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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 GLENN GILLEY The Porches at Heritage rendering courtesy of Chasen B. Garrett Architects Rick Mooney Construction
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 Memorium LINDA SEUBOLD Founding Editor in Chief
Let’s do the time warp across town You can time-travel this month and you won’t need a DeLorean or a Tardis. If you want to see what life was like more than 100 years ago in Fort Smith, take your family to the Fall Festival at our National Historic Site and historic museum district for fun and education. If you want to see the future of Fort Smith, go to Chaffee Crossing – for fun and education of a different kind. For the third time, we checked out the former military fort now called Chaffee Crossing in a special focus we called “Rising in the East.” Several long-planned accomplishments, the work of many people and groups, are coming to fruition there. First, the community’s drive to make the city walkable is really noticeable now that three major walking/biking trails are finally connecting. A few more yards of paving are about to be laid and then, one can use foot power to stroll miles of beautiful, safe, off-road paths that cover the neighborhoods of Chaffee Crossing, lead into the existing trail system (hard and soft-surfaced) of Ben Geren Regional Park and lead down Massard Road towards the busy, commercial nexus of Phoenix, Rogers and Massard. Walk or get on a bike and fly! Walkability and urban amenities have now manifested for the millenial student body of the ever-growing Arkansas Colleges of Health Education at Chaffee Crossing. Check out The Village and The Porches at Heritage and read how Kyle Parker’s vision to pull development into the future is now made real there. He credits a diverse group of stakeholders who cooperated to create a new lifestyle through urban planning. Meet a future doctor who will have been educated and trained here and who will be a med school graduate in 2021. Jodi Wiley let us try to keep up with her busy life for a day or so.
The future isn’t all determined by geography. This month, go right back to the riverbanks to finally enter the doors of the U.S. Marshals Museum on a special dedication of the Hall of Honor. The museum isn’t completed but will honor its promise to memorialize all deputies and task force members who lost their lives in the oldest law enforcement service in the nation. Once under that high-flying roof, visitors will be able to see why we must build out all the exhibits and make this our newest future attraction. We also point out a few more surprising things you may not have discovered at Chaffee Crossing. Did you know Fort Smith has a winery? Now, we do. Even services such as banking are different in progressive Chaffee Crossing. According to Roger Holroyd, president for Arvest Bank, they may convert a new ATM just built there to an interactive, remote banking station called ATM w/Live Teller. Customers would speak with a living teller who is serving them face-to-face on screen. “Chaffee Crossing is a vibrant area, as we all know, and we look forward not just to having a presence there, but growing with it,” he said. Maybe, bank customers will walk up to it instead of driving. It’s all thought-provoking gee-whizzery for me, as a downtown, historic building kind of resident. But it’s exciting that this city embraces the old and the new, as all great cities can. Special thanks this month to our recent guest writer Bob Robinson, who seems to know where all the off-beat, off-road and highly congenial outdoor fun is. He wrote about new trails and a rowdy rock-climbing weekend for this issue. Ladies, please direct your attention to page 24, purely for the purpose of understanding rock climbing. Trust me. – 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
SEPTEMBER 2019
special focus
8 8
Happy trails
10 12 14
RISING IN THE EAST Chaffee Crossing Lifestyle
The Great Trail Connection After years of planning, three major walk-bike trails connect Chaffee Crossing, Ben Geren Regional Park and the Massard Road Trail.
E List: Daniel Mann takes over at FCRA Steering the conversion of a former military base into the fastest-growing, diverse area called Chaffee Crossing is now in new hands.
The life of a med student and mom: Jodi Wiley Keeping up with kids, a spouse, studies and now, a medical rotation is the life of this third year osteopathic medical student and almost-doctor.
A new lifestyle is now visible at The Village at Heritage A campus full of millennial students who live, work and play differently drive a response to a more urban, walkable lifestyle in a new development.
features
10 The Mann for the job
22
Quasar treats video gaming like the pro sport it is Tournaments, speed runs, a giant LAN, cool computer set-ups, big screen competition and more at this gamer get-together in September.
departments
24
OUTDOORS Guest writer Bob Robinson reports on a wild, wild way to climb a rock with a rope, here in Arkansas.
eve n t s
37 40 24
Rock on!
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34
WHAT’S COOKING Easy weeknight meals make getting to work and school a little smoother – and tasty!
KIDS CALENDAR Get those kids to a country fair – there are many opportunities to eat a sno-cone, see the livestock and whirl away on a carnival ride.
MUSIC & PERFORMANCE The Riverfront Blues Fest, redux plus free entertainment at the fair, great theatre productions and concert season openers.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS The do-not-miss event is the Fort Smith Fall Festival. There are many more with fun every weekend in September, in every nearby community.
On the cover: Kyle Parker, CEO and President of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, surveys new student housing in The Village at Heritage, created as a big step toward healthy living and new lifestyle at Chaffee Crossing. Photo by Glenn Gilley 6
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RISING IN THE EAST Chaffee Crossing Lifestyle
Chaffee Crossing Trails almost ready for prime time Three trail systems to connect after years of planning
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any people have worked a long time to make it happen, but a significant link soon will be completed in a great convergence of three public walking and biking trails. The newly completed Chaffee Crossing Trail will soon connect with 8-plus miles of the Ben Geren Park Trail system, which provides a link to the two miles of the Massard Road Trail. The two-plus miles of the CCT open a whole new world to those living in neighborhoods such as Highland Crossing, Haven, Residents and Providence. A myriad of destinations will be accessible via safe, separated, paved trails. Residents will be able to hop on a nearby section of the CCT to walk/bike for an appointment at a Mercy Clinic, to have a coffee at The Hub or dine at one of several eateries located from Chaffee Crossing to the intersection of Massard Road and Rogers Avenue. For a morning workout, combine the trio of paved trail systems for an enjoyable, 14-plus-mile jaunt, winding through wooded hillsides filled with deer and other wildlife, along the shoreline of scenic Torraine Lake, or across a ridgetop offering expansive views of the valley below. Families can walk/bicycle to the Nature Center, Ben Geren Disc Golf Course, Parrot Island Waterpark or connect with nature on a portion of the 15 miles of natural surface trails within Ben Geren Regional Park. The routes also open local businesses as destinations from neighborhoods bordering Ben Geren and Massard Road Trails. Residents of Huntington Chase, Reata, the Woods, Cisterna Villa and Stone Brook can use the network of trails to reach the Chaffee Crossing historic and warehouse districts to toast the end of their day at a local brewery or winery. Even more restaurants and other attractions are developing now in that area.
Above: ArcBest workers take a lunchtime walk on trails that pass their building. Left: Cyclists take the Chaffee Crossing Trail connection to Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. Photos by Bob Robinson 8
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Chaffee Crossing Lifestyle Students of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education who live in on-campus housing have the option to keep their motorized vehicles parked and use only the CCT for local travel. A report released in early 2018, commissioned by the Walton Family Foundation, showed that a typical Northwest Arkansas home, excluding homes sold in Fayetteville, located a quarter-mile from a shared-use paved trail sells for $6,300 more than a home one mile from a shared-use paved trail and $14,800 more than a home two miles from a shared-use paved trail. Other communities across the country also report higher property values for homes located near trails. Rod Coleman, chairman of ERC Holdings LLC, valued the importance of trails enough to pay to construct a spur trail to connect The Hub and Providence addition to the CCT. “Trails, both off road and on path, are tremendous ways to elevate the quality of life in any area,” Coleman said. Connectivity is the key. With the completion of additional planned phases of the CCT, trails will just get better. All three of these trails are open for the enjoyment of everyone. By entering at one of the many parking areas along the network, everyone can enjoy the benefits of these growing trail systems. – Bob Robinson
Cyclists can bike on paved trails for road-riding or on soft-surface mountain bike adventures.
The wide vista from McClure Amphitheater, the highest point of the Chaffee Crossing Trail.
Mom, child and even the dogs can enjoy a walk on the CCT around Torraine Lake.
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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 •excellent•exuberant exemplary Daniel Mann encouraging • extraordinary New FCRA Executive Director exceptional• exciting
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he new executive director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority is charged to continue the successful transition of 7,000 acres of former military base land to civilian use and benefit. As the property is sold and developed, it returns to the local tax rolls, must promote economic growth and job creation and encourage residential development. All development must provide quality of life and include recreational, public-use attractions. The FCRA, a quasi-governmental trust, was formed in 1997 by the Arkansas legislature after the 1995 Department of Defense decision to close Fort Chaffee. Since then, the new area has been known as Chaffee Crossing and is part of the cities of Barling and Fort Smith and Sebastian County and has been developed under a Master Land Use Plan. Daniel Mann was selected from more than 80 applicants by the FCRA’s board of directors to follow successful executive director Ivy Owen, who had held the role since 2007. Mann’s resume included a similar role over the Great Plains Development Authority, a quasi-municipality given the responsibility of redeveloping a former Army ammunition plant in southeast Kansas. He also has led a six-county, bi-state regional partnership for eastern Iowa and western Illinois in the Quad Cities region. His move from Parsons, Kansas, brings him closer to his original hometown of Tulsa. He’s a graduate of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. The Fort Smith region is familiar, although it has been awhile since he was here, he said on his second day of his new job. He’s likely to encounter many contacts from his career. “Actually, Rick Jones at Greenwood was my high school football coach,” he noted. He had also just learned that Bob Cooper of Ghan & Cooper Commercial Properties, official Realtors for FCRA, is a graduate of Tulsa University. Networking will come naturally to Mann in this region. At his previous job, Mann recruited industry and manufacturing to the former ammunition plant. He’s excited that at Chaffee Crossing, industry 10
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is joined by residential areas, the medical colleges, small businesses and recreational trails and parks. The FCRA is more vibrant project, he said, “just based on types of use,” he said. “This is a good opportunity.” “Quality of life and place is not a catchphrase any more,” he said. It ranks with workforce and transportation as a requirement for businesses. “In Chaffee Crossing, they’ve adopted the smart growth principles of bringing that all together. The FCRA has done a really good job.” As a job candidate, he looked at Fort Smith as an outsider might see it. “When businesses are looking at investing a half-million or $100 million, they do their own research, no matter what we present to them,” he said. He’s convinced this region will be rated as attractive by potential investors and by incoming residents who come here for work. “I was telling staff this morning, this is the fifth state I have worked in. This is the first time I’ve brought my wife on an interview that she said, ‘Daniel, I’m going to be upset if we don’t move here.’ She liked Chaffee Crossing and all that’s going on here. She liked the churches, the big huge libraries, the school system. We really enjoyed the downtown district and we enjoy the arts, outdoor entertainment and live entertainment. We looked at all those things,” Mann said. Their two kids are in high school. According to FCRA marketing director Lori Robertson, who with the staff is helping to bring Mann rapidly up to speed, there are about 1,425 FCRA acres still on the market, with about 507 acres of park/open space to be included, all developed under the Master Land Use Plan. “We have buyers at the door,” she said. Mann is ready to keep the momentum going. The public is invited to meet Mann at a casual reception from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 5 at Fantasies at the Fort, 12201 Ward Avenue in Chaffee Crossing. The E List is a brief talk with a local person the editors think our readers need to know. We note folks who are energetically engaged with our home. They may be emerging or emeritus, edgy, excellent, entertaining or enduring. Readers may suggest E List subjects to lynnwasson@efortsmith.com.
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An ARCOM student may be a part of your healthcare team Third-year med student Jodi Wiley also leads a busy family life while doing a clinical rotation at Baptist Health
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For the first time since 2017, the inaugural class of students of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine is not at Chaffee Crossing on their campus every day. Medical student Jodi Wiley and her other third-year classmates are in white coats, learning beside teaching doctors in nine area medical facilities. Wiley is doing a six-week rotation at Baptist Health in general surgery. She’s studying under and observing Dr. C. Michael Gooden. This is the first encounter for patients and some in the medical community with ARCOM students. Wiley says everyone at Baptist Health is extremely welcoming and helpful. She is in her second rotation of this 2019-20 school year. She has completed four weeks with Dr. John Harper, geriatric medicine and internal medicine. After four weeks concentrating on surgery, she will next do a rotation with a pulmonologist. Students may choose four out of 13 blocks of rotation in different specialties. With hardly time to look up from her studies, Wiley also wrangles four bright, active children who attend three Fort Smith Public Schools and manages to be a mom and a spouse. She is the oldest female member of her class. Although there are other parents and students near her age, she said, “I have the most children.” Her husband operates his own business in Wichita, Kan., and comes home on weekends. Fortunately, they had both served in the military – she in the Navy and Christian, her husband, in the Marines. They learned to roll with relocation. Christian was deployed to Iraq when she was carrying their first child – it’s her second marriage and third child – but was able to return home to attend his birth. She feels lucky he’s such a great dad, although she was surprised to be bombarded with texts on a recent Friday when he had just gotten back to town and had lunch with their boys at Orr Elementary. “My husband had apparently decided ‘we’re going to have a halfdozen more boys stay over,” she said. “His attitude is, ‘It’s no more trouble, it’s just more pizza.’” She deeply appreciates Christian and is grateful to all her kids for their support during these intense med school years. “My kids are not perfect, but I do have the perfect children for this adventure,” she said. “A lot of people think that raising a family during med school is a disadvantage and I don’t envy people raising toddlers or newborns – hats off to them. But in your lonely dark moments of med school, my kids are sometimes the voice of reason. They encourage me,” she said. With two kids playing basketball, one in both orchestra and band and her daughter in Southside High School theater, her schedule during years one and two was stressful, she said. She still must study during rotations, but is glad that “at least I don’t have to study so hard during basketball practice any more.” When she was accepted to ARCOM, the family moved here from East Texas. Arkansas is not so different, she said, and she would be happy to practice medicine here, even in a more rural area. “I love rural medicine and I love the idea of living in the sticks,” she said. “I grew up in a village in upstate New York – it wasn’t even an incorporated town,” she said. Although that opportunity is available in Arkansas, she’s impressed with second-largest city of Fort Smith. “It is the most convenient town I’ve ever lived in,” she said. She still has at least three years before considering where she might practice, depending upon many factors such as her choice of specialty. She’s feeling very strongly it will be in obstetrics and gynecology. “In May 2021, we’ll be the first graduates. We’ll then go on to residencies,” she said.
