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.
Monday, Oct. 13
Food to be given to government staff
First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will give food to employees affected by the government shutdown. This emergency food giveaway will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 13. To ensure that assistance reaches those most impacted, attendees will be required to present a valid government identification at the time of pickup. This initiative aims to provide essential relief to government employees living anywhere in Arkansas, including Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas, who are currently without pay due to the shutdown, according to a news release. Details: (479) 301-1096 or https://firstwardpantry.wixsite.com/fwlgp.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 13
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
CARTI sets Mammograms, Muffins
The Breast Center at CARTI will hold its annual Mammograms and Muffins events in Pine Bluff in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mammograms will be offered take Oct. 13-14 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as Oct. 15-16 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CARTI, 5001 Bobo Road. Women can also enter giveaways and receive free educational materials. Those interested in scheduling an appointment may call (501) 537-MAMO.
EHC set pecan fundraiser
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers are selling pecans and chocolate covered peanuts. Members will take orders at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office, 500 Idaho St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13, according to a news release. The fundraiser includes: 1 pound bag of Fancy Mammoth (Georgia) Pecan Halves for $15; 1 pound bag chocolate double-dipped peanuts for $15; and New Holiday Foods Cookbooks for $5. All orders must be placed and paid for by Oct. 31. Forms can be picked up at the extension office. EHC members will call participants when the pecans and peanuts arrive. Details: Brenda Robinson, Jefferson County EHC president-elect and pecan sale chairman at (870) 540-6970.
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 grades 7-12 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
True Vine E sets event
True Vine E Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 W. Second Ave., will host Fall Revival 2025 at 7 p.m. Oct. 14-16. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Robert Willis Jr., pastor of Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is “Transformed through the Power of Prayer,” II Ch. 7:14. Everyone is invited to attend the revival. True Vine E’s pastor is the Rev. Leon Williams Jr.
Dog obedience class set
The Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club is sponsoring a dog obedience class for seven weeks starting Oct. 14. 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.
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.
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Students to take pledge against violence
Students at Watson Chapel High School will take the pledge against gun violence for the Day of National Concern at 9 a.m. Oct. 15. Watson Chapel’s Wildcat Society Gentlemen’s Club will host an all-school assembly where students will perform original raps, poetry, and artwork addressing gun violence. Independent judges from outside the school will evaluate the entries based on theme, clarity, spelling, and originality, according to a news release. The Rev. Jesse Turner, executive director of Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc., will help facilitate the pledge. Other officials, school administrators and community leaders will participate.
Moscow church hosts Community Night
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow will host Community Night at 7 p.m. Oct. 15. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Jarrett Miles, pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, in Varner. Macedonia’s church choir will sing. New Hope’s pastor is the Rev. Stanley Blair.
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. 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 U.S. 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 StuffinTheBluff.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.
Sunday, Oct. 19
1st MBC sets 160 anniversary
First Missionary Baptist Church, 4500 Faucett Road, will observe its 160th anniversary at 11 a.m. Oct. 19. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Charles S. Boyd of Fort Worth, Texas.
Monday, Oct. 20
Church sets Tent Meeting
Liberty Baptist Church, 8454 U.S. 79 South, will host its annual Tent Meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 20-24. The pastor is Nathan Stone.
Pine Hill hosts City Wide Mission
Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 2101 Reeker St., will host the City Wide Mission meeting at 1 p.m. Oct. 20. The guest speaker will be Prutty Holman of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where the Rv. Clarence Holman is pastor. The Rev. Glenn Barnes Sr. is pastor of Pine Hill.
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. This event, which is free of charge, will feature remembrances, fellowship and a meal. 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
JRMC to host blood drive
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Henslee Conference Center rooms J and R. Walkins are welcome. Donors will receive a glow-in-the dark Wicked T-shirt and pass to the Little Rock Zoo, while supplies last. Photo ID will be required to donate, according to a flier from Our Blood Institute. Details: 877-340-877 or obi.org.
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
Eighth Avenue hosts anniversary
Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1200 W. Eighth Ave., invites all members, former members and friends to join the 127th Anniversary at 3 p.m. Oct. 26. The guest speaker will be the Rev. M. Kriston Wilson, pastor of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Kirby L. Gulley is the pastor of Eighth Avenue.
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.
Thursday, Oct. 30
Free shredding event set
A free fall shredding event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at Saracen Landing. People can shred old papers safely and securely. There’s a limit of 10 boxes per person and items must be sorted and metal free, according to a flier. The event is hosted by the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful Commission. Details: Kelli Kennedy, Clean and Beautiful director, (870) 543-4901 or cbcommissionpb@gmail.com.
Arsenal announces fall festival
The Pine Bluff Arsenal Fall Festival 2025 will be held from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Plainview Soccer Field (next to the Pass and ID complex), according to a flier. Admission is free. Registration for goodie bags is open until Oct. 24. The event will include food, games, arts and crafts, food trucks, inflatable obstacles, and the best costume contest. The community is invited to attend. Details: www.facebook.com/PBAMWR.
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.
Sunday, Nov. 2
New Faith honors pastor, wife
New Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 3800 Fir St., will celebrate the 14th Pastoral Anniversary of the Rev. S.E. and Cassandra Shaw at 3 p.m. Nov. 2. The Rev. Silas Roaf Sr., pastor of St. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker and the Rev. William A. Shaw, pastor of Pleasant View Ministries, will be the worship leader. Music will be featured by the Mt. Nebo Mass Choir. This year’s theme is “Guided by Grace, Leading with Love” (Jeremiah 3:15), according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Through Friday, Nov. 7
Golf outing raising funds for Sports Hall of Fame
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame Charity Golf Tournament will bring together athletes, alumni and supporters for a morning of high-energy golf and heartfelt purpose, according to a news release.
The tournament is scheduled for a shotgun start of 9:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Bubba Smart, Wes McNulty and George McKeown are golfers who were inducted into the first Hall of Fame class in April, and the tournament will give participants another chance to honor them, Hall chairman Jeff Gross said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just love the game, your swing helps honor local sports legends and fuels youth athletic programs across Jefferson County,” according to the newsletter.
Said Gross: “It’s scheduled to be the last big event of the year, and we can’t wait to tee off on the first Friday in November.”
Packages for team registration and mulligans are available, as well as sponsorships. Prize donations will be accepted as well.
To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/jcshof . For additional information: (870) 718-3512.
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.