Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine - July 2021

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Gathering means more this year Wear nicely when appropriate ... until everyone is safe.

Editorial Staff LYNN WASSON Editor & Publisher lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com Contributing Writers BRITTANY RANSOM Contributing Photographers McFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLES BELT KRISTIN CUTSINGER BRITTANY RANSOM Interactive Story Editor JOE WASSON joe@efortsmith.com

Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 CHARLES G. HUBBARD charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com © 2021 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc.

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

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Entertainment Fort Smith

July 2021

It’s going to be a traditional 4th of July this We have encouraged him in his idea to write time, with fireworks on the riverfront in Fort a cookbook about cooking for a big crowd. It can Smith and in the classic venues in all our nearby be useful for churches, family reunions and other hometowns and lakes. Crowds will gather. occasions for group meals. Actually, some of our As a magazine centered on community staff members have such big families that events, our national struggle against the 2020cooking for 25 – or even 60 – is not unusual. His 2021 pandemic has certainly been evident in our kind of recipes would be of interest. pages. Someday, someone will look back in a Go for it, Charles! library archive and research some of the societal Empathy and unity also are behind an art adjustments our readership area experienced. project at Van Buren High School. Art students All those who announce their events here in there have put a new school motto right onto our comprehensive calender mean to invite the the walls – “We are ONE, We are FAMILY, public, with an asterisk – We are POINTERS.” please come, if it is safe for I like the spirit behind you personally and if you both of those stories. But are willing to help keep wait, there’s more in this others healthy. Let’s do bringing-us-all-together look out for one another, vein. The first-ever Fort with compassion and Smith International Film cooperation, until everyone Festival elevated its profile is safer. this month by revealing its Empathy emerged as a compelling inaugural theme we didn’t really plan poster. It also disclosed in our stories for this issue. that 396 films have been Because he inquired submitted for possible about sharing some of his screening, from 43 recipes, we found a good countries! story in professional cook The festival happens in Charles Belt.

August and the next issue I knew Charles a bit will include its program of Fellowship: the poster refers to our already, as he was a friend about 33 hours of film neighboring country: the Cherokee Nation. select for festival-goers to of our children.

I have a daughter who enjoy in several downtown set out to break into the Chicago comedy scene, Fort Smith venues. Features, documentaries and just as he had done several years ago. There’s music videos will make up the festival. more of an Arkansas squad than you’d expect But back to July: For the next 30 days, you trying to make it in the Windy City in comedy can find a lot of classic, hot summer fun in this and acting and many of them befriend and issue. We’ve tried to include it all, from camps support each other. Charles showed my and programs for kids to the weekly Levitt daughter Whitney some of the ropes, as he AMP-sponsored free concerts on Thursdays. moved to Chicago ahead of her.

After the 4th of July blowouts, the big show She has fiercely high standards for comics. If of July is the Peacemaker Festival, with a large she rated him “funny,” I know he passed a high line-up of popular music. It’s diverse enough for bar of her professional judgment. everyone to find a groove. Read about its deep But he is never joking in the context of his bench of artists in the Music & Performance current profession – he cooks for 60 clients in schedule. recovery from addiction and substance abuse at We also recommend “Christmas in July” at Fort Smith’s Harbor House. the end of the month. It’s one last collaboration He (and my daughter, as it happens) have in our discovered theme. The hospitable trio of each made their own journey to sobriety, some the Fort Smith Museum of History, the Clayton time ago. I respect them both so much. Charles House and Bonneville House present shopping respects others in recovery and I came to see that days and sociable parties, together. he sincerely loves using his ability and creativity Always carefully, let’s get together! in feeding them back to health.

– Lynn Wasson

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CONTENTS

July 2021

features

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10 Inspiring unity through art

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Van Buren students unite through art The entire student body of Van Buren High School resolved to create a positive culture together. Art students have rendered the school’s new slogan right onto the walls in a meaningful mural. By Brittany Ransom

Cooking with care and creativity Charles Belt felt a calling to cook professionally, not as a side gig, when he saw the chance to nourish men going through recovery. This funny guy is a straight man at work, cooking for 60.

What’s Cooking If you’re serving 25, try this menu shared by Charles Belt to present individual meat loaves with Crowd Pleasing Carrots, Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing and Café Mocha Pie.

departments

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12 Meatloaf: the Oprah principle

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On a riverfront near you

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Where to watch

Entertainment Fort Smith

July 2021

Planning a trip out of town? Follow these creative suggestions to keep your plants and flowers hydrated while you’re gone.

DESIGN NOTES: ART FRAMING IS A FIT Allison Sales Co., the long-time source of floor covering, adds an art framing shop to its many custom interior design capabilities.

GOODIES A showcase of summer delights from the most interesting local stores.

ACTIVE LIVING Play It Again Sports offers active people and athletes an affordable and sustainable way to equip themselves for sports and exercise.

eve n t s

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GARDENING

EVENTS FOR KIDS July is the heart of summer activities for kids with camps, library fun, swimming and learning.

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE By the river is where the action is for live concerts and a big festival.

The imminent return of live theater is announced.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Choose from a variety of cool activities in the heat of summer.

on the cover

Down to the last detail of presentation, Charles Belt cooks with care.

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the writing on the wall

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Students create motto to match their mission

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e are one, we are family, we are Pointers.

Van Buren High School’s motto is something that can be seen and felt. It is literally written on the walls, serving as the theme of an inspiring new mural in the school’s stairs for all to see.

Designed and painted entirely by students, the mural represents the cultural renaissance taking place on campus. The idea began in 2019 after Van Buren High School teachers and administrators attended a conference centering on school culture. The goal was to better understand the importance and value of establishing a positive culture for both students and teachers.

Staff set to work on incorporating the ideas they learned. They began by seeking input from the student body.

“For the overall school culture to transform at the high school, students must be involved in the decision-making process,” noted assistant principal Kimberly Holman. “Our students expressed the need to develop a building-wide culture where all students have a place to belong, so creating our new motto was the first step in developing this new culture.”

Students were asked to submit design ideas for a mural to highlight the new motto. Administrators and members of the art department selected four designs to be merged into one mural. Students were then asked to pick between two versions of the combined design. After a winner was chosen, student artists worked for two weeks to complete the mural over the commons area staircase.

Featuring the Pointer dog, the abstract design incorporates various shades of greens in angular patterns throughout the mascot’s form.

The motto, “We are ONE, We are FAMILY, We are POINTERS,” is prominently painted in a graffiti style font alongside the mascot.

In addition to creating the mural, the school also formed a Renaissance Student Leadership group designed to promote the school’s mission.

“Students must feel they are valued and have a place to belong, which is why the Renaissance Student Leadership group is so vital to our overall school culture initiative at VBHS,” Holman said.

Paige Hammond, a science teacher in the district, agreed.

“Our newly formed student leadership group has just begun their quest to improve the overall school culture of VBHS. We are hopeful these improvements will bring new energy, school spirit and a sense of belonging to all students on our campus.”

Van Buren High School already has plans to install more student murals throughout the building during the 2021-22 school year.

Hammond said she believes the projects will inspire those walking the halls today, as well as future Pointers.

“The amazing mural is just the beginning of a true collaboration of not only art students and art teachers, but many other student volunteers who have now left their legacy at Van Buren High School,” she said. “This allows students to take ownership of our building and to take pride in such a spectacular accomplishment, which will be there for many years to come.”

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You get a meatloaf!

And YOU get a meatloaf!

Charles Belt cooks for a crowd, serving nourishing comfort food, man-style

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Recipes on following pages!

harles Belt is regarded as a talented actor in productions of the Fort Smith Little Theatre and a semi-pro stand-up, improv and story-telling comic. He spent a few years earning his time at the mic in Chicago’s tough, competitive comedy scene. He’s a funny guy. He peppers his social media with video character skits, goofy polls and a recurring gag about the merits of corn dogs.

But when it comes to his current profession, he’s a straight man – a serious, dedicated cook.

He creates 60 plates per meal, five days a week, of nutritious food for men who are residents at Fort Smith’s Harbor House Recovery Center. He’s passionate about nourishing his clients.

Charles attained sobriety in the same program and, with humility, considers the men he feeds as brothers in reaching for control of their lives. He enjoys feeding them very well.

When he was in in-house recovery, he had worked in the Harbor House kitchen as a helper.

In fact, he was inspired with menu ideas and sometimes pestered the boss with them.

Previously, while chasing his comedy dreams, he had cooked in busy Chicago restaurant kitchens and catering and had, mostly, found it enjoyable – but only as a side hustle. At the time, he pictured himself as a comedy headliner; he had no fantasies of becoming a chef.

“My life has been mayhem,” he said, “but I guess the one constant through all of it has been food. I have always enjoyed cooking, but I had never thought it was what I should do.”

Until he found that he did.

After he had graduated from in-house recovery to transitional living and had eight months of sobriety, he heard through a friend that the long-time kitchen manager and cook at Harbor House was leaving.

At the time, Charles had taken a job in retail. It was going well. But suddenly, he realized he really did want to run a kitchen – that kitchen in particular.

He took his lunch break and went to Harbor House and applied, immediately. He learned there were other applicants. But he kept inquiring, every few days. He was hired!

Then had one day to train with his former kitchen boss.

“It felt like I had immediately bitten off more than I could chew,” he said. After learning so much in recovery and working hard in sobriety to live and work responsibly, he wondered if he had slipped back into being too impulsive.

“I was nervous, but I stood in front of the flat top, just like I have used hundreds of times. There was a spatula just like the one I always use. I stood there and held it in my hand and thought, ‘I can do this.’ I got through that first meal and it felt really good,” he said.

