Entertainment Fort Smith - March 2017

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG Art Director Contributing Writers DON BARKSDALE BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTAN ROLAND Contributing Photographers DON BARKSDALE RUSTY BLACK DAISY CANTRELL ROGER CARTER KARRIE KELLY ROBERT HUSTON DONNA PAYNE LYNN WASSON

Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM Account Executive lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 Advertising Coordinator KARRIE KELLY karrie@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 CHARLES G. HUBBARD Corporate Sales charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995

Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 © 2017 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com 4

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

Spring allegedly will “bust out all over,” sources say This magazine is always about what you might like to do next, at home or out and about. It seems pretty clear that legions of you are ready to do spring! gardening!

But is it spring yet? When holidays approach, when school begins, when concerts and performances are announced, we give you a preview in confidence that you can write it on your schedule (or poke it in your phone, these days).

However, spring may fool us. We hope not, because the Master Gardeners Lawn & Garden Show in March is the most deliberately provocative encouragement for diggers and planters, ever. It is enabling.

Fortunately, it will be spring inside the Convention Center no matter if we trudge there through a late (but not unprecedented) snow. You can meet up with all your gardening friends before their clothes are dirty, their muscles are sore, their hands callused and the backs of their necks are sunburned. And they can’t wait to get into that condition, which bothers them not.

In addition to landscape and veggie gardening, we have a pictorial article brought to us about a different kind of crop. Don Barksdale is a professional and sometimes news photographer but also a dove hunter.

While scouting for doves out in rural LeFlore County, Don came upon a sight almost forgotten in this region: a cotton field.

Some of our readers can remember Fort Smith being surrounded by cotton. Others may never have seen it, as major cotton farming faded away here decades ago.

Don went back to shoot the field through its growing season and harvest and also talked to the farmers who were planting it for the first time. So don’t ever say we didn’t bring you a real agri story.

We found it fascinating.

At about the same time cotton wagons were a common sight here, Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys tuned up on the bandstand at the Cain’s Ballroom to broadcast a daily concert from radio station KVOO. This was way before our friend Robert Huston’s time, but because his mother was a fan, he got hooked on Western Swing when everyone else who came of age in late 1970s was rocking out – and he remains not only a fan but a promoter. Read about his online show Western Swing Rules and tune in – er ... navigate to ... his YouTube channel. It doesn’t matter whether you listen through a vacuum-tubed Philco or your iPhone.

Western Swing does rule.

Our faithful readers at ArcBest will read about a colleague, Donna Parker, who left there this year to go to Africa, following her faith that she was meant to save lives and souls in Burkino Faso. Thanks to contributing writer Brittaney Ransom for that story.

If she can go halfway around the world, maybe we can all join Keep Fort Smith Beautiful and pick up litter from 9 a.m. to noon on April 1. You’ll find the (really, really simple) instructions at the end of our March calendar of events.

We are also pleased to have a “Hotstuff ” column this month from editor Linda Seubold.

Hey, partner! She got inked and wrote about it.

Now we’re scheming up some tough tattoos she can add to her medical mark-ups. Yes, you can tease a person who is fighting cancer. Her sense of humor has a clean bill of health.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the digging season is upon us. Enjoy!

– Lynn Wasson

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

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

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

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

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

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CONTENTS

MARCH 2017

features

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12 9

Get up and grow

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Rite of Spring: The Lawn & Garden Show The River Valley Master Gardeners conjure up every encouragement and accoutrement to get people to “Go Wild Gardening.”

Those New Cotton Fields Back Home Photographer Don Barksdale came upon a surprising sight in LeFlore County, Okla. What was once common here is now a curiosity.

Stay a Little Longer Robert Huston is helping Western Swing music “stay a little longer” with an internet series of history, musical education and toe-tapping performances.

Donna Parker’s faith moves her a continent away A woman with a mission, Parker believes Love Has Feet. Hers have carried her to Africa to save lives and souls on a two-year mission. By Brittany Ransom

columns It’s not what you think

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What’s Linda been up to? Getting tattoos?

departments

18 30 14 Not a faded love

HOT STUFF by Linda Seubold

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HOME & GARDEN Neumeier’s Nursery & Greenhouses evolves in style.

GARDENING Go wild with showy tropicals for your own personal jungle.

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58 Bacon! Nom nom nom

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

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WHAT’S COOKING Novel recipes for eating bacon and more bacon.

DESIGNER NOTES Preview the planning for the April Designer Showhouse.

DINING GUIDE Decide on lunch or dinner by browsing some great choices.

eve n t s

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Featured plays, concerts and entertainment in the area.

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KIDS EVENTS Spring break is coming. Plan for fun that’s free and local.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS A St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a city-wide litter pick-up, seminars, exhibits, classes, hiking and more in March’s comprehensive community calendar.

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HOTSTUFF

Finding out you should never say you’ll never get inked

BY LINDA SEUBOLD 8

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

PHOTO BY DAISY CANTRELL

ne of the latest, and biggest, surprises during the various types of treatments I’ve received during my nearly five-year battle with multiple myeloma has been, of all things, my tattoos.

MY, tattoos??

Yes, that certainly became my question to myself last month when I started my first-ever radiation treatments for a recently discovered, small multiple myeloma lesion on my collarbone.

Being unfamiliar with this new and unexpected addition to my ongoing cancer treatment, I was a bit surprised when the subject of tattoos came up during preparations for the first of 10 radiation treatments. In my whole life, I had never even entertained for a moment the thought of getting a tattoo.

So, when my radiation technician began outlining a small, blue ink circle on each of my upper arms and referred them as “tats,” I just had to ask if he was joking, or if he really meant the circles were tattoos. And, if so, would they be permanent? The answer to both questions was, indeed, yes!

I was surprised, and intrigued, about the prospect of having permanent tattoos. The ones on my arms are used as guides to take precise aim at my clavicle. After my first treatment, I called my friend and longtime cancer survivor hero who has been in remission for about 17 years with a similar cancer.

Did he receive similar markings prior to his radiation treatments, I asked.

“Yes,” he said, he did. And after all these years, they are still visible. I forgot to ask him if they had faded much, as one of mine already seems lighter than the other.

But, even though I never considered getting a tattoo and think too many people go completely overboard in covering their bodies with tattoo art – I accept my new medical “tats” as guides that help doctors track, treat and keep at bay the stubborn, vicious cancer that is my mortal enemy.

In January, my doctors told me my cancer markers are the lowest they have been since I was diagnosed in the fall of 2012. So, I am so blessed and thankful for all the prayers and encouragement from family, friends and you, dear readers of this magazine.

I’m even thankful for my new tattoos that, I guess, will be with me from now on.

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GO WILD GARDENING AT THE RIVER VALLEY LAWN & GARDEN SHOW

Show of Spring

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Green dreams awaken at the River Valley Lawn & Garden Show rigger warning: The River Valley Master Gardeners have every intention of tempting you to “Go Wild Gardening.”

Gardeners’ eyes will widen and heart rates increase when entering the indoor Eden the expo’s vendors and exhibitors create inside the Fort Smith Convention Center. This three-day gardening extravaganza happens each year to open the green season.

Education is one of the missions of the Master Gardeners program, a community organization under the wing of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Throughout the show, guest experts and local Master Gardeners will give free lectures and demonstrations. Stop at the Master Gardeners table for friendly garden advice and with questions. They’re here to help!

The convention floor itself sprouts astonishing living gardens and water features surrounded by living trees, shrubbery, grass and beautiful blooming flowers. Enormous display gardens, some with pools and running waterfalls, are created by local landscapers.

Vendor booths offer living plants and flowers from orchids to vegetable garden starts. There are every variety of artful garden ornaments, innovative lawn and garden tools, outdoor furniture and storage buildings, gazebos and trellis structures, herbal products and fresh honey and preserves.

A silent auction area displays items to be taken home by the highest bidders.

The show also features the Fort Smith Council of Garden Clubs' annual flower design show and horticulture judging as well as the Fort Smith Art Center Photo Alliance's photography contest and display of photography competition entries.

Children can find a variety of fun garden-themed activities such as make-and-take crafts.

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The welcoming garden gate at the show blooms afresh each year.

Proceeds from the Lawn & Garden Show help to support the many projects of the Master Gardeners. The group maintains demonstration gardens at The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, where it also holds classes and activities for the public.

Master Gardeners collectively log thousands of hours of service in tending to the landscape and flower gardens at the Convention Center, a meditation garden at Sparks Medical Center, in city parks, at Miss Laura’s Visitor Center, the Clayton House and more, beautifying Fort Smith.

The Master Gardeners practice environmentally friendly gardening to encourage the health of honeybees and other pollinators, increase food garden yields and to improve soil and conserve water. All of their knowledge is shared with the public through its educational programs.

Admission is $5, good for all three days. Children 11 and under are free. 10-a.m.-6 p.m. March 17-18; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March. 19.

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March 17

March 18

March 19

10 a.m.

Rhubarb Roots, Red Onions, Pine Resins: Ozark Plant Lore Susan Young of the Shiloh Museum talks of entertaining Arkansas garden lore.

10 a.m.

Recognize Arkansas Snakes Herps enthusiasts – yes, they like snakes – Brad Birchfield and Jeremy Sloan reduce fear by teaching how to identify and observe snakes.

10 a.m.

Square Foot Gardening Learn from Michael Richardson about the method and benefit of intensive gardening by the square foot.

11 a.m. Short Demo Rose Pruning by Thell Halstead

11 a.m. Short Demo Flower Arranging by Tate’s Flowers & Gifts

11:30 Culinary Herbs Susan Belsinger points out edible weeds and

11:30 a.m.

A Bird Friendly Yard Learn how to attract and provide habitat for beautful birds with speaker Ann Gordon.

11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Refresh, Remix, Restyle

greens that are in season! Belsinger shows what she might forage from the wilds of Fort Smith and wild edibles she harvests from her gardens, backyard and woods. Using both wild and seasonal greens, she will talk while she prepares a Wild Greens Salsa Verde for tasting.

12:30 p.m. Short Demo Newspapers into Containers by Hilda Ross 1 p.m.

Herbal Roots Tina Marie Wilcox tends to and teaches at the Ozark Folk Center heritage herb gardens. Know the beauty, culinary and medicinal value of herbs.

2 p.m. Short Demo Care of Garden Tools by Earle Maxwell 2:30 p.m.

Trees for Pollinators It’s not only flowers that feed bees, butterflies and other valued pollinators. Jerry McGary identifies helpful trees.

4 p.m.

Frogs and Garden Ponds Frog Watch USA is a group of citizen scientists who learn to identify the sound of frog calls in order to collect and report data on the health of the state’s frog population.

Tom Krohn of Yellville, Ark., coordinates Arkansas Frog Watch. Learn how to identify the amphibious frogs who may be residents on your property and why they’re beneficial.

Southern Leopard Frog

Chris H. Olsen is a nationally known home and garden guru, designer, author, TV personality and landscape designer.

Learn ideas to renew your home gardens landscape cleverly.

1:30 p.m. Short Demo Cleaning Gourds by Mary Watts

2 p.m.

Native Plants Distinguished garden writer and expert Janet Carson is the authority on what grows here.

Fig specimen

12:30 p.m. Short Demo Lemon Trees from Seed with Susan Horton

1 p.m.

Straw Bale Gardening Leslie Wagner discusses this easy, spacesaving, no-dig gardening technique.

2 p.m. Short Demo Propagating Succulents by Susan Randolph 2:30 p.m.

How to Raise a Wild Child Joyce Mendenhall and Gail Pianalto talk about getting kids into gardening.

3:30 and 4:30 p.m.

Fig Trials at The Learning Fields Master Gardeners Susan Randolph and Charlie Little talk about fig varieties.

5 p.m.

Hypertufa How-To Betty Harrison shows how to combine three simple, cheap ingredients to make garden planters or create unique garden sculpture.

4 p.m.

Butterflies of West Central Arkansas Leta Caplinger will give a talk on identifying the butterflies that visit your garden as caterpillars or winged beauties. Learn how to recognize and attract these beautiful, pollinating guests with plants that nourish them and provide breeding opportunities.

Diana fritillary March 2017

Entertainment Fort Smith

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A once-familiar sight, this cotton field is a curiosity locally While scouting for doves in LeFlore County, local photographer Don Barksdale stumbled onto a crop he hadn’t seen around here in many years. Barksdale investigated and shared this story and photo essay with Entertainment Fort Smith.

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n the early 1900s, thousands of acres of cotton flourished up and down the river and beyond in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. According to the 1903 Oklahoma and Indian Territory Gazetteer and Business Directory, as many as two dozen ginners were operating in LeFlore County alone.

Emerging global economies, increased demand for soybeans, corn and other food crops and competition from synthetic fibers led to the virtual demise of the commodity in this region. By the 1960s, records indicate only occasional plantings. Most area gins had long since closed.

Fast forwarding a half-century finds a cattlewoman turned row-cropper harvesting several hundred acres of cotton in the Cache Bottoms, near Tucker, Okla., about 35 miles west of Fort Smith.

There, Connie Kasiner found soil highly suitable for growing cotton and abundant water supplies good reasons to step off into this venture.

Add to the mix an alliance with a new state-of-the-art cotton gin in Texas, built by former poultry giant Pat Pilgrim, who seeks to help grow the domestic textile industry.

Currently, the bulk of the world’s cotton production, as well as spinning and weaving, is in China and India.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

“In a word, ‘steep’ would describe our learning curve. Very steep,” Kasiner said. “But overall, we are glad for this first go at it. We’ll double our acreage next season. Planting earlier and better regulating growth should increase our yields.”

Will the efforts of the risk-takers pay off? Will cotton make a comeback in the river valley? Only time and the markets will tell.

Not bales of cotton but round, 5,500-lb.modules lined up for loading.

These will be trucked to Paris, Texas, for ginning.

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Fully opened cotton boll, above, against a “Super moon” This healthy, ideal boll has an abundant five bolls.

Barksdale photographed the same Oklahoma cotton field through the crop’s bloom, below; its cracking stage, bottom, and harvest.

Farmer Connie Kasiner and field hands make a pre-harvest check on the bolls.

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f Robert Huston has his way, Western Swing music will never die.

Fortunately, he’s among friends – this uniquely American musical style popularized by Bob Wills in the 1930s still has millions of fans. Locally, packed houses for modern-day Western Swing orchestra Asleep at the Wheel prove a new generation of fans is listening.

Huston, known in this region for his 35 years in television as a journalist, anchor, on-air host and producer is now reaching a national and international audience of Western Swing enthusiasts in a web series called Western Swing Rules. It boasts more than 250,000 views and almost 2,000 subscribers worldwide.

The program is both entertaining and educational, which is its mission: “Promote and Preserve Western Swing Through Performance and Education.”

He and the program have been appreciated this year by two music societies. He was honored as Cowtown Society of Western Music's Promoter of the Year by that Fort Worth, Texas, group. He also is a nominee to the Northwest Western Swing Musical Society’s (of Washington state) Hall of Fame for his promotion of the genre through the web program.

