EDITOR’S NOTES
We’re depending on each other – and we believe we’re up to it Editorial Staff LYNN WASSON Editor & Publisher lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com
Contributing Writers ROSILEE RUSSELL LEIGH ANN HASLEY ADDY HASLEY Contributing Photographers GLENN GILLEY LEIGH ANN HASLEY MCFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY 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
If our late editor Linda Seubold were here, she’d be the loudest in asking you to protect our front-line medical workers and home health caregivers such as her dear Daisy Cantrell, who helped her survive a deadly disease for seven much-cherished years. 4
Entertainment Fort Smith
May 2020
When staying healthy is vitally dependent on all of us caring for each other, I’m glad I live in a caring community. For almost 20 years, this magazine’s contents have been made of stories of the many, many selfless people who do whatever is necessary to make this a good place to live. Volunteers have always held up their hands to feed, to shelter, to nurture, to educate, to make the lives of all our fellow neighbors better, safer and more welcoming and even more enjoyable. It is a community that almost always tries to leave no one behind. And now we’re really in this together as our very lives can depend on slowing the spread of a serious and potentially deadly infectious disease – a virus. This is a bottom-up effort. We, the people, have to protect one another by not gathering together, as we so love to do and write about here, but by staying away from each other in public, washing our hands constantly and by wearing face-coverings when we are outside our homes. Critical shortages and logistics problems have made it difficult for front-line medical workers to obtain essential protective equipment. So volunteers stepped up to make simple protective masks for all other important healthcare workers, who serve the vulnerable residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities for all ages and home health care providers. Many are doing this as individuals. My own colorful cotton face masks were made for me and my husband by senior editor Donna Payne. To me, every stitch in them says, “I love you.” Thank you, Donna. I love you, too.
CIRCULATION Entertainment Fort Smith is a monthly city/regional magazine published by eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. Normally, 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 stores, corporate offices, restaurants, medical offices, public libraries, visitor centers and tourist destinations. Complimentary issues are also provided in guest rooms of area hotels. This month, issues will be circulated only in area grocery stores, which are the only public places we all must go.
A group called the Million Mask Challenge Arkansas has joined to make more masks, faster and we have captured only a snapshot in time showing what they have done – and continue to do. As I write, they are sewing and innovating and connecting with inventors who are producing other related items. They’re simply amazing. There’s no telling what further helpful things they will create – and who they will help to save from illness. They may already have protected someone you love. We can’t name them all here but thank you to all of them – you can join them on Facebook by finding the group Million Mask Challenge - Arkansas. And for each other, we can all do this. We can behave safely, stay away from each other, work more safely, adjust our lives in many ways for our mutual health. We can trade with locally owned businesses whose survival is dependent on our loyalty in buying from them. Please buy from local restaurants and retail stores. Please consider supporting your familiar barbers and hairdressers and others who are currently prohibited from working, even as we grow shaggy and, in my case - gray! Let’s support and care for each other with active, neighborly concern. Our students and teachers need support. Students you know may need supplies or encouragement. We can simply pass on to acquaintances even small amounts of money, to create big benefits. Let’s all do our best. Let’s be so careful so that our own, local medical providers are not ever overwhelmed and endangered. They’ll never fail us. Put on that mask. It says “I love you.” – Lynn Wasson
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: Entertainment Fort Smith can be mailed to you, or as a gift, for $30 per publication year (11 issues). To order by credit card call 479-494-1888. Mail check or money order to: Subscribe P.O. Box 1341 Fort Smith AR 72902
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From first tries to first cries, Mercy supports expectant moms and dads at every step of their childbirth journey, and beyond. Get free pregnancy, parenting guides and more at mercy.net/FSPrenatalCare Your life is our life’s work.
CONTENTS
May 2020
features
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The delay of a big day
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Waiting for graduation: Two bittersweet views Teacher Leigh Ann Hasley spent years as a Northside High School senior class sponsor, building up cherished traditions around graduation night. This is her daughter Addy’s senior year, interrupted by a pandemic. Both mother and daughter muse about graduation’s delay and what it means to students and faculty everywhere.
Army of stitching volunteers meet the Million Mask Challenge With the entire inventory of medical protective equipment demanded for hospitals, a shortage of simple facecovering masks developed. An army of volunteers is sewing not only masks but gowns; inventing equipment for face shields, comfortable “ear-savers” and more as fast as they can. Arkansas has its own chapter that is astonishingly productive.
A tablescape perfect in its environment 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 second preview is a setting that perfectly fits the E. Fay Jones-designed home of Kim and Phil White.
focus on local services
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Mask makers to the rescue
Center for Hearing All needed healthy hearing medical care is provided with proper precautions.
Dancing around all obstacles: Attitudes stays in step Students of Attitudes Performing Arts rehearse remotely with joy and surprises.
Community School of the Arts continues classes – on camera Director Dr. Rosilee Walker writes about how “the show must go on” for kids.
departments
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WHAT’S COOKING Cooking – and cooking and cooking at home? Great ideas for grilling in the great outdoors.
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GARDENING It’s tomato season! Begin your prayers and incantations. And this year, let your garden be a natural.
e n t e r t a i n m e n t go e s d i g i t a l
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30 Libraries go live!
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Entertainment Fort Smith
May 2020
Creativity flowers in ways for the local arts to reach their audience – digital concerts, live library events, new videocasts and rescheduled shows. Current events updated as adjustments are announced at our website, efortsmith.com
On the Cover: Northside Senior Addy Hasley writes of the drama of a senior year different than all others. Photo by Leigh Ann Hasley
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY OF OUR
LANDMARKS COLORING BOOK $15
A unique, 24-page coloring book drawn by local artists, who will be compensated from your purchases. Books available in May. To reserve a copy, email “Coloring Book” to accounts@efortsmith.com to make arrangements to pay by credit or debit card. Or send $15 by check to Entertainment Fort Smith, P.O. Box 1341, Fort Smith, AR 72902 This collectible coloring book has a limited first printing. Order today!
