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@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Today
White Hall sets Christmas Event
The White Hall Christmas Event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, according to the White Hall Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page. Participants can meet Santa and have refreshments including hot chocolate, popcorn, cookies and activities. Various booths will be on displayed by local organizations.
Through Friday, Dec. 1
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Chamber seeks Leadership applicants
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations and applications for the 2024 Leadership Pine Bluff program. Leadership Pine Bluff is a formal program to identify, inform, and motivate emerging leaders for Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, according to the Chamber newsletter. The program is held 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. Applications are due Dec. 1. For details, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110. The applications are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/7e75eb8b-39dc-403d-9b72-61bb25a85ef8.pdf?rdr=true.
Underway
Comprehensive Care sets free exams
To commemorate World Aids Day, Jefferson Comprehensive Care System Inc. will provide free primary care exams from now until Dec. 31 at the JCCSI clinics in Pine Bluff, Altheimer, Redfield, and other communities. An HIV blood test will be included in the exam, according to a news release. Participants should call to make an appointment for free exams at these sites: Pine Bluff Clinic, 1101 S. Tennessee St., (870) 543-2380; Redfield Clinic, (501) 397-2261; Altheimer Clinic; (870) 766-8411; Arkansas Baptist College Clinic; (501) 737-2014; College Station Clinic, (501) 490-2440; Little Rock Clinic, (501) 663-0055; and North Little Rock Clinic, (501) 812-0225.
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 2
Blues concert series set
The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series will be back for a second season. In collaboration with MK Distributors and RJ’s Grill & Bar, Port City Blues Society will again host live blues concerts the first Saturday of the month at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. It’s a $5 cover charge for non-members. The 2023-2024 concerts include: Dec. 2 — Johnie B and Queen Iretta Sanders Blues Review; Jan. 6, 2024 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; and Feb. 3 — Chad Marshall Band. Details: pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Sunday, Dec. 3
UAPB choir to present Handel’s ‘Messiah’
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Music will present the UAPB Vesper Choir in its 70th presentation of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” at 3 p.m. Sunday. This free, public event will take place at St. James United Methodist Church, 900 N. University Drive. Jerron A. Liddell, UAPB director of choral activities, is in his sixth year as conductor for the performance.
First Presbyterian plans concert
First Presbyterian Church Pine Bluff, 717 W. 32nd Ave., will present a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday. The doors will open at 2 p.m. The event is free and the community is invited to attend. The concert will feature Satia Spencer, a mezzo-soprano, teacher, and veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Spencer is now a music educator for the Little Rock School District and a clinician for various music and theater programs for youth in the central Arkansas region. She has been a featured artist locally with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and has toured internationally, according to a news release. Spencer will be joined by Arkansas natives Nisheedah Devré Golden and Janette Robinson. They will be accompanied by pianist Giovanni Antipolo. For details, follow First Presbyterian Church Pine Bluff on Facebook. The community is also invited to attend worship on Sundays at 11 a.m.
Moscow church honors pastor, wife
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at Moscow will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Stanley R. Blair Sr. and Tina Blair, at 2 p.m. Dec. 3. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Anthony Howard, pastor of Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. Guests will also include the Rev. Leon Hicks, pastor of Crossroad Missionary Baptist Church at Deberry, Texas. Everyone is invited to attend.
Sherrill church observes anniversary
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 N. McKinney Road, in Sherrill, will celebrate its 155th anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3. The guest speaker will be the Rev. James Rice Jr., pastor of Greater Battle Chapel Church in Pine Bluff. The Rev. David Holmes is pastor at Antioch.
Beginning Monday, Dec. 4
Area Agency sets blanket drive
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas, 709 E. Eighth Ave., will host the Share the Warmth Blanket Drive in Jefferson County from Dec. 4 through Jan. 4. The purpose of the drive is obtain blankets to donate to individuals who are elderly or disabled to keep them warm this winter, according to a news release. For more information call Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309 or Pauline Jones 543-6313 at Area Agency.
Tuesday, Dec. 5
Chamber sets Lunch & Learn
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a Learn & Lunch event from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave. The guest speaker will be Carvin Brown, executive director of the Our Blood Institute in Arkansas. Lunch will be served, however reservations are required by emailing vera@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or calling (870) 535-0110.
Virtual Veterans Career Fair set
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the National Government Agency Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 5. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve, according to a news release. More than 15 employers seeking talents of veterans will be on-site representing a range of industries. Veterans can also utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all free. To register for the career fair and access free resources, visit jobs.dav.org.
Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 5
Alpha Week events set
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter in Pine Bluff, will observe Alpha Week 2023. Community events include: Dec. 5: The community is invited to join a public program on Financial Literacy via Zoom at 6 p.m. Brother Toney Franklin, an expert in the field, will provide information to help empower attendees with essential financial knowledge, according to the release. Dec. 9: Residents are asked to join the chapter as they host a community service event at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. They will collaborate on beautification projects aimed at enhancing the park for all to enjoy. Details: dslalphas.com.