As he is a well-raised boy from Waldron, Ark., Huston is quick to say the success of Western Swing Rules is about the music, not himself. But he is grateful for evidence that more people are enjoying the program, he said.

“I’ve always thought, as a genre, Western Swing has never been given its rightful due in the mainstream music world,” Huston said. “Now that I own my own video production company and with the internet as a delivery source, Western Swing Rules is my chance, in my own small way, to help change that.”

To view the episodes online, go to youtube.com and search for Robert Huston Productions or Western Swing Rules.

Since 2012, he has produced 26 episodes.

Some are performances of a tune or two – by young performers such as the Quebe Sisters from their appearance at the Alma Performing Arts Center. Other rising young artists such as Texans Mikki Daniel and Kristyn Harris were taped on visits to festivals Huston attended.

There also are “Lick of the Week” music lessons by outstanding Western Swing musicians that are of great interest to players. In video tutorials Huston produces, guitar players, lap steel guitar players, fiddlers and drummers can follow along step-by-step to learn techniques.

“Once the professional musicians know why I do this, they are more than generous with their time and talents.” Huston said. Western Swing is jazz music, requiring the player to play tight arrangements and also have the ability to improvise. The standard of musicianship is quite high.

“I am so proud that Western Swing Rules is helping to heighten the public’s awareness of the genre and familiarize them with many artists to help educate them musically,” Huston said. “The ‘artist’s lick’ segments have been extremely popular, which help amateur, and even professional musicians, learn to play Western Swing and illustrate how it differs from other genres.”

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In 1983, right, 24-year-old Huston urged the Old Fort Days Rodeo to invite the Texas Playboys to perform.The rodeo and the band were marking their 50th years. Al Stricklin, Playboys’ piano player, is Huston’s idol. Stricklin remained a friend until his death in 1986.

Other Western Swing Rules episodes, and there are more to come, are historically significant interviews Huston made with legends such as Texas Playboys singer Leon Rausch, which is available online.

The world of Western Swing is broader than Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, but no artist stands taller than Wills.

“Bob was Elvis before Elvis,” Huston offered as an analogy. Starting in 1934, broadcasting daily at noon from the Cain’s Ballroom over the powerful Tulsa radio station KVOO, Wills and the Playboys were not only famous but familiar. The program aired for 24 years. On Saturday nights, throngs of fans traveled to Cain’s to dance to the live band.

KVOO and records reached Fort Smith, as did the band for regular local dances recalled fondly by many people here.

Huston’s first exposure to Western Swing came after buying a Bob Wills album for his mother, who had listened to Wills over KVOO as a teenager. Upon hearing it, Huston knew he had found his musical home because Western Swing “had it all,” in his opinion.

He hid a Bob Wills Greatest Hits eighttrack tape under his car seat in high school because he thought his friends wouldn’t understand. “It was the 1970s, after all,” Huston laughed. He plays piano and has put together Western Swing bands when possible.

He credits Playboys fiddler Gene Gasaway for leading him to a breakthrough in his ability to play, something he hopes these videos can do for others musicians learning this unique style.

Western Swing Rules generates a lot of interest and views but no revenue. Huston produces it out of his own pocket. He travels on his own time to Texas and Oklahoma festivals with a friend who also is retired from television, Rusty Black, as crew. They’ll be trying to get to the Bob Wills Birthday Bash at Cain’s March 1.

So far, enjoyment of the music is all the reward they are gaining, but Huston intends to continue producing Western Swing Rules.

“There is so much more I want to do,” Huston said, “and time is my enemy when it comes to capturing some of the legendary performers that remain before they’re gone.”

- Lynn Wasson

Huston talks with original Texas Playboys drummer William E. “Smoky” Dacus in 1981, above right, and with guitarist Leon McAuliffe at Kay Rodgers Park in 1983. Leon Rausch, left, gave Huston a great interview. Rausch is a later member of the band known as “the voice of the Texas Playboys.” Below, Huston films with lap steel player Bobby Kofer in Turkey, Texas.

Opposite page, Bob Wills.

Opposite page Huston taping an episode of Western Swing Rules with fiddler Paul Anastasio at the Church of Western Swing in Turkey, Texas, where Bob Wills Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April. Hundreds play; thousands attend.

Photos courtesy of Robert Huston Production March 2017

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From ArcBest to Africa:

Donna Parker works to save souls and lives

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ove doesn’t just feel. Love does. Love goes. Love has feet. Donna Parker’s mother taught her early on that love is an action and not merely an emotion.

The lesson resonated with Donna and, at 16, she answered the call to missions. The 30year-old Greenwood native now heads #LoveHasFeet, an organization she founded to show Jesus’ love to people in some of the poorest nations of the world.

In January, Donna left her job at ArcBest after seven years and embarked on her fifth journey to Africa. While her previous trips have lasted only a few months, this time she will make Burkina Faso her home for at least two years.

She took her first trip to the continent in 2010, after meeting a co-worker who had friends running a school in Uganda. Donna took a sabbatical from work and spent three months teaching there.

“I stepped off the plane in Africa and thought, ‘I am home,’” remembered Donna. “This is where I am supposed to be.”

Love Has Feet was founded on the belief that 16

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

Greenwood native Donna Parker is now in the country of Burkino Faso, Africa, on a mission of caring for the body and soul of people who might be regarded as “the least of these.”

“reaching the lost is the very heartbeat of Christ.” However, in Burkina Faso and many other parts of the world, traditional evangelizing methods are ineffective, which is why Donna pairs the Gospel with community development.

“It is hard to just reach out and say, ‘Hey, let me tell you about Jesus,’ but we can get to know them by helping with a well and then coming back to go out and check that well,” Donna explained. “It is all about building relationships with them first.”

Her hope is that “people in need of Christ the most will understand His compassion, as well as His saving power.”

The concept for her organization came during one of her previous visits to Burkina Faso. Using money from donors back home, Donna and a team were purchasing large bags of grain to distribute to people affected by drought. While giving grain, they met a recently widowed woman with several children

to feed and no means to provide for them.

“She collapsed on top of the 100-pound bag of grain,” Donna recalled of the mother’s relief and gratitude. The widow then got on her knees and thanked the missionaries for giving life back to her family. The missionaries attempted to explain the food was not from them, but from believers back in the United States. The widow wasn’t worried about who had sent it, but was simply grateful to have food for her children.

“I thought, there has to be a way to continue to meet these needs ... there has to be a handson way to make a difference in these communities,” Donna said.

Upon returning home, she began the process of creating Love Has Feet and, in June 2015, the organization received its official 501(c)3 status, allowing her to accept tax-deductible donations. It focuses on meeting certain immediate needs including food, clean water and health.

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Grateful recipients of a large bag of grain, above. Below, a sweet smiling face.

Donna’s mission reaches both adults and children with grain, water filters, mosquito nets, literacy training and her sharing of the gospel.

Large bags of grain are distributed. The mission gives filters to clean contaminated water, helping to prevent deadly diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Mosquito nets help prevent malaria, which can take the lives of babies or the elderly within days.

Living in Africa long-term also will enable her to help meet a major long-term need of the region: literacy training.

“Only 13 percent of people there can read,” she explained. She hopes to improve the quality of life and income-earning potential for the Burkinabé people by employing a Biblebased literacy program, aimed at teaching adults and children how to read proficiently and, simultaneously, to understand scripture.

“Literacy provides life and job skills,” she said. “Everything from understanding signs to how to read instructions for how to clean their wells. It is vital.”

While she is only budgeted to stay in Africa for two years, Donna hopes to extend her trip, depending on her ability to raise funds.

For her personal income, Donna will continue to work as a freelance writer for her former employer, ArcBest, while in Africa.

“My living expenses are totally separate from the organization, which means 100 percent of

ArcBest co-workers supporting Donna (second from left) by wearing her T-shirt, are Chelsea Sykes, Cydney Vaught, Brittany Hunter, Carrie Sherrell, Ashley Beasley and Matt Belk.

what is given to Love Has Feet goes directly to what we are doing here,” she explained.

The website LoveHasFeet.org accepts donations and sells T-shirts, with a logo design shaped like the continent of Africa.

Donna’s ministry has taken her thousands of miles from her hometown and the family she loves. But she finds tremendous joy in sharing the love of the Lord with people in need on the other side of the world. By putting her convictions into action, she is demonstrating to others both here and abroad, that love has feet.

– Brittany Ransom

Children run to receive free shoes donated by Tom’s, an event Donna’s group helped with.

A boy has a drink of clean, filtered water.

March 2017

Entertainment Fort Smith

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HOME & GARDEN

Beautiful living plants are the signature of Neumeier’s Nursery & Greenhouses

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pring returns in beauty for the 49th year to Neumeier’s Nursery in Fort Smith and while gardeners anxiously await it, the nursery staff has been in a quiet riot growing and preparing for it.

Bill, Jody and Joseph Neumeier know from experience that any day of sunshine and early warm temperatures will bring a rush of cars up the driveway at the North O Street nursery, which also is their family home. Although their greenhouses are full of spring annuals and perennials, these serious gardeners do their best to offer no plant before weather conditions are right for them to be planted and to thrive.

Giving expert, friendly gardening advice with a big dose of patience is one of the reasons this very un-big-box nursery has almost reached its 50th year. Customers find inspiration from the personal gardens Jody and Bill Neumeier have grown around the sides of the busy commercial areas of the grounds. It’s like shopping and visiting a friend’s garden at the same time.

“Our signature look is French gardens,” said Jody. These are containers that could range from entry urns, patio pots or sculptural vessels to hanging baskets that are filled with individual plants still within their own hidden pots. They’re designed to enjoy for a while as assembled and, then, to take apart and grow separately.

A basket of blooming tulip and hyacinths bulbs can become next spring’s flowerbed. A pot starring a showy hydrangea bloom can become a perennial shrub outdoors.

French gardens have potted blooms and foliage.

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March 2017

French gardens are so identified with Neumeier’s that the nursery now only sends out living orders for delivery. A customer’s gift sent for love, sympathy, friendship or celebration can then live on, Jody said.

“For sympathy, we can send a small tree such as a dogwood or Japanese maple, dressed with a wrap, ribbon and a card that can be planted in memory,” she explained as an example. As with their nursery plants, Neumeier’s own growing instructions are sent along, as well.

Herbs designed into a French garden can become a kitchen garden and are even cuter when a gift from the nursery’s garden store is

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HOME & GARDEN

The garden shop doors always reflect the season.

added on, such as garden gloves. Jody has such an eye for garden ornaments, plant markers, garden flags, terrariums and unique garden gifts that the garden shop itself has its own clientele.

“I was so pleased when a lady from out of town told me that we are ‘destination shopping’ for her, bringing her to Fort Smith,” Jody said.

She felt the compliment was an endorsement of her unique selection because she has a few “destination” shops, herself.

Beyond gardeners gifts, Neumeier’s offers figural planters and sculpture as inspiration pieces that entire gardens are built around. Many homeowners accent their landscape with estate urns as a focal point near the entry and has the nursery design the plantings for them each year.

Although the nursery does not install landscapes, they will pick up the pieces to replant them each year or plant them onsite.

There’s a concrete bunny planter near the shop’s door, planted differently every year, that many visitors think of as Jody’s personal totem.

Over the years, the Neumeiers have patiently created a private, family garden where they have occasionally hosted family weddings and parties.

By request, the nursery has hosted garden clubs or groups for classes, programs and tours there.

At the March 17-19 Lawn & Garden Show, Neumeier’s will build a full display garden. Years past have included a real tractor or “flower bed” from an antique iron bed.

Neumeier’s Nursery & Greenhouses 3327 North O Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9987

Items inside can be replanted into the landscape.

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home & garden goodies

Batik fabrics available at Sewing Machine Center & Fabrics.

“William,” a Beefeater by Dolls of the World from Something Unique.

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Baumann cookware set found at Designer Again.

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home & garden goodies

Pouf ottoman in a dhurrie rug fabric available at Furniture Emporium.

Handmade baskets by local artisans at The Wright Weave, found at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum in the gift store.

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Bluebird cream and sugar set and utensil holder available at Polish Pottery Depot.

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home & garden goodies Corrugated canisters from the Potting Shed of Alma.

Woodstock Chimes from Inscriptions, Clean Rain candle from Hanger Management, Beauty Blend natural bottled radiance from Colquitt & Co. and a monogrammed plush bunny from Baby Chic, all at GreenPointe Shopping Center.

Carved bunny bowl, Maison Blanche paints and a Mason jar chalkboard from The Goods.

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home & garden goodies

Plocky’s tortilla chips and Arrowhead Mills organic pearled barley available at Paul’s Meat Market.

Ultrasonic oil diffuser and odor-eliminating essential oils from Now & Then Shoppe.

Single grain Irish whiskey, Belgian Abbey ale and Squatters Double IPA found at In Good Spirits.

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home & garden goodies

Accent chest available at Mike’s Furniture.

Ceramic birds and a table clock found at Greenwood Flowers and Gift Shop.

St. Patrick’s Day garden ornaments and Susan Taylor cards from the garden shop at Neumeier’s Nursery & Greenhouses.

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Photo courtesy of Mrs. T’s Pierogies

WHAT’S COOKING

BACON-WRAPPED PIEROGIES Nonstick cooking spray 1 box (12.84 ounces) Mrs. T's Mini Cheddar Seasoned with Bacon or Mini Classic Cheddar Pierogies 14 slices bacon, sliced in half 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional) Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Defrost pierogies by placing in boiling water for 2 minutes or refrigerating overnight.

Wrap half slices of bacon around each pierogy. Arrange pierogies on baking sheet. Sprinkle with brown sugar, if desired. Bake 16-18 minutes, or until golden brown, turning once.

Source: Mrs. T’s Pierogies

CRISPY BACON TWISTS WITH GOUDA & APRICOT PRESERVES

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half-inch strips.

Repeat with remaining puff pastry and ingredients.

Lay one slice of bacon on the diagonal. Grab one strip of prepared dough by the ends and place one end of dough strip horizontally at top end of bacon and roll bacon with dough downward, stretching dough strip as you roll.

Place completed spiral-wrapped bacon twists on prepared rack.

Bake twists for 35-45 minutes or until pastry is browned and bacon crisp, rotating pans as needed for even cooking. Let cool five minutes and gently use spatula to remove twists from racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Photos courtesy of Smithfield/Getty

Nonstick spray 1 package frozen puff pastry dough (2 sheets), thawed 1 egg, beaten 1 cup apricot preserves (12-ounce jar) or your favorite flavor 2 cups Gouda cheese (about 7 ounces), shredded 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves 2 pounds Smithfield Hometown Original Bacon (about 25-30 slices) Flour for dusting Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two rimmed baking pans with foil, set baking racks in pans, and lightly spray racks with nonstick spray.

