Entertainment Fort Smith - April 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 REBA MIZE BRITTANY RANSOM BETH REVELLE JIM WARNOCK JOE WASSON Contributing Photographers ROGER CARTER GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY REBA MIZE KRISTAN ROLAND JIM WARNOCK 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

www.efortsmith.com

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In this issue we welcome a new contributing writer and photographer, Jim Warnock of Alma, who shared his daily walk at Lake Alma Trail with us in words and lovely photos. In all the communities of our readership area surrounding Fort Smith, we are fortunate to be so close to such natural beauty. Warnock, who has served as principal of Alma Intermediate School for 14 years, also blogs about his love of hiking at ozarkmountainhiker.com. He observes both the long vistas and the tiny details, such as his exquisite wildflower, above.

Another welcome writer is my husband, Joe, dubbed “the people’s historian” during the campaign to get the U.S. Marshals Museum. It was a nice way of saying he didn’t complete a degree. But regarding this month when the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War will be marked with bells ringing across the nation, Joe thought like only Joe thinks, and

recalled what the builder of the house we live in was doing in 1865. Clifton R. Breckinridge was guarding the Confederate gold as Jefferson Davis fled. Joe loves Fort Smith’s history. It’s one reason we go on with the third – no, fourth – restoration of the Breckinridge House which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

We slipped in a little more history to rescue Linda Seubold, whose column will return. She’s healthy, but has one eye swollen shut in a pretty fair impression of Popeye. Hard to file a story when you can’t see! Get better, partner.

We also must make a correction. In March, an article named Austin Cantwell, the first Roland, Okla., Division I football signee since 1976.

In 1981, Randy Martin was signed by the University of Oklahoma and played from 1981-85. We regret the error and are happy to correct the record.

– Lynn Wasson

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CONTENTS

April 2015

features

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Battle with the Blades

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You Are Here: In the footprint of a castle

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Paralympic Blade Runners challenge high school athletes

Two photos, one old and one new, show that Darby Junior High’s new band room stands in the footprint of the long-demolished 1897 Fort Smith High School building.

Breakthroughs in prosthetics enable athletes to compete at their best. The Battle with the Blades at the McDonald’s Relays will have Paralympians sharing the track with students.

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Six Decades of Service: Buzz Wood

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Take a Hike: Lake Alma’s Walking Trail

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William Roberts beat a trivia quiz at its own game

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He saw the bitter end of Dixie

Lawrence “Buzz” Wood has been involved with the Fort Smith Boys Club from his youth, when the clubs of Fort Smith were segregated. He’s still a Boys & Girls Club volunteer.

Jim Warnock of Alma shares the beauty of his daily walk.

The answer is: Your trivia game is broken. William Roberts gained a job with television’s Pawn Stars after pointing out a flaw in their new trivia challenge app.

Joe Wasson writes about Clifton R. Breckinridge, who witnessed the defeat and flight of the Confederate government. He later built a home in Fort Smith.

columns

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Lake Alma Trail

e15: Entertainment Fort Smith looks back As we approach our 15th anniversary of publication, the editors visit with one of our long-time partners, the Fort Smith Public School District.

departments

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WHAT’S COOKING with Kristan Roland

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GARDENING with Reba Mize

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DINING GUIDE

Strawberry season is about to arrive. Berry good!

Reba goes to the source for a raised bed made of cedar in this how-to story.

Nominations are announced for the GRIT Awards – Giving Recognition in Tourism.

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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EVENTS FOR KIDS

Tuck your veggies in bed

Entertainment Fort Smith

On the cover: A brilliant iris in the garden of Ruth Maynard of Kibler, Ark. April 2015

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YOU ARE HERE

Darby Junior High’s newest building stands in the footprint of the1897 Fort Smith High School The Fort Smith Public School District has provided its students excellent school buildings since the opening of Belle Grove School in 1887, for all grades.

By 1897, a new Fort Smith High School was constructed, then destroyed by a tornado called the1898 Cyclone. It was immediately rebuilt. This turreted brick structure, above, would be joined by two massive buildings.

It became a junior high school in 1928 when a new Fort Smith High School (Northside) opened. In 1968, the old building, now Darby Junior High, was demolished and replaced with a new brick structure. In 2015, a new fine arts building opened on the site of the 1898 school that many recall. With this new building, Fort Smith students continue to have fine facilities.

Darby Junior High’s new building serves its band, orchestra and choir program. It stands at the corner of Grand Avenue and North 14th Street.

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APRIL 24

Blade Runners: Paralympic athletes compete at Southside track meet

Photo by Clément Bucco-Lechat under CC Wikimedia Commons

April 24 McDonald’s Relays and the Battle with the Blades will showcase the abilities of athletes with limb loss

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hen the starting pistol goes off at the McDonald’s Relays track and field meet at Southside High School, some of the high school competitors will lunge from the starting blocks alongside world-class Paralympic athletes.

SHS has teamed with the Never Say Never Foundation, a national non-profit group formed to encourage disabled youth to overcome adversity with a positive attitude. Focusing especially on athletes with limb loss, the foundation’s goal is “to push the limits of adaptive sports and show the world anything is possible.”

The Never Say Never Foundation is based in Florida. The U.S. Paralympic athletes are coming here from their homes all over the country. What brings them to Fort Smith is the willingness of the Fort Smith Public Schools Athletic Department and the participation of the U.S. Paralympic track team’s official prosthetist, who works here at Horton Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Francois Van Der Watt is the specialist in athletic prosthetics who helped to design and fit the “blade” running legs worn by Oscar Pistorius, a South African sprinter and double amputee. Pistorius pushed hard to change the rules to be admitted to the Olympic Games – and prevailed.

On Aug. 4, 2012, at the Summer Olympics in London, Pistorius amazed the world when he ran in the men's 400 meters and 4x400 meters relay races, becoming the first amputee runner to compete at an Olympic Games.

At the 2012 Summer Paralympics, Pistorius won gold medals in the men's 400-meter race and the 4x400-meter relay, setting world records in both events. He also took silver in the 200-meter race, having set a world record in the semifinal.

Van Der Watt, who also is South African, fitted Pistorius with prosthetic devices over more than a decade. As a child, Pistorius was so active he sometimes damaged or broke his conventional prosthetic feet.

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Regas Woods of the United States preparing for the men's 100 meter – T42 at the 2013 International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France. Woods will run and long jump at the Battle with the Blades.

Pistorius is a case in point, especially for children with limb loss, Van Der Watt explained.

“If you take an analogy, almost every person out there has more than one pair of shoes. At this time, an insurance company allows only one prosthetic.

If someone wants to have a shoe for golf, or to play soccer or basketball, then they’re out of luck making something work that isn’t really designed for that.”

Nick Stilwell, who co-founded the Never Say Never Foundation with his friend Regas Woods, drives exactly the same point. Why shouldn’t any child who has had one or both legs amputated be able to play a sport?

Holding Battle with the Blades simultaneously with the McDonald’s Relays will serve to increase awareness of what is now possible, he said.

Stilwell, who lost his lower legs in 2008 as a result of injury in a vehicle accident, met Woods when Woods helped fit Stilwell’s first prosthetic legs.

Stilwell was walking again within four months and was inspired by Woods, a full-time orthotics and prosthetic technician and himself a bilateral abovethe-knee amputee. He was born with a congenital anomaly – his legs could not grow properly. He began walking with prostheses at 2.

“Legz,” as Woods is nicknamed, is one of the fastest bilateral above-theknee amputee runners in the world and will compete on the U.S Paralympic

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Young athletes run in a Never Say Never event, above.

Van Der Watt said his greatest joy in his work is to enable a child to run and play. “Giving them a running foot and seeing them run and just be alive is fun,” he said. He hopes meets like Battle with the Blades and the competitiveness of Paralympic athletes, whom he supports as their official prosthetist, will raise awareness and create a demand for health insurance to cover the costs of a second pair of legs for any amputee who wants to be active. The cost of prosthesis can range from $15,000 to $30,000. The Never Say Never Foundation helps to raise funds to pay for athletic prosthetics for kids. Horton Orthotics & Prosthetics is also a sponsor of Battle with the Blades.

Francois Van Der Watt (left) with Never Say Never co-founder Nick Stilwell at Southside High School where the McDonald’s Relays/Battle with the Blades will be held April 24.

track team in Rio de Janeiro where the Olympic Games also will be held.

Stilwell cheerfully admits he’s no Olympian, but he enjoys recreational sports such as baseball and basketball – and he runs – just as many adults, teens and children do. He also competes in track and field events.

The Never Say Never Foundation offers camps and activities to encourage young people with various physical challenges, especially amputees, and to raise funds to buy athletic blades for kids who could not otherwise afford them.

The two Florida men have teamed with Van Der Watt to produce the Battle with the Blades April 24 at the McDonald’s Relays in Fort Smith.

Legz and Stilwell both wear blades for sports. The purpose of the blade design, Van Der Watt explained, is to let a person run naturally – on their toes. That’s why the blades have no heels. They have grip surfaces or even cleats according to the sport for which they are designed.

Van Der Watt’s expertise is in designing the fit of the device so the wearer’s body is balanced naturally for running.

“We find the ultimate position where the foot needs to land,” he explained. “The force (with which the foot hits the ground) is up to 3.5 times more while running than walking.”

Each design is highly individual and specific to a person, he said, and

involves a bit of trial and error as he and the athlete work together. The process of fitting a conventional walking foot is just as individual, he explained, but a little less complicated.

Paralympic athletes from all over the country choose to come to Horton Orthotics in Fort Smith to have Van Der Watt design and fit their blades.

So far, eight of them – both men and women – are coming to Battle with the Blades at the McDonald’s Relays.

Local sponsors, including Total Rehabilitation Inc. of Fort Smith’s support in providing physical therapy, are donating time and services to support, feed and host the athletes in this event, the first-ever of its kind. Stilwell said he hopes to repeat it annually.

“This is a great message to kids,” Fort Smith Public Schools athletic director Jim Rowland said about consenting to pair the Battle with the Blades with the McDonald’s Relays.

“We’re excited about it,” Southside coach Steve Peoples said. “The McDonald’s Relays is one of the premier high school track meets in the state. We’ll have close to 40 teams, boys and girls. This is going to enrich our relays.”

Stilwell and Woods came to Southside to speak to the student body ahead of the meet, Peoples said. “It was really outstanding and very motivating.”

Stilwell, a kid at heart, enjoyed it too, he said. “We could hear a little skepticism, maybe, in the audience, when we were telling them our athletes were going to compete with them. So, I asked one guy what he ran and he said the 400 meter. I said, ‘Oh, that’s great – we’re bringing the world record holder for the 400 meter. You can race against him.’ His eyes got big,” he said, grinning. “Many of them have never seen an amputee much less run against one – especially one at the world-class level like these guys are. That is going to push them harder. That is going to make them run faster.”

– Lynn Wasson April 2015

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60 Years of Service

The 1955 8th Street Unit baseball team. Players were identified only by first initial and last name and not all are included: front row – L. Josenberger, C. Evans, J. Hardin and C. Christian; back row – D. Ross, T. Bray, R. Collier, B. Gilyard, S. West, F. Webb, W. Sanders, M. Taylor, H. Smith, J. Williams and Buzz Wood.

Coach Buzz Wood influences thousands as long-time volunteer

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reat Futures Start Here is the motto of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club and Lawrence “Buzz” Wood Jr. has helped make that happen for thousands of local youth. As a 61-year volunteer for the organization, Wood has devoted countless hours to coaching young players and instilling in them the value of hard work and smart choices. His influence and longevity have made him a legend.

In 1953, Wood was 12 when he got his start with the organization when his father, who worked at the former 8th Street unit, took him there. As a youth, Wood played baseball

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and football. “I tried to play basketball, but I was always too big,” joked Wood. “So that didn’t really work out.”

Despite his not-so-successful attempt at basketball, Wood continued to be an active participant. He began volunteering in 1954 and eventually served on staff. He worked as a custodian, was a water safety instructor and later was named director of the 8th Street Unit, a position he held from 1960 to 1965.

“I was director up until they integrated the clubs,” said Wood. “That’s when they closed 8th Street, which was where blacks went when it was segregated.”

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PROFILE His role then transitioned again to that of volunteer. In 1973, Wood “It hasn’t bothered me one bit,” said Dewilla “It is because of what started coaching football at the Wheeler Club. When it closed six he is doing. He is helping these kids.” years later, he moved to the newly opened Stephens Unit. He has Dewilla also believes volunteering and the Boys & Girls Club is just since coached an estimated 4,000-plus players, and sponsored a part of who her husband is. “His dad got him into it when he was numerous teams in football, basketball and baseball through his civic little and he just hasn’t stopped. This is what he does.” work with the former group Y.M.A. (Young Men’s Association).

Wood’s many years of service to the organization have not gone Northside High School head basketball coach Eric Burnett is one unnoticed. In 1998, he was inducted into the Fort Smith Boys & Girls of many fortunate youth that have benefited from Wood’s guidance.

Club Hall of Fame. He also received the Service to Mankind Award Burnett played for Wood in the fifth and sixth grades on the Sertoma from the Sertoma Club in 2003, in recognition of his dedicated work team at Stephens Club. to FSBGC. The NFL and Boys & Girls “Playing for Coach Wood at the club Clubs of America also honored Wood for his changed my life,” said Burnett. “I learned outstanding volunteer efforts by presenting discipline and the importance of having a him the prestigious Champion of Youth work ethic. Coach Wood expected a lot of us Award at the NFL Arizona Cardinals stadium and we all had a great deal of respect for him. in 2007.

No one – I mean no one – disrespected “Buzz is one of the most dedicated Coach. We were pretty good, too. I am pretty volunteers in the history of our organization, sure we went undefeated my sixth-grade year.” with six decades of service to the Fort Smith Burnett still holds Coach Wood in the community,” said Jerry Glidewell, Fort Smith highest regards.

Boys & Girls Club executive director. “He is “Even now, he is a tremendous person to sit an icon at the club who has devoted his life to and talk with because he has so much wisdom. helping young people.”

He is a true man of integrity. Many of the Wood said he believes there is as much of a things I do in coaching today are lessons I need now for Boys & Girls Clubs as when he learned from him all those years ago.” started and he plans to keep doing his part.

Burnett is among many recognizable names “Kids need someone to show them what to that were members of Wood’s teams. He has do and how to do it,” he explained. “That worked with greats, including Almer Lee, hasn’t changed.”

Jerry Jennings and NBA and Razorback Buzz Wood will never know the exact Lawrence “Buzz” Wood number of youth he has influenced over the basketball star Ron Brewer. Despite his obvious impact on so many, there was one past 60 years, but those members will always point in his life that Wood considered not volunteering at the club. remember what the coach meant to them.

“When I got married in 1968, I tried to quit. It was one of those “I have had a lot of guys come up to me over the years saying, ‘Hey, things that I figured I should just focus on being a husband and all,” Coach Wood!’ and I have to ask their name because I may not have said Wood. “But that didn’t last long. Here came ole’ Higgins (former seen them since they were really young,” said Wood. “But, it always club executive director Clarence Higgins), telling me he needed my feels good and I am glad to know I made an impact.” help. So, I never did quit.”

– Brittany Ranson Buzz’s wife, Dewilla, said she hasn’t minded sharing her husband with the club all these years.

Buzz Wood with a recent Sertoma football team. He has touched the lives of more than 4,000 young players in his six decades of volunteering with the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs.

Coach Wood with former Razorback and NBA star Ron Brewer.

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Little Clear Creek feeds Lake Alma from the northwest corner.

Beauty in Our Own Backyard: Lake Alma Trail

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f you’re a parent looking for an easy day hike to introduce your children to the gentle pleasures of nature or a trail runner looking for a heart-throbbing route, this out-and-back hike is for you. Chuck Dovish of Exploring Arkansas with AETN said, “It’s amazing that so much variety and diversity of scenery is found right inside the town of Alma.”

You will see bluff lines and moss-covered boulder fields. You will walk beside clear streams, rocky cascades and a 12-foot waterfall. Situated within a mixed hardwood forest, you may spot deer, rabbit, fox, great blue heron, songbirds and wildflowers. Grab your sturdy shoes, water and a friend. Let’s hike this beautiful trail!

We’ll access the Lake Alma Trail (LAT) by the paved walking path that connects to the parking area. As you begin walking, you will see another paved path down below and closer to the lake on your left. There are mile markers on this trail, but they are approximate and based on distances from the kiosk. Our mileage will be calculated beginning and ending at the parking area, making the mile markers on the trail shorter than our actual distance. The LAT is marked with round yellow arrows.

At 0.2 mile, you will arrive at the Lake Alma Trail kiosk. Here is where the pavement ends and real hiking begins. The first section of the trail is an easy walk in the woods. At 0.5 mile, the trail turns to the right and goes up to cross a small drainage and then more pleasant walking until you arrive at the first bridge. The trail follows around the base of a hillside crossing a second bridge. If water is moving under this bridge, the waterfall is flowing and definitely something you will want to see.

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Turn right onto the McWater Falls spur trail and follow round orange markers. You will arrive at the edge of the waterfall at 0.8 mile.

