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
Enchanted Land open
The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends is open Regional Park from 6-9 nightly through Dec. 31. Known as the state's largest drive-through of holiday lights, the exhibit usually has more than 120 displays, many that are animated. Admission is free.
Firefighters host Holiday Santa Run
The Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services Department will make its annual Holiday Santa Run throughout Pine Bluff from approximately 5-8 p.m. daily through Dec. 24. As precautions against covid-19, social distancing and masks will be required, according to a news release. Fire department personnel and Carrington Electric Co. of Pine Bluff decorated a reserve fire truck with Christmas lights and with assistance from Stereo Junction, a sound system is used to play Christmas music as they drive through the neighborhoods. Details: Pine Bluff Fire and Emergency Services, (870) 730-2048, on Facebook or www.pineblufffire.com.
Tuesday, Nov. 30
Sheriff's press conference to address gang activity
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will host a press conference at noon Nov. 30 at its administrative offices, 410 E. Second Ave., to announce the details of the progress of the Gang Reduction Imitative of Pine Bluff (G.R.I.P.) G.R.I.P. will focus on anti-gang and violence-reduction strategies to improve the quality of life and make Pine Bluff a safer place to live for residents, according to a news release.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 30
Salvation Army Auxiliary hosts Christmas fundraiser
The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary won't hold its annual Christmas Luncheon and Festival of Tables, but will accept donations for the local Salvation Army, which provides food, shelter, socialization opportunities, spiritual enrichment and other services. The festivities were canceled in 2020-21 because of covid-19, according to a news release. Checks should be made payable to the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary and delivered to the Salvation Army Corps headquarters at 501 E. 12th Ave. or mailed to Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, P.O. Box 8209, Pine Bluff, AR, 71611. Details: Salvation Army, (870) 534-0504.
Pine Bluff Art League notes plans
The Pine Bluff Art League members Vickie Coleman and Pam Woolley will present a workshop using alcohol inks from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., in room A & B. The workshop costs $10 for members and $20 for non-members, according to a news release. For details, contact league member Dell Gorman at (870) 718-2274. The Pine Bluff Art League will host an end of year get together from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Reynolds Center. Members are encouraged to bring one of their earliest and one of their latest works. The community is invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Masks are required. Details: Claudia Spainhour, Pine Bluff Art League president, mediapinebluffartleague@gmail.com.
Through Tuesday, Nov. 30
Locals among Small Works display at HSU
The 2021 Small Works on Paper, an annual touring visual arts exhibition, is open at Russell Fine Arts Gallery at Henderson State University at Arkadelphia. The show features 26 artists including Crystal Jennings of Rison and Kimiara L. Johnson of Pine Bluff. The exhibition is free for public viewing and most works will be available for sale, according to a news release. The project will be on display through Nov. 30. The Russell gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Farm to School grant applications available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the second-annual Arkansas School Garden Grant Program and the new Taste Test Grant Program to help schools start or expand farm to school activities. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30, according to a news release. The grant programs are available to public and private K-12 schools, early childhood education facilities, and alternative learning environments. Applicants are welcome to apply for one or both grant opportunities. The applications can be found at https://bit.ly/3bkrYSd.
Wednesday, Dec. 1
White Hall Community Christmas set
The White Hall Chamber of Commerce will host A White Hall Community Christmas from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend. There will be the official lighting of the Community Center Christmas Tree and White Hall's Santa Truck and Santa will stop by the center. The White Hall City Park will also host its newly installed Lights in the Park display. The lights go on at dark in front of city hall and include about 57 three-foot lighted trees adorned with memorial toppings.
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 shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Dec. 2
The Links leads discussion on police
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. invites the community to join a Zoom session on "Police Engagement and Community Education (PEACE)." The virtual event will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 2. The session will focus on what to do when encountering law enforcement and how to reduce gang violence in the community, according to a news release. The speakers will be Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., the 32nd sheriff in the county; Kerri Williams, data specialist for United Citizens of Pine Bluff and a local educator; and Kymara Seals, the tri-convener for United Citizens of Pine Bluff who is engaged in issues facing the city. To join the Zoom, use use meeting ID: 944 2387 7911 and passcode: 692876 or dial-in at 646-558-8656.
