Entertainment Fort Smith - June 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG Art Director BRITTANY RANSOM Kids Issue Special Editor Contributing Writers REBA MIZE CANDISE MONTEMAYOR KARRIE STEWART Contributing Photographers GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY REBA MIZE KRISTAN ROLAND Photos of Barney Ahelfeld story courtesy of Fred Meyers

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

www.efortsmith.com

Oh to be 7 years old again!

We have to admit it, kids, we’re jealous. For only the brief hour we spent at Fort Smith’s justabout-to-open Parrot Island Water Park while making our cover photo, we would have loved to be 6 or 7 or even 13 again and splash into that beautiful blue water.

We’re in talks with Miss Brenda at the waterpark to schedule a Tired Old Lady Day so we could go jump with abandon into what could be the fountain of youth.

Discreetly. As in no cameras allowed.

The four nice young ladies and gentlemen who sampled the waters for our cover were a delight to work with. Thank you Junior, Gibran, Aaliyah and Stella.

Thanks also, very much, to Brittany Ransom, who has taking on the enormous duty of editor of the Kids Issue section for the second year. It is a big task! We all hope you enjoy choosing summer activities from our 11 pages of fun.

– Lynn Wasson

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

SUBSCRIPTION Entertainment Fort Smith can be mailed to you for $30 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, Poteau and Sallisaw, Okla. in retail and grocery stores, corporate offices, restaurants, medical offices, public libraries, visitor centers and tourist destinations. Complimentary issues are also provided in guest rooms of area hotels.

Download a subscription form from www.efortsmith.com

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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CONTENTS

June 2015

features

8 Every fun kid thing!

8

Crazy Days of Summer

20

Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

26

Summer Reading for Grownups

28

In which we meet an adventurer who has been on a quest

30

The women of the Lady River Riders hit the trails together

32

Dog Days of Summer Come Early to Van Buren

Kids Issue editor Brittany Ransom did her very best to find everything for kids to do this summer. We refer you to 11 pages of events that elimate boredom.

Every child knows the Real (Two) Food Groups.Here are recipes that make something new of the old childhood standby, PB&J. By Kristan Roland

Lynn Wasson talks with two local authors, Anita Paddock and John Casey, who took their time bringing their two first-time, long-planned books out this summer.

Glad we eavesdropped on Barney Ahlefeld, global adventurer and really nice guy.

He shared with writer Lynn Wasson a tale of great adventure in New Zealand.

Hauling huge horse trailers doesn’t phase these women if it means getting together with other ladies for trail rides and fun. By Candise Montemayor

It’s official! Now dogs that love to dive into the water to retrieve can become recognized champions at a new Dock Diving competition.

columns

7 30

Hot Stuff by Linda Seubold Morgan Freeman seems to be living up to his determination to put the Bass Reeves story on film, just as he told Linda years ago.

departments

Ladies on the trail

42

GARDENING with Reba Mize

76

DINING GUIDE

Let your yard go a little wild and these wild creatures will join you.

Catch up on a dozen restaurants we recommend you visit.

eve n t s

7

In Morgan we trust

24

EVENTS FOR KIDS

53

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

59

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

On the cover: Lucky duckies Junior Deleon, Gibran Sullivan, Stella Simpson and Aaliyah Hamilton test splash Fort Smith’s brand-new Parrot Island Water Park, a day before the official grand opening.

Photo by Glenn Gilley

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BY LINDA SEUBOLD

In Morgan Freeman we trust – for the Bass Reeves story to be told Could it be true?

Boy, do we hope so!

Reports surfaced last month that HBO put an untitled miniseries project in development that will come from Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary's Revelations Entertainment and Grey’s Anatomy costar James Pickens, Jr. Based on Art T. Burton’s biography Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves, the as yet untitled miniseries will chronicle the life of Bass Reeves, one of the least known heroes of the Old West, and one of the first black deputy U.S. Marshals in the Oklahoma territory deputized by the legendary “hanging judge” Isaac C. Parker.

Noted for being a master of disguise, a crack shot and one of the most effective lawmen in Indian territory, Reeves brought in more than 3,000 outlaws, in addition to killing some 14 criminals.

I accidentally got to meet Morgan Freeman and confirm that he was hoping to make a movie about Bass Reeves a few months before our first issue of this magazine – August 2000 – went to press.

When I met him, I had already heard that Freeman had slipped into Fort Smith unnoticed, to research information about Reeves at Fort Smith's National Historic Site.

It was in Memphis, at the annual W.C. Handy music awards that I unexpectedly met Freeman, one of my favorite actors. I didn't know until then that he was also a devoted blues fan, and was there to help present one of the awards. I was doing backstage interviews with the famous blues musicians who were award nominees when I got a chance to introduce myself with the goal of talking to him about Bass Reeves, not about the blues or my favorite movies of his.

I had read about Reeves and thought from the most prominent photo of him that he and Freeman even looked a bit alike, so I told him I'd love to see him play Reeves in a really good Western set in Fort Smith.

And he replied, as I wrote in my first Entertainment Fort Smith column – “Me too. We've worked on this for seven years. I've had four scripts, but none of them have been quite right. Westerns aren't very popular right now so it's a hard sell. But I intend to keep on it. I want to do it if I have to make it myself.”

So, here we are, 15 years later, and maybe soon Freeman will be behind a miniseries that turns out to be so popular that at last Freeman will get his wish that people all over the world will know about this African American lawman.

Many people in Fort Smith may have first became aware of Reeves and his remarkable performance of duty while money was being raised to erect a statue of him. The effort succeeded and the statue was installed downtown three years ago. The Reeves statue was the cover of our magazine and the installation itself was a huge celebration.

On that day, many were present to whom this honor for Reeves was very important, including his descendant, Judge Paul Brady of Atlanta.

Encountering Morgan Freeman in Memphis in 2000.

All the large posse of folks who have worked so hard to establish the U.S. Marshals Museum here were thrilled as well to see the bronze figure looking west towards the Indian Territory. Reeves is one of many outstanding deputies of long-ago history and of today whom the museum will honor. A program in which actors Freeman and Pickens, both of whom have worked towards such a project for many years, would spread the deeds of Bass Reeves and interest in the Marshals Museum and Fort Smith, globally.

“I always wanted to do my own Western and that was going to be it,” Freeman has said of the Bass Reeves project. “This is a black man in America’s legendary Western history who has been totally overlooked. Any chance I get to revisit historical moments of our country is important to me.”

Sounds right in tune with the mission of our Marshals Museum, doesn’t it?

Only time will tell if this project will actually happen.

But when Morgan Freeman looked me in the eye and said in his convincing, distinctive voice that he was determined to bring a quality film about our local hero to the screen, I certainly believed him.

June 2015

Entertainment Fort Smith

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The Crazy DAYS of Summer It may be hot, but that doesn't change the fact that Mother Nature has some beautiful tricks up her sleeve all throughout summer.

Many local parks and organizations offer complimentary activities designed to help nature lovers of all ages enjoy all the world around them has to offer.

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ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY NATURE CENTER The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is where the outdoors and learning converge. The center utilizes trained experts and skilled volunteers to teach a number of courses throughout the summer, as well as provide unique program specifically designed to bring nature to life for children and youth. Daily activities include the 2 p.m.

"Critter Crunch" feedings. Weekly activities include a "Nature Break" for children ages 3-7, Saturday morning guided hikes, canoe/kayak programs, laser shot and archery instruction. Canoe and kayak checkouts are available Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

SUMMER OUTDOOR CHALLENGE PROGRAMS Who: Kids who love the great outdoors What: Kids take part in fun, summer outdoor activities that will help them accumulate important skills. The program will culminate at the end of the summer with a final challenge.

When: Every Thursday and Friday, June 11-Aug. 14.

9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays – Outdoor Shooting Gallery (B.B. guns, 3-D archery, sling shots, trap archery) 9 a.m. Fridays– Fishing 10 a.m.-noon Fridays – Canoe and Kayak Program SUMMER YOUTH WORKSHOPS Who: Ages 6-9 and 10-13 What: Art workshops will give kids hands-on opportunities to create art using classic mediums. Pre-registration is required.

When: June 23 and July 21 – Sketching Nature with Colored Pencils Ages 6-9, 9:30- 11 a.m.; Ages 10-13, 12-1:30 p.m.

June 24 – Watercolor Techniques for Nature Painting Art Ages 6-9, 9:30-11 a.m.; Ages 10-13, Noon-1:30 p.m.

July 22 – Mosaics Ages 6-9, 9:30- 11 a.m.; Ages 10-13, Noon-1:30 p.m.

KIDDY KAMPS Who: Ages 4-7 What: Little ones are invited for a two-hour mini-day camp that will include activities planned just for their ages, ability, and energy. A responsible parent/adult is required to stay on the premises, and registration is required.

When: 9-11 a.m. June 3 – F is for Fish; 9-11 a.m. July 1 – S is for Snakes; 911 a.m. Aug. 5 – M is for Mammal

a da y with Moth er Na ture

FISHING CLINICS BEGINNING LURE CRAFT FOR FAMILIES Who: All ages What: Participants will be instructed on the feeding habits of black bass and on predator-prey relationships. They will design four lures, including top water, minnow type, shad body and deep diver.

When: 1 p.m. June 16 BEGINNING FLY-TYING FOR YOUTH Who: Ages 10–16 What: Participants will be taught basic fly-tying principles and instructed in the construction of a woolly bugger.

When: 1 p.m. June 30 NATURE NIGHTS Who: Nature lovers What: Enjoy a wide variety of family friendly activities “after hours” at the nature center.

When: June 12, TBA – Education Barge Tours After Dark June 16, 6 p.m. – Nature Wood Carving July 10, 7 p.m. – An Evening with the Snakes of Arkansas July 21, 6 p.m. – Real Raptors Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m. – Back to School Bash Aug. 18, TBA – Education Barge Tours After Dark All activities will be held at the River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith. Admission is free. To register or for more information, call 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com.

LAKE FORT SMITH STATE PARK 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith FREE FISHING WEEKEND Who: Families who love to fish!

What: Fish this weekend without fishing licenses. Don't have a pole?

No worries – the nature center has several poles to loan at the marina, along with everything else you'll need to land the big one.

Regulations for Arkansas waters apply and must be observed. For more information, call 479-369-2469.

When: June 12-14 KAYAK ADVENTURE Who: Kayakers of all ages What: Kayaking is a great way to experience the sights of Lake Fort Smith and a fun way to exercise. Whether you are a beginner or have a bit more experience, this kayak tour is a perfect way to jump-start

your day. Reservations are required and should be made by calling the marina. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent and may be cancelled. Cost is $12 adults, $6.50 children ages 6-12 and free for those younger than 6 when riding with an adult. For more information, call 479-369-2469.

When: June 20 from 9-11 a.m OZARK EXPLORERS CAMP Who: Campers ages 8-14 What: Lake Fort Smith will host a two-day, one-night trip of fun, adventure and learning. The outdoor experience will include kayaking, fishing and boating on the lake, swimming, crafts and hiking. Meals, snacks and lodging are included in $75 tuition. Space is limited. For more information, visit arkansasstateparks.com.

When: July 13-14 June 2015

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a t i e mak ry Libra

day

FORT SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, 479-783-0229 Story times are 10 a.m. for ages 3 and under; 10 a.m. Thursdays for ages 4 and up.

Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas street, 479-484-5650 Story time is 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, 479-783-0229 Story time is 10 a.m. on Friday Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, 479-785-0405 Story time is 10 a.m. on Mondays.

All programs are free. fortsmithlibrary.org "Every Hero Has a Story" Children's Summer Reading Program Who: Preschool to 12 years What: Designed to encourage reading for pleasure, this program will help young readers retain the valuable skills they developed over the school year. Preschool children too young to read also may participate and will receive credit for the books read to them. Rewards will be given for reaching specific goals.

When: June 1-July 31 Where: All Fort Smith Public Library locations "Escape the Ordinary" Teen Summer Reading Program Who: Teens who love to read What: Stop by any Fort Smith Public Library location to enjoy books, videos, computers, magazines, music, and special library programs of all kinds this summer. Read books and enter into weekly prize drawings for the chance to win great gift cards.

When: June 1 - July 30 Where: All four library branches

SOUTH SEBASTIAN COUNTY LIBRARIES Who: Children ages 4 and older What: At the Sebastian County Library’s summer program, readers will meet all types of heroes as they explore the world of reading. Weekly story hours will be held at the Greenwood branch, with prizes awarded for completing reading goals. An art contest, weekly book drawings, and guessing games will be held throughout the summer, capping off with a party and magic show at the end of the season. All programs are free.

Where: Greenwood Branch, 18 North Adair, 479-996-2856 Hartford Branch, 22 Broadway, 479-996-2856

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Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2015

Wonderful Wednesday @ the Main Library Who: School-age children What: Wednesdays are extra-special with Wonderful Wednesday. A different program will be offered each week in June and July for school-age children as a part of the Summer Reading Program.

When: 2 p.m. Wednesdays during the summer reading program June 3 – Snakes are Superheroes Too! June 10 – Mad Science of Northwest Arkansas (a 3:30 p.m. session will also be offered) June 17 – Four-legged Heroes June 24 – Storybook Strings July 1 – Journeys of the Harp with Beth Stockdell July 8 – Magical Heroes with Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show July 15 – Honeyguide Heroes with Dr. Ragupathy Kannan July 22 – Hats off to Heroes: Nancy Stewart in Concert July 29 – The Young Actors Guild presents “Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn” Where: Fort Smith Public Library Movie Matinee @ Your Library Who: All ages What: Take the family and your own refreshments (or pick something up from Dewey’s Café!) for the library’s Summer Movie Matinee series at the main library. Kids of all ages and their families are invited to spend an air-conditioned afternoon at these free events.

When: Thursdays, 2 p.m.

June 4 – “Penguins of Madagascar” June 11 – “Big Hero 6” June 18 – “The Book of Life” June 25 – “Wings: Sky Force Heroes” July 9 – “The Boxtrolls” July 16 – “Mr. Peabody and Sherman” July 24 – “The Nut Job” July 31 – “Rio 2” Where: Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue Arts & Crafts Afternoons Who: Kids of all ages What: Free arts and crafts program features a variety of craft projects.

All materials will be provided at the fun open-house-style event.

When: 2-3:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 4-July 30 Where: Dallas Street Branch, 8100 Dallas Street

When: June 1-July 23 Story times for ages 4 & older (Only Greenwood Branch will offer story hour) Tuesday and Thursdays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Make and Take Craft Hour for ages 6 & older: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m.

Lavaca Branch, 200 South Davis, 479-674-4355 Mansfield Branch, 200 North Sebascott Avenue, 479-996-2856

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CRAWFORD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM Alma Branch, 624 Fayetteville Ave, 479-632-4140 Cedarville Branch, 37 Pirates Way, 479-410-1853 Mountainburg Branch, 1300 North Highway 71, 479-369-1600 Mulberry Branch, 220 N. Main St., 479-997-1226 Van Buren Branch, 1409 Main Street, 479-474-6045 Baby & Me story time for birth to 24 months is 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays.

Preschool story times are 9 and 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

All programs are free. crawfordcountylib.org.

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS ALMA LIBRARY “Every Hero has a Story” Who: Toddlers and children What: Kick off the summer reading program with a superheroes-themed party and games. Guests will play Bingo 4 Books and create their own superhero mask. All ages will be able to pick up their reading logs to help them prepare to be a super reader this summer.

When: 10 a.m.-noon June 6 kick-off Unmask! Teen Summer Program Who: Teens What: This summer, tweens and teens will “unmask” heroes of all kinds – real heroes from days past, heroes of today and the heroes they may find in themselves. The program meets each Wednesday for some fun with superheroes and villains.

When: 10 a.m. June 10, 17 and 24 CEDARVILLE LIBRARY “Every Hero has a Story” Who: Young readers What: To kick off the Summer Reading Program, library-goers are invited to become a superhero. Participants will get their own superhero name and cape at the front door, design what their superhero would look like and read books to test their superhero skills. Participants also can pick up a reading log to start earning prizes all summer.

When: 1:30 p.m. June 10 kick-off Movie Thursdays Who: All ages What: Each Thursday, the library features a movie to go along with the theme of the week. Titles will be posted at the library.

When: 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 11-July 23 MOUNTAINBURG LIBRARY "Every Hero has a Story” Who: Young readers What: Library goers can read about superheroes, community heroes, medical heroes, heroes of the West and ancient heroes in the library’s summer reading program for children ages 6-18. Summer reading will be funfilled with books, stories, guest speakers, music and comedy concerts, activities, crafts, contests, games and more.

When: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, June 10-July 29 Summer Film Friday Who: All ages What: On Fridays, all ages are invited to escape the heat to enjoy a movie, popcorn and cold drinks.

When: Noon Fridays, June 12-July 24

make it Libra a ry

day

MULBERRY LIBRARY "Every Hero has a Story” Who: Young readers What: Bass Reeves, one of the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshals, will kick off the Summer Reading Program. Hear all about summer activities and great ways to win prizes by reading books over the summer. Children, tweens and teens are invited to enjoy guest speakers and the chance to earn prizes by reading. The program begins at 1:30 p.m. June 9 and will meet at 10 a.m. every Tuesday afterward.

When: 10 a.m. Tuesdays, June 9-30 & July 7-28; 10:30 a.m. June 6 kick-off Movie Thursdays Who: All ages What: Children, tweens and teens, can stop in every Thursday for a different family-friendly movie. Refreshments will be served.

When: 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, June 4-30 Books Before Kindergarten Who: Newborn to Pre-K What: Bring your little hero and pick up a reading log and a weekly challenge.

You must sign up at the library for this Summer Reading Program activity.

When: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, May 13-Aug, 12 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!

Who: Newborn to Pre-K What: The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless. Read a book to your newborn, infant and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your precious one starts kindergarten.

When: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays VAN BUREN LIBRARY "Every Hero has a Story” Who: Toddlers and children What: With a “superheroes” theme, the program will begin with a variety of real emergency vehicles at the library. Young readers can meet local heroes and see the special vehicles up close. Children may also sign up for summer reading and receive their reading logs at this event.

When: 10:30 a.m.-noon June 6 kick-off "Escape the Ordinary Summer Reading Program” Who: Teens What: Register and win prizes for reading. Keep track of books read on a bingo chart provided at registration. Participants who bingo, can take their card to the front desk and be entered to win a prize for that week. Drawings will be held every Friday.

