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 began Oct. 21 at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Voters will vote for U.S. President as well as local candidates running for Pine Bluff mayor, school boards and other offices in the Nov. 5 General Election. Until Nov. 3 — Early voting will be held at the county courthouse Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. On Nov. 4, early voting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Election day is Nov. 5 — Polls will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Summit church sets festival
Summit Baptist Church, 901 Ridgway Road, will host a Fall Fun Festival from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday. There will be games, bouncy blow-ups, and lots of food and candy! “There will be something for the entire family. Wear your Halloween costume and enjoy a great event,” according to a news release.
Bradley County roadwork set
Highway 160 west of Hermitage will close from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to allow crews to replace a pipe culvert. Weather permitting, Highway 160 will close 0.25 miles west of Highway 63, near the intersection of Highway 160 and County Road 39. Highway 160 will be open to local traffic on either side of the closure. A detour will be signed using Highways 63, 278 and 160. Traffic will be controlled with the use of barrels, barricades and signage, according to the Arkansas Department of Transporation. Details: IDriveArkansas.com or ARDOT.gov.
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.
Through Wednesday, Oct. 30
Union Hopewell sets revival
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 S. Persimmon St., will conduct a fall revival at 7 p.m. Oct. 28-30. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Anthony Craig, pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Police plan Fall Festival Oct. 31
The community is invited to the Pine Bluff Police Department’s Fall Festival from 6:30-9 p.m. on Halloween at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event is free. “Bring the whole family out for a night filled with fun and treats,” a spokesman said in a release from Stuff in The Bluff.com. There will be candy, popcorn, cotton candy, drinks, games, as well as costume contests, prizes, bingo and a spooky room. “Dress up in your favorite costumes and get ready to have a trick or treating good time with your friends and police officers,” the spokesman said. A clear bag policy will be enforced. All participants must enter with a clear bag. No containers such as Halloween bags, pumpkins or buckets will be allowed, according to Shirley Warrior, PBPD deputy chief in the service division. Details: (870) 730-2086.
Shekinah Glory host Trunk or Treat
Shekinah Glory Global Ministries, 1800 W. 73rd Ave., will host Trunk or Treat from 6-8 p.m. Thursday. There will be live music, treats and activities. Children must be accompanied by adults, according to a flier.
Old St. James hots Trunk or Treat
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will host Trunk or Treat from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. The free event is for all children and will include food and games.
Retired teachers group to meet
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will hold its luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The guest speakers will be Mary Alice Hughes and Lisa Bamburg, endorsed Arkansas Retired Teachers Association (ARTA) insurance specialists. Member reservations are required for the luncheon to be provided by Ms. Dee’s Diner. For details on JCRTA or for luncheon reservations, call Lura Campbell at (870) 543-0127.
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.
Through Thursday, Oct. 31
EHC hosts pecan, peanut sale
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Club members are selling fresh 2024 shelled pecans and double dipped chocolate covered peanuts, which will arrive just in time for holiday cooking, gift-giving, and healthy eating. Prices this year are: 1 pound bag, shelled fancy pecan halves – $14; 1 pound chocolate double dipped peanuts – $14; and Holiday Foods Show Cookbook – $5. Order forms are available at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, 500 S. Idaho St., or by email to Mary Ann Kizer at mkizer@uada.edu. The order deadline is Oct. 31. Make checks payable to Jefferson County Extension Homemakers and bring to the Extension Office by deadline or mail to Delores Kelley, Treasurer; 509 West St.; White Hall, AR, 71602. Details: Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent, at (870) 534-1033 or email mkizer@uada.edu.
Friday, Nov. 1
Art Night on the Block set
Visitors are invited to the ARTx3 Campus’s three facilities for a night of art exhibitions and live music during Art Night on The Block from 5-7 p.m. Friday.
At The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., patrons can view “Picture Pine Bluff,” exhibition which celebrates the city over the years, according to a news release. An art and literacy program showcase of “My Community and Me,” led by teaching artist Elly Bates, features work by eighth-grade students. Visitors can also tour and shop at the newly remodeled gallery store, The 3rd Space. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
At ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St., patrons who enjoy the campus’s monthly Live@5 concert series will be welcomed to jazz and R&B tunes by saxophonist Darnell Cann-Ward. Entry for the concert is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Guests must be age 21 or older. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
At the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St., visitors can view the ongoing exhibitions “Glimmer” by Heidi Carlsen-Rogers and “Hysteria” by Brandi Parker. Young visitors can explore the interactive features, games, and big blue blocks inside the Creative Construction Zone. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Progressive Women plan auction
The Progressive Women’s Association is hosting its Fall Scholarship Auction at 6 p.m. Friday at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. There will be gift certificates, home decor, arts, jewelry and other items along with free refreshments. “Come enjoy the cake walk and see if you can win a cake. Bid for items in our silent auction and then be prepared to bid on items in our live auction,” according to a flier. “Special thanks to Dean Dancer for agreeing to be our auctioneer again this year.” Proceeds will benefit scholarships for women in Jefferson County. Details: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/
Johnson H. Johnson Day observed
Arkansas will celebrate the annual John H. Johnson Day in his birthplace, Arkansas City, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at the John H. Johnson Cultural and Educational Museum. Former owner of Johnson Publishing Co., Johnson was the legendary publisher of Ebony, Jet, and Negro Digest magazines. Hosted by the Friends of John H. Johnson Museum, John H. Johnson Day: A Celebration of Culture and History, will be a day-long event honoring the life and legacy of John H. Johnson. Events include film screenings, business pitch competition, presentations and awards. Details: info@johnhjohnsonmusuem.org or at www.johnhjohnsonmuseum.org.
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.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 1
Bishop observes 47th anniversary
Bishop Esau Watson Jr. of Judah Restoration Worship Center will celebrate 47 years in ministry beginning with Bishop Celebration at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Randle Family Venue, 5812 Ryburn Road. Tickets are $50. The guest speaker will be R.J. Burt, a bishop. The emcee will be Kenneth Robinson, a bishop. Details: (870) 209-7055. 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.
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.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Divine 9 sets All In Rally
The Divine 9 and community partners have united to present an All In Rally on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Early voting is underway at the Jefferson County Courthouse through Nov. 4. This rally is open to the general public. Free hot dogs and hamburgers will be served to the first 250 people who early vote between those hours, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Pine Bluff Transit will offer fare free rides from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you need a ride to the courthouse, contact Pine Bluff Transit director at (870) 543-5130 for details. Free bus rides will also be available Nov. 5, election day. Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on election day.
Exodus.Life sets festival
Exodus.Life will host a Family Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 316 W. Sixth Ave. Admission is free. There will be games, music, giveaways, vendors, and food trucks. Participants should RSVP to www.exoduslife.
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 2
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. 2-3 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/
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.
Sunday, Nov. 3
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.
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.
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
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.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
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.
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.
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.
Friday, Feb. 14
Alphas plan scholarship gala
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will present the All Black Affair, the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser. The gala will be held at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets are $40. The fraternity and foundation will also award the 2024 scholarship recipients at the event. Details: Arzo Knox, (501) 351-7336.