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 to make additions or changes.
Thursday, Nov. 11
White Hall hosts Veterans Day event
For the first time since 2019, the White Hall Museum, 9009 Dollarway Road, will host its annual Veterans Day service at 2 p.m. Nov. 11. The public is invited to attend. Along with comments by Col. Patrick S. Daulton, Pine Bluff Arsenal commander, the ceremony will include the posting and retiring of colors by Brian Hutchinson, White Hall ROTC Senior Army instructor.
Senior centers closed on Veterans Day
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas’ Senior Centers will be closed Nov. 11 for Veteran’s Day. SEAT (Southeast Arkansas Transporation) will continue to run for dialysis and cancer appointments only. The agency’s main office will keep its normal hours that day, according to a news release.
The Links host virtual Drug Crisis forum
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. will host a virtual series, “Preparing our Community for Success.” The community is invited to attend the first session, Responding to the Drug Crisis, at 7 p.m. Thursday via Zoom. The focus will be on educating people on the drug crisis, how to recognize and identify drugs, racial disparities and what is happening in the community from a law enforcement and judicial perspective, according to a news release. Guest speakers will be Jefferson County Sheriff’s Capt. Yohance Brunson and juvenile court Judge Earnest E. Brown Jr. To attend the Zoom virtual event, use meeting ID: 944 2387 7911 and passcode: 692876 or dial-in at 646-558-8656.
State Veterans Day event set
U.S. Sen. John Boozman and Col. Angela F. Ochoa, Little Rock Air Force Bases’s 19th Airlift Wing commander, are set to speak at the state’s Veterans Day ceremony. The observance will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 11 at MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History at Little Rock. The ceremony, which is open to the public, will be held at the parade field behind the museum, according to a news release. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the second floor of the museum where seating will be limited and masks required, according to the release. The event will be livestreamed on the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ADVAVets/.
Friday, Nov. 12
ART WORKS Presents: Slam Poetry
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a new slam poetry event from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 12. The event will be in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Nationally awarded poet and author Tru Poet will host the open-mic night. The event will also feature special guest Michael Merritt, who is a writer, director, producer and New York Film Academy alumnus. Merritt will recite a selection of writings. Ages 16 and older are invited to share spoken-word selections and creations. Entry is $5 for ASC members and $10 for non-members, and may be paid at the door. No registration is required. Participants can enter for a chance to win door prizes. Complimentary drinks and snacks will be available.
Through Friday, Nov. 12
Arthritis Foundation hosts walking event
The Arthritis Foundation will host Walk With Ease at the Jefferson Regional Walking Track, 1301 W. 40th Ave., to be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Nov. 12. Registration is required, according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Health guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be followed. These include health screenings, face masks and social distancing. To register or for details call (870) 879-1440 or contact ndbates@uams.edu.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 12
Buck Fever Festival set at Banks
The city of Banks will host the 35th annual Buck Fever Festival Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-13, according to a news release. At 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12, the event will begin with pageants for children under age four. Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. vendors will sell a variety of items. Also, the Big Buck Contest features a $250 prize for the biggest buck deer. The big buck and big doe contests will continue until Saturday evening. The parade begins at noon. The headlining band is Tilluride, a country band with rock roots from Texas, which will play at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 on the main stage. Details: Buck Fever Festival on Facebook.
SEA concert group begins performances
The Southeast Arkansas Concert Association 2021-22 season returns to live events, according to a news release. Several events will be held at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Fine Arts Center. Programs include: Pirates of Penzance Musical Review — on Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the fine arts center. Christmas Around the World — Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. by the West Edge String Quartet at the center. Tuba Skinny — on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the center. The Little Mermaid, the annual musical, will be held March 7-12 with 13 shows at the center. For tickets and details, visit: https://searkconcert.org or Facebook.
Underway
Highway 83 work to cause lane restrictions
Improvements to culverts on Highway 83 will result in lane restrictions near the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Drew Central Schools. Beginning Nov. 8, crews will restrict traffic to one lane on Highway 83 at the main entrance to UAM and Drew Central Schools between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation. This closure will allow crews to extend the two culverts currently in place and install two additional culverts. This closure will occur daily until the work is complete. The closure is estimated to last one week. Orange barrels, message boards, and signage will control traffic.
Centers seek holiday donations for senior citizens
The community is asked to be Santa to a senior citizen. Donations are being accepted through Dec. 17 at all Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas Senior Centers for people to give gifts for seniors, according to a news release. Donation boxes will be set up at all centers. Gifts will be wrapped and distributed Dec. 18. Examples would be throws, socks, hats, gloves, scarfs. Details: Lauren Bland, (870) 543-6337.
