Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine - June 2020

EDITOR’S NOTES

This is the summer-with-caution issue There’s more to do, but please do it safely

Editorial Staff LYNN WASSON Editor & Publisher lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com Contributing Writers KEVIN TAYLOR ASHLEY FORSGREN STACIE SMITH REBA MIZE Contributing Photographers GLENN GILLEY MCFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY Interactive Story Editor JOE WASSON joe@efortsmith.com

Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM Account Executive lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 CHARLES G. HUBBARD Corporate Sales charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 © 2020 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com 4

Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2020

All of us have had to alter our lifestyles this year, under the threat of catching, or passing along, the potentially deadly, highly contagious coronavirus.

As a magazine devoted to sharing everything there is to do for fun in Fort Smith and our surrounding communities, it’s been challenging to publish in 2020.

That’s not a complaint – just an observation.

Here’s why we can’t complain: It hasn’t been as challenging as trying to teach students remotely, or be a student remotely, or to be a parent standing in as a teacher.

Our job certainly hasn’t been as hard as trying to keep nursing home and assisted living residents safe from infection. And there’s no comparison to the challenge faced by those medical professionals who are treating people who have fallen ill with COVID-19.

No, compared to the sick and those who courageously fight to save lives, we’ve only been inconvenienced.

Working sometimes from home, keeping distant when together, wearing masks when necessary – that’s not very hard at all.

We only have had to adjust how we collect and report news to you. We’ve had to flex along with partners such as libraries, museums, parks and programs to help them tell you, readers, the ways they could operate. They’ve been inventive in finding new ways to be available to the public.

We’ve had to roll with change in real time, such as re-making ads of our supporting businesses who had to communicate changes they’ve made to continue to serve you.

We’ve worked fast and hard to help them and even published a digital-only issue on May 8 to update their advertisements, at no charge. It’s called “Neighborly.” See it online at efortsmith.com. Please follow us on Facebook, too, so we inform you even more immediately.

This month it’s our cover story that has been the most affected by real-time changes. We had long planned to cover the completion of renovations to Hunt’s Park, to celebrate the splendid upgrade to our town’s oldest ballpark.

Just after Kevin Taylor wrote this interesting story and Glenn Gilley shot excellent photos, Gov. Asa Hutchison decided that some summer athletics could be permitted. Right at press time.

It will be enjoyable to hear “play ball!” echo over the new First National Bank field in June – but summer sports must be held carefully.

Players and coaches must comply with state health directives such as fever screening, staying 6 feet apart, wearing masks and avoiding contact, even “huddles, high fives, hand shaking, fist bumping and chest bumping.”

How’s that for specificity?

There also are directives for large outdoor venues. How spectators comply is going to be very important. The venue can let in 33 percent of its capacity. Wearing face-coverings is required. Family groups may sit together, but at least 6 feet away from others. There will be every-other-row seating and required distancing at gates and concession stands. People of at-risk ages or health conditions should not attend.

We endorse all these necessary precautions, especially as Covid-19 infection rises in-state.

To let our young players enjoy summer sports, let’s comply strictly. It’s not that hard to do.

Elsewhere in this issue, read about gently approached openings of businesses and local attractions. They’re serving us in adaptive ways, for all our health. We repeat – there is no one more worthy of your patronage than a business doing the best it can to serve you safely.

This can be a good summer – with caution.

Let’s choose to act responsibly, with love and respect for our neighbors and ourselves.

– Lynn Wasson

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CONTENTS

June 2020

features

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14 Hunt’s Park forever

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Play ball! Hunt’s Park is good to go for another 73 years Generations have played and enjoyed baseball at venerable Hunt’s Park on Old Greenwood Road. Now a major renovation is completed with artificial turf on the baseball diamond and football field, all funded by community donors. Sports writer Kevin Taylor speaks with a leading donor and the director of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club.

Staying at home, when home is a children’s shelter The Fort Smith Children’s Shelter is home to children in the foster care system.

Its staff is working even harder during this confinement to make it more home-like and reassuring. By Ashley Forsgren.

The Fort Smith Museum of History makes a community exhibit Just as a coincidence, the museum installed an exhibit about the former Boston Store in The Rialto, a restaurant now standing on the site of the popular department store.

A tablescape that’s sweet with honey and hospitality This welcoming table will be auctioned as the location for a private dinner at the April Designer Showcase Ball to honor Bob Miller’s 90th Birthday. Landy and Bennie Westphal’s genial and friendly style comes through in this preview of the dinner auction to be held Sept. 26.

departments

14 Boston Store memories

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WHAT’S COOKING Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, using these recipes for biscuits and breads.

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GARDENING Coneflowers make bright colors in the hot summer – and these perennials are not just purple.

eve n t s

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KIDS CALENDAR

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

More ideas for entertaining kids at home.

Strange times lead to amazing inventiveness on the part of our libraries, youth organizations, parks and local organizations. There are virtual opportunities.

Home Plate Gang, above: Layton Sicard, on his knee, with friends Seth Wood, Drew Dickinson, Trenton Glover, William Rye, enjoying the new turf at Hunt’s Park.

16 Colorful coneflower

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Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2020

On the Cover: Sam and Layton Sicard, a father and son, “on the hill” overlooking newly revamped Hunt’s Park. Photos by Glenn Gilley

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Layton Sicard is in the pickle at Hunt’s Park.

Seth Wood has the ball.

William Rye hopes to tag Layton out.

! >> n u R e m Ho

HUNT’S Park IS refreshed for years of play It happened when Sam Sicard found himself struggling for firmer footing while coaching his son Layton’s team on Hunt’s Park field.

“My epiphany moment, you could say, came when my son was playing flag football and I was coaching,” Sicard said. “That weekend we played, it was really muddy. It looked like a landmine from all the kids playing on it. I almost sprained my ankle walking across the field.”

Eight decades of use had left the oldest active ballpark in Sebastian County looking bedraggled. Charm is nice; so is history.

After 73 of play, R.T. Hunt Memorial Park was falling short of what other cities have – a compatible, multi-functioning athletic facility.

“That week it rained a lot and the field was in poor shape already,” Sicard said. “Everything needed some attention, including the bathrooms.”

Back in 1945, land for the park was purchased from the Kelley Realty Company for $4,000. Later that year, Leland Hunt donated $10,000 in memory of his father R.T. Hunt Sr., founder of Hunt’s Department Store. That money today is roughly the equivalent in purchasing power to about $150,000.

In the spring of 1946, as the park began to take shape, the Fort Smith Boys Club held a public subscription campaign to raise funds needed to fence the park and build bleachers and a dressing room, complete with showers.

