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@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Saturday, Sept. 20
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will hold its monthly food giveaway Saturday from 11 a.m. until all food is gone. Proof of address must be at least one of the following: A driver’s license, identification, or utility bills. All new clients will fill out a new client intake form on-site, according to a news release. Details: House of Bread pastor, Saint Mary Harris, (870) 872-2196.
3 On 3 Basketball event set
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
A 3 On 3 Basketball Tournament is set for Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St. The deadline to register is Sept. 17. Boys ages 12 to 17 are eligible to participate. The team size is four players, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The tournament is presented by Jefferson-Lincoln County Circuit Court, 6th Division, where Judge Earnest E. Brown Jr. is presiding. Sponsors include Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention, Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Hurricane HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) Center, New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church and Simmons Bank. Register for 3 On 3 Basketball Tournament at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWu1K2qe4ZSlzbHyP1TbiVvnkEPJ3FDZIyguP8HnUBDOtpBQ/viewform. Details: Tim Barnett at (870) 718-8968.
Sunday, Sept. 21
There is Hope holds family, friends day
There is Hope Church of God in Christ,1003 E. Second Ave., will host its Family and Friends Day at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The guest speaker will be Patrick Lockett, the apostle and pastor of New Community Church. The theme is the Power of Family & Friends Working Together as One (John 11:15 AMPC.) There is Hope’s pastor and wife are Superintendent Earl Glass and Assistant Supervisor Amanda Glass.
Prostate cancer awareness set
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 Indiana St., will observe Prostate Cancer Awareness by encouraging all members and visitors to wear blue on Sept. 21. “This is your invitation to join in this special Sunday observance, which will begin at 10:45 a.m.,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. “We look forward to seeing you there wearing blue.” The Rev. Dennis W. Wilson is the pastor of Pleasant Grove.
Home ec leaders accept fair entries
Jefferson County Extension Homemakers and Master Gardeners will accept Home Economics and Horticulture Individual Educational exhibits for the 86th annual Southeast Arkansas District Fair from 2-6 p.m. Sept. 21 at Hestand Stadium. “Your hard work canning, crafting, sewing, baking, watering plants, etc., can pay off with ribbons and prize money,” according to a news release. For entry forms and tags, visit your local Extension Office. Jefferson County Extension Office is located at 500 S. Idaho St. Phone (870) 534-1033 or email mkizer@uada.edu. Entry tags will be available at check-in Sept. 21. Also, the district fair will be held from Sept. 23-27. The carnival will be open Sept. 23-27 and the rodeo will be Sept. 26-27, according to a news release.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
Civic panel to meet on Zoom
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission in person meeting will be via Zoom at noon Sept. 23, according to a Friday news release. The Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/94588324670?pwd=buceupDn8RKxrc2d0LMHnH5jeSSz0K.1. Use Meeting ID: 945 8832 4670 and Passcode: 644977.
Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 23
SEA fair begins
The Southeast Arkansas District Fair & Livestock Show will be held from Sept. 23-27. The carnival will be open Sept. 23-27 and the rodeo will be Sept. 26-27, according to a news release. Details: https://www.facebook.com/sedistrictfair/
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Corps to close lane near Tichnor
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be closing one lane of the Nady County Road bridge across Lock Number 2 near Tichnor from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sept. 24 for a routine bridge inspection. Flaggers will be present to assist with the flow of traffic, but motorists should plan for additional travel time. Motorists are urged to exercise additional caution when passing through the area for the safety of personnel working, according to a news release. The closure is being coordinated with emergency services and law enforcement agencies. USACE officials regret any inconvenience this may cause and ask for the public’s cooperation until the work is complete. For more information contact the Pine Bluff Site Office at (870) 534-0451. Details: www.swl.usace.army.mil or www.facebook.com/littlerockusace.
The Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. 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 are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Sept. 25
United Way sets Day of Caring
United Way Southeast Arkansas announced the Day of Caring 3rd Ward Cleanup will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 25 beginning at at Kingdom Builders Outreach Church, 3105 S. Apple St. Volunteers will check in at the United Way Table and receive supplies. Projects start after a welcome session and continue throughout the day, ending with a group celebration, according to a news release. For more information or to sign up, contact United Way Southeast Arkansas at (870) 534-2153 or info@pbreynoldscenter.org.
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 25. To reserve a time slot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Sept. 24, according to a news release. Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 25
ASC presents Finding Nemo Jr.
