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. 13
Election board to meet
The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will hold a called meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the election center, 123 S. Main St., according to chairman Michael Adam. The agenda includes new business including reviewing the names and titles as proposed to be used by each candidate on the political practices pledge. Comments may also be made on the new business.
911/MECA boards to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
On Nov. 13 in the Jefferson County Quorum Court Room at the courthouse, there will be a meeting of the 911 Administrative Board at 10 a.m. and a meeting of the Metropolitan Emergency Communications Association (MECA) Board at 10:15 a.m. The purpose is the review and approval of the 2026 911 funds transfer and the review and approval of the 2026 MECA budget, according to a news release. Details: Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management, MECA, (870) 541-5470.
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 emeritus for the Pine Bluff Regional Veterans Parade, scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 15 in downtown Pine Bluff. Grand marshals are Brig. Gen. Olen “Chad” Bridges, adjunct general in the Arkansas National Guard, and Lt. Col. Natasha Campbell of the U.S. Army. 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.
Blues legend trail marker fundraiser set
Blues fans will gather to celebrate the legacy of Jefferson County blues legend, Big Bill Broonzy, who was born near Lake Dick, Ark., and spent most of his childhood years in the Pine Bluff area. The event will be a fundraiser for a special Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail marker to be erected honoring Broonzy. The event will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors will open at 7 p.m. Admission is free, according to a news release. There will be special performances by Jason Lee Hale, Detroit Johnny & the Delta Soul Children, Chad Marshall Band, Port City Blues Players, Mark Morgan, Mary Bohlar (Daughter of James Tail Dragger Jones) and others.
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
St. John honors pioneers
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will conduct the installation ceremony of the 2025 Pioneer Wall inductees at 3 p.m. Sunday. In 2014, St. John introduced the permanent “Pioneer Wall” in the fellowship hall, featuring photographs and biographical profiles of key individuals who contributed to the church’s development and sustainability. Each year, additional pioneers are recognized. The community is invited to attend.
Old St. James honors pastor, wife
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will celebrate the 29th anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. David M. Smith and Arbradella Smith, at 10 a.m. Nov. 16. The featured speaker will be the Rev. Aaron Johnson of St. Mark Baptist Church.
Pilgrim observes Women’s Day
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will host its Women’s Day Program Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. The guest minister will be Brittany Dodson of Freedom Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer. Music will be provided by Women United for Christ, directed by Bessie Lancelin. A Paint and Praise Brunch will be held Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. The guest speaker will be Sandrel Johnson, an evangelist with Canaan Christian Center. The painting activity will be $20 and conducted by Greg Newson. The theme is Women of Faith Walking in Purpose (1 Cor. 2:5-7.) The Rev. Kevin L. Crumpton Sr. is Pilgrim’s pastor.
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.
Monday, Nov. 17
City Wide Mission to meet
City Wide Mission will meet at 1 p.m. Nov. 17 at Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1923 S. Olive St. The guest speaker will be Karres Manning-Center of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or canned goods for the Thanksgiving outreach. The Rev. Renice Davis is pastor of Bethany Chapel.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Ivy Center plans Girl/Guy Talk
The Ivy Center for Education announces events. Nov. 18 — Girl/Guy Talk is set from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. Seventh-12th graders will meet with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Alpha Rho Chapter at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, and Pi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Those who cannot attend 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. 19
Barrque Street church hosts concert
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will present “A Night of Thanks” concert, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Featured choirs will include Old St. James Voices of Victory, Kings Highway Baptist Church Choir and Barraque Street Sanctuary Choir. Also featured will be Nora Celestine, a psalmist; Keenon Coleman, a minister; and Elder Maurice Tatum, Minister of Music at Barraque Street. Barraque Street’s interim pastor is Gary Noble.
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. 20
Sheraton Park neighbors to meet
The Sheraton Park Neighborhood Watch/Taylor Association Watch will meet Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. in Grace Episcopal Church’s Brown Hall, 4101 S. Hazel St. Brown Hall is located at the back of the church. The speaker will be Joyce Campbell, chief of staff for Mayor Vivian Flowers. The Neighborhood Watch meetings enable Pine Bluff residents to receive information concerning different areas of the city. The meeting is open to Ward 2 residents as well as everyone else, according to a news release.
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
New Community to open pantry
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will give away food Nov. 22 from 8-9:30 a.m. The community is invited to participate.
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.
Thursday, Dec. 4
Alphas to observe 119th Founders’ Day
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter will celebrate its 119th Founders’ Day at 7:06 p.m. Dec. 4 at Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen Ave. The guest speaker will be Chancellor Anthony Graham of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The general public is welcomed to attend this free event, according to a Stuff in The Bluff.com.
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.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Downtown property group to meet
The Pine Bluff Downtown Property Owners Association Group meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Hen House, 204 S. Main St. The purpose is to discuss restarting the group and what they would like to accomplish. Coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, juice and donuts will be served. “Please come and bring your ideas,” Jan Robinson said in a news release.
Through Friday, Dec. 19
Leadership 2026 seeks applicants
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations and applications for the 2026 Leadership Pine Bluff program. All completed applications are due by Dec. 19 and must include a $35 registration fee. “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 at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/9f2b5345-9617-4281-84b8-d1455cbf68c8.pdf?rdr=true.
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.