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.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will distribute food Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. This event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Each household is limited to one food box. Participants must bring a valid ID and be present to receive a box, according to a news release. Sponsors include Canaan Christian Center, Arkansas Food Bank, Super One Foods, Walmart, and Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock. Details: Annette Howard Dove, founder/director of TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) Inc., (870) 850-6011.
Imagination Library sets meet, greet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Imagination Library for Jefferson County, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, will host a meet and greet event to celebrate the holidays and show appreciation to the community for their support. The event will be held Dec. 9 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the concourse at the Donald Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave. The community is invited and there will be appetizers and prizes, according to a news release. The goal of the program is to increase early literacy by putting books in every child’s hand from birth to age five at no cost to the family because of generous donors, grants, and fundraisers secured by local affiliates. YouthPartners, dba Imagination Library for Jefferson County, is a partner agency of United Way of Southeast Arkansas. For more information on enrolling your child or attending the event, contact Linda Bateman, executive director, at (870) 718-0654 or United Way, (870) 534-2153.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Church news deadline set
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.
Friday, Dec. 12
Movement and Agility workshop set
The ARTx3 Campus will host a Movement and Agility workshop from 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Designed for women 30 and older, this class aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and confidence. Exercise therapist Lauren Robertson of Kingdom Wellness 360 instructswill instruct. The cost is $15 for ARTx3 members and $20 for nonmembers. Register by Dec. 9 at artx3.org/all-events/movement-agility-dec-2025. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
UAM to hold fall graduation
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold its fall commencement exercises at 10 a.m. Dec. 12 in the Steelman Field House. The doors will open at 9 a.m. Guests are encouraged to be seated by 9:50 a.m., as the processional will begin at 9:55 a.m., according to a news release. Scheduled speakers include UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss, Kelly Eichler, chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas System, and Michael Moore, vice president for Academic Affairs at the U of A System. During the ceremony, UAM will present academic credentials ranging from master’s degrees to technical certificates. Commencement will be livestreamed on YouTube. The link will be accessible from the university’s homepage. Security personnel will check all bags at the entrance. For additional information on commencement, visit www.uamont.edu or contact the Office of Academic Affairs at (870) 460-1033.
Beginning Friday, Dec. 12
‘Miracle on Main’ opens
The ARTx3 Campus presents “Miracle on Main” from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. “Step back into the glow of those unforgettable holiday TV specials — the joyful singing, the high-energy dancing, the timeless comedy bits the whole family could enjoy together,” according to the news release. “‘Miracle on Main’ brings that magic back to life with hometown talent from across Southeast Arkansas. Join us for an evening filled with festive fun, big laughs, and all your favorite holiday moments as we celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in true small-town spectacular style.” Kayla Earnest and Bethany Gere direct, with student director Isaiah T. Austin. Tickets are $20 each and available at artx3.org/all-events/miracle-on-main, by calling (870) 536-3375 or in person. For more information, contact Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
Saturday, Dec. 13
UAPB fall graduation set
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host its 172nd commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The processional starts at 9:45 a.m., according to a news release. Charlie Nelms, Ed.D, an educator, author and philanthropist, will serve as the commencement speaker. The event will also be livestreamed on UAPB TV YouTube Channel. The convention center’s clear bag policy will also be enforced. Details: uapbcommencement.com.
Newbirth to give away coats
Newbirth Baptist Church, 401 E. Fifth Ave., will host its Share the Warmth Giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon Dec 13. They will hand out coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. Participants must be present to receive a coat. Details: (870) 536-3231.
ASC presents gingerbread house session
The ARTx3 Campus will host a creative holiday activity for its next Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 13, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are invited to make and decorate gingerbread house-inspired decor from popsicle sticks and accessories. All materials are included. The monthly Second Saturday Family FunDay event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and McFarland Eye Care. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Literacy class set for 3-6-year-olds
Ages 3-6 and their parents are invited to Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class: Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 13, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. “Melanie Madkin of Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Program aims to foster a love of the wonderful world of literacy in a quiet and nurturing environment with this monthly event,” according to the news release. The program is free, but registration is required. Register at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-dec-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Allen Temple celebrates 138th anniversary
Allen Temple AME Church, 1123 Virginia St., will observe its 138th anniversary at 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Bishop Silvester Scott Beaman, presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District, will be the guest speaker. Special guests from the city and the AME Church’s Pine Bluff Helena District will participate. The theme is “God’s Faithfulness Through the Ages” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Penny Waddell and Vicky Barsh are the anniversary program general co-chairs. The pastor is the Rev. Krissy Harris. The public is invited to come and celebrate 138 blessed years with Allen Temple, a spokesman said.
