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.
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
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Arsenal issues noise alert
Residents living close to the Pine Bluff Arsenal should not be alarmed if they hear loud noises in the morning and afternoon coming from the site Saturday. The noise will be from cannon fire being conducted during opening and closing ceremonies for the White Hall High School JROTC Raider Competition to be held at the Arsenal throughout the day, according to a news release.
ACO sets fish fry fundraiser
Arkansas Community Organizations will have a fish fry fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the National Trust Partners For Christ Church, 2106 E. Sixth Ave. The dinner includes fish, two sides, dessert, soda or water. Menu side choices are mixed greens, fries, baked beans, coleslaw and potato salad. The price for the dinners is $15, according to a news release. Details: Rosetta Madison, (870) 360-1934 or Demetrius Melvin, (870) 536-6300.
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.”
Happy Home observes anniversary
Happy Home Missionary Baptist Church in Redfield will celebrate its 136th anniversary at 11 a.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be the Rev. John Shelton, pastor of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church at Gethsemane. The emcee is Gwendolyn Goins, a missionary. Happy Home’s pastor is the Rev. T.J. Rowland.
Prayer and Pizza set at Mt. Nebo
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3201 W. Second Ave., will host the Prayer and Pizza gathering for the children from 2-3 p.m. Sunday. Guest speakers will be Olivia Collins, a Southeast Arkansas College freshman nursing major, and Robbie Williams, a retired Pine Bluff educator. “Children are our greatest investments. Bring your children to meet other young people and receive positive life stories on how to better yourself and the importance of making the right choices,” said Dee Clay, coordinator. The pizza is sponsored by Neely Law Firm, Dr. Martha A. Flowers, and Dr. Rontae Graham. Mt. Nebo’s pastor is the Rev. Larry Battles.
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.
SEA recital to feature UAM choirs
The Chamber and Concert choirs at the University of Arkansas at Monticello will perform at the annual Southeast Arkansas Concert Association’s concert, “How Sweet the Sound,” on Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center at UAM. Following the performance, guests are invited to a reception, according to a news release. “How Sweet the Sound” is a musical celebration of the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, featuring a variety of performances. For details or tickets, visit searkconcert.org or call (870) 460-1888.
Monday, Nov. 18
A&P finance panel to meet
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission Finance Committee’s monthly meeting will be held at noon Nov. 18 at the offices of the A&P Commission, 623 S. Main St., according to a news release.
City Wide Mission meets
City Wide Mission will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 18 at Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1923 Olive St. Participants are asked to bring canned goods for the outreach project this month, according to a news release. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Kirby Gulley, pastor of Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. R.L. Davis is pastor at Bethany Chapel.
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
Quilters Guild to meet
The Pine Bluff Quilters Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. The election of officers will be held and a special program will be presented by the members as they show and explain their favorite notion. Anyone with items to donate for the holiday plastic wrap game is reminded to bring them, according to a news release.
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.)
Wednesday, Nov. 20
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.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 2o
Westerman staff to visit
The office of 4th District U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman announced mobile office hours for November. In southeast Arkansas, staff will visit: Nov. 20 — 10 a.m. to noon – Grant County Courthouse in Sheridan. Nov. 22 — 10 a.m. to noon – Cleveland County Courthouse in Rison. Staff will be available to assist constituents with casework matters related to passports, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, and other federal agency issues, according to a news release.
Thursday, Nov. 21
UAM plans choir concerts
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will host the UAM Concert and Chamber choirs in concert on Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center at UAM. The concert is free and open to the public, according to a news release. Under the direction of Dana Ihm, associate professor of music and director of chorals at UAM, the choirs will perform selections from Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, Kim André Arnesen and Z. Randall Stroope, along with arrangements by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory. Details: UAM Division of Music at (870) 460-1060.
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.
Lula Mae’s to provide Thanksgiving meals
Lula Mae’s Day Center Inc., 613 W. Eighth Ave., will provide free community Thanksgiving meals Nov. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. while supplies last. The event is the agency’s annual Thanksgiving Outreach. Lula Mae’s mission is to serve as a resource to support people and communities by providing the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to sustain a quality, self-sufficient lifestyle while becoming positive contributors to society, according to a news release. Details: Shaneka Hamilton, executive director, (870) 663-0472.
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.
Thursday, Dec. 5
UAPB plans Shark Tank event
All high school and junior high school student entrepreneurs are invited to participate in a Shark Tank event at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at 10 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Henderson-Young Hall auditorium. The event is sponsored by the UAPB Department of Human Sciences in collaboration with the Office of Recruitment, according to a news release. Students will have the chance to pitch their business ideas for a Shark Tank event. The grand prize of $100 will be announced at the end of the event. Registration ends Dec. 2. To register, students must fill out the form available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/VG8WVFM . Details: Marilyn Bailey at baileym@uapb.edu or Kimberly Haynie at hayniek@uapb.edu.
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.