There was a period of learning and scrambling. But in time, he found confidence in his competence. His enjoyment of his work is constantly growing.

“It’s a very satisfying job. I wake up in the morning and I know what my purpose is,” he explained. “When I walked through those doors – when anybody walks through those doors – people have not been eating or, at least, they have not been eating well. When you’re in that state, your body isn’t working right and your brain isn’t working right – and you’re suffering.

It’s hard for you to hear anything that anyone says to you,” he said.

“The job of the kitchen is the front line, to get some nutrients in there and get their brain working better so maybe they can hear what we’re trying to say to them in the rest of the house,” Charles said. “So, I get to play a small part in people’s recovery and I love that part.”

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The style of service he’s responsible for at Harbor House is most like catering and nothing like a restaurant’s long and varied menu, Charles noted. He serves planned meals.

“Everyone is served a plated meal, at the same time, in about six minutes. That’s how long it takes to go through the serving line and be seated,” he said. “We’re going to put all our creative energy into this one meal. Everybody is going to get it and we’re going to sit down and eat this meal together, talk and dine with others,” he said.

Charles wants a meal to be a break, where his clients relax and enjoy themselves and that’s what his employer wants, as well. Harbor House provides him with high-quality food and ingredients.

Presentation is important in his kitchen.

“I want it to look really nice when they get it. You have to catch their eyes first.”

He’s responsible for every nourishment the clients will have during their recovery. For individual meals and the weekly menu he creates, he tries to include appetizing fare with nutritional balance and tempting variety.

They’re men, he noted, and they are likely to think they prefer meat and that they “don’t eat rabbit food.” Like any cook who cares, he tries to get both protein, good veggies and fruit into his charges. On Thursday night,s he serves green salads as a main course, often topped with chicken or beef. He’s learned a few strategies like plating salad as a side dish. It gets eaten more often that way.

Charles loves a challenge and sometimes sets his own, like holding an “Around the World in 10 Meals” series from time to time.

Popular “winners” he has served include his

More ‘greatest hits’ Charles is considering publishing in a cookbook about cooking for a crowd. Above left, delicious Bacon-wrapped Asparagus. Right, an Italian Torte with salami, ham, spinach, roasted red peppers, Provolone cheese and egg. Bottom, a meal of Southwest Chicken Soup and Grilled Cheese.

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own Chicken & Waffles recipe and a “Croque Madame” grilled sandwich (it has an egg, hence the feminine description).

He has at least four signature sauces that include Wasabi Ginger and Cajun Com’ Back sauce. From his time working on a Chicago food truck called “Bruges Brothers,” he learned to appreciate excellent Belgian french fries, smothered in a variety of tasty sauces.

However, he may offer home cookin’ after a fancy meal. Charles has one tested, hit menu with recipes that he shares with the magazine and it comes with a back-story of a near-failure from early days at Harbor House. It stars “Frito Meatloaf ” as the entree.

“The go-to meals for a large crowd are spaghetti or chili,” he said. “I chose these recipes instead, because they use a lot of the same ingredients, but enable you to plate some classic Southern comfort food that’s usually thought of as too difficult when feeding a lot of people.”

“The menu is designed to utilize the whole kitchen, so you'll be able to pull this off even if the space you're working out of is small,” he explained. “The cornbread can be baked the day before, the carrots cook on the stovetop, meatloaves in the oven the day of, dressing in a large slow cooker, and dessert in the freezer.”

Bouyed by continued sobriety, a satisfying job and very, very happy in a lovely relationship of several years, Charles is a thankful person.

He’s considering writing a cookbook with some of his recipes for feeding a crowd and shares these recipes as a first step.

Try it!

– Lynn Wasson

COOKING FOR 25

Everybody Gets a Meatloaf!

The full Frito Meatloaf menu, with two side dishes and a pie for dessert!

Commentary by the cook, Charles Belt.

My first attempt at cooking meatloaf for 60 did not, shall we say ... go well. It was my first week on the job and with 30 minutes until dinner was supposed to start, I was dealing with three enormous meatloaves, all unevenly cooked. I cranked up the oven and was able to serve lunch on time, but wasn't satisfied with what I put on the plate.

Weeks went by and I couldn't work up the courage to attempt the meal again, until one day I thought of Oprah, "You get a meatloaf. And YOU get a meat loaf!

Everybody gets their own meatloaf!" They came out perfectly cooked, moist, tender and full of flavor!

They've been a staple in the kitchen ever since.

Prep. 40 min. Cook 60 min. Serves 25 Ingredients 10 lbs. ground beef 2 large onions, diced 1 green and 2 colored bell peppers, seeded & diced 3 tbsp. olive oil 2 cups Panko bread crumbs 2 cups Fritos corn chips (crushed) 12 large eggs Salt & pepper to taste 2 cups + 1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 cup Worcestershire 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup minced garlic 5 tbsp. onion powder 5 tbsp. Italian seasoning Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil over medium heat in large pan and cook diced peppers and onions until they're slightly tender.

In a large bowl, hand mix cooked peppers and onions with remaining ingredients, reserving the 1/2 cup ketchup for later. Be careful not to over mix.

Form 25 football-shaped meatloaves (approximately 10 oz. each) and place them on a large greased sheet pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Remove, brush remaining ketchup over the tops of each meatloaf and return to oven for 15 minutes or until internal temperature reads 145 degrees. Cool 10 minutes before serving.

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Crowd-Pleasing Carrots Not only a great source of important vitamins and minerals, carrots are a treat all on their own and this recipe lets their true brilliance shine through! They're cooked longer over a low heat until their natural sugars caramelize, they're fork tender, and oh-so satisfying. This is the perfect side to round out your plate of meatloaf and cornbread dressing. Add a salad of mixed greens and you've got yourself a meal that's delicious, nourishing and pleasing to the eye!

Prep. 10 min. Cook 45-60 min. Serves 25

6 lbs baby carrots (raw) 1 cup water + more if needed 1/4 cup butter (melted) 4 tbsp. Italian seasoning Salt & pepper to taste 1/8 cup white or rice wine vinegar

Add baby carrots to a large pot with a good lid and a thick bottom. Add water until it's about half an inch deep, cover and place over a low heat.

Stir ever 15 minutes and add water as needed to continue the slow cooking process with steam. Pull carrots from the heat when a fork is just able to cut through them. Add melted butter, seasoning, vinegar and salt & pepper to taste. Stir until carrots are coated.

Re-cover and allow carrots to continue to cook until desired tenderness.

Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing This slightly sweet and wonderfully savory dressing is easy and perfect alongside Frito Meatloaf.

I like to have some of both in each bite. The cornbread can be made the day before and the combined ingredients loaded into the slow-cooker on the day of.

Prep. 30 min. Cook 30-40 min. + 3-4 hrs. Serves 25 Cornbread 22⁄3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups yellow cornmeal 11⁄3 cup granulated sugar 4 tbsp. baking powder 1/2 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 11⁄3 cup milk 1/3 cup honey

Dressing 8 qt. chicken/vegetable broth (low sodium) 1/2 cup butter (melted) 4-5 leftover biscuits (crumbled small pieces) 1 cup frozen corn 8 tbsp. poultry seasoning 8 tbsp. sage 4 tbsp. chives Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients for the cornbread until well combined.

Transfer the batter to two 9x13 greased cake pans. Bake for 30-40 minutes, placing one on the top rack and the other on the bottom, switching and rotating halfway through. Remove from oven when they're golden brown on top and set in the middle.

Allow cornbread to cool completely. Crumble into large, 18-quart slow-cooker. Add crumbled biscuits and toss together. Whisk liquids and seasonings for dressing in bowl, then pour over crumbled bread. Mix with a spoon and cover.

Cook on low/200 degrees for 3-4 hours or until heated through.

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Café Mocha Pie My grandfather, Johnny Belt (aka Papaw), would always say the same thing after a big meal, "Whatta we got to sweeten up on?" And it's a family tradition that survives through today.

This dessert is easy, but that doesn't mean it won't be impressive. The slight bitterness of the coffee perfectly balances the sweetness in the pudding and its creamy texture is complemented by the crunchy cookie crust, making this the best follow-up to your meal.

Ingredients 4 prepared chocolate pie crusts 4 (5.9 oz.) instant chocolate pudding mixes 2 cups of your favorite coffee (black, chilled) 2 + 4 cups heavy cream 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1 bottle chocolate syrup (chilled) Place large metal mixing bowl in freezer or fill with ice water until chilled.

Prepare pudding mixes in a separate large bowl according to directions, but instead of liquid called for, use chilled coffee and 2 cups heavy cream.

Divide thickened pudding evenly between 4 prepared crusts, smoothing it out with a plastic spatula. Place pies in freezer while preparing whipped topping.

Add 4 cups heavy cream and 3/4 cups sugar into a chilled metal mixing bowl. Using whisk attachment(s), mix until cream thickens and forms stiff peaks.

Remove pies from freezer, spread whipped cream in a thick layer over each of them. Drizzle each with chilled chocolate syrup. Return to freezer.

Set out on counter as you sit down to eat and the texture will be perfect when it's time for the dessert course.

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GARDENING

Vacation care for container gardens

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lanning a few long weekends or a vacation may have you rethinking your garden plans. Don’t let time away from home stop you from growing flowers and vegetables in containers.

Irrigation systems with timers and selfwatering pots are options to make container gardening and vacation care easier. You may, however, just be looking for ways to adapt your existing container gardening care while on vacation.

