Entertainment Fort Smith - November 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG Art Director Contributing Writers JOHN CROSS KARRIE KELLY GENE McCLUNEY CANDISE MONTEMAYOR BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTIN RIGGS Contributing Photographers ROGER CARTER KATIE DANIELSON GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY DONNA PAYNE PRESTON PARKS BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTAN ROLAND

Advertising Sales Advertising Coordinator KARRIE KELLY karrie@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 CHARLES G. HUBBARD Corporate Sales 479-831-3995 CALVIN EVANS Account Executive 479-414-3252 JEANNIE BRAKEFIELD Account Executive 870-260-6140 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 © 2015 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. 4

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2015

The young and young at heart The best part of creating a magazine is the encounters we have with the people who are in our pages.

On the cover are two delightful young women, sisters, who shared with us their pride in their first home away from home.

Amelia and Breanne Goodrum, who both work at banks in the area, are having the fun of decorating their own “first place.”

With a $25 sofa and chair set, doubtless some furniture taken from home and a whole lot of creativity, they have enjoyed settling in, in style.

At about their age, having graduated from college, Maxine Taylor was a young woman ready to do something meaningful with her life.

She volunteered for the Red Cross in 1945 when everyone knew World War II must be over soon ... but wasn’t yet.

She wanted, she said, “to do her part.”

After a short training, she found herself just about as far from here as anyone could go, in the Bengal province of India.

Understaffed and provisioned with few resources, Maxine and her fellow Red Cross workers improvised activities in a recreation hall for the thousands of servicemen stationed on an Army air base. Speaking of that time for an article we published this month, now at the age of 94, Maxine’s recollections of that time 70 years ago were vivid and fascinating. Our bodies may age, but our beings, not so much.

Northside’s class of 1965 found the adage “it’s high school forever” true last month. Their huge class had a huge 50th reunion. At the approximate age of 68 or so, they are variously just retired, semi-retired, still working, some enjoying grandchildren; some greatgrandchildren and, apparently, loving the chance to socialize with their classmates again.

Also young at heart are the volunteers who operate Fort Smith’s famous and unique electric

streetcar. Bradley Martin of the Trolley Museum reached out to us to appeal for some new recruits. The stalwart crew of volunteers, some in their 90s, almost all of them of retirement age, need some new blood to cover the daily schedule of trolley operation. Knowing the ages of the oldest streetcar drivers, can you really say you aren’t “able” to volunteer? Martin is welcoming to female streetcar drivers. Step up, women!

It would be totally fitting to encounter a female streetcar driver. Our great friend Agnes Stouffer worked as a streetcar driver in California as a young woman. Her portrait in her snappy-looking uniform hangs in Linda Seubold’s office here at the magazine.

Vote with

love Hearts beating faster for your love: Speaking of the heart, we are getting ready to enjoy photographing the 2016 winners of our Readers’ Favorites Poll. When these business owners, restaurateurs and volunteers show up to be photographed, we are the ones who get to see how pleased they are to be recognized and shown some love.

Our paper – yes, paper – ballot is on pages 1112. Sit down and fill it out!

Our Readers’ Favorites Poll is in its 13th year now and it is fun every single time to inform those who received the most votes.

Please recognize our hometown businesses and organizations by sending in your ballot. It makes our first issue of the new year, February’s magazine, so much fun to produce, and to read!

– Lynn Wasson

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

SUBSCRIPTION Entertainment Fort Smith can be mailed to you for $30 per publication year (11 issues).

Complimentary issues are distributed in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, Greenwood and Barling, Ark., and in Roland, Muldrow, Spiro, Pocola, Poteau and Sallisaw, Okla., in retail and grocery stores, corporate offices, restaurants, medical offices, public libraries, visitor centers and tourist destinations. Complimentary issues are also provided in guest rooms of area hotels.

Download a subscription form from www.efortsmith.com

To order by credit card, call 479-494-1888.

Mail check or money order to: Subscribe P.O. Box 1341 Fort Smith AR 72902

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10 Class of 1965

CONTENTS features

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14 With the Red Cross

November 2015

The Class of 1965 Pays It Forward

By Lynn Wasson One of the biggest graduating classes of any Fort Smith school had its reunion last month and decided as a group to support the education of present-day Northside High School students with a large donation to the Northside Legacy Scholarship Fund.

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On a Mission of War with the Red Cross

By Lynn Wasson Maxine Taylor was already on a different path than most young women in rural Oklahoma. As World War II started, she went to college. But as a graduate, she joined the Red Cross and served just about as far from home as she could be – in India.

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Is That a Bobcat? At the Birdfeeder?

By John Cross He expected to point out a deer in the nearby woods, but this writer and photographer found some Arkansas wildlife a little closer to home. For a few days, a bobcat was on the prowl in his backyard and the normally ghostly prowler could be caught on film.

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You Mean My Uncle Bass Reeves?

By Linda Seubold After California lawman Bill Lewis learned his ancestor was revered in Fort Smith, he donated his family’s heirlooms to the U.S. Marshals Museum. These five firearms and a pocket watch now help tell the story of the legendary lawman.

17 Backyard Bobcat

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A Forgotten Bridge Once Crossed the Poteau River

By Gene McCluney An avid bridge hunter, this writer and photographer share vintage pictures and the story of the long-removed South E Street Bridge, which once connected Fort Smith to the rich riverbottom farmlands of eastern Oklahoma.

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When Sisters Decorate

By Brittany Ransom One apartment, two sisters: What could be a clash of design is instead a beautiful blend of yours, mine and ours. These two sisters with a talent for design put together a distinctive dwelling on a budget through repurposed and recycled furniture and great ideas.

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A Deputy’s Descendant

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2015

On the cover: Sisters Amelia, left, and Breanne Goodrum have different personal styles but have designed a first apartment together. Photo by Donna Payne

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Thanksgiving Sweets

CONTENTS

features

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Help Wanted: Streetcar Drivers – Will Train Volunteer to operate the Fort Smith Trolley Museum’s authentic electric streetcars and enjoy a job very few living people can say they have mastered. Plus, you get to wear a keen cap and a bow tie!

Van Buren filmmakers earn Emmy Awards Step Into: The King Opera House is a short film by Devon Parks and Chuck King, with local actors, crew and more than 100 extras. Last month, it won two Emmy awards. By Kristin Riggs

Meet Ranger Toad and Explore Our Parks A little character named Ranger Toad has joined the staff of the Fort Smith National Historic Site to share the Every Kid In a Park program that gets kids and families free admission. By Candise Montemayor

departments

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Victorian Van Buren wins two Emmys

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Illuminating Crafts

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The manly pursuit of a fine cigar is the mission of Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium. But the store, and the staff, are lady-friendly.

WHAT’S COOKING with Kristan Roland Be the most popular cook at the Thanksgiving gathering with these pumpkin, cheesecake and pecan treats.

DESIGNER NOTES Greenwood Flower & Gift changes decor with every season and helps shoppers offer the perfect gifts of love.

DINING GUIDE

eve n t s

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HOME & GARDEN

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Concerts, Broadway shows and other hot tickets for November.

KIDS CALENDAR Special programs, performances and activities for kids.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Exhibits, classes, races, programs and entertainment for all ages.

R e a d e r s ’ F avo r i t e s Meet Ranger Toad

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2015

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ONE MORE THING

Class of 1965 holds an epic reunion and pays it forward Entertainment Fort Smith rarely has the luxury of looking back a month because we are focused on giving readers choices and stories for the upcoming one. But sometimes, something really outstanding happens and must be noted.

One of the biggest, if not the very biggest, graduating classes from any Fort Smith school held its 50th class reunion in October. And, we are told, it was kind of a big deal.

Months before the Oct. 10 reunion, the classmates went fully digital with a Facebook page: a website, northside65.com, online registration and a comprehensive database of class members. If you are one of the few class members who weren’t located, check in!

From that effort, a book documenting the class and including many memories was created for each registered class member.

In addition to the joyful socializing, the classmates decided as a group to make a substantial donation to present-day Northside students. A $1,000 class donation became $6,000 with a generous additional gift from class member Ted Skokos. The class dedicated the donation in honor of classmate Ann Scott Gray Winters for her reunion leadership.

The Northside Legacy Scholarship Fund, starting in 2016, will provide scholarships to two NHS graduates who will attend the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The fund also will benefit from the proceeds of the upcoming documentary film “Leaving A Legacy,” about Northside students. The film’s director, Brenda Yelvington, with her husband, Lavon Morton, established the non-profit fund this year.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2015

Classmates listen to a speaker at the reunion banquet, held at Hardscrabble Country Club.

Framed photographs of deceased classmates memorialized lost class members. Classmate Bob Hornberger created them.

Ann Scott Gray Winters, right, holds the scholarship presentation check that classmates donated to help two 2016 Northside graduates to attend UA-Fort Smith. Many classmates signed the check.

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February is our Favorites Issue! You decide the winners.

Your Favorites!

VOTE! ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS Favorite Performance of 2015 - who & where You’re gonna need one of these old-fashioned handwriting devices –

because we do this

Favorite Concert or Music Festival of 2015

Favorite Performance by Youth of 2015

OLD SCHOOL! Favorite Venue for Live Music

Vote with

love MAIL IT BY DEC. 15 to: EFS Favorites, P.O. Box 1341, Fort Smith, AR 72902 Ballots may be returned in person to 316 North 7th Street, Fort Smith or at participating businesses

for your Hometown Favorites Please answer at least 10 categories.

One entry per person – full contact information required.

Favorite Non-Profit Event or Party of 2015

Favorite Non-Profit Effort/Campaign of 2015

Favorite Art Exhibit of 2015

Favorite Library Event of 2015

Favorite Running/Race Event of 2015

Name_______________________________________________________________

Address__________________________City_____________State____ ZIP________

Favorite New Attraction

There is no online entry form. This ballot may be Xeroxed to obtain more copies. Eligible entrants may campaign hard for the votes of their patrons but please, no stuffing the ballot box! EFS reserves the right to toss out ballots if shenanigans are evident. This Readers’ Favorites Poll is just for fun.

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DINING - name of restaurant Favorite Burger

Who do you

Favorite Store for Art & Handmade Items Favorite Antiques/Collectibles Shop

Favorite Barbecue Favorite Take-Out Barbecue

SHOPPING- name of store

love?

Favorite Furniture Resale/Repurpose Store

Favorite Cup of Coffee

Favorite Antiques Mall

Favorite Mexican Restaurant

Favorite Interior Decor/Home Furnishings

Favorite Pizza (give location)

Favorite Furniture Store - New Furniture

Favorite Take-Out Pizza

Favorite Store for Women’s Apparel

Favorite Place to Watch a Ball Game

Favorite Store for Boutique/Trendy Apparel

Favorite Gourmet Deli

Favorite Store for Young/Teen Women

Favorite Craft Beer Bar

Favorite Children’s Clothing Store

Favorite Sushi

Favorite Consignment - Women’s Clothes

Favorite Fine Dining Favorite Restaurant - Romantic Atmosphere Favorite Patio Dining Favorite Catering Favorite Asian Restaurant Favorite Baked Goods, Cakes & Pies Favorite Restaurant with International Fare Favorite Downtown Restaurant Favorite Dining Near Fort Smith (area towns) Favorite Restaurant, Overall

The businesses you patronize may ask for your vote and can turn in your ballot.

It’s cool.

A Favorites win means a lot to our hometown establishments!

Favorite Consignment - Children’s Clothes Favorite New Retail Store

SERVICES - name of business

Vote for the business, not a person.

Favorite Artistic (Applied/Acrylic) Nails Favorite Skin Care/Aesthetics Favorite Salon for Hair Coloring Favorite Salon for Hair Extensions Favorite Hair Salon, Overall Favorite Barber Shop

Did you answer at least 10 categories? Thank you!

There is no online entry form. This ballot may be Xeroxed to obtain more copies. This Readers’ Favorites Poll is just for fun.

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Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross

PROFILE

Maxine Taylor “On a Mission of War” With the Red Cross, she volunteered for service in World War II

A

t special ceremonies held in Washington earlier this year, Maxine Taylor of Fort Smith, 94, was only the third-oldest former Red Cross volunteer there to be recognized for her service in World War II – a mere youngster compared to several other Red Cross colleagues, two of whom who were 100; one who was 97 and another, 95.

Maxine was 23, a young college graduate, when she joined the Red Cross “to do her part” as an American. After a short period of training, she was deployed to duty to a destination unknown. Maxine wrote: After thirty-one sea-sick days aboard the USS Admiral W.S. Benson and a six-day train trip from Bombay, I arrived at Howrah Station in Calcutta, India in February, 1945. I underwent immediate cultural shock when gangs of beggars surrounded me shouting “No mama, no papa, no per diem – give me baksheesh.” I spent a week in famine-ridden Calcutta, then boarded another train bound for a U.S. Army base near the village of Ondal in the state of Bengal.

She was a long way from Bokoshe, Okla., where she had been born in 1921. She grew up in Oklahoma, graduating from Spiro High School and then from the University of Arkansas. She had gone to work, without finding a great deal of inspiration in her jobs, before deciding to join the Red Cross. “I was ready to go anywhere,” she recalled. After being ordered to San Pedro, Calif., she found herself aboard a ship that would zig-zag for a month, unescorted, across the Pacific. A souvenir card from the ship marks their location as “Secret,” en route to “a Mission of War.”

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PROFILE Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross

Her Red Cross mission, however, was to support American and Allied servicemen and women. Maxine had been sent to a U.S. Army air base serving the Pacific Theater of the war. Thousands of servicemen were stationed there, flying from the field to combat and repairing aircraft. The heat, Maxine recalled, was terrible, with temperatures regularly near 100 degrees with heavy humidity. “It affected morale,” she said. Every photo shows the servicemen drenched in sweat.

Their task was to run a recreational club, she explained. The Red Cross provided a library, kitchen, art and exhibits, athletic contests and dances. As she wrote in a short description of their mission, “the major challenge was how to contend with the malaise and boredom among the listless troops, enervated by extreme heat, high humidity, and tropical diseases.”

The soliders requested a style show. “They wanted to see pretty girls in pretty dresses, to remind them of home,” she said. “Dumbfounded, we agreed.”

With the resourcefulness of a supply sergeant (and perhaps a base commander who allowed regulations to be stretched), the style show came off as a hit. Using parachutes, towels, mosquito netting, flight bags and other military-issue items combined with local sari fabric, the Red Cross women made dresses and evening gowns of rare design. “It was corny but a great success,” Maxine said.

The improvised style show was a high point of their time in India, which also included living in a primitive, thatched-roof dwelling with a burlap ceiling. Although Maxine remained healthy, some of her co-workers suffered from tropical illnesses.

Their understaffed Red Cross unit of four or five people worked hard to man the rec club from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. She was too busy to have much contact with locals, except for an Indian “commander of the kitchen” who started each day with a fire ceremony, a formal tea with a local maharajah and a bracing encounter with a Ghurka on security patrol. When they could, they visited base hospitals.

Then the war was over, at last. After the surrender of Japan on Sept. 2, 1945, some Red Cross colleagues stayed on to volunteer in Calcutta and China, but Maxine was ready to come home. Red Cross and servicemen, all filled with relief and happiness, sailed (directly) back to San Francisco in early 1946 and, this time, she wasn’t seasick every day.

“We came in underneath the Golden Gate Bridge,” she said. A bus took them from the Oakland shipyards, she recalled, to a hotel. “Someone came and asked what we wanted to eat and we all said, ‘a cheeseburger!’”

She was soon to marry a B-25 pilot from Kansas who had been stationed at her base. He became a “30-year man” whose military career took Maxine and their daughter to U.S. bases in Texas, Georgia, Kansas and West Point, where he taught for four years; then overseas to England and Tripoli, Libya, she said. They were divorced after his retirement.

Maxine went to the University of Oklahoma for a doctorate and received a grant that sent her to France, where she researched scientific expeditions of the French navy. She made a wonderful, cultured friend in Paris of her French landlady and enjoyed traveling and touring with her in her friend’s Alfa Romeo sports car.

She became a professor of history at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., a town established in 1719 as part of French Louisiana.

Maxine returned to this area after her retirement to live near her sister, who had moved to Fort Smith from Spiro, and has enjoyed living here for about 15 years.

A military photographer snapped this group photo of the improvised Red Cross fashion show. Maxine is seated at right, in saddle oxfords.

Beautiful hand-tinted photo of Maxine on Ondal’s airfield.

Red Cross volunteers on a military truck at Ondal. Maxine is at right.

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PROFILE

Veterans Day Parade at Chaffee Crossing Nov. 14 offers an old-time feeling of patriotism The fourth annual regional Veterans Day open, along with outdoor entertainment in the Parade at Chaffee Crossing will honor plaza between the two museums. The Fall military veterans from all branches of service Festival will include vendors, children’s and all wars. Vietnam veterans will be activities and an outdoor stage. honored particularly this year. Following the Parade participants will stage between 10 parade, there will be a special parade to and 11:30 a.m. on Roberts Boulevard. The welcome home Vietnam parade begins at noon. veterans.

