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.
Sunday, Nov. 24
Kings Highway hosts concert
Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 2312 Fluker Ave., will host the Fall Harvest Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday. The mistress of ceremony will be Sherri Thomas Morris. Guest musicians will be Jamal Gordon, organist, and Ray Spears, guitarist. The theme will be “I Will Praise Him With My Voice.” Psalms 50:10. Everyone is invited. Kings Highway’s interim pastors are the Rev. Lee E. Meadows and the Rev. Lee A. Meadows.
Breath of Life sets youth service
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Breath of Life Church, 1313 S. Pine St., will host its Youth Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The featured speaker will be Yaisha Freeman from Star City. She is a 2022 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice. She is employed with the Sixth Division Circuit Court as the drug court coordinator and mentor under Judge Earnest Brown Jr. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (Alpha Rho Chapter.) She is the mother of a 3-year-old daughter, Karsyn, and a member of Daniel Chapel Baptist Church in Moscow. Jennifer Lee is the youth director at Breath of Life and the Rev. Kerry Price is the pastor.
New Community hosts featured speakers
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host Elder David Morgan of Morgan Farms as the featured speaker at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday. Also, Christine Allmond will speak at the Kingdom Builder’s program at 6 p.m. Sunday. Both are members of New Community. The community is invited to attend. The pastor/apostle of New Community is Patrick Lockett.
Monday, Nov. 25
Federal retirees to meet
Chapter 287 of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Donald W. Reynolds Building, 211 W. Third Ave. Plans for the new year will be discussed, according to a news release.
A&P commission to meet
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at the office of the A&P Commission at 623 S. Main St., according to a news release. Details: Betty Brown, A&P administrative assistant, (870) 534-2121.
Wednesday, Nov. 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. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Tractor Supply to host farmers’ market
Tractor Supply Co., 6903 Sheridan Road, will host a farmers’ market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 30. The event will feature locally-grown, fresh produce, as well as other seasonal products. People can stop in for homemade crafts, baked goods, arts and crafts and soaps, all produced by neighbors in the White Hall area, 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.
Beginning Monday, Dec. 2
Hunger relief grants available
Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is offering applications for the 2025 Capacity Building Grant. Applications will be accepted from Dec. 2 through Jan. 10. This grant is designed to help local hunger relief organizations strengthen their ability to serve communities more effectively, according to a news release. This opportunity is open to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other hunger relief programs. Grant funds can be used for items such as kitchen appliances, storage solutions, meal prep tools, and office equipment. To apply visit https://emma-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/8mbgb/a3970e7cd59c3ce5d91ec77bbc958a50/2025_Capacity_Building_Grant_Overview___General_Grant_tips__1_.pdf . For questions or help with the grant portal, email scollins@arhungeralliance.org or cgiles@arhungeralliance.org.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Christmas Parade set
The city of Pine Bluff will present Mistletoe Magic, the annual Christmas Parade, at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 starting at Sixth Avenue and Main Street and ending at the east parking lot next to the Pine Bluff Civic Center/City Hall. “The parade promises to be a spectacular showcase of holiday cheer, featuring beautifully decorated floats, lively marching bands, and local organizations,” according to the release. “Participants from across the community will bring this theme to life, offering family-friendly entertainment for all ages to enjoy.” Local businesses and organizations interested in participating in the parade are encouraged to sign up early, as spots fill quickly. For registration details and more information, contact Mary Liddell at (870) 643-2383 or marylddll@yahoo.com or Mar’Tavius Proctor at (870) 730-2004 or mproctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov .
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.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
SEARK president to speak at Alphas’ celebration
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Lambda and Gamma Delta Chapters, will celebrate the 118th Founders Day at 7:06 p.m. Dec. 4 at Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St. The keynote speaker will be Brother Tyrone Jackson, EdD., president of Southeast Arkansas College. The theme is Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc: 118 Years of Empowering Change Through Scholarship and Service to and for our Community.
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.
Mininstry After Divorce event set
Ministry After Divorce Teleconference will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 via Zoom. The meeting ID number is 8986356066. The pass code is 9611508. To participate by phone, call 1.646.931.3860 (Enter the meeting ID and pass code when prompted.) The sponsor is Alfred Carroll Ministries. Panelists include the Rev. Fernando Kittrell known as “The Mental Health Pastor” of Austin, Texas; the Rev. George Glass, pastor of Greater Word of Life Ministries in Bastrop, La.; the Rev. Richard Lewis, pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Copperas Cove, Texas; and the Rev. Alfred Carroll, pastor of Greater Pine Bluff Baptist Church, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 5
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: 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.
Friday, Dec. 6
Rock Painting set
Rock Painting with Paula Kittrell will be held at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Public Library, 600 S. Main St. A mixer kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Rock Painting with Paula is described as relaxing, therapeutic and fun, according to Kittrell. “My rock painting is part ministry and part therapy. I love it,” Kittrell said. There will be refreshments and door prizes. Participants can register to win a prize for groups of four. The cost is $20 per person and may be paid by Cash App at $RevACarrJP. To register or obtain additional information, call (870) 692-9039, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The sponsor is Alfred Carroll Ministries.
Saturday, Dec. 7
3 Authors to appear at library
Alfred Carroll Ministries will host the first in a series of Right to Read events at noon Dec. 7 in the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library, 600 Main St. The event will feature three authors with Pine Bluff roots — The Rev. Fernando Kittrell, Vivian Carroll-Jones and Ulanda Arnett. Each author will provide a brief book overview and have their books on hand for sale. Refreshments will be served. The event is free to the public, according to a news release.
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.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Ceremony to honor deceased children
The Desha County Chapter of the Compassionate Friends invites the community to the 28th annual World-wide Candle Lighting Remembrance at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Dumas Community Center, 18 Belmont Drive, in Dumas. At 7 p.m., participants will light candles in memory of all children “gone too soon … that their light will always shine,” a spokesman said in a news release. A short program of greetings, readings, poems, music and a candle light ceremony will be presented. If you plan to attend, please let the group know by Dec. 4. To RSVP or for more information, text or call (870) 866-6985, (870) 377-4299 or (870) 222-7836.
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.
Beginning Thursday, March 6
Workforce youth program sets events
Be Pro Be Proud, a workforce development initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, announced dates and locations for the 2025 Draft Day Series. Be Pro Be Proud will travel to 11 locations across Arkansas, providing career exploration and interview opportunities to high school students by matching their interests and skill sets with relevant career options, according to a news release. Area events will be held: March 6: Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative, Monticello. April 1: Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart. April 3: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff. April 8: University of Arkansas at Hope/Texarkana, Hope. April 29: El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado. For other dates and locations or details visit AR.BeProBeProud.org.