Issuu

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Be Merry & Masked

Editorial Staff LYNN WASSON Editor & Publisher lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com

Contributing Writers CARMEN TAYLOR Contributing Photographers McFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY PET PHOTOS COURTESY OF OWNERS

Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 CHARLES G. HUBBARD charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com

efortsmith.com is the website of Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine, where full current and past issues may be viewed as replicas of the printed magazine. 4

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

Have yourself a merry little Christmas! This is the scene beneath my computer right now as we prepare a merry little Christmas display of dollhouses for the Dec. 11 Polar Express day at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. While we’ve written for 21 years about all other kinds of events in town, we’re rarely involved in presenting anything ourselves. I have a renewed appreciation for those who plan and produce community programs. It takes a lot of work to get ready for, well, anything. Fortunately, this area has plenty of faithful volunteers who love the holiday season’s hoopla. Once again our calendar is packed with the season’s many traditional celebrations. Yes, Virginia, there will be a Christmas parade even though the Jaycees have retired. Thanks for the memories, Jaycees! A new consortium of the Museum of History, Clayton House and Bonneville House have taken over parade planning. There will be bell ringing at the Salvation Army’s red kettles, although you may also donate online with a few clicks if you no longer have actual coins in your pocket. Some things evolve but the spirit remains. There are enormous public Christmas light displays not only in Fort Smith, but in Greenwood and Van Buren. We’ll have skating rinks (synthetic ice surfaces) in two downtowns this year. There’s still only one Creekmore Express train – and many families would not miss a ride on the miniature railroad.

The Symphony will perform Christmas carols. There are wonderful holiday plays at King Opera House and Fort Smith Little Theatre and a really original production at UAFS with students and additional local musical talents, harking back to radio shows of the World War II era. Whatever your style, public celebrations or still staying close to home, please have yourself a merry little holiday season and happy new year. Entertainment Fort Smith traditionally publishes this combined December/January issue and returns in February. During January, we will continue to cover local events and stories at efortsmith.com and our social media. We go to press just before Thanksgiving. I’ll be thankful, as always, for our wonderful staff and delivery crew and for the continued readership and the sustaining support of our local advertisers. Please shop with them this season and year-round. Christmas gifts that come from locally owned businesses are special because they support our friends and neighbors and the quality of life in our hometowns. Reflecting on the many volunteers who lovingly show up to produce our beloved public celebrations, who give gifts and serve meals to those in need and who think up the fun and festive activities in these pages reminds me again that this is a good place to live. Be thankful, be generous and please be well! – Lynn Wasson

And a happy new year!

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CONTENTS

December 2021 / January 2022

features

10 12 12 Christmas for pets, too!

24 Delicious gifts

On display at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum during its Polar Express event, see intricate dollhouses decorated for Christmas and an outstanding scale model trolley created by Sonny Robison.

Our stories, our books Local authors offer documentary, fiction, literary and historical titles. Written here, about our hometown, these books are unique gifts.

Pets get gussied up for the holidays Meet some furred and feathered family members who also get dressed up for holiday occasions. By Carmen Taylor

departments

A merry little Christmas on Kathleen Street

HEALTH & WELLNESS Sarah “Dr. Kinje” Paserpskis created a specialty physical therapy practice to bring healing for pelvic problems.

GOODIES Wonderful gift ideas and goods from local merchants. Get your ideas here and in our local Wish Book.

WHAT’S COOKING Recipes, photos and ideas for cookies, candies and other delicious, edible gifts, holiday treats and desserts. We want on your list!

eve n t s

33 36

EVENTS FOR KIDS Pack up the children for drive-through lights, outdoor ice-skating, story times, trolley rides, train rides, parades and fun.

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Special performances of music and theater for the season.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Warning: Dec. 11 is the most wonderful (and packed) day of the Christmas season. Plan with precision do it all!

on the cover

36 6

Lights of the season

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

A peek into the Merry Little Christmas decorations inside Aunt Kathy’s dollhouse, on display Dec. 11 at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum’s Polar Express event. There are two houses and a tiny trolley arriving outside the house.

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A tiny trolley is rolling down the tracks to Kathleen Street and June Avenue at Polar Express It’s become an annual tradition for kids to hear a reading of the modern But, both can be found in Aunt Kathy’s house! A veritable library of Christmas book “The Polar Express” at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. tiny books, a dining table still set with china and silver, even a tiny toilet They also enjoy riding the electric trolley, sitting in a real train car for the plunger were all present and accounted for, stored away in her crate. Laura reading, visiting Santa and having hot chocolate and cookies. On Dec. 11, unpacked, sorted, glued and repaired any item in need of missionary work. the trolley museum will continue its free holiday tradition. I love Laura because she said, “I love to glue!” During the event, there can be a bit of waiting one’s turn. To help the Me – I dived into the internet of tiny things and, mercy, the miniature waiting children, Entertainment Fort Smith teamed up with talented local world has exploded since the 1990s when Aunt Kathy hand-made many miniaturists and artists to create a miniature Christmas neighborhood, of her furnishings. I don’t have the budget to buy 1:12-scale swag like a visited by a scale model trolley. Two dollhouses will occupy the corners of full-scale billionaire, but boy, could you! There also are Etsy sites and Kathleen Street and June Avenue. YouTube videos with products and ideas that are beyond both my The street names are an homage to the builder of these elaborate pocketbook and, certainly, my abilities. But I enjoyed learning about it all. dollhouses, Kathleen June Walker Young, my aunt. Bradley Martin has a trove of even smaller-scale miniatures at the After she passed away this year, her son, Will, trolley museum (our dollhouses are 1:12 or 1 allowed me to move her last and most personal inch = 1 foot). Several donors have given their dollhouse from our family home in Foreman to model train sets to the trolley museum. In fact, Fort Smith, when I proposed it would be there’s a whole room of the museum with stored displayed for children. train layouts and works in progress. Model train After years of writing about interesting local enthusiasts sometimes paint their railroad cars, artists, I knew just who to invite to help with a but they also create fantastic track layouts and miniature project: Sonny Robison, an incredible dioramas with realistic landscaping for the trains craftsmen who has made many scale models and to run through. The trolley museum has several life-sized exhibits for the Fort Smith Museum of scales in its collection and exciting plans that will History, and his wife, Sue, who loves to teach be disclosed in a future issue of this magazine. and entertain children. Together, they portray The trolley museum, of course, is occupied Judge Isaac C. Parker and his wife, Mary, for with maintaining, restoring and operating its hundreds of visiting students the Museum of life-sized rolling stock of electric streetcars. Kids History. also enjoy seeing its big, black steam locomotive I also invited Laura Wattles, a friend and artist and full-sized railroad cars, along with trolley of many mediums, when to my delight I rides. discovered she also enjoys creating miniatures. The dollhouse team hopes that children and I have no particular artistic talent but I do their adults will enjoy our little neighborhood. know how to recruit a dream team. It’s been a lot of fun and we have discussed When we uncrated Kathy’s huge dollhouse, setting a date for another display in the future, we found that all its furnishings were packed perhaps in a different season or for another at the inside. Sonny did a little miniature repair to a holiday. Fort Smith Trolley Museum few rough spots and painted the exterior a sunny For me, it has been a way to stay close to my yellow. beloved aunt. I see her style and artistry in so But then, as I had secretly hoped, Sonny took many details. This dollhouse has a manly den his own creative notion. He has built a 1:12-scale that refers to her father, my grandfather. Laura is model of No. 224, one of the real streetcars in making a special piece for it that truly will be a operation! I hoped he would be inspired in some way but I never imagined call back to the warmest room of all my family’s memories. I see another that he would make this outstanding replica. familiar thing that our family would recognize – a collection of Fiesta At home, I fought my way through our attic to the (also magnificent) Ware plates. We all had a favorite plate color and scrambled to sit at that dollhouse that Aunt Kathy had made for my daughters, now grown. place at the table. My grandmother would have loved finding her Fortunately, there is enough of Kathy’s spare furniture to furnish two Fiestaware collection in the dollhouse’s cabinet. houses. Our daughters’ dollhouse furnishings drove away in Barbie’s VW Other donors have given or loaned us several fine miniature items that Bug or were buried in the sandbox or maybe the aquarium or – who will be displayed and acknowledged. Thank you! – Lynn Wasson knows, maybe they’re still in the attic, too. Perhaps the last time I sweep out our emptied house to leave forever, I’ll Polar Express is set for 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Fort Smith Trolley find a table setting for six and a shelf full of miniature books. Museum, 100 South 4th Street, Fort Smith. The Christmas Parade follows.

Polar Express

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

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December 2021 / January 2022

Entertainment Fort Smith

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Jennifer Burchett’s Dear Fort Smith includes pandemic portraits.