Christmas Parade happens
The Pine Bluff Christmas Parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and everyone's invited to attend. According to Go Forward Pine Bluff, the parade will start at 10th Avenue and Main Street, proceed to Sixth Avenue and Main Street and turn south toward Convention Center Drive. The parade will turn south on Convention Center Drive and end at the Civic Center where Santa will arrive by helicopter, Go Forward said. "Bring everyone out for this year's Christmas Parade. Come see Christmas Floats and an assortment of music. Plan your designated viewing spot," the Pine Bluff Downtown Development newsletter said.
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 2
Go Forward announces Mistletoe Magic
Go Forward Pine Bluff invites the community to attend the holiday celebration, 2021 Mistletoe Magic. Events include: At 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2, the Christmas Parade will be held downtown. From 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3, the community is invited to visit the Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends at Regional Park. Christmas photos will be taken from 5-9 p.m. for the Community Christmas Book. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, the Downtown Christmas Crawl will be held at Burt's Food Court & Events downtown. Details: https://goforwardpinebluff.org.
Saturday, Dec. 4
Alphas founders observance set virtually
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will celebrate the fraternity's's 115th founders day virtually at 7:06 p.m. Dec. 4 via Zoom. The guest speaker will be Jeramaine O. Netherly, Alpha Phi Alpha southwest regional vice president. The 2021 Brother of the Year honoree will be Jackie Harris, a lawyer from Pine Bluff, according to a news release.
CrEATe Lab with Faith Anaya set at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas' nutritious cooking series CrEATe Lab will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The program is open to ages 10-17, with a maximum of 10 students. The cost is $35 for all sessions with partial scholarships available. To register, visit asc701.org/create-lab or call ASC at 870-536-3375. ASC continuing its partnership with Faith Anaya and her Kids Cook! team. The fall series is sponsored by Saracen Casino Resort. The series will include a Saracen chef demonstration on Dec. 4.
Sunday, Dec. 5
New Hope honors pastor, wife
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at Moscow will celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Stanley R. Blair Sr. and Tina Blair, at noon Sunday, Dec. 5. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Lee Whitiker, pastor of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church at Pine Bluff, accompanied by the Solid Rock choir and church family.
Beginning Sunday, Dec. 5
SEA concert group hosts performances
The Southeast Arkansas Concert Association 2021-22 season returns to live events, according to a news release. Several events will be held at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Fine Arts Center. Programs include: Christmas Around the World -- Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. by the West Edge String Quartet at the center. Tuba Skinny -- on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the center. The Little Mermaid, the annual musical, will be held March 7-12 with 13 shows at the center. For tickets and details, visit: https://searkconcert.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Pearl Harbor Day to be observed at Monticello
The Southeast Regional Veterans Fair and Pearl Harbor Day recognition ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)/American Legion Hall at Monticello. The veterans' clinic will begin at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be offered for $5 and include barbecue with drink. A chili cook-off contest (registration at: https://tinyurl.com/f8ccsjne) will kick off at 2 p.m., according to a news release. Dec. 7 is the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. The free event brings the county, state and federal Veterans Affairs experts to the VFW Hall and will include veterans' claims and health eligibility assistance. DeWitt eighth-graders will interview veterans for their history class. Veterans or family members who'd like to be interviewed can register at https://tinyurl.com/6as9tcrw. Vendors may register at https://tinyurl.com/uy74fcdh.
Through Thursday, Dec. 9
Leadership Pine Bluff applications available
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2022 Leadership Pine Bluff class. The application deadline is Dec. 9, according to the Chamber newsletter. The class is a formal program to identify, inform and motivate emerging leaders for Pine Bluff and Jefferson County. Running January through September, the group meets one day each month to network, develop, and learn more about industries and non-profits in the region. The cost of the program is $575 plus a $35 non-refundable application fee, according to the newsletter. The application is available at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/9a768598-baa6-4756-b4bd-3ab7f968c318.pdf or by emailing ulanda@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Friday, Dec. 10
UAPB presents 2021 fall graduation
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 2021 fall commencement will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event is open to the public, according to the center's calendar. http://www.uapb.edu.