There is no fee to The Chaffee Crossing participate in the parade.

Historic District is an The latest information Vietnam War veterans, 1955-1975, about the parade and Fall outstanding location for are a special focus of the parade. the parade, which has Festival can be found at grown each year. Plenty chaffeecrossing.com, of parking, an easy pace for parade participants where registration for the parade and for a who march, walk, ride floats and drive and a festival booth is available. patriotic atmosphere make this parade special More information is available by emailing and enjoyable for all ages. The museum parade@chaffeecrossing.com or by phone at district, with its Chaffee Museum of military 479-434-6774 or 479-452-4554. Chaffee history and the Chaffee Barbershop Museum Historic District is centered at 7313 Terry where Elvis Presley got his G.I. haircut will be Street, Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2015

“I love Fort Smith,” the well-traveled Maxine said. “It’s amazing that we have a symphony and our art center and the wonderful library here.”

Throughout her life, she has remained connected with the Red Cross through the American Red Cross Overseas Association, ARCOA, founded by her World War II colleagues. This club commissioned a bronze memorial to Red Cross workers who lost their lives while serving in that war. Installed at the Washington Red Cross headquarters, it was sculpted by Felix de Weldon, artist of the Iwo Jima monument, and depicts three Red Cross workers carrying a wounded soldier. Members meet annually in different cities and also hold a memorial observance in Washington, at which Maxine was recognized this year.

During the visit, 60 ARCOA members were feted at the White House in the Treaty Room.

Maxine and four other World War II volunteers were individually recognized for their service.

Those five women also were special guests at the Red Cross chairman’s formal dinner for major donors and military members, which was held at the National Portrait Gallery.

Debby MacSwain, president of ARCOA and a Vietnam-era Red Cross volunteer, read aloud brief war memoirs of each of the five women as they were escorted by two military members in dress uniform to stand in a spotlight as their stories were told.

“Each of them had a standing ovation,” said MacSwain.

Along with the other honorees, Maxine was appreciative but a bit embarassed by the fuss.

They participated to honor the more than 78 Red Cross volunteers who died during the war.

As she wrote in the short memoir that was read aloud that evening, “I wouldn't take anything for my Red Cross experience or for the privilege of working with, and for, American soldiers who served their country in World War II. If anyone deserves to be called the ‘Great Generation,’ they do.”

After a life of world travel, Maxine avows, “I’m not done yet!” One of her 100-year-old friends also honored in Washington traveled there alone, which Maxine admires.

“Isn’t that amazing?” she said. Seeing Eastern Europe, which was closed off from the west by the Cold War for most her life, is still very intriguing to Maxine. She would love to return to Paris, she said. “Also, I have a niece living in London.”

Those destinations are a long way from Bokoshe, Okla., too – but that has never held back this adventurous, accomplished woman.

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But isn’t that a bobcat?

y girlfriend, Beth, and I love birds, animals and all wildlife. Late one afternoon, she came over for a visit and I wanted to see if I could show her the whitetail buck I had been watching earlier in the afternoon. We were looking out a window into the edge of the woods that run into a ravine overlooking Fort Smith, just to the northwest of the city.

My eyes were straining, trying to spot movement or color in the woods when Beth said, “Isn’t that a bobcat?”

She pointed down to the boardwalk just outside that runs from my house to a hot tub.

There, maybe 15 feet away, was, indeed, a bobcat (Lynx rufus). It appeared to be ready to pounce. Well, really it appeared to be falling asleep.

In my lifetime, even as a young squirrel hunter and growing up on a ranch with deer, cattle and other creatures, I had little experience or occasion to view bobcats. Most often they streaked across the road in front of

M

us at dusk or after dark on the way to the country. Once, I observed one from about 30 yards away as it hunted a brush pile, but I had always had only fleeting glances or a few seconds of the shy and crepuscular cat.

Crepuscular is the habit of animals hunting especially near twilight, when much of their prey is out. This explains so often seeing that ghostly trace running across the road just when you can barely see, headlights or no.

Back to the bobcat, our new “yard cat.”

This, what we believed was a young bobcat, hung around my yard for a few days. He had the good sense to hunt around my bird feeders as his prey is squirrels, which were plentiful if not almost teasing. Deer and raccoons also frequented but generally were too large and fierce to be targets for him.

We watched him for hours, in his crouched yet sleepy pose. He dozed off a number of times, excusable for a young, dusk-tonighttime hunter. At other times, he would so, so slowly stalk his prey. Pausing, taking a

step or two, creeping lower and lower until the time was right to break into a sprint to make or miss the kill. This poor young cat may have had a sense of location but his hunting skills apparently needed much sharpening.

I’ve often watched hawks hunting birds and other small prey and wondered how they survive. I have seen a hawk miss kills dozens of times – it is rare to spot one making a kill.

Nature is a cruel, but efficient, teacher.

I still wonder, as fall fades and winter will press on, if that little gift of “isn’t that a bobcat” has survived.

Dark is upon us. If he is out there, he is hunting. I turn on the yard lights, hoping for a glimpse and catch sight, instead, of two foxes. I love my little edge of the world.

This bobcat chose the right yard. Contributor John Cross is a commercial photographer by profession and for joy, a photographer of wildlife and natural beauty.

November 2015

Entertainment Fort Smith

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W You mean my Uncle Bass Reeves?

After California lawman Bill Lewis learned his ancestor was revered in Fort Smith, he donated his family’s heirlooms to the U.S. Marshals Museum

Passed down through the family of Bass Reeves, this Colt pistol and pocket watch were donated by Bill Lewis to the U.S. Marshals Museum along with four other firearms. The collection Lewis donated was first exhibited at Descendants Day 2015.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2015

hile William “Bill” Lewis was growing up in the 1950s watching westerns on TV, he noticed there weren’t any cowboys or lawmen in the shows who were black, like him.

But his great-grandmother, Linnie Mae Boggs, assured little Bill that in real life there really were black cowboys and lawmen back in those days, and he was kin to one of them – a deputy U.S. marshal named Bass Reeves.

During a recent telephone interview, Bill said his Granny Boggs on his mother’s side grew up in Louisiana and Arkansas and lived to be 102.

She told him many stories about his Uncle Bass and had some of his personal possessions that had been passed down in the family, including a family Bible, clothing and several of the guns he used while serving as a deputy marshal.

“Granny Boggs said her mother and father were freed slaves and I think she may have been part Indian. She had long black hair and not a gray hair in it when she died in 1965. She was the matriarch of our neighborhood in the low-rent apartment complex where I grew up in San Francisco,” Bill recalled. “On school days, all the kids in our neighborhood – black and white – would come to where she lived to do their homework and she would feed us. But she didn’t have a TV, so then we would go on to a Jewish lady’s house to watch westerns.”

The stories Granny Boggs told Bill about his Uncle Bass, however, were as exciting as anything he had seen on TV. She told him how Bass and his sister and mother had been slaves belonging to a Col. Reeves, who took them to live on his plantation in Texas.

The colonel took Bass into the Civil War as a servant and promised to eventually give him his freedom. But when the colonel went back on his word during a card game and told Bass he would never be free, Bass fought him, knocked him out, took the gold pocket watch that was special to him, and fled for his life into Indian country.

Although many variations of Bass’ life have been researched and written in recent times, according to Bill’s Granny Boggs, during Bass’ flight for freedom, he came across a battlefield where he found a Confederate soldier and a Union sergeant who had killed each other.

Bass took a Spencer rifle from the sergeant and an 1860 Colt and some clothing from the Confederate. He then made it safely into Indian Territory where he stayed for many years, learning Indian ways and becoming a good tracker.

He eventually became a deputy marshal for federal Judge Isaac C. Parker during the 21 years (1875-1896) Parker presided over the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas in Fort Smith.

Bass died in Muskogee, Okla., on Jan. 12, 1910, at 71. Some of the firearms he used as a deputy marshal and then as a police officer were passed down to the men on Bill’s mother’s side of the family.

After his mom and dad divorced, Bill’s mother’s brother, Ralph Robinson, became like a father to him, he said. Once a month, his Uncle Ralph would bring out three big metal trunks of Bass’ belongings and show them to Bill and his own son, Ralph Jr. “The biggest one had Bass’ guns in it and Uncle Ralph would clean them and let us look at them, but we weren’t allowed to touch them,” Bill explained. “Uncle Ralph said one day we would understand how important our Uncle Bass and his guns were. When we grew up, J.R. and I both fought in the Vietnam War. I was wounded, but I made it back and J.R. didn’t, so I inherited Bass’ guns.”

One of Bill’s favorites of the heirloom guns is a 1903 Colt .38 auto hammer model that Reeves carried in his pocket while he was a Muskogee police officer.

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In this photo of Bill Lewis as a young police officer, he is at far right on one knee.

Lewis holding the Winchester 1892 he donated to the U.S. Marshals Museum.

“That gun was on Uncle Bass’ night stand when he passed on in 1910, and when it was passed down to my Granny Boggs, she made a little holster for it and wore it under her apron. It was on her night stand when she passed away in her sleep in 1965.”

In 1973, Bill was among the first black policemen to work for the city of Richmond, Calif., across the bay from San Francisco.

“I’m 64 now and I’ve retired once, but they wouldn’t leave me alone until I came back, so I did and I’m still there,” he said.

“I still had my Uncle Bass’ guns, but I really didn’t know anything about all about how

Bill Lewis, a police office, participates in quick draw competitions with friends at a gun range.

famous he had become until two or three years ago when a couple of my friends, who I was in fast-draw competitions with, started talking about what a great shot Bass Reeves was. I said, ‘Bass Reeves? You mean my Uncle Bass Reeves?’

And they said, ‘What?’ and things just went on from there.”

“I think one of them said something about something going on in Arkansas about them putting up a statue in honor of him. I was so happy and proud of Bass. I never knew he was that well known.”

Bill learned of the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith and contacted its curator, Jessica Hougen. Bill explained he was a descendant of Bass Reeves and that he had decided he should donate these historic firearms to the museum.

Together, they were able to compile Bill’s lineage to Bass. Bass was married to Jennie, with whom he had 11 children. Their oldest, Sarah (Sallie) was born in approximately 1864. Sarah married Green Saunders. They were quite close with Sarah’s parents, even paying for Jennie’s funeral. They had a daughter, Linnie Mae. Linnie Mae married a man whose last name was Boggs and had a daughter, Barbara. Barbara married a man whose last name was Robinson.

They had two children, Ralph and Beatrice.

Beatrice was Bill’s mother.

“I have no brothers or sisters and I’m the last male of the Lewis family, and it bothers me I’m the last one,” he said. “I would love to meet relatives I’ve never known or met.”

One relative he would like to meet is a greatnephew of Bass’ and the first black U.S. administrative law judge, Paul Brady, who was

Bass Reeves, as a member of the Muskogee Police Force, is seen far left on the bottom row.

the first descendant to donate one of Bass’ Colt pistols, bullets and deputy U.S. marshal badges to the museum.

Hougen, who has since moved to California to become the curator at another museum, remembers well her first call from Bill.

“A couple of people had told me that they had been in touch with another descendant of Bass Reeves’ who had ‘things,’ so it wasn’t a complete surprise when he called,” she said. “What was a surprise is what a humble and unassuming man he is. I was also surprised when, in the course of our first conversation, he shared that his intent was to donate the items to the Marshals Museum. Many people with items that belonged to people of historical importance are understandably reluctant to give them up, but Mr. Lewis sees the importance of sharing these things with the public, making them accessible to researchers and others who are interested in the story of Bass Reeves,” she said.

Bill said he has received a letter from gun manufacturer Colt verifying the firearms and where they came from. He also has receipts and other verifications for all five of the guns he donated to the museum.

One of the five is the 1903 Colt 38 auto hammer model that was carried by both Bass and Bill’s Granny Boggs.

His heirlooms, now in the collection of the U.S. Marshals Museum, are a Colt .45 Single Action Army Revolver, a Colt .38/.40 Single Action Army Revolver, a Winchester 1873 rifle, a Winchester 1892 rifle, a Spencer Repeating Rifle and a pocket watch, manufactured by Gozens Matthews & Thorpe.

– Linda Seubold November 2015

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A “lost” bridge once tied Fort Smith to Oklahoma

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efore the free bridge at the west end of Garrison Avenue crossed the Arkansas River and while the Helen Gould railroad/wagon bridge was being built to cross the Arkansas River into Indian Territory, there was another bridge to the I.T. from Fort Smith, now long forgotten.

It was not as big and eye-catching as the other two. In fact, this bridge didn't cross the Arkansas at all. It crossed the Poteau River near the point where it empties into the Arkansas.

Directly across from Fort Smith south of the Arkansas River was rich river bottom farmland, and getting produce to market in Fort Smith may have been a motivator for its construction.

The decade from 1880 to 1890 was a time of tremendous growth in Fort Smith. After the deeding over of the military surplus land to the City of Fort Smith in 1883, the city began selling it and this created the environment for big private and public works. The first big county and federal courthouses were built on former Reservation Land. Commerce was thriving and local manufacturers, farmers and 20

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The last Lally column standing on the Arkansas side of the Poteau River.

ranchers needed roads and tracks and bridges to haul their goods to market. By 1885-86, there were plans to build a combination railroad and wagon bridge across the Arkansas River and, by May 26, 1891, the Helen Gould Bridge was open. It gave access to Indian Territory north of

the Arkansas River, but what about the rich farmland in the bottoms south of the Arkansas?

At some point after the Helen Gould Bridge was planned, but before it was built, a wagon bridge was built across the Poteau River from Fort Smith to Indian Territory.

Today, at the west end of South E Street, there is only a dead end. A band of weeds and trees block the view of the Poteau River. Prior to World War II, you could just keep driving or walking over the river, crossing into Oklahoma and the rich farmland of the Braden Bottoms.

According to a few old-timers, the bridge stood for some time after the war, but was closed to traffic due to structural concerns. Even so, kids would walk out on the rotting wooden roadbed and shoot BB guns at real or imagined targets in the river.

Probably due to both the Arkansas River navigation project and the Port of Fort Smith locating upstream on the Poteau, the bridge was eventually removed. But there are a few signs left for bridge hunters. One of a pair of tall support piers remains on the Oklahoma side.

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This bridge was built very high so as not to impede river traffic: The riverbank on the Fort Smith side is much higher than the Oklahoma bank. While near street-level on the Fort Smith side, on the Oklahoma side there was a long approach ramp down to the road surface, which turned south almost immediately and traveled near the river into Braden, Skullyville and on to Spiro.

Later, a bridge was built in Arkoma which, in its second incarnation, to this day serves the same purpose of access to Oklahoma land south of the Arkansas River.

Due to the low-lying land on the Oklahoma side of the crossing, the bottomland there often flooded and made the crossing impassable. An old railroad bridge crossing the Poteau River a few blocks south of the E street wagon bridge suffered the same problem and that rail line to Spiro was abandoned in 1943.

However, that bridge was moved to Marble City, Okla., and still stands.

What we know about the E Street wagon bridge is that it was constructed for the Fort Smith and Choctaw Bridge Co., a corporation founded to finance the construction of this bridge and to operate it, keep it in good repair and collect tolls when it opened.

It was a double-span pin-connected Pratt truss bridge built on lally columns. Lally columns are riveted iron cylinders filled with rubble and concrete and were an inexpensive way to build bridge supports. The Pratt pinconnected truss bridge is a factory-produced style of iron/steel bridge.

Buyers specified their requirements (length, load capacity, etc.) and a factory back east would build it and ship it unassembled. They would either send a crew to supervise the assembly and erection, or builders could use their own crew, often supervised by a factory representative.

In this period, the use of factory-made bridges became big business. Elaborate catalogs were printed showing the various designs.

It is not known what “brand” this bridge was, but it was of a common design and construction for this period of iron and steel bridges. Many examples can still be found in surrounding states, some still in use on quiet county roads with very light traffic.

The legal groundwork for the bridge is recorded in “Indian Affairs: Laws and Treaties” of June 18, 1888, as a congressional act to allow the bridge to be constructed by Fort Smith and Choctaw Bridge Co. “for the passage of wagons, cars, and vehicles of all kinds for the transit of animals and for foot-passengers across the Poteau River in the Choctaw Nation at or near Fort Smith, upon the land owned and claimed by Mrs. M.A. Bower, a member of the Choctaw tribe of indians.”

This was a private or semi-private venture, not taxpayer-funded. Collecting tolls was a way to recoup costs. The Choctaws built and maintained many roads and bridges through their territory in the post-Civil War period.

By 1929, the new state of Oklahoma had enacted laws to acquire private toll bridges and turn them into county- and state-owned and maintained bridges.

Long-time Fort Smith resident Bob Martin remembers a man named Ed Hiner who controlled some sort of gambling activity on the Indian Territory side of the bridge, laying blankets on the ground from which games of chance were played. He also remembers that about 300 yards south of the bridge on the Fort Smith side was a man who sold spring water.