The campaign, which was conducted by the Fort Smith Kiwanis Club, was a success. Two years later, Hunt’s Park officially opened on the evening of June 6, 1947.

Three generations later, with a push from mother nature, Sicard approached Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club executive director Jerry Glidewell with a proposal.

“He had talked to me about the condition of the field and what I felt about renovating the facility,” Glidewell said. “That’s when we started talking about the renovation.”

“The challenge of this, quite frankly, was how to raise the capital,” Sicard said. “A lot of the city's funding comes from taxpayers; we didn’t have that. We had to raise $2.5 million to make this happen.”

Sicard knew where to go.

A fifth generation banker, Sam sought the help of the board of First National Bank. His dad, the late Samuel M. Sicard, was president and CEO from 1977-2011.

“We had to have a major league gift, and if that didn’t happen, it wasn’t going to happen,” Sicard said. “First National Bank gave a generous gift of $1 million ... that’s 40 percent of what you need right there.

“Also, psychologically, that helps. People see there’s already a million dollars on the table,” Sicard said. “I wouldn’t have had the success I had without the success of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club."

The $2.5 million upgrade came exclusively through private donors.

Hunt’s Park towers in the lives of many men who played ball and those who sat in the bleachers watching their children and friends compete.

Many highly competitive, local American Legion teams wore the uniforms of Kerwin’s Sportsmen, managed by Lawrence “Squeaky” Smith for team owner Jerry Kerwin. Many other great coaches, different teams and outstanding players followed. Thousands of locals have a Hunt’s Park era that is special to their own memories and experiences.

“My dad played here; I played here, and my son (Layton) is playing here,” Sicard said. “It’s right in the center of our community; it’s very visible. Vibrant cities and how they take care of their community tells a lot about their city.”

The uniqueness of the park, which faces slightly southeast, is the higharching hills overlooking the field. Generations of families have climbed the cement steps to the top of the hillside, where it levels out, where they sat in lawn chairs watching baseball, football and other activities.

“My own parents sat up there,” Sicard said.

Construction, performed by Beshears Construction services and architectural designs, began in July 2019 and wrapped up in March.

The park will benefit a number of organizations, Glidewell said, including FSBGC football, as well as cheer, soccer and baseball.

American Legion, Babe Ruth baseball, Northside High School baseball, travel baseball tournaments plus community soccer and the aforementioned flag football will have a home at Hunt’s Park.

“There’s so much history,” Glidewell said. “There’s been so many people involved either watching or playing. Sitting on the hill, it has this aura about it.”

On a warm Friday in early May, Sam and Layton strode toward the pitcher’s mound with a bucket of balls and their mitts. The sun is streaming through the bleachers behind home plate. It’s 78 degrees and there is no wind. Then there’s the view beyond center field. Spectacular.

“Times change, and if you don’t change you die,” Sicard said of the field’s renovation. “To be honest, very few things you take on come out better than you envision it.”

– Kevin Taylor is a veteran sportswriter with 35 years of experience in finding the story behind the game.

June 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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$1 Million Champion Donor First National Bank of Fort Smith Steve Clark Gus & Kristi Malzahn Sam & Jennifer Sicard

$100,000 ALL CENTURY Anonymous, in honor of Jerry Glidewell

$50,000 LEGENDS Janice & Bob Powell ERC – Rod Coleman FSBGC Alumni & Friends Association R.U.M. Inc. Hanna Oil & Gas Joel & Max Wernick Michael Morton Mary & Robert A. Young III Neal Pendergraft - in memory of Ross Pendergraft $25,000 HUNT’S CIRCLE Jim Alexander John & Kim McFarland Dr. Cole & Staci Goodman Carl Corley John & Jayne Alford Robert E. Miller William & Adrienne Hanna Steve Cox Rausch Coleman Homes Kent & Nancy Blochberger Joey McCutchen Fiori Family Charitable Foundation Jim & Jane Walcott Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Curtis & Diane Goldtrap $10,000 DIAMOND CLUB ArcBest Dale Crampton Co. Emily & Wade Pressley Buck & Evelyn Wade Memorial Trust BH Property Ventures Hugh & Kate Maurras Hayden Przybysz James & Edna Wagoner Capital Structures Richard Griffin The Family of Okla Bennett Smith In memory of Robbie Westphal Scott & Deborah Clark Buddy & Pam McMahon Foundation Life Insurance of Arkansas Richard Weindel $5,000+ COACHES CORNER Alex Baumeister Patrick Byrd Evans Foundation Jim & Linda Harwood Bearden Foundation Strategic Realty Mont Echols George Z. Catsavis $2,500+ BOOSTERS Phillip & Jennifer Bryant Peggy & Jim Hadley Cathy & Rick Alexander Marla & Hank Needham Chris Dooly Michelle & Michael Hadley Gary Harris Elizabeth & Joe Powers Cyndi & Jerry Glidewell Monica & Brett Goode Kevin Minks Joe D. Staggs Jr. $1,000+ FRIENDS Jan & Rick Beauchamp Dr. Kemp Skokos Claire & Dalton Person Debbie & Frank Hug Jr. Candy & Gimo Berry TRR Inc. Becky & Phillip Plunkett Johnson Dermatology Cooper Coin & Pawn Richard Udouj Vicki & Mark Saviers In memory of Eric Morrison Billy & Peggy Higgins IN KIND DONORS Forsgren Acme Janitorial Felix Thompson Lumber One Charlie Ray Masonry Markham Restaurant Supply Architectural Glass & Metals Felix Thompson Blaylock Heating & Air Phil Leraris PE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB BOARD OF DIRECTORS Travis Beshears Lyn Caselman William J. Cooper Carl Corley Dallas Forsgren Andre’ Good Dr. Cole Goodman Drew Harmon William H. Hanna

Michael Hadley Jim Harwood Billy D. Higgins Hugh Maurras George McGill Howard “Buddy” McMahon Roger Meek Jr. Dalton Person Janice Powell

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June 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

Joe D. Powers Linda D. Schmidt Sam T. Sicard Les Smith James Wagoner Rodney West Bennie Westphal Chris Whitt Robert A. Young III

Jerry Glidewell, Boys & Girls Club executive director, on the mound with the Sicards.

Baseball is back! Club teams will play ball in a shortened summer season Within hours after Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced that baseball activities could return following an eight-week silence per COVID19 restrictions, youth players began filling up the fields adjacent to Evans Boys & Girls Club.

Across the way, high school players from various high schools within the 40-mile radius of Fort Smith were fine-tuning their American Legion skills.

