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.
Underway
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.
Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends display open
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends is open from 6-9 p.m. every day through Dec. 31 at Pine Bluff’s Regional Park. The drive-through exhibit features more than 260 individual lighting displays, each one sponsored by an area business, family or individual. The light display stretches out for approximately 1.3 miles alongside the Arkansas River and includes exhibits such as Santa Claus and his reindeer, Nativity scenes, toy soldiers, ice skaters, carolers, sleigh rides and local landmarks, according to a spokesman.
Fire department makes Holiday Santa Run
The Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services will make its annual Holiday Santa Run spreading holiday cheer throughout the city between 5-8 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. Fire department personnel and Carrington Electric Co. of Pine Bluff decorated one of the reserve fire trucks with Christmas lights, and with assistance from Stereo Junction, a sound system was added to play Christmas music as the fire truck drives throughout the neighborhoods. Details: Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services, (870) 730-2048, www.pineblufffire.com or follow the agency on Facebook.
Friday, Dec. 4
Jeter to perform in online concert at arts center
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host Billy Jeter in a livestreamed concert from 5-6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, on ASC’s Facebook page, facebook.com/asc701/ This performance is part of ASC’s monthly Live@5 concert series focused on jazz, blues, and rock & roll on the first Friday of every month. “Jeter was born in the Mississippi Delta in 1955 and was exposed to a blend of rock ‘n’ roll and Delta blues,” according to a news release. A virtual donation box will be available to accept contributions that support ASC’s programming. Details: asc701.org/live-at-5/.
Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary sets fundraiser
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary won’t have its annual Christmas luncheon because of Covid-19. However, supporters of the luncheon are encouraged to participate in a drive-through, drop-off event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at First United Methodist Church, 501 W. Fifth Ave. Proceeds will be used to purchase essential items for the emergency shelter, to provide tuition to summer camp for less-fortunate children and other projects sponsored by the local Salvation Army Corps. Donations may also be delivered in person to the Salvation Army Corps or mailed to the agency at 501 E. 12th Ave., Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
White Hall plans Christmas drive-thrus, walk-thrus
The White Hall Chamber is hosting a Drive-Thru Santa event at the White Hall Community Center at 9801 Dollarway Road from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Drivers and passengers will remain inside their vehicles and children will be given pre-bagged cookies from a licensed kitchen and a beverage such as water or a soft drink. Also, Stars in the Park will be turned on Dec. 4. The activity allows residents to purchase a star for $10 in memory of or in honor of a loved one.
Alpha Phi Alpha to celebrate 114th founders day virtually
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will celebrate its 114th founders day virtually via Zoom at 7:06 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. The guest speaker will be Denny N. Johnson, the corporate senior director of the Brotherhood Engagement and Outreach Team for Alpha Phi Alpha. The first intercollegiate Greek letter fraternity established for African-American men, Alpha Phi Alpha was founded Dec. 4, 1906, according to a news release.
Sunday, Dec. 6
City hosts prayer, Christmas Tree lighting
The city of Pine Bluff rescheduled the Pine Bluff Community Prayer and Christmas Tree Lighting for 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. The event had been planned for Nov. 29. The ceremony will still be located at the park at 601 Main Street, according to a news release. “The public will be able to enjoy special festivities, light refreshments, and photos with Santa,” according to the release. “Members of the faith community will also pray for safety, a bountiful holiday, and blessings for all.” This will be an outdoor ceremony. Precautions against Covid-19, such as social distancing and masks wearing, will be implemented.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
TOPPS to give away food boxes
TOPPS Inc. will distribute 150 food boxes at 10 a.m. Dec. 8 at TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, during a drive-through process. One box per household will be given away, according to a news release. Details: Annette Dove, TOPPS executive director, (870) 850-6011.
UAPB alumni to hold conference call
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N Alumni, Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Chapter, will hold its monthly meeting by conference call at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8. The call-in number is (978) 990-5000 and participant access code is 803130#, according to a news release. Christopher Robinson, senior executive associate athletic director, will provide updates on the university’s sports programs for the 2020-2021 academic year. The standing committees will report on proposed activities. All members and prospective members are encouraged to participate. The decision to hold the meeting by conference call was based on the information, guidelines and recommendations about the coronavirus pandemic, according to the release.