Find a plant sitter and take time to provide needed plant care instructions. It can be difficult, but you may be able to convince the person stopping by to feed the cat to water your plants. Move containers to a shady spot to extend the time between watering. Make sure the hose is handy. The easier the task, the more likely it will be done, and your plants will survive. Sweeten the deal by offering to share the harvest or return the favor when they leave town.

Create your own self-watering system with a 5-gallon bucket and strips of absorbent material like cotton fabric strips or rope to serve as wicks. Place the bucket amongst your containers. Run the fabric wick from the 5gallon bucket into the drainage holes of your containers. As the soil dries the water will move from the water-filled bucket into the container moistening the soil. Use long wicks that reach and rest on the bottom of the bucket. Add a lid with holes for the wicks to Water or wine bottles can be combined with commercial products to help regulate the flow of slow evaporation. water to container gardens while away on vacation.

Use an individual setup to create a water product like wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com). This organic soil reservoir for each container. Set each pot on its own enclosed water additive made from wool waste holds up to 20 percent of its weight in filled container. Cut holes in the lid of the water filled container and water. It releases water as needed, so you do not have to water as run wicks into the drainage holes of the pot. often.

Test whatever system you create before leaving on vacation. You Further reduce the need to water by growing more drought tolerant want to make sure everything is in place and working. plants. Zinnias, lantana, sunflowers, and succulents look beautiful and For short trips consider using a wine bottle or two-liter soda bottle. tolerate drier soil conditions.

They can be used alone or combined with commercial products to A beautiful and productive container garden does not have to stop help regulate the flow. Just punch a hole in the soil and insert a wateryou from enjoying a long weekend or vacation out of town. Make filled wine or soda bottle. With cap in place, punch 10 holes in the bottom of the plastic bottle before filling with water and setting in the plans for your container gardens as you plan your next trip. soil. Evaluate and test how many bottles you need per pot and how Melinda Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & long they can sustain your plants.

Blooms magazine.

Increase the watering-holding ability of your potting mix with a July 2021

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DESIGNER NOTES

Allison Sales Company adds the artful service of custom art framing

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uzzling, at first, to learn that Allison Sales Co., the long-established floor covering company, would add an art framing service. But the pieces drop in place perfectly.

Craftsmanship is the connection. Since 1925, the family-owned company’s strength has been reliance on expert skills and high-quality materials. Originally, the company dealt in hardwood lumber. For almost the last quartercentury, the Allisons have specialized in tile, vinyl floor coverings and carpet, serving modern market trends in home and commercial installation.

A through-line is custom installation with expert skills, which led to a focus on full bathroom installations of tile, countertops and on-trend, frameless glass shower enclosures and doors.

Baths often include the need for creating Behind custom framer Kevin Weakley, the alligator hide he mounted for a client.

framed mirrors in a myriad of stocks, from wood to metal, ornate to modern.

All those materials require precision cutting, measuring and specific installation techniques.

Father and son Vince and Chase Allison saw custom art framing as a natural fit with all their other interior design and fabrication capabilities.

While decorating new homes or renovating exiting ones, clients of their many services can also have expert help displaying their personal artworks, photographs and treasures.

And clients can certainly surprise framers. One of the new frame shop’s first challenges was to mount a full alligator hide! The staff was ready.

Lead framer Kevin Weakley, with more than a decade of experience with Hobby Lobby, has seen and conquered a wild variety of objects, images and art. He recently created an enclosure for three child-sized, pastel, sun-faded beach caps. It instantly generates sentimental beach dreams.

Objects, art and images that people choose to frame are intensely personal and cherished, which the staff members genuinely understand.

On display in the store is a shadowbox of the U.S. Navy uniform buttons, pins and other memorabilia that belonged to owner Vincent Allison’s father, Vincent Allison Sr. To any family, such a display is priceless. It bolsters customer confidence to know their treasured possessions are cared by skilled staff here in our hometown area.

Frame shop staff Kirsten Cutsinger and Amanda Wilson both formerly assisted customers at Bedford Camera & Video.

Top: Chase and Vincent Allison bookend their new framing staff, in front of some but not even all of the frame stock choices the shop offers.

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DESIGNER NOTES

Wilson is experienced in light photographic restoration and enhancement, using digital software to clean up damage, balance lighting and make images look their best.

Cutsinger consults with clients to make choices of mats, frames and framing styles. She also has her hands into fabricating frames and the printson-canvas that the store’s large-format printer can create. Both color and black-and-white images can be transferred to art-quality canvas, wrapped on frame or in a frame.

The shop’s large-format printer can reproduce an image at high resolution as large as 44 inches by almost any length.

With almost infinite colors, frame styles and artistic considerations, custom framing really is similar to the interior design and installation decisions clients make about flooring and tile.

Art framing, then, is a fit with Allisons Sales Co.’s trusted capabilities and the high standards of this almost century-old business.

Allison Sales Co. Framing Shop 7101 U.S. 271 South Fort Smith, Ark. 479-649-9989 allisonsalesonline.com

Wilson lightly enhancing a photograph, which can be reproduced, enlarged or put on canvas.

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goodies

Waterbird canned cocktails made with premium distilled spirits, found at In Good Spirits.

Aveda protective, refreshing hair care products from Metropolis Hair Studio.

Unique terracotta planters, including several that hang, available at Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses.

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goodies Twin-size trundle beds in several styles found at Mike’s Furniture in Roland.

Photo and canvas prints, large or small, available from Allison Sales custom frame shop.

Platinum solitaire icon engagement ring from Forevermark from Newton's Jewelers.

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goodies

Show your school spirit with these unique tees from Play It Again Sports.

Garlic-jalapeno and vodkaand vermouth-soaked olives from Paul’s Meat Market.

Americana decor available at A to Z Variety.

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goodies Mesh sneaker with bubble outsole and trim-to-fit, black camo no-show socks from Firefly Boutique in Van Buren.

Original artwork greeting cards available at the gift shop at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.

Tarot journal, quill and ink set, fan, skeleton keys and tattoos from Timeless Oddities & Curiosities.

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goodies

Designer sunglasses by Oliver Peoples available at the office of Dr. Steven B. Stiles.

Women's hydration pack race vest from True Grit Running Co.

Sexy Hair holding gel found at Vanity Calls.

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Play It Again Sports outfits every activity

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s there any use more brief than a tiny baseball glove of a Tball player? They’re made just as well as a MLB player’s, but they’re only needed for a 4- to 6 year-old’s introduction to the game. Most kids will never create a personal crease in the leather.

At the other end of the scale, is there anything more in the way than a bulky, unused treadmill, elliptical trainer or stationary bike?

Admit it: For every kind of sports equipment, there is a season.

Play It Again Sports is a store that knows kids grow, skills improve and interests change. It outfits customers for almost any sport with a full selection of high-quality, previously owned equipment at prices lower than big box sporting goods stores.

“When you’re done, bring it back in,” is the watchword, said Vicki Stouffer, who, with her husband, David, offers this useful opportunity. When their kids were most active, Play It Again Sports location in other places they lived were lifesavers, she said.

After establishing their own Fort Smith franchise, the Stouffers have created a deep bench, as it were, of knowledgeable staff and an enormous selection of new and previously owned sporting goods.

Customers may be selling a piece of equipment that has become “a clothes hanger” or obstacle in the garage.

Play It Again buys equipment at fair market value that is in near-new, operational condition, ready to be enjoyed by a different owner. Some larger items are accepted for 50/50 consignment. Taking the option to sell equipment allows the former owner to “trade in or trade up,” Vicki explained. And it avoids the hassles for the seller of offering it via a garage sale or online.

Some sellers take a store credit that can be held until they’re ready to apply it in-store.

Before coming in, customers may not realize how well the store can equip an athlete, with both brand new and gently used sporting gear.

Youth team players may get outfitted completely in a previously owned football helmet but a new team uniform and athletic socks in team colors.

Attentive, informed staff can advise a parent or player on proper fit, sizes and protective gear they may not be familiar with. There’s an instore practice area for trying out bats, clubs or other items. Customers get kind and friendly Tiny T-ball gloves and brightly colored disc golf support here – any player will show up for gear may be alongside a kayak or mini tramp. practice outfitted properly.

Owner David Stouffer

Up next: club football season. Play It Again can help outfit players with personal gear.

Physical therapy equipment is a common need. Play It Again Sports can offer significant savings to those ordered to use specific exercise machines after joint replacements or injuries.

When rehab is complete, the machines can be returned to sell.

Play It Again Sports 2817 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. playitagainsports.com July 2021

Entertainment Fort Smith

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KIDS

calendar of events

July 1-29 Weekly Animal-Themed Story Times Miss Allison will read about a different animal each week and welcome a special guest. After reading a short story, learn how to make a craft to go along with it.

Animals will be cows, horses, goats, turtles and snakes. Free. 10:30-11 a.m. Thursdays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 1-29 Teen Time Tweens/teens are invited to participate in a variety of fun summer activities. Call the library to sign up. Free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 2 Family & Folklore Mrs. Tammy is going to tell a Polish tale about a knight and a witch. Enjoy this tale live on Facebook. Free. 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show JULY

Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show is back with a new show, Wild About Magic! This magic show is a unique blend of laugh-out-loud comedy coupled with sensational magic, all combined with an educational approach that is all about having fun with books. The show features Tommy as a big kid who shows up at your event to watch his Uncle Fumpernutter perform a magic show. When no one can find Uncle Fumpernutter, Tommy takes over. Unfortunately, Tommy has never done magic before, so he enlists the kids’ help following the instructions in the huge Magician’s Handbook. The magic works in wacky and unexpected ways, making Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show educational fun for the whole family. This event will be available for viewing until July 15. Free. 2-2:45 p.m.

