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@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.

Tuesday, Nov. 21 Urban Renewal to meet

Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency will hold its monthly board meeting at 5:30 p.m. today at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Chandra Griffin is the director.

DAV plans virtual career fair

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the National Virtual Veterans Career Fair Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve, according to a news release. More than 70 employers will be available. The veterans can also utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance free. To register for the Virtual Veterans Career Fair and access other free resources, visit jobs.dav.org. Wednesday, Nov. 22

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 or shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 5343400, ext. 5.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 22 Agencies to close for Thanksgiving

Several agencies announced their plans to close for Thanksgiving. These in

clude: Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices — closed Wednesday through Friday. The Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices — closed Wednesday through Friday. Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas — closed Thursday and Friday, however Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will transport cancer and dialysis patients to their appointments. State Capitol offices and state buildings — closed Thursday and Friday. The Capitol will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and the weekend.

Through Friday, Nov. 24 Public Service Academy applications due

The Arkansas Bar Association and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service, in association with UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law and the University of Arkansas School of Law, announce the Third Public Service Academy. The academy is for member lawyers, law students, and individuals who are interested in public service in any capacity, according to a news release. The course will be limited to about 25 diverse, statewide participants, including law students. Applications for the Public Service Academy are due Nov. 24 and can be found at www.arkbar.com/cle—events/public-service-academy. There will be a $100 fee for those selected. Scholarships are available upon request. The selected applicants will participate in two sessions: one in Little Rock (Jan. 19-20, 2024) and one in Fayetteville (March 8-9, 2024).

Sunday, Nov. 26 New Community Kingdom

Builders set

New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its Kingdom Builders Program at 6 p.m. Nov. 26. The speaker will be Garry Duvall, a deacon at New Community. The pastor/ apostle is Patrick Lockett.

Monday, Nov. 27 NARFE to meet

The Chapter 287 National Association of Retired Federal Employees will be held at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 27 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Janine Stafford, a financial representative with Thrivent, a financial services organization, will be the guest speaker, according to a news release. Waymond Meins is the Chapter 287 president.

McGehee School Board to meet

McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Nov. 27 at the high school library. The agenda includes Recognition of Students of the Month, award presentation, facilities master plan public hearing, invoices and financial statement, according to a news release.

Tuesday, Nov. 28

Ivy Center slates session The Ivy Center for Education will present Girl/Guy Talk for 7th-12th graders at the Generator, 435 S. Main St., from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 28. The presenters will be the women from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Alpha Rho Chapter, at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Delta Sigma Lambda Graduate Chapter. Discussions are aimed to help better prepare youth for college and for a successful life, according to a news release. Prizes will be available. Students and parents who cannot attend in person may join on Zoom with ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com or follow the center on social media.

Blood drive set at Arsenal

The Pine Bluff Arsenal will hold a blood drive with Our Blood Institute from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 outside Plainview Gate in the Creasy Complex parking lot. Participants should look for the Bloodmobile. Walk-ins are welcome. The drive is open to all Arsenal personnel as well as the community. To make an appointment, call (877) 340-8777 or visit obi.org. Donors will receive a long-sleeve holiday T-shirt, according to a news release.

Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 28 Work to impact Lock and Dam 4

Boaters should expect to experience intermittent delays at Emmett Sanders Lock (No. 4) Nov. 28-30, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The intermittent delays are required to facilitate underwater dive operations near the Lock chamber, according to a news release. Questions or requests for additional information should be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District Office, at (501) 324-5096, or by email to CESWL-OP-OM@usace.army.mil.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 29 Ivy Center sets ACT Boot Camps

The Ivy Center will present four ACT Boot Camps for 7th-12th graders on Zoom only. The facilitators are Charity Smith-Allen and team from Fetterman & Associates. Students may ask questions to get a better understanding of each subject covered on the ACT exam. The following sessions will be held: English — 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 29; Math — 6-8 p.m. Nov. 30; Science — 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6; Reading — 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The Zoom ID is 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com or follow the center on social media.

Thursday, Nov. 30 Online ministry holds Bible Study

The Abundant Life Ministry, an online ministry of White Hall, invites the community to its Bible Study at 7 p.m. Thursdays via Zoom. The leaders are Aaron and Kae Spencer. The Let’s Talk About It session is described as a safe space; the no judgment zone, where people talk about faith, finance, family, and life, while equipping people to go out, and spread the Gospel of Jesus, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Questions are discussed anonymously unless the sender reveals themselves during the Zoom. The ministry is multicultural. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85223687824?pwd=VVNvckRuUml6TjdJc0NPNE9laTJlQT09 with Meeting ID: 852 2368 7824 and Passcode: 824192 or call +1 309 205 3325 US. Details: kaesspencer@gmail.com or text (703) 2311127.

Through Friday, Dec. 1 Chamber seeks Leadership applicants

The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations and applications for the 2024 Leadership Pine Bluff program. Leadership Pine Bluff is a formal program to identify, inform, and motivate emerging leaders for Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, according to the Chamber newsletter. The program is held 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. Applications are due Dec. 1. For details, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110. The applications are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/7e75eb8b39dc-403d-9b7261bb25a85ef8.pdf?rdr=true.

