EDITOR’S NOTES
Keeping up is getting harder ... don’t think nothing is happening right now
Editorial Staff LYNN WASSON Editor & Publisher lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com Contributing Writers MARLA CANTRELL BOB ROBINSON Contributing Photographers HELI MISTRY, ACHE NANCY RANEY LORIE ROBERTSON BOB ROBINSON MCFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY Interactive Story Editor JOE WASSON joe@efortsmith.com
Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 CHARLES G. HUBBARD charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com © 2020 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com
At least once a year for many years, this editor has “taken a look” at Chaffee Crossing, as if it could be understood in a sort of Sunday drive of reporting. Buckle up – it’s now quite a journey to comprehend the local significance of Chaffee Crossing. In the 20 years we have been publishing, the former military base area is now quite “in town” and it certainly takes more than a look to understand how much is happening there, at an ever-faster pace. It’s astonishing to see one of its powerhouses, the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, advance so quickly and alter so much of the physical landscape. What four full classes of future doctors and a whole new college of physical and occupational therapy are going to alter is much larger – our regional health. As impressive as our local industrial and business prosperity can be, the brainpower and life-saving capabilities of these graduates in health professions are an even greater force. The knowledge and abilities students are building there is going to change most of our lives much more in the future. Doubt the significance of good health? Notice how powerful a negative impact one contagious viral illness is having on us right now. Without good health, humans are diminished, vulnerable and our potential is stunted. These osteopathic medicine students are focused on wellness, for themselves, too, so they can be effective doctors with balanced lives. It’s a profound contrast to be asked, “How can we help you be more well?” instead of, “What’s wrong?” They’re among us now, these future health professionals on whom we’ll depend. The colleges are meshing more into our communities every year.
Also in this issue is a respectful tribute as Crawford County begins to say goodbye to the head librarian of its entire library system, Eva White. She has been a steady captain as five separate libraries – Van Buren, Alma, Mulberry, Mountainburg and Cedarville – did more and more for their communities. And she looks like she’d rather do nothing more than sit in a big chair and read to children. Although that alone is a fine and important thing to do, White has done much, much more. Bob Robinson, our correspondent to outdoor adventure, has contributed a compelling expedition that can be taken right under out noses, minutes away from downtown, as he points out. Did you even know there is a water trail at our riverfront, one that even (adult) novices can handle? Read his story! This magazine, like all of you, is soldiering on as best we can during this public health crisis. We hope that reading about what is happening in our community is a respite and an uplift. But although schedules change, our greatest needs do not. Please, donate and support the many helping organizations that make our area such a good place to live. It was kind of fun for event director Earl Douglas to get extended advance coverage of the Bob Miller 90th birthday celebration when its original April ball was postponed to a then far-off date in September. It can’t be held this year because the COVID-19 outbreak has not been controlled. The funds it would have generated are still needed by the Community Rescue Mission, just as the beneficiaries of other cancelled or altered events still require support. Please donate anyway, without attending an event. As safely as you can, have fun and do good while staying well and protecting others. – Lynn Wasson
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Entertainment Fort Smith
September 2020
CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER 2020
features
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Momentum: Trying to focus on progress at Chaffee Crossing is a blur. The still-new Arkansas Colleges of Health Education now has a full four classes at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and is taking applicants for a degree program in physical therapy. Health education is on the move in Fort Smith. Momentum: Commercial development at Chaffee Crossing is accelerating too, while a marathon of residential development is still steadily marching on. Catch up. Outdoors: Try the Water Trail Writer and adventurer Bob Robinson shares a trail where you’ll paddle through a mostly unnoticed backwater of the Arkansas River, out of the current but only minutes from downtown. Profile: Eva White Crawford County’s librarian leader, Eva White, will soon retire from a storied career of sharing literature, culture and education with library patrons of all ages.
departments
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WHAT’S COOKING Football food: Recipes for munchies, whether there’s football or not.
eve n t s
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Library surprise!
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EVENTS FOR KIDS Virtual events for children and opportunities for fall lessons are beginning with the school year. Enjoy some fun activities pages, too.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Many events go virtual but the will to do things creates inventive solutions.
On the cover: Bicyclists whiz past the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education at Chaffee Crossing, enjoying its bike trails. Photo by Bob Robinson
momentum
ACHE expands and becomes a part of its community as students and faculty live and give care among us
T
his time last year, the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education didn’t appear to be plural, although its enormous Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine building and adjacent housing, The Residents, were an impressive, attractive sight along Chad Colley Boulevard. A handsomely designed shopping center, The Village at Heritage, was being constructed across the double-laned boulevard. Suddenly, there’s now a second, large educational facility completed beside the vast ARCOM building. At the other flank of ARCOM, a Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital is under construction. While many are aware that since 2017, medical students are in Fort Smith studying to become doctors of osteopathic medicine, their presence in the community is now becoming more natural and visible. At the new village, neighbors are enjoying a coffee or picking up a pizza alongside the students who live above the shops. Soon we, or our relatives, may be treated in the rehab hospital that is also a learning and teaching site for medical, physical and occupational therapy students. Patients in our medical centers are meeting medical students who care for them as part of their clinical rotations. Increasingly, we will know a local student enrolled in a degree program at the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. ACHE’s well-planned, swiftly built campus first changed the visual landscape of Chaffee Crossing but its mission to better the lives of Arkansans is now becoming real. By deploying its graduates into a state critically underserved in health care, the colleges intend to help lift and sustain the wellness of all its people, from now and into a healthier future. 8
Entertainment Fort Smith
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In 2017, the first 150 prospective physicians entered medical school. Last month, its fourth class was selected and enrolled, raising the campus population to 600 medical students. In May, the inaugural medical school class will graduate and move on to medical residencies/graduate education programs, a four- to seven-year experience in giving care to patients under the supervision of teaching doctors. Steadily, ARCOM is formalizing partnerships with Arkansas and regional health systems that will continue to train its graduates. And, at the end of their residencies, ARCOM graduates will become fully licensed. If, after almost a decade of education here, those new physicians stay in Arkansas, the colleges will have realized their core goal of solving the shortage of doctors and health professionals needed to care for all of us. It is a lengthy process, but the speed of the development of these stateof-the-art facilities comes from a community-based foundation that keeps a clear vision of the compelling, human needs that its graduates could meet in the very near future. “We wouldn’t have built a medical school if we weren’t in dire need in Arkansas,” said Dr. Kyle Parker, CEO of the board of the private, non-profit colleges. “Medical school is the toughest one to do. This is what is so different than private business. We measure this in lives affected.” There are other health care roles in need of new graduates. Each degree program added by the colleges will be chosen by its rank in need, he said. In July, the first class to seek degrees in physical and occupational therapy begin. Under consideration, according to greatest regional shortage, are a master’s program in nursing and a nurse practitioner degree program.
