Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine - April 2020

EDITOR’S NOTES

Keep calm, wash your hands and go digital We can do this, together!

Editorial Staff LYNN WASSON Editor & Publisher lynnwasson@efortsmith.com 479-221-1067 DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com

Contributing Photographers GLENN GILLEY MCFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY DONNA PAYNE BRENDA YELVINGTON Interactive Story Editor JOE WASSON joe@efortsmith.com

Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM Account Executive lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 CHARLES G. HUBBARD Corporate Sales charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com

479-494-1888 © 2020 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

Hi Readers.

Things are temporarily different, we all know, but this issue is about how to “keep on keeping on” by making a few changes and learning a few new things.

We can do this! Keep your spirits up!

You picked up this issue in one of the (fewer) public places that Entertainment Fort Smith could responsibly distribute issue - probably at a local grocery store. We printed fewer issues because fewer people are out and about.

But we have adapted, just as we have written about in an article about our wonderful public libraries continuing to serve the community.

Entertainment Fort Smith has always also been efortsmith.com. During this stay-at-home time (and we hope you do stay in), we will be more “live” than ever, online.

At our website, you’ll find a digital replica of this magazine whose pages you can turn with a click of your mouse or swipe of the finger on a mobile device.

Those pages can and will change to reflect new or updated information as we learn it. It will be a “live” issue while still looking like the same issue you hold in your hands.

We’re also on Facebook, where we have been and will continue to share all community news and news updates from our advertisers.

Here’s a virtual toast (hold up your own glass) to all our community reporters who first typed in all their events, then contacted us to delete the events, one by one. The calendar of events for April has to become live news.

We will publish, online, all community news and rescheduled activities as we learn about them, we promise.

In the meantime, help someone you know by sharing information with them.

It’s a stereotype that older people are not tech-savvy. We actually find that they are! But if you can share information with someone who may not have access or may not have digital devices to read, please do.

Sharing, being compassionate and taking care of each other are more important now than ever.

We know the River Valley and all our readership are full of good people who are doing just that.

We had thought to bring you a feature about volunteers sewing needed medical face masks from home. When I called to tip off our friends the River Valley Stars who sew Quilts of Valor for veterans, leader Sue Anderson laughed and told me she was sewing them – as we spoke.

The Stars were already on it, as are many more local volunteers.

Too late! You people are too fast at doing good for us to make news of it. Good for you!

We also know you are still patronizing our local small businesses and restaurants. Operating procedures for our eateries changed several times as we were preparing this issue. We will update you live, online, as we learn what ingenious ways they are implementing.

Be kind, be careful and let’s take care of each other in our community. We always have and we can do this now.

Be well, you dear, dear readers, neighbors, friends and contributors. We’ll be there with you constantly, online. Stay in touch. And we’ll be back on the happy day it is the right thing to do!

–Lynn Wasson, on behalf of Donna Payne, Linda Gilham, Julie Hamilton and all carriers and crew

CIRCULATION

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE:

Entertainment Fort Smith is a monthly city/regional magazine published by eFortSmith.com Media, Inc.

Entertainment Fort Smith can be mailed to you, or as a gift, for $30 per publication year (11 issues).

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

To order by credit card call 479-494-1888.

Mail check or money order to: Subscribe P.O. Box 1341 Fort Smith AR 72902

CONTENTS

April 2020

features

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Library heroes adapt to meet our community need Library doors are temporarily closed, but super-librarians acted quickly to make digital use of library materials easier than ever. Learn the many ways to use your libraries without ever going inside. Thank you, librarians!

Setting splendid tablescapes The April Designer Showhouse Ball to honor Bob Miller’s 90th Birthday is moved to Sept. 26, giving us the chance to show the gorgeous dining tables of hosts who will be offering private dinners at auction at the charitable event.This ongoing feature begins with the tablescape at the home of Nadine Miller, one of a series of five.

local shopping focus

8 You CAN use your library

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31 Activities for kids

Luther Stem Pools & Spas The state’s first pool company is always making a splash for customers.

Designer Again offers expert purging advice If you have the urge to purge, learn what you could consign instead.

Coming up curly at Metropolis Hair Studio Straight hair is welcome, too, but Janice Radcliff loves glorifying curly hair.