Local authors offer documentary, literary and historical perspectives on Fort Smith and the state New books written here and about our Joyce Faulkner, an experienced publisher hometown area are available in independent and author, wrote “Garrison Avenue,” a bookstores. They could be thoughtful, novel of historical fiction, with her sister unique and welcome gifts or a satisfying Micki Voelkel. Published in 2019, it is a addition to your own book collection. novel built around factual history, the 1912 A compelling new book of portraits and lynching of Sanford Lewis. interviews is by Jennifer Burchett, who Currently, they are working together to curated a wide variety of portraits and produce an audio book version of the novel. several interviews to make “A Retrospective Voelkel is recording at Sol Studios, fittingly of our Lives in 20/20.” With a wide located on the real Garrison Avenue. diversity of portraits and interviews, it will The sisters, separated by a 15-year age become a record of an unusual time in the difference, grew closer by writing together Burchett’s book is built of selected portraits and history of our city. and Faulkner said she is particularly several interviews with people of Fort Smith. “At first, it was going to be just narrative enjoying hearing Voelkel, a talented actress, photos,” Burchett said. As she photographed her subjects, the book “perform” the narration of the audio book. transformed into more, she explained. As people opened up and There are opportunities to record other titles Faulkner previously shared their stories, Burchett said she felt great respect for their trust. published through her company, Red Engine Press, particularly The book will be available exclusively through Bookish: An Indie memoirs and novels by veterans, she said. Shop for Folks Who Read. It can be pre-ordered now. Faulkner is pleased with the professional services of Sol Studios and The experience of creating her first book engaged Burchett in the proud to be able produce audio books in her hometown. After the ambition to become a publisher and she has founded Daisy House, learning experience of producing one of her own titles as an LLC, to develop more books. She is currently working on her next audiobook, she plans to work with Sol Studios to produce audiobooks title, a children’s book. for others. 10

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

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Photos from Dear Fort Smith, opposite page, courtesy of photographer Jennifer Burchett

Marla Cantrell “thought it was a hoax” when her collection of short stories, “Early Morning in the Land of Dreams,” earned an Arkansas Arts Council Fellowship Award in Short Fiction. Cantrell, currently the director of the Alma Public Library, has been a journalist, editor, writing teacher and author of more than 100 published short stories. This collection, published in 2020, is filled with vivid and specific characters Cantrell ably brings to life, many breaking through a tough snare on their journey to the lives they want. They know their roots and some both love and struggle with their kin. These relatable people dwell in memorable stories. Jim Kreuz and Wayne Bledsoe, authors of a previous book “Treasures of Fort Smith,” have a new volume, with John Lehnen, titled “Stained Glass, Chalk Boards & Cash Registers of Fort Smith, Arkansas.” It is a collection of historic and current images of churches, schools and businesses of Fort Smith. Their previous book of 150 century-old local homes benefitted the Fort Smith Historical Society. The new book will benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History and the Genealogy Center of the Fort Smith Public Library. Other notable new releases in 2021 include the adventurous crime novel “The Search, One Hour Closer” by first-time authors Bill Hollenbeck and Frank Klein, set in nearby Logan County. Architect and artist Galen Hunter produced the small art book “Close to Home” after exhibiting his paintings and sketches of Fort Smith buildings at the Fort Smith Museum of History last year. Independent bookstores Bookish, now at the Bakery District at 70 South 7th Street, and Chapters on Main in Van Buren carry many other titles on local subjects by area authors. The Fort Smith Museum of History offers books in its gift shop, as well. Many of the titles here are available online through major booksellers, but why not shop locally to read locally?

Early Morning in the Land of Dreams Marla Cantrell The people in Cantrell’s debut collection of Southern short stories dream big, fall hard and set the record straight. They’re all set in either a real or imagined Arkansas, during the four seasons. Redemption happens on an icy day, spring brings rebellion, summer finds a woman reckoning with a choice she made years ago and fall starts with a woman standing buck naked in the picture window of her house. The people she writes about live in small places, on land that means something to them. It is a love letter to Arkansas from Cantrell, the winner of an Arkansas Arts Council Fellowship Award in Short Fiction. Garrison Avenue Joyce Faulkner and Micki Voelkel Historical fiction about Fort Smith between 1909 and 1912. It’s about change – structurally and culturally. And it explores the lynching of Sanford Lewis on Garrison Avenue and what the citizens of Fort Smith did about it. The audiobook version of “Garrison Avenue,” performed by Fort Smith Little Theater actors Micki Voelkel and Eric Wells, will be launched in January. Recorded by Sol Studio on Garrison Avenue.

Stained Glass, Chalk Boards & Cash Registers of Fort Smith, Arkansas Wayne Bledsoe, Jim Kreuz and John Lehnen This photo-history book is a coffee-table essay about old churches, schools and commercial buildings of Fort Smith, many on Garrison Avenue. It includes both old and current photographs with many interiors. Proceeds to benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History and Genealogy Center at Fort Smith Public Library. Dear Fort Smith Jennifer Burchett

“Dear Fort Smith” chronicles a small Arkansas town during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Told through narrative photography and featured stories, the book captures a wide range of human experiences, from love and community, to sadness and disconnection. Included among the featured stories are Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker, Sister Pierre Vorster, Arkansas State Rep. Cindy Crawford, Fort Smith city director André Good and many more. Through these pages, the people of Fort Smith are woven together as a single community with several stories. This honest account resonates with what it means to survive in our modern era, to reflect on the past and to move forward together. December 2021 / January 2022

Entertainment Fort Smith

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Jingle Bells Jingle Bells

Arf, Arf!

Meow

Tweet, Tweet Furry & feathered friends celebrate the holidays Diesel the Yorkie Diesel is always ready when someone says "let's go!" Mom, Stacy Alexander, is the person he adores and he's the first one in the vehicle when she goes anywhere – hiking, family camping or a weekend at the farm, exciting stuff like that! A shopping cart isn't exactly what he had in mind! What's next? Pull on the Razorback hoodies and he and dad Eric will catch some guy time, TV and game food in their Fort Smith living room.

bella the Wheaton Terrier New Year's Eve may be a lively celebration for her human friends, but Bella, with the always stoic Wheaton Terrier expression, reminds her people that she is a very good dog, not a decoration. Bella shares a downtown Fort Smith loft with her bachelor John Smiley. She is a regular at social gatherings nd makes herself at home most everywhere. Bella doesn't get excited, knows how to greet everyone and always appreciates a treat.

shelby the corgi Shelby shares life with his family, Tom and Kathy Johnson, in their Fort Smith home decorated with retro furniture and topped off with a wonderful back yard! He goes to the office with them and makes every event from weddings to birthdays, camping, music festivals, road trips and every holiday. Shelby isn't a clothes aficionado, but doesn't mind a simple scarf and a quick photo. 12

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

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Sophie the White Cat Sophie joined the family five years ago when Brian found her thin, scared, and in need of a human to remove the dog food can from her head. "It was around Christmas time five years ago," Brandy said. "And her first present was a cat tree." She and Maggie have an understanding and, on occasion, Sophie bats at the bird. "But she’s willing to share her cat tree with her." Sophie knows how to handle the dogs. She has “the look” ready when the dogs need it.

Brian and Brandy Sheppard and their wonderful pets live in Fort Smith. The soft, fluffy and very happy pet family doesn't mind bragging about their life and doggie T-shirts often boast that all three dogs, one cat and the Cockatoo are grown-ups but that, “We still live with our parents!”

Sadie, ginger & Ziggy These three enjoy pampered visits to their groomer and expect to come home beautiful and get dressed up for the holidays, special occasions or just because they deserve it! As Brandy puts it, "Ziggy is second-in-command (to the free-flying bird). He lets the girls know when he’s had enough playtime. He is king." Ziggy and Sadie are Mashi (a Shih Tzu Maltese mix) and Ginger, a Shih Tzu.

Maggie the Bird "Maggie doesn’t really care to be dressed up and won’t let me decorate her without biting!" Brandy said. "And then she just picks it off! But she does like to climb into the Christmas tree. Maggie will spread her untrimmed wings, making herself seem bigger and bigger and intimidates and chases the dogs." She steals their food, too. Maggie is a Goffin’s Cockatoo and was about two when she became part of the Sheppard family 23 years ago. She is the undisputed boss of all pets and people in her house. December 2021 / January 2022

Entertainment Fort Smith

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Physical therapist’s specialty practice offers sensitive, compassionate care for pelvic pain

he understands that some pain and difficulty in a person’s private areas of the body is embarrassing to divulge or describe. But such problems can be addressed with physical therapy. Sarah “Dr. Kinje” Paserpskis exudes a compassionate manner that shows respect for patients, to reassure them that together, they can find therapies to give them more comfort and better functionality. Pelvic pain can occur in women, men and children for reasons that range from injury, illness, post-surgical effects, bowel issues or pregnancy and childbirth. Just as with knees, shoulders, wrists, other joints, muscles and nerves, physical therapists can show patients how to reduce pain, prevent re-injury and rehabilitate muscle strength.

Using forthright communication with her warm and kind sense of humor, Dr. Kinje says, “I think of it in ‘P’s - pee, poo, pain, pleasure, prenatal, postpartum, prostates, perineum and other private part problems.” Some of these problems may be brushed away by medical professionals or, often, unreported by patients themselves, she explained, because one or the other person is too uncomfortable to discuss an issue. She tries to address any fears of the unknown through abundant communication. At her practice’s website, refugept.com, she offers a lengthy list of problems that can be treated and a “Frequently Asked Questions” page that can help a patient understand how a visit, or treatment, would be like. Knowing before a visit can be empowering, she said.