Facebook – Fort Smith Public Library

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July 1 Ms. Robin’s Favorites: Apple Pie 4th of July Ms. Robin opens up the Library Surprise Bag to see Fred the library dog and to find which favorite story you'll get to hear! Free. 10-10:15 a.m.

Facebook – Fort Smith Public Library

July 1 STEM – Parachuting Cow Experiment For this STEM Thursday activity, experiment with different parachutes for your parachuting cow. The video will be available on the Alma Public Library Facebook page. Craft kits are available upon request. Tweens/teens. Free. 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library July 1-29 Teen Summer Reading Program Every Thursday afternoon, Ms. Lara will tell a tale for you to hear and show you how to do a fun craft. Participants will be meeting in person and live on Facebook.

Free. 1-2 p.m. Thursdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Facebook – Cedarville Public Library

July 1-29 Mulberry Weekly Story Time Traditional story time with a craft activity. Free. 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 24 Entertainment Fort Smith July 2021

July 2 Weekly Kraftivity Time: Sloths Join the Mountainburg Public Library Facebook Page for Kraftivity Time each Friday. For this week’s kraftivity, you’ll be making your own sloths. All the supplies needed for this kraftivity will be available as a take-and-make kit. Contact them June 30 to reserve a kit for pickup on the following Thursday or Friday. Free. 2:303:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Facebook – Mountainburg Public Library

July 2-30 Friday Flicks Get out of the heat and enjoy a movie at the Van Buren Public Library on Fridays.

Call for information about the movie each week. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fridays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 3, 10 and 17 Bring Your Own Kayak Series You’ve got a kayak so now what? Meet up with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission educators in this series and let them help you answer your questions. For ages 16 and older. To register, email Karen.Westcamp at Johnson@agfc.ar.gov. Free. 8 a.m.

River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com July 6 Story Break – Live at Jen’s Kitty Rehab Mrs. Tiffany will be reading to a cat that is available for adoption at Jen’s Kitty Rehab. Join Mrs. Tiffany on the library's Facebook page. Free. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Facebook – Fort Smith Public Library July 6 Weekly Story Time This week’s story time is all about animals of the Arctic. Free. 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Facebook – Mountainburg Public Library

July 6 DIY Lucky Horseshoe For DIY Tuesday, pick up a craft kit in advance and follow online to make a lucky horseshoe. Tweens/teens. Free. 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 6-17 CSA presents Elf JR. Who wants to celebrate Christmas in July by putting together a play in two weeks?

This production will be directed by Shannon Stoddard and Cody Walls and is open to students entering grades 7-12, as well as college freshmen. Enrollment is open now online. Space is limited to 30 students. Everyone who enrolls will be cast. $350. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Community School of the Arts St. Boniface, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org July 6-27 Baby and Me Children from birth to age 3 will enjoy this special story time just for them. Each

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KIDS EVENTS Tuesday, meet for songs, finger play, a story and more. On July 13, Baby and Me will include baby yoga. Free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479474-6045

July 6-Aug. 10 Fort Smith Regional Arts Museum Creative Cartooning Love creating characters but not sure where to start on your cartooning journey? Fort Smith Regional Art Museum has you covered with a new summer class that focuses on building your creativity to create unique characters and stories. This class will start with illustration exercises and slowly dive into characters and storyboarding, touching on all the tools that will make that first comic panel seem a little less intimidating. Registration is available online. For students 10 and older. Limited to 15 students. Free. 1 p.m.

Tuesdays. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-784-2786 fsram.org

July 7 Science Stop!

Join the library for a simple science experiment that you can repeat at home. Learn how to make a solar oven to cook yummy s’mores. Free. 2-2:15 p.m.

Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

July 7 3-D Dragon Craft Make a 3-D dragon craft as part of the “Tails and Tales” summer program. Beginning July 7, craft kits will be available for pickup at the Dallas Street Branch Library while supplies last. Teens or adults are welcome. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith. 479-484-5650

$65. 2:30-3:15 p.m. Wednesdays (grades K-2) and 3:15-4 p.m. Wednesdays (grades 3-6). Community School of the Arts St. Boniface, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

July 8 Story Time with Matia – “Black Magic” Is black a look? A taste? A speed? An emotion? Or is it the surprising stripes on a zebra, the taste of dark chocolate, the scary, exciting feeling of going inside a tunnel and a mother's voice as her daughter falls asleep? Watch Matia as she reads “Black Magic” by Dinah Johnson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, and join a celebration of African-American spirit! You can see “Story Time with Matia” anytime on the library's social media. Free. 10-10:15 a.m.

Facebook – Fort Smith Public Library

July 8, 22 Pop-Up Play Days Sponsored by the Fort Smith Parks Department, children are invited to a variety of fun, summertime activities in city parks. All ages are welcome. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. 479-784-2368 July 8: Ninja Warrior Course, Creekmore Park, Rogers & South 31st Street July 22: Amazing Race, Creekmore Park, Rogers & South 31st Street

July 8 STEM – Pool Noodle Hobby Horse For this STEM Thursday activity, make a hobby horse out of a pool noodle. The craft video will be available online. Craft kits are available from the library upon request. Tweens/teens. Free. 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140, Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 7 Watermelon Fan Craft Cool off with a watermelon fan as part of the “Tails and Tales” summer program. Beginning July 7, craft kits will be available for pickup at the library while supplies last. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith. 479-484-5650

July 7-28 Tails and Tales Story Time Tails and Tales is what the library is all about this summer. Hear stories about animals, sing and craft with them. Free.10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 7-28 Kids Summer Reading Program Each week, Ms. Lara will read a story and show you how to do a fun craft. Meet in person or live on Facebook. Free. 1-2 p.m. Wednesdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Facebook – Cedarville Public Library

July 7-28 Let's Play: Intro to Piano This four-week class will be a fun and engaging introduction to piano. Students will focus on beginning musical concepts, including rhythm, intervallic reading and aural skills. Students will learn songs, improvise and play fun group activities. This class is designed for students with no previous piano experience. A piano or keyboard at home is recommended.

July 9 Movies in the Park: Moana The Fort Smith Parks and Recreation’s “Movies in the Park” series will return this summer, giving visitors the chance to enjoy popular movies in one of the city’s scenic parks. “Moana” is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

Take blankets and lawn chairs. Free. Movie starts at dusk. Creekmore Park, Rogers Avenue and South 31st Street, Fort Smith. 479-784-2368 fortsmithparks.com July 9 Family & Folklore Hear Mrs. Tammy tell a tale about Three Billy Goats.

Enjoy this tale live on Facebook. Free. 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 9 Weekly Kraftivity Make your own arctic animal. All the supplies needed

for this kraftivity will be available as a take-and-make kit. Reserve by phone by July 7 to pick up a craft kit on the following Thursday or Friday. Free 2:30-3:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Facebook – Mountainburg Public Library

July 12 Arkansas Animals The Arkansas Game and Fish will present a program for families on Arkansas animals. Free. 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 12 Goat Balloon Puppet Make balloon puppets that look like goats. If you enjoy stories like “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” then you will love this craft. Toddlers/children. Free 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 12-16 Next Level Art Workshop: The Power of Paper This weeklong event incorporates papermaking processes and an introduction to bookmaking. Open to any student entering grades 7-12. Limited to 10 students. Sponsored by Future School of Fort Smith.

Free. Call or go online to register. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Future School of Fort Smith. fsfuture.org 479-431-8695

July 12-16 Virtual Art Camp Kids Art Camp is coming to Mountainburg via the Center for Art and Education – Van Buren. Call to reserve your spot today. The library will have a number of sponsored spots so kids can attend for free, so sign up early! If a sponsored spot is not available, the cost is $20 per child. All art supplies will be provided as kits to pick up at the library. 9 a.m.-noon. Mountainburg Public Library 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg.

479-369-1600

July 12-16 Building Your Acting Skills Whether you have years of experience on the stage or not a single one, this theater workshop will give you the skills and experiences to firmly plant your feet on any stage. For one week, young actors will have the opportunity to spend two hours a day learning, building and developing performance skills and techniques.

The week of learning will culminate in a group performance. Early registration is encouraged. 10 a.m.noon for ages 6-12; 3-5 p.m. ages 13-18. $50. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-479-474-7767 art-ed.org July 12 Jeff the Science Guy Jeff Coward, amazing Science Guy, will be at the library to wow everyone with science. Free 1-2 p.m.

Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

July 12, 26 Learn 2 Knit Interested in knitting your own scarf or hat? Join this beginner friendly knitting class. Open to any student entering grades 7-12. Limited to 10 students. Sponsored by Future School of Fort Smith. Free. Call or go online to register. 12:30-4:30 p.m. Future School of Fort Smith. fsfuture.org, 479-431-8695 July 2021 Entertainment Fort Smith 25

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KIDS EVENTS

July 13 DIY Yarn-Wrapped Goat The how-to video to make a yarn-wrapped goat will be available on the Alma Public Library Facebook page. Craft kits are available upon request.

Tweens/teens. Free 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 13, 20 Rocket Chess!

Join to learn all the tips and tricks you need to become a chess phenom. Open to any student entering grades 7-12. Limited to 10 students. Sponsored by Future School of Fort Smith. Free. Call or go online to register. 9 a.m.-noon. Future School of Fort Smith.

479-431-8695 fsfuture.org

July 13-30 Ben Geren Youth Golf Academy Kids ages 3-17 will learn to play golf and improve their skills. Session will offer two classes a week over a four-week period. Classes are divided into ages for boys and girls together and include up to 24 kids.

