Author to read poetry, sign books
Indigo Blue Coffeehouse, 212 W. Barraque St., invites the community to a poetry reading and book signing with Mary Hester-Clifton. This free event will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. Nov. 6.
A native of Helena, Hester-Clifton is an award-winning author, podcaster, photographer, videographer and editor who writes under the pen name Debra Hester, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
For four years, Hester-Clifton has also been the director of the Office of Communications, Institutional Advancement at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
In December 2024, Women We Admire selected Hester-Clifton as one of The Top 50 Women Leaders in Arkansas for 2024. The organization recognizes “the achievements of exceptional women while inspiring others to aim high and continue their journey towards reaching their full potential,” according to a previous press release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Her Backyard Garden series of books is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Also during the event at Indigo Bluff, an open mic segment will take place from 7-8 p.m. Participants can catch a free ride on the trolley car at the corner of Pine and Barraque streets for a tour of downtown Pine Bluff starting at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 6 and every Thursday.
For details or to sign up for the open mic segment, send a text message to (870) 718-5330 or an email to manager@indigobluepba.com.
A&P accepting grant applications
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission is accepting applications from non-profit organizations for its 2026 funding cycle. The deadline to apply is 3 p.m. Nov. 21.
These grants aim to support activities, events and facilities that promote tourism and drive economic activity within the Pine Bluff city limits, according to a news release.
FUNDING CATEGORIES
There are four funding categories.
1) Year-Round Funding: For non-profit organizations and public commissions that maintain facilities or provide programming that offer year-round activities promoting tourism. Facilities must be open and free to the public on a daily basis (special events excluded).
2) Advertising and Publicity: Funds dedicated solely to the promotional costs of a specific event including digital, print, TV, radio, billboard, brochures and posters. The applicant is responsible for the design and placement of all ads.
3) Event Operating Expense: Funding for designated expenses related to a specific event. Note that funds expended prior to being awarded grant funds from the A&P Commission will not be covered.
4) Seed Money: Designated for new events that have been in existence for one to three years. Seed money is limited to a period of no more than three years for any single event.
MANDATORY FOCUS AREAS
All events and programming must take place during 2026, within the city limits of Pine Bluff, and align with at least one of the following focus areas:
Visual Arts.
Culinary Arts.
Delta Heritage.
Performing Arts.
Sports and Recreation.
INELIGIBLE REQUESTS
The commission is unable to fund the following: individuals, for profit organizations, religious organizations for religious purposes, political causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns and multi-year requests.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested non-profit organizations and public commissions must complete an application to be considered for funding. The application can be found at www.ExplorePineBluf,com under the “A&P Commission” tab. You may also request an application by calling (870) 534-2121.
Business event set at Monticello
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host Starting a Business in Arkansas Watch Party from 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
The free webinar will also be held via Zoom. The speaker will be Laura Miller, Arkansas State University ASBTDC Center director, according to a news release.
Business Start-up/Preplanning will be the topic.
“Starting a business is a journey, so let us show you the path to your goal and how to avoid common pitfalls. This highly practical, resource-rich session will guide you through each step of the startup process, from idea to opening,” according to the release. “We’ll supply you with essential tools and knowledge to launch and run your business while also answering your questions along the way. Get our startup checklist, plus tips for business planning, branding, funding, and more. A must for first-time business owners.”
When registering, participants should select their preferred attendance option. The Zoom link or watch party location details will be sent the week before the event. The registration deadline is 10 a.m. Nov. 13. Details: A-State ASBTDC (870) 972-3517.