Saturday, Dec. 11
SEARK, casino to present gala
Southeast Arkansas College and Saracen Casino Resort will present the 2021 Roaring 20s Holiday Scholarship Gala. The event will be held Dec. 11 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Details: LaWanda Smith at lsmith@seark.edu or (870) 850-4910 or Mae Washington at mwashington@seark.edu or (870) 543-5922.
Through Monday, Dec. 13
Day center hosts coat drive
Lula Mae's Day Center Inc. of Pine Bluff is hosting a coat drive to help keep the community warm. The organization will accept donations of coats, jackets, sweaters, socks, scarves, blankets, and boots, according to a news release from Shaneka Hamilton, executive director. The deadline is Dec. 13. For drop-off sites or details, contact Hamilton at (870) 345-9596, Jeremecia McDaniel at (870) 527-7202 or visit https://www.facebook.com/lulamaedaycenter/.
Friday, Dec. 17
SEARK graduation set
The 2021 fall commencement for Southeast Arkansas College will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at the Seabrook Recreational Center. The ceremony will be attended by students and staff in-person and it will be live streamed for family and friends to view, according to a news release. Covid-19 protocols will be in place and everyone will be required to wear masks. Details: https://www.seark.edu.
Beginning Friday, Dec. 17
Silver Gloves boxing set at Pine Bluff
Gloves Not Guns will present the Region 6 USA Amateur Boxing Arkansas State Silver Gloves tournament at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 1 p.m. Dec. 18. The doors will open an hour before the events, according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for youth and free for children 5 and younger. Sponsors include ExplorePineBluff.com, The Corvette Brothers, Aisha's and USA Boxing. Details: Coach Albert Brewer, (870) 329-3875.
Through Friday, Dec. 17
Centers seek holiday donations for senior citizens
The community is asked to be Santa to a senior citizen. Donations are being accepted through Dec. 17 at all Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas Senior Centers for people to give gifts for seniors, according to a news release. Donation boxes will be set up at all centers. Gifts will be wrapped and distributed Dec. 18. Examples would be throws, socks, hats, gloves, scarfs. Details: Lauren Bland, (870) 543-6337.
Junior Leadership applications available
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2022 Junior Leadership Pine Bluff Class. The program for high school students runs January through May, from 4-6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. Applications are due Dec. 17. "Do you know a high school junior who aspires to make a difference in their community? A student eager to examine community issues and strengthen their leadership skills? Applications are now available for the 2022 Class of Junior Leadership Pine Bluff," according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Beginning Monday, Dec. 27
St. John hosts virtual VBS
St. John AME Church will host a Virtual Winter Vacation Bible School via Zoom from 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 27-29 for all age groups (preK to adults). Registration is free. Early registrants will be eligible to win a prize in the drawing Nov. 30, the day early bird registration ends. The winner will be notified by phone. Regular registration will be Dec. 1-19. The public is invited to participate. Registration is available at https://www.stjohnamepinebluff.org. The speakers will be Shaquille Ingram, Ayanna Williams and Brae McDonald. The Rev. Cecil L. Williams Jr. is the pastor. Sheryl Kearney is the Christian Education director. Details: mskearney@msn.com.
Saturday, Jan. 8
Reception, Coon Supper set at Gillett
The 10th annual "Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception" will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Berry Farm Shop at Gillett followed by the 78th Gillett Coon Supper at the Gillett School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m., according to a news release. Both events benefit non-profits. The pre-supper reception tickets are $40 each. Sponsorships are available to be a Berry Good Host for $1,000 and a Berry Good Friend for $500. The coon supper tickets are $30 and may be purchased by contacting Larry Bauer at (870) 830-4002. All tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Details: Becky Barnes Campbell at (501) 912-7560, Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329 or Facebook.
Through Monday, Jan. 24, 2022
Applications for 2022 Governor's School open
Student applications are open for the 2022 Arkansas Governor's School. The deadline to apply is Jan. 24. Arkansas Tech University at Russellville will host the 43rd AGS July 5 through Aug. 1, according to a news release. AGS serves approximately 400 students during the summer before their senior year in high school. Eligible students interested in attending should inquire with their school counselors about the nomination process. Information is also available at www.atu.edu/ags by sending an e-mail to ags@atu.edu.