Backtracking to the trailhead from this point is a nice out-and-back option for children and novice hikers, providing a 1.6-mile hike.

This waterfall is named for Harry McWater, the man who had the vision for this trail. Harry sought expertise and labor from the Arkansas Master Naturalists, Fort Smith Trailblazers, Ozark Highlands Trail Association and local volunteers. More than 100 pairs of hands worked to make this trail a reality. The LAT began to see regular use in the spring of 2012 and its popularity has continued to grow.

After enjoying McWater Falls, backtrack one-tenth of a mile to the main trail and turn right. You will get glimpses of the lake in the distance on your left. At 1.0 mile, turn right onto an old roadbed. Watch to your right for fascinating bluff areas and rock formations as you walk this section. At 1.3 miles, you will pass moss- and lichen-covered boulders that appear to have tumbled down the hillside on your right. Just past the 1mile marker, you will come to the Hexagon Hut. This old homesite is a great place to explore. Mystery surrounds the construction of these structures and their occupants.

At this point, you’ve hiked 1.4 miles from the parking lot, including the waterfall spur. Here, we turn around and backtrack to the trailhead for a 2.6-mile hike (a little longer if you want to revisit the waterfall). Reviewing your trek from the opposite direction is always a treat. You’ll often notice views missed on the first trip through. If you walk with friends or family, enjoy their company as you build special memories in the beauty of your own backyard.

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Directions: Take Exit 13 off Interstate 40 and drive north to the first traffic light. Turn right onto Collum Lane East. Drive 0.2 mile and then left on Mountain Grove Road. Drive north on Mount Grove Road for 0.3 mile and take a left just past the two green water tanks.

Drive down to the picnic area parking. The Lake Alma Trailhead is at the opening in the parking guardrail.

Word of caution: The entire Lake Alma Trail forms a loop all the way around the lake, returning to the trailhead by way of the dam.

This is a 4.4-mile, strenuous hike. If you’re new to hiking, begin with the out-and-back walk described here and increase your distance over time. Before you know it, you will be trekking the whole loop and still having fun.

The views across Lake Alma are ever-changing.

The Hexagon Hut is a fascinating place to explore at the turnaround point of this in-and-out hike.

McWater Falls is a popular stop for photographers.

Contributing writer and photographer Jim Warnock is a hiking enthusiast and writer. His blog is ozarkmountainhiker.com. When he’s not on the trail, he is busy as the principal of Alma Intermediate School and recently has served as president of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators. The Lake Alma Trail is his almost-daily walk.

Details: GPS: N35 29.818 W94 13.073 Distance and Configuration: 2.6-mile out-and-back Hiking Time: About 1.5 hours Facilities: Restrooms and picnic area Dogs: Yes Resources: facebook.com/LakeAlmaTrail Blog: ozarkmountainhiker.com

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GAMER MAKES GOOD

William Roberts’ angry email lands him a job with television’s Pawn Stars

Editor’s note: The following tale could only happen to William Roberts. It may or may not be recommended as a job application method.

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illiam Roberts loves trivia. LOVES it. While a student at Northside High School, he played on its formidable Quiz Bowl team and was an outstanding student. While he attended the University of Chicago, majoring in statistics, trivia games moved online, offering the chance to play without having to gather a team or get out a Trivial Pursuit board.

In December, after Will had graduated U Chi, a friend recommended a new game called Rick Harrison’s Trivia Challenge, a smart phone app. At the time, Will said, he was a heavy player of Trivia Crack, the most downloaded game of that month from Apple’s app store. Will liked Rick Harrison’s Trivia Challenge more and played it intensely. In fact, he was apparently the first player to reach the “end” of the game at 100 levels.

And that’s when he got angry.

Rick Harrison of the game’s title is the star of “Pawn Stars,” The History Channel’s highly rated reality show starring Harrison, his father, Richard – the “Old Man” – and son Corey, along with their friend Austin “Chumlee” Russell, the staff of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. Viewers love the colorful camaraderie among the staff and the fact that Rick appears to know everything – about anything – offered to or sold in the store. And if Rick doesn’t, he consults a cast of experts that does. He also is a champion haggler for prices. The Pawn Star brand launched Trivia Challenge as natural extension of Rick’s interests.

Back to Will. On the evening he reached the final level of the game, he also realized, in effect, it wasn’t “winnable.” Players are invited to earn virtual gold coins with correct answers. The coins can be traded for “swag” from the store such as Pawn Stars T-shirts or meeting with the cast.

“Once I got up to level 100, I realized you couldn’t win enough coins to win even the minimum prize,” Will explained. “Well, maybe if you played for a million years.”

“The moment that I happened, I sent an angry email,” he said. “I knew if I sent a quality email they would definitely give me a shirt or something.

So, I sent out that email on a Friday night. Maybe two hours later, Jim (the game’s co-creator) had written me a long, impassioned apology and said he was going to send me some cool stuff. I thought that was the end of it.”

But it wasn’t. The following Monday, Rick Harrison personally emailed Will a friendly apology video. And Jim Scott phoned. Will took the call, expecting it was a call-back for a job interview.

“I picked up the phone and it was Jimmy, Rick’s partner,” he said. “He talked to me at length about what I thought could be improved with the game; what I would personally do to change it. I started telling him and then I realized I was giving this information out for free. I was looking for a job and I just graduated from college with a degree in statistics!”

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William Roberts at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.

Will begged his way off the phone and when he got home, composed a detailed email and attached his resume.

“I definitely thought the game was good,” he said, describing his letter. “I had heard that start-ups like this, especially in the app world, want someone who really knows the game and wants to improve it.”

Jim responded by inviting Will to Las Vegas for a job interview, with a generous offer to cover his travel expenses. He flew out. He had lunch with both Rick and Jim. They offered him a job with Old Man Interactive, the app company run by Jim in partnership with Rick.

“Rick is real,” Will said. “The person you see on TV is him. Television is the heavily edited version of the real Rick.” When the moment came to negotiate his salary, Will’s mind was racing.

“I was struck with the opportunity to do the classic barter with Rick,” he said he was thinking. But as it was a fair offer and close to his request, he decided not to try to game the master haggler.

He returned to Fort Smith, packed and moved to Las Vegas, where he has been working for several months. His official title is data analyst. The job, while certainly unusual, is indeed the kind of work that employs his degree in statistics. The problem that set him off originally is now fixed, Will reported. That really made him like his employers. Rick and Jim, Will’s direct boss, are in weekly meetings with the app team.

The job also rewards his own passion for trivia. He can also contribute questions. “What I try to do is go through the quiz questions and address things I think are not necessarily rewarding to the user,” he explained.

He has come to respect Rick’s knowledge and for a trivia enthusiast of Will’s level, that’s saying something. “I like the way he presents the facts,” he said of Rick’s manner on the show. “It’s like a grab bag of different things instead of like other educational shows where it’s all about one subject. He presents facts in a way that’s not the way a historian would. It’s more of an armchair history lesson.”

He also still loves to play Rick Harrison’s Trivia Challenge.

“Five stars,” he rates it. “You need to play.”

– Lynn Wasson

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MAY 1-2

Motorcycles will be kings of the road as the Steel Horse Rally roars onto the avenue The inaugural, two-day Steel Horse Rally will bring hundreds of motorcyclists to Fort Smith May 1-2 and offer spectators a chance to ogle the bikes and enjoy two evening concerts. Vendors of gear, food and beverages will join the bikers downtown where street closing for parts of the rally will allow the motorcyclists to park in the middle of Garrison Avenue.

Dennis Snow, president of The Steel Horse Rally Inc., hopes to establish an annual event in Fort Smith that attracts visitors, brings new customers to local businesses and helps to fund local charities.

Motorcyclists and spectators who attend will support three local charities. Rally directors have selected these groups that will benefit from the inaugural event: Fort Smith Museum of History, which has a special Motorcycle

Memories Exhibit during the rally, honors regional history.

Darby Legacy Project honors Gen. William O. Darby of Fort Smith who helped create the modern day Rangers. The group plans to erect a statue of Darby on his motorcycle placed in downtown Fort Smith.

Arkansas State Veterans Home serves thousands of veterans every year and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association AR 7-3 will be leading a charity motorcycle ride to the Veterans Home during the rally.

There are several alternate charities from the 19 applicants that will receive donations from the rally if the first year is extremely successful, according to Snow.

Times for some events are to be announced. Information is updated daily on the event website, TheSteelHorseRally.com.

May 1

May 2 5 p.m.

May 2

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Fort Smith Public Schools have been our partner for all 15 years

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As the anniversary of our 15 years of publication approaches in August, we have been talking to some of the people and organizations who have been with us all those years. Fort Smith Public Schools have been a significant presence in our pages since our first issue, when Linda Seubold wrote about the Partners in Education program. It became an annual focus for us and we became an official partner – not to a school, but to the district as a whole.

In a talk with superintendent Dr. Benny Gooden and Zena Featherston-Marshal, director of communication and community partnerships, we discussed what has developed in the school district since we teamed up in 2000. The answers would fill this issue.

Besides the visible building program of expansions and updates at all schools, what’s been happening inside is as impressive.

“We now have 12.5 thousand devices, either laptops or desktops, and most of those are 1:1 devices,” Gooden said. “Last fall, we jumped into our pilot schools with full digital conversion in Ramsey Junior High, Sunnymede and Morrison elementaries.” All the schools were “wired” and then upgraded to high-speed wireless during that time, he added. School is online. Both teachers and students are engaged in new ways to teach and learn.

Dr. Gooden decided early on to take our page 2 to publish good news about the district.

“I am aware that a lot of citizens don’t have a clue of all the good, positive things that are going on in public education,” he said. “They see national media – a story of how run down a school is in Baltimore – that’s their concept of public education. Less than 30 percent of people have a child in school in Fort Smith.”

“We know the only way you’re going to get out positive stuff, such as the fact we have 110 national board-certified teachers, the fact that we have 1,000 years of collective experience when people retire, the fact that we have more than 100 kids in all-state band, choirs and orchestra; that we’ll have a quiz bowl team win the state junior high championship and the fact we have a science bowl team at Southside that’s won eight times. The fact that all that happens that the Northside girls basketball team has a collective grade point of 3.5 – people won’t get that,” he said in almost one passionate breath.

“We want to highlight it, and you’ve helped us immeasurably. We want to highlight the good volunteers who work with our schools. Your issue on Partners in Education is solid gold.”

We’ve been glad for 15 years to try to live up to and show the excellence of our public schools.

– The Editors

Martha and Dr. Benny Gooden with their beloved boxers.

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Photo courtesy McCluney Commercial Photography

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Clifton R. Breckinridge saw the bitter end of Dixie

April 2 will mark the 150th anniversary of the fall of Richmond., Va., the capital of the Confederate States of America. The Civil War was drawing to its ragged end. Five days later, Gen. Robert E. Lee would sign official papers of surrender at a courthouse in Appomattox, Va. A man who later built a home still standing in Fort Smith witnessed and guarded the retreat of the last of the Confederate government from Richmond and stood suicide watch over its president, Jefferson Davis.

As Richmond fell, Clifton Rodes Breckinridge, then only 18 years old, was called to the side of his father, Gen. John Cabell Breckinridge, the fifth and final Confederate Secretary of War. Gen. Breckinridge was a significant figure in American history before the Civil War. He had served as the 14th U.S. vice president under President James Buchanan from 1857-1861.

As U.S. senator from Kentucky after his vice presidency, he was nominated to run for president, but lost to Abraham Lincoln. As the country drew closer to war, Gen. Breckinridge urged compromise in the Senate to preserve the 18

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Union. But after his home state split internally, he fled behind Confederate lines.

In February 1865, even as he was appointed to be Secretary of War, Gen. Breckinridge had come to the conclusion it was impossible for the South to win the war. By the end of March, Union armies were about to crush Lee's much smaller army at Petersburg, Va., after 290 days of fighting. On the Sunday morning of April 2, Breckinridge received a telegram from Lee, saying he could no longer hold his position. Soon after, Union troops broke through Confederate lines and started marching the 23 miles toward Richmond.

Davis and his cabinet members had to pack up and get out of town.

The day before, Breckinridge had ordered the midshipmen of the CSS Patrick Henry, including his son, Clifton, to hurry to Richmond to guard the train that was to take the Confederate government into the deep South for their safety.

Aboard the train was the gold and silver of the Confederate treasury, perhaps a half million dollars. Clifton was to guard the money.

Breckinridge House, above.

Built in 1907. Photo circa 1910.

John Cabell Breckinridge Vice President of the United States Confederate Army General War Secretary of the Confederacy

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After many delays, the train departed at 11 p.m. with Gen. Breckinridge riding horseback alongside, making sure it got out of town safely.

Turning back to say goodbye to his wife, Mary, Breckinridge spotted fire raging in the heart of Richmond. He had given orders to destroy the whiskey supply. Men pulled hundreds of barrels out of warehouses and started pouring out the whiskey into the street.

Great mobs of thirsty men could be seen lying on the ground drinking out of the gutter.

Breckinridge had given orders not to burn the tobacco warehouse because it was too close to other buildings, but it was ablaze. When the smoke cleared several days later, 54 blocks of Richmond lay in ruins.

Clifton's father also had given him another task. Fearing that Davis was suicidal, he ordered Clifton to sleep on the floor in Davis' room.

Davis could not accept that the war had been lost and wanted to keep fighting, by doubling back to Texas and waging a guerrilla war that could have lasted for years and killed far more soldiers on both sides. As tactfully as possible, Gen. Breckinridge was determined to not let that happen.

Less than an hour before Union forces arrived, Breckinridge rode with some officers and soldiers to Danville, Va., the last capital of the Confederacy. Danville held that distinction for only eight days.

When Breckinridge arrived, Davis and all but one of the remaining cabinet members had steamed on toward Greensboro, N.C., after a courier arrived with a message from Lee saying it would just be a matter of days. Breckinridge found his son waiting for him. Clifton had resigned from the Confederate Navy in order to protect his father.

One could assume that Clifton was at his father's side at a meeting near Durham Station, N.C., with Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, which resulted in the surrender of the forces under Gen. Joe Johnston and Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard. Gen. Sherman required that a bottle of whiskey be passed around before they got down to business. It's reported that Gen. Breckinridge was delighted to accept.

When the meeting was over, Sherman told Breckinridge the sad news that President Lincoln had been assassinated a couple of days before, having been shot in the head at Ford's Theater. Lincoln had been carried across the street to a rooming house where Breckinridge had lived when he was a congressman. Lincoln may have died in the very room Breckinridge had rented.

Since Mary Todd Lincoln was Breckinridge’s cousin, he and Lincoln had been friends. Even during the war, the president let it be known that despite Breckinridge’s poor choice to leave the Union, Lincoln held him in high regard.

People who were there reported later that Breckinridge said of Lincoln’s death, “Gentlemen, the South has lost its best friend.”

Sherman advised Breckinridge that in his opinion, it was best for Breckinridge to leave the country. Breckinridge concurred but felt it was his duty to get Davis to a place of safety before he took his leave.

Upon finding Davis again after meeting with Sherman, it was obvious Davis still couldn't accept that the war had been lost. Breckinridge expressed his opinion that indeed the war was over and it was best to try to negotiate the fairest treatment for the worn-out army of the South.

Finally, on May 2, Davis and Breckinridge parted ways. Davis would go on to Georgia still believing he could keep the war going, but his party was captured on May 10. Davis was imprisoned for two years after his capture but pardoned by a general amnesty in 1868.

Breckinridge, in the company of his first cousin Col. W.C.P. Breckinridge, Clifton and a small escort of men, traveled south. They were escaping but also hoping to draw away the Union soldiers on an intense hunt for Davis.

On May 6, near Sandersville, Ga., Gen. Breckinridge paid his company and told them to go home. He also discharged Clifton and young 2nd Lt. James B. Clay, grandson of Henry Clay.

Before the boys got out of Georgia, they were captured, imprisoned, paroled and released by May 17 and finally returned to their families.

In disguise, Breckinridge made his way to Florida and secured a small boat. In early June, he and five other men crossed to Cuba, landing there June 11 with long hair and beards, sunburned and with feet blistered from being in saltwater. From Cuba, Breckinridge sailed to Great Britain, then Canada where his family was reunited.

Breckinridge and his wife took a little house on the north side of Niagara Falls where they really could see America from their front porch.

President Andrew Johnson issued a general amnesty on Christmas Day 1868. Early in 1869, John Cabell and Mary Breckinridge finally went home to Kentucky. The war had taken a toll on his health, destroyed his fortune and diminished the Breckinridge family name. The prominent and well-educated family included the general’s grandfather, John Breckinridge, attorney general under Thomas Jefferson.

The Hon. Clifton R. Breckinridge of Arkansas Drawn from Life by George W. Breck

Gen. John Cabell Breckinridge died in 1875 at the age of 54. Mary would live until 1907.

After the war, Clifton took a job in a family friend's Cincinnati dry goods house while trying to figure out what to do next. In 1867, thanks to a scholarship given to him by Lord Ashburton, an admirer of his father, Clifton enrolled in Washington College, now Washington and Lee College. Gen. Lee served as college president and mentored Clifton, urging him to make his career in public service.