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Chaffee Crossing Lifestyle Students will find out that March where they’ve “matched” to available residencies. It’s a day she daydreams about. “In med school - you don’t always feel the most confident. Sometimes I watch videos of Match Day at other schools,” she admitted. “It’s totally an event!” Getting to third year and doing rotations is great, Wiley said. Directly giving and observing actual care to patients confirms that her lifelong desire to become a doctor was right for her. Starting in the Navy, she obtained a psychology degree and a master’s and had worked in the mental health field, but still held that ambition. “I knew I was going to be 50 someday,” she said. “I wondered, ‘Am I going to be 50 and doing what I really want to do?’” She decided to try, even though it required returning to school for a few pre-requisite courses to be eligible. She will be almost 46 when she becomes an M.D. and, even given the hard work, is happy with her decision. “I love everything about medicine,” she said. “Doctors are successful into their 60s and 70s – they don’t retire because they have to, they retire when they want to.” Whether or not she practices in Arkansas, Wiley said she will always support ARCOM and be proud to be in its first graduating class.
Jodi Wiley and her husband, Christian, with their family. From left, Justin Gilley, Isabella Gilley, Jackson Wiley and Montgomery Wiley, whom Jodi calls “the perfect children for this adventure.”
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RISING IN THE EAST Chaffee Crossing Lifestyle
The Village at Heritage is now home to students and a planned lifestyle is becoming visible or a few years, friends might have thought the strange acronym “PZD” was Kyle Parker’s personal mantra. This month, this urban planning concept that Parker, CEO of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, advocated for so passionately is a lived-in reality at Chaffee Crossing. Directly across Chad Colley Boulevard and facing the ACHE campus, there are now students living in the top two floors of a Planned Zoning Development called The Village at Heritage. The 65 residential living spaces are filling rapidly with students of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. On the first floor, retail construction is under way. People living more densely and within walking distance of services they need is what Planned Zoning Development allows. It is the desirable, global future of urban living and “planned” is the key, Parker explained. Once this new concept was permitted by area zoning authorities, he hired expert analysts to recommend the precise mix of living/retail space, down to the purpose of each square foot. Nothing about The Village or the developing area called Heritage rising around the colleges is happening by chance, Parker said. “Our mission (at the colleges) is to promote a healthy lifestyle in this region,” he explained. “This is that kind of place.” One can sense he’s pleased that everyone can now see and experience what he’s been describing as all-inclusive concept since the establishment of the colleges of health education in 2014. Next door to The Village at Heritage, a residential cluster called The Porches at Heritage is nearly finished. Attracting similarly planned private residences was an intention of their master plan, Parker said. A first resident has moved in and more of the new homes are weeks, if not days, from welcoming waiting occupants. All homes at The Porches are already leased. The Porches is a neighborhood of handsome, nostalgic white clapboard cottages with standing-tin roofs, sited around a grassy commons, lighted by gas street lamps. The homes have well-designed, full landscaping and shared social areas out front for grilling or play. Inviting front porches, with porch swings and ceiling fans, are close to the sidewalk. Neighbors will socialize because they’ll be so near one another, walking to The Village next-door for meals and errands. Students and their neighbors will mix – along with everyone else who dines or shops there.
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Storefronts are being completed now, above. The Village faces ARCOM, a new Health Sciences building seen in the center, and the first two phases of student housing, called Residents. 14
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People who live in other Chaffee Crossing neighborhoods will walk or bike in, too. That’s the healthy lifestyle this master plan promotes. It’s the same appeal provided by ERC’s The Hub at Providence, Parker pointed out, which is also a PZD project. Because the colleges aim to educate and retain the young doctors and other health career students who enroll here, offering this lifestyle is imperative, Parker said – with plenty of data to back it up. “This is the kind of places they are looking for. That’s why it was designed that way,” he emphasized. In his three years of observing ARCOM students, he and his team have taken note that they really do walk more, bike more and drive less, if possible. The average age of the student body is 24. “Our biggest number of calls to campus security last year was for jumper cables,” Parker laughed. “Their car batteries run down. They go to class and walk home to study. Their food comes in from Waitr. They bank on their laptops. If they have to do a Walmart run, they carpool it,” he said. “They’re very different.” Colleges – and cities – who want to attract and keep a young population must react to that difference, he said. “When I went to school, you applied for a job and if you got it, you moved to the area. Not today. These kids want to find a cool place to live, move there and then find a job. Our students, especially, as desirable, health care professionals, can work anywhere. It is one of the biggest challenges we have in Fort Smith.” Even with his “developer” hat on, Parker never lets anyone forget the most critical goal of the colleges of health education is to keep these doctors and other health professionals here to take care of us, in this region. It is to that end that he’s finding them a cool coffee vendor, a craft beer, a pavilion that is plugand-play ready for evening music. If these amenities attract other new people or keep young locals here for their careers and to build families, it’s an added benefit. “It’s all about making Fort Smith be alive again,” he said. The projected need for physicians and other health professionals is bottomless at present, so Kyle calls these careers “recession-proof.” By early 2020, a College of Health Sciences will offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant programs. Two more health colleges are in ACHE’s long-term vision. The first graduating class of 150 will complete their four-year education in May 2021. After graduation, they will have three-year residencies in hospitals and medical facilities in Arkansas and the Cherokee and Choctaw nations.
Chaffee Crossing Lifestyle
About 500 students are now enrolled. Some 350 will be enrolled in the new Health Sciences college. Parker is sure that other residential developers will prosper from building more housing for students who do not live on campus, another intention of the long-term planning of the colleges. Rick Mooney Constructions has plans to extend the concept of The Porches at Heritage to more multi- and single-family housing based on the expert data the colleges obtained and use. The 17 cottages may grow to 57 different housing units of related design. “When Chaffee Crossing (the FCRA) gave the colleges 200 acres, it was the smartest move they ever did,” Parker said. “Look what exploded around us. That’s exactly what we wanted.” – Lynn Wasson
A pavilion between the two buildings at The Village at Heritage will be a shared performance space.
Even before full landscaping as seen in the artwork below, the 17 nearly completed cottages of The Porches at The Village are charming and inviting.
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Chaffee Crossing Lifestyle
Makers and Artists: Surprising creators and innovators found at Chaffee Crossing
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There are many state-of-the art manufacturing facilities headquartered at Chaffee Crossing, with innovative processes, skilled operators and precision engineering. Much of it is high-tech. There also are creative makers and artists to be discovered there, especially in the World War II-vintage warehouses and former Army barracks. Something about these reclaimed buildings seems to invite hand-making, originality and craftsmanship. One of the first was a craft beer brewery. Now, it is joined by Fort Smith’s only winery, JKC Cellars, “softly” opened by John and Kristie Coats this year. As they are not yet retired – he’s a sales executive and she, a math teacher at Southside High School – they have been easing into opening their winery’s tasting room and selling their first varieties. They’re finding it to be catching on with patrons even more quickly than they expected. They’ve tried Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours to invite patrons to try “flights” of their wines but have soon found themselves holding fundraisers, business parties and even a wedding and reception. A hobby home-brewer, John decided several years ago to learn winemaking, as well, and found it an interesting challenge. To date, they are offering about nine varieties, all with names chosen by their daughter Emily. They include Mockingbird Merlot, Game Day Rosé, Diamond State Sauvignon Blanc and Taylor Peach Chardonney. Each has a charming, local or family-related back story. Family is important to the couple. Along with Emily, who is a teacher in Nevada, their son Zach teaches at Northside. Both have helped in the 11month DIY renovation of the warehouse into a handsome, open-raftered space with industrial lighting and a rustic, original wooden floor, with at least 40 hours of sanding invested in it. Their grandchildren (Zach’s), have enjoyed playing in the big space and even have a cozy place to take a nap.
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Kristie and John Coats with their JKC wines,made at Chaffee Crossing in the warehouse district. It is Fort Smith’s only winery.
Out of the public view, the JKC wines are maturing. JKC Cellars is not a vineyard. John creates the wines from juices sourced from all over the world. His next creation, aging now but perhaps to be ready this fall, will be his first dry red. Although a focal point of the building is a big, handmade bar, patrons also gather at large tables with friends to enjoy wine by the glass with a light charcuterie plate, the only food that JKC regularly serves. The Coats allow guests to cater their own parties, bringing in food of their choice. At events this summer, some local food trucks parked outside and offered their distinctive menues. JKC serves its neighbor’s Fort Smith Brewing Co. craft beers and the brewery reciprocates by serving the locally made wine. As there was extra space available in the building, GrowFresh Organics moved in as a tenant. It was from the organic garden and wine/beer-making supplier that John first started brewing with a local homebrewing club that met at the store. There is a lot of synergy in the nearby businesses. Art found its way to the walls at the request or suggestion of friends. The couple hopes to allow other local artists to exhibit. The Coats are so congenial, many more activities are likely to develop. Follow their Facebook page. They’re family- and pup-friendly, too. Open 5-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-4 Sunday. 7709 Ellis Street, Chaffee Crossing.
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Makers and Artists: Cre8tive Arts Network studio is open to all artists Inside a converted barracks building in Chaffee Crossing’s Historic District is another place of makers - the Cre8tive Arts Network. This non-profit art collective was founded in 2010 by Carter and Tammy Fujibayashi and others as a memorial of their son Justin, a young artist killed in a car crash. The old building was gradually transformed to serve artists in a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. There are ongoing art classes, especially in clay arts but also in other mediums. Artists may rent studio space there. CAN invites the elderly, young children and veterans to learn and try art, or return to an interest. CAN joins in community celebrations held in the Chaffee Crossing Historic District with art fairs and free activities. Most of its events are listed monthly in this magazine’s calendar of events. Some are free and others may require a class fee for instruction or materials. It also maintains a Facebook page with news of opportunities and a gallery of creations. 7408 Terry Street, Chaffee Crossing.
The Learning Fields is a creative place, too
Mother Nature and Master Gardeners are the creators at the Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, demonstration gardens for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. On Oct. 5, its annual Pollinator Festival will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free. Learn about honeybees, ask questions of garden experts, browse arts & crafts and taste fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Ask about taking the training to become a Master Gardener. The group holds events and does garden activities year-round and presents an annual Lawn & Garden Show. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardener Avenue, Fort Smith. 18
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2019 Showcase Home will be located at The Crest of Stoneshire The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders and AOG invites the public to tour its 2019 Showcase Home, built at The Crest of Stoneshire. Each year, the association invites outstanding builders to present a home representing the top professionalism and quality offered by member builders and associates. This year’s featured builders are Justin Green and Rocky Walker, long-experienced and respected home builders. The distinctive, European-style home is in Stoneshire at Chaffee Crossing. This 2,735 square-foot home has four bedrooms and two and half baths. Inside, there are many special touches by the builder and the associate members who supply their best materials and products. The home has interior brick accents, a fire place, cambria quartz countertops throughout, a commercial double oven range and butler's pantry in its well-appointed kitchen. There are lockers, a custom accented stairway, a laundry chute from the second floor and additional laundry hookups in the master suite closet. A huge covered back porch has a built-in gas grill and a fire pit. There is extensive custom landscaping with an irrigation system. The garage has an epoxied floor, a gas heater in garage and a natural gas backup generator. The home is in the Greenwood Public School District. It is offered to the market at $449,900. The Showcase home event also includes an annual Parade of Homes. Tour available new homes offered by other builders. Maps will be available at the Showcase Home, which will be open for tours from Oct. 18-27. Learn more about the home and the association at fortsmithhomebuilders.com. September 2019
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Make It Yours Today! The Chaffee Crossing lifestyle is contagious. Accessibility, amenities, excellent employment opportunities, education and healthcare are centered around 29 neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. It’s a lifestyle that appeals to everyone- professionals, millennials, empty nesters, retired boomers, and young families who are drawn to a relaxed city life intertwined with nature. Businesses are choosing Chaffee Crossing because signs of progress, change and growth are on every corner. It’s an exciting time and place where new is the norm.
LIVING SPACES Chaffee Crossing has living options to fit every lifestyle and family size. From custom single-family homes to one-bedroom, twobedroom and furnished apartments, plus duplexes, townhomes. Two new mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods with cottage and townhome style living interspersed with restaurants, shopping and commercial space are in the final phases of construction; leasing is starting now. Visit our website for a complete list of neighborhoods and contact information to buy, lease or rent. ChaffeeCrossing.com/Residential
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RECREATIONAL AMENITIES NEW! Pickleball Courts • Deer Trails Country Club & Golf Course Soccer • Fishing • McClure Amphitheater • Chaffee Barbershop Museum Museum of Chaffee History • Chaffee Veterans Memorial Arkansas River Valley Nature Center • Multi-use Trails Mountain Biking Trails • Cre8ive Arts Network Studio Vietnam Veterans Museum • William O. Darby RV Community The Learning Fields • Flightmasters • Kayaking • Canoeing Cycling • Bird Sanctuary • Museum of the Hardwood Tree COMING SOON! Celebration Park
ChaffeeCrossing.com/AmenitiesRecreation
Fort Smith, AR • 479.452.4554 ChaffeeCrossing.com
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SEPT. 20-22 A lighted, customized gaming computer, left. Tournament competitors react to a game, below.