FSBGC executive director Jerry Glidewell said the popular club will play a short season. Signups began last week.

“Our general plan has been, if the governor opened it up, to have baseball this summer at the clubs,” he said. “It may be a shorter season, but we’ll have baseball.”

Normally, leagues would be nearing the end of their two-month cycle. But because the coronavirus locked everything down, it became a wait-and-see situation for all of America. Little by little, states began to open up last month.

“Normal sign ups are in March to April,” Glidewell said. “This year everything was shut down on March 16.”

The return of baseball means Hunt’s Park can celebrate its June birthday with America’s pastime.

“Emotionally, it’s a big boost,” Glidewell said. “But physical fitness is important, too. It forces them to run. We’ll be very mindful as far as social distancing. But we’re excited, we’re moving in a positive direction.”

Longtime legion coach Shea Hamilton was among those at Evans last month.

“The biggest thing for the high school (players) is getting an opportunity this summer because they were cut short in the spring season,” he said. “I don’t know if there’s anybody that got to play five or six ballgames. Just the opportunity to get back out here that most of them had been practicing all fall and all winter for is a good thing for them.”

At the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, you’re never just number. We pride ourselves on being large enough to make a difference in our world, but small enough that every student can make an impact. We keep our classes small so you know your faculty, who are experts in their fields, and we make sure our campus feels like home to every Lion.

uafs.edu/jointhepride June 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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Staying home, when home is the Children’s Shelter Kids and staff find new ways to cope and grow

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s I look across my u-shaped desk, the Havana Nights 2020 binder mechanism. It has created a therapeutic skill that is helping her achieve a is closed. The sponsorship documents, destination brochures for behavioral balance when overwhelmed with her emotions and past trauma. live auction, checklists and event tickets that are typically scattered Pushing her legs out into the air, her feet rise. She straightens her elbows, around are now neatly bound and sprinkled with a light layer of dust. The leans back, and lets the air lift her hair as her back is now parallel with the telephone is not ringing, the catering is not being finalized, the financial ground and her shadow rolls over the mulch beneath her. Back and forth, up donations that fund 1/3 of the shelter’s operating budget to support our and down, pushing and pulling, she goes ... finding freedom and peace on children’s needs are at a stalemate. her swing. She is finally getting the opportunity to This “Party with a Purpose” will have to wait just be a kid! I think I will go join her. as the invisible enemy named COVID-19 The Fort Smith Children’s Shelter provides youth

by Ashley Forsgren dominates our every move.

Director of Development in foster care, ages 10 and older, with a safe and stable Fort Smith Children’s Shelter Switching focus, I rotate my chair and look home. Every child at the shelter has a story – they outside my office window to the shelter playground. are victims of abuse and neglect, and are placed there “She is back again,” I say to myself. at no fault of their own. The shelter’s mission is to help each child cope and A young girl is swinging on the swing set. We will call her Kayli. She is heal by providing a resident-centered and trauma-informed model of care about 13 years old. While many children are experiencing the loneliness of for a period of six months or longer. social distancing, Kayli also is suffering from high levels of emotional and While COVID-19 has pushed the “pause” button on life for the majority behavioral challenges due to the trauma she experienced in her home. of the world, it has not stopped child abuse or neglect. It has not stopped Swinging is not just an opportunity for her to manage boredom and “get out the mission, values and purpose of the Fort Smith Children’s Shelter and its of the house” while living at the Children’s Shelter, it has become her coping independent living program, GetREAL24, for ages 18-22.

It has not stopped our direct-care staff members from coming into work to take care of our kids. And it has not stopped our GR24 lifeskills classes and self-sufficiency support systems.

Every day, our shelter and GR24 staff must leave their homes, their children and their families to take care of our kids. They are essential. They are the stability in an otherwise troubled world.

Staff members are on strict restrictions. The entry policy at the Children’s Shelter no longer allows anyone into the home except the residents and direct-care staff.

Keeping the home clean at all times and the children and staff free of sickness is a top priority.

Workers undergo multiple health screenings before and after each shift. Donations are dropped off and sanitized before being brought inside.

It has been more than 60 days since our children have left the shelter. For youngsters living with 10 other children, even on a campus with a gymnasium and playground, and the young adults living at the GR24 apartment complex, this pandemic has increased the behavioral challenges that each of them faces, as well as the workload and stress level of the staff.

As I swing next to Kayli, trying to keep our shadows in sync, I wonder what her life might look like had the community not built the Children’s Shelter. Where would she have gone?

If not for the shelter, where would other residents like her have been placed? Would they have a safe space to just be kids?

On Nov. 1, the Fort Smith Children’s Shelter will celebrate 23 years of taking care of abused and neglected children in foster care. The Children’s

Tables temporarily turned, the Children’s Shelter was happy to order from several donor restaurants

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eing good stewards of donor dollars is a foremost responsibility for Children’s Shelter Foundation. More than half of its operating budget is funded through private donations, grants and fundraisers, particularly Havana Nights.

Due to COVID-19, fundraisers like the annual “Community Strikes Back” bowling tournament and Havana Nights party have been postponed and could still potentially be canceled due to public health policies.

In response, some foundations that provide grants to the shelter have released additional funds and have temporarily allowed the shelter to spend a little differently. Normally, shelter meals are cooked homestyle through major support from Tyson Foods, which provides for good nutrition with abundant, fresh, healthy foods.

When schools closed, the shelter knew its food budget would be overcome. Every child that lives at the shelter qualifies for the free and reduced lunch program. With school closed, 47 days of unbudgeted lunches for each resident and staff member became an added expense.

When donors gave more because of the shutdown and lifted certain restrictions, the shelter took the opportunity to give back to the community that has so graciously given to it.

Through relief funding, the Children’s Shelter was able to order a few take-out lunches (and pay full price for them!) from locally owned and operated restaurants.

In addition, the Shelter reached out to supporters to ask them how they could share their businesses needs on the Children’s Shelter social media pages.

Among all the darkness that COVID-19 had brought, it had given the Children’s Shelter an opportunity to financially give back to our community.

This opportunity also gave the children, young adults and staff at the Children’s Shelter an opportunity to understand the value in the art of giving and supporting the community through this crisis.

Shelter is here to give children in crisis hope for a better future, safety and security and healing from a childhood that no one should have to live.

We are here to love and teach, and provide opportunities for each of our kids as they learn how to manage their trauma. We are here because of this community!

You may never see the faces or know the names of the children that live at the Children’s Shelter.

But they are loved and cared for because of the generosity of this community. As COVID-19 continues to affect our nation, we are committed to continuing to care for each child that calls the shelter “home.”