momentum
College and community come together at The Village at Heritage With the start of the fall semester, the diverse new establishments of this ACHE-developed village have opened or will imminently be opening. Students already live over the shops and in The Residents, apartment housing across the street. Adjacent homes in The Porches, a privately developed residential neighborhood, add more neighbors. All Chaffee Crossing residents and local shoppers will rub elbows here where diverse restaurants, a fitness center and more services are open. As the student census grows, The Village at Heritage will expand. Its amenities include a central public pavilion for concerts and gatherings. (Opposite page) Faculty of physical and occupational therapy schools at the Colleges of Health Sciences building. Photos courtesy of ACHE
September 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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momentum Even as the class of 2021 was under way, ACHE offered a one-year biomedical science master’s degree. Some 16 of that class of 40 will enter ARCOM to become physicians, as well. Their May graduation was held virtually, due to COVID-19 precautions. There is probably no Arkansas school better prepared to fluidly convert to virtual teaching and learning, Parker said. Recognizing the nexus between technology, education and health care, ACHE invested in the most current tech capabilities. Offering superior facilities and placing the campus at Chaffee Crossing were necessary choices, Parker said. The FCRA, charged with overseeing the conversion of former military base land into best public use, enthusiastically donated the first 200 acres to the non-profit colleges. Its aims dovetail with the ACHE mission – to best benefit the public while creating ripple effects of economic opportunity and well-planned growth of a balanced community. ACHE planned for its land use and facilities as rigorously as it developed its educational curriculum, Parker said. Involving distinguished national consultants, its master plan for development is comprehensive and progressive. Intentional density, living space over commercial ground floors, with extensive surrounding green space, recreational trails and parks is what young people value, he said – to walk and bike to get between where they live, work and study. It puts “wellness” of spirit and body into daily life, chiming with the philosophy of wellness that is a tenet of osteopathic medicine. “I am often asked what it will take to keep these graduating doctors in Arkansas,” Parker recently wrote. “The answer is simple: We must make Arkansas a place they want to call home.” To recruit the brightest from our own region, ACHE already has outreach programs from elementary through college to interest students in health professions. One such connection will be with Fort Smith Public Schools’ new Peak Innovation Center, under construction nearby at Zero Street and Painter Lane, which will have a health care career education track for grades 9-12. An eye-catching, fast-growing campus is what we have been able to see of ACHE since 2017. There is more growth to come. But increasingly, we will be seeing its human capital, meeting them as neighbors, as fellow parents, as volunteers or church friends. They could be the educators who someday teach our children. Many will be the caring and capable professionals who help us become healthy. 10
Entertainment Fort Smith
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ARCOM’s class of 2024 is now in session, filling the medical school for the first time. That first-year class received their stethoscopes and diagnostic kits, a momentous step to becoming a doctor.
Ready for PT: the new College of Health Sciences Dr. Teressa Brown, founding dean of the new School of Physical Therapy, is excited to be standing in a therapy classroom fully equipped for its inaugural students, who are now in the application process. Class will begin July 1. Brown surveyed opportunities all over the United States before accepting the role of dean and to lead a faculty of 10. She found “a fit in values” with the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. “This was the only school (among 12) developing a program for all the right reasons,”
she said. Physical therapists may help patients with recovery, motion and mobility as early as in the NICU through end of life, she said. The 66,000-square-foot facility has lecture halls, a splinting & modality lab, modern physical labs, a rehabilitation clinic and study rooms for a three-year program for a doctor of physical therapy degree. A program in occupational therapy, now reaching accreditation, also will be given here. There is a high need for therapists in Arkansas and Oklahoma, which the school hopes to meet.
Amazing Health Starts with Amazing Relationships
Baptist Health would like to welcome Eric Drolshagen, MD, back to Chaffee Crossing. Dr. Drolshagen is a Fort Smith native and graduate of Northside High School. He is glad to be home and ready to care for residents of the River Valley. Dr. Drolshagen is now accepting new patients at our new location on Roberts Blvd. Dr. Drolshagen offers a wide range of medical services for the entire family to meet the needs of those who work and live in the growing area of Chaffee Crossing, including: • Adult Wellness Exams • Pediatric and Adolescent Care • Family Medicine • Immunizations • Management of Acute and Chronic Illness • Preventative Health • Sick Visits
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 479-709-7150 or visit baptist-health.com 11300 Roberts Blvd Fort Smith, AR 72916
479-709-7150
September 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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Dr. Michael Cole
Amazing Health Starts with Amazing Relationships The relationship you build with your health provider is the cornerstone of your family’s health for life. That’s why Baptist Health Family Clinic-Massard is pleased to have a team of providers at Chaffee Crossing who are dedicated to helping keep you and your family amazing.
Dr. Justin Voris
Nata Matthews, DNP
Drs. Michael Cole and Justin Voris, along with Nurse Practitioner Nata Matthews, are excited to serve the needs of our community, with services including: • Management of acute and chronic illnesses • Adult wellness exams • Women’s health services • Medication management • Immunizations • Pediatrics • And more!
6100 Massard Road Fort Smith, AR 72916
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Entertainment Fort Smith
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For more information or to schedule an appointment call 479-709-7250 or visit baptist-health.com
momentum
It’s all about value for Chaffee Crossing’s stewards
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fter almost exactly one year on the job as executive director of the Fort Chaffee Regional Development Authority, Daniel Mann has a practiced eye for scanning the ever-changing, color-coded map marking the remaining, marketable parcels of this former military base. Few parcels remain unsold, but Mann sees past the map’s property lines to concepts greater than today’s mere monetary value, such as road and highway widenings, synergies between businesses and residents and quality of life amenities as simple as a pickleball court or a dog park. Working with his staff under the guidance of a board of trustees, Mann implements the FCRA’s responsibility: to be the best stewards in redeveloping this enormous asset the government has released back to the cities, county and state surrounding it. The values it must return from the conversion of 7,000-plus acres will be counted in more than money. It takes a long-term vision, with the trustees and staff constantly responding to shortterm factors to reach long-term success. “We have repurchased property at strategic locations where projects didn’t happen,” Mann explained about their redevelopment process. All of the revenue obtained from sales must be reinvested into making the whole more salable and perpetually self-sustaining; to grant sales that yield “not a large, but a fair return” in value, he said. This land, owned by all the public, must be used in ways that pay back to the taxpayers in jobs created, in public use such as recreation and to the public’s benefit, such as when the FCRA helped the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education to locate at Chaffee Crossing. Some projects take a long time to mature, such as the River Valley Community Church’s patient campaign to build a church home at Wells Lake Road and McClure Drive. Mann has been present at a lot of ceremonial dirt turnings. This may be the first time he has seen a shovel with scripture printed on it, Ephesians 3:20-21. It was a joyful day last month. The church had begun by renting an Army building on Taylor Avenue. Now, it may be a church home for the hundreds of new residents who built homes or live in several dozen new Chaffee Crossing subdivisions. At the center of it all, Mann enjoys observing the imagination, ambition and ingenuity of developers with dreams. A lot of that is found in the areas of Chaffee Crossing where owners and commercial developers convert historic structures into new purposes, he said, pointing out an ongoing project at Ward and Ellis streets. 14
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Left, a rendering of converted military buildings proposed by Rival CRE, with iconic barracks in the background. Second-floor apartments would be the first residences in this historic neighborhood. Right, Daniel Mann of the FCRA, near other historic barracks.