Customers brought their own jugs and filled up. At the time Martin recalls, in the 1930s, Fort Smith city water was supplied from the Poteau and reportedly tasted terrible. It was known as “Poteau Punch.”

Bootleggers operated around the Fort Smith side of the bridge in an area known as Red Row. When the river flooded, their inventories of bootleg liquor would be underwater. The bootlegger had to dive to retrieve a Mason jar or bottle of hootch, according to Martin.

The bridge at E Street was removed by the early 1950s. The Helen Gould Bridge was razed in 1970. Today, traffic flows over modern highway and railroad bridges at Garrison Avenue on U.S. 64, Interstate 540, Midland Boulevard and over Arkansas 59 at Lock & Dam 13. Development of Interstate 49 may create another major bridge over the Arkansas.

Only one column marks a humbler crossing, once vital, over the Poteau River.

Gene McCluney is a commercial photographer and avid bridge hunter who has documented more than 500 antique bridges in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. Many of those photos can be seen at bridgehunter.com.

Opposite page: Undated snapshot that shows the height of the E Street wagon bridge.

Photos provided by McCluney Commercial Photography

This photo dated June 19, 1935, shows the South E Street bridge in flood conditions.

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These sisters decorate together, but keep their own styles

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any first-time apartments have decor resembling the set of “Friends,” where Joey and Chandler set up rusty old lawn chairs for their living room furniture. It is a rite of passage for young 20-somethings to fill their first place with random hand-medown furniture and unmatched knickknacks. That is definitely not the case for sisters Breanne and Amy Goodrum, who transformed their two-bedroom apartment into a chic space filled with eclectic pieces, custom art and loads of personality.

The girls’ Fort Smith apartment gives a true glimpse into who they are.

Each has always had her own taste, which they expressed in their rooms as children and teens. Growing up, the two were constantly changing their bedrooms and adding new decorations to their parts of the house.

“I am pretty sure my parents got frustrated by how much stuff I had hanging on the wall,” joked Amy. “I was always hammering stuff.”

The two come by their flair for design naturally, having inherited the gene from their mother, Sherry. Owner of Fort Smith housewares store The Goods, Sherry passed down her talent for artful repurposing and recycling.

“Many of the pieces in here are ones we found at the store and items that been accumulated over the years,” explained Breanne. “Amy brought a lot of these pieces straight from her old room. She has redone many of them to look like what they do now. Mom helped us with some of these, too.”

Born only 18 months apart, the sisters have much in common, but vary greatly in their styles. Older sister Breanne loves all things pink and sparkly. Her bedroom is filled with a princess sleigh bed, along with frilly touches – Bible verses written in gold, glittery script fill frames on the wall. Breanne describes herself as “girly to the extreme.”

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Amy’s bedroom boasts a woodland-inspired motif. She chose a repurposed wooden headboard, topped with a deer wearing a flower wreath around its head. Raccoons, foxes and other creatures can be found throughout the decor on shelves and embroidered on pillows. A living, breathing hedgehog named Gertie Lou lives in a cage in a corner of Amy’s room, perfectly rounding out the room’s woodsy theme.

Their two styles converge in the kitchen and living room, filled with distressed furniture, countless pillows and clever trinkets. The girls’ kitchen table was a collaborative effort. The two painted the table and four chairs, giving the old set new life and a pastel touch. It is complemented by an antique plate display and fork and spoon set, which hang in the dining area.

The couch and loveseat were a steal. The girls proudly picked them up for a mere $25.

“These were in great shape and we simply vacuumed and cleaned them up,” said Amy. “We love a good deal like that.” They are accented by floral chairs, a large trunk that serves as a coffee table and loads of throw blankets and pillows.

One consistent element throughout their home is the girls’ own artwork, providing an even more personal touch. Photos of family and friends also are scattered everywhere.

Each sister has her own favorite piece in the apartment. For Amy, it is hands down her oneof-a-kind headboard. Breanne loves two accents in the living room, one a teal sign spelling “Vintage.” She also cherishes a large bookcase, covered in books, pictures and other decor, that was handcrafted by their father. He constructed it using old crates, giving the piece a number of interesting curves and rustic appeal.

“The fact that Dad made it just makes it even more special,” said Breanne.

Breanne and Amy are proud of their new place and enjoy experiencing this time of their lives together under one roof.

“We love our apartment and are thrilled with how everything has turned out,” said Breanne. “It is so fun to have people over and to entertain in our own home.” Amy agreed that what they have created is a perfect blend of who they are – as sisters and individuals.

“You really do see both of us, not just in our own rooms, but throughout the apartment,” said Amy. “It is a great place to come home to at the end of the day.”

Yours, mine and ours: Amy’s bedroom is accented with motifs of nature and she especially adores her wooden headboard.

It’s girly-girl all the way for Breanne’s personal space, where multiple floral patterns live in feminine harmony.

In their shared living areas, their initials play nicely over a bookcase built by their dad from a reclaimed crate.

A combination of furniture found as is, two upholstered armless chairs and the original artwork of both sisters creates a cute, comfortable place to entertain and relax that reflects the taste of Breanne and Amy alike.

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HOME & GARDEN

At Winston’s, a cigar is not just a cigar ometimes a cigar is just a cigar, Sigmund Freud famously said. At Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium, Freud’s quote is dismissed as utter nonsense. To these experts, no cigar they carry is a “just” a cigar. Each one has unique qualities to be discovered and enjoyed.

The men of Winston’s are happy to explain this to customers as they relax together in the comfortable leather armchairs of their lounge while enjoying a pipe or cigar.

“Tobacconists” Sammy Fiori and Sam Trisler, much as sommeliers do with wines, are able to recommend a particular cigar or pipe tobacco that a customer may prefer. And those who do know their preference in tobacco will likely find it in stock in the store’s enormous and varied inventory of selections.

“We have such a wide variety here – from a $4 cigar to a $40 cigar – that there is something for everybody,” Sam Fiori Sr. explained.

The selection of pipes also runs from everyday wooden pipes to premium pipes with handcarved figural Meerschaum bowls.

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A Meerschaum pipe.

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The men of Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium, above, surrounded by fine cigars in just one corner of the store’s huge climate-controlled walk-in humidor room: David Bushkuhl (from left), Sam Trisler, Sammy Fiori and his father, Sam Fiori Sr.

Cigar and pipe tobaccos are described by both their flavor and the experience they evoke: The staff experts at Winston’s are heard to use descriptive words like earthy, leather, toasted, cherry and nutty to describe taste and complexity, finish and depth to speak of the tobacco’s qualities.

Fine cigars are rolled into varying gauges and lengths, which also create distinct smoking experiences. There are esoteric differences in the kind of leaf in which the tobacco is wrapped and the pattern in which the tobacco inside was cut and packed. All of it, according to the “Sams,” Fiori and Trisler, creates the taste and experience of a particular cigar.

But tobacco is not all there is to talk about in Winston’s. Afternoons and evenings will find cigar aficionados in the lounge enjoying their selections, watching ball games on the HD flat screen televisions or perhaps solving the world’s problems.

The store’s high-tech ventilation system makes this possible. As Sam Fiori Sr. pointed out, “If their wife won’t let them smoke a cigar at home, they can relax here.”

“We’re still lady-friendly,” said Trisler. A few women enjoy a good cigar and some come along with the men for the pleasant atmosphere.

Private humidor lockers are available for rent so patrons can store their own cigar selection.

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HOME & GARDEN

Smoking lounge, above, and private humidors.

For Christmas and birthday gifts, Winston’s staff keeps track of their patrons’ preferences in order to assist with gift buying. The store offers fine accessories for cigar and pipe lovers.

Tabletop humidors to keep cigars at the right temperature and humidity are available at every price point in rare woods with fine crafting.

Winston’s carries the Brizard & Co. luxury line of humidors, lighters, cigar cutters and cigar cases, in leather and exotic woods.

For pipe smokers, there are tobacco pouches, lighters and other accessories along with the store’s extensive selection of pipe tobacco, which includes custom blends. High-end Savinelli and Peterson of Dublin pipes lead an outstanding selection of pipes. Pipes have distinctive shapes and properties that fit a person or kind of tobacco. The men of Winston’s can explain.

Special events at the store are listed on its Facebook page. At 5 p.m. Nov. 4 there will be an Oliva Cigar Tasting Day. Tickets, $10, include a sample Oliva cigar, refreshments and special pricing.

Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium 5304 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 479-434-5627 winstonsemporium.com Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

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home & garden goodies

GANZ animal figurines found at Coleman Pharmacy.

Vintage mantel clock from Abilities Unlimited.

Flavored cocoa, custom fruit butters and dried potato soup mix available at The WareHouse.

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home & garden goodies Primo Oval XL 400 with wood table available at Luther Stem Pools and Spa.

Mandoline slicer with interchangeable blades for slicing vegetables available at Dennie Snow Restaurant Supply.

Leisure Time premier spa water care products available at Prestigious Pool Care Inc.

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home & garden goodies

Brizard & Co. luxury cigar accessories available at Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium.

Decorative plate with stand, Piehole whiskey with pecan pie liqueur and Fulton’s Harvest pumpkin pie cream liqueur found at In Good Spirits.

Old-fashioned Louisburg Cider Mill fruit butters from Paul’s Meat Market.

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home & garden goodies Ghent Collections plates available at Moon Dawgy Emporium.

Child's recliner available in many different fabric options from Furniture Emporium.

Limoges Demitasse cups and saucers, accent plant in glazed pot and triangle side table found at Creative Furnishings by Jean.

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home & garden goodies

Owl-accented tray with dried bittersweet vine and miniature pumpkins from Neumeier’s Nursery & Florist.

Small wooden pig bowl and seasonal wall art found at The Goods.

Large, decorative platters available at Seasons in Van Buren.

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home & garden goodies

Jewelry Candle Co. soy wax candles with jewelry hidden inside.

Available at Vanity Calls.

Fall wreath with fabric pumpkins found at Greenwood Flowers.

Pressed paper cottage and church

by Bethany Lowe Design from Now and Then Shoppe.

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home & garden goodies

Fall serving bowl and harvest dolls available at Designer Again.

Christmas pitcher and creamers and a glittery cone tree decoration from This ‘N’ That Shoppe.

All-natural seasonings and organic marinara pasta sauce found at Olde Fashioned Foods.

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WHAT’S COOKING with KRISTAN ROLAND

The

For the Cake: 1 18-oz. box yellow cake mix 1 15-oz. can pumpkin 3 large eggs 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tsp. ground cinnamon For the Frosting: 2 sticks salted butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 3 tsp. pure vanilla extract 7 cups powdered sugar 2-4 tbsp. milk, if needed Cinnamon, for dusting

Flavors of Fall

PUMPKIN CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners and set aside.

In the bowl of your mixer, beat cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, water, sour cream and cinnamon on low speed for 30 seconds.

Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.

Fill each tin 2/3 full with batter and bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched in the center.

Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks.

Frosting: In the bowl of your mixer, beat butter, cream cheese and vanilla on medium speed until smooth. With the mixer on low, slowly add powdered sugar, beating until just barely mixed in. Once combined, increase speed to high and beat for one minute. If frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time until spreadable consistency is reached.

Generously frost cupcakes then dust lightly with cinnamon.

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CARAMEL CHURRO CHEX MIX 41⁄2 cups Rice Chex cereal 41⁄2 cups Corn Chex cereal 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup salted butter 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1/4 tsp. baking soda 2/3 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

RITZ CRACKER TURTLE COOKIES 24 Ritz crackers 1 tbsp. water 16 oz. melted almond bark

11 oz. caramel bits 11⁄2 cups chopped pecans

Line a large baking sheet with wax paper. Place crackers on lined sheet, close together.

In a microwave safe bowl, heat caramel bits and water, stopping to stir every 20 seconds until smooth. Let cool slightly, then spoon into the center of a cracker and immediately top with a sprinkle of pecans. Repeat process, reheating caramel if it gets too thick to spoon out. Allow caramel to cool on the crackers. Heat almond bark according to directions, then drizzle or spoon over crackers. Let chocolate coating harden before serving.

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cereal in a large, heat-safe bowl. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick baking spray.

In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar and set aside.

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, heat brown sugar, butter and corn syrup until it comes to a boil. Let boil for one minute, stirring constantly, then remove from heat and stir in baking soda.

Pour over cereal and stir until cereal is coated.

Spread cereal on prepared baking sheet.

Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon/sugar mixture.

Bake for about 5 minutes, then flip with a spatula and bake for 3 more minutes, until cereal turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely, then break up and store in an air-tight container.

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MINI PUMPKIN CHEESECAKES For the Crust: 30 gingersnap cookies, crushed 3 tbsp. granulated sugar 6 tbsp. salted butter For the Cheesecake: 16 oz. cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 large eggs, room temperature 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 1/8 tsp. ground cloves 1 15-oz. can pumpkin Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line 24 muffin tins with paper liners and set aside.

In a medium bowl combine cookie crumbs, sugar and melted butter until it resembles fine sand. Spoon about a level tablespoonful into each tin, spreading along the bottom with the back of your spoon.

In the bowl of your mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each and scraping the sides of the bowl. Fold in pumpkin and spices with a spatula until combined.

Pour filling into prepared tins, filling about one-half to three-quarters of the way full.

Bake for roughly 20 minutes or until centers are set.

Cool in pans for about 30 minutes before removing from pan to finish cooling on wire rack. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

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

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DESIGNER NOTES

Designing for love at Greenwood Flower & Gift wonderland of beautiful flowers and plants awaits inside Greenwood Flower & Gift Shop in Greenwood, Ark. The sweet sound of the birds chirping from their cages, as well as Max the shaggy dog’s bark of “hello,” adds to the welcoming environment.

The shop’s decor always matches the season. It is currently filled with the warm colors of fall, accented with a vibrant orange pumpkin here and there. This time of year, autumn designs begin to change to glorious Christmas creations.

“We wanted to create a happy place for people to come in and feel welcome. We want them to enjoy their time here whether just browsing or making a purchase,” owner Khristi Phillips said.

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Owner Khristi Phillips and Max. 36

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Greenwood Flowers and Gifts, established in 1948, is a long-time Greenwood institution. In 1997, Khristi and her husband, Charles, took ownership to continue to offer fine floral arrangements and unique gifts, backed by service and delivery that is friendly and prompt.

For floral services, Khristi is joined by two other talented floral designers: Rena Rose and Nikki Tate.

Rose is well-known in the area for her gift of designing stunning permanent arrangements of silk and dried florals. The award-winning designer operated popular floral and interior decor shops in Fort Smith before joining Greenwood Flower & Gift.

By appointment, the store’s designers will go to customers’ homes to create custom design, including seasonal and holiday decorations for mantels, trees, entryways and doors.

All the staff members have an intuitive sense, which is so important in design, Khristi explained. “We want to capture the heart of the customer – how they want to present themselves with a gift to someone they love.”

People send flowers for happy occasions such as the births, birthdays, celebrations and for romance. They also send flowers as a loving gesture at times of sadness, illness, life difficulties and death.

Flowers speak for the sender, she explained.

“In the case of a funeral, that is the last thing you can do for a loved one,” Khristi said. “The biggest compliment I can get is when a customer says, ‘You knew them, we want you to take care of it,’” about a floral arrangement.

Khristi’s design team also benefits from Tate’s youth and sunny personality, the store owner said. “Nikki is so bubbly and friendly with all our customers,” said Khristi. The combined input of designers of three different ages and outlooks

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DESIGNER NOTES

Apparel and jewelry are a part of the mix.

translates into Khristi’s ability to offer in the shop “such a range” of styles not only in floral design but in home decor, gifts and apparel that appeal to all ages, she noted.

Selections such as picture frames, Kathy Primitives chalk wall art, scented candles, throw pillows and collegiate items are great gifts.

Aromatique, NuLuv goat milk products and Mangiacotti lotions are little luxuries to give.

Greenwood Flowers & Gift Shop also has apparel and jewelry from Umgee and Urban Mango clothing, unique purses, shoes, boots and eye-catching scarves and accessories.

For the home, there is tableware, serving trays and other decor. Runners and centerpieces are handmade on-site by the designers.

What visitors won’t find on the shelves is the thoughtfulness that florists seem to carry inside them that allows them to help each person make the right choice of flowers or gifts.

“It is our goal to help customers celebrate the remarkable beauty we call life and carry the beauty in their heart always,” Khristi said.

Whether it be the loss of a loved one, a birth, the celebrations of two people brought together in marriage or just treasuring the special someone in their life, she said, they wants to help convey the perfect sentiment of love.

Greenwood Flower & Gift Shop 510 West Center Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2127, Facebook Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

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fashion & fitness goodies

John Wind Maximal Art bracelets and layered necklaces with pearls and initials found at Red Leopard Boutique.

Aveda curly hair products available at Metropolis Hair Studio.