Kids’ clubs are provided. SNAG (Starting New At Golf) littlest golfers start with plastic clubs and tennis balls. Girls also may enroll in LPGA/USGA Girls Golf classes. Enrolled kids also get free driving range balls and play free on the academy’s course. Call to enroll. More fun, free: The golf academy has a “foot golf” course playing golf, soccer style. The shorter course has holes to accommodate a soccer ball. $75 per session; includes free driving range balls and free play on the academy’s course. Ben Geren Youth Golf Academy, 6100 Golf Course Loop, Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero Street, Fort Smith 479-646-2444

July 14 Elite K-9 Academy How do they train service dogs? Visit the library to find out. There will be a door prize. Summer Reading Program participants earn an extra ticket into the grand prize drawing. Free. 10-11 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

July 14-16 Aaahh!! Real Monsters Meet new friends and explore the role of monsters and lore in today’s culture. Free. Open to any student entering grades 7-12. Limited to 10 students. Sponsored by Future School of Fort Smith. Free. Call or go online to register. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Future School of Fort Smith. 479-431-8695 fsfuture.org

July 14 Story Break – LIVE at Kitties & Kanines Shelter Mrs. Tiffany will be reading to a cat that is available for adoption at Kitties and Kanines Shelter. Join her on Facebook. Free. 2-2:15 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith.

479-783-0229 Facebook – Fort Smith Public Library

July 15 STEM – Walking Goat Make a paper goat that can walk. The craft video will be available on the library Facebook page. Craft kits are available upon request. Tweens/teens. Free 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library 26 Entertainment Fort Smith July 2021

dents will view a rare collection of fossil specimens for inspiration and gain a better understanding of the fossil record. Learn to use a Loupe to view microscopic fossilized organisms. Early registration is recommended. Lunch is not provided and students are encouraged to take lunch for their break. Call to register. $125. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Center for Art & Education 104 North 13th Street Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 15 Hora del Cuento en Español/Spanish Story Time ¡Hoy el cuento de Tails & Tales (Colas & Cuentos) es en español! Únete a Monica Cortez mientras lee “El Pez Arcoiris”. El pez arcoíris es el pez más hermoso del océano. ¿Descubrirá el valor real de la belleza y la amistad? ¡Escucha y descúbrelo! Join Monica Cortez as she reads “El Pez Arcoiris/The Rainbow Fish.” “The Rainbow Fish” is the most beautiful fish in the ocean.

Will he discover the real value of beauty and friendship? Listen and find out! Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

July 16 Family & Folklore In this edition of Family & Folklore, Mrs. Tammy is going to tell a Portuguese tale about a clever youth and a foolish youth. Listen on the library Facebook page – it might surprise you! Free. 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 16 Movies in the Park: Trolls World Tour The Fort Smith Parks and Recreation’s “Movies in the Park” series will return this summer, giving visitors the chance to enjoy popular movies in one of the city’s scenic parks. When the Queen of the Hard Rock Trolls tries to take over all the Troll kingdoms, Queen Poppy and her friends try different ways to save all the Trolls.

Take blankets and lawn chairs. Free. Movie starts at dusk. Creekmore Park, Rogers Avenue and South 31st Street, Fort Smith. 479-784-2368

July 17 Clothesline Art Show Join the Mountainburg Public Library and the campers from this week’s art camp, provided by the Center for Art and Education, for a clothesline art show. All artists of Mountainburg are welcome to showcase their art. If you did not participate in art camp but would like to display some of your art, please contact the Mountainburg Library for approval.

This is a great way to support art in the community.

Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg. 479-369-1600

July 19 Egg Carton Turtles Turtles can come in all shapes and sizes, much like people. If you like turtles, then you will love making an egg carton turtle. Toddlers/children. Free. 2-3 p.m.

Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 19-23 Paleo Fossils Art Camp Become an amateur archeologist while exploring many art mediums to create unique Paleo Art. Stu-

July 19-23 Center for Art & Education Wonderful World of Art Camp Each day, campers will learn art history and explore a new medium in drawing, painting, printmaking, pastel, paper mache, low-relief sculpture and more. Mark your calendar for a week of fun and engaging art projects. Early registration is encouraged. $20. 9 a.m.noon or 1-4 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 19-23 Free Pop, Rock, & All That Jazz Camp Grades 7-12 One-week day camp focuses on jazz, pop and rock styles in vocal and instrumental music. Small and large group ensembles, private lessons, studio recording, and special break-out sessions in songwriting will all be part of this camp week. Real-world artists will lead the camp and offer workshops in music technology, how to succeed in music and marketing yourself in the music scene. Students will have the opportunity to compose and record their own music in a world-class recording studio. Free. 9 a.m.4 p.m. Community School of the Arts, St. Boniface, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

July 19 and 26 Family Fun at the Van Buren Public Library The entire family can come for fun and learning. Each day will be a different theme. Free. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren. 479-474-6045

July 20 Weekly Story Time Animals of Australia! Stories with koalas, wallabies, wombats and many more animals with be read. Story times are designed to be fun for kids while building confidence and literacy skills. Learn this and more when you join them on Facebook. Free. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg. 479-369-1600 Facebook – Mountainburg Public Library

July 20 DIY Turtle Box For DIY Tuesday, learn how to make a turtle box. The how-to video will be available on the Alma Public Library Facebook page. Craft kits are available upon request. Tweens/teens. Free. 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 21 Origami for All Ages Add a touch of 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 an origami packet anytime from the Miller or Windsow Driver branches and watch the how-to video on Facebook or YouTube. Free. 2-2:15 p.m.

479-646-3945, 479-785-0405

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July 21 3-D Box Craft Three-D box craft kits will be available for pickup July 21 while supplies last. This is a great craft for teens and adults. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith 479-484-5650 Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

July 21 Dino Puppet Craft Craft kits will be available for pickup while supplies last. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith 479-484-5650 Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

July 22 Ms. Robin’s Favorites: Fish is Fish Help Ms. Robin open up the Library Surprise Bag to see Fred – and to see which favorite story you'll get to hear. Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

July 22 STEM – Turtle Gears Make turtle-shaped gears. The video will be available on the Alma Public Library Facebook page. Craft kits are available upon request. Tweens/teens. Free 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 23 Family & Folklore Mrs. Tammy is going to tell a Native American Tale that has a turtle that wanders too far from home.

Check out this story on the library Facebook page to see what happens. Free. 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 23 Weekly Kraftivity Time Make your own animal of Australia. All the supplies will be available as a take-and-make kit. Contact the library by July 21 to reserve a kit. Free. 2:30-3:30 p.m.

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

July 26 DIY Cat Toy Make a fun do-it-yourself toy for your kitty. Watch the video for a supplies list and instructions. You can watch the “DIY Cat Toy” video anytime on the Fort Smith Public Library's Facebook page or YouTube Channel. Free. 9-9:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

July 26-30 Art Explosion Ideas will be popping up everywhere in this visual arts summer camp. Experience art through works by significant pop artists, such as Andy Warhol and Wayne Theibaud and create your own explosive pop art.

There will be an art exhibit at the end of the week. Instructor is Sherry Jones. 9:30-11:30 a.m. grades K3, tuition $100; 1:30-4:30 p.m. grades 3-6, tuition $150. Community School of the Arts, Central Presbyterian Church location, 2901 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

July 26 Wooden Snake Craft The Ssssummer Reading Program is almost over and the library is ending it with a snake craft! Decorate your own wooden snake and enjoy playing with it.

This craft is available while supplies last. Toddlers/children. Free 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 27 Weekly Story Time Celebrate the animals of Asia! Stories with giant pandas, Asian elephants, Asian palm civet and many more animals with be read. Story times are designed to be fun for kids while building confidence and literacy skills. Join them on Facebook. Free. 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg,479-369-1600 Facebook – Mountainburg Public Library

July 27 DIY Beaded Snake Keychain Make a beaded snake keychain. The how-to video will be available on Facebook. Craft kits are available upon request. Tweens/teens. Free. 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 29 Tails & Tales with Christina: “Can I Sit With You?” Which animal's tail will be in the tale that Christina is reading today? Watch and find out! Free. 10-10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

July 29 STEM – Paper Chain Snake Make a paper chain snake. The video will be available on the Alma Public Library Facebook page. Craft kits

KIDS EVENTS are available upon request. Tweens/teens. Free. 4-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 30 Family & Folklore In this week’s Family & Folklore, Mrs. Tammy is going to tell a popular tale with a twist. It is about a man that helps a snake out and gets an amazing reward. Enjoy this tale live on Facebook. Free. 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 30 Mr. Jeff Science Guy Mr. Jeff is a library favorite as he makes messes and occasionally small explosions. Mulberry Library summer reading program participants earn an extra ticket into the grand prize drawing, making this program a triple win. Free. 1-3 p.m. Mulberry High School Performing Arts Center, 203 West 5th Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

July 31 End of Summer Reading Program Party The Alma Library is ending this summer with a splash.

The end of summer party is at the Alma Aquatic Park.

Participants can swim from 8:30-10:30 a.m., then they will move to the gazebo for food and prizes! Food is provided and the library is awarding big prizes. You don’t want to miss this party. Registration is required.

Free. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 31 2021 End of Summer Reading Program Party People of all ages are invited to celebrate the great accomplishments of the community during the 2021 Mountainburg Public Library Summer Reading Program. Join them for this outside event where prizes will be awarded and fun activities for the kids will be provided. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg 479-369-1600

Aug. 2 Jelly Fish Craft Use paper plates and pipe cleaners to make colorful jellyfish. Design a jellyfish, give it a name and take it home with you. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 26-30 Color Your Canvas Explore the basics of painting with instructor Lin Chen.

