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.
Monday, Oct. 14
WCSD to give annual report to public
The Watson Chapel School District will deliver its annual report to the public at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the district administration building, 4100 Camden Road. The school board’s monthly meeting will follow, according to a news release.
Future Engineers to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Ivy Center for Education will meet with the Future Aviation Engineers Oct. 14 from 6-7 p.m. at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. Sederick Rice from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is the presenter. Students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to attend. Parents are always welcome to attend, according to a news release. Those who cannot attend in person, may attend via Zoom using meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Quilter’s Guild meets
The Pine Bluff Quilter’s Guild will meet at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St. A special show and tell will be presented by members who attended the Pet Project Workshop. A fall clearance sale will be held after the business meeting. Members are encouraged to shop the sale tables for material and sewing items for their use and for any sewing friends, according to news release.
Police set Domestic Violence Walk
The Pine Bluff Police Department invites the community to join them in the 2024 Domestic Violence Walk from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 15. The walk will start and end at the steps facing Eighth Avenue at the Pine Bluff Civic Center. This event is free and lunch will be provided, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. “If you or someone you know has been victimized from this crime, please come out and walk with us,” said PBPD Deputy Chief Shirley Warrior. “For anyone who is physically unable to walk this route, but would like to be included, transportation will be available for their convenience.” Details: Deputy Chief Shirley Warrior, (870) 489-9981.
DAR to meet
The Pine Bluff-John McAlmont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at Lakeside United Methodist Church Center, 1500 S. Laurel St. Thomas A. DeBlack will present a program on “Arkansas History: the Civil War and Pine Bluff.” DeBlack is a retired history professor at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and Hendrix College in Conway as well as an award-winning author and orator, according to a news release.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Arkansas Hospice plans volunteer training
Arkansas Hospice, 1301 Ridgway Road, Suite 2A, will host a volunteer training session at 9 a.m. Oct. 16 in the office. The event is for anyone wanting to learn about the organization and its volunteer opportunities. Lunch will be provided. To register for the volunteer training, email Volunteer Coordinator Linda Bateman at lbateman@arkansashospice.org or call (870) 850-6195 or toll-free at 800-596-6195, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Details: www.ArkansasHospice.org/volunteer.
Lock No. 5 to be closed Oct. 16
Mariners are advised that Col. Charles D. Maynard Lock (No. 5) in Jefferson County will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16. The lock closure is required to facilitate ongoing work on the hydraulic system, according to a news release. For details, contact the Little Rock District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, at (501) 324-5096 or email CESWL-OP-OM@usace.army.mil.
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, Oct. 17
Christian Women’s luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The special event will be a silent auction bake sale and White Elephant sales, according to a news release. The speaker will be Julie Altemus of Carrollton, Texas. Her topic will be “Journey from Darkness to Light.” “Julie has worked in the corporate sales industry for nearly a decade and brings her personal experience to the stage of winning battles, tacking teamwork, and helping several companies’ growth strategies,” according to the release. The luncheon costs $21, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. Reservations must be made three days in advance. Participants will be charged for reservations that are made and not kept.
Friday, Oct. 18
Small Museum Grants available
Arkansas Heritage Small Museum Grant applications for fall are due Oct. 18. Communities interested in applying for the grants are encouraged to act now. The goal of the Small Museum Grants program is to promote education, awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas history and to increase the ability of community-based small museums and organizations to research, preserve, present and conserve Arkansas history. This grant program is funded by the one-eighth cent conservation tax. Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of $250,000 or less; must have a staff of at least one person, either paid or volunteer; and must be open to the public at least 90 days per year. Eligible activities include buildings and grounds maintenance, operating costs, equipment purchases up to $1,000, accessioning of artifact collections, educational programming, research, exhibits and web site design and maintenance. The maximum grant award is $2,500. For details or to apply, visit https://www.arkansasheritage.com/available-grants/division-of-arkansas-heritage-grants.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Free smoke alarm installations available
The American Red Cross of Northwest Arkansas, along with the Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department, are offering free smoke alarm installations and home safety education for Pine Bluff residents in need during a Sound the Alarm home fire safety event Oct. 19. Residents who need assistance can register at redcross.org/smokealarmAR for a 20-minute home fire safety visit and free smoke alarm installation between 9 a.m. and noon on Oct. 19. Volunteers and firefighters will also share information on the causes of home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts and how to create an escape plan. Any resident in Arkansas can receive the free smoke alarm and home safety education on a different day if they’re not available Oct. 19. They can fill out the form online at redcross.org/smokealarmAR or locally contact the Pine Bluff fire department at (870) 730-2048.
