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.
Tuesday, Jan. 9
Kingfest observance starts
Fifty high school and junior high students from the Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel districts and Friendship Aspire Academy will gather at noon Tuesday at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., to kick off the 40th annual Original KingFest Martin Luther King Day Celebration. Carla M. Martin, vice chancellor of finance and administration at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, will be the guest speaker. The public is invited, but seating is limited. The United Way of Southeast Arkansas joins the Original KingFest to promote January as National Mentoring Month, according to a news release. Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration, a United Way partner agency, will host Kingfest.
TOPPS to give away food
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) will hold its monthly food giveaway Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. until all the food boxes are gone. The drive-thru food distribution method will continue to be used and each household will receive one box. To receive a box, participants must be present at the event and show their ID, according to a news release.
Future Engineers to meet
The Ivy Center for Education’s Future Engineers will meet at the Generator, at 435 Main St., from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday. Science, Math and Engineering Concepts will be addressed by Sederick Rice, Ph.D, associate professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. There will also be hands-on activities during the workshop. Seventh through 12th graders and parents are encouraged to attend. Prizes will be awarded. The workshop will also be held on Zoom using ID 856 8296 4187 and Passcode 351061, according to a news release. Details: Mattie Collins, mattie1908@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Jan. 10
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.
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.
Thursday, Jan. 11
Fundamentals of Comedy with Ben Jones
Participants can learn the fundamentals of stand-up comedy with nationally touring comedian Ben Jones in a workshop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 11 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St., a program of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for nonmembers. The event is for ages 14 and older. Register at asc701.org/class/fundamentals-of-stand-up-comedy or by calling (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org. The workshop culminates with an open mic performance at 6 p.m. Jan. 12, during ART WORKS Presents: Comedic Relief.
Friday, Jan. 12
ASC slates Comedic Relief with Ben Jones
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host a night of laughter from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 12, with ART WORKS Presents: Comedic Relief. Nationally touring comedian Ben Jones hosts this event for all of those who enjoy a good laugh. Attendees ages 16 and older can show off their comedic stylings through an open-mic forum, and enjoy two sets by Jones. The event is at the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main. Entry is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for patrons 21 and older. Non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will also be available. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
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
Pilgrim to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open Jan. 13 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out 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 an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those in need Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. State ID’s are required to receive one food box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. Recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks., according to a news release.
ASC sets FunDay: Cobra Weave
Patrons can explore how energy changes states from potential to kinetic energy during Second Saturday Family FunDay, from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. Visitors of all ages will explore a chain-reaction activity called “cobra weave,” which demonstrates the conversion between types of energy. Sticks are weaved together and then made to explode in a stick bomb. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or 536-3375.
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 January speaker will be Dr. Rontae Graham, general dentist at Garrett Taylor DDS at Pine Bluff. The topic will be “You can/I did.” A special motivational presentation will be offered by a high school Kappa League under the leadership of the Rev. Travis Harden, pastor of Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. 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.
Through Tuesday, Jan. 16
SBA sets Disaster loan deadline
Low-interest disaster loans are available in Jefferson County, , according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding Arkansas businesses and residents of the Jan. 16, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes that occurred June 25-26, 2023. Businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters may apply for SBA federal disaster loans to repair or replace disaster damaged property. SBC can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future, according to the newsletter. Details: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
Thursday, Jan. 18
Women’s Connection luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Sharon Lawlor of Holiday Island in Carroll County. Her topic will be “Beautiful.” Claudia Clark of Pine Bluff will sing, according to a news release. The luncheon is $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. All reservations must be made three days in advance. Participants will be charged for reservations that are made and not kept. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
ASC hosts adult movement, agility workshop
Join the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas for its Golden Hour: Movement and Agility workshop from 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 18 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The workshop is the latest in a new series for ages 50 and older. Lauren Robertson, owner and founder of LBR Fitness, leads this class which aims to increase strength, mobility, balance, flexibility, and confidence. Participants will learn how to move their bodies in a social and accommodating environment tailored to individual needs. Anyone can join this class. Modifications for everyone will be available, even from a chair. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Register at asc701.org/class/golden-hour-movement-agility or call 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Friday, Jan. 19
ASC sets reception for ‘Field Notes’ exhibit
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host an opening reception for the photography exhibition “Field Notes” by Gary Cawood, 5-7 p.m. Jan. 19. This exhibition is in the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Cawood is drawn to sites where the natural contours of the landscape have been disturbed or disrupted, such as abandoned quarries or excavations for new construction projects. The exhibit ends April 24.