In this workshop, students will further develop their motor skills, discover how the sense of sight and touch are interrelated, learn about the hues of the color wheel, delve into the history of art in China or Japan and participate in their very own exhibit showcasing their masterpieces from the week. Call to register. For ages 6-12. $100. 1-3 p.m. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-479-474-7767 art-ed.org

July 2021

Entertainment Fort Smith

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Gardening with Kids

Plant a Butterfly Garden Kids love butterflies! Encourage your child’s sense of connection to the natural world and invite butterflies into your landscape by planting a butterfly garden. A butterfly garden provides a colorful array of nectar-producing plants that not only attract butterflies (and often hummingbirds as well), but offers plants to feed the caterpillar stage of their life cycle. With the appropriate plantings, a butterfly garden provides opportunities to educate your children about the life cycle of a butterfly, allowing them to view each stage of growth and explore the intricate relationships of plants and animals.

Materials:

1

2

• in-ground garden space, raised bed or container garden • trowel or shovel • flowering plants for adult butterfly

Find a garden location that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight and is sheltered from the wind. Your spot also needs to provide nighttime hiding places for butterflies such as small trees or large shrubs, and places for them to attach while in their chrysalis.

3

Select plants that grow well in your area. You need to include flowering plants that attract butterflies and also leafy “host plants” that attract egg-laying butterflies and provide food for the caterpillars (also known as the larvae). It is always best to select native plants that will attract butterflies native to your area.

Choose a variety of species that bloom throughout the growing season. This will help lure the butterflies to your garden for longer periods. A mixture of annual and perennial plants can offer a wide assortment of blooms when butterflies are most active during mid- to late summer. Make it easy for passing butterflies to locate the flowers you’re providing by planting each kind of plant in groups of at least three.

Plant your garden. Add one or two large, flat rocks in the sun so butterflies have a place to bask when mornings are cool. Since butterflies cannot drink from open water, provide them with a “puddle” by filling a container, such as an old birdbath, with wet sand where they can perch and drink safely.

4

Once the garden is planted, stand back and wait for the butterflies.

With a successful butterfly garden, your kids will be able to observe the developmental process of a butterfly. The eggs soon hatch, and the larvae appear and eat the leafy growth of the host plant, eventually developing into full-grown caterpillars. Remember, you will need to tolerate some leaf damage from your very hungry garden guests. Later, these caterpillars affix themselves to a twig or branch and form a chrysalis, entering the pupa stage.

Within about two weeks, they metamorphose into butterflies and re-emerge.

Special Note: Avoid all pesticides. Butterflies are insects, so it makes sense that insecticides – even those labeled “organic” – can harm them.

Herbicides used to quell weeds can also harm nectar and host plants. To keep weeds in check, maintain a layer of mulch and pull weeds regularly.

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MUSIC

and performance

Free Levitt AMP and 64.6 Downtown Concert Series Continues on Thursdays

PHIL CLARKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Held at the intimate Riverfront Amphitheatre, this free concert series provides an enjoyable Thursday evening outdoors for all ages – and it is free, thanks in part to the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation.

The last three of 10 shows are in July, including Fort Smith artist Allison Grace. Shows begin at 6 p.m. and end before dark. Food and beverage vendors onsite.

121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith. 64.6downtown.com

Peacemaker Festival is July’s big show JULY

Back to the big stage at Harry E. Kelley Riverpark, the Peacemaker Music Festival will present a major concert event with two days of good vibes and a lineup of country, rock, blues, Red Dirt and Americana artists.

30-31

One of the headliners, Cody Johnson, came busting out of the Texas music scene like the bull rider he had originally intended to be. He earned his fans through live performance and released his recordings on his own label. Johnson made Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo history by becoming the first unsigned/independent artist to play to a sold-out crowd of 74,000. He came to a major label on his own terms after reaching the top of the charts independently.

Texas Monthly raved that Paul Cauthen’s sound is “like the Highwaymen all rolled into one: He’s got Willie’s phrasing, Johnny’s haggard quiver, Kristofferson’s knack for storytelling and Waylon’s baritone.”

Lucero, a Fort Smith favorite, always shows its Memphis-based identity of classic rock ‘n’ roll, roadhouse tough. Get tickets and receive all festival announcements through the website peacemakerfest.com Paul Cauthen

Cody Johnson

Allison Grace July 1 Allison Grace A contestant of NBC's “The Voice,” Allison Grace is a Fort Smith artist. R&B, jazz, funk, rock, folk and more.

Her band puts down a blend of blue-eyed soul and smooth, adult contemporary.

July 8 Hope Clayburn Soul, jazz, rock saxophonist, vocalist and flautist Hope Clayburn is on a mission to move the people. With her Hope Clayburn unique funky and soulful style, she’s always up to the challenge to make every audience member feel included in her energetic shows.

July 15 SambaDá Brazilian group SambaDá musically unites the Americas, drawing from percussion-based styles of South and Central American samba and salsa, and blending them with the funk!

SambaDá July 2021

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A SOUND FOR SORE EYES.

KUAF

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Fort Smith Little Theatre sets the stage to reopen It’s been a long intermission for the Fort Smith Little Theatre but after more than a year of closure in compliance with COVID-19 directives, this all-volunteer community theater is setting the stage to reopen.

Their first production will be the clever comedy Clue, which will be performed Sept. 23-Oct 2.

Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. July 12. Callbacks will be July 13.

The cast calls for 5-10 males and 5-10 females about 20-65 years of age. Check FSLT social media or fslt.org prior to the audition date for more information.

“Based on the movie and popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist,” explained Eric Wells, FSLT production chairman. “This will be a perfect reopening production. After the past year, a quirky comedy is just what we all need.”

FSLT will present Parfumerie, upon which Little Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail are based, in November. The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon is in December.

A full slate of shows will help FSLT celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2022.

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CALENDAR of events July 1-15 Kitty Litter Drive Keeping litter boxes clean is a constant chore at Jen’s Kitty Rehab. Drop off a bag of clumping litter, any brand, to help. Jen’s Kitty Rehab, 3123 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith. Facebook – Jen’s Kitty Rehab

Art and Aviation Exhibit is featured through summer, displaying lithographs and models at Fort Smith RAM JULY

1

SEPT

Organized by RAM in collaboration with the Fort Smith Air Museum, this exhibit will consist of 40+ aviation prints by various artists selected from the George Calvin Schriver Collection.

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July 1-31 Tails & Tales: Virtual Summer Reading Celebration Grown-ups participate in the library’s annual summer reading program, too. Log what you read (books, ebooks or audio books) and earn points and be entered into a weekly drawing for a $10 gift card and an entry into the end-of-summer grand prize drawing.

Track your reading by downloading the READsquared app at fortsmithlibrary.readsquared.com. Arkansas State Library provides the app with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of the Library. Free.

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

Schriver (1925-2012) graduated from Fort Smith High School, was a Navy pilot in World War II, and continued flying as the commandant of the Civil Air Patrol in the 1950s. He also was the founder of the Flight Masters Model Airplane Club of Fort Smith.

Throughout his life, he collected aviation lithographs, most of which he donated to the Fort Smith Air Museum in 2008. After Schriver’s death, the remaining prints were donated by the Schriver family in 2018.

June 1-Aug. 6 Call for Works for Creative Forces: Honoring Heroes Veterans and active servicemen and women are encouraged to submit artwork for an upcoming exhibit featuring art by military members from across the south-central U.S. Free. Fort Smith RAM, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 479-784-2787 fsram.org

The lithographs and models are exhibited with further historical displays and memorabilia curated by the Fort Smith Air Museum to recognize numerous notable pilots and aviation pioneers of this city and region.

June 1-Aug. 22 Quarantine Art by Southside Art Students A showcase of sculptures and 2D printings created

by Southside High School art students. Free. 11 a.m.5 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 479-784-2787 fsram.org

Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-784-2787 fsram.org Military aircraft models hung as if in flight patrol the exhibit’s airspace.

July 1-Sept. 30 Pottery Summer Classes Beginners can learn to center a ball of clay on the potters wheel and shape it into many objects. Fee includes aprons, clay, firings, glaze, tools and towels.

Ages 16 and up. Afternoon and after 5 p.m. sessions are offered. Discounts to more than one family member, seniors and military. $185. Cre8ive Arts Network, 7408 Buckhorn Street, Fort Smith. 479-357-9079 cre8beartsy.com June 1-Oct. 1 "Close to Home" Art Exhibition A series of watercolor and pen and ink drawings by Galen Hunter captures humble structures and landmark architecture in and around Fort Smith. Hunter is a watercolor painter and architect. Many of his paintings depict ordinary structures such as tire stores and feed mills that form our everyday surroundings. Fort Smith Museum of History,y 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org July 2021

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 3 Alma Liberty Festival Fourth of July-style celebration starts at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting for downtown Alma’s new streetscape work. At noon, a street festival will have music, bounce houses, games and vendors. At dusk, direct your eyes to the skies over Alma City Park for a traditional, spectacular fireworks display. Free. Fireworks at Alma City Park, City Park Road, Alma, Ark. July 3 City of Van Buren Fireworks Fireworks display starts at dark. Take your own coolers, blankets, bug spray and lawn chairs. Food vendors on site. Fireworks sponsored by Jim and Carole Williamson and The City of Van Buren. No alcohol, pets, fireworks or firearms allowed. Free.