When: June 6-31 Movie Mondays Who: All ages What: Each Monday, everyone can enjoy a movie with popcorn. Call the library for the title.

When: 1:30 p.m. Mondays June 8-July 27 June 2015

Entertainment Fort Smith

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s y a d er m m su ie v o are M

S Y A D

MOVIES IN THE PARK The Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department will bring back its ever-popular summer "Movies in the Park" series. All movies are free to attend and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Vending trucks will be onsite selling snacks and soft drinks. Films will start shortly after a dark in the selected parks. In the event of rain, the movie will be shown at the same scheduled park the next day. fortsmithparks.com June 5 – ”Big Hero 6” @ Creekmore June 12 – ”Million Dollar Arm” @ Tilles June 19 – ”Home” @ Creekmore June 26 – ”How to Train Your Dragon 2” @ Tilles July 3 – ”Marmalade” @ Creekmore July 10 – ”Turbo” @ Tilles July 17 – ”Matilda” @ Creekmore July 24 – “Paddington” @ Tilles July 31 – “The Jungle Book” @ Creekmore

CARMIKE SUMMER KIDS SERIES Carmike Cinema 14 in Fort Smith invites families to take advantage of its Summer Kids Series. Beginning June 4, the theater will offer discounted admission for kid-friendly movies at 10 a.m. Thursdays. All seats are $4 and includes popcorn and a Coke product. Carmike Cinema 14 is located at 5716 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith. carmike.com June 4 – ”Rise of the Guardians” June 11 – ”How to Train Your Dragon 2” June 18 – ”Monsters vs. Aliens” June 25 – ”The Croods” July 2 – ”Megamind” July 9 – ”Shrek Forever After” July 16 – ”Marmaduke” July 23 – ”Toothfairy” July 30 – ”Spongebob 2” Aug. 6 - ”Paddington”

a DAY in the Sun

FORT SMITH PARKS & RECREATION Creekmore Pool Who: All ages What: Creekmore Park Pool is open each year Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Admission is $1 ages 6 and under and $2 for 7 and older. Season passes also are available.

The Splashpad is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily and is free.

When: May 30-Aug. 9 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 16 p.m. Sunday. Aug. 15-Sept. 6 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 7 (Labor Day) – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed June 11-14 & July 23-26 for swim meets.

Where: Creekmore Park, Rogers and South 31st, Fort Smith Tilles & Woodlawn Park Wading Pools Who: Kids of all ages What: The wading pools at Tilles and Woodlawn parks are open for those looking to cool down in the hot summer months. Admission is free.

When: June 6-Aug. 9 – Noon-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday Where: Tilles Park – North 37th & Grand Avenue, Fort Smith Woodlawn Park – North 6th & S Streets, Fort Smith 12

Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2015

Movies make for a fun way to spend those lazy, hot summer days.

Families can enjoy great film at little or no cost at these kid-friendly viewings.

MALCO KIDS SUMMER FILM FEST Malco's Van Buren Cinema will serve as the site of the region's 2015 Kids Summer Film Fest offering movie-goers of all ages the chance to enjoy a beloved family film for only $2. Showtimes are at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Discounted concessions and snacks also will be offered. Malco Cinema is located at 1636 North 12th Street, Van Buren. Proceeds from the local showing benefit Arkansas Children’s Hospital. malco.com June 2-3 – “Rio” June 9-10 – “Turbo” June 16-17 – “Night at the Museum” June 23-24 – “Horton Hears a Who!” June 30-July 1 – “The Croods” July 7-8 – “Blue Sky Epic” July 14-15 – “Alvin & the Chipmunks: Shipwrecked” July 21-22 – “Ice Age: The Meltdown” July 28-29 – “How to Train Your Dragon”

Nothing says summer more than some time outdoors, whether its spent splashing in the pool, riding the train or playing at the park.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Splashpad Who: All ages What: The splashpad/sprayground is open daily through Labor Day. Free.

When: 6 a.m. until dark daily Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Greenwood and North O Street, Fort Smith Creekmore Park Train Rides Who: All ages What: The legendary train at Creekmore Park will operate extended hours throughout the warm weather months. Visitors can take a ride around the scenic community park for only 25 cents. The steam engine will run 1-6 p.m. July 4.

When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 7 Where: Creekmore Park, Rogers Avenue and South 31st Street, Fort Smith The Park at West End Who: All ages What: Known for its antique Ferris Wheel, The Park at West End is a popular attraction among both locals and tourists. The park will operate extended hours throughout the summer, offering rides on both the Ferris Wheel and hand-painted carousel. Guests also can grab a bite to eat in the West End Diner, which is housed in a refurbished 1950s Pullman railcar. Rides are only $1 per person. Cards good for 24 rides also can be purchased for $20. For more information, call 479-784-2368.

When: 4-9 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 4-10 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday through Aug. 15 Where: The Park at West End, 15 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith

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Many local youth organizations are open all summer long, offering a wealth of recreational programs to keep kids active and engaged while school is not in session.

DAY to DAY

FORT SMITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS Who: Boys and girls ages 6-18 What: Arts and crafts, summer exploring field trips, softball, bowling, skating, baseball, movie time, gym and game room fun, and other recreational activities are among the offerings.

Participants also will have the opportunity to take part in the Marilyn Foster Poetry Contest, Kiwanis Summer Camp, MusicFest, bicycle and fire safety classes, robotics demonstrations and more. Free breakfast and lunch will be served each day at all four units. Participants must pay a one-time, $18 summer activity fee and have a current $10 club membership card. fsbgc.org When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays June 2-July 31 Where: Evans, 6015 Boys Club Lane, 479-646-9519 Jeffrey, 4905 North O Street, 479-782-8126 Goldtrap-Gardner, 8800 South Dallas, 479-452-5779 Stephens, 3101 North 6th Street, 479-782-6392

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF VAN BUREN Who: Boys and girls ages 6-18 What: A busy summer of activities will include art, technology, games, sports, field trips and character-building programs such as SMART Girls and Passport to Manhood. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided at no additional cost. Participants must have a $15 membership and pay a $75 activity fee. 479-474-9401 bgcofvb.org When: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays June 8-July 31 Where: Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren, 1403 City Park Road, Van Buren

GIRLS, INC. OF FORT SMITH Who: Girls ages 5-18 What: Girls Inc. continues its mission of helping girls "Be Strong, Smart and Bold" by providing summer educational programming. Focuses include economic literacy, technology, science, math, media literacy, arts & crafts, cooking, swimming, community services opportunities, out-of-center trips and other fun activities. Girls can attend each weekday throughout the summer. In addition to in-house activities, Girls Inc. offers participants the opportunity to take part in programs with local partner organizations, including First Tee, First Serve, Girl Scouts and Western Arkansas Ballet. A weekly softball program will be available for girls in third grade and older. Breakfast and lunch are included. Girls must have a current membership ($25 for 2015) to participate. Summer program cost is $150, with additional fees applied for other programs. girlsincfortsmith.org When: General Summer Program: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays June 1-July 24 Summer Camp: July 28-Aug. 1 Where: Girls Inc. of Fort Smith, 1415 Old Greenwood Road

ALMA BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Who: Boys and girls ages 6-18 What: Local youth will have the chance to take part in fun activities and programs that will include special guests, events and assemblies.

Each week will be themed with focuses on livestock, art, internet safety, history, reading and more. Special "Teen Nights," demos and field trips also will be offered. Participants must have a $25 membership. Cost is $100 for the summer. A full breakfast will be served, as well as a full lunch until 2 p.m. 479-632-2070 almabgc.com When: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays June 8-Aug. 7 Where: Alma Boys & Girls Club, 410 East Main Street, Alma

Keep those brains engaged with these critical-thinking and hands-on activities Young Chefs in the Kitchen Who: Kids ages 7 & up What: The unique, hands-on culinary program will teach participants basic nutrition and disease prevention, kitchen hygiene and safety; and how to prepare delicious nutritious food made from whole grains, fresh vegetables, rich legumes and fruit. The program is free to first-time attendees. Parents must accompany child.

Please preregister, as space is limited. For more information, contact Cindy Howell at 479-629-5502.

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 6-9 Where: Fort Smith Seventh Day Adventist Church Gym, 2000 Louisville, Fort Smith

Lego Contest Who: Lego lovers 17 and under What: Central Mall & The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders have teamed up for a summer Lego Contest. Participants will be divided into age categories to compete.

First-place, second-place and best of show prizes will be given for each category.

Participation is free. For more information contact Central Mall at 479-452-1866, centralmallfortsmith.com or The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders at 479-452-6213, fortsmithhomebuilders.com.

When: Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. July 11 Where: Central Mall, 5111 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith

CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING CAMPS Lego for Kids Kids, Inc. Who: Ages 8-11 Who: Kids ages 6-15 What: Participants will build and keep their What: Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to submit own Lego kits with Lego miniatures, while their business ideas for a chance to set up shop at also learning the basic steps of making a Central Mall for a day. A contest will be held, with fans Lego movie using licensed software. Parvoting on their favorite ideas. Submissions will be ents are encouraged to participate. Cost is accepted from June 10-24, with fans voting June 25-July $65. Contact the Center for Lifelong Learn9. Entry is free. 479-452-1866 centralmallfortsmith.com ing at 479-788-7220.

When: June 10-July 25 When: June 20, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Where: Central Mall, 5111 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith Where: UAFS

3D Animation Camp Who: Students ages 8-11 & 12-15 What: Students will learn to create their own three-dimensional characters, while also seeing how games, movie clips and commercials are made. Age groups will be divided into two sessions. Cost is $65. For more information, contact the Center for Lifelong Learning at 479-788-7220.

When: Ages 8-11, 8 a.m.-noon June 8-12.

Ages 12-15, 8 a.m.-noon June 15-19.

Where: UAFS June 2015 Entertainment Fort Smith 13

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Whether you march to the beat of your own drum or prefer to play with a band, there are plenty of opportunities to make music. Classes, private lessons and camps are offered for musicians of all ages.

UAFS ACADEMY CAMPS Academy of the Arts Music Lessons Who: Musicians 3 years and up What: Private music lessons available in piano, wind, brass, percussion and string instruments, as well as voice lessons. Five- and 10-week options are available for 30-, 45- or 60-minute weekly lessons. Fees and times vary.

When: Ongoing through Aug. 3 MusikGarten Who: Children, ages birth to 5 What: The camp will guide children in a variety of child-centered activities, focused on music and movement. Classes include "My Musical World" for birth to age 2; "Cycle of SeasonsSummertime" for ages 3-5; and "All Together Now" for birth to age 4. Cost is $75.

When: Session I: May 28-June 25 Session II: July 2-30 Where: UAFS, Echols Building, Room 115, 504 North Waldron Road

MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCE CAMPS Broadway Bootcamp Who: Students, grades 7-12 What: Intensive week of musical theater featuring students performing their favorite Broadway musicals. A final performance will take place at 6 p.m. on June 26 in Breedlove Auditorium. Cost is $185 and includes a T-shirt.

When: 1-5 p.m. June 22-26 Where: UAFS Broadway Babies Who: Students, grades 1-2 What: Broadway Babies is an introductory musical theater camp for young students that explores a number of popular stage tunes. Fee is $175 and includes a T-shirt. The camp will finish with a finale performance at 1 p.m. July 18 at The Blue Lion @ UAFS. When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 13-17 Where: The Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street Broadway Bound Who: Students, grades 3-9 What: Explore tunes from some of Broadway's most popular shows. Fee is $225 and includes a Tshirt. A finale performance will be 1 p.m. July 25 in Breedlove Auditorium.

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 20-24 Where: UAFS, Breedlove Auditorium, 5120 Grand Avenue For more information on all Academy camps, call Debbie Mays at 479-788-7251. Registration forms are available at www.uafs.edu/academy.

BAND CAMPS Wind & Symphonic Instrument Band Camp Who: Musicians in grades 8-12 What: Dr. Alexandra Zacharella will serve as conductor for musicians of wind and symphonic band instruments. The fee is $190 for commuters and $385 for residents.

479-788-7972 When: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. June 8-13 Where: UAFS, Breedlove Building, 5120 Grand Avenue High School Jazz Band Camp Who: Musicians in grades 9-12. Students in eighth grade permitted with director’s consent.

What: Open to musicians of all instruments, students will spend a week in jazz orchestra rehearsals, playing in jazz improv sessions and taking classes in music theory, listening skills and songwriting. Cost is $190 for commuters and $385 for residents. 479-788-7554 When: June 22-26 Where: UAFS, Breedlove Building, 5120 Grand Avenue Jazz Rock Orchestra Camp Who: String instrument musicians, grades 912. Students in eighth grade permitted with director’s consent.

What: String instrument musicians will spend a week in jazz orchestra rehearsals, playing in jazz improv sessions and taking classes in music theory, listening skills and songwriting.

Small combo rehearsals and jam sessions at public venues also will be held. Tuition is $190 for the week for commuters, which includes camp T-shirt and a daily lunch buffet in The Lion’s Den dining hall. Residential students pay $385. 479-788-7554.

When: July 6-10 Where: UAFS, Breedlove Building, 5120 Grand Avenue uafs.edu/musiccamps

A DAY to put on your Dancing Shoes Western Arkansas Ballet Summer Dance Camps Who: Dancers ages 4 & up What: WAB will also hold individual camps throughout June. Each camp will feature ballet or jazz designed for the skill level of the students. Program will include a dance class and study explorations about music, dance history, nutrition, creative expression, mime, dance vocabulary and dance demonstration. Tuition ranges from $50 to $75. Morning and afternoon classes are available. 479-785-0152, waballet.org When: Weeklong dance camps begin June 15 and 22. Three-day jazz workshop begins June 22.

Where: Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith 14 Entertainment Fort Smith June 2015

Lorraine Cranford Summer Dance Workshop Who: Dance students and instructors age 11 and older, with a minimum of two year of classical ballet What: The intensive dance workshop will provide instruction and demonstrations in ballet, modern and jazz technique. An in-studio performance will cap off the week on June 12.

Tuition is $475 and includes all classes and a T-shirt.

479-785-0152, waballet.org When: June 7-12 Where: Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue

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Parents know it is important for kids to stay active. Sports and dance enthusiasts will have no trouble finding a camp, workshop or other class to plug into over the summer.

a DA on th Y COU e RTS

UA-FORT SMITH ATHLETIC CAMPS Basketball Skills Camp Who: Girls and boys in grades 1-8 What: UAFS will hold two sessions of its basketball skills camp focusing on the fundamentals of shooting, ball handling, passing, defense and rebounding. Fee is $100 and includes a T-shirt and certificate.

479-788-7593 When: 9 a.m.-noon June 15-17; 9 a.m.-noon July 13-15 Where: UAFS Stubblefield Center, 532 North Waldron Road Baseball Camp Who: Youth ages 6-14 What: UAFS will offer three sessions of its youth summer baseball camp covering all aspects of the game, including throwing, hitting, fielding, pitching and base running. Fee is $105 and includes a T-shirt.

479-788-7599 When: 9 a.m.-noon June 1-3; 9 a.m.-noon June 15-17 and 9 a.m.-noon June 22-24 Where: UAFS Baseball Field, 5600 Kinkead Avenue 1st Serve Tennis Clinics Who: Tennis players ages 5-16 What: Beginning tennis camps provide a basic knowledge of the game, as well as healthy exercise. Cost is $25and includes instruction and T-shirt. Racquets are available for $15. Additional, instruction-only weeks cost $20. To register, download online form and return it to Fellowship of Christian Athletes office located at 3223 Old Greenwood Road in Fort Smith. Forms also are available at the FCA office. 479-649-8815 arkansasfca.org When/Where: Alma City Tennis Courts 731 City Park Road, Alma June 1-5 , 8:30-10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon Creekmore Tennis Center 3303 South M Street, Fort Smith June 8-12 and 15-19, 8:30-10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon

Volleyball – Little LionsSkills Camp Who: Girls and boys in kindergarten-7th grade What: The three-day camp will help players refine their skills through instruction by current UAFS coaches and players. Cost is $100 per camper per session and includes a camp T-shirt. 479-788-7674 When: June 8-10, 9 a.m.-noon.

Where: UAFS Stubblefield Center, 532 North Waldron Road Volleyball – Elite Camp Who: Youth in grades 8-12 What: The camp will challenge players in all aspects of the game by focusing on the fundamentals of passing, serving, setting, blocking, attacking and defense. Fee is $150 for commuters and $180 for residents. Cost includes camp T-shirt. 479-788-7674 When: June 10-12, times vary Where: UAFS Stubblefield Center, 532 North Waldron Road

First Tee Who: Golfers ages 3 and up What: Two summer sessions will focus on teaching life skills and core values through the game of golf. Classes range from 30-90 minutes and meet three times a week.

Sessions cost $30 with a current membership. Saturday classes are also available.

479-648-9833 thefirstteefortsmith.org When: Session I: June 16-July 9 Session II: July 14-Aug. 7 Where: The First Tee of Fort Smith, 5800 Geren Road, Fort Smith Little Spikers Volleyball Camp Who: Girls and boys ages 6-11 What: Little Spikers camp focuses on learning and improving the fundamentals of volleyball. Athletes will have opportunity to apply the skills learned in competition.

Cost is $65. To register or for more information, email fsjlittlespikers@gmail.com.

Early registration suggested due to limited space.

When: 9 a.m.-noon July 27-29 Where: Fort Smith Juniors Volleyball Complex, 5720 South 73rd Place, Fort Smith

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Aspiring artists can create to their heart’s content at any one of the many local camps and workshops.

Center for Art & Education Wonderful World of Art Who: Artists ages 6- 14 What: This year's theme is "Hooray for Heroes!" Campers will enjoy a week of super heroes, cartoon creators and commercial art as they paint, sculpt and draw their way through the many aspects of Pop Art. Cost is $20 per child for the whole week. Call 479-474-7767 to register, which is required.

Where/When: June 8-12, 9 a.m.-noon @ Mulberry First Methodist Church July 6-10, 9 a.m.-noon @ ATU-Ozark Student Service & Conference Center June 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon @ Alma Public Library July 13-17, 9 a.m.-noon @ Greenwood High School Art Room June 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. @ Alma Boys & Girls Club July 13-17, 1-4 p.m. @ Greenwood High School Art Room June 22-26, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. @ Van Buren Public Library July 20-24, 1-4 p.m. @ Stephens Boys & Girls Club, Fort Smith June 29-July 3, TBA July 27-31, 9 a.m.-noon @ Cedarville Public Library CAE Wee Draw Camp Who: Artists ages 3-5 What: Children will learn about the preschool elements of art – line, shape, color and texture – as they draw, paint and create. Cost is $15 per child per day. Registration is required. Parents must stay with children during camp.

