Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine - March 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG Art Director Contributing Writers ANDY BOLIN GLENN GILLEY REBA MIZE BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTAN ROLAND Contributing Photographers ROGER CARTER GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY REBA MIZE KRISTAN ROLAND LYNN WASSON

Advertising Sales DAVID CARTER davidcarter@efortsmith.com 479-650-9885 Advertising Coordinator KARRIE KELLY karrie@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 CHARLES G. HUBBARD Corporate Sales 479-831-3995 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 © 2015 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. 316 North 7th Street P.O. Box 1341 Fort Smith, AR 72902-1341 Office: 479-494-1888

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Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2015

Hurry, spring! A lot of fun stuff is on the way Hello, down there! That’s me at the very top of Parrot Island during a sneak peek we asked for this month. Having spoken to an elementary full of students, we found out that many kids are intimately up-to-date on the progress of the new attraction being built at Ben Geren Regional Park. We thought we should check it out and we can report that the waterslides are going to be awesome! I also learned I had just asked our stalwart photographer Glenn Gilley to go where he hates to be – up high. Thanks, Glenn! Sorry!

If all goes well (and it is snowing as I write this in late February) the park will open on Memorial Day weekend. I can attest that the construction crews are as busy as they can be, no matter what the weather is like. We can’t even guess what it will do next.

You will find a lot of heart-warming stories in this issue. It’s one of those accidental themes again – this time we find there’s a common threat of young people doing well.

From Roland, Okla.’s Austin Cantrell, who became a Razorback player with all his family

and friends celebrating with him, to Van Buren’s Chad Burris, now living his dream by touring with the hit Broadway show Book of Mormon, to the young women of the UAFS Lady Lions basketball team, you will learn about some young adults who are showing their good upbringing.

Through their own success, they have shown respect and gratitude for the relatives, teachers and others who cared for and mentored them.

That makes me feel good about their future lives, as well.

There also is a lot of nature’s wonder to enjoy this month. The annual Lawn & Garden Show turns our hopes to spring planting. Find out how to become a Master Gardener or something new – a Master Naturalist – in these pages.

We also begin, in these pages, to ramp up to our 15th anniversary, which we will mark in August. Wow! One day you look up and there you are.

Time will get past you that way. Have fun!

Lynn Wasson

CIRCULATION Entertainment Fort Smith is a monthly city/regional magazine published from February to December by eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. Entertainment Fort Smith distributes 30,000 complimentary issues per month.

SUBSCRIPTION Entertainment Fort Smith can be mailed to you for $30 a publication year (11 issues).

Complimentary issues are distributed in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, Greenwood and Barling, Ark., and in Roland, Muldrow, Spiro, Pocola, Poteau and Sallisaw, Okla., in retail and grocery stores, corporate offices, restaurants, medical offices, public libraries, visitor centers and tourist destinations. Complimentary issues are also provided in guest rooms of area hotels.

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CONTENTS

March 2015

features

12 Hometown Hog Hero

8

Spring is Bustin’ Out All Over

11

View from the Top: Parrot Island

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Austin Cantrell: Roland’s Razorback

14

Broadway Baby: Chad Burris

16

Letter to the Magazine: Play 4 Mike

All over the Fort Smith Convention Center, that is, at the River Valley Master Gardener Lawn & Garden Show. Learn how to join the 2015 Master Gardener class on pg. 10.

The magazine shares our sneak peek from the very top of the new water park.

The pride of Roland, Okla., is a newly signed Arkansas Razorback football player.

Photos and story by Glenn Gilley.

A young actor has risen from Alma High School and the Young Actors Guild to the Broadway touring company of the hit comedy musical Book of Mormon.

Andy Bolin writes a poignant thank you to the Lady Lions basketball team.

columns

8

HOT STUFF with LINDA SEUBOLD Henry Rinne, and all that jazz.

departments

14

Hello, Chad!

28

WHAT’S COOKING with Kristan Roland

32

GARDENING with Reba Mize

52

CRAFTS with kids in mind

75

DINING GUIDE

Cakes and cream go together like ... cakes and cream.

Pass-along plants are the heart of gardening friendships and compliments.

Fly high in imagination with these airplane craft ideas.

Remember to thank your server – with a GRIT Award nomination.

eve n t s

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32 Pass-along plants Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2015

18

Hell on the Border-style Cowboy Action Shooting

19

U.S. Marshals Stampede features Asleep at the Wheel

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

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EVENTS FOR KIDS

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CALENDAR of EVENTS

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BY LINDA SEUBOLD

Thanks for the memories and the music, Henry I can’t let my friend Henry Rinne leave town without an appreciation.

One of the best surprises I found in Fort Smith when our family moved back here in 1983 was that Westark Junior College (now the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith) had a bonafide jazz program and jazz band.

The jazz band program and band were founded and led by Rinne, who joined the Westark staff as an artist-inresidence in 1979.

I didn't realize until I got to talk to him last month for the first time in ages what it was Dr. Henry Rinne really like for him to put a jazz band together at our (then) twoyear college. Only three musicians came to sign up for the band at its first formation meeting – and their instruments were a tuba, a trumpet and a flute. But, he somehow managed to get enough student musicians together to put on their first concert before the end of that fall semester.

I started asking Henry about his early days with the band after he surprised me with the news that he and his wife, Dona, would be leaving before the end of February for Jacksonville, Fla., where he is the new Dean of Fine Arts at Jacksonville University.

I'm happy for him, but he will be missed by many of us aware of how involved he has been in both the college and our community the last 36 years.

Since Henry joined the staff of UAFS in 1979, he has been a key faculty member in development of new UAFS degree programs and has steadily advanced his personal academic degrees and honors. He now has a Ph.D in comparative arts from the University of Ohio, a master of music in music theory and a bachelor of music performance from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

In 2008, he was named dean of the UAFS College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

As dean, he supervised renovation of the

historic Drennen-Scott House in Van Buren, made possible through a $5.6 million grant from the state.

He also has published and presented papers on a variety of topics, including the importance of black jazz bandleader Alphonso Trent of Fort Smith. Henry also has recently served as an executive producer of an ongoing documentary film project, “Alphonso’s Gold,” based on a oneact play he researched and wrote.

But Henry is still a musician at heart and that is how I will remember him best – playing sax with some of the great guest musicians he and Don Bailey have brought to Fort Smith to work with UAFS jazz band students before performing with them in concert.

Henry hired Bailey to take over the jazz program and jazz band from the fall of 1985 to fall of 1987 while he earned his doctorate.

Bailey, a talented sax player, and irrepressible showman, became a perfect fit with the jazz band, which continued to thrive and present concerts where the band could learn from and perform with famous guest artists.

“That was a lot of fun for me,” Bailey recalled of his first two years of leading the jazz band, “even when people were checking me out and saying, ‘Who is this new guy and where is Henry?’ I'm from Jersey, you know, so I really didn't know what to expect when I added a little humor to the shows and started bringing in guest artists.

“When Henry came back, I went to Chancellor Joel Stubblefield and asked if he would recommend me for another job, and he said, 'No! I'm going to keep you and let Henry use his new degree to develop the Humanities through the Arts program.' So, that's what we did, but it was good to know Henry was still going to be here, and he was good to let me do what I thought was best. He was in the background but was always there when I needed him. When my son died suddenly in 2013, just as our annual summer jazz band camp was about to start, Henry stepped right in and took it over for me. I will miss him,” Bailey said.

After Don took over the jazz band, Henry continued to play with the band's famous guest artists, including jazz greats Ed Shaughnessy, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Buddy

Rich, Steve Allen, Jerry Coker, Ernie Watts, Bill Watrous, Dizzy Gillespie and Pete Fountain – to name just a few.

“I'm very proud of the legacy of the jazz band, and all our arts programs,” Henry told me. He also reminded me that the new visual arts building on campus is scheduled to be open for the fall semester.

“Not many people get to help develop a university and gain a lot of experience in as many different positions as I have,” he added.

“But Dona and I have always loved the Southeast and the ocean and we'll only be about 20 minutes from the beach in the new city we're going to be experiencing and exploring. We will miss Fort Smith, though. It is a great area and we'll miss the people, students, friends and family members there.”

Bailey is now the vocal jazz director for the Jazz Catz group, and the director of jazz studies.

Dr. Christopher Barrick, department head of music and theater, directs the jazz band and teaches applied saxophone.

During the last two and half years of battling a cancer that keeps my immune system compromised, I've had to avoid crowds, but I'd love to be able to attend a UAFS Jazz Band performance this year.

I was raised by a mom and dad who loved all kinds of music – gospel, traditional hymns, country and country western, big band, blues, ’50s rock'n'roll and jazz. Jazz was one of Dad's favorites – especially any kind of jazz or popular music created by Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong's unmistakable trumpet and voice.

Dixieland jazz performed by Pete Fountain was Dad's second favorite choice, and you should have seen the smiles on both my parents' faces when I photographed them with Pete Fountain backstage after they had enjoyed his performance with the Westark Jazz Band on the Campus Green in 1996.

Thank you, Henry Rinne, for starting the jazz band that grew from those three musicians with their tuba, trumpet and flute who were willing to share their love of music with you and all other jazz fans in this area. Your efforts at Westark/UAFS for three decades have provided us some great memories.

March 2015

Entertainment Fort Smith

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MARCH 20-22

The floor of the convention center will suddenly bloom with show gardens such as this scene created by Frank Sharum Landscape & Design.

Lawn & Garden Show is a school for growth

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Gardening educates the gardener for as long as he or she may do it.

Whether you are a “kindergartner” or a learned and experienced professor of green thumbology, the Master Gardeners’ annual Lawn & Garden Show is a place to deepen your knowledge and get new ideas.

Each year, the spectacular indoor show is held by the River Valley Master Gardeners, a volunteer, non-profit educational group under the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service. The show marks the start of spring, favorite and most hopeful season for everyone but especially for gardeners of both flowers and food. Held March 20-22, it happens just a few weeks before most gardeners begin their busiest time of digging, seeding and planting. Its vendor booths, lectures and advice tables offer living plants and all the information needed to succeed.

Commercial vendor sales and admission fees support the projects of the Master Gardeners who, in turn, give many hours of volunteer labor – cultivating, weeding and maintaining many public spaces in the Fort Smith-Van Buren area, including about 16 gardens in parks, at roadsides, medians and traffic islands. Master Gardeners have created and continue to tend the eye-catching landscaping of the Fort Smith Convention Center itself, location of the three-day show.

“Gardening for Birds, Butterflies and Bees” is the theme of the show and special attention will be given to those essential pollinators, as well as a wealth of general garden subjects. Expert speakers talk throughout the show in a classroom setting and informally. Anywhere two or three people are standing together chatting can be a chance to hear interesting and useful gardening advice and encouragement. The Extension Service even staffs a “plant doctor” booth to diagnose disease or pests in specimens gardeners bring in.

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The centerpieces of spectacle are the fantastic display gardens built overnight on the convention floor. Several area nursery and garden centers arrive the night before the show begins Friday and, overnight, create living vignettes with full-grown trees, boulders, living sod, blooming flowers and even waterfalls over ornamental pools. At least four are expected to be set up this year. Children, especially, are fascinated to see the indoor water features.

There also will be a children’s area, play equipment and many other attractions to interest kids in gardening or at least entertain them while parents are enjoying the show. A large electric train layout with scaled scenery has been a favorite for many years. Take-home art projects and kid-sized garden crafts also are offered.

Many of the displays meant for adults will be just as interesting to kids. Local beekeepers will show a glass-fronted demonstration hive that reveals how honey is made and pollen is stored. The beekeepers also will share information on tending bees in your own yard or planting to attract and nourish the all-important pollinators. Sellers of honey and homemade fruit jams often offer tasty samples.

Yard and patio furniture, ornaments and statuary, birdhouses and feeders, garden flags and other decorations and structures, plus innovative gardening, lawn care and watering tools will be for sale.

Living plants may be the greatest temptation for those who take in the show. Local plant growers small and large will be selling seeds, hanging baskets, bare-root plants, houseplants, blooming flowers, herbs, succulents, trees, spring bulbs, starter vegetable plants – almost everything that grows.

Admission is $5. Children under 6 are admitted free. Show hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 20-21 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 22. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith.

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LAWN & GARDEN SHOW Flower Show open to everyone Within the Lawn & Garden Show, the Fort Smith Council of Garden Clubs will hold a Standard Flower Show. Everyone is encouraged to enter a specimen, such as branch from a tree or shrub, any cut flower or a house plant (the house plant must have been owned for three months).

Each specimen will be judged against standards of the variety, including its size, color, form and how close it comes to being at its peak of perfection.

Examples of entries are single blooms such as jonquils, flowering shrub branches such as forsythia or indoor-grown plants such as African violets.

Besides the club’s judges, there will be public voting for a People’s Choice award.

Entries will be received from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 19 and assistance will be given with registration (family, genus, species and cultivar) of each specimen.

The specimens of the flower show, all in their vases, present an interesting and colorful display.

Photographic Alliance Photo Exhibition The Photographic Alliance of Fort Smith will have a Photography Contest and Exhibition at the Lawn & Garden Show, also open to everyone.

Details and entry forms are available at Bedford Camera & Video, 2801 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith.

The subject of the contest, echoing the show’s theme, is “Birds, Butterflies and Bees,” but any photo depicting a gardening subject is eligible, from landscapes to macro images.

Each photograph entered should be framed, matted or otherwise mounted and prepared for hanging. Contestants may enter up to four photographs at $5 per entry. Award winners will be selected by judges chosen by the Photographic Alliance.

Photographs can be dropped off between 4-7 p.m.

March 19 at the convention center and should be picked up before closing hours of the show. Easels will be provided.

The convention center’s largest hall becomes a living garden during the annual show.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RIVER VALLEY MASTER GARDENERS, FRANK MA.

A flower show entry (left), Neumeier’ Nursery and Florist show garden (center) and a bloom captured at last year’s show.

Below, a gaggle of herb gardeners confer.

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LAWN & GARDEN SHOW

Become a Master Gardener Enroll to become a better gardener and to volunteer your green thumb for public plantings

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The Lawn & Garden Show is also the time to enroll to become a Master Gardener with the local River Valley chapter, one of the most active, diverse and enjoyable chapters in the state.

A booth offering registration forms will be manned at the Lawn & Garden Show March 20-22. The required beginning Master Gardener classroom training for this year will be held from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 4-8.

What is a Master Gardener?

People with some horticultural skills who are willing to learn more through training, share their skills through educating others and volunteer for hands-on work can earn the designation of Master Gardener. Master Gardeners help the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture on its mission of education. Master Gardeners receive, in their first year, 40 hours of horticulture education and will volunteer 40 hours of service.

What services do they do?

A gardener who joins the River Valley Chapter has perhaps the most varied and interesting Master Gardener opportunities of anyone in Arkansas.This chapter has retained many people who continue being certified as ongoing members and has been able to build an unparalleled educational facility, the Learning Fields. Located at Chaffee Crossing, the Learning Fields has a classroom building and extensive demonstration gardens created and maintained by members.

Local, long-time Master Gardeners have even differentiated into gardening specialties in the River Valley chapter.

The Herbal Adventure group concentrates on herb gardening and regularly presents seasonal programs about cooking and an annual Herbal Adventure dinner.

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The beauty of the Creekmore Park herb garden (top) and the landscaping at the Fort Smith Convention Center is due to the work of River Valley Master Gardener volunteers.

The herbalists also established ongoing herb gardens at the historic Clayton House and in Creekmore Park.

Because of the passion for berries of Isaac Witt, a longtime Master Gardener, the Learning Fields has demonstration gardens and classes on native blackberries and other vine fruit. Witt and other volunteers will offer a wine-making class in April as yet another educational project offered by the Master Gardeners.

Separate children’s gardens, a wildflower garden, an arboretum and honeybee hive have also been developed at the Learning Fields because of particular interests of volunteers.

Working on and teaching from those gardens in classes offered to the public is one form of service. Master Gardeners have created and continue to maintain about 16 gardens in public spaces, such as local parks and civic buildings.

The landscape plantings at the Fort Smith Convention Center, for example, are tended for volunteer hours.

Besides digging, hoeing and weeding, other work may count toward the required volunteer hours. Research, outreach and answering the public’s garden questions also count.

Beneficial offshoots Each Master Gardener benefits personally from increasing their knowledge, whether their interest is in growing flowers or food.

But there are even more benefits, according to program member Mary Jane Hurst.