Dr. Kinje’s research material, left, an anatomical map of the pelvic floor and spine. 14

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

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HEALTH & FITNESS Opposite: Sarah “Dr. Kinje” Paserpskis and

husband Alec at The Refuge Physical Therapy opening. It is not unusual for women to have lower back or pelvic pain during and after pregnancy that could be improved by learning specific exercises and posture, she explained. In men or women, sexual dysfunction can result from pelvic pain, surgeries or injury. Better function may be restored with physical therapy. “Physical therapists can give you the tools and education so that you can fix you,” she said. One of those most wondered about Frequently Asked Questions (and fears) is whether physical therapy involves internal examination or treatment. Here’s the answer: “For some conditions, the best information can be gathered from a pelvic (vaginal or rectal) exam, but these will only be performed with your full consent and participation.” “It’s your body. You’re in control,” she added. She will find external treatment alternatives if the patient prefers. Dr. Kinje is deaf but before mask-wearing, her lip-reading skills are so good that often, others didn’t know. Now, she provides masks with a clear window so that she can see lips. She continues to gain qualifications in the niche but growing field of physical therapy for the pelvic region. Opening Refuge Physical Therapy this year furthers her interest in the specialty and she collaborates in her field to increase understanding and quality of care. In addition to this specialty, Dr. Kinje treats general orthopedic, neurological and vestibular diagnoses. Physical therapists can be seen without referral in Arkansas because direct access is allowed. Oklahoma residents can be evaluated and receive 30 days of PT before a referral is required to continue. Dr. Kinje is able to see patients at home within a 15-mile radius. She can see patients via virtual sessions through a patient portal after initial in-person evaluation. Refuge Physical Therapy shares space with a gallery called The Chrysalis and both are entered through the same door. Refuge Physical Therapy 8501 U.S. 271 S, Suite A, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-662-9188 Call/Text refugept.com

CELEBRATE

THE HOLIDAYS

WITH

THE PERFECT DRINK! Visit Barrels & Brews Bottle Shop for the perfect holiday gift or party cocktail! Our staff will help you select from our curated selection of wine, beer and spirits for top-shelf, hard-tofind brands and varietals from some of the most well-known producers.

IT WILL PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE! Mon-Sat | 10AM-10PM

479-763-1228 9301 R.A. Young Jr Dr. Suite 101, Fort Smith

BarrelsandBrewsFS.com December 2021 / January 2022

Entertainment Fort Smith

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giftable goodies

Apple, peach and pumpkin butters found at Paul’s Meat Market.

Silky sleeveless body suit, super flare jeans with silver medallion belt and lace-up snake print booties from Ohsoboho Boutique.

Solo Stove’s fire pit built for the backyard available at Yeagers Hardware.

Donna Kay Smith, LPN Aesthetician

A perfect complement to exceptional eye care... Please join us in welcoming Donna Kay Smith, LPN to the Stiles EyeGroup family. Donna Kay is a licensed aesthetician with a passion for skincare.

For an appointment, text 479.806.8347

2401 S. Waldron Rd. | Fort Smith, AR 72903 stileseyegroup.com 16

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

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giftable goodies Limited edition hard seltzer variety pack includes holiday cocktail-inspired flavors. Found at 4 Corks.

White gold fashion diamond and gemstone rings available from Newton's Jewelers.

Neumeier Nursery and Greenhouses offers Aromatique's The Smell of Christmas decorative fragrance and Lux holiday collection candle tins, both based in Arkansas.

December 2021 / January 2022

Entertainment Fort Smith

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giftable goodies

Christmas decor with sparkles and candy cane stripes from A to Z Variety.

Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, wrought iron cookbook stand and unique chip and dip holder found at In Good Spirits.

Artist Stephen Holmes’ 5x9.7-inch wooden vessel found at the gift shop at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

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giftable goodies

Face a' Face designer frames in several styles and colors from Dr. Steven B. Stiles.

Kenra blow-dry spray available in full size and travel size at Vanity Calls.

Leopard flips, slides and clogs from OOFOS reduce stress on feet and joints. Found at True Grit Running Co. 20

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

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giftable goodies Swing top with Santa applique and plaid and sparkly flares with matching bow from Serendipity Kids.

Lift recliners in several fabrics and styles available from Mike’s Furniture.

December 2021 / January 2022

Entertainment Fort Smith

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Wish Book

Gift Ideas

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Merry Christmas

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WHAT’S COOKING

PEPPERMINT BARK OREOS

The

Season

Sweetness

12 Oreo cookies 2 cups dark chocolate candy coating 2 cups white chocolate candy coating 2 candy canes, finely crushed Plain candy mold pan, 21⁄4 diameter Melt candy coatings separately according to package directions. Place a spoonful of dark chocolate coating in the bottom of each mold, making sure it's enough to cover the bottom of the mold. Press an Oreo into each mold so that the chocolate is pushed up around the sides of the cookie. Spoon white chocolate on top of the cookie, spreading to the edges. Sprinkle with crushed candy, then drizzle with dark chocolate. Place in refrigerator for about 15 minutes, until firm. Remove from molds.

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP TRUFFLES

NO-BAKE COCONUT PECAN PRALINE COOKIES 21⁄2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1/2 cup corn syrup 1 stick salted butter 1 tsp. vanilla extract 21⁄2 cups chopped pecans 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut In a medium-sized bowl, combine coconut and pecans; set aside. In a heavy saucepan over medium high heat, stir sugar, evaporated milk, corn syrup and butter. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a full rolling boil – let boil and stir for 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla and coconut and pecan mixture. Stir off the heat for about 4 minutes, until mixture starts to cool and thicken. Drop by large spoonfuls on wax paper. Let harden completely – about an hour to an hour and a half – before serving. Makes about 20 large cookies. 24

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER MARSHMALLOW BARS 11 oz. bag butterscotch chips 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 7 tbsp. salted butter 5 cups mini marshmallows Line an 8x8 pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Pour marshmallows in a large, wide bowl. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt the butterscotch chips, peanut butter and butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the mixture is melted and smooth, remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour mixture over marshmallows, folding until marshmallows are completely coated. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Refrigerate until chilled and set – a couple of hours.

4 cups powdered sugar 4 tbsp. salted butter, melted 7 oz. (1/2 can) sweetened condensed milk 11⁄2 teaspoons mint extract 2 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped Few drops green food coloring 16 oz. chocolate almond bark, for coating In a large bowl, mix the powdered sugar, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk and mint extract with a large wooden spoon (you may have to use your hands toward the end) until smooth. Fold in green food coloring and chopped chocolate until combined. Refrigerate uncovered for about 30 minutes, then roll into balls with damp hands and place on cookie sheets lined with wax paper. Refrigerate again for about an hour. Melt almond bark according to package directions. Dip the candies in the melted chocolate, shaking excess chocolate off gently. Place back on lined cookie sheets. Using a fork, drizzle any leftover chocolate on candies and refrigerate until firm.

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WHAT’S COOKING

RUM-SOAKED CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries (with stems), drained 1/2 cup rum 8 oz. chocolate almond bark Sprinkles and additional white almond bark for decorating, if desired Place cherries in a bowl and cover with rum. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Drain cherries and pat dry with paper towels, then let them sit on paper towels for a few minutes. In a microwave, melt almond bark according to package directions; stir until smooth. Holding stems, dip cherries in chocolate mixture, allowing excess to drip off. If desired, dip in sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate. Place on waxed paper and let sit until set. December 2021 / January 2022

Entertainment Fort Smith

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WHAT’S COOKING

CHOCOLATE COFFEE OATMEAL SUGAR COOKIES

LEMON OATMEAL SUGAR COOKIES 23⁄4 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature 2 cups sugar

2 2 3 1

eggs tsp. grated lemon rind tbsp. lemon juice cup quick oats

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar; add eggs, beating well. Beat in lemon rind and juice. Gradually add flour mixture, then stir in oats. Chill dough thoroughly (at least 2 hours). Roll level tablespoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto greased cookie sheets, allowing room for cookies to spread. Using a flat-bottomed glass or custard cup that has been greased and dipped into sugar, flatten each ball to a 1/4-inch thickness (dip the glass into sugar each time). Bake at 375 degrees until lightly browned around the edges, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute, then carefully move to a wire rack.

SNOWBALL COOKIES 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup unsifted confectioners' sugar 1/3 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 cup yellow cornmeal 13⁄4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt Confectioners sugar, for finishing cookies

Adjust rack to lower third of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter, sugars, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, and salt. Combine dry ingredients with butter mixture to form a soft dough. Shape into 1-inch balls (using about 11⁄2 teaspoons of dough per cookie), and space about 11⁄2 inches apart on large, parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly colored. While cookies are still warm on the baking sheets, sprinkle them with confectioners' sugar through a small sieve. When thoroughly cool, dredge them in confectioners' sugar for a second coating. 26

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1/4 cup instant coffee 2 cups whole wheat flour 13⁄4 cups rolled oats 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 2 cups brown sugar 2 eggs, beaten Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cocoa powder and coffee. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, and baking powder. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Add the coffee mixture and mix until it becomes mealy. Add the eggs and blend well. Add the flour mixture and stir until combined. Form 1-inch balls and arrange them on ungreased cookie sheets. Press each ball lightly with a fork. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are firm enough to lift off the cookie sheets. Cool.