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t’s years past the point that digital gaming turned pro. Many schools now have “Eteams.” But it’s still new to Fort Smith. The folks behind Quasar Gaming are changing that. Last year, the IT company Firebend created Quasar Gaming as a way to celebrate gaming and to inspire a healthy competitive eSports league in the Fort Smith area. One of the tournaments last year attracted more than 100 people. This year will be even bigger, according to Denver Dodd, one of the tournament organizers. “This Sept. 20-22 event will allow people of all ages to come out to experience gaming in as many ways as possible,” he said. Watching is free. Want to just watch a couple of games and see what gaming is all about? Spectators can do that, Dodd said. Adults can grab a custom beer by Fort Smith Brewing Co. or a glass of wine by JKC Cellars while their spouse, child or grandchild has fun. Tournaments in the games League of Legends, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate and an open Fortnite competition (hosted separately by Aspire eSports) will be ongoing. Spectators can watch the contest of skilled players on big screens. There also is a huge Bring Your Own Computer LAN Party where all ages can bring their own gaming devices (computers or consoles) and be in a room with other people who play the same games or give tips on games they play. Attendees can watch and discover new games to play and love by watching demos and talking with the players, Dodd explained. 22
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Part of the fun at the LAN last year was checking out each other’s customized gaming computers – the variety was awesome and creative. The event closes with an after-party with drinks, live music and a celebration for the winners of the tournaments. Planners want to grow to more than a yearly event and communities grow through fellowship, Dodd said. “Quasar is meant to create a space for that fellowship to occur in a fun and healthy environment.” They would like to help local school leagues or company leagues to form. The organizers encourage parents to bring young gamers, he added. The atmosphere will be kid-appropriate and the young players will enjoy themselves whether parents play or not. Many whole families enjoy playing, however. Arkansas Tech’s Esports team competing at last year’ Quasar. Yes, it’s official.
Last year, two of the six tournament winners were women. Digital gaming is for everyone. With the help of main sponsors Firebend and Propak Logistics, the team is able to give cash prizes and bigger events for a low cost. Other sponsors include Pruitt Productions, Fort Smith Brewing Company and JKC Cellars. The Quasar team of volunteers includes Dodd, Brian Fujibayashi, Brent Rowland, Cody Kirby and Cameron Smith. Events span the entire weekend at two locations: Fort Smith Convention Center (Hall A3) and the first floor of Propak Logistics, 1100 Garrison Avenue. Quasargaming.rocks or the Quasar Gaming Facebook event page will have entry information and updates. Check Discord for voice and text/chat before and during the event.
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Climbing for 24 hours is fun for the hardcore limbing Magazine rated it as one of “the Most Difficult Endurance Events in the Nation.” Outside Magazine says it’s “The Wildest Rock Climbing Event in the World.” It’s happens in Arkansas, Sept. 26-29.
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Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains that surround scenic Buffalo River, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch will host the 14th annual “24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell,” Sept. 26-29. Climbers from North America, Australia and Europe have traveled to The Natural State to compete in this totally original experience. Alex Honnold, the subject of the 2019 Academy Award-winning documentary Free Solo, also has been seduced by this one-of-a-kind adventure. When asked why they attend 24HHH, the general response of climbers is “because there is no other climbing event like it in the world.” The rules are simple; basically the same as from 2006 when founder Andy Chasteen and a few buddies were sitting around a campfire and one of them asked, “I wonder how many routes a pair of climbers could climb if they kept at it all day and all night, nonstop?” The group initially planned to try climbing 24 hours straight on their own. Realizing that their climbing buds would be miffed if they were left out, they decided to include a “few” others. Three months later, 120 climbers turned out to answer the challenge. The event grew until, in the interest of controlling the environmental impact, Chasteen capped the number of competitors at 300. For those unfamiliar with rock climbing, there are two styles of climbing that qualify for this competition: “sport” and “trad.” 24
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Sport climbing is following routes with preplaced permanent eyebolts up a rock face. With the rope fastened to a waist harness, climbers ascend, clipping the rope into the fixed bolts as they progress up the rock slab. The other end of the rope is kept taut by a belay partner in case the climber takes a fall. This way the fall will be limited to the distance of the last clipped bolt. Trad, or traditional, routes are devoid of fixed bolts. Climbers must place removable devices within cracks or crevices as they go up the rock, then clip the rope into these devices. Trad climbers also rely on a belay partner on the ground. Imagine climbing an 80-foot sheer rock face, from one eyebolt to the next, by grasping the tiniest sliver of rock outcropping with your fingertips, smearing the side of your toe into a similar out-
cropping below, then hefting your body up the face of the wall. Now, imagine repeating this for more than 300 routes, for 24 hours, non-stop through the dark of night, with an accumulated elevation of more than 14,000 feet. This is what earned 24HHH the title of “The Most Difficult Endurance Event in the Nation.” Because these lean-muscled athletes also wear tutus, brightly painted faces or bodies, designs shaved on their heads, superhero costumes and just about any bizarre getup, it’s also “The Wildest Rock Climbing Event in the World.” The festive atmosphere holds throughout the entire competition with climbers’ shouts, whoops and hollers echoing across the canyon at the top of each hour to celebrate another hour completed.
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Through the night, the climbers continue to notch off more routes, assisted by their belay partners, safety crews, scorers, lights and boisterous camaraderie.
The spirit of 24HHH is exemplified in the “Climb for Glory” – the climbers’ creed that opens the competition. A costumed Gordo the Great (aka Jeremy Collins) stands in the bed of a pickup truck, bellowing the creed to the crowd of 300 participants. Standing face to face, each pair of climbers repeats the creed, in equally rambunctious exuberance, to their cohort for the coming 24 hours of shared suffering. It is a light-hearted way to remind everyone that partners hold one another’s lives in their hands. You don’t have to compete, or even climb, to enjoy this festive experience. You can become an integral member of this family as a volunteer, or just attend to watch and provide moral support for these remarkable athletes. Learn more and sign up to compete or volunteer at twofourhell.com, where spectator passes can be purchased, as well. Passes include camping, climbing (no rope climbing during the competitions), swag, film screening, pasta dinner, pancake breakfast, adult beverages (over 21 only) and more. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is near Jasper, Ark., off Arkansas 74, near the beautiful Buffalo National Wilderness Area.
Every route presents its own different challenge to the climbers, who are belayed by a partner.
Climbing partners recite the 24HHH “climbers’ creed” at the start of the 24-hour competition.
Photos and story by Bob Robinson, a camper, kayaker, climber, cyclist and world explorer. Robinson has published several cycling books, including Bicycling Guide to Route, Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River Trail and Bicycling Guide to the Lake Michigan Trail. September 2019
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goodies Classic eyeglass frames available at Dr. Steven B. Stiles, Optometrist.
BioGuard pool winterizing products found at Luther Stem Pools & Spas. Baby’s First Blanket with 14 milestones cards available at Zoe Bug’s.
Forevermark oval engagement ring with two-row pave band from Newton’s Jewelers. SoundGear allows you to hear everything around you, while still protecting your hearing. Found at Center for Hearing.
Absolut Juice Edition is made with premium vodka, strawberry or apple juice and natural flavors; Bluecoat gin and Ocean, an organic vodka, available at In Good Spirits. 26
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goodies Organic condiments from Paul’s Meat Market.
Caseinated Tailwind nutrition products from True Grit Running Co.
SkinPhD Platinum products for mature skin from Beauty Through Health. 28
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goodies
Game day spirit tees available at Firefly Boutique and Gifts.
Aveda dry remedy products from Metropolis Hair Studio.
Razorback collectibles from Designer Again. 30
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goodies Ball caps and other spirit items for Hogs and Sooners available at A to Z Variety.
Mums in several varieties and colors available at Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouse.
Fairy Tales lice prevention and treatment products found at Vanity Calls. A wide selection of recliners from Mike’s Furniture in Roland.
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WHAT’S COOKING
Family Meals Matter Simple recipes make school night meals easier ST. LOUIS BARBECUE RIBS Barbecue Sauce 2 cups ketchup 2 cups apple cider vinegar 1 cup Dijon mustard 1 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon black pepper Spice Rub 1/2 cup kosher salt 1/4 cup ground mustard 1/4 cup paprika 1/4 cup black pepper 1/4 cup cayenne pepper 1/4 cup ground white pepper 1/4 cup seafood seasoning 2 tablespoons ground cumin 4 full racks St. Louis-style ribs Barbecue Sauce: In bowl, mix ketchup, vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Transfer to thick-bottomed saucepot over medium-low heat. Allow sauce to warm and mix over heat 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove and cool. Spice Rub: In bowl, mix salt, ground mustard, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, white pepper, seafood seasoning and cumin. Keep dry and covered. Remove silver skin from bottom side of ribs. Evenly rub each rack with 1/4 cup spice rub on top and bottom. Wrap each in plastic wrap and keep overnight in refrigerator or cooler. Heat smoker with pecan or other fruit wood to 165 degrees and maintain temperature. Remove plastic and place ribs in smoker 4 hours then check doneness. Ribs should be cooked but not falling off bone. Remove ribs from smoker and glaze each rack with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. Return to smoker 30-40 minutes. Remove and glaze again with 1/2 cup sauce for each rack and cook 20 minutes. Remove ribs from smoker. Allow to rest 5 minutes then cut into single or double bone sections and serve. 34
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MEATBALLS 1 Spanish white onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups diced bread Water 2 large eggs 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 lb. ground pork 1 lb. ground veal 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped 1 tbsp. fresh oregano, chopped 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil 3 cups basic tomato sauce
In small saucepan over medium heat, sweat onion and garlic. In large bowl, soak bread in water 1-2 minutes. Strain excess liquid. In separate large bowl, add eggs, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and onion-garlic mixture. Combine then add ground meat, soaked bread, extra-virgin olive oil, parsley and oregano. Mix thoroughly. Divide mixture evenly to form 10-12 meatballs and use hands to roll into shape. In large saute pan over high heat, brown meatballs in grapeseed oil on all sides. Place meatballs in separate saucepot with basic tomato sauce. Bring to simmer and finish cooking, about 1 hour.
