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
Election information, early voting
Early voting began Oct. 21 at the Jefferson County Courthouse. Voters will vote for U.S. President as well as local candidates running for Pine Bluff mayor, school boards and other offices in the Nov. 5 General Election. OCT. 21-Nov. 4 — Early Voting will be held at the county courthouse Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weeekdays; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. OCT. 29 — Deadline to receive absentee ballot applications by mail, fax, or email. NOV. 5 — Election Day — Polls will be open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Details: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, (870) 541-5322.
UAPB hosts Homecoming events
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will host its annual homecoming celebration Oct. 20-26, according to a news release. Events include: Oct. 25 — UAPB hosts the Annual Alumni Assembly at 9 a.m. in the arena of the HPER complex. At 12:30 p.m., the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association will present its Alumni Awards Luncheon & General Membership Meeting at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Yard Fest occurs from noon to 3 p.m. at the bell tower, followed by a Homecoming Greek Show at 6 p.m. in the HPER. The parade starts at by the Annual Homecoming Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street. Oct. 26 — The parade route starts at 15th Avenue and Main Street. The football game between the Golden Lions and the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils starts at 2 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field. Details: UAPB.edu .
Friday, Oct. 25
UAPB 1975 class to meet
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Class of 1975 will hold its class meeting at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Colton’s Steakhouse Restaurant in White Hall. Members will discuss plans for commemorating the 50th class reunion of 2025. All interested class members are welcome to attend. Participants are responsible for paying for their meals, according to a news release.
Saturday, Oct. 26
UAPB sets parade, game
Homecoming for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff includes major events Oct. 26. The 3rd Annual 2-Mile Walk Run is held from 7-9 a.m., followed by the Annual Homecoming Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street. The parade route is as follows: Starts at 15th Avenue and Main Street; travels north on Main Street to Sixth Avenue; turns east on Sixth Avenue to Convention Center Drive; turns south on Convention Center Drive. The parade will end at 9th Avenue and Convention Center Drive. The highlight of the Homecoming Week is the game between the Golden Lions and the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils. The game starts at 2 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field. Tickets can be purchased by calling the ticket office at (870) 575-8601 or by visiting www.uapblionsroar.com/tickets. UAPB JAMS: The Official Homecoming Party starts at 7 p.m. at the HPER. The UAPB FIFTY Under 50 Outstanding Young Alumni, sponsored by the UAPB/AM &N National Alumni Association, will be presented at ‘The All-Black Affair’ at the Pine Bluff Convention Center at 8 p.m. Admission is $50 and tickets may be purchased by calling (870) 536-2309 or by visiting https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/ouBuJw?vid=1808jb. Details: UAPB.EDU.
Center sets Wetlands and Wildlife event
Delta Rivers Nature Center in Regional Park will host the Wetlands and Wildlife Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. The event will include food trucks, music, door prizes, candy, games, and hunting and cooking demonstrations. The community is invited to attend. For more information or to register to win door prizes, visit https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/218013.
Drug Take Back Day returns
The Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership encourages Arkansans to participate in Arkansas Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 26. Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient and responsible way for people to dispose of unused or unwanted medication. Arkansas is among the top 10 states in the U.S. for the weight of drugs collected during these events, underscoring the state’s dedication to limiting prescription drug misuse, according to a news release. The ReviveAR app provides up-to-date information about Arkansas Drug Take Back and offers a search function that pinpoints drop boxes by name or zip code. Details: ARTakeBack.org.
CARTI plans Mammograms and Muffins
CARTI will host its annual Mammograms and Muffins from 8-11:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at CARTI in Pine Bluff, 5001 Bobo Road. In addition to giving screenings at the event, there will be giveaways and free educational materials. Held each October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, these events are designed to reduce the barriers women often face in receiving their annual screenings, according to a news release. Those interested in scheduling an appointment or to discuss costs for screenings, call (501) 537-MAMO.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 26
Toys for Tots seeks donations
Toys for Tots will be collecting toys for youth this Christmas. In Rison, the agency will accept toys at the Veterans’ Appreciation Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m. Saturday at the Cleveland County Fair Grounds in Rison. In Pine Bluff, Toys for Tots will be collecting toys from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 2-3 and Nov. 9-10 at the Walmart Supercenter. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy, game, or puzzle for youth of the area, because every child deserves a little Christmas, according to a news release. For more information on the 2024 Cleveland, Jefferson, and Lincoln County Toys for Tots Campaign or to donate go to https://pine-bluff-ar.toysfortots.org/.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Old St. James hosts Black and Gold Sunday
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will observe Black and Gold Sunday during worship at 10 a.m. Sunday in support of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Homecoming.