“It helps to bring people together and to make friends,” she explained. The gardeners enjoy an annual picnic, a Christmas party and group tours to destinations such as Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs or television host and garden writer P. Allen Smith’s Little Rock home. As a group, Master Gardeners have the opportunity to attend the statewide garden show.

Complete information about the 2015 Master Gardeners class can be found by contacting the Sebastian County Cooperative Extension Service at 479-484-7737.

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CAN HARDLY WAIT

They are here.

New Parrot Island opens soon!

Just like most of the kids in town, Sebastian County Judge David Hudson and Fort Smith city administrator Ray Gosack can hardly wait to slip into a breathtakingly high, twisty waterslide and plunge into the sparkling pool below at Parrot Island. Fort Smith’s new waterpark attraction is set to open on Memorial Day weekend. There have been funding arguments and park-naming controversies but all of that was among adults. Children all agree it’s going to be fun to climb to the top of the tower and dare to slide down. Judge Hudson and Gosack were happy to oblige our photographer with a sneak preview on a recent chilly day. They vow to be among the first kids to try out the waterslides.

Photo by Glenn Gilley

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from Ranger

to Razorback

Austin Cantrell will carry pride of hometown with him to The Hill

Brother Ryan, his daughter Blayklee, LaDonna, Austin and Kevin Cantrell with Roland coaches on signing day.

oland, Okla., is proud of Austin Cantrell. When the 6foot-4, 250-pound Ranger tight end signed a letter of intent last month to play football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, the common area of Roland High School was packed. It appeared he has friends. The Hogs were called and Austin became the first Roland Division I football signee since 1976, when Terry Jones signed with Oklahoma.

The website 247Sports reported that Arkansas’ tight end depth chart leads the nation. Recruits include C.J. O’Grady of Fayetteville High School, Will Gragg of Dumas High School and Austin, ranked second, sixth and seventh, respectively.

Austin’s signing was celebrated again later that day when 50-60 family members and friends gathered at a community center to eat chili dogs. One gets the idea that family and friends are very important to the Cantrells.

Austin was 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds in the seventh grade. By the time he was in ninth grade, colleges had begun jockeying for his attention. And, although football is his ticket, this quiet, unassuming 12

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2015

young man is currently focused on Ranger basketball. Asked why he’s playing basketball, he said, “Because my mom likes to see me play.” He then shrugged, grinned and added, “It’s fun, too.”

Football looms large with the Cantrells. Austin’s dad, Kevin, who graduated in ’94, was a standout nose guard for Roland. Austin’s older brother, Ryan, followed suit in the same position.

Although Austin’s demeanor comes across as vanilla, vanilla is a potent bean.

His first letter came from UCLA. How many colleges have come after him in the past two years? “I don’t have a clue,” he said. “But I have a whole box of letters at the house.”

He could be Charles Bronson in Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in the West.” There’s not much variation in the facial expression, but there’s purpose in the eyes. All he needs is Ennio Morricone to provide the soundtrack. Perhaps that role will be played by Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema. Both men are master conductors.

Austin Cantrell is a success story still in the making.

The Rangers practiced for their state playoffs on the artificial turf at

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Fort Smith Northside’s field.

Northside Coach Mike Falleur watched the practice and spotted Cantrell right off.

“I could just tell he was one of ‘those’ people,” Falleur said. He called Arkansas tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. and told him, “He’s worth a trip across the bridge.”

Lunney took it from there.

After watching Austin on film, Arkansas offered him a visit. Four days after the visit, Arkansas offered him a scholarship.

During his visit to OU, Austin said, he was one of about 400 prospects.

“It was kinda hard to get noticed,” he said. His visit to Oklahoma State University was even more disenchanting. At Fayetteville, Austin said, “It was just me. I got to talk to the coaches.”

It was Lunney who sold him on Arkansas. According to Austin’s mother, LaDonna, Austin “is a hunting and fishing fool. That’s where he connected with Barry.”

It turns out Lunney also is an avid outdoorsman.

“Austin and Coach Lunney send pictures of fish to each other,” LaDonna said with a laugh.

“Coach Lunney has a fishing tournament for his tight ends. Some of them can’t even bait a hook.”

There is football, hunting and fishing. Then, there’s the fact that Fayetteville is more convenient for Austin’s parents to see him play.

Again, family carries a lot of clout with Austin.

Track and field runs a close second to football for the young athlete. However, his road to winning two state championships in shot put had a precarious beginning. Motivated to join brother Ryan in the field event, Austin said, “We were both throwing 38 or 39 (feet). That’s not very good, you know.”

His freshman year at the state meet, “I got up there and got dead last. There were 16 guys and I got number 16.”

Austin with his maternal grandmother, Twilia Sexton (from left); maternal great-grandmother, Mary McIntosh; and paternal grandmother Daisy Cantrell.

Austin’s little cousin Kaia Cantrell looks up at him during his reception at a community center filled with family and friends.

Story and Photos

by Glenn Gilley

“I came back my sophomore year and started working on my form,” Austin said. “I started watching it on YouTube. You’ve just got to learn it.” He also got pointers from his English teacher, Keli Harrell, who ran track at OU. The progress was remarkable: His put of 53-11 would earn him first place at the state meet. And it continued. “I won state my junior year with 55-something,” he said.

Austin also enjoys the atmosphere of track and field. “It’s not always competitive. It’s more competing with yourself. That’s what I like about it.”

His longest put is 58-7, and his goal for his senior year is to beat the 4A state record of 60-9.

There are areas where Austin is a pretty average high school senior: He likes to eat Asian Zing at Buffalo Wild Wings, listen to Chevelle and play “Call of Duty.”

He has to think about his favorite NFL team for a bit. “I guess I’ll go with the Steelers.”

When Austin leaves for Fayetteville this summer, he will leave behind these football numbers, according to MaxPreps: Rushing: 35 games, 137 carries for 948 yards (6.9 average), 20 touchdowns.

Receiving: 35 games, 43 receptions for 1,026 yards (23.9 average) 14 touchdowns.

Defensive end (senior year): 52 tackles, 20.5 sacks for 125 yards in losses.

Three years: 240 total points scored in 35 games.

Roland Head Football Coach Jeff Streun said of Austin,“He was always a hard-working kid. He always set the bar high, trying to be better. A lot of that was his growing up. His work ethic is just how he was brought up.”

Dickson Street can be a slippery slope. But, there is hunting and fishing and his family is close enough to watch him play football.

Game on!

March 2015

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PROFILE

Hello, Chad!

A local actor is currently touring in the hit show Book of Mormon

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“Hello!” is the opening number of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Book of Mormon. Clean-cut, smiling young men with name badges, missionaries for their church, ring imaginary doorbells and introduce themselves enthusiastically in song.

Well into the song and clearly late, Elder Cunningham bumbles into the scene, off sync and out of step – and gets the first of many enormous laughs from the audience. Flustered, not very devout and in no way as confident as his fellow missionaries, he will be paired with Elder Price, who is his opposite in every way. They will be sent to make converts – in Uganda. This disaster-prone character is one of funniest of the musical.

Since June, Chad Burris of Van Buren has played or stood ready to play Elder Cunningham in the touring company of Book of Mormon. Hired after a New York audition to be a stand-by performer, Chad has stepped into the lead role several times, most recently for a seven-week run in Houston. At 22, he is the youngest member of his cast.

Even after eight months with the show and plenty of performances, he is still astonished to be living his dream, although he was determined to do it. When he entered the waiting room for his audition, he said, he called his father back in Arkansas in a combination of panic and bravado.

“I told my dad I had never seen so many chubby guys who looked just like me,” Chad said, describing his competition. “I told him, ‘They don’t understand. I bought a plane ticket and I am going to go in there and make it work! This has to happen!’”

It did work. The producers liked him so much they hired him to be a standby Elder Cunningham, even though they did not have an immediate opening in their two touring companies.

The long list of people who are not as surprised at Chad’s success starts with his parents, Nancy and Jay Burris, and include his Alma High School drama teachers and directors of the Young Actors Guild, where he began.

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In costume and in character (top), Chad shoots a selfie.

Backstage (above) with “Elder Price” from the cast.

Chad on Broadway (right) after being cast for Book of Mormon.

“Little did I know,” recalled Heather Breed Steadham, who cast an elementary-aged Chad as Linus in his first musical, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. “He had been in some of our straight shows. And if not onstage, he had worked backstage,” said Steadham, a former director for the Young Actors Guild. “I didn’t know then if he could sing.”

In fact, Chad had once been the dog wrangler for a production of “Annie,” responsible for getting Sandy the dog on and offstage. One night, Sandy was sick in his crate and Chad tried to hose out the cage. It made him sick, too, she laughed. He paid the price to be in show business.

But when he sang “My Blanket & Me” as a solo in Charlie Brown, Heather said she realized, “He has ‘it.’”

His parents knew he had “it” even before his debut on the King Opera House stage. Their son had been doing what the family called “The Chad Burris Show,” using their fireplace hearth as his stage, from about the age of 2, his mother recalled. Even as a toddler, he would go on as long as anyone would watch.

Nancy and Jay have been extremely supportive of Chad’s love for theater and have the miles on their odometers to prove it. Chad spent almost every summer in a YAG play, which involved rehearsals in Fort Smith and

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PROFILE Van Buren or at the Alma Performing Arts Center. (To a stage parent, show business feels a lot like being a taxi driver.)

They’ve done their best to nurture the interests of all their sons. Chad’s younger brother Alex likes musical theater and dance but favored athletics – he’s now a walk-on for the Arkansas Tech football team, planning on becoming a coach. Evan, the youngest, is an Alma High School senior bound for Arkansas Tech and an all-state football player.

At Alma High School, Chad excelled in its outstanding performing arts program before graduating in 2011 and enrolling in Ouachita Baptist University as a theater major.

In 2012, the last summer he was age-eligible for YAG productions, he took on the challenging lead role in Les Miserables. His cherubic face became bearded and grizzled; none of his comedic twinkle showed through in the tortured character of Jean Valjean, a man once imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed a starving child.

“He was amazing,” recalled Brenda Yelvington, musical director for Les Miz. “Every time he showed up, the work he had done showed,” she said, praising his acting as well as his remarkable singing. “Then there is the funny Chad,” she said, recalling his hilarious turn, in drag, as Edna Turnblad in the musical comedy Hairspray, a role always played by men.

Chad turned to all his mentors when he learned there might be a chance to be cast in Book of Mormon through online auditioning.

“I started emailing the casting director.” Chad said. With Yelvington, a videographer, he performed a few well-prepared songs from the show on video and sent it to the casting director. Although she’s a pro, Yelvington let the tape look “just a little” amateur on purpose, she laughed.

That was June 2013. Then nothing happened, Chad said. He had returned to OBU for fall when he learned the show had called the college to set up an open casting call in state. But when he showed up, he was asked privately to tape another audition. The first had gotten him noticed!

“Nine months later, after spring finals, I had gone home and was with my parents at my brother’s baseball game when they called and asked if I could be in New York for an audition – by Friday,” he said.

He was at the Arkansas Repertory Theater when he got the call he had been cast. He trained in New York for two weeks and joined the tour.

Since then, he has been to Toronto and a string of major U.S. cities.

Chad was “called up” to perform for the first time while in Philadelphia.

It happened to be when his dad and grandmother had flown in to see the A still from Chad’s audition video, with his music playing on a boom box and fellow actor Kameron Morton just visible at left.

Burris as the dramatic lead in Les Miserables. Photo by John Cross.

The Burris brothers Evan (from left), Chad and Alex, with their parents, Nancy and Jay. Chad was able to be home this year for Christmas.

show. Also in the audience was a fellow YAG alum who had been in Chad’s first musical. His mom and her mother, his brothers, many relatives and lots of friends have come to the show at cities along the tour, and so have his YAG directors and OBU professors. He is still enrolled there.

On nights when he is not onstage, he does homework online. He misses school. “Last May, I told all my friends I’d see them next year and then I never went back,” he said. “College is like a chapter I never closed.”

“Some people have a really hard time adjusting to tour life. I really enjoy it. I get a tour book every year that says where I’m going to go, where I’m going to stay – it is all done for you. My family says ‘you’re all grown up’ but I say I’m not, not really. Someone is still planning my day-to-day life.

They take really good care of us.”

He also really enjoys the diversity of his cast, now his “show family” of about 40 actors, half of whom play the very disinterested Ugandans.

Raised in faith, Chad is cast well in this satirical, but not cynical, story.

As the inept missionary, he realizes he must “Man Up” (his big number) to help the Africans and his discouraged mission partner find belief. Elder Cunningham’s sincerity, while unorthodox, helps to save the mission.

“It’s a play, not real life,” Chad said of the irreverent plot. “We’re acting!”

But in his performance, his former director Brenda Yelvington noted something more. “His faith in a higher power – it’s on his face.”

– Lynn Wasson March 2015

Entertainment Fort Smith

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LETTER TO THE MAGAZINE

Letter to the Magazine, Feb. 15, 2015: I want to share a story you might be interested in. mentioned to them that I was in attendance because one by one they My brother, Mike Bolin, drives a tour bus with Letsgo Charter based searched me out in the bleachers. As they broke and headed back to their out of Fort Smith. His two favorite groups to haul were University of seats a few of the girls headed straight up the bleachers to where I was Arkansas-Fort Smith volleyball and basketball girls. He was extremely sitting. Soon all the girls headed my direction. liked by every group he ever hauled, but his favorite were these two.

Every girl came to where I was just to fist-bump the brother of the bus Many times he was requested to drive for others, but driver who meant so much to them, and who had he refused to ever let anyone else drive “his girls.” always fist-bumped each and every girl on the team As a matter of fact he was just given a promotion to regardless if they won or lost. become a driver trainer. He was given this task because Mike was their biggest fan and they knew that. Last he knew that driving was way more than just going from night I was their biggest fan!!!

Point A to Point B. His company considered him the Halfway through the game I noticed one of the girls best. Mike told them he would do training for them had a medical tape wrist band and written in Sharpie on under one condition – that he continued to drive these it was “PLAY FOR MIKE.” Then I noticed ALL the two groups. girls had on the same thing.

Mike Bolin He invested time and love into those girls. Even Coach After the game I told Coach Whorton how cool I 1956-2015 Whorton loved my brother. As a matter of fact, every thought that was. He told me they all wanted to honor morning Mike and Coach ate breakfast together. Just the two of them.

Mike with something on their uniform, but it was just too late in the Feb. 5, on a trip to Laredo, Texas with the basketball team, my brother season. The girls just insisted on doing something to honor my brother. failed to come down for breakfast. He was found later, dead in his room of My brother was a great guy and proved you don’t have to be wealthy or a suspected heart attack, by Coach Whorton. important to make a difference in someone’s life. I knew he was pretty cool To show my love for a group of girls that loved my brother so much, I but had no idea just how amazing he really was. attended a UAFS basketball game. As customary after the starting lineup Enclosed are pictures taken that night. The most amazing thing to me is of the Lions was complete the whole team met at center court. the picture of all the wrist bands ... It’s not so much the bands to me as it is This time Coach Whorton met out there with them. He must have all the skin tones in the pic and that, ladies, was my brother. – Andy Bolin 16

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2015

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Nearing our 15th anniversary, remembering the big moments with some of our friends

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This magazine is always about looking forward – what’s going to be fun to do next month? We try to write about all the choices.

But we’re coming up in August on our 15th anniversary of publication and we’ve lately indulged in looking back a little, too.

In the coming months, we may have a few nostalgic stories and pictures to share.

Last month, we grabbed a moment away from the keyboard to visit a long-time friend of the magazine, the Realtor who “knows where they are,” Gray Johnson. Last year, she transferred her fine-home-finding enterprises to Envision Real Estate Group, along with her sister and fellow broker, Linda Klein.

A big moment for this magazine is when Gray called us, right after our inaugural issue, and placed a full-page advertisement for a more-than-a-million-dollar home.

We couldn’t have been more proud. A respected Realtor believed our new magazine was the right place to sell a million-dollar product! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Gray Johnson

Gray continued to be our client for almost 15 years and became a friend, as well.

We learned we had a lot in common, as entrepreneurs and as supporters of our city and region.

“I’m not just selling a house,” she explained to us long ago. “I’m selling Fort Smith.” Buyers of the upscale homes she represents are often people choosing between Fort Smith and another regional city, perhaps in another state, she explained. Some even had the option of living here but commuting great distances.

Gray told us she handed out Entertainment Fort Smith to such potential new residents as often as her business card – or in place of it – because we shared the same positive attitude about this city.

We’re still publishing. She’s still selling houses. And if you’re looking for a fine home, she still knows where they are.