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CHICKEN POT PIE 2 tablespoons butter 1 Spanish white onion, chopped 2 celery ribs, medium diced 3 carrots, small diced 3 cups cooked, shredded turkey (dark meat preferred) 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 cups turkey stock (or leftover gravy) 2 potatoes, peeled and medium diced 1 square prepared puff pastry 1 egg, beaten Heat oven to 375 degrees. In medium saucepot, melt butter; add onion and sweat 4 minutes. Add celery and carrots; cook 4-5 minutes. Add turkey and cook 4 minutes. Add tarragon, parsley and all-purpose flour; cook 4 minutes. Add stock and bring to simmer. Add potatoes and simmer until fork tender. Pour filling into pie pan and top with pastry. Brush pastry with egg. Bake pie 20-30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. 36
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KIDS
calendar of events
Sept. 3-30 Teen Time Learn about the life skill of banking, play games, make crafts and more. Free. 3:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Sept. 3-24 Teen Group Students fifth grade and up are invited to activities of the Teen Group. Free. 4 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Sept. 3-24 Baby & Me Children from infancy to age 3 and their caregivers can enjoy songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story and play time. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 3-27 Bookmark Decorating Select a bookmark pattern and decorate it at this make-and-take craft that may be completed anytime during library hours. Free. Daily. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650
Rides and food and pigs and games, oh my! SEPT
Start where the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair began, the livestock exhibitions. Stroll through any of the animal barns and you'll find dedicated people showing their animals and exhibiting top stewardship practices just like they did 83 years ago. The midway will be the stage for Zuzu African Acrobats and Neger's Tigers, featuring very rare snow white Bengal Tigers. The Mighty Thomas Carnival will roll into Kay Rodgers Park with carnival rides such as the trendy Wacky Cowboy coaster and the towering, 70-foottall Century Wheel with gondola-style seating. Music from all genres will fill Hugh Harden Area. Performing will be Grupo Mojado, 9 p.m. Sept. 20; Roots and Boots featuring Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye at 8 p.m. Sept. 21; Extreme Bulls at 8 p.m. Sept 25; and Shaman Harvest at 8 p.m. Sept. 26. Throw in the games and tasty treats and you’ve got yourself a big night out – with or with the kids. Gate admission is $8 adults, $6 Seniors 62+, $5 youth ages 4-11 and 3 and younger free. Armbands and other discounts available in advance online. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. arkansasoklahomafair.com
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September-December Community School of the Arts Fall Lineup Community School of the Arts is now registering students for fall. Classes and lessons in music, theater, dance, and visual art are available to students from preschool through adult. All classes are taught by professional practicing artists. Online registration is open at the CSA website at csafortsmith.org. For questions, contact Dr. Rosilee Russell at 479-434-2880. Tuition and class times vary. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org
Sept. 1-30 National Library Card Sign-up Month Children who sign up for their first library card will receive a free book provided by the Friends of the Library and Channel 40/29. Library cards are available free to Fort Smith residents 5 and older. A parent or legal guardian must apply in person for children ages 5-15. Take identification with current street address, such as a driver’s license, bank check or utility bill. Free. Daily. Fort Smith Public Library (all locations), 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Sept. 3-24 Teen Tuesdays On Sept. 3, tweens will celebrate National Wildlife day and make animal mosaics out of magazine clippings. On Sept. 10, make craft stick launchers using craft sticks, glue, rubber bands and Q-tips. Sept. 17 is Wii Just Dance. Wii Dance until you drop to a variety of music. For interested teens, the Teen Advisory Board will meet Sept. 24 to discuss creating fun teen programs. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 3-24 STEAM Activities Grades 1-5 meet for science, technology, engineering, art and math activities. Call to register. Free. 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Sept. 4-25 Cedarville Story Time Toddlers and preschoolers will hear Ms. Lara read stories, sing songs and do activities together. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853
Sept. 4 Grandparents Day Cards Create cards to show your grandparents how much they mean to you. For all ages. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 4-25 Wednesday Story Time Explore ninjas, pirates and more in stories, songs, crafts and books. Free. 9:30 and 11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 4-25 Rhythm & Rhymes Infants, toddlers and preschool-age children will enjoy time reading, singing, learning rhymes and finger plays. R&R introduces children to language skills in a positive and fun environment. Free. 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Sept. 4-25 Dungeons and Dragons Although simple to play, Dungeons and Dragons uses many skills involving math, storytelling, teamwork, reasoning and creative writing. The group will lend a player anything needed to get started. Free. 3:30-5:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Sept. 5 Teen DIY: School Spirit Signs Headed to the big game? Make your own school spirit sign to flash from the bleachers and show your support. All supplies provided. Free. 3:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405
Sept. 5 STEAM Tweens and teens join Ms. Lara to discover new ways to play and learn at the same time – with robots! Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 September 2019 Entertainment Fort Smith 37
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sept. 5 Grandparents Story Time In honor of Grandparents Day, hear sweet stories like “Because Your Grandparents Love You” and “Grandma, Grandpa, and Me” and make cards and handprint crafts. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 5-26 All-Ages Program This “come and go” time is for families to check out books, make friends and participate in other activities. LEGO Brick Builders is the last Thursday of the month. Free. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept 5-26 Thursday Story Time Traditional story time includes craft and snacks. Free. 10 a.m. Thursdays. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Sept. 6-27 Nature Break This 30-minute nature break activity is designed for 3-7 year olds. Free. 3:45 p.m. Fridays. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993
Sept. 7 Gunner the Therapy Dog Visit Gunner and his handler, Susan, spread doggy joy and allow patrons to enjoy this calm and friendly dog. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Sept. 7-28 Saturday Story Time Read, sing and do an activity together. This story time helps build confidence and literacy skills. Free. 1-2 p.m. Saturdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Sept. 12 Baseball Story Time Swing into action with books like “Dino-Baseball,” “Take Me Out to the Yakyu” and “It’s a Home Run, Charlie Brown.” Sing songs and craft your own baseballs. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 12 Teen Time A different activity will be featured every month, with snacks and tons of laughs. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853
Sept. 12, 19, 26 After School Crafts Paper plates, popsicle sticks and balloons create an active afternoon of balloon tennis, craft your own keychain and windchimes. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 12, 19, 26 After School Yoga at the Library Teachers, parents and kids can stretch, move, breathe and practice balance. This is a gentle and easy yoga. Free. 4-4:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 38 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2019
Sept. 12 Teen DIY: Yarn Monograms Make your own monogram with yarn! All supplies will be provided and registration is not required at this free program for teens. Free. 3:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405
Sept. 13 Nutcracker Pre-Audition Workshop Girls and boys ages 6-12 have the opportunity to learn “The Nutcracker” audition choreography before anyone else, how to dress for an audition, hairstyle tips, successful audition hints and dance practice. There will also be a fun craft and a light snack. Call or visit the studio for tickets. Deadline Sept. 12. $20. 4:30-6 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Sept. 13 Charlie and the Chocolate Library It’s Roald Dahl’s birthday! Join the Oompa Loompas to celebrate with a game of “Pin the Hat on Willy Wonka” and Oompa Loompa Freeze Dance. One lucky party-goer will find the Golden Ticket and receive a fabulous prize! Free. 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Sept. 13, 20, 27 Coding Club Students ages 7-12 can try a mixture of unplugged and tech-driven activities to build skills, vocabulary and confidence with coding. Register in advance. Free. 4:15-5:15 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Sept. 14 Explore Girl Scouts Explore activities that build girls into women of courage, confidence and character. Experience outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping basics, a BB gun range and art activities! Explore STEM activities at the Girl Scouts – Diamonds’ STEAM Center and more! Wear closed-toes shoes, take a water bottle and a T-shirt that can be recycled. A hot dog lunch will be provided. Free 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Girl Scouts – Diamonds’ Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 501-590-0762 girscoutsdiamonds.org
Sept. 14 Lights, Camera, Action! A Creative Story Time 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 “The Really Groovy Story of the Tortoise and the Hare” and “The Lion and the Mouse.” Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Sept. 14 Open Auditions for the 34th Annual Nutcracker Western Arkansas Ballet is holding open auditions for its 34th annual production of “The Nutcracker.” The production features more than 100 local children and adults as well as professional artists. Call for audition times. Performances will be Nov. 30 at University of the Ozarks and Dec. 14-15 at the ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center. Audition fee $40; $25 refunded if not cast. 10 a.m. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org
Sept. 16 Craft: Tie Dye Butterflies Create tie dye butterflies using items like baby wipes. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 16 LEGO Club: Life on the Farm Design, create and build unique creations with the Lego Club. Supplies provided. Free. 5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 17 Pirate Story Time Ahoy, mateys! Join the Miller Branch pirates for a special nighttime story time with pirate-themed stories, songs, and games! Free. 6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 18 Teen DIY: Friendship Bracelets Make friendship bracelets using a rainbow of colors. All supplies will be provided and registration is not required at this free program for teens. 3:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405
Sept. 19 Monkey Story Time Swing into books like “Monkey and Me,” “Grumpy Monkey” and “Sock Monkey Rides Again” and jump around to monkey songs, make puppets and enjoy a snack. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 19 Talk Like a Pirate Day Crafternoon Arrrrgh you ready to get crafty? Also, there will be pirate-themed refreshments and games. Free. 1-6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945
Sept. 19 Interactive Movie Take the family and buzz on over for a fun interactive movie that tells the story of a cowboy doll that becomes profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman figure supplants him as top toy in a boy’s room. Free. 6 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 20 Lavaca Chamber of Commerce Movie in the Park: “Ghostbusters” Lavaca Chamber of Commerce is showing “Ghostbusters” outside Lavaca City Hall. Free movie! Free popcorn! Take your lawn chairs. Free. 8:45 p.m. Lavaca City Hall, 808 West Main Street, Lavaca , Ark. 479-462-2804 Facebook-Lavaca Movies in the Park
Sept. 21 Family Story Time RooDoo’s Wildlife Park will be there with a special furry friend to read! Free. 10 a.m. Sebastian County Library, 18 North Adair Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2856 Sept. 23 Bookworms Book Club September’s title is “All We Have Left” by Wendy Mills. Enjoy a discussion, crafts and snacks. Free. 4 p.m.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 25 Teen DIY: Recycled Treasure Boxes Make a cool container to stash your stuff! All supplies will be provided. Free. 3:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405
Sept. 26 Fall Story Time Jump into a pile of books like “Fall Ball, “In the Middle of Fall” and “The Fall Festival,” create leaf paintings and snack. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 27 BINGO for Books: Back-to-School Edition Play bingo and earn books or school supplies as your prize. Free. 4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Sept. 9-Dec. 4 Community School of the Arts Announces Mother’s Day Out Arts Preschool Program A new arts-based preschool program for children ages 3-5 is accepting applications. Fashioned like a Mother’s Day Out, the program will be offered 9 a.m.-noon Monday and Wednesday at Central Presbyterian Church. This unique program will be led by CSA instructors in music, theater, dance and visual art. Children will rotate to each arts area throughout the morning as they do activities in each of the 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. This exciting and unique new program will connect your preschooler to the arts in a fun way. Choose one or both days to participate. To register, download a form at csafortsmith.org, register online or call 479-434-2020. For questions, contact Dr. Rosilee Russell, executive director, at 479-434-2880. CSA offices are located at St. Bart’s at 2701 Old Greenwood Road. Tuition varies. 9 a.m.-noon. Monday and Wednesday. Central Presbyterian Church, 2901 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org
Sept. 30 Paper Plate Frisbees Craft your own Frisbees then challenge your friends to see whose flies the farthest. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 30 Teen Lounge: Harry Potter Locker Magnets Attention Potterheads! Make your own Harry Potter locker magnets. Supplies and snacks. For ages 13+. Free. 4-5:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.
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MUSIC & performance
Mr. Sipp
Andre Price Sept. 14 Comedy Night at the Elks Fort Smith Comedy presents Comedy Night at the Elks featuring Andre Price! Andre has been performing all over the United States and is FINALLY returning to the city he calls his second home. The Elks Lodge 5504 Massard Road Fort Smith, AR 72903 There will be two performances at 7pm and 9pm. Hosted by Luke Perkinson with guest appearances. TICKETS: $10 in advance online $15 at the door Tickets available at: brownpapertickets.com/event/4318677 $10 online / $15 door 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. The Elks Lodge, 5504 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. (479) 478-1060 https://m.facebook.com/events/479136972884121
Riverfront Blues Festival Redux: Rescheduled, re-booted, really great show SEPT
You can’t keep a good blues festival down! Although flooded out of its venue on its original dates, the Best Little Blues Festival in America regrouped to offer a one-day show in September. Keep the blues alive by getting tickets and enjoying this re-scheduled festival, featuring some of the original artists and a few new ones. Mr. Sipp, “Mississippi Blues Child” Castro Coleman picked up the 2014 International Blues Challenge win in Memphis and kept on going internationally. He will headline Friday night. Also on the bill are our hometown heroes Tom Ware & Lacy Thomas and local, loud Halfway Crooks. It will be a first appearance for guitarist and pedal steel player Jerry Forney and his band. Mz. ShA and the KaShA Band will also be new to Fort Smith audiences.
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Tickets are $15, $25 for two adults, available on Eventbrite and at the gate. Blues fans 65 and up pay $5. Kids 14 and under are free. Gates open at 5 p.m. Harry E. Kelley Riverpark, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. riverfrontbluesfest.org Tom & Lacy
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John Jorgenson Sept. 19 AACLive: John Jorgenson John Jorgensen is no stranger to the AACL concert series. His gypsy jazz quartet has performed on two memorable occasions over the past 20 years. Fresh off his gig as lead guitarist for Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour he will be back in Fort Smith; opening the 2019/2020 Season with his latest endeavor, J2B2 – the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, featuring four legendary musicians: John Jorgenson on guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Herb Pedersen on banjo, guitar and vocals, Jon Randall on guitar and vocals and Mark Fain on bass. Impeccable musicianship, incomparable songwriting and seasoned showmanship. The show is part bluegrass and part ’70s singer-songwriter vocal harmonies. Traditional bluegrass standards fit seamlessly next to contemporary songs like the Pedersen-penned classic “Wait a Minute” and Randall’s CMA Song of the ear, “Whiskey Lullaby.” $40. Door open at 6:30 p.m. Music at 7:30 p.m. 801 Media Center at 5 Star Productions, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-8931 aaclive.com
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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Sept. 19-21; 25-28 Born Yesterday Fort Smith Little Theatre present Garson Kanin’s play. A wealthy but crude businessman, (played by the incomparable Charles Belt) on a trip to the nation’s capital, is socially embarrassed by his ditzy, uncultured showgirl girlfriend. He hires a reporter to “teach her the ropes,� a decision he’ll regret when she questions his unscrupulous deals and falls in love with her tutor. Directed by Duff Taylor. The play became a popular film in 1950, remade in 1993. 7:30 p.m. evening curtain time; 2 p.m. matinee Sept. 22. Tickets available online. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1966 fslt.org Sept. 26 Blue Lion: Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band The UAFS Season of Entertainment at the Blue Lion opens with this popular American country blues band, which tours heavily. Frontman Payton is described as a “phenomenal� guitar player. 7:30 p.m. UAFS Blue Lion Downtown, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.edu/season Oct. 3 Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll With a cast of stars from Broadway’s greatest rock musicals and rock bands, Berg shares the songs and stories behind the music that changed the world. Hear hit songs from Chuck Berry to the Beatles to Springsteen performed by Broadway’s best singers. It’s the first show of the 39th UAFS Season of Entertainment. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.edu/season
FEAST YOUR EARS. KUAF
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music & performance
FAIR
arena concerts
Sept. 20 Grupo Mojado
Sept. 21 Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin in concert
Sept. 25 Xtreme Bulls
Sept. 26 Shaman’s Harvest 42
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music & performance
LIVE
in local clubs
Temple Live
200 North 11th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. Tickets: templelive.com Sept. 7 Battles of the Bands 13 Cody Canada & the Departed 19 New Years Day with Ded 21 BuckCherry with Blacktop Mojo Oct. 12 Tucker Beathard 18 Randy Houser 28 The Hu The Gereg Tour
Entertainment at Cherokee Casino 109 Cherokee Blvd., Roland, Okla. Sept. 2 Craig Campbell Free Concert Country hit-maker in Lee Creek Tavern.8 p.m.