On lightly floured surface, roll out one puff pastry sheet to roughly 8 by 12 inches. Brush top lightly with beaten egg and thinly spread ½ cup of preserves over dough. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup of shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon rosemary, lightly pressing cheese mixture into dough. Fold short end of dough over to enclose cheese mixture and lightly roll to seal. Cut short-wise into roughly 15

6 slices thick-cut bacon 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, divided 8 cups popped popcorn 2/3 cup pecan halves, coarsely chopped 2/3 cup dried cranberries 2 tbsp. butter or margarine 1/4 tsp. coarse ground black pepper 1/4 tsp. maple extract Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line jelly roll pan with foil. Place wire rack in pan. Arrange bacon in single layer on rack. Bake 15 minutes or until ends of bacon start to curl.

Remove and reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings. Brush bacon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup; bake 15 minutes until browned. Cool then coarsely chop bacon.

In large bowl, combine popcorn, pecans and cranberries. Combine butter, black pepper, maple extract, remaining maple syrup and reserved bacon drippings. Cook over low heat until butter is melted. Drizzle over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.

Spread popcorn mixture in jelly roll or roasting pan. Bake 5 minutes. Toss in bacon pieces. Serve Source: The Popcorn Board warm. Yield: 2 quarts.

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Photo courtesy of Smithfield/Getty

MAPLE BACON POPCORN MIX

Photo courtesy of Smithfield/Getty

Photo courtesy of The Popcorn Board

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Photo courtesy of Smithfield/Getty

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CARAMELIZED BOURBON BACON

Photo courtesy of Smithfield/Getty

2 tbsp. honey 16 oz. package Smithfield thick-cut bacon 1/4 cup bourbon 2 tbsp. maple syrup Preheat oven to 375degrees. Line two baking pans with parchment paper. Remove bacon from package and space evenly without overlapping slices.

Place pans in oven and bake 15 minutes.

Rotate pans halfway through baking time.

Remove from oven. Carefully drain grease from pans.

Brush bacon with bourbon/maple syrup/honey mixture. Return to oven and bake 3-5 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve immediately.

TWICE-BAKED SWEET POTATOES 6 slices Smithfield Original Bacon, cooked 6 medium sweet potatoes 1 tbsp.. butter 1/2 cup heavy cream 3 tbsp. brown sugar, divided 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 6 tbsp. marshmallow creme Bake sweet potatoes for 40-50 minutes at 350 degrees. Cut off top 1/3 of potato and scoop out flesh, leaving 1/4 inch in shell. Mix potato with butter, cream, 2 tbsp. brown sugar, nutmeg, salt and pepper and spoon back into reserved potato shells. Top each with 1 strip bacon cut into pieces, 1 tbsp. marshmallow creme, and then sprinkle all with remaining brown sugar.

Broil for 3-5 minutes or until marshmallow creme is toasty brown. Serve hot!

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dd an exciting new look to your garden, poolside, patio or deck with elephant ears. These easy tropical plants have tall stems and giant leaves that measure up to 2 feet across. You can use them to create an instant focal point in the garden, screen an unwanted view, or extend a bold welcome at the front door.

Elephant ears can be grown in containers as well as the garden, so if space is an issue, try some of the more compact varieties like Hawaiian Punch. You’ll appreciate the impact this 3-foot tall plant makes with its red stems and bright green leaves with dark red veining.

Or go big with 6-foot tall Black Stem. Its smooth blue-green leaves are displayed atop striking purple-black stems. Variegated varieties are another option. The unusual foliage of Mojito, is decorated with blueblack dashes and splashes. No two leaves are alike on this beauty. For even more color and drama, don’t miss Black Magic. Its dark, blue-black leaves measure 2 feet across and can grow up to 5 feet tall.

These are just a few of the many varieties that are well suited to home gardens. In warm areas (zones 9 to 11) elephant ears can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler areas (zones 4-8) the plants are grown as annuals or can be brought indoors for the winter. (We’re zone 7.)

Give these bold beauties a space of their own or combine them with other interesting foliage plants such as caladiums, coleus, larger begonias, trailing sweet potato vines and other annuals. The fine leaves of ornamental grasses, such as shade tolerant Japanese forest grass and sedges, contrast nicely with the elephant ears’ bold leaves.

Elephant ears are tropical plants that need warm soil and plenty of moisture all season long. They are happy to grow in sun or shade, though

A

Hawaiian Punch

in hot climates the leaves need to be protected from midday sun. Fertilizing every 2 to 3 weeks will help your plants reach their full potential.

Elephant ears are available as spring-planted bulbs or as potted plants. The baseball-sized tubers can be planted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees.

Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter prior to planting. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the tuber and plant it pointy side up. The top of the tuber should be about an inch below the soil surface.

If want to get an early start on the season, plant the tubers in containers filled with well-drained potting mix and grow them in a warm, sunny window for 4 to 6 weeks. Move the plants outdoors when the soil is warm and the danger of frost has passed. Your tropical paradise awaits! Just choose a few containers or locate some spots in the garden where you can include these bold-leafed beauties. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping your favorite beverage in your very own tropical garden.

Mojito March 2017

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DESIGNER NOTES

Garrison Avenue penthouse apartment will be the April Designer Showhouse

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isitors who tour the 2017 April Designer Showhouse next month will take the stairs to the second floor of 708 Garrison Avenue. Fitting, because the beneficiary of this interior design tour is STEPS Family Resource Center, below it on the ground floor.

This is the third spectacular April Designer Showhouse produced by Earl Douglas of Fort Smith in partnership with local interior designers who each take over and transform a room of the house. Douglas has led the renovation and public tour of a Free Ferry

Circle home and a Berry Hill home, which remains open for touring for a month in spring. Ticket sales benefit a non-profit organization.

Established in 2010, STEPS is a resource and training center for at-risk, low-income families and a safe, welcoming place where foster children may meet weekly with their parents. STEPS provides these visitation services to foster children and their families, as well as court-ordered supervised visitation for victims of domestic violence, including divorced or separated parents.

A design board shows Hurt’s project: a child’s room with an Alice in Wonderland theme.

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DESIGNER NOTES Designers Terri Glasco and Jen Hurt look over plans while Abby Taylor Cox, STEPS executive director, and Earl Douglas, the Designer Showhouse producer, talk in the STEPS office.

The renovated second floor of the historic Friedman-Wegman building will be the residence of Susan Hooks, founder and director of STEPS. It was Hooks who created the non-profit organization and facility in response to the great need for a place for these family visitations. The Department of Human Services could not provide enough appropriate space for these family visits.

STEPS stands for Safety, Training, Education, Prevention and Solutions. The center offers supportive classes such as parenting skills and anger management, all directed at strengthening families and keeping them together in the home.

In addition to establishing STEPS, Hooks has allowed the April Designer Showhouse program to design and decorate her home.

Designers participating are Terri Glassco of T. Glasco Designs Inc., who will do the living room. Douglas will create the dining room and entrances. The master suite will be designed by Julie Doyle of Doyle Enterprises.

Crystal White of Allison Sales takes charge of the kitchen. Jennifer Hurt of Childers Architect will create a teenage girls suite.

Jody Neumeier of Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses will contribute patio and plant designs. Mitch McCray of River Valley Framing Co. is the general contractor.

The April Designer Showhouse project also will raise funds through an opening Showhouse Ball on April 1. This outstanding dinner will be prepared by 21 West End with wines selected by The Vineyard. The evening is dedicated to Dr. Sandi Sanders, whose extensive public service includes executive administrative positions at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and the U.S. Marshals Museum, among other accomplishments that will be extolled on that evening.

Ball tickets are $65 or $650 for a table of 10 and are available at STEPS or by calling 479-782-7837.

Next month, Entertainment Fort Smith will have a pictorial feature of the rooms of the April Designer Showhouse being created right now. But the feature won’t replace the fun of touring it in person.

Tickets will be $12 and will be available at STEPS during the tours. STEPS Family Resource Center, 708 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

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fashion & fitness goodies Compression and plantar fasciitis sleeves available at True Grit Running Co.

High-fidelity earplug set preserves hearing and enhances listening for music lovers. Available at Center for Hearing.

Women’s stretch sandal flip flops from Luther Stem Pools & Spa.

Premium leather vest and gun pocket jacket available at Old Dog Leather.

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fashion & fitness goodies Cushion halo semi-mount set with a 2-carat, round center diamond by Gabriel New York, exclusively at The Diamond Center.

Matrix Biolage Sugar Shine System available at Vanity Calls.

Anchor romper and short set, with Livie & Luca Baby Captain soft sole shoes from KatieBug's.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Engagement and wedding rings

by Verragio found at Newton’s Jewelers.

Sun Care hair products by Aveda from Metropolis Hair Studio.

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Elephant ring holder, wooden art and a cell caddie found at Coleman Pharmacy.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Handmade beaded jewelry from a local artist, found at This and That Shoppe.

Beige and Tiffany Blue tortoise frame sunglasses from Dr. Steven B. Stiles Optometrist.

Relax and Wax waxing survival kit available at Gambill Medi-Spa.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Metal necklaces and jeweled bracelet from Firefly and wine-themed socks and FacePlant slippers available at Natural Treasures, both on Main Street in Van Buren.

Style Edit binding powder for root coverage found at Salon Elements.

Scented Yummy Gummy backpack, brush and wristlet by American Jewel from Polka Dotted Zebra in Greenwood.

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MUSIC

& performance

March 1 42nd Street UAFS Season of Entertainment presents the classic, Tony Award-winning, quintessential backstage musical comedy, “42nd Street,” the song-and-dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story built in.

The musical includes some of the greatest Broadway songs ever written, such as, “We're In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and, of course, “42nd Street.” Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s classic 1933 movie, “42nd Street” tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer, who leaves her Allentown home and goes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical “Pretty Lady.” When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over – singing and tap-dancing her way to stardom. Ticket prices range from $39-$45. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7887300 uafs.universitytickets.com

Celebrate with Irish Dance and Song Rockin’ Road to Dublin Rockin’ Road to Dublin is the new sensation changing the Irish Dance world with a fusion of rock and Irish dance. Rockin’ Road combines the best of both worlds to thrust Irish Dance back into the spotlight in a perfect balance between concert and stage show. Tickets $24-$44. 7 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-8932 itickets.com MARCH

3

Women of Ireland Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in true Irish fashion! Women of Ireland brings together elements of Celtic music, song and dance showcasing the next generation of Ireland's leading female performers. Women of Ireland features a lineup of Irish step dancers, featuring special guest, world champion and former lead dancer with Riverdance, Anthony Fallon, alongside principal dancer and World Champion Kelly McDonnell. $25-$41. 7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org MARCH

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Four Bitchin’ Babes March 3 Four Bitchin’ Babes These four singers have had a 25-year career on stage and in studio. The musician-actress-comediennes take turns in whimsical songs and shtick, presenting the hippest and most luxurious girl group harmonies “evah!” $25. 7:30 p.m UAFS Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com

Kathy Mattea March 5 Kathy Mattea with guest Bill Cooley Grammy Award-winning singer Kathy Mattea and her longtime collaborator, guitarist Bill Cooley, have one of Nashville’s most musically rich partnerships. They share songs including Kathy’s classics such as “18 Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” “Where’ve You Been?,” and other hits, eclectic tunes from her catalogue and a sprinkling of new material, all reinterpreted for the duo format. Presented by AACL Live, 5-Star Productions Theater, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-8931artistaudiencecommunitylive.com 42

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Dirty Dancing March 8-12 Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage Nobody puts Baby in a corner! Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit features the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.” $53-$84. Seven shows. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartcenter.org March 11 Miss UAFS Pageant Students compete for scholarships in the Miss UAFS Pageant. The winner will advance to the Miss Arkansas pageant. The Miss UAFS Scholarship Pageant gives more than $14,000 in institutional scholarships and cash awards each year. Miss America, Savvy Shields, is a special guest. $10. 7 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. universitytickets.com

Monte Montgomery March 11 Peacemaker Music Series: Monte Montgomery The Peacemaker Music Series is presented as a fundraiser for the Peacemaker Music & Arts Festival, planned this year for July 28-29. This limited series has unique, intimate musical perfomances. The goal of the series is to continue the Peacemaker mission of bringing a diverse music experience to the people of the Fort Smith region. Monte Montgomery developed a legion of devoted local fans when he emerged nationally in the 1990s and played here on tour with Marcia Ball. Named one of the “Top 50 All-Time Greatest Guitar Players” by Guitar Player Magazine, he's been called everything from “guitar-god” to the “answer to the Fermi Paradox.” April 22 is singer/songwriter Bob Schneider. The last concert, May 12, features the legendary Ray Wylie Hubbard. Tickets, available online, are $30 per single show or $75 for a pass to all three. 5-Star Productions Theater, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. peacemakerfest.com March 2017

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

7+,6 0251,1*

LIVE in local clubs

La Huerta Patio Stage Voted by Entertainment Fort Smith readers as their “Favorite Patio Dining,” patrons can also enjoy live local music. 400 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

7+( 2)),&,$/ 1(:6 2) 0251,1* 3(23/( March 17 The Violet Hour and 3 Cent Genius

The Sound Room Voted by Entertainment Fort Smith readers as their “Favorite Live Music Venue.” Food and music in the covered courtyard with a premier stage and sound system. 817 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Facebook/The Sound Room March 4 The Shotgun Billys 18 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Pub & Grub Tour 24 Texas Hippie Coalition 25 Corey Smith with Jacob Powell 31 Cody Canada and the Departed April 1 The 17th Floor

Choctaw Casino Resort - Pocola Guests can listen to free, live music performances while enjoying a beer or cocktail at the full-service bar.

Must be 21 or older to attend. Start times vary from 7 to 10 p.m. Gilley’s, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-745-3000 choctawcasino.com March 1 Michael Brenson Band 2 Bo Phillips Band 3 Rock and Roll Over 4 Brandon Butler Band 8 The Barter Band 9 Sara Lyons Band 10 The Funk Factory 11 412 West 15 The Rain Kings 16 Aaron Woods 17 Sundy Best 18 Sundy Best 22 The Vincent Band 23 Route 358 24 Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes 25 Blaze of Glory 29 DJ Midnight 30 Randall Shreve 31 Bo Phillips Band All performances are subject to change without notice. Entertainment Fort Smith recommends that you please check a venue’s provided social media or website links, or call ahead to verify appearances and admission prices. Venues that serve alcohol admit patrons 21 and older with I.D. only. Venues may submit their schedules by email to calendar@efortsmith.com or ask about purchasing advertisement.

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Thanwa Raseetanu

March 25 Thai Lao Songkran Festival This Thai Lao New Year party will feature rocker Thanwa Raseetanu, a Lao superstar. One of the best female vocalists from Laos, Sengdaovy Super2see is a special guest. The Fort Smith area’s Lao band, 52 Hunter, will open. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $30.

Choctaw Casino & Resort, 400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-745-3000 choctawcasino.com March 29 Sunrise Stage Series Opens with Billy Joe Shaver Sunrise Stage is a new, 100seat venue for performing and listening to live music.