Beginning Friday, Jan. 19
Auditions open for ‘Puffs’
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host auditions for the production “Puffs” from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 19 and 2-5 p.m. Jan. 21, in the Adam B. Robinson Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Auditions are open to ages 17 and older. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. April 26-27, and 2 p.m. April 28, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater. Cast members must be available for all performances. The play depicts the events of a boy wizard, but it’s not associated with Harry Potter, according to a news release. To register for an audition slot, complete the form at bit.ly/artx3-puffs-auditions. For questions, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or 536-3375.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Yoga in the Loft set
People can exercise and relax with certified yoga instructor FloEssence from 1:30-3 p.m. Jan. 20 at Yoga in the Loft, a program of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. FloEssence will lead participants through an hour of yoga, followed by a guided meditation. New and experienced practitioners are welcome. The event is for ages 13 and older. The theme for January’s class is “New Year, New Me.” The event is held at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., every third Saturday of the month. Advanced registration and payment are required at asc701.org/class/yoga-in-the-loft-january-2024 or by calling 536-3375. This class is part of ASC’s Flex Pay program, with $15 the recommended price. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Watershed project meeting set
The Arkansas Black Mayors Association (ABMA) will host a Watershed Improvement Project Scoping Meeting at 10 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The project, which concerns flooding, impacts area communities, according to a news release. The meeting will include presentations at 10 a.m. including discussing the project, planning processes and the current status. Public comments are encouraged. This is an open house format where the public can view maps and learn more about the watershed project and share feedback. Details: ABMAWatershedProject.com.
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 20
ASC hosts Painting in a Digital World
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present “Painting in a Digital World,” with instructor Matthew J. Howard from 10 a.m.to noon Jan. 20 and Jan. 27. Participants can learn the basics of the Painters Essential 8 software with the use of a drawing tablet and stylus, provided by The ARTSpace on Main. For ages 14 and older. The cost (including all supplies) is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Register at asc701.org/class/digital-painting or call 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org.
Thursday, Jan. 25
GOP committee to meet Jan. 25
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 25 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall. The meeting will include registering new members, accepting registrations from members who missed the November filing period, and electing their county committee officers, according to a news release.
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.
Bginning Thursday, Jan. 25
ASC presents ‘The Secret Garden’
Performances for “The Secret Garden” are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 25-27, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. “This joyous story about the blossoming of the earth and human spirit is a garden of delight for the imagination,” according to the news release. “Orphaned while living in India, 12-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire, England, to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald Craven and his son Colin… It is a story of healing, forgiveness, and renewal that touches all of us deeply.” Tickets are on sale at tix.com/ticket-sales/asc701/4544 or by calling 536-3375. Tickets are $13 for members and seniors, $18 for nonmembers and $10 for students. Details: Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org.
Friday, Jan. 26
Delta Upcycle registration set
The Delta Upcycle Challenge (D.U.C.) is a new regional initiative by the ARTx3 Campus (also known as the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas) to bring awareness to the impact that humans have on the environment, tactics to minimize that impact, and share through artistic expression how communities can collaborate to create a beautiful tomorrow, according to the news release. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. Jan. 26. The submission deadline is 5 p.m. March 29. Learn more and register at asc701.org/education/delta-upcycling-challenge. The two competitions are the Upcycled Mini-Sculpture for high school students and the Upcycled Fashion Show for students in a college, university, or trade school. The project is open to students in the counties of Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, Phillips and Prairie. The Top 20 entries in both competitions will be showcased, judged, and awarded in person on the ARTx3 Campus on April 13 (Earth Day). Details: J. Tyler Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or 536-3375.
Saturday, Feb. 3
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: Feb. 3 — Chad Marshall Band. Details: pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
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.
Through Saturday, March 2
Zeta Phi Beta offers scholarship
The deadline is March 2 to apply for the scholarships offered by the Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. The sorority will provide a $1,000 scholarship to a young woman enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a $500 scholarship to a young woman enrolled at Southeast Arkansas College. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average. The application, an official transcript, and letters of recommendation on the letter writer’s official letterhead may be emailed to epilonzz.pb@gmail.com and/or mailed to P.O. Box 1161, Pine Bluff, AR, 71613 by March 2. Details: Mary Liddell at marylddll@yahoo.com or (870) 643-2383.
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.