Seniors lock arms and sing the Northside alma mater following graduation.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.� Galatians 6:9
Leigh Ann Hasley with 2018 graduate Isaiah Joe.
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Outgoing Northside High School Senior Council co-sponsors Leigh Ann Hasley (left) and Aimee Brinkley.
2018 graduate Walker Armstrong celebrates against a backdrop of red smoke.
A Pause in Pomp and Circumstance Outgoing class sponsor and senior mom reflects on planning for graduation day
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n 2003, I had a 3-year-old and a 18-month-old when thenprincipal Dr. Ray Martin agreed for me to be the senior sponsor at Northside High School. That confidence he had in me started a 17year journey of work, creativity and exhaustion but, most of all, a harvest of blessings. Carrying out the job of senior sponsor meant my babies grew up as Grizzlies and, in 2018, that once 3-year-old walked across the field as a graduate. This year, that baby girl walking across the stage at MayoThompson Stadium would signal my last act as sponsor. Yes, special events such as the senior walk through elementary schools, prom, color wars, parking spot painting, back-to-school bashes, senior picture day have been memory makers for our seniors each year, but there is nothing like graduation day. I am forever the optimist, so when the coronavirus started hitting the news, I never imagined we would be here. My senior athletes in soccer, baseball and softball were days away from conference play and the overnight decision was made. The devastation hit them on Friday, March 13. I don’t like the helpless feeling and that is where I have found myself looking at all 576 of these Grizzlies. A day in the life of a sponsor on graduation day goes something like this. Arrive on campus to see the sun rising over the bandstands with a breezy feel to the air at 6:30 a.m. Unload the large cookie cakes to be devoured after practice. By 8 a.m., my co-sponsor Aimee Brinkley and I, plus various students, are taping individual names to the practice chairs in the activity center. By 9, we are unloading extra shirts and other senior items to the bleachers for the early birds to choose what they want and I visit with the maintenance staff that has worked tirelessly the entire week. By 10, we are greeting the seniors and begin the hour and half practice for them to be informed of the evening's events. After practice, they pick up their senior grades, sign up for final transcript mailings and pick up senior posters and cap toppers. All the while seniors are practicing, the teachers that help me are guiding, directing and coaching them through nerves. I head back outside at 4:30 p.m. I check that the flowers have been delivered, the extra caps and gowns for emergencies are moved to the activity center, the programs are brought out for distribution. There is a team of teachers that makes sure everything runs smoothly like the preshow slideshow and music, checking in seniors as they arrive, checking for dress code, etc. But, the real fun begins at 5:30 when the pictures and the hugs begin. The phrase, “You made a difference in my life,” is said between students and teachers. Teachers that walk at graduation take the time to share how this year and this class has impacted them. The
traditional tunnel of teachers that we form for the graduates to process through is composed of elementary teachers, junior high teachers and, of course, our NHS faculty. As we sit down at 7:15, I finally take a breath and realize these kids did it. They made it and the excitement is palpable. When the diploma distribution begins, I stand to help them keep pace and that one job of ALL the jobs as senior sponsor is the very best. There is no containing emotions for them. It’s their spotlight. Their dreams, plans and hopes are all right in front of them, tangible. Even though this job has required countless hours planning and creating, it has been the one job at NHS that has brought me the most blessings. There is something about the energy of NHS seniors. The relationships I have built is so valuable to me. There is such joy seeing past presidents and senior council members flourish as adults. I have had some go on through medical school, some flight attendants capturing all the world and some have become teachers right here in Fort Smith. Friendships with Aimee Brinkley and our principals is another harvest that has been reaped because of the work. Aimee and I could spend hours talking about the craziness of this job. But, we have been a good combo, one of which I couldn’t have done the job without. Each year, there are stories of seniors that overcome obstacles. One young lady had to go into DHS custody toward the end of her senior year. She was an AP student and managed to keep it together academically despite her family dynamics and was a commencement speaker that year. Another is a very gifted artist that found herself homeless during her senior year. She never let her circumstances derail her dreams of pursuing a four-year degree in graphic design and freelance photographer. She is set to graduate this year from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. This type of resilience is all around us at NHS and, on graduation day, those resilient 18-year-olds show so much pride in what they have overcome. Many use it as fuel to be better citizens, to be more kind and compassionate. The class of 2020 will be paramount in using obstacles to make them better. Graduation night has energy that is indescribable between teachers, administration, counselors, coaches and the seniors. As the alma mater plays for the class of 2020 and the confetti canons fire with billowing red smoke, resiliency will be the theme for this class. May the graduates rise and toss their caps in celebration that they overcame the sadness of this terrible pandemic. The Northside motto is, “We are one. We are family. We are Northside.” Graduation night is our night to showcase that motto, that belief, to our community. Thank you to Fort Smith Public Schools for making the celebration a priority. – Leigh Ann Hasley, Northside High School digital commercial photography instructor and retiring senior council sponsor.
May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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A Graduate on Hold
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y personal disdain against this current worldwide pandemic is that it stole my right of passage as an adult entering the world. It stole my one night to feel like a princess in a country of democracy, and it stole what was left of my senior year. I have taken much time during this “Corona Break” to assess damages the Covid-19 virus has inflicted upon seniors in high school. Going into this year – after ending my junior year with a flood that canceled our May classes – I was excited to finish strong. The seniors from 2019 didn’t miss out on their last day of school, their elementary walk, their cap and gown pictures, prom or walking across a stage receiving a piece of paper saying they completed what can be considered the most formative and challenging years of their lives. We, however, will be missing out on all of the opportunities listed above, or they will be readjusted to a schedule to which people we love can’t attend. It’s frustrating to watch as millions of people before you get to experience these once-in-a-lifetime events and millions behind you anticipate these moments, just for them to be stripped away right in front of you with absolutely no time for face-to-face closure. Collectively, as seniors at Northside High School, we have been disappointed waiting to hear about the adjustments to our last few events of senior year. I believe parents don’t truly understand what their seniors are going through, seeing as how they had their senior 10
Entertainment Fort Smith
May 2020
year. Students not a part of the 2020 class don’t pay any thought to how this impacts us. The only ones who understand our frustration are my fellow graduates. I regret not living my senior year to the fullest. I regret my decision to skip out on events I had the option to attend and I regret not appreciating what I had when I had it. Due to this corona outbreak, I am no longer allowed to finish my senior year at school. I wish I could experience prom on May 2 and experience graduation day on May 12. Knowing those two important events in my life will be canceled or postponed due to this pandemic, I have to come to terms with the fact that I will never get to see some of my friends that are going into the military, colleges in other states, staying in Fort Smith or just doing something with their lives that doesn’t involve me. The only silver lining to this pandemic is that it has given me wisdom on how to appreciate everything in my life. We had graduation, prom, senior walk and cap and gown pictures to look forward to – and to say our goodbyes. There are friends I will dearly miss and people I will never see again. My last day of high school was the last chance I got to see them. Little did I know it was going to be Friday, March 13. Northside senior Addy Hasley was 18 months old when her mother, Leigh Ann, took the position of senior council sponsor at the school. Leigh Ann took this photo of Addy on the Northside campus.
