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.
Thursday, Nov. 6
Wildcat Society to visit Rotary
The Watson Chapel High School Wildcat Society Gentlemen’s Club will visit the West Pine Bluff Rotary Club at noon Thursday at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The guest speaker, Deondre Goodwin, will discuss his involvement in community service and share his journey from police officer to successful businessman since 2017, according to Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. About 30 Wildcat Society members will attend. This trip is sponsored by the Woodson Center PBICVR Community Affiliate Network legacy member.
Author to read poetry, sign books
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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-West Helena, Hester-Clifton is an award-winning author, podcaster, photographer, videographer and editor who writes under the pen name Debra Hester, according to StuffinTheBluff.com. 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.
New Jerusalem conducts revival
New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1317 S. Texas St., will have revival a three day revival at 6:30 nightly. The Rev. Raeshawn Howard, pastor of New Morning Missionary Baptist Church will be the speaker on Nov. 6. Everyone is invited to attend these services. The Rev. Marc Kriston Wilson is the pastor of New Jerusalem.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 6
Auditions set for Miracle on Main
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting auditions for its holiday show from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 6 and Nov. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. This community talent show is open to ages 6 and older. Performers may audition for these categories: Specialty acts, readers theater, and community choir. Performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and Dec. 13. Kayla Earnest and Bethany Gere direct. The show is sponsored by Relyance Bank. Details: artx3.org/all-events/auditions-miracle-on-main or contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Underway
Leadership 2026 seeks applicants
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations and applications for the 2026 Leadership Pine Bluff program. “Founded in 1981, Leadership Pine Bluff was the very first leadership program established in the state of Arkansas,” according to a news release. “Its mission is to expose business and community leaders to all sectors of the community — helping them learn, network, and develop the skills needed to take on future leadership roles in Pine Bluff and beyond.” For details, contact the Chamber at (870) 535-0110, email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.ccsend.com or see the application here.
Friday, Nov. 7
PWA Silent Auction set
The Progressive Women’s Association (PWA) of White Hall is hosting its annual Fall Scholarship Auction at 6 p.m. Friday at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, in White Hall. The auction includes gift certificates, home decor, art, jewelry, and more, and there will be complimentary refreshments, with proceeds benefiting the PWA’s Ann Douthit Memorial Scholarship Fund. The public is invited to attend.
Live@5 features Darnell Cann-Ward
Darnell Cann-Ward will perform during the monthly Live@5 concert series from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 7, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “Enjoy soulful jazz and R&B tunes with the smooth saxophonist,” according to the news release. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The event is for ages 21 and older. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Art League sets workshop
The Pine Bluff Art League will host a new painting party from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Pam Wooley will present an acrylic workshop and teach step by step how to use the paint medium, develop brush techniques and blend colors. The cost is $35. Materials and appetizers are included. The event is for ages 15 and older. Participants may make a check out to the Pine Bluff Art League and mail it to Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. Details: Pam Wooley at (870) 357-2328 or Pine Bluff Art League Treasurer Permelia Huffman at (870) 543-0225. Class size is limited.
EHC Holiday Foods Show set
The annual Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Holiday Foods Show will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave. The doors will open at 9 a.m. Tickets are $25 and are available by texting (870) 718-1846 or contacting any Jefferson County Extension Homemaker for assistance in getting tickets, according to a news release.
Through Friday, Nov. 7
AGFC offers schools grants
More than three-quarters of a million dollars is available for Arkansas schools to teach conservation education this year, thanks to a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services to turn poaching violations into education opportunities. All wildlife and fishing fine money collected last year has been set aside by the AGFC specifically for education grants that teachers may use to increase conservation education efforts in their schools, according to a news release. Teachers and administrators have until Nov. 7 to apply for a conservation education grant at www.arkansasedc.com/rural-services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.
Saturday, Nov. 8
First Ward pantry offers free food
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, in partnership with the Arkansas Foodbank, will host a free food giveaway to support people facing food insecurity, according to as news release. The food distribution will take place Saturday, noon to 2 p.m. at First Ward Living Grace, 1201 Commerce Road. No pre-registration is required. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and bring containers or boxes for carrying food, according to the news release.
