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.
Underway
UAPB sets Homecoming events
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Homecoming celebration is set for Oct. 5-11. Highlights include: Oct. 7 — from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the official Homecoming Kickoff is held at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower at UAPB. Oct. 8 — From 7-9 p.m., the Coronation Ceremony and Coronation Ball will take place at the Kenneth L. Johnson Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex. Oct. 10 — at 9 a.m. UAPB hosts the Annual Alumni Assembly at the HPER. Oct. 11 — The UAPB Homecoming grand finale will include the annual parade at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Pine Bluff. Alumnus Perry Stuckey will be as this year’s Parade Grand Marshal. The homecoming game will be at Simmons Bank Field with kickoff at 2 p.m. featuring UAPB Golden Lions vs Westgate Christian University Ravens. There will be a clear bag policy. Visit uapb.edu/homecoming-2025 for details.
Monday, Oct. 6
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Election board to meet
The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will have a called meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at the election center, 123 S. Main St., according to Chairman Michael Adam. The agenda includes public comments on new business (two minutes per speaker.) New business includes appointing coordinators for the upcoming elections.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Club Scrub to host workshop
The Ivy Center for Education’s Future Medical Professionals “Club Scrub” Workshop will be held virtually from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 7. The topic is Exploring Dental Hygiene as a Career. The guest speaker is Brittany Rose, a registered dental hygienist with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Health Professions, Dental Hygiene Program. Students in seventh-12th grades interested in medical careers are encouraged to attend the virtual workshop by using the Zoom Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, email Mattie Collins, Ivy Center’s president and CEO, at mattie1908@gmail.com or Danielle Harris, Club Scrub educational director, at djharris@uams.edu.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 7
St. Joseph Spaghetti Supper set
St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave., will hold its annual Spaghetti Supper from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 7 and Oct. 9 in the gym. It’s carryout only and ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children, according to a spokesman. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from any parish member. Details: Gail Bryant, (870) 534-4701.
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 or 870-209-3384.
Wednesday, Oct. 8
UAMS to host Fordyce event
A town hall meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Fordyce Civic Center in Fordyce. The public is invited to attend the session hosted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. The event will feature presentations from the institute’s Community Outreach and Engagement Team focusing on cancer screening guidelines, available screening options and barriers that residents may face in getting screened. Attendees will also learn about statewide cancer patient navigation services, cancer research initiatives and clinical trials available through UAMS, according to a news release. Lunch will be provided for the first 25 people in attendance. No preregistration is required. Details: uams.edu.
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, Oct. 9
Ivy Center plans ACT session
The Ivy Center for Education will host an ACT Boot Camp on Zoom Only from 6-8 p.m. Thursday. The presenters will be Charity Smith Allen and team from Fetterman & Associates. Students in 7-12 grades are encouraged to attend using Zoom ID – 856 8296 4187 and Passcode – 351061, according to a news release.
UAM music to host faculty recital
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Division of Music will host its Fall 2025 Faculty Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Fine Arts Center at UAM. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release. UAM faculty participants are Scott Bearden, director of recruitment and retention and associate professor of voice at UAM; Kylan Bigby, assistant professor of percussion at UAM; Kevin Bryson, director of jazz studies and assistant professor of low brass and jazz at UAM; Hee-Kyung Juhn, assistant professor of piano at UAM; Drew Leder, graduate assistant in jazz studies at UAM; Colt Lien, director of choral activities and instructor of music at UAM; Lester Pack, professor of music theory and guitar at UAM; and Leah Venable, adjunct instructor of flute and school methods at UAM. Details: Mark Sullivan at sullivanm@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1060.
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
Raven’s Nest to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will be open Oct. 11 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. This pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give food boxes to those in need Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. until all the boxes are given away. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
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.
ARTx3 Funday Homecoming event set
The ARTx3 Campus will host a special coloring activity to coincide with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Homecoming. The event will be held at the Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 11 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to color a sheet made exclusively for this event. Selected finished designs will be posted at facebook.com/asc701. This program is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and McFarland Eye Care. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
Sunday, Oct. 12
New United observes 50th anniversary
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will observe its 50th anniversary at 11 a.m. Oct. 12. The pastor is the Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Ivy’s Future Engineers to meet
The Ivy Center for Education will host the Future Engineers meeting at the Generator, 435 S. Main St., from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 14. The presenters will be representatives from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of Industrial Technology, Management and Applied Engineering and the STEM Academy. Students in 7-12 grades are encouraged to attend in person or virtually using Zoom ID – 856 8296 4187 and Passcode – 351061, according to a news release.
TOPPS to host food giveaway
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will host its community food giveaway at 10 a.m. Oct. 14. The event will be held in a drive-through format and food boxes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each household may receive one box of food and participants must present a valid ID, according to a news release.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 14
Angel Tree forms taken at Aquatic Center
The Salvation Army of Pine Bluff has changed the location where they’ll accept applications for Angel Tree gifts for children up to age 12. The applications will now be accepted at the Pine Bluff Aquatic Center, 400 E. 11th Ave., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14-17. This is the only opportunity to submit applications, and no exceptions will be made, according to a news release. This program offers individuals the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for those less fortunate in Cleveland, Dallas, Grant, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties. Applicants will need documentation, including ID, proof of income, and children’s birth certificates. For those interested in assisting the Angel Tree program or for details, contact Kendashia Jacobs at (870) 536-6382 at the Salvation Army.