Gardening at home with Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses Gardening is one activity that is fine to do right now!

Mike’s Furniture makes shopping easier – and delivers The family furniture and appliance store still offering complete services.

Classic drive-in becomes Vanity Calls salon’s home Besides the excellent personal hair and nails care, patrons love this cool decor.

departments

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goodies Shop here for the offerings of fine local retailers. Many have remote shopping options - call!

eve n t s

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WHAT’S COOKING Strawberries - any way you like them. Enjoy many ideas for preparing and enjoying them.

Find current events live and instantly updated at our website, efortsmith.com

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Strawberry good

Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

Cover: A topiary bunny at Neumeier Nursery and Greenhouses celebrates spring and the Easter season. Photo by Donna Payne.

Some of the staff of the Fort Smith Public Library, waving from an appropriate distance.

Unstoppable: Libraries still serving us through ingenuity The doors may be closed, but the Fort Smith Public Library is still serving the public in many resourceful ways.

As the library has been an early adopter of technology, it offers many materials digitally – audio books, digital books, films, TV shows and music are available to library cardholders.

Upon realizing the libraries must close their doors to visitors, Jennifer Goodson, library director, and key staff members brainstormed to plan what the library could continue to provide to the community, rather than go dark.

Within 48 hours, they had implemented three innovations that provide continued library access: • A digital library card • Hoopla, a new digital provider • Curbside service

The first idea had been under consideration before the unexpected closure a means to issue a digital library card that could be obtained without coming to a library. Goodson is proud that staff could set up and implement application and issuing the card on the library’s website so quickly.

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What you can access with the digital card or your conventional library card, all free.

Navigate to www.fortsmithlibrary.org

Get a Digital Library Card First A digital library card is available now and can be obtained from a phone or computer.

Free for Fort Smith residents, it can be used to log into the library’s online resources.

Apply online and your digital access library card number will be emailed to you within one business day. When libraries open doors again, digital library cards can be converted to actual library cards.

Besides filling out a form, digital library card applicants are required to upload a photo of one of these: driver's license, utility bill, personal check, identification card or tax receipt that is in your name add shows your current Fort Smith address.

Hoopla Hoopla is a digital media service from which users can borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on their computer, tablet, or phone – and even on TVs with streaming capability.

With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. There are hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily.

Hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. You can stream titles instantly through a desktop browser or a mobile app.

With the mobile app, download titles to a smartphone or tablet for offline playback.

Titles are automatically returned and removed from your device at the end of the lending period.

A free Hoopla app is available for Apple and Android. It also works on smart TVs (Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, including the Fire Stick, and Roku).

Kanopy Kanopy is another popular, on-demand streaming service offering more than 30,000 of the world’s best movies, including awardwinning documentaries, rare titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films. It works on mobile devices, including Apple and Android phones, tablets, desktops and television via Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, FireTV, AndroidTV and Samsung.

Library2Go Library2Go is a resource for free ebooks. The titles are accessible by almost any digital device.

More than 20,000 titles are available. Browsing is set up in collections of titles designated by age group. It contains books suitable for all ages.

Tumblebooks Thousands of ebooks suitable from birth to teens. It includes Tumbletoons music.

Curbside Pickup Curbside pickup for library materials is now available from 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Main Library for library customers with cards in good standing.

Materials may be requested using the library's online catalog or by phone at 479-783-0229 (choose "zero") between 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Holds will be filled as soon as possible (within a day or two) depending on availability. Once notified that materials are ready for check out, customers can call the staff from the library parking lot during the specified hours for delivery of materials to their car. Returns of library materials must be made to the outdoor book drops at any Fort Smith Public Library location.

Free WiFi Outside A free WiFi signal can be joined, from your own mobile device, from outdoors at all four public libraries.

Fines and renewals: Librarians are automatically renewing late materials without further charge. Fines can be paid by phone now or paid in person when the libraries open again, Goodson said.

By this kindness, those with late materials can continue to use library services.

“We want to connect people with our resources,” Goodson said. Their records show many first-time users have obtained a digital library card.

Main Library only: Phone to order books and materials.

The library will alert you of a pickup time. Drive up and call and materials are delivered to your car.

