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EDITOR’S NOTES
Editorial Staff LYNN WASSON Editor & Publisher lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com
In this issue Contributing Writers BOB ROBINSON Contributing Photographers MCFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY AUSTIN COLLINS BRENDA YELVINGTON Gateway Park rendering courtesy of Studio 6 Architects SHANNON REITH
Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM Account Executive lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 Advertising Coordinator KARRIE STEWART karrie@efortsmith.com CHARLES G. HUBBARD Corporate Sales charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 © 2019 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com
In Memoriam LINDA SEUBOLD Founding Editor in Chief
We’re back now. Carry on. Hi. We’re back. Thank you so much for the kindness and condolences so many of you gave to me and to this entire staff after the death of our friend and founding editor, Linda Seubold. In this issue, we publish an appreciation, or an attempt at such. I’m so relieved to be done with it – it’s sincere but cannot help but fall short. It is inadequate to describe a person who was always at least 10 gallons in a 5-gallon sack. A one-off. Now, a thought of Linda can come up any time, naturally and once again, with laughter and sweet remembrance. That’s what happens when you get a little distance from the shock of grief and the formality of funerals and memorials. Her family and pastor made sure hers were quite wonderful – thank you to all of you who were there. But having memories of her pop up whenever they should, in an ordinary way, will make us smile, will be much more true to who she was – Excited! Trying to express three thoughts at one time! Non-linear! Fun! Oh, Linda will come up! And that’s perfect. Now we return to making this magazine about you, about our hometowns and how we live here. So many neighbors are still trying to return to normalcy after enduring this summer’s awful flood. We hope all of you are almost back home or already there. May it pass quickly. During the disaster, I turned many times to the online posts of photographs by an Austin Collins, someone I didn’t know. A commercial drone photographer, I assumed. An ex-news person, maybe? His detailed pictures were almost blockby-block. When the waters began to dry up or at least stay within the riverbanks, I wrote to ask to meet him. It was not until 10 minutes into our interview that I learned he is a Fort Smith cop – an amateur, not commercial, drone pilot. His posts were not a promo. They were a public service.
Austin’s frequent (and fantastic) flood photos were a response to the thanks and requests he was covered up with, online. By day he was patrolling flooded neighborhoods and helping people pushed out of their homes. For an hour of daylight, after 12-hours shifts, he shot more informative images. Late at night, he posted them on social media. It all fit. To protect and serve. We also returned to people we’ve covered before. Alice Alt has been with the U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation for several years, but now she’s traded roles with Jim Dunn, who is taking emeritus status but is continuing to help. She’s going to be the face of fundraising – and she’s going to be great at it. We had to speak again with music educator and composer Kevin Croxton, leader of Parkview Elementary Music Club. You must see the films he has created with kids, available online now. We also salute, with tremendous respect, Fort Smith Museum of History director Leisa Gramlich and regret that the timing of her resignation and our one-time bereavement break in publication did not permit a full profile and appreciation of her service in that role. Thank you, Leisa, for all you’ve quietly done to sustain, improve and preserve our city’s cornerstone museum. With inadequate resources, but applying her tenacity, leadership, resourcefulness and very hard work, Leisa has been a champion and a responsible steward for one of this region’s greatest assets. She leaves a dedicated staff with whom we will continue to collaborate. If any reader can contribute, volunteer, fundraise or otherwise emulate her outstanding example, please honor Leisa by giving service to our important Museum of History. – Lynn Wasson
CIRCULATION
SUBSCRIPTION
Entertainment Fort Smith is a monthly city/regional magazine published by eFortSmith.com Media, Inc.
Entertainment Fort Smith can be mailed to you, or as a gift, for $30 per publication year (11 issues).
Complimentary issues are distributed in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, Greenwood and Barling, Ark. and in Roland, Muldrow, Spiro, Pocola and Sallisaw, Okla. in retail and grocery stores, corporate offices, restaurants, medical offices, public libraries, visitor centers and tourist destinations. Complimentary issues are also provided in guest rooms of area hotels.
To order by credit card, call 479-494-1888. Mail check or money order to: Subscribe P.O. Box 1341 Fort Smith AR 72902
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CONTENTS
AUGUST 2019
features
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11 8
Remembering the fun
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Remembering Linda Seubold, founding editor and friend Co-founder Lynn Wasson writes an appreciation of that remarkable woman who was both offbeat and hot stuff.
New Gateway Park is inviting and meaningful Consider leaving your own legacy in a new entryway to the city that recognizes three citizens of the past who contributed much.
The flood was bad, but one photographer documented it all Austin Collins posted hundreds of high-quality images that served to inform and document the fate of streets, homes and businesses.
Holy school film-making! Batman, The Scheme is Sound The talented students of Parkview Elementary’s Music Club take on the distinctive style of Batman circa 1966 in a new film.
E List: Alice Alt leads the U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation The E List points out people you need to know. There’s someone different, but familiar, riding point to raise funds to complete the new museum.
departments
40 14 Dada dada dada dada ...
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OUTDOORS Bob Robinson recommends island camping on an Arkansas lake for outdoor adventure.
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WHAT’S COOKING When you grill these recipes, everyone’s nose will know what’s cooking.
DINING GUIDE Enter for a chance to win meals at these fine eateries – it’s on us!
eve n t s
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Cool Camping
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KIDS - BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS AND KIDS CALENDAR Get ready for the start of school, but don’t forget the last fun, free days of summer before hitting the books and toting the backpacks.
MUSIC & PERFORMANCE It’s season ticket season. Two of the best deals in entertainment are the UAFS Season of Entertainment and Blue Lion Series and the Fort Smith Symphony.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Transition time, from languid summer to upcoming festivals, exhibits, county fairs, car shows, seminars and more. Use our calendar to set your schedule.
On the cover: If you knew Linda Seubold, you get it. A chili pepper heart for our pepper-loving friend. Besides her family, friends, this town and this magazine, Linda Seubold loved chili peppers.We salute her lifetime ascent to the summit of the Scovile scale. 6
Entertainment Fort Smith
August 2019
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LINDA SEUBOLD
1942-2019
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in memoriam
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e said goodbye to our friend and a founder of this magazine on June 5. Linda was surrendered to her God by her children, grandchildren and loving family in a moving celebration of life, held in a church her father, Roy Poyner, helped to create. That service was to minister to her family – the big, big family she created with her husband, Frank. We, her friends, were allowed the honor of giving an appreciation of her professional career as a lifelong journalist that day and we want to share that in this magazine in which she took enormous pride. While Entertainment Fort Smith intentionally takes the bright tone of Linda’s upbeat personality, as her journalistic colleagues, we want it remembered that she was an award-winning, dogged news reporter for the first half of her writing career. We respected her for it. Linda was one tough reporter in the field, leaving no question un-asked, no facts uncovered. For the Southwest Times Record, she delivered excellent, accurate reporting on local crime, corruption and murders. Because it was her job, she even witnessed an execution. As her colleague Tracy Winchell wrote: “Linda and I were among the dozen or so journalists gathered to cover the event. We drew lots to see who among us would actually witness the execution. She and Associated Press journalist Bill Simmons won the lottery. Their role was to witness the execution, report what they saw and heard, and answer questions from the rest of the reporter pool. Linda’s notes and her reporting - as always - were impeccable.” In the latter part of her newspaper career, Linda created a column called “Offbeat” that a loyal following of readers never missed. They liked her conversational writing voice, her optimistic outlook that this area had limitless potential, her love of music (especially blues) and her nose for a compelling, funny or touching human interest subject. Readers who never met Linda regarded her as a friend. When we devised the idea to create this magazine, it was the community goodwill Linda had earned that was an intangible asset (goodness knows we didn’t have any financial ones) as we sought the capital to launch and the confidence of local businesses to place their advertising here. And, so the magazine began, in August 2000. Linda was editor and cockeyed-optimist-in-chief. As co-owners, we had a strong principle in common – that a publication with the name of our city on the cover should serve its community.
In our first issue, Linda wrote about the Partners in Education program of Fort Smith Public Schools – an official partnership we continue. We appreciate and rely on our public libraries and share a special bond. She probably wrote more inches about blues music than has been printed in Memphis. She was convinced any kind of live performance was a magnet to this city. She was a fan of the UAFS jazz program, its Season of Entertainment, Second Street Live/AACL. She was proud of our symphony and ArcBest Performing Arts Center. She celebrated the Alma and Van Buren schools’ performing arts centers. She applauded the first Peacemaker Festival. As an optimist and unappalled booster of this area, she championed the U.S. Marshals Museum the instant she heard of it and if you would like to honor her – donate to open it. And as someone who embraced all creativity – especially the offbeat – she was all in for The Unexpected project and all it inspires. This independent magazine we mothered, together with our very hardworking staff, is also a cultural asset to the city and its people and we meant then and mean now to be useful and relevant to the people who read it – and to bring prosperity to its advertisers. Just as Linda took a genuine interest in every person she covered, this magazine invites even the smallest community events into our calendar. A church picnic is important to its congregation. A play is captivating to others. One fundraiser may seem like another, but not to the beneficiaries each one helps. This magazine is a mirror to its readers. Life began to wrestle Linda away from writing. In 2006, her husband had a stroke and wanted only her care. Then, in late 2012, although she ignored symptoms, a near-collapse led to her diagnosis of multiple myeloma. She always believed she would beat it. She endured aggressive, painful treatment in order to keep living – for seven more years – in eternal optimism, with no complaint. Her faith never eroded. When she lost her life-long love, Frank, friends worried she would give up. But they had a tribe of children and grandchildren she wanted to love enough for both of them. She stayed in treatment and planned to get well. Always, she wanted to work; she followed the cycle of each issue from bed if necessary, suggested new ideas – and supplied the endless optimism. Personally, I think that was what I will miss about her most of all. – Lynn Wasson
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She’d want this to be fun We knew her well – Linda Seubold could never tolerate a noble tribute, so let’s change to memories that are fun.The timeline above is her adventures (and some disasters) in hairstyles from a funny confessional column she once wrote.
Linda prayed that her father be pastor of a church here so she could attend Fort Smith High School. She was a published writer and reporter when she graduated in 1960.
Here’s Linda on her beloved pony Amigo. She may have been the only person who loved him. Her adoration for this ornery, fence-breaking pony is where her powerful skills of denial were first exercised.
Linda wrote often about music. She only had one chance to meet Stevie Ray Vaughan – a favorite. She once declined to wait for a police report after a car accident (not her fault) to make it to a Louis Armstrong concert.
Linda met Morgan Freeman at a blues event in Mississippi, but used the time to lobby him to make a Bass Reeves movie in Fort Smith. She talked up Fort Smith to everyone.
In her 16 years as a reporter and columnist at the Southwest Times Record, Linda was repeatedly voted the “Best of the Best” Print Reporter and numerous annual Arkansas Press Association awards for news. Baldness was not the point of this photo. Linda was highly amused to show, in one of her last columns, that she had a (medical) tattoo. She and her friend Daisy set up this “tough grrl” pic. 10
Entertainment Fort Smith
Probably against doctor’s recommendations, Linda, who was taking chemotherapy, insisted on attending the groundbreaking for the U.S. Marshals Museum in 2014. She turned a shovel of dirt with the rest of the original selection committee. Translation of that expression on her face: “Worth it.” August 2019
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GATEWAY PARK
Gateway Park is thoughtfully designed with meaningful sculpture, local history and stone – add your own brick
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onstruction is well under way at the highly visible spearhead of downtown Fort Smith at Gateway Park, where Garrison Avenue and Rogers Avenue meet. This triangular area is becoming an intentionally designed entry to the city. It is a project of 64.6 Downtown funded by donations, with the cooperation of the City of Fort Smith. Each element of Gateway Park is thoughtfully imbued with local significance, from the site design by Studio 6 Architects, the selection of the three bronze figures and even its stonework and brick.
Craftsmen at Ibison Stone in Hackett are shaping the old curbstones now to the specifications of the architects’ site design. Almost certainly, the quarry was the source of some of these curbstones, taken from massive sandstone formations in the area by Asa Clark, the earliest local stonemason on record in the 19th century. Owner Mark Ibison is a third-generation operator in the south Sebastian County stone deposits, in a custom stone business started by his grandfather and worked by his relatives. Ibison toured architect Shannon Reith and John McIntosh of 64.6 Downtown to make decisions and selections of the preserved curbstones and other stone stonecutters will prepare for the park. Jim Spears, left, and Richard Griffin examine a maquette of Judge Parker, seen reading the law.
Individuals and organizations can purchase custom bricks to be installed into the sculpture plaza, as was done at the nearby monuments of Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves and Gen. William O. Darby. Aug. 8 is the deadline to order memorial bricks, inscribed with three lines for $100 or six lines for $250. Order bricks online at 64.6downtown.com. As a purposeful echo of history, original curbstones removed for street alterations have been preserved by the City of Fort Smith for appropriate re-use or restoration.
Mark Ibison explains varieties of stone to John McIntosh of 64.6 and Shannon Reith, architect.
Sculptor Spencer Schubert of Kansas City, Mo., revealed previews of the three bronzes he is creating for the park in a December unveiling at Propak Inc.