– The Editors

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MARCH 20-22

Cowboy Action Shooting match has a familiar setting

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The Old Fort Gun Club knows how to show a cowboy a good time – and an authentic-looking location from which to compete in the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting.

The club will hold an annual match on March 20-22 for this fastestgrowing shooting sport in the world and spectators are welcome to watch what the club calls “the most fun you can have with your boots on.”

The target-shooting competition requires the use of single-action firearms, such as the Colt Peacemaker revolver, pistol-caliber lever action rifles and shotguns typical of the Old West. Competitors, including women, men and youth, fire at steel targets.

That’s the sport – but it comes along with fun. Old West aliases and outfits are encouraged. Shooters adopt a character or profession of the late 19th century, a Hollywood Western star or a character from fiction. The local gun club has constructed each shooting platform to resemble a certain frontier town that will be quickly recognized. The most spectacular target stage from which shooters will aim is a nearly full-size replica of the gallows at the Fort Smith National Historic Site.

About 150 competitors are expected for this national meet, according to Bob Gleason, club member and meet organizer also known as “Naildriver.”

Competitors who meet all requirements must enter by March 7.

Competition will be held daily starting at 9 a.m. March 20-22 for the Hell On the Border and Arkansas State Wild Bunch Match.

The Old Fort Gun Club is located at 5462 Gun Club Road, Van Buren. It is north of Barling and accessible from Arkansas 59, near the Lock & Dam 13 North Public Use Area.

Entry and membership information is available at oldfortgunclub.com.

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The range at the Old Fort Gun Club becomes a frontier town, top.

Iconic replica gallows, one of the shooting stages.

Local members wear a badge, not as re-enactors but as just-for-fun Western characters.

Photos courtesy Old Fort Gun Club

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MARCH 14

Tickets to two-step to Asleep at the Wheel are going fast

Bandleader Ray Benson, center, and Asleep at the Wheel are the musical stars of this big hoedown to raise funds for the U.S. Marshals Museum. Asleep at the Wheel, since 1970, has been the standardbearer for Western swing music that originated with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and others. Benson and the band, along with a host of great guest artists such as Willie Nelson, have carried on the tradition of the Big Band sound with a Western flavor, winning nine Grammy Awards along the way. Twilight tickets, $100, are available for the Asleep at the Wheel Concert only.

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he hottest tickets in town will admit the bearers to the March 14 party and concert the U.S. Marshals Stampede.

The Expo Center at Kay Rodgers Park will become the streets of an Old West town, complete with a saloon and gambling hall. Guests are invited to dress Western in boots, hats and cowboy and cowgirl attire, otherwise known as “Arkansas Black Tie.” Tempting appetizers such as brisket tostadas, cracked pepper shrimp and other Southwestern-style tidbits will be passed and also presented at several stations for service, including a Hill Country Nosh Station with cheeses, German sausages, fresh breads and spiced pecans. The main course comes from a Cowboy Carving Station with barbecued beef, jalapeno pork chops and smoked pork ribs. A Cocktail Salad Bar provides the veggies and a dessert reception is offered later.

To set the atmosphere for dancing, opening act Heath Wright and the Hangmen will be playing. Entertainers Chris and Lolly also will perform.

Party-goers can drift over to casino tables to try a hand of Texas Hold ’Em or Blackjack while enjoying signature “Kickin’ Up the Dust” cocktails. There’s even a chance to ride a mechanical bull.

Throughout the Stampede, live auctions and raffles will be held for prizes such as a commemorative Bass Reeves edition rifle, one-of-a-kind jewelry creation designed by Newton’s Jewelers or the art of Sean Adair.

The starring entertainment will be the music of Asleep at the Wheel, keepers of the flame of Western swing dance music. Just days before the Stampede, the Austin, Texas, band will release “Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys.”

Tickets for the full experience are $200; “Twilight” (concert only) tickets, $100, are available by phone or at the U.S. Marshals Museum office, 14 North 3rd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 usmarshalsmuseum.com

Heath Wright & the Hangmen hail from his Rockin’ W Ranch in Vian, Okla. Wright, who has been a part of the popular, Academy of Country Music Award-winning band Ricochet, formed the Hangmen to continue to enjoy playing in eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas. He’s become a member of the Old Fort Days Rodeo Committee in Fort Smith and generously performs to help causes close to home, such as raising the new walls of the future U.S. Marshals Museum.

Chris and Lolly Swicegood began performing as a duet while living in Hudson, N.Y., where Chris was recording his solo albums "Lila" and "Evermore" at Waterfront Studios with Henry Hirsch. The two officially began writing and performing as a duo and recorded their first duo album in Nashville at Blackbird Studios. After falling in love with Music City they now live and record there.With Fort Smith roots, Chris & Lolly perform here to also enjoy the family visit.

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HOME & GARDEN

Owners Kerri Hughes and Taylor Magee.

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Every day is sweet at Bliss Cupcake Café

“Sell a product you believe in” is a principle for entrepreneurs. Before owners Kerri Hughes and Taylor Magee married, he courted her by bringing her a box of Bliss Cupcakes every time he traveled from Fayetteville to Fort Smith.

The couple loved visiting the original Bliss Cupcake bakery on Fayetteville’s downtown square. Now, Kerri presides over their own Bliss Cupcake Café franchise in Fort Smith, turning out almost 100 flavors of cupcakes as appealing to the eye as they are to the appetite.

Inside the sparkling-clean glass display case, a tempting array of cupcakes is lined up each morning. All Bliss cupcakes are baked daily from scratch, using the freshest and most-flavorful ingredients, Kerri said.

“If it is a blueberry cupcake, it is made with blueberry compote that we also made from fresh berries,” she explained.

Each cupcake’s flavor is explained on a tag for the customers and the descriptions alone sound delicious. The Italian Cream tag reads “toasted coconut and pecans along with cream cheese frosting.” The Strawberry Lemonade is “a moist strawberry cake with real strawberries baked inside with our lemonade frosting.” There are names alone that intrigue, such as Gammy’s Apple Cake, Chocolate Milkshake and the Elvis, to name just a few from the selection.

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HOME & GARDEN For those who just can’t decide, the staff picks a daily favorite cupcake. They’re also ready to describe any variety of flavor. With 95 recipes in their repertoire, not all flavors are available every day – many are seasonal.

Kerri and her mother, the head baker, also have developed intuition into just what kind of a cupcake day its going to be when they choose what to offer any particular morning.

Because Kerri eats a gluten-free diet, she has developed several delicious recipes that are especially moist and tasty while meeting her dietary requirements. At least three choices are gluten-free daily, she said. One of her topselling selections, Butterfinger cupcakes, is gluten-free only and popular with everyone.

Boxes of Bliss cupcakes go out the door for special occasions, birthday parties and gifts.

Bliss only requires 24 hours for a special order, as they are baking daily.

For a sweet treat that will last a little longer, Bliss makes adorable Cupcakes in a Jar, which can be opened and eaten with a spoon. Bliss has just begun to offer macarons, a delicate French confection that is tricky to bake but divinely pretty and tasty. Two round wafers contain ganache or buttercream fillings. Kerri also invents cookie sandwiches of cookie-sized cupcake “bread” with icing inside.

Lemon water is complimentary. Coffee and soft drinks also are served.

When the last cupcake is sold, which happens pleasingly often for Kerri, a closed sign goes on the door and she sends out a notice via Facebook that Bliss will reopen the next morning at 10 a.m. with a new batch of fresh-baked delicacies.

Bliss Cupcake Café 7110 Rogers Avenue Suite 111, Fort Smith Open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. -10 p.m.

479-434-3787 blisscupcakecafe.com Facebook/Bliss Cupcake Cafe FSM

March 2015

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home & garden goodies Fleur de lis shakers, measuring cups and spoons and scoop available at Creative Furnishings

by Jean.

Personalized papergoods, designer paper straws and fresh cupcakes found at BrickCity Emporium.

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March 2015

Gourmet mustards and sun-dried tomato pesto from Paul’s Meat Market.

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home & garden goodies

Taddle Toes stuffed yellow chick by Aurora and Russ rabbits from Coleman Pharmacy.

Hand-carved vessel found at Designer Again.

Glamorous Wash fine laundry detergent, sachet and gift set available at the Now and Then Shoppe.

March 2015

Entertainment Fort Smith

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home & garden goodies

Decanter, Jameson 12-Year Special Reserve Irish whiskey and St. Bernardus Abt 12 Belgian Abbey ale from In Good Spirits.

Kate Spade ballpoint pen and stationery for all occasions found at Inscriptions.

Leather storage ottoman available at Furniture Emporium.

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March 2015

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home & garden goodies

Customized Easter basket for Mom found at The Goods.

Hand-painted wall decor from Marcia Cooksey Interiors.

“Isabella” pitcher by Juliska available at Newton’s Jewelers.

March 2015

Entertainment Fort Smith

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home & garden goodies

His and Her block sets found at Yard Sale Find Designs.

Miniature garden with metal church and in-scale plants available at Neumeier Nursery & Florist.

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March 2015

Raggedy Ann and Andy in matching Razorback outfits from Abilities Unlimited.

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home & garden goodies

Waterproof poolside or floating chaise lounge and side table from Luther Stem Pools and Spa.

Husqvarna 42-inch, 22-horsepower lawn tractor available at Sutherlands.

March 2015

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WHAT’S COOKING with KRISTAN ROLAND

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE MOUSSE 11⁄2 cups heavy whipping cream 2/3 cup powdered sugar 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1 cup thawed frozen sweetened strawberries, pureed until smooth (I use my blender.)

Place a metal mixing bowl and your mixer whisk attachment in the freezer for about five minutes. Remove from freezer and pour whipping cream and powdered sugar in cold bowl.

Using your electric mixer, beat with the cold whisk attachment on high speed until a stiff whipped cream is formed.

Scrape the whipped cream into a bowl and place in the refrigerator.

Place cream cheese in the same mixer bowl and beat on medium speed with the whisk attachment until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add strawberry puree. Beat on medium until blended – mixture might look lumpy or curdled at first and this is OK. Scrape the bowl and increase speed to high, beating until smooth and thick.

Remove whipped cream from the refrigerator and fold into strawberry cream cheese mixture until smooth and combined.

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March 2015

BANANA PUDDING BUNDT CAKE Cake: 1 box yellow cake mix 1 small box banana cream instant pudding mix 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 cup sour cream 4 large eggs 10 vanilla wafers Filling: 3/4 cup milk, cold 1 small box french vanilla pudding mix 1/3 cup powdered sugar 4 oz. whipped cream cheese 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed Garnish: Frozen Whipped Topping Banana Slices Vanilla Wafers For the Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bundt pan with vegetable oil spray, then lightly coat with flour. Set aside.

In the bowl of your mixer, combine cake mix, pudding mix, water, vegetable oil, sour cream and eggs.

Beat on low speed until just combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then beat for 3 minutes, until thick and smooth.

Pour batter into bundt pan. Gently press cookies around the pan into the center of the batter and bake for 45-55 minutes, until cake is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully turn onto a wire rack to continue cooling.

For the Frosting: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, pudding and powdered sugar until thick and smooth. Whisk in cream cheese until fully blended, then fold in Cool Whip. Place in the refrigerator for an hour to firm.

Split cake horizontally, using a serrated knife. Spread about 2/3 of filling/frosting on bottom half of cake, then top with top half. Spread or pipe remaining topping on top of cake.

Garnish with whipped topping, vanilla wafers and sliced bananas.

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BOSTON CREAM POKE CAKE Cake: 1 box yellow cake mix, plus eggs, oil and water to prepare 1 (4.2 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding 2 cups milk Glaze: 4 oz. semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup corn syrup Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 9x13 pan (or spray with bakers spray that has flour in it).

In the bowl of a mixer, combine cake mix, eggs, oil and water. Beat on low for about a minute, then increase speed to medium and beat for two more minutes. Spread in prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or so or until top springs back when lightly touched.

Remove from oven and using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the cake about an inch apart.

In a medium bowl, combine pudding mix and milk and whisk until it starts to thicken but is still pourable, about a minute. Pour evenly over cake and spread with a spatula, helping it soak into the holes. Let cake cool for a bit, then cover and place in the fridge until chilled, at least three hours.

Glaze: In a microwave safe bowl, combine cream and chopped chocolate and microwave, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth and melted. Stir in corn syrup and let cool until it becomes a thick glaze. Pour over chilled cake and serve.

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AMBROSIA CAKE 1 box white cake mix, plus eggs, oil and water needed to prepare 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed 1/2 cup sour cream 2/3 cup powdered sugar 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, well drained 15 oz. can mandarin orange slices, drained 2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut 2 cups mini marshmallows Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.

Prepare cake batter as directed on box. Pour evenly into prepared pans and bake until tops are browned and spring back when lightly touched in the center. Remove cakes and let cool in pans for 5 minutes, then remove and allow cakes to finish cooling completely on wire rack.

Prepare filling: In a large bowl, combine Cool Whip, sour cream and powdered sugar. Fold in oranges, pineapple and coconut until combined.

Split cakes horizontally. Fill each layer generously with ambrosia filling and top with the next cake, cut side down.

Let cake chill overnight before serving. Top with marshmallows before serving.

Check out Kristan’s blog at confessionsofacookbookqueen.com

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MARCH 6

Nine Decades of Service Noon Exchange Club Celebrates Rich Legacy

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ort Smith's oldest civic club will celebrate its 90th anniversary this month with a special ceremony reflecting on its rich legacy of service and commitment to family, community and country. Established in 1925, the Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club is one of the oldest registered Exchange groups in the U.S. and is recognized as a leader by the national organization. With a vision for “a strong America, safe communities and unified people,” Exchangites work to promote Americanism, volunteerism and youth outreach, as well as raise awareness for the organization's national project, the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Each November, FSNE celebrates “One Nation Under God” month with veteran tributes and patriotic ceremonies. In cooperation with the National Exchange Club, FSNE dedicated local “Freedom Shrines,” a collection of photographic reproductions of original documents from American History, including the Bill of Rights, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.

The shrines are displayed in the Fort Smith and Greenwood court buildings and in the Main Branch of the Fort Smith Public Library.

Exchange encourages all to give back to the community. Members lead by example and host recognition programs for local volunteers and public servants. Each year, the club presents its prestigious Book of Golden Deeds Award, which honors a worthy person or group that continuously donates time, talent and energy to help those in need. A tradition since 1942, the purpose of the accolade is to recognize such unsung heroes for their good deeds. This year, the award was presented to longtime Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club executive director Jerry Glidewell. The group also recognizes local emergency responder personnel through the presentation of its Firefighter, Police and EMT of the Year awards.

“During its nearly century of service, the club has impacted the lives of thousands in the community,” club president Cindy Long said. “We are particularly

proud of our commitment to area youth.

“One of our longest-running Board members Sebastian County Judge David Hudson (from collaborations is left), Linda Dowdy, Cindy Long, Larry Todd, Melissa Curry and with Girls, Inc. of Dr. Mary Lackie at the Book of Golden Deeds event.

Fort Smith. Over the course of 67 years, the club has contributed more than $340,000 to its scholarship program to help girls attend summer camp.” Fort Smith Noon Exchange also serves as an award-winning Partner in Education with Beard Elementary and Ramsey Junior High Schools.

The local chapter also works to promote the National Exchange Club's primary project, the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The group helps raise awareness of the issue through a partnership with Step Up, Speak Out! and through its work with the Hamilton House in Fort Smith. FSNE and Hamilton House recently formalized an agreement to sponsor a Parent Aide Program at the facility. Exchange Parent Aide is an evidence-based, home visitation program that provides supportive and educational services to families at risk of child abuse and neglect.

“We are excited about our work with the Hamilton House to provide the Parent Aide Program in our area,” Long said. “This initiative is designed to help prevent abuse ... and raise awareness of the issue at hand. This project has been in the works for a long time and we are thrilled to see the impact that it will have in the years to come.”

Current members, past leadership, as well representatives from the National Exchange Club will be on-hand for the club's 90th Anniversary Celebration on March 6. It will be at Fianna Hills Country Club, 1 Essex Place, Fort Smith, beginning at noon. Cost is $5 for guests and admission is open to the public. For more information about Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club, visit FortSmithNoonExchange.com.

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GARDENING WITH REBA

Pass-along plants make gardens full of friends

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March 2015

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Every garden has a story and my garden’s story is told in the plants given to me by old friends or soon-to-be new friends.

There was a time not so long ago when there was not a garden center always handy, so gardeners were happy to pass along a cutting, seeds or even extra plants to fellow gardeners. It was considered a compliment for someone to admire your garden and ask for a start of one of your plants.

