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 to make additions or changes.
Underway
Covid-19 testing sites available
Details for getting the covid-19 test are available at the Jefferson County Health Department -- 870-535-2142; and Arkansas Department of Health's website -- https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-getting-tested . Scroll down until you see the map and enlarge the map. Click on each star to see where each testing site is located.
Neighbor to Neighbor taking fried pie orders for fundraiser
Neighbor to Neighbor will accept orders for fried pies as part of its fundraiser. Pre-sale orders for a dozen or more frozen pies may be placed by calling Neighbor to Neighbor at 870-534-2883 between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays. All pre-sale orders must be picked up at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St. on Friday, Nov. 20, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pies are $25 a dozen. The pies are made using recipes of the late Wanda Bateman, a local businesswoman. Also, Neighbor to Neighbor and Bull's Den food truck will host a drive-thru barbecue and fried pie fundraiser from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Grace Episcopal Church parking lot. (Walk-ups are also welcome.) Dinners are $10 and include Oscar Bullard's barbecue chicken or pulled pork along with slaw, beans, and bread. For dessert, fresh fried pies will be available.
Thursday, Nov. 12
Veterans Legal Clinic open
The Pine Bluff Veterans Legal Clinic will be open from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Pine Bluff First Assembly Life Center – West Campus, 3206 S. Hazel St. Veterans will be able to receive free consultations. Walk-ins are welcome and in recognition of Veterans Day, a free carry-out lunch will be provided to the veterans, according to a news release. The Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS), the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and the Little Rock VA Medical Center's Justice Outreach Program will have representatives available to consult with veterans. Veterans may also contact the CALS Help Line at 1-800-950-5817. A mask or face covering is required and social distancing guidelines are followed. Details: Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington's Office, 870-730-2000, ext. 7.
Clinic hosts free lunch for veterans
The office of Mayor Shirley Washington announced that the city of Pine Bluff will recognize its veterans for Veterans Day at the Veterans Legal Clinic from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. The clinic is held at First Assembly Church Life Center West Campus, 3206 S. Hazel St. "Tyson's Cook Team will prepare a wonderful meal for them," according to a news release. "This will be a free carry-out lunch. First-come, first served." Details: Pine Bluff Mayor's Office, 870-730-2003.
Police department plans Thankful Thursday
The Pine Bluff Police Department will host Thankful Thursday from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Plaza Hotel, 2 Convention Center Drive. The drive-thru event will feature treats for everyone, including prizes, candy, cookies, drinks and food, according to a news release. "We are asking people to write us a note saying what they are thankful for and bring it to us," a spokeswoman said, adding that participants should include their first name and age on their note. Details: (870) 730-2072.
NAACP sets meeting, officer election
On Thursday, Nov. 12, the Pine Bluff NAACP Branch will hold its regular meeting and election officers, according to a news release. The meeting will be held via Zoom at 6 p.m. The election of officers and at-large members of the executive committee will take place on a virtually and by mail-in ballot. Polls will be open from 3-7 p.m. Details: pbnaacp@yahoo.com.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 13
Heart for the Arts: ASC Telethon highlights local performers
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will conduct Heart for the Arts: ASC Telethon 2020, a virtual fund-raising event. The show will feature area performers in a live-streamed program from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, on ASC's website and social media. Details: asc701.org.
ARTWORKS!! Virtual Art Auction opens
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will present ARTWORKS!! Virtual Art Auction starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and closing at 11:59 Sunday, Nov. 22. This year's auction and bidding process is completely online and open to all. Details: asc701.org.
Saturday, Nov. 14
New Community to open pantry
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will open its food pantry from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14. Food will be given out to anyone who needs it, according to a spokeswoman. New Community observes social distancing and health guidelines.
St. Luke UMC sets drive-
thru Taste of Fall
St. Luke United Methodist Church, 32 School St., will host its annual Taste of Fall as a drive thru and pick up event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14. Participants may pre-order goods by Saturday, Nov. 7. Items will include frozen main-dish and vegetable casseroles, chicken and dressing, pies, cakes, cookies, jams, jellies and canned beets, according to a news release. Weather permitting, local vendor tables will also be available outside with handmade items, jewelry, makeup, wreaths and other items. All proceeds will be used for church missions, according to the release. Available items can be viewed at http://www.stlukeunitedmethodistchurchpinebluff.com under the Taste of Fall tab. For order information or details, call 870-692-2302 or 870-543-0585, or 870-692-8234.
Family FunDay set at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host the free Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 14. Participants can see how to turn potential energy into kinetic energy through engineering balloon-powered bottle and cup cars. Details: asc701.org.
Sunday, Nov. 15
St. Peter's Rock observes 131st anniversary
The St. Peter's Rock Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 S. Catalpa St., will be celebrating its 131st anniversary at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Glenn Barnes, pastor of Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The celebration will also be held on the parking lot.