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WHAT’S COOKING

PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES

1 cup unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk, at room temperature 1/2 cup mashed or canned pumpkin 11⁄2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp.. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter, gradually adding the sugars. Beat in the egg and yolk, pumpkin and vanilla. Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices into a separate bowl. Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, a third at a time, until evenly mixed. Cover dough and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter two large baking sheets or line with parchment paper. With lightly floured hands, roll dough into 11⁄2-inch balls and place them on baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches in between. Bake one sheet at a time for 16 to 17 minutes. When done, the tops will be dome-shape and yield slightly to finger pressure. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Filling: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 tsp. lemon extract Using an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese, gradually beating in the sugar. Add the vanilla and lemon extracts. Beat until smooth. Refrigerate until needed. When the cookies have cooled completely, spread the flat side with some of the filling and press the flat side of a second cookie onto the filling to make a sandwich.

December 2021 / January 2022

Entertainment Fort Smith

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KIDS

calendar of events

time. Sing silly songs, read some books and then do a fun craft. Make sure to take a friend! Free. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursdays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Dec. 2 Tween Thursday Once a month after school, Ms. Lara teaches tweens about Coding or S.T.E.A.M. through fun activities and crafts. December will be a coding activity. Free. 3:305:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Dec. 2 Glittering Christmas Tree For this fun and easy craft, you will make a Christmas tree out of craft sticks. Decorate yours however you want! All supplies are provided. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Fort Smith Parks Presents Creekmore Holiday Express Ride the Creekmore Holiday Express, a DECEMBER miniature train that takes visitors on a

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journey through thousands of holiday lights adorning Creekmore Park. Citizens can come out to the parks to ride the miniature train or walk around the park to see holiday displays throughout the park. There will be local organizations sponsoring each night by providing refreshments and/or entertainment during the event. The holiday lights will be on display through Jan. 8. Free. Monday-Saturday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Creekmore Park, 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith. 479-784-2368 Dec. 1 Puzzle Table A puzzle table is set out for anyone to sit and put together. Puzzles are a good way to relax, while having a sense of accomplishment when the puzzle is completed. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma 479-632-4140

Dec. 1 Dino Activity Make your own dinosaur tooth! Snacks available while they last. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479369-1600 Dec. 1, 8, 15 Story Time Ms. Lara will read a story and show you how to do a fun craft. Subjects will include snow, reindeer and holidays. Free. 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479410-1853

Dec. 1-29 Free Play Board Games Traditional board games like chess, Monopoly, puzzles, and Uno, as well as modern-classics like Settlers of Catan and Labyrinth, will be available to be played at the library. This is a great opportunity to come enjoy the library as a public space. Snacks available while they last. Free. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Moun28 Entertainment Fort Smith December 2021 / January 2022

tainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Dec. 1-29 Van Buren Public Library Story Time Preschool story time offers songs, games, crafts and stories. Take a friend and join in. Free. 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Dec. 2 Ms. Robin’s Favorites: Book’s Big Adventure Help Ms. Robin open up the Library Surprise Bag to see Fred – and to see which favorite story you'll get to hear! If you’ve got a favorite story, be sure to let Ms. Robin know. You can see "Ms. Robin's Favorites" anytime on the library's Facebook page or YouTube Channel. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-7830229 Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library Dec. 2-30 Weekly Story Time Board books, songs and free play. Free. 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Dec. 2-30 Story Time Enjoy a fun story with Miss Allison every week at story

Dec. 6 Tea Light Snowman Get in the winter spirit with this cute snowman craft. Join Miss Allison to make your own snowman out of a tea light and yarn. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-6324140

Dec. 6, 13 After-School Art Classes Take art classes with Mary Sanders-Overton. On Dec. 6, learn to create very unique snowflake designs. This is a cut paper project. The Dec. 13 art class is about Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” Use this masterpiece as inspiration to recreate a portion of it, using the various techniques and color choices used by Van Gogh. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479369-1600

Dec. 6-30 Van Buren Public Teen Time Teens sixth grade and up are invited for after-school crafts and games. Free. 3-5 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Dec. 6-March 19 Disney's “The Little Mermaid” The CSA Youth Theatre Company presents Disney's “The Little Mermaid.” Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's “The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World." Classes meet 6-9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Performances will

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KIDS EVENTS be at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center on March 18-19. $375 for semester. Community School of the Arts St. Boniface, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org Dec. 7 Christmas Craft For this fun and easy craft, make a Christmas tree out of craft sticks. Decorate yours however you want. All supplies are provided. This tween and teen craft is a fun and easy ornament. All supplies provided. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Dec. 7-28 Van Buren Public Library Baby and Me Baby and Me offers babies, from birth to about 3 years old, and their caregivers opportunities to interact with other families while participating in songs, finger plays, scarves, stories, bubbles, and more. Free. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Dec. 7 Coding for Homeschoolers Once a month, Ms. Lara takes homeschool children of all ages through the basics of coding. Free. 11 a.m.1 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Dec. 8-29 3DP and Coding Class Learn about 3D printing and coding. Geared at teens and tweens, there will be a fun activity followed by some learning on computers. Beginners welcome.

Snacks available while they last. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Dec. 9 Hora del Cuento en Español/Spanish Story Time ¡Qué Montón de Tamales! ¡Muchos tamales! escrito por Gary Soto e ilustrado por Ed Martinez,celebra la tradición de los tamales y los lazos familiares en Navidad. ¡María ha perdido el anillo de su madre! ¿Se mezcló con los tamales? ¡Escucha y descubre lo que sucede! Too Many Tamales! written by Gary Soto and illustrated by Ed Martinez, celebrates the tradition of tamales and family bonding at Christmas. Maria has lost her mother's ring! Did it get mixed in with the tamales? Listen and find out what happens! You can watch Hora del Cuento en Español/Spanish Story Time anytime on the library's Facebook page or YouTube Channel. Free. 10 a.m.10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229

Dec. 9 Teen Time Once a month after school, Ms. Lara teaches Teens about Coding or S.T.E.A.M. through fun activities and crafts. December will be a S.T.E.A.M. craft. Free. 3:305:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Dec. 9 Coffee Cup Lid Snowman Have you ever thought about turning a coffee cup lid into a craft? Now you can! Make a cute snowman out of it. This is a super cool craft. All supplies are pro-

vided. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Dec. 11 Breakfast with The Grinch Children will have brunch, do a craft, enjoy games and have their picture made with the Grinch. Sponsored by Fort Smith Parks & Recreation Department. Free. 10-11:30 a.m. Riverfront Park Events Building, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith. 479-784-2368

Dec. 11 Take-n-Make Kraftivity This kraftivity is a LEGO challenge. Request a takeand-make bag with everything you need to complete this challenge. Since the library will be closed the following two Fridays, additional LEGO challenges will be included for kids to do at home. Call 479-369-1600 and reserve yours today. Free. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Dec. 11 RAM Holiday Art Party Celebrate the joy of the holidays at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum at its outdoor end-of-the year Art Party. Snack on cookies and hot cocoa, pick up a free Art To-Go Box kit, make portraits with a “Winter Wonderland” photo op and the whole family together can compete in a chalk art contest. It all happens before the Fort Smith Christmas Parade. Social distancing and masks recommended. Art boxes are first come, first served. Free. 1-3 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

December 2021 / January 2022

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KIDS EVENTS craft. Free. 4-6 p.m.. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Dec. 11 Breakfast with Santa The Van Buren Public Library has invited Santa and Mrs. Claus for breakfast and they want you to come, too. Have yummy pancakes, do a fun frame decorating craft and get your photo taken with the big man himself. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Dec. 14 Unicorn Ornaments This craft will be magical! Plus, who doesn’t love unicorns? Learn how to make a unicorn ornament. All supplies are provided. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Dec. 15 Origami for Everyone: Christmas Card Ornament Add a touch of holiday whimsy to your home and have some fun as you create origami. Children, teens and adults can enjoy learning the Japanese art of folding paper. Pick up a free origami packet at the library before you tune in. Packets will be available starting on Dec. 1 until supplies run out. Free. 2-2:15 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith. 479-646-3945 Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library Dec. 15 Bookworm Buddies! Bookworm Buddies is a book club for kids 12 and under. The third Wednesday of the month, club members will meet to talk about a book, do an activity and have fun. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Dec. 11 Polar Express Fort Smith Trolley Museum’s traditional reading of the classic Christmas book Polar Express inside a real train car will include talking with Santa and a tour of two elaborate dollhouses. While waiting for a turn to hear the story, examine the tiny world on display where a miniature trolley arrives in front and ride the real, life-sized Fort Smith electric streetcar. Cookies and cocoa will be served. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Fort Smith Trolley Museum, 100 South 4th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0205

Dec. 13-18 Holiday Scavenger Hunt Is Santa in science fiction? Find out! Stop by the desk after you complete the Holiday Scavenger Hunt and receive a sweet treat and a Peanuts Christmas sticker scene! Free. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith. 479-785-0405

Dec. 13 “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Story Time Join Cindy Lou and the Grinch while they read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss! Also, stop by the Miller Branch anytime between Dec. 13-18 to pick up a Grinch-y-themed goody bag. You can catch the story time video on the library’s Facebook page or YouTube channel. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith. 479-6463945 Dec. 13 Penguin Poppers What’s black and white and plays in the snow? A penguin, of course! Join in and make an adorable penguin 30 Entertainment Fort Smith December 2021 / January 2022