Rival Commercial Real Estate, led by developer Lloyd Sumpter, has already revived a single-story property with tenants Prime Time Barbershop and Seiter Design Co., a screen-printing and graphic design company. Adjacent to it, Rival CRE is renovating a second building for a restaurant tenant. The project is already built to purpose, with codecompliant kitchen equipment and a pleasant outdoor deck. Further, Sumpter plans to be the first developer to convert classic barracks, the iconic two-story wooden frame structures still standing in rank in the historic district of Chaffee Crossing. His plans would create the first residences in that area. These projects come with particular lead abatement and other code requirements; Sumpter can handle that. “I want to create living opportunities for young professionals and give them what they like,” Sumpter said. His vision is of facing barracks buildings with a courtyard in between, with 600-square-foot apartments over retail and flexible office space. He has plans for amenities such as electric vehicle charging stations on his communal parking lot. Sumpter also would like to see the parking lot become a gathering space for 10K runs, fundraising parties or even an outdoor market. He’s excited to add to an already attractive neighborhood that offers a brewery, a wine cellar, retail stores and offices. Entrepreneurs like those in the historic district create youthful and forward-looking businesses, create jobs and also can serve the many home-owning residents of Chaffee Crossing. Building starts for new homes are strong and, so far, mostly unaffected by 2020’s pandemic disruptions, Mann said. ERC’s upscale residental and commercial development The Hub is filling rapidly with residents and businesses, Mann noted. The “live, work, shop, play” balance of Chaffee Crossing has been growing successfully. The FCRA’s work continues in fitting together many elements – dreams, jobs, homes, routes and recreation to result in lasting value.
See the riverfront from the river
W
hile bicycling the Greg Smith River Trail recently, my attention was drawn to inviting scenes through the dense line of trees and lush vegetation bordering the base of the levee. Inlets formed by the buffer islands separating the swirling waters of the Arkansas River and the mainland were very picturesque. I spotted distant birds in flight, skimming across the water, then disappearing into the dense canopy of trees that cover the islands. I wanted to explore this backwater ecosystem. Two days later, exchanging bicycle for kayak, I returned to the riverfront with several friends to enjoy it from a totally different perspective, the Water Trail. Our adventure began at the Powers Port Canoe Access on Riverfront Drive. This safe put-in was created through joint efforts of the Arkansas Canoe Club, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and Fort Smith Parks and Recreation. Canoe club member Ron Robbins obtained a recreational right-of-way agreement from the Powers family that owns this land, making the put-in possible. Bill Hanna of Hanna Oil & Gas donated the labor and equipment to clear the shore, construct a boat ramp and drop loads of boulders to create a protective barrier around the put-in during high water. As Nancy Raney and I turned at the battered aluminum canoe that towers some 20 feet above the driveway to the access point’s parking lot, our friends Trish Flannagan, co-founder of Fort Smith’s Future School, and fiancee Sam Bernadene followed close behind. Steve and Pam Yancey arrived shortly afterward to round out our team of adventurous explorers. Steve had been the president of the Arkansas Canoe Club River Valley chapter when the water trail was created in 2012. We collected our gear, which included life jackets per Arkansas law, then 16
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lugged the kayaks across the bike path to the put-in, on the opposite side of the levee. When approaching the ramp, there is another maintained path leading off to the right. By following this spur trail another hundred feet, visitors will arrive at a sandy beach, perfect for a game of volleyball or just enjoying a family outing. This is where George Carney once operated a sand sales operation with Motile Powers as his partner. Bo, son of Motile, told me Carney would excavate sand until they had exhausted the supply. He would shut down operations until the river flooded and washed in more sand. The route of the water trail, detailed on the AGACE map, shows it to be a lollipop shape. Leaving the put-in, it routes boaters upriver to circle a large island, then returns past the put-in and continues downriver to the Fort Smith Park take-out, approximately a 21⁄2-mile float. Once our flotilla of kayaks crossed the large open body of calm water at the put-in, we began to cruise along the island shores. Paddling on still, flat water is slow, the speed of choice for our group. This allowed us to study the beautiful water flora along the shoreline and appreciate the blooming hibiscus. Social distancing is not an issue for kayakers on the backwater. There are so many interesting sights calling from every direction we each pursued our own agendas. I was interested in locating a route to connect with the main river channel, so I continued along the shore of one of the large islands. En route, I flushed a great egret. It was impressive watching the long, lanky bird drop from her perch to glide gracefully, mere inches above the water’s surface. An animated kingfisher then flitted from tree to tree, piloting me along the channel.
The islands are much larger in person than they appear on the map. With each bend in the waterway, I was sure the main river would appear. Finally, I docked my kayak on the shore to hike across a narrow sandy peninsula, and there it was, the mighty Arkansas River. Mission accomplished, I retraced my route to rejoin the others. We had a couple of kayak stowaways. Pam’s long-haired chihuahua, Sofie, was content to lounge quietly on the bow of her kayak. Trish brought Frank, a large Heinz 57 mix, who alternated between swimming along behind her boat and almost tipping her over as he climbed onboard. I highly recommend including someone in your flotilla who is knowledgeable in waterfowl and plants. We were lucky to have Sam, a marine biologist. It was like having Alexa along with us. “Sam, what kind of bird is that?” “Sam, what flower is that?” My initial plan had been to circle the big island on the map. However, with so many narrow water channels calling out to us to explore them, and being lured into exotic wonderlands following the lead of fleeing waterfowl, we failed to make it around the big island. Following two hours of exploring those regions south of Powers Point, we drifted downriver past the put-in to another sandy beach I had seen from the bike path. Pulling ashore, we enjoyed snacks as we lazily lounged about, talking about what we had seen. Trish and Sam had been lucky enough to spot a pair of deer swimming from one island to another. I am sure there are many animals on these islands who live their entire existence never crossing to the mainland. The string of islands is the only world they know. At one moment in my kayak, I noticed what appeared to be a shadow over the water surface, but saw no tree above to cast the silhouette. I paddled closer. As the supposed shadow passed my boat, I peered into the water to discover hundreds of tiny fish. The water trail is just another great way to enjoy Fort Smith’s scenic riverfront, along with the Greg Smith River Trail, the Fort Smith Skate & Bike Park, and soon-to-beopened U.S. Marshals Museum. It is possible to dine along Garrison Avenue at one of the many fine establishments and, shortly after, paddle among unspoiled wilderness or enjoy an earlymorning rowing workout. Thanks to the recreational easement Robbins collected from the Powers family, you could camp on one of the many sandy beaches of the east bank of the river or on one of the bordering islands. With an adjoining 300-plus acres, the city of Fort Smith recently purchased from Kansas City Railroad, opportunities for enjoying this water paradise will only get better. Writer Bob Robinson is a kayaker, climber, cyclist and world explorer. He has published several cycling guides. Photos by Bob and Nancy Raney, his frequent companion in adventure.