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. June 9, 11, 16, & 18 Where: BrickCity Emporium, 3215 South 74th Street, Fort Smith

Art-A-Rama Who: Ages 6-14, unless otherwise noted What: Presented in conjunction with BrickCity Emporium, this fun-filled art camp focuses on an array of modern mediums and technologies.

Students will complete an art project in each class.

Two sessions are offered. The morning session will take place at CAE, with the afternoon class at BrickCity Emporium. Sessions are $20 each, $100 for one week or both sessions each week for $200.

When: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.

Where: Center for Art and Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren BrickCity Emporium, 3215 S. 74th Street, Fort Smith 479-474-7767, art-ed.org July 6-10 Learn How to Draw Explore basic drawing techniques such as lines, shapes, shading and how these variables affect texture and depth. Medias used will include pencil, colored pencil, crayon and charcoal.

July 13-17 Playing with Paint (1-3 p.m. only at BrickCity Emporium) This camp will provide many opportunities to try different kinds of paint. Acrylic, watercolor and pastels will be used to paint realistic and abstract works of art.

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July 13-17 Two Camps in One Week Jennifer Seward from Hot Springs is back to teach two exciting new art camps designed specifically for children 10-14 years old. Two-session class is limited to 15. Both morning and afternoon sessions will be held at CAE and campers must attend both. Cost will be $200. Parents must send a sack lunch or be able to pick up their child for lunch and returned 1 p.m. for the second half of camp.

Hands on Digital Photography Camp Ideal for any budding photographer, students will learn the art and craft of still and action photography. Students will go outside to observe the environment, as well as take still life pictures. They will learn camera techniques and composition while working through daily photo ideas and assignments. Participants will also use images to create original works of art and mount pieces for a final exhibition on the final day of camp. Limited number of digital cameras available. Bring your own camera if possible.

Screen Printing This hands-on class teaches the basics of planning, designing and printing unique images on fabric and paper. Students will explore color selection and design while creating original T-shirts and art work. You will learn skills that will allow you to continue to make prints on your own from home even after this camp is over. Original prints and artwork made from these prints will be prepared for a final exhibition on the final day of camp.

July 20-24 Making Art 3D Style Using clay, paper mache’ and other interesting materials, 3D objects will be the focal point.

July 27-31 Scissors, Tape and Glue Everything Using found objects and mix-media, students will experience collage, wall-hangings and building sculptures.

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FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM ART CAMPS 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith IT’S AN ART pARTy! Who: Children ages 3-6 What: RAM will host a summer camp designed to introduce children to art.

Campers will enjoy IT’S AN ART pARTy! where they will take part in drawing, painting and other fun educational, hands-on activities. Sessions are one-hour each, at a cost of $10. Participants can sign up for individual sessions or all four.

When: July 14-18 at noon, 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Puppet Making Who: Children ages 5-12 What: Enjoy the art of puppet making during the week-long camp. It is a progressive course, so all five days are strongly recommended. All sessions are taught by professional art educators. The camp is $10 a day or $50 for the week.

When: July 14-18, 1- 5 p.m. daily Photography 101 Fun Who: Youth ages 12-16 What: Explore the art of photography. Works captured by the campers will be put on display at RAM following the workshop. Participants are encouraged to take their own camera; RAM will have a limited number of cameras on-hand.

Cost is $10 per day or $50 for the week. Daily attendance is strongly suggested.

When: July 14-18, 1- 5 p.m. daily RAM presents "Gilcrease on Wheels" Who: Recommended for third-graders and older What: This innovative program showcases the vast works from the famous Gilcrease Museum, with a focus on the Americas. Art, archaeology and historical documents will give viewers a true glimpse into Native American cultures. Four class times are offered for this free, hour-long program.

When: Aug. 5-7 at noon, 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Call 479-784-2787 or email info@fsram.org for camp registration, which is required.

Cre8ive Arts Network Art Class for Kids Who: Youth artists What: Concepts will be taught to help students progress in all aspects of art.

Graphite pencils, colored pencils, oil pastels, acrylic paint and watercolors will be used. All supplies provided. Class size is limited to five. Cost is $50. To register, call 479-719-5455 or email karenkbrannon@gmail.com.

When: 3:30-5 p.m. June 5, 12, 19 and 26 Where: Cre8ive Arts Network, 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith Kids Inspiring Kids Imagination Art! Who: Artists ages 2 to 18 What: Learn all about painting, drawing and other fun crafts through hands-on experiences. The free art program includes supplies. Registration is required, as seating is limited. To register, call 479-312-7111.

When: June 10 and 24 and July 1, 15 and 22.

1-3 p.m. @ Cre8ive Arts Network Building 1-3 p.m. July 11 @ Hobby Lobby Where: Cre8ive Arts Network, 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith and Hobby Lobby, 5900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith UA-Fort Smith Art Camp Who: Artists grades 1-9 What: Experiment with sculpture, painting and drawing, in addition to studying famous artists. Fee is $175, includes T-shirt and materials.

When: June 8-12, Grades 1-5, 9 a.m.-noon; June 15-19, Grades 5-9, 9 a.m.-noon Where: UAFS, 51st Street Annex Building, 425 North 51st Street

a DA Y to C REA TE CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. Art and Nature Who: Children ages 6-12 What: Discover art and environment through gallery visits, artmaking with natural materials and exploring the outdoors on the Crystal Bridges trails. Use the natural features and creatures at Crystal Bridges to inspire art in this exciting summer camp.

Participants should wear walking shoes and sunscreen for the outdoor adventures. All materials provided. Cost is $150, $120 for members.

When: 9 a.m.-noon June 15-19 Painting Who: Children ages 6-12 What: Experiment with a variety of painting techniques, both in the Crystal Bridges studios and en plein air ("in the open air") in this summer camp. Learn new methods of painting using tempera, watercolor, acrylic and unusual materials such as shaving cream and ice while exploring the museum’s collection.

All materials provided. Cost is $150, $120 for members.

When: 1:30-4:30 p.m. June 15-19 Mixed Media Mania Who: Children ages 6-9 What: Learn about the magic that results from combining materials as you dabble, build, experiment and play with found objects, junk mail, fabric, and more. All materials provided. Cost is $150, $120 for members.

When: 9 a.m.-noon June 22-26 Movie-Making! Video Selfies Who: Children ages 10-12 What: Explore self-portraiture using the museum as your backdrop to create video selfies in this movie-making art camp instructed by actress Jules Taylor. This camp will help build up your confidence and self-expression. Learn how to write a script that expresses you, sketch storyboards, practice filming your performance at your favorite spot in the Museum, and video edit cool special effects. At the end of the camp, there will be a special film-screening party with invited friends and family. Cost is $150, $120 for members.

When: 9 a.m.-noon June 22-26 Drawing Who: Children ages 10-12 What: Use traditional drawing tools such as pastels and charcoal, plus experimental tools like branches, to learn all about drawing. Draw from life, your imaginations and even explore drawing by printing with Gelli plates.

All materials provided. Cost is $150, $120 for members.

When: 1:30-4:30 p.m. June 22-26 Call 479-418-5700 or visit crystalbridges.org to register.

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A kid has to eat and there are several school districts and nonprofit organizations that will make sure children stay nourished throughout the summer.

Fort Smith Public Schools Summer Meals Program Who: Free to anyone 18 and younger What: The program provides a nutritious breakfast and lunch each weekday to children at no cost. Parents may eat lunch for $3.50 or breakfast for $2.50. No paperwork is required.

For more information, contact FSPS Child Nutrition at 479-785-2501, ext. 1285.

When: Weekdays June 8-Aug. 6: 7:45-8:30 a.m. breakfast; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. lunch Where: Lunch Only Breakfast and Lunch Ballman, 2601 South Q Street Carnall, 2524 South Tulsa Street Barling, 1400 D Street, Barling Pike, 4111 Park Avenue Fairview, 2400 South Dallas Street Spradling, 4949 Spradling Avenue Sunnymede, 4291 North O Street Tilles, 815 North 16th Street Trusty Elementary ,3300 Harris Avenue Cedarville Schools Summer Meals Program Who: Free to anyone 18 and younger What: Cedarville High School will offer free breakfast and lunch to children throughout the summer. Adults may eat breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.25. For more information, call the High School Cafeteria at 479-922-6137 When: Weekdays June 1-Aug. 7. Closed July 3.

7:45-8:45 a.m. breakfast; 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. lunch The district also will provide transportation for participants from six designated bus stops.

Cedarville Baptist Breakfast: 7:50 a.m. pickup; 9 a.m. return; Lunch: 11:15 a.m. pickup; 12:45 p.m. return Natural Dam Store Breakfast: 8 a.m. pickup; 9:15 a.m. return; Lunch: 11:30 a.m. pickup; 1 p.m. return Lucian Wood Road Breakfast: 8:15 a.m. pickup; 9:30 a.m. return; Lunch: 11:45 a.m. pickup; 1:15 p.m. return Uniontown Store Breakfast: 7:50 a.m. pickup; 9:30 a.m. return; Lunch: 11:30 a.m. pickup; 1:15 p.m. return Shiloh Village Breakfast: 8:05 a.m. pickup; 9:15 a.m. return; Lunch: 11:45 a.m. pickup; 1 p.m. return Corner Store Breakfast: 8:20 a.m. pickup; 8:50 a.m. return; Lunch: Noon pickup; 12:55 p.m. return Van Buren School District Summer Meals Who: Free to anyone 18 and younger What: VBSD will offer free breakfast and lunch to children throughout the summer. Adults may eat for $2.50 at breakfast and $3.50 at lunch. For more information, contact Child Nutrition at 479-474-4736.

When: Weekdays June 8-July 31 7:30-8:30 a.m. breakfast; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. lunch Where: Central Elementary School, 913 North 24th Street Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren, 1403 City Park Road Mansfield School District Summer Feeding Program Who: Free to anyone 18 and younger What: The Mansfield School District will provide free breakfast and lunch to children throughout the summer. Adults are also welcome to eat breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.

When: June 8-26 & July 6-31 8:30-9:30 a.m. breakfast; 11 a.m.-noon lunch Where: Mansfield Middle School Cafeteria, 400 Grove Street 18

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Alma Airedale Book Express/Meal Schedule Who: Everyone What: The Alma Airedale Book Express will also deliver meals along its route throughout the summer. Food will be served Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at each stop.

When/Where: June 15-Aug. 7 Monday 9:15 a.m. Hidden Oaks 9:40 a.m. Peter's Road & Mote Road 10 a.m. Sheriff's Youth Ranch 10:45 a.m. Mountain Grove Road & Max Circle 11:15 a.m. Ready Set Grow! Parking 12:30 p.m. Alma Gardens Apts.

1 p.m. Railroad Street, Spring & London Streets 1:30 p.m. Harris Drive, Garden Walk Apts. & Chitwood Drive 2:15 p.m. Mulberry Street 2:40 p.m Harmony Road & Melody Lane

Wednesday 9:15 a.m. Sunrise Mobile Home park 9:40 a.m. Rudy Store 10 a.m. Collum Lane Subdivision 10:30 a.m. Pin Oak Subdivision 11 a.m. Rudy Road Apts.

12:30 p.m. Alma Gardens Apts.

1 p.m Railroad Street, Spring & London Streets 1:30 p.m. Harris Drive, Garden Walk Apts. & Chitwood Drive 2:15 p.m. Mulberry Street 2:30 p.m. Alma Boys & Girls Club, which serves meals Friday 9:15 a.m. Riley Subdivision 10 a.m. Kibler Bus Stop (Shale Pit) 10:30 a.m. Orrick Road & Lamb Road 10:45 a.m. Sharp Chapel Road & Red Hill Road 11 a.m. Porter Place & Main Street (Dyer) 12:30 p.m. Alma Gardens Apts.

1 p.m. Railroad Street, Spring & London Street 1:30 p.m. Harris Drive, Garden Walk Apts. & Chitwood Drive 2:15 p.m. Mulberry Street 2:40 p.m. Harmony Road & Melody Lane

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WHAT’S COOKING with KRISTAN ROLAND PEANUT BUTTER WHITE CHOCOLATE KIT KAT COOKIES

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY CAKE Cake: 1/2 cup salted butter, softened 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 cup light brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 3 eggs 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 cup whole milk Frosting: 2 sticks salted butter, slightly softened 1/2 tsp. unsweetened grape Kool-Aid mix 3 tbsp. grape jelly 31⁄3 cups powdered sugar 3 tsp. warm water Peanut butter and jelly for garnish Purple food coloring Prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour three 8-inch, round cake pans and set aside. Alternately, you can make two thicker cakes.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Set aside.

In the bowl of your mixer, beat butter, peanut butter and both sugars on medium speed for 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Beat in vanilla extract.

With the mixer on medium low, beat in flour and milk alternately, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and give the batter a good stir from the bottom with a rubber spatula.

Spread batter evenly in prepared pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched in the center. Remove from oven and let cool in the pans for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare frosting: In the bowl of your mixer, beat butter, Kool-Aid mix and grape jelly until smooth. With the mixer on low, slowly add powdered sugar, a little bit at a time, until just mixed in. Add warm water and food coloring and slowly increase mixer speed to high.

Beat for one minute, until smooth and fluffy.

Stack and frost cake. If desired, chill after frosting, until firm, then top with peanut butter and jelly for garnish.

1/2 cup butter, slightly softened 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 3/4 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 tbsp. milk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 13⁄4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking soda 3/4 tsp. baking powder 2 cups roughly chopped white chocolate Kit Kat pieces 1 cup Reese's Pieces

JELLY DOUGHNUT MUFFINS Muffins: 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 large eggs 11⁄2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 3/4 tsp. salt 11⁄2 tsp. vanilla 22⁄3 cups flour 1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a mixer, beat butter and both sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl and beat in egg, milk and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture until dough forms, then fold in candy.

Drop cookie dough with a large cookie scoop onto baking sheet, about 3 inches apart. Slightly flatten with the palm of your hand, then bake for about 10 minutes, until edges are just barely golden.

Cool on baking sheet for about 3 minutes, then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Topping: 4 tbsp. butter, melted 1/3 cup granulated sugar, pulsed in blender until it's fine but not powdered 12 oz. jar jelly, jam or preserves Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line 12 muffin cups with liners and set aside.

In the bowl of a mixer, beat butter, oil and both sugars on medium speed until smooth.

Add eggs and beat until combined. With the mixer on low, add baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, salt and vanilla. With the mixer continuing to run, add the flour and milk alternately, starting and ending with flour.

Once the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are combined, fill the muffin tins to almost full.

Bake about 15 minutes, until muffins are golden and tops spring back when lightly touched in the center.

Let muffins cool for about 15 minutes, then cut a hole in the top of each. Dip the muffin in the melted butter, then in the sugar. Fill the hole with jam.

Note: Muffins are best served the same day.

About Kristan Kristan Roland, a work-athome housewife living in Fort Smith, has been blogging at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen since 2010. She balances diaper changes, fourth-grade math homework and running a home, all while working with brands such as Pillsbury, Disney and eBay. Her recipes have been featured in Parents Magazine and Women's World Weekly. Kristan's fun, simple, everyday approach to baking isn't the only thing that draws her readers in -- it's also her honest and hilarious musings on being a wife and mother in a world where everyone else seems to have it together. confessionsofacookbookqueen.com June 2015

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KIDS calendar of events

June 1 Primetime Story Time: Every Hero Has a Story!

Celebrate the start of summer and summer reading.

The program will feature stories, crafts, refreshments and other fun focusing on the summer reading theme: Every Hero Has a Story! Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 1-6 Post-It Note Heroes: Who’s Your Hero?

Children of all ages can answer the question, “Who is your hero?” Show appreciation by writing a hero’s name on a Post-It Note. The hero notes will be placed on a window so other library visitors can appreciate them. Free. 9 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 June 3 Story Time with the Sheriff Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck and a department deputy will join a story time spotlighting local heroes. Kids will enjoy stories, crafts and other fun, and get to will get to check out a patrol car, as well.

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

Young Actors Guild presents ‘Into the Woods’ Young actors present "Into the Woods," a musical with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and also a recent major motion pictures. The musical intertwines characters well-known from Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them to explore the consequences of the characters' quests. The main characters are taken from "Little Red Riding Hood," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rapunzel" and "Cinderella." The musical is tied together by an original story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters during their journey.Directed by Missy Gipson. YAG is Fort Smith's national award-winning youth theatre and Arkansas' oldest youth theatre. Tickets can be purchase online, at the box office or by phone. 7 p.m. June 11-13; 2 p.m. June 13-14. $15 adults; $10 kids 12 and under. 7 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

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June 6 Annual Commissary Kiwanis Fishing Derby Ages 2-15 are invited to participate. Check in begins at 8 a.m. with weigh-in at 11 a.m. and lots of prizes.

Free. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com June 6 Arc for the River Valley Fishing Derby Lake Carol Ann Cross is stocked with fish for the Arc for the River Valley's annual fishing derby. Everyone is welcome, from children to adults. The fishing dock is ADA-accessible. Lunch will be provided for all anglers. Volunteers are needed for this wildly popular event, especially to bait the hooks. Register or volunteer by e-mail to arcrivervalley@gmail.com or by phone. $2 per person or $10 cap per family. 9 a.m.noon. Carol Ann Cross Park, 1601 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-5529 June 8, 22 Laptime Story Time Babies and their caregivers are invited to a special story time geared toward children birth to 24 months old. There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories and lots of interactive fun. The story time will last around 20 minutes, with time for casual interaction following the program. Free. 10:30 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-6463945 June 8 Cuentos para Niños en Español Niños de todas las edades y sus familias están invitados a la Biblioteca principal a la hora de los cuentos gratis, incluiremos cuentos, historias, canciones, refranes y otras actividades divertidas en español. Ven y aprende acerca de la Biblioteca y lo que tiene para ofrecer a tu familia. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Cast members from YAG’s upcoming production of “Into the Woods.”

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June 8-12, June 15-19 3D Animation Camp

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Create characters on the computer and make them sing, dance or walk through a building. See what it takes to design games, movie clips and commercials.