Cat eye glasses from Tiffany & Co. in havana and black with crystal accents from Dr. Steven Stiles Optometrist.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Rolex Day-Date yellow gold watch with diamonds available at Newton’s Jewelers.

L'anza Healing ColorCare products found at Sensations Salon and Day Spa.

Emerald plaid long sleeve button up shirt with a cream frayed sweater vest, both in plus sizes, found at Zoe Bug’s.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Moroccanoil products to hydrate, soften and revitalize skin. Found at Salon Elements.

Pumpkin appliqued jumper with ruffle legs and matching bow and monogrammable soft plush from Cubby with a removable stuffing pod from The Polka Dotted Zebra.

Ray-Ban Aviator and Clubmaster sunglasses available at Ennen Eye Center.

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Help Wanted: volunteer to become a trolley operator Job Description: Operate an original Fort Smith Streetcar!

Meet people and give the ride of a lifetime over the city’s short downtown route.

Experience Required: None! Few have had the privilege to say they are an electric streetcar operator. The Fort Smith Trolley Museum will train volunteers.

Who can operate a trolley: Men or women, 18 to 94. Operators must be physically fit enough to step up and down from the trolley and pull a rope to switch directions of the rooftop trolley pole.

Hours offered: Volunteers are asked for half-day shifts, once a week. The trolley operates weekends in winter.

Benefits: Wear a keen streetcar driver’s hat and snappy bow tie! Meet nice people from all over the world. Share a little Fort Smith and streetcar history. Have your picture made – often!

Salary: $0.

Value: Priceless.

You will likely be the only person at every party who can claim this occupation. You will also be helping to present our city at its best!

Contact: Bradley Martin at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, who – with his late father, Dr. Art Martin, and a host of dedicated volunteers – has worked to establish an authentic electric streetcar line that now runs from the museum at 100 South 4th Street, around the National Cemetery to North 7th Street and Rogers Avenue, where hotel guests may board, to the Fort Smith Museum of History and along Garrison Avenue to the Bass Reeves statue – and back.

Phone 479-783-0205, email info@fstm.org or visit the Trolley Museum at 100 North 4th Street, Fort Smith.

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Legend leads to Emmy Awards for Van Buren film “Step Into: The King Opera House” wins two Mid-America Emmy awards

Ghost Story It might have been just another field trip for most kids, but not for young Devon Parks. It is a common occurrence for local students to visit the King Opera House in historic downtown Van Buren. Rich in history and known for its Victorian-era architecture, the opera house has attracted visitors of all ages for years. However, the day Parks heard the story of an actor whose ghost is said to haunt the structure, he was intrigued more than most.

It is said that the actor Charles Tolson met his untimely end at the hand of a local doctor, D.W. Parchman, the father of the young man’s love interest, Allye. The two young lovers contrived plans to leave on a midnight train – plans that were derailed when Dr. Parchman opened fire on Tolson, leaving him with fatal injuries.

Tolson’s ghost is said to haunt the King Opera House, with many locals claiming to have had encounters with the spirit. Parks never forgot the tale he heard as a child, and his fascination with this ghost story would inspire the idea for the Emmy-winning film “Step Into: The King Opera House.”

Becoming a Filmmaker “I remember back when I was young, that if doing a video on a school project was an option, that’s what I would always do,” Parks recalled.

“Sophomore year is when I really began to ask myself, ‘Am I going to attempt this (filmmaking) as a career and stick to it?’”

Following high school, he attended the Savannah College of Arts and Design for a year, then earned a degree in communications from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

After college, he started a commercial company in Fort Smith that would become Mad Possum Pictures. He also completed an internship on the set of the motion picture “The Help.”

According to Parks, it was an experience that really moved his career forward. On the set, he met producers and gained valuable insight into the film industry, as well as guidance in setting professional goals.

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Devon Parks and his wife, Emily, holding two Emmys statues at the October awards ceremony held in St. Louis. Chuck King is a co-recipient, with Devon Parks, of the Emmy for Short Format Program.

The Film Parks has now followed his movie-making dreams to Los Angeles, where he works as a producer’s assistant at Scott Free Productions. However, it was the hometown ghost story that had grabbed his attention as a youngster that would earn him a whole new level of recognition.

“Arkansas is unique and, in many ways, an undiscovered jewel as a film backdrop,” Parks said. For the King Opera House project, Parks partnered with long-time friend Chuck King, who wrote and produced the film alongside him. King is a co-recipient of the Short Format Program Emmy.

For months, Parks and King conducted research, working closely with King Opera House manager Janice Cochrane Ross. It was she who suggested they produce something that could be shown to visitors and tourists.

“Step Into: The King Opera House” pulls its viewers into another world.

Visitors to the King Opera House who watch this film are surrounded by the setting of the film they are watching. History comes alive as the story of Charles Tolson (Brendan Dahle) and Allye Parchman (Grace Andrews) unfolds on the big screen in the 20-minute short film. Viewers are transported to a turn-of-the-century Van Buren Main Street.

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And the Winner Is… Another friend (and previous Emmy winner himself ), composer Kevin Croxton, encouraged him to submit the short film to be nominated for an Emmy. Parks said they did so with somewhat low expectations. But they won.

Parks and King won as a duo, with their film being named Best Short Format Program. Parks received an Emmy for Best Director. Croxton was nominated for his original musical score.

“It’s an exciting moment to be recognized for something to which you’ve devoted yourself … and to be recognized on this scale,” Parks said.

“It’s overwhelming to walk into the room even now and see that statue sitting there. I can’t explain the feeling.”

Team and Community Effort Parks is quick to recognize others who were instrumental in the film’s success. First, the team with which he worked on the film, which he said is unique because of its unity, consistency (having worked together on multiple projects) and dedication to art over profit.

“It’s amazing to find people who don’t just work for the paycheck, but for the art of filmmaking,” Parks said.

In addition to King and Croxton, other crew members include cinematographer Travis Joiner, makeup artist Summer Shook and costumer Terry McGonigle of Alma High School.

Local actors and some 140 extras, outfitted in period-specific costumes, helped to bring the Van Buren of the past alive. Parks and King also give thanks to their wagon wrangler, Larry Craven, who provided period horse-drawn carriages. The A&M Railroad gave permission for a scene on their period passenger railcar.

Parks also gives a great deal of credit to his family and community, saying it was his grandpa, his father and the people of Van Buren who instilled in him a strong work ethic. He believes that God has directed his path, and with that divine direction and his commitment to putting in the necessary time and effort, his dreams have started to become a reality.

“The idea that you have to get to L.A. before your career can take off, as well as that whole ‘Oh, it’s a tough business’ mentality…, it’s very discouraging,” he said. “I never agreed with that and always wanted to go against that stereotype.”

Parks and King believed if they worked hard and persevered, they would be able to achieve something that most thought to be impossible.

Two Emmys later, it seems safe to say they were on to something.

– Kristin Riggs

Parks, center, directs an exterior night scene on a dirt-filled Main Street in front of the theater.

First assistant director Brock Girard reflected behind Parks; the director speaking with an actor.

A still from the film shows actors in period attire aboard an A&M Railroad passenger car.

How to see “Step Into: King Opera House” The award-winning short film is screened at the King Opera House from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday. It is about 20 minutes long. Free. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. Previews of the film can be seen online at madpossum.com.

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MUSIC & performance Rhonda Vincent Nov. 5 Rhonda Vincent and The Rage The most award-winning band in bluegrass music, Rhonda Vincent and The Rage has received more than 100 awards in the last 15 years. Their most successful album, “The Storm Still Rages,” was released in 2001 and was nominated for seven international Bluegrass Music Association awards, in addition to several instrumental nominations for individual band members. Their success rocketed Vincent to recognition and she was awarded IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, a title she would continue to hold for seven straight years. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office.

7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129. almapac.org

An Evening with LeAnn Rimes NOVEMBER

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Country music lovers all over the world broke out in goosebumps in 1996 when 13-year-old LeAnn Rimes released “Blue,” a song written for the great Patsy Cline. From her first clear, thrilling note, Rimes sang with emotion and confidence very much in the spirit of Cline’s vocal style.

The audience responded by pushing the album to the top of the charts and the album eventually sold 12 million copies worldwide. In 1997, at 14 years old, she became the youngest person to win a Grammy, picking up two awards: Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Blue.” No one-time wonder, Rimes followed with a major pop hit, “How Do I Live” the next year and established a following of pop fants, as well.

As she grew up, Rimes continued to produce hit singles and gold and platinum albums, crossing over into both pop and Gospel hits. Rimes did a cameo in the movie “Coyote Ugly” and contributed four songs to the soundtrack. “Can’t Fight the Moonlight,” a single from the soundtrack, charted high in the United States and became a No. 1 song in Australia. She has toured and recorded steadily while appearing also in television movies and writing several books for both adults and children.

Tickets for this University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Season of Entertainment concert are available online and through the UAFS Box Office. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com

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Stevie Wonder Nov. 5 Stevie Wonder Stevie Wonder will perform a live adaptation of his iconic “Songs in the Key of Life” album, the incredible double LP released in 1976 that included massive hits “Sir Duke,” “Isn’t She Lovely” and “I Wish.” Tickets range from $40-$139. 7 p.m. Verizon Arena, 1 Verizon Arena Way, North Little Rock, Ark. ticketmaster.com Nov. 6 International Blues Challenge A musical competition will help the Riverfront Blues Society choose and sponsor an entrant into the International Blues Challenge finals in Memphis in January. The evening includes blues, barbecues and outstanding local blues entertainment. Winners of the International Blues Challenge earn cash, prizes and industry recognition. This could be the big break a local blues act has been seeking. Finals are held after a week of competition at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis. Support your favorite local blues act!

7 p.m. MovieLounge, 7601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-414-7782

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Nov. 6 UAFS Opera and Musical Theater Concert Students of the UAFS Department of Music and Theater will present an evening of scenes from opera and Tony Award-winning musicals. From Aaron Copland’s opera “The Tender Land” to Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man,” students will take to the stage performing solos and ensembles. Other musicals featured in the evening of song and theater are “Phantom of the Opera,” “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,” “The Fantasticks” and “Avenue Q.” The concert is directed

by George Mann, adjunct instructor of music, Dr. Elizabeth Momand, professor of music, and Gini Law, accompanist. Free. 7:30 p.m. The Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7540 Nov. 7 Decades of Divas Travel the eras from the 1960s through the 2000s with a glamorous performance by four fabulous divas: Missy Beauchaine, Jennifer Ford and Gabrielle Gore, and featuring Hannah Ball. The show will present Top 40 hits by female recording artists spanning four decades. Proceeds benefit the Volunteers for Literacy of Crawford County. $15. 7 p.m. The King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-461-0126 Nov. 7 Eli Cook Plays the Blues Eli Cook has just been named one of the top three solo blues artists in the world by Blues Matters Magazine – and it’s driving him to the forefront of modern Blues.

With his super slick slide guitar sound and a husky voice that is sexy and heartfelt, this Virginia bluesman shines brightest in concert. His distinctive blend of contemporary and old-school styles has been called

by John Mayall “mystifying and unique.” $11. 6-10 p.m. The Founder’s Room of Alma, 7503 Robinswood Road, Alma, Ark. 479-221-5737 www.thefoundersroomofalma.com Nov. 10 UAFS Percussion Ensemble Concert A percussion ensemble concert will include works by Steven Gisby, Stuart Saunders-Smith, Ivan Trevino, Mark Ford and Frederick Chopin performed by UAFS students of visiting instructor of percussion,Tommy Dobbs. A meet-and-greet will take place onstage after the performance. Participants will have the chance to meet the performers, get instrumental demos and take pictures with the ensemble. Free. 7:30 p.m. UAFS Breedlove Auditorium, 5120 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7581 Nov. 10-15 Pippin “Pippin” is Broadway’s high-flying, death-defying hit musical. Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of “Wicked,” this new production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival.

Hailed as “an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza,” it’s unlike anything Broadway has ever seen.

Experience one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. This production stars Adrienne Barbeau in the role of “Berthe.” Choose from eight performances.

Ticket prices range from $36-$70. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org November 2015

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Nov. 12-22 Fort Smith Little Theater: Neil Simon’s Rumors An octet of friends has gathered at the home of a prominent New York couple to celebrate their wedding anniversary, but the honorees are not to be seen. The guests are puzzled and rumors fuel the confusion in this classic farce. Directed by Valerie Baldwin. Gala performance Nov. 12; regular performances 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 13-14 and 18-21; matinees 2 p.m. Nov. 15, 22.Tickets $10-$30. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org

Nov. 18 Sam Baker Singer/songwriter extraordinaire Sam Baker is a man of few words – beautifully chosen, and fully wrought.

His music has been compared to that of John Prine.

Tickets are available at the door and online from the subscription based non-profit organization, Artist, Audience & Community Live. $40. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. showtime. 801 Media Center at 5 Star Productions, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-9488 AACLive.com

Nov. 13-15 Aladdin Jr. Van Buren High School Theater presents this Disney classic onstage. It’s the story of the young thief Aladdin, a magical Genie he finds in a bottle and Princess Jasmine, the object of Aladdin’s affections.

Filled with familiar, favorite tunes like Genie’s “Never Had a Friend Like Me” and the love theme “A Whole New World,” Aladdin Jr. will take the whole audience on a magic carpet ride. $10. 7 p.m. Nov. 13-14; 2 p.m.

Nov. 15. Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-4017 vbsd.us/fac

Nov. 19 Diana Krall By any standard, this five-time Grammy Awardwinning jazz pianist and vocalist is one of the most accomplished musicians in the world today.

Respected far Diana Krall and wide as a wildly successful recording and performing artist, Krall has sold more albums than any other female jazz artist of the last 30 years, establishing herself as one of the best-selling and most-beloved performers of her generation. $82. 8 p.m. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org

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Nov. 20-21 The Addams Family Musical The UAFS Academy of the Arts presents a production of “The Addams Family,” a new musical.

The famous characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams appear in an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Talented students of the Academy of the Arts perform. Ticket prices vary. 7-9:30 p.m. UAFS Breedlove Auditorium, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Nov. 21 UA-Fort Smith Chamber Ensembles The Chamber Ensembles of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith will perform a concert by chamber groups of flute, guitar, saxophone and clarinet. More than 30 students perform in small ensembles. Conductors include Ginny Hudson, visiting instructor of music; Dr. Christopher Barrick, head of the Department of Music and Theater; Dr. Andrew DeBoer, visiting assistant professor of clarinet; William Reyes, adjunct instructor of music; and Dr. Luis Araya, artist in residence. Free. 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7544

Dec. 3-6 Seussical The Musical Alma Performing Arts presents “Seussical The Musical” based on classic tales of Dr. Seuss. This fantastical family musical follows Horton the Elephant on a journey to protect the Whos of Whoville. Horton is oblivious to the affections of Ms. Gertrude McFuzz, despite her many attempts to woo him. Narrated by the Cat in the Hat, the adventure includes a mash up of other Seuss characters including JoJo, the Sour Kangaroo, Mazie LaBird and even the Grinch and Cindy Loo Who. 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 5; 2 p.m. Dec. 6.

Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 www.almapac.org Dec. 4-6 A Christmas Carol The famous story of Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by three spirits will come alive again at the historic King Opera House. This adaption of Charles Dickens play is written and directed by Jolene Barker. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Solid Rock Book Store in Fort Smith and Sweet Bay Coffee Shop in Van Buren, or online. $4 and $5 in advance: $5 and $6 at the door. 7 p.m. Dec. 4; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 474-2426 evdrama.com

Nov. 23 Ragtime A musical adaptation of one of the best novels of the 20th century, “Ragtime” will be presented by the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith’s Season of Entertainment 35. Based on the acclaimed novel by E.L. Doctorow, “Ragtime” merges the stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and an aspiring Harlem musician in early 19th century New York, set to a Tony Award-winning score.

Historical figures, including Harry Houdini, Evelyn Nesbit, Booker T. Washington, J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Stanford White, Harry Kendall Thaw, Admiral Peary and Emma Goldman, are represented in the musical’s storyline. The show has earned 13 Tony Award nominations since its American premiere in 1998. Tickets are $40 for lower-tier and $37 for uppertier seating. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300

Dec. 5 Fort Smith Symphony Holiday Memories This concert features many of the classic holiday favorites we remember from our very first Christmas celebrations. The Fort Smith Chorale will be featured in popular choruses from Handel’s “Messiah.” Fort Smith Symphony Concertmaster Elizabeth Lyon, Don

Bailey and Grant Nesbit will perform sacred and popular holiday hits, helping make this a Christmas celebration to remember. Choruses from “Messiah,” music from “The Nutcracker,” “Mary, Did You Know?”

“The Christmas Song,” “You Raise Me Up” and much more. Call or go online for tickets. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-7575

fortsmithsymphony.org Dec. 5 TubaChristmas TubaChristmas is a concert of popular and well-loved Christmas tunes played by tuba and euphonium players, including special guests from Washington, as they perform with local school and community players. Guests include members of the Air Force, Army and Marine bands, who will perform a concert and Master Class after TubaChristmas. Free. 2-3 p.m.