This intimate venue creates a deeper connection between the audience and artist. Its first series is a lineup of musicians representing a mix of Americana, blues, folk, country and Billy Joe Shaver rock. The first will be Billy Joe Shaver, one of the most respected living figures in American music. Bob Dylan, who rarely covers other writers, has often played Billy Joe‘s “Old Five And Dimers Like Me” in concert. Johnny Cash called him “my favorite songwriter.” Series continues April 3 with Carolyn Wonderland followed by Southwestern Americana duo Shake Russell and Michael Hearne. Also booked, Adam Hood, Ian Moore and the Nighthawks in May. A season pass is $300. 7:30 p.m.. Sunrise Stage at Sunrise Guitars, 2781 North College, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-442-7021 sunriseguitars.com March 30-31; April 1-2 5-8 FSLT: Things My Mother Taught Me After driving halfway across the country, a young couple is moving into their first apartment together. Imagine their surprise when all their parents show up to help! Funny and touching, this true-to-life comedy about love and family will hit close to home for everyone.This play by Katherine DiSavino will be directed

by Ian Miller. $12. 7:30 evening performances; 2 p.m.

April 2. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org

MARCH

18

The newly created Fort Smith Downtown Business Association is sponsoring a Pub and Grub celebration along with the Fort Smith International Association of Firefighters and Fort Smith Fraternal Order of Police St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Families are invited to enjoy the “grub” in Garrison Avenue establishments before, during and after the parade, or to participate. There is a monetary prize for best float.

Those of age may enjoy the “Pub Tour of the Avenue” to toast the Irish. The majority of bars and restaurants on the avenue will be selling $5 commemorative cups to be recognized at the FSDBA businesses for $2 refills on select draft beer. The congenial FSDBA-member establishments and the law enforcement sponsors hope to provide a positive, responsible and enjoyable evening.

Fort Smith Downtown Business Association and “2017 Fort Smith St. Patrick’s Day Parade” are on Facebook, where maps of the route, North 13th to 6th Streets on Garrison Avenue, and parade entry forms can be found.

April 5 Annie Leapin’ Lizards! If you missed the national touring performance of this show last year, here is another opportunity to see the very same production, with the same wonderful set and cast.

This beloved musical features unforgettable songs such as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Tickets $41, $32, $25 for adults, $31, $22, $15 for children. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 7:30 p.m. 479- 632-2129 almapac.org

April 7 Blues Traveler CenterStage presents the harmonica heroes Blues Traveler in concert. $39 tickets are on sale now. 8 p.m.

Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-745-3000 choctawcasino.com March 2017 Entertainment Fort Smith 45

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R A I N S S A R G V S E M E

A J J E S U M B R E L L A B

BEES BLOOM BLUE SKY BUTTERFLIES GARDEN

V L P I X O O A E G I W R Y

I M U I B F J O E U B C C S

U O D P L L O E N B E S H U

L B D W O W U L L Y E I Y N

GRASS GREEN KITE LADYBUG MARCH

S Y L E O K T D U D S P W S

T K E L M E D D E A C O I H

A S D K X P O U E L L M N I

S E E D S H O W E R S K D N

NEST OUTDOORS PUDDLE RAIN SEEDS

U U M N W J R O X E N W Y E

I L J K L A S D F T Q W E R

P B U T T E R F L I E S C E

SHOWERS SUNSHINE TULIP UMBRELLA WINDY

U I N E D R A G H K U V W S

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KIDS EVENTS

KIDS calendar of events

March 1 Girl Scout Summer Camp Registration Opens Envision a summer with fun-filled days at one of the Girl Scout Diamonds beautiful camp locations! Girls in first through 12th grades can select their favorite camp sessions with 58 options from which to choose.

Activities include archery, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, canoeing, arts and crafts and don’t forget campfires and s’mores. Nonmembers must pay an additional $15 to become a member when registering. Between Camp Cahinnio and Camp Crossed Arrows, the possibilities are endless. Sample what camp has to offer by attending the free Family Day and Open House for Camp Cahinnio, noon-4 p.m. April 8, and Camp Crossed Arrows, noon-4 p.m. Girls attending a week of resident camp experience 68 hours of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, which engages girls in discovering themselves, connecting with others and taking action to make the world a better place.

Camp provides a safe, positive, fun and adventurous setting, which encourages discovery, problem solving and self-growth. Camp dates and fees vary. Camp Cahinnio, Booneville, Ark.; Camp Crossed Arrows, Floral, Ark. 800-632-6894 girlscoutsdiamonds.org/camp March 1 Dr. Seuss Story Time Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Help celebrate everyone's favorite author on his special day with stories, crafts and a snack. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

March 1 Dr. Seuss Read Mayor Baxter will read aloud to commemorate Dr. Seuss’ March birthday. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 1-29 Alma Preschool Story Times Ms. Megan offers stories, songs and a whole lot of fun during story time. March 1, National Pig Day; March 3, Picnic; March 15, Butterflies; March 22, Spring; March 29, Gardens. Free. 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 1-29 Cedarville Preschool Story Time Read stories, watch a video, sing songs and have a fun activity for story time. March 1, Adventures; March 8, Super Heroes; March 15, St. Patrick’s Day; and March 29, Safari. Free. 10 a.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

A Brown Bear, A Moon and A Caterpillar This show will bring together old favorites and new friends with uses stunning music, spectacular black light visual effects and innovative puppetry.

In this composite of storybook favorites, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” joins a whimsical menagerie drawn from the pages of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” The heartwarming father-and-daughter quest for an unusual plaything, “Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me,” completes a fanciful hour-long production that both entertains and educates. Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects, and innovative puppetry, this triple-bill highlights three of Eric Carle’s most beloved tales. This hour-long show is suggested for children ages 3-8. Tickets for this show can be purchased through the box office or online. School discounts available. $10-$15. 9:30 a.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

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March 1-29 Mommy & Me Babies and toddlers are welcome for story time.

Moms need to plan on remaining with their children during the program. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 1-29 Teen Time It’s crafting, games and science on Mondays and Tuesdays and board games and a tournament-style fantasy card game on Wednesdays, with Bingo for Books on March 15. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 2017 Entertainment Fort Smith 47

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March 1-29 Van Buren Children’s Story Time Hear new stories, sing songs, make crafts, make friends and check out some books. In March, read about ducks, Dr. Seuss, St. Patrick and more. Free.

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

March 1-29 Mountainburg Preschool Story Time Read books, sing songs and do crafts together. Free.

10 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 March 1-29 Mommy and Me Story time for babies to toddlers. Moms need to plan on remaining with their children. Free. 10 a.m.

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

March 1-29 Homework Hour The library is a great place to do homework. Enjoy a quiet(ish) place to study with free wifi and lots of print resources. The children’s librarian will be available to help out and answer questions. Free. 4-5 p.m.

Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 March 1-31 She Believed She Could Sew She Did Enrollment Sew Much Fun & Fashion Sewing Classes are available for young and adult women. These 10-week courses are "sew" much more than beginning sewing

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classes. They incorporate fashion design, fashion shows, etiquette, beauty and more. Sew and create every week in class and learn more about life skills, character development and goals. Weekday, afterschool classes are open for enrollment now. Contact Joanna Cole-Brewer with questions. Some fees for material may apply. 4 p.m. Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-0021 shebelievedsheccouldsewshedid.com March 1-31 FSBGC Baseball Registration Leagues include ages 6-18: T-ball, Pee Wee, Rookie, Ripken, Prep, Babe Ruth, American Legion and Senior Babe Ruth. The Boys & Girls Club has offered baseball in our area for the past 89 years. More than 600 club members participate annually. Cost for baseball registration is $25. All participants must have a 2017 FSBGC membership card ($10). Returning players who do not move up into a new age group do not tryout. New players and those moving up should call to confirm tryout dates and age requirements. Age is considered by what the participant’s age is on April 30. Players in T-ball must be 6 before Sept. 15. American Legion, which is considered highly competitive, has a Jan. 1 age validation date and a $100 fee. Evans Boys & Girls Club, 6015 Boys Club Lane, 479-646-9519; Goldtrap Boys & Girls Club, 8800 Dallas Street, 479-452-5779; Jeffrey Boys & Girls Club, 4905 North O Street, 479-782-8126; Stephens Boys & Girls Club, 3101 North 6th Street, 479-782-6392

March 2 Dr. Seuss Teen Activity Games, activities, crafts and treats. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 2, 16, 23, 30 Crazy 8 Club: Math Meets Mischief Children in grades 3-5 can register to join the Crazy 8 Club, where they will build stuff, run and jump, make music, make a mess … it’s a totally new kind of math club. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 2-30 All Ages Programs Enjoy games and crafts. March 30, Lego Brick Builders time. Classes for LEGO brick builders will begin at 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Free play brick building will be available for those who want to build their own creations. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 2-30 Mulberry Story Time Traditional story time with books, songs and crafts.

Free. 10 a.m. Thursdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 4 Cane Hill Kite Festival In its 16th year, the Cane Hill Kite Festival is family fun at its best. If you do not have a kite, there are kites for sale ( $1-$10) and there are many volunteers to help you assemble and fly your kite. Also, a Kite Hospital

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is available to get your kite flying again in case of mishap. Buy a chance to win a large nylon kite at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Yummy food will for sale on site. In case the weather is less than warm, a cozy tent is provided with a large viewing wall. Free to park and watch. Flying is $1 for kids and $2 for adults. Military members and their families fly for free. In case of inclement weather, the festival will be March 11. Noon until the last kite comes down. Springfield Ranch, 14306 South Arkansas 45, Cane Hill, Ark. 479-824-8109

March 4 Subiaco Academy Spring Carnival Enjoy kids games, inflatables, bingo, wine tasting, delicious food, jazz ensemble, student entertainers and a silent and live auction, including items handcrafted at the abbey. Free admission; tickets for games are $1. 4-9 p.m. Subiaco Academy, 405 North Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Ark. 479-934-1000 March 4-25 Chess Saturdays All ages are invited to play chess. Mulberry is hoping to put together a chess team. Help teach kids how to play or learn to play yourself. Take a chess set if you have one. 10 a.m. Saturdays. Free. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 4-25 Pokémon Saturdays Play Pokémon with your own collection or use the library’s cards. Free. 11 a.m. Saturdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 6 Teen Tech Week: Paper Airplane Challenge Children and teens will be challenged to use their creativity to design their own paper airplanes using the materials provided in the Paper Airplane challenge.

Participants also may enter their creations in a paper airplane flying competition for a chance to win a gift card. Suggested age range is 4th through 12th grade; younger children may need adult assistance. Free.

3:30 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 fortsmithlibrary.org March 6 CCLS Week: Movie Monday Enjoy a free movie. Movie trailers and schedules can be found online. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 6 Family Read Aloud Make reservations for a bedtime story event that encourages everyone to wear their pjs. Have a bedtime snack, get a free book to take home and finish. Be home by bedtime. Free. 6 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 7 Teen Tech Week: Teen Vintage Gaming From Atari to Sega Genesis, Nintendo and more, come for open play on vintage consoles where you can play your way through video game history, from Space Invaders up through Sonic and Mario! Bring a friend and challenge each other for the highest score.

For ages 13-17. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Li-

KIDS EVENTS brary, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 7 Trivia Tuesday Learn some cool facts about the library. Ever wonder how many books are in the building? Or ow many people are in and out of the doors in a year? Learn library trivia and register to win a prize at the end of the month. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 7 Teen Tech Week: STEM Guitar UAFS Assistant Professor, Dr. Kerrie Taber, will lead this fun and interactive program as a part of Teen Tech Week. STEM Guitar teaches students about how math, chemistry, electronics, and manufacturing principles apply to the building and playing of an electric guitar. Students will also discuss and explore other ways science can be applied to everyday life. Free.

4:30-5:30 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org March 7 Primetime Story Time: Let’s Talk About the Weather This primetime story time program features stories, crafts, refreshments and other FUN featuring the weather. Please note the new day of the week (Tuesday) for Primetime Story Time. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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KIDS EVENTS

March 7-28 Baby and Me Babies and children up to age 3 with their caregivers can enjoy songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story and play time, supporting early literacy and language skills. It also is an opportunity for social interaction with both babies and their adults. Free. 10:30 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 9 Kids Movie Day Children and tweens are invited for a PG-rated movie, popcorn and snacks. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 9 Beauty and the Beast Butterfield Trail Middle School production of “Beauty and the Beast” is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does

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not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. 7 p.m. Free. Van Buren Public Schools Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-4017

ofrecer a tu familia. Gratis. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

March 11 Fort Smith Express Spring Soccer Registration Day Fort Smith Express Soccer members will receive a coupon for discount shopping during this event. The deadline for spring registration is March 18. Register online. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Academy Sports and Outdoors, 5001 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-461-1071 fssoccer.net

March 16 Teen Leadership Council A meeting open to all teens. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

March 10 PlayStation Games Children through teens are invited for PlayStation fun.

Free. 3:45 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 13 Movie Monday Tweens and teens can take in a movie with refreshments, and to have some fun. Movie trailers and schedules are found online. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

March 13 Cuentos para Niños en Español Niños de todas las edades y sus familias están invitados a la Biblioteca principal a la hora de los cuentos GRATIS, incluiremos cuentos, historias, canciones, refranes y otras actividades divertidas en español. Ven y aprende acerca de la Biblioteca y lo que tiene para

March 15 Teen Planning Formation Meeting The Mulberry Library is forming a new Teen Planning committee. Be the change you want to see. Free. 3:45 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 16 St. Patty’s Day Desserts To celebrate St. Patty’s Day, teens and kids will be making Leprechaun floats and Lucky green pretzels!

Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 17 Teen St. Patrick’s Day Craft Refreshments will be served. Free. 3:45 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 17 Wii Play Games Ages 12-18 can play Wii games and other consoles.

Free. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

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March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Search Find a hidden shamrock and trade it in for a chocolate coin from a “Pot of Gold” (while supplies last). All day.

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

March 18 30th Annual Family Kite Flite Day at Spiro Mounds This great family kite flying event is held at the only prehistoric, Native American, archaeological site open to the public in Oklahoma. Fly kites and enjoy the beginning of spring at the beautiful and interesting Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. Take your own kite or make a sled kite at the event. Donated kites will be given away hourly and professional kiters will demonstrate their skills all day with fancy kites. For kids, there is a treasure sandbox with shells and coins to keep and a bubble-making pond. Arts and craft and food booths will be open. Archaeologist Dennis Peterson will lead a short guided tour of the site at 2 p.m. Free.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla. 918-962-2062 March 20 LEGO Club Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create, and build unique creations with the LEGO Club. Supplies are provided – just bring take imagination. Free.

5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

March 20-23 U.S. Marshals Museum Spring Break Day Camps For the first time, the U.S. Marshals Museum will host

KIDS EVENTS

two spring break day camps for area students. Frontier Marshals will be open to students ages 6-9 on March 20 or 22. Campers will spend the day learning about deputy U.S. marshals who captured outlaws in the Old West and brought them back to Fort Smith.