Explore career options where animation skills are used. Guests and possible site visits. June 8 for ages 8-11; June 15 for ages 12-15. $65, includes flash drive. 8 a.m.-noon. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkaid Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 www.uafs.edu/lifelonglearning

KIDS CALENDAR

June 9 Teen Crafting Create unique journals, artwork and personalized mugs. Great for keepsakes or gifts. Crafting and art project books for all ages are available for check out with a library card. Free. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 9-Aug. 12 Kids Craft Classes Children ages 7-10 will explore and create various crafts using, clay, paint, paper, wood and more. There will be a reception on Aug. 12. $10. 10-11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays. Cre8ive Arts Network Inc., 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-357-9079 canvasar.com June 10 Flag Day Story Time: Honoring our Military Heroes A special Flag Day story time will honor local military heroes and their families. Celebrate with stories, crafts and other Flag Day fun. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 June 12 Firefighter Story Time Read stories and learn about firefighters. Local firefighters will talk about their job and take the children through a real fire truck. Children also will be able to witness a fire truck spraying water, a firefighter in full attire and a bomb robot demonstration. Free. 10 a.m.

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 June 13 Star Gazing Explore the night sky with the Arkansas-Oklahoma Astronomical Society (AOAS) Stargazing program. Visit the marina boat ramp where AOAS members will provide a number of telescopes for viewing, or take your own scopes. Take binoculars, blankets and chairs.

Free 8:30-10:30 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith June 13 Rockin' Pool Party Rock out with an evening of fun and food. Visit the pool after-hours for an awesome swim party, including free chips and ice cream. Day swim passes are not accepted at this event. $5. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith June 15 LEGO Club Design, create and build unique creations with the LEGO Club. Supplies are provided – just bring your imagination. Free. 5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 2015

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KIDS CALENDAR

479-452-3993 June 17 Father’s Day Story Time Celebrate Father’s Day with stories, make crafts for your dad and enjoy a snack at this special-themed story time. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 June 18 Family Fun Night: Superhero School Go in your pajamas with your favorite teddy bear and make reading your superpower. Free. 6-7 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

June 16 Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Children and their caregivers are invited to the Miller Branch Library’s fourth annual Alice in Wonderland Tea Party. Pink lemonade and cookies will be served at this “fancy” party and the cartoon “Alice in Wonderland” will be shown afterward. Due to limited seating, please call to reserve a spot. Free. 10 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 June 16 Beginning Lure Craft for Families Participants will be instructed on the feeding habits of black bass and on predator-prey relationships then design four lures (top water, minnow type, shad body and deep diver). Open to all ages. 1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark.

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June 19 Star Party The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society will have telescopes set up on the north side of Wells Lake to view the night sky. Free. Starts at dusk. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 June 20 Lego for Kids Do your children enjoy building cars, trucks, landmarks or their own creations with Lego bricks? If so, then this class is the place to be – a family event where parents are encouraged to participate. Participants will build and keep their own Lego kit with Lego Minifigures. Also, learn the basic steps to making a Lego movie using licensed Lego software. This workshop is for children ages 8-11. $65. 12:30-4:30 p.m. Center for Lifelong Learning at UAFS, 5004 Kinkaid Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220

www.uafs.edu/lifelonglearning June 20 Live Action Ninja Turtle Show The Live Action Ninja Turtle Show is sponsored by American Karate Studios, LLC, and supported by Guardian Anti-Bullying Campaign Inc. Special appearances by your favorite turtles: Raphael, Mikey, Donatello and Leonardo! Check out this interactive show that promotes a positive, anti-bullying message that is fun for the entire family. $10-$50. 6 p.m. Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-4017 www.vbsd.us/FAC/ June 20 Turtles of Arkansas Local turtle expert Champ Williams will present a hands-on, comprehensive presentation about the diversity of Arkansas’ numerous turtle species.

Williams, an Emmy Award-winning wildlife filmmaker and biologist, will have several examples of turtles for the audience to see up-close. 1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993

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June 22 Game Day Unplugged Children of all ages are invited to enjoy a fun filled afternoon with family and friends playing board games, card games, chess and checkers. Test your gaming abilities and battle it out for bragging rights while making awesome summer memories. Free. 1-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 23 The Scoop on Poop Get the facts on scat! What is it and where does it come from? Meet a park interpreter at the visitor center and get the scoop. Free. 11:30 a.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith June 24 Western Arkansas Ballet Academy Early Registration Registration for 2015-16 classes at Western Arkansas Ballet, which offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, pointe and creative movement. Dancewear sales and shoe fitting will be available during registration. 4-6 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org June 24 Story Time with Fort Smith EMS A paramedic from Fort Smith Emergency Medical Services will join this story time spotlighting local heroes. Kids will enjoy stories, crafts and other fun, and get to will get to check out an ambulance, as well. Free 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 June 27 Wildlife Garden Tour Join Lori Spencer, chief park volunteer, at the Children's Wildlife Garden at the lodge for a tour of the habitat. Caterpillar host plants, nectar plants, water and shelter provide an oasis for wildlife. This project was developed several years ago with a Greening of Arkansas grant from the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show. Free. 8 a.m. Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Arkansas 309 South, Paris, Ark. 479-963-8502 June 26-28 Outback Rock Weekend VBS Outback Rock Weekend Vacation Bible School is where kids venture into solid faith. There will be

games, crafts, Bible stories and more. Free. 6-8:30 p.m. June 26, 9:30 a.m.-noon June 27 and a closing, family time at 10:30 a.m. June 28. Cliff Terrace Church, 3301 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-5734 www.cliffterrace.net

KIDS CALENDAR

June 27 Reptile Mania!

Ever wanted to see a rattlesnake up close? Join snake enthusiasts Brad Birchfield and Jeremy Sloan as they present reptiles from their extensive collection of native venomous and nonvenomous snakes and a rescued juvenile alligator. The program addresses facts and myths about snakes and details conservation efforts in Arkansas. Free. 1-2:30 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith June 27 Young Actors Guild Auditions: The Magic Treehouse: The Knight at Dawn Children 6-14 are invited to audition for a Sept. 10-13 Young Actors Guild production of “The Magic Treehouse: The Knight at Dawn.” No experience is necessary. Children should prepare one simple song to be performed a cappella and will also read from a script.

The play is adapted from Mary Pope Osborne’s awardwinning fantasy adventure books from the popular Magic Tree House book series. There is no participation fee for YAG productions. Free. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Fort Smith Convention Center Annex Building (also houses Webster University), 801 North Carnall Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-879-1034 weareyag.com June 27-July 4 Camp Dream Street Camp Dream Street is a week-long residential summer camp for children age 6 through 16 with cancer or related blood-forming diseases (hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia). Healthy siblings age 6 through 11 are invited if space allows. Children may attend at any stage of their disease process and in remission. Free. Dwight Mission, 100995 South 2490 Road, Vian, Okla. 479-782-8822 dreamstreetcamp@yahoo.com July 1 Fourth of July Story Time Celebrate Fourth of July with stories, crafts, and other fun at this special Independence Day themed story time. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

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KIDS CALENDAR

fortsmithlibrary.org July 2 Family Fun Night: Superhero School Kids and their families are invited to Superhero School Adventure. Check out a book before you enjoy your Fourth of July weekend, and make a craft to take and show your friends and family. Free. 6-7 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 July 4 Fourth of July Crafts for Children To celebrate the birthday of the United States of America, take the children to the museum for Fourth of July Craft Making. Children and their parents may make a patriotic craft and enjoy refreshments. The event is free with museum admission and open to children 12 years and younger accompanied by a parent. Reservations are required. Call 479-783-7841 or make a reservation online at fortsmithmuseum.org. $5 adults, $2 children, under 6 are free. 1-3 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

hero. During the presentation, the artist’s hand is projected large onto a screen as he demonstrates how simple geometric shapes, common mathematics, and the science of human anatomy help to create a superhero. The artist’s speed of execution raises the visual arts to a performance art that has captivated audiences of all ages. But this isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about education. Parents who want their children to take their core subjects as seriously as they do art and the popular superhero culture they find themselves immersed in, will find this presentation particularly valuable. So, whether you’re an aficionado of the superhero or an advocate of a better education, you will discover that education and entertainment can be one and the same. free 10 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479646-3945 July 6 Primetime Story Time: Vacation Time!

Summer is a great time to take a vacation. Program will feature stories, crafts, refreshments and other summer vacation fun. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 July 7 Teen Carnival Summer boredom be gone! Teens bring your friends to the Teen Carnival. Try your skills at the water gun target shoot, marshmallow catapult, jug bowling and more. Fun games, prizes and snacks! And don’t forget to browse our new TEEN BOOKS available for check out. free 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

July 6 Science of the Superhero Jerry DeCaire, artist for Marvel Comic’s Thor, Avengers Hawkeye, X-Men, Iron Man, Wolverine, and many other enormously popular superheroes, will show how math and science merge to create a super-

July 8 Police Officer Story Time A police officer from the Fort Smith Police Department will attend this story time spotlighting local heroes.

Kids will enjoy stories, crafts and other fun, learn more about police work and have the opportunity to ask questions. No registration is necessary. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

Nature Center Summer Activities Schedule DAILY Critter Crunch Animal Feeding 2 p.m. – Friday: Snake feeding; Saturday: Fish feeding in the large aquarium. For the rest of the week, stop by to see which surprise critter is having lunch.

WEEKLY Fridays Nature Break 3:45 p.m. – Join the nature center staff for a 30-minute activity for 3- to 7-year-olds.

Saturdays Guided Hike 9 a.m. – A member of the education staff will lead a hike. Dress for the weather and don’t forget your camera.

Canoe/Kayak Program 10 a.m.-noon – Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Participants are required to wear life jackets, which will be provided.

Laser Shot 3 p.m. – Sharpen your hunting skills with a computer program similar to a video game, complete with laser gun.

Sundays Archery 2:30 p.m. – A beginner’s guide to archery. Bows and arrows, safety and instruction provided.

Available for check-out: binoculars, hiking bags and loaner tackle – daily until 4 p.m.; canoe/kayaks 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.

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JUNE 6-7

Daring doggie dock divers get their day of competition

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he dog days of summer are coming early on June 6-7 when the first-ever local, officially sanctioned Dock Diving competition is held during the Van Buren Rotary Club Dog Days.

Of course, lots of dogs are “unofficial” champions at jumping from a dock or boat to retrieve an object thrown in the water. Recently, dock diving has been recognized by the American Kennel Club as a sport. Regulations and different levels of sanctioned competition have been established.

Jumps are judged (measured) by both length and height. Some contests have an “air retrieval” category for dogs that snatch their target from a suspended pole. This AKCsanctioned competition in Van Buren will follow a form that is shown in video tutorials on northamericadivingdogs.com.

This is still just a basic dog trick that is fun for the dog, its humans and for spectators. Many dogs who love retrieving and swimming will enjoy being trained for competition, as the whole idea comes naturally to them. Adding championship titles and dock-diving meets simply increases the bragging rights and pride in every dog lover’s own pet’s athletic abilities.

Local dogs can enter the event (until registration fills up) even if they’ve never competed. Rules and fees for entry can be found at a Facebook page named Van Buren Rotary Club Dog Days. Follow links to get each dog athlete a North American Diving Dogs registration number, required for entry in Van Buren’s Dog Days. Seven “splashes” of 20 dogs will happen over the two-day event before the final round.

According to Shirley Williams of the Rotary Club, chairwoman of the event (and that’s her dog Sam leaping into the pond above), the club hopes to make Dog Days an annual event.

Besides the exciting dock-diving competition, which will be held in an official above-ground splash pool with regulation-sized dock and bouyant floats as targets, there are plenty of other events for spectators to enjoy. Non-competing canine members of the family who will behave on a leash are welcome to attend and even participate in other events, such as a Fastest Dog contest.

The Arkansas State Police will present demonstrations of the skills used by canine drug enforcement officers. Others will offer agility and obedience demonstrations. All dog talents will be on display. Local rescue groups plan to present some dogs that are available for adoption.

The schedule of the first day, June 6, includes four splashes of up to 20 dogs each at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. From noon to 1 p.m. is an Air Retrieve event. Splashes continue June 7 at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon before the finals take place at 2 p.m.

Just to get an idea of the state of the sport, the current world record belongs to a dog named Bo who recorded a jump of 26 feet in the Air Retrieve event of the 2014 North American Kennel Club diving dog championship. Distance jump records are approaching 30 feet!

Proceeds will be used to improve Lee Creek Park and to create a Van Buren Dog Park. Admission is free. Van Buren Rotary Club Dog Days, Van Buren High School, 2001 East Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. June 2015

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SUMMER READING

Writer takes on a true crime in a long-intended book

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nita Paddock has worked a long time for this – in June she will be giving author’s talks and signing copies of a book she first felt the urge to write more than three decades ago.

In the intervening years, she worked in a bookstore. She encouraged, critiqued and taught other aspiring writers in a “Life Writing” class and her own long-running writers workshop. Several students attained publication, crediting Anita for her help. Her daughter Jennifer Paddock published a collection of short stories and two novels. Anita went to work for the Fort Smith Public library and continued to nurture local writers. She became a widow and a grandmother. She retired.

The story that first intrigued her in 1981 had compelled her to make ardent attempts. Over several years, she wrote it as a novel, not just once but, with revisions, twice, and proposed the manuscripts to agents and publishers. Paddock said the story always nagged at her to be told.

Now, surprising even herself, Anita has finished – and published – the story that seemed to persistently demand she write it for more than 30 years. No longer veiled in fiction, a true account of a shocking murder in her hometown of Van Buren is found in Blind Rage.

The murder by bludgeoning of a prominent, accomplished woman in a small town certainly awakens the interest of a novelist searching for a gripping plot. But the 1981 death of Ruie Ann Park, an educator and Arkansas historian, ultimately drew Anita to write a true-crime account, taking her out of her comfort zone as a writer of fiction.

Anita is the first writer to have fully interviewed the person who confessed to and served a prison sentence for causing Ruie Ann’s death.

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SUMMER READING It was a widely suspected by many people and, more significantly, by many of the investigating law enforcement officers that Ruie Ann had been killed by her son, Sam Hugh Park, according to Anita. But there was no evidence upon which to arrest him, Anita’s research into prosecutor’s files found. Sam Hugh, an accomplished lawyer who had served as an assistant U.S. attorney, was then in private law practice. He lived near his mother. News accounts in 1981 said he had entered her house and discovered her body after he noticed she had not picked up her morning newspaper at her usual time. He called police.

As rumors swirled through town in 1981, Anita’s curiosity about the case grew deeper. She lived in Fort Smith at that time.

“I was from Van Buren and had been (a student) in school when Mrs. Park was teaching,” she explained. “I worked in the office and it was my job to collect the absentees from each classroom. I can remember going into Ruie Ann Park’s class and the whole side of her desk was just papered with pictures of Sam Hugh. And not a single one of Linda.”

Linda was the adopted daughter of the Park family, a year older than their biological child, Sam Hugh. She came to live with the family at the age of 6 or 7 after being placed in an orphanage by her parents.

Anita, who is now 74, remembers Linda, who is a year or two younger than she, as a shy, quiet girl in high school who did not seem to have the social confidence or academic success of Sam Hugh, nor the favor of their mother.

Despite speculation of Sam Hugh’s guilt and gossip circulated about him, no evidence was found with which to bring charges against him.

When he died in 1983, Ruie Ann Park’s murder remained unsolved.

Suddenly, in 1984, from outside the stalled investigation and outside of Crawford County, Linda Park Martin, then married and living in Cabot, Ark., was taken into custody in Van Buren on the basis of a conversation taped by her estranged husband, an attorney. Without a trial, she pleaded to manslaughter and was sentenced to prison.

Anita’s forthcoming book has at its core the “shy daughter’s” own account of the death of her mother, heard during two visits Linda made to Anita’s Fort Smith home. As she had long remained interested in Linda and the murder, Anita learned Linda had been paroled from prison after serving four years of a 20-year sentence. Anita found a way to contact Linda in Florida, where she has lived for many years.

Because there was no trial, Linda’s experience has never been heard, until Anita persuaded her to be interviewed.

“I had to be real careful because I felt so sorry for Linda. I have always felt so sorry for Linda,” Anita said. In their interviews, Anita learned that Linda had visited her mother while distraught over her failing marriage, but received little sympathy for her circumstances.

“The title of my book is Blind Rage and that is what Linda went into.

There is a psychiatric definition of blind rage. It is when you go into a state of fury and you do things that require a strength that allows you do things you have never done before and probably don’t even remember,” Anita said.

“I think part of that rage was at him, as well as her mother.”

The unsolved case had languished with the wrong suspect, no confirmation of the murder weapon or proven chain of events. Because there was no trial, the public has never heard the investigation’s contents.

The book includes the transcript of the conversation taped by Linda’s former husband that compelled her to plead guilty to a crime.

Anita has been invited to speak and sign books at the Fort Smith, Van Buren and Alma libraries and at Van Buren’s long-time ladies’ literary club – where Ruie Ann Park was a lifetime member. Details about several of her talks can be found in this issue’s calendar of events.

Casey had one in him Another local writer bringing out his first book this summer, John Casey of Fort Smith, waited until after 60 to publish a novel.

“I had a teacher, a Benedictine monk, who told us in high school that everyone has at least one book in them,” Casey said of his education at Subiaco Academy. Nearing retirement after a lifetime as an eductor, Casey decided about 10 years ago to write a novel that had “itched” at him.

“I’ve always liked to retreat into my imagination,” Casey said. “And I’ve always loved stories. Western South Dakota, where my mom grew up, was a place that generated stories.” He credits her as the best storyteller in his life. She also was “a prodigious letter-writer.”

The isolation and forced self-sufficiency of life on a ranch in the far West is the atmosphere in which he set Lame’s Leases, on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a place afflicted with poverty and struggle. The book’s protagonist, a modern-day rancher, is beset with weather problems, neighbor problems, health problems and challenges to his livelihood.

Describing himself as a patient writer, Casey said he relished the solitude of rewriting and polishing every line to his own satisfaction. He was drawn to making a vivid portrait of his characters most of all.

“The things we do after work – the things we get involved in - the interests we explore, define our lives sometimes more than what we do for a living,” he said.

Casey will sign copies of his book from 4-6 p.m June 9 at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith.

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TRAVEL

Overheard: there is a global adventurer in our midst

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A magnificent New Zealand red stag, as photographed from hundreds of yards away through the scope of a hunting rifle.

The distance involved requires a hunter to have patience and very good aim to have a chance at taking one of these creatures.