We hope that just as the Junior League of Fort Smith envisioned this Children’s Shelter in 1995, that you will join us by supporting our vision of continued hope, safety and security for youth in foster care.

We hope that recovery from COVID-19 brings forth generosity and stability, and that you will find a way to support the Children’s Shelter as we continue to care for and give children in crisis the opportunity to just be kids!

Name reflects mission of more home-like, therapeutic care The Children’s Emergency Shelter has recently transitioned from an "emergency" shelter providing short-term care, to a Qualified Residential Treatment Program.

As a QRTP, the Fort Smith Children’s Shelter now provides long-term care to youth in foster care who exhibit a higher degree of emotional and behavioral challenges due to the neglect and abuse they have experienced. This level of care allows it to better support the mental and emotional health needs of each child through a “trauma-informed” approach, providing therapy services and coping strategies that will help each one transition into a more traditional home environment. Children may live at the shelter for up to 6 months, up from the former 21-day stay.

The Children’s Shelter campus also includes the 24-unit GetREAL24 apartment complex for youth 18-22 who have aged out of foster care and who opt for support and independent living classes while living and working on their own.

To learn more about the Fort Smith Children’s Shelter or donate, visit fschildrensshelter.org June 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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PURCHASE YOUR COPY TODAY OF OUR

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To purchase a copy, email “Coloring Book” to accounts@efortsmith.com to make arrangements to pay by credit or debit card.

Or send $15 by check to Entertainment Fort Smith, P.O. Box 1341, Fort Smith, AR 72902 This collectible coloring book has a limited first printing. Order today!

Fort Smith Museum of History creates a community exhibit outside its walls

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hile the Fort Smith Museum of History is closed, patrons of The Rialto restaurant can enjoy an exhibit recalling the retail glories of the former Boston Store.

It’s only a coincidence that this community exhibit was completed at the same time as the museum was closed by the COVID-19 pandemic, said executive director Caroline Speir. But now she is glad the museum is able to share with the public, while temporarily closed.

The Rialto’s owners had invited the museum to display Boston Store artifacts shortly after it opened on the 700 block of Garrison Avenue, the site of the fondly remembered department store.

The museum has an extensive selection of Boston Store artifacts and any exhibit or program that is associated with the store is popular, Speir said. The museum has held Boston Store fashion shows with live models wearing examples of fine apparel that had been preserved and treasured by the women who purchased the clothing, purses, shoes and accessories.

Many older residents were loyal customers or employees of the well-appointed retail store, which dominated downtown shopping and was the anchor store of Central Mall in the 1970s when the mall was new. Boston Store was owned and operated by the Jerome Ney family.

“Community involvement and exhibitions are part of the museum’s outreach and one of the goals of our mission,” said Speir. “I hope many will get to see the exhibit at The Rialto during this partnership – and talk about all things Boston Store,” she A lace dress, plaid said. She may change the exhibit to fashions to high heels and silk suit the season, just as the Boston Store did. hosiery package. Eat The Rialto is located at 720 Garrison Avenue, your heart out, Mrs. Fort Smith.

Maisel.

June 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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GARDENING

Coneflowers They’re not just purple anymore

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n summer, our gardens explode like a giant painting. When the heat turns up, so do the hot colors of summer.

I’m so excited by some new bold colors in Echinacea, also called the reliable coneflower. They are not just purple anymore! This plant is spectacular. I have grown them as basics in my garden for years. They tolerate almost any soil, will grow in full sun or part shade and they can grow from 12 to 48 inches tall. Plus, they’re cold hardy from zones 3-9. That means they will take just about anything Mother Nature will throw at them.

Butterflies and bees love them and so do hummingbirds. Birds also will come to your garden in the fall to eat the seed heads of Echinacea.

While visiting our wonderful Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, I was thrilled with the fabulous varieties of Echinacea. I have always grown Magnus, a wondrous coneflower variety sometimes reaching 4 feet tall. It was the 1998 perennial of the year. I also grow its soft, pale sister White Swan. In fact, both have won the plant of the year award given out by the Perennial Plant of the Year Association.This year, I wanted to research and find some new and exciting varieties.

I reached out on social media and found a friend who had ventured into the world of Echinacea. I visited his Fort Smith garden and found some incredible plants in colors I had never grown.

I also enjoy the hot colors of other flowers. Color is the joy of summer! I have Pardon Me Daylily, Black-eyed Susan and Shasta daisies. All of those are as easy and hardy as coneflowers.

Carefree, beautiful and beneficial to insects and birds, the coneflower varieties are so simple: plant, water, enjoy. If you are buying growing coneflowers, get the biggest plant you can find or afford. Add some compost and water, then stand back and wait for one of the most enjoyable plants you will ever grow.

These make beautiful cut flowers, but I prefer to let the flowers age naturally. They will often dry sturdily where they stand. I leave the seed heads on instead of cleaning them out of the flowerbeds as we might do with other spent blooms. In fall and winter, they are food for the birds. Birds also spread the seed about and next season, I usually have more plants.

Enjoy this easy-going summer flower. Always find places to tuck in a few hot colors to catch the eye and lift your spirits. – Reba Mize

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Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2020

GARDENING

Bright white and purple are standard colors.

Standard and a new color mixed in one bed.

Golden yellow, brighter than the summer sun.

June 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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AOG steps up to help the community even more during crisis

Above, Fred Kirkwood of AOG, right, presents a check to the United Way COVID Response Fund.

Eddie Lee Herndon, left, acknowledges the gift.

Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp. has been serving the people and businesses in the Fort Smith area with safe and reliable gas service for more than 75 years. They are committed to delivering clean, safe, affordable and reliable energy solutions to their customers every day, with exceptional service and a strong commitment to the communities they serve.

Dedicated to serving the community Each year, AOG partners with local charitable organizations, schools and industry groups to give back to their communities, with these goals in mind: support the betterment of the communities and people they serve, enhance relationships within the communities and support business development and growth.

During this unprecedented time, AOG’s parent company, Summit Utilities, has donated $80,000 in COVID-19 relief to local nonprofits in the communities they serve, including the Fort Smith area. AOG has put a lot of thought into the best ways they can help support local relief efforts by helping those who have suffered from the devastating financial, educational and health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

In the Fort Smith area, $20,000 has been donated to local nonprofits including the Community Services Clearinghouse, Disabled American Veterans Fort Smith Chapter, the Salvation Army and others.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2020

Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas AOG donated $3,500 to the Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas. This fund aligns with the company’s recent announcement to focus on relief efforts for those who have suffered from the devastating financial, educational and health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. These funds will support telehealth equipment purchases to ensure homebound elderly people receive continued medical attention via video consult during this health pandemic.