The ARTx3 Campus will present Finding Nemo Jr. at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 and Sept. 26; 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 27; and 3 p.m. Sept. 28. Performances are in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center. The production is sponsored by Relyance Bank. “Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. is a charming 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2003 Pixar film with a cast of young performers. It follows clownfish Marlin (Isaiah T. Austin) on his journey across the ocean to rescue his son, Nemo (Avery Marie Martin), who’s been captured and taken to Sydney. Along the way, Marlin meets characters like Dory (Allison Caraway), Crush (Brandt Lunsford) and the Tank Gang, while both father and son learn about courage, friendship and self-discovery,” according to a synopsis. Tickets are $13 for members, $18 for nonmembers, and $10 for students when purchased in person with a student ID. Children ages 3 and younger who can sit in a parent or guardian’s lap are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased by visiting artx3.org/all-events/finding-nemo-jr, calling the center or in person. Details: Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org.
Friday, Sept. 26
Kiwanis to sell chicken dinners
The Pine Bluff Kiwanis Club will have a chicken dinner fundraiser Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. until dinners are sold out. Dinners will be sold from the Kiwanis tent at the old NAPA building at Main and Martin streets downtown. Tickets are $10 and include grilled children, baked beans, and cole slaw or potato salad, according to the flier. Proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club youth programs. Tickets are available from any club member or at the fundraiser. Details: (501) 221-2420.
EHC groups plan food drive at fair
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Council are bringing back “Fill the Truck” food drive during the 86th annual Southeast Arkansas District Fair. Extension Homemakers Club members will accept healthy, non-perishable unexpired food from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at Hestand Stadium Fairgrounds, 420 N. Blake St. Club members will be there to help you. By donating food or money you will be helping families in need of food security, according to a news release. The community is asked to participate. A community health fair will be held at the same time as Fill the Truck. If you are interested in being a health fair vendor, call Jefferson County family and consumer sciences agent and EHC adviser, Mary Ann Kizer, at (870) 534-1033 for a vendor application form or email mkizer@uada.edu.
Saturday, Sept. 27
Wingard Memorial Ride set
The inaugural Terry W. Wingard Memorial Ride will be held Sept. 27. Registration will be held from 9-10 a.m. at the White Hall High School parking lot, 700 Bulldog Drive, according to the White Hall Community Center Facebook page. Kickstands will be up at 10 a.m. The ride will be approximately 50 miles and end at White Hall City Park followed by a barbecue lunch, live music and silent auction. The fees are $25 per rider and $15 for passengers. Jeeps are also welcome. Participation is open to all, with every dollar raised supporting the “Terry Wingard’s Shield Foundation,” according to a flier on the White Hall Community Center’s Facebook page. Wingard was a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant who died in 2024. The foundation was established by his family to help first responders and their families with mental health issues, according to the Facebook post. For donations or details, contact Dustin Summers at (870) 692-6436.
Irby slates Poetry on the Prairie
Wabbaseka nataive and author Jason Irby will host Poetry On The Prairie from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 on the lawn of the old Wabbaseka Methodist Church, 101 U.S. 79 North in Wabbaseka. Poets, authors, storytellers and artists are invited to come read and display their material during Poetry On The Prairie. Participants are invited to bring lawn chairs and tailgating chairs, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Irby said that this event commemorates 100 years of the old building which has been in existence since 1925. Details: jasonirbyinnovationfoundation@gmail.com.
Banquet to support Sickle Cell group
The Mutual Sickle Cell Support Group Inc. will host the 2025 Sickle Cell Anemia Banquet at 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Guaranteed Rates Building, 2402 E. Harding Ave. The theme is “The Fight Continues with Us.” Tickets are $25 each and proceeds will support the group’s important initiatives, according to a news release. During the event, Classie Green, a retired nurse and community leader, will be honored for her contributions. From 1968 to 1978, Green was chair of the Drew County Sickle Cell Anemia Chapter in Monticello and served on the Arkansas State Board of Sickle Cell Anemia. The guest speaker will be Rhonda Coleman, a doctor of nursing practice, an advanced practice registered nurse and an educator with more than 45 years in the medical field, according to a news release. To purchase tickets to the banquet or make a donation, contact Barbara Marbley at (870) 209-7514 or Rosie Sanders at (870) 643-0712.
OSJ conference features Vickie Winans
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will present Grammy Award nominated Gospel singer Vickie Winans as the special guest artist during the Women’s Conference on Sept. 27. Registration starts at 8 a.m. The conference begins at 9 a.m. with opening speaker Latonya Scott of Old St. James followed by three classes taught by Bishop Shirley Sanders, Yolanda Campbell and Cassandra Shaw. The registration is $65 and includes the program, a bag, continental breakfast, a souvenir, lunch and conference T-shirt. The theme is “Expensive — Bought With A Price.” To register, text 2025 to (870) 397-7448, or register at the church on Sundays, call the church at (870) 534-7654 or contact spokeswoman Charlotte Allen at (870) 550-4561. The Rev. David M. Smith is the pastor of Old St. James.
