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.
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.
Southeast historical society to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Southeast Panthers Historical Society LLC “Saving Our History” will hold an all school meeting at 11 a.m. Saturday in the board room of the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. To receive organizational updates, all Southeast Junior/Senior High School Alumni should attend, according to a news release. Details: (870) 730-1131.
Alpha Week continues
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter in Pine Bluff, will observe Alpha Week 2023. Community events include: 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.
ASC FunDay features Gingerbread Houses
Patrons at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas can build and decorate gingerbread houses during the next Second Saturday Family FunDay, from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 9 at ASC, 701 S. Main St. Visitors of all ages will build unique and delicious holiday homes with candies, icing, and gingerbread during this free family activity. All materials are included. ASC’s Second Saturday FunDay program offers monthly hands-on arts and science activities. Funding from the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Arkansas Community Foundation, supports this event.
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. Derick 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
Mt. Nebo hosts Friends and Family Day
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3201 W. Second Ave., invites the the community to join them in celebrating the annual Friends and Family Day at 11 a.m. Sunday. The guest prreacher will be Anton C. Smith, pastor of Dominion and Power Ministries of Galveston, Texas. The Rev. Larry C. Battles is Mt. Nebo’s pastor.
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 texting or calling (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.
Underway
Lights & Legends open at Regional Park
The Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends drive-through exhibit opened at Regional Park on Nov. 29 and will remain open 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.
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.
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 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. The application deadline is Jan. 10. Volunteer opportunities are available for marade workers. Details: (870) 730-1131.
Monday, Dec. 11
WC school board to meet
Watson Chapel School Board will hold a regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the district office, 4100 Camden Road. Details: (870) 879-0220.
Alphas to observe anniversary
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will celebrate its 75th Charter Day at 7:06 p.m. Monday at Barraque Street Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St. The keynote speaker will be the fraternity’s 34th general president, Mark S. Tillman. The celebration will also pay tribute to Thomas Vaughns, 103, who has been a member of Alpha Phi Alpha for 75 years. Special musical guest will be Nicky Parrish, renowned international recording artist and BET Apollo winner, according to a news release.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
ARDOT sets public meeting in WH
The Arkansas Department of Transportation will conduct a public involvement meeting from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, in White Hall. The purpose is to discuss a proposed roadway connector between Interstate 530 and Highway 365, just south of Jefferson, according to a news release. The public may view meeting materials and provide written comments online. Comments will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Dec. 27. The link to the materials is available at https://vpiph03-job-020661-i-530-access-impvts-en-ardot.hub.arcgis.com/ Submit online comment forms to ARDOT or print the form and mail it to: Environmental Division, 10324 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209. If you do not have internet access, please contact Ruby Jordan-Johnson at (501) 569-2379 or ruby.jordan.johnson@ardot.gov to ask questions about the proposed project.
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.
Ivy Center programs set
The Ivy Center for Education will host a Flight Engineering and Virtual Aviation Training Workshop from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Generator, 435 Main Street and on Zoom. The presenter will be Pine Bluff native Eric Burdette, a pilot with Southwest Airlines. Students in 7-12th grades interested in flight engineering are encouraged to attend. To attend workshops virtually, use the Zoom ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Interested students should email Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com. Details: follow the Ivy Center for Education on Facebook, Instagram and website ivycenterforeducation.com.
DAV slates virtual veterans job fair
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Central Region Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 12. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve, accordng to a news release. Also, veterans can utilize other free services including 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. To register for the Virtual Veterans Career Fair and access additional no-cost resources for veterans and their families, go to jobs.dav.org.
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.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
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.
Thursday, Dec. 14
NAACP plans meeting
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will hold its annual End of the Year Membership Meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1923 S. Olive St., according to a news release.
Friday, Dec. 15
Holiday Crafts & Cocktails set at ASC
Attendees can take a break from the stress of the holidays with Holiday Crafts & Cocktails, a program of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Hosts Bethany Gere and J. Tyler Lewis will teach participants how to mix three holiday-themed cocktails. Each participant will also learn how to make an embroidered hoop ornament. This event is from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Loft Gallery of The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Alcohol is provided MK Distributors. Patrons may register at asc701.org/class/holiday-crafts-and-cocktails or call or call 536-3375. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers, and all materials are included. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@asc701.org.
Saturday, Dec. 16
Summit plans Christmas concert
Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road, will host the Summit Soundz Celebration Band in a special Christmas concert at 6 p.m. Dec. 16. Special vocalists will include Trisha Small, Kathy Smoke, and Barry and Vicki Bates. Many holiday favorites, sacred and secular music, will be included in the program. The concert is dedicated to the memory of Al “Big Saxy” Wimberly, former band director at Warson Chapel High School, and member of Summit Soundz. The public is invited to attend, according to a news release.
Tina Cossey Band performs
Port City Blues Society will host a send-off concert and celebration Dec. 16 for the Tina Cossey Band’s entry in the 2024 International Blues Challenge. The sendoff will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend for Port City Blues Society members and only $5 for others, according to a news release. The Tina Cossey Band was the winner of the society’s IBC Regional Qualifying Round. The celebration will help raise funds to support the band’s travel to The Blues Foundation’s world-wide competition on Beale Street in Memphis, Jan. 16-20.
Aquatics Center sets Christmas event
The Pine Bluff Carl Redus Jr. Aquatics Center, 400 E. 11th Ave., will present a Christmas Extravaganza from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Residents can enjoy festive highlights such as a photo area, live music, a concession stand, goodie bags and storytime. There will also be a food demonstration, coloring time, games, prizes and an appearance by a special guest, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Admission is just per person or free with the donation of two canned goods to help those in need. Details: (870) 850-7620.
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.
Yoga In The Loft set
Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas participants can exercise and relax with certified yoga instructor FloEssence from 1:30-3 p.m. Dec. 16, at Yoga in the Loft in the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. This class is part of ASC’s Flex Pay program, with $15 the recommended price. FloEssence will lead participants through an hour of yoga, followed by a guided meditation. New and experienced practitioners ages 13 and older are welcome to attend. Yoga is offered every third Saturday of the month. Advanced registration and payment are required at asc701.org/class/yoga-in-the-loft-november-2023 or call 536-3375. Participants may use a provided yoga mat or bring their own. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@asc701.org. Yoga in the Loft is sponsored by Angela White Smith, Realtor with eXp Realty.
Monday, Dec. 18
Downtown officials to retire
A retirement celebration honoring Executive Director Joy Blankenship and Barbara Ann Hollis of the Pine Bluff Downtown Development will be held from 4-6 p.m. Dec. 18. The drop-in event will be held at the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County, 510 S. Main St. The community is invited to attend, according to the PBDD newsletter.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
Taylor Field sets holiday event
Christmas at Taylor Field, 1201 E. 16th Ave., will be held from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 19. The community is invited to attend this second annual celebration, according to the Pine Bluff Downtown Development newsletter.
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.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
Housing board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its scheduled board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Colonial Steakhouse, according to a news release.
Thursday, Dec. 21
Christian women set luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will hold its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Shelia Pitt Nelson of Pine Bluff. Her topic will be “Christmas Thoughts and Interviews.” The Webb Sisters, a Gospel singing group of Pine Bluff, will sing, according to a news release. The luncheon costs $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance. Participants will be charged for reservations that aren’t kept.
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.
Through Sunday, Dec. 31
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, 2023
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.
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, 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/
Saturday, Jan. 13
Reception, Coon Supper 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 6:30 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.
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.