A great egret glides above the trees.
The group relaxes on the sandy beach of an island on the river.
A hibiscus blooms along the shoreline. September 2020
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Crawford County Library System director Eva White
A New Chapter Crawford County Library System director to retired after storied career
E
va White sits inside her office in the Van Buren Public Library. She is backlit by sunlight from the wide window and it illuminates her snowy hair, her pearl-colored blouse. She smiles when she names the books her mother and grandmother read to her as a small child. Her favorites were “The Little Engine That Could” and “The Little Island,” which won the Caldecott Medal for illustration in 1947. Listening to stories made an impact on this little girl growing up in Dover. At that time, the Pope County town had a population of 493, but books could take her anywhere she wanted to go. Her mother, a teacher, let it be known that Eva and her sister would go to college one day. “She never said ‘if,’ she always said ‘when,’” White said. At the mention of her mother, White touches her throat, a gesture that seems to hold a world of feeling. In that small world – her sister, Eva, her mom and dad – so much love existed. But heartache, too. For years, the only connection she had with her father was from a great distance. He’d been diagnosed with tuberculosis and sent to the Arkansas Tuberculosis Sanitorium in Booneville. “I didn’t see him except from the fifth floor of the Nyberg Building for five years. We’d have to holler to talk to each other.” The family must have worried he might never come home. Their fears were misplaced, though. As time passed, he did improve, but not before White’s mother contracted the same disease. “My grandmother had a farm, but that wasn’t stable income. And my mom and dad were in the sanitorium at the same time for a while, so taking care of me and my sister fell to her. She was in her 70s.” White runs her finger along the edge of her desk. “My grandmother was not really able to do all she did, and we were on welfare to get by. But she did it. She took care of everything.” When White was 18, her mother died of tuberculosis. By then, White was attending Arkansas Polytechnic College (now Arkansas Tech University) in Russellville. To help pay for her education, she worked in the school’s library, a fortuitous turn of events. “It was just so peaceful there, and I had a really good boss.” White had found her calling. She dreamed of earning her master’s of library science, but there wasn’t enough money. In the years that followed, she married, had three children – two boys and a girl – and worked as a school librarian. In the 1960s, she saw the world was changing. One day, computers would be all the rage. White enrolled in vocational/technical school and earned an electromechanical degree and worked with other students at a computer store. Further study took her to the University of Arkansas for a master’s degree in educational resources. She still wasn’t satisfied. While working at North Arkansas College in Harrison, she finally got her chance to tackle that elusive master’s of library science. Texas Women’s University teamed up with the University of Central Arkansas to offer the program. White sailed through it. Looking back on her long career, she sees how it all led to her work in Crawford County. In 1999, the county’s current library system was born, and Larry Lawson, then-director of the Fort Smith Public Library, asked White to apply. “Everything fell into place. That’s how I knew it was the right move,” White said.
The task was a big one. Take five libraries – Alma, Cedarville, Mountainburg, Mulberry and Van Buren – and tie them together using integrated systems and a master plan. White has served 20 years doing just that, along with spearheading the construction or renovation of four of the five libraries. “We couldn’t have done any of this without the generosity of the voters of Crawford County. The people of this county love their libraries. It has been one of the great highlights of my work to know that the voters believe in libraries the same way I do.” In describing her belief, she said, “Of course, first you have to talk about the love of reading, about teaching children to be lifelong readers. If you can read, you can do anything. But libraries are also a haven. We’re the safe place for kids to come after school instead of being alone. We’re safe spots for those who are homeless. We become like family to elderly patrons who might not have anyone to talk to every day besides us. “We’ve helped connect people with other resources in our area, like shelters and the Crawford County Adult Education. We’ve given food to patrons who seem to be hungry,” White said. On March 17, all five libraries closed, a mandate issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus with rising case numbers. White said closing was one of the hardest episodes of her career. “It went against everything I’d worked for,” she said. “Not being able to provide services and programs. Not encouraging people to come in and help them with whatever they needed.” Libraries reopened for no-contact service on May 18, and opened carefully to the public with safety guidelines in place on June 15. In the interim, all five libraries handed out free books to anyone who wanted them. Taking advantage of available tools, librarians also read stories on video so little patrons could still enjoy story times. Today, the Van Buren Library, where the Crawford County Library System is headquartered, bustles, with library visitors in masks, observing the required distancing from others. Curbside check-out service is given for those who prefer to stay outside. White’s phone rings. A patron needs some special attention, and she stops to make sure he’s taken care of. Outside her office door, the copier is shuttling out a scruff of reports, and farther away, her staff is busy returning books to their places on the shelves. Come Jan. 1, someone else will be in White’s chair. In her time at the Crawford County Library System, she’s orchestrated the five libraries as deftly as any composer. On that day, though, she’ll set her sights on a new mission. More time with her family. “It was time for retirement,” said the 76-year-old. “I’ll miss the people I work with and the friends I’ve made because of this job. I love them all.” The subject of reading surfaces again, a mainstay in a conversation with a woman who believes in books so much, it’s charted the course of her impressive and storied life. Contributing writer Marla Cantrell is the head of the Alma Public Library, a vibrant part of the Crawford County Library System. September 2020
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WHAT’S COOKING
FOOTBALL FOOD! Get out the grill and heat up the back yard
GAME DAY GRILLED CHEESE SLIDER 1½ pounds ground beef (preferably an 80/20 blend) Salt and coarse ground pepper 3 slices cheddar cheese 3 slices mozzarella cheese 6 slices white bread 1 can canola cooking spray 12 slices cooked bacon (cut in half ) Prepare grill for medium-high cooking, approximately 400 degrees. Gently form ground beef into 12 patties. Season both sides of burger patties liberally with salt and pepper. Set aside until ready to grill. Sandwich one slice of cheddar and one slice of mozzarella cheese between two slices of bread. Spray the top and bottom of the cheese sandwiches with canola oil and place on the grill. Grill sandwiches for 2-3 minutes per side, gently pressing down on them with a spatula until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Remove grilled cheese sandwiches from the grill and cut into four squares. Grill burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Place each patty on a grilled cheese section, top with two small slices of bacon and another grilled cheese section. Serve immediately. 20
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WHAT’S COOKING
THE BIG PIG PIZZA WITH STUFFED JALAPEÑO CRUST 6 jalapeño peppers stems removed, halved and seeded 4 ounces cream cheese 12 slices bacon 1 1-lb. package frozen pizza dough thawed 1 tablespoon cornmeal or flour 1 cup pizza sauce 2 ounces salami sliced 2 ounces ham diced 2 ounces prosciutto 2 ounces sweet Italian sausages 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese Build a charcoal fire for both direct and indirect cooking using Kingsford® charcoal by situating the coals on only one side of the grill, leaving the other side void. Close the grill lid and preheat to 250°F (on the void side). Fill the peppers with the cream cheese. Wrap each pepper with a strip of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed. Grill the jalapeños over indirect heat for 35 to 40 minutes or until the peppers have softened and the bacon is crisp. Remove the peppers from the grill. Remove any toothpicks. Increase the temperature to 500°F and place a pizza stone on the grill to preheat. On a well-floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Dust a pizza peel with the cornmeal. Center the dough on the pizza peel. Arrange the jalapeños in a circle two inches from the edge of the dough. Fold the dough over the jalapeños and press to seal. Spoon the sauce into the center of the pizza. Top with the salami, ham, prosciutto, sausage and cheese. Slide the pizza from the peel on to the stone. Cook the pizza covered for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the crust has browned and is crispy. Recipe created by world champion pitmaster, Chris Lilly on behalf of Kingsford charcoal. September 2020
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goodies
Calatheas, bromeliads, crossandra and other house plants available at Neumier Nursery & Greenhouses.