Sunday, Sept. 28
Union Hopewell welcomes families, friends
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 S. Persimmon St., will celebrate its Family and Friends Day at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 28. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Keith Higgins, pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church in West Memphis, accompanied by his congregation.
Pleasant View honors pastor
Pleasant View Ministries Church, 1117 N. Palm St., will commemorate the 39th Pastoral Anniversary of the Rev. William A. Shaw Jr. at 11 a.m. Sept. 28. This service will include special guests, tributes and music. “Celebrate 39 years of faith, love and leadership with us,” says a spokesperson. Those unable to attend but desire to be a blessing to the pastor may send an offering to Shaw’s Cash App at $SHAWWA, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 30
UAMS sets health fair in Rison
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute will host a public health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at Pioneer Village in Rison. Organized by the Cancer Institute’s Community Outreach and Engagement Office and Cleveland County community partners, the free event will feature more than 40 local health and wellness organizations providing resources, education and services, according to a news release.
Through Tuesday, Sept. 30
Wildfire suppression kits available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through Sept. 30. Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the department plans to distribute 75 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across the state this year. Since 2014, more than 830 kits have been provided to enhance local wildfire response capabilities, according to a news release. Applications can be submitted at https://www.cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/_2025ApplicationForWildlandFireSuppressionKit. Details: Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Wednesday, Oct. 1
Chancellor to speak at Chamber event
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The speaker will be UAPB Chancellor Anthony Graham, according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch is $15 and will be catered by Grider Field restaurant. Lunch must be paid for in advance. Details: The Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
UAPB plans Career Summit
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Fall 2025 Career Summit is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex. The event will feature 46 organizations representing business/industry, government agencies, graduate/professional schools, and school districts, the UAPB Office of Career Services said in a news release. The summit is open to all students currently enrolled at the UAPB and for alumni, according to the release. UAPB Career Services office encourages all attendees to bring copies of a well-prepared resume. While professional dress is preferred, it is not required. Participants are asked to not wear jeans, sweats, or mini-skirts. Details: Shirley Hampton at UAPB at (870) 575-8461.
Thursday, Oct. 2
N2N Burger Bash, auction set
Neighbor to Neighbor will hold its annual Bingo Burger Bash & Silent/Live Auction from 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. “Join us for our biggest FUNdraiser of the year and enjoy an evening of Bingo, awesome prizes, and a live and silent auction,” according to a news release. “The upscale burger buffet will be better than ever, so come and enjoy!” Live auction items include jewelry from Sissy’s Log Cabin, a basketball signed by former Razorbacks Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson, baseball items from well-known former Major League Baseball player Torii Hunter, who’s also a Pine Bluff native, and other sports collectibles. All proceeds go to fulfilling Neighbor to Neighbor’s mission of feeding the hungry in Jefferson County and providing services to people in crisis. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2243602, at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., or at the door. Table sponsorships are also available. Call Neighbor to Neighbor, at (870) 534-2883 for table information or more details. Pat Tate is executive director at Neighbor to Neighbor.
Saturday, Oct. 4
White Hall plans Trade Days
The White Hall Chamber of Commerce invites the White Hall community to sell items during the annual city of White Hall Trade Days community-wide yard sale Oct. 4. “Don’t miss out on the fun. Got stuff collecting dust? Turn your old junk into someone else’s new treasure,” according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/ The deadline to register for Trade Days is Sept. 27. The deadline will ensure that the participant’s name is on the list and marked as a yard sale spot for the community. Signs can be picked up at White Hall City Hall to post in your yard for advertisement. To sign up visit https://forms.gle/EnJAFt6V8A3YgfuK6 . Details: whitehallchamber@gmail.com.
Health, wellness event set
Hope Empowerment Inc. will present the free Health & Wellness Awareness 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at 2610 S. Catalpa St. (the Food Wise parking lot on West 28th Avenue), according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event will focus on building wellness together and fighting health challenges together. The event is organized by community advocates Aaron and Berinda Eugene, founders of the nonprofit Hope Empowerment Inc. that provides academic services to K-12 students and teaches health and wellness, according to a news release. The session will feature more than 35 exhibitors offering free health screenings, educational materials, fitness demos, and wellness services. Attendees can explore booths focused on nutrition, mental health, parenting support, diabetes education, and more. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Yara Robertson, an oncologist and medical director of the breast center, at CARTI Cancer Center. Details: crthereishope@yahoo.com or (870) 413-6189 or (870) 292-5353.