They will meet historical reenactors, learn about life on the trail and more. Modern Marshals is available to students ages 10-14 on March 21 or 23. During these sessions, campers will learn about the tools modern deputy U.S. marshals use to keep our country safe. They will conduct a DNA experiment, track down a thief using fingerprints, tour the Western District of Arkansas U.S. Marshals Office and more. There are no exceptions for the age groups. Lunch will be provided. $60. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. U.S. Marshals Museum Administrative Office, 14 North 3rd Street, Ste. D, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 usmmuseum.org March 20-24 Arkansas Spring Break Week Family-friendly interactive programs and activities are scheduled throughout the week. Guided hikes, nature scavenger hunts, trivia challenges, lake tours and many more activities are in store. Contact the park for more information and for inquiries about cabin and camping rental options. Free. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 March 20-24 Spring Break Teen Snacks/Games Games and snacks to entertain teens the entire week.

Free. 2 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

March 21 Spring Break: I Spy at the Library What can you spy with your eye? Visit the library during spring break and see if you can spot the objects hidden in the Youth Services Department. Are they in Fiction or Biography? Picture Books or Young Adult?

Complete the search correctly and earn a prize. Free.

9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

March 21 Pajama Story Time and Stuffed Animal Sleepover Kids of all ages and their families are invited to join the Miller Branch Library staff for a very special bedtime story time. Children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal friend. After everyone enjoys some bedtime stories, songs, and a craft, the stuffed animals will have the opportunity to stay at the library for a sleepover! The next day, kids can pick up their animal friends along with some fun pictures of the sleepover shenanigans. Free. 5:30 p.m.

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 March 22 Spring Break: Tabletop Game Day Enjoy a fun-filled morning, afternoon or evening with family and friends playing board games, card games, checkers and chess at the Fort Smith Public Library.

Test your gaming abilities and battle it out for bragging rights while making awesome spring break memories at all Fort Smith Public Library locations. Free. 9 a.m.9 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library (all locations), 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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KIDS EVENTS

March 23 Bookworms Book Club The book of the month will be The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Discuss and enjoy crafts, and snacks. Pick up a copy of our next book for the month of April.

Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-6324140 March 24-26 Devil's Den Rocks It’s time to celebrate what makes Devil’s Den State Park special! Join state geologist Angela Chandler and park staff for a fun weekend as you learn about the special features that make Devil’s Den the rockin’ place to be. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 March 24 Crafternoon Are you feeling crafty? Children of all ages can make a variety of crafts to take home. Light refreshments will be available. Free. 1-6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

March 25 Comicon First-ever Mulberry Comicon is a library fundraiser, sponsored by Friends of the Library! There will be games, vendors, food, activities and costumes. Free. 11 a.m.

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

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Unlike most of the other children at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, Annie believes her parents are still alive and will one day return to claim her. So, when Mr. Warbucks offers to adopt her, she asks the most powerful man in America to help find her real mom and dad instead. Warbucks’ whopping reward for Annie’s parents attracts the attention of con artists who hatch a plot to kidnap Annie and take the $50,000 reward. But don’t fret: This classic family musical has a happy ending for Annie, Daddy Warbucks and the whole gang. The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Featuring unforgettable songs such as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” $41, $32, $25 for adults, $31, $22, $15 for children. 7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129

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March 22 Story Time: Spring is Here!

Help us celebrate the arrival of spring at this special story time featuring springthemed stories, a craft, and snacks. No registration is necessary; preschool story time featuring stories, crafts, and other fun is held every Wednesday at 10:30 AM at the Dallas Branch Library. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 fortsmithlibrary.org

March 23 Magic: The Gathering Bring your wits, skills, and of course, cards to the Library’s regular Magic: The Gathering Meetup. Newcomers and veterans of the game alike are welcome to come play for fun or practice for upcoming tournaments. Magic: The Gathering is card game of strategy and luck using creatures, spells, and enchantments to drain your opponent’s life force before they do the same to you. Ages 8-18 are welcome, as well as families. Free. 4-7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

March 23 The Arkansas Mayflower Society Program The Arkansas Mayflower Society will visits to present a program about the Mayflower. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 52 Entertainment Fort Smith March 2017

March 30 Truth or Dare Join a fun game of Truth or Dare Jenga for teens. Choose truth or dare while also trying not to knock over the Jenga stack. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 30 Kids Craft: Mini Pies Children and tweens will be baking their own fruit-flavored hand pies. Free. 4 p.m.

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

March 31 Movie Time All ages welcome for refreshments and a movie. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

April 1 Little Miss Van Buren Pageants 2017 The Van Buren High School Project Graduation Class of 2017 sponsors the 2017 Little Miss Van Buren Pageants. 11 a.m. Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 East Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-652-9200

April 1 Lawbreakers & Peacemakers Wild West Fun Fest The imaginary town of Judgment was created on a block near the Fort Smith National Historic Site for activities by the Lawbreakers & Peacemakers Western reenactor troupe. The Wild West Fun Fest will be held there for kids and families.

Kids games such as 3-legged race, tow sack jump, tug of war and more begin at 11 a.m. At noon, there's a High Noon Shootout. Shooting demonstrations at 1 p.m. are followed by live music and wagon rides. At 3 p.m., there will be a Belle Starr shooting demonstration and historical presentation. An auction and fundraiser begins at 5 p.m. Free. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The Town of Judgment, 300 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-670-3292 lawbreakersandpeacemakersinc.com April 8, 29 Girl Scout Camp Family Day and Open House Sample what camp has to offer. Activities will include archery, canoeing, hiking and more. Meet the camp director and summer camp staff and tour camper housing options and other facilities. Also, all camp-age girls attending will be entered into a drawing to win a free week of resident camp. Please wear socks, closedtoed shoes, insect repellent and sun block. Noon-4 p.m. April 8, Camp Cahinnio, 460 Cahinnio Road, Booneville, Ark.; Noon-4 p.m. April 29, Camp Crossed Arrows, 250 Crossed Arrow Lane, Floral, Ark. larcher@girlscoutsdiamonds.org, 870-251-1292 girlscoutsdiamonds.org

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KIDS TRAVEL

Have Kids, Will Travel I

n this era of social media, carefully curated and heavily filtered “selfies,” and the ever popular hashtag “blessed,” it’s easy to find ourselves lulled into lofty parenting expectations. Even the most seasoned parents fall victim to the lure of the perfect Instagram shot – working in social media, even I am not immune. I readily admit to finding false security in snapshots of chubby baby thighs resting in white sand, building sandcastles on a faraway beach. It looks so magical, so idyllic.

What I later learned was that those photos didn’t show the toddler eating fistfuls of sand mere seconds later, refusing an afternoon nap, and later throwing an epic tantrum at Joe’s Crab Shack, forcing her sheepish parents to abandon $78 worth of crab legs and elaborate fish-bowl sized cocktails in favor of Happy Meals in the hotel.

#Blessed? More like #Stressed.

With that being said, I am a firm believer in the magic of traveling with children, beginning at a young age. There are so many lessons that are only taught by experience, whether that be navigating a new place together, being immersed in different cultures, or just the unforgettable bond of being unplugged and far away from all obligations while you experience life together.

The gift of travel is the only gift you can truly count on forever having a place in your child’s heart. It can influence decisions, shape life choices, and make them more confident, capable people. Of this, I have no doubt.

It starts with managing expectations. Will there be meltdowns? Most likely. Do they have to ruin your trip? Absolutely not. You know your child better than anyone, and working off of that knowledge is key. Trust

Lucy enjoys ice cream while cruising.

Sometimes a girl shouldn’t have to choose just one Disney character. Can you spot them all?

Kristan and daughter Lucy enjoy the sun and surf while making memories on the beach.

Lucy and Cinderella are headed to the ball – in matching gowns and glass slippers.

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KIDS TRAVEL me when I say that your child will not automatically transform into some character from an ABC Family special when presented with pristine beaches and a spacious vacation condo. Toddlers are particularly equal opportunity fit pitchers. There is no invisible line they will not cross. What I am saying is, keep your schedule while traveling loose, particularly for kiddos who are easily over stimulated. Work in plenty of down time for naps, snacks, and reassuring snuggles. Being in a new place is exciting, but also scary for small kids who depend on consistency.

Another thing to consider is your accommodations. My daughter has a particularly difficult time falling asleep when sharing a room with others, so hotels are not usually a good choice for us. Condo rentals work best, where I can give her a bath, tuck her into a bed in her own room, and shut the door as I would at home. Oftentimes, we can find condo rentals cheaper than many hotels, and a full kitchen allows us to save the stress and expense of eating out.

Believe it or not, cruises are a great option for parents with small children. Carnival and Disney are particularly geared toward kids, with incredibly staffed kids programs that run late into the night. Where else can you drop off the kids for a few hours so you and your honey can enjoy a massage, drinks on the deck, a comedy show, or an upscale dinner? Not only that, but most cruises dock at multiple ports, allowing you to spend time in a variety of places. Our best vacations with our kids have been on cruises. And pro-tip – Carnival is the only cruise line that will actually CHANGE DIAPERS. You’re welcome.

With a good dose of practicality, a wellpacked travel bag (you can’t ever have too many fruit snacks and for the love – don’t forget the iPad), and a loose schedule, you can be well on your way to enjoying a family vacation worthy of the hashtag blessed. But trust me when I say that we want to see those meltdowns, too. They make us love you even more.

Kristan Roland, a work-at-home housewife living in Fort Smith, has been blogging at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen since 2010. She works with brands such as Pillsbury, Disney and eBay. Her recipes have been featured in Parents Magazine and Women's World Weekly. She is a regular contributor to Entertainment Fort Smith.

Lucy meets Lucy.

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CALENDAR of events

March 1 Calling the Northside Class of 1967 Planning is under way for the 50th reunion of the Northside High School Class of 1967. Class members are invited to check in, register and contribute biographical information. The reunion will be held June 9-11. Three days of fun include a social, a breakfast and tour at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, a tour of the Northside campus and a banquet. For publication in the reunion program, please email your biographical information to sheri816@swbell.net.

Class members also are asked to help locate and invite all graduates. Contact Dixie Geren, 479-452-6028, degeren@aol.com or Becky Hale, 479-782-8778, rebeccahale8778@sbcglobal.net. Connect through the Facebook group “NHS ’67 Reunion.”

March 1 Ashes to Go at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church invites those who observe Ash Wednesday to participate in a new way. Father Michael Briggs will be at the curbside to place blessed ashes on the foreheads of drivers who enter at the Old Greenwood Road entrance. Ash Wednesday is observed as the first of the 40 days of Lent. 1-2 p.m. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2101 stbartsfs.org March 1 Adult Book Club Adults meet on the first Wednesday of every month for a discussion on the book of the month. Register to get the book. 10 a.m. Free. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

A group of friends socializes in a Fort Smith night club..

Fostering Fashion is an evening of style, fun and fundraising MARCH

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The Junior League of Fort Smith will present an evening of style and fun with a runway fashion show of the apparel of local boutiques, all to benefit foster children.

Proceeds from the event will go toward special projects for local foster children and teens such as back-to-school shopping, life skills classes and educational experiences. It will be the first year for the girls night event, which will include a runway fashion show for women’s, children’s and even pets’ clothing. Women will take home a fashion “Look Book” to remember where to shop for favorite items. Local and regional retailers will showcase their newest clothing and accessories for Spring, while patrons make their bids on silent auction items, such as spa retreats and Disney tickets. Gourmet refreshments will be served.

Fostering Fashion also will have a special area called the Men Den, where guys lounge, enjoy food and beverages and sports on screen. Tickets are $30. 6-9 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 800 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3930 jlfs.org From left, Abby Johnson models for MakeUp Lounge. For Simply Couture, Krysten Fagen; Isabel Patterson wears a floral off-shoulder top from Crane Clothing Co. and Sydney Blake models a sweater and denim skirt from Suite One. 56

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

March 1-31 Free Tax Return Preparation The WestArk RSVP, a local organization of active adult volunteers 55 or older, partners with the IRS to offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly services. IRS-certified volunteers receive training to help prepare free basic federal and state income tax returns and also offer free electronic filing. Income limit for free tax assistance is $54,000 unless you or your spouse is 60 or older or is active duty military. Free tax assistance is available Monday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. RSVP Center, corner of Grand Avenue and 13th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-629-4240 WestArkRSVP.org March 1-31 Miller Branch Library Artist of the Month Lisabeth Lockhart Retirement allowed the Lisabeth Lockhart to discover a new hobby and passion: painting. Her first ever exhibit will feature a variety of subjects and mediums.

Free. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 March 1 Border Cantos A unique collaboration between an American photographer and Mexican composer uses art to explore, share and humanize the complex issues surrounding the borderlands between the U.S. and Mexico. Free.

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

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March 1-April 2 Liv Fjellsol: Art Says An exhibit from Norwegian artist Liv C. Fjellsol. Fjellsol observes people and society with great interdisciplinary interest and uses her art to express her views on contemporary society. This exhibition shows a large selection of her newest work “Art says.” Free. 11 a.m.6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 March 1-April 15 Adults Color Too! Who said coloring is just for kids? Coloring helps promote relaxation and stress relief. Unwind while engaging in the creative process in a fun, friendly, casual atmosphere. Coloring pages and colored pencils will be provided and are available all library hours. Free.

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 fortsmithlibrary.org March 2 Alzheimer’s Class Shyfa Hooks of the Alzheimer’s Association provides information that will increase knowledge of Alzheimer’s and help relatives and friends support those facing the disease. 1 p.m. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479474-6045

March 3 15th Annual Grape Escapes, A Vine Affair!

Grape Escapes is Bost Inc.’s cocktail style, signature fundraiser providing guests with the opportunity to sample more than 375 wines from around the world and enjoy hors d’oeuvre from local restaurants and caterers. The party includes live music, a wine pull, live and silent auctions. All funds raised will be used locally to fund critical services and supports for individuals with disabilities served by Bost. Bost Inc. is a non-profit organization serving 28 counties in Western Arkansas to individuals with disabilities and their families. Event attire is semi-formal. Call for reservations. $100. 6-9 p.m. Must be 21 to attend. DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-652-4553 bost.org/events/grape-escapes

Miark Franz

Library’s photo exhibits showcase Mark Franz, Michael Leonard MARCH

1 APRIL

30

Interested in photography from a very young age, Mark Franz’s work has evolved from a hobby to a serious passion. The photographer’s day job takes him on travels throughout the region weekly, and his camera always comes along for the ride. He loves working in black and white and also is drawn to anything with a lot of color. There is not a subject that he does not like, especially if it is old and rusty. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

Michael Leonard Leonard’s work will be shown in Dewey’s Café at the Main Library. Landscapes and wildlife are featured in many of his works.

