting with Paula is described as relaxing, therapeutic and fun, according to Kittrell. “My rock painting is part ministry and part therapy. I love it,” Kittrell said. There will be refreshments and door prizes. Participants can register to win a prize for groups of four. The cost is $20 per person and may be paid by Cash App at $RevACarrJP. To register or obtain additional information, call (870) 692-9039, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The sponsor is Alfred Carroll Ministries.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Pancakes with Santa set
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. will present Pancakes with Santa, a fund-raising event for scholarships, at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7. The event will be held at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. Children and adults can enjoy a morning with Santa that includes pancake breakfast, music, crafts, pictures with Santa Claus with a photo backdrop and holiday decor for DIY pictures. (Be sure to bring your camera or phone.) Tickets are $5 for children 12 and under, $10 for everyone 13 and older. Tickets will be available at the door. There will also be $5 raffle tickets available for attendees to take a chance to win a gift basket.
Breakfast with Santa set at WH
The community is invited to the third annual Breakfast With Santa from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 7 at the White Hall Community Center. Tickets are $10 up to age 12; $12 for those 12 and older; and $15 at the door, according to the White Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. All proceeds benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital. For tickets, call (870) 692-0969 or 692-1387.
White Hall store hosts kids’ ornament craft
Tractor Supply Co., 6903 Sheridan Road, will host an ornament craft event from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Dec. 7. The store will host a craft event where youth can decorate a Christmas ornament with stickers and other colorful extras, while supplies last. Once complete, each participant can take their free craft home to decorate their Christmas tree. In addition to the hands-on activity, customers will also have the opportunity to enjoy a coloring contest, according to a news release.
3 Authors to appear at library
Alfred Carroll Ministries will host the first in a series of Right to Read events at noon Dec. 7 in the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library, 600 Main St. The event will feature three authors with Pine Bluff roots — The Rev. Fernando Kittrell, Vivian Carroll-Jones and Ulanda Arnett. Each author will provide a brief book overview and have their books on hand for sale. Refreshments will be served. The event is free to the public, according to a news release.
ASC to host Potpourri
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host Potpourri: Spirit of the Arts gala from 6-11 p.m. Dec. 7 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Potpourri is the ASC’s fund-raising gala. The gala will feature dinner by Chef Jamie McAfee, drinks sponsored by MK Distributors, a silent art auction, a silent spirits auction, live music by Groove City, and a live auction with Master of Ceremonies Matt Soto. This year’s event is dedicated to longtime ARTx3 volunteer and Potpourri supporter Becky Loyd Simpson, who died in 2023. Tickets are $200 for members and $250 for nonmembers. They may be purchased at artx3.org/potpourri, by calling (870) 536-3375, or at the Arts & Science Center.
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 7
Blues concert series set
The Port City Blues Society will host the third “Blues By Budweiser” concert series at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members. MK Distributors is the sponsor, according to a news release. Concerts for 2024-2025 include: Dec. 7, Fonky Donkey; Jan. 4, 2025, Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon; and Feb. 1, 2025, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Ceremony to honor deceased children
The Desha County Chapter of the Compassionate Friends invites the community to the 28th annual World-wide Candle Lighting Remembrance at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Dumas Community Center, 18 Belmont Drive, in Dumas. At 7 p.m., participants will light candles in memory of all children “gone too soon … that their light will always shine,” a spokesman said in a news release. A short program of greetings, readings, poems, music and a candle light ceremony will be presented. If you plan to attend, please let the group know by Dec. 4. To RSVP or for more information, text or call (870) 866-6985, (870) 377-4299 or (870) 222-7836.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Sketching Session set with artist Tanya Hollifield
The ARTx3 Campus will host a free sketching session with artist Tanya Hollifield, from 4-7 p.m. Dec. 12. It will include a break to socialize. Community members are invited to draw or observe. Participants will have the opportunity to sketch two models in fashion outfits, with assistance from Hollifield. The event is in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater, 627 S. Main St. Registration is required; sign up at artx3.org/all-events/sketching-session-with-tanya-hollifield or call (870) 536-3375.