Photo courtesy of Fred Meyers of Barney Ahlefeld’s hunting party.

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t pays to be nosy – at the next teller window, an unusual-looking, bearded man wearing a very cool cowboy hat and his well-worn work uniform was showing his teller photos on a cell phone screen and the words “New Zealand” and “red stag” could be (over)heard.

Turns out to have been well worth a confession of eavesdropping to meet Barney Ahlefeld, who has recently returned from just the latest adventure of his lifetime. He was instantly open to sharing the tale of how he and his hunting buddies spent a great deal of time and considerable expense to travel more than 8,000 miles to go hunting on New Zealand’s South Island, Te Waipounamu.

It was a story best told over a beer at Ed Walker’s Drive-In in Fort Smith, where it was quickly easy to see that Barney is a beloved “regular.”

One of the waitresses stopped by to show off a necklace, a tiny jade figure Barney had brought her back as a souvenir from New Zealand.

Barney started where all good stories of adventure start – at the beginning.

“How it all came to be was from sitting in elk camp with my buddies, in Colorado, two years ago ...”

Seems he and a three good friends have been coming together for years to hunt elk there. The other three live in California.

“Some of us are in our 70s,” he said. “We need people to pitch the tent and haul wood. We tried some younger guys. We kicked some out and kept some,” he joked. His companions include a cabinet craftsman, a bar & grill owner and Barney’s brother-in-law, Fred Meyers.

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TRAVEL “He and I have been hunting together since our teens,” Barney added.

The older guys are in pretty good shape, health-wise, he said. “We decided as long as we got it, let’s go,” he explained. “Let’s do something.”

They surely did. Considering the high standards the buddies have for their own ‘band of brothers,’ they went in person to choose their adventure at Las Vegas’ annual Safari Club International convention, known as “the ultimate hunters’ market.” Representatives of guided hunting destinations from all over the world are there to talk to hunters and book trips.

While picking their trip, it didn’t hurt that Barney won at a roulette table and got the chance to splurge on that very fine, triple beaver hat which happens to have his name inside the hatband.

Barney and the guys took a shine to Gus Bisset of New Zealand Trophy Hunting, Ltd. Bisset and his guides lead hunters on an enormous ranch in the Hunter Hills of the South Island and are licensed to hunt further on public lands throughout New Zealand.

Leading up to the trip, the American hunters corresponded by email with their guides to get ready for the trip.

“These people treated us like down home folks,” Barney explained.

“They were so kind. I was at home with them.”

Four-footed game is abundant there, Barney said, especially the big red deer and fallow deer, some as large or larger than the American elk and mule deer. Red deer were introduced from 1851-1926 by British naturalists. They thrived into numbers so great that more than a million were killed for bounty offered by the government between 1931 and 1975. Fallow deer, a little smaller than red deer, have also prospered there into plentiful wild populations.

As Barney spun his yarn of their day-by-day experiences in that strange, wild land, his stories and expressions showed his relish and appreciation for not only the hunting but for every meal he tasted, each person he met and every creature he saw.

“We saw so many great, beautiful animals,” he said, “and I ate greenlipped mussels and drank New Zealand wines.”

On the first day after the hunting party arrived at their lodge near Queenstown, guides drove them into the mountainous terrain to just see all the wildlife.

“We spent the whole day looking. We saw more than 80 red stags and fallow deer. I decided I want to try for a fallow deer,” he said.

Hunters pay in advance the fees (by weight) the government and hunting outfitters charge for each animal killed. Nearly everyone in Barney’s party found they wanted to go ahead and up their budget a little (or a lot) in the field. But it is clear that his memories and sense of wonder at their adventure is a greater trophy than any taxidermy he may have to hang on a wall.

Doug Simpson (“Sweetie” is his camp nickname according to Barney) wrote an email describing his friend’s personality.

“Here is a typical story about Barney. After our hunt, the guide Gus took us to Wanaka, NZ. This is a place he grew up and a beautiful lush area near a lake where they filmed portions of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. We ended up at this place called the Lake Bar situated on the lake in downtown Wanaka, a very small town. Barney would go outside and smoke his pipe, and just talk to people walking by,” Simpson wrote. “The next day after some more sightseeing and shopping, we ended up at the Lake Bar again. It was raining and Barney decided to venture outside and smoke his pipe at some tables with umbrellas. I joined him, and as we were talking, it amazed me how many locals who walked by greeted Barney by name. He hadn't been in town 24 hours

The intrepid hunting buddies in a Kiwi pub: from left, Greg Dadgwell, Barney Ahlefeld, Doug Simpson and Fred Meyers. Below, just one glimpse of the dramatic Te Waipounamu landscape.

and some of the local Kiwis already knew him. The point is that Barney is so unique, friendly and approachable and that he makes such an impression on people that they can't help but remember him.”

It was an adventure of a lifetime, Barney said. But he has also raced motorcycles in the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 and hunted in the Yukon Territory, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho. He has fished “all over” Alaska.

Although he teases his employer of 38 years, Graphics Packaging, about retiring, he’s still working and vows “I’m not done with the world.” He and his buddies plan to fish the Amazon river and hunt in South Africa in 2016.

“Who is a hunter who doesn’t dream of going to Africa?” he said.

It will be another adventure we hope to tell here when he returns.

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In Memorium:

Daniel Cody Carter

We offer our love and condolences to Cody’s parents Roger and Cheryl Carter and his brother Henry Carter, as well as to all the members of Cody’s family.

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OUTDOORS

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Women saddle up together to enjoy trail riding

he Lady River Riders is a club that cultivates new friendships for women in the River Valley by way of trail rides on their mounts – either horses or mules.

“We haven’t had a zebra yet, but you never know,” said Sandra Huddleston of Sallisaw, Okla., with a chuckle. She joined the group two years after it got its start in the summer of 2008.

The first meeting took place in Van Buren. Over the next few years, the group has ranged from 25 to 45 members.

“Those of us who are still in the club enjoy being out-of-doors, riding our horses and mules and the fellowship of other ladies who love their animals.”

Huddleston said.

Whether its trail dust or blooming trees, the musk of strong animal sweat or the breeze off a grassy field it’s all roses to the women who have a passion to ride. And it’s evident by the smiles on their faces and their commitment to their friendships.

They get together to enjoy camp-outs with the horses, pot luck dinners, playdays, obstacles courses or just to pack a sack lunch to take with them on the many trails they conquer.

Huddleston says they don’t mind hard work, big trucks, hauling trailers, cleaning stalls or trips to the vet.

“Most of us are just plain happy to be there – anywhere – as long as we have our best friend (equine), human friends, companionship and we are riding,” she grinned.

The occasional injury that has occurred through her years of riding does not create fear or deter her from going on fond adventures with her fellow club ladies. “Anything can happen, an armadillo can come out of the bush, or a wasp can get under a saddle – they are animals and you have to always be careful and think safety,” she said.

“This is not just any club,” she went on to say. “Our ladies are all ages from 18 to as old as you feel and from every background.”

She herself did not get into the horsey set until her mid-fifties and enjoys the hobby full time now in her seventies finding the power and freedom of riding to be a pull she can’t resist and doesn’t plan on giving up anytime soon.

Having fellow ladies to ride with increases safety.

Locally they have trotted trails in Cherokee Nation Park, Midland, Ark. and the Buffalo River. Further away they have explored trials, campsites, forest, meadows, mountains, and rivers up to Pineville, Missouri.

Though the club is designed for women they do open up some rides to include their families. Wednesdays are usually restricted to ladies only, but on Saturday rides they invite their family or spouses.

The Lady River Rider’s membership composition reaches all over the river valley including riders from Fort Smith, Greenwood, Rudy, Ozark, Sallisaw, Muldrow, Washburn, Hackett, Poteau and Booneville to name a few.

Huddleston is happy to note the talents of two Olympic champions in the club, one in basketball and one in equine driving, who are well-liked members of the group.

“We live all over the river valley, and are always open to new ladies who want to join and ride,” she said.

Interested parties can check out the club by attending a meeting at 6:30 p.m. the main Fort Smith Public Library every first Monday of the month.

Or find more information by calling the club’s ride wrangler, Nickii Parker, at 479-461-3690.

– Story and photos by Candise Montemayor Lady River Rider Barbara Huddleston, above, flanked by her friends Buck, left and Southern Star, right, at their home in Sallisaw.

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DESIGNER NOTES

Inscriptions makes it personal

Owner Delanna Taylor

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n January 2014, Delanna Taylor became the new owner of Fort Smith’s mostrecognizable source for personalized, monogrammed items and custom stationery.

When Inscriptions became available for purchase, Delanna knew her opportunity was at hand.

With the help of family and friends, she created a new look for the store but continued the Inscriptions tradition of offering customers many options for all occasions.

Fun signs and a cheerful hello welcome customers to the store. The racks and displays are full of colorful items, many including witty sayings and inspirational themes.

Inscriptions is intended to make customers feel like they have found the perfect treasure for themselves or someone else. There is no denying Inscriptions is an uplifting store.

Delanna began working at Inscriptions in 2009 when it opened in Fort Smith. With her knowledge of the products, she can help simplify a customer’s buying experience. With just a few questions, Delanna or her employees lead a customer through gift purchases for weddings, babies, graduations, birthdays and teachers. Inscriptions employees sit with the customer and carefully go over custom-printed

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Razorback items by Coton Colors.

items to make sure every word, color, font and size is exactly as desired.

“We’ve even done housewarming and retirement invites,” Delanna said.

Inscriptions offers a wish list anyone can create that is kept on file. “This way, family and friends can come in and easily pick up an item without the guess work,” Delanna said.

The store is full of many customer-favorite brands, such as Vera Bradley, Coton Colors, Stephen Joseph children’s line and Waxing Poetic Jewelry, but many product lines have been added. Jon Hart Design, which manufactures personalized, handcrafted

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DESIGNER NOTES items, was an instant hit and has something for everyone – picnic baskets, carry-on bags, shave kits, travel bags and makeup bags that are both fashionable and durable. The Kate Spade gift line, Rifle Paper Co., Sugar Paper and Tea Forte also are now offered.

Of course, Inscriptions has a wide selection of Razorback and OSU merchandise and kitchen items, bath soaps, lotions, phone cases, wall and yard art, jewelry, headbands and candles are peppered throughout the store.

Backpacks and other Stephen Joseph items.

“The thing I like most about Inscriptions is the people. I love all our returning customers.

I love getting to know about their lives and watching their children grow,” Delanna said with a smile that seems permanently on her face. “Helping customers choose gifts for a loved one or for themselves truly makes me happy. Knowing they have taken a few minutes out of their busy days to find joy here at Inscriptions is a great feeling.

“The fun atmosphere at Inscriptions has kept me here and I’m blessed to now own this store,” Delanna said.

Backpacks, lunch bags, aprons, beach towels and T-shirts are just a few of the items Inscriptions offers for monogramming. Free gift wrapping also is available.

Inscriptions 4803 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday.

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home & garden goodies Love and Live garden stone and verdigris hummingbird tabletop fountain available at Jennifer’s Gift Shop inside Sparks Hospital.

Grasslands Road pet frames and bereavement plaque found at Greenwood Flower and Gift Shop.

Sauces, seasonings and marinades for grilling from Prestigious Pools.

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home & garden goodies

Custom painted baby announcement plaques found at Polka Dotted Zebra.

Zebra print bench available at Furniture Emporium.

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home & garden goodies

Vintage knives from Smith and Wesson and Pakistan from Designer Again.

Custom wooden signs available at Season’s Gift Shop.

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home & garden goodies

Novatto glass vessel sinks found at Sutherlands.

Smoked Baltic herring and garlic, tomato and anchovy pastes from Amore from Paul’s Meat Market.

Painted metal tray with stand and dog statue available at Creative Furnishings by Jean.

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home & garden goodies Pig’s Nose and Ultra Premium Arkansas Crown Club whisky, Rogue Sriracha Hot Stout Beer and Bud Light Lime-A-Rita from In Good Spirits.

Garden flags to celebrate summer available at Neumeier Nursery & Florist.

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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!

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Take a walk on the wild side! Let’s bring wildlife into our family’s life. Forget about signing up for 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 a small 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? There is even an Opossum Society of the United States but that is another story on its own.

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 or thickets it can be great cover for wildlife and allows for insects, which 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 and make their nests.

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

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GARDENING

A turtle emerges from hibernation under a bed of mulch.

Honeybees need our help more than ever. Allow wildflowers to grow and try not to use pesticides to help provide fodder for the bees.

containers for frogs and turtles. Turn over broken clay pots to allow toads to find sanctuary. Unlike birds, butterflies cannot drink from an 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 and 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.

I am excited about the recent Pollinator Research Action Plan implemented by the federal government that will “increase and improve habitat for pollinators directly and indirectly through the interactions with states, localities and private citizens.”

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.

Tarantulas are scary but harmless and they eat pests. You don’t need special plants to attract butterflies. Let your dandelions bloom!

Contributing writer Reba Mize loves the critters who move into her garden.

Well, maybe not the tarantula. And definitely not even one snake.

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Shopping and dining out are Fort Smith entertainment, too

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Entertainment Fort Smith's company motto is “Have Fun!” Since August 2000, when the first 25,000 copies of the magazines were distributed in our two-state, four-county readership area, we've been providing our readers the most extensive monthly listings of upcoming, fun events for kids and grownups .

We also quickly realized our readers – whose numbers are now certified at 80,000 per month for the 30,000 issues we distribute in more than 200 locations – look to the magazine’s ads to decide where to shop and dine locally.

Retail and restaurant advertising in the magazine have thrived over 15 years and most of it represents small, locally owned business. And while we value every one of the hundreds of businesses that have and are advertising in the magazine, we’d like to speak of two locally owned businesses that advertised in the first issue of Entertainment Fort Smith and have continued to do so for 15 years.

Joan Sloat owns the Now and Then Shoppe on Lecta Avenue. Bill Neumeier owns two Garrison Avenue eateries – Papa's Pub and Pizzaria and the Rib Room, which is scheduled to reopen this month at 424 Garrison Avenue.

Joan opened her Now and Then Shoppe featuring “antiques and gifts for the home” in 1983. She ran her first full-color ad for the business in a one-third page size in the first issue of Entertainment Fort Smith magazine.

“We got a positive response to that ad and have continued to grow since then – we're now in three adjacent buildings,” said Joan, who operates the business with her son Marty White. As a longtime small business owner, she is a firm believer that small, local businesses “keep America going.”

“The magazine brings us customers from not just Fort Smith, but from towns all around the area, including Sallisaw, Vian, and Poteau,” Joan said. “Out-of-town visitors from Tulsa and other larger cities say they see the magazine when they stay in local hotels and motels. People who shop at our business tell us they're amazed at our many different types of inventory. If they ask for things we don't have we find them. We joke that we're in the retail therapy business and about the only thing we don't have is bread and milk.”

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featured in her “goodies” product photos in the magazine. “Goodies” are a perk we give longterm retail advertisers in our Home and Garden and Health and Beauty sections. We think it is a lot of fun to see “our” merchants’ new merchandise each month.

“Our customers tell us, ‘I saw this in Entertainment Fort Smith,’ and sometimes we've already sold out of it and have to reorder it for them,” Joan added. “The magazine’s staff is so helpful and the photography for our goodies and ads is great.

Having the goodies is like getting two ads for one, and the ads last all month.”

Neumeier ran a colorful ad for his downtown Rib Room and Beer Garden in the magazine's first issue, then continued alternating advertising the Rib Room and Papa’s Pub and Pizzaria.

“I had great reaction to that first ad in the magazine and that has continued with every one of my ads since then,” Neumeier said. “I've also had a lot of traffic for my businesses from visitors staying in area motels and hotels that provide the magazines to their guests.”

“When we were having live music (at the Beer Garden) we also got a lot of attention from our listings in the magazine’s music and performance pages.”

Neumeier is working to open his new Rib Room location at the corner of 5th and Garrison this month and said he's looking forward to “reintroducing the great argument” between fans of ribs served with his signature, dry-seasoned rub, and fans of the ribs served with his award-winning in-house-made sauce.

He’s also looking forward to welcoming former and new Rib Room customers to “a cool new place” to dine indoors or outdoors on Garrison.

Joan and Bill both mentioned being proud multiple winners in the annual voting by the magazine's readers for their “Favorite” local establishments in the annual Readers Favorites Awards issue each February.

“Entertainment Fort Smith has been encouraging its readers to buy and trade at local and area businesses for 15 years now – I think that's one of the main reasons it's so widely read,” Neumeier added.

So have fun! Shop and dine locally. This free magazine is brought to you by local businesses.

– The Editors

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fashion & fitness goodies

Special tobacco blends, pouches and a selection of corn cob pipes from Winston's Pipe and Cigar Emporium.

The Yacht-Master II by Rolex found at Newton’s Jewelers.

Oakley Prizm Collection available at Ennen Eye Center.

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fashion & fitness goodies

AC/DC T-shirt by Rowdy Sprout with grey trousers and a Fore!! hat by Axel & Husson from Baby Chic.

T-shirt and car magnets by Dog is Good found at Zoe Bugs.

Jane Marie vintage-inspired, wire-wrapped bracelets and a epoxy crown charm-cluster necklace available at Now and Then Shoppe.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Razorback apron and hanging wind spinner from Coleman Pharmacy.

Topsies all-flip, no-flop sandals available at Luther Stem Pools and Spas.

All-natural vitamins, allergy and pain relievers, meal replacement powder and essential oils found at Olde Fashioned Foods.

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fashion & fitness goodies

New from Paris, Lafont sunglasses available exclusively at Dr. Steven Stiles Optometry.

Commemorative, 1/4-scale replica of the bag Arnold Palmer carried in his 50th appearance at The Masters and a Patrick Roy Colorado Avalanche hockey jersey found at Abilities Unlimited.

Peach lace dress with elbow-length bell sleeves and beaded and jeweled necklace from Red Leopard.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Moroccan Oil dry shampoo for dark and light tones made with rice powder from Salon Elements.

No-slip beaded headbands from the Pink Pewter Collection found at Vanity Calls.

Baby doll dress paired with camel wedges and a crystal cluster necklace available at Unique Boutique.