In the center is Judge Isaac C. Parker. A champion of public schools, John Carnall, newspaper publisher and businessman is the second. Sister Mary Teresa Farrell, one of the original Sisters of Mercy to immigrate here from Ireland, is the third, represents the early establishment of health care. Justice, public education and health care are the foundations of a free society and successful city. The small donation of purchasing a brick invites a number of people of present-day Fort Smith to endorse the ideals represented by these three citizens of the past and contribute to the future. August 2019
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In his photos, we saw the reach of June’s flood Who was that prolific eye in the sky over Fort Smith?
Austin Collins, right, pilots his camera drone while his friend Chris Harris shades the controls from glare. 12
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When the Arkansas River overflowed its banks in June, it was documented by more photographs than any previous flood in history, due to the widespread use of smart phones. On social media and news web sites, images and video taken from helicopters, planes and drones showed the reach of floodwaters. One photographer, however, drew an audience that swiftly climbed into the thousands, because he posted so many informative images. From the Garrison Avenue bridge and around the riverbanks of the peninsula upon which Fort Smith is built, his photos showed almost every neighborhood, street or building affected or threatened by water. They were stamped “Austin Collins” and many had locations given in their captions. For comprehensive coverage, arguably, Collins surpassed every local media outlet. It’s surprising to learn that he’s an amateur, not a commercial drone photographer. For 16 years, he’s worn the uniform of the Fort Smith Police Department. It’s easy to understand from talking with Collins that his career in service made him susceptible to be moved by people who responded with gratitude or asked him to photograph their property. It was the reaction to the first image he posted that set off his marathon run of coverage, he said. “I took a picture of Walmart on Kelley Highway, surrounded by water, and posted it that first Friday night,” he said. “My wife and I then went with friends but I was noticing the ‘shares’ and ‘likes’ go up, on my phone. They were climbing by multiples. I thought, “Does this mean I went ‘viral’?” he laughed. People who lived near his northside home “were who got me,” he said. “There were people worried about Roselawn Cemetery and their storage units in that area,” he said. Then floodwaters rose into residential streets. “People from all over the country contacted me about their childhood homes, their parents’ homes – they were worried,” he said. “But the gratitude that was coming through, it got me! I felt like, ‘I’ve got to!’”
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Flood photography “turned into another job,”’ he said. He had clocked off the Friday evening when flooding started. “I had shared some pictures first on my personal page, trying to keep people from coming downtown to look,” he said. “I said, ‘Don’t come down here, just look at my pictures.’ Directing riverfront traffic was keeping us, keeping the police, from being in other areas where we needed to go.” “That weekend, I had a friend drive me around. I had two battery chargers in my truck. I downloaded from my drone to a tablet, then I had to email them to myself.” He stayed up late many nights for a week, editing and posting photos. Viewership rose steeply. But after that weekend off-duty, he worked 7 a.m.7 p.m. shifts, patrolling flooded areas and helping residents. It left just an hour of light after work. “From the 24th to the 29th, I shot fast and posted every day,” he said. “But I was able to get the peak flooding.” He tried to reply to the many online comments, almost all positive. “I made my friend and my wife administrators over the page just to help me keep up,” he said. He tried to fulfill requests, even one to look for a lost calf – but work hours and road closings made it impossible. His volunteer shoot needed boundaries. His intent was to capture the flood’s reach, not to exploit the problems of property owners or residents, he said – many of whom he met and tried to help while on duty. “When the water receded, this was no longer photographing the historic flood, this was just people trying to figure out what to do next.” The career law enforcement officer has an ongoing interest in freelance, still photography. Before the flood, he regarded drones more as a novelty and prefers shooting portraits, with conventional cameras. But this intense sprint of documentary photography was a service Collins felt moved to share. – Lynn Wasson
Left: May 31, sunset over the flooded Arkansas River spilling into Oklahoma. Above: This May 24 shot of a Walmart encircled set Collins off on a marathon of drone photography. Right: A neighborhood in east Fort Smith, inundated. Below: Rogers Avenue and Meandering Way at the flood’s peak stage. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUSTIN COLLINS
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Clockwise: The Riddler (Josiah Hawley) cackles in evil glee. Robin (Collin Cummins) and Batman (Alex Lessley) exit the Batmobile.The Dynamic Duo are tied to a giant speaker. Teacher and composer Kevin Croxton directs a scene with Batman, on location. The Joker (Jayden Brown), about to strike a lethal chord. Catwoman (Mia Tucker) and her gang (from left) Fern Blakney, Naomi Dodson and Lyla Wright. Penguin (Bryson Keirsey) and his goons Brooklyn Molina, Gwen Jerden and Katherine Link. Opposite: Cadence Molina dances at a groovy party. PHOTOS BY BRENDA YELVINGTON
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Holy creativity! Parkview Music Club kids kayo another film!
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he Dynamic Duo is really in peril this time! Batman and Robin are up against familiar arch-villains Riddler, the Joker, Cat Women and Penguin. Tune in at the same Bat-Time to a brandnew Bat Channel – a YouTube channel called Pointer Media (Van Buren School District). “Batman: The Scheme is Sound” is viewable online. Two earlier films by the Parkview Elementary Music Club can be seen there: “The Adventures of the USS Parkview: A Star Trek Fan Production” and “Fantastic Gifts and Where to Find Them.” All three excellent short films were created over the last three school years with student actors and singers and original music composed by Parkview music teacher Kevin Croxton, who led these casts, including a volunteer crew of film professionals, parents and friends. These music videos are a project of fourth- and fifth-grade students in Croxton’s Music Club, who commit to learning songs and dialogue, then learn how movies are filmed, lighted and recorded – often out of story order, in short scenes or while dealing with special effects. The cast must keep the end goal in mind in order to give a good performance, Croxton explained. He praises them for not only their acting and singing but for patience and good behavior during the lengthy process. By now, each new cast has a high standard to meet. Last year’s “Star Trek” fan film was a multiple award-winner. It won Best Fan Film in a Virginia film festival; Best International Short Film in a festival held in Washington and, in Miami, Best Director and Best Family-Oriented Sci-Fi Film and was a finalist in 9 of 11 categorizes in an Atlanta festival - receiving the most nominations.
To be eligible to enter film festivals, Croxton met various qualifications that allow a film to be listed on the Internet Movie Database. The student actors can now say, “Look me up on IMDB,” he said, which is just too cool. That’s why the film following “Star Trek” had to be just as ambitious. When last year’s classes began, Croxton hadn’t settled on an idea, he recently told the new River Valley Film Society where he screened the new film. He was praying for inspiration when began to receive “bat signals.” He learned there is an excellent, locally owned Batmobile. Shooting locations came to mind that could stand in for familiar Batman sets such as stately Wayne Manor, the Gotham City municipal building, a period diner, a museum, Commissioner Gordon’s office and, of course, the classic abandoned warehouse. Watch to see what local landmarks served as those fictitious locations! All are recognizable. The film is faithful to the fun, colorful 1960s TV series, down to the Batphone and other distinctive props. Once again, the music club had the help of the same talented, volunteer seamstress who tailored high-quality adult-sized costumes to fit. The same make-up artists participated (and had received nominations for their work). Parents served as production assistants, grips, craft service (food) and cast wranglers. Everyone who helped is credited at the end of the film, but even more so by Croxton. He gives great thanks to encouragement from his principal and superintendent. As a teacher, he marvels, especially, at the outstanding effort made by students to create the best film possible. “These kids are just amazing,” Croxton said. What will Music Club film this coming year? Don’t touch that dial! August 2019
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energetic•emerging•eclectic e n g a g e d • enlightening • eager • earnest •e d u c a t i o n a l •e n j o y a b l e empowering•entertaining•epic • experienced • endearing • enduring•enriching•excellent e d g y •e d i f y i n g •e l o q u e n t enthusiastic•essential•esteemed Alice Alt exemplary•excellent•exuberant President, US Marshals • extraordinary encouraging Museum Foundation exceptional• exciting
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lice Alt is not merely a glass-half-full kind of person. She rocks an “it’s-only-$15-million-more” attitude. On the job since 2014, Alt has taken on the lead fundraiser job for the U.S. Marshals Museum Foundation, after the retirement of former foundation president Jim Dunn, who continues in “emeritus” status on their joint mission to complete the national museum now rising on the riverfront. After all, the under-construction museum might have flooded in June, but didn’t – by mere feet. A March ballot measure to fund the balance needed to install exhibits didn’t pass – but she finds that result fair enough. “We asked for a vote and we got it,” she said without rancor. “But so many people offered that they may have been against a tax, but they were for the museum. I need to wrap my arms around these people, embrace them and move forward.” She’d rather emphasize positive results. “We received a million dollars in January. We have had almost $275,000 come in since then. Several large asks are still outstanding,” she said, ticking down a list of good things. “We are moving forward with a GoFundMe, allowing those people who didn’t want a tax, but do want the museum, to contribute – many things are happening.” She is often asked, “What are we doing next?” It’s the “we” part she likes. “When people come in to talk to me with what feels like frustration coming out their mouths, I see it as passion. We have to do this together,” she said. “We have about $15 million more to raise. I want to pump my fist about that! We have our sights set on $8 million of that in the immediate future.” With Dunn’s continuing help, whom Alt commends as having “done so much to get us to this point,” the foundation side of the museum continues to meet or check in with potential donors. “We’re doing donor cultivation, which puts a smile on my face. I’ve met some of the most extraordinary people in this role – giving, kind, generous people,” she said. Donors make their gifts on their own time, she noted. Developing trust and helping a donor find their own connection to the museum takes patience, honesty and special skills of perceptiveness. 16
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Alt is the parent of three children at different, busy stages of their lives – one soon off to college, one in high school and the youngest making her way through elementary. She’s a natural at shifting gears to meet each kid where they are in life, a quality also useful with prospective donors. She and her husband, an engineer in the beverage industry, are constant cheerleaders to their children’s activities. She has served as president of the Southside High School PTSA, a facilitator for First United Methodist Church’s Sunday School and a member of Network of Executive Women and Fort Smith Public School Gifted and Talented Advisory Council. The whole family is engaged with community activities, especially for charitable causes. Associating with people who volunteer and who are involved helps her to recognize that potential in possible benefactors of the museum. “I’m aggressive – we’re so close I can feel it,” she said. But she can adjust to the particular approach mostly likely to interest potential givers. Some of the present focus is on large corporations and national vendors to law enforcement, she said. Some “asks” have just been planted, some are in an active stage of development and, as has happened this year, some are maturing to fruition, when the actual contribution arrives. She has been traveling the country all year, sometimes teamed with Patrick Weeks, executive director of the U.S. Marshals Museum. Both are eloquent and energetic presenters and both visualize the museum, open and thriving, in their mind’s eyes. “When we are open, when we see the economic benefit, the development around it on the riverfront, the people coming, then we can say ‘well done, good and faithful servant,’” she said. Until then, she goes onward with a smile. The E List is a short feature about a person the editors think our readers need to know. They may be in a C-suite or make minimum wage or work only as a volunteer. We want to note those who are engaged with our home. They may be emerging or emeritus, edgy or excellent, entertaining or enduring. Suggest E List subjects to the editor by writing lynnwasson@efortsmith.com
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Island camping on Lake Ouachita can be the coolest style of summer adventure
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ummertime in Arkansas, when it’s too hot and muggy to head for the woods to hike or backpack and the streams are too dry to float. What can an outdoorsman/woman do to enjoy the great outdoors during the summer doldrums in the Natural State? How about island camping at Lake Ouachita, where you can enjoy paddling your kayak and camping under the stars? Relief from the blistering heat and humidity is always just a short distance away with a refreshing plunge in the lake’s cool waters. Lake Ouachita is the only Corps of Engineers lake in Arkansas that allows camping on its islands. With more than 200 island destinations spread across 40,000 acres of surface area, an adventurous kayaker could devote the —summer to exploring this pristine natural environment.
One of its islands, Bird Island, has even garnered national attention. Reported as being Arkansas’s largest known Purple Martin roost, hosting between 8,000 to 50,000 birds during late July and early August, the National Audubon Society has designated the island an “Important Bird Area” due to its strategic location on their annual migration route to South America. For those who are a bit overwhelmed when finding out where to begin an island camping adventure, there are tour companies operating on the lake to help anyone get started. One such company is Ouachita Kayak Tours. Owner Lisa Logan is an avid kayaker, outdoor adventurer, and native Arkansan who has paddled every mile of Lake Ouachita’s 700-mile shoreline. Ask about information on guided tours or kayak rentals. Find more at ouachitakayaktours.com.
Lake Ouachita State Park also offers boat tours and rentals. Call 501-767-9366 for details and reservations. I was fortunate to have friends who had spent several weekends exploring the lake area, and they invited me to join their group on their next outing. They had already assigned everyone food for potluck dinner, so all I had to pack was general lightweight backpacking food for lunch, breakfast, and a small cooler for my beer. This worked great for me because space in a kayak is limited. My Lake Ouachita island adventure began at the Buckville Recreation Area boat ramp, located approximately 25 miles west of Hot Springs. The location proved to be an ideal launch site, with many islands within paddling distance and away from most motorized traffic. It is also near the Rabbit Tail Water Trail.