Photography has deepened his fascination with the beauty and diversity of the great outdoors. Leonard says that exploring new places has been an exciting part of his life since childhood. Traveling to new photo locations appeals to the spirit of adventure and discovery in him, and he hopes to share that feeling with people who see his work. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Michael Leonard

March 2017

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

US Marshal Museum Spring Lecture Series on Modern Law Enforcement begins with former Marshals Service director Stacia Hylton

MARCH

6

Policing in a Democratic Society, Stacia Hylton

“Looking to the Future” is the topic of the first lecture of the U.S. Marshals Museum’s spring series. Where past series have looked at historical subjects related to the Marshals Service, this year’s series is about the present.

Former Marshal Service director Stacia Hylton is the speaker. As director of the U.S. Marshals Service, Hylton oversaw one of the most difficult periods in the agency’s history, including the deaths of three deputy U.S. marshals, seven task force officers, sequestration and government shutdowns. During her “Policing in a Democratic Society” lecture, she will share her insight on how law enforcement can protect civil liberties while ensuring safety for all. Hylton was the keynote speaker at the groundbreaking of the future U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith and called this area “sacred ground” for its historical importance to the nation’s oldest law enforcement service. Tickets are $15 per lecture, $40 for the series of four lectures from March-June. Available online or by phone. 6:30 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 modernlawenforcement.eventbrite.com

APRIL

3

Law Enforcement Training, Robert Natzke

The second lecture in the series will be given by retired deputy U.S. marshal and Lead FLETC Trainer Robert Natzke on law enforcement training. Refreshments will be available. 6:30 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 modernlawenforcement.eventbrite.com

MAY

1

Law Enforcement and Race Relations Delrish Moss and Richard Bowen

Delrish Moss, chief of the Ferguson, Mo., Police Department, and Richard Bowen, a retired Deputy U.S. Marshal, will speak on “Law Enforcement and Race Relations.”

JUNE

5

The Future of Law Enforcement Panel Discussion

March 3-5 Friends of Project Compassion Adult Team Tennis Championships Each team of five or more players will play two doubles and one singles match per round. Teams may change partners and mix-up singles players from round to round, just like team tennis. Prizes will be awarded to runners-up. Snacks and lunch on Saturday, mimosas and other beverages all weekend. Each player will receive a tennis towel. Register online with Tournament ID: 700093817 (STA 75 PT). The mission of Project Compassion Inc. is to bring joy, companionship and quality of life to area nursing home residents. $30. 9 a.m. Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 Zero Street, and Creekmore Park, 3303 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5333 arktennis.com March 3 Church Women United World Day of Prayer Church Women United meets to observe World Day of Prayer. Registration and refreshments at 9:30 a.m.

Program at 10 a.m. Free. First Christian Church, 3501 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1139 March 3 First Friday Friends: Arkansas in My Own Backyard Expand your circle of friends at the Fort Smith Public Library at this monthly program featuring activities and social time for adults. Celebrate World Wildlife Day in the Natural State. See the short DVD, Arkansas in My Own Backyard, featuring photographer Tim Ernst. Coffee and light refreshments available. This program is for adults. Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 3 Local Author Talk: Judy Dees Judy A. Dees, author of “36 A Day,” will talk about her books, answer questions and sign books. 11 a.m.

Free. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 3 Yarn Lover’s Club Knit and crochet together on the first Friday of every month. Take a project you’re working on, or learn from friendly group members. 1 p.m. Free. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 March 3-5 Orchid Show & Sale Enjoy hundreds of orchids in bloom and classes on their care. Look, photograph, learn and buy! The indoor show displays orchids from orchid societies and individuals, judged by American Orchid Society accredited judges. Hundreds are for sale. Orchid care mini-classes at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 5-8 p.m.

March 3; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 4; noon to 4 p.m.

March 5. Free garden entry with show admission. $7 adults, $4 children ages 5-12 and under 5 free. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org

The series will conclude as a panel discussion with local, county, state and federal officials.

The future U.S. Marshals Museum will be a national museum located on the riverfront in Fort Smith to tell the more than 225-year story of the U.S. Marshals Service, the oldest federal law enforcement agency in the United States, and honor the sacrifice of marshals killed in the line of duty. For more information, visit usmmuseum.org 58

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

March 3, 17, 31 Redwork Redwork is a floss embroidery of simple line drawings. To learn, take your own embroidery needle, an embroidery loop, floss, envelopes and a shoe box.

12:30 p.m. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Exhibitions at the Center for Art & Education

Vivian Griffith

Timberline to Shoreline: Steve and Vivian Griffith An opening reception will be held from 1-4 p.m. on March 5 for a new exhibition, Timberline to Shoreline, by guest artists Steve and Vivian Griffith.

With impressionistic flair, this husband and wife team interprets their adventures across the United States through their art. Their passion, sense of adventure and the strength of their relationship are all represented in a body of work that allows us to track their journey together. Meet these delightful artists who reside in Conway, Ark. This exhibition will be a celebration of relationship, wanderlust and the great outdoors.

MARCH

5-25

Spring Emergence: Sandra Dixon and Jeff Willard In the Studio Gallery is the exhibition Spring Emergence by artists Sandra Dixon and Jeff Willard. This exciting exhibition combines the work of two local artists who are turning a corner in their artistic journey but going in totally different directions. Dixon has been painting in oils for many Jeff Willard years and enjoys painting florals. Willard is an accomplished photographer and Sandra Dixon enjoys manipulating images with digital software to create surreal spaces. He also uses acrylic painting and pen and ink.

Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org March 3-31 Fiber Friday Knitting, crocheting or stitching, every Friday. Stitch and chat, share, teach and learn with others. 2 p.m.

Free. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 4 WAMN Training Class-Frog Watch Western Arkansas Master Naturalists hold classes for Naturalists in Training taught by a variety of experts.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Devil's Den, 1333 Arkansas 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 60

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

March 4 TrailBlazers Hiking Club: Lake Ouachita TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike the Vista Trail at Lake Ouachita. Hike about 5 miles, rated moderate, from Joplin Trailhead to Tompkins Bend Trailhead. There will be some elevation with spring-fed streams, quartz crystals and lake views. Take lunch and water. This hiking group is always open to new members or guests just for one hike. Members of all ages hike according to their abilities. Meet at Home Depot parking lot at 8 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan. 8 a.m. Lake Ouachita, Highway 271, near Mount Ida, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

March 4 Artistic Edge Class Owners of the Artistic Edge Cutter machine can learn how to curve text, how to weld and how to do an auto border. Pre-registration required. $10. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 4 The Community Strikes Back: Bowling Tournament Commissary Kiwanis Club hosts its 3rd annual bowling tournament to benefit the Children’s Emergency Shelter. It is open to people of all ages and skill levels and will include three games per team with prizes and auction. Games will start at approximately 1 p.m. Help strike out child abuse and neglect and help children in crisis. The Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter serves area children ages 6-17 who have been removed from their home by the Department of Human Services due to neglect and/or abuse. Their mission includes providing a shelter and care, in a safe and structured home-like environment to abused and/or neglected children, and to allow kids the opportunity to “just be kids.” Kiwanis International’s mission is to serve children of the world. Locally, the Fort Smith Commissary Kiwanis Club serves area schools as a Partner in Education and through reading programs.

1-4 p.m. Bowling World, 6100 South 36th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-5050 March 4 Roller Derby Rumble The LeFlore County Maidens of Mayhem battle the South Central Roller Girls. This will benefit the Spiro High School Marching Band as they raise money for their 2017 trip to Washington. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., event at 5 p.m. Seating is limited, so take a chair.

Enjoy family fun and a performance by the Spiro High School Jazz Band. $10 or free for children under 12.

5 p.m. Skate-Reaction, 103 Hughes Drive, Poteau, Okla. 918-649-3674 March 6-9 Teens Teach Tech Register to participate. For Teen Tech Week, teens volunteer Monday-Thursday to help others with their electronic devices. Want to set up voice mail, download a book or turn on a new tablet? Teens will help.

Free. 3:45 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 6-10 Crawford County Library Week Celebrate library week with daily activities. Monday, DIY Bookmarks. Tuesday: Crosswords & Coloring for adults. Wednesday: Origami. Thursday: Blackout Poetry. Friday, Patron Appreciation Day, with cake and coffee. Free. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 6-27 Affordable Dance Lessons The Diamond Dance Club teaches weekly dance lessons on the third Friday of each month. Six volunteer instructors teach lessons in Latin, ballroom, country, swing and polka styles in a wholesome smoke-free atmosphere. All ages. 6:30 p.m. $5. 6:30-9 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Eagle Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 6-27 Adult Coloring Mondays Relax a bit before picking the kids up from school. Pictures, pencils and markers provided. Free. 2 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 March 7 Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care: Navigating the Public Benefit Maze Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas. Major illnesses such as cancer can bring tremendous financial burden to individuals. This session will discuss what each of these programs is, what they cover, how to qualify and how to access the benefits they provide. Lunch provided by Panera Bakery Café. Free. Noon. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org March 7 Diabetes Academy Certified diabetes educator Lisa Roling from Novo Nordisk presents a free class. Learn about managing diabetes and get tips for staying healthy. Free. 10a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 7 Talk with the Doc: Thyroid Disorders & Diabetes One butterfly-shaped gland in your neck helps regulate metabolism, heart rate, energy levels and body temperature. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease and as many as 60 percent of those are unaware of their condition. Dr. Rahim Khorassanizadeh, endocrinologist, will discuss thyroid disorders and diabetes in a free seminar. Registration required by phone or online. Lunch provided. Free valet parking. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Shuffield Education Center Sparks Regional Medical Center, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3627 March 7 Rooster Wall Hanging Sewing Class Make a fun rooster wall hanging using the appliqué technique. Class members take their own sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. Fee covers the cost of materials. Pre-registration required. $35. 10 a.m.

Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 8 Introduction to SBIR/STTR Workshop The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents "Introduction to SBIR/STTR." Rebecca Norman, ASBTDC innovation consultant, will guide a free workshop and introduce high-tech entrepreneurs and university researchers to the Small Business Innovation Research Technology Transfer program. The program offers federal funding support for innovative research and development projects that meet specific agency needs. Dan Mickelson from Arkansas Economic Development Commission Manufacturing Solutions will provide an introduction to AEDC’s services specific to manufacturing and discuss state programs that supplement research. Individualized consulting sessions available. Registration is required by March 7 by phone or online. Free. 1-3 p.m. UAFS-Baldor Technology Building, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events March 2017

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 9 Adult Craft Party Adults may register by March 2 to make an Easter egg candleholder. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 9 Pillowcase Romper Sewing Class Learn how to make a pillowcase romper. Participants take their own sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. The fee covers the cost of materials. Pre-registration required. $35. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 9-12 Centering Prayer: The Journey Continues This retreat, led by Nick Cole, is for anyone interested in deepening their centering prayer practice. This retreat will begin with supper at 5:30 p.m. on March 9 and conclude after lunch on March 12. The retreat will be in silence after the opening circle on Thursday night until lunch on Sunday. $235. St. Scholastica Retreat Center, 1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1135 stscho.org/retreats March 10 Reptiles of Arkansas See an alligator, turtles, lizards and various snakes up close and personal. Jeremy Sloan and Brad Birchfield will provide a family-oriented presentation on the variety of reptiles in Arkansas. Free. 6:30-8 p.m.

Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

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Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

March 10 BINGO for Books Play bingo, meet new friends and win books. All players go home with at least one book. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 10 Sweet Tooth Friday Celebrate with something sweet on Patron Appreciation Day. Free. All day. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 March 10,24 Redwork Have fun and make new friends in regular redwork embroidery class. All experience levels are welcome.

Take your own supplies. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 10, 24 Writers Group Meet with other writers to share work, give encouragement, offer suggestions and share ideas. Free. 10 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 March 11 WAMN Training Class-Trails Western Arkansas Master Naturalists will be holding classes geared for Naturalists in Training, taught by a variety of experts. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

March 11 A Night in the Caribbean Dance the night away at the 15th annual A Night in the Caribbean, to benefit The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center. Enjoy great food, an open bar and the fabulous musicians of Mr. Cabbage Head and the Screaming Radishes. The live auction will feature a variety of items, including a child's playhouse, custom suit, Southwest Airlines tickets for two and more. There will be a silent auction, as well as an opportunity to walk away with a fabulous bottle of wine at the Cork for a Cause table, or enter to win the cash drawdown.

Laugh at funny pictures from the photo booth or take home a caricature artist sketch of you and a friend.

Corporate tables are available for businesses or groups of eight, with special party favors, eight cash drawdown tickets, listing in the event program and other promotions. Call for reservations. 6 p.m. Golden Living, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-4677 March 11 TrailBlazers Hiking Club Hikes Buckeye Mountain TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike the Buckeye Mountain/Caney Creek Trails to form a loop of about 8.5 miles. After an initial climb, the trail is mostly along the ridge top until it drops down the mountain to the Caney Creek Trail. There are great views, rock outcrops, a waterfall and several creek crossings. This will be rated moderate to difficult. Anyone is welcome to join the club or just take this hike. Take lunch and water. Meet at Home Depot parking lot in Fort Smith at 7:30 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan. Ouachita National Forest, FR #64, near Athens, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 11 Spring Garden Flag Sewing Class Class members, using their own embroidery machines, can learn how to appliqué an initial and name and how to sew a burlap flag. Take your own sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. Fee covers the cost of materials. Pre-registration required. $25. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 11 Dr. Tom A. Wood Memorial Benefit This evening of music is a benefit to help with bills and expenses after the passing of Dr. Tom A. Wood.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with Newhart, Sparks and Adams opening. At 6 p.m. enjoy live bluegrass music

by Central City Grass, Tacie & the Sunshine Band and Sweet Water, as well as a silent auction, bake sale and concession stand. Donations are accepted in the form of auction and bake sale, craft items, baked goodies or other items. $5 donation for adults; kids free. 5:30 p.m. The Front Porch Theater, 4405 U.S. 71 North, Alma, Ark. 479-883-0801 March 11 IEP Boot Camp The Pervasive Parenting Center will host a day of education service training for parents and professionals.

Speakers for the event will include Wanda Felty from the Center for Learning and Leadership, Shawna Kenne from the Oklahoma Department of Education, Deidra Edwards from the Oklahoma Parents Center, and Kayla Bower from the Oklahoma Disability Law Center. They will speak on topics including: working

with schools to receive services for your children, understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, IEP Basics and understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m., and the event will end at 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided for participants based on registration.

There will also be a $50 family stipend available to parents who fill out a form prior to the conference. Registration forms are available online. Register by March 6. The Pervasive Parenting Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was launched in 2014 to help families in eastern Oklahoma find resources available for people diagnosed with autism and other disabilities. Free. 8 a.m.3 p.m. Carl Albert State College, 1601 South Opdyke Street, Sallisaw, Okla. 918-775-6977 pervasieparentingcenter.org March 11-May 20 River Valley Corporate Challenge The River Valley Corporate Challenge, benefitting the Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter and the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, will kick-off March 11 with a 3-v-3 volleyball tournament, followed by 10 other sporting events to take place over a series of weeks, concluding on May 20 with ultimate frisbee. The challenge is a series of healthy-minded athletic events designed to bring businesses together by promoting inter-office teamwork, business networking, as well as community awareness for two local non-profits.

