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.
Friday, Dec. 22
1st Ward pantry sets giveaway, parade
The First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will host its 2023 Christmas Giveaway and Parade from 2-4:30 p.m. Dec. 22. The parade honors the Pine Bluff High School Football Team, the 2023 5A Conference Champs. The parade will include the PBHS Dance team and cheerleaders, according to a news release. The event also recognizes Bill and Shari Jones of Sissy’s Log Cabin. Details: Debra Allen, First Ward Living Grace executive director, (479) 301-1096.
Beginning Friday, Dec. 22
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Holiday closings set
Several agencies announced their holiday closings for Christmas. Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices will be closed Dec. 22-26. Jefferson County Courthouse will be closed Dec. 22-26. Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will be closed Dec. 25-26. Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will still take clients to cancer and dialysis treatments. Waste Management will be closed Dec. 25 and garbage pickup will be one day behind schedule. State offices will be closed Dec. 25-26. The Capitol building continues to be open to the public for extended hours during the holiday season for those who wish to view the Christmas decorations. However, the Capitol will be closed on Christmas Day.
Sunday, Dec. 24
Old St. James celebrates Christmas
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will present a Christmas celebration at 10 a.m. Sunday. The theme is God’s Gift to the World, II Cor. 9:15, according to the church’s Facebook page.
Trinity Episcopal hosts Christmas Eve service
Trinity Episcopal Church, 703 W. Third Ave., will host its Christmas Eve Service on Sunday with a Chancel Choir concert at 10 p.m. followed by the Christmas Eve mass at 10:30 p.m. Service will be held in person and virtually on Facebook, according to its Facebook page.
Amos Chapel hosts Christmas event, portraits
Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1307 W. 16th Ave., will hold its annual Christmas Program at 11 a.m. Dec. 24 during morning worship service. Children will offer speeches and recitals as the church celebrates the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Also, Amos Chapel invites the community to have their pictures taken by MG Photography Services from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 24. Family or individual photos can be taken. They will offer 4X6 prints for $10. The deadline to RSVP is Dec. 19. Details: Dee Clay, (870) 872-2361.
New Community hosts minister, youth
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will feature Corentha Allmond, a minister at the church, as the speaker at 11 a.m. Sunday. Also, the youth ministry will have its holiday program at the children’s church in the fellowship hall.
Wednesday, Dec. 27
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. 27
King Cotton tournament set
The King Cotton Holiday Classic high school basketball tournament will be held Dec. 27-29 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Both Pine Bluff High School and White Hall High School will be among the teams participating. The King Cotton tournament brings teams from all over the country to the Convention Center. Sixteen teams compete over the three-day tournament, according to a news release. For ticket information and more details, visit www.kingcottonclassic.org.
Sunday, Dec. 31
New Community presents Watch Night
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will celebrate Watch Night at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Prayer begins at 6 p.m. The community is invited to attend. The pastor/apostle, Patrick Lockett, will bring the message.
Changes to financial aid package set
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, per information from the U. S. Department of Education, announced that the redesigned Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FAFSA®) for the 2024-25 academic year is slated to be available by Dec. 31. While the FASFA has historically opened to applicants Oct. 1, the exact opening date of the streamlined application for the upcoming academic year has yet to be finalized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid, according to a news release. Details: UAPB Office of Admissions at (870) 575-8492, the Office of Recruitment at (870) 575-8960, or the Office of Student Financial Services at (870) 575-8302 or www.uapb.edu. Details are also available from the federal Education Department at https://financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov/tk/learn/fafsa/updates.jsp.
Through Sunday, Dec. 31
Lights & Legends open at Regional Park
The Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends drive-through exhibit is open at Regional Park until Dec. 31. The display hours are from 6-9 p.m., according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Downtown Development. “Arkansas’ largest drive-thru holiday lights exhibition has over 240 displays, many of which are animated. Pine Bluff’s Regional Park is transformed into 1.3 miles of winter wonderland from mid-November through December,” according to ExplorePineBluff.com. Although admission is free, community volunteers accept donations at the end of the drive. Details: Regional Park, (870) 536-7600.
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.