Wednesday, Dec. 6
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 Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com or shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 6
Ivy Center sets ACT Boot Camps
The Ivy Center will present four ACT Boot Camps for 7th-12th graders on Zoom only. The facilitators are Charity Smith-Allen and team from Fetterman & Associates. Students may ask questions to get a better understanding of each subject covered on the ACT exam. The following sessions will be held: Science — 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6; Reading — 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The Zoom ID is 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com or follow the center on social media.
Thursday, Dec. 7
PB reschedules Christmas Parade
The Pine Bluff Christmas Parade was rescheduled to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The parade had been set for Thursday, but was changed due to inclement weather that’s expected, according to a flier. The parade will start at 10th Avenue and Main Street, turns east on Sixth Avenue, then south on Convention Center Drive and ends at the old Plaza Hotel parking lot. The event will feature Santa along with other entries. The parade is sponsored by the city of Pine Bluff and Go Forward Pine Bluff.
Friday, Dec. 8
Salvation Army auxiliary plans event
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will host See, Sip & Shop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at First Methodist Church, 200 W. Sixth Ave. “Come see our festive tables, sip punch and shop for Christmas presents,” a spokesman said. Tickets are $10 and are available from any auxiliary member or at the door, the spokesman said.
Through Friday, Dec. 8
ASC hosts ‘Voices and Votes: Democracy in America’
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting the national traveling exhibition “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” through Dec. 8. This multimedia and educational exhibition features historical and contemporary photos, video, interactive games, information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest materials. The display is part of the Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. The exhibition is made possible by the Arkansas Humanities Council and National Endowment for the Humanities.
Be Pro Be Proud registration open
Registration is open for employers interested in the Be Pro Be Proud program. The program will host eight events throughout the state as part of its 2024 Draft Day Series, including local sessions. The two-day event matches employers with qualified graduating students based on student interest and employer needs. At Pine Bluff, a Draft Day for the Arkansas Delta will take place March 12-13 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, presented by Central Moloney, according to a Be Pro Proud news release. At Stuttgart, the Draft Day Arkansas Grand Prairie event will be held April 3-4. This session will be presented by Riceland Foods. Draft Day 2024 registration ends Dec. 8. For details on Be Pro Be Proud’s Draft Day events or to register a company, visit https://beprobeproudar.org/draft-day-2024.
Saturday, Dec. 9
UAPB holds fall graduation
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host its 168th commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The processional begins at 9:45 a.m. UAPB will livestream the ceremony via YouTube. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., of North Carolina, will serve as commencement speaker for UAPB, which is celebrating its year-long sesquicentennial. For details on commencement exercises, contact Registrar Aretha Lacefield at registrar@uapb.edu.
First Missionary honors retiring pastor
First Missionary Baptist Church, 4500 Faucett Road, will present a retirement celebration for the pastor, the Rev. Charles S. Boyd Sr., at 6 p.m. Dec. 9. Special guests include the Rev. Derrick Easter, pastor of New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church and New St. Hurricane’s mass, choir along with other pastors in the community.
Pilgrim church to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will be open Dec. 9 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 pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and is an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
Sunday, Dec. 10
First Baptist to host ‘O Come, Messiah King’
The Sanctuary Choir and the Sanctuary Bells of First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff, 6501 S. Hazel St., will host a special musical presentation of “O Come, Messiah King” at 5 p.m. Dec. 10 in the church sanctuary. The concert is free and open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. Details: First Baptist Church, (870) 534-4741.
Historical Society to observe WWII memorabilia
The Jefferson County Historical Society will meet at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at First Presbyterian Church Chapel, 717 W. 32nd Ave. The speaker will be Phillip H. McMath, a retired Little Rock trial lawyer, an award-winning writer, and a Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran. His topic will be “The Battle of Bauxite,” referencing the connection of the bauxite mines in Arkansas to the World War II effort, according to a news release. To commemorate the Dec. 7 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Harvey McCone will display a special Pearl Harbor-Pacific Theater collection of newspapers, souvenirs, videos, and individual veterans’ stories. McCone is a WWII history specialist, and a retired lieutenant colonel, according to the release. The doors will be open at 1 p.m. for anyone who would like to browse the WWII collection. The public is invited to attend.