Businesses and organizations can register now. $1,000. 10 a.m. Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs & Children's Emergency Shelter, 6015 Boys Club Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-224-5771 childrensemergencyshelter.org

March 13 Embroiderers Guild of Fort Smith Embroiderers with all experience levels are welcomed.

Take your own basic supplies to work on a monthly project. Refreshments served. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-2759 March 13 Crayon Apron Sewing Class Learn how to make an apron to hold crayons, a perfect project to make for a budding artist. Class members use their own sewing machines and basic sewing supplies. Pre-registration is required. $25 includes materials. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 13 Friends Meeting Become a Friend of the Library! Volunteer, publicize, raise fund and help the library be the best it can be.

Friends meet the second Monday of each month. 3 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 March 13 Adult Coloring Club Think coloring is just for kids? Not anymore. Relax and color the stress away. Take your own supplies or use supplies the library provides. Enjoy inking in elaborates designs and pictures or take your own coloring project and join others at work. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 16 Book Club Book lovers get together and discuss a monthly book club pick. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Spring Folk School Classes at the Ozark Folk Center State Park

March 15 Diabetic Support Group A diabetes support group can provide a place to discuss issues that others with the same condition may be experiencing too. It can help the person with diabetes realize that he or she is not alone. Enjoy a healthy treat. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

The Ozark Folk Center State Park holds a classes in fine craftsmanship during the Spring Ozark Folk School.

MARCH Classes are offered in knife making, broom making, weaving, blacksmithing, soap making, candle making, letterpress printing, pottery, leatherwork, knitting, crocheting and spinning.

13-17

Resident working artisans at the Ozark Folk Center have the opportunity to practice their crafts until they achieve mastery. Classes offer everyone a chance to learn traditional crafts hands-on, from a skilled teacher. Classes in traditional and contemporary crafts are for students 16 and up. Visit the website for a complete list of classes, registration deadlines and class fees, or call for more information.The Cabins at Dry Creek, located in the park, offer special rates or students staying more than five days.

The mission of Ozark Folk Center State Park is to perpetuate, present and promote the Ozark way of life in an educational and enjoyable manner; through craft demonstrations, musical programs, the Heritage Herb Garden, workshops and other special events. Ozark Folk Center, 1032 Park Avenue, Mountain View, Ark. 870-269-3851 ozarkfolkcenter.com March 13 Book Talk Discuss “Fates and Traitors” by Jennifer Chiaverini.

Pick up a copy of the book in advance. Free. 7 p.m.

Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 14 Book Talk: The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian When Elizabeth Endicott arrives in Syria, she has a diploma from Mount Holyoke College, a crash course in nursing and only the most basic grasp of the Armenian language. The First World War is spreading across Europe and she has volunteered to deliver food and medical aid to refugees of the Armenian genocide.

She becomes friendly with Armen, a young Armenian engineer who has already lost his wife and infant daughter. When Armen leaves Aleppo to join the British Army in Egypt, he begins to realize that he has fallen in love with the wealthy, young American woman. Flash forward to the present, where Laura Petrosian, a novelist, is living in suburban New York.

Although her grandparents’ ornate home was nicknamed the “Ottoman Annex,” Laura has never really given her Armenian heritage much thought. She embarks on a journey back through her family’s history that reveals love, loss – and a wrenching secret that has been buried for generations. Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 64

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

March 15 Colorectal Cancer & Nutrition Presented by Ryan Ellison, RD, LD, Sparks Nutrition Center. Free. 11:30-12:30 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org March 15 Financial Management Research shows that consumers who use good financial management skills are happier, more productive and more prepared to deal with times of stress. The Crawford County Extension Office will teach the tools of good financial management. Free. 1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 15 Fort Smith Public Library Writing Club Writers from teens to seniors are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Fort Smith Public Library Writing Club. Discuss writing goals and ambitions, experience other members’ works and enjoy being among others that share the same passion for writing as you. Take a laptop or a pad of paper along with your creativity and love for writing. Free. 4- 5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

March 16 How to Find a Job: Tips and Techniques from the Experts Are you unemployed or underemployed? Get expert advice on how to look for a job and create or update your resume in this free program co-sponsored by the Fort Smith Public Library and Go Ye Employment Services. Go Ye staff will share their knowledge of job hunting techniques and resources to help participants improve their chances of landing the jobs they pursue.

Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 16 Open Mic Night at Dewey’s Café Musicians, poets and other talented folks are invited to perform at a fun, casual open mic night. Sign-up at the door; arrive early to get a spot on the list. Music or poetry does not have to be original work. Share a favorite poem or musical piece. Acoustic music only please. Free. 7 p.m. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 16-17 Photo Contest at the Master Gardeners Lawn & Garden Show The Photographic Alliance of Fort Smith holds a photography contest at the River Valley Lawn & Garden Show. Entries accepted from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 16 and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 17 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. There will be two categories: one must be garden related and the other must contain flowers. A $200 prize goes to the top winner, named by an outside judge and people's choice. Nonmembers are welcome to enter. $5 per photo entry fee. Enter up to four photos. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-8932 pafsac.com March 16-19 Flower Show The Greater Fort Smith Council of Garden Clubs presents an annual show at the Lawn & Garden Show. The overall theme is "Southern Classics." Classes 1-3 compete for the Designer's Choice Award. Classes 4-6 compete for the Petite Award. Class 1-Country Roads, Class 2-Garden Party, Class 3-Southern Accents.

Class 4-Reunions, Class 5-Parades, Class 6-Junk Stores. Members exhibit in the design section. The public is invited to exhibit horticulture, amateurs only.

Horticulture entries will be accepted March 16 from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-2285

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 17 Diamond Dance This is a monthly social dance that includes styles of ballroom, Latin, country, disco, swing and line-dancing music together in a relaxing evening. The dance is not Eagles Club affiliated so membership is not required. Dance in a smoke-free environment. Attire is dressy casual. Beginners and singles are welcome.

Learn about dance lessons available weekly. Adult beverages are available. $5 per dancer. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Eagle Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 March 17 Lunch Docs: Cameraperson (NR) The Fort Smith Public Library holds a Lunch Docs program screening a different entertaining and informative documentary each month. In this month’s feature, “Cameraperson,” documentary filmmaker Kirsten Johnson assembles a trove of footage of her work around the world giving insight to the unique lives led in different countries, as well as using the lens of her camera to tell her own story through her subjects. Take a lunch and enjoy visually bold memoir and a revelatory interrogation of the power of the camera.

This film is not rated. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 17-19 Arkansas River Valley Lawn and Garden Show The Lawn and Garden show is a family-friendly event.

It is designed to present opportunities for participants to learn about gardening, plants (diseases and insects) flowers, and horticulture. Free seminars given by experts on a variety of gardening topics. Vendors present a variety of gardening related products. Activities for children. The show is sponsored by the University of Arkansas, Agriculture Division, County Cooperative Extension Offices, and River Valley Master Gardeners. $5 for 3-day ticket; 11 & under free 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 800 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-629-0250 fslawngardenshow.org

March 18 Sunset in the Valley Dinner Train Enjoy a delicious, four-course dinner and leisurely train ride aboard the Arkansas and Missouri excursion train from the Fort Smith Trolley Museum to Chester, Ark., a distance of about 35 miles. The dinner will be prepared by Chef Steven Brooks, corporate chef for Tankersley Foodservice, and host of the new AETN cooking show "Cook With Brooks." A silent auction will be held. Register online or by phone by March 17. $125 per person. 5 p.m. Fort Smith Trolley Museum, 100 South 4 th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-0103 fstm.org March 2017

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Clayton Conversations: Take Me Out to the Ball Game Enjoy the perfect seat to view the wide expanse of a MARCH cherished chapter of Fort Smith history: our heyday of “America’s pastime.”

Announcing play-by-play our region’s baseball history, which began before 1890 and flourished at Andrews Field from 1921 to 1956, is UAFS Associate Professor of History Billy D. Higgins.

A baseball player and coach himself, this state historian will share stories and photographs of the notable teams, players and sponsors of the professional, semi-pro and American Legion baseball teams in Fort Smith and surrounding areas.

Billy D. Higgins “Fort Smith was – and still is to some extent – a baseball town,” Higgins said, noting the present Kerwins American Legion team that is known throughout the Southwest. “Before television, small communities all around Fort Smith had town teams and played in well-attended semi-pro tournaments hosted at Hunts Park and Andrews Field (now dismantled and part of the Fort Smith National Cemetery),” Higgins said. “That is in addition to the professional teams of Fort Smith that played in the immaculately maintained Andrews Field and the barnstorming Major League teams that played each other here.”

During 36 seasons at Andrews Field, the Fort Smith Twins affiliated with major league teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns and the New York Giants. Major 1921 Fort Smith Twins baseball events occurred here, including games between the New York Giants and Cleveland Indians in the 1930s, and a 1956 Negro League game that featured greats including Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, Joe Black, Monte Irvin and Al Smith.

In 1945, Higgins moved to Fort Smith at age 7, and soon was mowing, cleaning and playing on the fields of Hunts Park. His father served as director of the Fort Smith Boys Club and coached an American Legion baseball team.

In 2009, Higgins published “The Barling Darling: Hal Smith in American Baseball,” about Longtime coach Squeaky the Barling native born in 1931 who played sports Smith with Barling native and at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club and became a pro baseball player Hal Smith Major League catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1950s and ’60s.

Popcorn and good cheer will be present for the 1:30 program.

Reservations suggested. $10; free to members of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation. 1:30 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org

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Andrews Field, above, is now part of the Fort Smith National Cemetery.

Higgins will discuss the history of Fort Smith’s Twins baseball club and memorable games such as a 1956 Negro League Game here that included greats Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, Joe Black, Monte Irvin and Al Smith.

Higgins, far left, below, playing for the Fort Smith Collegians in 1960.

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Matthew Cull, adventure cyclist, photographer March 18 Incredible Adventures of Matthew Cull World adventure cyclist, writer and photographer Matthew Cull has logged hundreds of thousands of miles across 72 countries and six continents while braving the elements, but savoring the journey, the land and it’s people as one can only do from behind the handlebars. Hear Cull present some of his adventures and enjoy craft beer and food. Attendance is limited to 150; reservations required by phone. Free, presented by KMW Properties and sponsored by Champion Cycling and Dr. Bill Thornton. 6:30 p.m.

Former Shipley Baking Building, 63 South 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-8808 matthewjcull.com March 18 Rocks and Minerals of Arkansas Enjoy an exciting and informative table-top program on Arkansas rocks and minerals. Look at and feel the variety of rocks found in Arkansas and beyond. Denis Dean, an Arkansas Master Naturalist, will present this display for all ages to enjoy. Free. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com March 18 2017 Fort Smith St. Patrick's Day Parade The 2017 Fort Smith St. Patrick's Day Parade will begin at the corner of North 13th and Garrison Avenue and travel west toward the river and end at North 6th Street. There will be a float contest with a cash prize for the best float. Entry form is located on the Fort Smith Firefighters Pipe and Drum Corps Facebook page. The parade will begin with a shootout on Garrison by the Indian Territory Pistoliers. Free. 4-5 p.m.

Downtown Fort Smith, North 13th Street and Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-8915 March 18 Dulcimer Club A dulcimer players’ group meets to play music together and build skills. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 March 18 Mufon Quarterly Meeting-Talk about UFO's Arkansas MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) West Central Section meets quarterly to discuss and share insights and experiences with mysterious UFO phenomenon happening around the world. Whether you are a believer or skeptic, all are welcome to express personal views on the subject. Discuss current newsworthy UFO events, learn about investigating sighting reports, listen to guest speakers. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Public Library, Carnegie Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 March 2017

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 18 Ozark Pastel Society Quarterly Meeting The quarterly meeting of the Ozark Pastel Society with a program. Guests who are interested in the pastel medium are welcome. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Rogers Public Library, 711 South Dixieland Road, Rogers, Ark. 479-6121-1152 rogerspubliclibrary.org March 19 TrailBlazers Hiking Club - Butterfield Trail Hike on the Butterfield Trail from Arkansas 74 to Quail Valley, a round-trip distance of 3.4 miles rated easy to moderate. Tim Ernst rates this area as a “super scenic spot” where it looks as if the earth just split open. Take a snack and water. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot at 1 p.m. to carpool and/or caravan. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, Winslow, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com March 19 3rd Sunday Art Show Every third Sunday afternoon, Michael's Mansion invites the public to browse art works from featured artists Pat Riggs, Jimmy Leach, Lorrie Bridges and Daleana Vaughan. All works are for sale. Meet the artists, browse beautiful original artworks and enjoy refreshments by Chef Mike. Free. 1-4 p.m. Michael's Mansion, 2900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-8336 michaelsmansion.biz March 20 Vernal Equinox Walks Archaeologist Dennis Peterson will lead three twohour, one-mile walks and talk about the Spiro Mounds, how and why they were created and how

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this prehistoric Caddoan Native American group was able to control more than two-thirds of the United States area for more than 350 years. He will also talk about why some of the mounds line up with the solstice and equinox sunsets. Reservations are not required except for large groups. Admission and walk fees will be charged; Oklahoma Historical Society and Spiro Mounds Development Association members get free admission. Cash or check only. $12 adults, $10 seniors, $7 children. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla. 918-962-2062 March 20 Janome 15000 Workbook Class A workbook class for users of Janome 15000, 14000 or Elna 920 sewing and embroidery machines. Walk through activities in the workbook to learn how to use the machines more efficiently. Free. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 20-24 Arkansas Spring Break Week Family-friendly interactive programs and activities are scheduled throughout this entire Spring Break Week.

Guided hikes, nature scavenger hunts, trivia challenges, lake tours and many more activities are in store. Contact the park for more information and for inquiries about cabin and camping options. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

March 20-25 3rd Annual Spring Break Week at Heifer Ranch Spring Break is the perfect time to visit Heifer Ranch.

Special activities are available for all ages – crafts, gardening, environmental activities, hiking through the cultural sites in the Global Village and petting a variety of livestock including goat kids and baby lambs.

Lunch is available for purchase. Free. The Heifer Project’s Heifer Ranch, 55 Heifer Road, Perryville, Ark. 501-889-5124 heifer.org/ranch March 21 Gaining Insight into Genetics Series Dr. Brandy Ree “Gaining Insight into Genetics” is a public lecture series presented by the St. John's Mind Stretchers group. Dr. Brandy Ree of UAFS will discuss "A Mission to Teach Undergraduates Biology." The informal lectures are followed by an open question and answer period. The event is designed to expand knowledge and viewpoints on various topics. St. John's welcomes all and is willing to consider the hard questions. Free. 6-7:45 p.m. St. John's Episcopal Church Ruth Skinner Building, 214 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479 782-9912 stjohnfs.org March 21 Sew Easy Basic Hand Sewing Class Hand-sewing class taught by certified sewing educator Patti Deffenbaugh. Take your own needle (size 7 or 9), a spool of black thread, small scissors, and a needle threader (optional). Free. 10 a.m.-noon Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 21 Backyard Gardening Backyard gardening speaker Charles Griffith will discuss square-foot gardening, the easiest form of raised bed gardening and keyhole gardening. Free. 6-8 p.m.

