Guidelines for Submitting your Church/Community Announcements
These are free as long as there are no personal messages and the event is not being charged for (love offerings do not count). Please keep the announcement to one paragraph with who is presenting the event, what the event is, date, time, where it will be held and contact information. Email them to scrjmedia@yahoo.com. We can not take anything over the phone due to company policy.
Holiday deadlines for 2026: Sumter County Record Journal will be closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 23-27. We have to submit the paper early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. Deadline for the Thanksgiving edition is Friday morning, Nov. 20. Santa Letters are due first Friday in December, Dec. 4. Ads for the Santa Letter edition are due Dec. 11. Both Christmas and New Year’s deadlines are Friday, Dec. 18. We have to submit both papers early due to the printing company being closed for the holidays. Sumter County Record Journal will be closed Dec. 21-Jan. 3 for the holidays.
Visit us at https://www.recordjournal.net/halloween-events/ for Halloween/Fall Festival events, local ghost stories, PSAs and free coloring sheets.
Pedaling for a Purpose: TrueVine Fellowship Bike-A-Thon to Benefit St. Jude
TrueVine Fellowship Full-Gospel Church will host a Bike-A-Thon benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitalon Sat., Oct. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Theme: “Ride for a Brighter Tomorrow.” The event invites community members of all ages to ride, volunteer, donate and help make a difference. All proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Riders of all skill levels are welcome, and volunteers are also needed to help make the event a success. For more information about riding, volunteering or donating, please contact Sis Audrey Graves, or Sis Shonda Knighton. Ride. Give. Make a difference!
Getting Started with Organic Vegetables and Cut Flowers
Have you always wanted to garden but don’t know where to start? Are you an avid grower interested in learning more about organic methods? Do you just love growing vegetables and flowers and want to learn more about them? Join Home and Commercial Horticulture Agent Margaret Ann Snow and gain new information on soil health, planting, pest control, harvest, and more Oct. 21, 10-11 a.m. at ALFA Hall University of West Alabama, 316 Bartram St., Livingston! The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider. If you need a reasonable accommodation or free language access services, contact Tameka McKenzie at 205-652-9501, or tth0017@auburn.edu.
Operation Grow – Connect
Oct. 28, at 9 a.m-12:30 p.m. Operation Grow – Connect will serve as a statewide “front door” for veterans and families who are considering farming but do not know where to begin. This Alabama Cooperative Extension System–led event will introduce participants to the basic considerations involved in starting a farm, connect them with agricultural specialists and service providers, and provide structured opportunities to meet farmers and resources within their region. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or free language access services, contact Jesse Teel at 334-740-4248, or jct0014@auburn.edu.
Ruby Pickens Tartt Public Library to Extend Weekday Hours, Adjust Saturday Schedule Starting Oct. 1
The Ruby Pickens Tartt Public Library will begin a six-month pilot of new service hours on October 1, adding an evening hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays (new closing time: 6:00 pm) and moving Saturday hours to the second and fourth Saturday of each month (9:00 am – 12:00 pm); the library will be closed all other Saturdays and Sundays as usual, with all other weekday hours unchanged. The change follows this summer’s community survey in which respondents cited limited hours as a barrier to using the library, particularly among working parents and students. The library will track hourly usage throughout the pilot and report results to the Board of Trustees before deciding on permanent adoption; for more information, visit www.rptlibrary.org.
Ruby Pickens Tartt Library’s Monster Walk
Calling all little spooks! It’s time to get freaky. Ruby Pickens Tartt Library’s Monster Walk will be Wed., Oct. 28, from 3:45-5 p.m. Get those costumes ready and come out.
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Loving Memory and Honor of Debbie Robinson Brown
Sat., Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. Townsend Mission Community Center, Ward. Your strength, love and courage continue to inspire us every step of the way. Walk to honor, door prizes, refreshments provided. Together we walk with hope. For more information contact Brenda Evans (205) 233-6754 and Emma Lawson “Tiny” 205- 499-5091.
Senior Citizen Breast Cancer Sneaker Ball
Senior Citizen Breast Cancer Sneaker Ball will be Tues., Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Livingston Community Center, 101 Country Club Rd., Livingston. All senior citizens are welcome. Health screenings are available. Wear pink, show support, and make a difference. Must RSVP by Oct. 15. Call 205-534-5894.