Friday, Dec. 13
Movement and Agility features Lauren Robertson
The ARTx3 Campus hosts the bi-monthly workshop Movement and Agility, led by exercise therapist Lauren Robertson. Designed for women ages 30 and older, this functional strength-building class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility, and confidence. The next workshop is from 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 13, at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The cost is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers. Register at artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-dec-2024 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, public programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Melanie Madkin
Ages 3-6 are invited to Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! with Melanie Madkin from 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 14, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Madkin, of Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Program, aims to foster a love of the wonderful world of literacy in a quiet and nurturing environment with this monthly event, according to the release. This event is free but registration is requested at artx3.org/all-events/come-read-dec-2024 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, public programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
FunDay features Cookin’ for a Cause
The community is invited to the ARTx3 Campus’s free Second Saturday Family FunDay: Cookin’ for A Cause program from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 14, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Participants of all ages are invited to help cook for fellow community members during the season of giving. The campus is collaborating with House of Bread and Deliverance Church to aid families in need. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Yoga in the Loft set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Yoga in the Loft: Under The Mistletoe from 1:30-3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the ARTSpace on Main. Participants will immerse themselves in gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and soothing meditation techniques to cultivate balance, flexibility, and mental clarity, according to the news release. This event is for ages 13 and older. It is part of the ARTx3 Campus Flex Pay program with a minimum cost of $5, $15 is recommended. Register at artx3.org/all-events/yoga-dec-2024. Details: Bethany Gere, public programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 395-7059.
Thursday, Dec. 19
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 19. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Dec. 18, according to a news release. Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will also answer questions about PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims.
Women’s Connection plans luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The special feature will be Lewis Hinkle, singer from Summit Church in Pine Bluff. The speaker will be Iris May, a hospice nurse, writer, speaker and a former military spouse. The Women’s Connection luncheon is $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and participants will be charged for reservations not kept.
Beginning Friday, Dec. 20
ASC hosts “Miracle on Main”
The ARTx3 Campus will present “Miracle on Main” performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. This production is directed by Bethany Gere and Kayla Earnest. “Miracle on Main” is presented as a memorable television holiday special with singing, dancing, and family-friendly comedy skits. Theatergoers can celebrate all the holiday excitement with Southeast Arkansas talent during “the most wonderful time of the year.” Santa himself may stop by for a visit, according to the news release. To purchase tickets, visit artx3.org/all-events/miracle-on-main. Details: Lindsey Collins, interim director, at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Christmas in the Bluff set
Christmas in the Bluff, a free event created in partnership with Turning Point Youth Centers, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release. There will be festive activities for all. Children will have the chance to take pictures with Santa and receive a special gift. “Enjoy engaging activities to entertain the little ones. Come together with friends and neighbors to make this holiday season unforgettable, filled with laughter, love, and the true spirit of Christmas,” according to the release.
Friday, Feb. 14
Alphas plan scholarship fundraiser
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will present the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to attend the gala which funds thousands of dollars in scholarships for area students. The theme is “All Black Affair.” Tickets are $40 per person. Tables are $400 each, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation and mailed by Feb. 10 to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Arzo Knox, (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com.
Through Saturday, March 1
ARTX3 hosts ‘Matters of Abstraction’ display
The ARTx3 Campus invites the community to view its new Permanent Collections exhibition “Matters of Abstraction,” featuring decades of distinct two-dimensional and three-dimensional abstract art styles. Visitors will be welcomed to a breadth of abstract works that include subjects and non-representational art. Discover various mark-making techniques that create textures on the canvas, careful color choices that provide subtle gradation, focus and repeating patterns and the use of a variety of lighting situations, according to a news release.
Beginning Thursday, March 6
Workforce youth program sets events
Be Pro Be Proud, a workforce development initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, announced dates and locations for the 2025 Draft Day Series. Be Pro Be Proud will travel to 11 locations across Arkansas, providing career exploration and interview opportunities to high school students by matching their interests and skill sets with relevant career options, according to a news release. Area events will be held: March 6: Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative, Monticello. April 1: Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart. April 3: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff. April 8: University of Arkansas at Hope/Texarkana, Hope. April 29: El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado. For other dates and locations or details visit AR.BeProBeProud.org.