Arkansas Online

CALENDAR

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.

Sunday, Nov. 27 Spiritualettes present musical

Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 900 S. Grant St., will host the Spiritualettes gospel singers in the We Give Thanks Musical honoring the Rev. Anthony L. Craig Sr., Mt. Carmel’s pastor. The concert will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 27 and will include several singers including Courtney Wright and Triuphant, Devin Pruitt and Spiritually Driven, Sons of Glory, Set Apart, and the Williams Singers. The worship leader will be Dee Clay.

Beginning Sunday, Nov. 27 Mistletoe Magic community holiday events set

Go Forward Pine Bluff announced the events for “Mistletoe Magic: Believe in Miracles,” family-friendly events designed to kick off the holiday season. Events include: NOV. 27 — The downtown festivities will begin with Christmas in the Pines from 4-6 p.m. at 200 E. Eighth Ave. The event will include a petting zoo, hayrides, pictures with Santa, retail vendors, and food trucks. Following Christmas in the Pines, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. DEC. 1 — The Christmas parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Pine Bluff. The parade will start at 10th Avenue and Main Street and go north to Second Avenue and Main Street. DEC. 8 — Pine Bluff Downtown Development will host the Shop, Sip, Dine, and Repeat from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Pine Bluff on Main Street between Barraque Street and Second Avenue. Sponsors include GFPB, city of Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation, Pine Bluff Downtown Development, and the Pine Bluff Festival Association. Details: info@ goforwardpb.org or (870) 939-6900, or www.facebook.com/goforwardpinebluff/

Monday, Nov. 28 Federal retirees to meet

Chapter 287 of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) will meet at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 28 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. There will be a speaker who will present information on lower back pain, according to a news release. Waymond Meins is the Chapter 287 president.

Neighborhood Watch Groups meet

Several Pine Bluff Neighborhood Watch Groups will meet, according to a news release from the Pine Bluff Police Department. Meetings include: East Harding and Belmont/Broadmoor will meet Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 812 E. Harding Ave.

Tuesday, Nov. 29 ARDOT to break ground on I-69 Corridor

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) will host a ground-breaking ceremony on the next phase of construction for the Interstate 69 Corridor. Members of the Arkansas Highway Commission, ARDOT staff and local leadership will attend the event at 11 a.m. Nov. 29 at ARDOT’s District 2 Maintenance Headquarters, 9054 U.S. 65 North at McGehee.

Underway Pine Bluff police host toy drive

The Pine Bluff Police Officers’ 4th annual Toy Drive began Nov. 18. The Toy Drive Committee is asking for the community’s support in helping the officers provide new toys. They will also accept monetary donations to purchase toys, according to the City of Pine Bluff Facebook post. The toy drive event will be held Dec. 17 and the location will be announced at a later date. Donations can be made to: Pine Bluff Police Officers Toy Drive, 200 E. Eighth Ave., Pine Bluff, AR, 71601. For more details or for donations to be picked up, call (870)413-6756 or (870)489-6006.

Salvation Army Angels need adopting

The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program at Pine Bluff is underway until Dec. 12 to help children in need. There are names to be adopted and drop-off Angel Tree locations at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.; Simmons Bank, 501 S. Main St.; Hibbett Sports, 1650 E. Harding Ave.; and Walmart Supercenter, 5501 S. Olive St., which is offering in-store and online options. Just select a name from the tree, buy the gift and drop it into the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree box, which is usually located near the store’s exit. Details: TheSalvationArmyofPineBluff/ on Facebook.

Wednesday, Nov. 30 First Trinity sets giveaway

First Trinity Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Catalpa St., will distribute free merchandise to the public from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 30. The merchandise will be given away on a first come-first serve basis by the church’s CityServe Gift Ministry, according to a news release.

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. 1 911, MECA boards to meet

On Dec. 1, three board meetings will be held at the Jefferson Quorum Courtroom at the courthouse, according to a news release from the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management. At 9:15 a.m., a 911 Administrative Board Meeting will be held to discuss the 2023 Metropolitan Emergency Communication Association (MECA) Budget. At 9:30 a.m., the MECA Board Meeting will be held. At 10 a.m., the Intergovernmental Council Meeting will be held to discuss ACT 833 Distributions. Details: Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management, (870)541-5470.