Paddlers explore Lake Ouachita’s islands by day and camp onshore. Take as many dips as needed.
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As our flotilla of brightly colored kayaks set out under the early light of day, we enjoyed scenic views of wispy cloud remnants lingering in crevices of the surrounding lush green hillsides. After leisurely paddling past several islands that did not particularly appeal to us, we approached one that called out to us, “Come camp with me.” It had a lot to offer with a clean sandy beach, shade trees, and several excellent tent locations. However, it wasn’t large enough to accommodate our group of eight. So, we meandered on. Then, there it was, our home for the night, possessing similar amenities as the first we visited, plus plenty of room for everyone to have their own space to nest. That evening, the unobstructed view of the dazzling sunset was so perfect I was sure I heard the sizzle as the sun sank into the lake’s distant waters. The following day, we paddled the shores of calm coves and explored as many islands as we could, critiquing potential campsites for future adventures. During our day of exploration, we often treated ourselves to a dip in the lake’s refreshing waters while sipping on cold adult beverages. It’s great to have discovered a new activity to enjoy in this wonderful state of ours during the heated summer months.
Guest writer Bob Robinson has been an avid cyclist for more than 35 years. He’s also a camper, kayaker, climber and world explorer. He has published several cycling books, including “Bicycling Guide to Route” and “Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River Trail,” available online at spiritcreek.com. He will be sharing more Arkansas and local adventures soon. A heron takes off. All photos by Bob Robinson.
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goodies
Bio Ionic OnePass professional flat iron straightener found at Vanity Calls.
Spiral-bound monthly planner features hand-painted lion and matching framed artwork available at Zoe Bug's.
Face A Face designer sunglasses from Dr. Steven B. Stiles Eye Group.
Mudroom backpacks from True Grit Running Co. are designed for commuting, working out, biking or traveling with an extra pair of shoes.
PerfectDry Lux electronic hearing aid dehumidifier keeps your hearing aid or cochlear implant dry and sanitary. Available at Center for Hearing.
Aveda dry remedy hair moisturizing products found at Metropolis Hair Studio. 20
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Desktop mobile available at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.
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goodies
These “Good Night” books feature scenes unique to Arkansas and Oklahoma. Available at Katiebug’s.
Student desk and chair available at Mike’s Furniture.
Engagement rings from the Forever Mark Black Diamond Collection found at Newton’s Jewelers.
Trendy tennis shoes and sandals for the start of school available at Firefly Boutique.
Primo Oval XL 400 all-in-one includes stand, shelves and ash tool lifter. From Luther Stem Pools & Spas.
Large selection of products for flamingo lovers, available at A to Z Variety Store. 22
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goodies
Back-to-school shoes and backpacks found at Designer Again.
Old Smoky moonshine and moonshine-flavored cherries and pickles from In Good Spirits.
Flavored oat bars and rosemary and black pepper crostini available at Paul’s Meat Market.
Football and back-to-school flags found at Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses.
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WHAT’S COOKING
Heat
UP the
GRILL
Citrus-Marinated Beef Tip Sirloin & Fruit Kabobs 1 beef top sirloin steak center cut, boneless (about 1 pound) 1 medium orange 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional) 4 cups cubed mango, watermelon, peaches and/or plums Garnish Chopped fresh cilantro leaves Grate peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice from orange; reserve juice. Combine orange peel, cilantro, paprika and ground red pepper, if desired, in small bowl. Cut beef steak into 11⁄4-inch pieces. Place beef and 21⁄2 tablespoons cilantro mixture in food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Place remaining cilantro mixture and fruit in separate food safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Close bags securely. Marinate beef and fruit in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours. Soak eight 9-inch bamboo skewers in water 10 minutes; drain. Thread beef evenly onto four skewers leaving small space between pieces. Thread fruit onto remaining four separate skewers. Place kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill beef kabobs, covered, 5 to 7 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill 7 to 9 minutes) for medium rare (145 degrees) to medium (160 degrees) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill fruit kabobs 5 to 7 minutes or until softened and beginning to brown, turning once. Drizzle reserved orange juice over fruit kabobs. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
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WHAT’S COOKING
Classic Beef Cheeseburgers 1 pound ground beef 11â „2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend 4 hamburger buns, split 4 slices cheese (Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.) 4 lettuce leaves 4 tomato slices Toppings such as ketchup, mustard, onion slices, pickles Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. About 2 minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut sides down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice. Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. Line bottom of each bun with lettuce leaf; top with tomato slice, burger and toppings, as desired. Close sandwiches.
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WHAT’S COOKING GRILLED T-BONE WITH BARBECUE RUB 2 T-bone or Porterhouse steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 2 pounds) Barbecue Rub: 2 tbsp. chile powder 2 tbsp. packed brown sugar 1 tbsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. minced garlic 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper Combine rub ingredients; press evenly onto beef T-bone steaks. Place steaks on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 11 to 16 minutes; over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 15 to 19 minutes for medium rare (145 degrees) to medium (160 degrees) doneness, turning occasionally. Season with salt.
GRILLED PEPPERY TOP ROUND STEAK WITH PARMESAN ASPARAGUS 1 beef top round steak, cut 3/4-inch thick 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed 1 tsp. olive oil 3 tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese Salt Hot cooked orzo (optional) Marinade: 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. fresh thyme 2 large cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp. steak seasoning blend 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper Combine marinade ingredients in medium bowl. Place steak and marinade in food-safe plastic bag; turn to coat. Marinate in refrigerator as long as overnight, turning occasionally. Remove steak from marinade. Toss asparagus with oil. Place steak in center of grid over medium, ash-covered coals; arrange asparagus around steak. Grill steak, covered, 10 to 11 minutes (over medium heat , turning occasionally. Grill asparagus 6 to 10 minutes or until crisptender, turning occasionally. Sprinkle cheese over asparagus. Carve steak into thin slices. Season with salt. Serve with asparagus and orzo. 30
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Ease Kids Back into Classroom with Confidence
here's nothing like a major milestone in a child's life to test a parent's confidence. Big changes like a new school or classroom can be trying for kids and adults alike, but tackling the transition a little at a time can make it easier on everyone. Most parents agree that being confident is important, but only about 1 in 3 parents feels confident on a typical day, according to Parent Confidence Report. However, experts say your own feelings can impact youngsters. Whether your child is making a big change like stepping up from preK into kindergarten or entering a new grade in the same building,
T
Set up classroom visits before school starts. Sometimes fear comes from the unknown. By visiting ahead of time and seeing firsthand, your child can become familiar with the layout of the classroom, meet the teachers and know what to expect, which can help alleviate some of the anxiety and jitters.
Talk with your child's teacher about the transition. Your child's teacher should be your partner, so be open and honest from the start. Talk about how your child handles change, what causes stress or what behaviors the teacher might expect. Don't be afraid to call and ask for updates on your child to see how things are going. Set up regular check-ins over the next few weeks to talk about any additional support your child may need.
there's likely to be some trepidation. However, each child is different, which means reactions to change can vary. Some kids show up ready and raring to go, eager to explore and meet new friends, while others can be a little clingy, tearful or even refuse to look at the teacher or take a step through the door. If you think your child might have trouble making the transition, consider these strategies from the experts at KinderCare to help ease both of you into a more comfortable place and build confidence for a successful school year.
Avoid sneaking away from your child at dropoff. Talk about what will happen ahead of time and create a consistent and predictable drop-off ritual, such as two highfives, a hug and a wave from the window, to ensure your child feels secure and safe. Continue this routine every day to help your child get used to the classroom environment and make sure the process is a quick, happy one. While you're typically welcome in most classrooms, lingering too long can make it harder on your child once you do leave.
Be enthusiastic. Just like laughter, excitement is contagious. Rather than focus on nerves or uncertainty, share your own memories from school including how you felt at the beginning of a new school year and the excitement of learning and meeting new friends, which can help your child get hyped up, too.
Set up a work station at home. Creating a designated space at home for your little learner to do homework, read, write, draw and complete art projects can help set him or her up to develop good study habits. Stock this station with colored paper, crayons and markers, pencils, glue sticks, scissors, books, stickers and other necessary tools, and leave room for stowing a backpack. Encourage your child to spend time working on educational endeavors in the space each night.
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Do the prep work before school bells begin to ring
s kids head back to school, it's important to provide them with the necessary resources to succeed. As a parent, you can take steps to put your kids on the path toward a successful school year. To help your children put the best foot forward, consider these suggestions from The Salvation Army, which operates hundreds of low-cost after-school programs for kids of all ages in low-income neighborhoods across the country and understands the importance of setting children up for success all year.
A
Get back into a routine. During the summer months, family routines tend to slide, especially morning rituals and bedtime habits. A few weeks before school starts, begin transitions your way back to a normal school schedule. A gentle progression toward earlier bed and wakeup times is easier on kids physically and mentally. Try adjusting by 15 minutes each day until you reach the optimal schedule for your family. Remember that routines aren't just about the clock, though. If there are certain steps that are part of the school year routine, such as packing lunches and laying out clothes for the next day before bed, make those part of your transition plan, too.
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Research resources for homework help. Discovering your child is struggling in school can be overwhelming. You'll want to be able to pull in help as quickly as possible, so it's a good idea to research resources in your area that can help provide support outside the classroom. Your school likely has some options available, but it's a good idea to also look into tutoring programs and other community services that encourage literacy and study skills as well as provide one-on-one assistance with homework and school assignments.
Get organized. The first few weeks of school typically bring plenty of change and adjustment. You can help manage the stress by creating some structure. Use a wall calendar to keep track of school start and dismissal times, bus pick-up and drop-off times, afterschool activities and other appointments. Review lunch menus and plan ahead so you're not finding out at bedtime that you need to pack a home lunch in the morning. Stock up on breakfast foods and make time to catch up on laundry before school begins so hunger and wayward socks don't derail your mornings. Explore extra-curricular programs. With the new school year comes numerous ways to enrich your kids' social and cognitive development. Extra-curricular activities let kids continue practicing skills even after the school bell rings, but in a fun environment so they may not even realize they're still learning and cultivating healthy, safe relationships with friends. In addition to sports and clubs, a wide array of music and art education activities may be available that focus on everything from choir, band and dancing to drawing, writing and acting. Set goals. Begin the school year by encouraging your children to take ownership and pride in their learning. Talk about goals like reading a certain number of books each month or earning grades that reflect their highest potential. Get kids motivated by designing goal boards or charts that can serve as daily reminders and track their progress. For larger goals, consider setting milestones so they can celebrate progress along the way and stay motivated for a big finish.