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday and the deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Articles may be submitted by email to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing a religion column may submit articles for consideration by email. Please include your phone number, the name and location of your ministry or city where you reside, and your photo. Photos may also accompany church news by email.
Thursday, Dec. 10
Veterans Legal Clinic opens for December
The Pine Bluff Veterans Legal Clinic will be open from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Pine Bluff First Assembly Life Center – West Campus, 3206 S. Hazel St. Walk-ins are welcome, according to a news release. Veterans will be able to receive free consultations on various civil legal areas, including family law, consumer protection law, landlord tenant, public benefits, and criminal record sealing. Veterans who need help will have the opportunity to speak with an attorney. The Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS), the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and the Little Rock VA Medical Center’s Justice Outreach Program will have representatives available. Veterans may also contact the CALS Help Line at 1-800-950-5817. A mask or face covering is required to attend the clinic. Social distancing guidelines are followed. Details: Pine Bluff Mayor’s Office, 870-730-2000, ext. 7.
NAACP sets membership meeting via Zoom
The Pine Bluff NAACP Branch will hold its annual membership meeting via Zoom at 6 p.m. Dec. 10. The keynote speaker will be Toni Pitchford, U.S. Census Bureau data dissemination specialist for Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri, according to a news release. Branch officers and committee chairs will present their annual reports. Also, members will vote on candidates for the NAACP National Board of Directors. To attend the meeting, participants may email pbnaacp@yahoo.com to obtain the Zoom link, according to the release. Details: Wanda V. Neal, Pine Bluff NAACP Branch president, (870) 536-3141.
Through Friday, Dec. 11
Chamber taking nominations for Leadership Pine Bluff
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is still accepting nominations for the 2021 Leadership Pine Bluff Class. A formal application will be sent to the applicant upon receipt of a completed nomination form or forms may be picked up at the Chamber at 510 Main St. The deadline for applications to the class is Friday, Dec. 11, according to a news release. Nomination forms are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/c635ad7c-2ace-409c-959c-e617f9b483f7.pdf. Details: Chamber Director Ulanda Arnett at ulanda@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or 870-535-0110.
Junior Leadership Pine Bluff accepting nominations
Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Junior Leadership Pine Bluff Class. Initiated by the Leadership Pine Bluff Alumni Association, the Junior Leadership Pine Bluff program gives high school students an overview of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, according to a news release. The program focuses on local government, education, economic development, quality of life and social skills. The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 11. Details: Chamber Director Ulanda Arnett at ulanda@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or 870-535-0110.
Saturday, Dec. 12
Family FunDay set at arts center
The Arts & Science Center is creating science-based activities during the Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 12. Participants can create borax crystal ornaments this holiday season in either an in-person or online session. Visitors can secure a spot by registering at asc701.org/second-saturday-family-funday/, or calling 870-536-3375. Walk-ins are also welcome. In person sessions will be limited to 10 people per time slot. For those who prefer limited contact, free “take & make” kits will be available at ASC’s main entrance from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Participants can follow Public Programs Coordinator Shakeelah Rahmaan on facebook.com/asc701/ at 1 p.m. during an instructional video.
Redfield hosts Christmas Market
An outdoor Christmas Market will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at corner of Highway 365 and Sheridan Road at Redfield, according to a news release. This event will showcase Redfield businesses and vendors selling handicrafts, baked and canned goods, artisan products and other items. Covid-19 health guidelines will be observed. Details: redfieldchristmasmarket@gmail.com or (501) 773-6574.
Friday, Dec. 18
UAPB virtual commencement to feature Smokie Norful
Smokie Norful, renowned gospel singer and pastor, will serve as the commencement speaker for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s 162nd ceremony. The ceremony, to be held virtually, on Friday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. via the University’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, will recognize both spring and fall 2020 graduates and include the commissioning of Army officers. Seventeen graduates will be awarded the Chancellor’s Medallion, an honor bestowed to students with the highest cumulative grade point average from each of the university’s five schools of study. Details: UAPB Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@uapb.edu or (870)575.8475.