In 1876, he married a distant cousin, Katherine Breckinridge Carson of Mississippi.

Jefferson Davis Jr. was his best man. Clifton and his older brother, Cabell, bought a large cotton plantation near Pine Bluff, Ark., and by 1882, he was elected to his first term as a U.S. representative from Arkansas.

He was re-elected in 1884, 1886, 1890 and 1892. The 1888 election was marred by the murder of his opponent, John M. Clayton. He was the brother of Arkansas Gov. Powell Clayton and William H.H. Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas and chief prosecutor in the court of Judge Isaac Parker in Fort Smith. During a recount of votes requested

by John Clayton after his narrow loss, someone shot through a window of a house in Plumerville, Ark., killing him.

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Breckinridge family reunion while in exile in Canada, at Niagara Falls.

Clifton Breckinridge

Katherine Carson Breckinridge

An investigation ordered by Congress failed to find the killer and exonerated Clifton.

Because there was clear evidence that a ballot box likely containing Clayton votes was stolen in Conway County by four masked men, Clayton was declared the winner but the seat was labeled as vacant. Clifton won back the seat in the next two elections.

President Grover Cleveland appointed him U.S. minister to Russia in 1894-1897. Family letters show he disliked that he was required to wear ceremonial knee breeches to the 1896 coronation of Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna.

In another twist of history, Clifton's oldest son, James Carson Breckinridge, a career Marine, was naval attaché in Petrograd, Russia, at the time Nicholas II and his family were murdered during the Russian Revolution.

The family returned from Russia to Pine Bluff, except James, who was already serving in the Philippines.

In 1900, President McKinley, a Republican who knew Clifton from their days in the House of Representatives, appointed him to the Dawes Commission, charged with the distribution of individual allotments of tribal land to the Cherokee people. Clifton and Katherine would live in Muskogee, Indian Territory, for the next five years until he resigned in 1905. Almost 30 years later at his death, Clifton would be the last surviving member of the Dawes Commission.

Before his appointment, a letter shows he and Katherine first came to Fort Smith so he could speak at the May 27, 1891, opening celebration of the Iron Mountain-Helen Gould railroad, wagon and pedestrian bridge that crossed the Arkansas River a little south of the J. Fred Patton bridge of today. Mrs. Breckinridge wrote to her son on May 30, 1891: Fort Smith is a beautiful place. It has not any more inhabitants than Pine Bluff, but covers more ground, and the buildings are much better, specially the residences, which are very tasteful, and all kept beautifully,with lovely grounds.

The bridge that was opened while we were there is quite handsome. It crosses to the Indian Territory.

We saw a good many Indians and several white men with Indian wives. One Indian made a splendid speech. These tribes are much more intelligent than the ones in the West.

Clifton Breckinridge at Wendover, Ky. 20

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In about 1905, the Breckinridges moved to Fort Smith, renting a two-story house at 600 North 16th Street. The same house was used as Emmy’s German Restaurant many years later.

He founded Arkansas Valley Trust Co. in 1905, whose building is still standing at 615 Garrison. It was restored by the Westphal family and once again displays the name Arkansas Valley Trust at the top of the building.

The Breckinridges decided to build the first house they had ever owned here. Though they had been married for 30 years and Clifton was 60 years old, he had bitter memories. His father's duplex in Washington, which he shared with “The Little Giant” Stephen A. Douglas, had been confiscated by the federal government at the outbreak of the Civil War, which haunted him every time there was a discussion of owning a home. Perhaps the fact that his wife gained an inheritance played a part in their decision. They hired Fort Smith architect Alonzo Klingensmith to draw plans for a house large enough to hold the furniture they had brought from Russia.

At the corner of North 16th and E streets were the ruins of the Collier house, which had burned in the late 1890s. A new house went up over the basement of the burned house with a foundation of river rocks hauled to the site by wagons. By the fall of 1907, the stucco house was ready for the family to move in. The only child left at home was 12-year-old Clifton Jr. and possibly his older sister, Susanna Preston Lees Breckinridge. Mrs. Breckinridge was active in social welfare work, establishing a “settlement house” on Towson Avenue where women were taught home economics.

Their son James had a ship named for him, the USS Gen. J.C. Breckinridge (AP-176) and also the James Carson Breckinridge Professional Library at Marine Corps University in Quantico, Va. But daughter Mary Carson Breckinridge was the most famous of the children.

She established the Frontier Nursing Service in Wendover, Ky., which is still operating.

Posthumously, she was inducted into the American Nurses Association’s Hall of Fame in 1982 and in 1998, depicted on a postage stamp in the Great Americans series. Annually, a Mary Breckinridge Festival is held in Hyden, Ky. Clifton Breckinridge died in 1932 at 86 in Wendover, where he lived with his daughter after the death of his wife.

Author’s note: April 2, 1865, is important to our family. We will reflect this April 2 that one of the participants of that significant day in American history when the Union was preserved, later built the home we have lived in for 47 years.

– Joe Wasson

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FASHION FOCUS

Owner Shannon Ladd with her mother, Maxine Myer, of The Gamut men’s apparel store.

To make a “Big and Tall” story short…

J

ames Ladd established The Gamut in 1990 when he, as a big and tall man, discovered the need for a men’s apparel specialty store in the Fort Smith area.

When James passed away in 2014, his wife, Shannon, started over at age 44 and left her career at a law firm to carry on James’ legacy.

Shannon’s mother, Maxine Myers, also came out of retirement to help with the store, along with a great group of friends that Shannon considers family. The Gamut is the only independent big and tall store for 125 miles for hard-to-get and hard-to-fit men’s clothing When The Gamut began in the 1990s, 2X and 3X were big sizes, but now they go all the way to a 12X in a shirt, with up to 80-inch pants and belts in stock and 124-inch waist sizes available. The store carries everything from shirts and shoes to underwear. The biggest shoe in stock is an 18, but the store can order up to a size 24 quad E. Shirts can go up to a 30-inch neck and a 42-inch sleeve. There are extra-long ties and even zipper ties that are permanently tied and just zip up to tighten.

The Gamut serves the customer that has a unique size that can’t just be bought off the regular rack – not just big and tall. They also carry clothing for short and slim.

That’s why the store offers a separates program in suits, fitting the exact jacket size and the exact pant size needed. They also advise customers that they can get replacement pants for suits. Men’s pants often wear out sooner than a suit coat.

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Men’s monogrammed or customized sports bags and briefcases also are available.

“You can come to us and get another matching pair of pants so that you don’t lose your suit,” Shannon explained. She measures each customer to create a tailored fit.

They want customers to feel at ease. Since some men don’t like to shop, The Gamut wants them to feel comfortable. A big screen TV carries sports and news and has big comfy seating right next to the dressing rooms so that a wife, girlfriend or mom is comfortable and ready to give the thumbs up or thumbs down on an outfit.

The Gamut rents tuxedos, of course, but they also rent regular suits for emergency situations or for customers on a budget who don’t want to purchase a suit. She also has a limited number of formal gowns she will rent for proms or formal events to women or girls.

Another reason for customers to rent clothing is when an airline loses their luggage. The Gamut has solved that problem when a local hotel called with a panicked guest having a business wardrobe emergency.

Shannon has discounted khaki pants because she wants to help provide appropriate clothes for

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FASHION FOCUS

Shannon measures a client for slacks.

a customer who may have lost their job and is going on an interview, so that they can help support their family.

Having lost her husband, she understands what it means to have to start over. Shannon noted that “life-changing moments can happen to all ages.” She said she has been known to dress a client in the store, even iron their outfit, and send them out the door straight to a job interview.

The Gamut offers custom totes and messenger bags that can be monogrammed or personalized with favorite athletic team logo and colors. They also do monogramming for company shirts and jackets for men and women.

Shannon can outfit an entire company in the same shirt, in the wide variety of sizes that employees can be.

Shannon became an ordained minister because she is planning to open a wedding chapel next door to The Gamut for weddings with up to 30 guests. She will help customers with all aspects of a wedding, including flowers.

Everything for a wedding will be offered in one stop at a very reasonable price. She plans to open the chapel at this summer.

Shannon said her late husband was “a totally amazing person and clothier.” A customer could walk in the door and he could tell them what size they wore.

She said she is not that good yet and may never be, but she is working toward it every day.

The Gamut 809 South Greenwood, Fort Smith Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

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health & beauty goodies

Turquoise purse with cutouts and gold accents from Fashion Boutique.

Designer sunglasses by Marciano available at Ennen Eye Center.

White gold bracelet by Simon G has a total weight of 8 carats of diamonds. Available at Newton's Jewelers.

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health & beauty goodies

My Baby's Heartbeat stuffed animals available at Baby Flix.

Navy and white tunic with yellow collar from Isle by Melis Kozan paired with Ethel & Myrtle anchor necklace found at Red Leopard.

Ginger Snaps bracelets from the Petite Collection with interchangeable button snaps from Zoe Bug’s Boutique.

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health & beauty goodies

Colorful head scarves and jewelry available at Salon Elements.

Aveda dry remedy hair care products found at Metropolis Hair Studio.

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Tom Ford “Priscilla” and “Telma” sunglasses from the office of Dr. Steven Stiles Optometry.

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health & beauty goodies

Smoothing cream, anti-frizz lotion, cleansing conditioner and defining gel cream from Biolage Matrix Collection available at Vanity Calls.

Baby-safe teething jewelry by Chewbeads found at Baby Chic.

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health & beauty goodies

J Crew striped dress with leather pockets paired with a chain necklace and leather shoulder bag available at Designer Again.

Mangiacotti lavender hand sanitizer, shea butter and whipped body lotion from Greenwood Flower and Gift Shop.

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Dr. Udouj is experienced in the treatment of Temporomandibular joint dysfunction for over 15 years.

(479) 648-9988

Treating TMD (TMJ) •Headaches •Jaw Pain •Limited Opening •Popping Joint Graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

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Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

2600 Market Trace • Fort Smith, Ark.

www.perfectingyoursmile.com

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APRIL 11

Elvis tribute artist Jerry Page performs at a previous Spring Festival.

Swivel your hips out to Chaffee Crossing Festival Celebrating spring and commemorating Elvis Presley’s G.I. haircut when he entered the Army, the Spring Festival at Chaffee Crossing has become an annual tradition. On April 11, the tradition continues.

Held in the Chaffee Crossing Historic District, the festival’s big attraction is always the free Elvis-style G.I. buzz cuts at the Chaffee Barbershop Museum. There will be helicopter rides, a Fort Smith Barbecue Society cook-off and music by Gavel Town, Denim and Pearl, Wanda Watson and Mark Albertson. Face painting and inflatable play equipment entertain the kids. A classic car show with cash prizes is new this year. Free admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Chaffee Crossing Museum District, 7313 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-6774 chaffeecrossing.com Jim Kell, a former television reporter, interviewed Elvis in 1958 when he arrived at Fort Chaffee to begin his Army hitch. His family made T-shirts from a picture of Kell with the King for the 2011 festival.

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WHAT’S COOKING with KRISTAN ROLAND

Fruit of the Season

CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRY FROSTED GRAHAMS 6 whole graham cracker rectangles, broken into 12 sq uares 6 tbsp. salted butter, softened 2 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup sliced frozen strawberries in sugar, thawed and pureed 21⁄2 cups powdered sugar 16 oz. chocolate almond bark

Crust: 24 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed into crumbs 6 tbsp. salted butter Pie: 11⁄2 pints ( 3 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened to spreadable consistency 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed 1/4 cup strawberry milk powder 8 oz. S trawberry M ilkshake Whoppers, beaten within an inch of their lives ( crushed into pieces) Cooll Whip, cherries and sprinkles for topping Prepare crust: Heat oven to 325 degrees. M ix cookie crumbs and butter until thoroughly combined. Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 -inch round springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, until firm. Let cool completely.

Prepare filling: In a large bowl, fold together the ice cream, whipped topping, and strawberry milk powder. F old in crushed candies. S pread into cooled crust. R efreeze, at least for several hours.

S erve with strawberry sauce, sprinkles or whipped topping. A nd a cherry!

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In the bowl of your mixer, beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.

A dd the strawberry puree and beat on medium low until mixed. A dd powdered sugar and beat on low until just barely mixed in.

Increase mixer speed to high and beat for one minute. If frosting is too thin, add another 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to get desired consistency.

F ill a resealable gallon-sized bag with frosting, cutting off a corner to make a piping bag. Generously pipe frosting onto graham cracker sq uares. Place frosted grahams on a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator until firm and chilled, at least an hour.

M elt chocolate coating according to package directions. Dip frosted grahams in melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place on wax paper to set up.

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STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BROWNIES 1 box strawberry cake mix 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted 2 large eggs 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 3 tbsp. granulated sugar 1 large egg yolk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8inch pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together cake mix, butter and eggs until a thick batter forms. Spread half of the batter in prepared pan.

In the bowl of your mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then beat in egg yolk and vanilla until combined.

Pour cream cheese mixture over the batter in the prepared pan.

Crumble remaining batter over cheesecake mixture, covering the surface of the bars as evenly as possible. Gently press with your hands to flatten.

Bake for 20 minutes or until edges of bars are light golden brown.

Remove from oven and let cool completely in pan. Refrigerate until chilled, then remove foil from pan, peel from bars and cut into squares and serve.

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STRAWBERRY LEMONADE POUND CAKE 1 stick salted butter, slightly softened 11⁄4 cup granulated sugar, divided 2 large eggs 3 tbsp. lemon zest 11⁄2 cup all purpose flour 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. baking powder 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup heavy cream Glaze: 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, thawed 22⁄3 cups powdered sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour one 8.5x4.5-inch loaf pan and set aside.

Cream butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar in the bowl of your mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the lemon zest.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. In another bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice and the heavy cream. With the mixer on medium, add the flour and cream mixtures alternately to the batter, starting and ending with flour mixture. Pour into the loaf pan, smooth and bake for about 45 minutes or until browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs but no batter.

Let cake cook in the pan for about 15 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare glaze: In a blender or food processor, blend strawberries until smooth. Pour into a bowl and whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over cake and serve.

Check out Kristan’s blog at confessionsofacookbookqueen.com

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GARDENING

Getting ready to grow Aunt Ruth’s tomatoes sent me to Mulberry

By Reba Mize

Seeing the sawmill in action was one of the best parts of putting in a raised bed garden. These huge cedar logs are prepared for milling.

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M

y friend Roger Carter recently inspired me with these simple words: “One slice of Aunt Ruth’s tomatoes is big enough to cover a piece of light bread slathered with mayonnaise. I guarantee you this is the best-tasting tomato you ever will eat.”

Turns out his Aunt Ruth (Maynard) was a “seed saver.” She was given the seeds many years ago and, in turn, had passed the seeds on to Roger, who carefully saves enough each year to grow new plants, which he graciously gives to garden friends. I was motivated. Visions of juicy, delicious home-grown tomatoes danced in my head.

I decided on a raised bed for vegetables and began to look at the options when I came across White Valley Lumber Mill, which sells easy-to-assemble kits of varying sizes, made of cedar. Literally over the river and through the woods, the location near Mulberry, Ark., was the deciding factor as I have wanted to eat a Big M burger at their local Dairy Dip for years. Every good garden adventure should include a great lunch!

The sawmill is family operation, run by John and Renee and their son and daughter-in-law Jordan and Alexa, with the real boss, grandson Liam. John Volkmann and his family fell in love with the beauty and weather of Arkansas and moved here from the Keweenaw Peninsula of northern Michigan. John is a lifelong conservationist and, after a short retirement, started the sawmill because of his passion and love for trees.

“We were seeing beautiful cedars, walnut and cherry trees being cleared from land and burned. That was our motivation to repurpose this great resource,” John said.

Renee, a talented wood carver, explained,“The aromatic cedar that the raised beds are made of is naturally rot- and pest-resistant. It is nature’s perfect wood for this and many other purposes.”

We loaded up a 6x4-foot raised bed kit. There are larger and smaller sizes.

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GARDENING Crossing the one-lane bridge over the rushing Mulberry River, we head for the Dairy Dip and then home to begin our project.

Get it all together Assemble your materials and tools.

You will need 2-inch decking screws.

(The holes are pre-drilled.) A power drill with a Phillips head bit is a great time saver. Put your wooden frame together on the ground. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sun per day and that you can reach with a hose.

Wood kit, screws, power drill, weed cloth and bags of soil. Check! Garden tools, check!

Prepare the ground Remove any existing sod or weeds in your garden location. I use a hoe. Pro tip: Wet the soil a little and the roots come out more easily. Yes, this is the hardest part of digging a bed.

Put down a barrier I lined the bottom of my bed with weed cloth as I don’t have a problem with gophers or moles in my backyard. If you do, you can also line the bottom with hardware cloth or even wire.

Fill ‘er up Fill your soil. Use a good-quality soil mix high in organic matter. The better the soil, the better your garden will produce. I was lucky to have a lot of homemade compost to add to my bed. I used about 12 40-pound bags of soil and three wheelbarrows full of homemade compost.

Vernon simply screwed the cedar bed together through the pre-drilled holes.