Wifi Hotspots for Students in local public schools AOG’s IT department refurbished and donated more than 40 Wi-Fi hotspots for students in the Hackett School District and at Greenwood High School. The hotspots boosted internet access outdoors at Darby

Junior High and several other schools in the Fort Smith area, for students who may need assistance obtaining internet access in order to do online school work.

In addition to providing the hotspots, AOG has partnered with Verizon to cover the costs of data usage associated with the hotspots so that these students and their families don’t incur additional costs.

The Fort Smith Public School District directed students to the WiFi reception areas with special signs on their campuses.

Randy Davis, left, AOG business development representative, with Eddie Ray, superintendent of Hackett Public Schools. Contractor David Edwards helped with the project, as well.

United Way of Fort Smith COVID Response Fund AOG donated $10,000 toward the United Way of Fort Smith COVID-19 Response Fund. This fund supports relief efforts for those who have suffered from the devastating financial, educational and health impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, and will help support area individuals and families who need utility assistance.

“We are extremely thankful for their donation and will be working to get these funds out rapidly to help those in need. AOG is a great community partner helping in so many ways from volunteerism to providing needed funding,” said Eddie Lee Herndon, president, United Way of Fort Smith Area.

Volunteering in our local communities In 2018, AOG began offering its employees volunteer time off (VTO) in addition to regular paid time off. Every employee can take up to 20 hours of paid time off annually to use toward volunteering with nonprofit organizations.

Throughout the year, employees used their volunteer time to work in youth camps, help clean up and prepare a summer camp for the season, teach in classrooms and staff booths at county fairs, among other tasks. In fact, last year AOG employees donated more than 22 weeks of volunteer time.

Even during the COVID-19 outbreak, AOG team members have still found ways to serve their communities in ways such as delivering hand sanitizer to their first responders, supporting local food pantries, delivering meals and more.

Dedicated to helpful customer service To help support those who may be experiencing a financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, AOG suspended all natural gas disconnections and late fees until further notice.

While AOG cannot waive the charges for a customer’s natural gas usage and service, they will work with those customers who may need to make payment arrangements.

AOG’s customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 479-784-2000, or visit their website at www.aogc.com for more information.

AOG takes pride in being the local provider of natural gas and looks forward to continuing to serve families and businesses throughout the Fort Smith region for decades to come.

Photos courtesy AOG and United Way

June 2020

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A table sweetened with the hosts’ honey and natural hospitality inner at the home of Landy and Bennie Westphal certainly will be a sweet prize to the highest bidder. Plenty of golden, local honey from Bennie’s own apiary will be on their welcoming table. He is an avid beekeeper.

This friendly, down-to-earth couple is offering their spacious home – and a home tour – to the party who wins the private dinner at auction on Sept. 26. It’s the third of five exclusive dinner parties to be auctioned at Bob Miller’s 90th Birthday celebration, the April Designer Showhouse Ball 2020. Proceeds will support the Community Rescue Mission.

Landy’s warm personality shows in the tablescape she and designer/event producer Earl Douglas created together. Her Hearth & Heart Stoneware and Reed & Barton silver are juxtaposed with a harvest basket centerpiece and eclectic candle pedestals made from vintage, turned-wood table legs.

They’ve lived in this comfortable, welcoming home at Avalon in Chaffee Crossing for only two years, Landy said, and love its wide-open gathering spaces centered around her kitchen.

“It’s not a formal dining room at all,” she said.

“I’m not a formal person.” She and Bennie love having a houseful of children and grandchildren.

The Westphals bought the house from the late Eric Morrison, who was a friend of their family. Morrison, a firefighter and homebuilder, had been building the home for his own family when cancer tragically shortened his life. Landy found the house. Bennie was won over by the surrounding woods, preserved by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.

The catered dinner served at their friendly table will be prepared by Taliano’s. The winning bidders are invited to host their own guests at meals catered in the donors’ dining rooms, event producer Earl Douglas explained. Tickets for Bob Miller’s 90th Birthday Celebration, $100 per person, are sold at 479-226-9530 or by check to Community Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 607, Fort Smith, AR 72902.

PHOTOS BY GLENN GILLEY

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Earl Douglas with a jar of Bennie’s honey at the farmhouse-style tablescape.

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RISE and SHINE WHAT’S COOKING

Start your day with something tasty

MAPLE BREAKFAST BRAID 1 package (16 ounces) breakfast sausage 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup green onions, sliced 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced 11â „2 cups dry herb stuffing mix 1 package (17.25 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon water 22

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Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine sausage, syrup, beaten eggs, green onions, diced apples and stuffing mix.

Dust surface with flour; roll out pastry sheet to 12-by-18-inch rectangle. Transfer pastry to large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon half of sausage mixture down center of pastry.

Make 3-inch cuts down sides of pastry. Fold one strip at a time, alternating sides. Fold both ends to seal in filling. In bowl, beat egg whites and water; brush over pastry.

Repeat steps for second pastry sheet.

Bake 25-30 minutes, or until brown, rotating pans after baking 15 minutes.

WHAT’S COOKING

MINI HAM AND AVOCADO BISCUIT SLIDERS 2 cups, plus 1 tablespoon, all-purpose flour, divided 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon sage 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 cold butter, cut into 1/2 inch slices 1 cup buttermilk, divided 1 medium sweet potato, boiled, peeled and mashed Spinach leaves Deli ham 1 avocado Heat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.

In large bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, baking powder, salt, sage and paprika. With pastry blender, cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In medium bowl, whisk 3/4 cup buttermilk and mashed sweet potato. Stir into flour mixture until dough forms.

Using remaining flour to prepare surface, knead until dough forms. Roll dough to 3/4inch thickness. Using 2-inch round cutter, cut dough into 18 biscuits. Re-roll and cut out dough until all is used.

Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet.

Brush each biscuit with remaining buttermilk.

Bake 11-13 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool completely.

Split biscuits in half. Top bottom half of biscuit with spinach leaves, deli ham and an avocado slice. Replace biscuit top and serve immediately.

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WHAT’S COOKING CARAMEL FRENCH TOAST 6 slices white bread, halved 1/4 cup butter, cubed 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon corn syrup 3 eggs 3/4 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt Powdered sugar (optional) Cut bread slices in half.

In saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to boil, stirring frequently.

Pour into 8-inch square baking dish. Arrange bread slices over caramel mixture.

In small bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Pour over bread slices.

Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and remove aluminum foil.

Bake 25-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired; serve.