Main Library 3201 Rogers Avenue 479-783-0229 Doors closed.

Digital Library Cards available Curbside Pickup Available WiFi signal available outdoors Dallas Street Branch Library Doors closed.

Drop returns available WiFi signal available outdoors

One of many digital resources Miller Branch Library Doors closed.

Drop returns available WiFi signal available outdoors Windsor Drive Branch Library Doors closed.

Drop returns available WiFi signal available outdoors All updated information is at fortsmithlibrary.org or Facebook

Crawford County Libraries offer digital checkout Eva White, director of the Crawford County Library System, leads the Van Buren, Alma, Mountainburg, Cedarville and Mulberry Public Libraries Doors have also closed at those locations.

“While we're waiting to get back to normal, please utilize our online services at www.crawfordcountylib.org,” White wrote on the library systemhome page. “ You can check out eBooks and audiobooks. Just last week, we added a trove of new titles, so you're sure to find something you like.

To be abundantly cautious, the Crawford County Libraries are not having curb service.

The librarians miss their communities very much, White wrote.

“We are thinking of each of you, and holding you close in our thoughts. Libraries are the heartbeat of our communities, and our hearts are broken right now. Please take care of yourself and your family. Practice social distancing. Let's all do our part to flatten the curve,” she added.

Keep up at crawfordcountylib.org

Scott-Sebastian Libraries have online resources Doors are alo closed at Greenwood, Waldron, Lavaca, Mansfield and Harford, all part of the Scott-Sebastian library system.

Scott-Sebastian Regional Library belongs to the Arkansas Library 2 Go consortium, which is a shared digital collection amongst public libraries in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. It offers include more than 15,000 ebook titles and 5,000 audiobook titles.

Get started by visiting lib2go.overdrive.com or browsing the library system’s catalogue at scottsebastianregionallibrary.com.

Additionally available are the Tumble Book Library for children, Teen BookCloud or the app Libby, a one-tap reading app.

April 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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There happen to be five private dinner parties to be offered for auction at the upcoming ball for Bob Miller’s 90th birthday, now to be held on its new date, Sept. 26. This allows Entertainment Fort Smith to share a preview of beautiful tablescapes of the host homes.

Proceeds of this April Designer Showhouse Ball 2020 will support the Community Rescue Mission, the Fort Smith non-profit, residential family shelter co-founded by Miller.

Even though her husband is the honoree, Nadine Miller offered their home as an auctioned dinner location, as well. The winning bidder may invite guests of their choice to a fine meal catered by 21 West End. Nadine’s table features her lifetime collection of Lalique crystal and her love of art. Guests will be seated in view of some of her favorite paintings. A lighted breakfront in the room displays her collection of exquisite crystal figures and vessels. Iconic Lalique vases on the table are filled with red roses.

For the preview, Nadine set each place with a collection of pieces by the French ceramic artist Christine Vienette, creator of trompe l’oeil plates of fruits and vegetables. Each a work of art individually, these pieces “fool the eye” most convincingly.

With the show’s producer, interior designer Earl Douglas, helping to arrange the tablescape, Nadine enjoyed choosing her daughter’s china, family silver and Belgian table linens. It is a sparkling atmosphere. A tablescape will be featured in our pages in each issue until the ball.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

PHOTOS BY GLENN GILLEY

With gala’s new date, more time to feature beautiful tablescapes for an auction of private dinner parties

Please don’t eat the art. Both the food and the plate they are made upon are created by the artist Christine Vienette. There are bowls of cherries, fresh peas in pods and caviar with lemon, shown here – a different original work of art at each place. Nadine has collected them over many years.

FREEZE FRAME: LOCAL FILM PREMIERES DELAYED From Hollywood to here, motion pictures have delayed their openings until audiences can return to the theater.

Anticipation is high for two local films very near release – a fun parody of the James Bond genre by Parkview Elementary students of music teacher Kevin Croxton, a highly anticipated annual production, and a feature-length documentary by award-winning filmmaker Larry Foley.

Naturally, the directors don’t intend to give too much away, but both shared a few images and a status report on their productions.