Thursday, Oct. 16
Women’s Connection luncheon set
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Deborah Nottingham-McGaw of Brownwood, Texas. Her topic will be “Moments to Remember.” “Debi shares about how writing in journals and blogs about life and travels, and surviving cancer and divorce always reminds her of God’s love and goodness toward her and others,” according to a news release. The feature at the luncheon will be two fundraisers: a silent auction bake sale and white elephant sale. The luncheon costs $20, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. All participants are asked to honor their reservations. For reservations or cancellations, contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
Trinity Village plans Soup event
Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, will host its fall Soup & Shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Great Hall on the campus. The community is invited to attend. Admission to the event is by donation. Donations go toward updating parts of Trinity Village’s medical center, according to a flier. “Taste the soups and shop with our vendors,” a spokesman said. For those interested in setting up a booth, the cost is $25 each and the fee is non-refundable. Details: Trinity Village, (870) 879-3113.
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.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 16
UAM hosts rodeo
The University of Arkansas at Monticello is bringing three nights of rodeo action to town with the 2025 Weevil Stampede set for Oct. 16-18 at the UAM Truck Driving Academy on Highway 425 South. Performances begin each day at 7 p.m. Collegiate athletes from across the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Ozark Region will compete in events including barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and bronc riding, according to a news release. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. UAM students with a valid ID can attend for $5. For more information about the UAM Weevil Stampede, call (870) 460-1052.
Through Friday, Oct. 17
Farm Trail opens applications
The Arkansas Farm Trail passport program will expand in 2026 with more farms across the state. Applications are open through Oct. 17, for farmers to join the effort connecting consumers with Arkansas agriculture. The Arkansas Farm Trail gives visitors a hands-on experience at local farms to shop for Arkansas-grown products and learn the stories behind their food. Shoppers carry a Farm Trail passport, collecting stamps at farms when they make purchases. The more stamps collected, the bigger the prize package, according to a news release. Participation is free with an Arkansas Farm Bureau membership, but space is limited. Selection will be based on factors like regional diversity and products. Farmers can apply at ArFarmTrail.com. Details: (501) 224-4400.
Beginning Friday, Oct. 17
Breast Cancer event, walk 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. The deadline to register is Oct. 1 and the fee is $20 for ages 3 to 11 and $40 for ages 12 and up. A commemorative t-shirt and finisher medal is included with the registration.
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.
Thornton plans BBQ cookoff
The city of Thornton and Thornton Step-By-Step Inc. will sponsor its fall festival and Hot Lips BBQ Cookoff on Oct. 18. Everyone is invited to attend. The fall festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Roy Yarbrough City Park on U.S. 79B in Thornton. The Hot Lips BBQ Cookoff will take place across the street from the city park near the fire sub-station and extending over onto the Greater St. Mark AME Church. There is no fee to attend, but people are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. Details: Levenis Penix, (870) 352-8241,or Sharon Scott, (870) 352-7968.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 18
Canaan church honors leaders
Canaan Christian Center, 7890 Middle Warren Road, will host the 23rd pastoral anniversary of the apostle, Craig Banks, and pastor, Sheryl Banks. At 4 p.m. Oct. 18, special guests will be speakers John Delaware, apostle at Royal Priesthood Ministries of Little Rock; and Victor Johnson, apostle at Victors’ Empowerment Center of Stuttgart; musical guests Marquis Hunt, saxophonist, and Keenon Coleman, psalmist. At 10 a.m. Oct. 19, the musical guest will be Zetoria Curry, a psalmist. Tributes will also be made to the honorees.
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Domestic Violence Walk set
The Pine Bluff Police Department will host its annual Domestic Violence Walk from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 21. Participants should meet at the civic center’s front steps at 200 E. Eighth Ave. All are welcome. According to the PBPD, the walk is designed to celebrate survivors and to recognize that an act of domestic abuse occurs every minute. Details: (870) 730-2042.
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Pretty in Pink luncheon set
The Pretty in Pink Celebrating Survivorship Luncheon will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Tickets are $60 and will benefit the Jefferson Regional Breast Center, according to a flier. Sponsors are Jefferson Regional Medical Center and Relyance Bank. Details: Laura Beth Shaner, (870) 541-7210.
Thursday, Oct. 23
UADA economists to visit Stuttgart
Agricultural economists from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will discuss farm policy, marketing opportunities and financial outlooks at “Farm Gate Economics: Surviving the Cost-Price Squeeze.” The event will be held Oct. 23 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart. Lunch is included. There is no cost to attend. The event is co-hosted by the Southern Risk Management Education Center, according to a news release from the Division of Agriculture. Details: www.uaex.uada.edu.
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
TOPPS to teach youth sewing
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will host a sewing class for ages 8-18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25. Lunch will be served. The course is free and each participant will take away a completed project, according to a news release. For details or to register, call TOPPS, (870) 850-6011.
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.
Sunday, Oct. 26
Barraque church hosts Women’s Day
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will present its Annual Women’s Day at 11 a.m. Oct. 26. The guest speaker will be Karres Manning-Center. She is a member of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is “Crowned with Grace, Walking in Strength” (Proverbs 31:25.) The choir director will be Pamela Ervin. Choir rehearsal dates are Oct. 15 and Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31
Police Fall Festival set
The Pine Bluff Police Department’s annual Fall Festival will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Food, prizes, games and other activities will be available. Attendees are welcome to wear family-appropriate costumes to the event, according to a news release. Details: (870) 730-2042.
Shekinah Glory sets fall festival
Shekinah Glory Global Ministries, 1800 W. 73rd Ave., will hold a fall festival from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31. The community is invited to attend. There will be music, food, candy and more, according to a flier.
Beginning Friday, Oct. 31
Stuttgart church sets fall fest
A fall fest will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at First Christian Church in Stuttgart. There will be craft vendors, a soup and chili luncheon, bake sale, silent auction and other activities, according to a news release. To rent a table or for more details, call Jeannie Teaney at (870) 267-8450.
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.
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 Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
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.