Stripping the grass from the flowerbed can be hard work. Use a hoe – try wetting grass slightly.

Create a grass barrier outside, too I used river rock around the edges just to help keep down encroaching weeds or grass. You can use whatever you choose – straw, mulch or pavers. Level off the soil and prepare for the right day to plant!

This entire project, including the fun visit to the sawmill and lunch at the Dairy Dip, was completed in one day and I’m now ready to plant. I will begin with onion sets, lettuce and swiss chard. I usually wait till April 15 to set out my cold-sensitive plants.

Tall tales are a part of Southern culture and nowhere more so than in the vegetable garden. Who grows the sweetest corn, the biggest melon, the hottest pepper? I’ve been promised that this is the best tomato.

I can’t wait for that first fabulous “Aunt Ruth” tomato sandwich!

Put down barrier fabric, then the wood frame, then good compost and soil. Rake smooth!

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home & garden goodies

Decorative crosses from Creative Furnishings by Jean.

“If I were a bear” touch-and-feel book and Bashful Bear stuffed animal found at Polka-Dotted Zebra.

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Crystal vase by Bohemia and Sullivans’ Signature Collection hand-crafted fox statue available at Abilities Unlimited.

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home & garden goodies Kingsley the Penguin corkscrew, limited summer edition Lemon-ade-Rita

by Bud Light and Viniq shimmery liqueur from In Good Spirits.

Decorative metal towel rack found at Furniture Emporium.

Tea towel and locally made linen and burlap down pillow and metal bunny with magnetic flower available at The Goods.

April 2015

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home & garden goodies

Pottery by Central Garden made from rich Tuscan clay. Available at Sutherlands.

Sparkling water from Mountain Valley in assorted flavors found at Paul’s Meat Market.

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Easter pail with a mother duck and her duckling and Easter tea towels from Jennifer’s Gift Shop inside Sparks Hospital.

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home & garden goodies

Decorative pillows, including a selection handmade in India by Daughters of Hope, a fair trade, social enterprise providing training and employment to impoverished women.

Available at Now and Then Shoppe.

American Paint Co. clay/chalk mineral-base paint, glaze finish and vintage antiquing wax from Yard Sale Find Design.

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home & garden goodies Matching sun hat and watering can and nitrile coated, breathable nylon-lined gloves from Neumeier’s Nursery & Florist.

Squish AudioBOMB splash-resistant bluetooth speakers found at Luther Stem Pools & Spas.

Sing and Dance bunny bear, duck with bunny slippers, large Taddle Toes chick and Hello Kitty Beanie Baby from Coleman Pharmacy.

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MUSIC

& performance Glenn Miller Orchestra 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 ’n’ roll classics. Call or go online for tickets. $35, $30 and $25. 7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

Joe Nichols

Barrett Baber

How about those Arkansas boys: Joe Nichols, Barret Baber in concert APRIL

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Two natives of the Natural State will entertain at the riverfront in Cox Communication’s seventh annual Community Concert, a gift to the area and a fundraiser for local organizations.

Headliner Joe Nichols will be joined by Barrett Baber. Nichols, who grew up in Rogers, has had 14 Top 40 singles and six No. 1 singles on the country charts. His album “Man with a Memory” earned Nichols a Top New Male Vocalist award from the Academy of Country Music, as well as three Grammy Award nominations and platinum certification from the RIAA. Its second single, "Brokenheartsville," became his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard country charts in 2003, while "She Only Smokes When She Drinks" and "Cool to Be a Fool" both reached Top 20. In 2003, Nichols received the Country Music Association's Horizon Award. His latest album, “Crickets,” included the single “Yeah,” which reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart in July.

Baber, now of Fayetteville, is originally from Marion in the Mississippi River Delta, that fertile musical homeland of blues and rock centered on nearby Memphis. These roots gave Barrett the influences and inspiration that shine through his music today with his unique, soulful style of singing. His country/soul slant on songwriting gives Barrett a recognizable sound and an authentic, home-grown identity. Last year, “A.R.K.A.N.S.A.S. Get There From Here” by Baber and Kenny Lamb was the winner of the Song of Arkansas contest, a promotion by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism that had musicians vying to see whose original tune would be chosen from pieces entered through YouTube and Soundcloud.

Admission to the concert is free by tickets available at all local Cox Communications offices. A donation of at least two shelf-stable food items is requested as an exchange for tickets. The concert will raise money for the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club and Mercy Foundation of Fort Smith, as well as collect food for area food banks. 6:45 p.m. Harry E. Kelley Riverpark, North A Street and Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 44

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April 2015

River City April 4 Bands for Babies Benefit Concert

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.

Diaper Dandies, volunteers of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, has resolved to hold several diaper distributions in 2015, providing diapers, wipes and other supplies. The organizing band, 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.” Admission is free, donations appreciated; 6-10 p.m. La Huerta Mexican Restaurant Patio, 400 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. April 4 A Little Night Music FAC Review This second annual review is a fundraiser for the Fine Arts Center. It will include entertainment by local musicians and VBHS alumni. $10. 7-10 p.m.

Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-4017

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE April 9 Slaid Cleves Concert Slaid Cleaves is a quintessential Austin singer/songwriter. He won the coveted New Folk Award at Kerrville Festival in 1992. Twenty-some years later, he is at the peak of his form. In his words, “Grew up in Maine. Lives in Texas. Writes songs. Makes records. Travels around. Tries to be good." $35. 7:30-10 p.m. Five Star Productions, Media Room, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-8931 artistaudiencecommunitylive.com/

STOMP April 9 STOMP Using everything but a drum – from garbage cans to Zippo lighters to boot-clad feet – the high-energy, athletic cast creates the beat in a soundscape and spectacle that constantly surprises. Call or go online for tickets. $40. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com 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. Sundays, 2 p.m..

Doors open at Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org

Liverpool Legends April 10 Liverpool Legends Beatles Tribute Show Liverpool Legends Beatles tribute band is four talented musicians and actors who were handpicked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison of The Beatles. Liverpool Legends has been voted Branson’s Best New Show, Visitors’ Choice Best Show in 2009 and Best Show in 2010. $15-$25. 8 p.m. Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-4017 April 2015

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE April 17 Northside Talent Show Northside students show off their skills. This year's theme is "Grizzlies Got Talent." $5 adults; $3 students. 4-6 p.m. Northside High School Auditorium, 2301 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1171

April 10-12 Antigone Alma Performing Arts presents the classic story of “Antigone,” written nearly 3,000 years ago. It is a timeless tale of right and wrong, family struggles and faith. Antigone is a daughter of King Oedipus and must make a choice between obedience to her family and the laws of the gods. Her struggle, as with most Greek tragedies, brings about her own downfall. Call or go online for tickets. 7 p.m. April 10-11; 2 p.m. April 12. $15 adults; $10 students.

Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

American Spirit Dance

Kevin Costner & Modern West April 15 Kevin Costner & Modern West Yes, that Kevin Costner, the actor-now-turned-musician on tour with his band Modern West, playing rock, roots, Americana and country. Costner says he is out on a creative limb and loving it. 8 p.m. $49.95, $90. Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Ok. 800-745-3000 ticketmaster.com

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Bob Alder April 16 An Evening of Music with Bob Alder Celebrate National Library Week with a special night of music and storytelling with singer-songwriter Robert Alder. Performing and writing for more than 50 years, Alder said books and the literary world have been an inspiration for some of the more than 600 songs he has written. A recent arrival to Fort Smith, he has lived in California, Colorado, New Mexico and Missouri. Free. 7 p.m. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

April 18 American Spirit Dance A joyous and entertaining evening of dance American style. The American Spirit Dance Company celebrates America's unique contributions to dance through jazz, tap and musical theater. This outstanding touring student dance company comes from Oklahoma City University, where many are obtaining a Bachelor of Performing Arts. They perform a Broadway-style revue featuring tap, jazz and musical theater-style dances. Call or go online for tickets. $30, $25 and $20. 8 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE April 18 Fort Smith Symphony: Music of Nat King Cole An outstanding guest artist will perform the music of Nat King Cole.

Denzal Sinclaire is one of Canada’s most popular jazz vocalists, ranked among the finest jazz singers of his generation.

Denzal Sinclaire This celebration of Nat King Cole, an American force of nature, begins with Bernstein and Gershwin’s epic “An American in Paris.” $40, $35; students $20, $15. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Corp.

Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-7575 fortsmithsymphony.org April 18-19 Tennessee TV Is it TV or reality? That's what one Tennessee couple and a reality show host will decide in the one-act plays of Tennessee TV & Tennessee TV-Take Two, presented by the Mansfield High School Drama Department. $3, free for children 5 and under. 7:30 p.m. April 18 and 3 p.m. April 19. Mansfield High School, 2500 U.S. 71 South, Mansfield, Ark. 479-928-1105 mansfieldtigers.org April 23 David Sedaris An evening of conversation and masterful satire as NPR humorist and New York Times best-selling author David Sedaris shares topof-mind reflections from his collection of oft-snarky and sarcastic personal essays. Sedaris is one David Sedaris of the most observant writers of the human condition today – and bar none, the funniest. $38$58. 7 p.m. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org

April 25 Nashville Comes to Van Buren: Totally Patsy Cline Jennifer Ford, Patsy Cline tribute artist, performs in a fundraiser for Volunteers for Injured Veterans Association's Wounded Warriors program, which serves local recovering wounded veterans.

Opening the show will be Lost in the ’50s artist Gabrielle Gore. $10. 6 Jennifer Ford p.m. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-649-8803 April 25 Bluffett: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett Bluffett features Larry Pearson, whose look and vocals will take you on a musical trip to “Margaritaville.”

Larry Pearson Props, costuming and audience participation will capture the island essence Jimmy Buffet is know for, while eight performers play crowd favorites such as “Volcano,” “Fins” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” $10. 8 p.m.

Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla.

800-745-3000 ticketmaster.com

May 2-3 Alma Performing Arts presents: DANCE Alma Performing Arts DANCE is the work of more than 300 students in a dance extravaganza. Each year, the Alma Schools dance program puts on a show including dance styles ranging from hip-hop to lyrical to Latin. Including theater, comedy, acrobatics and always has a few surprises. $15 for adults and $10 for students. 7 p.m. May 2 and 2 p.m. May 3. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org May 6 National Music Week Celebration The National Federation of Music Clubs celebrates National Music Week, May 3-10. This event, “Music, the Heartbeat of the Soul” includes a song of the month, a program and features students of the Lori Fay Strings Junior Club. Lunch is provided by the members. 10 a.m. Oak Cliff Baptist Church, 3701 Gary Street, Fort Smith, Ark.

Fraternal Order of Eagles April 3, Southern Rhythm; April 2, Bandit w/Libby; April 7, Joe Harris; April 10, Dervish Dance; April 14, Robert Kelsey; April 17, Scott Schmitz; April 18, Wes & Hope; April 21, Joe Harris; April 25, Dead Armadillos; April 28, Robert Kelsey. Admission $5 members/$7 non-members. Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 208, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark.

Events must be submitted by the venue to efortmith.com through our online form.

April 25-26 The Sleeping Beauty Western Arkansas Ballet presents the storybook ballet “The Sleeping Beauty.”

Guest artists are Nathaly Prieto and Fort Smith native Jammie Walker, both from the Jammie Walker Dayton Ballet of Dayton, Ohio. Walker received his early training at Western Arkansas Ballet before attending the University of Oklahoma. He has been with the Dayton Ballet for three years. Tickets are available at waballet.org or at the box office two hours prior to the performance. $25 adults, $15 children through university age with a student ID. 7:30 p.m. April 25; 2:30 p.m. April 26. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org April 2015

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

VoiceJam showcases a cappella singing groups in competition at Walton Arts Center event Founder, director and arranger for the House Jacks, the original "Rock Band Without Instruments," Deke Sharon is the festival host.

The House Jacks have eight albums and dozens of international tours to their names, including multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall and singing the national anthem for Monday Night Football.

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VoiceJam, a new festival produced by Walton Arts Center, will feature regional, national and international a cappella ensembles in a contemporary vocal harmony showcase. The host is Deke Sharon, “the father of contemporary a cappella,” who produces "The Sing-Off" worldwide, which had the highest ratings of any new, unscripted television show in 2009 and was the third highest rated show on NBC in 2010. Sharon also served as arranger, on-site music director and vocal producer for Universal's movie "Pitch Perfect" starring Anna Kendrick.

The two-day festival is a major entertainment event.

On April 10, eight groups from around the country take to the stage, each one vying for a chance to compete at VocalAsia in Shanghai, China. The competing teams are the Beltones from Belmont University in Nashville; VirtuOSO, from Baylor University in Waco, Texas; Mello Divas of the Berkeley Preparatory School, Tampa, Fla.; the Hibernotes of Missouri State University in Springfield, DeltaCappella of Memphis; Snowday from Gaithersburg, Md., Above The Keys from University of Miami-Florida and The Ill Harmonic of the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Ill. Sharon will be master of ceremonies, assisted by professional a cappella groups The House Jacks and Voco Novo.

On April 11, there will be workshops for all levels of interest in a cappella music. Sharon, The House Jacks and Voco Novo will lead a variety of fun classes for both novices and a cappella pros, covering topics like vocal percussion, how to start a group and more.

A Red Carpet Showcase awards celebration will highlight the winner from the previous night’s competition and feature full performances by professional ensembles The House Jacks and Voco Novo. Dress is trendy cocktail. Tickets are available to all events of the festival. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonarts.org.

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KIDS calendar of events

April 1 Easter Story Time Pre-schoolers are invited to a special seasonal Easter story time. Kids will enjoy stories, crafts and snacks. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 fortsmithlibrary.org April 1-29 Alma Preschool Story Time On April 1 during a special Easter story time, Ms. Megan will read about what happens when T Rex takes over for Peter Cottontail and how Fancy Nancy and Llama Llama spend their Easters. The craft will be puffy paint peeps and colorful Easter eggs. Other topics this month will be ducks, National Library Week, Earth Day and zoos. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 April 1-29 Cedarville Preschool Story Time There will be lots of books, crafts and fun at the library throughout April. April 1 is Easter, April 8 is Gardens, April 15 is Down on the Farm, April 22 is Earth Day, April 29 is Going to Kindergarten. Free. 10 a.m.

Wednesdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark 479-410-1853

Easter Bunny on the Hunt in Fort Smith 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. 479-7835161 grandfamily.net

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Elks Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Features three age-level hunt areas for children ages 1-12 to hunt for hundreds of colorful Easter eggs. Every child will go home a winner with an age-appropriate prize.

After the egg hunts, participating children and their families will be treated inside the Elks Lodge to a hot dog picnic-style lunch. Weather permitting, a picnic lunch and prize give-away will be served outdoors so please take lawn chairs. Take cameras because Elroy the Elk will be on hand to meet the children and create terrific photo opportunities. Free. 11:30 a.m. Fort Smith Elks Lodge No. 341, 5504 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks.org Portraits with the Easter Bunny: Take a photo with the Easter Bunny. $12, includes two 5x7s or a CD with photos. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. BrickCity Emporium, 3215 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-5858 brickcityemporium.com

April 1-29 Teen Time/Tweens & Teens Stop by the library after school for classes, crafts and games. Free.

3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 1-29 Van Buren Preschool Story Time Story time this month will feature Easter, Circus, Spring, Earth Day and Bugs. Free. 9:30 and 11 a.m. Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 1-29 Story Time Wednesdays Visit the library for stories, crafts and more. Free. Wednesdays. 10 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 April 1-May 15 Academy of the Arts Summer Registration Registration is open for UAFS Academy of the Arts Summer Programs.

Activities include musical theater camps, visual art camps, private lessons in music, theater, dance and preschool MusikGarten classes. Activities are open to all ages and levels from preschool through high school. Download registration forms online or call for more information. The academy offers year-round programs in music, theater, dance, and art to students of all ages and levels. UAFS Echols Building, 504 North Waldron Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7253 uafs.edu/academy April 2 Easter Craft Make an Easter Bunny craft at the library. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 April 2 Jack in the Box craft Don’t miss out on all the laughs during the April Fools’ Day celebration with a Jack in the Box craft. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 April 2-30 All Ages Thursday Young or old, all are welcome to have fun with Lego time, crafts and games. Free. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 2015 Entertainment Fort Smith 49

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KIDS CALENDAR April 3 Movie Day Surprise movie for children and teens. Free. 1 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 April 4 German Story Time The Van Buren High School Language Club will present a story time in German. They will introduce the German language using songs, stories and skits. Free. 10:30 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 6 Primetime Story Time: Jungle Fun! Monkey around at Primetime Story Time. This month’s program will feature stories, songs and crafts about fun in the jungle. Free. 6 p.m.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org April 6-27 Teen Time Join in for fun with board games. Free. 3:30 p.m. Mondays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 7-28 Mulberry Story Time An hour of fun with stories, games, crafts and snacks. Free. 11 a.m.

Tuesdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark 479-997-1226 April 7-28 After-School Tuesdays Have fun with games, computer games and more. Free. 3:45 p.m.

Tuesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark 479-369-1600 April 7-28 Baby & Me Babies, toddlers up to age 3 and caregivers can join the library for songs, finger plays, a story and play time, including bubbles. Free.

10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 7-28 Van Buren Teen Time The library will host an opportunity for teens to participate in creative writing. Free. 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 7-28 Spanish Lessons The Van Buren Library will offer free Spanish lessons for students in fourth-sixth grades. Children can begin to learn Spanish through games and stories and establish a good foundation for learning other languages. Free. 3:30-4:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 7, 21 Club Scrub/Home School Ms. Chris will demonstrate fun science experiments and encourage the students to continue growing in knowledge by pursuing the field of science. Free. 1:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Bring on Spring!

I

am one of those crazy moms who truly loves Daylight Saving Time and springing forward. Trading off one less hour of sleep for extra hours of sunshine in the evening is well-worth the required adjustment for me, my husband and toddler. Longer days equal more outdoor time, which is good for all parties involved. My husband dives into readying our garden for the coming rains and sunshine; I can get in a few extra runs while the sun is up; and my little guy can run the yard freely with his cars or tag along with me as we roam the neighborhood soaking up the warmer evening hours.

This winter has been tough on us. Frigid temps these last few weeks have meant too much time indoors and this Vitamin-D loving lady and child don't like it one bit. James needs his time to dig in the dirt, climb our tree and kick the ball. I prefer drinking my coffee and typing on my laptop from the comforts of my porch. We have made countless trips to local play places just to burn off some of my son's pent-up energy. (Apparently, we were not alone. I saw some of the same mommies at Chick-fil-A more than once, obviously relieved to have their child climbing the slide versus their leg.) I also don't do snow. It requires too many layers. It takes just as long to bundle up as it does to get cold and have to go back inside. Not even sledding or snowman-building can rectify that. Plus, all the extra laundry, muddy snow boots ... it drives me mad!. I know winter is a must, but after Christmas, I am counting the days until warmer weather.

But spring has sprung. Birds are chirping and you likely can hear me rejoicing right along with them. The sun is good for my soul and my child is thrilled to have hours outside in the yard with his big truck. Earlier this week, as I watched my husband till away and make paths for new seeds, I took notice of how my little man was right behind him, shovel in hand doing his best to mimic his daddy's movements. Ever patient and always the teacher, Jeramy showed him the ropes and let him help gear up for planting. And being Daddy, he let him get extra muddy in the process, much to James' delight.

They scooped and played and laughed at the mess. James jumped on and off the raised beds making me smile with each of his pint-size giggles. He caught me spying and ran up to give me a big dirt-covered hug before we were forced to head inside by the sundown. I knew full well I would be spending the next day scrubbing mud-covered clothes, shoes and carpets, but that didn't matter one bit because the memories were worth the work.

So celebrate with me! Get outside and get to playing, digging or drinking coffee on the deck. Hallelujah, Spring is here!

Guest Writer Brittany Ransom

We have invited guest writers to share their parenting experiences.

April 12 Sleeping Beauty Princess Party Attendees will learn a dance to perform at the end of the party, have refreshments, craft time and photos with Sleeping Beauty cast members. Tickets are $30 each and are available online. 2-4 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479785-0152 waballet.org April 2015

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KIDS CALENDAR April 13, 27 Laptime Story Time A love of reading starts early. 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. Free.

10:30 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 April 13 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 April 13 Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Meeting Mothers of infants through preschoolers are invited to enjoy refreshments and conversation as they complete a scripture memorization board craft and listen to Grand Avenue Baptist Church's family pastor, Will Guyton, teach moms how to share their faith with their children. Child care provided. Free. 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-5161 grandfamily.net April 16 Windsock Craft Children and teens, learn to make a windsock for craft

day. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 April 16 National Library Week Craft Design your own book mark. Children, tweens and teens. Free. 3:30 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark 479-997-1226 April 17 DIY Candleholder Use your imagination to create your very own candle holder. What designs can you make? Keep it for yourself or give it to mom for Mother’s Day. For tweens and teens. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 April 20 LEGO Club Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create, and build unique creations with the LEGO Club. Supplies are provided – just take your imagination. Free.

5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 April 21 Money Smart Week: DIY Hand Dotted Tumbler Take your friends for a fun afternoon of decorating a personal and unique hand-dotted glass on a budget.

Tweens and teens. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 April 22 School House Rock Live JR. Preview Show The UA-Fort Smith Academy of the Arts Academy

Playerz will present a special preview of “School House Rock Live JR.” Based on the Emmy Awardwinning Saturday morning educational cartoon series, this energetic musical revue-type show follows Tom, a young schoolteacher who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV when various characters emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music. Memorable songs such as “Just a Bill,” “Conjunction Junction” and many more bring his lessons plans vividly to life. Arrive early to get a good seat.

Free. 4:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 April 23 Creative Writing in the Real World with Carol Westcamp Ages 10 to 17 are invited to learn some of the main concepts of creative writing and how creative writing can be applied to the real world. Carol Westcamp, assistant professor of English at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, will share how aspects of creative writing are used in marketing, businesses and elsewhere on a regular basis. Door prizes, refreshments and teen friendly chats about the exciting world of creative writing will be featured at this program held during National Poetry Month. Free. 5-7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org April 23 Earth Day for Kids Make some art from recycled materials. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark 479-410-1853

April 18 AETN Presents: “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That” The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) has partnered with Mercy Children’s Services to bring the star of “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That” to the Fort Smith Public Library. Families are invited to meet the Cat at the main library. Visitors can enjoy photographs with the Cat, screenings of “The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!,” story time with Dr. Seuss books, face painting and more.

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The UA-Fort Smith Academy of the Arts presents the Disney Kids version of “AristoCats.” Join a company of 30 children grades 1-2 for a fun-filled show of singing, acting and dancing as "everyone wants to be a cat." Tickets are available for purchase by phone, online or at the door. Prices vary. 2-3 p.m. UAFS at 2nd Street – The Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com

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April 24 Perfect Pet Story Time & Stuffed Animal Show Celebrate National Kids and Pets Day with a special stuffed animal story time and pet show. After reading fun stories about pets and animals, kids will have an opportunity to “show” their stuffed animals to the audience and win one in of the many categories. Does your stuffed animal have the longest tail? Most spots?

Softest fur? Take a donation of pet food, treats or toys for the Sebastian County Humane Society; the library will be accepting donations throughout April. Free. 10 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org April 27 Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Meeting Mothers of infants through preschoolers are invited to enjoy refreshments and conversation as they complete a date night jar craft and listen to Gary and Jenny

Lee share their experiences as a couple who have been married for 46 years. Child care provided. Free.

9:30-11:30 a.m. Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-5161 grandfamily.net April 27 Spanish Story Time The Van Buren Public Library will be hosting story times in Spanish. This is a great opportunity to learn about another language or to hear stories in your own language. Free. 4 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 30 Bird Feeder Craft Make a tasty treat for birds and have fun with your friends at this craft program for children and teens.

Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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April 1 Basics of Elder Law and Long-Term Care Planning This discussion continues from last semester on planning for long-term care and protecting estates and assets, as well as Medicaid and V.A. Pension with Aid and Attendance Planning. $5. 1-2 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 1 2015 RAM Invitational: Call for Submissions The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum’s annual open invitational, juried art exhibit will focus on how modern technology impacts today’s society. The theme is Man vs. Machine: The Art of Expression and the Wired World. Artists are required to submit one paragraph (in a Word document subject to being edited) explaining the subject matter depicted in their work. Submissions can be any media: painting, photography, fiber, sculpture, installations and video. Cash prizes and a RAM purchase award will be granted. Prizes range from $300-$1,000, with the first-place winner receiving a solo show at RAM in 2016. The winning piece will be announced one week before the show closes.

Deadline for submissions is July 1. Entry fee is $25 for members; $40 for non-members. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787

Ranger ringing a replica of the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park.

Bells Across the Land: A Nation Remembers Appomattox For the past four years, the National Park Service and many other organizations and individuals have been commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War and the continuing efforts for human rights today. On April 9, 1865, Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant met Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee to set the terms of surrender of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. In conjunction with a major event at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the National Park Service invites communities across the nation to join in this commemoration. The bells will ring first at Appomattox at 3 p.m. April 9. The ringing will coincide with the moment the historic meeting between Grant and Lee in the McLean House at Appomattox Court House ended. While Lee’s surrender did not end the Civil War, the act is seen by most Americans as the symbolic end of four years of bloodshed. After the ringing at Appomattox, churches, temples, schools, public buildings, historic sites and individuals are invited to ring bells precisely at 3:15 p.m. for four minutes (each minute symbolic of a year of war). 3:15-3:19 p.m. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

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Let Freedom Ring Celebration The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission will celebrate the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution as the final commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Churches, courthouses and other facilities are asked to ring bells 13 times at 1 p.m. (13:00 hours) on April 14. In addition, the commission will establish a YouTube channel on its website to post videos of Arkansans from all walks of life reading the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery in the United States in 1865. The 13th Amendment reads, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” Let freedom ring! 1 p.m. arkansascivilwar150.com

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April 1 Architecture Speaker Series: Sarah Susanka on the Not So Big House The “Not So Big House” book series by Sarah Susanka brings to light a new way of thinking about what makes a place feel like home – characteristics many people desire in their homes and their lives, but haven’t known how to verbalize. How big is Not So Big? Not So Big doesn’t necessarily mean small. Call or go online to register. $10; free to members. 7 p.m.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-657-2335 April 1 Spring Bake Sale The Friends of the Mountainburg Public Library will be selling baked goods decorated with an Easter theme. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 April 1- 22 Learn Adobe Illustrator Design, draw and color images quickly and easily using the software application Adobe Illustrator CS6.

Benefit from 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. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 1-22 Aquaponics Learn to grow fresh fish and vegetables. Aquaponics researcher James Brandi will show the best ways to develop a design using the research he is conducting at UAFS. Get plan ideas for a home aquaponic garden and tips for avoiding his mistakes. Students also will view his ongoing garden projects first-hand. $65. 68:30 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 1-24 Money Smart Week Enter to win a coin counter for Money Smart Week.

Drawing will be held on April 24 at 4 p.m. Free. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 April 1-29 Practical Spanish With a native Spanish-speaking instructor, students will get to visit a restaurant or store, the library or office and practice new language skills. $30. 10-11 a.m.

UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 1-30 Dewey’s Cafe Exhibit: Cindy Sugg Cindy Sugg is a lover of nature 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 may also 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 fortsmithlibrary.org April 1-30 Miller Branch Library Exhibit: Priscilla Myers Originally from Arizona, Priscilla Myers uses acrylic and oil paints to create what speaks to her, including portraits, abstracts and landscapes. Recently, she has also begun experimenting with pet portraits. Free.

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org April 1-30 Post-it Note Poetry Celebrate National Poetry Month by asking for a Postit note to express yourself through poetry. Next, bask in your awesomeness by posting your poetry on the windows of the library, or take the time to read the thoughts of others. Post-it Note Poetry is for all ages.

Free. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 fortsmithlibrary.org April 1-30 Bookface Selfies Celebrate National Library Week with the Windsor Branch Library by putting your face in a book with a bookface selfie. Upload it to the library’s Facebook page and share it with your friends. All ages are invited to enter; one lucky person will win a prize to be drawn at the conclusion of National Library Week. Free.

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 April 1-June 3 Line Dancing Learn basic country line dances, as well as popular club dances. Rubber-soled shoes or soft-sole dance shoes with no heel 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 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 2-July 19 Dawn Holder: New Work Opening Reception A reception April 2 will celebrate the opening of this exhibition of large-scale, site-specific, three-dimensional works inspired by the unique and dynamic combination of technology and nature. Refreshments

Photography Exhibit: Steven Jones Original photographic works of Steven Jones are on exhibit at the Fort Smith Public Library. Jones works primarily as a commercial photographer, with several gold Addy awards and a National American Graphic Society Award to his credit. His work 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. Artwork is available for viewing when meetings are not being held in the Community Room. Free. 9 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

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will be provided. Members free; non-members $5. 57 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org April 2 Arkansas Gives Arkansas Gives is a one-day giving event sponsored by the Arkansas Community Foundation in partnership with the Arkansas NonProfit Alliance. Make online contributions at ArkansasGives.org to the organization of your choice. The Fort Smith Museum of History and the Community Services Clearinghouse are two local organizations appealing to local donors. Donations will help the museum to qualify for bonus dollars from the Arkansas Community Foundation to continue its mission to preserve the history of the city and the region. A donation to the Community Services Clearinghouse enables the agency to help provide weekend meals for the 2,400 area children through the Meals For Kids/Backpack Program and assistance for people who receive assistance from its food pantry. These are mainly cancer victims, elderly, disabled and working families in an emergency situation. Contributions are tax deductible. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org and Community Services Clearinghouse, 4420 Wheeler Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5074 csclearinghouse.org April 2-5 Triduum Retreat Join the monastic community of St. Scholastica to celebrate the Triduum of Holy Week. Enter into wor-

ship with the Sisters to follow in the footsteps of Jesus to Calvary and share in the joy of his resurrection. On Holy Thursday afternoon, there will be a brief orientation presented by a member of the Community. The retreat will conclude with the Feast of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday in the Monastery Dining Room. $115, with a $50 deposit. St. Scholastica Retreat Center, 1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7831135 stscho.org/retreat-registration 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 putting, learn to get out of trouble and learn course management. The course is open to any level of player from beginner to intermediate. Golf clubs will be provided during class or students may bring their own equipment. 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 2015 Entertainment Fort Smith 55

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First Saturdays Expos begin at the Learning Fields The public is invited every first Saturday of the month to the River Valley Master Gardener Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing. The Learning Fields offers classroom lectures and hands-on gardening demonstrations for vegetables, fruits, trees and flowers. The programs are led by Master Gardeners who may be specialists in the subject they are sharing. Programs for children are offered as well. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardeners Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 918-839-6003 learningfieldsatcc.org and Facebook/The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing

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Down and dirty: Master Gardeners teach by showing and doing and involve both adults and children in gardening skills at each First Saturday Expo.

April 2-May 21 American Sign Language 2 Take 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. $109 fee includes price of textbook; $89 for those who already own the textbook. 68 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 2-May 28 Square Dance Dance for fun with a local square dance group that meets on Thursday evenings in a healthy atmosphere.

Dress is casual. First-time guests are welcome and will be taught the steps and dance for free. $2.50. 79 p.m. Hug Chevrolet Showroom, 407 East Main Street (U.S. 22), Charleston, Ark. 479-462-2317, 479-462-2318 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 April 3, 17 Crochet & Knitting Class Learn to crochet or knit at the library. Learners of all experience levels are welcome. Take along your own yarn and a size G or H crochet hook. Anyone who crochets as a hobby is invited. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark, 479- 474-6045 56

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April 3-23 Spanish Basics 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 is 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 motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas water. Students who pass the course will receive certification. Call the park for pre-registration (required). Students are encouraged to take a sack lunch. Free, but pre-registration is required. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith April 4 Jack Crabtree Benefit 5K Dino Run This fun run will benefit Jack Snack Scholarship Program for Alma Public Schools, named in honor of Jack Crabtree. There will be prizes for the bestdressed dinosaur, both in child and adult categories.

The starting line is at the Alma Performing Arts Center.

Pre-registration begins at 7:30 a.m. day of race. This race will allow for a $500 scholarship to be given to one Alma High School senior. Registration is $25 in advance, $30 day of race, or $10 for 12 and under.

Pick up registration packets 3-8 p.m. April 2 at Pizza

Place, 108 U.S. 71 North, Suite 110, Alma. Proceeds during that time will go towards Jack’s scholarship fund. Sponsored by the Alma PAC and the Women’s Community League of Alma. 7:30 a.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-629-0579 April 4-11 EBay: Learn to Buy and Sell EBay is not just about collecting anymore. Cars, furniture, real estate, clothing, electronics and more are offered for sale on the internet’s most popular online auction site. Learn the process from listing items for sale, photographing merchandise, packing, shipping and accepting electronic payment. Students will need eBay and PayPal account setup prior to class. Take photos of item(s) to list. $45. 9 a.m.-noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 4-11 Landscape Photography Capture the beauty of nature in photographs. Learn how shutter speed, lens aperture and film speed (ISO) relate to each other and interact to create stunning photos of the world around us. Develop an idea and learn to scout and find natural locations. The camera, lens and accessory equipment needed will be discussed in the first class. An introduction to post-processing and software is included. A digital SLR camera and tripod are required. $50. 9 a.m.-noon.

UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 4-18 Redesign, Repurpose, Refinish Find the “treasure” in the “trash.” Well-known designer, sculptor and artist Ralph Irwin will lead a design process he uses to create innovative solutions to design problems, whether in the home, garden or business space. Explore the uses of the unusual, unused, or disregarded items that will be repurposed into the exceptional. Class will be held in Irwin’s studio and involve field trips to the junkyard and consignment stores to find and recycle exceptional art. $65.

9 a.m.-noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 6 Fort Smith Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter Meeting The public is invited to hear the history program “David Hall and Peter Caulder: Free Black Pioneers of Arkansas” by Billy Higgins, associate professor at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. Free. 2-3:30 p.m.