SpeedQueen top-load washer and dryer set available at Mike's Furniture in Roland.
Bolt’s Red Mill cornmeal and steel cut oats and Goya black beans and lentils found at Paul’s Meat Market.
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goodies
Caviar sunglasses with Swarovski crystals available from the office of Dr. Steven B. Stiles.
Chandelier fabric with polished porcelain and mosaic tiles from D&D Floor Covering.
Wide selection of Bedrock wines available at Four Corks Wine and Spirits. September 2020
Entertainment Fort Smith
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goodies
Matrix Brass Off hair products available at Vanity Calls.
BioGuard Pool Complete 3-in-1 formula found at Luther Stem Pools & Spas.
Wooden gourd storage bowls from Designer Again. 24
Entertainment Fort Smith
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goodies SoundGear electronic hearing protection available at Center for Hearing.
Aveda Invati advanced for thinning hair from Metropolis Hair Studio.
Vooray Pulse Active Backpack found at True Grit Running Co.
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goodies
Autumn table decor from A to Z Variety.
Selection of rye whiskeys by Whistlepig found at In Good Spirits.
Animal print shoulder and handbags available at Firefly Boutique.
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KIDS
calendar of events
Sept. 1 Community School of the Arts Fall Private Lessons Community School of the Arts is offering private, one-on-one lessons in music, theater, dance and visual art to children and teens this fall. Lessons are offered both on-site at St. Boniface Elementary and through virtual instruction. Families may choose either on-site or virtual for their convenience and health concerns. Private lessons may begin anytime with one of many experienced arts instructors. Students do not need any previous experience. In music, CSA offers lessons in piano, voice, Suzuki strings, guitar, drums, mandolin, clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium, music composition and more. Students also may take a private art lesson, dance lesson or acting lesson with each of these areas exploring lots of different styles and techniques. Register online or by phone. Activities begin as early as preschool and adults also may enroll. Tuition varies. Community School of the Arts, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org.
Sept.1 Music Therapy Program Community School of the Arts now offers a music therapy program led by boardcertified music therapist Rachel Burgos. Students from age 3 to adolescents may enroll. A therapeutic program addresses developmental needs in the social, emotional and cognitive areas. Motor skills, speech development, academic skills, socialization needs and autism needs can respond to music therapy, developing a child’s skills through the use of instrumental and vocal music. A consultation and evaluation with the therapist is offered. Each student will have a specific plan designed for them with weekly, one-on-one sessions. Group sessions are available for certain needs. Fees vary. Community School of the Arts, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org
Story Time with Matia Join Youth Services staff member Matia Stewart online as she reads “M is for Melanin – A Celebration of the Black Child” by Tiffany Rose and “Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry.” “M is for Melanin” is an alphabet book that teaches kids their ABCs and encourages them to Be Bold, Be Fearless and Be You! When Parker Curry was a toddler, she visited the National Portrait Gallery. She became mesmerized by Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama, who she thought was a queen. “Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment” is based on the photograph that went viral after a fellow museum-goer took a picture of Parker looking up in awe. This inspiring story was illustrated by Brittany Jackson. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Facebook and Youtube/Fort Smith Public Library
SEPTEMBER
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Sept. 1-29 Virtual Toddler Tuesday Art Toddlers enjoy fun, quick art lessons, prerecorded, with attached links from which parents can easily purchase supplies. The class will focus on Process Art. Process Art is child-directed and choice driven and celebrates the experience of discovery. RAM's YouTube channel is fsramREVAMP. New classes appear on Tuesdays. Free. 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. through June. The supply list will be attached to the video with links to purchase supplies, etc. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum,1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-784-2787 fsram.org
Sept. 1-30 Crawford County Library System Although the Crawford County libraries are unable to do in-person programs and events at this time, each library is hosting a variety of virtual programs for kids, teens and adults on their library Facebook pages. Participate in Facebook Live story times, crafts, book discussions and more from home. Follow the libraries on Facebook for Alma Public Library, Cedarville Public Library, Mountainburg Public Library, Mulberry Public Library and Van Buren Public Library.