Breath of Life observes anniversary
Breath of Life Church, 1313 S. Pine St. will celebrate its Church Anniversary with Youth Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The speaker is Albert King Jr. of Breath of Life. He is employed by the Department of Workforce Services and is the president of Community Empowerment Council Inc., where he advocates for community improvement and empowerment.
8th Avenue Church plans anniversary
Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1200 W. Eighth Ave., will celebrate its 126th Anniversary and Cornerstone Laying at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Members, former members, and friends are invited to attend. The theme is Building Upon a Legacy (Psalm 78:4-7.) The featured speaker will be the Rev. Edward E. Thomas of Victory Missionary Baptist Church of Milwaukee, Wis. The Rev. Kirby L. Gulley is the pastor at Eighth Avenue.
Prayer Garden honors men, women
Prayer Garden Christian Faith Center Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Apple St., will host its Annual Men’s and Women’s Observance on Oct. 27. The 10 a.m. speaker will be Elder Joe Brown, an associate minister at Holy Temple Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Little Rock. The 3 p.m. speaker will be Kimberly Clay, first lady at Anointed Praise and Worship Ministries Inc. in Pine Bluff. The theme will be We’ve Got Work to Do (John 9:12 and Luke 10:1,2.) The public is invited to attend. Superintendent Jerry W. Williams Sr. is the pastor of Prayer Garden.
Monday, Oct. 28
NARFE to meet Oct. 28
Chapter 287 of NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) will meet at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Donald W. Reynolds Building, 211 W. Third Ave. Tammy Blenden, federal employee representative from Blue Cross Blue Shield, will be giving updates on the 2025 health insurance changes. Representatives from other insurance companies are expected to be in attendance. National only members are invited to attend, according to the news release. Waymond Meins is Chapter 287 president.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 28
Union Hopewell sets revival
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 S. Persimmon St., will conduct a fall revival at 7 p.m. Oct. 28-30. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Anthony Craig, pastor of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church.
Through Monday, Oct. 28
Art League display open
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., is hosting the 2024 Pine Bluff Art League Annual Exhibition in the International Paper Gallery through Oct. 28., Pieces from the exhibition are available for purchase. Gallery admission is free. The Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel Co. is sponsoring the exhibition. For details, visit artx3.org/exhibitions/2024-pine-bluff-art-league-exhibition.
Tuesday, Oct. 29
Taylor Field plans Halloween carnival
The community is invited to attend the third annual Halloween Carnival at historic Taylor Field from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 29, rain or shine. The free event will feature carnival games and activities for families to celebrate Halloween. Participants can enjoy games, prizes, food, lively music, and a costume contest, along with plenty of candy for trick-ortreaters. While most of the activities will cater to children ages 12 and under, there will be some options available for older siblings and parents as well. All youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, according to a news release. For more information on becoming a sponsor or donating for this event, contact Jeff Gross at (870) 718-3512.
Civic panel to meet
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission meeting, has been rescheduled for Oct. 29 at noon. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
SBA slates Small Business Boost
Arkansas Small Business Boost: Navigating Success in the South and Delta will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. Admission is free, according to a news release. The event will include a panel discussion, free lunch, question and answer session, and other activities. Registration is available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/arkansas-small-business-boost-navigating-success-in-the-south-and-delta-tickets-1036694740877?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Wednesday, Oct. 30
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. 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 should be submitted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Oct. 31
Old St. James hots Trunk or Treat
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will host Trunk or Treat from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. The free event is for all children and will include food and games.
WH center plans Falloween Festival
White Hall Community Center’s Second Annual Falloween Festival will be held from 5-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at the center, 9801 Dollarway Road. “Come Trick or Treat. They will have free candy, hot dogs, popcorn and water. They will also have game booths set up. This event is free and indoors. We hope to see everyone there,” according to a post at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC.
