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, Nov. 24
EHC holding pecan fundraiser
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Club members will meet at the Jefferson County Extension Office, 500 Idaho St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24, to sell pecans and other items for their fundraiser. Items for sale are: 1 pound bag Fancy Mammoth Pecan Halves for $15; 1 pound bag chocolate double-dipped peanuts for $15; and new Holiday Foods Cookbooks for $5. For details, call Brenda Robinson, Jefferson County EHC president-elect and pecan sale chairman, at (870) 540-6970, or Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Family and Consumer Sciences agent, at the extension office, (870) 534-1033.
Church news holiday deadline set
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is normally noon Wednesdays, however the deadline is noon Monday this week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. 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.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
Election board to meet
The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will meet at 5 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Election Center, 123 S. Main St., according to a news release. The agenda includes the Watson Chapel School District and the Pine Bluff School District elections, discussing the unavailability of the Tucker poll site and possible solutions, and hearing public comments on these issues. Michael Adam is chairman of the election commission.
Housing Authority board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday at noon at the Housing Authority’s main office, 2503 Belle Meade. Details: (870) 541-0706.
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 StuffinTheBluff.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
City sets Christmas celebration
The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to attend the Mistletoe Magic Christmas Extravaganza on Dec. 6 in downtown Pine Bluff. Festivities kick off with the annual Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring local vendors, food, and activities. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance, according to the city’s Facebook page. “Bring the whole family for a magical evening filled with holiday cheer, lights, and community spirit,” according to the post.
Blues concert to feature Fuzzy Jeffries
Port City Blues Society will host an edition of the Midtown Blues concert series at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St., at 8 p.m. Dec. 6. The event will feature award winning blues artist, Fuzzy Jeffries and the Kings of Memphis. The Midtown Blues series is made possible by Midtown Tire & Auto and Explore Pine Bluff. The doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is free for Port City Blues Society members and $5 for others, according to a news release.
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. Details: Jan Robinson, (512) 461-3983.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Compassionate Friends plan event
The Desha County Chapter of the Compassionate Friends will hold its 29th annual Candle Lighting Remembrance at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Dumas Community Center in Dumas. The community is invited to attend. The program will honor the memories of all children who have died, but will never be forgotten, according to a news release. The event will consist of a memorial display, greetings, readings, poems, music selections and a candle lighting ceremony. “At 7 p.m. participants will light candles in memory of all our children gone too soon … that their light will always shine,” according to the release. A reception will follow the program. There is no admission fee, however donations are appreciated. Details: (870) 866-6985, (870) 377-4299, or (972) 365-1930. Brenda Norman is the co-leader and event planner.
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.