Dec. 16 Story Time with Christina! "I Got the Christmas Spirit" Do you have your Christmas spirit? All you have to do is look around – and look inside yourself! Listen as Christina reads “I Got the Christmas Spirit,” written by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison. You can watch FSPL story time videos any time on the library's Facebook page or YouTube channel. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Dec. 16 Cupcake Liner Christmas Trees Cupcake liners can be used for many crafts.! For this craft, learn how to use them to make Christmas trees. All supplies are provided. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Dec. 16 Story Time What’s black and white and plays in the snow? A penguin, of course! This week, join in and make an adorable penguin craft. Enjoy a fun story with Miss Allison every week at story time. Sing silly songs, read some books and then do a fun craft. Make sure to take a friend to our weekly story time. Free. 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Dec. 17-18 Center for Art and Education Presents “Monster in the Closet” Emily has a big problem. Not only is she sent to bed just as she reaches the highest level of her new video game, but there’s a monster in her closet! It’s not just her imagination. Her friend Stephanie saw it, too. Suffering the teasing of her brother and his friends, Emily and Stephanie recruit some of their friends to help capture the monster. What will happen when Emily

has all her friends over for a sleepover to try to capture Murray? With other wonderfully entertaining characters, the solution to Emily’s monster problem brings humor, a bit of ingenuity and a little magic to this delightful family show. $10 adults, students free. 7 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. Dec. 18. Center for Art and Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 artsonmainvb.com

Dec. 20 Cookie Laptime Story Time with Mrs. Tiffany Join Mrs. Tiffany for a virtual laptime story time! Who took the cookie from the cookie jar? Watch as Mrs. Tiffany reads "The Pigeon Gets a Cookie!?" by Mo Willems and shows you how to make a cookie in a mug. Be sure and stay tuned until the end when, after she reads and acts silly, she'll share a simple craft that you can create at home. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

Dec. 20 Santa Claus Piggy Bank Santa Claus will be on his way soon! Get excited for Santa with this Monday craft. Everything you need will be provided for you to make a Santa Clause piggy bank. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Dec. 20 Family Fun Evening and Movie Everyone is invited, reindeer food can be made, a hot chocolate bar and cookies to enjoy while watching and interacting with the movie about a man that thinks he is an elf. Interactive movie bags will be provided for free. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Dec. 21 Penguin Pompom Ornaments What is more adorable than a penguin? A pompom penguin! That’s what is in store for this craft. All supplies are provided. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Dec. 27 Q-Tip Snowflakes This week’s craft is a chilly Q-tip snowflake. Join Miss Allison to make a snowflake out of Q-tips. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Dec. 30 Story Time with Matia! "Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem" “Change Sings” is a musical journey where children learn they have the power to make changes – big or small – in the world, in their communities and, most importantly, in themselves. “Change Sings” was written by Amanda Gordan and illustrated by Loren Long. You can watch story time videos at any time on the library's Facebook page or YouTube channel. Free. 1010:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Jan. 1 First Day Highpoint Hike Mount Magazine State Park Start your year off with a healthy hike to Arkansas’ highest point. This 2-mile guided walk through winter woods is a good way to explore Mount Magazine. Meet in the lodge lobby. Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Arkansas 309, Paris, Ark.

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KIDS EVENTS

Jan. 3 DIY Stress Ball Don’t stressed, get crafty! Join Miss Allison for a stress-free craft. Make your own super-cool stress ball. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Jan. 4 Coding for Homeschoolers! Once a month, Ms. Lara takes homeschool children of all ages through the basics of coding. Free. 11 a.m.1 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Jan. 4 Pine Cone Winter Fairy What better way to celebrate January than to make a pine cone fairy? Ms. Reeca will show you how to make your very own. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Jan. 5-26 Story Time Ms. Lara will read a story and show you how to do a fun craft. The themes this month include penguins, moose, pie and soup. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Wednesdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Jan. 5-26 Baby and Me Baby and Me offers babies, from birth to about 3 years old, and their caregivers, opportunities to interact with other families while participating in songs, finger plays, scarves, stories, bubbles, and more. Free. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Jan. 6-27 Story Time Enjoy a fun story with Miss Allison every week at story time. Sing silly songs and read some books, then do a fun craft. Make sure to take a friende. Free. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Jan. 6-27 Ms. Robin's Favorites: Non-fiction Edition! Join Ms. Robin on the library's Facebook page or YouTube Channel as she reads one of the wonderful non-fiction books that are available for you to check out and read again at home. Will it be about di-

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

nosaurs? Space? History? Animals? Tune in and see! Jan. 6 will be “Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle: How Animals Get Ready for Winter.” Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229

Jan. 6-31 Teen Time Teens, sixth grade and higher, are invited to stop in after school for crafts and games. Free. 3-5 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Jan. 6 Play Away Thursday! Play Away Thursday is all about games. Wii games, card games and board games! Join in the fun right after school the first Thursday of every month. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Jan. 6 Foam Cup Snowman Do you want to build a snow man? A snowman that won’t melt? Ms. Reeca will show you how! Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Jan. 7 Snowflake Science Experiment Learn how crystals are formed with a fun experiment with water, pipe cleaners, and borax. Free. 3-5 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Jan. 8 RAM Art To-Go The Art To-Go Box comes complete with all the supplies and instructions you’ll need for a fun and exciting art project at home. Pick one up every month for a continuing adventure into new mediums ranging from photo-transferring to bookbinding. Ages 10 and up. Register to reserve your art box now. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-784-2787 fsram.org Jan. 10 Snowman Windsock Enjoy a winter-themed craft. Join Miss Allison at the library to make a flying windsock snowman. Free. 46 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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MUSIC and performance Dec. 2-5 ELF the Musical Buddy, an orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father. $15 adults, $10 students, sold online. 7 p.m. Dec. 2-4; 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Alma Performing Art Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

Scrooge’s redemption is joyful in A Christmas Carol presented by Earthen Vessels Drama Company DEC This Christmas tradition returns to the King Opera House for the ninth year. Earthen Vessels Drama Company, a ministry of Shady Grove Baptist Church, Van Buren, presents its musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale.

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The familiar and always uplifting story by Charles Dickens relates one fateful night when miserly merchant Ebenezer Scrooge finds hope, redemption and the true spirit of Christmas. He reconsiders his life when visited by spirits of Christmas past, present and yet to come. Familiar characters are his dead partner, Jacob Marley, his neglected employee, Bob Cratchit, and Cratchit’s vulnerable youngest child, Tiny Tim. Every detail of the production is A local cast of actors and singers perform. carefully crafted, from inspiring portrayals and period costumes, to choral arrangements and creative effects. Six shows: 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4; 2:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5. At the door, $6 adults, $5 children ages 5-12; under age 5 free. 7-9 p.m. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren. 479-276-3089 Facebook – evdrama

UAFS Dec. 3-4 The 1940s Radio Hour The 1940s Radio Hour by Walton Jones goes behind the scenes of live radio’s fun and chaos as a fictional NYC radio station airs a big stage show on Dec. 21, 1942, from the Hotel Astor. The show has a live swing band, period tunes, commercials, comedy, singers and drama. The show is a collective effort with University of Arkansas-Fort Smith music students and faculty, guests from local schools, alumni and newcomers in the cast, crew and band. Directed by Kevin Jones, professor of English. Choreography directed by Daniel Myers. Music vocal and instrumental direction Gini Law and Terri Bailey. Law conducts the show’s orchestra. $10 adults; free to all UAFS staff, students, faculty and veterans. 7 p.m. UAFS Breedlove Auditorium, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com Dec. 4 Fort Smith Symphony: It’s Christmastime A holiday program includes traditional selections such as Anderson: “Sleigh Ride” and “A Christmas Festival,” “Greensleeves” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” for piano and orchestra with Shalon Lester, piano. The audience will enjoy “Amazing Grace” for violin and orchestra featuring Mia Catania, violin. “Carol of the Bells/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” for violin and orchestra features Er-Gene Kahng, violin. For something completely different, guests The Crumbs perform “A Crummy Christmas.” Tickets available online. 7 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith. 479-452-7575 fortsmithsymphony.org December 2021 / January 2022 Entertainment Fort Smith 33

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Dec. 9-11 The Christmas Movie Wonderthon It’s a Christmas tradition to watch as many original TV holiday movies as a human can endure. Now you can enjoy the rush of six Christmas movies all at once! It’s a mash-up of singles falling in love, celebrities finding down-to-earth connections, charming inns, tree farms, holiday sweaters and hot chocolate. Don’t miss this wildly entertaining parody of holiday rom-coms. By Don Zolidis. Directed by Tina Dale. $7 at the door only. 7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith. 479-783-2966 fslt.org

Dec. 11-12 This Is Christmas! An Oak Cliff Choral and Keyboards Celebration Three grand pianos, 21 pianists and a 45-plus voice choir create an astounding celebration of the birth of Christ. Enjoy Christmas music presented in a variety of piano and choral arrangements. Free. 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Oak Cliff Baptist Church, 3701 South Gary Street. Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3891 OakCliffBaptist.com Dec. 12-13 Evening Noel: Jonathan Karrant Fort Smith native, long a jazz performer of note, performs a Vegas supper club style show. Karrant has hit No. 4 on the Billboard Jazz charts with “On and On” and his album Live hit No. 2 on the iTunes Jazz Charts. $25. 5 p.m. Dec. 12; 7 p.m. Dec. 13. 906 Lounge, 906 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith.