Gates open at 7 p.m. Field of Dreams Sports Complex, 1 Toothaker Drive, Van Buren, Ark. July 3 Greenwood Freedom Fest Annual all-American festival sponsored by the Greenwood Parks & Recreation Department, the Greenwood Advertising & Promotion Commission and other donors will have live entertainment by the Klocks, Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes and native Jabe Burgess. Visit with city police, fire and EMS. All day, enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, inflatables and games for kids. A comfort area will be provided for diapering and nursing. Fireworks begin at dusk. All day. Free. Greenwood Town Square, West Center and North Main Streets, Greenwood, Ark. Enter to race in the 7 a.m. Freedom Fest 5K at runsignup.com/Race/AR/Greenwood/Freedomfestrun

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July 3 Roland Iron Mountain Festival & Freedom Celebration Begins at 4 p.m. with a doubles cornhole tournament hosted by the Roland Chamber of Commerce and the Black Diamond Baggers in the parking lot of the Roland Fire Department. Entry is $40 per two-person team. Vendors of foods and arts and crafts, a kids' zone with inflatables and obstacle course offer family fun. Kayak demonstrations by River Town Outfitters.

Music by Whiskey Revolver. Fireworks at dusk. Free.

4 p.m. Roland City Park, Creek Street, Roland, Okla.

918-427-9117 rolandchamberofcommerce.com July 4 Lake Tenkiller 4th of July Fireworks The Greater Tenkiller Area Association takes donations each year to provide a huge fireworks display visible from all over the lake. Contribute online at laketenkiller.com. Traditionally, a parade of boats (or several parades) steam toward the south end of the lake. At dusk, those on deck and on shore enjoy fireworks reflected on the water. 9:15 p.m. or dark. Free.

Lake Tenkiller State Park near Vian, Okla.

July 4 Lake Ouachita 4th of July Fun Mountain Harbor Resort has a patriotic four-wheeler parade (and Jeeps, horses and golf carts) and a homegrown flag raising ceremony with kids, dogs and group singing. Parade winds through the resort.

Watchers line the roads to cheer, catch candy and take photos. At 9:30 p.m., a large fireworks show lights up the lake. Mountain Harbor Resort, 994 Mountain Harbor Road, Mount Ida, Ark.

4JULY

MAYOR GEORGE McGILL’S

th

of

CELEBRATION JULY

The city’s traditional celebration returns! Mayor George McGill invites everyone to watch fireworks from Harry E. Kelley Riverpark. Arrive downtown by about 6 p.m., when free transit pickup begins on Garrison, Rogers, North A, and North B. Take lawn chairs or blankets. No alcohol permitted. Vendors sell refreshments.

The River Valley Community Band will perform patriotic music and pops. Larry B and Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes entertain until fireworks at dark. Harry E. Kelly River Park, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith.

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OF EVENTS EVENTS CALENDAR OF CALENDAR

Call for “Fort Smith in Film” items for exhibit Do you have memorabilia of a Fort Smith film? Were you an extra, in production or cast or crew of a movie or miniseries filmed in or around Fort Smith? In honor of the inaugural Fort Smith International Film Festival, Aug. 13-14, the Fort Smith Museum of History will display movie and film memorabilia loaned from area residents to showcase Fort Smith’s involvement in the film industry. To share your mementos for the short-term display. 479-783-7841 email: info@fortsmithmuseum.com

July 6, 13, Learn to Dance: 4-Session Class Grab a partner and learn to do swing dance – 1940s style. Don't be nervous, no tossing of partners will be involved! Mike and Lisa Lawrence, dance instructors extraordinaire, teach on the dance floor.

Four sessions are planned. Call to sign up. Free.

6:30-7:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 10 ‘Visions From the Heart’ Opening Reception Artists Celestine Eichler and Shabana Kauser The Gallery on Garrison welcomes the beautiful work of Celestine Eichler. Enjoy wine and food and community. Shabana Kauser’s amazing work is also featured. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Gallery on Garrison, 914 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith. 479926-6014 thegalleryongarrison.com

July 7 Book Club The Mulberry Library will be discussing "The Story of Arthur Truluv" by Elizabeth Berg. Free. 10-11 a.m.

Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

July 10 Paint & Pour Benefitting the Literacy Council Hosted by TK Rakowski of Just Art & Dance, proceeds benefit the Literacy Council of Western Arkansas. Sign up online or in person. BYOB, (must be 21+ to possess and/or drink alcoholic beverages) and make your own painting to take home. $35. 7-9 p.m. Just Art & Dance Studio, 3124 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith. 479-783-2665 forms.gle/C6hcM88M9dxJKaVe8.

July 7 Taxidermy Q&A Enjoy a presentation on taxidermy. Summer Reading Program participants earn an extra ticket into the grand prize drawing. Door prize offered.

Free. 1-2 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 July 7 What's Up With B? Summer Cooking Instead of heating up the kitchen, go to the library to learn some cool new recipes and ways to create meals for your family. Free. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 July 7 Horse Wall Hanging Make a horse-themed wall hanging decoration using online instructions. Free. 2 p.m.

Facebook – Alma Public Library July 7 Recipe Club: Caprese Salad Learn to make classic Caprese salad. Free 2-3 p.m.

Facebook – Alma Public Library July 10 Army Band Brass Quintet Concert The 106th Army Band Brass Quintet performs during the Downtown Fort Smith Farmer's Market.

Great music, fresh vegetables, juices, baked goods and crafts can be found. Free. 9:30 a.m.-noon.

Municipal Parking Lot, 201 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-461-5878

Film festival flashes As the very first Fort Smith International Film Festival approaches, its outstanding poster was revealed at a reception for the United Nation’s Art Ambassador Ibiyinka Alao of Nigeria. Artist JK Burchett created the poster, which depicts the Cherokee Nation’s historian, Catherine Foreman Gray. The festival now has 396 film submissions from 43 counties.

About 33 hours of feature films, shorts and music videos will be selected for screening.

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July 10 Second Saturday on Main "Red White & Bluegrass" Edition Two stages host Bluegrass music all day, headlined by "The Gravel Yard" band from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy patriotic photo ops and food trucks. Cool off in the splash pad and play in a corn hole tournament. A $250 shopping spree and other prizes will be given away. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Historic Downtown Van Buren, Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-262-6027 Facebook – Old Town Van Buren July 10 Block Party and Car Show Food truck, games and cool cars. Prizes for the best car. To Register: Contact justintaffner@gmail.com or enter by phone. Free. 6-8 p.m. Fort Smith First Church of the Nazarene, 4813 North O Street, Fort Smith. 479-783-1878 fortsmithfirst.org

July 11-30 Reflection Reflection is an exhibition of the art of observation.

Jessica Salley DeBari's work centers on intention to be fully present with people and nature. She has found observational painting to be a powerful tool.

She has enjoyed sitting with hundreds of people, getting to know their stories through painting. She will be painting a live portrait during the opening. As an Iranian artist based in Arkansas, Ziba Rajabi’s work revolves around the desire to reconcile her relationship with two distinctive spaces: Tehran (her native land) and Arkansas. Opening reception and meet the artists, 1-4 p.m July 11. Center for Art and Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren. 479474-7767 artsonmainvb.com July 12 and 19 Country Two Step Lessons Get out your boots! Mike and Lisa Lawrence are teaching the two step! Boots and a partner are helpful but not required. $5 a person. 6:30-8 p.m..

Fort Smith Senior Citizens Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith 479-208-1072 Facebook - Step in time Dance Class July 12, 19, 26 Color Me Happy Mondays If you need a little stress relief and like to color, drop in. The library provides beautiful, intricate coloring pages for grown-ups and colored pencils, or take your own projects. Color your Monday Blues away!

Free. 9-4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 July 12 Book Talk "The Lions of Fifth Avenue" by Fiona Davis. This novel shows the bonds of family and the beauty of finding the strength to be ourselves. Fiona Davis' spectacular setting – the iconic New York Public Library – comes alive across the generations as two women, one in 1913 and one in 1993, struggle with their own identities, a compelling mystery and a tragedy that affects both of them. What begins as a search for vanished rare books becomes, for both women, a quest to redefine themselves and open their hearts. This novel is also this year’s pick for If All of Arkansas Read the Same Book. Free. 7-8 p.m.

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

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Crystal Bridges Museum of American marks its first decade with special exhibits July 11-Sept.

27, such as a life-size tableau vivant, or living picture, of “The Lantern Bearers” by Maxfield Parrish. “Crystal Bridges at 10” is a temporary exhibit with free admission for members, SNAP beneficiaries and those under 18. Others, $12.

General admission to the museum is free. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. crystalbridges.org

S AVE

TH E

July 12-13 FSLT Auditions for "Clue" Fort Smith Little Theater is reopening with a mystery based on the game "Clue." Auditions are at 7 p.m. July 12 with call backs at 7 p.m. July 13. The cast calls for 5-10 males and 5-10 females about 20-65 years of age. Masks are required for auditions. No acting experience required. New and returning volunteers welcome. Free. 7 p.m. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith.

July 13 Book Talk Hear about "Rise: How a House Built a Family" by Cara Brookins. After escaping an abusive marriage, Cara Brookins had four children to provide for and no one to turn to but herself. In desperate need of a home but without the means to buy one, she did something incredible. Free. 6-7 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 13 Zoominar: Leading with Respect – Lessons Learned by the EEOC In a live Zoom session, Debra Finney of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Memphis District, highlights key lessons learned by the EEOC’s Select Task Force on Harassment. The presentation will key on issues of respect in the workplace and provide leaders with tools and tips to cultivate respect and trust. Learn to identify interactions that can derail respect in the workplace.

