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.
Saturday, Nov. 28
Pilgrim Church giving away food
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its Raven's Nest Food Pantry on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be handed out on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring picture identification. This pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
New Community hosts Shell Marks, musical guests
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host A Night of Love with Shell Marks, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. Marks is a local gospel music artist and a praise team leader at New Community. Marks' guests will include Courtney Wright & Triumphant, Nu Emage, Keenon Coleman, Hearts, Johnson Family and Richard Roberts. New Community observes social distancing and health guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) Hand sanitizers are located at each entrance and ushers offer masks to those who don't have them.
Monday, Nov. 30
New library, branch libraries open
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System's new main library, 600 S. Main St., and branch libraries will open on Nov. 30 with limited services, according to a news release. Branch libraries are located at Altheimer, White Hall, Redfield and the Watson Chapel community. Precautions are being placed to reduce the chances of spreading covid-19. Masks must be worn correctly covering the nose and mouth. "If you cannot wear a mask, call us at (870) 534-4802 and we will be happy to deliver the items you select online to the curbside delivery area," according to the release. Patrons can only visit the library 30 minutes at a time. Details: www.pineblufflibrary.org or (870) 534-4802.
Tuesday, Dec. 1
Delta Sigma Theta to present World Aids Day webinar
The Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will present a World Aids Day webinar at 7 p.m. Dec. 1. The webinar is part of the sorority's public service mission of International Awareness and Involvement, which is one of Delta Sigma Theta's Five Point Programmatic Thrust, according to a news release. The community is invited to join the webinar by Zoom. The meeting ID is 864 5992 3477 and the passcode is 478723. Details: Co-Chairs Mae Hawkins-Coleman, (870) 247-3040, or Bonita Thomas Corbin (870) 489-1848.
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
Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary sets fundraiser
The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary won't have its annual Christmas luncheon because of Covid-19. However, supporters of the luncheon are encouraged to participate in a drive-through, drop-off event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at First United Methodist Church, 501 W. Fifth Ave. Proceeds will be used to purchase essential items for the emergency shelter, to provide tuition to summer camp for less-fortunate children and other projects sponsored by the local Salvation Army Corps. Donations may also be delivered in person to the Salvation Army Corps or mailed to the agency at 501 E. 12th Ave., Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
White Hall plans Santa drive-thru event
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. 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.