Fort Smith Public Library Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3321 April 6-27 Learn to Dance Like the Stars Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach beginners dance lessons from 7:30-9 p.m. and advanced lessons from 6:30-7:30 p.m. every Monday night. The type of dance changes on the first Monday of every month for both beginners and advanced. Dress attire is casual.

Smoke-free environment. $5. 6:30-9 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578

April 7 Intro to the iPad Have a new Apple iPad? Learn the basic concepts of iPad use and how to download from the app store.

The iPad must have OS 7.0 or later installed and be charged for class. $30. 6-9 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 7 UAFS One-Stop Transfer Day One-Stop Transfer Day simplifies the enrollment process for students considering transferring to UAFort Smith. Apply for admission and financial aid, learn about transfer credits, take any necessary placement tests and register for classes. Students must have a 2.0 or higher GPA to be eligible to transfer to UAFS. Take official transcripts from each previously attended college, a copy of immunization records, latest tax return and an official high school transcript or GED scores. Contact the Admissions Office. 9 a.m.noon. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7120 April 7-21 The Listening Miracle Discover the five mistakes that make good listening impossible, get four keys that will get anyone to listen better, and the one secret that turns stressful conflict into cooperation. Improve everyday communication with Phillip Kropp, who has taught listening and conflict resolution skills for nearly 20 years. $40. 6-8 p.m.

UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning

April 7-28 Intro to Excel Microsoft Excel worksheets can be great tools for tracking, sorting and calculating information. Create and format an Excel worksheet in this hands-on class covering opening existing spreadsheets, working with cells, saving a spreadsheet, using the fill handle tool, creating mathematical formulas and more. Basic computer/Internet/keyboarding skills are required or enrollees must have taken “Computer Basics” or a similar class. $40. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 8 Foot and Ankle Health: The Motion of Living The foot and ankle are an intricate system of bones, joints and tissue. Functioning properly, the system enables you to stand, walk, and run – pain free. Podiatrist Dr. Evan Young will discuss common maladies of the foot and ankle and how they are treated. $5. 12 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 9 360 Leadership Series Luncheon: Millie Ward Millie Ward, co-founder and president of Stone Ward, a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations agency, will be the featured speaker. Recently, Ward became the first woman inducted outright into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Call or go online for tickets. $17. Noon-1 p.m. Movie Lounge Ballroom, 7601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-242-3600 360LeadershipSeries.com

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Zonta Club Annual Geranium Sale The Zonta Club of Fort Smith’s annual geranium sale offers beautiful geraniums in red, dark pink, white, and salmon. These plants will enhance yards, houses, and businesses from spring until the first frost. The proceeds of this sale support local and international projects which advance the status of women. Local support includes the Single Parent Scholarship Fund, Esther House, Girls Shelter, Girls Inc., The Crisis Intervention Center, First Impressions Workshop, and a career fair for local junior high girls. The Zonta Club of Fort Smith also awards five educational scholarships to area women from the proceeds of the flower sale. Throughout the world, Zonta works toward justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Pre-sales of flats of geraniums and giant marigolds end April 6. Pre-sales guarantee color choices. Pre-sales may be ordered by leaving a message at 479-414-9117 or by contacting any area Zonta member. Flats are $27 for 18 plants. Pre-sale plants are to be picked up the day of the sale, April 12, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sageley and Edwards Realtors parking lot in Fort Smith. The day of the sale, individual plants will be available for $1.50 each. $1.50 per plant. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sagely and Edwards Realtors, 3101 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-414-9117 zontafortsmith.com

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offers an anecdotal and often hilarious look at a most unusual piece of Midwest American culture. “Okie Noodling” premiered to sold-out crowds at the 2001 South by Southwest Film Festival, winning the Audience Choice Award and First Runner-Up for Best Documentary. The film also won Best Documentary at the 2001 Great Plains Film Festival. Call or go online to register, which is required. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-657-2335

April 9 Facebook Business Pages Hands-On Workshop The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents a hands-on workshop to show participants how to use a Facebook business page to their business’ advantage. Along with the basics, tips for content reach and analyzing post effectiveness will be highlighted. A computer will be provided for each participant during this interactive session. Cost is $35; Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders members will receive a $10 discount. Registration required. $35. 1-4 p.m. Central Mall, 5111 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events/ April 10 Boys and Girls Club Banquet & Youth of the Year Dinner Celebrate with the Alma Boys & Girls Club at this dinner. Honored guest speaker is 2012 National Youth of the Year, Trei Dudley. $20 for individuals or $250 for table. Sponsorship opportunities are available. 6:308:30 p.m. Alma Boys and Girls Club, 410 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2070 April 10 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. The dress attire is casual.

Dance instructors are available for assistance in this smoke-free environment. $5 per dancer. 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 58

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April 10 Bingo for Books Love free books and playing bingo? Have fun, make new friends and take home a book. Free. 10-11 a.m.

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

April 10 Film and Discussion: Okie Noodling with Filmmaker Bradley Beesley Kick off the exhibition “Fish Stories: Early Images of American Game Fish” with a screening of this lively documentary by renowned filmmaker Bradley Beesley, who will participate in a post-screening discussion. The film features interviews with hardcore hand-fishing veterans, as well as rousing footage of real noodlers in action. Set against an original musical score by rock band The Flaming Lips, “Okie Noodling”

April 10, 24 Redwork Embroidery All experience levels welcome to teach, learn or enjoy the company of other stitchers. Take your own supplies. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 10-11 OrangeFest Headlining this year's festival is rising country star and winner of NBC's “The Voice” Craig Wayne Boyd.

He will perform a free concert on the OSU Institute of Technology campus at 2 p.m. April 11. There will be a 5K Glo Run, a Chalk Walk created by local artists, live music from local bands and food from local eateries as well as area food trucks. Also, a tailgate party, muscle car expo, a kitefest and more performances.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Kid Zones will have plenty for children to do including playing with robotics, Lego mindsets and even video games. Sponsored by the town of Okmulgee and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Free. Downtown Okmulgee, Okla.

918-293-5140 osuit.edu April 11 Miles for Mutts This 5K run/walk benefits the animals of the Sebastian County Humane Society. The first 350 participants will receive a T-shirt. Awards will be given to male and female finishers, first through third place, in each division. Check in the day of the race at 7 a.m. $25 per person or $50 per family of three. 8 a.m. Riverfront Park, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-4395 sebastiancountyhumanesociety.org April 11 NIT Training: Native Edibles A Western Arkansas Master Naturalist class. A fee is required to participate in this 12-month series of classes. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-8444 rivervalleynaturecenter.com April 11 Coyote Challenge Trail Run Channel your inner coyote. Choose a distance of 5K, 10K or 16K and run through the Boston Mountains, the most challenging and rugged terrain in the Ozarks. $5 entry fee online or $6 on day of the run. 9 a.m.noon. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

150th Civil War Anniversary: Candlelight Tours Fort Smith National Historic Site will be hosting its first ever Candlelight Tour commemorating the conclusion of the Civil War. Each of these 30-minute tours will visit five stops; each stop representing a different year of the Civil War at Fort Smith. As night descends, walk the candle-lit pathways to watch history come to life. Meet soldiers in anticipation of battle, civilians waiting to go home, ex-slaves looking to fight for their freedom and all of them looking forward to the end of the war. The tour will conclude with a night-time cannon firing. The tours will begin at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Call to make a reservation. $2. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-226-3727 nps.gov/fosm

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Author Visit and Storytelling with C. Frazier Jones The National Library Week edition of the library’s popular Food for Thought program will feature a lunchtime discussion with mesmerizing storyteller C. Frazier Jones. Jones’ work has appeared on “Tales from the South,” a radio program heard on Arkansas’ National Public Radio stations KUAF and KUAR as well as nationally on NPR and other stations. The author will promote her first book, “Things We Thought We Saw in the Water,” a collection of short stories, which will be available for purchase and signing at the event. In eight mesmerizing tales, Jones takes readers to a playground built by imagination, where mermaids ferry the dead to the afterlife; a husband, long missing, returns as a cat; and a vengeful spirit haunts a Pawnee, Okla., Walmart, much to the inconvenience of both customers and staff. Jones lives in Little Rock with her family. Take a lunch or pick it up at Dewey’s Café at the main library. The library will provide drinks and desserts. Free. Noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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April 11 3rd Annual Poteau Rotary Wine & Arts Festival: An Evening at the Gallery Enjoy wine, food, arts and entertainment hosted by the Poteau Rotary Club. Seven Oklahoma wineries will provide tastings and sales. Local restaurants, caterers and specialty food vendors offer cuisine. Artists will have hand crafted works on display and for sale. A champagne toast at 4 p.m. kicks off the event. All guests receive a commemorative wine glass and sixbottle reusable wine tote with each ticket. Proceeds will go to educational programs supported by Rotary International and the Poteau Rotary Club in LeFlore County. Must be 21 to attend. Go online for tickets. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. 4-8 p.m. Donald W Reynolds Community Center, 105 Reynolds Avenue, Poteau, Okla. 918-647-4204 poteaurotary.org

of the author’s works will be available for purchase and signing at this open-house style event. Free. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

April 11 TrailBlazers Hike to Mt. Kessler TrailBlazers Hiking club will hike at 1,854 foot Mt. Kessler near Fayetteville where volunteers have built 8.5 miles of trails. The hike begins on the Rock City Trail, an area known for its stunning rock formations and then follows a loop for a total distance of 5-6 miles rated moderate. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot to carpool/caravan. 8 a.m. Mount Kessler Greenways, Hwy 62 West, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

April 11 2 Hip Chicks Roadshow This traveling vendor show will feature vintage and shabby chic items for your home and yourself. Shop row after row of clothing, home decor, party items, gifts and more all at the Muskogee Civic Center. Free.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Muskogee Civic Center, 425 Boston Street, Muskogee, Okla. 612-888-3002

April 11 Authors in the Afternoon with Jessica Fleming Arkansas author Jessica Fleming will sign her book, Lifting the Veil: Tales of Discovery and Magic. Enter worlds where things are not always what they seem, and the price of power could be your very life. Copies 60 Entertainment Fort Smith April 2015

April 11 Herbal Cleaners to Make at Home With spring around the corner, it’s time for spring cleaning. A few simple ingredients can create cleaning products that are healthy, earth-friendly, effective and smell absolutely great. The RiverValley Master Gardeners Herbal Adventure Committee will demonstrate using homemade cleaners for laundry, bath, kitchen and windows. Snacks and refreshments provided.

Reservations required. $20. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3325 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-2104

April 12 Junior League of Fort Smith Information Session Women in Fort Smith and the surrounding communities: Have you been wanting to make an impact in your community and create lifelong relationships along the way? The Junior League of Fort Smith is recruiting new members and would love to have prospective members hear more about the league.

This informational session will be held at a private res-

idence. Contact the league via Facebook or by calling to register. Free. 3 p.m. Junior League of Fort Smith, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3930 jlfs.org April 13 Embroidery Guild of Fort Smith The public is invited to 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 Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-2759 April 13 Book Talk: Denise White Parkinson Denise White Parkinson’s “Daughter of the White River: Depression-Era Treachery & Vengeance” in the Arkansas Delta combines true-crime reporting with Arkansas history and culture. Parkinson paints a glowing if troubling picture of life, beauty, and hardship in the floating communities of Arkansas’ White River, with the spirited vigilante Helen Spence at the book’s center. A limited number of copies are available at the Van Buren front desk. Free. 7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 13 Senior Movie Monday A romantic comedy about a widowed father who became a reluctant guest on a radio show. Then, a writer becomes convinced that it’s her destiny to meet him, even though they live across the country. Rated PG. Free. 1:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 13-17 National Library Week Celebrate National Library week. Sign up throughout the week for a prize basket to be given away April 17, Patron Appreciation Day. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark., 479-632-4140 April 13-18 National Library Week During National Library Week, the library encourages reading. Prizes for participation. Free. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 April 13-May 18 A Culinary Experience Noted local chef Jason Haid of the River City Deli teaches the foundation knowledge for anyone who likes to get into the kitchen and create. Learn to select and use the right knives, what equipment is needed for what task, the five Mother Sauces that are used to create wonderful tasting dishes and basic cooking techniques. Class size is limited, register early. $175.

6-8:30 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 14 United Way of Fort Smith Area Day of Caring The day begins with a kick-off breakfast at 8 a.m. at Golden Corral. Call or go online to register. Free. 8 a.m.

United Way, 320 South 18th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-1311 volunteer.unitedwayfortsmith.org April 14 Book Talk: Anita Shreve Discuss “Light on Snow,” a tender and surprising

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS novel about love and its consequences by Anita Shreve. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 April 14-18 Symposium of the American Indian This celebration of American Indian culture and more than 100 years of higher education at Northeastern State University features workshops on Native American traditions, short films and an ongoing film series.

Spend the day browsing through traditional art vendor booths and enjoying a variety of speakers. Enjoy live performances, stickball exhibitions and a variety of American Indian games. This event concludes with the NSU powwow, featuring traditional tribal dance such as gourd dancing, all performed to the electrifying beat of drums. This symposium brings renowned scholars and tribal traditionalists together in a university venue to educate and offer discourse in sovereignty, scholarship, creative works, tribal issues and cultural diversity. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 14-17; noonmidnight April 18. Northeastern State University, 600 North Grand, Tahlequah, Okla. 918-444-4351 April 14-28 Financial Planning for Women Learn to handle personal finances with help from veteran financial planner Ann Kinder. $40. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 15 Depression: How to Be There When You’re Needed Learn how to spot symptoms of depression, under-

stand how to support someone going through it and get them the help they need. $5. 1-2 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 15 Po’ Boy Tax Day While they last, the library will provide sandwiches for lunch. Free. Noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren. 479-474-6045

versity and a master’s degree in drawing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She currently lives in Little Rock, where she has previously taught at the Arkansas Arts Center and UALR. The opening reception will take place at 5 p.m. on April 15. The exhibit is on display through April 30; exhibit hours are 8 a.m.6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Friday. 5 p.m. Free. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark.

April 15 Debunking Cancer-Related Nutrition Myths A free nutrition and cancer series will be presented by Kelley Frost, MS, RD, LD, with Sparks Nutrition Center and assisted by executive chef Brian Huff, Sparks Health System. Call to register. Free. 11:30 a.m.

Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 April 15-May 6 Intermediate Word Go beyond the basic document by inserting text boxes, clipart and charts. Intro to Word or basic Word skills required. $40. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 15-30 Opening Reception: Dominique Simmons “Homecoming” features works created by artist Dominique Simmons over the last 20 years. Simmons graduated from Northside High School and attended Westark Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in printmaking from Arkansas State Uni-

April 15-June 24 Spring 2015 Winemaking Class Learn to make classic red wines Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir at this five-session workshop. Each winemaker will eventually take home five bottles of wine. Enrollment is limited; fee is due at sign up. For more information, call instructor Isaac Witt. Sessions will last about an hour and a half. $35, includes materials. 5:30 p.m. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardeners Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-5314

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History Talk on Richard Smoot: Orbiting Booth’s Inner Circle Did a Fort Smith man interact with several key conspirators who helped to kill Abraham Lincoln? “Richard Smoot: Orbiting Booth’s Inner Circle” is a talk presenting the fascinating story of a Fort Smithian who said he was involved in the assassination of President Lincoln, which took place April 14, 1865. Research volunteer Mark Potter will discuss “The Assassination of President Lincoln” a lithograph produced the life of Richard Mitchell Smoot,

by Currier and Ives, was rushed to press and available for a native of Maryland who spent sale in 10 days. Lincoln’s assassination happened at the his final years in Fort Smith and is advent of news photography so this illustration and others like buried at Oak Cemetery. Shortly it had to serve to depict the heinous murder of a president. before his death, Smoot told the story of his involvement in a privately published book. It is the resulting book that will be the centerpiece of this presentation. Museum admission $5 adults, $2 children, under 6 are free. 1-2 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841

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April 16 Beginning Yoga at the Fort Smith Public Library Take steps to get fit at this special National Library Week program featuring beginning yoga with Terri Hargrove from Yoga in the Park. Yoga can improve flexibility, balance, strength, and focus. Mats will be provided or use a chair – perfect for seniors or anyone with balance challenges. Free. Noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org April 17 Spring Break in Branson Consider this a one-day spring break for grown ups: A group trip to Branson for some shopping and a show. Known for special effects, amazing stunt riding and musical numbers, the Dixie Stampede has been wowing audiences for years. Watch the pre-show and dinner is included. $135. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 17 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon: The Sack Lunch Program A special day honors the hundreds of Sack Lunch Program volunteers who serve people of the area who are hungry and may not know when they will have another nutritious meal. Each day, a lunch and a kind smile is served to each customer who comes to the serving window. The program’s motto is, “Fighting Hunger, One Sack Lunch at a Time.” Call by April 10 to register, which is required. Free. 12:30-1:30 p.m.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 3501 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-252-1360 April 17-19 53nd Annual Arkansas Folk Festival This annual spring event features handmade crafts, frontier life demonstrations, parade, dancing on the courthouse square and a window-decorating contest.