Kiley Dean

Chad Burris

Jonathon Karrant Dec. 12 A True Family Christmas with The Collingsworths The gospel-singing Collingsworth Family return with a musical journey to usher in the spirit of Christmas. $30-$20 reserved tickets available online only. 6-8 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Dec. 15 Jingle Jam Light Show The Grand Avenue Baptist Church team presents a holiday interactive event for the whole family. Free. 6:30 p.m. Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-5161 gabc.church Dec. 16 YAG Alumni Present Perfect Pairings Alumni of the Young Actors Guild perform duets in a fundraiser for YAG. Accompanied by Gini Law, graduates of the youth theater group will sing holiday favorites and other selections. Extremely ugly sweaters are encouraged for attire in which to enjoy the music, a hot chocolate bar and karaoke. $10 suggested donation, at the door. 7 p.m. Madame’s Main Attraction, 701 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark.

Chris Cameron

Wolf Grulkey

Hometown Christmas Concert showcases Alma’s amazing, varied musicians DEC The Alma Chamber of Commerce presents a virtual,

streaming concert of a group of Alma’s musical stars. Kiley Dean, Nashville recording artist; Chad Burris, Broadway actor and singer and blues musician Chris Cameron with special guests Wolf Grulkey and Adrienne Cameron will perform, along with the talented Alma High School Jazz Band. Alma can be proud of this slate of outstanding musical talents. The concert is designed to be watched on streaming video, online with a log-in obtained by buying a ticket. Sponsorship opportunities for video commercials produced by Kendee Hughes are available. The ads will be aired during the show. $10 per ticket to access the streaming video is available on eventbrite.com. Phone the chamber for sponsorship information. 479-632-4127 Facebook - Alma Area Chamber of Commerce Dec. 11 Ballet Conservatory of Van Buren “The Nutcracker” Segments of “The Nutcracker” presented by dance students of the Ballet Conservatory of Van Buren. $5 tickets by phone. 1 and 4 p.m. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 505-860-0492 34 Entertainment Fort Smith December 2021 / January 2022

Western Arkansas Ballet Dec. 18-19 The Nutcracker The 36th Annual production of The Nutcracker will present the timeless, classic ballet with a cast of more than 100 local children and adults. Olivia Powell and Walker Martin of Walnut Creek, Calif., dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Tickets online, by calling 855-222-2849 Option 5, or the WAB studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith. $30 adults, $20 children and students with valid ID. 7 p.m. Dec. 18; 2 p.m. Dec. 19. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Dec. 21 Sip & Sing with Chad Burris Veteran of Broadway musicals Chad Burris will perform holiday carols to keep the night jolly as ticket holders mingle with friends while shopping for last gifts at Bookish. Burris is familiar as an actor and musical performer from Alma High School and Young Actors Guild. He was cast for the touring company of the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon” in his senior year of college and has been successfully landing roles in New York and nationally since. All purchases made by ticket holders will receive 15 percent off that evening. Wine and treats served. $10 tickets on eventbrite.com. Bookish at The Bakery District, 70 South 7th Street, Fort Smith. 479- 434-8631 Facebook – Bookish: an indie shop for folks who read

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Fort Smith International Film Festival inspires a major motion picture about Bass Reeves When the River Valley Film Society hosted studio executives of TGE, Inc., as keynote speakers at the first Fort Smith International Film Festival, its CEO Giovanni Jackson was captivated by Bass Reeves. After the studio executive’s August visit, Jackson took action to enable TGE to produce a film about the black deputy U.S. marshal. Last month, TGE, Inc., and the film society released the news that a film about Reeves was officially in development. J. Michael Smith, TGE’s chief financial officer and a Fort Smith native, said plans currently call for the film to be made in the Fort Smith area. Having a film “in development” means the first money has been put into the project and the production team is taking the steps necessary to push it forward and make it a viable project with the intent to make it a feature film, Smith explained. Sooner than it dreamed, the local film society is achieving its mission to attract film production to the River Valley and connect local creative professionals to opportunities. The power of Reeves’ story as one of only a few blacks serving the U.S. Marshals Service and his legendary prowess in capturing suspects wanted for trial engaged Jackson’s enthusiasm. “Bass Reeves has a history in film,” Jackson said. “But none of it is an authentic representation of what he endured, overcame and fought for. It is our collective goal to bring a real, true and authentic Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves to the big screen to entertain and inspire audiences of all types,” he said. “His multifaceted story provides literally everyone something to latch onto and identify with. That is one thing I never thought I’d be able to say in entertainment. We’re going to make a movie about a black hero, and give the world something to identify with!” “TGE’s production will be a historic moment, transforming Fort Smith and the River Valley’s creative economy. Our area’s talent and natural scenic resources provide the ingredients needed to cultivate a regional film industry and I believe TGE’s Bass Reeves project will be the catalyst launching a new artistic frontier,” Goldsmith said.

Left, J. Michael “Jeff” Smith of TGE, Inc., a global virtual and entertainment studio of Los Angeles, with River Valley Film Society officers, from left, John McIntosh, Stacey Jones, Doug Kinslow, Sherry Suratt and, center, Brandon Goldsmith.

A SOUND FOR SORE EYES. KUAF December 2021 / January 2022

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CALENDAR of events

Dec. 1 Christmas Honors Wreath Workshop Day Volunteers unpack and prepare thousands of wreaths for placement at each headstone at the Fort Smith National Cemetery for Christmas Honors, which will be held Dec. 4. Workers will fluff up the greenery, see that each has a red ribbon and help to assemble them for transport. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Hall C, Rogers Avenue and South Ninth Street, Fort Smith. 479-652-3553 christmashonors.com Dec. 1 Hearts of Gold Drive-Thru & Drop-Off The Project Compassion Inc. 2021 Hearts of Gold Drive-Thru & Drop-Off Event is not an indoor party this year, but Santa will have goodie bags for everyone. Take new, unwrapped items in sizes small to 5XL: sweat shirts, sweat pants, lounge pants, nightgowns, pajamas, non-slip socks, throws and blankets. The Hearts of Gold program provides warm clothing and other items to long-term care residents. The focus of this program is to bring joy and comfort to those without friends or family to visit them. Project Compassion Inc. is a Fort Smith-based non-profit founded in 1972 by the late Gloria White. It is a United Way Agency serving 26 area long-term care facilities. Visit its website to volunteer, donate, be a friend and get connected. Free. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5401 Free Ferry Road, Fort Smith. 479-783-2273 projectcompassioninc.com Dec. 1 What's Up with B? Gifts in a Jar Gifts in a jar is a fun and inexpensive way to give someone a gift and show them you are thinking of them. Ideas will be presented and participants will each make one jar. Phone to sign up so there will be enough kits. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren. 479-474-6045

The Marines are looking for a lot of good toys! DEC

Since 1947, Marine Corps Reserve Units across the nation collect donated toys and distribute them near their Reserve Centers each year. The campaign is already under way to ask caring donors to purchase and drop off new, unwrapped toys at receptacles marked “Toys for Tots.”

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As Christmas nears, Marines distribute toys themselves to local children who need presents, with the aid of local social welfare agencies and churches. Drop off new, unwrapped toys in marked receptacles near the doors at many local stores, or take donations to St. Boniface Catholic Church basement, 1820 North B Street, Fort Smith. Local Marines contacts are John Wilson, 479-235-8226, or Mike Sulina, 479-652-3608. Donations can also be made in several ways at the website toysfortots.org. 36

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Dec. 1-15 Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringers Needed Bell ringer volunteers can now sign up online for shifts at specific locations. Our Salvation Army places ringers in Alma, Fort Smith, Greenwood and Van Buren at major retail stores. Masks are required. According to Capt. Bradley Hargis, the Red Kettle drive yielded less last year as a result of the pandemic, while needs rose for services. Register online for a shift as an individual or group. For fun, compete with other groups! The online app will report the totals raised on each shift. Register at the Salvation Army’s website registertoring.com. Get local information or give online at salvationarmyfs.org. 479-783-6145

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 1-31 DIY Card Making Station Make someone’s day by giving them a handmade card. Stop by the Windsor Branch Library during December – they have the supplies, you provide the creativity! Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith. 479-785-0405 fortsmithlibrary.org

Dec. 3 Community School of the Arts Concert The Fort Smith Community School of the Arts is visiting the Van Buren Public Library to put on an exciting concert for the community. Enjoy an exciting performance with family and friends. Free. 4-6 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Dec. 1-31 Fort Smith Public Library Holiday Food Drive Help out local families in need by donating to this year’s Holiday Food Drive. One in five people in our area are struggling, one in three rural Arkansas children lives in food insecure homes. Drop off non-perishable food items at any Fort Smith library location. 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, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229

Dec. 3-6 Christmas in the Country This old-fashioned Christmas bazaar is held by the Dayton Community Building Auxiliary. It features local vendors who have made quilts, wreaths, ornaments, wood crafts and a wide variety of choices for both decorating and gifts. Take children to visit with Santa and take along an appetite to enjoy the homemade concessions. Free. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 3-4 and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 6, when a drawing is held for the winner of a 36-inch Blackstone griddle. Dayton Community Building, 2231 East Arkansas 252, Huntington, Ark. 479-461-0214