Entertainment at Gilley’s at Choctaw Casino 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. All shows begin at 9 p.m. No cover. Sept. Shows: 6 Opal Agara and the Sweet Nothings 7 Colt Ford 13 Libby Starks 14 Kevin Ortiz 20 Brandon Butler Band 21 Parker McCollum 24 Shea Abshier & the Nightowlers 27 Larry B & the Cradlerockers 28 The George Strait Experience (tribute)
The Majestic 817 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Tickets: majesticfortsmith.com Sept. 5 SoulFly “Blood on the Streets” Tour 6 Mixtapes 7 UltraSuede 14 Freddie Mercury Tribute 19 Corey Smith with Channing Wilson 21 Led Zeppelin Tribute 27 Hayes Carll Oct. 4 Whiskey Myers 5 Lou Dog A Tribute to Sublime 8 Nonpoint ft. Hyro the Hero 11 Elton John Tribute 12 Me Like Bees and JD Clayton
Harry’s Downtown 509 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Sept. 3 Ashtyn Barbree 6 Trashcan Bandits featuring Skye Pollard 7 Lucidome Showcase III 20 Arkansauce Oct. 4 White Collar Sideshow, Tom & Lacey 5 White Collar Sideshow 26 Dalton Richmond
Hero’s 1002 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Sept. 14 Nothing Left Standing Oct. 12 Rocktober at Hero’s
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CALENDAR of events
The museum under busy construction in late August. The Samuel M.Sicard Hall of Honor is the wing to the right. Photo by Austin Collins.
See the U.S. Marshals Museum at special dedication SEPT
Come in! The doors will be open to all on this longpledged date of dedication of the Mary Carleton and Robert A. Young III Building and the Samuel M. Sicard Hall of Honor at the U.S. Marshals Museum. The date also is a celebration of the 230th anniversary of U.S. Marshals Service.
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“It’s a thank you,” said Alice Alt of the museum’s foundation, “it’s a really big deal for our community, the marshals community, for our cultural and tourism community – this is huge.”
“Two interactive stations in the Hall of Honor will allow visitors to look up every name on the wall and see the story that we have on them,” Weeks said. Fort Smith is the jurisdiction, historically, in which the greatest number deputies died in the line of duty. Summer flooding delays presented a challenge to meeting the Sept. 24 date, but valiant effort by CDI Contractors is readying the museum to proudly give the public its “first look” at the building on this auspicious day. Event begins at 10 a.m. Free. Park along Riverfront Drive.
Recognition will be focused on marshals service and task force members who died in the line of duty. Each name is inscribed on its own plaque in the sunlit wing that is the Hall of Honor. Relatives of many of those honored will attend. “We have invited every family,” said Patrick Weeks, CEO of the museum. The U.S. Marshals Service Association of Retired Officers will be present, holding its annual conference in Fort Smith. The association also is for active duty members. State and local officials and Marshals Service dignitaries also are invited and several will speak. Music and presentations are planned. The audience is invited to a free lunch served by local donors. Tours will be led into the building in groups. The public will finally see the size and space of the museum. Only the Hall of Honor is installed. 44
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Interactive kiosks (left) tell the life story of each honoree in the Samuel M. Sicard Hall of Honor, the first exhibit to come to life in the museum.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 3-30 Guess the Number of Library Items Celebrate national library card sign-up month by guessing the number of items available to check out at the Dallas Branch Library. Submit a guess at checkout. The person with the guess closest to the actual number will win $20 in cash. Free. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650
Sept. 1 Fort Smith Museum of History Ice Cream Social This social has become an end-of-summer tradition. Each person can build their own ice cream sundae from classic tasty toppings in the museum’s authentic, old-fashioned soda parlor. $5. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Sept. 1-2 Downtown Junkfest Browse vintage, re-purposed, antique, salvaged, farmhouse and rustic items on historic Main Street. Live music, food trucks, street entertainers and all downtown establishments make this a festive outing. Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 800-332-3889 vanburen.org
Sept. 1 Starbird’s World of Rats & Riches Car Show Custom cars, hot rods, rat rods, motorcycles, bikes and more will be on display inside and outside the Fort Smith Convention Center. An action arena will have freestyle flamethrowers, burn-outs and donuts at 1 p.m. Meet the “Bubble Top King” Darryl Starbird and California car legend Gene Winfield. Justin Nichols and Maegan Ashline of Motortrends’s “Wretched” make a special appearance. A pedal car race for kids is at 1 p.m., sponsored by Rats for Autism. Adults 16 and up, $15; ages 13 to 15, $10; 12 and under free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 918-406-8966 starbirdcarshows.com Sept. 1-15 Girls Shelter Annual Mums Fundraiser Order now for a choice of gorgeous mums in bronze, purple, yellow, white red or tricolor for $15 each. Mums are from Parks Brothers Greenhouses. Mums will be delivered Oct. 4. Order by phone or by Facebook message. Girls Shelter of Fort Smith, 2600 Raleigh Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-0444 girlsshelterfs.org Sept. 1-30 Miller Branch Artist of the Month – Suzanne Yerton Suzanne Yerton will be the Miller Branch Artist of the Month in September. Yerton is a pharmacist who discovered painting as a creative release. Free. Daily. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 1-Oct. 31 Photography by Jim Barber Barber’s work will hang at Dewey’s Cafe. He joined the Photographic Alliance of Fort Smith where he learned technique, composition and photo post-processing from local photographers. Landscapes, nature and still life along with surreal black and white and digital art will be exhibited. Free. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Sept. 1-30 Hunger Action Month: Every Action Counts! Hunger hurts! The River Valley Regional Food Bank works to solve it by rescuing some 60,000 pounds of excess food a day and distributing it to food pantries. This nutritious food – close to expiration or with flawed packaging – plus food donated by producers and purchased from brokers, is an important help to families and individuals struggling to obtain enough food. Currently, one in six people in the River Valley, and one in four children, are food-insecure. To fight hunger by strengthening the work of the Food Bank and the 185 nonprofit hunger-relief agencies in eight counties it supplies, take action. Learn about hunger in the River Valley by visiting feedingamerica.org. See the Food Bank’s website, RVRFoodBank.org, to learn about Hunger Action Month opportunities to donate food or funds and to dine out with part of your meal’s cost going to help the hungry. A donation of $1 provides six meals through the Food Bank, so join Bank OZK in its “Making Plates Possible” campaign at any of its branches – drive through, donate, and a “plate” will be made in your name. River Valley Regional Food Bank, 1617 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0582 RVRFoodBank.org Sept. 3 Rivervalley Artisan Market Downtown’s open-air market is held on one Tuesday and Saturday each month. Browse original wares of local artists and craftspeople, enjoy food and familyfriendly entertainment. 5-9 p.m. Ross Pendergraft Park, 200 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-8494151 Facebook/RivervalleyArtisanMarket Sept. 3 Ken Bower Square Dance Ken Bower, world renowned square dance caller, will call a special dance. Everyone welcome. No charge for spectators. $7.50. 7-9:30 p.m. Kibler Methodist Church, 19 East Arkansas 162, Alma, Ark. 479-883-2380 Sept. 3 Adult Craft Class Register for an adult craft class with supplies and instruction provided. Free. 1 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Sept. 3-30 Library Card Sign-Up Month Find your next adventure at the library by signing up for a new card or using an existing one. Participate in library tic-tac-toe to enter to win a basket of goodies. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 3-30 Van Buren Library Card Sign Up Month A library card is a big step in lifelong learning and opens up a world with infinite possibilities. New patrons who obtain a card receive five tickets for a prize drawing. Every patron earns one ticket at each checkout. Drawing is Oct. 1. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 4 Discover Drawing Adults are invited to a free drawing class by Anna Lewis, who has been teaching drawing and art for more than 30 years. Try a different technique the first Wednesday of the month using materials including graphite, charcoal, and chalk. No registration is necessary. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 S. 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Sept. 4 Mulberry Book Club “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion” by Fannie Flagg is the book. Free.10 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Photo by Mike Martin Sept. 4-Oct. 21 Massard Prairie Beauty Beautiful photographs of the flora and fauna of the Massard Prairie will make up this exhibit and an Oct. 1 talk will teach about this special ecosystem and how it is being restored. As one of three naturally occurring prairies located near Fort Smith, Massard Prairie was first described in naturalist Thomas Nuttall’s “A Journal of Travels into the Arkansas Territory During the Year 1819.” Remnants of the Massard Prairie that once covered more than 10,000 acres in western Arkansas still exist at Ben Geren Golf Course, where a restoration project, headed by Jay Randolph, is under way to bring back the native grasses, wildflowers and wildlife of the original ecosystem. The exhibit, in the Community Room, includes the work of photographers Anastasia Spears, Larry Millican, Tracy Riley, Mike Martin, Patricia Cale, Jerry Owens and others. Learn more about Massard Prairie and the restoration project to preserve and sustain it from Ben Geren Regional Park administrator Jay Randolph at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Main Library. This exhibit is made possible by Bedford Camera and Video. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 September 2019 Entertainment Fort Smith 45
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Program, book signing with author Jim Spears SEPT Retired circuit judge Jim Spears will
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speak on his book, “Yearning to Breathe Free: A Judicial History of the Cuban Relocation Project Fort Chaffee, Arkansas 1980-82.” The memoir chronicles his work as an adjunct federal public defender for the project. Copies can be purchased. Spears, who has served as a circuit judge, administrative law judge, private practice attorney and leader of history-related civic projects, gives account of how the U.S. legal system responded to the unexpected intake of refugees from Castro’s Cuba. A full court was established at Fort Chaffee, where Spears served as a public defender for any camp resident arrested for a crime. One of his cases was the defense of a camp inmate on a charge of murder. His book also gives perspective on the political and public reaction to the relocation, which followed closely after the use of Fort Chaffee for Vietnamese refugees. By contrast, the Cubans were feared. Political fallout was harsh for then-Gov. Bill Clinton and President Carter, especially after brief camp rioting. Adults, $7; children 6-15, $2. UAFS students and museum members, free. 6-8 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org 46
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Sept. 5 Hog Wild for EHC The Extension Homemakers Crawford County Council fall meeting and luncheon. File for Life spokesman from SouthWest EMT will speak about preparing for an emergency. Register by Sept. 3. Free. 8:30 a.m.12:15 p.m. Crawford County Extension Office, 105 West Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-5286
Sept. 6 Needles and Chatter This creative circle is open to anyone who enjoys crochet, knitting, sewing, quilting, cross-stitch, embroidery, paper crafting or any other craft. Take your own project. Members share and demonstrate their crafts. Free. 12:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140
Sept. 5 Murder and Mayhem Ticket Sales Tickets for the Murder & Mayhem Haunted Trolley Tour and Progressive Dinner go on sale in person or by phone from 9-11 a.m. Sept. 5. If tickets remain, they will be available on eventbrite.com at noon. Four tours with dinner and drinks are Oct. 25, 26, 29 and 30. Board a trolley at the Fort Smith Museum of History at 5:30 p.m. and return at 9:45 p.m. Tours feature haunted and gruesome tales, stops for elegant dining at the Bonneville House and delicious dessert at Clayton House. Must be 21+. $100. 9-11 a.m. Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org
Sept. 6 First Friday Fun Play Scrabble with friends or challenge other players. Free. 11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 Thursday Knitting Classes Learn to knit. Supplies are provided for the first six to register. Free. Thursdays, 1 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Sept. 7 Tree Stand Safety Most hunting accidents involve falls from a tree stand. Learn the proper way to hang a tree stand and wear a fall-arrest system. Free. 10 a.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com
Sept. 5-30 Yoga at the Library Yoga can create awareness and harmony in the mind and body and improve balance and flexibility. Free. 10 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Sept. 5-6 Norma Tamboulian at RAM To celebrate an exhibition that will be ongoing through December, RAM is holding a reception and lecture. This exhibit will showcase works of sculpture and watercolor by Norma Tomboulian, as well as sculpture and artwork by various artists she has collected over the years, including Gloria Penry, Mary Coffin, Lou Moore Hale, Rae Dunn and Charles Banks Wilson. Also on exhibit will be The Camelot Chess Set, 16 lifesized busts by Tomboulian of Arthurian characters, now in RAM’s Permanent Collection. Tomboulian’s sculptural technique is unusual in that she creates hollow pieces, standing the clay on edge, unlike most artists who create them solid and then hollow them out. More than mastering this technique is her ability to capture the essence of the personality she portrays. She also works with watercolor. An opening reception is 5-7 p.m. Sept. 5. Tomboulian will lecture at 6-7 p.m. Sept. 6. Her talk will follow her life journey as a watercolorist, sculptor and collector, detail the processes she’s used when working with clay and address the inspiration she’s found as a member of The National League of American Pen Women. Lecture is free for members and student members, $15 for nonmembers. Reception is free for member, $10 others. The exhibit may be enjoyed through Dec. 29 with free daily admission. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org
Sept. 6 Inspirational Author Fest Three local inspirational authors, Suella Thrasha, writer of “Gone but Not Forgotten,” Robert Willis, author of “The Reality of Pentecost” and R.M. Snider, author of “Bordertown Gypsy,” will appear. Free. 10 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Sept. 7 4th Annual Play for Team Luke Tennis Event Supporting kids after brain injuries. Special guests John Isner (No. 9 in the world) and Danielle Collins (No. 25) host a morning Pro-Am along with afternoon adult and junior clinics. Attendees may win an opportunity to return John or Danielle’s serve. Bid on silent and live auction items, including sports trips of a lifetime. Stick around after clinics for a Third Set AfterParty featuring Nashville’s "Two Story Road" and includes drinks and live entertainment under the tent. Tickets $25 and up available online. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fort Smith Athletic Club, 5400 Gary Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-7211 ext.213 playforteamluke.com Sept. 7-28 Hike, Paddle or Shoot at the Nature Center Three free activities suitable for all ages are available on Saturdays at the River Valley Nature Center. Park staff members lead a guided hike along one of the Nature Center's many trails at 10 a.m. From noon-2 p.m., park staff will help boaters to paddle on Wells Lake in the park’s canoes and kayaks. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Life jackets, required, are provided. At 3 p.m., if the Multipurpose Room is free, try laser shot. Sharpen your hunting skills using a computer program and laser gun. All of these weekly activities are family-friendly and free. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Sept. 7-28 Yoga in the Garden Free Saturday yoga series led by certified instructors. Participants must be over 12 and should take a mat, towel, and water. In case of rain, class will be cancelled. Free. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org
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Territorial Arkansas exhibit has opening reception and brown bag lunch lectures The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith will host a traveling exhibit titled Territorial Arkansas: The Wild Western Frontier at the Boreham Library. The exhibition, which tells the story of Arkansas Territory, will be open for viewing 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Dr. Terisa Riley
A grand opening for the exhibit will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Boreham Library Room 122, with refreshments, discussions and a performance by the Squirrel Brain Gravy band. Remarks will be delivered by UAFS Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley, and a talk titled "Indian Territory and the East-West Axis of Slave Escapes in Arkansas" will be given by Dr. Charles Bolton, professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
The traveling exhibit consists of 15 panels that explore the history of Arkansas Territory though the collections of the Arkansas State Archives, the Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives in Powhatan and the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives in Washington. Each Wednesday, the Boreham Library will host brown bag lunches, from 11:30-1 p.m. in room 122. Sept. 11 will feature Catherine Forman-Gray, Cherokee Nation History and Preservation Officer, speaking on Cherokee Old Settlers in Early Arkansas. Sept. 18 the speaker is Billy Higgins, UAFS associate professor of history, on Free Black Communities in antebellum Arkansas. Sept. 25 will feature Tom Wing, UAFS assistant professor and director of the Drennen-Scott Home speaking on John Drennen and the Making of Arkansas. Students, faculty, staff and the public are invited to attend. All the events are free. All events will be held at the UAFS Boreham Library, 813 North Waldron Road, Fort Smith, Ark. Parking is available across Waldron Road and near the Windgate Arts Building in UAFS parking lots. September 2019
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 8 Rock & Roll Geography Trivia How good are you at your knowledge of rock & roll and geography? Prizes given for first place at this fun program for teens and adults. Free. 2-3 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229
Experience an immersive art installation by Yayoi Kusama at Crystal Bridges
Sept. 8-29 Archery All ages may try archery for beginners each Sunday at the Nature Center. Bows, arrows, safety gear and basic instruction provided. Free. 2:30 p.m. Sundays. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993
SEPT
Crystal Bridges recently acquired Infinity Mirrored Room – My Heart is Dancing into the Universe, 2018 by Yayoi Kusama. This artwork is an enclosed room filled with mirrors and dotted paper lanterns that change color. The dots appear to expand forever into the universe.
