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, 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/
McGehee school board to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the high school library. The agenda includes the annual Report to the Public, recognition of Students of the Month, district budget and policy manual revisions proposals, according to a news release.
A&P commission to meet
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the office of the commission, 623 S. Main St. Details: Betty Brown, A&P administrative assistant, (870) 534-2121.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
Southeast Arkansas fair begins
The 85th annual Southeast Arkansas District Fair opens Monday at Hestand Stadium. The fair will open to the public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Admission is free until 4 p.m.; there is a $5 gate fee afterward. The carnival will be open Tuesday through Saturday. The rodeo will be Friday and Saturday. Details: https://www.facebook.com/sedistrictfair/
Civic Auditorium panel to meet
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission meeting will be held at noon Tuesday. For details or to attend by conference call, contact the Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600 or email lmsmith@pinebluff.com.
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.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
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.
GOP to meet
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at Larry’s Pizza in White Hall.
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 $45 and 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.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 28
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. 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. 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.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Watershed plans available for review
The public is invited to review the draft of a plan that addresses flooding and attend a public meeting Oct. 1 between 5-7 p.m. at the Kevin Collins Center in the civic center, 200 E. Eighth Ave. A Draft Watershed Plan-Environmental Assessment (Draft Plan-EA) is ready for review and public comment, according to Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington’s office. The city encourages residents, stakeholders, and community organizations to review the draft plan and provide public comment by attending the public meeting. This plan is a critical step in addressing flood damage reduction for the city and surrounding areas that drain into Bayou Bartholomew and the Caney Creek-Caney Bayou Watershed, according to the news release. The draft Watershed Plan-EA is available at the Pine Bluff Jefferson County Main Library, at 600 S. Main St., and at the Pine Bluff City Hall in the mayor’s office in the civic center complex. The public comment period will remain open until Oct. 8. Comments may be submitted to aseyoum@ejesinc.com; left as a voicemail at the EJES Inc. office at 214-343-1210; or mailed to: EJES Inc., Attn: Seyoum Asamenaw, 12801 N Central Expwy, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75243. Details: Pine Bluff Mayor’s office, Office: (870) 730-2004.
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.
Saturday, Oct. 12
Farm to Table event set
David and Edna Morgan invite the community to attend the Farm to Table event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Morgan Farms, 8309 Old Warren Road. Attendees can meet local farmers. Participants will include Ken and Jackie Carswell of Peaceful Pines Farm, Audrey Long of Grace Gardening, Cody and Victoria West of of S&W Farms, Burtchell Thomas of Burtchell Thomas Farm, John Wesson of JWTL Farms LLC, D&S Produce, and Stephan Walker of Big Food Farm LLC, according to a news release. The event is free to attend. Visitors can try free food samples. Local produce will also be available for purchase.
Sunday, Oct. 13
New Community honors pastor, wife
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will celebrate the 21st anniversary of the pastor/apostle and wife, Patrick and Janice Lockett, at 11 a.m. Oct. 13. The featured speaker will be Esau Watson, bishop at Judah Restoration Worship Center. The community is invited to attend.
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.
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.
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 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.