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.
Monday, Dec. 16
Cherry St. AME hosts City Wide Mission
Cherry Street AME Zion Church, 800 S. Cherry St., will host the City Wide Mission at 1 p.m. Monday. The community project this month will be the donation of paper towels to the CASA Women’s Shelter. The Rev. Anthony Nero is Cherry Street church’s pastor.
McGehee School Board to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the high school library. The agenda includes honors and awards, invoices and financial statement, student academic data or performance, administrators’ reports, and executive session, according to a news release.
Underway
Enchanted lights open
The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends drive through holiday lights display is open at Regional Park. The community is invited to attend the display from 6-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. The exhibit features 1.3 miles of a lights with more than 240 displays, many which are animated, according to Explore Pine Bluff.com/events-calendar. Admission is free. Volunteers will accept donations at the end of the drive through display.
Clinic hosting free exams
To commemorate World Aids Day, Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc., in partnership with the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, is providing free primary care exams until the end of December. An HIV blood test will be included in the exam, according to a news release. Exams are for adults 18 and older. Appointments must be made in advance by asking for the “Delta World AIDS Day” appointment. Local clinics include: Pine Bluff Clinic, at 1101 S. Tennessee St., (870) 543-2380; Altheimer Clinic, 309 S. Edine, Altheimer, (870) 766-8411; and Redfield Clinic, 100 Evening Sunset Valley, Redfield, (501) 397-2261.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Urban renewal board to meet
The Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the URA Board Room, 417 W. Sixth Ave. Details: (870) 209-0323.
Quilters Guild meets Tuesday
The Pine Bluff Quilters Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. The special program for the day will be the plastic wrap game. Following the meeting, all members are encouraged to celebrate the season with a shared meal. Show-and-tell, along with fat quarter and door prize drawings will be held after the business meeting, according to a news release. Members with a birthday during December are asked to bring a door prize which should be related to quilting or sewing. Door prizes are given out at the end of the meeting and all winners must be present.
Taylor Field hosts Christmas celebration
The community is invited to attend the third annual Christmas Celebration at historic Taylor Field, 1201 E. 16th Ave. (Jim Hill Way) in Pine Bluff, from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17. This event is free to the public. The event will feature Christmas music, free popcorn and drinks for the kids, and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Also, the Pine Bluff Fire Department Santa Run Truck will be on display from 5-6 p.m. (unless emergency situations arise), according to a news release. “We hope you can stop by Taylor Field for a short time to enjoy our Christmas present to you,” said JeffGross, director of Baseball Operations at Taylor Field. “It promises to be a delightful holiday experience for the whole family.”
Wednesday, Dec. 18
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. 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.
Through Friday, Dec. 20
Chamber extends Leadership deadline
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 has been extended to Dec. 20, 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.
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.
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
Delta food bank sets Christmas giveaway
The Delta Network Food Bank will host its annual Christmas Drive-Thru Hunger Relief Distribution from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. “We are asking that you remain in your vehicles at all times,” a spokesman said in a news release. Vehicles will line up down Eighth Avenue and drive through the north access to the convention center and receive the food available for each registered household. Motorists must follow instructions of the traffic directors. Tyson Foods will bring a truckload of chicken. Delta Network is a 501C3 tax exempt non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. Louis Ross is the CEO of the Delta Network Inc. and Jacqueline Ross is the director. Financial donations are accepted. Checks may be payable and mailed to Delta Network Inc., P.O. Box 20278, White Hall, AR, 71612, or Cash App: $DeltaNetwork. Registration forms will be available on site. Details: (870) 536-2424.
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.
Summit to present holiday concert
The Summit Soundz Celebration Band will present its Christmas Spectacular Concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 21 in the worship center of Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road. The band is a volunteer group of students and adults who enjoy playing a wind band instrument. The concert is free and open to the public, according to a news release. “All of your favorite Christmas songs will be included in the concert program,” said Lewis Hinkle, director of Summit Soundz.
Sunday, Dec. 22
New Community hosts Christmas events
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will hold its youth Christmas program on Dec. 22 immediately after the 11 a.m. worship service. “Come out and celebrate the birth of our Savior with us,” a spokesman said. There will also be an Ugly Sweater Contest and winners will win prizes. The program is sponsored by the NCC Youth Ministry with the Rev. Roderic Goodwin youth pastor and New Community’s apostle/pastor is Patrick Lockett.
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Annual Christmas Potluck set
The 16th annual Pine Bluff Community Christmas Potluck will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Day, Dec. 25, at Opportunity House, 1305 E. Sixth Ave. The community is invited to participate. Donations may be dropped off starting at 8:30 a.m. Help is needed to make this event a success. Volunteers are especially encouraged to provide vegetable dishes, such as corn, peas, string beans, greens, potatoes, yams, and dressing. Donations of desserts, drinks, water, and toys for children will be accepted as well as monetary donations. Details: (870) 643-2383 or email pbjc.uapb.amnalumni@gmail.com. Coordinators are Ryan Watley and Mary Liddell. “Let’s come together as a community to spread love, fellowship, and holiday cheer.” according to the news release.
Beginning Friday, Dec. 27
King Cotton set at PB
The King Cotton Holiday Classic will feature 14 teams in this year’s edition of the annual high school boys basketball tournament at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The tournament will be held Dec. 27-28 and Dec. 30. Half of the field will consist of Arkansas schools, with the other half coming from across the country. Parking at the Pine Bluff Convention Center will be free this year. Single day tickets are $15, while tournament passes are $35.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Gould church has year-end service
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of Gould will conduct its end-of-the year service at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Curtis Gibson, pastor of the Bailey Chapel United Methodist Church of Gould. The Rev. Phillip Puckett is the pastor at Mount Moriah. “Everyone is welcome to come and praise the Lord,” the pastor said.
Through Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025
Area Agency collecting blankets
The Area Agency of Southeast Arkansas began its annual Share the Warmth Blanket Drive in Jefferson County. The blanket collections will continue until Jan. 4. The purpose of the drive is collect and donate blankets to individuals who are elderly, disabled or sick and shut-in to keep them warm this winter, according to a news release. Details: Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309, or Pauline Jones, (870 543-6313, at Area Agency.
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 4
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: Jan. 4, 2025, Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon; and Feb. 1, 2025, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.
Through Friday, Jan. 10
Hunger relief grants available
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is offering applications for the 2025 Capacity Building Grant. Applications will be accepted 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.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Reception, Coon Supper set
The 13th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett followed by the 81st Gillett Coon Supper at the Gillett School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. The reception tickets are $50 each and sponsorships are available. Tickets can be purchased online at https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1531/17/interior.aspx?sid=1531&gid=1&pgid=1572&cid=3494 or at the door. For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Becky Barnes Campbell at (501) 912-7560 or Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329. Tickets to the Coon Supper may be purchased by contacting Tyler Place at (870) 830-4422.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Fells to appear on national program
William Fells III, newly elected 3rd Ward council member, will be featured in the virtual program Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock. Fells will be among guests on the program that will be streamed nationally from noon Jan. 19 until 12:05 a.m. Jan. 20, the federal MLK Day of Service. Fells was elected to the Pine Bluff City Council, becoming the youngest member to serve on the council.
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.
Saturday, Feb. 15
WH host chili, gumbo cookoff
The Battle of the Bowls Chili & Gumbo Cookoff will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, in White Hall. Awards will be presented for the #1 Best Chili and #1 Best Gumbo. Tickets are $50. For a team of six and a booth it’s $500, according to a flier. All proceeds benefit the Jefferson Regional Foundation. To purchase a ticket or enter a team, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.
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.