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MUSIC & performance

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE June 2 FSLT Dark Night: The Best of Everything This special dark night performance benefits the fight against Huntington's Disease. Refreshments are served at 7 p.m. and at intermission. Play starts at 7:30 p.m. $15. 7-10 p.m. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-462-2734 fslt.org June 2 The AMP: Third Eye Blind and Dashboard Confessional with Augustana Third Eye Blind found its greatest success with hit singles "Semi-Charmed Life," "Jumper" and "How's It Going to Be.” Dashboard Confessional is an emo band known for their blend of indie and acoustic rock. 7 p.m. Arkansas Music Pavilion, 5079 West Northgate Road, Rogers, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org June 3-6,7 FSLT: The Best of Everything With the 20th century half over, female workers yearn to be a daughter, a mother, an employee and a boss.

Their cup runneth over with responsibilities. An adaptation of a 1958 bestseller reveals six young women, employed at a large business office, dealing with challenges, ambition and heartbreak. We call it having it all; in the 1950s they called it the best of everything. Directed by Micki Voelkel. $10. 7 p.m.

June 3-6; 2 p.m. June 7. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-462-2734 fslt.org

Wakarusa starts the summer with enormous schedule of acts JUNE

4-7

With more than 150 acts scheduled to perform, Wakarusa music and camping festival will definitely be this region’s biggest entertainment of the summer. Held at Mulberry Mountain near Ozark, Ark., is a world-class concert event about a half-hour from Fort Smith.

The four-day fest creates an instant, sociable campers’ city at Mulberry Mountain and admission is set up to encourage festival goers to live the Wakarusa experience. All passes are multi-day; day tickets are not sold. The experience includes community activities such as costume contests and a parade, daily yoga, drum circles and art installations. In the natural setting, many people also enjoy canoeing, fishing and rafting on the nearby Mulberry River. Vendors offer food and merchandise.

The music begins early in the day and ends early in the morning. Spread over six outdoor stages, acts are as diverse as the Roots, Umphrey’s McGee, Major Lazer, STS9, Galactic with Macy Gray and Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals. Electronic, jam and dance music is performed along with rap, blues, rock, folk, reggae, Americana and some experimental styles that defy definition.

The full line-up and stage schedule are available online.

Four-day passes can be purchased on the festival website starting at $179, plus fees. Camping passes are sold separately, as well as VIP and RV options. All ages, including families, may attend.

Wakarusa news is best followed online, where festival planners use almost every kind of social media to keep the audience informed. Mulberry Mountain, 4117 Mulberry Loop, Ozark, Ark. Complete details at wakarusa.com.

June 4-6 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus “Built to Amaze” is the theme of this tour of “The Greatest Show on Earth,” which promises astonishing athletics, superhuman stunts and amazing animals.

Tickets available online or at the FSCC box office. 7:30 p.m. June 4-5; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. June 6; 1 p.m.

June 7. Tickets by phone, online or at the convention center box office. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-965-9324 itickets.com June 2015

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE June 5 Wendy Colonna at the The Founders’ Room A standout artist at SXSW, Austin musician Wendy Colonna is a singer-songwriter who has been featured in the Grammy/Music Cares All-Star Showcase. She’s also been heard on public radio’s Beale Street Caravan. Colonna writes and performs what has been described as a “soulful, gutsy, swampy” style. As a singer, she also has a side that has been called “honeyed.” The venue is an intimate concert hall created by musician Chris Cameron and his wife, Emily. The ticket price includes a dinner; choice of beverages and dessert not included. $17. The Founders’ Room, 7503 Robinswood Road, Alma, Ark. 479-221-5737 thefoundersroomofalma.com

June 18-28 Arkansas New Play Festival Five plays developed over three intensive weeks with playwrights in residence at TheatreSquared will be performed for the public June 18-28. Works selected include “Uncle,” the newest play by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-nominee Lee Blessing; “The Quest for Don Quixote,” a new adaptation by Mark Brown (Around the World in 80 Days); “Dust” by Sundance Fellow and Arkansas native Qui Nguyen; “Fault” by T2 Artistic Director Robert Ford; and “The Dingdong: Or, How the French Kiss,” Mark Shanahan’s new adaptation of the classic Feydeau farce. $40. 8 p.m.

TheatreSquared, 505 West Spring Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 theatre2.org Lady Antebellum June 14 The Amp: Lady Antebellum and Hunter Hayes Lady Antebellum recently released their fifth studio album, “747.” It follows more than 11 million albums sold worldwide and includes the platinum-certified smash hit “Bartender.” Guest Hunter Hayes was CMA’s choice for Best New Artist of 2012 because he sang all the vocals and played all the 30-some instruments heard on his self-titled debut album. His gripping ballad "Wanted" quickly soared to No. 1 and is nearing Double Platinum status. Kelsea Ballerini opens. 7 p.m. Arkansas Music Pavilion, 5079 West Northgate Road, Rogers, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org

Wendy Colonna June 5 Summer Chamber Music Festival KUAF and the University of Arkansas Music Department present the Summer Chamber Music Festival. There will be three performances, each with a different music selection. Free. 7 p.m. Crystal Bridges Museum, Great Hall, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-575-4703 music.uark.edu

Patrick Sweaney

June 16 Alonzo King LINES Ballet This celebrated contemporary ballet company leaps into the Walton Arts Center Artosphere festival with a bold new dance featuring the natural soundscapes of Bernie Krause and composer Rickard Blackford.

Krause has spent more than 40 years traveling the globe with microphones tuned to the earth and its creatures. His recordings of more than 15,000 species immortalize entire ecosystems. LINES Ballet thrives on collaboration, pairing music and sounds with extraordinary dancers who will dazzles and inspire audiences. Four workshops also will be held.

Call to schedule. Ballet tickets starts at $10. 7 p.m.

Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonarts.org

June 6 Fifth Annual Dance Fusion Enjoy an array of talent and dance from aspiring choreographers as they debut diverse pieces created and directed by the 2014-2015 Western Arkansas Ballet Pre-Professional Company members. $5. 7:30 p.m. Breedlove Auditorium at University of Arkansas Fort Smith, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org

The Bel-Airs

LINES

Bob Dyer

June 13 Chaffee Crossing Summer Block Party Powerful performers Wanda Watson & Mark Albertson and the bands GoodLuck Slim and Gavel Town present a concert to support construction of a new Veterans Memorial Plaza in the Chaffee Crossing Historic District. The Barbershop Museum and Chaffee Military Museum will be open. Take lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy great music outdoors on a summer evening with food and cold Wanda Watson beverages. The Fort Smith BBQ Society will serve up delicious barbecue. Cold beer and soft drinks also will be available. All ages are welcome. 6-10 p.m. $10 adults; $5 for kids 12 and under. Chaffee Crossing Historic District, 7313 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-6774 chaffeecrossing.com 54 Entertainment Fort Smith June 2015

June 19-21 Eureka Springs Blues Weekend Featured acts include The Bel-Airs, Earl & Them, Shawn Holt and the Teardrops, Kelley Hunt, Chris Thomas King, Jimmy D. Lane, Patrick Sweaney, The Nace Brothers, RJ Mishco & His Red Hot Blues Band and the Noah Wotherspoon Band.

Witherspoon was this year's Albert King Award winner at the International Blues Challenge, and will host a tribute to Albert King that will feature fellow award winners Nick Schnebelen and Jonn Del Toro Richardson. Complete schedule of the concerts, held in various venues, and tickets are available online. Full weekend passes, $75. eurekaspringsblues.com

Earl & Them

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Colbie Caillat June 27 Colbie Caillat This two-time Grammy Award-winning artist has sold more than 6 million albums and 10 million singles worldwide. Her breakthrough hit "Bubbly," as well as fan-favorites like “I Do,” “Brighter Than The Sun” and “Try,” have made Caillat a global, multi-platinumselling singing sensation. 8 p.m. Arkansas Music Pavilion, 5079 West Northgate Road, Rogers, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org

Quiet Riot June 27 Quiet Riot Cum on Feel the Noize! Choctaw Casino goes metal with a concert by Quiet Riot. Tickets are on sale now. $25. 8 p.m. CenterStage Event Center, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla.

800-745-3000 ticketmaster.com July 17 The AMP: Widespread Panic Prepare for a Panic Attack. The long-touring Southern rock/jazz fusion group has sold more than 3 million records but has even more devoted fans of their live performances. Tickets are on sale now. 7:30 p.m.

Arkansas Music Pavilion, 5079 West Northgate Road, Rogers, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org

Everclear July 25 Summerland Tour with Everclear Alternative bands of the ’90s Everclear, Toadies, Fuel, & American Hi-FI have combined for the Summerland Tour. Tickets are on sale now. $25. 8 p.m. CenterStage Event Center, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-745-3000 ticketmaster.com June 2015

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JUNE 26-27

Larry McCray Jimmy Thackery

Keeping the blues alive – for 25 years

Hadden Sayers

Long live the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Festival!

The Riverfront Blues Festival led the charge early to transform the banks of the Arkansas River into Fort Smith’s premier public entertainment venue. The first blues festival stages were truck beds and temporary platforms – 25 years later, the festival will be held at Harry E. Kelley River Park on the big Donald W. Reynolds stage, in a park that now contains an amphitheater and events building. The long success of the Blues Festival has been part of the fuel for growth. This year’s fest showcases a lot of local blues musicians.

Friday night will be bookended with local artists who have been to the International Blues Challenge held by the Blue Foundation in Memphis – IBC qualifier Matt Dodd opens the show and a band led by Chris Cameron closes it.

Cameron was the very first Arkansas winner of the IBC as 1997’s “Most Promising Young Blues Guitarist.” He has lived up to that, fronting the Chris Cameron Band since 2005.

More of Arkansas’ own performers are the stars this year. Larry McCray headlines Saturday night 56

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following Jimmy Thackery, an artist who adopted the state years ago after playing the Eureka Springs Blues Festival. McCray was born in Magnolia, Ark., and now has his own label named Magnolia Records. Like many a bluesman from here and Mississippi, he migrated to Detroit with his family and soon was influenced by the three Kings – B.B., Freddie and Albert. His guitar work is described as savage while his vocals are warm and soulful.

Ordering for early bird passes and the full festival schedule is online at the blues website.

For comfortable seating in the park, take along lawn chairs and blankets. No pets or coolers are allowed. Food and beverage vendors will accept “Blues Bucks,” which can be purchased in the park. Stay out of that river! Absolutely no wading, swimming or boat landing will be allowed.

Admission is $10 per day. Children 12 and under get in free with an adult. Final time details and ticket ordering is available at the festival website, riverfrontbluesfest.org.

Wanda Watson

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Matt Dodd Wanda Watson Band Hadden Sayers Chris Cameron Band

Eric Matthews Band Steve Hester & DejaVoodoo Levee Town Jimmy Thackery Larry McCray

JUNE 26 5 p.m. gates open 6 p.m. show

JUNE 27 4 p.m. gates open 5 p.m. show

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JUNE 26-27

Blues Preview Party on festival eve, June 25 Because it’s too hard to wait for the weekend, two bands will perform July 25 at a Riverfront Blues Festival kickoff party. Oreo Blue, longtime local favorites, will be joined by an International Blues Challenge winning act, Nick Schnebelen, formerly with his IBC-winning family band, Trampled Under Foot. Admission by festival pass. 6 p.m. Warren’s Rec Room, 1437 West Newberry Road, Alma, Ark. Nick Schnebelen

Cherokee Casino’s major expansion opening Cherokee Casino Roland, the oldest Cherokee Nation gaming facility, recently held a soft opening of a new, $80 million development, making it the third largest casino and hotel destination in Cherokee Nation’s entertainment division.The new Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland is planning a grand opening within the next month. The nearly 170,000-square-foot structure will hold the Grab & Go café and the Las Vegas-style Buffet. Guests will be able to enjoy more than 850 electronic games, table games and a private High Limit poker room. Along with the expanded gaming entertainment, guests can enjoy a cocktail and watch live local and national acts at Lee Creek Tavern. Cherokee Casino Roland is located off U.S. 64 on Cherokee Boulevard in Roland, Okla.

Blues Music Workshop and show, June 26 on

Laura Pierson Ben Prestage

As part of the Riverfront Blues Society’s mission to educate about the blues and support musicians, a workshop with Ben Prestage will be offered before the main festival on Saturday.

Prestage plays multiple instruments, including the resonator guitar used by seminal Delta bluesmen.

Musicians can take their own instruments to the interactive workshop. Opening the workshop is a performance with Prestage and young local artist Laura Pierson that is open to the public. Both events are free. Check riverfrontbluesfest.org for the workshop time. It will be held at the Riverfront Pavilion.

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CALENDAR of events Two lectures show the role the U.S. Marshals Museum will play in sharing American history U.S. Marshal’s Museum Gallery Lecture Series: A Changing Nation This lecture, third in a series of four, will focus on the involvement of U.S. Marshals in some of the most pivotal moments in American history. Conflict during the 1962 integration of Ole Miss will be one of those moments illuminated in the future U.S. Marshals Museum.

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William Doyle, author of An American Insurrection: The Battle of Oxford, Mississippi, 1962, will discuss the role of the U.S. Marshal’s Service in the desegregation of the University of Mississippi. When U.S. Air Force veteran James Meredith resolved to become the first black student to register at Ole Miss, he was blocked by radical segregationist Gov. Ross Barnett. Escalating the tension, state police and thousands of anti-integration student and civilian “volunteers” from across the South, many of whom were armed, took a stand on the campus to prevent Meredith’s enrollment. This revolt against a black citizen’s lawful enrollment blew up into a 14-hour riot on campus, including gunfire and casualties. U.S. Marshals, charged with protecting Meredith, were the targets of gunshots, rocks and acts of violence in the rioting but kept Meredith from harm. President John F. Kennedy ordered a lightning federal invasion of the town by 30,000 combat troops. By the time order was restored, more than 160 of the deputy marshals on duty had been injured; 28 by gunfire. Two civilians – one a journalist – were found dead. For the next year, deputy marshals provided Meredith with 24-hour guard as he attended classes.

William Doyle’s previous book, Inside the Oval Office: The White House Tapes from FDR to Clinton, was a New York Times Notable Book. In 1998, he won the Writers Guild of America Award for Best TV Documentary for the A&E special “The Secret White House Tapes,” which he co-wrote and co-produced.

Doyle is the coauthor, with the late former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, of American Gun: A History of the U.S. in Ten Firearms.

U.S. Marshals Museum Gallery Lecture Series Public Memory in America: Why History Matters Why build the U.S. Marshals Museum? Dr. Brent Glass, director emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, wraps up this lecture series with a look at why history museums are important and the critical role they play in our communities.

Each of the lectures in the series will have helped to explain and preview the content of galleries and exhibits designed for our future museum.

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At each lecture, light refreshments will be served and a cash bar is available.

Reservations for both events can be made online at usmm.eventbrite.com.

Admission for each lecture is $10. Both will begin 6:30 p.m.

The Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766

Maldwyn Jones, 1922, racing on dirt.

Photo from the Motorcycle Memories exhibition.

June 1-Aug. 31 Motorcycle Memories Exhibition Vintage motorcycles and photographs help visitors explore the “art of the motorcycle” in Fort Smith and the region from the 1940s through present day. Learn about the people and places that put the region on the map for motorcyclists. Quin Winter’s bike shop was the nexus of motorcycle culture in Fort Smith from 1939 until 1975. His sons, Leroy and Robert Winters, gained national fame in motorcycle racing. In 1940, Ercie Gann of Fort Smith became a charter member of the “Motor Maids,” a national organization of female motorcyclists. The annual “Razorback Run,” a 150-mile, roundtrip ride from Fort Smith to White Rock Mountain near Mulberry, drew motorcycle enthusiasts from 1952 to 1955. The exhibit includes Otis Spiker, one of the few manufacturers of Henderson motorcycle parts. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. $5 adults, $2 children. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org June 1-July 19 Dawn Holder: Commemorative Plates Exhibition A solo show for Dawn Holder is the result of being named the winner of Fort Smith Regional Art Museum’s 66th Annual Invitational. This exhibit is comprised of porcelain installations that combine the ideas of nature and technology. The installations utilize light switch plates and outlet covers. The switch plates are covered and enveloped by blooming porcelain flowers that overtake and block access to electrical consumption. Holder is an assistant professor of art at the University of the Ozarks. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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

Dr. Brent Glass

Holder’s works on exhibit at RAM. June 2015

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Cagle’s photos of the American West on exhibit at FSPL The stunning photography of Deanna Cagle will be on display in the community room this month. This special exhibit will feature breathtaking images from Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, along with other locations out West, and some local photography, as well. Cagle is a member of the Fort Smith Photographic Alliance and has won awards at the Lawn & Garden Show as well as the ArkansasOklahoma State Fair. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 1-24 Microsoft Publisher 2013 Learn to create promotional brochures, flyers, business cards, newsletters and more in Publisher 2013. $80 includes textbook and USB drive. 9:30-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com June 1-24 Microsoft Word 2013-Level 3 Learn to work with longer documents, collaboration tools and personalize a Word program. $80 includes textbook and USB drive. 11 a.m.-12:25 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 June 1-29 Ballroom Dance Make your dreams of dancing come true. Advance dance lessons are from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and beginner's lessons are from 7:30-9 p.m. Learn a new dance every month, but start the first Monday of the month to advance with other students. Lessons cover styles including ballroom, Latin, country western, swing and many others. Attire is comfortable casual clothing and shoes without sticky soles. $5. 6:30-9 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 June 1-30 Water Drive: Sack Lunch Program Help the Sack Lunch Program keep its clients hydrated and safe from the heat. Drop off a case of bottled water. Call St. John’s Episcopal Church to schedule a drop-off time. The Sack Lunch Program, 123 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9912 or 479-252-1360 June 1-30 Photography by Michael Leonard Recognized for unique printing and presentation techniques, Michael Leonard has trained many other photographers to learn his dramatic style of color and infrared photography. Free. Dewey's Cafe, Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 1-30 Miller Branch Artist of the Month – Katie Russell Katie Russell’s photography focuses mainly on landscapes and other elements of nature. Free. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

June 1-31 Escape the Ordinary!

Adult Summer Reading Celebration Why should the kids have all the fun? Win prizes while reading favorite books. Adults can register for this free event at any Fort Smith Public Library beginning June 1. Anyone who lives inside the city limits of Fort Smith and is aged 5 or older is eligible for a free library card.

Free. 9 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 2015

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Jazz in June at the Bonneville House Held indoors and outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the historic Bonneville House, Jazz in June is the annual fundraiser of the Bonneville House Association, a non-profit group supporting the preservation of the 1864 mansion in the Belle Grove Historic District. It is available year-round as a party and meeting venue with indoor and outdoor settings and a professional catering kitchen.