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May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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MEETING THE MILLION MASK CHALLENGE
THEY’RE Sewing,crocheting, inventing to meet the need
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hey’ve put the (foot) pedal to the metal. With a national shortage of personal protective equipment leaving frontline medical professionals and other health care workers with few places to buy it, citizen who sew having been sitting down at their sewing machines, making simple cloth masks and donating them – by the thousands. Locally, a group formed under a new organization called the “Million Mask Challenge” quickly organized an Arkansas chapter. Kristi Jones of Fort Smith, who immediately notes that she is only one of many volunteers, describes what this local group is accomplishing. (To keep current with these fast-moving and amazingly productive volunteers, join the public group Million Mask Challenge-Arkansas on Facebook. Their output and innovation increases hourly.) It started with pattern-sharing for simple face covers. Layers of cotton fabric, approximately 9x9 inches, folded into four pleats. Cotton flannel on the inside. Two side casings to stitch the pleats in place. Elastic ear loops slipped through the casings, or fabric ties to knot behind the head, top and bottom. There is a channel for an optional, bendable nose wire. Through Facebook and phone calls, the local chapter began fulfilling requests from in-state and in-town nursing home, assisted living facilities and home health care groups. Jones soon saw that her service should be in organization – record-keeping, collection, delivery and communications. Cotton face coverings protect against the spread of infection from the wearer’s coughs and sneezes, afford some protection to the wearer and remind them not to touch their face. Cotton masks are not as effective against infection as medical N-95 respirator masks reserved for frontline medical professionals. Cotton masks are recommended by the CDC for caregivers of vulnerable people and for everyone to wear in public, while practicing hand hygiene and distancing of at least 6 feet from others outdoors and inside. 12
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She’s served as a central dispatcher, connecting makers with materials and sharing smarter sewing tips discovered by members. Other volunteers follow up the requests for masks or are locating more facilities to help. “When I joined the national group, they asked me to be the liaison from Arkansas. They’re a great admin team,” she said. But Kristi started a Facebook group specifically for Arkansas. She connected with another group that helps to vet requests, but also created her group’s own process to review requests only for Arkansas. It was an organizational step that accelerated local production and delivery. Kristi said the group has solo, home sewers but also families and teams of friends who (separately) formed assembly lines. Some members are so prolific and efficient that they can cut and sew more than 20 masks a day. “I bought a sewing machine, but I quickly learned that’s not my skill set,” she laughed. “I’ve been most proud of those people who sit for hours and hours, sewing all day. Their backs hurt, their fingers hurt, their eyes hurt - they’re tired.” Kristi cheers for them online, to encourage everyone. The resourcefulness of the entire group has been amazing, she said. Innovations are invented and shared almost every day. Kristi connected locally with Fab Lab, a 3-D printing lab, and with Derek Goodson of UAFS. Both labs focused on the need for particular plastic headgear to fasten clear face shields. Both labs have also created other related protective equipment and components. Locally, Kristi is aware that PRADCO has also fabricated face shield harnesses. Most of the MMC-Ark volunteers ply the needle arts. Besides sewing face masks, some members have crocheted soft “ear savers” that allow ear elastic to be adjusted more comfortably. They also have sewed buttons on stretchy headbands for the same relief of pressure and friction on the ears, caused by wearing a face covering all day. Kristi encourages donations of medium-to-large buttons. Empty your button jars and stashes!
One donor gave 68 pounds of fabric. Kristi washed it to shrink and prepare it for cutting. The ideal fabric is closely woven, 100 percent cotton and cotton flannel. Fabric patterns differentiate the masks’ inside and out. Meeting the specific requests of each facility is the group’s goal. MMCArk volunteers have sewn more than cloth masks when asked. “Kim Davis Chambers found a source for patient hospital gowns and asked us whether we could add sleeves,” Kristi posted on Facebook. “Of course, we can! The next day, Kim's friend Nancy James, who volunteers with an outreach organization called CURE, made available thousands of gowns! That same day, I asked for sewists. That's when Sara Hattabaugh, Karen Merrell Seymour, Kris McConohy Scott, manager of Central Sewing Center, and Lori Garvin stepped up to sew and recruit other sewists,” she wrote. “Look at this circle of people who don't know one another but are saving the lives of skilled doctors so they may save the life of someone you love!” her post concluded. “I’m so proud of everybody,” she added. She’s never asked the age range of members, but in photos, she has seen retirement-aged women with their mothers; husbands ironing, sewing and delivering; youngsters being taught to sew by parents and grandparents through on-the-job training and younger children packing masks for delivery. Those who can’t sew a stitch can help. Any size of donation can go a long way, Kristi said. “Don’t think it has to be much!” Local vendors have given discounts and in-kind donations. Cash donations of $5-$10 can buy fabric, elastic or buttons or help pay for shipping costs in-state. The need to make and deliver even more masks is ongoing, Kristi said.
Kristi Jones of Fort Smith is only one of many volunteers in the helpful group called The Million Mask Challenge-Arkansas. She’s one of several “admins” posting pictures and patterns on its Facebook page, connecting people with sewing resources and finding facilities in need of masks. Below, an assortment of hundreds of cotton masks, hospital gowns and ear savers made by the members of the group.