Beginning Saturday, Dec. 2 Blues concert series set

The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series will be back for a second season. In collaboration with MK Distributors and RJ’s Grill & Bar, Port City Blues Society will again host live blues concerts the first Saturday of the month 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 Blues Society members are admitted free. It’s a $5 cover charge for non-members. The 2023-2024 concerts include: Dec. 2 — Johnie B and Queen Iretta Sanders Blues Review; Jan. 6, 2024 — Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; and Feb. 3 — Chad Marshall Band. Details: pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.

Sunday, Dec. 3 Moscow church honors pastor, wife

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church at Moscow will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Stanley R. Blair Sr. and Tina Blair, at 2 p.m. Dec. 3. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Anthony Howard, pastor of Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. Guests will also include the Rev. Leon Hicks, pastor of Crossroad Missionary Baptist Church at Deberry, Texas. Everyone is invited to attend.

Sherrill church observes anniversary

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 N. McKinney Road, in Sherrill, will celebrate its 155th anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3. The guest speaker will be the Rev. James Rice Jr., pastor of Greater Battle Chapel Church in Pine Bluff. The Rev. David Holmes is pastor at Antioch.

Through Friday, Dec. 8

ASC hosts ‘Voices and Votes: Democracy in America’

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting the national traveling exhibition “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” through Dec. 8. This multimedia and educational exhibition features historical and contemporary photos, video, interactive games, information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest materials. The display is part of the Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and State Humanities Councils nationwide. The exhibition is made possible by the Arkansas Humanities Council and National Endowment for the Humanities.

Be Pro Be Proud registration open

Registration is open for employers interested in the Be Pro Be Proud program. The program will host eight events throughout the state as part of its 2024 Draft Day Series, including local sessions. The two-day event matches employers with qualified graduating students based on student interest and employer needs. At Pine Bluff, a Draft Day for the Arkansas Delta will take place March 12-13 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, presented by Central Moloney, according to a Be Pro Proud news release. At Stuttgart, the Draft Day Arkansas Grand Prairie event will be held April 3-4. This session will be presented by Riceland Foods. Draft Day 2024 registration ends Dec. 8. For details on Be Pro Be Proud’s Draft Day events or to register a company, visit https://beprobeproudar.org/draft-day-2024.

Saturday, Dec. 9 UAPB holds fall graduation

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host its 168th commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The processional begins at 9:45 a.m. UAPB will livestream the ceremony via YouTube. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., of North Carolina, will serve as commencement speaker for UAPB, which is celebrating its year-long sesquicentennial. For details on commencement exercises, contact Registrar Aretha Lacefield at registrar@uapb.edu.

Sunday, Dec. 10 Compassionate Friends set lighting event

The Desha County Chapter of the Compassionate Friends invites the community to join with them in the 27th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Remembrance at 6 p.m Dec. 10 at the Dumas Community Center in Dumas. The event honors the memories of children who died. A short program will include greetings, readings, poems, music and a candle-lighting ceremony. At 7 p.m., everyone will light candles in memory of children, according to the news release. A reception will follow the ceremony. The event is free to attend. Those who would like to have their child’s name placed on the memorial roll, or picture placed on the memorial display may contact Compassionate Friends. Those planning to attend should RSVP by Dec. 4. For details, text or call (870) 866-6985, (972) 365-1930, or (870) 377-4299. Brenda Norman is the event planner.

Beginning Sunday, Dec. 10 Back to School Prayer and

Pizza set

Back to School Prayer and Pizza for children will continue at area churches from 2-3 p.m. on scheduled dates. Sessions will continue Dec. 10 at East End Church of God and Christ. Intercessors will pray at each event. “Please join the movement through prayer for our children,” said Dee Clay, spokesman. The event is free and open to the general public. Organizers ask that pastors and youth leaders participate.

Saturday, Dec. 16 AKA Cotillion Ball set

The 55th Debutante Cotillion Ball, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.® Delta Omega Omega Chapter, The Cotillion Ball will be held on Dec. 16 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This year’s Debutante Cotillion chairmen are Laurel Hall, Jennifer Johnson, and Dr. Jacqueline Pryor. Details: Yaminah Roberts, president of the Delta Omega Omega chapter, deltaomegamomegapresident@gmail.com.

Beginning Friday, Jan. 12 Artist INC LIVE free seminars set

The Arkansas Arts Council will sponsor Artist INC LIVE, an eight-week professional development session for Pine Bluff, in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance. People are urged to join local creatives Jan. 12-14 in virtual, three-day workshops to learn what it takes to succeed in a creative field. Registration and participation is free. The sessions address the specific professional challenges creatives in all disciplines face. The organizer waves the $150 participation fee. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. Jan. 11. To register for the free professional development sessions or for details, visit https://www.maaa.org/event/artist-inc-express-arkansas-statewide-virtual-2/

Through Saturday, Jan. 13 USDA extends deadline for discrimination form

The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program from Oct. 31, 2023 to Jan. 13, 2024. The new deadline will give eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners more time to apply for assistance, according to a news release. This program delivers on Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021.

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.