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 at the Jefferson County Health Department — 870-535-2142; and Arkansas Department of Health’s website — 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.

Through Monday, Nov. 23 White Hall collects names for Stars in the Park

The White Hall Chamber of Commerce will collect names Nov. 2-23 for Stars in the Park. The activity allows residents to purchase a star for $10 in memory of or in honor of a loved one. The stars will be turned on Dec. 4. Stars in the Park forms are available at the White Hall City Hall at 101 Parkway Drive.

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 25 County, city set holiday closings

County and city officials have announced the dates their offices will be closed for the upcoming holidays. The Jefferson County Courthouse will be closed Nov. 25-27, for the Thanksgiving holiday. For Christmas, the courthouse will be closed Dec. 23-28, according to a county news release. Pine Bluff City Hall will be closed Nov. 25-27 for Thanksgiving. For Christmas, they will be closed Dec. 23-25, according to a city hall news release.

Saturday, Nov. 28 New Community hosts Shell Marks, musical guests

New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host A Night of Love with Shell Marks, at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28. Marks is a local gospel music artist and a praise team leader at New Community. Marks’ guests will include Courtney Wright & Triumphant, Nu Emage, Keenon Coleman, Hearts, Johnson Family and Richard Roberts. New Community observes social distancing and health guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) Hand sanitizers are located at each entrance and ushers offer masks to those who don’t have them.

Sunday, Nov. 29 City hosts tree lighting, community prayer

The city of Pine Bluff will host the 2020 Community Prayer and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at 601 Main Street Plaza in downtown Pine Bluff. The community is invited to join in the special evening of festivities at Sixth Avenue and Main Street. “We will pray for safety, a bountiful holiday and blessings for all,” a spokesman said. Photos with Santa will also be available.

Monday, Nov. 30 New library, branch libraries open

The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System’s new main library, 600 S. Main St., and branch libraries will open on Nov. 30 with limited services, according to a news release. Branch libraries are located at Altheimer, White Hall, Redfield and the Watson Chapel community. Precautions are being placed to reduce the chances of spreading covid-19. Masks must be worn correctly covering the nose and mouth. “If you cannot wear a mask, call us at (870) 534-4802 and we will be happy to deliver the items you select online to the curbside delivery area,” according to the release. Patrons can only visit the library 30 minutes at a time. Details: www.pineblufflibrary.org or (870) 534-4802.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 Delta Sigma Theta to present World Aids Day webinar

The Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will present a World Aids Day webinar at 7 p.m. Dec. 1. The webinar is part of the sorority’s public service mission of International Awareness and Involvement, according to a news release. The community is invited to join the webinar by Zoom. The meeting ID is 864 5992 3477 and the passcode is 478723. Details: Co-Chairs Mae Hawkins-Coleman, (870) 247-3040, or Bonita Thomas Corbin (870) 489-1848.

Kearney conducts free online writing workshop

Author and publisher Janis F. Kearney, a native of Southeast Arkansas, will conduct a free, virtual workshop at 10 a.m. Dec. 1. The community is invited to hear writers read aloud stories they developed in the GetSmART! writing workshops and learn more about the art of writing from Kearney, according to a news release. Registration to the writing workshop is limited and must be made through email at janet.perkins@arkansas.gov. or at ArkansasArts.org. Details: Janet Perkins, 501-324-9775.

Friday, Dec. 4 Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary sets fundraiser

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary won’t have its annual Christmas luncheon because of Covid-19. But supporters of the luncheon are encouraged to participate in a drive-thru, drop-off event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at First United Methodist Church, 501 W. Fifth Ave. Proceeds will be used to purchase essential items for the emergency shelter, to provide tuition to summer camp for children and other projects sponsored by the local Salvation Army Corps. Donations may also be delivered in person to the Salvation Army Corps or mailed to the agency at 501 E. 12th Ave., Pine Bluff, AR 71601.