Dec. 1-31 The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas! Honor someone special while sharing your love of reading by donating books. 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 or visit the library’s web site at Free. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Dec. 1-31 Christmas in Greenwood Holiday Trail of Lights All month, take a drive through 30,000 bright, sparkling light displays in Bell Park, with more community activities to be announced. At the park’s pavilion, families can gather for photos with decorated trees and beautiful scenery, greeting Santa and meeting other holiday characters. Follow social media for additional events that will be held throughout the month. Bell Park, 1050 Bell Park Road, Greenwood, Ark. Facebook – Focus on Greenwood, 479-996-2742 Dec. 3 Virtual Trivia Night! with Ronny Join virtually for a few rounds of trivia competition. Test your knowledge on a variety of topics from books, popular culture, music and more while competing with others, online. Free. 7-7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Facebook – Fort Smith Public Library

Dec. 3-8 Holiday Express Pajama Train Excursion Families can ride the A&M Railroad for a one-hour round trip from Van Buren’s historic railroad depot to Rudy, Ark., and back. Dress up and take along a camera for holiday photos and encounters with Santa. This is a trip for making memories and a wonderful way to take a first train ride. Purchase tickets online. Departures at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Van Buren Depot, 813 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-725-4017 amtrainrides.com

December 2021 / January 2022

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Dec. 3, 10, 17 Christmas at Drennen-Scott House Drennen-Scott Historic Site will be participating in the City of Van Buren's Christmas activities on three Friday evenings. The home and grounds will be decorated in period style. Visitors will be treated to Christmas music, candy canes and a Civil War encampment commemorating the Union Army occupation of Van Buren between Christmas and New Year's Day, 1862. See luminaries and Christmas lights at the Visitor Center. Hear soldier stories around the campfire conducted by volunteers and staff. Free. 5:30-8 p.m. Drennen-Scott Historic Site, 221 North 3rd Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-651-3945

Van Buren’s Christmas in the Parks lights up the nights DEC

Drive-through light displays and downtown displays will be lighted every night. Take the family and enjoy a Hallmark Christmas!

Dec. 3-31 Outdoor Ice Skating in Van Buren Van Buren Christmas in the Park will have ice skating on a large synthetic-surfaced rink. $5 per person. Open 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday 5-10 p.m. Friday and 3-10 p.m. Saturday. Downtown Van Buren, Ark. Facebook - Van Buren’s Christmas in the Park

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Lots of photo op displays for your own picture-making in Freedom Park, along Main Street, around an outdoor ice skating rink and on the Courthouse lawn, with its festival of locally decorated trees. Dusk until 10 p.m. There are two display locations: Van Buren Municipal Park, 1764 City Park Road and Freedom Park, 957 E Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. Check social media for additional events held at each park. Facebook - Van Buren’s Christmas at the Parks 38

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Dec. 4 Jingle and Mingle on Main Street Celebrate the Christmas season on Main Street with music, shopping food and activities all through the day and evening. The Crawford County Courthouse lighting will be held as darkness falls. Free parking in municipal lots. Main Street, Van Buren, Ark.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 3 Dyer Christmas Parade Prizes for the best decorated float. Entry forms are available at Dyer City Hall. 6 p.m. 305 North Washington Street, Dyer, Ark. 749-997-8557 Dec. 4 Christmas Honors Wreaths will be placed at every headstone in the Fort Smith National Cemetery. 8-11 a.m. is family time. 11 a.m. ceremony at the cemetery pavilion. 11:30 a.m., everyone may help to place the wreaths. Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Avenue, Fort Smith. christmashonors.com Dec. 4 Alma Hometown Christmas Market Alma Area Chamber of Commerce presents a market with local artisans, baked goods, gifts and stocking stuffers. 9-11 a.m. Alma Farmers Market, 533 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4127 Dec 4-5 American Legion Auxiliary Christmas Bazaar Photography by Jim Anderson, blankets, aprons, patriotic items, assorted angels, table runners, fleece jackets, wreaths, center pieces and novelty items and much more, all handmade. Cakes, pies, cookies, breads, fudge, peanut brittle and more. Lunch, $7, of homemade chili or Frito pie, fried pickle, dessert and drink. Proceeds go to the auxiliary's mission of helping support military families, veterans, Arkansas Girls State and our others in this community. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith. 479-221-6884 Dec. 6 DIY Llama Craft Adults are invited to pick up a fun llama craft to make at home. Supplies are limited. Free. 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Dec. 6 Friends of the Mountainburg Library Be a part of what the library can do for the community, and about what you can do for your library. Free. 3:305:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Dec. 6 Greenwood Christmas Parade Gather downtown for Greenwood’s traditional Christmas parade. It begins at Greenwood High School and ends at the town square. Enjoy a free bowl of beans with cornbread at the traditional Bean Feed prior to the parade at 5:30-6:45 p.m. in front of the Chamber office 6 p.m. West Center and Main Streets, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2742 greenwoodarkansas.com December 2021 / January 2022

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Santa is coming to town! Dec. 6 Talks On Tap | Technical Operations Group The U.S. Marshals Service Technical Operations Group was highly involved at Ground Zero and the investigation following the attacks. Speaker Scott Samuels, former member of TOG, spent time at Ground Zero and worked closely with other federal agencies involved. $10. 6:30-8 p.m. U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith. 479-242-1789 usmmuseum.org

It’s the most festive day with downtown’s many events DEC

This must be downtown Fort Smith’s most festive day of the year! Centered around the 3 p.m. Fort Smith Christmas Parade, there’s an art party, Polar Express story time and history museum open house. The Christmas parade has marching bands, floats, trailers, antique vehicles, local celebrities, horse-drawn carriages and, at the end, Santa arrives!

Before the parade starts, visit the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum for a family art party. Also, drop by the Fort Smith Museum of History for its holiday open house with refreshments and fun in the Victorian classroom. The Fort Smith Trolley Museum will have its Polar Express reading, with a display of a miniature neighborhood with two 1:12 scale dollhouses and a trolley model stopped in front. A downtown synthetic ice skating rink will be open. Restaurants and merchants will also welcome the crowds. Details are listed separately in Calendar of Events and Kids Events pages.

Dec. 6-12 Friends of the Library Rare & Vintage (Online) Book Sale Just in time for the holidays, book lovers will find a broad assortment in this special sale including rare, vintage and valuable titles. A range of topics is represented, including art, religion, history and much more, with publication dates ranging from the 1800s to the present. The sale is all online this year. A list of books included in the sale will be available on the library’s website by Dec. 3. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library. Free. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Dec. 6, 13, 20 Swing Dance Lessons Learn to Swing dance in December. Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach group lessons on Mondays. Couples and singles are welcome. $5 per person. 6:30-8 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith. 479-208-1072 Facebook – Step in Time Dance Class Dec. 7 "Who's Hungry!" Fundraiser with Fish City Grill For Fort Smith Museum of History Support the Fort Smith Museum of History and a local restaurant by dining at Fish City Grill from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fish City Grill will donate 15 percent of the proceeds from meals purchased that day to the non-profit Fort Smith Museum of History. 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Fish City Grill, 7001 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Dec. 7 Free Ukulele Lessons Learn to play the ukulele! After you learn the ukulele, it’s a simple transition to play the guitar. Lessons every Tuesday with Steve House. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 9 Arkansas Business Women's Leadership Summit Arkansas Business invites everyone to attend a Women’s Leadership Summit, a professional development event celebrating the power of women to transform communities and industries through building professional skills, networking, opening conversations and creating a collaborative movement to bring professionals together. In-person and virtual tickets available online. 8 a.m.-noon. U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith. 501-772-5853 abwomensleadership.com

Dec. 10 Alma Christmas Parade Alma celebrates Christmas with an evening downtown parade that will include floats, vehicles, bicycles and marching groups. Free. 7 p.m. Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. Dec. 11 Fort Smith of Museum of History Christmas Open House Warm up before the Fort Smith Christmas Parade at the Fort Smith Museum of History’s Christmas Open House. Children may enjoy a Christmas story time presented by volunteers, while sitting in the Victorian classroom. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Free. 1-4 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Dec. 11 Fort Smith Christmas Parade With all the seasonal fanfare of floats, marching bands, antique vehicles, decorated cars and trucks, excited children and a festive downtown atmosphere, the Fort Smith Christmas Parade is the city’s largest Christmas celebration. Register now through Eventbrite to participate in the parade. Parade starts at 3 p.m. Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith. Ask questions and get updates online at Facebook – Fort Smith Christmas Parade Dec. 11 Cocktails & Candy Canes Christmas Gala Enjoy a fun-filled evening of dinner, drinks, music and Secret Santa. All fundraising proceeds support the Bly-Thomas Counseling Children's Angel Tree and children's mental health services. Sponsorships are available. Tickets $75 per person. 6-11 p.m. U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith. 479-242-2826 Dec. 11 Van Buren Christmas Parade This lighted, evening parade on historic Main Street has floats, vehicles and plenty of twinkling spectacle to enjoy. Spectators line Main Street, which is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Free. Parade participants may line up at Van Buren Public Library at 4:30 p.m. Judging is at 5 p.m. Parade begins at 6 p.m. Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862 Facebook – Van Buren Visitors Bureau December 2021 / January 2022