Thursday, Jan. 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.
Food desert elimination grants available
The Arkansas Department of Health – Arkansas Minority Health Commission announces its request for application availability for food desert elimination efforts around the state. The commission will award a maximum of four grants of up to $10,000 each to community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and non-profits focused on food desert elimination. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes including community needs assessments, focus groups, and technical assistance. Applications can be obtained at healthy.arkansas.gov and typing ‘Bid Opportunities’ in the search bar. The deadline to apply is Jan. 4 at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6
Family Church hosts Men of Integrity
Family Church, 2500 Highway 104, White Hall, will host the Men of Integrity breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 6. The cost is free and it’s for ages 13 to 100. “Come join men from all over the county in the first weekend of 2024. Start the new year out with God in the beginning. Great food, fellowship, and teaching. Come join us,” a spokesman said on the church’s Facebook page. Details: 1-870-247-3300.
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 6
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: Jan. 6, 2024 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; and Feb. 3 — Chad Marshall Band. Details: pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Through Monday, Jan. 8
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.
Through Wednesday, Jan. 10
Kingfest marade applications available
Applications are available for the 40th annual Original KingFest™ Celebration Marade in downtown Pine Bluff at 2 p.m. Jan. 15. The application deadline is Jan. 10. The theme is “Living the Dream through Unity in the Community.” Using the theme, Marade participants should display messages on floats, cars, banners, and signs. Awards will be given for the most provocative banner, poster, or float using the Marade theme. Bands can also participate in the “Ninth Annual MLK KINGFEST Lorenzo Smith Battle of the Bands.” Applications are available by emailing a request to pbicvr@aol.com or by visiting the PBICVR office at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Suite 109 between 10 a.m. and noon. Volunteer opportunities are available for marade workers. Details: (870) 730-1131.
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/
Saturday, Jan. 13
Gillett to host Coon Supper
The Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club will host the 80th annual Coon Supper at 6 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Gillett High School Gymnasium. The club continues to use all proceeds from the Coon Supper to fund scholarships and will award more scholarships to seniors graduating in 2024, according to a news release. The event will be attended by many national, state and local politicians, and people from all over Arkansas and surrounding states. For ticket information, contact Larry Bauer at (870) 830-4002, or write to P.O. Box 577, Gillett, AR, 72055. For program information contact Wes Long at (870) 830-0160.
Pre-Coon Supper reception set
The 12th annual Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Berry Farm Shop in Gillett. The 80th Gillett Coon Supper will follow at the Gillett School Gymnasium at 6 p.m. Jan. 13, according to a news release. Tickets are $50 each to the pre-supper reception. Tickets to the Coon Supper may be purchased by contacting Larry Bauer at (870) 830-4002. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Becky Barnes Campbell at (501) 912-7560 or Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329.
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.
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 14
Pizza and Prayer set
Prayer and Pizza for children will be held from 2-3 p.m. Jan. 14 at St. Peter’s Rock Missionary Baptist Church and Feb. 11 at New Community Church. The group will serve pizza, sponsored by area businesses, and intercessors will pray and encourage the youth. These monthly sessions will continue at various churches. “Please join the movement through prayer for our children,” said Dee Clay, organizer. The event is free and open to the general public. Pastors and youth leaders are urged to participate.
Thursday, Jan. 25
Chamber dinner features PBSD chief
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present its 2024 Annual Dinner event at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The keynote speaker is Pine Bluff School District Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree. Barbaree will give an update to the business community on what’s happening within the district. It will also be a time for the business community to learn more about opportunities to help support the district to make it stronger as it continues educating the future workforce, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets are $60 each and tables for eight people are $750. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for this event. For details, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kline at (870) 535-0110 or email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com. Sponsorship details are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/5c07ba08-471a-4fb5-8a0e-d7f3d0d12fea.pdf?rdr=true.
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.
Saturday, Feb. 24
Jefferson Foundation sets gala
Jefferson Regional Foundation will host the Winter Wonderland Ball 2024 at the White Hall Community Center on Feb. 24. The cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. followed by entertainment, according to a news release. Details: Laura Beth Shaner, (870) 541-7210.
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.