Monday, Nov. 16
House of Bread opens pantry
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 500 S. Main St., will open its food pantry Monday, Nov. 16, from 1-4:30 p.m. or once the 200 boxes run out. Boxes will be given away on a first come, first served basis. Only one box per household will be available. Everyone must bring proof of address (utility bills and driver's license.) Due to the pandemic, the process is a drive through. Everyone is required to wear a mask. The police department will be on duty to direct traffic. Details: House of Bread apostle, Saint Mary Harris, 870-872-2196.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 16
Pine Bluff to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week
The Generator, a project of Go Forward Pine Bluff, will host a series of free events Nov. 16-19 during Global Entrepreneurship Week. Session dates and locations: Nov. 16 -- 5:30-6:30 p.m. -- Zoom event. Gentrepreneurship: Creating a Business -- An Informational Session. Nov. 17 -- noon-1:30 p.m. -- Zoom event. Google My Business. Nov. 18 -- 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. -- Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. Celebrating Small Business Stories with guests David Maddox of Fathers & Sons Clothier, Jan Robinson of Uptown Salon & Boutique, and Mildred Franco of The Generator. Nov. 19 -- 9-10 a.m. -- The Generator will host a Brew of Entrepreneurial Journeys with Marvin Cawthon Jr., 5 Star Cutz; Reggie Cole, Natural Bliss; Verna Perry, Carpenter's Daughter; and Latasha Taggart, Tagg'd Fashion Boutique. Because of covid-19 restrictions, space is limited, and registration is required. For details to register, visit https://goforwardpinebluff.org/the-generator/. Details: Mildred J. Franco at francomildred@goforwardpb.org.
Tuesday, Nov. 17
Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends opens
The 24th annual Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends, Arkansas' largest drive-thru holiday lights exhibit, will open at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Regional Park. The exhibit will be open from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 17 through Dec. 31. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted at the end of the drive-thru display, according to a news release. The Pine Bluff Festival Association Inc., a non-profit organization, welcomes visitors to Regional Park for the celebration, according to Kerry Battle, association director. Also, people may purchase a lighted star for $25. Stars "In Honor of" or "In Memory of" a person or organization will be displayed on Beachfront Drive at the park. Details: 870-536-7600.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 17
Ivy Center sets November Zoom workshops
Ivy Center for Education will host workshops by Zoom in November. Sessions are primarily for 7-12th graders and meet from 6-7 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 17 -- The Black History of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County -- Lori Walker, historian; Nov. 24 -- Business/Entrepreneurial Workshop -- Chandra Griffin, realtor. To participate in the Ivy Center workshops by Zoom, enter meeting ID:856 8296 4187 and Passcode:351061. Details: mattie1908@gmail.com orPberry867@gmail.com.
Pine Bluff native, Hip Hop artist hosts entrepreneurs on PBS
Pine Bluff native Epiphany "Big Piph" Morrow, a Hip-Hop ambassador who conducted events in more than 10 countries, is using his experience to highlight the entrepreneurs, culinarians and all-around creatives across Arkansas. Arkansas PBS will showcase these stories in the digital series "The Glow With Big Piph" at youtube.com/arkansaspbs at 10 a.m. Tuesdays through Dec. 15.
Wednesday, Nov. 18
Housing Authority Board meets
The Pine Bluff Housing Authority Board of Directors will meet at noon Nov. 18 at the O'Neil Wilson Community Center, next to the Housing Authority's main office, 2503 Belle Meade Drive. Details: 870-541-0706.
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday and the deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Articles may be submitted by email to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing a religion column may submit articles for consideration by email. Please include your phone number, the name and location of your ministry or city where you reside, and your photo. Photos may also accompany church news by email.
Saturday, Nov. 21
Neighbor to Neighbor sets food truck, fried pie fundraiser
Neighbor to Neighbor and Bull's Den food truck will host a drive-thru barbecue and fried pie fundraiser from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Grace Episcopal Church parking lot. (Walk-ups are also welcome.) The agency is hoping this event will help offset the costs of other canceled fundraisers and the increase in the demand for food and services in the community due to Covid-19. Dinners are $10. Choose from Oscar Bullard's famous barbecue chicken or pulled pork. All dinners come with slaw, beans, and bread. For dessert, they are offering fresh fried pies. Pre-sale orders for a dozen or more frozen pies may be placed by calling Neighbor to Neighbor. All pre-sale orders must be picked up at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St. on Friday, Nov. 20, between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pies are $25 a dozen. Details: 870-534-2883 between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Through Monday, Nov. 23
White Hall collects names for Stars in the Park
The White Hall Chamber of Commerce will collect names Nov. 2-23 for Stars in the Park. The activity allows residents to purchase a star for $10 in memory of or in honor of a loved one. The stars will be turned on Dec. 4. Stars in the Park forms are available at the White Hall City Hall at 101 Parkway Drive.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
Kearney conducts free online writing workshop
Author and publisher Janis F. Kearney, a native of Southeast Arkansas, will conduct a free, virtual workshop at 10 a.m. Dec. 1. The community is invited to hear writers read aloud stories they developed in the GetSmART! writing workshops and learn more about the art of writing from Kearney, according to a news release from the Arkansas Arts Council. Registration to the writing workshop is limited and must be made through email at janet.perkins@arkansas.gov. or at ArkansasArts.org. Details: Janet Perkins, 501-324-9775.