Compassionate Friends set lighting event
The Desha County Chapter of the Compassionate Friends invites the community to join with them in the 27th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Remembrance at 6 p.m Dec. 10 at the Dumas Community Center in Dumas. The event honors the memories of children who died. A short program will include greetings, readings, poems, music and a candle-lighting ceremony. At 7 p.m., everyone will light candles in memory of children, according to the news release. A reception will follow the ceremony. The event is free to attend. Those who would like to have their child’s name placed on the memorial roll, or picture placed on the memorial display may contact Compassionate Friends. Those planning to attend should RSVP by Dec. 4. For details, text or call (870) 866-6985, (972) 365-1930, or (870) 377-4299. Brenda Norman is the event planner.
Prayer and Pizza set for children
Prayer and Pizza for children will be held from 2-3 p.m. Dec. 10 at East End Church of God and Christ, 709 S. Virginia St. The guest speaker will be Commeka Goodloe, certified therapist from the PAT Behavioral Center in Pine Bluff. Motivational moments will be presented by Efrem Neely, a local lawyer. The service is held monthly at various churches. Intercessors will pray at each event. The event is free and open to the general public. Organizers ask that pastors and youth leaders participate.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
TOPPS to give away food
Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service ( TOPPS) Inc., a local non-profit, will hold its food distribution at 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive. One box per household will be given away. Participants must be present and must show ID, according to a news release. Details: Annette Howard Dove, TOPPS founder/director, (870) 850-6011.
Chamber plans blood drive
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Chamber conference room, 510 Main St. Donors will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt while supplies last. Photo ID will be required, according to the Chamber newsletter. For details or to make an appointment, contact Our Blood Institute at obi.org or 877-340-8777.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 12
UAPB extension hosts sock drive
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 1890 Cooperative Extension Program is hosting a sock drive for seniors in the community. People are asked to donate large socks by Dec. 12. Socks can be dropped off at the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex or the Adair-Greenhouse Human Sciences Hall at UAPB, according to a news release. Details: Rachel M. Will at willr@uapb.edu.
Saturday, Dec. 16
AKA Cotillion Ball set
The 55th Debutante Cotillion Ball, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.® Delta Omega Omega Chapter, The Cotillion Ball will be held on Dec. 16 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This year’s Debutante Cotillion chairmen are Laurel Hall, Jennifer Johnson, and Dr. Jacqueline Pryor. Details: Yaminah Roberts, president of the Delta Omega Omega chapter, deltaomegamomegapresident@gmail.com.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
DAR meeting set
The Pine Bluff-John McAlmont Chapter of the DAR will meet at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 19 in the Lakeside United Methodist Church Center, 1500 S. Olive St. The program will be “Songs of Christmas Past,” and the speaker will be Allison Holland, DAR Docent, according to a news release.
Through Monday, Jan. 8, 2024
NAACP seeks students for academic contests
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP ACT-SO Committee is accepting applications for the 2023-24 program year. ACT-SO, which stands for Afro-Academics, Cultural, Technological, & Scientific Olympics, is a youth initiative of the NAACP. The program, created in 1978 by noted journalist Vernon Jarrett, is dedicated to achieving academic excellence for African American high school students, according to a news release. The committee will accept applications from students enrolled in Watson Chapel, White Hall, and Pine Bluff high schools. First place winners may attend the national contests in Las Vegas in July. Students interested in participating can call Maryann Lee at (870) 718-5330 or Michael McCray at (870) 543-0024 or email Lee at mizmaryann@gmail.com. The deadline for returning the application is Jan. 8, 2024. Competitions will begin in March 2024.
Beginning Friday, Jan. 12
Artist INC LIVE free seminars set
The Arkansas Arts Council will sponsor Artist INC LIVE, an eight-week professional development session for Pine Bluff, in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance. People are urged to join local creatives Jan. 12-14 in virtual, three-day workshops to learn what it takes to succeed in a creative field. Registration and participation is free. The sessions address the specific professional challenges creatives in all disciplines face. The organizer waves the $150 participation fee. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Jan. 11. To register for the free professional development sessions or for details, visit https://www.maaa.org/event/artist-inc-express-arkansas-statewide-virtual-2/
Through Saturday, Jan. 13
USDA extends deadline for discrimination form
The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program from Oct. 31, 2023 to Jan. 13, 2024. The new deadline will give eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners more time to apply for assistance, according to a news release. This program delivers on Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021.
Saturday, Feb. 10
WH police plan ball
The White Hall Police Officer’s Association will present Hollywood Nights, the 2024 Policemen’s Ball. The gala will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at the White Hall Community Center. The event will be catered by Fowl Smokin’ Swine and the entertainment will be provided by Aces Wild Band, according to the flier on the White Hall Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page. For details, tickets or to reserve a table, call (870) 247-1414.
Underway
Covid-19 vaccines, testing available
The Arkansas Department of Health, various pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the covid-19 vaccine, tests and other information about coronavirus. Details: Call the Arkansas Department of Health at (800) 985-6030, visit the website at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan or contact area medical professionals, according to spokesmen.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian 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.