Riverfront Pavillion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-926-4794 tubachristmas.com Dec. 11-13 Keyboards At Christmas Using four grand pianos and a choir, Oak Cliff presents Keyboards At Christmas, a celebration of the birth of Christ. This concert includes traditional Christmas music presented in a variety of piano and choral arrangements. Special guests this year will be Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell, executive director of the UAFS Academy of the Arts, and locally renowned pianist Gini Law. Free. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 p.m. Dec. 12; and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13.Oak Cliff Baptist Church, 3701 South Gary, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3891 keyboardsatchristmas.com

Dec. 1 Michael McDonald: This Christmas Two notes. That’s all it takes to recognize his voice. His unmistakable sound has made him one of the most sought-after singers for more than four decades. McDonald will combine yuletide favorites Michael McDonald and modern Motown classics with a few of his signature hits like “I Keep Forgettin” and ’70s-era Doobie Brothers classics, such as “What A Fool Believes.” Ticket prices vary. 7 p.m.

Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org November 2015

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Who is that guy in our yard?

Jim Horne, artist and persuasive fellow Editors note: The magazine staff was quite surprised last month to not only meet an artist new in town but to be wooed for publicity by several unique outdoor serenades.

Jim first created a live tableau showing how smashing he would look on our cover.

We also had a ukulele rendition of “Cover of the Rolling Stone” with our title substituted instead. Pretty good!

Jim – you had us at submitting the details of your exhibit on time, just like all the other events we publish. But thanks for the entertainment!

Nov. 1-30 Jim Horne Gallery Exhibit Selected works of Jim Horne will be on exhibit at his home gallery. Horne, a Fort Smith native, has an art degree from Memphis Academy of the Arts and a master’s degree from Dusseldorf Art Academy in Germany, where he lived for 14 years.

Returning to the U.S., he made his career in From the gallery. advertising in St. Louis. The exhibit includes a selection of paintings, portraits and self-portraits, and assemblages of the objects of his fascination, colorful orbs. He blames his obsession with circles on “Helium Balloon Deprivation Syndrome,” or not being given enough balloons as a child. Horne’s work is both playful and provocative, except when completely classical, as is his formal portraiture. Horne has joined the growing “Drink and Draw” Tuesday night club at Core’s Pub, open to all artists, and has created three murals around the stage at Hero’s. Gallery hours by appointment. Call 479-7631661 for a time. 323 North 5th Street, Fort Smith. More of Jim Horne’s art is found on Facebook.

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The CALL’s mission is to educate, equip

and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for

children in foster care in Arkansas.

There are almost 700 children in foster care in Sebastian and Crawford County and fewer than 150 homes available to care for them. Sebastian County has more children in foster care than any other county in Arkansas.

700 waiting children.

The Call’s goal is to open additional foster and adoptive homes in the very near future.

To learn how you can help these children, please call 479-651-8816. Or join us at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at Grace Community Church, 4001 Brooken Hill, Fort Smith.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. - James 1:27 Alicia Agent Ben & Laura Bandimere John & Melissa Baxter Terry & Sherry Blanton Ellis & Nancy Brisher Brad & Amanda Brown Chris & Carrie Burress Hannah Bush Craig & Sheryl Carter Johnny & Carol Clayton Casey & Cohen Copeland Jason & Robin Cothran Dana Crenshaw Scott & Melissa Deer Steve & Erin DeLassus Brian & Ginny Detherage Kevin & Melissa Eckart Richard & Ashlie Edgerton Calvin Evans Candice Fellner Bill & Cindy Fink Nick & Sara Floyd Patsy Fox William & Wanda Fugett Robert & Mary Gattis Jason & Lindsey Glover Brian & Johnna Goodman Christine Goulet Shirley & Mac Green Raymond & Donna Gross Amanda Hale Julie Hamilton Dr. John & Michelle Harp Alan & Gaye Harrison Mike & Paula Higgins

2015 DONORS AND SUPPORTERS Robert & Kimberly Hoelzman Blake & Sarah Hutchins Chris & Jenifer Jones Teresa Jones Burt & Phillis Kelly Jan Kelly Peter Kertesz Jason & Lacie Kilbreath Brandy Kilgore Josh & Trish Lainer Joseph & Jennifer Lyon Autumn Mahr Cody & Lindsey McConnell Matthew McKeever Jim Medley Travis & Hannah Michael Nora Molinero Tomas & Nichole Molinero Chris & Paige Niblett Robert & Carrie Odiorne Terry & Christie Orsbun James Patterson Dale & Vicki Newton Shani Patterson Chip & Randi Peacock Charles & Marilyn Wayla Ramsey Billy & Jeanetta Ray Megan Raynor Lucas & Jessica Scantling Adam & Jamie Schmalz Darren & Megan Scott Stephen & Roselle Scott Regina Sears Chrystal Settle

Darren & Dawn Smithson James & Amanda Stem Ben & Tonya Storie Josh & Jennifer Teague Trotter Electric Shelly Tyler Lee & Jill Marie Walchli Walter O. Caldwell Foundation Michael & Sandra White Christy Williams Lori Williams Jeffery & Erin Willis Daniel & Kelly Wilson Butterfield Assembly of God Church Central Christian Church Grace Community Church Eastside Baptist Church Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine Momentum Church First Christian Church Christian Womens Fellowship- FCC Harvest Time Immanuel Baptist Church Trinity Baptist Church Christian Companion Senior Care - Fort Smith B&G Rigging Greenview Lawns Harry Robinson Buick - GMC, Inc Junior League of Fort Smith All Season Painting Complete Testing Services, LLC First National Bank of Fort Smith Medisav Homecare Pharmacies Mudtown Farms Inc.

THANK YOU

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Nov. 1-30 9th Annual Windsor Branch Book Mark Contest Children in grades K-6 are invited to the Windsor Branch to get an entry form for its annual bookmark contest. Contestants are allowed to design their bookmark about anything that they like. Winners will have their bookmark laminated, given to their class and distributed at the Windsor Library. Free. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 fortsmithlibrary.org

KIDS calendar of events

Nov. 2 Prime Time Story Time: Thanksgiving Time!

There are so many things for which to be thankful. Join this special program featuring stories, crafts, refreshments and other Thanksgiving fun. Take your friends and join this family friendly evening story program for kids of all ages. Free. 6 p.m.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Nov. 2 UAFS Academy of the Arts Spring Registration Open The Academy of the Arts is enrolling students for the spring semester, which begins in January. Lots of classes and events in the arts for all ages and levels. Activities include: Xtreme Teenz production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Academy Playerz production of “Alice in Wonderland,” Academy Kidz production of “Jungle Book,” Youth Symphony Orchestra and Academy Orchestra, art classes for elementary ages, Show Choir, Teen A cappella ensemble, Drums Alive ensemble, preschool Musikgarten classes and private lessons in piano, voice, instrumental, acting, dance, composition and music theory, history and conducting.

Tuition and class times vary. Echols Building at UA-Fort Smith, 504 North Waldron Road at UAFS, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7253 uafs.edu/academy Nov. 2-23 Preschool Story Time Join your friends at the library for stories, songs and crafts. Refreshments provided.

Free. 10:30 a.m. Mondays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Nov. 2-23 Teen Time Tweens and teens – join your classmates for after-school fun with games and crafts. Refreshments provided. Free. 3:45 p.m. Mondays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Nov. 2-18 Teen Time Explore science, play bingo and learn a magic trick or two. Refreshments provided.

Free. 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 3 The Addams Family Musical: Preview Show The UAFS Academy of the Arts Academy Xtreme Teens presents a preview of their production “The Addams Family.” Watch the weird and wonderful family come to life in this magnificent musical comedy. Arrive early to get a good seat. Free. 6 p.m.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Nov. 3-24 Baby & Me Babies, birth to age 3, and caregivers can join the library for songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story and play time. This is an opportunity for social interaction with both babies and their adults. This program supports early literacy and language skills. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

“Annie” comes to Walton Art Center stage Add a bit of theatrical flair to your family’s

NOVEMBER holiday plans. This Thanksgiving, the

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world’s best-loved musical returns to Walton Arts Center in time-honored form.

Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of Annie is a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, “Annie” includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” There are eight performances. Ticket prices vary.

Walton Arts Center Baum Walker Hall 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark.479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org

Nov. 3, 10 & 17 Spanish Lessons Spanish lessons for students in fourth- through sixth grades. Learn through play and stories and gain a foundation for learning a second language. 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 4-25 Story Time Wednesdays Enjoy stories, music, crafts and snacks. On Nov. 4, special guest Mulberry Chief Gregory share story time with the toddlers. Refreshments provided. 10 a.m. Free.

Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

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KIDS EVENTS

Nov. 4, 18 Story Time Wednesdays This month will feature STEM and Thanksgiving. Free.

9:30 and 11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 4-25 Story Time Wednesdays Toddlers enjoy stories, songs and crafts with Ms. Megan. This month, topics include football, pie, manners and Thanksgiving. Refreshments provided. Free.

10 a.m. Wednesdays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 5-19 All Ages Thursdays Young or old, all are welcome to have fun with crafts and building with Lego bricks. Refreshments provided. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 7 Old Fort Days Dandies Try Outs Tryouts to be a member of the Old Fort Days Dandies riding team are open to girls ages 10-12 for Junior Dandies and 13-20 for Senior Dandies. Eligible girls must be enrolled in school or college and not be married or have children. Riders will be judged on horsemanship and a personal interview. Riders must provide their own horse, current Coggins papers, a birth certificate, college transcript and copy of current class schedule. A parent or legal guardian must accompany candidates who are under 18. Dress in western attire. Free. 10 a.m. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-966-6787 Nov. 7 FCA Kids Fun Run This second annual FCA Kids Fun Run is a one-mile run for children ages 5-12. Each child will receive a Fun Run T-shirt and a runner's packet with goodies.

Register online. $20. 9 a.m. Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-649-8815 www.rivervalleyrun.org

Nov. 7 Children’s Program: Traveling with the Deputies Deputy marshals working in Indian Territory had a very tough job. They policed the Indian Territory, captured criminals and brought outlaws to justice, all while living in the open wilderness. Children will learn what a deputy marshal needed to survive while on the trail – from his horse and saddle to his warrants and Winchester rifle. Group size is limited. Reservations required. Free. 10 a.m. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3961 nps.gov/fosm

Nov. 9 Cuentos para Niños en Español Niños de todas las edades y sus familias están invitados a la Biblioteca principal a la hora de los cuentos GRATIS, incluiremos cuentos, historias, canciones, refranes y otras actividades divertidas en español. Ven y aprende acerca de la Biblioteca y lo que tiene para ofrecer a tu familia. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 9, 23 Lap Time Story Time (0-24 months) A love of reading starts early. Babies and their care52

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givers are invited to join this special story time geared toward children birth to 24 months old. There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories and lots of interactive fun. The story time will last approximately 20 minutes, with time for casual interaction following the program.

Free. 10:30 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Nov. 12 Bingo for Books Children, tweens and teens join this fun time and a chance to win books with afterschool bingo for books.

Refreshments provided. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Nov. 13, 30 Wii Games Play Wii after school at the library. Refreshments provided. Free. 4-5 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Nov. 14 UAFS Preview Day Preview Day is open to all high school students and their parents. Prospective students can tour campus, meet faculty members, learn about the degrees offered at UAFS and learn about scholarships and financial aid. Check-in for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. The event will end following a free lunch. Register online or call the Admissions Office. Free. 8:30 a.m. UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7120 admissions.uafs.edu/admissions/Preview-Day

Nov. 16 Dia de Familia Dia de Familia is a campus preview event for Spanish-speaking prospective students and their families.

Campus tours will be offered before the event, starting at 3:15 p.m. in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

This event includes sessions conducted both in English and Spanish. Participants will learn about admissions, financial aid, and student life, and will have the chance to meet current students, faculty, and staff, tour the campus, enjoy a free dinner and watch dance performances by the UAFS Spanish Club. For those unable to attend Dia de Familia, campus tours will be given in Spanish on Oct. 20, Nov. 10 and Dec. 1. To schedule a visit, or to find out more information about Dia de Familia, contact Rafael Gutierrez, admissions officer. Free. 3:15-7:30 p.m. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, UA-Fort Smith Campus, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7143 uafs.edu Nov. 16 LEGO Club Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create and build unique creations with the LEGO Club. Everyone loves LEGOs; supplies are provided – just bring your imagination. Free. 5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Nov. 16-24 Thanks & Pay It Forward Teens are invited to pick up a grab bag surprise.

There’s only one catch: You must accept the challenge to pay-it-forward. Say “thank you” by completing a suggested activity listed on the grab bag. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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Nov. 19 Nancy Drew Mystery Party Everyone welcome! How big of a sleuth are you?

Solve the mystery of the treasure chest at the Nancy Drew Mystery Party. Refreshments provided. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Nov. 23 Haircuts at the Library The Van Buren Library will host free haircuts on a firstcome, first-served basis. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 24 Children’s Book Signing Children’s author Alexis Kendrick will read selections from “Ava and the Munchkids” and be available to sign her book. This fun, A-to-Z rhyming book focuses on learning where the food that we eat daily comes from. Take your own book or purchase one from the author for $13, cash or check. Free. 3-4 p.m. Van

KIDS EVENTS Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 24 Art Event Children, tweens and teens – get creative at this art event guided by the Center for Art and Education of Van Buren. Free. 1-2 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 25 Preschool Story Time: Be Thankful for Turkey Day Listen to stories about Thanksgiving stories and other seasonal fun. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

Nov. 21 International Games Day Get your game on at all four Fort Smith Public Library locations and join with thousands of libraries across the world to celebrate the American Library Association's 8th annual International Games Day @ Your Library. Children and children at heart are invited to drop by to check out a book and play a board game. International GAMES Day hours: Main Library, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Branches, noon-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, 479-783-0229; Dallas Street Branch, 8100 Dallas Street, 479-484-5650; Miller Branch, 8701 South 28th Street, 479-646-3945; Windsor Drive Branch, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Nov. 21 International Games Day Stop by and play games, some old favorites and some you may have never tried before. Take a friend or make some new ones. Free. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 21 Movie Marathon at the Library All ages are welcome to view a showing of the first three movies about the popular Suzanne Collins trilogy to celebrate the newest one being released at theaters. Free. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 22 Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Join your favorite “Nutcracker” characters for a delightful afternoon of delectable desserts and snacks and fun nutcracker and Christmas crafts. There will also be an opportunity for the children to take photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Cavalier, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. “Nutcracker” and Christmas items will be available for purchase, as well as show tickets. $25.

2:30-4:30 p.m. Fort Smith Glass Pavillion, 101 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Nov. 23 Thanksgiving Craft All ages are welcome for stories, music, crafts and snacks. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

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KIDS EVENTS

Ranger Toad wants Every Kid in a Park Plushy park mascot gains Facebook fame pint-sized, big-eyed ranger is rising to fame after being officially sworn in to the park service in late spring at the Fort Smith National Historic Site.

Park Ranger Pat Schmidt first spotted this native Arkansas toad, an eastern spadefoot, at the Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center and she knew right away she had met a kindred spirit.

“I get told all the time that I have a great job, and I agree completely,” Schmidt said. “I love my job and the mission of the park service and I knew Toad could help me spread the word.”

Ranger Toad is the park’s ambassador. The happy-go-lucky green and brown toad has developed a following on the Fort Smith National Historic Site Facebook page, where toad updates frequently appear. Kids can “Like” the page to follow Ranger Toad.

The amphibian ranger makes appearances at children’s programs where Schmidt said Toad has a tendency to steal the show.

“Not only does Toad do a great job helping people learn about all the cool things that are happening when we are turning 100, but Toad inspires more people to come and enjoy the park,” Schmidt said. “Plus, he has a really great sound,” she said. To which Toad let out a loud “Croak!”

The National Park Service will be 100 in 2016. Ranger Toad wants to make sure everyone knows about the Every Kid in a Park program, which is just one of many programs offered in celebration of the centennial at both the local and national level.

Every Kid in a Park is for fourth-graders (or, if they are homeschooled, the fourth-grade level) in Fort Smith and across the United States.

The process starts online and can be done at home or in a classroom with a fourth-grade teacher. Participants earn a voucher that allows them and three guests free admission to National Parks.

“It’s a great way to get kids and families into the parks,” Schmidt said.

“Sometimes entrance into a park can be cost-prohibitive but this empowers kids who get to do something for their family.” There is no limit to the number of times a pass can be used or the number of parks it is used to enter. The passes are valid for one year or through September.

“A family may want to go on a road trip and hit some of the big parks in the west,” Schmidt suggested. “Or, they can hit all of the seven parks in

A

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Ranger Toad has been to Grand Canyon National Park and to Philadelphia to Independence National Historical Park to see the Liberty Bell.