Pilgrim MBC to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will give away food Nov. 8 from 8-10 a.m. or until all the food has been handed out. Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
ARTX3 presents Cookin’ for a Cause
The ARTx3 Campus will host Cookin’ for a Cause for its next Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is free and open to the public. Participants of all ages are invited to help cook for others. The campus is collaborating with House of Bread Deliverance Church to aid families in need. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375 or see artx3.org/all-events/family-funday-nov-2025.
WHHS JROTC dinner, auction set
The White Hall High School Junior ROTC Booster Club will host its Fall Dinner and Auction from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 8 at White Hall Community Center. Dinner will be catered by Texas Roadhouse and participants may choose steak or chicken, according to the flier. “Support our cadets — strengthen our program,” the flier said. Tickets are $25 each. Tickets won’t be sold at the door. Details: White Hall High School, (870) 247-3255 or see Facebook.
Sunday, Nov. 9
Food drive to aid WH pantry
Sisters in Service will host a food drive from 12:30-2 p.m. Sunday for the White Hall Food Pantry. The drop off site is First Baptist Church Youth Building, 8203 Dollarway Road, (across the street from the middle school.) Sisters in Service is helping the food pantry provide special holiday foods for the community during the November food distribution, according to a flier. Items needed include cake mixes, stuffing mix, cake icing, mac and cheese and canned yams. Details: (870) 718-3471.
Eighth Avenue honors pastor, wife
Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1200 W. Eighth Ave., will celebrate the 13th Pastoral Anniversary of the Rev. Kirby L. Gulley and Neshia Gulley, at 3 p.m. Nov. 9. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Christopher Jackson of Davis Creek Missionary Baptist in Prattsville. “Come help us celebrate this glorious occasion,” a spokesman said.
Tuesday, Nov. 11
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will provide food to federal workers and hold its monthly giveaway, according to a news release. Federal workers can come to TOPPS from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick up food. A federal ID is required. TOPPS will also have its regular monthly food distribution on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. in a first-come, first-served drive-through method. Participants must bring their ID. Each household will receive one food box until all boxes are distributed. November boxes will not contain a turkey or a ham. Participants must be present to receive a box.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 11
Ivy Center plans events
The Ivy Center for Education announces events. Nov. 11 — Future Engineers: From 6-7 p.m., students will meet at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. Activity: Scholars will work with Robots and UAPB students. Seventh-12th graders are encouraged to attend. Following the Future Engineers workshop, the 2026 College Tour Interest Meeting will be held from 7:15-7:45 p.m. Eighth-11th graders may attend with their parents. Nov. 18 — Girl/Guy Talk — From 6-7:30 p.m., at the Generator on Main, seventh-12th graders will meet with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Alpha Rho Chapter at UAPB, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, and Pi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Those who cannot attend these sessions in person may join via Zoom with ID 856 8296 4187 and Password 351061. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins, mattie1908@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
WH Chamber luncheon set
White Hall Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon at noon Nov. 12. The guest presenter will be Dr. Jennifer Jacks, a local dermatologist. The luncheon will be catered by Rice Catering, according to a flier at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
The Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. 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 are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Nov. 13
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. 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.
Friday, Nov. 14
Golden Hour Movie Day set
The ARTx3 Campus will host an afternoon of movie-watching for individuals aged 50 and older, featuring the classic “The Princess Bride” in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is part of ARTx3’s Golden Hour programming for seniors and is free. Register at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-movie-day. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Friday, Nov. 14
Blue Cross holds food drive
Arkansans are encouraged to join Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield by participating in the Take Good Care Food Drive. Through Nov. 14, non-perishable food and personal care items can be donated at any ArkansasBlue Welcome Center. Locally, the Pine Bluff office is at 509 Mallard Loop. Donated items will be distributed to local community food pantries and resource centers, according to a news release.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Vaughns to lead Veterans Parade
U.S. veteran and Tuskegee Airman Thomas Franklin Vaughns has been named the grand marshal for the Pine Bluff Regional Veterans Parade, scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 15 in downtown Pine Bluff. Sponsors or supporters include the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, city of Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff Convention Center, MK Distributors, Pine Bluff Military and Veterans Museum, Saracen Casino Resort and ExplorePineBluff.com.