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The evening will include a silent auction and cork pull for fine wines. The Don Bailey Jazz Combo with jazz chanteuse Tabitha Graves will entertain.

Tables are available for sponsorship. An eight-seat table outdoors may be reserved for $500. A six-seat table indoors may be reserved for $400. Individual tickets are $50. Memberships in the Bonneville House Association are available. Call for advance ticket purchase or table reservations. Bonneville House, 318 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-7854 bonnevillehouse.com

June 1-31 Student/Family Community Service Opportunities Students looking for community service hours or families who would like to volunteer together are invited to help feed the hungry. The Sack Lunch Program can provide a unique and fulfilling experience for volunteers. The program's mission is very simple: if you are hungry, they will feed you. Volunteers hand out meals at breakfast and lunch to anyone who stands in their line. Last year, the program served more than 50,000 lunches to food-insecure people.

Workers can make sandwiches, serve lunches, help with restocking and recycling. Training is easy and brief to prepare volunteers to take their place in this organized, scheduled effort. Call St. John's Episcopal Church to schedule a time to volunteer. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Sack Lunch Program, 123 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9912, 479-252-1360 June 2-30 Drop In Computer Info Every Tuesday, library patrons can get help with basic questions about their own computers and e-mail.

Free. 3-5 p.m. Free. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 June 2-23 Digital Literacy Introduction to computers class explores the basics of some widely used computer programs, including word processing and Internet use. Acquire these skills in a hands-on, friendly environment. Free. 8-9:25 a.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com 62

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June 2-23 Microsoft Excel-Level 1 Learn Microsoft Excel 2013 and become efficient in creating spreadsheets. $80 includes textbook and USB drive. 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com June 2-23 Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 Learn to create professional-looking presentations using PowerPoint 2013. $80 includes textbook and USB drive. 11 a.m.-12:25 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com June 2-25 Guitar Building In this four-week workshop, participants will build an electric guitar, starting with a kit of pieces and finally taking home a complete, handcrafted instrument.

Class size is limited to 12 participants who are 18 or older. All materials provided. $295. 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Center for Lifelong Learning at UAFS, 5004 Kinkaid Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning June 2-30 Drawing Classes for Adults Take graphite pencils and a sketchbook to learn more about line drawing and shading, drawing from real life, drawing facial features and how to use perspective.

Concepts will be taught with short exercises. Take a

photo of something to learn to draw. Class size limited to five student for lots of individual attention. Register by calling or e-mailing karenkbrannon@gmail.com. $50. 7-8:30 p.m. Cre8ive Arts Network Building in Chaffee Crossing, 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-5455 canvasar.com June 2-30 Beginning Class: Working with Clay This class is for those who have never worked with clay but are curious and are not afraid to get muddy.

Learn basic hand-building or throwing on a wheel.

Learn how to care for tools, painting and more. All materials and basic tools are provided. Firing of clay is by the pound. Space is limited. Instructors are Jen and Jimmie. $95. 1-3 p.m. Cre8ive Arts Network Inc. Building at Chaffee Crossing, 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-357-9079 canvasar.com June 1-Aug. 30 Through the Eyes of a Child: Selected Works from Montessori School of Fort Smith Art plays a critical role in the curriculum at The Montessori School of Fort Smith. Under the direction of Rania Al Assadi, students study and test a variety of media – watercolors, charcoal, acrylics, fiber art, and much more. This exhibition will showcase original works of art created by children from third to fifth grades and represents a variety of subject matter chosen by the Montessori students. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 3 Van Buren Farmers Market Every Wednesday and Saturday, check out locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and plants, free-range eggs, jams and jellies, breads, local honey and more. Support your local farmer. Contact Rachel for vendor information. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-218-2316 June 3-24 Drawing Classes for Veterans Special drawing classes are open to all veterans.

Space is limited. Free. 1 p.m. Cre8ive Arts Network Inc. Building at Chaffee Crossing, 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-357-9079 canvasar.com June 4 Arkansas Sales & Use Tax Workshop This workshop informs business owners of current sales and use tax laws, how to avoid overpayment of sales tax, understand audit risk and protect from failure to comply with new regulations. Questions regarding Arkansas incentives and tax credits available to many eligible businesses can also be answered. $30. 1-4 p.m. Beall Barclay & Co., 3101 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events June 4-6 Sallisaw Diamond Daze Festival An annual Sallisaw event brings residents and visitors together for entertainment and good food. Enjoy lively traditional and modern country both nights and a full carnival featuring rides for children and adults. Live entertainment, arts and craft vendors and a certified Kansas City barbecue contest. Taste delectable barbecue from contestants or pick up a tasty treat from food vendors. Also features a car show and activities for children. Free admission. Sallisaw High School, 2301 West Ruth Street, Sallisaw, Okla.

918-775-2558 June 5 Escape the Ordinary Day: Donut Day at the Library Have an extraordinary day – donuts are free starting at 8:30 a.m. while they last. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 June 5 Escape the Ordinary Hobby: Crochet and Knitting Join a crochet and knitting class as a part of the library's summer reading program. All experience levels welcome. Take yarn and size G or H hook. Free.

10 a.m. to noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 June 5 Havana Nights Children's Emergency Shelter Fundraiser Havana Nights is a Cuban-inspired fundraiser featuring hand-rolled cigars, Cuban cuisine, rum tasting and award-winning salsa band Calle Soul. New to the event will be private sponsorship cabanas and a Cuban market. Serving more than 250 children each year, part of the CES mission is to allow kids in crisis the opportunity to just be kids. $100; VIP tables of 10 for $1,200. 7-11 p.m. River Park Events Building and Amphitheater, 121 River Front Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-242-5771 childrensemergencyshelter.org June 2015

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Gangster Gala will help to build more new homes and celebrate Habitat for Humanity’s 25th year here The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders will host a celebration for the 25th anniversary of the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, the volunteer-based organization that builds affordable homes in partnership with people in need. The number of homes Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity has constructed in last 25 years has almost reached 100. Habitat for Humanity homeowners invest “sweat equity” in constructing their homes alongside volunteers and other Habitat homeowners. When a home is finished, its new owners purchase the house through affordable monthly mortgage payments.

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The Greater Fort Smith Association of Homebuilders members are professional builders of new homes who promote quality housing for our community. The association was formed to increase public awareness of the products and services its members provide and advocate for best-quality industry standards and practices.

The gala event will include a delicious meal, cash bar, live music by The Crumbs, a live auction gaveled by Shawn Looper and a chance to win a new Dodge truck. Tickets are available from the Habitat office by phone, the Habitat ReStore at 421 Towson Avenue, Breeden Dodge, Chuck Fawcett Realty or from GFSAHB members. Tickets are $60 per person, $100 per couple or $400 table for eight. 7 p.m. Golden Living, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-8255

June 5-Sept. 6 Selections from the Permanent Collection New acquisitions of the RAM Permanent Collection, including painting, fiber, photography, works on paper and sculpture, are highlighted. Opening reception will be 5-7 p.m. June 4 and is free for members, $5 for non-members. Free daily admission. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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

June 5-7 Chester Funky Junk Fest The City of Chester hosts the first of many semiannual Funky Junk Fests. This outdoor event will be held at Chester's Farmers Market Pavilion and grounds where the town’s market day and poultry swap are held in warm months. The Funky Junk sale is open to any kind of merchandise, including quilts, crafts, antiques and more. The market days are also a time for hanging out in this friendly valley town, population 99. Take tents, tables or lawn chairs and stay awhile. Booth space is available for $25 a day or $60 for all three days. Proceeds benefit the Chester Farmers Market and the Chester Holiday Fund.

Vendors and musicians who would like to entertain the market visitors are invited to call for more information about participating. Admission is $1 per person; children 10 and under are free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Chester Farmers Market, East Front Avenue, Chester, Ark. 479-997-5217 64

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June 6 Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House National Cancer Survivor Day Celebration Patricia Brown, a 10-year cancer survivor, will be the keynote speaker. Brown delivers a message of courage and hope. She has shared her battle with breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2005 through a personal blog published on thecitywire.com, where she offers her own insight, encouragement and helpful suggestions to others who have been diagnosed with any kind of cancer.

Brown has spoken candidly for a public television series about survivors and is known to respond to her illness with courage, humor and faith. The celebration will also include recognition of other cancer survivors, fun activities for the whole family and food. Free. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

June 6 Attracting Butterflies and Bees with Native Plants Learn how to attract a variety of pollinators using native plants, with an emphasis on native bees and endangered Monarch butterflies. This workshop will cover pollinator plants, beneficial insects and Monarch host and nectar plants. Tour the Kerr Center's native landscapes. Led by Ann Stine of the Xerces Society and David Redhage of the Kerr Center. Lunch included. Reservations required. $50; $25 for spouse.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Kerr Center, 24456 Kerr Road, Poteau, Okla. 918-647-9123 kerrcenter.com June 6 Elks Gigantic Indoor Yard Sale More than 25 families are contributing items appealing to the whole family – furniture, appliances, bedding, kitchen items, household items, shoes, clothing of all sizes and much more. All profits from the gigantic yard sale will benefit local Elks charities supporting area youth, veterans, and drug awareness.

Free. 8:30 a.m.- p.m. Fort Smith Elks Lodge #341, 5504 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 www.elks341.org June 6-14 National Boating and Fishing Week National Fishing and Boating Week highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing. Visit and celebrate at Lake Fort Smith through a variety of activities throughout the week. Check the park calendar for specific events. Free. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

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Olympian in Berlin to a soldier in WWII’s Pacific arena and a POW in Japan, Zamperini’s amazing story is put in context of his times by Hillenbrand’s detailed historical narrative. He survived a military plane crash and was adrift in the Pacific Ocean for a 47-day ordeal before being captured when he landed in the Marshal Islands. By that time, one of his two raft mates had died. Zamperini, who died in 2014 at the age of 97, became a Christian inspirational speaker with the help of Billy Graham. To borrow limited copies of the book, library cardholders may sign up at the desk or e-mail mburleson@crawfordcountylib.org. Free. 7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

June 6-27 Upholstery Classes Barbara will take the mystery out of covering furniture and will consult with auto upholstery repairs. List of tools and materials at registration. Class is by the hour. $20. 1-2 p.m. Cre8ive Arts Network Inc. Building at Chaffee Crossing, 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-926-3096 canvasar.com

June 9 Escape the Ordinary Blood Drive Be an extraordinary person by giving blood to those in need this summer.1:30-5:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

A recent walking tour group in front of Clayton House in the Belle Grove Historic District.

June 7 Belle Grove Historic District Walking Tour Stroll through the Belle Grove Historic District and hear the colorful history of the homes and their first owners. This volunteer-led tour has two walking routes that last from 2:30-4 p.m. $5. Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org

June 8 Book Talk: Unbroken As a part of the “Escape the Ordinary” summer reading program, teen to senior readers are invited to read and discuss Laura Hillenbrand’s biography of Louis Zamperini, “Unbroken.” The novel has been adapted into a recent major motion picture. From a mischievous Italian kid in California to an American

June 9 Authors in the Afternoon with John Casey Fort Smith author John Casey will sign copies of his new novel, “Lame’s Leases.” In this contemporary Western set in South Dakota on an Indian reservation, a rancher with lease, health and neighbor problems struggles to stay in business. Casey is a thirdgeneration teacher and a long-time Fort Smith resident who enjoys hiking and canoeing in the Ozarks. Copies of the novel will be available for purchase and signing at this open-house style event.

Free. 4 -6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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Bourbon tasting in 1880s style at Clayton House Colonel Clayton’s Southern evening party is held in support of the continued preservation of his authentically restored circa 1882 home. The evening’s many elements include a bourbon tasting of the latest award-winning spirits provided by Glidewell Distributing, as well as some newly introduced craft beers.

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Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a “bourbon pull” featuring a variety of quality bottles and a live auction of 10 hunting, sporting and self-protection firearms. One lucky attendee will take home the door prize of a Henry “Big Boy” Lever Action hunting rifle. You might be a winner even if you can’t attend: the fundraiser includes the raffle of three firearms; the $5 tickets are on sale now, and you need not be present to win.

Ladies and gents both enjoyed this Southern soirée set in the Clayton House’s 1880s splendor last year. Event and raffle tickets are available by phone or website. $50 per person. 7-10 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org

June 9 Book Talk: The Friday Night Knitting Club Once a week, an eclectic group of women comes together at a New York City yarn shop to knit – and share the stories of their lives. At the center of Walker and Daughter is the shop’s owner, Georgia, who is overwhelmed with juggling the store and singlehandedly raising her teenage daughter. Happy to escape the demands of her life, she looks forward to her Friday Night Knitting Club. But when the man who once broke her heart suddenly shows up, demanding a role in their daughter’s life, her world is shattered.

The books author is Kate Jacobs. Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 June 11 Pinterest Party: Yarn Craft Adults and seniors are invited to make a yarnwrapped, ombre, decorative monogrammed letter.

This project was found on the internet sharing site, Pinterest. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 June 11-Aug. 17 Universal Class Tweens to seniors are eligible to take a Universal Class offered free through the library, accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Participants can earn CUEs and certificates. A librarian will be taking the class and helping participants along the way. Class meets June 11-Aug. 17 on the second and fourth Thursdays. Free.

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June 12 Dancing With The Local Stars A fun, exuberant, multi-genre popular music dance will be available to all of the dancing public featuring a local DJ and local ballroom dance stars. The dress attire is dressy casual in an ambient low light, smokefree, social environment. $5. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 June 12 Assessing & Addressing the Emotional Needs of Terminally Ill Elderly Clients Fanta Gibson, LMSW, a Medical Social Worker at Peachtree Hospice, is the presenter. Participants will explore issues particular to working with the elderly and will explore their own biases and concepts of aging. Alzheimer's Disease and caregiving at the end of life will be discussed. A three-hour certificate of participation is available. $10. 1-4 p.m. Mercy Hospital Sicard Room, 7301 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. June 12-14 Bat-O-Rama XXVI This weekend of programs and activities is an annual tradition at Devil’s Den State Park. Park staff and special guests celebrate one of the most beneficial yet misunderstood creatures – bats. Programs will be held throughout the weekend with nighttime mist netting conducted by student researchers studying these amazing creatures. Park visitors are invited to hear talks and observe the research. Free. Contact the park for program times. Devil’s Den State Park, 1133 Arkansas 170, Winslow, Ark. 479-761-3325 arkansasstateparks.com/devilsden

June 12, 26 Escape the Ordinary Hobby: Redwork Join the library’s redwork and embroidery class.

People of all experience levels are invited to take their own supplies and stitch along with others. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 June 13 NAMI Zumbathon NAMI River Valley provides support, education and advocacy for those who suffer from mental illness and their families. Held on the tennis court, or if it rains, the basketball court. Buy advance tickets by June 5. $20. 1-4 p.m. Mercy Fitness Center, 7610 South Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-259-5563 June 13 1960 Class of Fort Smith High School 55th Class Reunion Enjoy visiting while listening to music of the ’50s and ’60s. Drop by or stay all day. Brunch will be served about 10:30 a.m. and evening meal will be at 6 p.m.

Dress is casual. Mail checks to "Fort Smith High Class of 1960", c/o Frances Willis, 8321 Rosewood Drive, Fort Smith, AR 72903, 479452-8041. $10 per classmate includes one guest. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. River Park Events Building, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-8041

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Outstanding rider Kim Redo on her horse Aspen in a Cowboy Mounted Shooting demonstration.

June 13-14 Judge Parker's Posse Mounted Shooting Check out the sport of cowboy mounted shooting in all its glory at this clinic with Cox Performance Horses.

Visit the website for information about competing.

Free for spectators. 9 a.m. Crawford County Fairgrounds, Arkansas 215, Mulberry, Ark. 479-670-3292 newmsa.com June 14 Community Flag Day Celebration Downtown This annual ceremony is presented by Fort Smith Elks Lodge #341 to honor our nation's most recognized and respected symbol and to increase patriotism. The Elks hope the park will be filled with area veterans who have allowed Old Glory to continue to proudly fly high.

Flag Day ceremonies are conducted each year by the Elks in more than 2,000 cities throughout our nation.

Afterward, a picnic lunch will be given at the Elks Lodge at 5504 Massard Road. Free. 1-2 p.m. Ross Pendergraft Park, 200 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks341.org June 15 AARP Chapter 5099 Meeting This local chapter of the AARP meets every third Monday for lunch and a brief business meeting, often followed by an interesting and informative program.

Purchasing a lunch is optional. 1 p.m. Golden Corral Restaurant, 1801 South Waldron Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-6162 June 16 Cookbook Club Take your best Farmers Market (fresh) dish and recipe for everyone to sample. Prize drawing held. Free. 5:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 June 2015

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Fort Smith High School Class of 1945 plans 70th reunion

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As the Class of 1945 walked across the stage in their caps and gowns to receive diplomas, they and most people alive were praying for the end of World War II. On May 8, victory in Europe had been declared with the full surrender of Nazi Germany and the death by suicide of Adolph Hitler. In the Pacific Theatre of war, bitter combat still raged as Allied troops fought island by island toward Japan. The existence of the atomic bomb was as yet a highly classified secret. Many of the graduates had fathers, brothers, uncles and cousins still overseas. Some had lost relatives already and feared they would lose more. Many of the male students expected they would enlist and fight shortly after receiving their diplomas.

According to Jack Freeze, a class member who would later become mayor of Fort Smith, locally, Fort Chaffee was at its height of activity and some of the young women of the class would date and marry young soldiers who were stationed there.

The war would end later in the summer of their graduating year and the Class of 1945 entered their adult lives in an era of opportunity and, for a time, peace. This class would not be on the front lines, giving them the freedom to start families. Many Class of 45 members had distinguished careers.

The 1945 graduates of Fort Smith High School plan to gather for a two-day reunion this month at Hardscrabble Country Club with a theme of “Bridging Two Centuries.” Any class member may contact classmate Margaret Ann Hawkins at 479-452-4473 with questions.

June 16 Moonflowers & Mojitos Mojitos and hors d’oeuvres will be served amidst the Botanical Garden in the height of its summer bloom.

Wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages are also available. An art show will feature the work of popular local artists. Reservations suggested. Members $20; non-members $25. 6-9 p.m. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org June 16 Wildlife Carving with Fred McClure Fred McClure will show finished wildlife carvings and talk about tools and techniques used to create them.

