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.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
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, Sept. 19
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Retired Teachers group to meet
The Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association will begin its 2024-2025 year at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 19 with a luncheon meeting at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The guest speakers will be Interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and President Tyrone Jackson of Southeast Arkansas College, according to a news release. Member reservations are required for the luncheon, which will be provided by Southern Edge Catering. The luncheon is free to all 2024 retirees, but a reservation is required. Members are asked to bring jars of peanut butter to be donated to Neighbor to Neighbor to assist families in need. For more information on JCRTA and to make luncheon reservations, call Lura Campbell at (870) 543-0127.
Taste of Southeast Arkansas set
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present An Evening in Paris for the Taste of Southeast Arkansas. The taste will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m., according to the Chamber’s newsletter. Entertainment will be provided by the Rodney Block Collective. “The Taste provides samplings of food from chefs around the region along with beverages and good music,” according to the Chamber’s events’ list. Admission is $55 for Chamber members, $65 for non members, and $600 for a table. For tickets or details, contact the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce at (870) 535-0110.
Women’s Connection to host luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Veronica Anatolie of Edmond, Okla., who will discuss “From Control to Freedom,” according to a news release. Also featured will be David Moon, minister of music at Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. The luncheon costs $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. Participants will be charged for reservations not kept.
Friday, Sept. 20
United Way plans Day of Caring
The annual Day of Caring hosted by United Way of Southeast Arkansas and Clean and Beautiful of Jefferson County will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the green spaces on Hazel Street between 35th and 37th avenues. The project includes cleaning and clearing the fence line, raking, pruning, and removal of limbs and debris for phase 1. Phase two includes digging holes for trees and plants, adding new soil to beds and plants and watering them. Phase three includes making final touches and cleaning the site of any remaining debris. Refreshments will be provided for all volunteers. Interested volunteers should visit the website at www.uwseark.org to sign up. If you have already signed up, United Way says “thank you.” Details: United Way, (870) 534-2153.
Through Friday, Sept. 20
NAACP accepts award nominations
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Pine Bluff Branch is seeking 2024 nominations for the NAACP Awards to be presented at the Dove Freedom Fund Banquet. The banquet will be held Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to a news release. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 20. Nomination forms and award criteria are available by calling Awards Chairman Damaris Mims at (870) 718-7357 or emailing her at damaris.bynum@yahoo.com. NAACP invites people to submit the names of deserving citizens in the community.
Beginning Friday, Sept. 20
Smoke on the Water set Sept. 20-21
Smoke on the Water Productions’ namesake barbecue competition is returning to its birthplace, Regional Park, on Sept. 20-21. The contest touts $50,000 in guaranteed prize money. The evening of Sept. 20 will mark the start of competitive barbecue smoking among the cook teams. Cook teams will compete for cash prizes paid out to 15 places in each of four categories: brisket, chicken, pork butt and ribs. Additional cash awards will be handed out to five overall winners. The general public is invited on Sept. 21. Gates will open at noon with free admission, allowing everyone to enjoy a kids’ fun zone, craft vendors, food trucks, grilling demonstrations by the pros and refreshments by Budweiser. Live music will be presented by White Hall’s Addyson Kennedy Band, then the Jon Bailey & The Heathen Revival and ending with the headliner, Tina Cossey Band. Underwritten in part by the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, the event’s naming sponsor is Sissy’s Log Cabin and the presenting sponsor is Saracen Casino Resort. Details: www.smokeonthewaterbbq.com.
Saturday, Sept. 21
Voter registration drive set
National Trusted Partners Church, 2101 E. Sixth Ave., and Arkansas Community Organizations will have a voter registration drive from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday at the church. Details: Rosetta Madison, (870) 360-1934.