I have been told it is considered bad luck to say “thank you” when someone gives you a passalong plant here in the South. The superstition is that the plant will then die. Far be it from me to go against Southern garden tradition!

When I bought my house, there were no flower beds, only a strangely located crape myrtle and two really ugly hedges. One day while preparing a place for my flowers to grow, a neighbor dropped by with a grocery sack filled with canna bulbs.

I took a break and we swapped garden and neighborhood stories. That was 15 years ago.

The bright yellow cannas bloom every year and I have divided and passed along their offspring.

Many plants need to be divided in order to continue to bloom and be healthy.

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GARDENING WITH REBA I was given a start of tall garden phlox from a friend who didn’t like its height. One man’s too tall was my just right!

One of my favorite garden mentors was Helen Taggart, who was my mother’s neighbor.

When I met Helen she was 97 and nearly blind but this did not stop her from working in her iris-filled yard. She would take my hand and we would walk through the garden where she was able to identify every variety of iris by the fragrance and, yes, I remember her every year when her pass-along iris bloom in my yard.

I once got permission from a land owner to dig some bulbs of daffodils that covered the hillside next to an old home place. When these flowers bloom, I know spring is on the way and I think of the woman who carefully planted these bulbs all those years ago.

You never know where your next bounty will come from in the pass-along plant world. I was at a yard sale and told the folks how much I liked their “hens and chickens.” As I was leaving, the wife handed me a Folgers coffee can filled with the wonderful Southern succulent.

I recently got a message from a friend that he was dividing plants in his garden and would anyone like to come over and get some. Yes sir, I went home with mint, oakleaf hydrangea and elderberry – all now living happily in my garden and the gardens of Mike’s other lucky friends.

Thanks Mike!

He got the benefit of an all-day garden party and didn’t have to commit the sin of throwing away what he had thinned out. Everybody who dropped by got new plants for their own yards.

The nature of a pass-along is that it is hardy and grows for the most part without a lot of bother. Hollyhocks, columbine, native ferns, bee balm, iris and old garden roses are some of the South’s top pass-alongs.

I have made many new friends and learned so much from stopping and talking with other gardeners. Right now, I have my eye on a garden in front of a lovely Victorian home, which, in summer, is virtually covered in beautiful blue bachelor buttons. Maybe they would like some tall garden phlox as a trade.

Of course, I buy my share of garden center plants. But it is the stories my garden tells me in these pass-along plants that I enjoy the most.

At Michael Richardson’s pass-along party, artist Julie Mayser scores a variety of his excess plants.

Garden writer Reba Mize is a former Master Gardener who never turns down the gift of a passalong plant. In this issue, read about becoming a Master Gardener or just enjoy their free “Seed Swap” found in this month’s calendar of events, March 28 at the Fort Smith Public Library.

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LEARNING IN NATURE

Local Master Naturalists program promotes nature and community service

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ature lover Penny Harris has found the perfect way to combine her love for service with her passion for all things outdoors. As president of the newly formed Western Arkansas Master Naturalists chapter, she is helping bring together those who share her interests in an effort to preserve some of the area's most beautiful landscapes and natural resources.

With a goal of “Keeping the Natural State Natural,” the Arkansas Master Naturalists program is working to build a corps of volunteers that will provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and areas within their communities.

Harris learned about the Master Naturalist program from her sister in Colorado and decided to explore what options were available in Arkansas. At the time, the closest chapters were in Northwest Arkansas and near Russellville. When she decided to join the program, Harris had to travel to take courses or volunteer. She decided to make the program more accessible to local nature enthusiasts with a Western Arkansas chapter.

Harris collaborated with Dana Howard and Cindy Parsons to establish a local chapter. Since forming just over a year ago, the Western Arkansas group has acquired 11 members and has volunteered for numerous local projects.

Members have held trash clean-ups at Cherokee Prairie and worked to clear overgrowth at Lee Creek's Bodine Cemetery. The group also has helped pull privet, an invasive species of plant that chokes out native plants, at the Arkansas River Valley Nature Center.

Several members participated in a bioinventory at Lake Fort Smith State Park, documenting the various plant and animal species spotted throughout the hiking course.

Following the submission of the findings, the

In November, the Master Naturalist group led Green & Gold Alma 4-H students on a tree identification hike at Lake Fort Smith State Park.

group was informed they had successfully identified several species not previously recorded by park officials. Members also have assisted other state chapters, including helping the River Valley group with the Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival.

“The whole idea is to connect our love for the outdoors to providing a service to the community,” said Harris. “There are so many more things that we could be doing and we welcome project ideas. We hope that through our work, it will benefit local parks and nature centers, by offsetting the need for paid staff to do these tasks.”

In addition to being a community service, the Master Naturalist program provides opportunities for participants to study nature indepth. The organization holds monthly trainings that are applied toward the required 40 hours needed to become an official Master Naturalist. Individuals can continue their courses and work toward the Certified Master Naturalist level, which includes eight additional hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer work annually.

Classes are taught by local experts on subjects such as geology, meteorology, botany, aquatic ecology and archaeology. Animal courses also are available, including mammals, birding and birds of prey. Master Naturalist students also can earn hours in courses related to the work they will do, including trail maintenance and public service. Cost for first-year members is $165 total, which includes $30 for annual dues and $135 for coursework. Renewal each year thereafter is only $30.

The group is eager is to expand and welcomes interested nature-lovers.

Members of the “Stream Team,” below, make observations in Little Frog Bayou.

Photos courtesy Western Arkansas Master Naturalists

“One of my favorite aspects of WAMN is being around others who have this common interest and who enjoy getting out in nature and talking about the things we have learned,” Harris said.

Members must be at least 18. However, children of all ages are welcome to participate with their parents or guardians at service events.

“We encourage members to bring their kids along to help serve and learn in process. It is a great way to instill a love for nature at an early age,” said Harris.

Individuals interested in joining the Western Arkansas Master Naturalists chapter can contact Harris at 479-719-8444 or see more on Facebook/WesternAMN. – Brittany Ransom March 2015

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OUTDOORS

A Great Motorcycling Adventure Awaits Spectacular motorcycle rides in Arkansas have been a well-kept secret among those who escape here for the occasional road trip. Visit Arkansas.com for detailed maps of each route highlighted here, and more!

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Johnny Cash Birthplace, Kingsland.

Four State Antique Auto Museum, Texarkana.

Camden Campaign

Southwest Trail

Beginning in Camden, this motorcycle journey follows U.S. 278 as it gently winds east to Warren. The road is not difficult, and less experienced riders will enjoy the curving pavement. Out of Warren, Arkansas 8 heads north through Fordyce. But there are two good reasons to take the alternate route of Arkansas 189. One is to make a pilgrimage to the tiny town of Kingsland, birthplace of Johnny Cash. The other is the great motorcycle roads. The road becomes much more serpentine and twisty. Arkansas 24 from Prescott back into Camden is another stretch of gently winding road. It’s an enjoyable conclusion to a journey through the woods.

Texarkana is a great place to start this loop.

U.S. 71 bisects the small town of Fouke, which lends its name to a bigfoot supposedly roaming the region. People still come looking for the “Fouke Monster,” a tale on which “The Legend of Boggy Creek” movies were based. Arkansas 160 crosses the Red River near I-49, and from there the landscape changes, giving way briefly to the fertile riverbottom farmland. The ride continues back through the Timberlands to Magnolia, Waldo and Hope. This mixture of delta and timberland terrain, history and folk legends makes the Southwest Trail a classic route for motorcycle riding in Arkansas.

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OUTDOORS Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Mena.

Talimena Scenic Byway

This is one of the best rides in Arkansas and includes the nationally recognized Talimena National Scenic Byway. This gorgeous stretch of pavement is beautiful any time of year.

Riders may enter anywhere along the loop, but it’s best started at Mena, taking Arkansas 88 northwest out of town. The road quickly snakes its way up the mountain rising out of the valley where Mena sits at 1,110 feet. The highway tops out on Rich Mountain at 2,681 feet. The elevation change consists of challenging, tight curves. At the Oklahoma line, AR 88 becomes OK 1, but the name change doesn’t alter the incredible ride through the beautiful Winding Stair Range of the Ouachitas. Oklahoma 1 winds down 1,700 feet before it intersects U.S. 59 on the way to Heavener, Okla. Once back in Arkansas at Waldron, U.S. 71 begins to climb back to the higher elevations of Mena.

Arkansas Grand Canyon

This mid-length ride is best started in Jasper, heading south on Arkansas 7. Vance Randolph once said about the Ozarks, “It’s not that the mountains are so high but that the valleys are so deep.”

And that eloquently describes the huge vale south of Jasper running alongside Arkansas 7, dubbed “The Arkansas Grand Canyon.” One of the motorcycle destinations worth visiting is the Rotary Ann Overlook. It offers a beautiful 180-degree view of the Ozarks and was the first roadside park in Arkansas. While Scenic 7 and Arkansas 23 may get the press, Arkansas 21 is equal to both when it comes to scenic routes for motorcycles. Of particular note on Arkansas and 43 is the 16mile-long Boxley Valley, headwaters for the Buffalo National River. These run the length of the Boxley Valley, which is arguably the most beautiful natural area in Arkansas. Arkansas 74 runs from the Buffalo National River at Ponca to Jasper. It is very serpentine and runs through heavy forests all the way to Jasper. Sport bike riders will love the demanding hairpins running the first two miles out of the Buffalo on Arkansas 74. Scenery and excitement level for this loop, on a scale of 1-10, is a definite 10 and easily ranks among America’s top motorcycle destinations.

View of the Arkansas Grand Canyon from the three-story observation tower south of Jasper.

LIVE. LEARN. IMAGINE.

Give your

Brain

a boost!

479-788-7220 479-788-7220 • uuafs.edu/lifelonglearning afs.edu / lifelonglearning March 2015

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FASHION FOCUS

Karla and Brooke Robbins with Zoe.

Zoe Bug’s of Charleston has fashion, food and puppy love in stock daily

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omen of all ages and sizes will enjoy shopping at Zoe Bug’s in Charleston, Ark. The boutique offers everything from apparel and accessories for women and little girls to tasty foods.

Inspirational music is always playing in the store where Proverbs 31:25 is written largely on a black chalk-painted wall and a little rescue dog is snuggled up on her dog bed under the register. Opening the front door is like walking into an old friend’s home. There is a welcoming smile from owners Karla and Brooke Robins and a friendly greeting from Zoey June, Brooke’s “doggie daughter.”

Karla and Brooke, both longtime Charleston residents, opened Zoe Bug’s – Zoey June’s nickname – on Main Street in 2013. Their idea to offer modest and fashionable clothing comes from their shared belief that they should be role models for all women. They offer their shoppers a large selection of items that are flattering to their body shapes, as well as take time to assist each shopper with selections that would be just right for them.

“We know that since God made us all different, one size doesn’t fit all,” Brooke said.

“Teaching young girls about dressing modestly and respecting their bodies is a big deal for Brooke,” Karla elaborated.

The unique interior design of the store was completely done by Karla and Brooke. “I wake

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A handmade mobile hangs over a display table.

up at night with a display idea and within a few days, we’d have it set up in the store. We’re changing things up all the time,” said Karla.

The first thing customers will notice is the beautiful handmade hanging art that crowns a table filled with accessories. In front of the store, strips of multiple colors of tulle wrapped in

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FASHION FOCUS lights gives the store a warm glow. It’s this kind of creativity that reflects their merchandise.

Zoe Bug’s is stocked with many tempting items. They carry a large line of Ginger Snap bracelets and necklaces, which come with a huge selection of snap-on charms. Peepers by Peeperspecs glasses are fashionable reading glasses.

Zoe Bug’s also has a variety of YMI super stretch jeans in the missy style for women who prefer a higher rise waist and junior cuts for those who like a low-rise jean.

Comfy Lazy One pajamas also are a hit and a bonus is they are made in the United States. Seamless ware such as Nikibiki no-rise tanks and camis, leggings and bandeaus are one of the many items that are made to fit from small to plus size.

They carry booties, wedges and sandals with more options to choose from coming in the next few weeks. The store is peppered with accessories such as necklaces, rings,

Bracelets, headbands and sunglasses are among the accessories Zoe Bug’s offers.

bracelets and headbands. Also popular are CoCo+Carmen purses in many styles.

A wide selection of inspirational and uplifting Good Works bracelets is available and 25 percent of net proceeds go to charitable organizations.

An unexpected but wonderful find at Zoe Bug’s is its gourmet foods, including jellies, Rio Grande cilantro salsa and sauces such as raspberry chipotle mango by Klein Bros.

Invisible Chef cake mixes offer a great snack in a jiff. Zoe Bug’s most popular dessert item is the Crispery Crispy Cakes that are stacked nicely by the register as a reminder to reward yourself with a tasty treat.

Zoe Bug’s 315 E. Main Street, Charleston, Ark. Open Monday-Saturday 479-965-9631 March 2015

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health & beauty goodies

Pilar’s Inspirations uniquely handcrafted jewelry from Salon Elements.

Rugged Butts boys clothing found at the Polka-Dotted Zebra in Greenwood.

Motherlove herbal care products for pregnancy, birth, baby and breastfeeding available at Babyflix.

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health & beauty goodies

Aveda Color Conserve hair products available at Metropolis Hair Studio.

Colorthin eyewear by Calvin Klein available at Ennen Eye Center.

Striped tunic with crocheted back and side panels and turquoise necklace found at Zoe Bug’s in Charleston.

March 2015

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health & beauty goodies

Flowing, animal print top paired with beaded necklaces and jeweled sandals from The Red Leopard.

Oliver Peoples “Gwynne” sunglasses available at Dr. Steven Stiles Optometry.

VersaSpa SunlessPro advanced sunless skin care products found at Tan Unique.

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health & beauty goodies

Jeweled clutches found at Greenwood Flower and Gift Shop.

Bosley Profession Strength BosRevive hair care products available at Vanity Calls.

Queen Bee Tano bag from Fashion Boutique.

Evening gown with scarf, silver evening bag and Jacqueline Ferrar strappy shoes found at This-n-That Thrift Shop.

March 2015

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MUSIC & performance

March 5 UAFS Musical Theatre The UAFS Musical Theatre will present an evening of musical theater and light opera, with songs from the great American songbook and some of the most enduring Broadway musicals. The young vocalists and musicians bring a high level of energy to the performance, which is certain to delight listeners of all ages. Tickets available through the UAFS Box Office or online. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com March 3 UA Symphony Orchestra Concert The University of Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will give a full concert. $5. 7:30 p.m. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-575-4703 music.uark.edu March 4 University of Arkansas Choir and Women's Chorus The University of Arkansas Concert Choir and Women's Chorus is the university's finest vocal students in concert under the direction of Dr. Stephen Caldwell. Free. 7:30 p.m. Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, Fine Arts Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-575-4703 music.uark.edu River City

Small Town Symphony

Heavens 2 Betsy

Bands for Babies Benefit Concert APRIL

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The patio stage at La Huerta on Garrison Avenue is going to rock with music from three popular bands and when it is over, babies’ bottoms will be the beneficiaries.

The band River City will headline “Bands for Babies” to raise funds for a mission to provide diapers for infants whose parents need help with this basic expense.

A volunteer group called Diaper Dandies, 10 members of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, has resolved to hold several diaper distributions in 2015. Donations collected at the Bands for Babies evening will be used to purchase disposable diapers, baby wipes and diaper rash ointment to be given away.

The organizing band, River City includes vocalist and keyboard player Amy Brashear, lead guitarist and singer Lloyd Keefer, percussionist Richard Nixon and bass player Liz Gately, who offer rock, country, blues and pop music conducive to dancing. River City will be joined by the acts Heavens2Betsy playing alt country and singer/songwriters Small Town Symphony.

Donations of cash or checks are welcomed, with checks made out to St. Paul United Methodist Church, memo “For Diaper Dandies.” Donations can also be mailed to St. Paul UMC, 4100 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72904. All donations are tax-deductible. All donations are tax-deductible. Contact Mary Huss, Missions Chair at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 479-452-5173. Admission free, donations appreciated; 6-10 p.m. La Huerta Mexican Restaurant, 400 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

March 5-7 Arkansas Saxophone Symposium The University of Arkansas Department of Music will be the host for a three-day symposium for collegiate and high school saxophonists. The Mana Saxophone Quartet will be in residence for the event. All activities are free and open to the public. Events for the symposium will include sessions on composing and other master classes and clinics. Collegiate and high school students will rehearse and present an afternoon concert along with a performance by the Mana Saxophone Quartet to close the symposium.

Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-575-4703 music.uark.edu March 7 SoNa Masterworks III Concert The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas continues its 60th anniversary season with the Masterworks III concert, under the baton of Paul Haas. Entitled “Surf and Turf,” this concert is inspired by the idea of going out to sea and returning home, featuring works by Smetana, Debussy and Respighi. Ticket holders are invited to a Creative Conversation with Maestro Haas in Baum Walker Hall, one hour prior to the concert.

Tickets $28, $39, $50. 7:30 p.m. Walton Arts Center's Baum Walker Hall, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville , Ark. 479-443-5600 sonamusic.org March 7 King Opera House Presents: Gospel Music This event features the Parnells, Diamond State Trio, The Kizers and The Heydenreich Family. There will be a gift basket valued at $100 given away to a present audience member. Sponsors include City of Refuge, Tyro Community Church, Liberty Fellowship, Evangel Temple, Southside Freewill Baptist and Cooley Tire Center. Advance tickets are available at Revelation book store in Central Mall. $10 advance, $12 at the door. 6 p.m. King Opera House, 427 Main Street , Van Buren, Ark. 479-459-2863 parnellministries.com March 2015 Entertainment Fort Smith 45

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Southside Rebel Band March 8 Southside High School Band in Concert with the University of Arkansas Wind Ensemble The Southside High School Band, named the National Blue Ribbon Band of Excellence by the National Band Association, will perform a special concert with the University of Arkansas Wind Ensemble. Dr. Benny Gooden, superintendent of Fort Smith Public Schools, will guest conduct one number. The Rebel Band is led by directors Sean Carrier and Josh Ray. UA Director of Bands Dr. Christopher Knighten leads the wind ensemble. A reception follows the concert. Free. 3 p.m.

Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-0201

2014 battle winner, Hollow Valley Funk March 10 11th Annual Battle of the Bands This competition is sponsored by the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency, who will donate $2 per attendee to the Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society. KISR 93.7 also serves as a sponsor, and disc jockey Race Riley will serve as master of ceremonies.

The first 300 people arriving at the event will receive a free T-shirt and food. The winning band will receive $150, while the crowd favorite will win $50. 7 p.m.

Reynolds Room of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7318 March 10-15 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s creation is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. This magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including "Those Canaan Days," "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door." Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young star. $36-$70. The run offers five evening performances and two matinees. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-4435600 waltonartscenter.org 46

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE March 12 University or Arkansas Inspirational Chorale The University of Arkansas Inspirational Chorale will life your spirits. Free. 7:30 p.m. Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, Fine Arts Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-575-4703 music.uark.edu

The Gibson Brothers March 12-14 Mountain View Spring Bluegrass Festival Held at the Ozark Folk Center State Park and sponsored and produced by the Mountain View Blue Grass Association, the three-day festival includes concerts and musical jams with performances by the Gibson Brothers, Lost & Found, Larry Stephenson Band, Balsam Range, Adkins & Loudermilk Band, locals Lonesome Ridge and the Cobb Brothers and more. The Skillet Restaurant will be open and crafts people will be on hand. Ozark Folk Center State Park, 1032 Park Avenue, Mountain View, Ark. ozarkfolkcenter.com March 19 University Symphony Orchestra and UA Opera Enjoy the sounds of the symphony and the opera.

Free. 7 p.m. Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, Fine Arts Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-575-4703 music.uark.edu

Mid Town Men March 19-20 Mid Town Men These four talented entertainers shared the Broadway stage for hundreds of performances of the Tony Award-winning mega-hit “Jersey Boys” before reuniting as The Midtown Men to bring their magic to audiences everywhere, singing all the hits from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Jackson Five, The Four Seasons and more. Enjoy a night of Broadway and pop music performed by four truly stellar vocalists. $39-$59. 7 p.m. March 19; 8 p.m. March 20. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org March 2015

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE March 28 Lost in the ’50s Hear the songs of Buddy Holly, Patsy Cline, the Platters, Brenda Lee, Bobby Vinton and 10 other great artists of the fabulous ’50s. Proceeds help build a future home venue called the Starlite Theater at Chaffee Crossing, where shows will continue in the mission of fundraising to support injured veterans. $10. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-649-8803 Glenn Miller Orchestra

Vagina Monologues March 21 The Vagina Monologues: 10th Anniversary Janet Alexander returns to direct the award-winning play, a Red Tent Sisters of Eureka Springs fundraiser sharing proceeds to benefit Domestic Violence Survivor support in Northwest Arkansas. $25 general admission, $35 for VIP tickets. 7 p.m. The Auditorium, 32 Main Street, Eureka Springs, Ark. 479-253-2772 March 21 Cyrus Chestnut Quartet: Brubeck Reimagined Internationally renowned pianist Cyrus Chestnut and his quartet perform a tribute to jazz icon Dave Brubeck – the pianist and composer who helped make jazz popular again in the 1950s and ’60s with recordings like “Time Out” and “Take Five.” Chestnut earned a degree in jazz composition and arranging from Berklee College of Music, and was awarded the Eubie Blake Fellowship, the Quincy Jones Scholarship and the Oscar Peterson Scholarship. $20. 7 p.m. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org

Lucious Spiller March 28 Play it Forward Concert Series at The Walmart Museum: Lucious Spiller Enjoy heartfelt blues with Little Rock native Lucious Spiller, an intense, flamboyant showman who fills the room with his straight-ahead guitar work and big voice. Ticket proceeds benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas. $5. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Walmart Museum, 105 North Main Street, Bentonville, Ark. 479-204-4773

April 2 The Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Diamonds present Jukebox Junction Jukebox Junction is an entertaining, non-stop musical revue featuring the most famous of all Big Bands, the Glenn Miller Orchestra. The second half of the bill is vocal quartet The Diamonds. This show features musical hits of four decades of America's favorite music, from big band hits to doo-wop and rock and roll classics. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone. 7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

STOMP

April 9 STOMP Since the creation of STOMP in the early 1990s, the ever-changing, percussion-driven show has fascinated audiences. Using everything but a drum – from garbage cans to Zippo lighters to their boot-clad feet – the high-energy, athletic cast creates the beat in a soundscape and spectacle that constantly surprises.

This is the final show of the UAFS Season of Entertainment. Tickets, $40, are available online or by phone. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. uafs.universitytickets.com 479-788-7300 April 9-19 Don’t Dress for Dinner The sequel to the comedy "Boeing Boeing" is another chapter in the romantic lives of pilots Bernard and Robert. Confusion reigns among chefs, mistresses, mates and dates. Can the 'cheaters' improvise a way? $10. 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Sundays. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org 48

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in local venues LIVE April 15 Kevin Costner & Modern West Yes, that Kevin Costner, the actor now turned country artist.

8 p.m. $49.95, $90. Tickets on sale now.

Tickets 800-745-3000

Kevin Costner & Modern West

March 6 March 7 March 14 March 20 March 21 March 28

March 6 Easton Corbin $35,$45. 8 p.m.

Tickets 800-745-3000 Easton Corbin

Shows start at 9:30 p.m. No cover charge.

March March March March March March March March

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Bo Phillips Band Chance Anderson Band Fifty Nine South Dead Metal Society Tragikly White Woodshed Larry B & the Cradlerockers River’s Edge

Eagles Club presents dancing, entertainment The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 208 of Fort Smith, a non-profit service organization, presents music suitable for dancing each weekend and is open to the public to attend.

Live bands entertain from a stage overlooking a huge dance floor in a smoke-free, safe environment. A cash bar is available.

Proceeds from the entertainment are used to support the many local charitable projects.

Nationally, F.O.E. donates more than $10 million a year to local communities, fundraisers, charities and more. Fundraisers are conducted for eight major charities, including kidney, heart, diabetes, cancer and spinal cord injury, a children's fund, memorial foundation and a Golden Eagle Fund.

Admission is $7 non-members, $5 for members. Music begins at 8 p.m. F.O.E. Aerie 208, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark.

CenterStage Event Center, Choctaw Casino Shows start at 8 p.m. Tickets required.

Gilley’s in Choctaw Casino 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla.

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

September's End Bandit Danny Richmond Band Scott Schmitz Wes and Hope Dead Armadillos

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KIDS calendar of events

March 2 The Ugly Duckling/The Tortoise and the Hare The classic storybook tales "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Tortoise and the Hare" are brought to life by Lightwire Theater with cutting-edge technology, moving sculpture and dance to creative an unforgettable theatrical experience. The production uses electroluminescent puppetry and music ranging from classical to jazz to pop. Recommended for children 3-11. Tickets available by phone. $15 adults; $10 children. 9:30 a.m.

Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-6322129 almapac.org March 2 Primetime Story Time with Dr. Seuss!

Help celebrate the birthday of everyone’s favorite storyteller, Dr. Seuss.

There will be stories, songs and crafts with a Dr. Seuss theme. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 2-30 Teen Time Board games, crafts and a variety of after-school activities geared toward teens. Free. 3:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

A 10-foot tall climbing structure will anchor the Rhythm and Patterns Workshop.

March 2-31 Fun and Service with Your Grandchildren Grandparents are invited to take their grandchildren to the Sack Lunch Program and help make and serve lunches to our community. The Sack Lunch Program is an all-volunteer organization whose goal is to serve anyone who is hungry. The program’s mission is the simplest of giving: anyone who comes to the door is served a meal. Call to register. Free.

10 a.m. The Sack Lunch Program, 123 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-252-1360 March 3 St. Patrick’s Day Shirt Tweens and teens can embrace their Irish spirit. To avoid being pinched, create a shirt to wear on St. Patrick’s Day. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

The Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk, shown here at night, is an outdoor exhibit that will extend into the forest canopy from the main building. A tree-house pavilion, rope netting and hands-on activities will add to the adventure.

Mid-America Science Museum to reopen In 2011, the Mid-America Science Museum was awarded a $7.8 million capital grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to renovate the museum’s building and exhibits. The renewed museum will offer stronger connections between science Mid-America Science Museum is home to and the museum visitors’ the most powerful conical Tesla coil on Earth. everyday lives, while expanding learning opportunities for teachers and surrounding school systems. Among the changes is the Animation Workshop, which explores stop-motion animation using computers, 16mm film and a variety of zoetropes; the Fluid Motion Workshop featuring a two-story interactive water tower; and the Force and Energy Workshop with a vintage steam engine, infrared imaging and a giant gravity tower used to examine the relationship between force and energy. $10 adults; $7 for children 3-12; $7 seniors. Mid-America Science Museum, 500 MidAmerica Blvd., Hot Springs, Ark. 501-767-3461 midamericamuseum.org

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March 3-31 Baby & Me Babies from birth to age 3 and their caregivers can join the library for songs, finger plays, a story and play time, including the popular “bubble time.” Free. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 4-18 Cedarville Story Time The library offers lots of books, crafts, silly songs and fun. On March 4, the theme will be “Monkeys.” March 11 will be about St. Patrick’s Day. On March 18, “Move your Body.” Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 March 4-25 Story Time March 4 will be a special story time celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Listen to Seuss classics, including such as “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” “Fox in Socks” and “The Butter Battle Book.” For the library’s own butter battle, children will learn to make butter followed by fishing for colorful fish and designing their own socks they can share with a fox.

On March 11, kids can join Alma’s Story Time Circus. Join the ringmaster for a reading of circuses galore with books such as “If I Ran the Circus,” “Clifford at the Circus” and “A Small Surprise.” Craft a lion mask and make tasty circus popcorn. Toddlers and children may enjoy a fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day story time on March 18. Kids will follow the rainbow and craft a pot of gold and a shamrock necklace to take home. Wear green! On March 25, it’s all about buttons. What button will you push and what will it do? Craft your own button and decide what it’s for. Free.

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KIDS CALENDAR March 4-25 Preschool Story Time Story time will feature Dr. Seuss, St. Patrick’s Day, Eric Carle, Being Healthy and Easter. Free. 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

vited to socialize while enjoying refreshments, making crafts and listening to speakers. Child care provided.

Free. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-5161 March 9, 23 Laptime Story Time Babies and their caregivers are invited to this special story time geared toward children birth to 24 months old. There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories and lots of interactive fun. The story time will last about 20 minutes, with time for casual interaction afterward.

Free. 10:30 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

March 5 Papier-Mâché Balloons Children and tweens can make a craft inspired by the Dr. Seuss classic “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Get ready to soar to high places and get a little messy with papier-mâché balloons. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 5, 12, 19 All-Ages Days All ages are welcome. Lego time March 19; crafts and games on the other days. Free. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 7 Subiaco Academy Spring Carnival A festival of family, fun and food. Lots of kids games and inflatables will entertain the youngsters. Silent and live auction items will be sold to the highest bidder. 49 p.m. Subiaco Academy, 405 North Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Ark. 479-963-1001 subi.org March 7 Project Compassion & Pike Elementary Fun Run A hamburger and hot dog lunch will be provided by First National Bank. $10 adults and $5 children, with a maximum of $35 per family. Fee includes a T-shirt

March 6-8 Junie B. Jones: The Musical This delightful adaptation of the best-selling children's books is a genuinely comical musical. For more information, check out Good Times Community Theatre on Facebook. $10 adults. $8 students. 7 p.m. March 6-7; 2 p.m.

March 8. Donald W. Reynolds Center, 105 Reynolds Avenue, Poteau, Okla.

918-647-3079 and goody bag. 10 a.m.-noon. Creekmore Park, Rogers Avenue and South 31st Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2273 projectcompassioninc.com March 9 Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Meeting Moms with infants, toddlers and preschoolers are in-

March 9 Cuentos para Niños en Español Niños de todas las edades y sus familias están invitados a la Biblioteca principal a la hora de los cuentos gratis, incluiremos cuentos, historias, canciones, refranes y otras actividades divertidas en español. Ven y aprende acerca de la Biblioteca y lo que tiene para ofrecer a tu familia. Gratis. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 10 Club Scrub In one session for homeschoolers another for children, tweens and teens, Ms. Chris from UAMS demonstrates fun science experiments and encourages students to continue growing in knowledge by pursuing the field of science. Free. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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KIDS CALENDAR March 10 DIY Tech Craft for Teens Use discarded computer parts and tech recyclables to make projects using provided materials. Part of Teen Tech Week at the Fort Smith Public Library. Free. 3-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 17 Salt Dough Eggs Salt dough can be crafted in all sorts of shapes. Kids 10 and up are invited to create an egg using salt dough. Use it for an egg hunt or as a spring decoration. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 10, 17, 24 Preschool Story Time Ms. Anna entertains preschoolers with stories, songs, crafts and snacks. Free. 11 a.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 17 Find “Gold” at the Library Search the library to find gold chocolate coins under the rainbow. Free. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

March 12 Teen Tech Week: Digital Resources Open House Grab your phone or tablet and head to the library after school to find out how to combine technology and free library digital resources. Learn to download music, magazines and books for free with a library card using Freegal, Zinio and Library2Go. Refreshments and prizes will be provided for this teen program. Free. 4-6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

March 18 St. Patrick’s Day Story Time Preschoolers are invited to a special St. Patrick’s Daythemed story time featuring stories, crafts and a treat.

Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

March 14 Hunter Education Course This course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting and is open to all ages (presented on a 5th grade reading level). Anyone born after 1968 must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to legally hunt in Arkansas.

Free. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993

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March 20-21 Academy of the Arts presents Mary Poppins Join this cast of 50 young people as they sing, dance and act in this timeless classic. $12 adults, $8 for children 10 and under; $5 per person for 20 or more. 7-9:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com March 16 LEGO Club Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create, and build unique creations with the LEGO Club. Legos provided. Free. 5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 19 Rainbow Craft Children and tweens can find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired afternoon craft. Enjoy the fun of a melting a rainbow of crayons and crafting the gold to be found at the end of your melted creation. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 20-22 Cold-Blooded Critter Weekend A weekend full of family-friendly events celebrating

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KIDS CALENDAR will be available to make and take home. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

the cold-blooded animals that live in the Ozarks. Featuring Reptile Mania, FrogWatch USA, Turtle Topography, kid crafts and more. See the website for specific events and details. Free. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith March 21 Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center 28th Annual Family Kite Flite Day More than 600 individuals and families are expected to take lawn chairs, blankets, kids and kites and fly the winds along with fancier kites flown by “professional” kiters. Demonstrations by kiters from Oklahoma and Arkansas will include stunt kites, parafoils and other fancy kites. There will be donated kites given away by drawing throughout the day. Along with the kite flying, younger kids can have fun in the children’s area. There will be a sandbox where children can dig in the sand for shells, jewels, coins and even a special token that can be turned in for a kite.