Sept. 1-29 Story Time with Miss Kara Each Tuesday, Miss Kara will read stories and will have a theme that will coordinate with a craftivity the following Friday. Every second and fourth Friday with be a STEM/STEAM craftivity. 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays story time; 2:30 p.m. Fridays craft. facebook.com/MountainburgPublicLibrary Sept. 3, 11, 18, 25 Ms. Robin’s Favorites Help Ms. Robin open up the Library Surprise Bag every Thursday morning to see Fred and to find out which favorite story you'll get to hear. If children have a favorite story, be sure to let Ms. Robin know. The videos are available on the library’s Facebook page and on YouTube.com/fortsmithlibrary. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 September 2020 Entertainment Fort Smith 27
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Sept. 4-25 Story Break with Mrs. Tiffany Stop! It's time for a story break! Mrs. Tiffany will be sharing a story with a different animal or visiting an interesting location in our area. You can watch Story Break with Mrs. Tiffany anytime on the library’s Facebook page and on YouTube.com/fortsmithlibrary. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fridays. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 www.fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 7 Virtual and In-Person Art Classes Visual art classes for children and teens will be offered on-site and virtually. Classes begin in September. Students may join the class at any time. Led by artist Sherry Jones, classes are divided into age groups K-3, grades 4-6 and grades 6 and up. Online art classes are designed to provide instruction that equal one fine art credit for school work. Completion of outside class work will be required to receive credit. On-site and online classes will offer projects based upon the principles of design, elements of art, some art history and an overview of modern artists. For high school seniors preparing an AP Art Portfolio, private instruction with instructor Marianne Nicodemus is offered. She will guide students through the process of preparing a portfolio and projects within the portfolio. Tuition varies. 9-11 a.m. Community School of the Arts, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org Sept. 8 and 22 Biography Break with Ms. Robin – Arkansas Diamond Style! It's time for a break – a Biography Break! Real people are fascinating and it is fun to learn more about them. Join Ms. Robin online for this Arkansas Diamond style biography break. The Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award is designed to encourage reading for students in grades kindergarten through third grade. Students read and/or listen to at least three titles from the nominated books and vote for their favorite book in the spring. The award is coordinated by the Arkansas State
KIDS CALENDAR Library. The videos are available on the library’s Facebook page and on their YouTube.com channel. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org
Sept. 8 Fall Dance Classes On-Site and Online Led by dance instructors Jennifer Woodside Anderson and Eric Williams, students from preschool through adult may join classes in person or online. Explore hip hop with Eric and tap, ballet or choreography with Jennifer. Private instruction also is available. Adults may register as well. Register online or by phone. Tuition varies. 9-11 a.m. Community School of the Arts, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org Sept. 11 Virtual STEAM Team: Bubble Blowers STEAM Team is a program for children who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Join Miss Leah as she shows you how to construct your own bubble blower with common household supplies. Free. 11-11:15 a.m. Available on the library’s Facebook page and on YouTube.com channel. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org
Sept. 14-15 String Ensemble Auditions For students who play violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, harp, mandolin and accordion. Led by CSA instructors Wendy Dane, Cory Winters, David Holland and Caroline Gonzales, the groups include a Suzuki String ensemble for those taking Suzuki string lessons. The Fiddle Project is an ensemble for students grades 4 to adult age who love to play fiddle, jazz and bluegrass. The two Chamber String ensembles are Concert Strings for intermediate level students and Chamber Strings, an advanced ensemble for grades 6 and up. Auditions for placement in the appropriate group are set for the evenings of Sept. 14-15. Ensemble schedules and details can be seen online. Register online or by phone. Ensembles will follow health guidelines. 6-7 p.m. Community School of the Arts, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org
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Sept. 14 Community School of the Arts Fall Theater Classes Community School of the Arts will offer theater classes and activities for preschoolers, children and teens this fall. CSA offers a choice of both on-site or online for your convenience and personal safety. On-site classes include weekly classes for preschoolers, children kindergarten through second grade, grades 3-6 and teens grades 7 and up. Character study, show prep, improvisation and more will be explored. All activities are led by theater director Shannon Stoddard. Shannon also is offering a series of virtual theater programs. These offerings will include a prerecorded video with activities and for some ages, a prop kit to explore. Ages include 2-5, a Dr. Seuss class called “Oh the Thinks You Can Think” for ages 4-5, grades 1-2 and grades 3-4 and a virtual playwriting class for grades 5 and up that teaches you how to create characters, develop a story and put on a play! This class will be offered live through Zoom. Shannon also will offer a musical theater class for any age that explores how to act, who you are as an actor and includes a one-on-one lesson on Zoom with Shannon. All classes online and on-site are priced affordably and include all health guidelines and directives by the state. Small class sizes for safety. To register, go online to csafortsmith.org, email info@csafortsmith.org or call 479-434-2020. Tuition varies. Community School of the Arts, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org. Sept. 14 RAM Home School RAM will offer two school-based programs. HomeSchool will consist of Studio Art for ages 12-18 and Music as an Art Prompt for ages 6-11, presented online. Registration is required, online. Free. 9-11 a.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 479-784-2787 fsram.org.
Sept. 14, 21 and 28 Laptime Story Time with Mrs. Tiffany Join Mrs. Tiffany every Monday morning for a virtual laptime story time. Stay tuned until the end when, after she reads and acts silly, she'll share a simple craft that you can create at home. New programs appear each Monday. Free. 10:30-10:45 a.m. Facebook and YouTube/Fort Smith Public Library
KIDS CALENDAR
Sept. 15 International Dot Day Join this special virtual story time, reading of "The Dot" and instructions on how to participate with the library as they encourage others. “The Dot” is a 2003 picture book written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds about a girl named Vashti who discovers her artistic talent. A million educators and students celebrate around the world on Sept. 15 – International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity in the classroom based on Reynolds' awardwinning book. Free. 10:30-11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library. Sept. 18 QuaranTEEN Photo Challenge Miss Leah has challenged teens to a quarantine photo contest. Try to capture the most items from Miss Leah’s list in one single photo. Post it online! Find the link on the Teen Blog at fortsmithlibrary.org/plan-your-visit/teens. Free. 11-11:15 a.m. fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 25 Virtual STEAM Team – Invisible Ink STEAM Team is a program for children who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Ready for a sneaky science project? Learn how to concoct invisible ink with just a few household supplies. Free. 11-11:15 a.m. Facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary
Sept. 28 DIY Leaf Creatures with Miss Allison This kids’ craft is all about nature! Gather a variety of leaves from outside and then craft your own creature, while watching Miss Allison on the Alma Public Library Facebook page. You can add googly eyes and make creatures of all shapes and sizes! For a free kit, call 479-632-4140. Supplies limited. 4-5 p.m. To enter your free or low-cost community children’s events, go to efortsmith.com/add-event. The magazine’s simple online form asks all the right questions for us to publish your event.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
His big party’s off, but to Bob Miller, it was always about his cause, not himself
Community Rescue Mission still needs support
Like so many non-profit fundraisers scheduled in 2020, the big birthday ball for humanitian Bob Miller’s 90th birthday has been cancelled. Originally scheduled in April, it was postponed to Sept. 26, but now is cancelled. Large social gatherings remain prohibited under Gov. Asa Hutchison’s state health directives for preventing Covid-19 infection. Sure, it’s disappointing not to enjoy this event in person, especially when the honoree is such a fine and well-liked fellow as Miller. But he is the first to say that he had a wonderful 90th birthday and only agreed to be a “poster boy” to raise funds for the cause dearest to his heart – the very needed Community Rescue Mission he co-founded and continues to support, located at 310 North F Street in Fort Smith. Many ticket-holders and those who had planned to attend are letting their tickets become a donation, without being wined, dined and entertained at what would certainly have been a night to remember, planned by event designer Earl Douglas. The non-profit, 501(c)3, faith-based Community Mission receives no city, state or federal grants or funding. It is supported by the generosity of individuals, businesses, congregations and foundations who share its aims to provide safe shelter, temporary housing, meals and case management to families and children who are homeless – at no cost. The Community Rescue Mission helps to move families, especially many single mothers and children, to independence. Whatever the family’s circumstances, the goal is to receive them with Christ-like hospitality and to help them attain income and a home of their own so they can build healthy, productive lives. Almost 150 families achieved that goal last year with the help of the Community Rescue Mission’s faith and assistance. Donate at fscrm.org, by phone at 479-782-1443 or send a check to Community Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 607, Fort Smith, AR 72902 32