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Kusama is a contemporary artist who makes paintings, sculptures, performances, and installations. Dots are a common theme throughout her work—a pattern that she has utilized in her work since she was a child in an effort to escape trauma and anxiety. Crystal Bridges acquired another artwork of hers in 2018, Flowers That Bloom Now, which can be found in the North Forest. The Infinity Mirrored Room will be located in the Contemporary Art Gallery. A timed experience will be available to members from Aug. 31 to Sept. 30, and to the public on Oct. 2. Each participant will be allowed to view the installation for one minute.
Yayoi Kusama INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM-MY HEART IS DANCING INTO THE UNIVERSE, 2018 Wood and glass mirrored room with paper lanterns Courtesy Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore/Shanghai and Victoria Miro, London/Venice. © Yayoi Kusama
Sept. 8 CAE's 40th Annual Adult Art Competition Awards Ceremony and Exhibition The Center For Art & Education’s 40th annual Adult Art Competition wraps up with an awards ceremony and exhibition to showcase more than 100 works of art. Local and regional artists submit their works in painting, photography, drawing, mixed media and print. Meet the artists and support the arts in the River Valley. Most of the artwork on display is for sale. An opening reception is 1-4 p.m. Sept. 8. The special awards ceremony begins at 2 p.m. to honor the winners of this year’s competition. Light refreshments. Free. Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org Sept. 9 Fall Craft: Marbled Leaves Painting All ages can participate in a crafty afternoon of marbled leaf painting using simple items like shaving cream and paint. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 9 Friends of the Mountainburg Library Meeting Friends is a 501c3 organization dedicated to serving the library and its patrons. Volunteer, publicize, raise funds and help the library be the best it can be. This group is riotously fun and always has a good time together. Free. 3:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
This will be a ticketed experience, set up via a queuing system. Guests request a ticket at the front desk, online, or by calling Guest Services.Tickets are free, or may be reserved in advance for $1. (Fee waived for members.)
Yayoi Kusama Courtesy Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo/Singapore/Shanghai and Victoria Miro, London/Venice. © Yayoi Kusama 48 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2019
Admission to Crystal Bridges is free. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday; closed Tuesday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-418-5700 crystalbridges.org
Sept. 9 Adult Coloring Enjoy time with others or just concentrate on a creative, stress-reducing hobby. Supplies are provided, although some prefer to bring their own materials. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 9 Book Talk “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris. Based on the true story of Lale and Gita Sokolov, two Slovakian Jews who survived Auschwitz and eventually made their home in Australia. In that terrible place, Lale was made to tattoo prisoners marked for survival – scratching numbers into his fellow victims' arms in indelible ink to create what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust. Lale used the infinitesimal freedom of movement that this position afforded him to exchange jewels and money taken from murdered Jews for food to keep others alive. If caught he would have been killed; many owed him their survival. Free. 7-8 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
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Sept. 9-14 Crawford County Fair Carnival rides and games with prizes, food, 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 will 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 Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 Basic Guitar Lessons Learn as a beginner to play the guitar. Several guitars are available for use. A volunteer will help others learn the basics. Best for kids 10 and up and adults. Free. 3:30 p.m. Sept. 9-30 Ballroom Dance Lessons Learn to dance! Great exercise and a lot of fun. Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach group dance lessons on Monday evenings. This month, both classes will be beginner level and $5 pays for one class or both in a variety of dance styles. Dress attire is casual. $5 per person 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-2081072 Facebook/step in time dance class Sect. 10 The Book Lover’s Club The only requirement for this club is that you must love to read. Read whatever you like, fiction or nonfiction, and 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 Sept. 10 Scrapbook Class-A Personal Page Take a favorite photo of yourself and make a two page layout all about you from A-Z. All supplies will be pro-
vided except personal photos. Register by phone. Free. 2 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 10 Book Talk September’s book is “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger. Set in 1961, the character Frank Drum experiences a grim summer in which death visited often and took many forms. Accident. Nature. Suicide. Murder. Frank was forced to demonstrate a maturity and gumption beyond his years. Forty years later, he tells of discovering the price of wisdom and the grace of God. Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 10 Authors in the Afternoon with Jimmy D. Jewell Fort Smith author and historian Jimmy D. Jewell will make a special appearance to promote and sign copies of his new book, Westward Expansion: News of the Westward Movement. The adventure tales featured in the book contain many well-known explorers including Jim Bridger, Jeremiah Johnston and Kit Carson. These stories are extracted from real newspapers of the era, from 1793-1906. Several local stories are included. Copies of the Westward Expansion: News of the Westward Movement will be available for purchase and signing at this open-house style event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 10 Friends Of the Library Meeting Participate in a public, non-profit group whose members volunteer and help make plans and progress at the Sebastian County Library. Free. 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Sebastian County Library, 18 North Adair Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2856 Sept. 11 Diabetes Empowerment Education Program The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program is designed to help people with pre-diabetes and diabetes gain a better understanding of diabetes selfcare. Caregivers are also invited to attend and learn to help. Classes last for six weeks. Register at the library or by phone. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 September 2019
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Boston Store Tea Room and Vintage Style Show supports the Fort Smith Museum of History SEPT
Many Fort Smith ladies fondly remember the Boston Store, the fabulous department store once located on Garrison Avenue. Especially popular was the Boston Store Tea Room, where delectable sandwiches and desserts were served in an elegant atmosphere. The Fort Smith Museum of History will present a recreation of this fond memory at Hardscrabble Country Club with a luncheon and style show of vintage fashions.
Sept. 11 Invest Fort Smith Economic Development Summit An evening mini-summit designed to build awareness of downtown economic development opportunities is ideal for property owners, developers, small business owners, banks, non-profits, construction, architects, Realtors, public officials, residents and the interested public. Discussion and panel talk on downtown growth, regional trends and possibilities within downtown Fort Smith. The summit pulls together those interested in starting, expanding or renovating a business, creating development, or those who wish to stay informed. These opportunities are defined in the Fort Smith downtown master plan, Propelling Downtown Forward. 64.6 Downtown is a nonprofit founded in 2015 by Fort Smith entrepreneur Steve Clark with the purpose of creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith to further economic development. It is responsible for the downtown pocket park Garrison Commons, the award-winning short documentary “I AM WE” and the award-winning event The Unexpected, bringing urban and contemporary art to Arkansas. 64.6 Downtown is currently guiding the Gateway Park statuary park project and the renovation of The New Theatre. Free, registration required online or by writing director Talicia Richardson at talicia@646Downtown.com. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Riverfront Park West Room, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 646downtown.com
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Tickets include a Tea Room-inspired buffet, a fashion show of vintage clothing once purchased at the Boston Store, as well as accessories and memorabilia on display. See wonderful, vintage dresses, suits, coats, furs and accessories modeled by museum supporters. A $50 reservation includes Tea Room favorites such as three-ring circus, castle sandwiches, quiche lorraine, crepes, baked fudge, blondies and many other delectable treats reminiscent of the original menu. Originally doing business as Baer Brothers beginning in 1879, the fine store offered shoppers quality merchandise not previously found in Western Arkansas. The tradition of offering fine goods continued under the name Boston Store on Garrison Avenue. Owner Rudolph Ney quickly developed a reputation for “doing something extra” for customers. The store offered fine goods at its Garrison Avenue location until 1972, when it moved into the newly opened Central Mall. In 1984, the Boston Store closed its doors for good, ending a long tradition in Fort Smith. Even so, many fine garments, shoes and handbags that customers had purchased from the Boston Store were treasured, handed down or carefully preserved. Some of these have been loaned for the style show. At previous, popular Boston Store style show fundraisers, there have been a few stories told about the clothing – that they were wedding gifts, romantic gestures, or special selections to wear to celebrate graduation, promotion or holidays. Some were kept simply because they were timeless, beautiful and well-made. Celebrate and remember the tradition of the Boston Store. Tickets, $50, are available in advance at the Museum of History or by phone. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hardscrabble Country Club, 5211 South Cliff Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org 50
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Kim Darby and John Wayne in “True Grit.’ Sept. 11 Fort Smith Historical Society: True Grit “True Grit,” the novel by Charles Portis, became an iconic movie about frontier justice involving colorful western characters based in the Indian Territory and the federal court system in Fort Smith that helped to police it. Many of Portis' ideas and stories are based upon real events, but which ones? Park Ranger Cody Faber of the Fort Smith National Historic Site will lead a discussion on “True Grit: Fact and Fiction.” Faber is a native Arkansan and long-time fan of John Wayne and the original movie. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Historical Interpretation program and obtained a master's degree in education with an emphasis in historical interpretation. He has been a park ranger here since 2008, observing the interest of thousands of park visitors in “True Grit.” To answer visitors’ curiosity, Faber has learned to connect movie and novel fans with the real history centered on our National Historic Site’s courtroom, jail and our historically significant border region. Free and the public is invited. 6-7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-353-6158 fortsmithhistory.org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 12 Adult Craft Party Make a beautiful burlap cross from a repurposed frame, a great decoration for a wall or door. Supplies provided. Register at the library or by phone. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 12 Welcome Neighbor Get Acquainted Social Take a friend or neighbor to a social at the Welcome Neighbor Club to learn about joining. This organization open to all women offers friendship, activities such as a book club, day Bunco, day outings, a supper club and a charity auction. Refreshments served. Dues $15 per year. Free. 9:30-11 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library Carnegie Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3050 Facebook/Welcome Neighbor Club of Greater Fort Smith Sept. 12 Cancer 101: What to Expect From Cancer Treatment Presented by Aida Jones, APRN, Baptist Health Cancer Center-Fort Smith; Ila DeBose, LCSW, DWRCSH Support Group Facilitator, and Jenna Siebenmorgen, MS, RD,LD, CPT, Mercy Outpatient Dietician. Panel discussion covering common concerns and side effects experienced by cancer patients in active cancer treatment. Useful information addressing physical, emotional, and nutritional wellness will be provided by this inter-disciplinary panel. Caregivers are encouraged to attend. Refreshments provided. Reserve seats by phone. Free. 6 p.m. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org
Sept. 12 Bring Your Own Device: Phone or Tablet Assistance Library staff will help patrons with basic device setup and show them how to access the library’s electronic resources, like Library2Go and Kanopy. Drop in with any device and have your username, email and passwords handy. Charge your device beforehand. Preregistration is preferred but not required. Please indicate the type of your device and what you would like assistance with to assure that adequate assistance is available. Free. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 12 Autumn Potpourri Jar Candle Reserve a place in this free craft class for adults. All supplies will be provided to make a scented potpourri jar candle. Call to register. Free. 10 a.m. Sebastian County Library, 18 North Adair, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2856 Sept. 13 Bingo for Books Everyone wins at least one book. Fun, laughter and books for all. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 13 Game Carrier & Knot Tying Learn how to make a selection of knots useful for all kinds of outdoor activities. Make a game carrier out of paracord. Registration required. Free. 5:30 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com
Sept. 13-14 Friends Of The Library Pop-Up Book Sale Book sale during regular library hours. Most hardbacks & softcovers are $1. Paperbacks, 50 cents. Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. Sebastian County Library, 18 North Adair Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2856 Sept. 13-14 Dan Burton FCA Outdoor Expo The River Valley FCA hosts an expo featuring live shows including a Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack Show and Gator Country Show. Visit more than 100 outdoor vendors, interactive displays and games for the family. Raffles for prizes like a GC1K Intimidator ATV, an African Safari Hunt and a Drift Hot Tub. Pancake breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m. Sept. 14, $10 a person; $25 family. Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride, 10 a.m. Sept. 14, $10 person. Premier parking $10. Free admission. 1-6 p.m. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-649-8815 fcaoutdoorexpo.com Sept. 14 Fall Poker Ride or Hike For Kitties and Kanines Sponsored by the Sebastian County 4 H Horse Club.. Kitties and Kanines is a non-profit spay and neuter facility serving the River Valley. Trail will be approximately two hours long at a walk. $25. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sebastian County Park, Hwy 45, Midland, Ark. 479-739-7981 Facebook: Fall Poker Ride or Hike for Kitties and Kanines
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 14 Hunter Education Course Free course on the fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting 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. Instructor-led class with hands-on demonstrations. Class ends with a test to pass the course. Registration required at register-ed.com. Free. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993
RAM calls for works for Maximum Exposure, a 2020 group photography exhibit and sale Photographers preserve special moments of our time and make them accessible to future generations. These images are a documentation of who we are and where we have been.