River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Well Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 March 21 Janome 15000 Workbook Class A class for owners of a Janome 15000, 14000 or Elna 920 sewing and embroidery machine will help owners learn how to use their machines. Take your own machine. Free. 5 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 22-24 Workshop: Still Life Drawing/Watercolor

by Chunbo Zhang Work one-on-one with a master artist. The intensive three-day workshop with personalized attention helps artists achieve their artistic goals. $325 for members, $350 for non-members. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org March 23 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The book “The Zookeeper's Wife” by Diane Ackerman will be reviewed. Any woman is welcome to attend and enjoy the discussion. Free. 11:30 a.m. Dewey's Cafe, Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-1603 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com

March 23 Easter Egg Table Runner Sewing Class Learn how to sew a bright, colorful table runner with an Easter theme. Take your own sewing machine and basic supplies. Pre-registration required. $45 includes materials. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 22 “Hire” Education: Job Seeker Assistance Crawford County Library Systems will host a series of programs to provide information, resources and consulting to unemployed or underemployed job seekers. The free events are sponsored by Go Ye Employment Services. Go Ye staff will moderate, answer questions and share resources and guidance to create a higher chance of success for participants to obtain a job. Free. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 March 24-26 Circle of Life: Journey Through the Seasons A retreat group to find personal stories hidden in the life-giving spirit of four emerging transitions: Spring, blossoming and new beginnings: Summer, fruitfulness and passion; Autumn, harvesting and fruitfuldying; Winter, nurturing the seed in the holy-darkness of your being. This seasonal circle of life is a metaphor for the spiritual and religious journey at the heart of personal transformation. Lodging and meals are included in the cost. $245. St. Scholastica Retreat Center, 1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1135 stscho.org/retreats

March 25 The Steel Wheels Bourbon Express Tickets may be available by waiting list for this event.

The Steel Wheels Bourbon Express is an educational bourbon tasting and train ride aboard the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad to benefit the Steel Horse Rally Inc. $75. To join a waiting list, e-mail info@TheSteelHorseRally.com or phone. Departs 5:30 p.m. Miss Laura's Visitor Center, 2 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-414-3775 theSteelHorseRally.com March 25 TrailBlazers Hiking Club: Bear Hollow Trail TrailBlazers Hiking Club will hike Bear Hollow Trail at Mount Magazine State Park. Points of interest are Sunrise Rock, Inspiration Point, Shoal Creek, wet weather waterfalls and the last remaining virgin hardwood forest in Arkansas. The hike is about 5.5 miles rated moderate. Take lunch and water. Meet at Home Depot parking lot at 8 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan.

Mount Magazine State Park, Arkansas 309 South, Paris, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com March 25 Roller Derby: Team Arkansas vs. Team Oklahoma The River Valley Roller Girls’ roller derby and swap meet. Doors open at noon for shopping. Roller derby games start at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m. The main event at 7 p.m. features a match between Team Arkansas and Team Oklahoma as the toughest and most competitive players from each states take the floor. $10; 12 and under free. Noon. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-806-3181 facebook.com/RVRGderby

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 27 Cross Wall Hanging Sewing Class Learn how to make a wall hanging with an Easter lily appliqué. Students take their own sewing machine and supplies. Pre-registration required. $40 includes materials. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com March 28 Authors in the Afternoon with Marc Cullison Oklahoma author Marc Cullison is the author of “Vietnam…Again.” The book explores the edification of a soldier returning to the place where he fought; the reality of coming to terms with his prejudices and antipathy toward a former foe. The author discovers answers to questions long buried in his mind which absolve him of the indignity carried for years.

Copies may be purchased and signed at this open-house style event. Cullison is a baby boomer who grew up in an era when education was everything and duty to country was a responsibility. After receiving a degree in architectural engineering at Oklahoma State University, he became a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve Corps of Engineers. During his four-year tour of duty, he served as helicopter pilot with the 129th Assault Helicopter Company in II Corps, Vietnam, in 1971. His most recent career was as a math and science instructor at Connors State College in Warner and Muskogee, Okla., He retired in 2014. He lives with his wife in a self-built log house near Sallisaw. Free.

4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org March 30 Batiks Hole in the Wall Quilt Top Sewing Class Learn how to make a quilt top using brightly colored batiks using the Hole in the Wall quilting pattern. Take your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. Preregistration is required. $60 includes materials.10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com

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March 31-April 2 Racquet to Sack It Tennis Tournament Arkansas Vein and Skin Care will present the Racquet to Sack It Tennis Tournament benefiting the Sack Lunch Program. This team tennis event expects to host more than 10 players. Team entries open March 5 and close March 28. Call to register. The proceeds from this event will support the Sack Lunch Program relocation project. 8 a.m. Ben Geren Park Tennis Center, 7200 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5333 April 1 Super Heroes for Autism 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Developmental Wings will host the Super Heroes for Autism 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. This is a great excuse to dress up as a favorite superhero. The race will start at 8 a.m. near Wells Lake and the River Valley Nature Center. Early Registration is available now through March 15 and guarantees a T-shirt for each participant. Late registration is March 16-31. Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m. Packet pick-up is 5-7 p.m.

March 1 fat Creekmore Park. Medals for the top male and female finishers and age group awards. Prizes for best costume in individual male and female (adult and children) categories and prizes for the best team costume. $25. 8 a.m. Wells Lake, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-0645 April 1 Third Annual Mulberry Edamame Festival A great start to the spring festival season with craft and food vendors, antique cars and tractors on display, live music and samples of edamame, a crop increasingly being planted around Mulberry, where a processing plant has been built. Edamame is a healthy, young green soybean pod enjoyed fresh, dried, steamed or boiled. Expect to be offered a taste of edamame in many forms. Free activities are planned for kids and families. Food concessions and arts and crafts vendors may apply now at the City of Mulberry website. Free.10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mulberry City Park, 419 Ark. 64 West, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1321 cityofmulberry.org Edamame

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Keep Fort Smith Beautiful Great American Cleanup Spring Litter Pick-Up Join Keep Fort Smith Beautiful by picking up litter and cleaning up the community.

Individuals, families, neighborhood watch groups, businesses, classroom projects, service organizations, clubs, scouts and church groups are invited.

APRIL

1

Members of Keep Fort Smith Beautiful will be at Southside High School at 9 a.m. and will furnish gloves, trash bags, vests, T-shirts and snacks.

Pick up litter anywhere in Fort Smith or take on a suggested location. Return to place the litter into a container provided by the City of Fort Smith Sanitation Department.

A clean city promotes both economic and social growth. Take pride in Fort Smith. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Southside High School, 4100 Gary Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-769-5309 Facebook.com/keepfortsmithbeautiful

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April 1 Pancake Breakfast for the Never Say Never Foundation and Arkansas Freedom Fund Fill your belly with delicious pancakes to support an amazing cause. All of the money raised goes to the Never Say Never Foundation and the Arkansas Freedom Fund. The foundation, in conjunction with a local Battle with the Blades track event, helps bring awareness of limb loss and adaptive sports. The Arkansas Freedom Fund helps to provide a local veteran with the appropriate prosthetic limbs to be active and healthy through recreational events such as cycling, golfing, fishing, hunting, hiking, martial arts and other activities. Children and veterans may receive a walking prosthetic under many insurance programs, but “blades” and other adaptive prosthetics for sports and activities must be purchased out-of-pocket. These two organizations help those with limb loss obtain the right prosthetics to lead active lives. $8. 8-11 a.m. Beef O'Bradys, 12200 U.S. 71 South, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-9464

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 1 Once Upon a Prom Dress Giveaway Prom dresses are expensive. Girls 14-19 who cannot afford a prom dress may attend a dress giveaway.

Sizes 00-24 are available and dresses are totally free.

Each girl may only receive one dress. Noon-4 p.m.

Heritage United Methodist Church, 1604 East Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-208-0063 onceuponapromvb.wix.com/ouap April 1 Banquet at the Barn A chuckwagon dinner and dancing supports the Equestrian Zone, a program that serves children with autism and other disabilities. The evening includes a rider exhibition and silent auction. Equestrian Zone is a non-profit 501(c)3 in Russellville, Ark., that serves a radius from Fort Smith, Altus, Ozark, Paris to Conway. Equestrian Zone does hippo-therapy for children.

Some of the riders are saying their first words, eating for the first time, taking their first steps and many other skills they had not achieved through conventional therapy. $40 per adult or $50 at door. 5-9 p.m.

The Barn at the Twin Oaks Ranch, 10042 Bandy Lane, Dardanelle, Ark. 479-970-8351 equestrianzone.org April 1-30 Muskogee Azalea Festival Muskogee's Honor Heights Park boasts 40 acres of manicured gardens with more than 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties. See blooming azaleas, tulips, dogwoods and wisteria. Drive along paved roadways that wind around the blooming flowers, walkways perfect for runners or birders, five lakes, a variety of picturesque ponds, a butterfly sanctuary and a tree arboretum.

Honor Heights Park, North 40th Street West, Muskogee, Okla. 866-381-6543 April 6-Aug. 28 Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball The AA-Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals open their season. Great opportunity for some family fun.Tickets are $8-$14. Arvest Ballpark, 3000 South 56th Street, Springdale, Ark. 479-927-4900 nwanaturals.com April 8-9 Wine & Roses Gala The 23rd Annual Wine & Roses Gala will include gourmet food, entertainment, live wine and experience package auctions and an art gallery walk. Proceeds support the programs and services offered to cancer fighters and survivors and their families by the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House. Black Tie optional. Valet parking. $125 per person. 6:30 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-424-1812 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org Reporting Events for Publication To reach the 80,000 readers of Entertainment Fort Smith’s Calendar of Events, report events online at efortsmith.com by the 10th of each month prior to the event date. Our online form asks for all the information the magazine requires. Priority is given to events that are free, low-cost, of general interest or for children and those that support non-profit groups. Read the guidelines for publication; display advertising is available for events that do not meet editorial rules for free publication. Email questions or additional images to calendar@efortsmith.com or call 479-494-1888.

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2017 GRIT Award Call for Nominations Restaurant Partner Nominees show community involvement, positively promote Fort Smith, demonstrate pride in Fort Smith heritage, and deliver quality service to visitors, tourists and convention groups.

Lodging Partner Hotel, motel or bed and breakfast that is located in Fort Smith. Nominees positively promote and proactively draw people to Fort Smith through custom sales and outreach, show community involvement, demonstrate pride in Fort Smith heritage, and deliver quality service to visitors and convention groups.

The staff at the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau is rolling out the annual awards ceremony to recognize the brightest stars of Fort Smith's growing tourism industry. On April 27, the Fort Smith CVB will host the event at Fort Smith Convention Center, Hall C, where businesses, organizations and individuals who have been nominated for this year's “Giving Recognition In Tourism (GRIT) Awards” will gather to celebrate their accomplishments.

Before we can announce any winners, though, we need your help selecting nominees to become finalists. You are the people in our community who see the individuals, attractions, restaurants and lodging establishments that are going above and beyond to promote Fort Smith as a destination.

Scan this QR code

to be directed to the online nomination form.

(You may need to download a QR Reader app for your phone or tablet.)

Attraction Partner Must be located in or near Fort Smith; includes Eastern Oklahoma.

Nominees hold events to promote themselves and Fort Smith, demonstrate pride in Fort Smith heritage and continuously improve and refresh their facilities, programs or exhibits to create an exciting experience for visitors.

Business Partner of the Year Must be a business or corporation located in Fort Smith. Nominees should show vision and leadership within the community in regard to the future of Fort Smith tourism, demonstrate pride in Fort Smith's heritage, seek to engage and support the Fort Smith tourism community through positive promotion and representation of Fort Smith, and deliver/support quality service to visitors, tourists and convention groups.

Polly Crews Hospitality Person of the Year These nominees are known to go above and beyond the call of duty to promote Fort Smith and seek opportunities to engage and support the Fort Smith tourism community. Most importantly, these nominees demonstrate leadership and vision within the community in regards to the future of Fort Smith tourism.

The Not-So-Fine Print: How to Nominate Someone for a Fort Smith GRIT Award:

Or type in this url: FortSmithGRIT.com

to access the online form from your desktop, laptop or mobile device

• Nominations are due by March 24, 2017. Nominations can be submitted online at FortSmithGRIT.com, or by e-mailing info@fortsmith.org, sending a fax to 479-784-2421 and by mail or hand at Miss Laura's Visitor Center • To nominate finalists, simply write the GRIT Awards Selection Committee a description of why you believe this person or organization has earned recognition for their work supporting Fort Smith tourism. Supporting documentation or evidence of the nominee's work in tourism may be submitted, but is not required.

• Qualifying work must have taken place during the period from March 21, 2016, to March 24, 2017. Finalists will be announced in early April.

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DINING GUIDE

CALICO COUNTY

JUAN’S

LULU’S

Their famous cinnamon rolls are served as you are seated. Enjoy while selecting wholesome, home-cooked choices from Calico County’s hearty menu. Voted favorite home-cooking restaurant time and time again.

Juan’s Mexican Restaurant is a Fort Smith classic known for its signature cheese dip and delicious combo platters. Fast service and lunch specials make it a business lunch favorite. Fresh chili rellenos are a house specialty.

Beautiful entrees such as Cedar Plank Tasmanian Salmon, fresh from the Gulf, are prepared by Chef Aaron at this newly opened bistro. Menu of fresh market-totable delights, cocktails and fine wines.

2401 South 56th Street, Fort Smith.

3121 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith.

WESTERN SIZZLIN

RIVER CITY

WHOLE HOG CAFÉ

Known for its famously tender steaks and the endless variety of its long food bar, with hot entrees, fresh vegetables and colorful, healthy salad selections.

Chosen repeatedly by our readers as Favorite Restaurant Overall, Catering and Gourmet Deli, Chef Jason Haid prepares seasonal creations, brunch, fine dining evenings, the classic bistro/deli menu and stellar event catering.

7320 Rogers, Ste. 7, Fort Smith

So many barbecue sauces, so many great slow-barbecued meats to try: pulled pork, ribs, brisket, pulled chicken and sausage.

Feed a family or a party with a “Buddy Pack” Dine in for daily specials.

9417 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith.

Two Fort Smith locations: 5720 Rogers Avenue and 5200 Towson Avenue 76

Entertainment Fort Smith

March 2017

4501 Burrough Road, Fort Smith

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DINING GUIDE

FREE FOOD GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY

Winners!

O These folks are going to

Western Sizzlin’

N N N N Deborah Shirk Fort Smith

Annabee Chandankham Fort Smith Winnie Evans Fort Smith Karen Mayo Mansfield

March 2017

Entertainment Fort Smith

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Entertainment Fort Smith

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