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.
Wednesday, Oct. 22
UAMS sets Dumas town hall
The public is invited to a community town hall meeting on cancer prevention and screening at noon Oct. 22 at DePaul Community Health Center in Dumas. The free event is hosted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Community Outreach and Engagement team. The session will offer area residents information on current cancer screening guidelines and available screening options as well as foster dialogue about barriers residents may face in getting screened. Lunch will be provided for the first 25 attendees. No pre-registration is required, according to a news release.
Housing Authority board to meet
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The board of commissioners of the Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will meet at 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at Leon’s Catfish and Shrimp #18 in Chapel Village, 3801 Camden Road, according to a news release. Details: (870) 541-0706.
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.
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. 23
Opportunity House sets event
The community is invited to the Re-Grand Opening of Opportunity House, 1305 E. Sixth Ave., (formerly First Ward School) beginning at noon Thursday. This is the new 24-hour residential facility dedicated to providing care, housing, and support services to people experiencing homelessness,according to a flier. Details: (870) 569-3130.
New PAC sets press conference
A newly established political action committee (PAC), dedicated to driving meaningful change in Jefferson County, will hold a press conference Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the UAPB Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The purpose is to officially launch the PAC and inform the public of its mission to empower citizens and promote proactive political involvement in the county, according to a news release. With the guiding belief that “Change will not change itself,” the PAC is committed to cultivating a more informed electorate and supporting knowledgeable, community-minded candidates. Calvin Johnson, Ph.D, serves as an executive leader. Eugene Hunt, a lawyer, is the PAC’s executive manager. Details: Eugene Hunt, eugenehunt2000@yahoo.com.
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 keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Ann Eckford, a Civil Rights activist and one of the Little Rock Nine who integrated Central High School in Little Rock. 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. Banquet tickets are $50 per person. 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.
Through Friday, Oct. 24
Church sets Tent Meeting
Liberty Baptist Church, 8454 U.S. 79 South, will host its annual Tent Meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 21-24. The pastor is Nathan Stone.
Saturday, Oct. 25
New United sets fall festival
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will conduct a fall festival at 2 p.m. Saturday, according to a news release. The Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr. is the pastor.
Audubon School sets fest
The Audubon School, 2206 Ridgway Road, will host the third annual Fall Fest at 6 p.m. Oct. 25. The event will include a cake walk, bean bag toss, face painting, music, and refreshments, according to a flier.
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.
Sunday, Oct. 26
Breath of Life observes anniversary
Breath of Life Church, 1313 S Pine St., will celebrate its 42nd Anniversary at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The theme will be “Honoring Those Whose Shoulders We Stood On.” The speaker will be Kymara H. Seals, the policy director of the non-profit Arkansas Public Policy Panel, which addresses social and economic issues.
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
Health agency plans fall festival
ArchWell Health, 2801 S. Olive St., will present a fall festival from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 30. People are urged to join the agency and other vendors for people 60 and older to discover local resources available as well as visit with other residents. Refreshments will be served and participants may wear costumes, according to a flier. To RSVP or for details, contact Sarah Ann Bost (501) 484-9552 or sarahann.bost@archwellhealth.com.
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 change site of Fall Festival
The Pine Bluff Police Department’s annual Fall Festival will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 31 at 120 W. Fifth Ave. (former Bank of America building) at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Pine Street. There will be food, prizes, games and other activities. 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
EHC set pecan fundraiser
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers are selling pecans and chocolate covered peanuts, 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 Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office, 500 Idaho St. 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.
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, who have won numerous blues competitions across the mid-south. The concert series is sponsored by MK Distributors.
Sunday, Nov. 2
Judah honors bishop and wife
Judah Restoration Worship Center, 2401 S. Main St., will celebrate the 33rd Pastoral Anniversary of the bishop and wife, Esau Watson Jr. and Paula Watson, on Nov. 2. At 11 a.m., the featured speaker will be the Rev. Darrell Martin. At 3 p.m., the guest speaker will be the bishop, Anthony Martin.
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
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.
Saturday, Nov. 8
WHHS JROTC dinner, auction set
The White Hall High School Junior ROTC Booster Club will host its Fall Dinner and Auction from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 8 at White Hall Community Center. Dinner will be catered by Texas Roadhouse and participants may choose steak or chicken, according to the flier. “Support our cadets — strengthen our program,” the flier said. Tickets are $25 each. Tickets won’t be sold at the door. Details: White Hall High School, (870) 247-3255 or see Facebook.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Vaughns to lead Veterans Parade
U.S. veteran and Tuskegee Airman Thomas Franklin Vaughns has been named the grand marshal for the Pine Bluff Regional Veterans Parade, scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 15 in downtown Pine Bluff.
Sponsors include the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff Arsenal, city of Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff Convention Center, MK Distributors, Pine Bluff Military and Veterans Museum, Saracen Casino Resort and ExplorePineBluff.com.
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.