Sept. 16 Alzheimer’s Disease Class A discussion on understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia. Free. 6:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
A new exhibition called Maximum Exposure has been created by Fort Smith Regional Art Museum to encourage and recognize professional artists in the field of photography. In addition, this exhibition aligns with the museum’s mission to foster art appreciation in the community. All works in this group exhibit will be for sale and proceeds will benefit RAM and the participating artists. Works chosen to be shown in the exhibit will be selected by RAM. The exhibition rules impose no theme, giving entrants the freedom to inspire with their photography, no matter the style, subject matter or genre. Landscapes, portraits, reportage, conceptual, personal documentary, travel ... from spontaneous street moments to meticulous studio set-ups. Photographers should show the exhibition judges technique, vision and creativity.
Sept. 15 Miss Arkansas Recruitment Seminar If you have ever considered entering the Miss Arkansas or Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen Scholarship program, you are invited to attend this recruitment seminar. This year, the Miss Arkansas Scholarship program awarded $184,800 at the state pageant & The Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen program awarded $35,850. The Miss Arkansas and MAROTeen Diamond State Princess program is for young ladies ages 5-12. The DSP will have an opportunity to escort candidates and perform on the prestigious Robinson Performance Hall stage. Princess parties, talent shows and onstage performances each night are just part of the Diamond State program. Door prize drawings including CMN Fees (for Miss candidates), interview lessons, beauty tools and much more will be given away during this event. Email nextmissarkansas@gmail.com for more information. 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Woodland United Methodist Church, 7804 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-7132
Sept. 16 Give (Chick) Peas A Chance Cooking Class Discover the amazing array of delicious and healthy dished that you can create from the lowly chickpea, from appetizers to entrees, desserts and condiments. This fall cooking class series is a plant-based vegan cooking demonstration and tasting class. RSVP for limited seating. Free. 6:30 p.m. Fort Smith Seventh Day Adventist Gymnasium, 2000 Lousiville, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-926-8039
Photos by Louis Meluso
Deadline for submissions is Nov. 15. The accepted entries will be announced Dec. 6. Exhibit photos will be delivered to RAM by Jan. 3. Exhibit dates are Jan. 10-April 19. The prize will be a Solo Exhibit at RAM in 2022. Throughout the duration of the Maximum Exposure, visitors will be asked to vote for which photographer they want to see featured. Entries must include up to five clearly labeled, high-resolution images via CD, USB drive, slides or printed photographs, but not originals. Submissions will not be returned. Details for each work should include title, year, and dimensions (HxWxD) and an artist statement about the submitted piece. No images larger than 18 x 24 inches (framed 24 x 36). Price each piece, in the event of a sale. Call 479-784-2787 or email info@fsram.org with questions. Send or drop off submissions to Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, Maximum Exposure, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. 52 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2019
Sept. 17 Cash Flow Workshop The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents “Keep the Cash Flowing: Cash Flow 101.” Learn about cash flow basics for your business including working capital management, calculating and closing the financial gap, cash forecasting and more. Sponsored by Arvest Business Resource Center. Registration required by Sept. 16, by phone or online. Free 10 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/russellville-events Sept. 17 Getting Started with eBooks To get ready for “Read an eBook Day” on Sept. 18, Alma library staff will show how patrons can access its free digital collection using OverDrive and RBdigital. Read anytime, anywhere with ebooks and e-audiobooks. Take your own laptop, tablet, e-reader, or phone and an active library card to connect with many
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new opportunities to read. Register at the desk or by phone. Free. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 crawfordcountylib.org Sept. 17 Storm Spotter Training A National Weather Service representative will discuss severe thunderstorms and conditions associated with severe weather in detail. Many examples of these weather features will be presented through photos and video. Free. 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com
Sept1. 17 Antique Show & Tell Take treasures from your attic or handed-down heirlooms. Curator hobbyists will offer estimation of value or identification of age and purpose of each item. Hear stories each patron brings with their items. Fun for owners and spectators alike. Free. 6:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 17 TEC Staffing/Career Solutions at the Library T.E.C. Staffing/Career Solutions will answer questions about their service and sign up candidates for possible work. Many local companies use T.E.C. for part-time seasonal staff as well as part-time to full-time hires. Mini-applications provided. Resumes accepted but not required. Free. 1-4 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600
Sept. 18 QuickBooks Hands-on Workshop The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents “QuickBooks Desktop Basics and Beyond.” This interactive workshop is for those using or planning to use QuickBooks Desktop (Pro, Premier, or Enterprise) software. Topics build from navigation and company set up to reconciling accounts, handling revenue, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank feeds, inventory, customizing reports and more. A computer and a take-home workbook are provided. Seating is limited with registration required no later than Sept. 17. Call or go online to register. $130. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Landmark CPAs, 3101 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 http://asbtdc.org/russellville-events/ Sept. 18 Grown-Up Story Time Fun, refreshments and activity, only for adults It’s always a surprise, but always fun. Free. 11 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Sept. 18 The Sketchbook Social That First Blank Page is always threatening to any artist but drawing every day – keeping a sketchbook – is sure to improve any artist’s skills. Learn to keep engaged in your daily sketching habits by learning about activities such as the limited color pallet challenge and one-line contours. Take your sketchbook, show off your process and sketch among friends and artist colleagues. Surrounded by CAE’s extensive art
CALENDAR OF EVENTS library of more than 1,700 art-related books, the atmosphere to study and learn from the masters has never been better. Light refreshments and beverages provided. Free 5-7 p.m. Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org
Sept. 18 BINGO for Adults! Bring your lucky bingo daubers or lucky troll for this fun hour of bingo! We will have prizes for winners and refreshments will be provided at this free program! Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 19 Open Mic Night at Dewey’s Café Join this fun, casual open mic night at Dewey’s Café. Musicians, poets and other talented folks are invited to perform. Sign-up at the door; arrive early to ensure a spot on the list. Showcase your talent, or just come and listen. Music or poetry does not have to be original work – come and share a favorite poem or musical piece. Acoustic music only please. Free. 7 p.m. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org
Sept. 19 Book Club Every month, adults choose a book or theme to read and get together to discuss it. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853
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Beauty and the Beads party helps lift families up by funding Arkansas Single Parent Scholarships Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund is excited to announce the 2nd Annual “Beauty and The Beads” luncheon. While enjoying lunch, bid in silent and live jewelry auctions for casual and gemstone jewelry. The audience will also hear from three special scholarship recipients about how their lives and the lives of their children have improved due to ASPSF scholarships.
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ASPSF has been helping single parents change their lives and change the future for their children since 1990. With the help of scholarships, these parents complete career-focused college degrees or professional certificates and move into new jobs with family-supporting wages. With the developmental programs provided by ASPSF, parents can learn job acquisition skills and soft skills that make them sought-after employees wherever they go. The luncheon is an excellent opportunity to hear how ASPSF is working to break the cycle of generational poverty for River Valley single parents and their children. ASPSF assists part-time and full-time single-parent students pursuing a post-secondary education, including associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificate programs. Scholarships not only help with school costs, they can be used for household expenses, day care costs, commuting expenses, and more while the student is attending school. $39 tickets available on Eventbrite.com Tables available, $500. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Hardscrabble Country Club, 5211 Cliff Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-6171 ASPSF.org
Sept. 19 Heart to Heart's It's a Beautiful Life Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Center will host its annual “It's a Beautiful Life” fundraising banquet with live entertainment, a silent auction, drinks by Post Winery and dinner by Taliano's. Tamara Hall, M.Ed., will entertain. She is a speaker, humorist, author and radio host. All proceeds support Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Center of Fort Smith. Underwrite or sponsor a table by phone or at the pregnancy center, 417 South 16th Street, Fort Smith. RSVP by phone to attend. 6-9 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-2260 Sept. 19 Knitting Club Do you want to learn knitting, a beginner to knitting, or an advanced knitter that would just like to hang out with others that share the hobby? There is a new knitting club at the Van Buren Public Library; it is a family friendly atmosphere, free, and open to all skill levels. This month you will learn by knitting a dishcloth. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 19 Card Class Adults and seniors, do you enjoy giving homemade cards away or sending them in the mail? Basic card making skills are taught while making two complete cards. This month, the card projects will be a Halloween and fall card. All skill levels are welcome. All supplies are provided free of charge. Free. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Sept. 19 Mountain Dulcimer Club Everyone is welcome to play easy songs the first hour and try to build your skill set during the second hour. Spend some happy time playing old classics and new favorites and get better at playing together. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-471-3226 Sept. 19 Frozen Tears: The Fort Leonard Wood MP Murders Book launch for this true crime title by J.B. King, who was a first responder to this 1977 crime. Just about any soldier who went through Fort Leonard Wood and almost all law enforcement groups, local, state, federal and military, will remember this case. 6-8 p.m. Bookish, 115 N. 10th Street, Brunwick Place Suite H-119C, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2917 bookishfs.com Sept. 19-20 2019 7th Annual SCA Aging Conference This conference is presented by Springwoods Behavioral Health. This annual aging conference will have a variety of topics including: Having A Plan, Geriatric Pain Management, Diabetes, Dental Health, UTI changes, VA benefits, medical cannabis, mental health and much more! 13 CEUs offered for professionals. $125. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 800 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-0418 arseniorcarealliance.org Sept. 20 Afternoon “Downton Abbey” Tea Van Buren Public Library is hosting an Afternoon Tea in anticipation of the new "Downton Abbey" movie
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS scheduled for theater release. Both fans and non-fans of the show are welcome to attend this free event. A tea-themed craft will be made, variety of teas and sandwiches offered, and laughter will all be part of the fun as you visit with each other while lifting your pinkies. Call 479-474-6045 to sign up. Free. 2 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045
Sept. 20 Dementia Speaks: Dr. Macie Smith Dr. Macie Smith with Diversified Training Consultants Group presents Dementia Speaks. This program provides education and support senior families while they journey through dementia caregiving and the longterm care system. Dr. Smith's upbeat personality and passion for what she does transforms a burdensome situation into a blossoming new way of living. She is dedicated to preserving the quality life of our most precious gems by providing quality education and information with real world scenarios that will leave you empowered. What you think you know about Alzheimer's disease/dementia and the long-term care system, can affect your ability to successfully journey through disease processes. Therefore, Dr. Smith and her team create a learning environment that molds and shapes your knowledge. Her approach is nonjudgmental and hopeful. Dr. Smith's motto is to inform, not to impress. This event is free to caregivers but you must reserve your spot by calling 479-4590418. One day CEUs for professionals. $100. Free caregivers/$100 professionals 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 800 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-0418 arseniorcarealliance.org Sept. 21 Downton Tea & Trivia Enjoy an afternoon tea with light refreshments to celebrate the release of the Downton Abbey movie. Downton Trivia time will follow, with prizes. Register for limited seating by phone or online. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org/events/downton-tea-trivia
Sept. 21 Fab Five and Marksmanship Challenge Event Celebrate the 12th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day events. All ages are invited to play. Participants can join for fun or may join in the statewide challenge for a chance to win the grand prize. Free noon-4 p.m. Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 facebook.com/JHARVNC/
Sept. 21 Local Author Showcase Jac Holmes Stop by the shop and chat with debut author Jac Holmes about her young adult fantasy book “Rabbit Trapped.� Books available for purchase at Bookish. Free. 2-4 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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Sept. 21 Breastfeeding Class Classes provide preparation for successful breastfeeding by discussing the many benefits, explaining how to get started, teaching basic techniques and providing solutions to common problems. Classes are open to all breastfeeding mothers or women interested in breastfeeding in the future. It’s recommended you take a support person with you who will learn these same basic skills and help you while you are in the hospital and at home. Registration required. Free. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Baptist Health-Fort Smith, Baptist Health Classroom, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 888-227-8478 bit.ly/BaptistHealthBreastfeeding Sept. 21 RVAM 3rd Saturday Rivervalley Artisan Market welcomes everyone downtown for this upbeat, urban market. This evening market is dedicated to local artists and crafters. 5-9 p.m. Ross Pendergraft Park, 200 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 4798494151
Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair has entertainment, carnival thrills, tasty food and fun for everyone SEPT
What’s happening at the fair? All the traditional things fairgoers anticipate, from the whirling colored lights on exciting carnival rides to the appealing aromas of food on the midway, such as hot roasting kettle corn and candied apples, deep-fried treats and puffy, spun cotton candy. There will be freshsqueezed lemonade and icy sno-cones, funnel cake, pickles, pizza and popcorn.