Entertainment Fort Smith
September 2020
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
CALENDAR of events
Land Shark! A little surprise at curbside library check-out All our local libraries have been dealing with challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic coming between books and readers. One solution, when library doors were completely closed to visitors, was to offer let patrons check out books remotely and for librarians to deliver library materials at the library’s curb. These extra efforts have made librarians our community heroes for striving to give as much service as possible even as conditions change. Patrons can now return to most area libraries, by appointment, and under special precautions. Check with each are library for their policies. Fort Smith Public Library surprised many curbside patrons last month when a big blue shark delivered books to cars. Rumor has it that any day, a dinosaur be delivering, too. We salute librarians for showing us there are still things to do if you adjust to new ways to do them – using a little humor, too.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 1-30 Fort Smith Museum of History In the high-ceilinged museum, enjoy a tour while keeping a safe distance from others. The museum has two vast floors of exhibits, multi-media, antique vehicles and artifacts make for pleasant browsing. Visitors required to wear masks and observe health guidelines. Families and groups of up to 10 welcome. The Soda Fountain sells water, cold Coke in a glass bottle, chips, candy or an ice cream cup. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdaySaturday. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Sept. 1-30 Fort Smith Public Library: Visit by Appointment Visit the Main Library by appointment. Register online to schedule a 30-minute visit, wearing a mask. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 1-30 Fort Smith Trolley Museum Needs Volunteers After a storm damaged its roof, the Trolley Museum is calling for volunteers to clean up damage and set up its gift shop and other damaged areas again. Or simply send a donation to help this unique historic attraction. Riding the trolley through downtown recalls public transportation the city enjoyed in the early 20th century. The trolley museum welcomes visitors to see the rail stock outdoors, including streetcars under restoration and the #4003 locomotive and other railcars. Phone ahead to confirm the trolley ride schedule. Fort Smith Trolley Museum, 100 South 4th Street, Fort Smith. 479-783-0205 fstm.org
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Sept. 1-May 18 COLOR for Creatives An immersive course for artists 18 years and older lasts 36 weeks, designed to help artists expand their color palette and artistic repertoire. Each Tuesday, a video will discuss that week’s artist and techniques. A live video conference is held on Thursdays, engaging one-on-one teaching and group input. Instructor is B. Duncan. $50/entire 36 weeks. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum fsram.org
ical activities for teaching life skills and promoting holistic health outcomes for girls grades 3-5 of all abilities. Over a 10-week season, girls will improve in competence, confidence, caring, character, connection and contribution. This 5K helps establish a Girls Run Together program, locally. Run, walk, crawl to the finish – end colorfully. Register online. Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 South Zero Street, Fort Smith. runsignup.com/Race/AR/FortSmith/GirlsRunTogetherCol orRun5K
Sept. 2 Off the Cuff Cooking: It's All Gravy! Watch Rachel and Jodie follow recipes from cookbooks available from the library. Learn three kinds of gravy, including chocolate. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Facebook and YouTube - Fort Smith Public Library
Sept. 7-28 Dharma Recovery Meditation Dharma Recovery is a peer-led movement using Buddhist practices and principles to overcome addiction to food, nicotine, sex, drugs, alcohol, gambling and other self-harming habits and behaviors through meditation, investigation and community. Court approved, similar to AA or NA meetings. Free, donations welcome. 7 p.m. Mondays. Yogaterrium, 7424 Ellis Street, Fort Smith. 479-459-2187 yogaterrium.com
Sept. 5 S.A.D.A. ARKANSAS Car Show And Cruise Night A night of family fun, food and entertainment. Shine up your ride and cruise the old downtown main drag or enter the car and bike show. $1,000 for best of show car and $500 for best of show bike. Car show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $20 entry fee. 6-10 p.m. cruise. All proceeds go to help local veterans and children. Free. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Downtown Alma, Fayetteville Avenue and Main Street, Alma. 479-689-5288 Sept. 5 Girls Run Together 5K Color Run Girls Run Together 5K is a way for everyone – girls, boys, men and women – to celebrate girls finishing a 10-week program. It is part of Girls on the Run International, a program that uses running and other phys-
Sept. 8 The CALL Information Meeting To learn more about how to help children in foster care through fostering, adopting, respite care or volunteering in some other way, attend one of these meetings. Hear more about the needs of local children in the foster system and many ways that you can get involved in serving them. This includes information about qualifying to be a foster parent or adoptive parent. Please wear a mask; there will be social distancing and health screenings before entrance. Free. 6-8 p.m. Grace Community Church, 4001 Brooken Hill Drive, Fort Smith. 479-353-0767
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 9 Off the Cuff Cooking: Comfort Food Watch Rachel and Jodie try to follow recipes from cookbooks you can check out from your library. In this video, the hosts cook up some comforting favorites. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library. 479-783-0229 Facebook and YouTube - Fort Smith Public Library Sept. 12 Van Buren Second Saturday Experience a fun day of shopping and dining with friends and family and support local businesses in historic Old Town Van Buren. Shops and restaurants will have special deals and discounts throughout the day. Ride the free trolley along Main Street to get from place to place. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862 oldtownvanburen.com
income Arkansas residents. Session I is Consumer Law/Housing Law. Understand issues such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, debt collection, contracts, rent-toown purchases and consumer scams. Legal staff will speak about Arkansas landlord/tenant issues. Registration required to log into this virtual event. After signing up, you will receive an email confirming registration. On event day, an email containing the Zoom link is sent. Free. 6-7 p.m.Register for Session I at fortsmithlibrary.org/events/lawyers-library-consumer-and-housing-law Sept. 16 Off the Cuff Cooking: Bundt Pans Watch hosts Rachel and Jodie try to follow recipes from cookbooks available at the library. Facebook or YouTube/Fort Smith Public Library. Free. 10-10:15 a.m.
Sept. 14 Ballroom Dance Lessons Learn to dance! It's great exercise and a lot of fun. Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach group dance lessons. This month, the dances to learn are the Cha Cha and Mambo. Due to state COVID restrictions, please have a mask. $5. 6:30-8 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith. 479-2081072 Facebook -Step in Time Dance Class
Sept. 17 Virtual “Parks and Recreation” Trivia with Ronny Test your knowledge on all things Pawnee on Facebook Live. Will you be a know-it-all like Leslie Knope? Or will you compete with amusement and disdain, in the style of Ron Swanson? If you’re a fan of the funny television series, compete with people who enjoy it as much as you have in a live online trivia round. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Facebook.com/fortsmithlibrary
Sept. 15 Lawyers in the Library: Consumer and Housing Law The Fort Smith Public Library and Center for Arkansas Legal Services present three online programs in September. Presentations are conducted by legal experts, funded by grants to provide free legal services to low
Sept. 22 Lawyers in the Library: Public Benefits and Record Sealing The Fort Smith Public Library has partnered with Center for Arkansas Legal Services to present this freeZoom online program, conducted by legal experts and
funded by grants to provide free legal services to lowincome individuals residing in the state of Arkansas. Session II concerns Public Benefits/Record Sealing. Learn about public benefits including unemployment insurance, SNAP benefits, Medicare/Medicaid, stimulus checks, Social Security insurance/Social Security disability insurance and housing assistance such as Section 8 vouchers, Rural Development Program or Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. Legal staff also will present the positive outcomes of sealing a criminal record, including what records are sealable, how a record is sealed and assistance that is available to navigate the process. Register to attend. After signing up, you will receive an email confirming your registration. On event day, you will receive email containing the Zoom link. Free. 6-7 p.m. Register for Session II at fortsmithlibrary.org/events/lawyers-library-public-benefits-and-record-sealing Sept. 23 Off the Cuff Cooking with Rachel and Jodie: Mayberry Days Rachel and Jodie celebrate everyone’s favorite small town with recipes from Aunt Bee herself! Watch them cook, then check out the cookbook. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Facebook and YouTube - Fort Smith Library Sept. 24 Adult Crafty Corner Adults can be crafty, also! Rediscover your creative spark by joining Mrs. Tiffany from the Miller Branch for an easy craft that you can make at your home. Craft along with her video instruction, available online. Free. 2-2:15 p.m. Facebook and YouTube - Fort Smith Library
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XXX Fort Smith’s most salacious scandal revealed
The Trial of Maud Allen
Forget Court TV. Take a seat, Desperate Housewives. Long, long before cable TV brought scandal, adultery, bad language, passion and lethal jealousy onto your screen, there was a trial that included all of it and more, held in federal court at Fort Smith in the late 1890s.