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Now Open
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is currently accepting entries for the 2027 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest. The deadline to enter is Oct. 30. “Each year, nearly two thousand images are entered in the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest by some of the best amateur photographers in our state and from across the country,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “Their photos showcase the abundant wildlife, public lands and outdoor recreation opportunities that make Alabama the perfect destination for outdoor photography. We are honored to highlight their work and look forward to seeing the incredible photos entered in the 2027 contest.” The 2027 photo contest will focus on traditional photography techniques and the use of handheld cameras. No cellphone, smartphone, game camera, or drone photography will be chosen as winning photos for nine of the 10 categories. Smartphone and tablet photos will be accepted in the Young Photographers category. The photo contest is open to state residents and visitors alike, but qualifying photos must have been taken in Alabama in the past two years. Any amateur photographer not employed by ADCNR is encouraged to enter.
A total of 10 photos per person may be entered in the following categories. You may enter all 10 in one category or among several categories. First, second, third and one honorable mention will be awarded in each category.
2027 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Categories
Alabama State Parks
Birds
Bugs and Butterflies
Cold-blooded Critters
Nature-Based Recreation
Scenic
Shoots and Roots
Sweet Home Alabama
Wildlife
Young Photographers (ages 17 and under)
The winning images will be featured online and in a traveling exhibit at various venues across the state during 2027. The 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit is currently on display at the Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center in Pelham until September 16. Additionally, the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Retrospective is currently on display at the Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery in downtown Montgomery until Sept. 25. The show is free to attend and features winning images from the 2021-2025 contests. To view the complete exhibit schedule, visit www.outdooralabama.com/photo-exhibit. For complete 2027 category descriptions, contest rules and sponsors, visit www.outdooralabama.com/photocontest. ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.
Beef & Forage Field Day
Producers across Alabama are invited to the 2026 Beef & Forage Field Day, Fri., Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Blackbelt Research & Extension Center, 60 County Road 944, Marion Junction, an event that will offer livestock and forage producers real-time demonstrations, learn directly from Extension Specialists about current research, forage management strategies, and practical techniques that support productive, sustainable operations. Registration is free. Sign up online at aub.ie/BBFieldDay26
2026 Livingston Eat and Greet
Come join us for great food, good company and live music Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. on Franklin St., Livingston.
Hunt and Gather Wild Game Cookoff
The third annual Hunt and Gather Wild Game Cookoff in downtown Livingston will be Nov. 14.
Community Garden Volunteers Needed at the Coleman Center For the Arts Garden
Help us grow our garden and expand our garden programs. Our garden is open to the public; we are happy to collaborate with community groups, churches, and schools to provide garden programming. Email us at info@colemanarts.org for more information, or to sign up as a volunteer.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope emotionally this holiday season, reach out. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Visit 988lifeline.org for more.
Community Prayer
Community Prayer for the Sumter County area will be held every 1st Thursday of each month at noon for one hour at the Bored Well, the Courthouse Square, Livingston. We’re asking all residents, businesses, local leaders, pastors, governmental and city officials to join us as we come together as a community to pray. Submitted by Min. Leola Washington, Volunteer Coordinator for NDPTF, Sumter County.
9th Annual Christmas on the Square in Downtown Livingston
The fun starts at 1 p.m Come spend the day with us and enjoy decorated Christmas trees, vendors, live music, Santa Claus, and so much more.
School/Kids Events
Calling All 3rd Graders: Enter the Tenth Annual ‘Share Your Smile with Alabama’ Photo Contest
The Tenth Annual “Share Your Smile with Alabama” photo contest, sponsored by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Oral Health Office, promotes oral health by featuring photographs of third-grade students smiling. Promotions featuring their photos will be highlighted during February, National Children’s Dental Health Month. No entry fees are charged for the contest. The competition is open to third-grade students living in Alabama. For official rules and an application form: Go to https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/oralhealth/contest.html Entries will be accepted through Nov. 13, 2026. The ADPH Oral Health Office endorses the benefits of preventive dental visits for children, encourages community water fluoridation, and promotes the HPV vaccine, which the Food and Drug Administration has approved for children beginning at age 9. One girl and one boy will be selected as winners from the submitted photos. The pair will be highlighted in marketing campaigns promoting children’s oral health and featured at a statewide news conference on Jan. 7, 2027.