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WHAT’S COOKING BREAKFAST SANDWICHES 1 can (16 ounces) buttermilk biscuits 1 package (12 ounces) bacon 8 eggs 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon butter 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 onion, chopped 5 slices cheese Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Place biscuits on baking sheet. Bake 12-16 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cut bacon slices in half. In skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain and set aside.

In large bowl, whisk eggs, salt and pepper.

In skillet, melt butter. Pour egg mixture into skillet. Add bell pepper and onion.

Cook until eggs are thoroughly cooked but still moist, stirring occasionally. Add cheese over egg mixture and mix thoroughly until cheese is melted.

Split warm biscuits. Spoon egg mixture over bottom of biscuit. Top mixture with two pieces bacon and add top half of biscuit.

PEANUT BUTTER BREAD PUDDING Butter 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter, divided 2 eggs 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2/3 cup milk 1 1â „2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 cups cubed brioche or challah bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 2/3 cup pure maple syrup 1/3 cup crushed peanuts Powdered sugar, for garnish Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter four 4ounce ramekins.

In bowl, mix 1/3 cup peanut butter, eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla and salt. Toss bread cubes in mixture until thoroughly coated. Divide evenly among prepared dishes. Bake until custard is set in middle and tops are golden, about 35-40 minutes. If tops of bread brown too quickly, cover ramekins loosely with aluminum foil.

In small saucepan over low heat, combine remaining peanut butter and maple syrup until thoroughly warmed.

To serve, drizzle ramekins with maple-peanut sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts and powdered sugar.

June 2020

Entertainment Fort Smith

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goodies Peanut butter and Jack Daniel’s No. 27 whiskeys and craft beers found at In Good Spirits.

Roots rescue custom color mixed for clients of Metropolis Hair Studio.

Face A Face fashion sunglasses available from Dr. Steven B. Stiles Eye Group.

Hot sauces, rubs and seasonings found at Paul’s Meat Market.

Vintage-style VW bus and trailer planters from A to Z Variety.

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goodies Quartz and Granite countertops available at D & D Flooring in Van Buren.

Okie Candle Shop essential oil, soy blend candles from Firefly Boutique & Gifts.

Hard Ice vodka freezies and Wester Son spiked ice found at 4 Corks Wine & Spirits.

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goodies Peltor SportTactical 300 electronic hearing protector suppresses noise and amplifies low-level sounds. From Center for Hearing.

Fashion scarf that doubles as a mask available at Now & Then Shoppe.

Brass Off shampoo and condition by Matrix from Vanity Calls.

Lazy Bunz pool floaties allow the swimmer to sit upright in the water. Available at Luther Stem Pools & Spas.

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goodies

Huge selection of comfortable recliners for Dad available at Mike’s Furniture.

Patriot metal yard art to celebrate Flag Day and 4th of July from Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses.

Garmin fenix 6 Sapphire multisport GPS watch found at True Grit Running Co.

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LOCAL BUSINESS FOCUS

Universal Travel is ready to dream and plan for travel

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reaming of travel right now is fine – in fact, Universal Travel encourages it.

“We’re still here, still dreaming – and we hope by 2021 people will be back in the sky and back on the road,” said Susan Tucker, a coowner of Fort Smith’s oldest travel agency.

Karen Schmiser, the most experienced travel counselor of the agency that began as a division of the Boston Store, said some bookings were being made for late 2020.

Listening to the dreams of their clients is primary for Universal.

“We start by learning more about you, what trips you’ve taken in the past, your interests, what kind of hotels you prefer,” Schmiser said. “That way, we can discover what would make a great trip for you.”

The agency’s strength is its deep and personal connections to destinations all over the world.

Anywhere a person may go, Universal knows a real, experienced person to consult and assist its travelers. “There are things we’ve learned that someone who tries to book travel by themselves may not know,” Schmiser said. “There are perks and special things we can do.” For example, Tucker said, “If you go to Italy, Karen can sign you up for a private tour of the Vatican.”

There is no charge for the services of Universal Travel, although customers purchase airfare through the agency. Consultation, planning and service from the agency during their trip is free.

Using an experienced and reputable agency like Universal can help to avoid poor consumer service or even fraud by online booking sites. Using the agency will not cost any more for tickets or lodging than they would cost purchased directly from a cruise line, airline or hotel, Tucker said.

Universal and the travel industry expect demand to be “very high” next year. There’s every reason to contact them and dream of travel, together.

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KIDS

June 2020

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KIDS

KIDS

Summer reading programs kick off at the library There will be no in-person programming at any Fort Smith Public Library locations in June. Most virtual events will take place on the library’s Facebook page – facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary – and videos will be available at youtube.com/fortsmithpubliclibrary after they have been posted to Facebook. All events will be pre-recorded, unless otherwise noted.

June 1 Animalogy Imagine your story through the eyes of live animals! Join our friends from Animalogy/NHECM for a Facebook Live event. You will spend a "day in the life" of Animalogy animals, inspiring a lifetime of stories, fables, mythology and tall tales. Bounce around with a Patagonian Cavy (and possible appearance by his friend the Red Kangaroo), soar the skies with an Eurasian Eagle Owl, slither with a Burmese Python, swim with an aquatic sea monster of a fish, crawl the earth with a Rose-haired Tarantula, and visit with a Hedgehog and Prairie Dogs! For all ages. 2 p.m. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary

June 1-Aug. 14 Imagine Your Story: Summer Reading Program – Online!

Hey kids! Are you ready to read (and listen!) for fun, points and prizes? Sign up online, and read, read, read! Earn 1,000 points and win a library prize bag filled with goodies. Readers and listeners also will be entered to win an end-of-summer grand prize. The more you read, the more chances you'll have to win.

Track your reading progress and earn badges online or download the READsquared app. For more information and to sign up, please visit fortsmithlibray.org or fortsmithlibrary.readsquared.com/ beginning June 1 to sign up. The children’s Summer Reading Program encourages reading for pleasure and is designed to minimize summer learning loss. It also keeps kids actively engaged in reading while encouraging family involvement at the same time. Preschool children too young to read independently also can participate. Because the best way to raise a reader is to read to a child, they will receive points for the time spent listening to books. The Summer Reading Program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of the Library. fortsmithlibrary.org June 1-Aug. 14 Imagine Your Story: Teen Summer Reading Program – Online!

If you like to read (books, ebooks, and/or audio books) and like to win stuff, the Teen Summer Reading Program is for you! For every 100 points you earn, you'll be entered into a weekly drawing for a $10 gift card and earn an entry into the end-of-summer grand prize drawing. The more you read, the more chances you'll

have to win. Track your reading progress and post book reviews online or download the READsquared app. For more information and to sign up, please visit fortsmithlibray.org, fortsmithlibrary.readsquared.com beginning June 1.

