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.
Sunday, Feb. 1
Altheimer church sets service, mortgage burning
New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer will celebrate its 144th Anniversary and Mortgage Burning at 11 a.m. Feb. 1. The theme will be “The Lord Hath Done Great Things for Us; Whereof We are Glad,” (Psalm 126:3.) The speaker will be New Morning Star’s pastor, the Rev. Eric Walden Jr.
Grady church honors pastor/wife
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
An Ear to Hear Worship Center, 10912 U.S. 65 South in Grady, will host the first anniversary of its pastor and wife, the Rev. Antonio and LaTravia Iverson at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1. The guest speaker will be the apostle/pastor, Patrick Lockett, of New Community Church of Pine Bluff, accompanied by his congregation. The worship leader will be Keenon Coleman.
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 1
Community Foundation offers scholarships
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County beginning Feb. 1. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. The deadline to apply is March 15. For details on all the available scholarships and to begin the application process visit www.arcf.org/scholarships or contact Lawrence Fikes at pinebluffarea@arcf.org, or at (870) 850-7934.
Monday, Feb. 2
Russ center sets meeting
Community conversations will be held at the Carnell Russ Vision Center in Star City at 5:30 p.m. Monday. The agenda includes the 2026 calendar, community concerns, new community proposals, and business opportunities, according to a news release. Leatrice Russ-Glenns is the executive director of the Carnell Russ Foundation.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Ivy Center Club Scrub meets
The Ivy Center for Education will host its Future Medical Professionals Club Scrub Workshop Feb. 3 from 6-7 p.m. The event will be held at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central Medical Center, 1601 W. 40th Ave. The topic will be Heart Smart: Caring for Your Heart Today presented by Dr. Lee Davis, a cardiologist. Students in 7-12th grades and parents are encouraged to attend in person or on Zoom using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: Mattie Collins, president, at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Chamber sets luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon Feb. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The speaker will be Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, according to the Chamber’s newsletter. Lunch is $15 per person and will be catered by Bullsden Grill & BBQ. Lunch must be paid for in advance by contacting the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
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.
Thursday, Feb. 5
Neighbor to Neighbor sets soup fundraiser
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., will have its annual SOUP-er Bowl Soup Sale on Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants can come by Neighbor to Neighbor and pick up some of their favorite soups from local chefs, according to a news release. Soups will be $12 a quart and seafood and chowders will be $15 a quart. Saracen Casino Resort, Fresh Market, Colton’s steakhouse, Pine Bluff Country Club and other restaurants donate their most popular soups for this fundraiser. In addition, individuals provide soups they have become “famous” for over the years. “So come early before your favorites sell out and get ready to feed your crowd on Super Bowl Sunday,” a spokesman said. Details: Pat Tate, executive director at Neighbor to Neighbor, (870) 534-2883.
Beginning Thursday, Feb. 5
Free ACT boot camps set
Ivy Center for Education will host two free ACT Boot Camps for 7-12th graders with facilitators Charity Smith-Allen of Fetterman & Associates on Zoom only using meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and passcode: 351061. Workshops will be held: Feb. 5 — from 6-8 p.m. Subjects to be reviewed are English and math. Feb. 12 — from 6-8 p.m. Subjects to be reviewed are reading and science. Details: Mattie Collins, president, at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Saturday, Feb. 7
Blues artist Keith Johnson performs
Blues artist Keith Johnson and the Big Muddy Band will play for the Midtown Blues concert series at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors will open at 7 p.m. Admission is free for Port City Blues Society members and $5 for others, according to a news release. Johnson will be coming to Pine Bluff fresh from the experience of playing with Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience tour.
Sunday, Feb. 8
Art league meeting set
The Pine Bluff Art League rescheduled its monthly meeting to Feb. 8 from 2-4 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., in room A & B. Kerry Kemp, owner and operator of Art Outfitters in Little Rock, will present a multi-media demonstration using newspaper, paint, and supplies. After the demonstration, the exhibition committee will open suggestions for art show themes for March and April. For more information, contact Co-President Claudia Spainhour at (870) 718-1058.
Tuesday, Feb. 10
Chamber sets Candidate Expo
Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present the Candidate Expo from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 10 at the New Life Church Freedom Center, 2801 S. Olive St. Meet and speak with the candidates running for office in the upcoming elections. Find out where they stand on key issues that matter to you and the community, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Chamber of Commerce, (870) 535-0110.
WH Chamber plans luncheon
White Hall Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon at noon Feb. 10. The guest speaker will be Commander Matthew C. Mason of the Pine Bluff Arsenal. Lunch will be catered by Colton’s Steak House. Participants should RSVP by Feb. 6, according to a post on the Chamber’s Facebook page.
Thursday, Feb. 12
Divine 9 plans political forum
The Divine 9 and community partners will host a political candidate forum at 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Circuit Judge Jackie B. Harris will be the moderator. The forum will have two sessions, according to a news release. The first panel will feature candidates for prosecuting attorney, county sheriff, county clerk, city council (Ward 3 and Ward 4), and justices of the peace (JP District 1, 3, 5, and 9). The second panel begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature candidates for county judge, county assessor, county coroner, circuit clerk, and justices of the peace (JP District 2, 4, 6, and 13.)
Art league hosts reception
Pine Bluff Art League will present a new exhibition with a free reception from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. The event was rescheduled from Feb. 5. This exhibition will feature 12″ by 12″ art pieces. Members were challenged to create work under the constraint. Any medium and types of canvas were allowed. Attendees may vote on their favorites during the reception. Afterwards, the PBAL will present a People’s Choice Award. For more information, contact Co-President Gerry DeLongchamp at (870) 692-5001.