Through Saturday, Jan. 29
ASC hosts exhibition Beyond Labels | Más Allá De Las Etiquetas
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting "Beyond Labels | Más Allá De Las Etiquetas by Virmarie DePoyster," a portrait exhibition. DePoyster is a bilingual Puerto Rican artist interested in bringing communities together through art. This exhibition will run through Jan. 29.
Thursday, Feb. 10
Waterfowler Hall of Fame postpones ceremony
The Arkansas Waterfowler Hall of Fame will host its induction ceremony at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at Chenal Country Club at Little Rock. The event benefits the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie at Stuttgart, which houses the Hall of Fame. The ceremony will highlight honorees from the classes of 2020 and 2021, according to a news release. Details: grandprairiemuseum.com or waterfowlerhof.com.
Friday, Feb. 11
Alphas to host Valentine fundraising gala
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation (SEAJF) annual Valentine Scholarship Fundraiser gala will be held at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to attend. The colors will be all black with a touch of gold. This fundraiser will include a catered meal by First Class Catering/James Rice and dancing, according to a news release. Organizers will follow guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual tickets are $40 each or a table of 10 for $400. Sponsorships are: Jewel level $5,000; Yellow Rose level $2,500; Old Gold level $1,000; and Black level $400. Donations to the SEAJF are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Checks should be payable by Feb. 4 to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization, or Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Gregory Murray at (870) 550-4281.
Saturday, Feb. 19
Jefferson Regional Foundation sets ball
Jefferson Regional Foundation is planning the Winter Wonderland Ball 2022 for Feb. 19. The event will feature live entertainment, according to the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter. Tickets are $250. For ticket and sponsorship information, interested people may contact Laura Beth Shaner, foundation development officer, at (870) 541-7210.
Friday, March 4
Ag Hall of Fame plans ceremony
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame rescheduled its induction ceremony from Aug. 20 due to safety concerns surrounding the increase in covid-19 cases in Arkansas. The induction ceremony is now scheduled for March 4, 2022, according to a news release. The new class includes: Long-time ag educator Joe Don Greenwood of Hermitage; Andrew Wargo III of Watson, farm manager for the 15,000-acre Baxter Land Co. for more than 50 years; the late Russell Roy Reynolds, director of the U.S. Forest Service Crossett Experimental Forest for 34 years; retired Cooperative Extension Service Director Rick Cartwright of Fayetteville; former Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach of Manila; and Mark Waldrip of Moro, founder of Armor Seed Co. Details: www.arfb.com.
Through Saturday, March 5
'Deeply Rooted: A Glimpse into Southern Lifestyle' exhibit open
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., will host "Deeply Rooted: A Glimpse into Southern Lifestyle," an exhibition featuring work from its permanent collection, through March 5, according to a news release. The exhibit was curated by Torri Richardson, the center's curatorial intern and 2021 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This exhibition will show southern lifestyle from various viewpoints.
Thursday, May 5
Chamber to host Business Expo
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce rescheduled its Business Expo for May 5, 2022. Because of rising covid infections, the Chamber postponed the expo that was previously set for Aug. 19, 2021. Due to the fact the expo was postponed as a precautionary measure, the Chamber is reserving participants' booth payments and/or sponsorships for the 2022 event and holding their spots for them, according to the Chamber newsletter. Details: Jennifer Kline at the Chamber, (870) 535-0110 or jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Sunday, May 1
Ministry group seeks applicants for free home repairs
Ozark Mission Project (OMP), a non-profit ministry of the United Methodist Church (UMC,) will conduct free minor home repairs for people in need in the summer of 2022. Projects include painting, yard work, building wheelchair ramps or making other minor repairs. People who need this assistance should submit an application for the free projects. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2022, according to a news release. The group will be stationed at Pine Bluff at First United Methodist Church and work projects July 18-21. Applications and details can be found at ozarkmissionproject.org.
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.
Weekdays
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.