Arkansas: the Fort Smith National Historic Site, Pea Ridge National Military Park, Buffalo National River, Hot Springs National Park, Central High National Historic Site, Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site and the Arkansas Post National Memorial.”

Making memories that connect children and families to the lands they visit is key to ensuring our National Park system has a future.

Whether learning history, enjoying a scenic view or hearing the “boom!” at a cannon demonstration, these experiences form the next generation of park users. Fourth-graders were chosen for the Every Kid in a Park program because they are at a great age for discovery.

“What a great way to feed that curiosity,” she said. “They ask the best questions and they are not afraid to ask questions. So, ask away!”

Beyond fourth-graders, there are Junior Ranger programs for children of every age – including adults. It’s a booklet of activity sheets that helps kids learn while having fun. Depending on their age, a Junior Ranger candidate may complete a number of different activities to earn a badge, from completing simple connect-the-dots drawings or picture bingo for kids too young to read, to more challenging word finds. It’s an activity that can be done as a family.

Find Ranger Toad on Facebook on the Fort Smith National Historic Site page or visit the site at 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, for information about Every Kid in a Park. Sign up online for the program at everykidinapark.org.

– Candise Montemayor

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CALENDAR of events

Nov. 1 Making Healthy Holiday Goodies with Bridget Learn how to make delicious, healthy holiday goodies with this wonderful chef from the East Coast. Sponsored by the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Fort Smith. 2-4 p.m. Seventh Day Adventist Church, 4321 Jenny Lind, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-3857 Nov. 1 4th Annual Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl and Day of the Dead Parade A creeping parade of funeral hearses, Halloween floats and street performers leads the undead down historic Spring Street, from the Library to Basin Park. Take kids for some frightening family fun, or join the crawl yourselves. Dress up and join the horde. Free. 6 p.m.

Downtown Eureka Springs, 194 Spring Street, Eureka Springs, Ark. eurekazombies.com Nov. 2-6 Hemingway-Pfeiffer Fall Writers’ Retreat The retreat offers writers the opportunity to work under the direction of a professional mentor. Pat Carr, serving as mentor for the retreat, has a B.A. and M.A. from Rice, a Ph.D. from Tulane and has taught writing and literature in universities and workshops across the country. She’s published 16 books, including “The Women in the Mirror,” winner of the prestigious Iowa Fiction Award, and “Death of a Confederate Colonel,” winner of both the PEN Southwest Fiction Award and John Estes Cooke Civil War Fiction Award, and she has more than 100 short stories published in such places as The Southern Review and Best American Short Stories. $255. Lunch and breaks are included in registration. Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center, 1021 West Cherry Street, Piggott, Ark. 870-598-3487 hemingway.astate.edu

Ozark Settings & Customs in Fiction: Visit and Book Signing with Northwest Arkansas Authors The Ozark Mountains offer a distinctive geology and culture not

NOVEMBER found anywhere else in the world. A region known for its tradition

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of folklore and storytelling, it is a fertile ground for growing and inspiring writers who produce works that are a part of the landscape. Enjoy this evening of lively discussion and readings by five talented authors from Oghma Creative Media: Velda Brotherton, Lori Ericson, John Biggs, J.B. Hogan and Richard Massey. Their writing spans many genres, including works of historical fiction, romance, contemporary Arkansas fiction, Arkansas history, mystery, crime fiction, humor, speculative and literary fiction. The authors will be on hand to discuss their work and writing in the Ozark setting. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event. For a preview of their work, check out www.oghmacreative.com. Free. 7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org 56

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Nov. 1-30 Miller Branch Library Artist of the Month: Dr. Kerrie Taber Before her move to Arkansas, University of Arkansas instructor Dr. Kerrie Taber lived in the Austin area, where her interest in photography grew as she explored the different areas of the hill country of Texas.

At first it was capturing the sunrises and sunsets over the lakes and hills of the area, but then grew into capturing the wildflowers and vistas. Also interested in history, some of her photography includes historic forts, monuments and locations that she travels to on extended road trips. Free. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

Nov. 1-Dec. 5 2016 Master Gardener Class Applications are now being accepted for the annual Master Gardener classes. This is one fabulous opportunity to learn more about gardening while working with some of the finest volunteers in the River Valley.

The Master Gardener classes will meet for five consecutive Saturdays starting Feb. 16. To become a Master Gardener, prospective members will take 40 hours of intensive horticultural training and perform 40 hours of hands-on community service in the next year after finishing training. Contact the Sebastian County Extension Office to apply or learn more. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardener Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-7737 Nov. 1-Dec. 31 Fort Smith Public Library Holiday Food Drive One in five people in our area is struggling, one in

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS three rural Arkansas children lives in a food-insecure home. Drop off non-perishable food items at any Fort Smith library location from Nov. 1-Dec. 31. Donations will be accepted all hours that the library is open; all food collected will be given to the Community Clearing House to help the hungry in the Fort Smith area. Free.

Fort Smith Public Library locations, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Nov. 1-Dec. 31 Photo Realistic Drawings by Tim Strahin Fort Smith artist Tim Strahin’s extremely detailed drawings feature barns, old houses, landscapes, cars and trucks, and memories from deer camp. His works start as photos, but as they come to life, they become memories of earlier times and places. Tim hopes that his memories will last forever through his drawings, and hope they bring memories of a place or person to others who see them. Free. 9 a.m. Dewey’s Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Nov. 2-11 QuickBooks 2012 Level 1 This course covers the basic fundamentals of using QuickBooks to track the finances of a small business.

Students will learn how to set up a new company, manage bank account transactions and maintain customer, job and vendor information. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays. Textbook and a USB drive are included in the fee. $80. 5-7:55 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com

Nov. 2-30 Dance Lessons Advance dance lessons are from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and beginner’s dance lessons are from 7:30-9 p.m. Learn a new dance every month. Start the first Monday of the month so you can advance with other students.

Lessons cover an array of interests and styles of dance to include ballroom, Latin, country western, swing and many others. Comfortable casual clothing and shoes without sticky soles are all you need to get started. $5. 6:30-9 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578

Nov. 2-30 Sack Lunch Program Gloves and Hats Drive Help the Sack Lunch Program customers stay warm this winter by donating gloves and hats. Call St. John’s Episcopal Church to schedule a convenient time to drop off donations. Skinner Building, St. John’s Episcopal Church Office Building, 214 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9912

Nov. 4 Googling Grandma: Finding Your Ancestors Using the Internet Googling Grandma, a free workshop about finding your ancestors using the Internet, will be led by Fort Smith Public Library genealogy specialist Diana Curry.

The program will provide an overview on finding free and nearly free genealogy resources on line. Space is limited; please register in advance by contacting the Genealogy Department at 479-783-0229, ext. 1181.

Free. 3 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 4 Lunch and Learn: Lung Cancer Awareness Lung cancer kills more people than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined, according to the Lung Cancer Alliance. Learn more from Dr. Maher Dahdel of the Sparks Clinic Lung Center at a lunch session.

Registration is required. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Sparks Regional Medical Center, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3627 sparkshealth.com

Sun Setting on Lee Creek by Patricia Lappin.

Opening Reception, Exhibit: Patricia Lappin and Sydney Clayton With “The Many Moods of Lee Creek,” artist Patricia Lappin

NOVEMBER brings a new series of both oil and pastel paintings to the exhibit.

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These pieces reflect beautiful scenes from the Ozark National Forest and concentrate on the area around Lee Creek. Patricia will present the first gallery viewing of these works with commentary on the history of the area during the November showing. The area of Lee Creek was named for General Robert E. Lee. It was a camp during the Civil War and also part of the Trail of Tears and the Butterfield Stagecoach route. Sydney Clayton presents Constant State of Change. Sydney has a background in interior design, which provided training in color, texture and other art elements. Four years ago her life took a huge twist that altered the course of her career. When her husband began to attend seminary, Sydney realized life as she knew it had changed. She began her painting career as a hobby but creating was a time for reflecting, praying and having time alone with God. Free. Opening reception will be 1-4 p.m. Nov. 1. Center hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767

Nov. 4-6 Energetic Still-Life Painting and How to Market Your Art: Workshop by Qiang Huang Using demonstrations, presentation, and individual assistance, Qiang Huang will explain his process of creating energetic paintings by manipulating values, colors, edges and brushwork. Personal attention will be given to each student according to his/her current skill level and personal goals in art. The workshop is designed for indoor practice with live settings. Qiang also will share his experience marketing art using the Internet. He will demonstrate how to advertise artwork using blogs, websites, email newsletters and on-line galleries. He will also explain his way of using eBay to conduct online sales. Qiang will discuss his daily painting practice as a self-discipline and an effective way of communicating. Materials list and registration forms are available online. $375 for members; $400 for non-members. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org Nov. 4-28 Step Into: The King Opera House Drop in to view the Emmy Award-winning film about the historic King Opera House on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The film runs 20 minutes. Free.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. The King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-2426 vanburen.org Nov. 4-28 Van Buren Farmers Market Every Wednesday and Saturday through December, local farmers and craftspeople display their produce and art at the Van Buren Farmers Market. Browse locally sourced produce, eggs, jellies, jams and more.

The market will be holding its second annual Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 7 and 14. Free. 7 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library Parking Lot, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-218-2316 Facebook/Van-Buren-Farmers-Market

Nov. 5 Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Junaid Khan, critical care/pulmonology physician with Mercy Fort Smith Lung Nodule Clinic, is part of the team of physicians establishing a lung nodule clinic in Fort Smith. Learn about lung cancer screenings and ways to detect lung cancer. Seating is limited. Call to register. Free. 5:30 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

Salida Kayaks and Summertime Lily Pads by Sydney Clayton.

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Nov. 5 Enneagram Fellowship of Fort Smith Meeting This group meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month to view educational videos, discuss books and share in discussions beneficial in studying the enneagram. Free. 5 p.m. Central Presbyterian Church, 2901 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-2555

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Nov. 5 A Night with Angus Buchan Angus Buchan is a South African evangelist whose book “Faith Like Potatoes” was made into a film of the same title in 2008. This event is sponsored by the River Valley Area Churches. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Free. 7 p.m. Harper Stadium, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479 462-7698

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 6 Girls Shelter Annual Pasta Dinner & Silent Auction Enjoy a good meal and browse silent auction items.

Carryout meals are available. $10 adults; $5 students with card. 5-8 p.m. Westark Church of Christ Family Life Building, 900 North Waldron, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-0444 Nov. 6-7 American Legion Bazaar and Bake Sale Browse a variety of crafts, bake sale wares and handmade items. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 31 Bazaar and Bake Sale, 49011⁄2 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6719

Nov. 6, 20 Crochet and Knitting Club Join crochet and knitting club. All experience levels are welcome. Take your own yarn and size G or H hook. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 7 Elks Annual Veterans Dinner of Thanksgiving In honor of Veterans Day, this is the Elks’ way of saying thank you to all veterans for their service and dedication to our great nation. Dinner will include smoked turkey, dressing and all the traditional side dishes, with homemade desserts. After-dinner entertainment is offered for dancing or listening pleasure. Free. Doors open at 5 p.m.; dinner at 6 p.m. Fort Smith Elks Lodge, 5504 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 Nov. 7 Ouachita Arts Celebration Mena’s Downtown Art District brings together a special day to enrich the arts. Local artists and artisans come together to show their work and provide demonstrations in fine arts, culinary arts, performing arts and cultural arts. This is a great family day, filled with ideas and insight into how the actual work is done. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Art District, 607 Mena Street, Mena, Ark. 479-394-3880 Facebook.com/OuachitaArtCelebration

Nov. 7 Lincoln Childcare Center Lincoln Luau This year’s event will be held at the MovieLounge Epicenter. Guests will enjoy Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, including a pig roast prepared by Chef Jeff Rascher. Enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, silent auction and raffles. Music by Fort Smith’s Sound Scientist Mobile DJ Service and Photo Booth Service. All proceeds go to support the Lincoln Childcare Center.

Lincoln provides quality child care and preschool education to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years at reduced rates, as well as services to families who face economic disadvantages, homelessness or are non-English speaking. Lincoln Childcare Center is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Tickets and sponsorships are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by the law. $75. 7 p.m. MovieLounge Epicenter, 7601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-226-3595 November 2015

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 7 CHRISTmas Holiday Market Several vendors will be showcasing their products from handmade goods to Younique, Origami Owl, to many others. Concessions will be available. There will also be a purse auction, story time for the kids and live music from carolers. Booth space available for rent. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Howard Hill Assembly, 3515 Gate Nine Road, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2496 Nov. 7 Veteran Memorial Dedication Ceremony This event includes a flag ceremony, guest, speakers and refreshments. Join in the festivities to honor veterans from all wars. Free. 11 a.m. J.L. Swink Municipal Park, 1105 South Pocola Blvd., Pocola, Okla. 918-436-2388 townofpocola.com

Greg Disch Photography Exhibit NOVEMBER The photography exhibit by Greg Disch will feature works from

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nature and landscape images from Arkansas, much of the United States and from one of our country’s greatest assets, our National Parks. Greg began his photography career in 1977 and pursued it vigorously as a hobby for several years before joining a local camera club, The Photography Alliance of the Fort Smith.

Somewhere along the way, he became lost in a career in computers and network technology that took away his time for taking pictures. In 2005, he decided to renew his photography interest; with new digital technology, he was a giant leap ahead with his computer expertise. Greg now shares his knowledge of photography and technology through classes and workshops, as well as doing a great deal of travel to build his stock photography business. His work has been published in books, magazines, calendars, websites and as fine arT prints; he has also won numerous awards and local competitions and exhibited in local galleries. For more information, to view his online gallery, or to read his “How To” and “Photographic Destinations,” check out the photographer’s website at gregdisch.com. Artwork is available for viewing all library hours when meetings are not being held in the Community Room. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Nov. 7 Old Fort Days Dandies Try Outs Tryouts to be a member of the Old Fort Days Dandies riding team are open to girls ages 10-12 for Junior Dandies and 13-20 for Senior Dandies. Eligible girls must be enrolled in school or college and not be married or have children. Riders will be judged on horsemanship and a personal interview. Riders must provide their own horse, current Coggins papers, a birth certificate, college transcript and copy of current class schedule. A parent or legal guardian must accompany candidates who are under 18. Dress in western attire. Free. 10 a.m. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-966-6787

Nov. 7 TrailBlazers Hike to Ouachita Trail TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike the Ouachita Trail from Queen Wilhelmina Lodge to Eagle Gap for 6.9 miles, rated moderate-to-difficult as there are steep, rocky sections. Enjoy views of the mountains and rock gardens. Take lunch and water. Meet at Home Depot in Fort Smith to carpool/caravan. 8 a.m. Queen Wilhelmina State Park/Ouachita National Forest, 3877 AR-88, Mena, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

Nov. 7 Black Tie Bingo Join the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment for a fabulous night of fine dining, exciting bingo games and outstanding raffle items in support of the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust. Daren Bobb will be the emcee for the evening and entertainment will be provided by the Don Bailey Jazz Ensemble and the Fort Smith Symphony Quartet. Call for more information or to reserve tickets. $125. 7-11 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Nov. 7, 14 Van Buren Farmers Market 2nd Annual Christmas Bazaar Deck the halls with wreaths, wood craft decorations, jewelry, bath and beauty goods and gift baskets.

Warm your tables with fresh baked goods, breads,

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS jams, and jellies. Free. Donations appreciated. 7 a.m.

-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library Parking Lot, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-218-2316 Facebook.com/Van Buren Farmers Market Nov. 7 Art Talk: Alfred Maurer’s Dreams of Theater Arkansas Staged brings to life Jeanne and Alfred Maurer’s turn-of-the-century theater dreams in an original piece exploring images and themes from the exhibition “Alfred Maurer: Art on the Edge.” Free. 1-2 p.m.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-418-5700 crystalbridges.org

Nov. 7 Mulberry Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Guest speaker will be PLN Murthy, international president of Bibles to Nations. This is a non-denominational event, leadership training and networking opportunity for both women and men. Tickets, which include breakfast, are available at the City Complex, 207 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. $5. 8-9:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 453 Church Avenue, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-2350

Nov. 7-8 Immaculate Conception 46th Annual Holiday Bazaar The Immaculate Conception Ladies Auxiliary hosts this annual bazaar, which offers homemade bake goods, featuring the famous featherbed rolls, cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes, cookies and more. Shop for holiday giving with homemade aprons, towels, dolls, quilts, ornaments, wreaths, arts and craft gifts. Also an array of children’s gifts, jewelry, Rada knives, casseroles-to-go, silent auction and raffle. Lunch will be available. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 8. Immaculate Conception Parish Center, North 13th and Garrison, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3979

Nov. 7-14 Open Registration for Crystal Bridges Excursion Enjoy a leisurely excursion to Crystal Bridges on a luxurious chartered bus to view the latest exhibition by American Modernists Alfred H. Maurer: Vanguard of Modernism & Landscape Painting in the Americas.

