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 — 870535-2142; 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 870-541-5324. 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. 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 870536-3375. 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 877-8535247. 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, 870-541-5322.

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Saracen Casino to host grand opening, ribbon cutting

The Quapaw Nation will host the official grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Saracen Casino Resort at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. Participants will include Quapaw Nation Chairman Joseph Tali Byrd, Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington, Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson, Quapaw Nation, Saracen Development, team members, friends and special guests, and representatives of Nabholz Construction and Suffolk Construction, according to a news release.

Commission Meeting set by Urban Renewal

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, 870-209-0323.

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 sho w your support for the cause.