Through Thursday, Dec. 1 Leadership PB nominations open

The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Leadership Pine Bluff Class of 2023. Leadership Pine Bluff is a formal program to identify, inform and motivate emerging leaders, according to the Chamber newsletter. The group meets one day each month from January through September. During the sessions, participants network, devel

op, 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. Completed applications must be returned to the Chamber by Dec. 1. To nominate a candidate from one’s business or organization, visit https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/2ba7c78a-6e23-4db7-a09356e2c035fd00.pdf?rdr=true . Details: Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.

Friday, Dec. 2 Salvation Army auxiliary sets fundraiser

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary at Pine Bluff will host a Christmas Sip & Shop fundraiser for the Salvation Army. It will be held Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Sixth Ave. Refreshments such as finger foods, sandwiches, cookies and punch will be served and guests are welcome to nibble while shopping for items such as jewelry, home and holiday decor, and much more, said Jestean Thomas, a volunteer for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Christmas Sip & Shop tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any auxiliary member or at the Salvation Army. Contributions can also be dropped off or mailed to Salvation Army, 501 E. 12th Ave., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601.

White Hall sets Christmas event

The annual White Hall Community Christmas will be held from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Santa will be there for a meet-and-greet along with kids’ activities, hot chocolate, popcorn, and Christmas cookies for everyone. The public is invited to attend, according to a spokesman. Participants are asked to bring nonperishable food items and/or unwrapped children’s toys to the event. These will be donated to the White Hall Food Bank, which will distribute the items. This event is sponsored by the White Hall Chamber of Commerce. For groups or organizations wishing to participate in the White Hall Christmas festivities, the deadline to register for a booth is Nov. 25. Groups will be allowed to begin decorating their booths at noon Dec. 2. Details: (870) 247-6964.

Saturday, Dec. 3 Church sets active shooter response event

Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1923 S. Olive St., will host the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events at 10 a.m. Dec. 3. An FBI presentation, the session will provide strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event, according to a flyer. Individuals and groups are invited to attend. Seating is limited. To register a church, civic or youth group, call Kathy Richards, (870) 329-8491, or Mary Davis, (870) 592-2183.

ASC hosts Potpourri 2022

Potpourri 2022: Roaring for the Arts will take place at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., and honor the memory of Anne S. Robinson, a longtime supporter and volunteer of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Potpourri, set for 6-11 p.m. Dec. 3, is the ASC’s longest-running fundraiser, which sustains the museum’s free gallery admission and high-caliber programming, according to a news release. The gala will feature dinner by Chef Jamie McAfee of the Pine Bluff Country Club, drinks sponsored by MK Distributors, a silent art auction, a silent spirits auction, live music by Dave Sadler, and a live auction with Master of Ceremonies Matt Soto. The fundraiser will feature complimentary valet parking to accommodate the new venue, The ARTSpace. Tickets are $200 for members and $250 for nonmembers. They may be purchased online at asc701.org, by calling ASC at (870) 536-3375, or in person at ASC. Details: asc701.org.

Concert association plans session

The Southeast Arkansas Concert Association will present Sing, Dance, Rejoice: A Christmas gift to Southeast Arkansas! The performance will be at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 3 at the fine arts center of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The community is invite to attend the event featuring talent from the Southeast Arkansas area, according to a news release. Reserved seating tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for veterans, and $15 for children 12 and younger, according to the website. Details: www.searkconcert.org or (870) 460-1888.

Beginning Saturday, Dec. 3 Blues concerts on tap for downtown

The Port City Blues Society will host “Blues By Budweiser,” live blues concerts on the first Saturday of each month through February 2023 at RJ’s Sports Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted for free. There’s a $5 cover charge for nonmembers, according to a news release. Performers include Dec. 3 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; Jan. 7, 2023 — Sean Bad Apple; and Feb. 4, 2023 — Arkaholics. Details: portcitybluessociety.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.

Sunday, Dec. 4

Alpha Phi Alpha observes anniversary

The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will celebrate the fraternity’s 116th Founders Day and the local chapter’s 70th anniversary. The observance will be held at 7:06 p.m. Dec. 4 at Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., according to a news release. The speaker will be Terence Cox, the 15th Arkansas District Director of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

New Hope honors pastor, wife

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at Moscow will observe the 24th anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Stanley R. Blair Sr. and Tina Blair, at noon Dec. 4. The guest speaker will be the Rev. A. Leon Hicks, pastor of Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church at Deberry, Texas. The worship leader will be the Rev. Jay Brothers of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church at Sherrill.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Pine Bluff Community Band hosts concerts

The Pine Bluff Community Band announced its upcoming concerts. Performances include: Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Arkansas Convalescent Center, 6301 S. Hazel St.; Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at The Villages of General Baptist East, 6811 S. Hazel St.; and their major Christmas concert on Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church at White Hall, 8708 Dollarway Road. Concerts are free and open to the general public.