Breast Cancer Awareness lunch set
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 in the church’s fellowship hall. The featured speaker will be Dr. Yara Robertson of CARTI Cancer Center. The theme is Faith over fear (II Timothy 1:7.) Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Barbara Rankins, coordinator, at (870) 329-3380, or Karen Walker (870) 643-3937. Cancer survivors who plan to attend should contact Rankins by Oct. 11 because they will be honored at the luncheon. The attire is facinators and pearls.
Pleasant Grove sets fall festival
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 Indiana St., invites the community to attend its Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19. This event is free.”Come join us for safe family friendly fun!” a spokesperson said on Stuff in The Bluff.com. Highlights include a bounce house, food, a cake walk, bingo, face painting and other activities. Pleasant Grove’s pastor is the Rev. Dennis Wilson.
White Hall hosts Founder’s Day
White Hall is preparing to host the 60th anniversary of White Hall Founder’s Day on Oct. 19. Entertainment will include Marybeth Byrd (The Voice/America’s Got Talent contestant) and The Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band, according to https://www.facebook.com/whitehallar/ The community is invited to participate. “It’s a work in progress, but go to https://whitehallfoundersday.com/ and register to have a booth, food truck, be in the parade or all the above. Also, the talent page will be up and running soon. Thank you for your patience,” according to the Facebook post. Participants may also register a car for this year’s Classics in the Park Car Show at Founders Day Oct. 19. To register for the car show, call Jeff Insley at (870) 718-2316. “Also if you want to drive your car in the parade be sure to let Jeff know,” according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/
Thornton plans festival, BBQ cookoff
The city of Thornton and Thornton Step-By-Step Inc. will sponsor the annual Fall Festival and Hot Lips BBQ Cookoff on Oct. 19. There is no fee to attend, but they ask people to bring their own lawn chairs. The fall festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Roy Yarbrough City Park on U.S. 79B in Thornton, across from Greater St. Mark AME Church. The Hot Lips BBQ Cookoff will take place across the street from the park near the fire sub-station and extending over onto the campus of the Greater St. Mark. The gathering will include live music by “William Young and Friends,” who will be playing from 1-4 p.m. along with other fun-filled events and games. There will also be booths on display.
Sunday, Oct. 20
St. Peter’s Rock hosts Prayer and Pizza
St. Peter’s Rock Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 S. Catalpa St., will host the next Prayer and Pizza gathering for children from 2-3 p.m. Oct. 20. The guest speaker will be Faydra Haynie, a Heart Corps service member and assistant family life pastor at Full Counsel Church-Pine Bluff. NAACP President Ivan Whitfield will give an update on voter registration, according to a news release. The Prayer and Pizza service allows people to pray for and encourage children. The event is held at a different church once a month and sponsors provide refreshments. Dee Clay is the coordinator.
First Missionary Baptist holds anniversary
First Missionary Baptist Church, 4500 Faucett Road, will observe its 159th anniversary at 11 a.m. Oct. 20. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Marvel Williams of Little Rock.
Barraque Street church sets Women’s Day
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will conduct its annual Women’s Day at 11 a.m. Oct. 20. The guest speaker will be Judge Latonya Austin Honorable, a member of St. Luke Baptist Church in North Little Rock. The guest choir director will be Kayla Knight. Choir rehearsal dates are Oct. 9 at 7:15 p.m. and Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. The theme is Christian Women Called to Live Faithfully in Peace (Esther 4:14.) The Rev. Sidney D. Milton Sr. is pastor of Barraque Street church.