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dec. 12 Junior League of Fort Smith Virtual Holiday Home Tour and Brunch The Junior League of Fort Smith presents its Virtual Holiday Home Tour and a brunch watch party. This fundraiser supports many community projects benefitting local foster care youth, aging out of foster care. Watch a virtual tour of beautifully decorated homes all throughout the Fort Smith area and enjoy holiday demonstrations during the video for holiday decorating ideas. Obtain a link to watch the video at home or attend the live brunch, where the audience will view the tour together. Each ticket includes an entry for door prize drawings and a chance to win the Grand Door Prize, a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM Purse. Tickets may be purchased online, without or with brunch. Ticket to the link, $15. Brunch tickets, $50, are both available online. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ProPak Logistics lobby, 1100 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-3930 jlfs.org

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Dec. 12-18 Week of Holiday Cheer at Your Library! Join the Fort Smith Public Library at its “Week of Holiday Cheer” at all library locations. The library just couldn’t fit all of its fun, free holiday activities into one day this year, so it is celebrating for an entire week. Activities for kids, teens and adults will include Take & Make Scratch-off ornaments, Sock Snowman Craft, virtual Grinch story time with a Grinchy Goody bag to go, Christmas Origami & Pinecone ornament craft (virtual), Holiday Scavenger Hunt, Santa Countdown Chain craft, DIY Holiday Bookmark kit, Wishing Wall, Letter to Santa, Holiday Haiku & Winter Poem Wall, Holiday Movie-Palooza and more. Please take a nonperishable food item (or two!) for the library’s annual Holiday Food Drive. Free. 1-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Dec. 13 Adult Coloring Club Coloring is fun for all ages. It can help relieve stress and bring calmness. It is even more fun to color with a group. Take your own supplies or use materials supplied by the library. Some regulars take their lunch to eat while visiting with each other. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Dec. 13 Book Club The book club is open to any adult. This month, the group will be discussing “Christmas Jars” by Jason F. Wright. Free. 6-8 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Dec. 13 An Evening in the Past Featuring Martin Luther King Jr. The U.S. Marshals Museum’s “An Evening in the Past” will feature Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The actor portraying Dr. King will address his work as one of the most prominent figures of the Civil Rights Movement, including excerpts from some his most famous speeches. Proceeds support the U.S. Marshals Museum. Guests will enjoy a 1960s-inspired menu and era-appropriate cocktails. Individual tickets, $100. 6:30-8:30 p.m. U.S. Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith. 479-242-1789 usmmuseum.org Dec. 14 Scrapbooking: Christmas Joy Christmas is a time to share joy with others. This scrapbooking class theme is Christmas Joy. What is yours? All adults will make a two-page layout on their joy. Supplies are provided free of charge. Register by phone. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 14 Free Ukulele Lessons Learn to play the ukulele! After you learn the ukulele, it’s a simple transition to play the guitar. Take lessons every Tuesday 3:45 p.m. with Steve House. Free. 3:305:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Dec. 14 Book Talk: The Myth of Perpetual Summer By Susan Crandall. Tallulah James’ parents’ volatile relationship, erratic behavior and hands-off approach to child rearing set tongues to wagging in their staid Mississippi town, complicating her already uncertain life. She takes the responsibility of shielding her family's reputation and raising her younger twin siblings onto her youthful shoulders. If not for the emotional constants of her older brother, Griff, and her old guard Southern grandmother, she would be lost. When betrayal and death arrive hand in hand, she takes to the road, headed to what turns out to be the not-sopromised land of Southern California. The dysfunction of her childhood still echoes throughout her scattered family, sending her brother on a disastrous path and drawing her home. Free. 6-8 p.m. Alma Public Library 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Dec. 15 What's Up with B? This segment will be a couple of craft ornaments for the adults because adults should have fun, too. Register by phone. All supplies provided. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Dec. 16 Book Club Discuss a book of the month. Free. 1-3 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Dec. 16 Handmade Card Class Tag making and potluck appetizers and desserts are the agenda. Supplies are free but registration by phone is required so enough kits can be made. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Dec. 16 Crafty Corner: Pinecone Ornament Rediscover your creative spark by joining Mrs. Tiffany from the Miller Branch for an easy craft that you can make at your home. Pick up a craft bag with the supplies you’ll need from the Miller Branch, starting on Dec. 13, until supplies run out. Tune in to the library’s YouTube channel or Facebook page to craft along with her video. Free. 2-2:15 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith. 479-646-3945 Dec. 17 Bingo for Books Play as many cards as you want to win free books of your choice. Everyone welcome. Free. 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Dec. 17 Bingo for Books A great way to have fun and win a good book to keep for yourself. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 December 2021 / January 2022

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 17 Christmas Dance All are welcome to a Christmas dance! Dance to a variety of music. Mike Lawrence will DJ, playing swing, ballroom, Latin and country and line dances. $5. 7-9 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith. 479-208-1072 Facebook – Step In Time dance class Dec. 21 and 28 Free Ukulele Lessons Learn to play the ukulele. It’s a simple transition from ukulele to learning to play the guitar. Lessons every Tuesday with Steve House. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Dec. 23 Christmas Crafternoon Ornament making for all ages. Register by phone. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Dec. 28 DIY 2022 Calendar The new year is almost here! Learn how to make a calendar for 2021. All supplies will be provided. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Dec. 29 What's Up with B? Game Day This afternoon activity is all about just having fun and is for all ages; kids must be accompanied by an adult to play games. Enjoy a variety of games. Free. 1:303:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Synthetic ice rink downtown will benefit Community Rescue Mission The Community Rescue Mission, in partnership First National Bank of Fort Smith, is bringing back a downtown Fort Smith tradition with a synthetic ice skating rink. The rink will be located on the lawn of the Riverfront Pavilion and is open to everyone. Group sales and corporate events are available, as well. Volunteers are sought to staff the ice rink during this time. The Community Rescue Mission is solely funded by gifts and in-kind contributions and does not charge those in need for services. CRM’s mission of instilling hope and empowering lives provides for all basic needs to include shelter, meals, personal hygiene items, clothing and case management to help families gain independence and stability. The funds the organization receive will be used toward daily operation costs in its mission of supporting homeless families. With children living on campus, it is imperative that safety and stability be a priority. Depending on the amount received, any funds over daily operations will be applied toward renovating the mission’s dining room and adding five family housing units. As a 501c(3), donations to CRM are tax deductible. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays. From Dec. 21-30, hours are 2-7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 2 p.m. Friday. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Hours may vary, so check online for up-to-date information. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children under 11 and includes skates. Riverfront Pavilion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2155 fscrm.org 44

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Dec. 30 DIY 2022 Calendar The new year is almost here! Learn how to make a calendar for 2021. All supplies will be provided. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Dec. 30 Wayside Walk at Mount Magazine For an introduction to natural and historical heritage of Mount Magazine State Park, follow along on this very short and easy guided walk. See the grotto, Chimney Rock and more. Meet on the lodge back patio. Free. 10 a.m. Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Arkansas 309, Paris, Ark. Jan. 1 First Day High Point Hike Start your year off with a healthy hike to Arkansas’ highest point. This two-mile guided walk through winter woods is a good way to explore Mount Magazine. Meet in the lodge lobby. Free. 10-11:30 a.m. Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Arkansas 309, Paris, Ark. Jan. 1 Winter Vista Hike Now that most leaves have fallen, Mount Magazine’s rugged beauty is revealed. Take a guided walk to the edges of high cliffs overlooking a vast landscape. Visit a world champion oak. There is a good chance of seeing bald eagles. This trail is not on park brochures. Meet at Brown Springs Picnic Area. Free. 3-4:30 p.m. Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Ark. 309, Paris, Ark.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Jan. 10 Soap Making Kit Learning how to make lavender soap in your home is easy to do. Pick up a craft bag that includes the supplies from the Main Library or the Miller Branch, starting on January 10, until supplies run out. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue and Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith.

Jan. 3 Zine Kit Learn about zines (D.IY. style magazine) and make your own with a free kit. Everything will be included to make your own zine. Pick up at the Main Library starting Jan. 3. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Jan. 3-31 Waltz Lessons Learn to waltz in 2022! Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach group lessons on Mondays. No class on Jan. 24. Couples and singles are welcome. $5 per person. 6:30-8 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072 Facebook – Step In Time dance class

Jan. 10 Adult Coloring Club Coloring is fun for all ages. It can help relieve stress and bring calmness. It is even more fun to color with a group. You may bring your own supplies or use the library’s. Some of our regulars bring their lunch to eat while visiting with each other. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Jan. 5 What's Up with B? Decor Snowflakes Adults will learn to make those big 3-D snowflakes. Each participant will be able to make one with a stepby-step demonstration. Register by phone. Free. 1:303:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Jan. 7 Virtual Trivia Night! with Ronny Join (virtually) for a few rounds of trivia fun! Test your knowledge on a variety of topics from books, popular culture, music and more against a group of opponents competing on Facebook Live. Free. 7-7:30 p.m. Facebook – Fort Smith Public Library

Entertainment Fort Smith

December 2021 / January 2022

Jan. 8 Happy Birthday Elvis Party! It’s the King of Rock & Roll’s 87th birthday and Van Buren Public Library is hosting a party. Elvis karaoke, trivia, games and cake will all be part of the fun. An Elvis costume contest will be held. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Events in the calendar are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with event organizers and venues via each event’s listed contact information to confirm events or to ask questions about an event. The public is invited to post all community events, free, at the magazine’s website, efortsmith.com.

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