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.

Underway

Covid-19 testing sites available

Details for getting the covid-19 test are available by contacting: Jefferson County Health Department — 870-535-2142; and Arkansas Department of Health — Testing sites in Arkansas are listed on the department’s website at 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.

Absentee ballot applications available at Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office has absentee ballot applications available for people who would like to vote by mail. Voters may also download an application on the website at www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/county-clerk. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. The absentee ballot application can be mailed, faxed or scanned and emailed to Shawndra Taggart, Jefferson County Clerk, 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 101, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. The fax number is 870541-5324. The email address is jeffersonclerk@arkansasclerks. com. Details: 870-541-5322.

Election-related dates set

The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office recently issued a reminder of election-related dates:

Oct. 19 — Early voting begins at the county courthouse.

Oct. 27 — Last day to request an absentee ballot at the county clerk’s office.

Oct. 30 — Last day for a voter to transfer into Jefferson County.

Nov. 3 — Election Day (voters may go to polling sites between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.)

Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office website: jeffersoncountyar.gov/county-clerk or call 870-541-5322.

Friday, Oct. 16

Redus launches girls golf program honoring Gigi Bryant

The Gigi (Girls in Golf) tournament is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, at the Jaycee Golf Course, 629 Jaycee Drive, at Pine Bluff. A co-ed mixed scramble tee time is set for 9 a.m. Lunch will be available along with awards and door prizes. All proceeds will go to the Gigi Program, according to a news release. Trudy Redus, assistant director of the Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation Department, made the announcement about the event. The tournament is in honor of Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, the late daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, a legendary NBA player. Details: Trudy Redus at saracenlanding@att.net or the Parks and Recreation Department at 870-536-0920.

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 17

Jefferson County Mutual Aid Association sets firefighter training

The Jefferson County Mutual Aid Association will hold training on Saturdays, Oct. 17 and Oct. 24, in Jefferson County. The mutual aid association will be conducting classroom and practical skills training for fire departments participating with the county’s Water Tanker Task Force, according to a news release from Eddie Anderson, mutual aid president. Residents should be aware that fire apparatus and man power will be operating near the Family Life Church parking lot at Interstate 530 and Highway 104. Residents should be cautious while training occurs in the area, Anderson said. This training has been approved by the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and will allow these departments to practice together to sharpen water tanker shuttle operations, Anderson said.

ASC to host CrEATe Lab with Faith Anaya

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas concludes its CrEATe Lab, nutritious cooking 2020 series, with a fall workshop Saturdays, Oct. 17, and 24, from 1-3 p.m. A limit of eight students ages 10-17 may attend. The cost is $35. Partial scholarships are available. To register, participants may visit asc701.org/create-lab or call ASC at 870-536-3375. ASC has partnered with Faith Anaya and her Kids Cook! team for the series. Anaya has more than a decade’s experience cultivating children’s knowledge of healthy eating habits.

Monday, Oct. 19

House of Bread to open drive-thru pantry

House of Bread Deliverance Church, 500 S. Main St., will open its food pantry in a drive-thru setting Monday, Oct. 19, from 1-4:30 p.m. or once the 200 food boxes are distributed. Food will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Only one box will be given out per household. Everyone must bring proof of address (utility bills and driver’s license.) Everyone is required to wear a mask. The police department will be on duty to direct traffic. Details: Saint Mary Harris, apostle at House of Bread, at 870-872-2196.

Caregivers Alzheimer’s supporters to meet

The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will host the monthly Caregivers Alzheimer’s Support Group meeting virtually from 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 19. The topic will be Understanding and Responding to Dementia Related Behavior. The speaker will be Lynette Finley, outreach coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas Chapter, according to a news release. The Zoom meeting ID is 997 5078 6690 and passcode is 990121. To join by Zoom app, via smart phone or tablet, enter the meeting ID and password. To join by phone, dial 877-853-5247. Those who plan to join, should call Carolyn Ferguson at Area Agency, 870-543-6300.