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 20
UAPB announces Homecoming events
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host its annual homecoming celebration Oct. 20-26, according to a news release. Events include: Oct. 20 — Black & Gold Sunday is held at Full Counsel Ministries Pine Bluff, 517 S. Cherry St., at 10:30 a.m. and features the UAPB Vesper Choir and Marching Musical Machine of the Midsouth. At 6 p.m., the Gospel Extravaganza will be held in the STEM Conference Center. Oct. 22 — the Annual Homecoming Campus Kick-off will be at 11 a.m. at the bell tower followed by a 7 p.m. comedy show. Oct. 23 — The Coronation Ceremony is at 7 p.m. and a Coronation Ball at 8:30 p.m. at the H.O. Clemmons Arena in the Kenneth L. Johnson Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) complex. Oct. 24 — the alumni golf tournament is at 8:30 a.m. at the Harbor Oaks Golf Course. The Homecoming Bonfire is at 8 p.m. at the HPER parking lot. Oct. 25 — UAPB hosts the Annual Alumni Assembly at 9 a.m. in the arena of the HPER complex. At 12:30 p.m., the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association will present its Alumni Awards Luncheon & General Membership Meeting at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Yard Fest occurs from noon to 3 p.m. at the bell tower, followed by a Homecoming Greek Show at 6 p.m. in the HPER. The parade starts at by the Annual Homecoming Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street. Oct. 26 — The parade route starts at 15th Avenue and Main Street. The football game between the Golden Lions and the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils starts at 2 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field. Details: UAPB.EDU.
Monday, Oct. 21
Divine 9 sets early voting rally
The Divine 9 and community partners will host a Soles to the Polls Rally on the first day of early voting, Oct. 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The target goal is 4,000 people voting on the first day of early voting, according to a news release on Stuff in The Bluff.com. This event is open to the general public. Soles to the Polls is a nationwide effort that focuses on registration — expanding the electorate, education — knowing your voting rights, mobilization — encouraging voter participation in elections, and protection — ensuring all votes are counted, according to the release.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 21
CARTI plans Mammograms and Muffins
CARTI will host its annual Mammograms and Muffins. Held each October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the events are designed to reduce the barriers women often face in receiving their annual screenings, according to a news release. Mammograms and Muffins will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21-25 and from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at CARTI in Pine Bluff, 5001 Bobo Road. In addition to receiving their screenings at the events, women can enter giveaways and receive free educational materials. Those interested in scheduling an appointment may call (501) 537-MAMO.
Election information, early voting
Voters will decide upon the next U.S. President as well as local candidates running for city offices and school boards in the Nov. 5 General Election. OCT. 21 — Early Voting will be held at the county courthouse Oct. 21 through Nov. 4. Voting occurs Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. OCT. 29 — Deadline to receive absentee ballot applications by mail, fax, or email. NOV. 5 — Election Day — Polls will be open 7:30a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Suicide Prevention workshop set
The Ivy Center for Education will host the Ivy Center will host a Suicide Prevention Workshop Oct. 22 from 6-7 p.m. The event will be led by Kymara Seals, founder and board chair of the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project. The workshop will be held at the Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. Students in 7-12th grades, parents and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend in person or via Zoom with Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988 anytime, 24 hours a day. Details: mattie1908@gmail.com
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Emergency planning meeting set
The Local Emergency Planning Committee will meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 23 in the training room at the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management in the courthouse. Participants will be conducting a review of the Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop held in June and the completed Integrated Preparedness Plan, according to a news release.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Trinity Village sets soup event
Trinity Village will host its fall Soup Er Shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24. Admission is by donation. Donations will be used to update parts of the medical center. “Taste the soups and shop with 16 vendors,” according to a flier on the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter.
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. Oct. 24. To reserve a timeslot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Oct. 23, 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.