Songs of the Heart
Shelton State Community College’s Shelton Singers will present their fall concert, “Songs of the Heart,” on Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Martin Campus Alabama Power Recital Hall. The event is free, and the public is invited to attend. Under the direction of Dr. J. F. Mark Brown, the Singers’ concert will showcase pieces by the group as well as feature solo performances. To learn more about Shelton State Fine Arts, visit sheltonstate.edu/finearts.
Shelton State Community College’s Shelton Singers and Jazz Combo will perform on Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Greensboro Opera House in Greensboro, Alabama. (1215 Main Street, Greensboro, Alabama) The event is free, and all are invited to attend. Under the direction of Drs. J.F. Mark Brown and Elijah Pugh, the concert will feature a wide variety of musical selections. To learn more about Shelton State Fine Arts, visit sheltonstate.edu/finearts.
Shelton State Community College’s Terrific Tuesday Concerts
Shelton State Community College’s Terrific Tuesday Concert performances will be at 1 p.m. in the Alabama Power Hall unless otherwise noted on the schedule. Upcoming performances and artists include the following: Sept. 1 Woodwind Recital Vuorovesi Trio the University of Alabama Faculty; Sept. 8 Piano Recital Dr. Laurie Middaugh, piano University of Montevallo Faculty; Sept. 15 Brass Trio Recital UAB BrassWorks University of Alabama at Birmingham Faculty; Sept. 22 SSCC Faculty Recital Sept. 29; Piano Recital Dr. Sophie Wang, piano Mississippi State University Faculty; Oct. 6 Piano Recital Sarah Elias, piano University of West Georgia Faculty; Oct. 13 Student Musicale Oct. 20 Trumpet Recital Dr. Michael Averett, trumpet | Dr. Cindy St. Clair, piano Samford University Faculty; Oct. 27 Bach to Rock Ensemble Dr. Mark Brown, director; Nov. 3 Voice Recital Dr. Luvada Harrison, Matt Davis and Dr. William A. Martin, vocals Byron Thomas, collaborative pianist the University of Alabama Faculty; Nov. 10 Piano Duo Recital Amy Ashley & Lillian Wesley, piano; Nov. 17 SSCC Jazz Combo Dr. Elijah Pugh, director Martin Atrium; Nov. 24 Piano Recital Slade Trammell, piano Roane State Community College Faculty Dec. 1 Annual Holiday Tree-Lighting Martin Atrium. Shelton State’s Terrific Tuesday Concert Series is designed to showcase a variety of repertory styles. Weekly performances are offered by guest artists as well as Shelton State faculty and students. For more information, contact Lillian Wesley at 205.391.2399 or lwesley@sheltonstate.edu.
UA Preview: This Week at The University of Alabama
| Oct. 5, 2026 NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? — See our frequently updated experts directory here. 📰 BEST BETS UA to celebrate completion of capital campaign The community is invited to campus Friday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. to celebrate the conclusion of the Rising Tide 2.0 capital campaign and learn its final results. The celebration will include an immersive nighttime celebration with spectacular projections across Gorgas Library. Why This Matters: The Rising Tide 2.0 is the most successful capital campaign for higher education in state history and has already surpassed its previous fundraising goals of $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion, adding new endowments and facilities to support students and initiatives that impact the state of Alabama. For more information, contact Alex House at alex.house@ua.edu. UA waives application fees this week The University of Alabama is waiving application fees during Free App Week Oct. 5-9 for undergraduate and graduate applicants, including for UA Online, and students applying to UA Early College. Why This Matters: The University was named #1 Best Value University for In-State Students in Alabama 2027 by U.S. News & World Report. UA Early College, Undergraduate Admissions and Graduate School applications must be submitted by Oct. 9 at 11:59 p.m. Eligible graduate applicants must claim a fee waiver code to apply for free. Beat Auburn Beat Hunger underway The 33rd annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive is underway, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members in a shared effort to fight food insecurity across West Alabama. Why This Matters: Organized by students through UA’s Center for Service and Leadership, the campaign supports the West Alabama Food Bank while encouraging the campus community to give back to neighbors in need. According to Feeding America, one in six Alabamians, including one in four children, experiences food insecurity. UA providing free ACT prep for Alabama high school students Tide to Success offers free ACT prep for current Alabama high school students in grades 9-12. This six-hour, online course can be completed at the student’s own pace and must be completed within 30 days of the course opening. Registration for session two ends Oct. 13 and coursework begins Oct. 20. 💬 CURRENT COMMENT As more people use AI to seek health information, accuracy alone may not be enough. Dr. Rebecca Ivic has developed a model for how AI in health contexts should be designed, evaluated and governed. To schedule an interview, contact Ivic at rebecca.ivic@ua.edu. 📅 EVENTS An Evening with Novelist Yangsze Choo Oct. 6; Gorgas Library Yellowhammer Room Calling the Spirits In: Spiritualism in America Oct. 8-28; Gorgas House Museum |