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APPLE BELL
BOOK BUS
CLASSROOM ENGLISH LUNCH MATH
PENCIL RULER SWING
TEACHER
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P S W I N G U Q F C
E N G L I S H U L A
N I K O O B R A A R
C S R J W U S D M R
I B K U P S U I W E
L E W Y R U L E R H
I L J O P K R C E C
F L O K B E L P P A
U M A T H K J M E E
L U N C H B O X T T
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KIDS calendar of events
Aug. 1, 2 Story Time featuring Young Actors Guild’s Curious George, The Golden Meatball Join the library for stories, arts & crafts and more as these talented actors sing a few songs from their show “Curious George, The Golden Meatball.” Free. 10 a.m. Aug. 1 – Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229; 10 a.m. Aug. 2 – Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945
Aug. 1-23 Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Sports Registration Soccer, cheer and football (tackle and flag) program sign-ups are under way at all four club locations through Aug. 23. The activity fee for each program is $25. All participants must have a 2019 FSBGC membership card ($20). Age groups for football and cheer include: Rinky Dink (grades 1-2); Pee Wee (grades 3-4); Midget (grades 5-6). Soccer leagues include: Minor (grades 1-3); Major (grades 4-6); and Junior (grades 7-9). All Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club locations: Jeffrey Boys & Girls Club, 4905 North O Street, 479-782-8126; Evans Boys & Girls Club, 6015 Boys Club Lane, 479-646-9519; Stephens Boys & Girls Club, 3101 North 6th Street, 479-782-6392; Goldtrap Boys & Girls Club, 8800 South Dallas, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-5579 Aug. 1-29 STEAM Activities Weekly STEM/STEAM activities for grades K-4. Free. 4 p.m. Thursdays. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Aug. 1-29 Mulberry’s Story Time Children, pre-school ages will enjoy this traditional story time with books, songs, crafts, etc. Free. 10 a.m. Thursdays. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
YAG brings Curious George to town Look out! Curious George is buzzing and bouncing with excitement. The Man with the Yellow Hat can hardly keep up. And why is this mischievous monkey so wound up? Because it’s Meatball Day! That’s the day George helps his great pal Chef Pisghetti make his extra special all-you-can-eat meatballs for crowds of hungry friends. This high-energy musical presented by the Young Actors Guild is based on the well-known and well-loved book series by H.A. and Margret Rey. Members of the cast will be visiting the Main and Miller Branch Libraries Aug. 1-2. Production dates are Sept. 5 and 8. Seating is limited. Go online for ticket information. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. weareyag.org
AUG
1
Aug. 1 Summer Outdoor Film Series: Planet Earth – Caves Discover the beautifully filmed “Planet Earth” mini-series in this episode that descends where few have gone before: caves. Want to see some incredible cave speleothems before the film? Dr. J. Van Brahana will be kicking off the evening with a special show and tell, featuring several rocks and formations found inside caves. Free; register online or with guest services. 8:30-10:30 p.m. Crystal Bridges, North Lawn, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-657-2335 crystalbridges.org
Aug. 1 Movie Matinee: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (PG) What began as an unlikely friendship between an adolescent Viking and a fearsome Night Fury dragon has become an epic trilogy spanning their lives. Hiccup and Toothless discover their true destinies: the village chief as ruler of Berk alongside Astrid, and the dragon as leader of his own kind. As both ascend, the darkest threat they’ve yet faced, as well as the appearance of a female Night Fury, will test the bonds of their relationship. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Aug. 1-31 CSA Theater Classes, Program Registration Expanded offerings include Youth Theatre Company for students grades 7-12 and early college, which will be preparing the production of “Cinderella.” Preschool drama begins for ages 3-5. The Kids Theatre Company for K-2 will be preparing the production of “Aristocats Kids” and the Children’s Theatre Company will be performing “Frozen Jr.,” which will include a company of 35, plus a chorus of 20 children. There are many other theater programs, as well. Instructors include director of theater Shannon Stoddard, assistant director Ryan Gonzales, Jennifer Woodside Anderson and George and Sheila Mann. Call, go online to register. Tuition varies. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org
Aug. 1-31 Community School of the Arts Registration for Chamber Strings This ensemble is for teens who are proficient string players. Led by violinist Lori Fay, with assistance from faculty members Barbara Godette, Anthony Verge and Cory Winters, the ensemble of 20-25 players performs advanced classical works for strings. Auditions Aug. 26. Call or go online to register. $240. 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org August 2019 Entertainment Fort Smith 35
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KIDS CALENDAR
Aug. 1-31 Community School of the Arts Fall Registration Classes and lessons in music, theater, dance, ukulele, a new Suzuki string program and visual art are available to students from preschool through adult. All classes are taught by professional practicing artists who love to work with children and teens. Private lessons in music, theater, dance and visual art also are offered. Contact Dr. Rosilee Russell at 434-2880. Register online at csafortsmith.org; email info@csafortsmith.org, call 479-434-2020 or stop by. Tuition varies. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org
Aug. 1-31 Mother's Day Out Arts Preschool Program This new arts-based preschool program for ages 3-5 will be fashioned like a mother’s day out and led by CSA instructors in music, theater, dance and visual art. Children will rotate through each arts disciplines. Included activities are singing, playing instruments, ballet and movement, theater activities and drawing and painting. Led by instructors Kathleen Lavengood, Shannon Stoddard, Jennifer Woodside Anderson, Sherry Jones, Hachya Franklin and Sheila Mann. Call or go online to register. $240 per month. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Community School of the Arts, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org Aug. 1-Sept. 1 Creekmore Park Train The train is a favorite of park-goers. Three miniature trains are housed at Creekmore Park. The No. 200
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Electric Steam Engine was manufactured by Western Train Co. of Temecula, Calif. There also is a standard diesel train; the Creekmore Express steam engine is waiting for funds to be raised for its restoration. Free; donations accepted. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Creekmore Park, Rogers Avenue and South 31st Street, Fort Smith, Ark.
Aug. 1-Sept. 2 Parrot Island Waterpark The new aquatic attraction FlowRider Double Surfing, the Caribbean Splash wave pool, Tiny Turtle Island, Toucan’s Cove activity pool, the Lazy River and the exciting body slides – Pineapple Plunge, Pelican Plunge, Tangerine Twist and Blue Macaw. The family-friendly park has a full-season schedule of special events such as evening and early swims and value days. Bookings are taken for birthday parties, group events and cabana rentals. There is a gift shop and snack concession onsite, with dressing rooms and lockers. $15 over 48 inches tall; $10 under. Ages 3 and younger are free. Adult non-swimmer is $5. Seniors $10. Military discount of 15 percent. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 1-11; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends Aug. 17-Sept. 2. All guests can enjoy twilight swim time at special prices every day during the season from 4 p.m. to close. Over 48 inches, $10, under $5. Ben Geren Regional Park, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith. 479-788-6550 parrotislandwaterpark.com
Aug. 2 End-of-Summer Reading Party The library will celebrate a job well done for all readers this summer. Free. 6-8 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Aug. 2, 16, 23, 30 Coding Club Do a mixture of unplugged and tech-driven activities to build skills, vocabulary, and confidence with coding. Ages 7-12. Space is limited; call the library to register. Free. 4:15 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Aug. 3 City Play Day A variety of activities for the entire family will include Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course, Connect 4 Basketball, inflatable water slide, Velcro Wall, Life Flight helicopter, Fort Smith Fire and Police Departments, Sebastian County Sheriff's Department, finger printing, area organizations and more. Hot dogs and drinks also will be provided. Sponsored by the Fort Smith Department of Parks and Recreation. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 3. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1815 North Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2368
Aug. 3-31 Weekly Story Time Toddlers, children and tweens can read books, sing songs and do a craft or an activity together. The story time is designed to be fun for kids while building literacy skills and confidence. Free. 1 p.m. Saturday. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Aug. 3 Watermelon Family Fun Day Celebrate national watermelon day at Crabtree Farms with lots of fun, free watermelon, kid-friendly activities, free hot dogs, yummy watermelon slices and other
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KIDS CALENDAR fun things. There will be face painting, watermelon bowling, watermelon bingo, watermelon seed-spitting contest, learn how to grow your own watermelon and other fun activities. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Crabtree Farms, 3101 Westville Road, Van Buren, Ark. 479-806-0941
Aug. 4 Mom’s Study: Single & Parenting East Side Women's Ministry hosts and outreach evening for single moms that includes dinner, kids activities and a special workshop for moms. It is also a Back To School Edition of Mom’s Study. Free haircuts for the kids and free school supplies are available. RSVP online. For questions, email Emily Watson, Women's Director, emily@myeastside.tv. Free. 5:307:30 p.m. The Annex at East Side Baptist Church, 2710 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1481 myeastside.tv/momsstudy
Aug. 5 STEAM Team STEAM Team is a monthly program for children ages 8-12 who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Every first Monday, the STEAM Team will have a chance to build fun stuff, be active, make art, and even make a mess. Ages 8-12. Free. 3:30-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Aug. 5 Back-to-School Bash Have fun getting ready for a whole new school year with bingo for school supplies, snow cones and popcorn. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 5 Summer Movies Enjoy a family friendly movie. Call for details. Free. 1:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Aug. 5-26 Color Me Happy Adults and seniors, enjoy a relaxing and fun time doing something we all love – coloring. The library will be furnishing all supplies, so just show up, relax, and color. Don’t plan on getting the page done in one sitting because they are complex. Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 6 Teen Group If you are in the fifth grade or up, this group may be just for you. Call the library for more information. Free. 4 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Aug. 6 Paper Plate Frisbee Golf At this Teen Tuesday activity, participants are invited to make paper plate Frisbees. Design and create your own, then test your skills in a game of Frisbee Golf! Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 6 CSA Creative Story Time: Aesop’s Fables Children and their families are invited to explore literature through creative drama in this interactive story time, where students from the Community School of
the Arts will be reading and acting out Aesop's Fables. CSA teacher Shannon Stoddard will be leading this imaginative program. Children will be able to create a fun craft after story time. Free. 2:00 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479646-3945
Aug. 6-27 Baby & Me Babies, birth to age 3, and caregivers can enjoy songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story and play time. This is an opportunity for social interaction with both babies and their adults. This program supports early literacy and language skills. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Aug. 6, 20, Sept. 3 Toddler Tuesdays Hands-on activities just for toddlers ages 18 months to 4 years old. Take your kiddo to learn about colors and painting with non-traditional objects while socializing with other littles from the community. Sensory art has never been this much fun! Adult must attend with child. Free. 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 6, 20, Sept. 3. Free. Fort Smith Regional Arts Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 479-784-2787 fsram.org
Aug. 6, 20 and Sept. 3 Cool Days of Summer Join in on the learning of artists, useful vocabulary, art techniques and different movements! This class for ages 5-18 starts out with a short lecture with examples and a demonstration of the class topic. Students are then given time to work on their own creations with helpful guidance and commentary throughout the lesson from an experienced art teacher. Free. 1-2 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Arts Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org
Aug. 7 Skyspace Nights: Star Party Spend a summer evening outdoors gazing at the stars and enjoying the night sky. Each Star Party will begin at sunset watching the light show inside, followed by a chance to look through telescopes, chat with astronomers from Sugar Creek Astronomical Society, and engage with activities inspired by the night sky. Free. 8:30-10:30 p.m. James Turrell’s Skyspace: The Way of Color, Skyspace, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-657-2335
Aug. 7-28 Dungeons and Dragons Dungeons and Dragons has captured the imaginations of creative individuals for almost 40 years. Although it is simple to play, it is a game that uses many skills involving math, storytelling, teamwork, reasoning and creative writing. It also encourages children and teens to interact socially and explore ideas about different cultures and sociology. This group is varied in age, and the Dungeon Master is careful to conduct the game in a way that is fun and engaging for all players involved. If you’ve got Dungeons & Dragons stuff, feel free to bring it or the library will lend you anything you need to get started if you’re a first time player. Free. 3:45-5:15 p.m.
Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Aug. 8 Picnic Story Time The library is packing picnic baskets for this special toddler story time. Skip through books like “Picnic,” “Once Upon a Picnic” and “Max and Marla Are Having a Picnic.” Play picnic time games like ring toss and three-legged races, and then do a picnic blanket craft. Invite your friends. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 8 S’mores National S’mores Day is Aug. 10 and the library is celebrating a few days early with an afternoon of s’mores making. Don’t miss out on all the graham crackery, marshmallowy and chocolaty goodness. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 8 Catch n' Release Sponsored by the Fort Smith Parks & Recreation, bait will be provided to all participants. Take your own pole or one will be provided. Staff will assist with baiting of hooks and releasing of fish. A small snack and drink also will be provided. Open to children of all ages. Free. 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 8. Carol Ann Cross Park, 1601 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2368 Aug. 9 Crafternoon Connect with your crafty side at the Miller Branch Library. Children of all ages and their families can pop in anytime between 1 and 6 p.m. to make a craft (or three) to take home. The library provides the supplies, you provide the creativity Free. 1-6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org
Aug. 9 Back-to-School Nail Makeover Paint, pamper and polish your nails. Materials are provided or you may take your own. Enjoy chatting about your favorite books while getting creative with nail colors and designs. This event is held in memory of Leslie Creekmore. Free. 1-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org
Aug. 9 Bingo for Books Everyone welcome! Like books? Like playing bingo? Then Bingo for Books will have you covered in both areas. Everyone will win at least one book. Fun, laughter, and books for everyone. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Aug. 9 Summer Family Fun: Mil’s Trills Give summer one last hurrah with this award-winning, Brooklyn-based children’s music artist, as she brings the community some joy through rhythm and music. Free, no registration required. 7 p.m. Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, Walker Landing, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-657-2335 August 2019 Entertainment Fort Smith 37
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KIDS CALENDAR
Aug. 9 Touch-a-Truck Story Time Children and their caregivers are invited Touch-aTruck Story Time, featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft about police officers. After the story time, head outside to look at a real police car. Free. 10 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945
Aug. 10 Lights, Camera, Action! A Creative Story Time Children and their families are invited to explore literature through creative drama. Get ready to have some fun with Shannon Stoddard, a teacher at the Community School of the Arts. This month’s program features the books “Dance is for Everyone” and “How Can You Dance?” Shannon holds her bachelor’s in theater from Centenary College of Shreveport and her master’s in Theatre Education from New York University. Don’t miss this action-packed story time followed by a fun craft. Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Aug. 10-31 RAM Saturdays A fun, hands-on exploration of a new medium or type of art. Participants of all ages will experiment with techniques and materials in the RAM studio and have the opportunity to make their own original works of art. Wear art-making clothing. Aug 10: Rainbow Butterfly; Aug. 17: Pet Rock; Aug. 24: Dream Catcher; Aug. 31: Fairytale Finger Puppet. Free. Noon-4 p.m. Saturdays. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787
Aug. 12 Marbled Pencils Go back to school with stylish pencils in tow. Don’t miss out on a chance to craft one of a kind marbled pencils using fingernail polish. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 13 Left-Handers Challenges Tweens and teens, Aug. 13 is International Left-Handers Day! For this activity, tweens and teens will use their non-dominant hand to complete a series of simple tasks. From using scissors to using chopsticks, this activity will be challenging and fun! Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 14 Western Arkansas Ballet Fall Registration Western Arkansas Ballet offers classes for ages 4 through adult in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, progressive ballet technique and hip-hop. Drop in to meet the faculty and staff and register for classes. Prima Pointe Dancewear Boutique will have class attire and shoes available for purchase during registration. Class schedules and tuition information are available online or by phone. 4-6:30 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org
Aug. 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 Teen Time Teens at the library can learn a life skill, play games, craft, and more during teen time. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 38 Entertainment Fort Smith August 2019
Aug. 14, 21, 28 Rhythm and Rhymes Looking for an interactive, fun and educational program to enjoy with your infant, toddler or preschool age child? Rhythm & Rhymes is a 20- to 30-minute block of story time full of books, songs, rhymes and finger plays. R&R also is a great way to introduce your child to language skills in a positive and fun environment. Free. 10:30 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Aug. 15 School Story Time It’s back to school time! Don’t miss out on a special story time all about going to school. You’ll go to school with some of your favorite characters like Charlie the Ranch Dog, Clifford, and Elmo. You’ll enjoy fun games, songs, and a school bus craft. Invite your friends along as you go back to school at the library. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 15 DIY Bookmarks Everyone welcome. Bookmarks are a book’s best friend. Don’t miss out on the chance to craft your own bookmark. Choose your paper, sayings, and design as you find your creative side. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 15 Book Club Adults and seniors join Ms. Lara at the library to discuss the book you will be choosing in July to discuss in August. Contact the library for more details. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853
Aug. 15, 22, 29 Afterschool Fun on Thursdays Have some fun right after school on Thursdays at the Van Buren Public Library. We will have our LEGO Brick Builders on the last Thursday of every month. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Aug. 19 Bookworms Book Club Tweens, don’t miss out on Bookworms Book Club. The book for the month of August will be “The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Enjoy fun discussion, crafts and snacks, and be sure to pick up your copy of the next book for September. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 20 Water Color Painting Tweens and teens, art is a great form of self-expression. Express yourselves with water color paint. Create your masterpiece at the library. Participants get to keep what they make. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 22 Paper Plate Maze Design and create paper plate mazes. All it takes is paper plates, straws and a marble. Can you guide your marble through your maze? Find out with an afternoon of fun at the library. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Li-
brary, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 22 Dog Story Time Bow Wow, Bark, Bark! Don’t miss out on a story time all about man’s best friend – dogs. You’ll read about some of our favorite dogs like Clifford, Charlie the Ranch Dog, Spot, and Kipper. You’ll play fun dogthemed games like Doggie Doggie Where’s Your Bone, sing dog songs, and craft your very own dog puppet. Invite your friends along for all the furry fun at the library. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 24 Back to School Swim Party Celebrate back to school with a swim party! Meet at Lake Fort Smith State Park and swim starting at 6:30 p.m. Patrons and their families are welcome. Sign up ahead of time, as space is limited. Free. 6:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Aug. 26 Teen Lounge: Back to School! Teens are invited to get creative by making friendship bracelets, customized buttons and locker magnets while enjoying an afterschool snack. All supplies will be provided at this program for teens ages 13+. Free. 4-5:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Aug. 26 Dog Biscuit Craft It is National Dog Day, and in honor of this unique day, you will be baking and making your own dog treats. Share them with your doggy friends to show them some love on this special day. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 27 Teen Advisory Board Plan teen programs and engage in team-building activities. For those who have pre-registered, this group consists of teens who are interested in creating new, fun teen programs. Snacks will be provided. Sign in to get your volunteer hour. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 29 Butterfly Story Time The library is going from caterpillar to butterfly. Flutter through books like “Butterfly Birthday,” “The Butterfly Alphabet” and “I Wish I Were a Butterfly.” Don’t miss out on fun songs, games and a special butterfly craft. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Aug. 29 Suncatchers Fun afternoon of painting emoji suncatchers to show how you feel about the sunshine. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
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MUSIC
& performance
Aug. 1 Alex Di Leo at Temple Live - Win Free Tickets Nashville-based singer/songwriter delivers an impassioned breed of indie-pop that melts away everyday worries and leaves the listener inspired to live more fearlessly. Obtain tickets only by winning them. Listen to KISR 93.7, Rock 94.1, The River 101.9, The Rooster 105.5, Hog Country 93.1 or La Raza 92.3. Listen for live remotes at Cherokee Casino Roland, sponsor of the show, or follow TempleLive Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for chances. 7 p.m. Temple Live, 200 North 11th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. templelive.com Aug. 2-4 Grease: The High School Version Under the direction of Jacky Reeves and producer Danielle Ross, the cast brings to the stage a fun and PG version of the classic musical Grease for all ages. 7 p.m. Aug. 2; 2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 3; 2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 4. The Children's Emergency Shelter will be the beneficiary of 25 percent of the box office. Youth in foster care or adopted children get free admission. $15 adults, $10 children. ArcBest Performing Arts Theater, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479208-3587 Facebook/wandajwilliamstheatrecompany
Cast members Shannon Stoddard and Justin Garzon.
Fort Smith Little Theatre’s presents summer musical Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – be their guest! AUG
1-4 8-10
Each summer, the Fort Smith Little Theater must try to top its own past performances in its traditional summer musical. This year is a ‘tale as old as time,’ Disney’s popular version of the beloved fairy tale.
Belle, an intelligent young woman in a provincial French town, encounters the fearsome Beast, a young prince trapped under a spell that gives him a frightening appearance and gruff demeanor. Only love can lift the curse upon him. The musical includes familiar popular songs such as the exuberant “Be Our Guest,” sung by the similarly enchanted servants, who have become candelabra, a teapot, silverware and plates. The title song is performed by Mrs. Potts, the housekeeper. There are comedic numbers by Belle’s muscle-bound village suitor, Gaston, and character-filled songs such as Belle’s introductory number with its many “Bonjours!” from villagers. The music is by Alan Mencken and book by Linda Woolverton. Carole Rogers directs along with music director George Mann. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1-3 and 810 and 2 p.m. Aug. 4. Tickets, $20, are available online at fslt.org. Jessica Smith and Barry Law. Photos courtesy Meghan Partain. 40
Entertainment Fort Smith
August 2019
Aug. 22 Comedy: Mo Alexander Seen on Kevin Hart's Hart of the City, Memphis stand-up star Mo Alexander headlines a slate of local comics including Shawna Blake, Elaine Jackson, Xavier Claiborne, Jersey Thornell, Andy Davis, Jeremy Beck, TJ Green, Topher Kogen and others. 6:30 p.m. 5th Street Cafe, 500 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Mo Aug. 22 Blacktop Mojo at Temple Live - Win Tickets A hard-driving Southern rock unit based out of Palestine, Texas, Blacktop Mojo’s fiery blend of postgrunge, classic rock and metal falls somewhere between Soundgarden, Black Stone Cherry, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Special guest Lullwater opens. Obtain tickets only by winning them. Listen to KISR 93.7, Rock 94.1, The River 101.9, The Rooster 105.5, Hog Country 93.1 or La Raza 92.3. Listen for live remotes at Cherokee Casino Roland, sponsor of the show, or follow TempleLive Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for chances. 7 p.m. Temple Live, 200 North 11th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. templelive.com Entertainment at Gilley’s at Choctaw Casino 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Ok. All shows begin at 9 p.m. No cover. August Shows: 2 Montgomery Gentry 3 Insider 9 Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes 10 David Ball 16 Heath Wright & the Hangmen 17 Grant Gilbert 23 Heath Wright & the Hangmen 24 Shea Abshiier & the Nightowlers 30 Jug Hill Annie 31 Neal McCoy
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ENTERTAINMENT
Season tickets are now available for Fort Smith’s longest-running theatrical and musical subscription series, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Season of Entertainment. For the 39th year, vice chancellor for campus events Stacey Jones has deftly made selections of exciting, major national touring productions to present at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, student choral and musical concerts and an appealing roster to appear at the UAFS Blue Lion downtown, an intimate hall. Each year he’s excited about all the shows, for different reasons. His booking coup for the 2019-20 season is eminent songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway for Feb. 18, whose songs are featured on seven of Barbra Streisand’s recent releases. The Platinum Award-winning writer is the only composer to have collaborated with Cole Porter, he said. A born entertainer herself, Callaway’s own singing style blends jazz and traditional pop, making her a mainstay in concert halls, theaters and jazz clubs, as well as in the recording studio, on television, and in film. The first show, Sept. 26, is also a Blue Lion performance. Jones invited Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. Its leader “is a phenomenal guitar player,” Jones said. The American country blues band tours heavily. Bluesman Matt Anderson performs Oct. 23. The Blue Lion will also host the popular UAFS Faculty Showcase on Jan. 30. “Broadway’s back in a big way,” Jones said of the four touring shows to come here: Neil Berg’s “50 Years of Rock & Roll,” “The Color Purple,” “Finding Neverland” and “Buddy, the Buddy Holly Story.”
Tyler Zoller Photography
UAFS announces its 39th Season of Entertainment with four big Broadway shows and eclectic Blue Lion slate
Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band
A cast of seasoned Broadway singers perform in the Berg showcases the progenitors of rock ’n’ roll in the 1940s, through the glory years of the '50s, '60s, and '70s to the up MTV era, the early '80s. “The Color Purple” is the Tony Award-winning musical dramatization of the Alice Walker novel. “Finding Neverland the Musical” reveals how Peter became Pan and Buddy, “The Buddy Holly Story,” is familiar in rock history as the legendary Lubbock rocker was lost “the day the music died.” Season tickets, including 14 performances, are $180, available online now. Individual show tickets are on sale Aug. 1. Blue Lion season tickets are $50.
August 2019
Entertainment Fort Smith
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ENTERTAINMENT
Symphony’s new season nods to its engaged audience
The Fort Smith Symphony will again give a live performance of a movie score in April when it screens the Alfred Hitchcock suspense classic, “North by Northwest.� The 2019-20 season has a motif of the music of movies running throughout its programs, its music director John Jeter explains.
John Jeter, director of the Fort Smith Symphony, is delighted to have lots of feedback and reaction from an avid and intimate audience. He loves to hear “Hey, John!� when it is followed by a great conversation about the interests and musical dreams of an engaged, excited symphony ticketholder. “It’s informal and direct,� he said of his relationship with the symphony’s loyal audience. So, this year’s selections have a bit of fan service, he said. “Our audiences respond well to ‘film’ concerts. “One concert (Nov. 2) is The Sounds of Hollywood, featuring the music of Hans Zimmer.� Zimmer’s scores from the films “The Last Samurai,� “Inception,� “The Da Vinci Code� and “Interstellar� are on the program along with works of composers Danny Elfman, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner and Alan Silvestri. The final concert, April 27, is The Sounds of Hitchcock, which will include a screening of the complete film classic “North by Northwest� with the orchestra performing the live symphonic score by the great composer Bernard Hermann, Jeter said.
FEAST YOUR EARS. KUAF 42
Entertainment Fort Smith
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The opening concert will be traditional. The Sounds of Joy includes Beethoven’s riveting Symphony No. 7, Siegfried Idyll by Wagner and guest pianist Drew Peterson, performing Mozart’s Piano Concert No. 20. He is gaining acclaim as a brilliant young American pianist. The Christmas concert will be traditional because it is beloved, Jeter said. The Sounds of Christmas will have popular and sacred music – with the addition of colossal religious film scores featuring guest artists of all ages. The March 7 concert is The Sounds of Power, aptly named. It is a program of greatest hits featuring piano sensation Martin Lando and Prokofiev’s intense Symphony No. 5. Composer Rocky Reuter will be the symphony’s guest for a performance of his majestic work “Where Eagles Fly.� The program also features Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.� “We intended this season’s programs to keep us vibrant, with music that people can relate to,� Jeter said. “Of all the concerts this year, only one does not feature music composed in the last 100 years. We’re meeting a request to include current music.� The Symphony reaches deep into the community with Earquake, performances each spring for elementary students. For many, it is the first time to hear live or symphonic music. The general audience is frequently educated through the “Beyond the Score� presensations, which take place on stage during classics concerts at various times each season. Jeter and the orchestra present musical excerpts and commentary to patrons for greater insight, understanding and historical context of the music that is played during the concert. The Fort Smith Symphony reaches a global audience through its recordings. It is distinguished for producing the only complete cycle of symphonies by Arkansas composer William Grant Still and for the early symphonies of composer Florence Price, both on the Naxos label. The CDs are available on Amazon. Jeter is presently in his 22nd season as the Music Director and Conductor of the Fort Smith Symphony. Founded in 1923, the Fort Smith Symphony enjoys wide regional support and consistently sold out concerts. The orchestra includes more than 100 professional musicians traveling from Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Tennessee and New York, as well as Arkansas, for rehearsals and concerts. Tickets available at fortsmithsympony.org.