This exhibition features 65 of Maurer’s most accomplished works, highlighting the artist’s singular contributions to American painting in the early twentieth century. Also available, a self-guided tour of the recently opened Frank Lloyd Wright house on the Crystal Bridges grounds, as well as the autumn foliage in the manicured gardens. Fee includes refreshments, bus fare and admission. Call 479-474-7767 or email info@art-ed.org to register, which is required. $75.

Bus departs at 10 a.m. Nov. 14. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767

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Jimmy Leach Solo Art Show and Reception Michael’s Mansion is hosting a solo art exhibition featuring

NOVEMBER artist Jimmy Leach. Meet the artist and view his latest

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works on canvas, Flags, Skyscapes and Waterlilies.

Leach paints and is inspired by the beauty of nature. He lives and creates in rural northeastern Oklahoma. He has a bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Fort Smith is home to the largest group of Jimmy Leach collectors. Refreshments and good conversation served. A reception will open the exhibit from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 5.

Free. 5-9 p.m. Michael’s Mansion Art Gallery, 2900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-8336 michaelsmansion.biz

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Nov. 9 Embroiderers Guild of Fort Smith Start a project on a plastic canvas. Take basic supplies – project information will be provided. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-2759

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Nov. 9 Traps of a Trafficker The Zonta Club’s November meeting will provide an early start for the 16 Days/Zonta Says No campaigns.

The featured speaker is director Denyse Collins of Benton County’s Juvenile Detention Center. Collins will discuss a new program in Arkansas called “Traps of a Trafficker,” which shows incarcerated girls exactly what human trafficking is and how they can fall victim.

The program began in Texas, where it has led to the arrests of 50 human traffickers. Nov. 25-Dec. 10 marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, a worldwide observance. Zonta Club of Fort Smith is participating in the 16 Days, along with the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women Campaign, to increase awareness of violence against women and girls. Nov. 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Dec. 10 is International Human Rights Day, which marks the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Free. 6-7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-8123 zontafortsmith.com Nov. 9 Senior Movie Enjoy coffee and a movie about a homeless teen who has drifted in and out of the school system for years and is taken in by a family then realizes his potential as a student and football player (PG-13). 1:30 p.m.

Refreshments provided. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 9 Book Talk: Come, Tell Me How You Live Teens, adults and seniors, sign up at the front desk or e-mail mburleson@crawfordcountylib.org. A limited number of copies are available at the front desk. Did you know, later in life, Agatha Christie married Max Mallowan, an archaeologist? She spent many happy years investigating ancient middle-eastern archaeological sites with him prior to World War II. This book is filled with charming descriptions, humorous observations and a genuine appreciation of the people and places Christie saw as she traveled. This is a warm and hopeful look at locations we often see suffering in the news. Enjoy Christie’s wonderful writing and enjoy a happy glimpse of far-off Mesopotamia. 7 p.m.

Refreshments provided. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 9 The CALL Informational Meeting Learn about how to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care through adopting, volunteering, or donating. 6 p.m. Grace Community Church, 4001 Brooken Hill, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-651-8816 thecalllinarknasas.org

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FelixEmile Taunay, Baia de Guanabara Vista da Ilha das Cobras, 1828

Photo: Sérgio Schnaider

Crystal Bridges Exhibit: Picturing the Americas NOVEMBER Crystal Bridges Museum of

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American Art will be the only U.S. venue for Picturing the Americas, the first exhibition to examine the evolution of the landscape genre from the early 19th century to the early 20th in an inclusive, hemispheric context. The exhibition arrives from the Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada, and will travel to the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil, after its showing in Bentonville. The exhibition explores themes of land, icon and nation with more than 100 oil paintings, watercolors, prints, and photographs, including works by well-known American landscape painters Albert Bierstadt, Frederic E. Church, Thomas Cole, Martin Johnson Heade, and Georgia O’Keeffe, as well as masters from both North and South America, such as Jose Maria Velasco (Mexico), and Juan Manuel Blanes (Uruguay). Landscape imagery of the period shows the connections by a shared pan-American history, but also underscores the differences between respective national identities based on relationships to the land. Picturing the Americas was organized by the Art Gallery of Ontario, Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo and the Terra Foundation for American Art. $10 general admission; free for youth ages 18 and under and museum members.

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-418-5700 crystalbridges.org 64

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Jasper Francis Cropsey, Starrucca Viaduct, Pennsylvania, 1865

Grant Wood, Fall Plowing, 1931

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Nov. 9-30 Basics of Watercolor with Rebecca Perkins Learn to approach watercolor painting as a beginner, the basic tools needed, to preplan your painting and how to paint by picking up a brush and painting. Rebecca Perkins has been developing her artist eye since birth. Years of observation and painting are implemented into her teaching. Rebecca works with many mediums and forms of art – watercolor, oil, acrylic, wood, glass, stone, tapestry, design commercial/residential. She enjoys the versatility each medium brings. $45. Classes are offered from 1-2:30 p.m. or 7-830 p.m. Mondays. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767

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Nov. 10 Book Talk: The Arsonist by Sue Miller Frankie Rowley returns to the New Hampshire after 15 years in East Africa. The tranquility she’s expecting proves short-lived. A mysterious arsonist begins targeting the homes of other summer residents. Frankie also has to deal with her father’s declining health and begins a passionate affair with the editor of a local paper that will yield its own remarkable risks and revelations. Suspenseful, sophisticated and finely wrought. Free. 6 p.m. Refreshments provided. Free.

Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 11 Van Buren Veterans Day Parade Celebrate hometown heroes at Van Buren’s 14th annual event. Free. 6:30 p.m. Historic Main Street, Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-652-3374

Nov. 11 Veterans Day Reception and Parade All veterans and their families are invited to share stories and refreshments. View photos, uniforms and artifacts from past Veterans Day exhibits and taped interviews with local veterans conducted by the Fort Smith Historical Society. The museum will participate in the Veterans Day Parade at Chaffee Crossing at noon Nov. 14. All veterans are invited to ride along.

Call the museum for information on participating. 13 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

Nov. 11 Art Talk: Ruth Asawa Like the late artist Ruth Asawa, Little Rock resident Richard Yada and his family were forced into a Japanese Internment Camp in Rohwer, Ark., during World War II. Join Yada and University of Central Arkansas Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication Gayle Seymour in a discussion about life in the camps, followed by a gallery performance by members of CORE Dance Company inspired by Asawa’s sculpture, Untitled. Later, return for an evening dance performance of Gaman by CORE in the Great Hall. Free. 1-2 p.m. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 4794185700 crystalbridges.org Nov. 11 Fort Smith Veterans Day Ceremony The National Cemetery will hold the official ceremony at 11 a.m. The public is invited. Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-5345

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Nov. 12 Holiday Art and Craft Show The 19th annual Holiday Art and Craft Show will present 19 regional artist and crafters, showcasing handcrafted items. A wide range of arts, foods and crafts will be available for purchase, as well as specialty gift wrapping. A portion of all sales will go to support ministry programs supported by St. John’s Episcopal Church. 5-8 p.m. Nov. 12, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 13; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 14. Free. 5 p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Church, 215 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9912 stjohnfs.org Nov. 12 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The book “We Never Asked for Wings: A Novel” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh will be reviewed. Any woman is welcome to attend and enjoy the discussion. Free.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dewey’s Cafe, Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-1603 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House Tours Open The Bachman-Wilson House, a structure that will now be a permanent

NOVEMBER exhibit of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, is an example of

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Frank Lloyd Wright’s classic Usonian architecture. It was purchased, moved and carefully reconstructed on the museum grounds. The word “Usonian” was derived from an abbreviation of “United States of North America.” Wright embraced this term as the name for a distinctly American and democratic style of residential architecture he developed during the Great Depression. Compared to his highly customized homes, these were simpler, lower-cost houses designed to be within the reach of the average middle-class American family, without sacrificing quality. Approximately 120 Usonian homes were built. This house originally was built for Gloria Bachman and Abraham Wilson in 1954 along the Millstone River in New Jersey. It was subsequently purchased by architect/designer team Lawrence and Sharon Tarantino in 1988 and meticulously restored. However, the structure was threatened by repeated flooding at its original location, and the Tarantinos determined that selling the house to an institution willing to relocate it was the best option for its preservation.

Crystal Bridges acquired the house in 2013. The entire structure was then taken apart and each component was labeled, packed and loaded into two trucks provided by J.B. Hunt for transportation to the museum. After its 1,235-mile journey, the Bachman-Wilson House arrived in April 2014. The house is now situated a short distance from the museum’s south entrance, with views overlooking the native woodlands and Crystal Spring. The museum partnered with the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas in the development of a Welcome Pavilion, which serves as an entryway to the site of the Frank Lloyd Wright house. Students in the school’s Design and Fabrication program designed and built the structure. Advance tickets, which are required, will become available to the public on Nov. 2. There is no cost to view the Frank Lloyd Wright house. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m.6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visitors may choose guided or self-guided tours. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-418-5700 66

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Nov. 12 Christmas Burlap Door Hanger Trying to figure out what to put on your door for Christmas? Bring in the season with an adorable handmade door hangers made from burlap. Adults and seniors must be registered by Nov. 4. Free. 2 p.m.

Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 12 The Artist Revealed: Exhibit Opening Artist Portraits and Self-Portraits This insightful exhibition brings together 50 works in a variety of media that examine an interesting selection of self-portraits and portraits of other artists. Various media includes ink on paper, lithographs, photographs, engravings, oil on canvas, gouache, collage and woodcut. The sitters featured in the exhibition include famous artists James McNeill Whistler, Thomas Eakins, Charlie Chaplin, C.S. Lewis and Pablo Casals. Also included in the show are works by masters such as Milton Avery, Leonard Baskin, Edward Steichen, Norman Rockwell and Anders Zorn. The iconic image “Alex” by Chuck Close, also is included in this body of work. Close, referred to as the “the great postmodern pointillist printmaker” by the New York Times, created “Alex” during a pivotal time in his artistic career. Opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 12 is $5 for non-members, free for RAM members.

11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org Nov. 13 Bingo for Books Do you love free books and playing bingo? Come out, meet new friends and win books by playing bingo!

Everyone will go home with at least one book. 10-11 a.m. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 13 Social Dance Learn to dance in this relaxed social environment.

Dance instructors are available for extra help. A little bit of country, a bit of the classics, a bit of Latin, plus a bit of rock and roll equals a whole lot of fun. Attire is dressy-casual. $5. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578

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Nov. 13 Redwork and Embroidery Club The library’s redwork and embroidery class is open to everyone. All experience levels are welcome. Take your own supplies. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 13-14 Junior League of Fort Smith Holiday Market This 22nd annual two-day shopping extravaganza offers specialty merchant booths from across the United States. More than 3,500 shoppers are expected to visit Holiday Market this year for exciting and unique gift buying opportunities. Proceeds from Holiday Market make all of out community projects possible. Tickets are available online. Admission for shopping is $5. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3930 jlfs.org Nov. 13-14 Veterans Art Exhibit This third annual art exhibit highlights artwork by area veterans. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 7. Call for submission information. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Chaffee Historic District, Chaffee Historic District, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-357-9079 Nov. 14 Pancake Breakfast Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with sausage and eggs, juice, milk and coffee. The Masons would love to meet you. $5 adults; $3 children. 7-10 a.m. Belle Point Masonic Lodge #20, 6000 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5454

Nov. 14 Color Yourself Happy Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore. Drop by the library for a stress-relieving morning of coloring. Coloring pages and colored pencils will be provided or take your own art supplies. Refreshments provided.

Free. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 14 2nd Annual Holiday Market Home-based business vendors to craft vendors. The church will have a snack booth with coffee, soda, water and cookies, as well as food vendors. Free. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free Range Cowboy Church, Stewart Court, Greenwood, Ark. 479-806-3447 Nov. 14 Holiday Market in Greenwood The fifth annual Holiday Market in Greenwood includes 26 local artists and crafters, offering a variety of merchandise for sale. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Curves in Greenwood, 20 Town Square, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-9601

Nov. 14 TrailBlazers Hike in Petit Jean State Park Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park is a beautiful, 4.2-mile trail with scenic overlooks nearly every step of the way, with bluffs, boulders, waterfalls and a natural bridge. Trail is rated moderate. Take lunch and water and meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren to carpool or caravan. Free. 8 a.m. Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain State Park, Morrilton, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

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Nov. 14 Herbal Adventure’s Cookies for Santa The River Valley Master Gardeners Herbal Adventures Group will bake and share their favorite holiday cookies and recipes. Take a copy of your favorite holiday cookie recipe to share with the group. Reservations required. $20. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Donald Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3325 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-8234 or 782-2104

Nov. 14 Stuff The Box The De-Clutter Box hosts this household item donation drive to benefit McDonald House Charities. Items needed include disinfectant spray, paper towels, togo trays, dish washing detergent, 8-gallon trash bags, sugar, snack foods and gift cards. Items also can be dropped off at Target on Phoenix Avenue in Fort Smith. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Former Regions Bank building parking lot, 5400 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-522-0883 thedeclutterbox.com Nov. 14 UAFS Preview Day Preview Day is open to all high school students and their parents. Prospective students can tour campus, meet faculty members, learn about the degrees offered at UA-Fort Smith and scholarships and financial aid. Check-in for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. The event will end following a free lunch. Register online or call the admissions office. Free. 8:30 a.m. UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7120 admissions.uafs.edu/admissions/Preview-Day

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Nov. 14 Turkey Trot 5K/Fun Run Kick off the Holiday Season with Sallisaw Main Street Turkey Trot 5K, with a fun run starting at 8:30 a.m. on the corner of Elm and Chickasaw followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. This is a chip-timed run on a certified course.

Medals for top three in 15 group as well as “Top Turkey” for both male and female. The sign up/check in will be at the corner of Elm and Choctaw (one block north of actual run) and will begin at 8:00 a.m. Entry fees are $25 for the 5K, $30 day of race. WINGS members pay $20 for the 5K, $25 day of run. Fun run is $10. Goody bags and t-shirts will be given for those 5K participants who sign up on or before Nov. 7. $10$30. 8:30 a.m. Downtown Sallisaw, Corner of Elm and Chickasaw, Sallisaw, Okla. 918-658-4086 sallisawmainstreet.org Nov. 14 High Noon Matinee Step back to the 19th century, a period in a time of transition that involved lawless men on one side and good, honest folk on the other, in this reenactment that is both fun and educational. Free. Noon-12:30 p.m. Historic Main Street, 7th and Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-806-1545 lawbreakersandpeacemakersinc.com Nov. 15 5th Annual Good Samaritan 5K Held in conjunction with Operation Christmas Child, this run/walk is perfect for the whole family. The registration fee is one filled box per participant for Operation Christmas Child. Information on how to pack these gift boxes can be found at samaritanspurse.org.

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For pre-registration forms or more information on the 5K, please send email to woffo001@gmail.com. 1:154 p.m. Bell Park Pavilion, Bell Park Road, Greenwood, Ark. 479-252-8222

Nov. 16 Dia de Familia Dia de Familia is a campus preview event for Spanish-speaking prospective students and their families.

Campus tours will be offered before the event, starting at 3:15 p.m. in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

This event includes sessions conducted both in English and Spanish. Participants will learn about admissions, financial aid and student life, and will have the chance to meet current students, faculty and staff, tour the campus, enjoy a free dinner and watch dance performances by the UAFS Spanish Club. For those unable to attend Dia de Familia, campus tours will be given in Spanish on Oct. 20, Nov. 10 and Dec. 1. To schedule a visit, or to find out more information about Dia de Familia, contact Rafael Gutierrez, admissions officer. Free. 3:15-7:30 p.m. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, UA-Fort Smith Campus, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7143 uafs.edu Nov. 16-Dec. 2 Quickbooks Level 2 This course covers extensive use of QuickBooks including managing inventory, payroll, tracing time and estimates, as well as budgets and customizing the QuickBooks program. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost includes textbook and USB drive. $80. 5-7:55 p.m. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com

Nov. 16-Dec. 16 MS PowerPoint 2013 Power Point is a presentations software. This course provides thorough training of PowerPoint 2013. This class covers introductory and intermediate skills, and is ideal for the beginning or mid-beginning PowerPoint user. Topics introduced include the Ribbon interface, document themes, bulleted lists, outlines, formatting text, printing presentations, transitions, clip art and graphics, charts, slide show delivery, editing presentations, handouts, creating hyperlinks, multimedia and sound and more. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 8-9:25 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232

Nov. 16-Dec. 16 Digital Literacy This class is designed for students who have no computer experience. Learn about computer hardware and how to use them, receive and introduction into word processing, the internet and social networking. Free.

9:30-10:55 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 Nov. 16-Dec. 16 Technology for Career Success This class is designed for students beginning a job search. Learn how to use email extensively, create a resume and search online for jobs, learn interviewing tips and fill out job applications online. Free. 11 a.m.12:25 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232

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TrailBlazers present Tim Ernst TrailBlazers Hiking

NOVEMBER Club presents a

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program by Arkansas photographer and author Tim Ernst. He will show his new slide program featuring pictures from his new book, “A Rare Quality of Light: 40 Years of Wilderness Photography.” Spanning 40 years of wilderness travel, Ernst’s photos include scenes from Alaska to Florida, Hawaii to Maine, the Canadian Rockies, Virgin Islands, Iceland, and his home state of Arkansas, along with commentary. Ernst will have his books, posters and calendars available for purchase.