McClure is a self-taught wood sculptor who carves birds and fish, known locally for his 45 years of work at KFSM-TV. 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com June 17 Artificial Sweeteners This free nutrition and cancer series will be presented

by Kelley Frost, MS, RD, LD with Sparks Nutrition Center and assisted by Sparks executive chef Brian Huff. Call to register. Free. 11:30 a.m. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 June 17 Lunch & Learn: Chronic Wounds Dr. Ha discusses ways to bring healing to open sores.

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diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns, skin tears, post-surgical incisions and radiation wounds. Register by phone. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Shuffield Education Center, Sparks Regional Medical Center, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3627 June 17 Microsoft Word 2013 Basics A basic class teaches participants how to create a new document, apply basic text formatting, copy and paste, use page layout and save documents.

Registration required. $69. 8 a.m-noon. UAFS BII Building Room 115, 5020 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7742 June 18 Open Mic Night at Dewey’s Café Musicians, poets and other talented folks are invited to perform. Sign up at the door to get a spot on the list. Showcase a talent or just listen. Music or poetry does not have to be original work – recite or perform a favorite. Acoustic music only. Free. 7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 19 Cool Water: Oklahoma Aquarium Trip Take a day trip by coach to the Oklahoma Aquarium near Tulsa. See new features and underwater creatures. Look for loggerhead turtles, feed the sharks, see amazing coral reefs and learn about the sea that once covered Oklahoma and Arkansas. Lunch included. $105. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. UAFS Center for Lifelong Learning, 5004 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7220 uafs.edu/lifelonglearning

June 19 Food for Thought: Dementia Conversations When someone is showing signs of dementia, it's time to talk. Tina Hunter of the Alzheimer's Association will discuss how to talk with your entire family, including the person with signs of dementia, about some challenging and often uncomfortable topics related to Alzheimer's Disease and dementia such as driving, doctor visits and legal and financial planning.

Take a lunch or purchase from Dewey's Café. The library will provide drinks and dessert. Free. Noon.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 19 GFWC Women's Community League of Alma/ Rotary Club Golf Tournament A two-man scramble tournament will benefit the Alma Boys and Girls Club and various community organizations. Teams may sign up the day of the tournament or by phone. The entry fee of $70 per person includes cart fee and lunch. 8 a.m. Eagle Crest Golf Course, 3926 Golf Course Drive, Alma, Ark. 479-629-4107 June 20 Summer Labyrinth Walk Walk and meditate in a labyrinth designed within an herb garden that touches all the senses, centered with a Muscadine grape arbor. The garden was created by the Master Gardeners. Mark the Summer Solstice and speak peace. Free. 6-8 p.m. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardeners Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

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The Arkansas Mufon West Central Section presents special guest speaker Cindy Dove. As a regular contributor to "Mack Maloney's Military X-Files," one of KGRA Digital Broadcasting's most popular radio programs, Dove has become a "go to" source for information regarding military, as well as private and corporate, drones that are taking to the skies. Dove brings her presentation from the Arkansas Mufon Central Section, Little Rock, where she has captured many military drones on video for reference and study. Free. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 armufonwcs.wix.com/armufonwcs June 22-23 Boating Education Course In two classes, the Arkansas Boating Education Course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, must have a valid boater education card to operate a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more (including a personal watercraft) in Arkansas.

Those who complete the course may earn a certification. Free. 6-9 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com June 23 Holistic Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Support Presented by Mercy Oncology Rehabilitation STAR Certified Program, the topic is Holistic Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Support: How Exercise and Therapy are Essential Components to Survivorship. Call to reserve a seat. Free. Noon.

Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org June 23 QuickBooks Day-to-Day Basics Workshop This hands-on workshop will teaches participants to use the day-to-day features of QuickBooks, including accounts payable, deposits, sales receipts, accounts receivable, managing sales tax and more. A basic working knowledge of QuickBooks is recommended to attend. A computer is provided for each participant during this interactive session. Seating is limited.

Registration is required by calling or registering online. $65 1-4:30 p.m. Beall Barclay & Co., 3101 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events/ June 24 Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 Basics A very basic class will teach participants how to create a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint 2013, add slides to a presentation, create a text box, format a font, apply a theme and save a presentation.

Registration is required. $69. 8 a.m.-noon. UAFS BII Building, Room 115, North 50th Street and Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7742 uafs.edu June 25 Welcome Neighbor Book Club “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins will be reviewed. Any woman is welcome to attend and enjoy the discussion. Free. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dewey's Cafe, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-4591603 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com June 2015

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Mount Magazine International Butterfly Festival Nature’s glories flutter on the mountain and fun abounds at the fairgrounds: This annual event takes place in both Paris, Ark., and at Mount Magazine State Park.

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At the lower elevation, vendors, an art show and sale, food, a 5K race, motorcycle rally, poker run, beauty pageant and a kid zone will create a festival at the Logan County Fairgrounds, Arkansas 22, Paris, Ark. Up near the highest elevation in Arkansas at Mount Magazine State Park, the pollinators are celebrated with seminars, hikes, plant sales, garden tours, insect exhibits, a live arthropod zoo and a Bug Bonanza. Walk the mountain trails in search of a sighting of the more than 25 different native butterflies including zebra swallowtails, American ladies and the elusive Diana fritillary, state butterfly of Arkansas.

Check online for specific program schedules.

479-963-2244 parisonline.com and mountmagazinestatepark.com June 25 Author Visit & Book Signing with Anita Paddock The Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust will hold a special evening with local author Anita Paddock. In 1981, a prominent Van Buren woman, Ruie Ann Park, was murdered in her home. The crime shocked a peaceful town and brought to surface family secrets. Clues were missed that would have pointed to the killer and the murder remained unsolved. Both police and townspeople were later shocked when the murderer’s identity became known.

The author will comment on her book and the writing process at 7 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be served. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 26 Scrapbooking Relax during an hour of scrapbooking, chatting and all-around fun. Take your own scrapbooking stuff. The group shares ideas and works on scrapbooks.

Packets will be available to take home. Free. 10-11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 June 26 Diamond Dance The Diamond Dance features local ballroom dance talent in an ambient, smoke-free, adult atmosphere, presented by the Diamond Dance Club. Dress attire is dressy casual to semi-formal. Open to dancers of all skill levels. $10 per person. 8-10 p.m. Fraternal Of Eagles Club, 3317 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 70

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A female Diana fritillary butterfly. Males of the species are a bright orange with black markings.

This somewhat rare butterfly is found primarily in the Arkansas River Valley, several counties in South Carolina and spots along the Appalachian mountain range. In 2007, the Arkansas General Assembly designated the Diana fritillary as the state butterfly.

June 27 17th Annual Focus on Greenwood Golf Tournament All proceeds help local family and youth charities.

Focus on Greenwood is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Door prizes and many other prizes available throughout play. Entry fee $135 per team.

Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Vache Grass Country Club, Greenwood, AR, Country Club Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-996-2040

June 27 Motorcycle Memories Exhibition and Program Enjoy refreshments and a program on local motorcycle history. The ongoing exhibit shows Fort Smith’s historical association with motorcycling. The exhibit and program are offered free with museum admission. $5 adults, $2 children; kids under 6 are free. 11 a.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org June 27 3rd Annual Honor & Duty 5K Fun Run & Walk This run/walk to end veteran homelessness will benefit The Next Step Homeless Services, a United Way Community Partner. Medals to top three runners in each age group. $25 before June 7 with free T-shirt; $30 June 7-27. Early check-in is June 26 at the Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith. 6:30 a.m. race check-in; 7:30 a.m. start.

Wells Lake, near 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-242-5100

2013 community meal at Mulberry, Ark. June 17 Celebrate Mulberry A public fair will inform citizens of the many services available through local businesses, organizations, churches and government agencies. Food, live music and children’s activities will be offered during the day.

A firework display is presented at dark. All day. Free.

Kirksey Park and Fairgrounds, 29 Kirksey Park Way, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1321 cityofmulberry.org

June 27 Frank's Spaghetti Feed Dinner includes spaghetti with meatballs (secret recipe), salad, garlic bread, dessert and a tea, lemonade, coffee or water. Desserts are contributed by local artisans. It’s “all you can eat” until food runs out. Get there early. Proceeds will support the National Dam Community Center. $5 ages 12 and up; $3 ages 6-11; free for children 6. Enjoy a great meal and lively conversation. 5-8 p.m. Natural Dam Community Center, 15260 Arkansas 59 North, Natural Dam, Ark. 479-459-8133

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 27-28 Anita Paddock Book Signing “Blind Rage” by Anita Paddock is a true account of an 1981 murder of Van Buren resident Ruie Ann Park.

Paddock will discuss her investigation of this locally sensational crime, answer questions and sign books.

Sponsored by the Women's Literary Club of Van Buren to raise money for renovations to The Old School Presbyterian Church. Free; donations appreciated. 1 p.m. June 27; 2 p.m. June 28. Van Buren First Presbyterian Church, 10th and Jefferson, Van Buren, Ark. 870-489-0718 June 28 Wildlife Gardening for Slackers For many people, having a wildlife friendly garden sounds like an enormous chore to add to their already fast paced and crowded schedules. Nothing could be further from the truth! Join us on the lodge patio to learn how to create a wildlife oasis that can actually reduce the effort put into your yard. Free. 2 p.m.

Mount Magazine State Park, Lodge Patio, 16878 Arkansas 309 South, Paris, Ark. 479-963-8502 mountmagazinestatepark.com June 29, July 27 Escape the Ordinary Hobby: Yoga Learn the practice of basic yoga at the library’s summer reading program. Supplies are provided.

Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Free. 3-4 p.m.

Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 June 30 Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Officer Caldwell of the Alma Police Department will give advice about protection from identity theft. Free.

2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 June 30 Red, White and Blooms Concert This concert on the lawn at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks features the Arkansas Winds Community Concert Band. Take lawn chairs and picnics for a beautiful evening in the garden. No alcohol, please.

Soft drinks and water will be available for purchase.

Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville , Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org July 1 Flying WILD Workshop for Educators Flying WILD professional development workshops are designed with urban educators in mind. Each training session provides formal and informal teachers of K12 students with a comprehensive overview of Flying WILD: An Educator's Guide to Celebrating Birds, as well as practical hands-on training in its implementation. Workshop facilitators also share information about migratory birds and their conservation needs and help participants become networked into the bird conservation community in their city. This six-hour, ADE-approved professional development workshop is free but requires registration. To register, e-mail Kendra at Kendra.Ingle@agfc.ar.gov with the following information: name, organization, e-mail address, telephone number and workshop name. Take a sack lunch. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 June 2015

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Fort Smith celebrates big at Harry E. Kelley Park Independence Day falls on Saturday this year, allowing the leisure for an excellent celebration in Fort Smith’s traditional way. Once again, there will be music on the main stage at Harry E. Kelley Park providing families and friends an enjoyable concert as they while away the late afternoon visiting and enjoying the performance as everyone anticipates spectacular fireworks after dark.

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Blue Fiddle, a roots/Americana trio, will take the stage at 7 p.m. followed by the River Valley Community Band. Expect a program of patriotic music and marches suitable to the occasion. Following the community band will be Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes, Fort Smith’s all-time favorite party band.

After the fireworks, the Cabbageheads perform some “don’t go away so soon” music as the park clears and sleepy toddlers are carried home over their parents’ shoulders.

Take lawn chairs and picnic blankets. Stake out the best seating early because there’s always a tremendous crowd. Fort Smith Transit shuttle buses begin running at 6 p.m. and will pick up those who park along Rogers or Garrison avenues. The municipal parking lots at North 2nd and B Streets and North 3rd Street and A Streets are reserved for handicapped parking. Food and beverages will be available from concession stands. Free. 6 p.m. Harry E. Kelley Park, North A Street and Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-8888 fortsmith.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 1 Microsoft Excel 2013 Basics A very basic class will teach participants how to create a new Microsoft Excel workbook, use Page Layout, insert rows and columns, format cells and create simple formulas. Registration is required. $69. 8 a.m.noon. UAFS BII Building Room 115, 5020 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7742 July 3 5th Annual Ozark Cardboard Boat Race & Fireworks Celebration Intrepid amateur boaters can build and enter a corrugated, waterproofed cardboard boat of any design and size for this annual – and suspenseful – rowing race at Ozark, Ark. All boats are subject to the “dreaded ice pick test” to determine they contain no metal. Part of the race is simply staying seaworthy to the finish line. An Titanic Award is given for the most dramatic sinking. A Demolition Derby Award may be given for ramming and scuttling other craft. Other awards are given for best team costumes. Life jackets are definitely required. Rules and entry forms are available online at the Ozark Chamber of Commerce website. The race is almost as much fun for spectators as for the cardboard boat crews. The annual Ozark Independence Day celebration follows the race.

Fireworks presented by the Ozark Fire Department will begin at dusk. Eastside Park, Gar Creek, 300 West Commercial Street, Ozark, Ark. 479-667-2949 ozarkchamberofcommerce.com July 4 Devil's Den Games Celebrate the 40th year of the Devil’s Den Games!

Enjoy a fun-filled family day of horseshoes, softball, parades and much more. Top it all off with homemade ice cream. Free. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Area E, Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 arkansasstateparks.com/devilsden July 4 Celebrate America Take the family and join the residents of Poteau for an evening of fun, food and fireworks. Celebrate America is an Independence Day celebration featuring games and activities for the whole family, live music, face painting, prizes and a huge, city-sponsored fireworks display. Expect the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center parking lot to be filled with huge water slides free for kids of all ages. Enjoy live music and dancing, as well. Hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy will all be available for purchase. Be prepared to stay until after dark when the sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks display. Beautiful fireworks will explode above the city while patriotic music plays in the background. Free. 6-10 p.m.

Downtown Poteau, Okla. 918-647-9178 July 4 July 4th Fireworks Celebration Come to beautiful Tenkiller State Park, situated along the shores of Lake Tenkiller, for the park's annual July 4th Fireworks Celebration. As soon as the sun sets, the sky will light up with a spectacular display of fireworks. Take a lawn chair or blanket. This event will be hosted by the Greater Tenkiller Area Association.

Free. Tenkiller State Park, 8 miles north of Gore on Oklahoma 100, Vian, OK, Okla. 918-457-4403

July 7-28 Drop In Computer Info Free help is available every Thursday for anyone with computer or e-mail questions. Take in your own laptop or portable device. Free. 3-5 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 July 9-23 Universal Class: Microsoft Word Tweens to seniors may take a Universal Class.

Universal Classes are offered free through the library, which is accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Participants can earn CUEs and certificates. Class meets each second and fourth Thursday. Free. 5:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 July 9 Pinterest Party Create a statement necklace to go with any super simple outfit – a project shared on Pinterest that the library is sharing, too. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-6324140 July 10 Escape the Ordinary Hobby: Redwork Join the library’s Redwork and Embroidery class as a part of the summer reading program. All experience levels welcome. Take supplies. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045. 7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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Coming next month

Beautiful

WEDDINGS

Wedding services, retail stores and special occasion venues receive special rates. Call 479-494-1888.

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What’s on our agenda?

JULY ISSUE

WEDDINGS Readers are invited to enjoy the real story behind several beautiful local wedding celebrations and the story of a long-time marriage to inspire all couples in the years to come.

AUGUST ISSUE

A special anniversary issue is coming up:

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DINING GUIDE

Restaurant Roundup BLISS CUPCAKES No longer do cupcake cravers have to import delicious Bliss cupcakes from up north – dozens and dozens have made the journey from Fayetteville’s Bliss locations to here. Bliss Cupcakes is open now at 3101 South 70th Street, Fort Smith.

JUAN’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Juan’s is a Fort Smith classic at 3121 Towson Avenue known for its signature, tasty cheese dip and delicious combo platters. Fast service and lunch specials make it a business lunch favorite.

Fresh, zesty chili rellenos are a specialty.

LARRY’S PIZZA To feed a family, church group, ball team or just yourself, Larry’s has a reasonably priced pizza buffet loaded with fresh, hot selections. Take a seat and the roaming waitstaff will come by with all the choices. 6400 U.S. 71, Fort Smith.

SAKÉ SUSHI BAR Unique among downtown eateries, Sake presents a sushi bar with fresh, brightly flavored seafoods and appealing appetizers such as crab bites and blackened Mahi Mahi tacos. Entrees include steaks. Martini menu and full bar service. 823 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith.

LA HUERTA Whether on the patio at the 400 Garrison Avenue location or at La Huerta’s 5111 Towson Avenue restaurant or near Central Mall at 5605 Rogers Avenue, the tortilla chips are fresh and the salsa zesty. Choose from a big menu of Mexican entrees and enjoy a Margarita or beer.

PAPA’S PUB & PIZZARIA Their distinctive, loaded pizza style, voted over and over as Fort Smith’s “Favorite,” is the draw of Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria, 508 Garrison Avenue. It’s a gathering place to watch the big games and has an outdoor patio for relaxing with a party of friends.

PATRON Flavor is the appeal of Patron. Choose from three salsa styles. Hot means hot here so those who love the taste and heat can enjoy habanero chicken enchiladas and the less adventurous can enjoy the shrimp tacos or Mexican lasagna. 4416 Towson Avenue and 5612 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith.

RIVER CITY More than a deli, River City adds to its delicious daily lunch and dinner service with fine dining by Chef Jason Haid and catering service for all occasions. Still its core menu of dishes, slowroasted premium meat plus fresh salads and dreamy desserts.Stonewood Village, 7320 Rogers Avenue #7, Fort Smith.

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VILLAGE INN Breakfast all day, every day from 6 a.m. to midnight is just part of the appeal of Village Inn. An extensive menu of lunch and dinner entrees, plus fresh-baked pies of every flavor keep, the seats filled and the coffee brewing. 7620 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith.

WHOLE HOG CAFE It pays to connect with Whole Hog Barbecue on Facebook and Twitter to be alerted to championship barbecue specials every day. It could be ribs, their delicious smoked sausages, pulled pork, brisket or pork loin. 4501 Burrough Road, Fort Smith.

WIEDERKEHR WEINKELLER RESTAURANT A pleasant drive east to Exit 41 leads to Wiederkehr Village, home of a 135-year-old winery and vineyards and the famous Weinkeller Restaurant with Swiss, French and German cuisine.

Go early for cellar tours and free wine tasting.

CALICO COUNTY Comfort food is the phrase that best describe this well-loved country cooking establishment where the side vegetables are just like grandma made and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls come to the table first. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2401 South 56th Street, Fort Smith.

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