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. 29
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. 30
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Fair housing officials to meet
The Arkansas Fair Housing Commission will hold a free community education outreach event from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 30 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. “Learn who we are, what we do and how we serve you,” according to a flier. Iverson Jackson is director and Rosalyn Miller is deputy director of the agency. To RSVP, call (501) 537-9221 or rosalyn.miller@arkansas.gov.
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 at (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.
Friday, Oct. 31
White Hall center plans festival
The community is invited to join the White Hall Community Center Annual Falloween Festival from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/ The event will feature all the candy a kid could need, Free hot dogs, free popcorn and free bottled water. Costumes are encouraged. Families are welcome. “Come make spooky-sweet memories with us! See you there,” a spokesman said on Facebook.
Pantry to give lunch to first responders
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will give a free hot lunch to first responders from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 31. All first responders are invited to join the pantry for lunch. “This is our way of saying thank you to the everyday heroes who protect and serve our city and surrounding areas,” said Executive Director Debra Strickland Allen of the First Ward Living Grace Pantry. “Their commitment to safety, courage, and community deserves recognition and gratitude.”
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
Johnson Day set Nov. 1
John H. Johnson Day will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at the John H. Johnson Cultural and Educational Museum in Arkansas City. The late Johnson was at native of Arkansas City and publisher of Johnson Publishing Co. The event will feature keynote speaker Sidney Moncrief, a businessman, former Arkansas Razorback and professional basketball player. Awards will be presented to five honorees. Details: Friends of John H. Johnson Museum, https://www.johnhjohnsonmuseum.org/
Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class set
Ages 3-6 and their parents are invited to Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class: Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The program is free, but registration is required at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-nov-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
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.
Through 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.
Sunday, Nov. 2
Art League sets meeting
The Pine Bluff Art League will host its regular monthly meeting from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., in room A & B. Pam Wooley will present an oil painting demonstration. She’s a PBAL member and recent award winner of the 2025 “Annual Pine Bluff Art League Exhibition,” according to a news release. This event is free and open to the public ages 15 and older. For more information, contact PBAL President Vickie Coleman at (870) 540-9975.
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.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 4
Ivy Center plans events
The Ivy Center for Education announces events. Nov. 4 — Club Scrub: From 6-7 p.m., students will meet at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central, 1601 W. 40th Ave. Topic: “Career in Pharmacy” — UAMS College of Pharmacy Student Ambassadors. Students in seventh-12th grade are encouraged to attend. (Everyone should enter from the rear of the building), according to a news release. Nov. 11 — Future Engineers: From 6-7 p.m., students will meet at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. Activity: Scholars will work with Robots and UAPB students. Seventh-12th graders are encouraged to attend. Following the Future Engineers workshop, the 2026 College Tour Interest Meeting will be held from 7:15-7:45 p.m. Eighth-11th graders may attend with their parents. Nov. 18 — Girl/Guy Talk — From 6-7:30 p.m., at the Generator on Main, seventh-12th graders will meet with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Alpha Rho Chapter at UAPB, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, and Pi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Those who cannot attend these sessions in person may join via Zoom with ID 856 8296 4187 and Password 351061. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins, mattie1908@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 5
PB Chamber sets luncheon
Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator. The event sponsor is Pine Bluff Career Council and STAR (Seamless Transition for Arkansas). The panel will feature the career council, according to the Chamber newsletter. Grider Field restaurant will cater lunch. Lunch is $10 per person and must be paid in advance at the Chamber. To RSVP, contact the Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 6
Auditions set for Miracle on Main
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting auditions for its holiday show from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 6 and Nov. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. This community talent show is open to ages 6 and older. Performers may audition for these categories: Specialty acts, readers theater, and community choir. Performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and Dec. 13. Kayla Earnest and Bethany Gere direct. The show is sponsored by Relyance Bank. Details: artx3.org/all-events/auditions-miracle-on-main or contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Friday, Nov. 7
Live@5 features Darnell Cann-Ward
Darnell Cann-Ward will perform during the monthly Live@5 concert series from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 7, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “Enjoy soulful jazz and R&B tunes with the smooth saxophonist,” according to the news release. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The event is for ages 21 and older. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Art League sets workshop
The Pine Bluff Art League will host a new painting party from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Pam Wooley will present an acrylic workshop and teach step by step how to use the paint medium, develop brush techniques and blend colors. The cost is $35. Materials and appetizers are included. The event is for ages 15 and older. Participants may make a check out to the Pine Bluff Art League and mail it to Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. Details: Pam Wooley at (870) 357-2328 or Pine Bluff Art League Treasurer Permelia Huffman at (870) 543-0225. Class size is limited.
EHC Holiday Foods Show set
The annual Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Holiday Foods Show will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave. The doors will open at 9 a.m. Tickets are $25 and are available by texting (870) 718-1846 or contacting any Jefferson County Extension Homemaker for assistance in getting tickets, according to a news release.
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
ARTX3 presents Cookin’ for a Cause
The ARTx3 Campus will host Cookin’ for a Cause for its next Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is free and open to the public. Participants of all ages are invited to help cook for others. The campus is collaborating with House of Bread Deliverance Church to aid families in need. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375 or see artx3.org/all-events/family-funday-nov-2025.
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.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
WH Chamber luncheon set
White Hall Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon at noon Nov. 12. The guest presenter will be Dr. Jennifer Jacks, a local dermatologist. The luncheon will be catered by Rice Catering, according to a flier at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/.
Friday, Nov. 14
Golden Hour Movie Day set
The ARTx3 Campus will host an afternoon of movie-watching for individuals aged 50 and older, featuring the classic “The Princess Bride” in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is part of ARTx3’s Golden Hour programming for seniors and is free. Register at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-movie-day. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
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 or supporters include the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 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.
Thursday, Nov. 20
PBHS students showcase art
The ARTx3 Campus will host an opening reception for an exhibition of work by Pine Bluff High School students from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The event is free and open to the public. “It Was All a Dream” invites viewers to step into a world where imagination and reality intertwine. The exhibition will be on view in the Loft Gallery through Feb. 26. For more information or to schedule a viewing, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, interim curator and programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375 or visit artx3.org/exhibitions/2025-pine-bluff-high-school.
Friday, Nov. 21
Open Mic Poetry set at ARTx3
The ARTx3 Campus will present ART WORKS Presents: Open Mic Poetry, from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Tru Poet hosts. “Ages 16 and older are invited to share their spoken-word selections and original creations in an encouraging and inspiring environment that celebrates the art of poetry and storytelling,” according to the release. No registration is required. Participants can enter for a chance to win door prizes. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and students, and $15 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Friday, Dec. 5
Farmer grants available
Farmers and ranchers have until Dec. 5 to apply for the Producer Grant Program, according to Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The initiative is part of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) program, according to a news release. English said producer grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that address timely agricultural production challenges. Producers can apply for the program at https://southern.sare.org. Announcement of funded proposals will take place in late February 2026. Details: UAPB Small Farm Program, (870) 575-7225.