“Indians, Outlaws, Marshals & the Hangin’ Judge” will be an 80-minute documentary to air first on Arkansas PBS. Foley had hoped for an early May premiere in Fort Smith that would have been attended by the local cast and friends.

It is a production of the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Oral and Visual History and the University of Arkansas School of Journalism and Strategic Media.

He remembers the first time, in the third grade or so, when he visited what is now the Fort Smith Historic Site with his mother and became fascinated with Judge Isaac C. Parker.

In his long career, he has previously touched on Fort Smith’s storied history.

When this documentary is released, Foley will have more to say. He’s letting the documentary speak for itself.

But when audiences see it, he explained, they will find, “Parker is more than just one thing.” Perspectives about the man and the era given in the documentary are varied. Its narrative follows the historical writing of the newspaper reporter Ada Patterson of the St. Louis Republic, who interviewed Parker at the end of his life.

Contributions are made by several professors of history who appear in the films and view Parker and his era in differing ways.

In all ways, it is Fort Smith’s story, Foley said.

“I just get to tell it.”

Secret Agent Man Ninja attacks, a cat-stroking villain, fast cars, glamorous casinos ... this exciting Bond parody is going to have all the elements fans expect.

According to its director, teacher Kevin Croxton, his students have turned in stellar performances.

When school was halted, very little filming remained. It will resume as soon as possible.

With kind permission, the kids shot scenes outside “a European casino” at a private home; casino interiors at Bonneville House and St. Scholastica Monastery became a villain’s lair. There are surprises and humor in the short film.

Ada Patterson interviews Parker, in his final illness.

Roger Carter, right, gets makeup as U.S.Deputy Marshal Heck Thomas. Much of Foley’s film was shot where historic scenes actually occurred.

12 Entertainment Fort Smith April 2020

Bond traditions are upheld, but without weapons or martinis, shaken nor stirred. This magazine will be pleased to say more when the short film premieres. Five stars! Congratulations, students!

Photos by Brenda Yelvington

Share your own creative work with River Valley Film Society The River Valley Film Society invites all video makers to upload original works to its Facebook page. Short films, music videos or even feature-length films are welcome. One of the first posted was the short film “Hiemal,” written and directed

by Charlie Ryan with Travis Joiner, director of photography, and local actors.

“Why not give people some local content?” said co-founder Brandon Goldsmith. The film society was formed last year to identify local film professionals and resources.

April 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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WHAT’S COOKING

Strawberry Delights GINGER KOMBUCHA COCKTAIL WITH SYRUPY STRAWBERRIES Strawberry Syrup 1 cup fresh strawberries 1/2 cup water 1 tbsp. granulated sugar Cocktail 4.5 ounces gin 16-oz. bottle ginger-flavored kombucha Crushed ice Strawberries and fresh mint for garnish In a small saucepan, add strawberries, water, and sugar and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and transfer to a strainer over a small bowl. Press mixture through the strainer with a spoon - it should make about 3/4 cup syrup.) Chill in the fridge completely before using.

Add 11⁄2-oz. gin and 11⁄2-oz. strawberry syrup to a 8- to 10-oz. glass and stir together. Fill glass 3/4 of the way with crushed ice and then top it off with ginger kombucha.

Garnish with fresh mint and additional strawberries.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

WHAT’S COOKING

STRAWBERRY LEMON BARS Crust 1 cup all purpose flour 1/3 cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice 1/4 cup coconut oil solid 1/8 tsp salt Filling 3/4 cup California strawberries chopped 1/2 cup lemon juice (juice of 2 lemons) 3 eggs 1/2 cup sugar Zest of 2 lemons) 1/4 cup flour 2 tbsp. arrowroot starch Whole strawberries for garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine crust ingredients. Using fork or a pastry cutter, mix until the dough is a consistent, crumbly texture.

Add crust dough to the baking sheet, pressing it down so that it covers the entire surface.

Bake the crust for 20-23 minutes or until golden. Let the crust cool completely. While crust is cooling, make the filling.

Place chopped strawberries and lemon juice in a blender. Blend until smooth to create a purée.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs well. Add sugar, lemon zest and strawberry purée. Mix well, adding flour and arrowroot starch.

Pour filling mixture over the crust. Place back in the oven for 20 minutes.