Thursday, Dec. 8 Downtown agency sets ladies event

Pine Bluff Downtown Development will present Ladies Night Out, Sip, Shop, Dine - Repeat from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Activities will occur between Barraque and Main streets to Second Avenue, according to the PBDD newsletter. Participants will include Indigo Blue Coffeehouse, Southeast Engravers, D’Virtuous Diva, RJ’s Grill & Bar, The Avenue, Uptown Salon & Boutique, additional vendors and food trucks. PBDD is presenting the event with sponsor Jefferson Regional

Medical Center, according to the newsletter.

JRMC auxiliary to light Christmas tree

The Jefferson Regional Medical Center Auxiliary is selling lights for their 2022 Community Christmas Tree. The tree lighting will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 8 in the hospital’s main lobby, according to a news release. Lights can be purchased for $5 each in honor or in memory of someone. The auxiliary will send a card to the recipient or their family about the gift. All proceeds will be used by the auxiliary for special hospital projects. The tree lighting ceremony is free to attend. There will be refreshments and entertainment by the Jenkins Center Choir, according to the release. To receive an order form to buy a light, contact Laura Beth Shaner, Jefferson Regional volunteer director, at (870) 5417210 or shanerl@jrmc.org.

Friday, Dec. 9 Live@5 to feature Josh Park Band

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host the Josh Park Band during its Live@5 concert series from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 9. “Listen to heavy electric blues and rock sounds that will bring explosive solos and rich tones to the Catherine M. Bellamy stage at 701 S. Main St.,” according to the news release. Admission is $5 for ASC members and $10 for nonmembers. Guests must be 21 or older. Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and snacks will be provided. ASC’s Live@5 concert series, sponsored by MK distributors, is home to live jazz, blues, and rock & roll at 5 p.m. is usually held the first Friday of each month.

ASC sets Jewelry Making: Wire-Wrapped Rings

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will hold a beginner-friendly Jewelry Making: WireWrapped Rings workshop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at The ARTSpace on Main. Jeweler Mary Pat Tate will teach the craftsmanship of wire-wrapped rings. Students will learn two techniques: a basic wire-wrapped ring with a round bead and a wirewrapped bezel ring using a coin bead. Students will make two rings to take home and gain the skills to make many more. Tate has fashioned jewelry for the past two decades and re-purposes found objects with precious metals to make one-of-a-kind pieces. The cost is $20 for ASC members and $25 for nonmembers. Must be 16 years or older. To register, visit asc701.org/events/2022/ beginning-jewelry-wire-wrapped-rings or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Kourtlynn Pinkins at kpinkins@asc701.org.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Kids Cookin’ for a Cause set

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present Kids Cookin’ for a Cause with instructor Faith Anaya from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 at The ARTSpace on Main. This event is free for ages 10 and older. To register, visit asc701.org/events/2022/ kids-cookin-for-a-causedecember. “This community service program allows youth to practice their kitchen skills while cooking delicious pasta dinners for hungry Arkansans served by Potluck Food Rescue. The organization helps to provide meals to children’s programs, women’s emergency shelters, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and more,” according to a news release.

Dollarway author, illustrator host event

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas welcomes Dollarway High School students Savannah Lawson and Jasmine Stinnett for the Second Saturday Family FunDay: “Mello’s Aquatic Life” Workshop Adventure, 1-3 p.m. Dec. 10. This event is free and open to all ages. This author-illustrator duo created the book “Mello’s Aquatic Life,” which guides readers through the character’s Coral City life while counting its diverse inhabitants, according to a news release. Lawson will guide participants to draw Mello, and Stinnett will read “Mello’s Aquatic Life.” A book signing will follow with a limited number of copies of the book for visitors to take home free. More will be available for purchase.