Through Thursday, Oct. 31
EHC hosts pecan, peanut sale
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Club members are selling fresh 2024 shelled pecans and double dipped chocolate covered peanuts, which will arrive just in time for holiday cooking, gift-giving, and healthy eating. Prices this year are: 1 pound bag, shelled fancy pecan halves – $14; 1 pound chocolate double dipped peanuts – $14; and Holiday Foods Show Cookbook – $5. Order forms are available at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, 500 S. Idaho St., or by email to Mary Ann Kizer at mkizer@uada.edu. The order deadline is Oct. 31. Make checks payable to Jefferson County Extension Homemakers and bring to the Extension Office by deadline or mail to Delores Kelley, Treasurer; 509 West St.; White Hall, AR, 71602. Details: Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent, at (870) 534-1033 or email mkizer@uada.edu.
Friday, Nov. 1
Johnson H. Johnson Day observed
Arkansas will celebrate the annual John H. Johnson Day in his birthplace, Arkansas City, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at the John H. Johnson Cultural and Educational Museum. Former owner of Johnson Publishing Co., Johnson was the legendary publisher of Ebony, Jet, and Negro Digest magazines. Hosted by the Friends of John H. Johnson Museum, John H. Johnson Day: A Celebration of Culture and History, will be a day-long event honoring the life and legacy of John H. Johnson. Events include film screenings, business pitch competition, presentations and awards. Details: info@johnhjohnsonmusuem.org or at www.johnhjohnsonmuseum.org.
Free dental care available for veterans
Free dental care is available for Arkansas veterans on Nov. 1 at seven dental clinics during the third annual Operation Stand Down. Dental care will be given by appointments only. In Pine Bluff, free veterans’ dental service will be provided at Taylor and Carter Family Dentistry, 3801 S. Olive St. on Nov. 1. Locations also include Arkadelphia, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Mountain View, according to a news release. To schedule an appointment, veterans must contact their county’s Veterans Service Office or Gina Chandler at the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs by emailing gina.chandler@arkansas.gov. Proof of discharge papers, a DD214, will be required for verification purposes.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 1
Bishop observes 47th anniversary
Bishop Esau Watson Jr. of Judah Restoration Worship Center will celebrate 47 years in ministry beginning with Bishop Celebration at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Randle Family Venue, 5812 Ryburn Road. Tickets are $50. The guest speaker will be R.J. Burt, a bishop. The emcee will be Kenneth Robinson, a bishop. Details: (870) 209-7055. Judah Restoration Worship Center, 2410 S. Main St., will honor the bishop and wife, Esau Watson Jr. and Paula Watson, on the bishop’s 47 years in ministry at 3 p.m. Nov. 3. The guest speaker will be Eric Alexander, pastor of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church of Little Rock.
Through Friday, Nov. 1
Agriculture Hall of Fame seeks nominations
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is seeking nominations from the public 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, according to a news release. The induction ceremony for the next class of honorees will be held March 28 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The nomination form is available at https://www.arkansasaghalloffame.org/pages/member-nomination-form/. Forms can also be requested by calling (501) 228-1609.
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 2
Blues concert series set
The Port City Blues Society will host the third “Blues By Budweiser” concert series at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members. MK Distributors is the sponsor, according to a news release. Concerts for 2024-2025 include: Nov. 2, Jerry McCoy and the Groove Diggers; Dec. 7, Fonky Donkey; Jan. 4, 2025, Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon; and Feb. 1, 2025, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Union Hopewell holds anniversary
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 S. Persimmon St., will observe its 154th anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 3. The guest minister will be the Rev. Lee Whitiker, pastor of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church. The theme is Celebrating God’s goodness (Ps. 34:8.) Union Hopewell’s pastor is the Rev. Antonio Gayden Sr.
Thursday, Nov. 7
N2N Bingo Burger Bash, auction set
Neighbor to Neighbor will hold its annual Bingo Burger Bash & Silent/Live Auction from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The event is the agency’s biggest fundraiser. All proceeds go to fulfilling their mission of feeding the hungry in Jefferson County and providing services to people in crisis, according to a news release. Live auction items include a basketball signed by Coach John Calipari, a football signed by Coach Sam Pittman, a baseball signed by Coach Dave Van Horn and other specialty items. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Table sponsorships are also available. Tickets are limited. Pat Tate is executive director of Neighbor to Neighbor. Details: (870) 534-2883.