Saturday, Nov. 13
Pilgrim church opens pantry
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its Raven’s Nest Food Pantry Saturday, Nov. 13, from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The facility is a USDA distribution site and equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
ASC plans FunDay with artist Virmarie DePoyster
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will welcome pastel artist Vimarie DePoyster during Second Saturday Family FunDay, from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 13. The event is free. DePoyster will lead visitors in a hands-on art demonstration for the whole family. Her exhibition “Beyond Labels | Más Allá De Las Etiquetas” will be on display through Jan. 29. ASC’s Second Saturday Family FunDay program offers monthly hands-on arts and science activities.
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 13
CrEATe Lab with Faith Anaya set at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas’ nutritious cooking series CrEATe Lab will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 13, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4. The program is open to ages 10-17, with a maximum of 10 students. The cost is $35 for all sessions with partial scholarships available. To register, visit asc701.org/create-lab or call ASC at 870-536-3375. ASC continuing its partnership with Faith Anaya and her Kids Cook! team. The fall series is sponsored by Saracen Casino Resort. The series will include a Saracen chef demonstration on Dec. 4.
Wednesday, Nov. 17
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. 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 should be submitted by email to shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Nov. 18
White Hall library sets coding, English events
The White Hall Library announces two upcoming events Nov. 18, according to a news release. The White Hall Middle School EAST Class and the library will present a coding class for elementary students at 4 p.m. English language learners are invited to practice speaking English in a meeting for conversation at the White Hall Library at 6 p.m. Nov. 18. Details: (870) 247-5064.
VA plans virtual claims event
Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold its monthly virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 18. Interested participants should call (501) 370-3829 by 5 p.m. Nov. 17 to reserve a timeslot to speak one-on-one with a VA benefits representative, according to a news release. For details about VA’s benefits, go to http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Friday, Nov. 19
Deadline set for Stepps scholarship applications
The Sharon D. Stepps Memorial Scholarship is now available for qualifying high school seniors. The deadline to apply is Nov. 19, according to a news release. An applicant must have a grade point average of at least 3.0, be a permanent resident of Arkansas, be a graduating high school senior with a commitment to attend a two- or four-year accredited historically black college or university in 2022 and demonstrate school/community leadership. The Stepps scholarship was created to honor the memory of Dr. Kristopher Stepps’ sister.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 19
Razzle Dazzle: The Show Must Go On opens
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas’s 2021 biennial fundraiser “Razzle Dazzle: The Show Must Go On,” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19-20, and 2 p.m. Nov. 21. This production will be in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater in ASC’s main building, 701 S. Main St., according to a news release. Proceeds benefit youth theater programming and shine a light on talented performers in Southeast Arkansas. This year’s show features a selection of songs from popular movie soundtracks and Broadway numbers. Tickets are $25 for the show, or $50 for the show and a pre-show cocktail hour at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St., at 6 p.m. Nov. 19-20. To purchase tickets, visit artssciencecenter.tix.com or call (870) 536-3375. Details: asc701.org.
Saturday, Nov. 20
New Community to give Thanksgiving baskets
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will open its food pantry from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 20 to give away food baskets for Thanksgiving, according to a news release. The community is invited to participate. The church also invites everyone to a Thanksgiving Day service from 9-10:30 a.m. Nov. 25. The theme is Give Thanks Unto the Lord (Psalm 107:1.)
TOPPS to host November food event
TOPPS will hold a Thanksgiving food distribution at TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. until all boxes are gone. The drive through distribution will remain in effect. The mentoring program students will be present and caution must be used when children are present, according to a news release. TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) is a non-profit agency.
Native American Heritage event set
The Native American Heritage Month Observance and the 4th annual Black Indian and Native American Month Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 20 at the picnic pavilion at Arkansas Post National Memorial at Gillett. Author Jason Irby and Daniel Littlefield are the hosts. This event is free and open to the general public. Free food will be served. Covid-19 protocols and National Park Service rules and policies will be observed, according to a news release. Presenters will include the Sequoyah National Research Center, The Black History Commission of Arkansas, Arkansas Post National Memorial Interpreters and Cherokees for Black Indian History Preservation.
Through Tuesday, Nov. 23
Kennel Club to hold classes
The Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club is sponsoring a dog obedience class for eight-weeks. The class began Oct. 5 at Hestand Stadium. The class will be held from 7-8 p.m. Tuesdays. The cost is $65 and registration will be held at the door, according to spokesman John Segars. Details: (870) 879-3384.
Thursday, Nov. 25
New Community hosts Thanksgiving service
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., invites everyone to a Thanksgiving Day service from 9-10:30 a.m. Nov. 25. The theme is Give Thanks Unto the Lord (Psalm 107:1.)