Fish fry to honor agribusinesses
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a fish fry to honor Jefferson County agribusinesses. The event will be held Oct. 24 at Hestand Stadium. The gates open at 5 p.m. and dinner continues until 7 p.m. The fish fry, catered by King Kat, is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members, according to the Chamber newsletter. Sponsorships are $400 and include five meal tickets, the ability to place your company banner inside the arena, and your company name listed on all sponsorship marketing materials. If you are interested in serving as a fish fry volunteer or becoming a sponsor, contact the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 24
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: Oct. 24 — 6-8 p.m. — Science and Reading; 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.
Saturday, Oct. 26
UAPB sets parade, game
Homecoming for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff includes major events Oct. 26.
The 3rd Annual 2-Mile Walk Run is held from 7-9 a.m., followed by the Annual Homecoming Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street. The parade route is as follows: Starts at 15th Avenue and Main Street; travels north on Main Street to Sixth Avenue; turns east on Sixth Avenue to Convention Center Drive; turns south on Convention Center Drive. The parade will end at 9th Avenue and Convention Center Drive. The highlight of the Homecoming Week is the game between the Golden Lions and the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils. The game starts at 2 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket office at (870) 575-8601 or by visiting www.uapblionsroar.com/tickets. UAPB JAMS: The Official Homecoming Party starts at 7 p.m. at the HPER. The UAPB FIFTY Under 50 Outstanding Young Alumni, sponsored by the UAPB/AM &N National Alumni Association, will be presented at ‘The All-Black Affair’ at the Pine Bluff Convention Center at 8 p.m. Admission is $50 and tickets may be purchased by calling (870) 536-2309 or by visiting https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/ouBuJw?vid=1808jb . Details: UAPB.EDU.
Drug Take Back Day returns
The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership encourages Arkansans to participate in Arkansas Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 26. Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient and responsible way for people to dispose of unused or unwanted medication. Arkansas is among the top 10 states in the U.S. for the weight of drugs collected during these events, underscoring the state’s dedication to limiting prescription drug misuse, according to a news release. The ReviveAR app provides up-to-date information about Arkansas Drug Take Back and offers a search function that pinpoints drop boxes by name or zip code. Details: ARTakeBack.org.
Through Monday, Oct. 28
Art League display open
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., is hosting the 2024 Pine Bluff Art League Annual Exhibition in the International Paper Gallery through Oct. 28., Pieces from the exhibition are available for purchase. Gallery admission is free. The Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co. is sponsoring the exhibition. For details, visit artx3.org/exhibitions/2024-pine-bluff-art-league-exhibition.
Thursday, Oct. 31
WH center plans Falloween Festival
White Hall Community Center’s Second Annual Falloween Festival will be held from 5-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at the center, 9801 Dollarway Road. “Come Trick or Treat. They will have free candy, hot dogs, popcorn and water. They will also have game booths set up. This event is free and indoors. We hope to see everyone there,” according to a post at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC.
Friday, Nov. 1
Free dental care available for veterans
Free dental care is available for Arkansas veterans on Nov. 1 at seven dental clinics during the third annual Operation Stand Down. Dental care will be given by appointments only. In Pine Bluff, free veterans’ dental service will be provided at Taylor and Carter Family Dentistry, 3801 S. Olive St. on Nov. 1. Locations also include Arkadelphia, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Mountain View, according to a news release. To schedule an appointment, veterans must contact their county’s Veterans Service Office or Gina Chandler at the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs by emailing gina.chandler@arkansas.gov. Proof of discharge papers, a DD214, will be required for verification purposes.
Through Friday, Nov. 1
Agriculture Hall of Fame seeks nominations
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is seeking nominations from the public for its next class of inductees. The nomination deadline is Nov. 1. The Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes Arkansans who have contributed significantly to the state’s largest industry while spotlighting their contributions to the state’s economic development, according to a news release. The induction ceremony for the next class of honorees will be held March 28 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The nomination form is available at https://www.arkansasaghalloffame.org/pages/member-nomination-form/. Forms can also be requested by calling (501) 228-1609.
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 2
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: Nov. 2, Jerry McCoy and the Groove Diggers; Dec. 7, Fonky Donkey; Jan. 4, 2025, Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon; and Feb. 1, 2025, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.
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.
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/.
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.
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.
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.