Friday, Feb. 13
Alphas set Scholarship Fundraiser
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will present the 2026 Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser Feb. 13 at 7:06 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The gala is being presented by the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation. The theme is “All Black Affair with a Touch of Gold.” General admission is $50 per person. Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are also available, according to StuffinTheBluff.com. Checks or money orders should be mailed no later than Feb. 6 to: Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, Post Office Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Checks should be made to the foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about the fundraiser, contact Arzo Knox at (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com.
Through Friday, Feb. 13
Area Agency sets blanket drive
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas’ annual Share the Warmth Blanket Drive in Jefferson County is underway until Feb. 13. The purpose of the drive is obtain new blankets for individuals who are elderly and/or sick and shut-in to keep them warm this winter, according to a news release. Donors may drop off blankets to the Area Agency, 709 E. Eighth Ave., during regular business hours. For details, call Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309 or Pauline Jones at (870) 543-6313.
Saturday, Feb. 14
St. John to give away food Feb. 14
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will provide food boxes to those in need Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. 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, according to a news release.
Sunday, Feb. 15
St. John AME hosts Founders’ Day
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., invites the community to its Founders’ Day Celebration at 9:45 a.m. Feb. 15. Bishop Silvester S. Beaman, presiding bishop of the 12th Episcopal District, will be the guest preacher. “This sacred celebration honors the legacy of Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and lifts up the enduring witness of faith, justice, and liberation that continues to shape communities today,” according to a news release. The 2026 theme is “Help Us Shift the Atmosphere.” The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is St. John’s pastor.
Bobby Rush to perform in concert
Port City Blues Society will host a special concert appearance by three-time Grammy Award winner, Bobby Rush, and his band. This special edition of the Midtown Blues concert series will be held Feb. 15 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, at 128 S. Main St. Rush will perform in two shows. The doors will open for the first show at 5 p.m. and the second show at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $25. Tickets are being sold in advance. Call (870) 510-1910 to purchase tickets. The Port City Blues Players will open the shows followed by Rush and his band. After each show, Rush will greet and visit with concert goers, according to a news release.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Health agency sets open house
Arcare, 4747 Dusty Lake Drive, Suite G1, will hold an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18. The community is invited to attend, according to a flyer. Arcare is now serving the Watson Chapel community with primary care services and behavioral health. Angela Metcalf, a certified family nurse practitioner, and team are ready to assist new or existing patients, according to Facebook.
Thursday, Feb. 26
Local club to observe Optimist Day
The Optimist Club of Pine Bluff will celebrate Optimist Day by volunteering at the third annual Black History Knowledge Bowl at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Boys and Girls of Jefferson County’s location at First Methodist Church. Black History Knowledge Bowl is an event sponsored by the Lay Organization of St. John AME Church, according to a news release.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Russ Foundation plans forum
The Carnell Russ Foundation Vision Center in Star City will hold its Community Empowerment Forum Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release. Featured presenters will be: Earnest Sanders — a lawyer; Jamie Middleton – a grant writing and funding specialist; and Pamela Powell – a financial analyst. Leatrice Russ Glenns is Executive Director of the Carnell Russ Foundation. This forum reflects the foundation’s commitment to education, empowerment and community advancement, according to the release.
Center to host Polar Plunge
The 2026 Pine Bluff Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Arkansas will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 28 at the Pine Bluff Aquatic Center, 400 E 11th Ave. Registration begins at 10 a.m., according to a flyer on Facebook. Details: brianna@specialolympicsarkansas.org.
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.
Through Monday, March 2
WH seeks award nominees
Nominations are now open for the 2026 White Hall Community Service Awards. The deadline is March 2, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/. “Do you know someone who truly makes a difference? Nominate them today. This is your chance to recognize those who go above and beyond to make our community such a special place,” according to the post. The White Hall Community Service Awards Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. March 10 at the White Hall Community Center. Submit your nominations to https://forms.gle/f3QjpsBkBdZMfcWo6. Submit one form for each nominee. You are allowed to submit multiple nominations and do not have to be a member of the chamber to make a nomination. If you have any questions, email the chamber at whitehallchamber@gmail.com.
Beginning Saturday, March 7
Grand Prairie textile arts contest set
The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart will conduct its 2026 Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts’ Textile Arts session March 7-8. Previously known as Decorative Arts, the session name has been updated to emphasize the collection of needle and thread arts to be exhibited, according to a news release. Adults, youth and children may register their textile arts entries online with the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at https://www.grandprairiearts.com. An entry fee is required for each item, to be delivered to the arts center. Deliveries will be received 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 27, and 28. A guest judge will determine the first, second, third place winners and honorable mention, as well as select the Best of Show entry. The exhibit will be held in Salon A at the Grand Prairie Center March 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 8 from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The March 8 event will include a short presentation by guest artist Natalie Mosher at 2:30 p.m., a Quilt of Valor ceremony at 3 p.m., and the awards presentation and reception at 3:30 p.m. Details: (870) 659-2873.
Through Sunday, March 15
Community Foundation offers scholarships
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County beginning Feb. 1. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. The deadline to apply is March 15. For details on all the available scholarships and to begin the application process visit www.arcf.org/scholarships or contact Lawrence Fikes at pinebluffarea@arcf.org, or at (870) 850-7934.
Saturday, April 25
Sports Hall of Fame Banquet set
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame will be held April 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena. A new Legend will be inducted with 20 other athletes, four coaches and others into the Hall of Fame. The first class, inducted last year, was highlighted by six All-Time Greats. Bruce Maxwell is now the 16th Legend. Tickets for the JCSHOF induction will go on sale in February.