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CALENDAR of events
Aug. 1 Diabetes Academy A series on living with diabetes, led by Lisa Tipton, continues with helpful information and strategies for those managing their own diabetes and also for caregivers. Free. 1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Aug. 1 First Thursday Films: A Face in the Crowd (1957) An Arkansas drifter goes from local radio celebrity to become a national TV personality, using his phony charm and charisma to gain power and influence. Will his addiction to power lead to his downfall or will his audience never see through him? Directed by Elia Kazan and starring Andy Griffith and Patricia Neal, this drama from 1957 is not rated and runs 125 minutes. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
RAM holds opening reception and lecture by Arkansas artist David Mudrinich AUG
An opening party will be held for the exhibit David Mudrinich: An Element of Nature – Drawings, Paintings & Beehives, at 7 p.m. Aug. 1. Light snacks and beer and wine for those 21+ will be served. Reception admission is free for members, $10 for nonmembers. The artist will give a lecture from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 2, explaining his experiences and motivation. Mudrinich lives in Pope County and is a drawing and painting professor at Arkansas Tech University. He studied at Penn State University and the University of Georgia. He has worked as a research forestry technician in an experimental forest, giving him a deeper, more varied look into the environment that would contribute to his theme. He accompanies the talk with some preliminary on-site sketches to further illustrate the process of making his art. Tickets online or by phone. $10; free for students, educators and RAM members. The exhibit continues through Nov. 24. Daily admission is free. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org
1
Artist with portrait subject Mayor George McGill. Aug. 1-15 Portraits by Jim Horne Original portraits by Jim Horne are on exhibit in the community room. Horne was drawing his first portraits of his grandpa at the age of 7. At 73, he is still creating portraits. Horne, a Fort Smith native, lived in Europe for 14 years studying art and working in advertising; then in St. Louis for 28 years working in advertising. His commissioned portraits are also seen in several public installations downtown. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org August 2019 Entertainment Fort Smith 43
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 1-26 Yoga Class Every Thursday and Monday, take a yoga class for those of all abilities. Practicing yoga can create strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body. The physical benefits include increased flexibility, breathing, cardio and circulatory health. Free. 10 a.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Aug. 1-31 Bottled Water Drive for the Next Step Day Room A bottled water drive will be held during August at all Fort Smith Public Libraries. Water is essential for everyone, especially people who may be outdoors much of the time. Staying hydrated is a daily challenge for those who live without shelter or air conditioning. Cases of 16-ounce bottles are the most useful size and can be dropped off at any library. Next Step Homeless Services opened in Fort Smith in 2002. The nonprofit agency sees 120-150 clients each day who are either presently experiencing homelessness, or on the cusp of losing a safe residence. Next Step case managers help clients seek solutions, with direction toward self-sufficiency. Free. Fort Smith Public Library (all locations), 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Aug. 2 Inspirational Book Club Adults gather to read, discuss books and recommend books from the inspirational genre. Free. 10 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Aug. 2 First Friday Fun It is First Friday Fun for grown-ups. How fast can you unroll toilet paper? This month, play Minute to Win It – quirky, fun and fast games to test contestants until the winner reigns supreme. Enjoy the lighter side of the library. Free. 10:30 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Aug. 2, 16, 30 Redwork Redwork is a form of embroidery that uses floss to trace simple line drawings. Easy to learn, it has been popular from Victorian times to today for decorating household linens. To learn, take an embroidery needle, an embroidery hoop, red floss, envelopes and a shoe box. Free. 12:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 3 Sack Lunch Program Volunteer Orientation The Sack Lunch Program’s mission is very simple: If you are hungry, we will feed you. Volunteers hand out lunches twice a day to anyone who stands in line. Last year, the program served more than 38,000 lunches to neighbors in the greater Fort Smith area. Volunteers make sandwiches, serve lunches and help with restocking and recycling. There are several roles for willing volunteers to choose and many ways to contribute. A volunteer orientation workshop provides an overview of the program, a tour of the facility and describes the opportunities available for community service. Pre-registration by phone for the orientation is required by 4 p.m. Aug. 1. 10 a.m. Sack Lunch Program, 317 North F Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7829912 (St. John’s Episcopal Church) 44
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 4 Figures Exhibition Opening Reception at CAE From the highly rendered sculptures of Michelangelo to the abstracted works of William de Kooning, the human form has long been a subject of art. Celebrate a month highlighting artists who portray the human figure and figurative works. In the Main Gallery, Shareen Pruitt, a self-taught artist who has recently “rejoined the art world” to pursue her passion after a 20-year reprieve, displays her work. Pruitt prefers a more 3-dimensional look to her canvas; her medium of choice is an array of recycled materials and acrylic paint. She creates figurative works that portray a collaged appearance with color, texture and dimension. In the Studio Gallery, artist Theresa Cates displays gestural works inspired by dance, performance and music, as well as her African American culture. Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres provided at this opening reception. Refreshing beverages provided by Belle Point Beverages Inc. Music performed by Mozart Studio. Free. 1-4 p.m. Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org
Aug. 4 ‘80s Music Trivia Compete in the library’s ‘80s music trivia competition for fun and prizes. Extra points will be given for those who come dressed in ‘80s fashion. Play with a team or solo at this program for teens and adults. Free. 23 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Aug. 4 Mom’s Study: Single & Parenting East Side Women’s Ministry hosts an outreach evening for single moms that will include a free family dinner, supervised activities for kids and a special workshop for moms. It is also a Back To School Edition of Mom’s Study. Free haircuts will be available for the kids and free school supplies will be offered to all students entering school. All families are welcome. Please register online. For questions, email Emily Watson, Women’s Director, emily@myeastside.tv. Free. 5:30- 7:30 p.m. East Side Baptist Church, The Annex, 2710 Massard Road , Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1481 myeastside.tv/momsstudy
Aug. 6 Rivervalley Artisan Market Downtown’s open-air artisan market is held on one Tuesday and Saturday each month and is dedicated to local artists and crafters. Browse the original wares of local artists, enjoy food and family-friendly music and activities. 5-9 p.m. Ross Pendergraft Park, 200 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-849-4151 Facebook/RivervalleyArtisanMarket Aug. 6 Craft Class for Adults Registration is required and seating limited for a monthly craft class for grownups. All supplies are provided. Free. 1 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Aug. 3 10th Annual Petropolitan Friends of Kitties and Kanines invite everyone to the 10th Annual Petropolitan Fundraiser for Kitties and Kanines Veterinary Clinic. It will be a fun evening of cocktails, martini bar, live entertainment by After 5 Jazz, and a dinner prepared by Chef Ben Ortiz. Exciting silent and live auction items are offered, with the return of the crowd favorite “Best of Live.” Semi-formal attire. Phone 479-648-8000 for tables and sponsorship. All proceeds benefit Kitties and Kanines Veterinary Clinic. 6:30-11 p.m. Hardscrabble Country Club, 5211 Cliff Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-7211 Aug. 3-31 Yoga in the Garden A Saturday yoga series led by Fayetteville Athletic Club certified yoga instructors takes place outdoors at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Guests, 12 years old and up should take their own mat, towel and water. Held on the Cottage Lawn or in the Boxwood Circle. Classes cancelled in case of rain. Free. 9:30 a.m. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org
Aug. 5-19 Ballroom Dance Lessons Learn to dance and enjoy regular dances with a congenial group of all ages. Dancing can be both exercise and a lot of fun. Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach group dance lessons on Mondays. This month, both classes will be beginner level and $5 pays for one class or both. Dress attire is casual. Call, text, or join a group Facebook page to find out which dances will be taught. $5 per person. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072 Facebook/step in time dance class
Aug. 6 Duck Decoy Painting For thousands of years, man has created waterfowl decoys to entice birds into range for harvest. That tradition is carried on today with a modern approach. Paint your very own decoy to can keep for hunting use or decor. Registration is required. Free. 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.org Aug. 6 Recipe Club Every month, the members of this open group choose a theme for a dish to cook and serve, while sharing the recipe. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Lady Bug acrylic on canvas, by Shareen Pruitt. Aug. 5 Friends of the Mountainburg Public Library All patrons of the Mountainburg Library are invited to join its Friends of the Library group, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to serving the Public Library and all its patrons. Members of the group may volunteer in the library, publicize events, raise funds and donate other individual talents to help the library be the best it can be. This local, community-minded group is riotously fun and always has a good time together. Check out the library and learn about what they do. Free to attend. 3:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Aug. 5 Mountainburg Book Club This book club for adult library patrons meets monthly to discuss a book members have all read in the past month. Copies of the next month’s title will be handed out each time. Light snacks are served. 5 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Aug. 6 Cutting the Cord! Cable-Free Options for TV Entertainment Librarians will give an informative program describing options for those who are considering “cutting the cord” of paid cable subscriptions. Hear how to transition from traditional TV to streaming video services. Review different streaming options, learn about device requirements and discuss the pros or cons. Free. 6-7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 7 Free Tax Return Preparation WestArk RSVP is continuing to provide free tax preparation assistance. Volunteer tax preparers are available to file federal tax returns and amended returns for 2016, 2017 and 2018. Eligible people are elderly, disabled, unemployed, active duty military and families with incomes under $54,000. The last day free tax help day is Sept. 18. See the website for documents to take. Free. 9-11 a.m. RSVP Center, corner of Grand Avenue and North 13th Street, 401 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-4155 WestArkRSVP.org August 2019 Entertainment Fort Smith 45
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 7 Discover Drawing Adults are invited to a drawing class led by Anna Lewis. She has been teaching drawing and art for more than 30 years as a public school teacher and as a private art teacher. She will be covering a different drawing technique every first Wednesday of the month using various materials, including graphite, charcoal and chalk. No registration necessary. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Aug. 7 Open Studio: Artist Talk with Sam King CAE presents artist Sam King, assistant professor at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. King will talk about his exhibition, Groundhog Days, and about his processes and intent within each of his works. Get a glimpse into the mind of a well-established artist during his lecture and slideshow presentation. Light refreshments provided. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org
Baptist Health presents free childbirth classes in the Lamaze method to prepare parents AUG
Monthly three-week or one-day childbirth classes will be offered by Baptist Health to give parents the education, confidence and support to enjoy their baby’s arrival. Classes will be taught by childbirth educators with a Lamaze-focused curriculum, an international childbirth education program that helps women learn to respond to pain during childbirth in a way that both increases comfort and facilitates labor.
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Participants will learn about expected emotional and physical changes during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Instructors discuss the natural birth process, birthing techniques and potential medical interventions such as Caesarean section. Other topics include skin-to-skin contact, mother-newborn bonding and family bonding. All classes are held in the Baptist Health classroom on the first floor of Baptist Health-Fort Smith. Three-evening or one-day sessions are available. Two-hour evening sessions are held one night a week for three weeks. Three-day classes from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 6,13 and 20 and 6-8 p.m. Sept. 3,10 and 17. One-day Saturday sessions will be offered from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 10 and Sept. 7. October’s dates are Oct. 1, 8 and 19 for three-day classes and from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 12 for a one-day class. November’s schedule is Nov. 5, 12 and 19; one-day class is Nov. 9. December three-day classes are Dec. 3, 10 and 17; one-day class Dec. 14. Parents should call now to pre-register for the classes online or by phone. Baptist Health, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 888-BAPTIST baptist-health.com 46
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Aug. 7 Mulberry Library Book Club The adult club will discuss the book “The Forgetting Time” by Sharon Guskin. Free. 10 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479997-1226 Aug. 8 Show and Tell Coffee & Conversation Adults are invited to take something from their early years to show and tell about, sparking memory and conversation. The library will provide coffee. Free. 10 a.m. Sebastian County Library, 18 North Adair, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2856 Aug. 8 Authors in the Afternoon with Robert Parson Long-time Fort Smith resident and award-winning broadcast journalist Robert Parson will promote and sign copies of his new book, “Greater Than a Tourist: Fort Smith.” As what may be the first local tourism guide, the book highlights the National Historic Site, museums and other notable places in the region. Copies are available for purchase and signing at this drop-in event. Free. 4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Aug. 8 Adult Craft Party Make a fun, customized and functional way to organize jewelry for yourself or as a very personal gift. Not only will it store jewelry, it also makes a lovely artistic display. All supplies provided. Space is limited, so please register by calling phone. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 8 Ladies Night Out East Side Women hosts a fun night filled with Bunco games, coffee and tasty treats. All women are invited to take friends along, as well. The only cost of admission is a donation of a package of size 4 or 5 diapers to equip the clients of the First Choice Pregnancy Medical Center of Fort Smith. Register online. 7-8:30 p.m. The Annex at East Side Baptist Church, 2710 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1481 myeastside.tv
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 8-10 American Legion Auxiliary Garage Sale Books, books and more books, shoes, glassware, wheelchair, walker, assorted fabric, clothes and much more will be offered. Hot dogs, chips, dessert and a drink for a donation of $5. Proceeds will go to purchase items for local nursing homes, fire department, Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Ronald McDonald House, Buddy Smith Veterans Home and other local beneficiaries. Free. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. American Legion Post 31 Building, 4901 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. Aug. 9-10 Quilting & Beyond Handi Quilter Event Hear a special event speaker share her knowledge and love of quilting. Learn fun techniques, ideas and modern day tips. Make reservations by phone. $125. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Aug. 9, 23 Needles & Chatter A circle welcomes all who hand-craft, such as crocheting, knitting, sewing, quilting, cross-stitch, embroidery, paper-crafting or anything else. Take your own project and meet others who share your interest. Free. 12:30-2 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Aug. 10 ArkAngel 5K Ainsley’s Angels of NW Arkansas and the River Valley will be hosting its 2nd Annual ArkAngel 5K. The race series benefits children and adult athletes with disabilities. $30. 8 a.m. Startling line 215 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. Facebook/AAinArkansas Aug. 10 All-Ages Hunter Education Course This one-day course teaches the fundamentals of safe, responsible hunting and is open to all ages. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in Arkansas. Online registration required at register-ed.com. Pick Arkansas, then view upcoming events. Free. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.org Claire Helen Ashley’s Close Encounters: Adam’s Madam Aug. 10 One-Day Free Childbirth Class at Baptist Health Childbirth classes will be offered by Baptist Health to give parents education, confidence and support. Classes will be taught by childbirth educators with a Lamaze-focused curriculum. Classes are held in the Baptist Health Classroom on the first floor of Baptist Health-Fort Smith. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.Pre-register online or by phone. Baptist Health, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 888-BAPTIST baptist-health.com
Exhibit is a field of color AUG
Take a whimsical romp through the North Forest this summer and select locations in the museum to experience Color Field, a new, outdoor exhibition featuring large, colorful sculptures against the lush backdrop of Crystal Bridges’ Ozark forest. The artworks in Color Field invite viewers to engage all the senses, from Spencer Finch’s Back to Kansas, a billboard-sized grid gleaned from the artist’s own repeated viewing of “The Wizard of Oz,” to Sam Falls’s interactive sculptures that welcome viewers to explore color through sight and sound. Along the way, learn about color theory, discover some of today’s exciting contemporary artists, and immerse yourself completely in this enchanting exhibition to experience the impact color has on our lives. 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-418-5700 crystalbridges.org
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Sam Falls’ “Untitled” consists of large, colorful chimes that visitors can move to activate sound.