Aquaculture/Fisheries day set
The Aquaculture/Fisheries Aquatic Sciences Day will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. This is a chance for students to learn about the wide range of opportunities in aquaculture and fisheries. The event is for all high school students, especially juniors and seniors interested in natural resources and agriculture/aquaculture careers, according to a news release. For details or to register, contact Denise Haynes at (870) 575-8094 or haynesd@uapb.edu or Cheryl Waddell at (870) 575-8968 or waddellc@uapb.edu.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 7
Ivy Center offers free ACT Boot Camps
The Ivy Center for Education will offer six free ACT Boot Camps, presented by Charity Smith-Allen, principal associate for education at Fetterman and Associates, and her team. All workshops will be held on Zoom only. Students in 7-12th grades are encouraged to attend, according to a news release. The dates and subjects for the ACT Bootcamps include: Nov. 7 — 6-8 p.m. — Math and English; Nov. 21 — 6-8 p.m. — Science and Reading; Dec. 5 — 6-8 p.m. — Math and English; and Dec. 12 — 6-8 p.m. — Science and Reading. To participate, use the Zoom Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Interested students should email Mattie Collins, president of the Ivy Center, at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Friday, Nov. 8
Holiday Foods Show set
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Club members will present the 40th annual Holiday Foods Show Nov. 8 beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave., Pine Bluff. Tickets are available for $20 from EHC members and include a cookbook. Details: Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent, at (870) 534-1033 or email mkizer@uada.edu.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Veterans Legal Clinic set
Central Arkansas Legal Services will conduct a free Veterans Legal Clinic from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 14 at the Elga Lee Roberts Jefferson County Veterans Service Office, 114 S. State St., according to https://www.arkansaslegal.org/.
Thursday, Nov. 21
1st Ward pantry sets Thanksgiving giveaway
First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry will present the 2024 Thanksgiving Giveaway from 1-3:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The giveaway will be set up at the glass doors south arena by the handicapped signs, according to a flier. Supplies will include turkey or ham and groceries. Food will be given away on a first come, first served basis. The event will honor Summit Community Care. Partnerships also include LEAPS, Southeast Arkansas College, Tyson Foods, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Sixth Division Juvenile Court, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Arkansas Food Bank, and four private partnerships. Details: Debra Strickland Allen, executive director of First Ward Living Grace pantry, (479) 301-1096.
Through Sunday, Dec. 1
Fund drive for artwork set
The Pine Bluff Art League will have a drawing for artwork by Richard Stephens titled “First Snow” valued at $1,000. The drawing will be held Dec. 1 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building. Funds generated from the fund drive will continue the funding of publicly accessible art league demonstrations, workshops and art recognition of community members in and around southeast Arkansas, according to a news release. For more on Stephens, visit raswatercolors.com/ and facebook.com/richard.stephens.545. Art collectors wishing to add this piece to their collection may purchase $5 raffle tickets by making a check to the Pine Bluff Art League. Mail the check and contact information, name, address, email, and phone number to the Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 3
2025 Leadership Pine Bluff class open
Now is the time to nominate outstanding individuals or apply for the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Leadership Pine Bluff class. The deadline to apply is Dec. 3, according to the Chamber newsletter. Leadership Pine Bluff is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders by offering participants a unique opportunity to network with community leaders and peers; learn about key sectors, including education, healthcare, law enforcement, tourism, and industry; connect with top executives from local businesses and organizations; and gain insights into the economic development and future growth of the region. Details: the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Saturday, Dec. 7
ASC to host Potpourri
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host Potpourri: Spirit of the Arts gala from 6-11 p.m. Dec. 7 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Potpourri is the ASC’s fund-raising gala. The gala will feature dinner by Chef Jamie McAfee, drinks sponsored by MK Distributors, a silent art auction, a silent spirits auction, live music by Groove City, and a live auction with Master of Ceremonies Matt Soto. This year’s event is dedicated to longtime ARTx3 volunteer and Potpourri supporter Becky Loyd Simpson, who died in 2023. Tickets are $200 for members and $250 for nonmembers. They may be purchased at artx3.org/potpourri, by calling (870) 536-3375, or at the Arts & Science Center.
Friday, Dec. 13
Salvation Army holiday event set
The Salvation Army Festival of Tables will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at First Methodist Church of Pine Bluff. Festival of Tables will feature Santa and a bakery and gift shop, according to an auxiliary news release.
Friday, Feb. 14
Alphas plan scholarship gala
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will present the All Black Affair, the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser. The gala will be held at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets are $40. The fraternity and foundation will also award the 2024 scholarship recipients at the event. Details: Arzo Knox, (501) 351-7336.