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.
Pastor Willie J. Ivory and First Lady Minister Rosie Ivory 20th Pastor Anniversary
The members of Oak Grove Baptist Church cordially invites you to our Pastor Willie J. Ivory and First Lady Minister Rosie Ivory 20th Pastor Anniversary, Sun., Oct. 25, 2026, to be held at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 6790 Sumter 23, Coatopa, at 2 p.m. Rev. Joe Johnson, pastor of the John the Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, Lisman, will be the guest minister for this wonderful anniversary. Theme: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if not faint not.,” Galatians 6:9. We are looking forward to seeing each of you as we celebrate our Pastor Ivory and First Lady Ivory Anniversary.
PARA and Veterans Memorial Park Association to Host Veterans Day Ceremony
The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA) and the Veterans Memorial Park Association (VMPA) will host a Veterans Day program Wednesday, November 11, at 10 a.m. at Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park, 1701 McFarland Boulevard East. The ceremony is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the Belk Men’s Atrium entrance at University Mall.
West Alabama Juried Show
The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa will be sponsoring its annual West Alabama Juried Show January 19-Febuary 19, 2027 in The Arts Council Gallery at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center. Works for the show and competition will be accepted Nov. 16-Dec. 4. Awards will consist of the $1,000 Arts Council Best of Show Award; the $500 Gail Skidmore Memorial Award of Excellence sponsored by The Arts Council; and one cash award of $100 sponsored by The Arts Council. Only visual artists residing in Tuscaloosa County will be eligible. A entry fee entitles participants to submit up to three works for judging. All original two- and three-dimensional works will be accepted in all media. Entries must not have been shown in any previous West Alabama Juried Show. All dates, entry requirements, payment procedures and applications are available on The Arts Council’s website at https://tuscarts.org/events/annual-west-alabama-juried-art-show. The completed application and up to three digital images should be emailed to competitions@tuscarts.org. All two-dimensional pieces accepted for the show must be ready for hanging and matted, framed and under glass if appropriate. No work should be submitted that has been executed in a class or workshop. Maximum size is 4 feet x 4 feet, and maximum weight is 50 pounds for all entries. For questions about the West Alabama Juried Show including the entry procedure, email kevin.ledgewood@tuscarts.org.
Southern Pine Beetle Assistance
and Prevention Program
Eligible non-industrial private forest landowners can now apply for the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. Applications will be open until Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. The program is administered through the Alabama Forestry Commission with temporary grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Funds offer a cost-share for commercial or non-commercial thinning of loblolly or shortleaf pine stands, as long as certain conditions are met. The program is intended for prevention practices only and does not include individual tree removal. The maximum reimbursement per landowner is $10,000. The online application is the first step in determining eligibility for the program. AFC staff will review all applications and contact eligible landowners with further instructions. Guidelines and eligibility details are available within the application portal. To apply, visit forestry.alabama.gov and click on the link for the Landowner Assistance Application Portal. Then, select 2026 Alabama Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program. Applicants will be asked to login. To receive reimbursement, eligible applicants also must be enrolled as a vendor with the state of Alabama using the STAARS Vendor Self Service website.
Raised Bed Garden Workshop
Join us for a hands-on experience in gardening Fri., Oct. 30, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 575 Federation Rd, Gainesville. This is an opportunity to learn how to construct and fill raised beds and enjoy a farm tour. Lunch will be provided!To register or for more information, contact Tia Parker at the Federation of Southern Cooperative tiajunaparker@federation.coop or 205-652-9676.
The Community Foundation of West Alabama Fall Grant Cycle
The Community Foundation of West Alabama announces its Fall Grant Cycle for community grants and educational grants. Grant applications for the community grants are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations only. Educational grants are available for classroom teachers in West Alabama. Applications for both grants are available on our website at Grants | Community Foundation Of West Alabama. The deadline for all applications is Nov. 1.
Operation Christmas Child
Volunteers are preparing to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23. Nearly 5,000 drop-off locations will open across the country in November, and shoebox packers can find their local drop-off locations across Alabama. Visit https://samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations to find the closest location to you. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering gift-filled shoeboxes to children including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Operation Christmas Child hopes to reach 12.8 million children in 2026 with the hope of Jesus. Shoebox packing is fun for individuals, families and groups! Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage. The project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Participants can find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. The online lookup tool is searchable by City or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 244 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 175 countries and territories.
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 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.
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.
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
Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Fish Art Contest
Kindergarten through 12th grade! First-place state winners advance to national judging for top honors! Click here for details: https://www.outdooralabama.com/programs/fish-art-contest
CCA STEM Creativity Club
Free weekly after school workshop for science, art, and fun Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 20-Dec. 15, at Old Library/Art Gallery, 630 Ave. A St., York. Visit www.linktr.ee/ccayork to register
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.
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: 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. 26, 2026 NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? — See our frequently updated experts directory here. 📰 BEST BETS Hodges Meteorite inspires Haunting at the Museums University of Alabama Museums will host Haunting at the Museums: Otherworldly Encounters at the Alabama Museum of Natural History and Gorgas House Museum Oct. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. The free, family-friendly and all-ages event is inspired by a famous meteorite that fell on Sylacauga and will explore the phenomena of specters, space, spirits and science. For more information, contact Rebecca Johnson at rljohnson8@ua.edu. First-gen student crowned Homecoming Queen Kameron Baba was announced as the 2026 Homecoming Queen during the annual pep rally and bonfire on the UA Quad Oct. 23. She is a first-generation student and senior from Gadsden majoring in marketing. Baba interned in Washington, D.C. over the summer as part of the 2025-2026 Capitol Scholars program and is a member of Capstone Men and Women. She is also a student officer in the Blackburn Institute. For more information, contact Jennifer Brady at jennifer.brady@ua.edu. UA leading innovative rural EMS system A new rural emergency medical services system led by the UA College of Community Health Sciences will help EMS providers treat eligible patients on site, expanding access to care while reducing unnecessary and costly trips to hospital emergency rooms. Why This Matters: Through $1.76 million in funding from the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Grant Program, the College will provide participating rural EMS agencies with telemedicine and other resources to support the safe care of patients at the scene. In addition to telemedicine equipment, the CCHS project will also provide agencies with connectivity, training, clinical protocols, documentation tools, referral workflows and quality monitoring. For more information, contact Leslie Zganjar at lzganjar@ua.edu. College voters care, but likely won’t act In election years, young voters get plenty of attention, often with the assumption that they’ve checked out of politics. New research from UA paints a more complicated picture. Why This Matters: Civic engagement includes voting, community service, political participation and expressing opinions in person or online. Students remain as vocal and concerned about issues as before, but despite a slight rebound, their real-world participation remains below pre-pandemic levels. For more information, contact Jessica Nelson at jessica.nelson@ua.edu. 💬 CURRENT COMMENT Dr. Laura Hansen, director of the UA Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic, is available to discuss Halloween activities that won’t overwhelm children with Autism. Hansen can be reached at lkhansen@ua.edu. Dr. Adam Knowlden, professor of health science and director of the SLUMBRx Lab, can discuss how to adjust your sleep pattern to the time change coming Nov. 1. Knowlden can be reached at aknowlden@ches.ua.edu. 📅 EVENTS Halloween Extravaganza Oct. 26; Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility Trick or Treat on Sorority Row Oct. 26; Sorority Row |
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