May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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Join the local Million Mask Challenge “Please, just reach out,” Kristi said. “We will find a way you can help. People who use social media can find the Facebook page Million Mask Challenge-Arkansas. There is a Paypal donation link. Those without internet access can mail a check to Million Mask Challenge-Arkansas, 2801 Fresno Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. Contributions will help volunteers provide masks for health care workers in Arkansas nursing homes, assisted living and other health care facilities where patients and workers are vulnerable. Central Sewing Center of Fort Smith will take phone calls for the organization at 479-452-3256. “We have been able to find safe ways to drop off materials, pick up finished masks, deliver – we will make it work,” Kristi said. Volunteers are required to be safe in all activities. Some “remote assembly line” work is possible. “I spoke with a potential volunteer who said she could sew if someone would cut fabric for her,” Kristi said. She knows of people working together in that way. One volunteer is sewing and supplying only the fabric ties to provide for others to use with the pleated face coverings they have made. Demand will continue for these basic face coverings for some time. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchison and the state Department of Health recommend that everyone wear masks in public. A state health department alert says, in part: “Face coverings help prevent the spread Dropped off on Kristi’s of Covid-19. ... Phasing in normal life will porch: sealed baggies require more diligence in personal of buttons, bias tape preventative measures, not less. When makers and soft ear current restrictions on where we go and how savers. The group uses we gather are loosened, we must double contact-free strategies down on preventative practices.” for transfers arranged The Million Mask Challenge-Arkansas by phone or online. Facebook page provides downloadable patterns for those who may want to sew masks for themselves and their own families. Refer to the page’s ‘No Sew DIY’ unit to see several ways to make masks without sewing. The group does not sell or provide masks for the public. Its mission is focused on providing these basic protection of masks for workers who are caring for others, who are in need of such supplies. Those who can join or donate to the Million Mask Challenge soon learn what Kristi says. “It feels really good to be helping.”
From left, Kristi Jones delivers cotton face masks to CEO Melissa Curry and Millie Meyers of Methodist Village Senior Living in Fort Smith.
High- and low-tech: Both kinds offer more comfort. Left, ear savers 3-D printed by Fab Lab. Right, crocheted by Ashley Lispey Torres. Mask wearers can slip elastic ear loops over either kind of ear saver to relieve tension and chafing. All photos courtesy of The Million Mask Challenge-Arkansas.
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May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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GARDENING
Better Boy is a regional favorite.
Select the Best Tomatoes for Your Garden & Table
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liced, sauced or cooked in your favorite recipe, tomatoes are a favorite and versatile vegetable. What’s more, they taste best when grown and harvested from your own garden or container. Ensure the best flavor and greatest results by selecting the most disease-resistant varieties and growing your tomatoes in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Select plants with the growth habit that works best with your garden space and gardening style. Determinate tomatoes are perfect for small-space gardens and containers. They grow to a certain height, stop growing and produce their fruit over a relatively short timeframe. Indeterminate tomatoes continue to grow throughout the season, producing flowers and fruit until frost kills the plant or you prune off the growing tip found at the end of the main stem(s). Stake or tower the plants to save space, reduce disease and insect problems, and make harvesting more convenient. Further narrow down your selection and grow varieties best suited to the intended use. Plant tags often provide recommendations. Or, save time and do a bit of research before visiting the garden center to select the best tomato for your growing conditions and the intended use. Bite-sized tomatoes are great for salads, relish trays and snacking. Red Robin and Sweet ‘n Neat produce clusters of red cherry tomatoes on compact plants. Grow them in containers or even a window box. Tumbling Tom Red and Tumbling Tom Yellow cherry tomatoes are compact, cascading plants that create an attractive edible display in tall 16
Entertainment Fort Smith
May 2020
containers, hanging baskets, or window boxes. Grow the explosively sweet Sun Gold and Sun Sugar cherry tomatoes. They’re the candy of the garden and will get even your most reluctant family members, young and old, to eat their tomatoes. Stake or cage these tall plants and, if space is limited, grow them in a 24inch-diameter pot. Paste and sauce tomatoes have meatier fruit, making them perfect for sauces, soups and preserving. Roma is the traditional favorite. The egg-shaped fruit has thick walls and few seeds. Use them during the growing season for sauces, chop and add them to an omelet, or can and freeze them for future use. Expand your options with San Marzano heirloom paste tomato. Popular with gourmet and home chefs, the sweet, complex flavor makes a fabulous sauce. Chop a few and add them to salads, or slice and top your favorite sandwich. You’ll enjoy the flavor and versatility of this tomato. Grow a few slicing tomatoes. Most gardeners look for large, juicy tomatoes to enjoy on their sandwiches, hors d’oeuvres and salads. Look for varieties that are suited to the growing conditions. Solar Flare and Creole are heat-tolerant and keep producing despite high summer temperatures. Start picking tomatoes as soon as 65 days after planting by growing short-season varieties like Early Girl and New Girl tomatoes. An All-America Selections winner, Celebrity, has great disease
GARDENING
Roma is perfect for cooking down into thick sauces and paste. It also freezes well.
Developed for hot climates, the heirloom tomato produces firm, meaty tomatoes.
resistance and is an excellent all-around tomato. Grow this determinate tomato in a cage or stake the plant to save space. Heirloom varieties have been grown for more than 50 years and have maintained their original traits and popularity. Cherokee Purple’s rich flavor rates high in taste tests. The dusky pink fruit with deep red interior looks as beautiful as it tastes. Add some fun and sweet flavor with Mr. Stripey. The irregular striping of the red and yellow beefsteak-type fruit make this a popular choice. So, gather your favorite recipes and create a list of both longtime favorites and new tomato varieties to include in this year’s garden. Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books and is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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GARDENING
Let your garden be a natural habitat
A five-lined skink enjoys a wild garden setting. Here’s a tip from reader Hank Seubold: Take the spray nozzle off your garden hose before you use it and let it run gently to flush out any skinks that may be resting there. They eat their weight in mosquitos!
