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@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Tuesday, Nov. 12
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will hold its monthly food distribution Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at TOPPS. This is a first-come, first-served event, and participants are asked to bring proof of residence. One box of food will be provided per household, according to a news release. Details: Annette Howard Dove, TOPPS founder/director, (870) 850-6011.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 12
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAM Music slates performances
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will present musical performances. On Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m., the Division of Music’s Instrumental Ensemble class will perform during the semi-annual UAM Percussion Night in the Fine Arts Center. The concert is free and open to the public. Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m., the semi-annual UAM Woodwind Ensembles Recital will be held in the Harris Recital Hall in the Music Building at UAM. Woodwind players and the UAM Flute Choir in the Division of Music at UAM will perform during the recital, which is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
City plans healthcare, job fair
The Healthcare and Public Service Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The purpose is to address critical workforce shortages in Jefferson County, according to a news release. The city of Pine Bluff Economic and Community Development, in partnership with the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District and Arkansas Department of Workforce Services announced the event.
Housing board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Colonial Steakhouse, 111 W. Eighth Ave., according to a news release. Details: (870) 541-0706.
911, MECA boards to meet
Two meetings have been scheduled for Nov. 13 in the Jefferson County Quorum Courtroom. The 911 Administrative Board meets at 9:45 a.m. and the MECA (Metropolitan Emergency Communications Association) Board meets at 10 a.m., according to a news release. Details: Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management, (870) 541-5470.
UAPB alumni sets dinner meeting
The UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association’ will host the ‘Can We Talk’ Student and Alumni Fellowship Dinner Nov. 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the L.A. Davis Dining Hall at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. “This event is a unique opportunity for alumni to engage with current students, share valuable insights, and celebrate our Golden Lion legacy together,” according to a news release. “Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or meeting the next generation of UAPB leaders, your presence would mean the world to us.” The cost is $10. Participants should call Joy Matthews, a board of directors member, at (501) 891-2226 to make reservations by Nov. 11.
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. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Veterans Legal Clinic set
Central Arkansas Legal Services will conduct a free Veterans Legal Clinic from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 14 at the Elga Lee Roberts Jefferson County Veterans Service Office, 114 S. State St., according to https://www.arkansaslegal.org/.
Links to discuss diabetes, kidney disease
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. will present Breaking the Link between Diabetes and Kidney Disease at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Pine Bluff Jefferson County main library, 600 S. Main St. The community is invited to attend. November is National Diabetes Month. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and African Americans are at a higher risk. The Links has joined the fight to raise awareness about kidney disease in the community, according to a news release. Presenters will include Nicole Bates, chair for American Kidney Fund Health Coach; Kimberly Haynie, associate professor of nutrition and food sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; and Dr. Brandi Wright, a kidney care physician with Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Dinner will be provided. The event is free, but registration is required by calling (870) 718-6329. Details: http://www.linksinc.org or the chapter’s Facebook page. Carla M. Martin is the current president of the local chapter of The Links.
Future engineers to meet
Ivy Center for Education will host the Future Aviation Engineers from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. Sederick Rice, a professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, is the workshop presenter. Participants will continue to build Estes Journey Rockets, Rice said. Students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to attend and parents are always welcome. Those who cannot attend in person, can join via Zoom with Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, email Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com .
GOP panel to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee’s monthly meeting has been moved up this month to Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall. Also, members should remember their Christmas order is due, according to a spokesman.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 14
UAM art student to show exhibition
Ashlynn Ebarb’s senior art thesis exhibition, “Suppression,” is on display in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. A public reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14. The display is open until Nov. 20. By depicting images of herself through self-portraits and other representations, Ebarb’s work provokes emotive qualities related to obscured and suppressed issues of mental health,” according to a news release. The Glassblock Gallery is free and open to the public. The gallery’s hours are Mondays from 9-11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.; and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15
Golden Hour: Movie Date! set
Ages 50 and older are invited to experience the magic of cinema during Golden Hour: Movie Date! from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at ART WORKS on Main. This event is free. Couples can unwind and watch a curated movie selection at this intimate film-watching session. “Whether it’s a classic romance or the latest blockbuster, our Movie Date afternoon promises a delightful blend of comfort, connection, and cinematic bliss,” according to the release. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-movie-date or call 870-536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 395-7059.