There will also be a bubble making area, which always draws a crowd. Along with all the other fun, there will be vendors with arts and crafts, Native American art and other items for sale. Food vendors will be on site, and the grounds are the perfect place for a family picnic. The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric Native American site open to the public in Oklahoma and is administered by the Oklahoma Historical Society. Free; donations accepted. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 3 miles east of Spiro on Oklahoma 9/U.S. 271 and 4 miles north on Lock and Dam Road, Spiro, Okla. 918-962-2062 March 21 Rocket Demonstration The library’s own science guy, Mr. Jeff, will talk about and demonstrate rockets. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 21 Garrison Creek Arena Shodeos Shodeos for all ages. Leadlie, 5-under, 6-8, 9-12, 1318, and adults all compete in four events. Poles, barrels, flags, cones. Public invited. Call and leave a message for more information. 5-9 p.m. Garrison Creek Arena, U.S. 64, Muldrow, Okla.

918-427-1794 garrisoncreekriders.com March 21 What's in the Woods?

Master Naturalist Denis Dean will explore what lives in the woods around us. You will be shocked to learn about the animals just out of sight in your own backyard. Hands-on display and presentation include tracks, scat, trees and more. Free. 1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com March 22 FrogWatch USA Frog ID Workshop In this frog identification workshop, students learn to identify and mimic all the frogs and toads in the area, why they are important, why they are in trouble and what can be done to help them. After completing the course, students are asked to listen to frogs and toads at a site of their choice and submit their findings to a national database. FrogWatch USA is a cit-

March 26 Spring Break Game Day Put down the cell phones and electronic devices and make some fun with a traditional twist this spring break. The library will offer board games, card games, chess and checkers for an afternoon or evening of fun. Free. 1-8 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 26 Music in the Library: A Story Program for Kids This interactive, musical story program will be funfilled and entertaining. Kids 12 and under are invited join in the fun and check out a book. Free. 4 p.m.

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

March 24 Spring Break Movie Matinee: Big Hero 6 Six reluctant first-time crime fighters team up to save their city in this animated action/ adventure film. Take snacks or purchase goodies at Dewey’s Café. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 izen science program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that provides an opportunity to learn about wetlands and report data on the calls of local frogs and toads. Volunteers have been submitting data for more than 15 years. Free 1-5:30 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith March 23, 30 Garrison Creek Arena Barrel Racing Barrel racing for adults and youngsters is available on every Monday. Exhibitions start at 6 p.m. and the jackpots start around 8 p.m. For more information, please call and leave a message. Entry fees vary. 6 p.m. Between Muldrow and Roland, U.S. 64, Muldrow, Okla. 918-427-1794 garrisoncreekriders.com March 23 Spring Break Search Find the Beanie Babies hidden in the Youth Services Department and win a prize. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 23-27 Spring Break Extravaganza 2015 Celebrate the arrival of spring with kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and boating. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park,15458 Sheperd Springs Rd, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 March 25 Make & Take Craft Day Drop by the Youth Services Department at the Main Library to celebrate the coming of spring with a day of crafting. This open house-style program is open to kids and teens and their families. A variety of crafts

March 27 Operation: Game On! Try a variety of fun Wii games and check out a book or two at this spring break program that is all about fun and games. Free. 1-4 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 March 27-29 Kids Inspiring Kids Imagination Art Fundraiser Kids Inspiring Kids Imagination Art hosts event to raise money for free art classes for children. Children's artwork, paintings, drawings, crafts, blankets, jewelry and crafts will be available for purchase. Free; donations accepted. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 27-28; noon to 5 p.m. March 29. BrickCity Emporium, 3215 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-5858 kidsinspiringkids.wix.com/kidsinspiringkids March 28 Kayak Adventure Kayaking is a great way to experience the sights of Lake Fort Smith and a fun way to exercise. Reservations are required and will be taken at the marina at 479-369-1018. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent and may be canceled. $12 adult, $6.50 children 612 and free for children under 6 when riding with an adult. 2-4 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith March 31 Mother-Son Game Night Boys between the ages of 3 and 12 can pair up with their mothers, aunts, grandmothers or other important female figures in their lives and enjoy a night out at the library. There will be games, including miniature golf, crafts and lots of fun activities. Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 April 4 Mayor’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt Grand Avenue Baptist Church helps children enjoy age-divided egg hunts, music, food, prizes, pictures with the Easter Bunny and face-painting. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Tilles Park, Grand Avenue and North 37th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-5161 grandfamily.net March 2015 Entertainment Fort Smith 55

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March 1-31 Photography Exhibit: Jim Anderson Original works by photographer Jim Anderson of Van Buren will be on display. Anderson is a schoolteacher and a photographer of the natural landscape as a hobby. He lhas traveled and shot in all 50 states, always looking for natural settings and natural lighting.

Anderson’s award-winning photographs can be seen in local banks and law offices, as well as at exhibits in several state parks in Arkansas and Oklahoma. This special library exhibit will include pictures of the Natural State and other regions across the United States.

Free. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org

Jones’ point of view on exhibit

March 1-April 30 Paintings by Cindy Sugg Artist Cindy Sugg is a lover of nature and is inspired to paint by many subjects in the Fort Smith area. Oils and pastels are her media of choice in her art; her focus is on landscapes and flowers. Her art also may be viewed at Michael’s Mansion and the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. Free. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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Original photographic works of Steven Jones of Fort Smith will be on display in the community room at the main library through April. This special exhibit will feature selections from the several series composed by the photographer, entitled “Carnival,” “Signs of Our Times” and “Encaustic Wax Series.”

Jones graduated from the Art Center College of Design in 1984 with a bachelor of fine arts in photography. He works primarily as a commercial photographer, with several gold Addy awards and a National American Graphic Society Award to his credit.

The photographer was selected for the Arkansas Arts Council’s Small Works on Paper traveling exhibit in 2011 and 2013; the Arkansas Art Center’s Delta show in 2012 and 2013; and RAM’s River Valley Invitational in 2013 and 2014. Free. 9 a.m.9 p.m. Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Petunias by Cindy Sugg

March 1-16 Apron Strings: Ties to the Past The apron is the subject of a fascinating re-evaluation in this exhibition, featuring some 51 vintage and contemporary examples that review the apron’s role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich craft history that is still viable. Using aprons from the late 1930s through the present, the exhibition chronicles changing attitudes toward women and domestic work. It also surveys the wide range of design and craft techniques apron-makers have used to express themselves, while still working within creative venues traditionally available to women. A program of ExhibitsUSA. Free. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

Top: “Balloon Man” from the Carnival series.

Left: “Gadfly” from Signs of the Times series.

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Seldom Seen: Rare Birds in Arkansas UAFS professor of Biology Dr. Ragapthay Kannan is an expert in birdlife and has led birding tours to international locales. In this talk, he will focus on rare species of Arkansas and share his search for the “Holy Grail” bird: the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a species long thought extinct but which may be surviving – in Arkansas.

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Ivory-billed Woodpeckers have been sighted and heard and a glimpse of one has been videotaped, but its existence has yet to be fully documented.

Since the sightings in 2004, Kannan has been among a team of natural scientists and amateur birders carefully searching the bayous and forests of the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, hoping to capture definitive evidence to prove the ivory bill woodpecker lives. $5. 1-2 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning

March 2 Storm Spotter Class Sponsored by the Sebastian County Department of Emergency Management and Public Safety and Sparks Health System’s Emergency Management Committee, the National Weather Service Office in Tulsa will conduct a free storm spotter class. Ed Calianese of the Tulsa office will teach on topics ranging from storm safety to storm spotting and storm recognition techniques. Free. 7 p.m. Shuffield Education Center, Sparks Regional Medical Center, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-441-4000 March 2 Lady River Rider Trail Group The Lady River Riders meet every first Monday of the month and host Wednesday rides for girls and Saturday rides for the family, including trail riding, obstacle work, camping and all sorts of fun for ladies on horseback. Membership dues are $15 per year. Members must have proof of current Coggins test for their horses. Interested riders are invited to learn more at this non-riding meeting. Free. 6:30-7:45 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 918-774-5577 March 2-30 Learn to Dance Like the Stars Each Monday, Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach beginners dance lessons from 7:30-9 p.m. and advanced lessons from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The type of dance changes on the first Monday of every month. Learn to dance like the stars, jump and jive with the swing or do a country two-step. Dress attire is casual. $5.

6:30-9 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 58 Entertainment Fort Smith March 2015

Dr. Ragapthay Kannan in the swampy Cache River National Wildlife Refuge of Arkansas, searching for incontrovertible proof of the existence of a living Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

Kannan will give a talk on rare birds in Arkansas March 4 as a lecture presented by the UA-Fort Smith Center for Lifelong Learning.

March 3-17 Will You Outlive Your Money?

This retirement planning seminar with veteran financial planner and investment manager Ann Kinder includes estate and asset protection strategies, as well as how to minimize the effects of a changing economy on one’s portfolio. $40. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 3-17 Discover China As one of the world's oldest cultures, China is fascinating. Learn simple Chinese phrases and the traditions, arts and literature of the most world’s most populous country. Explore the sights, sounds and tastes of China without leaving Arkansas. $45. 9 a.m.noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 4-6 Discovering Nature’s Visual Treasures en Plein Air: Workshop by Rob Rencher Students will become familiar with the principles of design and how to utilize them in creating a work of art on location. $375 RAM members; $400 non-members. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org March 4-11 Landscape Planning Do you have a garden plan? James Brandli, with 20 years of experience in landscaping and design, can

help you create one. Materials will be provided – you bring the ideas. $45. 6-8:30 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 5-April 30 Danse Orientale Belly dance is an exquisite way to build strength, gain flexibility and long life infused with the mystique of feminine grace and movement. This class offers a thorough warm-up, basic belly dance technique, drills, finger cymbals and choreography. Classes are inspired by the Suhaila format. Shannan Rose has experience in American Tribal and Fusion Belly Dance.

She is currently a Level 1 in the Suhaila Salimpour Certification program and Level 2 in the Jamila Salimpour Certification program. $50. 6:30-8 p.m.

UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 6 Patron Appreciation Day Everyone is invited for cake and punch to celebrate Crawford County Library Week. Free. 2-5 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 6, 20 Crochet & Knitting Learn to crochet or knit at the library. All experience levels are welcome. Take your own yarn and size G or H hook. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 http://crawfordcountylib.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 6 Grape Escapes, A Vine Affair!

This 13th annual signature fundraiser for Bost, Inc. will be an evening full of fine wine, delicious food and incredible escapes.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample 375 wines from around the world and enjoy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants and caterers. Delicious treats will be offered by Beland Manor, Bricktown Brewery, Chili's, Confectionately Yours, Golden Corral, Harps, Hooters, Kopper Kettle, Panera Bread, Papa's Pub & Pizzaria, Red Lobster, Shorty's Tamales and Sweetbay Coffee.

This year’s entertainment will include The Don Bailey Jazz Combo and vocalist Jonathan Karrant. All proceeds benefit Bost to help fund classroom supplies, the fleet of vans and facilities maintenance - all of which is non-government subsidized. Bost serves more than 1,000 individuals with mental, physical and developmental disabilities in 28 counties in Arkansas, with the majority of individuals located in Sebastian and Crawford Counties. Tickets available by phone; $100 per person. 6 p.m. Holiday Inn City Center, 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-5554 bost.org March 7 DAR Guest Speaker The public is invited to join the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter to hear guest speaker

Julie Moncrief, director of the historic Clayton House museum, speaking on Clayton House history. Take a brown bag lunch. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-632-3889 March 7 TrailBlazers Hike: Piney Loop The club will hike about 4 miles on the Piney Loop at Lake Lincoln. The trail follows the lake north and goes by many great rock formations. It crosses the dam where there is a wide view of the lake and a good place to spot eagles. From the dam, the trail enters the woods and climbs up into a great pine forest. All are welcome. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot to carpool/caravan. 8 a.m. Lake Lincoln, West Avenue, Lincoln, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com March 7 Reach Out & Run 5K/10K 5K/10K raises funds for the Junior League of Fort Smith “aging out of foster care” mission. Register online or by phone.

Teams of four or more will receive a rate of $20 per runner. $25. 8 a.m.

Fort Chaffee, 7308 Ellis Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3930 jlfs.org March 7 Historic Neighborhood Walking Tour Stroll through the Capital Place and Founders’ Place

Districts of Muskogee and learn about the city’s ambition to become the state capital. View the site of the proposed capitol and governor’s mansion. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. $5, cash only. 4-5 p.m. Tour will begin at Capital Place Park at 11th and Terrace Streets, Muskogee, Okla. 918-682-0312 March 7 Project Compassion & Pike Elementary Fun Run Project Compassion Inc. and Pike Elementary host a Fun Run, with a hamburger and hot dog lunch is provided by First National Bank of Fort Smith. $5 for kids, $10 adults, $35 max per family. Fee includes a T-shirt and goody bag. 10 a.m.-noon. Creekmore Park, Rogers and South 31st Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2273 projectcompassioninc.com March 7 Nami Connections Nami Connection is a recovery support group for people living with mental illness in which people learn from each other's experiences, share coping strategies and offer each other encouragement and understanding. Free. 1-2:30 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-844-0381 March 8 Privet Pulling at the Nature Center The Western Arkansas Master Naturalists would welcome any help pulling privet at the Nature Center.

1:30-3:30 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-8444

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Author’s novels describe pioneer Arkansas

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Arkansas author Greta Marlow will make a special appearance at the Fort Smith Public Library to sign copies of her books, His Promise True and A Permanent Home. The historical romance novels tell the story of young pioneers in early Arkansas Territory.

In His Promise True, young pioneers Maggie and John David McKellar face bad luck and bad choices after leaving Tennessee for a free land grant in Texas. Their journey ends in the heart of the Arkansas wilderness, where they plan to settle on land that, by treaty, belongs to the Cherokees.

A Permanent Home continues their story with the conflict between white settlers and the Cherokees over the land, as John David struggles with reconciling what he wants and what is right.

Greta Marlow teaches speech and communication at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark. She and her family live in Johnson County on a small farm. Copies of the books will be available for purchase and signing at this open-house style event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

March 9 Senior Movie Monday Watch an untold true story about Walt Disney, rated PG-13. Free. 1:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 9 Sugar Blues Certified health coach Marilyn Sneed teaches about the sugar blues. Explore the effects of sugar on the body and how to overcome cravings. Gain a greater understanding of why we crave sweets, how sugar decreases energy and sugar addiction. Learn to identify hidden refined sugar in foods and explore tasty alternatives to stay sugar-free for life. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 9 Embroidery Guild of Fort Smith Everyone may participate in this month's Hardanger embroidery project. All experience levels are welcomed. Take basic embroidery supplies. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-2759 March 9-April 20 Crochet for Beginners A class for those completely new to crochet. Get to know yarn types and basic pattern reading and stitches. Starting needle and yarn provided. $5. 6-7 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 10 Book Talk: Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward A hurricane is building over the Gulf of Mexico, threatening the coastal town of Bois Sauvage, Miss., and Esch's father is growing concerned. A hard drinker, largely absent, he doesn't show concern for much else. Esch and her three brothers are stocking food, but there isn't much to save. Lately, Esch can't keep down what food she gets; she's 14 and pregnant.

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Meanwhile, brothers Randall and Junior try to stake their claim in a family long on child's play and short on parenting. Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 11 Grow Dendrites Forever: Increase your Brain Power Increase your brain power and learn some new ways to keep growing dendrites with Dr. Terry Polinsky. $5.