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.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Christian Women plan luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will conduct its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Participants are encouraged to bring Christmas ribbon to make bows and other holiday items. Guests will be Justin Wendell, pastor at Pursuit Church in White Hall, and his wife, Christina Wendell, the praise and worship leader, according to a news release. The luncheon is $20, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. Participants are asked to honor their reservations. For reservations and/or cancellations contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
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
Saturday, Dec. 20
St. John to hand out food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to people in need Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. until all the food has been distributed. State ID’s are required to receive one food box per family. Food will be handed out in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks, according to a news release.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Male Chorus observes anniversary
The Southeast Arkansas Male Chorus will present its 26th Anniversary Concert at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1026 Missouri St. The worship leader will be David Maddox of New St. Hurricane Baptist Church. The theme is “Praising a Worthy God” (Psalm 150). This is also a membership drive. The chorus is also looking for “good Christian singing men,” according to a spokesman. “Hope to see you there.”
Altheimer church hosts Youth Day
New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer will present its Youth and Young Adult Day at 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Words of encouragement will be from the Rev. James Rice Jr., pastor of Greater Battle Chapel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. The choir director will be Rosetta V. Lusk of New Morning Star and the guest worship leader will be the Rev. Eric Corbin, pastor of Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. Choir rehearsals will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 19. New Morning Star’s pastor is the Rev. Eric Walden Jr.
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 27
King Cotton tournament begins
Three girls teams and 18 boys teams will compete in this year’s high school basketball event Dec. 27, 29 and 30 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This will be the first year since 2021 that a girls division will be included and both Watson Chapel’s boys and girls teams will participate. Ticketing information will be available at King Cotton’s Facebook page.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
2 Gould churches host year-end service
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and Bailey Chapel United Methodist Church in Gould will host the annual End-of-Year Service at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at Mount Moriah. The pastors, Phillip Puckett of Mt. Moriah and Curtis Gibson of Bailey Chapel, welcome everyone to join them as they gather in worship and gratitude to close out the year, a spokesman said.
Through Wednesday, Dec. 31
Clinic offers free exams
Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc. (JCCSI) will provide free primary care exams from now until Dec. 31. An HIV blood test will be included in the exam. The exams are being held to commemorate World AIDS Day, which was Dec. 1, in an effort to end the HIV epidemic. The program is in partnership with the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, according to a news release. The free exams will be given at the Comprehensive Care clinics at these locations: Pine Bluff Clinic, 1101 S. Tennessee St., (870) 543-2380. Redfield Clinic, 100 Evening Sunset Valley, (501) 397-2261. Altheimer Clinic, 309 S. Edline St., (870) 766-8411. Arkansas Baptist College, 1724 S. Bishop St., Little Rock, (501) 737-2014. College Station Clinic, 4206 Frazier Pike, (501) 490-2440. Little Rock Clinic, 1100 N. University Ave., Suite 125, (501) 663-0055. North Little Rock Clinic, 2525 N. Willow St., Suite 1, (501) 812-0225. Open Hands Clinic, 3000 Springer Blvd., Suite B in Little Rock, (501) 244-2121. The exams are for all adults ages 18 and older. Appointments must be made in advance. Participants should call the clinics to schedule an appointment and patients must say “Delta World AIDS Day” while making an appointment.
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.
Thursday, Jan. 8
ASC to feature 2026 Small Works
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, will open Jan. 5 and will be celebrated with a free opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The exhibition will then travel to nine other venues across Arkansas throughout the year. Participating artists in the 2026 exhibition include Shawn Penister of Pine Bluff, according to a news release.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Reception, Coon Supper set
The 14th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception will be held Jan. 10 at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett. The reception starts at 3:30 p.m. at the farm followed by the 82nd Gillett Coon Supper at the Gillett School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m., according to a news release. Tickets to the pre-supper reception are $50 each and sponsorships are available. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. For more information about becoming a reception sponsor, contact Becky Barnes Campbell at (501) 912-7560 or Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329 or see the Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception Facebook page. Tickets to the Coon Supper may be purchased by contacting Tyler Place at (870) 830-4422.
Through Wednesday, Jan. 14
UAM displays sculpture exhibit
The Journey, a collaborative sculptural and mixed-media exhibition featuring work by artists Cindy Blair, Heather Gill and Tom Richard, professor of art at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, can be viewed in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM through Jan. 14. The Journey showcases an assemblage sculpture by Blair, Gill and Richard in the downstairs gallery. The upstairs gallery features Blair’s illuminated polymer clay sculptures, which explore the interplay of light, color and form, as well as Gill’s collage works depicting birds of western North America, created during her residency in Arizona, according to a news release. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The gallery’s hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Chambers hosts annual dinner
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will be held Jan. 22 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. This year’s featured speaker is Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin and a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets to the dinner are $60 for members and $65 for non-members. Table sponsorships are $600 for eight people. For tickets or sponsorship information, email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or call Jennifer Kline, Chamber director, at (870) 535-0110.
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.