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.
Underway
Election information, early voting
Early voting continues at the Jefferson County Courthouse from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday. On Election day, Nov. 5, polls will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Union Hopewell holds anniversary
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 S. Persimmon St., will observe its 154th anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3. The guest minister will be the Rev. Lee Whitiker, pastor of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is Celebrating God’s goodness (Ps. 34:8.) Union Hopewell’s pastor is the Rev. Antonio Gayden Sr.
Bishop observes 47th anniversary
Judah Restoration Worship Center, 2410 S. Main St., will honor the bishop and wife, Esau Watson Jr. and Paula Watson, on the bishop’s 47 years in ministry at 3 p.m. Nov. 3. The guest speaker will be Eric Alexander, pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church of Little Rock.
Beginning Sunday, Nov. 3
Toys for Tots collects donations
Toys for Tots will be collecting toys for youth this Christmas. In Pine Bluff, Toys for Tots will be collecting toys from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 3 and Nov. 9-10 at the Walmart Supercenter. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy, game, or puzzle for youth of the area, because every child deserves a little Christmas, according to a news release. For more information on the 2024 Cleveland, Jefferson, and Lincoln County Toys for Tots Campaign or to donate go to https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org/
Beginning Monday, Nov. 4
Winchester road work to begin
Highway 138 near Winchester is scheduled to close from 7 a.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Wednesday to allow crews to replace a pipe culvert. Weather permitting, Highway 138 will be closed from Highway 293 near Selma to Highway 65 in Winchester. The pipe culvert replacement will take place approximately four miles east of Highway 293, according to the Arkansas Department of Highway and Transportation. Highway 138 will remain open to local traffic only on either side of the closure. A signed detour will be in place using Highways 293, 277, and 65. Details: IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
General election day set
Election day is Nov. 5. Polls will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters will vote for U.S. President as well as local candidates running for Pine Bluff mayor, school boards and other offices. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
Club Scrub workshop set
The Ivy Center for Education’s Future Medical Professionals, “Club Scrub,” Workshop will be held Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central campus, at 1601 W. 40th Ave. The topic will be Careers in the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program. The presenter will be Corrine Hollingsworth from the UAMS College of Health Professionals. Students in seventh through 12th grades interested in medical careers are encouraged to attend. Parents are always welcome. Everyone is encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. and enter at the rear of the building. Those who cannot attend in person may join on Zoom with Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: mattie1908@gmail.com.
Beginning Nov. 5
Election panel meets Nov. 5-6
Michael Adam, chairman of the Jefferson County Election Commission, is calling two meetings of the Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners. The election commissioners will hold an election day meeting beginning at 7 a.m. Nov. 5. The commission will remain in session until unofficial election results are announced at the Election Center, 123 Main St., at approximately 10 p.m. In the event commissioners are required to make a decision requiring a vote while the polls are open, it will be at the election center, according to a news release. The election commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at the election center. The agenda includes approve Oct. 16 meeting minutes and public comments on new business agenda items (two minutes per speaker.) New business includes adjudicate any provisional and absentee ballots, approve manual audit of unofficial election results, and any other business that comes before the commission.
Auditions: Miracle on Main set
The ARTx3 Campus will host auditions for Miracle on Main from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 5 and Nov. 7. in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater, 627 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff. This production will be led by Bethany Gere and Kayla Earnest. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center. Participants will have an opportunity to show off their talent through singing, dancing, juggling, storytelling, and more. There will be a reader’s theater component to introduce people into the realm of theater with “Olive the Other Reindeer,” and to sing together in the choir-led telling of “Christmas Wish.” Behind-the-scenes volunteers are also needed to help work on the set, lights, and sound. To register for auditions, visit artx3.org/auditions. For more information or to volunteer backstage, contact Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 395-7059.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
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. 7
N2N Bingo Burger Bash, auction set
Neighbor to Neighbor will hold its annual Bingo Burger Bash & Silent/Live Auction from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The event is the agency’s biggest fundraiser. All proceeds go to fulfilling their mission of feeding the hungry in Jefferson County and providing services to people in crisis, according to a news release. Live auction items include a basketball signed by Coach John Calipari, a football signed by Coach Sam Pittman, a baseball signed by Coach Dave Van Horn and other specialty items. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Table sponsorships are also available. Tickets are limited. Pat Tate is executive director of Neighbor to Neighbor. Details: (870) 534-2883.
Aquaculture/Fisheries day set
The Aquaculture/Fisheries Aquatic Sciences Day will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This is a chance for students to learn about the wide range of opportunities in aquaculture and fisheries. The event is for all high school students, especially juniors and seniors interested in natural resources and agriculture/aquaculture careers, according to a news release. For details or to register, contact Denise Haynes at (870) 575-8094 or haynesd@uapb.edu or Cheryl Waddell at (870) 575-8968 or waddellc@uapb.edu.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 7
Ivy Center offers free ACT Boot Camps
The Ivy Center for Education will offer six 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. 7 — 6-8 p.m. — Math and English; 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.
Friday, Nov. 8
Holiday Foods Show set
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Club members will present the 40th annual Holiday Foods Show Nov. 8 beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave., Pine Bluff. Tickets are available for $20 from EHC members and include a cookbook. Details: Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent, at (870) 534-1033 or email mkizer@uada.edu.
ART WORKS Presents: Open-Mic Poetry
The ARTx3 Campus will host an evening of poetic expression during “ART WORKS Presents: Poetry,” hosted by Tru Poet, from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 8. The event will be in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. “Ages 16 and older are invited to share their spoken-word selections and original creations in an encouraging and inspiring environment, celebrating the art of poetry and storytelling in an open-mic setting,” according to the release. Entry is $5 for ARTx3 members and $10 for nonmembers. No registration is required. Participants can enter for a chance to win door prizes. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Pilgrim church to give away food
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its Raven’s Nest Food Pantry on Nov. 9 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The agency is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
FunDay features Heidi Carlsen-Rogers art
Create art with artist Heidi Carlsen-Rogers from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 9, at the Arts & Science Center. The event is part of Second Saturday Family FunDay, and is free and open to the public. Carlsen-Rogers will present an “Art in the Garden” activity using sheets of pastel-colored cardstock as a background and instruct visitors on creating glimmer garden panels using flower line drawings or designing them and artistically arranging bouquets to make art pieces. This event will be in the William H. Kennedy Gallery at the Arts and Science Center, where Carlsen-Rogers’ exhibit “Glimmer” is on display.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Corvettes, Veterans Salute set
Jason Irby Innovation Foundation will present Corvettes and Veterans Salute and Ceremony 2024 Nov. 10 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The community is invited to attend, according to Irby, a Jefferson County native. The event opens at 10 a.m. with a prayer vigil followed by other activities throughout the day. The celebration will honor veterans and the stadium built as a living memorial to their service. The special guest speaker will be James A. LaCoursiere, National Commander of the American Legion. Details: Jason Irby at jasonirbyinnovationfoundation@gmail.com or corvettesandveterans@gmail.com.
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.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
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.
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/.
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.
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/
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.
Thursday, Nov. 21
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.
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, Dec. 13
Salvation Army holiday event set
The Salvation Army Festival of Tables will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at First Methodist Church of Pine Bluff. Festival of Tables will feature Santa and a bakery and gift shop, according to an auxiliary news release.
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.