1-2 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 12 Pinterest Party Adults and seniors can make sea shell wind chimes as found on Pinterest.com, a sharing website. This craft is inspired by acultivatednest.com. Free. 2 and 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 12 Craft Party Teens, adults and seniors can learn to make painted ceramic tile coasters. Take your own 4x 6-inch pictures that can be cut down to 3.5-inch squares, copies of favorite music lyrics or book quotes or use the scrapbook paper provided by the library. Also, take a snack if you like. This is going to be messy so no small children, please. Free. 5 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 March 12-April 16 Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 PowerPoint 2013 is the essential tool to inform an audience, pitch an idea, sell a product or service or make a family album of slides. Textbook and USB drive included for a fee. 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 March 12-April 16 Microsoft Excel 2013 Level 3 Learn the more advanced features of Microsoft Excel

2013, such as how to make pivot tables, use the analysis tools, and audit formulas in Excel 2013. Acquire these skills in a hands-on, friendly, environment. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.org March 13 Community Fun Dance This is a fun dance and a great practice opportunity that features an array of music oriented towards ballroom, country/western two-step, line dancing, Latin, swing and polka dancers with music provided by a DJ. The dress attire is casual. Instructors are available for assistance in this smoke-free environment. No club affiliation or membership is required. $5 per dancer. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 March 13, 27 Redwork Embroidery All experience levels welcome to learn or stitch in the company of others who enjoy redwork. Provide your own embroidery supplies. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 13 BINGO for Books Everyone who loves free books and playing bingo is invited to meet new friends and win books. Everyone will go home with at least one book. 10-11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 14 DIY: A Homeowner's Checklist Get a simple checklist of spring and fall home maintenance tips from an experienced handyman, landlord and homeowner who knows the trouble caused by ignoring these simple fixes. Bill Jones shares tips and tools to get the job done and save money. $35. 9 a.m.-

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 14 Gluten Free Cooking Gluten-free cooking sounds like a challenge but it can be done. Bring back the joy of cooking, find recipes to support a gluten free lifestyle. Materials provided. $45. 9 a.m.-noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 14 River Valley Endurance Run Runners have called this half-marathon the most challenging in the state. The 5K and half-marathon races are chip-timed and USA Track and Field-certified.

Awards will be given to the top male and female runners, as well as to the top three male and female finishers in the 13 age categories from 14 & under to 70 & over. All half-marathon finishers receive a medal in recognition of accomplishment. Funds raised by this event go to the River Valley Marine Corp League, River Valley Young Marines and the Toys for Tots program.

5K entry, $25; half-marathon, $40. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. River Valley Marine Corps League Building, Chaffee Crossing, 11821 Darby Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-675-2610 eventbrite.com/e/river-valley-endurance-run March 14 Mysterious Moths with Don Steinkraus Learn about these interesting creatures and how they differ from butterflies from an insect expert. Free to members; $10 general public. 10 a.m. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org March 14 Hannah House Bowling Tournment Grab three friends and spend the afternoon bowling for Hannah House, a residential facility for young women who are pregnant or have other life-controlling issues. $30 or $120 for teams of four. 1-5 p.m. Bowling World, 6100 South 36th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5683 hannahhouseark.com March 14 Making Plants from Plants Experienced gardeners Nikki George and Lissa Morrison will teach valuable lessons on multiplying plants.

Free to members; $10 general public. 1 p.m. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org March 14 Hunter Education Course This course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting and is open to all ages (presented on a 5th grade reading level). Anyone born after 1968 must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to legally hunt in Arkansas.

Free. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 March 14 Once Upon a Prom Shopping Day Prom dresses will be given to girls who need them, includes sizes 00-18. Free. 2-5 p.m. Heritage United Methodist Church, 1604 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6424 March 2015

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Reigning Miss UAFS Emily McCollom, left.

Miss UA-Fort Smith Scholarship Pageant The Miss UA-Fort Smith Scholarship Pageant will showcase 20 UAFS student contestants vying for the title of Miss UAFS. The pageant is a preliminary to Miss Arkansas and Miss America scholarship programs.

Contestants will be joined on stage by 22 girls and one boy participating in this year’s Princess/Prince Program, a noncompetitive program allowing girls and boys ages 5-10 to participate in pageantrelated events. For more information about the Princess/Prince Program, contact Angela Lamon at 479-788-7027. $10. 7 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300

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Firefighters take on St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tradition Members of the Fort Smith Fire Department have taken on sponsorship of an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

According to battalion chief Tery Graves, presenting the parade is a way for firefighters to say thanks to citizens for supporting the fire department and to participate in a long-time tradition for firefighters.

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The Fort Smith Fire Department’s outstanding pipe and drum corps will perform along the parade route. These firefighters have The Fort Smith Fire Department’s invested the time to learn Pipe & Drum Corps on parade. bagpipe and snare drum to perform spine-tingling, traditional marches and hymns. School groups, car clubs, civic organizations and individuals are invited to participate in the parade, whether to celebrate their Irish heritage or just to have fun.

The parade will begin at 3 p.m. The parade route marches east to west, starting at the corner of Garrison Avenue and North 13th in front of Immaculate Conception Church and continuing down Garrison Avenue towards the Arkansas River bridge, turning north onto North 6th Street.

March 15 TrailBlazers General Meeting This meeting includes a program by Steven Hunter, local nature photographer. His new picture book, “Graced by the Light, The Cherokee Prairies,” is a compilation of his work over an 11-year period on the tall grass prairies near Charleston, Ark. Refreshments provided. Free. 2 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com March 16 Keyboard/Mouse This basic beginning class will help you get familiar with the key components of the computer and practice your keyboarding skills. Where's the “ESC” key or the “Enter” and why Tab anything? Enjoy this very basic class where you can practice with other beginners. $10. 5-6 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 March 16 Boston Mountain Brassworks The Boston Mountain Brassworks is a University of Arkansas faculty brass quintet. Free. 7:30 p.m. Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, Fine Arts Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. 4795754703 March 16 ASL Workshop Don't have enough time to take a 16-week class in American Sign Language? Want to learn enough signs to start a conversation or talk with your infant?

This ASL Intensive Workshop will provide you with basic finger spelling and more than 200 signs. You will get the basics and practice in a welcoming learning environment. Begin to communicate with any deaf person. Handouts provided. Instructor Julie King has more than eight years of experience as an ASL in64 Entertainment Fort Smith March 2015

The Fort Smith Fire Department’s Pipe & Drum Corps in a formal portrait.

Parade participants are asked to line up in advance of the start time on North A and B Streets, keeping to the right on North A and to the left on North B to allow through traffic. The event’s Facebook page will have registration information and line-up details at “Fort Smith Fire Department St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”

3 p.m. Free. Garrison Avenue, Downtown Fort Smith, Ark.

structor and interpreter and a master's degree in interpreting. $45. 6 p.m. Center for Lifelong Learning at UAFS, 5004 Kinkaid Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 16-April 20 Short Story Writing Class Registration is now open for a six-week short story writing class for adults. This class for aspiring writers will be led by former library branch manager Anita Paddock. Registration is limited. Free. 1 p.m. Mondays. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org March 16-18 Social Networking Learn to use Facebook and become familiar with Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Students will set up a Facebook profile and learn all of the elements of the social networking site. Free. 5-7:50 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.org March 16-April 6 Computer Basics Level 1 Learn the basics of computing in the company of other beginners. Use practical, hands-on exercises to learn the ins and outs of operating systems, basic applications, create, sort and filter files, manage and understand security settings, keyboard shortcuts and get your questions answered. $40. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 17 Lunch & Learn: Rest Easy with Robotic Surgery Dr. John Terrell, urologist, will discuss the use of ro-

botic surgery in urology, including enlarged prostates/ BPH in men and kidney surgeries for both men and women. Call to register, which is required. Free, including lunch. Noon. Shuffield Education Center, 1001 Townson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-DOCS March 17 Blood Drive at the Library Teens, adults and seniors may donate blood. Appointments are available and walk-ins are welcome, too.

Give the gift of life, give blood. Donated blood supports patients in 18 area hospitals in Arkansas. 1:305:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 17 Cook Club The theme is breakfast food. Enjoy free food. Get a free cookbook and a chance to win an even bigger prize. Free. 5:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 18 Edible Landscaping Plan it, plant it, eat it. James Brandli will show you how to incorporate edible plants into your landscape plans. $5. 1-2 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 March 18-April 20 QuickBooks Pro 2012 Level 1 QuickBooks Pro is an easy to use accounting program for small business. Have a small business or would like to be prepared to work for one? QuickBooks skills are essential to obtain. Classes meet each Monday and Wednesday. Textbook and USB drive included, $80 8-9:30 p.m. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.org

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Fort Smith jailer Lawrence Keating, last victim of Cherokee Bill/Crawford Goldsby.

The Execution of Cherokee Bill The Fort Smith National Historic Site offers two programs this day about condemned prisoner Crawford Goldsby, alias Cherokee Bill. In 1894, deputy marshals arrested Goldsby for the murder of Earnest Melton in Indian Territory. After standing trial, he was found guilty of murder and Judge Parker sentenced him “to be hanged by the neck until dead.”

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Though the Supreme Court was considering an appeal of his case, Goldsby attempted to escape. The unsuccessful escape attempt on July 26, 1895, ended with jail guard Lawrence Keating murdered.

To ensure Goldsby would receive the death penalty, the Fort Smith Federal Court tried Goldsby for the murder of Keating just in case the Supreme Court did not uphold the previous decision. However, the first case did not receive an appeal and Goldsby paid the ultimate price for Melton’s murder March 17, 1896.

The program will take the visitor through the jail where Cherokee Bill attempted to escape and end outside at the reconstructed gallows where he spent the last moments of his life. Free. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3961 nps.gov/fosm March 2015

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CAE plans 5x5 Gala Tickets are available now for the Van Buren Center for Art and Education’s exciting and artful annual fundraiser, the 5x5 Gala, held May 9 at the Fort Smith Convention Center.

The numbers refer to works of art of 5x5-inch canvases that each ticket-holder will receive at the evening event which features dinner and an open bar.

The orignal works of art pictured are some of the small canvases that will be available at the fundraiser. Significant local artists are commissioned to create the tiny masterpieces.

Many styles of art will be represented.

Proceeds support the ongoing programs for adults and youth held all year at the art center.

Tickets, $100, are available by calling or visiting the Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, 479-474-7767.

More information is online at art-ed.org or from the art center’s Facebook page.

March 18-April 20 Microsoft Word 2013 Level 1 Learn Microsoft Word 2013 from the beginning skills and become efficient in any program that requires creating beautiful documents. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 9:30-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-1232

March 19 March Ark-Homa Arkansas Archeological Survey Meeting Dr. Jeffrey Mitchem will present “Ancient Architecture and Village Layout in Northeast Arkansas: The Richard’s Bridge Site.” 7 p.m. Room 211, UAFS MathScience Building, 720 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7812

March 18-April 20 Digital Literacy An introduction to computers class that begins with how to turn it on and explores the basics of widely used programs. Topics include terminology, word processing and Internet. Free. 11 a.m.-12:25 p.m.

Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.org March 19 Dewey’s Café Open Mic Night A fun, casual open mic night at Dewey’s Café where musicians, poets and other talented folks are invited to perform. Sign up at the door; arrive early to ensure a spot on the list. Showcase a talent or just listen.

Music or poetry does not have to be original work.

Acoustic music only, please. Free. 7 p.m. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 19 Natural History of Conifers with Gerald Klingaman Conifers are an important family of trees. Learn more from resident tree expert, Gerald Klingaman. Free. 7 p.m. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville , Ark. 479-750-2620 66 Entertainment Fort Smith March 2015

March 19-20 Vernal Equinox Walks These special guided tours are offered at Oklahoma's only prehistoric Native American archaeological site open to the public. Each tour will be one mile of easy walking and about two hours in duration. Archaeologist Dennis Peterson will tell about the powerful Caddoans who created the mounds between 900-1450 A.D., how they became a very important leadership group, the excavations that took place there and why some mounds line up to solstice and equinox sunsets. $3 adults, $2 children. 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla. 918-962-2062

March 19 Authors in the Afternoon with Mimi Martin Arkansas author Mimi Martin sign copies of her book, “Song of the Eagle.” This historical novel depicts a showdown in Arkansas, when an impulsive 14-yearold girl seeks her revenge with an evil renegade who killed her brother. Set during the American Civil War, this action-packed adventure novel is intended to entertain while showing that issues of racial prejudice, revenge and war were as serious, far-reaching and impactful in society 150 years ago as they are today.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at this open-house style event. Martin is a retired registered nurse who lives in Fayetteville. Free.

4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 19-April 9 Intro to Word From business letters to yard sale posters to labels, learn to create Word documents. Students will learn hands-on how to enter and edit text, format documents and use cut/copy/paste. $40. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 19-22 Weekend Retreat: Centering Prayer, the Journey Continues A retreat that will be held in silence after the opening circle Thursday night until lunch on Sunday. The retreat is for anyone interested in deepening their centering prayer practice. Centering prayer is a way of bringing to consciousness the unconscious “emotional wounds of a lifetime” (Thomas Keating) and enabling these stumbling blocks to becoming

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS cornerstones of our true selves. The 12-step program is a more cognitive way of dealing with our emotional short-comings and character defects. There will be a 12-step meeting during the retreat open to all. $235 with a $50 non-refundable deposit. 5:30 p.m. March 19-12:30 p.m. March 22. St. Scholastica Retreat Center, 1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7834147 stscho.org/retreat-registration March 19-22 Photographic Alliance Contest and Exhibition The alliance holds a photography contest and Exhibition at the Lawn & Garden Show, March 20-22, open to everyone. Each image entered should be prepared for hanging. Entries can be dropped off between 4-7 p.m. March 19 at the convention center. The subject is “Gardening for Bees, Birds and Butterflies.” Details and entry forms are available at Bedford Camera & Video, 2801 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. $5 per entry; maximum of four per person. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. March 20 March Into Spring: Garden Time Register by March 2 to travel with a group to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Ark. just in time for spring planning and planting. Wander the grounds of this 40-acre complex and get new ideas for native trees and plants, or visit with gardeners and get tips. Lunch included. $80. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220

March 20-22 47th Annual Jonquil Festival Thousands of jonquils welcome craftspeople, entertainers and visitors to the town of Historic Washington. Unique crafts and delicious foods are just part of the attractions. Tours of the park, historic homes and museums are available. Festival is free; $5 parking. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 20-21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 22.

Historic Washington State Park, Carroll and Columbus Streets, Washington, Ark. 870-983-2684 March 2015

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A Holsum History – The Shipley Family Take a step back in time with a “Family History Series” presentation by the Shipley family of their three-generation bakery business. The talk is a “Clayton Conversation,” part of a monthly series presented at the historic Clayton House.

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Fort Smith attorney Benjamin Shipley and his father, Harry Shipley Jr., will share their memories of Shipley Bread, as well as images reaching back to Harry Shipley Sr.’s first bakery job in 1904. The speakers weave a story beginning with horse and buggies, tenacity and 15-hour days, through the Depression and World War II, to industrial modernization. Images of smiling, white-uniformed Shipley Bread employees shaping loaves will most assuredly have the audience inhaling for that aroma that once wafted through Fort Smith’s downtown.

Arrive at 1 p.m. to enjoy refreshments before the one-hour presentation at 1:30 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by phone. Admission to is free for members of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation (annual individual membership levels begin at $50) or a $10 donation towards the preservation and programs of the Clayton House. 1:30 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org March 20 Food For Thought: Container Gardening Learn to grow beautiful, creative container gardens almost anywhere. Deborah Chapman of the River Valley Master Gardeners will talk about flower and vegetable container gardening suitable for this area. Take a lunch or purchase it from Dewey's Café. The library will provide drinks and dessert. Free. Noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 21 Intro to Windows 8 A brief introduction to the new features of Windows 8 and especially its customization. Take your own laptop with Windows 8 installed to this seminar-based workshop and become familiar with the basics of this new operating system, beginning with where the “Start” button has gone. $25. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 21 Watersheds, Natural Divisions of Arkansas and Endangered Plants A Western Arkansas Master Naturalist NIT training class. A fee is required to participate in this 12-month series of classes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-8444 March 21 Arkansas Mufon presents KGRA db Race Hobbs is the owner and executive producer of one of the most respected digital broadcast networks 68

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Ben Shipley

on the internet today, KGRA db, the best in paranormal programming. Hobbs, a River Valley native, will share insights about the KGRA db network and its worldclass paranormal programming, which has loyal listeners from around the globe. Free. 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Fort Smith Public Library, Carnegie Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 armufonwcs.wix.com March 21 Western Arkansas Flying Disc Association Clash at the Dam Tournament Flying disc golfers can play two rounds of 21 holes on one amazing course in a qualifier tournament for the U.S. Amateur Disc Golf Championship. Divisions for boys and girls, women and men in recreational, advanced and grandmaster levels. Entry fees vary.

7:30 a.m. check-in. Eagle’s Nest course, 1400 City Park Road, Van Buren, Ark. Facebook/WAFDA March 22 TrailBlazers Hike: Lake Fort Smith TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike at Lake Fort Smith State Park, starting at the Visitors Center on the Ozark Highland Trail. There will be views of the lake, historic relics and rocky bluff lines. A new trail will loop us back to the Visitors Center for a moderate hike of about 5.5 miles. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot to carpool/caravan. 1 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com March 23 Garrison Creek Arena Barrel Racing Barrel racing for adults and youngsters is available

Harry Shipley Jr.