Take a walk on the wild side! Let’s bring wildlife into our family’s life. Forget about a new faster internet service – get a lawn chair and sit in your own living space and enjoy nature. You can attract some of the best entertainment on the planet, whether you live in an apartment or on a big acreage, by making some nature-friendly decisions. Invite butterflies, birds, frogs, turtles and other creatures to visit by choosing plants with high wildlife value. Even a small container garden can attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Some of nature’s unloved creatures are also worth a chance. During my research, I learned an interesting fact. Did you know opossums are beneficial yard guests who eat snails, slugs, snakes and mice? The joy of nature-friendly gardening is that it relies on color-dense flowers and attractive landscaping. All of the factors that attract you to a space also attract nonhuman creatures. Having a nature-attracting garden is even a perfect excuse to relax about your yard care. It turns out that each of us, especially urban home owners, should allow at least a small area of our yards to go natural. Don’t feel you need to manicure every inch. Allow a dead tree to remain. An area of brush can be great cover for wildlife and bring in birds that in turn eat thousands of mosquitoes. Wildlife need a place to feel safe from people and predators to raise their young. Plant natural feeders. Do you love butterflies and hummingbirds? Plant sunflowers, black and blue sage, bee balm, honeysuckle vine and butterfly bush. If you like turtles and frogs and birds and butterflies, then provide water sources, not only above-ground bird baths but shallow water containers for frogs and turtles. Turn over broken clay pots to allow toads to find sanctuary. Unlike birds, butterflies cannot drink from an Well, hello there. A turtle emerges from its hibernation where it slept under under a bed of mulch.Please do not attempt to relocate turtles.
Honeybees need our help more than ever. Allow wildflowers to grow and try not to use pesticides to help provide fodder for the bees. 18 Entertainment Fort Smith May 2020
Photos courtesy of Reba Mize
GARDENING
Reba Mize, posing as a queen of flowers.
open water source such a birdbath, so provide a shallow container filled with wet sand or fine gravel to attract these beauties. They need something to stand on. This will serve honeybees, as well. Cater to caterpillars that eventually become beautiful butterflies by including host herbs such as parsley, dill and fennel. Most importantly, avoid pesticides that kill good bugs as well as bad. Allow your new garden visitors to eat your bugs. If you are lucky and have a bit of land, consider letting the brush hog rest. Planting native wildflowers, which are a great way to help with the plight of pollinators. There’s one more garden creature I must include but I don’t like them at all – snakes. If I’ve crawled up in a flowerbed and I even think I see a snake, I’m running. Many times I have surely amused a passerby by doing “the snake dance.” P. Allen Smith tells us that tarantulas eat mice. OK ... I’ll try to maintain a good thought for them, too. Whenever possible, try to include a mix of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees that will help to provide seeds, berries, nuts and insects for your new garden friends. Contributing writer Reba Mize loves the critters who move into her garden. Well, maybe not the tarantula. And definitely not even one snake. May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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or the upcoming celebration of Robert E. Miller’s 90th birthday, the April Designer Showhouse Ball 2020, five private dinner parties will be auctioned at the Sept. 26 event to benefit Bob’s cause: supporting Fort Smith’s Community Rescue Mission. Five donors have offered their homes as locations for the dinner parties, including Kim and Phil White, whose E. Fay Jones-designed home has stunning views of the Arkansas River, especially from the dining room. Guests will enjoy a tablescape designed to reflect the appeal of Jones’ embrace of the native landscape of every structure he ever designed. His use of native stone and wood, with glass walls that include the outdoors organically into the interior, are echoed by the transparent tabletop, ivory china and light-refracting lead crystal stemware. The meal will be catered by The Rialto of Fort Smith. Earl Douglas, professional decorator and producer of the Showhouse Ball, created the subtly stunning tablescape with a centerpiece of pink ranunculi, hydrangeas and wild curly willow by Linda Watson of Tate’s Floral and Gift Shop, Van Buren. Phil White designed the dining table in homage to Jones’ design principles. His good friend, wood craftsman Easy Barber, built the table and other custom furniture for the home. Phil’s choice of the heavy glass top dictated the auction dinner’s tablescape design, also in keeping with Kim’s taste for simple, yet beautiful things. Tickets for the Sept. 26 Ball are available by calling 479-226-9530.
PHOTOS BY GLENN GILLEY
A tablescape presented in a home designed by E. Fay Jones echoes nature, light and simple elegance
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For the place settings, Douglas mixed vintage, gold-plated Oneida flatware, made for Van Cleef & Arpels, from his own collection, with Kim’s goldrimmed Lenox china and gold placemats. When sunlight catches Kim’s family’s Waterford cut crystal stemware, it fires prismatic colors. The private dinner and wine for six will be catered by The Rialto restaurant. May 2020
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WHAT’S COOKING
Hot Off the Grill
CLASSIC BEEF CHEESEBURGERS 1 pound ground beef (93 percent lean or leaner) 11⁄2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend 4 hamburger buns, split 4 slices cheese (such as Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.) 4 lettuce leaves 4 tomato slices Toppings: Ketchup, mustard, onion slices, pickle slices (optional)
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Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally. About 2 minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut sides down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice. Cook's Tip: To prepare on stovetop, heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 12 to 15 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. Line bottom of each bun with lettuce leaf; top with tomato slice, burger and toppings, as desired. Close sandwiches.