Aug. 10 Bookish Block Party Bookish is turning 1! Celebrate this local bookstore at a special story time with magician Chuck Larson at 11 a.m. Bookish Brew by Fort Smith Brewing Co. will be served. Other Brunwick Place merchants offer specials and discounts. Eric Matthews & Friends will play live music from 4-6 p.m. There will be cake. Free. 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Bookish: An Indie Shop For Folks Who Read, 115 North 10th Street, Suite H-119-C, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2917 bookishfs.com
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We’ve got the right mortgage for right where you are in life. If you’re ready to finance a home, but you’re not sure which mortgage is best for you, BancorpSouth has a number of mortgage loan programs suited to fit the needs of every homebuyer. So whether you are buying your first home, building your dream house or looking to refinance the one you own, let our lenders at BancorpSouth Mortgage help find a plan that’s just right for you.
Ciela Edwards 5800 Hwy 71 S | Fort Smith (479) 649-1011 | NMLS #484988 Ciela.Edwards@bxs.com
Stacy Johnson
Grissa Schmitz
Sandra Barron
7000 Rogers Ave | Fort Smith 1222 Rogers Ave | Fort Smith 1222 Rogers Ave | Fort Smith (479) 478-4426 | NMLS #484982 (479) 785-8332 | NMLS #1617157 (479) 785-8324 | NMLS #458059 Sandra.Barron@bxs.com Stacy.Johnson@bxs.com Grissa.Schmitz@bxs.com
Mortgages are subject to approval. Interest rates are subject to change without notice & dependent on credit score. This is not a commitment to lend or rate guarantee. OB12044 | NMLS #410279 August 2019
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Ales for Trails Craft Beer Festival The fourth annual Ales for Trails festival is a celebration of craft beer, live music, and an active outdoor lifestyle. After dark, the musical acts will have a blacklight/neon theme with bands Time Machine and DJ Lite Bright. Two huge tents stretching more than 100 feet long each will house craft beer sampling areas in German beer hall style, equipped with fans, seating, flooring and tables. More than 400 different beers will be offered for tasting. Arkansas craft beers will be highlighted with more than 40 varieties at their own tent, sponsored by First National Bank and The Bakery District. Music, games, art and food are part of the day, including a daylight Baggo tournament ($20 entry) and a 4 p.m. Poker Bike Ride along the riverfront. ($15 entry). At 6 p.m., the event’s traditional 5K Beer Run starts on the Greg Smith River Trail ($15 entry). Racers will have three optional beers at the beginning, middle and end of the race. Participants receive a medal and may win a custom, first-place trophy for men and women. This year, it’s also a color run, so racers should dress in order to be a blank canvas that spectators will splash colored powder upon. $15 general festival admission (non-drinking); $35 brew pass includes entry and sampling mug; $75 VIP brew Pass grants early entry, sampling mug and a VIP tasting tent with food. 5:30-10 p.m. Harry E. Kelly Park, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 5:30-10 p.m. ales4trails.com
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Aug. 10 Downtown Van Buren Sip and Shop Every second Saturday, many participating Van Buren merchants and eateries stay open for special evening hours. Enjoy fine dining in several new and established restaurants, shopping and free, live entertainment. This can be a family-friendly evening with attractions and fun for all ages, or a date night or evening out with friends. Diners or shoppers are required to show I.D. if alcohol is offered or sold. Some people simply enjoy strolling the lighted, lively street for a social, pleasant evening walk. 5-8 p.m. Historic Main Street, Van Buren, Ark.
Aug. 10 75th Birthday Celebration for Lincoln High School Class of ‘62 The Lincoln High School Class of 1962 is having a party to celebrate their 75th birthdays. Most class members will turn 75 this year, the 57th anniversary of their graduation. This former Fort Smith public high school was attended by black students only before full integration of the school district. Lincoln was the hub of a close-knit community whose Alumni Association of all students remains very active and giving in Fort Smith. All friends and relatives are invited to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event for the “birthday kids.” There will be food, old-school music and dancing, birthday cake and merriment. Silent auction items will be available to bid on and a 50/50 Drawing will be held at the end of the evening. Donations to Lincoln Alumni Association Inc. are appreciated. Proceeds benefit Alumni Annual Activities, the association’s ongoing scholarship fund and its ongoing with Howard Elementary School Partnership (Partners in Education Program of Fort Smith Public Schools). $5 admission (minimum donation). 5-9 p.m. Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-420-1162
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RAM screens a classic, Chaplin’s “The Kid” AUG
RAM hosts the first in a series of free cinema nights, featuring the classic silent film, Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid.” This 1921 film, a comedic drama, is so compelling that audiences have never needed sound or dialogue to enjoy it. It is not necessary to know English to love “The Kid,” as proved by audiences around the world. Chaplin plays his enduring character “The Little Tramp” who rescues and loves an abandoned baby, played as a child by Jackie Coogan. Though he has almost nothing by way of wealth or a home, the tramp is a tender and resourceful adoptive father to the urchin boy. It is the first feature film directed by Chaplin and is considered one of the greatest of all silent films. RAM will provide seating but patrons are welcome to take their own favorite beanie chair, floor pillow or lawn chair. (The film will be shown indoors.) Popcorn from Fort Smith Popcorn Company will be available to purchase. All ages are welcome. RAM’s goal for Cinema Night is to highlight the evolution of films, from the earliest silent movies to the modern day. Art comes in many forms, and one of them is cinema! Free. 5:30 -7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org
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Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Coogan in The Kid. August 2019
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Aug. 10 5K Glow Run & 1-Mile Fun Run The Center For Art and Education is hosting a colorful, artful event for the whole family in downtown Van Buren. Its second annual Glow Run will have racers covered in color, glow sticks and sweat before they reach the finish line. Beginning at 6 p.m. historic Main Street will be filled with carnival games, food trucks, a live band and many artists demonstrating their art forms on the street. Everyone is invited to stroll, visit with artists and enjoy the carnival. The race is a benefit for the Center for Art & Education’s campaign to move to a new home on Main Street, in order to continue to offer the education, programs and exhibits for all ages and all citizens in a more spacious, immersive and involved storefront location downtown. The color race starting gun is at 8 p.m. Spectators can watch the runners actually glow in the dark as they find their way through the race course to the finish line. See who gets a trophy and enjoy an after-party. To enter the race, which has a 5K and 1-mile fun run, phone the CAE or register online. Race registration is $25. All other activity on Main Street is free. 6 p.m. Center For Art & Education, 400 Block Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org
Aug. 10 Steampunk Splendid Teapot Race The Splendid Teapot race is a race for remote-controlled vehicles in the form of a teapot. The race is carried out against the clock or in heats against other vehicles, over an obstacle course. Race categories for kids and adults. Prizes in each category include Most Entertaining Attempt at the Course, Fastest Completion, Best Decorated Vehicle and Best Steampunk Dressed Contestant. Dress in your favorite steampunk attire to help encourage racers around the track. Bribes accepted! Entry and the amusing Official Rules are available online or by phone. $10 per entry. 7 p.m. Center For Art & Education, 400 Block Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 11 Huntingtons Disease Support Group presents author Jimmy Pollard Jimmy Pollard is well known to the Huntington’s disease world. A frequent speaker the international Huntington’s Association and world congress on HD, he edited the caregiver’s handbook for advanced stage Huntington’s Disease which has been published by seven national associations and published in four languages. He wrote “Hurry Up and Wait! A Cognitive Care Companion for Huntington’s Disease in the Middle and More Advanced Years.” Hear an informative and highly interactive educational talk To reserve a seat, email sfar1ey@aol.com or text 479-462-2734. Light refreshments served. Free. 2:30-4 p.m. Mercy Hospital Hennessy Room, 7301 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Aug. 12 Foster/Volunteer Informational Meeting Interested in learning about the foster care crisis? Attend an informational meeting on how to get involved with foster care, adoption or volunteering to assist foster families and children. Free 6-8 p.m. Calvary Temple, 47 Ware Road, Greenwood, Ark. 479-353-0767 thecallinarkansas.org Aug. 12 Adult Coloring Supplies are provided for adults to color, or take your own. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Aug. 12-16 Woodstock Week and Open Mic at Dewey’s Café Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with Dewey’s Café at the Fort Smith Public Library. The café will serve Woodstock and music-themed food and drinks all month. Daily prizes will be awarded from Aug. 12-16 and customers will receive a free guitar pick with every purchase (while supplies last). Visit the café to enjoy Woodstock-era décor; the staff will be wearing themed clothing, as well. (Wearing no clothing, even as an historically accurate homage, will not be permitted. Librarians are cool but they do have boundaries.) Other special events will include a photobooth. At 7 p.m. Aug. 15, Dewey’s will host its Open Mic saluting the festival in songs and stories. Performers are invited to share one of the multitude of iconic songs performed in 1969. Choose from the music of Richie Havens, Melanie, Country Joe & the Fish, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Who, or maybe Jefferson Airplane, The Band, Johnny Winter, or Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few. Poets are encouraged to perform, as well. Aug.15. Dewey’s Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 13 The Book Lover’s Club Read a good book lately? Talk about it at The Book Lover’s Club. Read whatever you like, fiction or nonfiction, give a short report on up to three titles. The Book Lover’s Club meets the second Tuesday of every month at the main library. Free. 10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Aug. 12 Book Talk and Visit by Author Elizabeth Berg Best-selling author Elizabeth Berg will visit the Van Buren Library to talk with readers of “The Story of Arthur Truluv,” a moving novel about three people who find their way back from loss and loneliness. Berg is the author of 10 national best-selling novels, including the New York Times best-sellers “True to Form,” “Never Change” and “Open House,” which was an Oprah’s Book Club selection in 2000. Free. 78 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 54
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Aug. 13 Book Talk August’s’ book is “News of the World” by Paulette Jiles.”In the wake of the Civil War, a seventy-year-old retired army captain does live readings to paying audiences hungry for news of the world. He is offered a $50 gold piece to deliver a young orphan, raised by Kiowa raiders who killed her family; to relatives she doesn’t remember 400 miles away. This exquisitely rendered, morally complex novel explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust.” Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 15 Breastfeeding Class Classes provide preparation for pregnant mothers to encourage successful breastfeeding by discussing its benefits, explaining how to get started, teaching basic techniques and providing solutions to common problems. Classes are open to all breastfeeding mothers or women who plan to breastfeed in the future. Instructors recommend taking along a support person who will learn these same basic skills and help the new nursing mom in the hospital and at home. Registrater online or by phone. Free. 6-8 p.m. Baptist Health Classroom, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 888-227-8478 baptisthealth.com Aug. 15 Author Appearance by Judge Jim Spears Jim Spears will discuss his new book “Yearning to Breathe Free.” In 1980, Fort Chaffee was made a detention camp for Cuban citizens who left the island nation in what was known as the Mariel Boatlift, a mass emigration and expulsion of thousands. A temporary court was set up on the base. Spears served as public defender. He successfully defended a detainee charged with murder during this unique period. A book-signing follows the talk. Free. 6:30-8 p.m. Bookish, 115 North 10th Street, Suite H-119-C, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-4342917 bookishfs.com
Aug. 15 Card-Making Class Basic handmade card-making skills are learned while making two complete greeting cards. This month, the projects will be birthday cards for a girl and a boy. All skill levels are welcome. Supplies are provided. Free. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Aug. 17 Rivervalley Artisan Market Downtown’s open-air artisan market has local artists and crafters. Browse the original art and wares of local makers, enjoy food, family-friendly music and activities. 5-9 p.m. Ross Pendergraft Park, 200 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-849-4151 Facebook/RivervalleyArtisanMarket
Aug. 15 Knitting Club Beginning and advanced knitters, or those who would like to learn to knit are welcome at a new knitting club at the Van Buren Library. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479474-6045
Aug. 17 Teal Night in Tahiti One of Arkansas’ largest and most festive fundraising events helps local women affected by ovarian cancer. Each year, Teal Night in Tahiti has crowds from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and beyond for a night of great food, music, dancing, jewelry drawings, games and more. All proceeds go to provide services in this area to raise awareness and provide education about ovarian cancer while supporting newly diagnosed cancer patients, survivors and their families in the Fort Smith and River Valley community. All funds raised stay in this community. RVOCA is a 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Organization. Tickets and sponsorships purchased are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by the law. Ovarian cancer survivors are invited to attend as guests at no charge. $75 per person. 6-10 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 800 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-8932 rivervalleyoca.com
Aug. 16 Becoming a Conservationist Series Wildlife conservation is essential to anyone that enjoys the great outdoors. Youth ages 16 and under are invited to attend a program demonstrating why wildlife conservation is important and what they can do to help. The event will have hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Registration is required. Free 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.org Aug. 16 Lavaca Chamber of Commerce Movie in the Park See the original. animated feature “The Lion King” outside Lavaca City Hall in the park. Free popcorn. Take lawn chairs. Free. 8:45-10:45 p.m. Lavaca City Hall, 808 West Main Street, Lavaca , Ark. 479-4622804 Facebook /Lavaca movies in the park
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 17 Diamond Dance Dance the night away. No membership required. A variety of music will be played. Cheaper than a movie and a lot more fun! Dress code is dressy casual. Call or text Lisa with any questions at 479-208-1072. Facebook group “step in time dance class.” $5/ 8-10 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072 Aug. 17-24 Sebastian County Fair This good old-fashioned county fair has everything from a carnival to exhibits of prize-winning livestock. A pageant, talent show, horse show and activities for youth such as a pedal tractor pull, mutton bustin’ and mini-bull riding are scheduled throughout the weeklong fair. All events and admission prices by date are listed online. Sebastian County Fairgrounds, 530 East Knoxville, Greenwood, Ark. sebasticancountyfair.com
Black Light Art by the People – for the People continues at Fort Smith Museum of History AUG
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A new temporary exhibition at the Fort Smith Museum of History features vintage black light poster graphics from the mid-1960s through early 1970s. Art by the People – for the People is the private collection of Poteau High School graduate and current resident, Roberta Bell.