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will host its monthly food giveaway Saturday from 11 a.m. until all food boxes are gone. Proof of address must be at least a driver’s license, identification, or utility bills. All clients must fill out the new Oasis Insight Client form that has been used since August. The new form is being used by all pantries in the Arkansas Foodbank Network, according to a news release. Details: House of Bread pastor, Saint Mary Harris, (870) 872-21296.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 21
Playwriting Workshop set
Participants will learn how to create a play in the ARTx3 Campus’ Playwriting Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 21 and 28 and Oct. 5. The workshop is in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s new theater instructor, Taijee, will lead this five-session workshop. The cost to attend is $25. The workshop is designed for people ages 12 and older. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/playwriting-workshop. For details, contact Lindsey Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Sunday, Sept. 22
COGIC promotes voter registration
Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Counts Weekend, promoting voter registration, will be held locally at 10 a.m. Sept. 22 at Prayer Garden Christian Faith Center Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Apple St. COGIC congregations are registering their entire congregations to vote. These worship services will include voter engagement messages and during the last 15 minutes of service, all congregants who are eligible to vote will have the opportunity to do so, according to a news release.
Dumas church plans men’s conference
Bethlehem Worship Center Church in Dumas invites the community to attend the 2024 Men’s Conference at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 22. The theme is Men Who Conquer (Romans 8:37.) The speaker will be the Rev. Kourtney R. Smith, pastor of Destiny Worship Center of Pine Bluff. Bethlehem’s pastor is Timothy Jones.
Pleasant View honors pastor
Pleasant View Ministries Church, 1117 N. Palm St., will celebrate the 38th pastoral anniversary of the Rev. William A. Shaw Jr. at 11 a.m. Sept. 22. This service will include special guests, tributes, and music.
Monday, Sept. 23
Memorial targets those impacted by suicide
A Community Candlelight Memorial will be held at 7 p.m. Sept, 23 at the Pine Bluff City Hall Complex at the civic center. The focus of the gathering is for those impacted by a loss due to suicide, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project will host the memorial. The general public is encouraged to attend. September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Details: D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project at https://www.thedsop.org/.
GOP to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall.
Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 24
Ivy Center plans events
The Ivy Center for Education planned activities through September. These include Sept. 24 — Ivy Center Future Aviation Engineers will meet from 6-7 p.m. at the Generator, 435 S. Main St., with Sederick Rice, a professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Interested seventh- through 12th-graders are encouraged to attend. Parents are always welcome. Those who cannot attend in person may join on Zoom with Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
Friday, Sept. 27
Local UAPB alumni plan scholarship gala
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N Alumni Chapter will host its annual Scholarship Gala at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The tickets for the black tie affair are $40 each or $400 for a table of 10. With community support, the alumni chapter will be able to provide four $1,000 scholarships to students at UAPB. The scholarships will assist some students in meeting their financial obligations in college. For questions, call Robert E. Carr, first vice president and banquet chair, at (210) 334-5420, or Mary Liddell, president, at (870) 643-2383. The deadline to purchase ads for the souvenir booklet and to purchase tickets is Sept 9.
Voices for Children golf tourney set
Voices for Children will host its 20th annual golf tournament at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Registration starts at 11 a.m., according to a flier. Sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds will help Voices for Children continue to provide court appointed special advocates (CASA) for all foster children in Jefferson and Lincoln counties. Details: Voices for Children, (870) 850-7105, (870) 536-5922 or vfc@vfcadvocates.org.
Saturday, Sept. 28
OSJ presents Women’s Conference
Old Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will host its 10th annual Women’s Conference Sept. 28 beginning at 9 a.m. The presenters will include opening speaker Latonya Scott; Cynthia Bullard discussing “Woman in the Mirror”; Cynthia Howard discussing “Do you like what you see?” Janice Lockett discussing “Stay focused”; and closing speaker Danita Waller Paige. Registration is due Sept. 15 and costs include early bird registration $30 until Sept. 7, regular registration $40 Sept. 8-15; and late registration $45 (after Sept. 15.) Registration includes a conference bag, T-shirt, continental breakfast, goodies, lunch, and special souvenir. For details, email OldSaintJamesWomensMinistry@gmail.com or text (870) 397-7448. Registration is available at https://app.easytithe.com/App/Form/4485fc27-fd5b-4f7b-abb7-d98dc12f9463.
Sunday, Sept. 29
Organ Rededication, Hymn Festival set
First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St., will host a special Organ Rededication and Hymn Festival at 5 p.m. Sept.29. The evening will feature organists Bill Fox, Chuck Fuller, and Robert Lindley; choral works from the Sanctuary Choir; and congregational singing accompanied by Erin Bolton, pianist, and Janine Tiner, organist. This gathering will also celebrate and rededicate the historic Casavant Frères organ, which has been recently renovated. A fellowship reception will be held in the church’s fellowship hall after the program. All are invited to attend, according to a news release.