WHAT’S COOKING
BARBECUE CHIPOTLE BURGERS 1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner) 1/2 cup beer 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 4 slices frozen Texas toast 2 spears pickled okra, sliced To prepare barbecue sauce, combine beer, brown sugar, ketchup, chipotle peppers and Worcestershire sauce in saucepan; bring to a boil. Simmer 8 to 10 minutes until sauce is thickened; set aside. Lightly shape ground beef into four 1/2inch thick patties. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 9 minutes) until instantread thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. Meanwhile, prepare Texas Toast according to package directions. Cut each piece of toast in half. Fresh Texas toast, buttered, may be used instead of frozen product. For each sandwich, spread 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce over one toast half. Top with burger, another tablespoon sauce and okra slices. Close sandwich. Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. Dill pickle chips or pickled jalapeĂąo peppers may be substituted for pickled okra. May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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WHAT’S COOKING
MAPLE-BACON BEER BURGER 1 pound ground beef (96 percent lean) 1/4 cup beer 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, split 4 slices reduced-fat Cheddar cheese 4 thick slices Maplewood-smoked bacon, cut in half, cooked crisp
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Entertainment Fort Smith
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Combine Ground Beef, beer, and Worcestershire in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Place patties in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally. About 2 minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut-side down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese. Place burgers on bottom of buns; top with bacon slices. Close sandwiches. Cook's Tips: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness.
WHAT’S COOKING
GARLIC-HERB CHEESEBURGER 1 pound ground beef (80-85 percent lean 4 slices red onion, cut 1/2 inch thick 1 large red bell pepper, cut into quarters Salt and pepper 1/2 cup garlic-herb cheese spread 4 round French sandwich rolls, split, toasted Lightly shape ground beef into four 1/2inch thick patties. Place patties in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange onion and bell pepper around patties. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. Grill vegetables 13 to 16 minutes or until crisp-tender, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Cut bell pepper into 1/2-inch strips. Spread 1 tablespoon cheese on bottom of each bun; top with burger, another 1 tablespoon cheese, onion slice and 1/4 of bell pepper. Close sandwiches.
ZESTY BARBECUE CHEESEBURGERS 1 pound Ground Beef (93 percent or leaner) 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce, divided 4 slices white Cheddar, pepper Jack, smoked Gouda or provolone cheese 4 hamburger buns or pretzel rolls, split, toasted Lettuce, tomato slices and red onion slices Combine ground beef, onion and 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. About 1 minute before burgers are done, brush with remaining 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce and top with cheese. Line bottom half of each bun with lettuce leaves, red onion and tomato, as desired; top with burger. Close sandwiches. May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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WHAT’S COOKING THAI BURGER
RANCH BURGER 1 pound ground beef (93 percent lean or leaner) 1/4 cup soft bread crumbs 1 egg white 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 1 medium red onion, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided 4 whole wheat hamburger buns, split, toasted Romaine lettuce, tomato slices 1/4 cup reduced-fat creamy ranch dressing Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg white and seasoned salt in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Brush onion slices with 1/2 tablespoon oil. Place patties and onion slices on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill patties, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 7 to 9 minutes), until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. Grill onions, 11 to 13 minutes or until tender, brushing with remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil and turning occasionally. Line bottom of each bun with lettuce. Place tomatoes and burgers on lettuce. Spoon dressing over burgers; top with onions.
BEEF AND BLACK BEAN BURGERS
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1 pound ground beef 1 cup shredded Napa cabbage 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon hot chili sauce Salt and pepper 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 4 whole wheat or white hamburger buns, split Combine cabbage and 1 tablespoon lime juice in medium bowl; set aside. Combine ground beef, green onion, ground ginger and hot sauce in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 10 to 12 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, hoisin sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice and sesame oil in small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Place 1 burger on bottom half of each bun; top evenly with peanut butter mixture and cabbage mixture. Close sandwiches.
11⁄2 pounds ground beef (93 percent or leaner) 10 (2-ounce) whole-grain hamburger buns 1 (15 ounces) can no-salt added black beans, rinsed, drained 1/4 cup tomato paste 1 cup minced onion 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves 1 to 2 fresh jalapeno peppers, minced 11⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 ripe avocado, sliced Cut two hamburger buns into 1/4-inch cubes. Combine cubed buns, beans and tomato paste in large bowl; using a potato masher; mash to slightly chunky consistency.
Add ground beef, onion, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, cumin, salt and pepper, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 3/4inch thick patties. Place patties on rack of broiler pan so surface of beef is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Broil 12 to 14 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning once. Place burgers on bottoms of buns. Top burgers evenly with avocado slices. Top with dressing, sour cream, yogurt or salsa, if desired. Cook's Tip: This burger may be served on a bed of mixed greens topped with ranch dressing, sour cream, yogurt or salsa.
May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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GOOD HEALTH
Center for Hearing can help
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atients of the Center for Hearing can safely visit their doctors or obtain any help they may need with hearing devices. Keeping everyone healthy is everyone’s first concern. “We are open and ask everyone to call to make an appointment,” said Dr. Lori Boyd, speaking for Dr. Kelly Linton and Dr. Trace Cash. “We’re seeing both new and existing patients, but staggering them to make time to clean the clinic in between visitors.” Clients may call when they arrive and park and wait to be escorted inside, Dr. Boyd explained. Some clients may only need adjustments or service to their hearing aids. Staff members can take only the devices inside and return them to the car, in many cases. Center for Hearing doctors also are able to make tele-health consultations, by smartphone. Dr. Boyd said they were able to successfully show one client how to re-sync her device to her own smartphone by using this remote video-conferencing. It worked! Clients who visit in person will enter one at a time and be offered a disposable face mask. The staff are wearing masks and gloves, she said. The Center for Hearing offers treatment for the complete spectrum of hearing health, offering hearing screening for people of all ages. They fit and provide hearing devices of all kinds. They’re also a retail source for quality hearing protection devices such as noise-reducing headphones and ear plugs purposed for active athletes, musicians or other specific circumstances, for adults and children. Phone 479-785-3277 to arrange services or appointments with the Center for Hearing.
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Drs. Lori Boyd, Trace Cash and Kelly Linton from Center for Hearing.
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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May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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ENTERTAINMENT goes digital Live performances haven’t stopped – Artists, librarians and filmmakers are finding creative ways
Presenting entertainment is a challenge right now, but we are so impressed with the creativity of our local artists, musicians, teachers, filmmakers, librarians and citizens who have been creating new ways to go public every day. One of the first alternative ideas was produced by the River Valley Film Society, which teamed with Fort Smith Brewing Co. to hold an old-fashioned drive-in movie night last month. The outdoor movie nights will continue in May, according to Quinton Willard. A limited audience made reservations after a social media announcement to park and watch from their vehicles (the limited number allows for safe distancing and screen visibility). Movie-goers brought their own refreshments or could order light food, snacks, soft drinks or craft beer from Fort Smith Brewing Company by phone, delivered by car hops.