Let cool completely. Cut into bars and enjoy or refrigerate and serve later.

April 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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WHAT’S COOKING

STRAWBERRY EASTER "EGGS" 1-2 pounds strawberries 2 or more 12-oz. bags of candy melts 1 jar sprinkles or other toppings Rinse strawberries with cool water; pat dry with paper towels.

Place candy melts in small microwavable bowl. Heat for 1 minute and stir well. Continue to microwave and stir at 30 second intervals until smooth and completely melted.

Dip dry strawberries into the melts to about halfway and then place on parchment-covered cookie sheet.

Repeat heating/melting procedure with accent color(s). Once melted, spoon into small sealable bags or piping bags. If using a sealable bag, just snip off a tiny tip of the bottom corner and then drizzle on the coated strawberry.

To add sprinkles, make sure the coating is still wet when applying so that the sprinkles stick.

If needed, refrigerate until firm.

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riverfront skate & bike park

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Entertainment Fort Smith

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April 2020

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1 cup frozen strawberries ½ cup California strawberry juice ¾ cup frozen mango cubes ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt 4 Thai basil leaves ¼ cup cream of coconut Pinch chile powder ½ cup ice Skewered fresh strawberry and fresh mango cube for garnish

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Combine all the ingredients except the garnish in a blender and puree until smooth.

Pour into a highball glass and garnish with the fruit skewer.

WHAT’S COOKING STRAWBERRY CHAMOYADA 4 cups ice, chopped 1½ cups natural orange juice 1 cup liquid chamoy (Mexican apricot syrup) 2½ cups strawberries, sliced in 4 1/3 cup natural lime juice 4 tbsp. chili powder Blend half the ice with orange juice and reserve.

Reserve half of the chamoy and half of the strawberries for decoration. Blend the rest of the chamoy, strawberries, and lime juice until obtaining a soft texture.

Fill half a glass with the orange mix; fill the other half with the strawberry mix. Add strawberries, chamoy and chili powder on the very top.

April 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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goodies

F a s G &

Homemade jams, jellies and relishes from Paul’s Meat Market.

Bespectacled metal bunny and Easter garden flag from Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouse.

Corona Hard Seltzer and On The Rocks premium cocktails available at 4 Corks.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

goodies Finish your look with a pair of Brighton sunnies found at Greenwood Flower & Gift Shop.

Forevermark inscribed diamonds available at Newton’s Jewelers.

BioGuard 3-in-1 Pool Complete found at Luther Stem Pools and Spas.

April 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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goodies

Easter tabletop decor found at Jennifer’s Gift Shop at Baptist Health-Fort Smith.

Prescription sunglasses

by Tiffany available from the office of Dr. Steven B Stiles.

Women's Ora Recovery Slide 2 by Hoka from True Grit Running Co.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

goodies

Towel hanger, “vintage” sign and owl salt and pepper shakers available at Designer Again.

Stress-free style recliners with ottoman, in stock at Mike’s Furniture.

Unique selection of craft beers found at In Good Spirits.

April 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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goodies

Holiday dishes for your Easter table from A to Z Variety.

Aveda's new Nutri Plenish line available at Metropolis Hair Studio.

Decorator fabrics for shades and custom draperies from D&D Flooring.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

goodies

Wide selection of sandals in popular styles from Firefly Boutique & Gifts.

AquaNots prevent moisture from entering the ear canal during swimming, watersports and showering. Available at Center for Hearing.

Ouidad products for curly hair available at Vanity Calls.

April 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

WE MAKE DRINKS FOR MAR ATHONS. BOTH THE RUNNING AND T V VARIE T Y. WE’RE COCA-COLA AND SO MUCH MORE. WE MAKE EVERYTHING FROM SPORTS DRINKS TO ORGANIC TEAS AND PREMIUM JUICES.

#COCACOLARENEW

SHOP LOCAL

Luther Stem a family affair The oldest swimming pool company in the state, Luther Stem Pools & Spas began in 1962 when Luther Stem Jr. built the first in-ground swimming pool for his three children in his back yard.

A neighbor admired his work and asked him to build one for him. It was not long before Stem was too busy building swimming pools to take on truck hauling jobs.