Soul Food benefit set in McGehee
Oxtails & Mocktails Soul Food benefit will be held from 2-6 p.m. Sept. 29 at the McGehee Depot and Gazebo in downtown McGehee. Musical guest will be Fred T. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of John H. Johnson Museum, according to a flyer. Tickets are $25 in advance at eventbrite.com.
Word of Faith welcomes families, friends
Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1108 S. Poplar St., invites the community to its Family and Friends Day on Sept. 29. Sunday School is at 9:45 a.m. and worship service is at 10:45 a.m. The speaker will be the pastor, Henry Land Jr.
Through Monday, Sept. 30
LIHEAP taking applications
Starting July 1, on a first-come first served basis, residential households can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the network community-based action agencies that serve the county where they live. Applications will be taken through Sept. 30 or until funds are depleted. The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and Entergy Arkansas released statements on this program. Households can find a location to apply for LIHEAP at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx or https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/initiatives/pdfs/LIHEAP_Flyer.pdf.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 5
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: Oct. 5, Dirty Red and the Soul Shakers; 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, Oct. 6
Grace church to bless animals
Grace Episcopal Church, 4101 S. Hazel St., will host a celebration event for the Blessing of the Animals Sunday service at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 on the front lawn of the church grounds. Pets should be on leashes or in carriers during the event. There will be refreshments for adults, children, and pets. Participants are asked to bring a donation of animal food to help support and benefit the Jefferson Humane Society. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside Milwee Hall behind the church. Details: (870) 535-3852 or gracechurchpb@gmail.com.
Monday, Oct. 7
Deadline set to register to vote
For people who want to vote in the Nov. 5 general election, the deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7. Also, the Jefferson County County Clerk’s office has absentee ballot applications available to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for people who want to vote by mail. Early voting will be held Oct. 21 through Nov. 4 at the Jefferson County Courthouse. 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) 541-2125.
Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 9
Pink luncheon, walk set
A Pretty in Pink Luncheon and Pink Out 5K are being planned. Jefferson Regional Foundation will host the Celebrating Survivorship Luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Tickets are $60 and proceeds benefit the Jefferson Regional Breast Center, according to a flier on the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter. Details: Laura Beth Shaner, (870) 541-7210. The Pink Out 5K will be held Oct.12. For details or to register, call the Jefferson Regional Wellness Center in Pine Bluff at (870) 541-7890. “We’re going pink this fall,” according to a flier.
Word of Faith hosts Kingdom Conference
Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1108 S. Poplar St., invites the community to its Kingdom Conference at 7 p.m. Oct. 9-11. The lecturer will be the pastor, Henry Land Jr., and the keynote speaker will be William J. Strong Sr., bishop of Greater New Bethel Church at Milwaukee, Wis.
Friday, Oct. 11
Gala to feature national NAACP leader
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will present the NAACP National President and CEO Derrick Johnson as the keynote speaker during the NAACP’s annual Dove Freedom Fund Dinner. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to a news release. “We are honored to welcome President Johnson to Pine Bluff,” said Ivan Whitfield, president of the Pine Bluff NAACP Branch. “His presence not only celebrates our branch’s on-going work, but also pays homage to the legacy of leaders like Harold Flowers and Wiley Branton Sr., whose efforts paved the way for national civil rights advancements.” The Dove Freedom Fund Dinner serves as a major fundraiser for the Pine Bluff NAACP Branch, supporting its on-going civil rights advocacy, community outreach, and youth programs. Banquet tickets are $50 each or $500 to reserve a table. For tickets, contact Dominique Graydon – (870) 872-3453; Mary Liddell – (870) 643-2383; or Loretta Whitfield – (870) 489-4736. For details and sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael McCray at (870) 543-0024 or mccray.michael@gmail.com.
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.
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
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/
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.
Thursday, Oct. 24
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.
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, Nov. 7
Aquaculture/Fisheries day set Nov. 7
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.
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.
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.