June 1-29 Laptime Story Time with Mrs. Tiffany Join Mrs. Tiffany every Monday morning for a laptime story time for ages birth to 24 months. Stay tuned until the end when, after she reads and acts silly, she will share a simple craft that you can create at home.

10:30 a.m. Mondays. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary June 4-25 Ms. Robin’s Favorites Help Ms. Robin open up the Library Surprise Bag to see Fred – and to see which favorite story you'll get to hear! If you’ve got a favorite story, be sure to let Ms. Robin know. 10 a.m. Thursdays. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary youtube.com/fortsmithpubliclibrary

June 5 Galaxy Fizzy Paint STEAM Team is a program for children who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Learn about chemical reactions with Miss Leah by concocting “fizzy paint” out of a few common household supplies. 11 a.m. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary June 5-26 Story Break with Mrs. Tiffany Stop! It's time for a story break! Mrs. Tiffany will be reading to a different animal or showing you something interesting in nature. What will she read to next?

10 a.m. Fridays. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary youtube.com/fortsmithpubliclibrary

making. Join Beauty on her journey from her goodnatured acceptance of her family’s changing fortunes to her adventurous stay in the Beast’s castle as she teaches him to love himself and share that love with others. Vibrantly colorful hand-painted scenery showcases hand-carved wooden marionettes who appear and disappear mystically through the magic mirror. Young and old alike will marvel at the science and technology which brings this magic to life. 2 p.m.

Available for viewing through July 2. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary June 19 Windmills STEAM Team is a program for children who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Discover the power of wind turbine with Miss Leah by creating your own windmill with common household supplies. 11 a.m. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary

June 30 Inspyrl Circus This glowing, fantastical juggling show is like nothing you have ever seen! Kelsey & Jeremy Philo perform their jaw-dropping circus variety show with lasers, hula hoops, and unicycle to illustrate their positive message of grit and growth mindset. The glow show is accompanied by an engaging, hilarious stage show.

This event will be available for viewing until July 14.

Free. 6 p.m. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary

June 10 Musician and Storyteller Aaron Fowler Imagine Your Story: Everyone Has One! is the theme of this special event. Join musician and storyteller Aaron Fowler for a fun afternoon that will have you singing and dancing. Ms. Bella, a 4-year-old classroom therapy dog, will be joining the festivities, as well. Fowler and has been touring and performing in schools, libraries, festivals, and house concerts since 1995. You can find out more about him at aaronfowler.org/about This event will be available for viewing until June 17. 2 p.m. facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary June 17 Steven’s Puppets present Beauty and the Beast Get ready to experience “Beauty and the Beast” in a new way with Stevens Puppets.

This timeless story about looking beyond the surface and beyond our differences to find the truth and dignity within each other, a strong and unselfish heroine sacrifices for her family and saves a man trapped in a prison of his own

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CALENDAR of events

Regional Art Museum can at last hold special exhibitions Directors at RAM were extremely disappointed that a special exhibit, A Family Affair: Three Artists, Three Visions, One Family, was cut short after only two days when the museum was ordered to close due to public health concerns. On June 16, the public is invited to enjoy the paintings of Dede Hutcheson of Fort Smith, artist and generous patron of the arts, with the work her daughters, painter Karen Hutcheson and sculptor and painter Robyn Horne.

A second gallery will display the photography of Tim Ernst, known for his stunning landscapes of the Natural State. RAM has been anticipating this exhibition for years. Ernst is widely appreciated for his captures of the beauty that exists all around Arkansas, especially in the wildernesss of the Buffalo National River and Ozarks Highland Trail. His newest photobook, Arkansas Splendor, will be available in the RAM bookstore during the exhibition.

In order to provide safe enjoyment to visitors, every surface, handrail and button will be constantly cleaned and hand sanitizer stations are 34

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available throughout the museum. The Knight porcelain gallery and student gallery will remain closed due to their close quarters. The touch gallery is also closed. The large, open main gallery and upstairs gallery allow for safe distancing between patrons. Guests will be provided with masks and asked follow all guidelines recommended by the Arkansas Department of Health.

June 16 is the public opening. RAM members are invited to see the exhibits starting June 2. Memberships are available.

RAM’s popular education programs and youth art camps are going digital. Children may pick up art supplies and follow along with art lessons from home. RAM Saturday activities remain postponed for now.

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum’s normal hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Check social media for changes. RAM, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tim Ernst’s nature photography has a long-awaited show Opposite page Monet’s Garden Dede Hutcheson

Pale purple coneflowers, Flanagan Prairie Natural Area, Arkansas Tim Ernst

HEAR, HERE.

KUAF June 2020

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 1 Talks on Tap: Civil Discourse With Dr. Malcolm Glover The U.S. Marshals Museum offers a series on Civil Discourse. Civil Discourse is defined as “conversation intended to enhance understanding.” But often today, the intent of discourse is not understanding, but simply responding, or voicing our own emotions and opinions. Facing Ourselves: Discussions on Civil Discourse, will explore the importance of civil discourse in our time, and how the way we converse with each other influences our culture and the way we see each other. Dr. Malcolm Glover of the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium/Clinton School of Public Service will discuss civil discourse as it pertains to interacting with other cultures. Beverages will be available from Fort Smith Brewing Co. Call to confirm this event and ticket price. 6:30 p.m. U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. eventbrite.com June 1 Community School of the Arts Summer Enrollment CSA is now resuming enrollment for summer with private lessons and classes in music, theater, dance and visual for children ages preschool through high school. For the health and comfort of all, CSA will offer a choice of activities on-site at St. Boniface Elementary and Central Presbyterian Church or virtual lessons and classes. Activities will follow all directives set forth by the Arkansas Department of Health. Special pricing for June and July. CSA, St. Boniface School Building, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

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June 1-30 Literacy Council of Western Arkansas now offering virtual services The Literacy Council has transferred many services online, including Beginning English as Second Language classes via Zoom at 6 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday and 10 a.m. Wednesday. To obtain the link to the Zoom meeting, call 479-783-2665, email sara.putman@lcowa.com or find it on the literacy council’s Facebook page. Free access and continued learner support is provided to these adult learning apps: Learning Upgrade, Leamos and the GED Test Prep Course, after in-person setup appointment. Computer use is available by appointment and there is free Wifi, which can be accessed from the mural side of the parking lot. Free info kits with cloth masks, hand sanitizer, information about community resources and more are available by phone. The council will soon have a Little Free Library box outside its building to provide free books. At 5:30 p.m. June 22, the public may join the council’s annual meeting on Zoom. Literacy Council of Western Arkansas 300 South 11th St. Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2665 June 1-30 Great Outdoors Month at Lake Fort Smith Lake Fort Smith State Park's interpretive team offers a wide variety of programs and activities that focus on the great outdoors. Guided trail hikes, lake tours, kayak adventures, night hikes, crafting programs, and many more activities await. Contact the park for program schedules and additional information. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepard Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

June 1-Aug. 14 Imagine Your Story: Virtual Adult Summer Reading Celebration The Fort Smith Public Library’s first virtual summer reading program. For every book read, readers are entered into a weekly drawing for a $10 gift card and earn an entry into the end-of-summer grand prize drawing. Track your reading progress and post book reviews online or download the READsquared app.