Monday, Dec. 12 Angel Tree deadline set

The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program at Pine Bluff is underway until Dec. 12 to help children in need. There are names to be adopted and drop-off Angel Tree locations at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave.; Simmons Bank, 501 S. Main St.; Hibbett Sports, 1650 E. Harding Ave.; and Walmart Supercenter, 5501 S. Olive St., which is offering in-store and online options. Just select a name from the tree, buy the gift and drop it into the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree box, which is usually located near the store’s exit. Details: TheSalvationArmyofPineBluff/ on Facebook.

Thursday, Dec. 15 Parole Board meeting set

The Arkansas Parole Board will hold its monthly board meeting at 9 a.m. Dec. 15 in the Richard Lee Richardson Auditorium of the board office at North Little Rock, according to a news release. The full calendar of hearings and meetings slated for and by the parole board can be found on the website at https://doc.arkansas.gov/parole-board/ under Meeting Information and Hearings & Board Schedule. Details: (501) 6823850.

Saturday, Dec. 17

ASC announces Miracle on Main

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present “Miracle on Main: A Holiday Special” at 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets can be purchased at asc701.org/2022-season or by calling (870) 536-3375. Tickets are $20 each. Children 3 and younger can sit on the lap of their parents/guardians for free entry. “Remember those television Holiday specials: the singing, the dancing, and those family-friendly comedy skits? Get ready to celebrate ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ during ASC’s holiday variety show featuring talent from Southeast Arkansas. Join the laughter, the fun and many holiday favorites. Santa himself may stop by for a visit,” according to the news release.

Yoga in The Loft set at ASC

Ages 13 and older are invited to exercise and relax with certified yoga instructor Florence Love, aka FloEssence, every third Saturday of the month from 1:30-3 p.m. during Yoga in the Loft. The next session is Dec. 17. The cost is paywhat-you-can ($15 recommended). This program takes place in the Loft Gallery at the ARTSpace on Main, a program of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Advanced registration is required at asc701.org/yoga or by calling (870) 536-3375. Participants may use provided yoga mats or bring their own. People should also wear yoga-appropriate attire. The event is sponsored by Angela J. White Smith, Realtor. Details: Kourtlynn Pinkins at kpinkins@asc701.org.

Through Monday, Dec. 19 DRA seeks applicants for medical missions

The Delta Regional Authority released a Request for Proposals seeking an organization within the DRA region to partner with local community agencies and the U.S. Department of Defense to deliver two Innovative Readiness Training Medical Missions in summer 2023. The deadline for submitting a proposal is 5 p.m. Dec. 19, according to a news release. Details on Innovative Readiness Trainings is available at youtu.be/qwvvVwuQJgY and irt.defense.gov/Community/. Details on submission requirements and scope of work is available at dra.gov/rfp.

Underway

NAACP recruits for academic contest

The Pine Bluff Branch NAACP is recruiting youth for its 2022-23 Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO.) Contestants will compete for scholarships and monetary prizes, according to a news release. Students at Pine Bluff, Watson Chapel, Dollarway, and White Hall high schools are eligible to participate. Parents and teachers are urged to register their students as soon as possible to take advantage of scholarship opportunities offered by the National NAACP in essay writing, art, and engineering. Registration ends in December. To get an ACT-SO registration packet, to volunteer, or for more information, contact Maryann Lee at (870) 718-5330. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 Berry reception, Gillett Coon Supper set

The 11th annual “Berry Pre-Coon Supper Reception” will be held at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Berry Farm Shop at Gillett. The 79th Gillett Coon Supper will follow at the Gillett School Gymnasium at 6:30 p.m., according to a news release. Tickets to the Coon Supper may be purchased by contacting Larry Bauer at (870) 830-4002. Tickets for the reception are $40 each. All tickets will be available for purchase at the door. For reception sponsorship details, contact Becky Barnes Campbell at (501) 9127560 or Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329. Through Friday, Jan. 20 Downtown project seeks chefs, entrepreneurs

Go Forward Pine Bluff is seeking food trucks, chefs, entrepreneurs and start-ups for business opportunities supported by the Sixth & Main project. GFPB is transforming the Sixth and Main Street Plaza into a fully functioning space that will feature four restaurants, a roof top bar and several retail areas in Downtown Pine Bluff, according to a news release. The plaza will also feature an outdoor amphitheater, outdoor dining, a rainwater garden, and a fountain bridge. All interested vendors are encouraged to contact The Generator at (870) 663-0200. Space is limited. The deadline to apply is Jan. 20, 2023.

OPINION

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