Registration required. Registrants receive Zoom link.

Free. Noon-1 p.m. Presented virtually by Western Arkansas Human Resources Association.

479-788-7782 wahra.com/events

July 14 What's Up With B? Let's Barbecue Host B’s guest will be her better half, Donnell, an avid fan of the grill and smoker. This grillmaster offers tips, tricks and recipes for great tasting barbecue. Samples will be offered. Free 1:30-2:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 13 Scrapbooking This month’s two-page layout has the theme of Summer Lovin’. Take 4-5 pictures of your summer activities and people, adhesive and scissors. All other supplies provided. Phone reservation required.

Free. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 15 Handmade Card Class In July, create a birthday card and a welcome baby card. Take your own adhesive and scissors. All other scrapbook page supplies will be provided. Register by phone for limited seating. Free. 1:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

July 14 Make It in a Minute: No-Sew Dog Bed Make your doggo a cozy place to snuggle with this easy, no-sew dog bed. Follow an instructive video that is always available online . Free. 2-2:05 p.m.

Facebook and YouTube – Fort Smith Public Library

DATE

An Elegant Evening for Research S A T U R D A Y, September 25, 2021 This distinctive event featuring dinner, entertainment and dancing will be hosted at the ACHE Research Institute Health and Wellness Center.

1000 Fianna Way | Fort Smith, AR | 479-308-2243

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 16 Bingo 4 Books Enjoy playing one of the favorite all-ages games.

Everyone is welcome to play and win books. Free.

10:30 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 July 16 July Dance Have fun on the dance floor at an open social dance hosted by dance fans Mike and Lisa Lawrence. Mike will DJ and play a variety of music, including ballroom, Latin, swing and country. $5 per person. 7-9 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith. 479-208-1072 Facebook – Step in Time Dance Class July 17 Season Ticket Discussion: Shichimi Togarashi Pick up a free spice kit starting July 2, which includes a fact sheet and a recipe. This month’s featured spice is Shichimi Togarashi, an intense Japanese blend of seven flavors including chili peppers, peppercorns, citrus and sesame seeds. Attend an optional virtual meet-up to discuss what you cooked, share recipes and your reactions. Supplies are limited. Zoom link is in the kit or email rphengsouvan@fortsmithlibrary.org to join. Free. 1-2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229

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July 17 Chaffee Crossing Farmers & Artisans Market Another Saturday in this new and growing outdoor market and family fun event with fresh, local foods and goods, music and activities. “American Pie” is the theme of July’s market. Free. 9 a.m. Fort Chaffee Historic District, 7313 Terry Street, Fort Smith.

July 21 What's Up With B? Local History Join B and guests as they delve into rich, local history.

Some of your family may be mentioned. Attend in person or watch online. Free. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren.

479-474-6045 Facebook – Van Buren Public Library

July 20 Financing Your Business The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents “Financing Your Business.” Explore different sources of capital including loans, grants and alternative financing options. Hear from a lender who will discuss topics pertaining to achieving credit readiness. Sponsored

by BancorpSouth. Seating is limited. Registration required no later than July 19 by phone or asbtdc.org/russellville-events. Free. 10 a.m. Held at Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 612 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-356-2067

July 21 Recipe Club: Monkey Bread Make sweet, sticky, tear-apart Monkey Bread using video instructions online. Free. 2-3 p.m.

Facebook – Alma Public Library

July 20 Virtual Trivia Night with Ronny Join (virtually) for a few rounds of trivia fun. Topics from books, popular culture, music and more. Free.

6:30 p.m. Facebook – Fort Smith Public Library July 21 Today's Bank Today's Bank will be talking about savings for young and old. Summer Reading Program participants earn an extra ticket into the grand prize drawing. Free. 1-2 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

July 21 Tammy's Monthly Book Review "This Pen for Hire" by Laura Levine is the first in her Jaine Austen series. Free. 2-3 p.m.

Facebook – Alma Public Library July 23 Bingo for Books Play to win books! Free. 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 July 26 Sing Along to the Oldies Remember how the oldies got you grooving and moving? Relive those moments again with this singalong. Mr. Tom plays guitar and encourages everyone to sing along, live, as he plays familiar tunes from the '50s-'70s. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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Parties, shopping and a street dance highlight Christmas in July three-day event The normally lively Fort Smith Museum of History, historic Bonneville House and the historic home museum The Clayton House were often quiet in 2020 and sometimes closed due to pandemic limitations on gatherings. The three historically hospitable organizations in Belle Grove Historic District and downtown Fort Smith are combining for a big, sociable comeback this month with Christmas in July.

Offering very select shopping from unique vendors as the main attraction, Christmas in July has activities for kids, a roving summerstyle Santa, elves and other fun, and several grown-up social events.

Over three days, guests can attend one or all of the events. An allinclusive pass is $145.

July 22 | A VIP Kick-Off Party will be held at the Bakery District with entertainment by the Don Bailey Trio, with heavy hors doeuvres. The party will have silent and live auctions and a donation raffle to win an exquisite prize donated by Newton’s Jewelers. Reserved tables for 8, $1,000; and 10, $1,200, are available. Single tickets, $100.

July 23-24 | Shopping at Clayton House, Bonneville House and FSMH A selection of unique vendors have been invited to offer their unique wares. Discover gift-worthy items or shop for right now. Park once and shuttle between the three venues on the rubber-wheeled trolley. Each venue has children’s activities along with shopping. $5 admission.

July 23 | Friday Night Sip & Shop Enjoy a beverage and refreshments while shopping all three venues.

Wine tasting at the Fort Smith Museum of History. Bourbon and whiskey tasting at the Clayton House. Martini tasting at Bonneville House. $35 tickets, per person, provide access to all three locations.

July 24 | Saturday Night Street Dance Dance to the music of Big City Moses downtown at the Fort Smith Museum of History. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

To enjoy the shopping or events at all three places, park once and ride a Fort Smith Transit trolley shuttle between the venues. There will be delicious food and treats available from food trucks near each location.

The daytime events will be fun for the whole family to attend.

Volunteers are providing the kids activities.

All proceeds will benefit the preservation and operation of the Fort Smith Museum of History; the W.H.H. Clayton House, a Victorian home museum tended by the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation, and the Bonneville House, preserved and operated as a venue for great occasions by its own non-profit association. Purchase separate tickets, party tables or a three-day, all-access pass at eventbrite.com.

Bonneville House, 318 North 7th Street. Clayton House, 614 North Sixth Street. Fort Smith Museum of History, 318 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 27 Make a Marketing Map for Your Business The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents “Make a Marketing Map for Your Business.” Sketch out your marketing map, a quick-action plan for promoting your business.

Learn to assess, plan and implement your own marketing strategy using this tool. Sponsored by Arvest Bank. Register by July 26, by phone or online at asbtdc.org/russellville-events. Free. 10:30 a.m.noon. Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, 612 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-356-2067 July 28 How to Record YOUR Tales Historian Tom Wing shows how to record your tales – your personal and family history. Summer Reading Program participants earn an extra ticket into the grand prize drawing. Free. 1-2 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Jul 28-Jul 28 What's Up With B? Old Wives Tales & Other Myths Are any old wives tales true? Discuss with B as she examines many myths. Free. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren.

479-474-6045 Facebook – Van Buren Public Library Jul 29-Jul 29 Crafterworks Create a home décor project using your favorite books. All supplies provided. Register by phone. Free.

5:30-7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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Jul 31 Vitality in Painting Class with John Lasater This painting class will be taught indoors at CAE where visiting artist John Lasater will break down the process of creating landscapes with vitality while using photographic references. The focus will be on choosing the right photo, editing, composition, light and technique. Lasater works with each student at their own level and leads with group demonstrations and critiques, providing a full day of artistic community and synergy. Students provide their own supplies and images to reference (photos or photos on your own digital device, such as an iPad). $100. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Center for Art and Education 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren 479-474-7767 artsonmainvb.com Jul 31-Aug. 1 Friends of the Library Annual Used Book Sale: Mostly Fiction!

The annual Friends of the Library Used Book Sale features selections for adults that are mostly fiction.

Hardback and paperback books from popular authors will be available, along with a selection of videos and audiobooks. A non-fiction sale will be held in August and a children’s book sale in October. Most paperbacks are priced at 50 cents and most hardback books are $1. The sale will continue Sunday with all titles at half-price, then book clearance begins Aug. 2 with remaining items priced by the bag. Proceeds from these surplus books sale are used to buy library materials and fund library special events and projects.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Isn’t it GOOD to find out almost everything that’s going on LOCALLY, all Between two covers?

ISN’T IT HELPFUL TO KNOW YOU CAN FIND IT AGAIN IN THE MAGAZINE, INSTEAD OF TRYING TO REMEMBER WHERE YOU SAW IT ONLINE? THAT’S WHAT THIS LOCAL MAGAZINE IS ALL ABOUT. EASY REFERENCE. INCLUSIVE COVERAGE. INFORMATION PUBLISHED IN ADVANCE, TO HELP YOU PLAN TO BE THERE. WHEN YOU PLAN AN EVENT, PLEASE SUBMIT IT for PUBLICATION IN OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS. DO THAT ONLINE AT EFORTSMITH.COM. AND IT WILL BE SEEN ONLINE. BUT LOTS OF OUR READERS PREFER TO PLAN THEIR FUN BY FINDING IT IN THESE PAGES. WITHOUT A LOG-IN.

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In August, this magazine will be

CELEBRATE THE RESILIENCE OF YOUR BUSINESS ALONG WITH US IN A SPECIAL PROMOTION

479-494-1888

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