Harry Shipley Sr.

each Monday. Exhibitions start at 6 p.m. and the jackpots start around 8 p.m. For more information, please call and leave a message. Entry fees vary. 6 p.m. Between Muldrow and Roland, U.S. 64, Muldrow, Okla. 918-427-1794 garrisoncreekriders.com

March 23-April 10 Garvan Woodland Gardens: Tulip Extravaganza More than 135,000 tulips make for the most spring color you’ll see anywhere in Arkansas. Every type of tulip and every color of the rainbow will be on display in Hot Springs at Garvan Woodland Gardens, the University of Arkansas’ Botanical Gardens in Hot Springs. $15 adults, $5 ages 6-12; free for children 5 and under. Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs, Ark. 501-262-9300 garvangardens.org March 26 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The book, “Into the Blue” by Robert Goddard will be reviewed. All women are welcome to attend and enjoy the discussion. Free. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Dewey's Cafe, Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-1603

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 27 Diamond Dance The Diamond Dance Club is sponsoring a ballroom dance for the public. Mike Lawrence and his HUA Band will provide recorded entertainment. The attire for men is coat and tie or tuxedo and for the ladies is dress or gown. Club membership is not required. This is a smoke-free night club environment. $5. 8 p.m.

Eagles Ballroom, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 March 27 Scrapbooking Club Sign up to receive your free packet from the library or take your own supplies. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 28 Seed Swap at The Fort Smith Library Seed swaps are a rewarding way to build community and share gardening information. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing will be giving away heirloom tomato seeds and a limited amount of flower seeds.

Free swaps only – no sales. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 28 Kayak Adventure Kayaking is a great way to experience the sights of Lake Fort Smith. Reservations are required at the marina at 479-369-1018. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent. Adult $12: child, $ 6.50; under 6 free. 2-4 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith March 28 Fort Smith National Historic Site: First Person Portrayal of Chaplain Springer Volunteer Tom Iverson presents an interpretive portrayal of Chaplain Francis Springer. Springer was stationed at Fort Smith during the closing years of the Civil War and saw firsthand many of the problems that plagued the region. He was also a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. Springer's story and character can help shed light on Fort Smith’s the difficult years during and after the Civil War. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3961 nps.gov/fosm March 28 TrailBlazers Hike: Bushy Creek The club will hike at Brushy Creek, a 6.0 mile loop that goes up a long, steep grade to reach the top of the mountain where there are great views of the Ouachita Mountains before a descent into the valley. There will be several creek crossings. Moderate to strenuous.

Meet at Home Depot parking lot in Fort Smith to carpool/caravan. 8 a.m. Ouachita National Forest, near Y City, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com March 2015

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Exhibits survey Impressionists, Pop Art in ‘Van Gogh to Rothko’ “Van Gogh to Rothko: Masterworks from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery” is the major exhibit on view now through June at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The exhibition brings together 76 artworks by 73 influential artists from the late 19th century to the present, including Vincent van Gogh, Joán Miró, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko. The works were selected from the collection of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, N.Y., one of the finest collections of 20th century art in the country. Crystal Bridges is one of only four venues to host the exhibition. Albright-Knox is one of the oldest collecting institutions in the country and Crystal Bridges is among the newest.

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“Van Gogh to Rothko” explores the development of major art movements that shaped the course of modern art and marks the first time many of these works have toured in decades. The works have been arranged in chronological order by art movements, allowing visitors to follow the development of styles as they move through the gallery.

Beginning with Post-Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh’s painting La Maison de la Crau, 1888, shows that artists were less concerned with naturalistic representation. Instead, they conveyed personal and emotional responses to subjects. The exhibition then moves to Cubism and also features Surrealism.

The most significant representation in the exhibition is approximately 20 mid-century American artists, many whom identified as Abstract Expressionists, including Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Robert Motherwell and Jackson Pollock.

Pollock’s Convergence, 1952, is the centerpiece of the exhibition – an 8x13-foot example of his drip paintings.

From the Abstract Expressionists, the exhibition moves to Pop Art and includes Andy Warhol’s 100 Cans, 1962.

Additional programs and lectures associated with the exhibit take place through June and can be found on the museum’s website.

Admission to the temporary exhibition is $10 and free to members and youth under 18. The museum is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-418-5700 crystalbridges.org

La Maison de la Crau, painted by Vincent Van Gogh, 1888, shows an example of the PostImpressionist movement toward personal and emotional responses to subjects rather than naturalistic representation.

Andy Warhol’s 100 Cans, 1962, shocked the art world with his examination of commercial images and mass production. Warhol used stencils along with hand painting to create an image that suggested machinemade processes.

Images courtesy of Crystal Bridges.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 28 2nd Edamame Festival Children's activities, craft and food vendors, live music, antique car show, edamame tasting and family fun. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. New City Park, 419 U.S. 64 West, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1321 cityofmulberry.org

March 30 Basic Yoga Learn basic yoga at the library for free. 3-4 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 30 - April 6 Intro to Powerpoint To convey ideas visually, clearly and concisely, learn to use the application Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations. The class helps to teach the best practices of communicating information as well as the technology used to convey it. Learn the steps to plan a presentation and to format the text with themes, colors and fonts. Add interest through video or other multimedia elements. $40. 6-9 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 30-May 4 Aikido 2 Aikido is a powerful and dynamic martial art that stresses the avoidance of inflicting injury and the peaceful resolution or conflict whenever possible. This class is designed for beginners and advanced students to learn the core components, gain valuable practice time, or master more advanced moves. Wear comfortable clothing. All levels of fitness welcome. $45. 6:30-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220

Former Arkansas Razorback U.S. Reed March 30 FSRG Dream Team Basketball Banquet Remember this moment in sports history? Razorback U.S. Reed hits a desperation half court shot against Louisville in the 1981 NCAA basketball tournament – for the victory. Relive and revisit this great moment when Reed is the keynote speaker at the Fort Smith Radio and Television Group Dream Team Basketball Banquet. Many area high school players from Arkansas and Oklahoma schools will be recognized for their achievements. The best two boy and girl players and boys and girls coaches will be honored. Every athlete invited receives an award. Some 20 additional awards of distinction will be bestowed to selected players in numerous categories. $15. 6-9 p.m. Riverfront Pavilion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-461-0126

March 30-May 4 Digital Photography 2: The Next Frame Build on skills learned in Digital Photography 1 and gain insight into the mystery of lighting, composition, posing and setup. Start creating a portfolio. This class uses a studio and the computer lab. Students will need to have an SLR camera. $85. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 31 Beginning Genealogy Learn the basics of genealogical research, including how to use family sources, vital statistics, census records and county records to research family tree information. Experienced genealogical researchers will acquaint students with the comprehensive resources available at the Fort Smith Public Library. Free, space limited. Register by contacting the Genealogy Department. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229, ext. 1181

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Anne Reichardt, The Blue Rider, 2013, mineral pigment print

RAM exhibits photography and three-dimensional art Anne Reichardt: The Orlanda Series An opening reception March 5 features fine arts photographer Anne Reichardt’s The Orlanda Series. The 70 works include cibachrome and hand-painted photographs of live models depicting both color and energy of the ascending chakras (energy centers) of the “subtle body.”

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The concept of chakra features in tantric and yogic traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Reichardt grew up in Fort Smith and practiced as a psychiatrist before retiring to Arkansas. The exhibit runs through May 24. Refreshments provided. Free for members; $5 nonmembers. 5-7 p.m.

Dawn Holder: New Work Dawn Holder is the winner of the Fort Smith Regional Art Center’s 66th Annual Invitational and was granted the first-place prize that included cash and this solo show. Holder will create large-scale, site-specific, threedimensional works inspired by the unique and dynamic combination of technology and nature.

An opening reception for the artist will be held April 2 from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit continues through July 19. Reception admission free for members; $5 for non-members.

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Free. Museum hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 72

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Dawn Holder, Sunset (detail), 2015, porcelain

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 31-April 14 Learn to Draw: Perspective Develop basic drawing techniques using charcoal, pastels and conte crayon. Discover materials and setup, form and shadow using value studies to determine perspective. Basic drawing supplies provided: may require additional supplies. Class size is limited to 10. $5. 6-8:30 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning March 31-April 21 Simple Computer Fixes Learn tips and tricks to troubleshoot your computer and remove viruses. Follow along in a computer lab and learn things you should always do and things you should never do. Watch a demonstration on how to add memory, replace drives or add cards. This handson class offers the opportunity to ask questions and receive individual assistance. $50. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 March 31-April 21 Painless Grammar Properly following the rules of grammar can enhance any writer or speaker’s work. Can't remember the difference between “which” and “that,” or how to properly use semi-colons and apostrophes? This class uses a 'painless' textbook to help students and writers brush up on grammar and improve their written work and speech. Textbook included in tuition fee. $55. 68 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 March 31-April 21 The Magic of the Movies Drawing on his 30 years of experience in motion picture distribution, John Trickett will expose the intricacies and intrigue of the movies. This class will trace the evolution of the movies from its birth as simple, silent pictures to the digital computer-enhanced spectacles of today. $45. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 1 Basics of Elder Law and Long Term Care Planning Class continues a discussion from last semester on planning for long term care and protecting one’s estate and assets. Medicaid and V.A. Pension with Aid and Attendance Planning will also be covered. $5. 1-2 p.m.

UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 1-22 Learn Adobe Illustrator Design, draw, and color images quickly and easily using Adobe Illustrator CS6, mastering the Pen tool and layering for creating vector graphics. Benefit from instructor Nathaniel Benoit's many years experience using Illustrator for graphics, print production and web design. $55. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 1-22 Aquaponics Learn to grow fresh fish and vegetables through aquaponics, a food production system that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating

April 1-30 Azalea Festival Muskogee's Honor Heights Park boasts 40 acres of manicured gardens with more than 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties. The annual Azalea Festival celebrates the blooming of azaleas, tulips, dogwoods and wisteria as these buds begin to unfurl during the warmer temperatures of spring to the delight of visitors.

Enjoy a drive along paved roadways that wind around the blooming flowers, walkways perfect for runners or birders, five lakes, a variety of picturesque ponds, a butterfly sanctuary and a tree arboretum. Free.

Honor Heights Park, Muskogee, Okla. 918-684-6302 plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. Aquaponics researcher James Brandi will teach the best ways to develop a design using the research he is conducting at UAFS. Get plan ideas, and tips for based on his research. $65. 6-8:30 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 1-29 Practical Spanish Get a practical lesson to use the Spanish you are learning as immersion is the best way to learn. With a native Spanish speaking instructor get to visit a restaurant, or store, the library or office and practice your new language skills. $30. 10-11 a.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 1-June 3 Line Dancing Learn basic country line dances as well as popular club dances. This is a fun way to move learning steps to get out on the dance floor next time you hear that boot-scootin', cowboy music. Rubber-soled shoes or soft-sole dance shoes with no heels are required. All levels of fitness welcome. $45. 6:30-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 2-23 Spanish Intermediate Quieres aprender más Español? (Do you want to learn more Spanish?) Intermediate Spanish will take your Spanish speaking abilities to the next level. Build on

the basics of pronunciation and grammar learned in the basics class and start to speak more fluently and in conversations. $45. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 2-May 7 Golf: Get Playing Learn basic golf techniques such as the proper stance and grip, golf terminology and golf etiquette. Improve your putting, get out of trouble, and learn course management. Open to any level of player from beginner to intermediate. Clubs will be provided during class or use your own. A materials fee of $30 is due the first day of class paid to the instructor. $60. 6-7 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 2-May 21 American Sign Language 2 Ready to taking your signing to the next level? Learn the customs and culture of the Deaf. ASL 2 is open to any student who has taken ASL 1. $89; $109 with textbook. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 3 Spring Fling Shop for a large variety of gifts, such as jewelry, crafts, crochet items, on-site monogramming, purses, bags, children’s books, door prizes, a silent auction and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chapel Ridge Health and Rehab, 4623 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1541 March 2015

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Learn to Redesign, Repurpose,Refinish Designer and artist Ralph Irwin will lead a design class by sharing a process he uses to create innovative solutions to design problems, whether in the home, garden or business space.

This class will help “makers” see the potential to use everyday objects in new ways – and find the “treasure” in the “trash.”

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Explore the uses of the unusual, unused or disregarded items that will be repurposed into the exceptional. Class will be held in studio and also involve field trips to junkyards and consignment stores to find the materials to recycle into exceptional art.

Photo by J.P. Bell

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$65. 9 a.m.-noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning

April 3-5 Ozark Mountain Bike Fest Spring time in the Ozarks means it’s time to hit the bike trails. Join the park staff for a fun weekend on the bike trails. There’s fun to be discovered by all ages and levels of riders. Free. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Devil’s Den State Park, Fossil Flats Trailhead in Area A, 11333 West Arkansas Highway 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 April 3-23 Spanish Basics The Spanish language is common in the United States today and this beginning level class will help you reach more people in your neighborhood or workplace. This beginner course will help students discover the essentials of conversational Spanish. $45. 10 a.m.-noon.

UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 4 Boating Education Certification Class Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, and of legal age to operate a motorboat or sailboat must have successfully completed an approved AGFC Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a boat on Arkansas water. Students who pass receive certification. Register in advance. Take a sack lunch. Free.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 April 5 Easter Sunday

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YOUR CHOICE WANTED

2015 Grit Award Call for Nominations RESTAURANT PARTNER Nominate a restaurant that shows community involvement, positively promotes Fort Smith, delivers quality service to visitors, tourists and convention groups and may occupy a unique niche as a tourist destination itself.

Past winners: 2012: Taliano's Italian Restaurant • 2013: MovieLounge • 2014: Golden Corral

LODGING PARTNER The Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual Grit Awards (Giving Recognition In Tourism) honors those who go beyond expectations to encourage and support tourism in Fort Smith.

We believe something so important to Fort Smith’s future shouldn’t be a thankless job.

These awards are our way of publicly saying thanks to the people who have most earned our local tourism community’s respect and gratitude.

The public is invited to nominate candidates. The nominees will be notified to attend a public Grit Awards Ceremony, April 23 at Fort Smith’s MovieLounge.

Nominate your choices by March 20.

Scan this QR code to use a new online nomination form.

(You may need to download the QR Reader app for your phone or tablet.)

Nominate a hotel or lodging that proactively draws people to Fort Smith through custom sales and outreach; delivers quality service to visitors, tourists and conventions groups; shows community involvement and demonstrates pride in Fort Smith heritage.

Past winners: 2012: Holiday Inn City Center • 2013: Courtyard by Marriott • 2014: Homewood Suites by Hilton

BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR Nominate a business or corporation that demonstrates vision and leadership in the business community about Fort Smith’s tourism future and seeks to engage and support the Fort Smith tourism community. The nominee must be known to positively promote and represent Fort Smith.

Past winners: 2012: Forward Fort Smith • 2013: Richard Griffin and Rick Griffin • 2014: BrickCity Emporium

ATTRACTION PARTNER Nominate an organization that holds events to promote itself and Fort Smith; continually improves and refreshes facilities, programs or exhibits to create an exciting experience for visitors; demonstrates pride in this area’s heritage. May be in the surrounding area, including Oklahoma.

Past winners: 2012: The Clayton House • 2013: Fort Smith Museum of History • 2014: Fort Smith National Historic Site

POLLY CREWS HOSPITALITY PERSON OF THE YEAR Nominate someone who is just plain awesome; goes above and beyond to positively promote Fort Smith; demonstrates leadership and vision in the business community about Fort Smith’s tourism future.

Past winners: 2012: Jennifer and Ben Boulden and Bert Wright • 2013: Baridi and Tonya Nkokheli; Dr. Art Martin • 2014: Floyd and Sue Robison; John Bell Jr.

The Not-So-Fine Print: How to Nominate Someone for a Fort Smith GRIT Award: • Nominations are due in writing by Friday, March 20, to the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. E-mail sscorby@fortsmithar.gov, mail, use our online form or deliver in person to Miss Laura’s Visitor Center at 2 North B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Nominations are not accepted verbally or by phone.

Or type in this url: http://bit.ly/1LenGHJ to access the online nomination form from your desktop or laptop computer.

• To nominate finalists, simply write the GRIT Awards Selection Committee a short description of why you believe this person or organization has earned recognition for their work supporting Fort Smith tourism. Supporting documentation/evidence of the nominee’s work in tourism may be submitted, but is not required.

• Qualifying work must have taken place during the period from April 1, 2014, to March 31, 2015.

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