Beginning Monday, Oct. 19

Early voting set Oct. 19-Nov. 2

Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election will begin Oct. 19 at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Early voting dates include Oct. 19 through Oct. 23 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Oct. 24 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Oct. 26 through Oct. 30 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Oct. 31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and Nov. 2 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) The Jefferson County clerk’s office also reminds voters of other election-related dates: Oct. 5 — Last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election; Oct. 27 — Last day to request an absentee ballot; Oct. 30 — Last day for a voter to transfer into Jefferson County; and Nov. 3 — Election Day (polling sites will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) Details: Jefferson County clerk’s office, 870-5415322.

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Urban Renewal sets commission meeting

The Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency will hold its monthly commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. The meeting will be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., in training rooms A and B, according to a news release. Masks and social distancing are required. Details: Commission Chairman Jimmy Dill, 870-536-4943, or Executive Director Maurice Taggart, 870209-0323.

Police set Domestic Violence Walk

The Pine Bluff Police Department will host its 2020 Domestic Violence Walk from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. The event begins and ends at the steps of the Civic Center, 200 W. Eighth Ave., according to a news release. A sack lunch will be provided to participants. The speaker will be Wendy Gates, mother of Hannah Roberts, 21, who was killed in 2019 in Jefferson County during a domestic incident, authorities said. Supporters of the walk include Mayor Shirley Washington, Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant, Margland Inns Bed & Breakfast, Super 1 Foods and Red Lobster. “Recognizing that an act of violence occurs every minute, we would like for you to join us in this walk,” a spokesman said. “If you have been a victim, suffered a loss of a loved one or know someone who has been a victim, please come and show your support for the cause.

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 20

Ivy Center hosts Zoom workshops

The Ivy Center for Education announces its upcoming workshops by Zoom primarily for students in 7-12th grades. Tuesday, Oct. 20 — 6-7:30 p.m. — A panel discussion, “Teenagers Growing Up Black in America,” will be led by Carolyn Pridgeon and Melvin D. Clayton. Tuesday, Oct. 27 — 6 p.m. — Go Forward Pine Bluff (Youth Involvement) will be presented by Ryan Watley, Ph.D, and chief executive officer of Go Forward Pine Bluff. From 6:457 p.m. — A College Readiness Workshop will be presented by Derrick Newby of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock recruitment office. To participate in the Ivy Center Zoom workshops, enter meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, contact Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com or Patricia Berry at Pberry867@gmail.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Colonial Dames, USD, state society to meet

Three organizations will meet at the Pine Bluff Country Club at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. The organizations are the John Eliot Chapter, Colonial Dames 17th Century; Simon Bradford Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812, and the State Society, Daughters of Colonial Wars, according to a news release. The theme will be “Veterans Winter Weather Clothing Shower.” All attendees are asked to bring an item for the indigent and homeless veterans at the Veterans Affairs hospital and housed at St. Francis House. Reservations are required. Details: Sheila Beatty at beattykrout@ suddenlink.net.

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.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Chamber sets drive-thru Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry

The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce has tickets available for its 68th annual Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry. The drive-thru event will be Thursday, Oct. 22, at Hestand Stadium. The gates open at 5 p.m., according to the Chamber newsletter. The celebration will honor Jefferson County’s agribusinesses and the Chad Render family, named the Jefferson County and Southeast Arkansas 2020 Farm Family of the Year. Tickets for the King Kat catfish and all the trimmings are $15 per plate. Sponsorship opportunities are available. The Chamber is also seeking members who will volunteer as food servers at the event. Food workers will be required to buy tickets, according to the newsletter. Tickets are available at the Chamber. Details: Mandy Owens, mowens@pinebluffchamber.com or 870-535-0110.

Watson Chapel Junior High gives annual report

Watson Chapel Junior High

School will have a virtual annual report to the public Thursday, Oct. 22, at 4:30 p.m. Details: 870-8794420.

Friday, Oct. 23

Deadline set for 4-H Great Pumpkin Family Challenge

Registration is available for the 4-H Great Pumpkin Family Challenge. The challenge is open to officially enrolled 4-H members in Jefferson and Pulaski counties, according to a news release. Registration for the Great Pumpkin Challenge is open through noon, Friday, Oct. 23. Pumpkins will be provided to those registered and may be picked up Monday, Oct. 26, at the respective county Extension office. A photograph of the entry is due back in the county offices by the close of business, Thursday, Oct. 29. Participants must send a picture of their family with their completed pumpkin to pwoods@ uaex.edu (Jefferson County) or ewilliams@uaex.edu (Pulaski County). There are three categories: painted, carved, or decorated. The winner in each challenge category will receive a Walmart gift card, according to Woods. Membership in 4-H is free and open to youth ages 5-19 years old and member enrollment can be completed at https://4h.uaex.edu/ join/default.aspx.