Bowl at 10:30 p.m. Watch for the continuing movie schedule online with shows May 14-15 and 21-22. A local film will be screened before each feature. The River Valley Film Society is making those selections now, according to its president, Brandon Goldsmith. The film society has also offered an open invitation to local makers of film, music videos and musical livestream performances to share their videos on its Facebook page, which has been entertaining and interesting.
EFS co-sponsoring “HomeVid-19” video contest Along with the River Valley Film Society and the Times Record, this magazine is co-sponsoring a locally made video contest. Together, we invite everyone to submit one- to five-minute videos (made with smartphones and cameras) by May 22.
The River Valley Film Society screened local shorts before the featured films. Audiences enjoyed the Parkview Elementary Music Club’s award-winning parody musicals, “The Adventures of the U.S.S. Parkview” and “Batman: The Scheme is Sound.”
Categories are Comedy, Action, Pet, Covid-19 Documentary and films made by young directors under 17. Winners will be recognized in both publications and the winning video will be made available online. Viewers will be invited to vote for a Readers Choice Award and a jury will select a “Best Picture” and other awards.
Upcoming shows are Apollo 11 at 8 p.m. May 1; Midway, 10:30 p.m. May 1; Yesterday, 8 p.m. May 7; Nacho Libre at 8 p.m May 8 and Turkey
Obey all rules of social distancing and infection prevention while making these films, which should also be PG. Lights, action, make homevids!
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ENTERTAINMENT
Fort Smith Symphony stays in touch with fans and music It’s not often, until now, that you’ll find the maestro of the Fort Smith Symphony on duty in a flannel shirt instead of a well-tailored tuxedo.
Riverfront Blues Festival nixed by pandemic but the Blues Foundation will hold annual awards The Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Society is forced to cancel the 2020 Riverfront Blues Festival, it has announced. The society hopes to hold several pop-events when public health conditions permit. Blues fans can enjoy the best in blues May 3 when the annual BMA gala takes place online in living rooms around the world instead of onstage in Memphis at 4 p.m. on The Blues Foundation’s Facebook page and co-broadcast on its YouTube channel. Multi-BMA-winning and GRAMMY® Awardnominated artist Shemekia Copeland will host the event from her living room and BMA nominees will contribute exclusive performances recorded in their homes.
But fans of John Jeter and our symphony do know that he loves to talk about music and talk with those who appreciate it. Find him on the Fort Smith Symphony’s Facebook page, where he is frequently leaving a short video on diverse topics – including a survey of who you like more - the Beatles or the Stones – plus a few more classical music subjects.
John Jeter, online
Using the means of communication possible at present, Jeter and the Symphony staff are posting on social media to stay connected to their loyal audience. The Symphony presented all but its final concert this year, which Jeter announced would be re-scheduled for Feb. 28, 2021. “The Sounds of Hitchcock” will be a program that screens the film with the orchestra performing the score. The page also offers season ticket renewals, links to performances of past concerts, short music videos and more. The symphony’s main presence is fortsmithsymphony.org.
Bookish, an indie shop for folks who read, has flexed with the times to offer curbside service, books read aloud online and any other innovation to help patrons and serve the community. The bookstore in Brunwick Place is also holding “Reader Meet Writer,” an author series, to continue its popular author talks, live and virtually. RSVP by clicking "GOING" on the Facebook “Event.” Bookish will message you a link to join the live talk. May 5 May 6 May 7 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 19 May 20 May 21 May 26
Caroline B. Cooney, author of Before She Was Helen, 2 p.m. Brad Meltzer, author of The Lincoln Conspiracy, 2 p.m. Kaitlin B. Curtis, author of Native, 2 p.m. Mary Kay Andrews, author of Hello Summer, 4 p.m. Katy Simpson Smith, author of The Everlasting, 3 p.m. Susan Beckham Zurenda, author of Bells for Eli, 3 p.m. Mary Alice Monroe, author of On Ocean Boulevard, 2 p.m. Carter Sickels, author of The Prettiest Star, 2 p.m. Yaffa S. Santos, author of A Taste of Sage, 2 p.m. Genevieve Hudson, author of Boys of Alabama, 4 p.m. May 2020
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ENTERTAINMENT
“Stay Over There� is a new quirky, local virtual variety show with music, talk and lit Here’s one bright thing that has arisen in an otherwise difficult time – an original, local show created by Jessie Fenwick that is proving to get better with every live streaming episode on Facebook, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. Although its name is a play on social distancing, Fenwick, host and creator, explains that the live show is meant to bring people together.
We’d describe it as a live hangout with cool, talented friends. Each show has live music, some poetry or storytelling, humor and helpful discussion about genuine feelings. We enjoyed Episode 2 (you can play it online, it’s archived) with Shannon McGill’s knockout reading of her short story “That Damn Bonnie and Clyde� and killer music by guitarist Jay Shephard. Check it out – it’s great entertainment, with heart.
Chad Burris
Jonathan Karrant
Performing in a pandemic: actor, musician from our hometowns finding virtual venues Seen online: Because they’re very good at sharing with their fans and supporters, two entertainers with local roots are showing what many performers are doing despite the shut-downs of Broadway and music venues. Actor and singer Chad Burris of Alma, on pause from a role in Mean Girls on Broadway, has instead appeared in a master class on live video and performed live on several streaming concerts with fellow cast members. Until the footlights come up again, follow Chad to see how many ways the show can go on, online.
HEAR, HERE. KUAF 32
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Jazz singer Jonathan Karrant has performed several concerts, one from his family’s Fort Smith home, and from his own living room in Las Vegas on stageit.com. Connect with him at jonathonkarrant.com to watch other upcoming concerts online. Support local artists by finding them online, purchasing tickets to virtual concerts and buying their recordings and videos. Until live venues re-open, show them your love and send them some cash!