Today, the company also offers above ground pools and hot tubs and other custom water features. A new trend is swim spas. Luther Stem has four different Marquis Aquatic Training Vessels that will allow you to swim against a current or soak all year long.

It has been an award-winning pool designer company for more than 50 years. Installation is beginning for orders for the 2020 swim season.

Luther Stem Pools and Spas carries and installs above ground pools of high quality and design that will last. Qualified customers can take advantage of financing.

A backyard pool creates memories and can be a sanctuary for relaxation and for fitness.

A Certified Salt Pool Expert, Luther Stem carries BioGuard swimming pool and spa chemicals to balance and sanitize water. They also carry products by SpaGuard and SpaFrog for hot tubs.

The Luther Stem showroom on Old Greenwood Road just off Interstate 540 is a fun sight with a huge array of pool accessories and toys.

With key employees in every department that have invested more than 25 years with the company and the legacy of fourth-generation family leadership, Luther Stem Pools & Spas has the trust and confidence of decades of satisfied, splashing, swimming and soaking customers.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

Luther Stem Pools & Spas offers custom-built in-ground pools, installation of above-ground pools, hot tubs and all the accessories.

SHOP LOCAL

Designer Again Consignment’s expert tips If time at home inspires de-cluttering, learn these expert tips from Tiffany Parker, Designer Again Consignment owner. “You can even get the kids involved!” she said. “Not all things are trash! Here’s Purging 101.”

“Make four piles. You will be making quick decisions on the area you wish to purge. Set a timer for 10 minutes, then evaluate your piles,” she said.

Donate: Non-name brand clothing, shoes and purses; softcover books, VHS cassettes and stuffed animals.

Maybe: Items you are uncertain about. (If you haven’t worn it in a year, it goes here.) You’ll come back to this in 10 minutes.

Resale: Name brand clothing, shoes and purses with little wear. Vintage, collectibles, décor, kitchenware and linens must be in excellent condition, in full sets and currently selling.

Trash: Non-working electronics, toys and kitchenware. Clothing, shoes and purses that are badly stained or worn out. Expired baby equipment such as swings, car seats and strollers should be discarded.

Your “resale” pile can be consigned to Designer Again. Consigners split the sale price 50/50 with the store. The variety on offer is ever-changing with attractive, fashionable apparel for men, women and children; famous label purses, footwear and accessories. For the home, there is framed art, decor, bedding, furniture, dinnerware and much more, at great reductions.

Designer Again is currently closed but showing wonderful merchandise on Facebook and Instagram. Phone 479-782-8313 to purchase, with curbside pickup. Parker, who always speaks inspirationally, adds, “Stay positive and make your day count!”

Graduate Degrees for the Real

World

Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (100% Online)

Master of Education (Flexible Hybrid) The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s graduate programs are designed to fit the needs of today’s working adult. Our online and hybrid courses offer flexibility to fit your busy schedule. The flexibility you need, the quality you expect and the affordability you desire – all from the university you trust.

Find out more by visiting uafs.edu/graduatestudies.

April 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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SHOP LOCAL

Janice is the queen of curls ... or is it really Midge?

Curls reign at Metropolis Hair Studio. Owner Janice Radcliff bills herself as a “curly hair specialist.”

One of her pets, Midge the poodle, could claim the title of queen of curls for herself, but she’s more interested in sitting in your lap if she visits the salon. She asks nicely first.

Blessed with abundant curls that she wears full-length, Janice naturally enjoys helping patrons who have curly hair. “Cutting curly hair is an art,” she explained. “The stylist has to understand how tight a person’s curls are and know the difference in the hair, wet or dry.”

She teaches her curly-haired customers how to tame, care for and style their hair successfully and encourages them to show off their glory.

Janice uses and recommends Aveda hair products and has used them exclusively since the all-organic company was founded. She is an Aveda color specialist. Besides her personal love of curly hair, she has many loyal customers because of her color talent and the lasting and beautiful results of Aveda color, she said.

She was an early test salon when Aveda began and has taken continued education over decades.

S A V E

T H E

D A T E

On Call AN EVENING UNDER THE PINES

S A T U R D A Y, J U N E 2 7 , 2 0 2 0 This distinctive event featuring dinner, entertainment, and dancing will be hosted on the ACHE campus.