Beginning Friday, Nov. 26
Wings Over the Prairie Festival set at Stuttgart
The 86th annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-27, according to the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce. The festival will be held in downtown Stuttgart. Activities kick off at 10 a.m. Nov. 26 with the Children’s Duck Calling Classes and the opening of all exhibitor tents. The Carnival and Midway will open at noon and run throughout the evenings. Armbands will be available from 4-8 p.m. On Saturday, activities kick off with the Great Duck Race 10K/5K and Family Fun Run beginning at 8 a.m. The World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest begins at 2 p.m. Nov. 27 with over 60 contestants from across the country competing for the title. Details: www.stuttgartarkansas.org or call the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce, (870) 673-1602.
Through Tuesday, Nov. 30
Locals among Small Works display at HSU
The 2021 Small Works on Paper, an annual touring visual arts exhibition, is open at Russell Fine Arts Gallery at Henderson State University at Arkadelphia. The show features 26 artists from across Arkansas, including two from Southeast Arkansas: Crystal Jennings of Rison and Kimiara L. Johnson of Pine Bluff. The exhibition is free for public viewing and most works will be available for sale, according to a news release. The project will be on display through Nov. 30. The Russell gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Farm to School grant applications available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the second-annual Arkansas School Garden Grant Program and the new Taste Test Grant Program to help schools start or expand farm to school activities. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30, according to a news release. The grant programs are available to public and private K-12 schools, early childhood education facilities, and alternative learning environments. Applicants are welcome to apply for one or both grant opportunities. The applications can be found at https://bit.ly/3bkrYSd.
Through Thursday, Dec. 9
Leadership Pine Bluff applications available
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2022 Leadership Pine Bluff class. The application deadline is Dec. 9, according to the Chamber newsletter. The class is a formal program to identify, inform and motivate emerging leaders for Pine Bluff and Jefferson County. Running January through September, the group meets one day each month to network, develop, and learn more about industries and non-profits in the region. The cost of the program is $575 plus a $35 non-refundable application fee, according to the newsletter. The application is available at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/9a768598-baa6-4756-b4bd-3ab7f968c318.pdf or by emailing ulanda@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Friday, Dec. 17
Centers seek holiday donations for senior citizens
The community is asked to be Santa to a senior citizen. Donations are being accepted through Dec. 17 at all Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas Senior Centers for people to give gifts for seniors, according to a news release. Donation boxes will be set up at all centers. Gifts will be wrapped and distributed Dec. 18. Examples would be throws, socks, hats, gloves, scarfs. Details: Lauren Bland, (870) 543-6337.
Through Monday, Jan. 24, 2022
Applications for 2022 Governor’s School open
Student applications are open for the 2022 Arkansas Governor’s School. The deadline to apply is Jan. 24. Arkansas Tech University at Russellville will host the 43rd AGS July 5 through Aug. 1, according to a news release. AGS serves approximately 400 students during the summer before their senior year in high school. Eligible students interested in attending should inquire with their school counselors about the nomination process. Information is also available at www.atu.edu/ags by sending an e-mail to ags@atu.edu.
Through Saturday, Jan. 29
ASC hosts exhibition Beyond Labels | Más Allá De Las Etiquetas
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting “Beyond Labels | Más Allá De Las Etiquetas by Virmarie DePoyster,” a portrait exhibition. DePoyster is a bilingual Puerto Rican artist interested in bringing communities together through art. This exhibition will run through Jan. 29.
Thursday, Feb. 10
Waterfowler Hall of Fame postpones ceremony
The Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame will host its induction ceremony at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at Chenal Country Club at Little Rock. The event benefits the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie at Stuttgart, which houses the Hall of Fame. The ceremony will highlight honorees from the classes of 2020 and 2021, according to a news release. Details: grandprairiemuseum.com or waterfowlerhof.com.
Saturday, Feb. 19
Jefferson Regional Foundation sets ball
Jefferson Regional Foundation is planning the Winter Wonderland Ball 2022 for Feb. 19. The event will feature live entertainment, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets are $250. For ticket and sponsorship information, interested people may contact Laura Beth Shaner, foundation development officer, at (870) 541-7210.
Friday, March 4
Ag Hall of Fame plans ceremony
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame rescheduled its induction ceremony from Aug. 20 due to safety concerns surrounding the increase in covid-19 cases in Arkansas. The induction ceremony is now scheduled for March 4, 2022, according to a news release. The new class includes: Long-time ag educator Joe Don Greenwood of Hermitage; Andrew Wargo III of Watson, farm manager for the 15,000-acre Baxter Land Co. for more than 50 years; the late Russell Roy Reynolds, director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years; retired Cooperative Extension Service Director Rick Cartwright of Fayetteville; former Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach of Manila; and Mark Waldrip of Moro, founder of Armor Seed Co. Details: www.arfb.com.
