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.
Through Saturday, Jan. 4
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
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Blues concert series set
The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series will feature the Tina Cossey Band at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St., on Jan. 4. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the music will begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. Admission is $5 for others. The concert series is being sponsored by MK Distributors. The evening will also double as a CD release party for “Roll With It” by Tina Cossey, the first release from the band. Copies of the CD will be available the night of the performance, according to a news release. Concerts for 2024-2025 include: Feb. 1, 2025, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Ivy Center plans workshop
The Ivy Center for Education will present the Future Medical Professionals/Club Scrub Project Workshop spotlighting the field of pharmacy. The workshop will be held from 6-7 p.m. Jan. 7 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central Medical Center, 1601 W. 40th Ave. This session will feature three second year pharmacy students, Ma’Kayah Goodlow, Lynn Duncan and Mackenzie Rodgers. Participants are asked to be present by 5:45 p.m. and use the rear entrance of the building. Students in 7th-12th grades, parents and community supporters are invited to attend. Participants may also join on Zoom using: Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061 . Details: mattie1908@gmail.com or djharris@uams.edu
Wednesday, Jan. 8
WH police set Charity Ball
The White Hall Police Officers Association will present its Charity Ball at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Entertainment will be by Aces Wild. The meal will be catered by Fowl Smokin’ Swine. There will also be hord’oeuvres and live and silent auctions, according to a flier. The attire is formal: cocktail or evening gown for women and jacket for men, according to a flier. For details or tickets, call (870) 247-1414.
PB Chamber plans luncheons, speakers
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will begin monthly chamber luncheons in 2025. The first luncheon will be held Jan. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The featured speaker for the kick-off event is Carlton Saffa, Saracen Casino Resort chief market officer. Saffa will give an update on the casino. The lunch, catered by Leon’s Catfish, is $15 and must be paid in advance. “These luncheons are the perfect opportunity for members to network, socialize, and hear from dynamic speakers addressing today’s business challenges and opportunities,” according to a news release. Reservations are required to attend. RSVP by calling the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
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
Charter school topic for Wabbaseka
The town of Wabbaseka will hold a community town hall meeting to discuss a charter school in Wabbaseka. The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Wabbaseka Community Center and the community is invited to attend. “This is your opportunity to share your ideas, ask questions, and learn how this initiative can impact our community,” according to a news release. “Your voice matters.” Residents will hear updates, future plans, and be allowed to share their thoughts and concerns. Details: Wabbaseka Mayor Andrew Goodloe Sr., Wabbaseka City Hall, (870) 766-4262.
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.
Monday, Jan. 20
Kingfest Marade/Parade set
Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. will present the 41st PBICVR Original KingFest MLK Marade/Parade on Jan. 20. The parade starts at 2 p.m. and lineup time is 1 p.m. at Third Avenue at Walnut Street. Parade applications are available and the deadline to sign up is Jan. 17, according to a news release. The marade/parade honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interracial cooperation and community service. The MLK Executive Committee asks groups and elected officials to participate in the marade/parade. Applications can be picked up at the PBICVR office in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., suite 109, or requested via email at pbicvr@aol.com. The 2025 PBICVR Original KingFest Celebration theme is “One Dream, One Voice, One Future.” Awards will be given for the Best Banner and the Lorenzo Smith Battle of the Bands. Parade entry forms can be emailed to pbicvr@aol.com or npelinorr8@hotmail.com. Details: The Rev. Jesse C. Turner, executive director, Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc., (870) 692-8579 or (870) 730-1131.
Thursday, Jan. 23
PB Chamber dinner to feature Flowers
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will be held Jan. 23 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. This year’s featured speaker is Pine Bluff Mayor-Elect Vivian Flowers. “Join us as we welcome the mayor-elect and hear her vision and plans for her upcoming term in office,” according to the Chamber newsletter. “This is a unique opportunity for the business community to engage with our city’s new leadership and be part of shaping Pine Bluff’s future.” Tickets to the dinner are $60 each. Tables are $600 and seats eight people. For details, to purchase tickets or become a table sponsor, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110 or email Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com .
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 StuffinTheBluff.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 No. 1 Best Chili and No. 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.