Through Saturday, Nov. 15
Brian Wolf exhibit on display
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting the 24-piece exhibition “Strange Awakening” by Brian Wolf at the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Strange Awakening,” his latest body of work, is the culmination of self-discovery, acceptance and artistic transformation that began in 2023. “Strange Awakening” will be on view through Nov. 15 by appointment. The exhibition is sponsored by the Kline Family Foundation, according to a news release.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Pleasant View hosts 100th anniversary
Pleasant View Ministries Church, 1117 N. Palm St., will celebrate its 100th Anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 16. This service will include historical insights, special recognition, music, and praise dancers. The guest speaker will be Greg Smith, pastor of The City of Love Outreach & Restoration (C.O.L.O.R) Church in Pine Bluff. The theme is: “Celebrating the Past; Embracing the Future; Moving Forward with Purpose” (Phil. 3:13) “All former members and friends of Pleasant View Ministries are invited to join us for this homecoming! All former choir members are asked to come back to be a member of the mass choir for that day,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The Rev. William A. Shaw Jr. is the pastor of Pleasant View.
Thursday, Nov. 20
Christian Women’s luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The feature and speaker will be Jan Preston of Plano, Texas. Her topics will be “How to Write Your Memoirs” and “The memories of your life,” according to a news release. Preston has worked in the cosmetic industry for more than 30 years, traveling to more than 16 states. The Christian Women’s luncheon is $20. Everyone is invited to attend. All participants are asked to honor their reservations. For reservations or cancellations, contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
PBHS students showcase art
The ARTx3 Campus will host an opening reception for an exhibition of work by Pine Bluff High School students from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The event is free and open to the public. “It Was All A Dream” invites viewers to step into a world where imagination and reality intertwine. The exhibition will be on view in the Loft Gallery through Feb. 26. For more information or to schedule a viewing, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, interim curator and programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375 or visit artx3.org/exhibitions/2025-pine-bluff-high-school.
Friday, Nov. 21
Open Mic Poetry set at ARTx3
The ARTx3 Campus will present ART WORKS Presents: Open Mic Poetry, from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Tru Poet hosts. “Ages 16 and older are invited to share their spoken-word selections and original creations in an encouraging and inspiring environment that celebrates the art of poetry and storytelling,” according to the release. No registration is required. Participants can enter for a chance to win door prizes. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and students, and $15 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Friday, Nov. 21
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. 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.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Faith church plans bazaar
Faith Community Church, 3703 Ryburn Road, in the Watson Chapel community, will hold its Christmas bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The bazaar will include handmade crafts, decorations, baked goods, candies, frozen casseroles, soups, wreaths and other items, according to a flier. Participants may also register to win four gift cards. The drawings for the cards will be made hourly between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Winners must be present to receive the gift. Details: (870) 879-3360.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those who are in need, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. until all food is gone. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family, according to a news release.
Through Friday, Dec. 5
Farmer grants available
Farmers and ranchers have until Dec. 5 to apply for the Producer Grant Program, according to Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The initiative is part of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) program, according to a news release. English said producer grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that address timely agricultural production challenges. Producers can apply for the program at https://southern.sare.org. Announcement of funded proposals will take place in late February 2026. Details: UAPB Small Farm Program, (870) 575-7225.
Through Wednesday, Dec. 31
Extension internships available
Applications are open for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s 2026 county extension agent internship. The paid, 10-week summer program offers college students an immersive, hands-on look at life as an extension agent. The internship is offered by the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the Division of Agriculture. College juniors and seniors studying agriculture, horticulture or family and consumer sciences-related fields are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2025, and those selected for the program will be notified by mid-January 2026. Apply online at bit.ly/apply-county-agent-internship.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Hospital foundation sets gala
Jefferson Regional Foundation will present the Winter Wonderland Ball 2026 on Feb. 28 at the White Hall Community Center. There will be live entertainment, according to a flier. Tickets are $250. For tickets and sponsorship information, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.