Allan and Roberta Bell Ehrlich published 200 posters as part of the company, the Third Eye Inc. in New York. Allan oversaw sales. Roberta oversaw development and supervised the art department. Among the artwork on display are 14 posters she designed. Also included are Marvel Comics heroes Iron Man and Spider-Man. The Third Eye bought the rights to publish posters and greeting cards of Marvel Comics. The company also published art from other American creators. The Third Eye was the first company to manufacture and distribute black light posters in New York City. Originally, in the 1960s and 1970s, the company’s goal was to provide interesting graphics to the general public at an affordable price. The posters sold for $1 each to wholesalers. Today, the vintage posters sell for $500-$1,000 each. Each color screen for the Third Eye posters was hand cut by trained artists. The posters were printed in the finest print shops in the country. The Third Eye was a casualty of the 1973 worldwide recession. Roberta Bell Ehrlich was born in Mena, Ark., graduated from Poteau High School in 1960, and studied silversmithing and painting at the Universities of Mexico City and Kansas. Experience the brilliant and unique posters displayed in a black light environment. Museum admission is $7 adults; $5 veterans/military; $2 children; under age 6 are free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7837841 fortsmithmuseum.org 56
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Aug. 18 3rd Sunday Art Show Every third Sunday, Michael’s Mansion is open for an afternoon art show and sale. Meet the artists, browse beautiful original artworks, and enjoy refreshments by Chef Mike. Free. 1-4 p.m. Michael’s Mansion, 2900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-8336 Aug. 19 Pilot Club of Fort Smith This annual club dinner will celebrate the 2019-2020 president Sue Gaines. The organization supports local charities including Alzheimer’s, Clearing House, Huntington’s Disease and more. New members are welcome and invited to join now for next year’s full events. Email sfar1ey@aol.com. Text/ call for reservations. Free. 5:30 p.m. Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 605 North 47th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-462-2734 Aug. 20 Microsoft Excel Basics Learn the basics of using Microsoft Excel. Features such as tables and basic formulas, along other simple tasks will be taught. Feel free to take a device with Microsoft Excel installed. Free. 11 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Aug. 20 Snail Mail Once a month, participants write and mail letters. In August, volunteers are writing to troops, veterans, new recruits, wounded heroes, caregivers or first responders through Operation Gratitude. Stationary and postage are provided. Letters can also be dropped off at the library by 6 p.m. Aug. 20. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 21 Open Studio: Poetry Reading with Zachary Tally Zachary Tally’s spoken poetry is based on what the artist describes as “a reliving and retelling of my life story.” Themes of perseverance, determination and vulnerability intertwined with nature-based metaphors are prevalent in his work. Talley will give a live reading and will take questions from the audience. Light refreshments served. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 22 Surgical Weight Loss Seminar Dr. C. Michael Gooden will discuss the benefits of bariatric surgery, as well as who may be a candidate. Registration required. Free. 6-7 p.m. Baptist HealthClassroom, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 1888-227-8478 baptist-health.com/ Aug. 22 Bingo For Books Play Bingo, win books. Fun for adults, Free. 10 a.m. Sebastian County Library, 18 N Adair, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2856 Aug. 22 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The club will discuss the book “ The Dream Daughter” by Diane Chamberlain. All women are welcome to participate or join this women’s social and service club. Free 11:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library Carnegie Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 972849-3004 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com Aug. 22 Authors in the Afternoon with Angela Flake Author Angela Flake will make a special appearance to promote and sign copies of her book “Words Matter.” It is about seeing purpose in normal words that can make a big difference in your life. The author and motivator is all about purpose with a desire to encourage, inspire, and ignite. Copies will be available for purchase and signing at this drop-in event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Aug. 24 Remember Mulberry Everyone is welcome to discuss and share memories of Mulberry, Arkansas. Free. 11 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Aug. 24-25 Friends of the Library Used Book Sale: Non-Fiction The Friends of the Library used book sale is bigger and better than ever. Browse through thousands of non-fiction selections for adults including hardbacks and paperbacks, by major authors on almost any subject. Most paperbacks are 50 cents and most hardback books are $1. The sale will continue during Sunday library hours with all remaining titles halfprice, then book clearance begins Aug. 26 with remaining items priced by the bag. Proceeds from the sale are used to buy library materials and fund library special events and projects. Members of the Friends of the Library may shop the exclusive Friends-only Preview Sale from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 23. There will be a 25-book limit at the preview sale. Friends of the Library memberships start at $10 and can be purchased at the preview. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 August 2019
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Aug. 27 Clearinghouse Guild New Member Tea The Clearinghouse Guild will be hosting a New Member Tea for all those interested in joining the group. Its main projects include the Backpack Meals for Kids Program, the food pantry for clients, the Baggo Tournament, and the True Grit Bike Ride. Register by phoning, 479-462-4288. Aug. 27 True Crime Author Fest Visit with local True Crime authors Anita Paddock, George Jared and Patti Rush, who have written true crime novels of local interest. Free. 6 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Starbird’s World of Rats & Riches Car Show AUG
The Fort Smith Convention Center, indoors and out, will have custom cars, rat rods, hot rods, bikes and more on display. The action arena will have freestyle hooning – flamethrowers, burn-outs and donuts. Meet the “Bubble Top King” Darryl Starbird and California car legend Gene Winfield. Justin Nichols and MaeSEPT gan Ashline of Motortrend’s “Wretched” make a special appearance. Mostly, spectators can marvel at the creativity of customized hot rods and crazy rat rods. A large gathering of automobiles and crazy creations will make up this inaugural Fort Smith event. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 918-406-8966 starbirdcarshows.com
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Aug. 28 Young at Heart Robot Racing Jealous of the kids having all the fun? Grown-ups are invited to race the library’s Sphero Bots on an obstacle course and learn how to maneuver a robot. Winner gets bragging rights and a book from the library’s secret stash. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 29 Free Prostate Cancer Screenings Free to the public, provided in a non-clinical setting. Men between the ages of 45 (40 for African American men) and 75 are encouraged to take advantage of the free, preventative health care services, which will include a discussion on risk and benefits of screening, a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and a physical exam of the prostate. Men with a family history of prostate cancer and men that are AfricanAmerican are in high-risk populations for prostate cancer. The screening takes approximately 15 minutes. Making an appointment by phone is encouraged, Free. 4-7 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org Aug. 29 Crafterworks Crafterworks is a program for crafting after work with an instructor who encourages adults to get back in touch with their creativity. Adults of all skill levels are welcome and step by step instruction is given. Each month, create a different craft project using a variety of methods and supplies.One style may become a personal hobby. This month, make a “paper pieced” quilt. All supplies are provided and free. Pre-registration is required, by phone or at the front desk. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
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Aug. 29 Crafty Corner:Origami Rediscover your creative spark by joining the Miller Branch Library for an easy craft that you’ll be able to take home. This month, Experiment with origami, the art of folding paper into patterns to create objects. Free. 2-3 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 S. 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Aug. 29 That Thursday Night Thing: Short Story Readings Join the Miller Branch for That Thursday Night Thing featuring a special evening of short story readings. Students that participated in Anita Paddock’s fiction writing classes in earlier in the year will showcase what they learned by reading their short stories. Light refreshments will be offered after the program. Free. 7 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 S. 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Aug. 29 Boston Mountain Writers League Meet in a casual workshop with other writers to share work, give encouragement and offer suggestions. Most writers in this group focus on gentle fiction, local history, memoir and religious stories. Free. 10 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
The authentic soda fountain is open daily. Sept. 1 Museum of History Ice Cream Social Join the Fort Smith Museum of History for an event that has become an end-of-summer tradition. Each person can build their own personal ice cream sundae from a wide variety of classic tasty toppings in the museum’s authentic, old-fashioned soda parlor. Before or after this tasty treat, visit the museum itself to enjoy its special Third Eye black light art exhibition or see the many artifacts of local history. Museum memberships are available $5 per person. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org August 2019
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Sept. 9-14 Crawford County Fair Carnival, live entertainment, mutton bustin’, arts and crafts, commercial exhibits, livestock, Junior Livestock Auction, pageants and a talent show are just some of the attractions planned for this classic county fair. The fair parade will be held on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. in downtown Mulberry and kids events to follow at the fairgrounds including a snake show and goldfish contest. Fun for the whole family! A full schedule of events is listed on the website. Weekly passes are available at Dickerson’s Hardware in Mulberry or at the gate. $5 adults; $2 children. 4-11 p.m. Kirksey Park, Hwy 215, Mulberry, Ark. 479-632-3500 thecrawfordcountyfair.com
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Sept. 28 Fort Smith Historic Site Fall Festival In partnership with the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, Judgment Town, Fort Smith Museum of History, the River Valley Artisan Market and many others, the Fort Smith National Historic Site will be host its 2nd Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival. This is the largest historically themed event in Fort Smith and all members of the public will find something to interest them. The festival will kick off the night before with a Civil War ball. The Camp Followers will be providing historical music and will lead the dancing. No historic clothing needed but many will dance in period clothing. The Historic Site’s programs will include nearly 100 reenactors highlighting living history of first and second Fort Smith, Deputy Marshal encampments and trial reenactments and infantry, cavalry, and artillery demonstrations. A children’s area will have Choctaw and frontier games, arts and crafts. Friends of the Fort will hold programs in the historic court room. In the visitor center will be ongoing lectures. Park entrance will be free. The Trolley Museum features an Antique Tractor and Engine show, along with trolley rides. The Museum of History will focus on Judge Parker.Judgment Town, a recreation of an old west town by the Lawbreakers and Peacemakers, will be the site of staged, safe shootouts. Food trucks will convene. The Rivervalley Artisan Market at Pendergraft Park teem with more 50 private vendors selling hand made crafts and artwork, and many other amazing things! The Model A Club, Antique Car Club, and Mustang Club will be hosting a car show. Admission is free to the National Historic Site, Judgement Town and the Trolley Museum. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum District, Parker and Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.
Invite everyone! Entertainment Fort Smith publishes events that have been submitted to us via online entry at our magazine website, efortsmith.com. The entry form asks all the required information. You will receive an email confirming that your event was received. It is subject to review. The deadline for submission is the 10th of the month prior to the event. Submit a September event by Aug. 10. However, if you miss the deadline, submit the event to appear on our popular online calendar. Events are accepted that are local, non-profit or low-cost; educational or entertaining. Advertising is available for commercial events.
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DINING GUIDE
August 2019
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DINING GUIDE
Be our guest Calico County
Blue Sky Restaurant
La Huerta Mexican Grill
River City Bistro
The Vault 1905 Sports Grill
Circle your choice of restaurant and submit your entry for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate. One winner will be our guest at each restaurant in August. NAME_______________________________PHONE______________________________ EMAIL__________________________________
MAIL IMMEDIATELY TO EFORTSMITH DINING, P.O. BOX 1341, FORT SMITH, AR 72902
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OUR SECRET INGREDIENT ? OUR PEOPLE . WE ARE COCA-COLA BOTTLING OF FORT SMITH - 1 OF 68 IN DEPEN DENT BOT TLER S K EEPIN G TH E CO C A- COL A COM PAN Y LO C AL A C R O S S N E A R LY E V E R Y C O R N E R O F T H E C O U N T R Y. W E ’ R E P R O U D TO B E PAR T OF TH E COM M U NITIE S WE S ERVE .
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