Through Saturday, March 5
‘Deeply Rooted: A Glimpse into Southern Lifestyle’ exhibit opens
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host “Deeply Rooted: A Glimpse into Southern Lifestyle,” an exhibition featuring work from its permanent collection, through March 5, according to a news release. The exhibit was curated by Torri Richardson, the center’s curatorial intern and 2021 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This exhibition will show southern lifestyle from various viewpoints.
Thursday, May 5
Chamber to host Business Expo
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled its Business Expo for May 5, 2022. Because of rising covid infections, the Chamber postponed the expo that was set for Aug. 19. Due to the fact the expo was postponed as a precautionary measure, the Chamber is reserving participants’ booth payments and/or sponsorships for the 2022 event and holding their spots for them, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Jennifer Kline at the Chamber, (870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Sunday, May 1
Ministry group seeks applicants for free home repairs
Ozark Mission Project (OMP), a non-profit ministry of the United Methodist Church (UMC,) will conduct free minor home repairs for people in need in the summer of 2022. Projects include painting, yard work, building wheelchair ramps or making other minor repairs. People who need this assistance should submit an application for the free projects. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2022, according to a news release. The group will be stationed at Pine Bluff at First United Methodist Church and work projects July 18-21. Applications and details can be found at ozarkmissionproject.org.
Underway
Express Rx to provide covid-19 monoclonal antibody
Express Rx pharmacy is offering covid-19 monoclonal antibody by injection. The four-dose treatment is designed to prevent or mitigate the effects of the virus and to protect against severe illness and hospitalization, according to a news release. Arkansans should contact their healthcare provider for a prescription before scheduling a free appointment, according to the release. Express Rx of Pine Bluff is located at 3006 W. 28th Ave. For other locations or details, visit expressrx.net.
JRMC offers vaccines at local agencies
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will provide covid-19 vaccines to businesses or organizations with 10 or more people. Call JRMC and a nurse will come to the site and administer the vaccine, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. For details or to schedule a covid-19 vaccine clinic, agencies may call (870) 541-8621.
Vaccines available at Comprehensive Care
Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc. (JCCSI) is offering free covid-19 vaccinations at all of its locations. Walk-ins are welcome, however people may call for an appointment at these sites: Pine Bluff — JCCSI’s Pine Bluff Medical & Dental Clinic; 1101 S. Tennessee St., (870) 543-2380; Altheimer — 309 S. Edine St.; (870) 766-8411; Redfield — 823 River Road; (501) 397-2263; North Little Rock — 2525 N. Willow St., Suite 1; (501) 812-0225; College Station — 4206 Frazier Pike, Little Rock; (501) 490-2440; Little Rock — 1100 N. University, Suite 125; (501) 663-0055; Open Hands (Healthcare for the Homeless) — 3000 Springer Blvd, Suite – B , Little Rock; (501) 244-2121.
Health departments offering covid-19 shots statewide
The Arkansas Department of Health is offering the covid-19 vaccine at local health units across the state, according to a news release. To set appointments, people may call their nearest health department office or the statewide vaccine call-line at (800) 985-6030. After-hours appointments may be available on Tuesdays. Details: healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.
Covid-19 vaccines available locally
Coronavirus vaccinations are available through various sites. Doctor’s Orders Pharmacy’s covid-19 vaccine clinic is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. No appointments are necessary. Call (870) 218-1718 or email dopcovidvaccine@gmail.com. Jefferson Regional Medical Center is offering the vaccine. Visit the website www.jrmc.org/covid-19-vaccination-waiting-list/ Walmart and other pharmacies and health care providers are giving the vaccine. For more details, visit the Arkansas Department of Health website at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan.
Covid-19 testing sites available
Details for getting the covid-19 test are available at the Jefferson County Health Department — 870-535-2142; and Arkansas Department of Health’s website — https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-getting-tested. Scroll down until you see the map and enlarge the map. Click on each star to see where each testing site is located.
Weekdays
Neighbor to Neighbor open 5 days a week
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., has reopened five days a week. The agency will be open Monday through Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. For the sake of safety, Neighbor to Neighbor will continue serving to-go lunches at the door from noon to 1 p.m. and are available to anyone who is hungry. Masks are required to enter the building and hand sanitizer will be available at the door, according to a news release. New clients or those seeking assistance with bills or medications should call (870) 534-2883 for an appointment.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian Fellowship offers free financial classes
Unity Christian Fellowship Church (UCFC), 2712 S. Bay St., invites the community to its free Small Business and Personal Financial Education classes at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Recent subjects included “The Importance of Having a Financial Plan” and “Financial Literacy,” according to Stuff in the Bluff website. “You cannot afford to miss out on these life-changing classes. We are practicing social distancing and will have hand sanitizer wipes available,” according to the site. Anthony Armstrong is the senior pastor. Details: unitychristianfellowship@live.com or (870) 329-1182.