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The highlight and focus is, of course, tons of folk, mountain and bluegrass music. Also, Ozark Folk Center State Park kicks off its season offering free admission to its craft grounds Friday through Sunday, and free shuttle rides are offered between the park and downtown both Friday and Saturday. Downtown Mountain View, Ark. 870-269-2985 April 18 Fort Smith March for Babies March for Babies is a family-friendly event benefitting the March of Dimes. The walk will be followed by an awards presentation and lunch. It will be a memorable and rewarding day for the whole family, including activities such as face painting, team sign/poster creating, stroller decorating and more. There also will be a garden of hope, where walkers can honor the babies in their life in whose honor they are walking. 9 a.m. registration; 10 a.m. walk. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479-751-5475 marchforbabies.org/event/fortsmithar April 18 Master Gardener Plant Sale The 2015 Master Gardener Plant Sale offers healthy, well-started plants for sale including flowers, trees, shrubs, vines and vegetables. A catalog of plants will be available on the website two weeks prior to the sale.

Free. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Parking lot of First Christian Church, 3501 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Free. learningfieldsatcc.org April 18 Macro Photography with Don Steinkraus Macro photography is extreme close-up photography, usually of very small objects. Noted entomologist and photographer Dr. Don Steinkraus gives a presentation of his rich and often stunning photographs of butterflies, moths and flowers. Steinkraus will offer photography tips and lead a wildflower photography hike after the presentation. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Lake Fort

Fort Smith resident Richard Smoot disclosed in a privately printed memoir that he had played a role in assisting the assassins. Smoot died in 1906.

Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith April 18 Zumba Master Class Special guest Instructor Maureen McEvoy leads a zumba class to support the Fort Smith National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter for the 2015 Nami Walks. Nami Walks is a family-friendly event that raises awareness and funds for Nami Arkansas and Nami Fort Smith River Valley. $10. 9-10:30 a.m. Mercy Fitness Center, 7610 South Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-314-7400 April 18 Wildflower Photography Hike Spring is a beautiful time of year at Lake Fort Smith State Park as many of our native wildflowers are in bloom. Join members of the Western Arkansas Master Naturalists Guild for a short hikes, identifying and photographing native wildflowers. Take a camera.

Free. 3:30- 5 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith April 21 United Way of Fort Smith Area Campaign Wrap Up United Way of Fort Smith Area will host its campaign wrap-up luncheon. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. United Way of Fort Smith Area, 320 South 18th, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-1311 unitedwayfortsmith.com April 21 Cookbook Club This month’s event is a potluck. Take your favorite recipes. There will be a drawing for a prize all you have to do is show up and your name gets entered for the drawing. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 21-May 2 Learn to Sail Discover the thrill and experience of sailing. Get introduced in the classroom to the basic theory of using the wind, terminology of sailing and sailboats, getting started on board and finish with two hours of practical sailing aboard a 23-foot keelboat on Kerr Reservoir Lake. Class is suited to the novice sailor or the sailor who needs to refresh their skills. Students should be 16 years and older. Class size is limited. $125. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 21-May 5 Learn to Draw: Light and Shadows Build on a foundation of basic drawing techniques using charcoal, conte and pastels. Discover lighting and rendering techniques using value studies to define the light in your subject. Basic drawing materials provided, additional materials may be required. Class size limited to 10. $55. 6-8:30 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 22 Small Business Financial Management Workshop Topics include the basics of financial management best practices, financial statements, working capital, budgeting, cash flow and financing for a business.

Seating is limited and registration is required. Taught by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events

April 22 Eating As You Are: You are Allowed!

Learn to prepare smaller, healthier meals. A registered dietitian from Sparks Nutrition Counselling Center will discuss nutrition needs for older adults, overall healthy eating and tips for meal planning on a budget. $5. 12 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 April 22 Divas, Diamonds, & Decadence The Fountain of Youth Adult Day Center hosts this third annual luncheon. Enjoy a delicious lunch, see the latest fashions and have a decadent dessert. A ticket makes the perfect gift for administrative professionals as it falls on Administrative Professionals Day. $35.

11:30-1 p.m. Fianna Hills Country Club, #1 Essex Place, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-7782 foyadc.org April 22 Earth Day/Go Green Take a pledge to go green and sign up to win a small tree in celebration of Earth Day. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 22-May 20 Technology for Career Success Create a professional resume, use e-mail efficiently and apply online while in class. Obtain a job or get a better one using these technology tools. Free. 8-9:25 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.org

29th Annual Spinach Festival Alma fills its downtown with music, games, vendors and food for this annual celebration that attracts more than 20,000 people each year. The park will be transformed into an open air marketplace with merchandise and food booths filling the area around the community center. Expect plenty of fun for children in inflatable play equipment, contests and entertainment. 8 a.m.-dark. Alma City Park, 804 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-287-1369 almachamber.com

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Gala event helps cancer survivors Touching more than 11,000 lives in 2014, the Reynolds Cancer Support House provides assistance to more than 600 cancer survivors in our community annually. Diverse programs are offered, such as support groups, including adolescent cancer survivors and children, creativity classes for adult and teen survivors and more than 1,100 wigs, hats and head coverings. The center granted more than 400 gas vouchers and more than 500 city transit bus passes for travel to treatment, as well as medical supplies and more than 500 bottles of liquid nutrition annually. All services and programs are free to the cancer patient and their family members. All of this vital support is made possible through donations. Wine & Roses is the Cancer Support House’s most important annual fundraiser. Now in its 21st year, the party has become a local favorite charitable event enjoyed for its signature wine tastings, wine auction and the beautiful bouquets of long-stemmed roses that adorn the facility during the party. Funds are raised through ticket sales and a lively wine auction, plus silent auctions of works of art by local artists and a raffle for a ladies’ Rolex watch donated

by Newton’s Jewelers. Each ticket includes complimentary wine and beverages, gourmet food by River City Deli & Catering and entertainment by Wingnut. Call or go online for event and raffle tickets, as well as bouquet purchases. $100. 6:30 p.m.

Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302, 800-262-9917 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

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April 22-May 20 Microsoft Word 2013-Level 2 Learn more advanced features of the Word 2013 program, including mail merge, graphics, themes and forms. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 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 April 22-May 20 QuickBooks Pro 2012, Level 2 Learn more advanced features in QuickBooks Pro, including inventory, payroll, estimates, tracking time and customizing the program. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 9:25-10:55 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.org April 23 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The book “How to be a Heroine: Or, What I Learned From Reading Too Much” by Samantha Ellis will be reviewed. Any woman is 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 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com April 23 Money Smart Week: Eat Healthy on a Budget Kristen Gilley of the UofA Cooperative Extension Office will talk about eating healthy on a budget. Participants will play a fun game that will help you see where your food money is spent. There will be hand-outs to help you strategize how to eat healthy on a budget. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 April 23-30 Intro to Macbook Learn basic skills from setting preferences to setting 64 Entertainment Fort Smith April 2015

up an e-mail account and Apple ID. Learn keyboard and mouse tricks. Students provide their own laptops; OS X required. $40. 6-9 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 23-May 14 Adobe InDesign For church or work or to work as a professional freelance artist, learn to take publishing skills from design to execution on the industry standard desktop publishing software. $75. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 23-May 21 Windows 8.1 Learn the Windows 8.1 operating system, including the start screen, file management and navigation. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.org April 23-May 21 Microsoft Excel 2013-Level 3 Learn lookup functions, PivotTables, analysis tools, and collaboration tools with this third level of Excel. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 9:30-10 a.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.org April 23-May 21 Microsoft Publisher 2013 Learn how to create promotional brochures, flyers, business cards, newsletters and more in Publisher 2013. $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

April 24 Never Say Never Foundation Battle with the Blades This event brings U.S. Paralympic Athletes to compete against Arkansas high school athletes in order to raise awareness about limb loss. Paralympian athletes will compete against high school athletes as a part of the McDonald’s Relays, an official sanctioned track and field event. Paralympic athletes also will be participating in qualifying events for the 2016 Paralympic Games. 3 p.m. Southside High School, 4100 Gary Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-7371 April 24 Scrapbooking Ms. Caitlin will have her own scrapbook page made and will have a packet available for those attending.

Supplies are available or take your own. Free. 10 a.m.noon Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark., 479-474-6045 April 24 Diamond Dance The Diamond Dance Club is sponsoring a Ballroom Dance. Mike Lawrence and his HUA Band will provide recorded entertainment. Attire for men is coat and tie or tuxedo and for the ladies, a dress or gown. Club membership is not required. Smoke-free night club environment. $10. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 April 24-25 Red Fern Festival This old-fashioned fun event features hound dog field trials, 1930s-era children's games, a car show and more. The Red Fern Festival was inspired by the renowned novel "Where the Red Fern Grows" by native author Wilson Rawls. The novel, which was set in Tahlequah, evokes simpler times. The festival itself capitalizes on this theme of simplicity with a wide array of old-fashioned events perfect for the whole family. One of Tahlequah's premier events, the Red Fern Festival features unique and rustic food vendors,

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS a barbecue cook-off, live music, a tractor parade, crawdad hole and plenty of children's activities. Free.

Noon-10 p.m. April 24; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. April 25. Norris Park, downtown Tahlequah, Okla. 918-431-1655, 918-931-1699 April 24-25 Sequoyah County Annual OHCE Quilt Show A minimum of 60 quilts and quilted items will be on display, judged by independent judges with a People’s Choice Award decided by the attendees. Vendors will offer quilt fabrics, notions and quilting machines.

Group demonstrations are possible. Lunch of turkey, dressing, salads, desserts and drinks will be available on Friday for a fee of $7. Sandwiches, desserts and drinks available on Saturday. $2. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sequoyah County Fair Building, Redwood and Shurley Streets, Sallisaw, Okla. 918-775-9320 April 24-25 Sallisaw Main Street Bluegrass and Barbecue Sallisaw Main Street will host the 4th annual Bluegrass and Barbecue in beautiful downtown Sallisaw. Music will begin at 5 p.m. on April 24 and 10 a.m. April 25.

Taster kits for barbecue will go on sale at 11 a.m. April 25. Vendors and other activities for all ages add to the fun. Commemorative T-shirts on sale. Free. 3-5 p.m.

Stanley E. Tubbs Memorial Library Lawn, 101 East Cherokee Avenue, Sallisaw, Okla. 918-776-7920 April 24-26 Retreat: Centering Prayer, The Journey Continues A retreat for deepening the practice of centering prayer. Enjoy spiritual teachings on the process of transforming the false self into the true self. 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 cornerstones of our true self. Registration deadline is April 10. $235 with a $50 non-refundable deposit. 1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1135 stscho.org/retreat-registration April 25 Founders Day at Lake Fort Smith State Park Celebrate the pioneer spirit of the families who settled Frog Bayou and Shepherd Springs in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas, which is today the area encompassed by Lake Fort Smith State Park. Enjoy a variety of family-friendly events all day, including Ozarks folklore, an archaeology hike and an evening concert of 1800s folk music. Free. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 April 25 28th Annual Greenwood Open Car Show This big show returns to the square in Greenwood, where rat rods, street rods and muscle cars will line the square. Includes a Top 75 Show, swap meet and lots of fun for the family. Free. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Greenwood Square, 1 Townsquare, Greenwood, Ark. 479-459-9836 greenwoodarcarshow.com April 25 TrailBlazers Waterfall Hike TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike to three waterfalls – Glory Hole, Magnolia Falls and Woods Boys Falls for a total distance of about 4 miles rated easy to moderate. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot to carpool/caravan. 8 a.m. Newton County, Arkansas 21, near Fallsville, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com April 2015

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Clayton House Family History Series: “Railroads to Splendor: Family Roots” Enjoy this stroll through history in the comfort of the circa 1882 Clayton House with Fort Smith native, history buff and streetcar conductor Joseph St. Cloud Irwin, a Fort Smith Trolley Museum volunteer of 12 years. He has some big stories – such as the massive historic home his Scottish grandfather and railroad tie manufacturer, Angus MacLeod, built in 1905; the giant earthen dam his civil engineer father helped form in the mid-1930s (Lake Fort Smith) after being a “digger” on one of the world’s greatest engineering projects, the Panama Canal, beginning in 1909 upon graduation from the University of Arkansas; and a bit about the man who had a big dream and founded a Fort Smith medical institution now 95 years old, from whom Irwin received his middle name (Dr. St. Cloud Cooper). Enjoy refreshments and the authentically restored home of U.S. Attorney William H.H. Clayton beginning at 1 p.m. before the program begins at 1:30. Call or email claytonhouse@claytonhouse.org to reserve your seat.

Free to members of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation, which saved the home from demolition in 1969 and continues to keep it preserved; $10 suggested donation for non-members. 1 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org

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Joseph St. Cloud Irwin April 25 Authors in the Afternoon with Lori Plegge Little Rock author Lori Plegge will sign copies of her book, “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me,” the true story about the life and death of a young man, the author’s son Anthony. Plegge has managed to take her tragedy and turn it into something positive. Free. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org April 25 Wapiti Mountain Run Benefit Poker Run The Wapiti (Elk) Mountain Run is a poker run that will benefit Elks youth and veterans charities, as well as the Wounded Warriors Project. The scenic mountain route is approximately 180 miles long with interesting planned stops. Kick stands up at 10 a.m. in the Kelley Highway Walmart parking lot in Fort Smith, where riders can register. Ride ends at 4 p.m. at Fort Smith Elks Lodge where cash prizes for best and worst hands will be awarded. Activities after the run will include a bikini bike wash, bike games, food and musical entertainment. Cars are welcome to participate in the run. Entry fee includes one poker hand and one barbecue dinner.

Additional poker hands can be purchased for $10 each. Wapiti Mountain Run apparel will be available.

Pre-register at the Elks Lodge any Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday night after 5 p.m. $20 for drivers and $10 for passengers. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Smith Elks Lodge #341, 5504 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks.org April 25 Diversity and Inclusion: A Community Discussion What are diversity and inclusion and how do they impact a group’s effectiveness, a company’s bottom line and a person’s happiness? The Fort Smith Public Library hosts a community discussion about diversity and inclusion and their value locally and globally in our schools, community, businesses and in the marketplace. The Rev. Zachary E. Easterly Sr., pastor of Mount Zion Christian Methodist Church of Fort Smith 66 Entertainment Fort Smith April 2015

and Spiritual Care Director at the Arkansas State Hospital, and Dr. Daniel Maher of UAFS will discuss the differences in diversity and inclusion and how inclusion can inspire individuals to broaden their world views. Ways to work with young people, managers and executive teams to help them better understand the profitability diversity and inclusion can bring will also be discussed. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 April 27 Westark Area Council Golf Classic This event includes door prizes, a raffle, hole contests and more. Proceeds benefit the Westark Area Boy Scouts of America. Register online. $125 per person.

11 a.m. registration followed by lunch and a 1 p.m. shotgun Eagle Crest Golf Course, 3926 Golf Course Drive, Alma, Ark. 479-632-8857 westarkbsa.org/Events/GolfClassic April 27 Basic Yoga Learn basic yoga at the library. Free. 3-4 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 April 29 Building on History: First National Bank Building Chuck Girard has worked at First National Bank of Fort Smith for more than 40 years and has amazing insights into the history of Fort smith’s most visible buildings. From 30-ton doors to hidden emblems and tellers, learn more about one of our own landmarks. $5. 1-2 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 30 Keyboard/Mouse This basic beginning class will help you get familiar with the key components of the computer and practice

your keyboarding skills. $10. 9-10 a.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 30-May 21 Computer Basics Level 1 Learn the basics of computing with other beginners.

Use hands-on exercises to learn operating systems and basic applications, how to create, sort and filter files, manage and understand security settings and keyboard shortcuts. $40. 10 a.m.-noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning May 1-3 School of Whitewater Paddling Arkansas Canoe Club’s School of Whitewater Paddling is an opportunity to learn how to enjoy whitewater, to build your skills and knowledge and to have fun. The club will offer classes for all ages and skill levels, ranging from water proficiency to basic safety. There also will be a fish fry cookout and pancake breakfast. You must register in advance. Fees vary. Turner Bend, 13 miles north of I-40 at Exit 35/Ozark, Mulberry, Ark. arkansascanoeclub.com May 1-2 6th Annual Airing of the Quilts Show This event features 100 quilts, Miss Sue’s Tea Room, a silent auction, quilt raffles and vendors. Artists from Greenwood Art Guild will display and sell original works of art. Sponsored by Alpha Delta ESA. Proceeds benefit the South Sebastian County Historical Society. $5. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Senator Ed Wilkinson Pavilion, Bell Park, 1050 Bell Park Road, Greenwood, Ark. 479-883-0254 Facebook/GreenwoodQuilts May 1-2 The Steel Horse Rally This charity motorcycle rally honors military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders. The two-day event features the largest motorcycle parade ever in

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS downtown Fort Smith, charity poker runs, motorcycle competitions, great food and a Miss Steel Horse Rally Bikini Contest. Live music both nights; performances

by Hillbilly Vegas, Judge Parker and Backroad Anthem to raise money for local charities. Park your motorcycle in the middle of Garrison Avenue between 6th and 10th streets during the evenings of the rally. The Steel Horse Rally Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity. Proceeds help charities in the local area. Harry E. Kelley Park and other parks in downtown Fort Smith; Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-414-3775 thesteelhorserally.com May 1-2 Iron Mountain Festival and Car Show Roland’s city festival is named for the historic Iron Mountain Railroad. The festival begins Friday night with a Burnout Competition at 6 p.m. Cash prizes and trophies awarded. On May 2, a Fire Department breakfast will be held from 7-10 a.m. The Car show and festival begin at 9 a.m. with car show registration ending at 10 a.m. Vendor and yard sale space is available.Fun for the whole family. Roland City Park, Roland, Okla.