Through Monday, Dec. 21
UAPB alumni raising scholarship funds
The community is invited to participate in the End of the Year Challenge to help the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association raise scholarship funds. The association’s goal is to raise $500,000 for scholarships by Dec. 21, according to a news release. These scholarships will directly benefit students at UAPB. To donate online visit https://www.uapbalumni.org/end-of-the-year-challenge.
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 23
County, city agencies set holiday closings
The Jefferson County Courthouse will be closed for Christmas Dec. 23-28. Pine Bluff City Hall will be closed Dec. 23-25 for Christmas, according to news releases.
Through Thursday, Dec. 24
Fire department to make Holiday Santa Run
The Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services will make its annual Holiday Santa Run spreading holiday cheer throughout the city between 5-8 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. Fire department personnel and Carrington Electric Co. of Pine Bluff decorated one of the reserve fire trucks with Christmas lights, and with assistance from Stereo Junction, a sound system was added to play Christmas music as the fire truck drives throughout the neighborhoods. Details: Pine Bluff Fire & Emergency Services, (870) 730-2048, www.pineblufffire.com or follow the agency on Facebook.
Through Thursday, Dec. 31
Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends display open
The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends is open from 6-9 p.m. every day through Dec. 31 at Pine Bluff’s Regional Park. The drive-through exhibit features more than 260 individual lighting displays, each one sponsored by an area business, family or individual. The light display stretches out for approximately 1.3 miles alongside the Arkansas River and includes exhibits such as Santa Claus and his reindeer, Nativity scenes, toy soldiers, ice skaters, carolers, sleigh rides and local landmarks, according to a spokesman.
Through Saturday, Jan. 2
ASC hosts ‘Brothers by One’ display
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will display “Brothers by One: The Black Athlete and Social Justice” through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. An exhibit by Rex DeLoney, it is sponsored by Simmons Bank. This exhibition highlights the many ways that Black athletes used their celebrity status and media coverage to give attention to social justice issues; from boxer Muhammad Ali and his stance against the Vietnam War to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem as a statement against police brutality.
Through Saturday, Jan. 23
Arts center hosts Ballots & Laughs
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas 701 S. Main St., will host the “Ballots & Laughs: Political Cartoons of Ray Walters” exhibit. It will be on display and online through Jan. 23, 2021, featuring a light-hearted perspective of the 1930s and ’40s political and social climate.
Events underway
Weekdays
New library offering curbside service
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System is offering curbside service at the new main library, Sixth Avenue and Main Street. The library is checking out materials with curbside service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Library staff and patrons will follow social distancing and public health recommendations during pickup. Patrons may use their library cards to access the online catalog or call the main library at 870-534-4802 for curbside service. A staff member will contact the patron to arrange a curbside pickup time.
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.
Fathers & Sons collects clothes for Neighbor to Neighbor
Fathers & Sons Clothier in Jefferson Square is partnering with Neighbor to Neighbor to assist people in the community who need winter clothes, according to a news release. The store management is asking for the community to donate new socks, gently worn used coats, blankets, knit hats, scarves, gloves or other winter items. For anyone living outside the community who can’t bring in donations but want to contribute, they can send an email to Fathersandsons@att.net or call the store. Details: David Maddox, owner of Fathers & Sons, or Brandon Maddox or (870) 536-7848.
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.
Fridays
St. John hosts weekly prayer calls
St. John AME Church at Pine Bluff invites the community to join them in a weekly conference call prayer for deliverance from the coronavirus crisis. The conference call will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, according to the pastor, Cecil L. Williams Jr. Participants must call in by 6:25 p.m. at 1-720-650-3030. The access code is 144-0205# . Details: www.facebook.com/St.JohnPineBluff.
Saturdays
St. Peter’s reopens Saturday Soup Kitchen
St. Peter Catholic Church, 15th Avenue and Alabama Street, reopened its Saturday Soup Kitchen for carry out meals only. The kitchen will be open every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to the program held in the cafeteria, the red brick building, according to a news release.