John H. Johnson Day features Hutchinson, lawmakers
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will headline the 20th anniversary celebration and tribute dinner for the John H. Johnson Museum, honoring nine lawmakers who sponsored legislation establishing John H. Johnson Day as a statewide memorial holiday. Presented by the Friends of the John H. Johnson Museum, in partnership with the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the event will be held at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock, from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 4. The community is invited to attend. Tickets are $40, according to a news release. The tribute will recognize Hutchinson for signing the John H. Johnson Day bill into law and the legislative sponsors of House Bill 1950, passed during the 92nd General Assembly in 2019, which officially designated Nov. 1 as John H. Johnson Day in Arkansas.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 4
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, Oct. 5
Watkin Chapel honors pastor, wife
Watkin Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 800 S. Juniper St., will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Kenneth E. Jones Sr. and Debra A. Jones, at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 5. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Willie J. Laws Sr., pastor of Union Baptist Church in Altheimer.
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 5
UAPB hosts Homecoming
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Homecoming celebration is set for Oct. 5-11. Highlights include: Oct. 5 — UAPB Black and Gold Sunday will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Full Counsel Church-Pine Bluff, 517 S. Cherry St. On Oct. 11 — UAPB hosts its annual parade at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street. Individuals interested in participating in the parade must complete an application by Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. On Oct. 11 — The Homecoming Football Game features the UAPB Golden Lions taking on Westgate Christian College Ravens. Kickoff is at 2:10 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field. UAPB will welcome Perry Stuckey as the parade grand marshal. For a parade application, football ticket information or homecoming daily activities, visit uapb.edu/homecoming-2025.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 7
Dog obedience class set
The Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club is sponsoring a dog obedience class for seven weeks starting Oct. 7. The class will be meeting at Hestand Stadium from 7-8 p.m. each Tuesday. The cost is $65 for the seven weeks. Puppies need to be four months or older, according to the news release. Details: (870) 879-3384.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 9
UAPB 1975 Class sets 50th reunion
The AM&N/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Class of 1975 will host its 50th class reunion during UAPB’s Homecoming 2025. Reunion activities will include an invitation to the donor’s banquet on Oct. 9; recognition during the annual homecoming alumni assembly; banquet/gala on Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. in the STEM Building at UAPB; the annual homecoming parade and the football game. To sustain the class scholarship fund, each class member is asked to donate $1,000 to the Class of 1975 Scholarship Endowment Fund, according to a news release. The reunion registration form and donor form can be accessed via the AM&N/UAPB Class of 1975 Facebook page under “files” or members can email uapbclassof1975@swbell.net for additional information.
Friday, Oct. 10
Alumni luncheon set
The UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association will host the Alumni Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets to the luncheon are available on a first come, first served basis, according to a news release. Tickets are $85 and can only be purchased the following ways: 1 — Mail a check or money order payable to UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association to 1200 N. University, Mail Slot 4813, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. (Call the office before mailing your check to ensure that seats are still available.) 2 — Purchase online at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/alumni-luncheon–2025. 3 — Call the alumni office at (870) 536-2309 to pay by card over the phone. The clear bag policy is still in effect at the convention center. For details, follow the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association on social media.
Saturday, Oct. 11
UAPB alumni plan All Black Affair
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association will present the All Black Affair, a homecoming celebration honoring the Beta Cohort of their FIFTY Under 50 Outstanding Young Alumni. The gala will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets are $50, according to a news release. The All Black Affair will include entertainment by Dee Dee Jones and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The attire is all black, all classy. Tickets and table sponsorships can be purchased at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/9s82dw?vid=1k9f5l or you may call the National Alumni Association Office at (501) 536-2309.
Thursday, Oct. 16
WHSB changes meeting date
The White Hall School Board has changed its Oct. 14 meeting to 6 p.m. Oct. 16, according to a news release. Details: (870) 247-2002.
Friday, Oct. 17
Breast Cancer Walk/Run set
The 11th Annual 2K Breast Cancer Walk/Run Weekend in memory of Billie Jean “BJ” Jackson will be held Oct. 17-18. The community is invited to attend the kick-off event at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St. Participants will hear from survivors, doctors and advocates, according to MJ Atkinson’s Facebook page. The walk/run will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 at Saracen Landing Pavilion on Lake Saracen. This year’s walk/run offers a 2K and 5K option. In addition, there will be free health screenings, live entertainment, shopping, activities and fellowship, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. To register for the walk/run or for details, visit MJ Atkinson’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mj.atkinson.2025 or send an email to bjjacksonfightcurelegacy@yahoo.com.