7000 Chad Colley Boulevard | 479-308-2243 Visit our website: acheedu.org/on-call

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Entertainment Fort Smith

April 2020

Her clients, of course, have all kinds of hair, as do the patrons of Rene Cormier, the hair studio’s other stylist. Rene has her own flair for short, chic hairstyles.

Both offer private, by appointment service where they care for only one client at a time, Janice said. “Our clients enjoy the attention and like not sitting in a line with others, waiting.”

She and Rene see women, men and children.

Janice likes to teach kids with curly hair early in their lives how to care for it. She also encourages men to enjoy and care for their hair as nicely as women. Men can have color, too, she said.

Both Janice and Rene have a loyal, long-time clientele but take new customers. In the private salon atmosphere they’ve created, both tend to become friendly and personally engaged with the people in their chairs.

“Yes, it’s like therapy,” Janice said – although her prescription is usually laughter. She has a background in the LA stand-up comedy scene.

Then there’s fluffy Midge, or one of Janice’s microscopic chihuahuas, who are also willing to give lap therapy when they are visiting the salon.

Laughter and a sweet pet are a great balm.

SHOP LOCAL

Colors are popping out all over at Neumeier’s Is there anything better to do in the spring than to plant a garden?

At Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses, they get your plants off to a healthy start and provide tips and how-tos throughout the year for whatever you have growing.

“If you can’t go out and socialize, you can always work in your garden,” Joe Neumeier said.

A hidden gem on the city’s north side behind the family home, Bill and Jody Neumeier and son Joe have helped gardens grow in this area for more than 50 years.

Joe said people start showing up in early March looking for bell peppers and banana trees but advised just because it looks like spring, doesn’t mean it is. Every living thing has its season. On average, most bedding plants are ready mid-April but that doesn’t keep people from getting excited about the season’s color. After the early bedding plants have gotten Marigolds and petunias are staples for any home garden. comfortable in the soil at their new homes, the tops come off the greenhouses and more options are revealed. Shrubs, begonias, zinnias, purslane, vinca, rose moss. If lining your porch or sidewalk with bedding plants sounds like too much trouble, the Neumeiers also create hundreds of pots for porches, poolside or patios.

“The best place to self-quarantine is in your garden. What’s better than digging in your garden and losing yourself in the tulips!” Jodie said. “It’s also a good time to teach your kids, teach them how to plant. I don’t think there’s better therapy than plants.”

“Every year something new comes out, new varieties, new colors,” Jody said. “The people that want to plant early, the perennials are ready. Vegetable gardens, I feel like, will probably will be big this year. Even if you can’t grow a garden, if you have just a small spot, if you’ve got a large pot, you can grow a tomato plant with some lettuce around it."

“We will continue to pot, continue to water and continue to get ready for spring!” she said.

Flowerpots and succulents both are popular.

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SHOP LOCAL

Mike’s Furniture has the same excellent service in-store or online Since 1994, Mike’s Furniture of Roland, Okla., has prided itself on excellent customer service.

Now is no exception.

Tamara Oliver, daughter of founder Mike Barnes, says the store is adjusting “to make sure all customers feel comfortable.”

“We are still delivering products daily for customer convenience, especially essential items like freezers, refrigerators, washers, dryers and ranges,” she said.

The staff, which includes her dad and mother, Roxana, and long-time associate Grant Rhoads, are all working with customers by phone, social media and email, as well as inside the store.

Mike’s Furniture offers trusted appliances from quality brands such as Amana, Frigidaire, Speed Queen and Whirlpool.

Shoppers can see appliance selections in-store or online, along with their full specs and capabilities. Mike’s expert staff will gladly answer questions and consult about sizes and features that suit each customer. The store has seen a noticeable demand for freezers, which it will deliver.

“We are posting current, available products to our social media feed often,” Tamara said.

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From a Mike’s social media post, in-store stock.

“We believe in carrying brands that stand behind their products,” Tamara said, so the store can stand behind its customers. The store will help to get replacement parts or make repairs after purchase.

It is easy to shop online at Mike’s Furniture for home furnishings, she said. Mike’s carries trusted, quality brands including Ashley, Bassett, Best, Lane, Mayo and more. The staff is happy to answer inquiries about items seen on the website. Some pieces are available in-store now.