The Summer Reading Program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of the Library. fortsmithlibrary.org June 3 Spiro Mounds Archeological Center Visitors can be admitted to the center again, with a limit of 10 people inside the museum. Masks, distancing and other precautions required. Summer Solstice walks June 20 have been canceled.Check updates on Facebook. Spiro Mounds Archeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla. 918-962-2062 June 3, 10, 17, 25 Off the Cuff Cooking with Rachel and Jodie Wednesdays, watch Rachel and Jodie try to follow recipes from cookbooks available from the library, on the library’s YouTube channel. June 3, Meal Planning Bullet Journaling. June 10, Do You Use Your Instant Pot? June 17, Waffle Iron Hacks. June 24, Olive These Recipes are Great! 10 am.Watch on Facebook/fortsmithlibrary or youtube.com/fortsmithpubliclibrary

CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 6 National Trails Day Celebrate and experience the fantastic hiking and biking trails of Lake Fort Smith. This day will be full of guided hikes and hiking programs, which are great for the whole family. Contact the park for more details. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park Visitors Center, 15458 Shepard Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 June 6 Dogs-in-the-Park Day at Devil’s Den Devil’s Den State Park goes to the dogs! Meet local animal shelters and take one of the shelter dogs on a hike. Fun activities for you and your socialized dog are also scheduled in the afternoon. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 June 9 Virtual Literary Trivia with Ronny Compete in live online Literary Trivia and test your knowledge. Host Ronny asks the questions on Facebook live, players answer on their keyboards.

6:30 p.m. Facebook/fortsmithlibrary June 13 Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend One weekend each year, Arkansas hosts a free fishing weekend. Not sure how to go about catching fish or what types of fish are in this lake? Stop in at the marina or the visitor center and ask our friendly staff for pointers. Join park interpreters to get first-hand experience. AGFC regulations on daily limit are still in effect. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepard Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 June 13 Reel-em-in Fishing Derby Kids 15 and under can fish for catfish, bass and sunfish in Lake Fort Smith. Prizes are awarded in many categories. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the marina. Adults are welcome to accompany the children; however, the kids must do the fishing.

Take fishing poles and tackle. Weigh-in begins at 11:30 a.m. at the marina. After weigh-in, at approximately noon, there will be an awards ceremony, raffle ticket prize drawing and free hot dogs for participants at the marina. Free. 8 a.m.-noon.

Lake Fort Smith State Park Marina, 15458 Shepard Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 June 13-14 31st Annual Bat-O-Rama Celebrate one of the most beneficial and misunderstood creatures in the world: bats! Knowledgeable park staff and special guests speak. Nighttime mist netting will be conducted for up-close views of these amazing creatures. Take your cameras.

Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 June 16 The CALL Informational Meeting Online Learn about the need for foster and adoptive parents in this area in an informal meeting, online. The CALL seeks and assists potential adoptive parents, helps to qualify foster parents and networks with others who will offer support to those families and children. Access the live video on Facebook/TheCALLinArkansas.org

The Time I s Now

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 16 CASA Volunteer Training A 7-week training for those who wish to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer will be held in person with fewer than 10 present and appropriate health precautions. There are more 500 children from Sebastian County in foster care and only half have an adult advocate devoted only to them, because of the lack of volunteers. Every child deserves a CASA volunteer to ensure that they do not get ‘lost’ in an overwhelmed foster care system. CASA sometimes is the only constant in a foster child's life. Free.

5:30-8:30 p.m. CASA of Sebastian County, 1216 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-4171 June 18 Virtual TV Theme Song Trivia with Ronny Guess the TV show from its theme song. Host Ronny asks the questions and plays the themes songs on Facebook live, players answer on their keyboards.

6:30 p.m. Facebook/fortsmithlibrary June 20 Virtual Movie Club: Ugetsu (1953 – NR) Join the first Virtual Movie Club at the Fort Smith Public Library. Watch the movie “Ugetsu” on Kanopy anytime then join a Zoom discussion. Register for the movie club Zoom meeting at fortsmith.org/events or by emailing rphengsouvan@fortsmithlibrary.org to obtain a Zoom link. “Ugetsu” (1953) Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. With Masayuki Mori, Machiko Kyô, Kinuyo Tanaka, Mitsuko Mito. This drama is a tale of ambition, family, love, and war set in the Japanese Civil Wars of the 16th century. Not rated; 1 hour 36 minutes. Discussion is 1:30 p.m. online.

June 20-21 Cowboy Action Shooting Competition Contestants compete in target-shooting with firearms typical of the Old West: single action revolvers, pistol caliber lever action rifles and old-time shotguns – in Western clothing and in character. Spectators welcome. Ear protection suggested. Free. 9:30 a.m. Old Fort Gun Club, 4999 Westville Road, Van Buren, Ark. 479-996-6800 ofgc.org

gg star ofthe western frontier

riverfront skate & bike park

world renowned public art

June 23 Virtual Trivia Night with Ronny Join a few rounds of trivia, virtually! Test your knowledge variety of topics from books, popular culture, music and more. 6:30 p.m. Facebook/fortsmithlibrary

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June 25 Adult Crafty Corner Rediscover your creative spark by joining Ms. Tiffany from the Miller Branch for an easy craft that you can make in your home. Tune in to the library’s YouTube channel or the library’s Facebook page to craft along with her video. 2 p.m. Facebook/fortsmithlibrary or youtube.com/fortsmithpubliclibrary Please continue to report community events online at efortsmith.com. Although necessary cancellations and postponements have disrupted normal activities, Entertainment Fort Smith continues to gather and gladly publish community events such as concerts, educational events, classes and all other free and low-cost activities. Report events at efortsmith.com under the link “Add Event.”

Refer to efortsmith.com for the latest updates.

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