Saturday, Oct. 18
WH to host Founders Day
White Hall will host its 2025 White Hall Founders Day Festival on Oct. 18, according to the White Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. The event will include vendors, food trucks, entertainers, as well as the annual parade. “Let’s make this year’s Founders Day bigger and better than ever — can’t wait to see you there,” according to the Facebook post. For details, visit https://whitehallfoundersday.com/showcase.html.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Chamber plans farmers’ fish fry
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present its 73rd annual Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry will take place from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Hestand Stadium. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The fish fry will feature King Kat catfish and chicken plates with all the trimmings, according to the Chamber newsletter. Featured entertainment will be the Port City Blues Players. Beverages are sponsored by MK Distributors. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or for details call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110 or email vera@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Friday, Oct. 24
NAACP to host annual banquet
The Pine Bluff Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its annual Dove Freedom Fund Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 2906 E. Harding Ave. The NAACP awards will be presented at the banquet. The Pine Bluff Branch NAACP president is Ivan Whitfield. Supporters are invited to make contributions to the efforts. Sponsorships are available. All ads for the souvenir booklet must be camera-ready and emailed to 15graydon@gmail.com no later than Oct. 1, which is also the deadline for payment. Details: Event Coordinator Loretta Whitfield at (870) 489-4736 or Event Co-Chair Yvonne Denton, at (870) 550-4247. Ivan Whitfield is the NAACP branch president.
Saturday, Oct. 25
NAACP Drew County banquet set
Two-time Emmy Award-winning producer Raya Clay and award-winning comedian Nate Williams will highlight the NAACP Drew County Branch’s 2025 Freedom Fund Banquet, scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s University Center Green Room. The doors open at 4 p.m. Clay, of Los Angeles, will be the speaker. Williams, of Little Rock, will provide the entertainment with his comedy set. Tickets for the event are $50 each. Tables of eight and 10 are available, as well as souvenir book ads. Details: naacp6042@gmail.com or visit dcnaacp6042.org/events.
GOP sets dinner with Cotton, Westerman
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will hold the 2025 Top Of The Ticket Dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Headliners will be U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton along with U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman, with comments from elected officials, candidates and others, according to a news release. Tickets are available for $60. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $600 and tables of eight are $480, according to the release. For tickets, contact Jefferson County Republican Committee Chairman David Singer at (908) 883-2032; Mandi Martin, (870) 510-4183 or Susan Over (870) 692-1804.
Through Friday, Oct. 31
Great Arkansas Cleanup set
Keep Arkansas Beautiful has opened registration for the 2025 Great Arkansas Cleanup, Arkansas’ largest fall community improvement initiative. The campaign runs through Oct. 31. KAB asks Arkansans to do their part and help the agency reach its goal of having all 75 counties participate again this year. Volunteers, including civic groups, businesses, local governments and individuals, are encouraged to register their cleanup events at www.keeparkansasbeautiful.com to receive free supplies such as trash bags, gloves, safety vests and shirts while supplies last.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Agri Hall of Fame seeks nominees
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for its next class of inductees. The nomination deadline is Nov. 1. The Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes Arkansans who have contributed significantly to the state’s largest industry while spotlighting their contributions to the state’s economic development. Since its first class was selected in 1987, a total of 198 men and women have been inducted, according to a news release. Debbie Moreland, chair of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame, says anyone can nominate a person believed worthy of the honor. The nomination form is available at https://www.arkansasaghalloffame.org/pages/member-nomination-form/. Forms can also be requested by calling (501) 228-1609.
Through Friday, Nov. 7
AGFC offers schools grants
More than three-quarters of a million dollars is available for Arkansas schools to teach conservation education this year, thanks to a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services to turn poaching violations into education opportunities. All wildlife and fishing fine money collected last year has been set aside by the AGFC specifically for education grants that teachers may use to increase conservation education efforts in their schools, according to a news release. Teachers and administrators have until Nov. 7 to apply for a conservation education grant at www.arkansasedc.com/rural-services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.
Through Saturday, Nov. 15
Brian Wolf exhibit on display
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting the 24-piece exhibition “Strange Awakening” by Brian Wolf at the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Strange Awakening,” his latest body of work, is the culmination of self-discovery, acceptance and artistic transformation that began in 2023. “Strange Awakening” will be on view through Nov. 15 by appointment. The exhibition is sponsored by the Kline Family Foundation, according to a news release.