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Entertainment on the midway will include animal acts and acrobats and chances to carry home a big plush prize. At its roots, an agricultural harvest gathering, the fair will, of course, have all manner of livestock to survey and Junior Livestock Show with competitive bidding. Poultry, sheep, hogs, cattle and more will move through the barns as each are judged. Now is the time to purchase advance tickets, especially for carnival rides. A Family Fun Pack is the best deal: $69 pack includes 60 ride tickets, 4 gate admissions and $20 worth of food vouchers or buy 60 ride tickets for $30. Unlimited Ride Armbands are $20 (save $4) and are valid on the following days: 4 p.m.-midnight Sept. 20; noon-10 p.m. 56
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Sept. 22; 4-11 p.m. Sept. 23 (buddy night, buy one, get one free) and 11 a.m.- p.m. Sept. 28. Nightly gate admission is $8 adults; $6 seniors (62+); $5 youth (4-11) and children 3 and under free. Advance tickets can be purchased online through 4 p.m. Sept. 20. Online purchases can be redeemed in person at the Kay Rodgers Park Box Office starting Sept. 16 or any day during the fair. No tickets will be mailed. Absolutely no refunds. Online fees may apply. Advance tickets also may be purchased in person starting Sept.16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Kay Rodgers Park Box Office and at Central Mall from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 16- 19 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20. Once in the gate, attend four evening shows with free admission. Sept. 20, Grupo Mojado. Sept. 21, Roots and Boots with Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin, Sept. 25, PRCA Extreme Bulls. Sept. 26, Shaman Harvest. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. arkansasoklahomafair.com
Sept. 21 Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. The Museum Day ticket provides free admission for two people on Sept. 21. They may be presented as paper copy or as a download from your mobile device. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org/
Sept. 22 TrailBlazers Hiking Club Fall Kick-Off TrailBlazers Hiking Club begins the 18th season of hiking at Devil's Den State Park. Hike the familiar trails before gathering in the pavilion for a wiener roast/potluck meal. Take a veggie, salad, chips and dip, or dessert to share. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at Cloverleaf Plaza in Van Buren to carpool or caravan to the park. Or meet at the park pavilion at 2:30 p.m. 2:30-6 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, Winslow, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com Sept. 22 Clayton Conversation: Book Signing with Judge Jim Spears Join Judge Jim Spears as he discusses his new book, “Yearning to be Free: A Judicial History of the Cuban Relocation Project.” The judge will be available to sign books. Call for reservations. Free to Clayton House members; $10 for nonmembers. 1 p.m. refreshments; 1:30 p.m. program. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org Sept. 22 St. Bartholomew’s Homecoming 2019 Community Celebration and Service The community is invited to attend this annual homecoming outdoor service with cookout, live music, vendors and games for children and adults. All are welcome to share in the fun. Free. 10:30 a.m. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2101 stbartsfs.org
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Sept. 23-27 Banned Books Week Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Get “caught reading” your favorite banned book at the library and learn why some books have been banned or challenged. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 24 Clearinghouse Guild Meeting Learn what you can do to help feed kids. Lunch will be provided for $15. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Hardscrabble Country Club, 5211 Cliff Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-7211
Fort Smith Fall Festival pulls together family fun, music, re-enactments and education in city’s museum district SEPT
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This is the big one! Last year for the first time, more than 4,000 visitors strolled through the enormous, cooperative festival created by the Fort Smith National Historic Site in partnership with the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, Judgment Town, Fort Smith Museum of History and other historically devoted organizations.
This 2nd Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival will again be the largest historical themed event held in the city. All these entities partner almost daily, referring visitors to neighboring attractions. But on this day, it all happens at once, and most of it can be enjoyed free of charge. It’s a perfect time to introduce young children or new residents to the rich, authentic history of Fort Smith through many eras, which all citizens of the area should know and enjoy. Events at the National Historic Site grounds take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historic Site programs include nearly 100 re-enactors highlighting living history in demonstrations of the first and second Fort Smith’s military activities from cannon firing to Civil War calvary and rifle units. The significant law enforcement era of Fort Smith will be portrayed by deputy marshal encampments and Judge Parker-era trial re-enactments by Friends of the Fort. A roster of experts and scholarly speakers in the Visitor Center theater will give short talks on a range of subjects from Native American issues, Civil War battles, the role of women at the fort and the a visit of early American naturalist Thomas Nuttall. A children’s area will have Choctaw and frontier games, arts and crafts. On the schedule also are an 11 a.m. concert by the Northwest Arkansas Heritage Brass Band and a 1 p.m Civil War Ball with period dancing to music by the Camp Followers Band. Spectators may join the dancing! At 11 a.m. at the Fort Smith Museum of History, Floyd and Sue Robinson, award-winning volunteers who portray Judge and Mrs. Parker, will present a program about the family of Judge Isaac C. Parker. Artifacts of the Parker family will be on display. Self-guided tours will be available at the Fort Smith Museum of History, which presents the entire history of the city, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for regular admission prices. Adults (16 and up), $7; children 6-15, $2; children under 6 are free. Also, free to UAFS students and members of the Fort Smith Museum of History. At the nearby Fort Smith Trolley Museum, 100 South 4th Street, there will be electric streetcar rides, a large outdoor antique engine and tractor show, plus the attraction of seeing all the museum’s rolling stock. Judgment Town, a fun, fictional Old West set adjacent to the Historic Site, has the costumed Lawbreakers & Peacemakers presenting skits of “shootouts” (all safe), saloon entertainment and cowboy action. The River Valley Artisan Market will be ongoing at Pendergraft Park, 200 Garrison, with local artisans, food trucks and family-friendly entertainment. Admission is free to the National Historic Site, Judgment Town and the Trolley Museum. Families should budget to for tempting food and beverages from vendors. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum district is centered around Parker and Rogers Avenue. Public parking is available in downtown Fort Smith and at the National Historic Site parking lot. It’s an easy, sidewalk stroll of several blocks between attractions. 58
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Sept. 24 Recipe Club Take a dish of home-cooked food along with your favorite recipe to take part in this fun and practical program. Taste everyone's homemade dish and take home recipes. Free. 4-5 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Sept. 24 True Crime Book Club Disciss "The Creek Side Bones" by George Jared. Free. 6 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226
Sept. 25 Feeding Hope Day at the Fair Sponsored by 40/29 News and the Arkansas CW, entry to the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair is just $1 or a donation of nonperishable food will go to strengthen the work of the River Valley Regional Food Bank. Nonprofit agencies in eight counties depend on the Food Bank for supplies used for emergency food boxes and hot meals for the 47,000 citizens who lack access to enough nutrition. Head to the Fair Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and make a difference during Hunger Action Month! $1 or nonperishable food. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0582 RVRFoodBank.org Sept. 26 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The club will discuss the book “How Hard Can It Be” by Allison Pearson. All women are welcome to participate or join this women’s social and service club. Free 11:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue. , Fort Smith, Ark. 972-849-3004 Welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com
Sept. 26 Boston Mountain Writer’s League Meet with other writers to share your work, give encouragement, offer suggestions, and share tips. Most writers in this group focus on gentle fiction, local history, memoir, and religious stories. Enjoy the company and share your work. Free. 10 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Sept. 26 Bingo For Books Adults play bingo, win books & T-shirts. Free. No registration required. Free 10 a.m. Sebastian County Library, 18 North Adair Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2856
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Sept. 26 Crafterwork: Canvas Painting Crafterwork means crafting after work with a group. All skill levels welcome and step-by-step instruction is given. Create a different craft project each month using various methods and supplies. This month, paint a fall canvas depicting a truck with a pumpkin in its bed. All supplies are provided, but pre-registration is required. Call 479-474-6045 for reservations. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 26 Adult Crafty Corner Adults can be crafty, also! Rediscover your creative spark by doing an easy craft. This month, make an autumn leaf bowl. Free. 2-3 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org
Sept. 26 Beatles Trivia Night It's time to test your Beatles knowledge. How much do you know about the Fab Four? Prizes for winners. Play solo or as a team (up to four). Free. 6:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org
Sept. 28 All About Mushrooms Enjoy a beginner’s guide to mushroom hunting and macro photography. A guided hike will follow the presentation. Free. 1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com
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Sept. 28 Misti Kenison Book Launch Misti Kenison is a web/graphic designer and owner of MK Design. She is the author and illustrator of a new series of baby board books, “The Tiny Traveler” series. As a new mom, she believes strongly in encouraging literacy at a very young age. Her new book will be available the day of the launch. Free. 11 a.m. Bookish: An Indie Shop For Folks Who Read, 115 North 10th Street, Ste. H-119-C, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2917 bookishfs.com
Sept. 28 Decades of Thread with a Twist of Comedy Enjoy a fashion show, silent art auction, catered lunch served on designer tablescapes and lots of laughter. The Center For Art & Education’s annual Table Toppers presents Decades of Thread With a Twist of Comedy. This fun fashion show is a look at trends. But there’s a twist! Each model will design and wear their favorite decade of fashion incorporating current trends while commentators colorfully point out fashion faux pas. Enjoy a chef-catered lunch on tablescapes created by local designers, music, silent auction, Amie Fellwock art collection, a private collection of jewelry and more. Dress in your favorite decade or show off current trends. Reserve your seats by Sept. 25. If you would like to reserve your seat(s) or host a table, please call CAE at 479-474-7767. $25; table rates available. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Van Buren Senior Inn, 607 Knox Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org Sept. 29 Diamond Dance No membership required for this dance with a variety
of music. Dress code is dressy casual. Call or text Lisa with any questions at 479-208-1072. FB 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
Sept. 29 Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library Chocolate Festival Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! The Friends of the Fort Smith Library will turn the Dallas Branch Library into a Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of sorts as an abundance of chocolate drips throughout the building. Local clubs, businesses and individuals will offer their favorite chocolate samplings to the chocoholics of Fort Smith. Tickets to the festival are $7 for six tastes of chocolate; price includes a to-go-box. Tickets may be purchased at the event or in advance at all library locations and on the library website. All proceeds from the Chocolate Festival will be used by the Friends of the Library for special materials and programs. Helping out never tasted so good! Free. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 fortsmithlibrary.org Oct. 1 Massard Prairie: History & Restoration As one of three naturally occurring prairies located near Fort Smith, Massard Prairie was first described in Thomas Nuttall’s “A Journal of Travels into the Arkansas Territory During the Year 1819.” Nuttall, a preeminent and far-ranging field naturalist, participated in the early scientific exploration of Arkansas and is remembered both for identifying a number of the state’s plants and for his description of early
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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, nonprofit or low-cost; educational or entertaining. Advertising is available for commercial events.
Arkansas life. Remnants of the Massard Prairie that once covered more than 10,000 acres in western Arkansas still exist at Ben Geren Golf Course, where a restoration project, headed by park administrator Jay Randolph, is under way to bring back the native grasses, wildflowers and wildlife of the original ecosystem. Help celebrate the bicentennial of Thomas Nuttall's visit to Arkansas and learn more about the history of Massard Prairie and the restoration project from Randolph at this engaging program. A photo exhibit featuring the flora and fauna of Massard Prairie will be on display in the community room of the main library from Sept. 3-Oct. 21. Featured photographers for the exhibit include Anastasia Spears, Larry Millican, Tracy Riley, Mike Martin, Patricia Cale, Jerry Owens and more. This program and exhibit are made possible by Bedford Camera and Video in Fort Smith. Free. 7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 www.fortsmithlibrary.org
Oct. 5 TrailBlazers Hiking Club TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike Lake Alma Trail. This close-to-home trail in Alma is 3.8 miles long rated moderate. There are bluff lines, boulder fields, small streams, seasonal waterfall, historic structures and artifacts and views of the lake. Take water. Lunch not necessary since the hike will finish before noon. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren at 8:45 a.m. to carpool/caravan to trailhead or meet at the trailhead in Alma at 9 a.m. Lake Alma, Mountain Grove Road, Alma, Ark. 479-646-9562 www.thcfs.com
Oct. 5 Pollinator Arts and Crafts Festival This family-oriented festival will feature vendors selling handcrafted Items, home-baked cookies, cakes and breads. Locally produced honey, original art, collectibles and plants. There will be games, facepainting, children’s activities and more. Go on a scavenger hunt and take home a prize. Visit with Master Gardeners with questions you may have about plants or gardening. Have your picture taken with our Vegetable Garden Scarecrow, Herman. Take time for a Hot Hog Snack or stop by the Education Building to learn about the importance of bats to pollination and see a display of bat houses. Pick up an Instant Butterfly Garden Kit. Be sure and bid on items at the silent auction. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardener Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 903-563-3770 thelearningfields.net
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