918-427-5551 rolandchamber.com May 1-3 Balloons Over RussVegas Hot air balloon festival features balloon flights, tethered rides, tandem skydiving, helicopter rides, powered parachutes and more. At 7 p.m. May 1, hear Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee in concert at the Center for the Arts. Russellville Soccer Complex, 901 Lock and Dam Road, Russellville, Ark. 479-967-1762 balloonsoverrussvegas.com May 1-22 Spanish Intermediate 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.

Start to speak more fluently and in conversations. $45.

10 a.m.-noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning May 2 3rd Annual Van Buren Boys & Girls Club Life’s An Uphill Run 5K The race will begin at the boys and girls club, with the course tracking through the hills of the city park. A one-mile family fun run/walk also will be held at the park lake. Advanced registration is available online. $20 in advance; $25 day of race. 7 a.m. check-in, 8 a.m. race. Van Buren Boys & Girls Club, 1403 City Park Road, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-9401 bgcofvb.org May 2 Meditation Techniques “Meditation” is a range of techniques by which practitioners consciously control and direct their attention so as to alter their states of consciousness. In general meditative techniques lead you to still the mind, emotions, and nervous system during the meditation, thus relieving day to day stress and bringing the physical body to a deep state of relaxation and rejuvenation.

With consistent practice over time, you can enjoy many cumulative positive effects on your physical and mental health. Suzanne Parnell leads the class. $25.

1-4 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning April 2015

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Museum Rides Along with Motorcycle Memories Exhibit To coincide with the Steel Horse Motorcycle Rally May 1-2, the exhibit Motorcycle Memories will be on display in the Boyd Gallery of the Fort Smith Museum of History through Aug. 31. The popular exhibition, which was first presented in 2008, features vintage motorcycles and photographs exploring the “art of the motorcycle” in Fort Smith and the region from the 1940s through present day. Fort Smith has an historical association with motorcycle culture. Learn about the people and places that put the region on the map for motorcyclists. Quin Winter’s Bike Shop on Towson Avenue was the nexus of motorcycle culture in Fort Smith from 1939 until 1975. His sons, Leroy and Robert Winters, gained national fame for their accomplishments in the field of motorcycle racing. In 1940, Fort Smithian Ercie Gann became a charter member of the “Motor Maids,” a national organization of female motorcyclists. The annual “Razorback Run,” a 150-mile, roundtrip ride from Fort Smith to White Rock Mountain near Mulberry, Ark., drew motorcycle enthusiasts from a regional area from 1952 to 1955. Otis Spiker played a vital role in the area cycling culture. As one of the few manufacturers of Henderson motorcycle parts, Spiker gained national recognition as well as becoming a local motorcycle legend. Motorcycle Memories is designed to unite the “art of the motorcycle” with the generation of Americans that enjoy a lifestyle peculiar to the American mainstream. The exhibit will strive to educate future generations about a fascinating spectrum of Americana. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Museum admission $5 adults, $2 children. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

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Otis Spiker, with his ever-present cigar, manufactured parts for Henderson motorcycles.

No story of motorcycle history in Fort Smith is complete without Robert Winters, first-place winner of the 250 Grand Prix in Daytona,1966. The Winters family, including Robert’s father, Quin, and brother Leroy, operated well-known bike shops that were headquarters for motorcycle enthusiasts.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 2 Altus 36th Springtime Gala This all-day event starts with an Arkansas Wine Country Bike Tour for bicyclists along with a Sprint into Spring 5K race. Food and entertainment continues throughout the day and includes a kids talent show along with a painted turtle contest, sack races and a Treasure in the Hay hunt. 9 a.m. Free. Downtown City Park, U.S. 64, Altus, Ark. 479-518-1963 May 2 Meditation on the Mountain Spend a day gathering inner peace, strengthening mind and body. Lunch included. Travel via UAFS van is optional. $40. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning

May 2 13th Annual Night in the Caribbean Fundraiser A fabulous Caribbean buffet will be served and an open bar will be available in this entertaining party supporting the Gregory Kistler Treatment Center Inc. Live and silent auctions, cash drawdown, cork for a cause, pearl plunge and more fun – all raise funds for a great cause. This year, Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes entertain. This great group of talented musicians have been performing together since 1984 and boasts a rock rhythm section, lead vocalist, and three horns. Members of the Cabbageheads have performed with the legends of pop and country music including artists such as The Righteous Brothers, Tina Turner, Kenny Rogers, Rufus Thomas, The Guess Who and the Platters. Established in 1978, treatment center has been known and respected as a caring and effective outpatient facility for well over three decades providing physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy to children. The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. $75. 6-11 p.m. Golden Living, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-4677 kistlercenter.org May 2 7th Annual Nurses’ Prayer Breakfast All nurses, active or retired, and student nurses are welcome. Featured speaker is Jacqui Sargent, R.N., who has worked nearly 30 years as a nurse and currently works at PeachTree Hospice. She will discuss end-of-life care and the idea of “Ministry through Presence.” This event also honors Brenda DeArmond, winner of the Arkansas School Nurse of the Year.

DeArmond is a nurse at Northside High School. This is an excellent opportunity to learn, network and visit with other nurses. The lecture is free. Participants are invited to purchase their own breakfast. 8:30-10 a.m.

Golden Corral Restaurant, 1801 South Waldron Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-1040 April 2015

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 2 WW&L United Way Bass Tournament The 3rd Annual WW&L United Way Bass Tournament is a team fishing event with $2,500 guaranteed in cash and prizes. Contestants will fish on the Arkansas River from the starting point of Clear Creek Public Use Area near Alma. The angler who catches the biggest bass will win a flat screen TV valued at $500. First-place winner will be awarded $800; second place, $600; third place, $400; and fourth place, $200. All proceeds benefit the United Way. Enter by mail. Registration forms are available at the Tackle Box and Alma Service Center. Take-off will be in the order entries are received. Mail entries are due by April 28; entries will be taken at the boat ramp on the day of the tournament.

Tournament starts at safe light. Weigh-in is at 3 p.m.

Contact tournament director Burel Schaberg with any questions. $80 per team. 5 a.m.-3 p.m. Clear Creek Public Access Area Boat Ramp, 3610 Clear Creek Road, Alma, Ark. 479-353-8717 May 2-31 Oklahoma Renaissance Festival Step back in time to the 16th century with Queen Elizabeth I of England, King James of Scotland, and over 600 costumed performers and artisans as they create the boisterous village of Castleton. This Renaissance festival will feature a royal court, jousters and jesters, magicians, musicians and minstrels. Delight your taste buds with unique foods, or browse through more than 125 booths for one-of-a-kind items. Journey to an age of sorcerers, knights in shining armor, kings, queens and maidens fair. Many visitors will attend in costume, so show up in your best Renais-

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sance attire, or rent a costume onsite. There will be living history demonstrations and live performances, like a life-size game of chess played by real people, a jousting tournament, thrilling acrobatic feats, KnightWings Birds of Prey and more. A children's realm featuring games and hands-on demonstrations provides hours of fun. Kids can visit the Ultimate Maze and take part in the Queen's Quest and the Children's Knighting Ceremony. Enjoy a wide variety of food and drink each day of the festival at The Royal Luncheon, the Queen's Tea, and the King's Smoker, or simply pick up delicious food at one of the many food merchants stationed throughout the festival grounds.

Special evening events include the Masqued Ball, the Pirate's Feaste and the Ceilidh. Free. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Castle of Muskogee, 3400 West Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee, Okla. 918-687-3625 May 2-Sept. .26 Cedarville Farmers’ Market The Cedarville Farmers’ Market season will open with a community garage sale and flea market. Booths are free for this day. The Old Rock School Quilters organizes the market. The quilters are a group of local women who do hand quilting. They also run a gift shop located in the Community Center. All money made from quilting and sales in the gift shop go to maintain the Community Center. The items sold in the gift shop are hand crafted by people in the community.

The Old Rock School Gift Schop is open 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesdays and Saturdays while the group is quilting together. Farmers’ Market opens at 8 a.m. Cedarville Community Center/Old Rock School, Pirates Way Cedarville, Ark. 479-471-1445

May 2 Qigong for Beginners Qigong, meaning “to work or exercise the vital life force (qi)” is the 5,000-year-old Chinese system of self-healing exercises and deep breathing techniques.

Its gentle exercises and mental techniques help maintain good health, produce healing for illness, injury, and stress and significantly improve quality of life.

Suzanne Parnell, who has trained with several Qigong Masters, instructs. No athleticism required. Several related classes are offered this semester for those who wish to learn more. $25. 9 a.m.-noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning May 3 TrailBlazers Hike to Devil’s Den TrailBlazers Hiking Club’s 13th season of hiking will come to an end with hikes along the trails of Devil’s Den Loop and Yellow Rock at Devil’s Den State Park concluding with a wiener roast/potluck. The whole family is invited. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot at 1:30 p.m. to carpool/caravan or at the large pavilion in the park at 2:30 p.m. Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com May 4 Skin Cancer Screenings Presented by Dr. Sandy Johnson of Johnson Dermatology. Call to schedule an appointment. 8-11:45 a.m. and 1- 2:15 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

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CAE’s 5x5 Gala is for art and fun The Van Buren Center for Art and Education’s exciting and artful annual fundraiser, the 5x5 Gala, will be held at the Fort Smith Convention Center. The numbers refer to works of art on 5x5-inch canvases that each ticketholder will receive at the evening event, which features dinner and an open bar. The original 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, 479-4747767. 6-10 p.m. Fort Smith Convention

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Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 4 The Skinny on Skin Cancer and other Skintastic Issues May 4 is Melanoma Monday. Dr. Sandy Johnson, dermatologist, will give an update on skin cancer and treatment as well as a question and answer period on all skin issues. Lunch is sponsored by Johnson Dermatology. Seating is limited, please reserve a seat by phone. Free. Noon. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org May 6 Listen Up: Hearing Loss Prevention and Treatment You can once again enjoy the sweet sounds of life.

Join Certified Audiologist Dr. Jana Smith as she discusses hearing loss, how it is diagnosed and innovative hearing aid options to fit every patient and every budget. $5. 1-2 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning May 6-27 Intermediate Excel Take your Excel skills to the next level? Learn to insert text boxes, tables, charts and clipart; create more elaborate equations and export data into other programs.

Completion of Intro to Excel or basic Excel knowledge required. $40. 6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning May 7-14 Help, I’m Lost! Map Reading Made Easy Global Positioning Satellites have taken the guesswork, art and skill out of finding one’s way. We rely on GPS to guide our cars, steer our boats, fly our planes.

They mark our progress hiking a trail or geocaching with the kids. But, could you find your way to safety if the batteries die? Do you remember how to read and properly use a paper map? Learn the basic navigation skills that work in any situation. Learn these simple techniques and you will never truly be lost again. $40.

6-8 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning May 8 Leadercast Fort Smith 2015 Leadercast Live is a one-day leadership event broadcast live from Atlanta to hundreds of locations around the world, all on the same day and time. Among the speakers will be Andy Stanley, Peyton Manning, Rudy

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Giuliani and Malala Yousafzel. The Fort Smith event will begin at 7:30 a.m. in Grand Avenue Baptist Church’s sanctuary, where the Leadercast will play on the church’s large, state-of-the-art video screen. Leadercast is focused on building “Leaders Worth Following.” Leadership is not reserved for those with a ‘C’ in their title. Better leaders are needed in communities, businesses, organizations and in homes across the world. Leadercast exists to serve individuals and organizations across all sectors who want to become intentional about raising their standard of leadership.

Early bird special until April 10: $65 per individual or $60 each for group of 10 or more. 7:30 a.m. Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-242-3600 360LeadershpSeries.com May 8-10 Bentonville Fine Art Show The wildly successful Bentonville Fine Art Show presented by Black Art In America and the SilverParker Group returns to the Majestic Republic Art Gallery on the square in downtown Bentonville. This year’s collection will feature works by notable women artists, and a portion of the proceeds from sales will benefit Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas. Free. 9 a.m.5 p.m. Majestic Republic Art Gallery, 109 Main Street, Bentonville, Ark. 417-499-4555 blackartinamerica.com May 9 Strawberry Festival Car Show The whole town of Stilwell, Okla., is engaged in this Strawberry Festival and car show. Entry in the show is from 9 a.m.-noon. This show is open to all classes.

Awards will be given at 2 p.m. for categories like Best of Show, Top Car, Top Truck, Top 50 Vehicles, and Best Pedal Vehicle. Email stilwellcarshow@gmail.com or see Stillwell Car Show on Facebook for more information. Admission to the Strawberry Festival is free.

Car show, $10 entry fee. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1st & Division Streets, Stilwell, Okla.

May 9 Nami Walks Join Nami Fort Smith River Valley Pacers for Nami Walks 2015. Nami Walks is a family-friendly event that raises awareness and funds for Nami Arkansas & Nami Fort Smith River Valley. One out of four adults and one out of 10 children are affected by mental illness. Free. 9-11 a.m. Clinton Presidential Center (near Clinton School of Public Service), 1200 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 479-259-5563 namiwalks.nami.org/rivervalleypacers

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 9 Mothers Day Tea at the Clayton House Features seating inside and out of the historic house museum in the heart of the Belle Grove Historic District. Proceeds go toward the continued preservation of the circa 1882 Clayton House. Noon-3 p.m. Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 May 9 Elks Annual Benefit Golf Tournament Proceeds from the Elks Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will benefit the Elks youth and veterans charities.

Registration for the 18-hole, 4-man scramble at the beautiful and challenging Deer Trails Golf Course at Chaffee Crossing begins at 7:30 a.m. with tee-off at 9 a.m. Singles and partial teams are welcome. Pre-registration is encouraged. Hole-in-one opportunities.

Mulligan kits available. Many more opportunities to win prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded at the Elks Lodge after the tournament where every player will be treated to a world-class pulled pork lunch. Cash bar available. Fort Smith Elks Lodge #341 has a three-fold focus toward youth, veterans and drug awareness.

Proceeds from this tournament will enable Fort Smith Elks Lodge to further exemplify its motto: Elks Care and Elks Share. The entry fee includes green fees, golf cart, beverages during play, welcome bag, and lunch. $50 per person or $200 per team. 9 a.m. Deer Trails Golf Course at Chaffee Crossing, 11707 Custer Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks.org May 9 Star Gazing Explore the night sky with the Arkansas/ Oklahoma Astronomical Society (AOAS) Star Gazing program.

Visit the marina boat ramp where AOAS members will provide a number of telescopes for viewing. Take your own scopes and binoculars, as well as chairs and blankets. Free. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith May 11-Dec. 14 Knit and Crochet Group A new knit and crochet group will begin meeting on May 11. The group is open to all ages and skill levels, and hosted by Jeanene Godwin and Betty Pickle. The group will meet in the Davis Room, which is on the second floor next to Genealogy. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org May 12 Greening of the Garden Make plans to attend this year’s 20th Annual Greening of the Garden benefiting the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Reed and Mary Ann Greenwood are the honorary chairs of the Garden’s signature fundraising event of the year. This will include fine cuisine by Catering Unlimited, complimentary bar and auction.

Guests are invited to mix and mingle with friends, enjoy the background jazz music, peruse the fine items up for the auction, enjoy fabulous food and drinks and stroll the stunning beautiful garden grounds. Dress is garden party casual. Reservations to the event and tables can be purchased online. $100 or VIP tables of 10 for $1,200. 6-9 p.m. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.or 74

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2015 Grit Award Nominees RESTAURANT PARTNER 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. The nominees are:

Bricktown Brewery Calico County Restaurant R. Landry’s New Orleans Cafe River City 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.

The public is invited to attend the Grit Awards Ceremony, April 23 at Fort Smith’s MovieLounge. All the nominees will be guests.

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.

LODGING PARTNER 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. The nominees are:

Comfort Inn and Suites Courtyard by Marriott Hampton Inn Fort Smith

BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR 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. The nominees are:

Arvest Bank BrickCity Emporium Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine Mercy Fort Smith

ATTRACTION PARTNER 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. The nominees are:

Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority (Chaffee Crossing) Fort Smith Regional Art Museum The Park at West End

POLLY CREWS HOSPITALITY PERSON OF THE YEAR 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.

The nominees are:

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 2 North B Street - Fort Smith 800-637-1477 / 479-783-8888

Desiree Arizmendi Patricia Brown Patrick Pendleton Jim Spears Robert Westphal Family

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