Beginning Friday, Oct. 23

ASC to present ‘Clue: Stay-AtHome’ virtual production

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will present its next theater production virtually with “Clue: Stay-At-Home.” Viewers may watch the stage production online at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24. Tickets are $15 each. The production is sponsored by Simmons Bank. Based on the 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is a farce-meets-murder mystery. Details: ASC Theater Education Coordinator Lindsey Collins at lcollins@asc701.org or call 870-536-3375.

Through Friday, Oct. 23

A&P panel accepting requests for funds

The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission is accepting funding requests for individual events and organizational programming for 2021. Applications for the 2021 funding cycle will be accepted until noon Friday, Oct. 23. Funding recipients will be voted on at the A&P Commission’s Nov. 18 meeting, according to a news release. Applicants’ planned events and programming must take place in the city of Pine Bluff during the 2021 calendar year and must fit within at least one of the following focus areas: visual arts, culinary arts, Delta Heritage, performing arts, sports and recreation. Applications can be obtained at www.ExplorePineBluff. com (under the “A&P Information” tab), by calling 870-534-2121, or by emailing sstorie@ExplorePineBluff. com.

Saturday, Oct. 24

White Hall Police host Drug Take Back Day

The White Hall Police Department, 8204 Dollarway Road, will be a collection site for the 19th Arkansas Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. The police department partnered with the the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in this effort, according to a news release from White Hall Police Chief Greg Shapiro. The Arkansas Drug Take Back Day will include more than 250 locations across the state. Hundreds of volunteers and first responders will be at those locations encouraging citizens to dispose of unused or expired medications and officers won’t ask for any identification or other questions regarding the prescriptions being dropped off.

Through Saturday, Oct. 24

Arts center displays Small Works on Paper exhibition

The 2020 Small Works on Paper exhibition is on display at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., at Pine Bluff. Small Works on Paper will be on display through Oct. 24 in the International Paper Gallery at ASC, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Among the selected pieces is “Nola Reception Couture Gown” by Pine Bluff artist Kimiara Johnson. Admission is free but is limited to 10 guests at a time. Reservations are encouraged but not required. The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of Arkansas Heritage, coordinates the annual touring visual arts exhibition that showcases the work of Arkansas artists, according to an Aug. 19 news release.

Monday, Oct. 26

Federal retiree group to meet

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W.Third Ave.The meeting focus will be Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), according to a news release. Shelly Henderson, representing Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) will present BCBS coverages and/or changes plus BCBS packets. A representative from GEHA will also present for information about insurance coverage. Onsite lunch won’t be available at this meeting. Billie Minton is president of the local NARFE.

Through Tuesday, Oct. 27

Absentee ballot applications available at Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office has absentee ballot applications available to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for people who would like to vote by mail. Voters may also download an application on the website at www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/ county-clerk, according to a news release. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. The completed absentee ballot application can be mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. The mailing address is: Shawndra Taggart, Jefferson County Clerk, 101 W. Barraque St., Suite 101, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. The fax number is 870-541-5324.The email address is jeffersonclerk@arkansasclerks.com. Residents have until Monday, Oct. 5, to register to vote in the November election. For questions or concerns, contact the county clerk’s office. Details: Jefferson County Clerk Shawndra Taggart, 870-541-5322.

Thursday, Oct. 29

Fair Housing panel plans virtual training

The Arkansas Fair Housing Commission will host virtual Management & Best Practices Training from 1-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, according to a news release. Participants will be introduced to the Do’s and Don’ts of fair housing marketing and management; fair housing sensitivity; an overview of federal and state fair housing laws; reasonable accommodations land modifications; and compliance. Leon Jones Jr. is the executive director of the fair housing commission. Details: 501682-3247, toll free 1-844-952-8248 or www.fairhousing.arkansas.gov.