Some customers may choose to order upholstered furniture in a huge variety of colors and fabrics.

With more than 40 years of experience in the new furniture business, Mike will tell you he started as a delivery driver. When customers know they can get their purchases delivered courteously, carefully and as quickly as possible, they’re pleased.

When an item is purchased on the showroom floor, Mike’s offers same-day delivery for residents within an approximate 100-mile radius in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Every style of decor – modern, contemporary, Old World, casual, traditional, leather, rustic to eclectic, is available at Mike’s Furniture.

Roxana Barnes, Tamara Oliver with a Serta sheep.

SHOP LOCAL

Beauty is on the menu at Vanity Calls When was the last time you pulled into a burger joint and ordered up a haircut and an eyebrow wax? Thanks to Candace Carter (with the help of her handy husband, Mark) you can at Vanity Calls. The-full service salon recently completely remodeled and moved into the old Phoenix/Sonic Drive-In on Phoenix Avenue.

You can't actually order from the speakers but once you get inside, the sparkling clean interior is a model showroom of salon services. Candace and Mark gutted the interior in the evenings, taking it down to the concrete walls and floors and the metal roofing. That was in June.

Now, each station has its own bright red salon chair and the supplies are similar to what you would see in any salon, except for the large Husky tool chests used to hold stylists’ supplies. There's also a bright red fridge and a shiny round cafe table surrounded by stools with bottle cap seats.

In addition to hair services, Vanity Calls offers an array of beauty treatments such as facial and body waxing, eyelash extensions, brow tints and facials. Also, Candace is a nail technician, showcasing her eye for detail in intricate manicures and pedicures. Her work includes freehanded nail art and stamping of creative designs.

“It's wonderful if you want to come in and get service done. We would absolutely love that,” Candace said. “But if you don't, just come look at the place! It's amazing to me what it turned out like. You don't have to know what it looked like before but you can't imagine what it looks like now until you walk in.”

And the service fits the atmosphere. “We are more of an old-time beauty shop than a salon … more of a gathering place,” Candace said. “My goal is to make everybody comfortable and make it affordable.”

Candace Carter, owner of Vanity Calls.

Body waxing, everything color-related, perms, colors, eyelash lifts, nails, pedicures, hair extensions – all that and more is on the menu at Vanity Calls.

“We had one lady come in who had been watching us do the remodel the whole time, waiting for us to open,” Candace said, “so she could get an appointment to come in and see it. She wanted to see inside!”

Approaching 10 years at Vanity Calls, Candace said the doors are always open to anyone who needs their services or just to satisfy their curiosity.

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KIDS ACTIVITIES

KIDS ACTIVITIES

SCHOOL CHOICE APPLICATIONS Application Deadline May 1, 2020

At VBSD, we take pride in our education. Whether it’s learning to code, practicing our craft on the stage, or performing on the eld, we are gaining the knowledge and skills needed for our future. Because we are more than just students, we are engaged learners. BE MORE. BE A POINTER. Learn more at www.vbsd.us!

Van Buren School District  2221 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, AR 72956  479.474.7942  @VBSDPointers

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KIDS ACTIVITIES

April 2020

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KIDS ACTIVITIES

A SOUND FOR SORE EYES.

KUAF

HOPSCOTCH 1. Draw a traditional hopscotch diagram like the one above. (Chalk is best for asphalt and pavement outdoors.

If you're playing inside, use tape.)

2. Throw a small stone into the first square. (If it lands on a line, or outside the square, you lose your turn. Pass the marker to the following player and wait for your next turn.)

3. Hop on one foot into the first empty square, and then every subsequent empty square.

4. At the pairs, jump with both feet.

5. At 10, hop with both feet, turn around, and head back toward the start.

6. When you reach the marked square again, pick up the marker – still on one foot! – and complete the course.

7. If you finished without any mistakes, pass the marker to the next player. On your next turn, throw the marker to the next number.

8. If you fall, jump outside lines, or miss a square or the marker, you lose your turn and must repeat the same number on your next turn. The one to reach 10 first, wins.

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DINING GUIDE

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March 2020