Saturday, Nov. 16
New Community to give away food
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will give away Thanksgiving food boxes beginning at 8 a.m. Nov. 16. The 100 boxes will be given away on a first come, first served basis, according to a news release.
Business owner, author to hold book signing
Phyllis Hodges, an Arkansas fitness business owner, has become an author and will conduct a book signing in Pine Bluff from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at 815-A W. Sixth Ave. “I’m touring the state with my Living History keepsake books. The third book, ‘Girl Power 2,’ just launched,” Hodges said in a news release. The Phyllis Hodges Collection consists of living history books including “8 Years of Unforgettable History,” “Girl Power,” and “Girl Power 2.” Details: doyouphylme.com or on all social media platforms.
Toys for Tots to accept donations in Star City
The 2024 Cleveland, Jefferson, and Lincoln County Toys for Tots Campaign will collect new unwrapped toys, games, puzzles, monetary donations and other items from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 16 in Star City at both Dollar General stores and O’Reilly Auto Parts. All collections will be donated to area youth through such ministries as Angel Tree, Cleveland County Cares, Highland Ministries in Pine Bluff, New Edinburg Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County, and Salvation Army. The campaign encourages local businesses and individuals to donate because every child deserves a little Christmas, according to a news release. For details on the Toys for Tots Campaign or to donate, visit https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org/
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will conduct its monthly food giveaway Saturday from 11 a.m. until all food boxes are gone. Participants are required to provide proof of address, which must be a driver’s license, identification card, or utility bills. A new Oasis Insight client form started in August will be used instead of the old intake form. The new form is used by all food panties in the Arkansas Food Bank network. All clients will fill out a new client intake form, according to a news release. Details: St. Mary Harris, apostle at House of Bread, (870) 872-2196.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Craig O’Neill to visit 1st Presbyterian
Craig O’Neill, who spent more than 50 years in broadcasting, will be the guest presenter at at 3 p.m. Nov. 17 at First Presbyterian Church, 717 W. 32nd Ave. He will read from his new book “How Randy Hankins became Craig O’Neill” or as the family calls it “It all started on Aunt Myrtie’s front porch.”
Pilgrim to host Women’s Day
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will host its Women’s Day program at 3 p.m. Nov. 17. The guest speaker will be Dr. Marcia Elaine Smith of Grace Tabernacle Worship Center in Little Rock. Music will be provided by Women United for Christ directed by Bessie Lancelin. The theme will be Women Redeemed, Restored and Renewed for the work of Christ (Isaiah 43:1-20). The community is invited to come worship with the church. The Rev. Kevin L. Crumpton Sr. is the pastor at Pilgrim church.
Monday, Nov. 18
WH center plans blood drive
The community is invited to the blood drive from 1:30-6 p.m. Nov. 18 at the White Hall Community Center. Walk-ins are welcome. The event is sponsored by Our Blood Institute. You can schedule an appointment at https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/…/drive…/650931… or visit obi.org, according to a flier.
Through Monday, Nov. 18
WH plans Stars in the Park
The city of White Hall will host Stars In The Park again at White Hall. “Let the ‘Stars’ shine this season by remembering or honoring a loved one. A $10 donation to White Hall Chamber of Commerce will put your loved one’s name on a star atop a 3-foot lighted tree,” according to a flier. The deadline is Nov. 18 to submit a form. Forms are available on the Chamber’s website and can be mailed to White Hall City Hall, P.O. Box 20100, White Hall, AR, 71612, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/. Details: White Hall City Hall, (870) 247-2399.
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Sorority, fraternity plan Girl/Guy Talk
Ivy Center for Education will host Girl/Guy Talk from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. Presenters will be the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Alpha Rho Chapter at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter. Students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to attend. Snacks will be available and prizes will be won. Parents are always welcome. Those who cannot attend in person, can join via Zoom with Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, email Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com . (Participants must attend the in-person meeting to win prizes.)
Thursday, Nov. 21
Retired teachers to meet
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library, 600 S. Main St. Library Director Ricky Williams will speak to the group before leading a tour of the facility. Member reservations are required for the box lunch provided by Ms. Dee’s Diner. Lunch is $12 and includes a choice of a turkey or ham sandwich box lunch with condiments, chips, pickle, and cookie with water to drink. Please designate turkey or ham when making your reservation for lunch, according to the news release. For details on JCRTA and to make luncheon reservations, call Lura Campbell at (870) 543-0127.