Black Belt Community Foundation 2026 Levitt Amp Selma Music Series
SELMA: The countdown to an unforgettable season of free, live music under summer sunsets and into autumn evenings in historic Selma is officially underway. The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) announces the themes and calendar for 2026’s return of the Levitt AMP Selma Music Series. Beginning Sat., July 25, the series will bring seven unique cultural experiences to Selma’s Riverfront Amphitheater. Families, friends, and neighbors from across the region are invited to bring their blankets, sunbrellas and lawn chairs to the amphitheater lawn to experience the transformational power of free, live music in bringing community together. Supported in large part by the Levitt Family Foundation, a social impact funder at the intersection of music, public space, and community building, the Levitt AMP Music Series program injects new life into public spaces through free, outdoor concerts across the country. The 2026 season marks an exciting new chapter for Selma, building on the success of past seasons to present professionally produced, immersive themed festival dates running through late October. “This season is about so much more than just the music on stage,” says Lydia Chatmon, TRHT Selma Director. “It’s about bringing people together, supporting our local business ecosystem, celebrating our rich cultural heritage, and showcasing the very best of downtown Selma.” Season of Immersive Themes: Instead of focusing purely on individual performers, the 2026 series is designed around seven planned experiences that offer something for every member of the family.
- Sept. 12-Classic Cars & Chrome: Cruise in for this celebration of sleek vintage automobiles and deep musical grooves, featuring a car show paired with the absolute best in classic R&B, Soul, and Funk.
- Sept. 26-Gospel Fest: An uplifting community favorite that elevates local and regional voices, celebrating the profound spiritual and musical heritage of the Black Belt.
- Oct. 10-Fiesta on the River!: A vibrant cultural celebration packed with high-energy Latin music, salsa beats, and a community taco-eating contest, so don’t forget the hot sauce.
- Oct. 24-Southern Soul: The Grand Finale: The ultimate season closer, bringing the community together one last night to celebrate some funky soul, great food, and collective joy.
Historic Tuscaloosa Invites Community to Annual Battle-Friedman House Volunteer Workday
Historic Tuscaloosa is inviting community members to roll up their sleeves and help preserve one of the city’s most treasured historic landmarks during its Battle-Friedman House Volunteer Workday on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Battle-Friedman House & Gardens, located at 1010 Greensboro Avenue.
The annual Workday brings together volunteers of all ages who share a passion for local history and historic preservation. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or looking for a new way to get involved in the community, this event offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while meeting fellow volunteers.
Historic Tuscaloosa operates and maintains five historic properties throughout Tuscaloosa County. Volunteer Workdays play an important role in ensuring these sites remain clean, welcoming, and accessible for visitors and future generations.
Projects completed during previous Workdays have included landscaping, clearing brush, removing debris, repairing and installing fencing, planting trees, painting, building and clearing trails, installing interpretive signs and historical markers, and other preservation efforts. The specific projects for this year’s Battle-Friedman Workday will focus on the ongoing care and maintenance of the historic home and its grounds.
No prior experience is necessary to participate. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or simply looking for a way to give back to the community, Historic Tuscaloosa welcomes all helping hands. Staff members will be available throughout the day to provide guidance and assign projects suited to volunteers’ abilities and interests.
Historic Tuscaloosa will provide the tools, gloves, and supplies needed for the day’s projects, as well as water and light refreshments for volunteers. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor work.
“Our volunteers are an essential part of Historic Tuscaloosa’s mission,” said Executive Director William Hawkins. “Their dedication helps us preserve these irreplaceable places while creating opportunities for the community to connect with Tuscaloosa’s rich history.”
Historic Tuscaloosa welcomes individuals, families, civic organizations, businesses, student groups, and anyone interested in supporting local preservation efforts. Volunteers are welcome to ar