Season of Entertainment ticket holders will see Buddy Nov. 9 The UAFS Season of Entertainment’s final Broadway touring show, “Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story,� has been set for Nov. 9 at the Fort Smith Buddy Convention Center. Tickets purchased for the original date will be honored, according the UAFS Box Office. Box Office staff are working from home but will respond to messages and inquiries left at Facebook or at boxoffice@uafs.edu.
ENTERTAINMENT
Librarians are getting in on the act, performing online to serve their users Librarians in the Entertainment section? Sure! Librarians are already the most versatile heroes of this stay-home time, making sure everyone can use the internet to download digital books, news, movies, music and more. The Fort Smith Public Library quickly launched a way to obtain a digital library card while its doors are closed. Now, librarians are personally recording videos to read aloud to the children who know them and miss coming to story times at their local libraries. Check into your local library’s web pages and on their social media and you’ll find lots of videos that will continue giving children a warm and happy story time experience.
Ms. Yuvonka of the Van Buren Public Library and Ms. Rachel of Fort Smith Public Library.
Not only do librarians slowly show each page’s illustrations to their young viewers – they’re becoming even better performers for the camera, with unexpected props and guests. Ms. Rachel of the Fort Smith Public Library can be watched reading Frog and Toad stories to a real, living duo of a frog and a toad. Ms. Tiffany of the Windsor Branch has been known to read a story about chickens inside a whole coop full of clucking hens! All our local libraries’ resources, and resourcefulness, are amazing. Children can find schoolwork, arts and crafts challenges, video and music. Adults have a pass to streaming video services with thousands of current and classic movies, books on tape, electronic books, research materials and even virtual, live get-togethers. There truly is something for everyone at your virtual libraries. Hurray for librarians – they should be eligible for Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tony Awards!
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.
May 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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KIDS
Attitudes Performing Arts Dance Company students rehearse and learn in a new way, for now
E
ven when their dance instructor is onscreen, students of Attitudes Performing Arts Dance Company are keeping in step. To continue classes, Attitudes is dancing on, through online classes where students follow along with live video and get together through online meet-up software. And it’s working well, although teachers and students miss dancing together in person. “Just to see the kids is enjoyable,” said LaDonna Ford, the school’s owner. “And it’s been better than we expected” as a means of teaching dance students of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop classes. In some live video classes, pets have joined in the dancing, including unexpected but hilarious guest appearances by dogs, cats, one pig and a goat, she laughed. All classes are rehearsing for their spring recital, an accomplishment the faculty wants them to achieve, Ford said. The dancers are determined to perform, even if the date of the recital is a moving target for Attitudes. (All gatherings of the size of Attitudes’ recitals are on pause at this time.) In the meantime, Attitudes dancers will learn and rehearse seriously and sometimes just giggle together, online. “The kids light up when they see each other,” Ford said. “We’re pretty amazed” at their dedication, she added proudly. A tiny dancer follows her teacher (left). Kids enjoy virtual meetings with classmates.
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KIDS
The arts must go on, writes the director of Fort Smith’s Community School of the Arts
V
irtual learning for the arts is also happening and the kids are loving it!” reports Dr. Rosilee Russell, executive director of the Community School for the Arts. Russell wrote this snapshot report of the activities the school is holding at this time and its plans for summer.
As a professional musician and educator, I will be the first one to tell you that arts teaching in person is by far the best way. But we are dealing with extreme circumstances so virtual teaching is the way to go. At Community School of the Arts, we have looked for ways to give back to the community and to kids across the world. In fact, CSA set up Quarantime, a free online program that allows students across the globe to access the arts. All you need is the internet. By accessing the CSA website, students can get connected to the arts through challenges, activities and other arts postings. Every Tuesday at noon, we post a new challenge for students to engage in. And if you want to Zoom with one of our instructors, that can be arranged. Email us at info@csafortsmith.org. CSA hopes to open for summer classes and lessons in June, but with restrictions. Registration is available now. Social distancing will continue along with limiting the number of individuals in our facility. We will also offer both onsite and online instruction during June to provide options so that everyone is comfortable.
Community School of the Arts faculty member Shannon Stoddard, on Facebook Live at noon Tuesdays, creating an arts challenge during a special activity in the school’s free art program, Quarantime.
Summer theater productions and concerts may see date changes. Summer productions include “Peter Pan, Jr.” and “Elf Jr.” Be watching for updates. CSA has created some fun group summer activities that allow for students and instructors to be outside or, when necessary, stay inside in a very large setting and keep social distancing policies in place. Group theater, art and musical activities are planned for July and will primarily take place in the mornings. Summer is a great time to be out in the sun and the arts lend themselves to the outdoors. Let’s keep our kids engaged now in the arts so they come out of this crisis happy and healthy! See the curriculum of opportunities at csafortsmith.org or contact us at 479-434-2020 for more information.
May 2020
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KIDS ACTIVITIES
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Entertainment Fort Smith
May 2020
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Try Your Hand at Jump Rope Songs “Cinderella” “Cinderella, dressed in yellow Went upstairs to kiss a 'fella Made a mistake And kissed a snake How many doctors Did it take?” Continue counting as long as you jump. “Fuzzy Wuzzy” “Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy, was he?” “Jump a Rope” To the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." “Jump, jump, jump a rope, Merrily in the spring. Hop, hop on each foot, As fast as you can sing.” Repeat and skip faster with each verse. For more jump rope songs and activities, visit kidactivities.net and click Music & Songs Ideas. May 2020
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DINING GUIDE
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Entertainment Fort Smith
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OUR SECRET INGREDIENT ? OUR PEOPLE . WE ARE COCA-COLA BOTTLING OF FORT SMITH - 1 OF 68 IN DEPEN DENT BOT TLER S K EEPIN G TH E CO C A- COL A COM PAN Y LO C AL A C R O S S N E A R LY E V E R Y C O R N E R O F T H E C O U N T R Y. W E ’ R E P R O U D TO B E PAR T OF TH E COM M U NITIE S WE S ERVE .
#COCACOLARENEW