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 21. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Nov. 20, according to a news release. Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will also answer questions about PACT Act benefits, existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims.
Christian Women’s group set luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Patty Hullett of Ennis, Texas. Her Topic will be “Been There Done That Many Times.” Also, she will be baton twirling as a special presentation, according to a news release. The luncheon is $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and participants will be charged for reservations they don’t keep.
1st Ward pantry sets Thanksgiving giveaway
First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry will present the 2024 Thanksgiving Giveaway from 1-3:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The giveaway will be set up at the glass doors south arena by the handicapped signs, according to a flier. Supplies will include turkey or ham and groceries. Food will be given away on a first come, first served basis. The event will honor Summit Community Care. Partnerships also include LEAPS, Southeast Arkansas College, Tyson Foods, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Sixth Division Juvenile Court, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Arkansas Food Bank, and four private partnerships. Details: Debra Strickland Allen, executive director of First Ward Living Grace pantry, (479) 301-1096.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 21
Ivy Center offers free ACT Boot Camps
The Ivy Center for Education will offer free ACT Boot Camps, presented by Charity Smith-Allen, principal associate for education at Fetterman and Associates, and her team. All workshops will be held on Zoom only. Students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to attend, according to a news release. The dates and subjects for the ACT Bootcamps include: Nov. 21 — 6-8 p.m. — Science and Reading; Dec. 5 — 6-8 p.m. — Math and English; and Dec. 12 — 6-8 p.m. — Science and Reading. To participate, use the Zoom Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Interested students should email Mattie Collins, president of the Ivy Center, at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Faith church sets bazaar
Faith Community Church on U.S. 79 (across from McDonald’s) will hold its bazaar from 8 a.m. t0 2 p.m. Nov. 23. There will be casseroles, baked goods, soup, wreaths, wall art, jewelry, pillows, gift baskets, centerpieces and homemade items, according to a news release.
Through Sunday, Dec. 1
Fund drive for artwork set
The Pine Bluff Art League will have a drawing for artwork by Richard Stephens titled “First Snow” valued at $1,000. The drawing will be held Dec. 1 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building. Funds generated from the fund drive will continue the funding of publicly accessible art league demonstrations, workshops and art recognition of community members in and around southeast Arkansas, according to a news release. For more on Stephens, visit raswatercolors.com/ and facebook.com/richard.stephens.545. Art collectors wishing to add this piece to their collection may purchase $5 raffle tickets by making a check to the Pine Bluff Art League. Mail the check and contact information, name, address, email, and phone number to the Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 3
2025 Leadership Pine Bluff class open
Now is the time to nominate outstanding individuals or apply for the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Leadership Pine Bluff class. The deadline to apply is Dec. 3, according to the Chamber newsletter. Leadership Pine Bluff is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders by offering participants a unique opportunity to network with community leaders and peers; learn about key sectors, including education, healthcare, law enforcement, tourism, and industry; connect with top executives from local businesses and organizations; and gain insights into the economic development and future growth of the region. Details: the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Saturday, Dec. 7
ASC to host Potpourri
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host Potpourri: Spirit of the Arts gala from 6-11 p.m. Dec. 7 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Potpourri is the ASC’s fund-raising gala. The gala will feature dinner by Chef Jamie McAfee, drinks sponsored by MK Distributors, a silent art auction, a silent spirits auction, live music by Groove City, and a live auction with Master of Ceremonies Matt Soto. This year’s event is dedicated to longtime ARTx3 volunteer and Potpourri supporter Becky Loyd Simpson, who died in 2023. Tickets are $200 for members and $250 for nonmembers. They may be purchased at artx3.org/potpourri, by calling (870) 536-3375, or at the Arts & Science Center.
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 7
Blues concert series set
The Port City Blues Society will host the third “Blues By Budweiser” concert series 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 members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members. MK Distributors is the sponsor, according to a news release. Concerts for 2024-2025 include: Dec. 7, Fonky Donkey; Jan. 4, 2025, Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon; and Feb. 1, 2025, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.
Friday, Feb. 14
Alphas plan scholarship fundraiser
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will present the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to attend the gala which funds thousands of dollars in scholarships for area students. The theme is “All Black Affair.” Tickets are $40 per person. Tables are $400 each, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation and mailed by Feb. 10 to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Arzo Knox, (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com.