Refreshments, door prizes and social time will follow meeting. Free. 7 p.m. Grace Community United Methodist Church, 4001 Brooken Hill Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-9562

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Nov. 17-Dec. 17 Windows 8.1 Learn the basics of using a mouse, working with windows, managing files, the organization of folder hierarchy and how to customize the computer to the settings. Basic computer maintenance and security is also introduced. This is a beginning computer class.

Minimal typing skills are recommended. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 11 a.m.-12:25 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 Nov. 17-Dec. 17 MS Excel 2013 Level 1 This course provides thorough introductory training of Excel 2013 and beginning-level skills. Topics introduced include the Ribbon interface, entering and editing data, selecting cells and ranges, printing worksheets, creating formulas and functions, formatting cell contents, inserting and deleting columns, rows, cells, charts and more. Typing skills are needed. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 8-9:25 a.m.

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

Nov. 17-Dec. 17 MS Word 2013 Level 2 This class will cover more complex features of Word 2013. Topics include newsletter columns, WordArt and clip art, document themes, styles, picture editing, mail merge, footnotes and endnotes, headers and footers, templates, tables of contents and indexes, and more. $80, includes textbook and USB drive. 9:3010:55 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult

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Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com

Nov. 18 Incorporating Super Foods through the Holidays This nutrition and cancer series will be presented by Kelley Frost, MS, RD, LD with Sparks Nutrition Center and assisted by Executive Chef Brian Huff, Sparks Health System. Call to register. Free. 11:30 a.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302

Nov. 18 Opening Lecture: Ivo Mesquita, Picturing the Americas Today Ivo Mesquita, originator of the idea behind “Picturing the Americas,” will present this opening lecture for the exhibition and share his view of Latin America’s presence in the current art world. Mesquita’s idea took root in the late 1980s, when he spent time in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and first saw the paintings of the Group of Seven, striking wonder in the connections across the hemisphere. In conjunction with the exhibition’s opening and the public symposium, Mesquita will focus on Latin American artists and the story of imagining this groundbreaking exhibition. Register online or by calling Guest Services. $10; $8 members. 7-8 p.m. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-657-2335 Nov. 19 Open Mic Night @ 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 Café, Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. fortsmithlibrary.org

Nov. 19 Film: Jauja A sublime fantasy standing at the intersection of fairy tale and land art, “Jauja” expands upon the minimalism of filmmaker Lisandro Alonso, arriving at a radical re-imagining of the period piece. The story, coscripted by the Argentine poet and novelist Fabián Casas, concerns a Danish military engineer (Viggo Mortensen) enlisted to pacify native Patagonia in 19th century Argentina. The landscapes of “Picturing the Americas” come to life in this stunning cinematic experience. Register online or by calling Guest Services.

Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-657-2335 crystalbridges.org Nov. 19 Community Services Awareness Fair Event will showcase social services, community events and volunteer opportunities in Van Buren and Crawford County. Volunteers will help you see if you qualify for the SNAP program. There will be representatives from the County Extension Agency, Health Department, CASA, Children’s Emergency Shelter and the Housing Authority, among others, and fun things too, like the Van Buren Fine Arts Center and the Van Buren Farmers Market. Refreshments provided. Free.

2-6 p.m. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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Nov. 19 Drennen-Scott House Archeological Presentation Recent archeological findings at the Drennen-Scott Historic Site will be the topic of discussion during a presentation by Tim Mulvehill. The archaeologist for the Arkansas Archeological Survey and UAFS research station will present new information on the detached kitchen and smokehouse in the backyard of the site, including several artifacts. 7 p.m. Free. UAFS Math Sciences Building Room 204 , 720 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark.

Nov. 20 Food for Thought: Navigating the Medicare Maze Community members are invited to attend an informative session with the experts from Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas regarding Medicare. The program will feature information and assistance for Medicare recipients and their caregivers. There will be a wealth of material shared that may help empower your health care decisions. Take your questions and a friend, too. The library will provide drinks and dessert; feel free to bring a lunch or pick it up at Dewey’s Café. Free. Noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 20-22 Ozark Storytellers Gathering Tall tales are an Ozark tradition. Enjoy an evening of storytelling performances in the White Oak Theater Nov. 20 and for a full slate of storytelling workshops and performances Nov. 21-22. Pre-registration is required for workshops. Ozark Folk Center State Park,1032 Park Avenue, Mountain View, Ark. 800264-3655 ozarkfolkcenter.com

Nov. 20-Dec. 23 Lights of the Ozarks Enjoy the amazing winter wonderland of lights on the Downtown Square at 6 p.m. with the Lighting Night Parade. The lights illuminate the square each evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Nightly carriages and pony rides, fresh hot chocolate and festive holiday music make the Lights of the Ozarks an event that cannot be missed. The romantic and breathtaking display of a half-million twinkling lights is cherished by the locals and visitors alike that stroll or drive through the Lights of the Ozarks each year. Fayetteville Square, 21 Block Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-521-5776 Nov. 21 Annual Booneville Christmas Festival A one-stop Christmas shopping experience featuring a fabulous assortment of handmade items, jewelry, Christmas decor, gifts, clothing and food items. Lunch and take-out will be available. Free admission. 9 a.m.3 p.m. South Logan County Fair Grounds, Arkansas 23 South, Carolan Road, Booneville, Ark. Nov. 21 Basket Weaving with Freda Miller Join basket artist Freda Miller as she teaches the ancient art of basket weaving. Students will complete a beautiful basket in class and all basket weaving supplies are included in the workshop tuition. Students should take craft scissors, tape measure, a small flathead screwdriver, water basin, clothespins, pencils, an old towel and a sack lunch. Class size is limited, so reserve your spot by Nov. 17. $40. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 369-2469

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 21 Saturday Morning Prayer and Outreach Ministry The Saturday Morning Prayer and Outreach Ministry presents its annual fall outreach for homeless people in the area. The event includes providing prayer, words of encouragement, a hot meal, (new or clean used) blankets, coats, shoes, hats, gloves, etc. Call for more information on how to donate. 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Vacant lot near the Next Step Day Room on North 6th Street, 1618 North 33 Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-8028 Nov. 21 Christmas Holiday Market The Poteau Women’s League hosts a holiday market.

This event will offer a little bit of everything – metal art, handmade wood crafts, ladies and children’s clothes, holiday decor, homemade soap, candy, Scentsy and Velata, Perfectly Posh, Jamberry Nails, and more. Concessions will be available. Free parking. $2 for adults, children 12 and under free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Center, South Broadway, Poteau , Okla. 918-647-6354

Nov. 21 TrailBlazers Hike to Robbers Cave State Park This hike includes two trails: Rough Canyon Trail and Robbers Cave Trail, a combined distance of 3.75 miles, rated easy to moderate. The cave is a huge rock outcrop that allows for lots of fun exploring in and around the area. There is also a Nature Center, Heritage Center and gift shop. Take lunch and water. Meet at Home Depot parking lot in Fort Smith to carpool or caravan. 8 a.m. Robbers Cave State Park, Oklahoma 2 North, Wilburton, Okla. 479-646-9562

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Nov. 22 Greenwood Merchants Christmas Open House Participating merchants offer many bargains, a trolley ride starts at the square and proceeds to each merchant’s business. 1-5 p.m. Greenwood Square, Greenwood, Ark.479-996-2127

Nov. 27 Green Friday at Devil’s Den State Park Go green NOT black! Forget the crowded malls and stores. Instead, join park staff and ease into the holiday season by enjoying the great outdoors at one of Arkansas’ great state parks. Devil’s Den State Park, 1133 Arkansas 170, Winslow, Ark. 479-761-3325

Nov. 27 Diamond Dance This is a fun social dance that features a ballroom atmosphere, but also includes Latin, Country, European, and line-dancing. Smoke-free environment. $10. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578

Nov. 27-28 80th Annual Stuttgard Duck-Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival Thousands from across the country flock to the event to celebrate the town’s moniker as the “Duck Capital of the World.” The festival includes a duck calling contest, commercial exhibits, arts &crafts fair, handmade duck calls and decoys, carnival and midway, outdoor exhibits, Queen Mallard and Junior Queen Mallard pageants, Sportsman’s Party, great 10K Duck Race, and World Championship Duck Gumbo Cook off. 507 South Main Street, Stuttgart, Ark. 870-673-1602 Nov. 28 High Noon Matinee Step back to the 19th century, a period in a time of transition that involved lawless men on one side and good, honest folk on the other, in this reenactment that is both fun and educational. Free. 12-12:30 p.m.

Historic Main Street, 7th & Main, Van Buren, Ark. 479-806-1545 lawbreakersandpeacemakersinc.com Nov. 28-Dec. 12 Gardenland Express At the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Gardenland Express will be chugging into town to entertain children and adults with another fantastic train display from the Northwest Arkansas Garden Railway Society. Gardenland Express will be opening the weekend of Nov. 28-29, from 1 to 4 p.m., and will continue Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13, also from 1 to 4 p.m. $5 for adults, $3 children 5-12. The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Springdale, Ark. 479-750-2620

Nov. 28-Dec. 31 The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas!

Honor someone special while sharing your love of reading by donating to the Fort Smith Public Library’s The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas program. From Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, individuals may visit any Fort Smith Public Library location to choose a book to add to the library’s collection in honor or memory of someone special. Children’s books are a $10 donation; adult books are a $25 donation. Proceeds from the Perfect Gift fundraiser will go to the library’s materials fund to be used for the purchase of new library materials. For more information, call the library at 479-783-0229 or visit the library’s website 72

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The Darby vs. Kim-

NOVEMBER mons Alumni Games

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is a basketball exhibition that reunites players young and old, male and female, to once again take the courts in a friendly game of sportsmanship and competition. Last year’s Alumni Game consisted of 120 players ranging in ages 23 to 54, with an attendance of more than 2,000. In addition to games, there will be family entertainment, food and more.

Proceeds from the event go toward athletic camp fees and academic scholarships.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. The Alumni Games are held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. $5 adults, $3 students, 5 and under free. Noon. Northside High School Kaundart Field House, 2301 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-0021 at fortsmithlibrary.org. Free. All Fort Smith Public Library locations. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Nov. 29 TrailBlazers Hike to Lee Creek TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike at Lee Creek Recreation Area. Hike the scenic Cracked Rock Trail to a rugged bluff area, and the Homestead Trail, which features historic artifacts and cemetery for a distance of 2-3 miles, rated moderate due to some elevation. Take water and a snack. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot to carpool or caravan. 1 p.m. Lee Creek Recreation Area, Pine Hollow Road, Van Buren, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

Dec. 1 Giving Tuesday Celebrate Thanksgiving Nov. 26, followed by Black Friday, Shop Local Saturday, Cyber Monday and now Giving Tuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back.

On Dec. 1, charities, families, businesses, community centers and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Be a part of history and donate to the Fort Smith Museum of History on Giving Tuesday.

Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

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Gaslight Gala Holiday Party at Clayton House Enjoy delicious food and good cheer at the Clayton House’s third annual holiday party fundraiser. The Gaslight Gala fills the Victorian mansion with holiday dazzlement as guests join to support the continued preservation of the 173-year-old structure. In addition to the scrumptious smorgasbord, holiday décor, live music and silent auction, new this year will be the offer of horse-drawn carriage rides around a block of Fort Smith’s oldest neighborhood. The non-profit Fort Smith Heritage Foundation saved the home of the U.S. Attorney of Judge Parker’s court from demolition in 1969 and brought it and the Belle Grove Historic District to the distinction of the National Register of Historic Places. Also new to the twinkling event are the opportunity to have artists sketch your portrait or caricature for a take-home souvenir. $50 per person; $350 sponsor tables of 6. 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org

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Dec. 1-31 Greenwood Trail of Holiday Lights Display More than 120 holiday light displays will illuminate Greenwood’s Bell Park, with a live nativity and a crackling fire pit. See Santa and enjoy cookies and cocoa on Dec. 6. Spend some time in Santa’s workshop Dec. 13 and enjoy popcorn and juice on Movie Night Dec. 20. Dec. 22 is S’Mores and Hayride Night. All special events are 6-8 p.m. The Greenwood Christmas Parade will be 7 p.m. Dec. 6. Santa’s House opens on the square after the parade and continues Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Christmas. $3 per vehicle. 5:30-9 p.m. Bell Park, 1050 Bell Park Road, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-6357

Dec. 3-5 Living Nativity Drive Through See the Biblical Christmas story come alive by driving from a vehicle through the streets of Bethlehem. Vans are welcome. See sets and scenes reflecting Isaiah receiving the prophecy of the coming Messiah, through to Bethlehem, the angels, shepherds and the wise men at the birth of baby Jesus. The petting area of camels, sheep, goats and donkeys is always a highlight . Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Living Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 2 miles south off of Interstate 540 (exit 14) on US 271/Arkansas 253, Fort Smith, Ark. 479650-6512 livingfaithmbc.com Dec. 4-5 Christmas Arts and Crafts Show Browse an array of traditional arts and crafts. Shop from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 4 and 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. n Dec. 5. This event is not affiliated with the church.

Free. Fianna Hills Baptist Church Community Room, 10300 Jenny Lind, Fort Smith, Ark.

Dec. 5 Cloth Diaper Class The River Valley Bum Fluffers group is having a cloth diaper class for people wanting to learn more about cloth diapers. Free. 2-4 p.m. Farmer’s Bank of Barling, 227 Fort Street, Barling, Ark. 479-213-7154

Dec. 7 An Evening with George Washington: U.S. Marshals Museum Holiday Event Gen. George Washington requests the pleasure of your company at this 18th century-inspired event – An Evening with George Washington. Visit with THE George Washington of Mount Vernon as you nosh on an 18th century-inspired menu and cocktails. Learn 18th century-inspired dances, play period games, or enjoy a carriage ride through the Historic District (not included with ticket) while admiring the stateliness of the historic Bonneville House, decorated to reflect the style of the time. There are only 120 tickets are available for this unique event, so get them before they become history. Proceeds will benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History. Tickets start at $75. 6:30 p.m.

Bonneville House, 318 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 Dec. 9 Dealing with the Roller-coaster of Emotions: During and After Treatment Dr. Saulsbery will share how to handle the feelings following a cancer diagnosis – distress, worry, nervousness, and fear. Lunch sponsored by Peachtree Hospice. Call to register. Free. Noon. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302

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DINING GUIDE PAPA’S PUB & PIZZARIA This loaded pizza style, voted over and over as Fort Smith’s “Favorite,” is the draw of Papa’s Pub & Pizzaria, 508 Garrison Avenue. It’s a gathering place to watch all the big games and has a patio for relaxing with a party of friends. Dine in or take out.

JUAN’S

SAKÉ SUSHI BAR

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

Fresh chili rellenos are a house specialty.

Saké Sushi & Martini has unmatched sushi creativity. They’ve put the sushi bar “onstage” where the fresh, brightly flavored seafoods are artistically crafted into rolls. Martini menu and full bar.

823 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith.

RALPH’S PINK FLAMINGO Competitive? A little. They have the trophies to show for it. The Ralph Taylor family is sure they serve the best barbecue in town and they don’t mind plying diners with hearty side dishes to get the edge. Maybranch Square, 2801 Old Greenwood Road.

LA HUERTA

WEINKELLER RESTAURANT

Whether enjoyed on the patio with live music at the 400 Garrison Avenue location or inside at La Huerta’s 5111 Towson Avenue restaurant or at 5605 Rogers Avenue, La Huert’s entrees are fresh and the salsa is zesty.

A pleasant drive east to Exit 41 on I-540 leads to Wiederkehr Village, home of a 135-year-old winery and the famous Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant with Swiss, French and German cuisine. Wine tastings and vineyard tours are free!

RIVER CITY BISTRO It’s an authentic deli daily with gourmet dinner specials nightly. Wine pairing dinners with five-course meals are held the third Thursday monthly, planned by Chef Jason Haid and Sodie’s. Holiday meals can be catered – order now! Stonewood Village, 7320 Rogers Avenue, No. 7, Fort Smith.

NEUMEIER’S RIB ROOM

WHOLE HOG CAFE

Open Tuesday-Friday for lunch and for dinner Tuesday-Saturday. New lunch specials daily!

Try a salad with smoked meat or a “Big Ol’ Tater” topped with Q. As always, the primo order is Bill’s famous ribs, dry, muddy or dirty!

424 Garrison Avenue

Connect on Facebook and Twitter for daily specials. Whole Hog can serve a family or crowd during holiday occasions with pulled pork, ribs, brisket, sausage, chicken. 4501 Burrough Road, Fort Smith. wholehogfortsmith.com

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