Friday, Dec. 4
White Hall plans Christmas drive-bys, walk-bys
The White Hall Chamber is hosting a Drive-Thru Santa event at the White Hall Community Center at 9801 Dollarway Road from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Drivers and passengers will remain inside their vehicles and children will be given pre-bagged cookies from a licensed kitchen and a beverage such as water or a soft drink. Also, Stars in the Park will be turned on Dec. 4. The activity allows residents to purchase a star for $10 in memory of or in honor of a loved one.
Through Friday, Dec. 11
Chamber accepting nominations for Leadership Pine Bluff
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is still accepting nominations for the 2021 Leadership Pine Bluff Class. A formal application will be sent to the applicant upon receipt of a completed nomination form or forms may be picked up at the Chamber at 510 Main St. The deadline for applications to the class is Friday, Dec. 11, according to a news release. Nomination forms are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/c635ad7c-2ace-409c-959c-e617f9b483f7.pdf. Details: Chamber Director Ulanda Arnett at ulanda@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or 870-535-0110.
Junior Leadership Pine Bluff accepting nominations
Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Junior Leadership Pine Bluff Class. Initiated by the Leadership Pine Bluff Alumni Association, the Junior Leadership Pine Bluff program gives high school students an overview of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, according to a news release. The program focuses on local government, education, economic development, quality of life and social skills. The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 11. Details: Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce at 870-535-0110, or Mandy Owens at mandy@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Monday, Dec. 21
UAPB alumni raising scholarship funds
The community is invited to participate in the End of the Year Challenge to help the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association raise scholarship funds. The association's goal is to raise $500,000 for scholarships by Dec. 21, according to a news release. These scholarships will directly benefit students at UAPB. To donate online visit https://www.uapbalumni.org/end-of-the-year-challenge.
Through Saturday, Jan. 2
ASC hosts 'Brothers by One: The Black Athlete and Social Justice' display
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will display "Brothers by One: The Black Athlete and Social Justice" through Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. An exhibit by Rex DeLoney, it is sponsored by Simmons Bank. This exhibition highlights the many ways that Black athletes used their celebrity status and media coverage to give attention to social justice issues; from boxer Muhammad Ali and his stance against the Vietnam War to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem as a statement against police brutality.
Through Saturday, Jan. 23
Arts center hosts Ballots & Laughs
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas 701 S. Main St., will host the "Ballots & Laughs: Political Cartoons of Ray Walters" exhibit. It will be on display and online through Jan. 23, 2021, featuring a light-hearted perspective of the 1930s and '40s political and social climate.
Events underway
Weekdays
New library offering curbside service
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System began offering curbside service Oct. 26 at the new main library, Sixth Avenue and Main Street. The new library will begin checking out materials with curbside service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Library staff and patrons will follow social distancing and public health recommendations during pickup. The facilities are still closed to the public as a precaution against Covid-19, according to a news release. Patrons may use their library cards to access the online catalog or call the main library at 870-534-4802 for curbside service. A staff member will contact the patron to arrange a curbside pickup time.
Neighbor to Neighbor open 5 days a week
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., has reopened five days a week. The agency will be open Monday through Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. For the sake of safety, Neighbor to Neighbor will continue serving to-go lunches at the door from noon to 1 p.m. and are available to anyone who is hungry. Masks are required to enter the building and hand sanitizer will be available at the door, according to a news release. New clients or those seeking assistance with bills or medications should call 870-534-2883 for an appointment.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian Fellowship 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.
Fridays
St. John hosts weekly prayer calls
St. John AME Church at Pine Bluff invites the community to join them in a weekly conference call prayer for deliverance from the coronavirus crisis. The conference call will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, according to the pastor, Cecil L. Williams Jr. Participants must call in by 6:25 p.m. at 1-720-650-3030. The access code is 144-0205# . Details: www.facebook.com/St.JohnPineBluff.
Saturdays
St. Peter's reopens Saturday Soup Kitchen
St. Peter Catholic Church, 15th Avenue and Alabama Street, reopened its Saturday Soup Kitchen for carry out meals only. The kitchen will be open every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to the program held in the cafeteria, the red brick building, according to a news release.