SEPT
In a re-enactment from actual court transcripts, audiences will hear charges of shocking behavior brought against Maud Allen, a woman regarded by the town to have come between a future Fort Smith mayor, Fagan Bourland, and his wife, Julia, with the intent of breaking up their marriage. Because of the subject matter and language in the historic court transcript, admission will be granted only to those 21 and older.
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Maud, reputed to have been having an affair with businessman Fagan Bourland, was charged with sending pornography through the U.S. Mail, a crime. The letters were addressed to Bourland’s wife, Julie. These taunting, bitter letters contain phrases (and drawings!) that are “obscene, lewd and lascivious,” stated the charges. Obviously, polite Fort Smith society wished to see Maud punished. But could prosecutors prove that Maud had mailed the letters? The audience will hear the evidence as the actual jury did, with actors playing the part of those who testified. The “stage” will be the exhibit of Parker’s courtroom at the Fort Smith Museum of History and more of the story will be told after the verdict is reached. There is much, much more to the story but even for history – we’ll print no spoilers. This “In Parker’s Court” production is presented by Friends of the Fort, a non-profit group that also stages “Night Court” programs at the Fort Smith Historic Site. The trial of Maud Allen contains too much adult language to meet the park service’s standards for public programs. Tickets, $25, are available by phone or at the museum’s website. A second night may be added if the Sept. 18 performance sells out. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 26 Prologue to Publication: A Workshop on Publishing Ryanne Harper of Tipsy Mockingbird Books will lead a workshop on publishing original written work. Registration is required to watch via Zoom. After signing up, an email confirms registration. On the day of the event, an email provides the correct link. Free. 2-4 p.m. fortsmithlibrary.org/events/prologue-publicationwriting-workshop-publishing-0 Sept. 26 Come Try LARP! Have you ever wanted to try LARP? In a Live Action Role-playing Game, participants physically portray their characters. Players pursue goals within a fictional setting while interacting with each other in character. The Barony of Storm Grove is the host. There will be loaner costumes and equipment , people to teach the fundamentals and battle games to play. Free. Noon. Creekmore Park, 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith. Sept. 26 Dawg Pound Dash 5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Walk An evening glow run/walk from a starting line at the courthouse in beautiful downtown Van Buren benefits Van Buren football. Join players, coaches and fans as they celebrate the 2020 Pointers. Each attendee will be required to wear a mask and socially distance (except when participating in the race) and will sign a waiver. T-shirt for all who register by Sept. 11. $25 for 5K, $15 for 1 mile before Sept. 11. $30 and $20 after. $12 and $18 for Van Buren students. 8 p.m. Downtown Van Buren, Ark. runsignup.com Sept. 26 2020 Teal Stampede This is a certified 5K/10K race (and virtual race) and fun walk that aims to raise funds for two non-profit organizations – the River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance and LLS, which is focused on a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, as well as to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients. T-shirts guaranteed for registering prior to Sept. 12. Packet pick-up is 5-7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Western Arkansas Runners building. Entry Fee: $30 before Sept. 12; $35 after. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. race. Western Arkansas Runners building, 7000 Taylor Avenue, Fort Smith. Sept. 29 Lawyers in the Library: Family Law and Advanced Directives The library partners with Center for Arkansas Legal Services for virtual presentations by legal experts. In Session III, legal staff will explain the procedures of divorce, child custody, child support, adoption and guardianships. Legal staff also will give a presentation explaining wills, living wills and power of attorney. This a virtual event and registration is required. After signing up, an email confirms registration. On the day of the event, you will receive an email containing the link to the Zoom session. Free. 6-7 p.m. Register at fortsmithlibrary.org/events/lawyers-library-family-law-and-advanced-directives Sept. 30 Off the Cuff Cooking: Fair Food Watch Rachel and Jodie deep fry everything they can get their hands on, state fair style. The recipes they follow are available in cookbooks from the library. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Facebook and YouTube - Fort Smith Public Library
The Master of Education degree demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a higher level of expertise. It enables an educator to have upward mobility in the profession.
For more information visit
uafs.edu/master-of-education
The Time I s Now
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XXX 7BO#VSFO PSH September 2020
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Single Parent Scholarship Fund presents novel ways to enjoy its annual be-jeweled auction party SEPT
The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of the River Valley is offering new ways to enjoy its annual luncheon and jewelry auction. Patrons can attend live at a fun and socially distanced outdoor luncheon or watch a live video presentation from home.
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Those who purchase either kind of tickets will be entered in a drawing to win two 14K gold Ronaldo bracelets, valued at $450. And anyone can purchase a raffle ticket to win a beautiful Vahan gold bracelet, provided by generous donor Newton’s Jewelers. With sterling silver and 14K yellow gold, set with 24 round full-cut diamonds and valued at $2,650, you'll want more than one chance to win. Raffle tickets for the Vahan bracelet are $20 for 1, $100 for 6 and $200 for 14. The live luncheon will be held at noon Sept. 24 on the shaded outdoor patio at The Bakery District, where attendees can purchase a delicious boxed lunch prepared by Chef Paul of 21 West End. Tickets, available online, are $25 for at-home viewing or $40 for the live patio luncheon at aspf.org or find the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Crawford, Franklin and Sebastian counties on Facebook. Contact Abbie Taylor Cox, 479-434-6171
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Newton’s Jewelers has donated a bracelet of similar design.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Limited number of Entertainment Fort Smith Landmarks Coloring Book available at retail shops
HEAR, HERE. KUAF
Entertainment Fort Smith’s first adult coloring book has almost sold out. Purchase at these fine Fort Smith retail shops:
115 N. 10TH STREET BRUNWICK PLACE
1601 ROGERS AVE. September 2020
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