Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine - June 2016

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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 BRITTANY RANSOM Guest Editor, The Kids Issue

Contributing Photographers ROGER CARTER BOB DYER GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY DONNA PAYNE

Advertising Sales Advertising Coordinator KARRIE KELLY karrie@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 CHARLES G. HUBBARD Corporate Sales charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995 CALVIN EVANS Account Executive calvinevans@efortsmith.com 479-414-3252 LINDA GILHAM Account Executive lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 © 2016 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com

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Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2016

It’s work to find all this fun This is an issue moms love and its cover story was gathered by a mom we love – and respect! Our guest editor of the Kids Issue, Brittany Ransom, all but gave birth as we sent these pages to press. She is healthy, smart and awesome. We’re surprised not to be publishing a picture of her new baby, because that baby is this close to being born! Brittany and her husband, Jeramy, were scheduled to welcome their second child May 24, if he or she didn’t come sooner. We did get a picture of their very nice son James, 4, taking a spin on the vintage carousel at the Park at West End for our cover photo. Brittany sought and collected all the summer activities for kids across our entire reading area. We thank all the librarians and program directors who sent in their full schedule of summer activities. Senior editor Donna Payne is the puzzle-solver who fits it all together for our 20-page guide to fun. Kids can be athletes, artists, scientists, dancers, swimmers, singers, actors, explorers, helpers – or just kids – in an outstanding variety of activities. Those Robertses The development of Linda Seubold’s story about the nine children of Arthur and Bess Roberts of Roland, Okla., has been entertaining in itself as she learned to keep all the descendants straight. Her connection to this clan of long-time Roland residents is her husband, Frank’s, life-long friendship with Earl Roberts, one of those nine. The Roberts have been in businesses related to automotive parts and salvage for 70 years this year and it all started from an unusual little gas station in Moffett. There are more than 100 descendants of that couple and many, if not most, have stuck close to home, an All-American hometown success story.

Those Rotarians In researching the story of a century of service by Rotary Club of Fort Smith, the city’s original Rotary International chapter, we certainly learned much more than we could report here. Whether or not you realize it, Rotary has touched your life in some way. They’re involved with so much service to our city. Besides this 100-year-old group, there are two other Rotary Clubs meeting weekly here and also doing a world of good: the Southside Rotary Club and University Rotary of Fort Smith, which arose at UA-Fort Smith. Entertainment Fort Smith commends the Rotary Club of Fort Smith for all its service as it reaches this landmark anniversary. When writers interview writers It was fun to talk with first-time novelists Jack Moseley and Dr. Kit Moulton; maybe too much fun. First, it is always amusing to annoy Jack with rules of grammar. Second, who knew he had a novel? We think he could write the further adventures of the character he has invented. Moulton is went straight from first- to thirdtime novelist. Once he astonished himself by writing a book, he just kept writing. He has produced a real epic, in three volumes, inspired by actual experiences of his father before and during World War II. Both new novelists will sign copies of their books at the Fort Smith Public library this month. Moulton wrote in study rooms at the main library, proving once again that this fine institution is the center of culture for the whole city. We really enjoyed talking with both of these surprising authors. Yes, grown-ups can have fun in summer, too. You’ll find plenty in the calendar of events. –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.

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CONTENTS

June 2016

features

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30 Hard-working family

Toronzo Cannon

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The Kids Issue Hundreds of choices of activities for kids from toddlers to teens, all summer long! Choose from these mostly free, all fun suggestions that will allow kids to be scientists and swimmers, artists and athletes, readers, volunteers and just plain old kids.

Summer Reading from New Novelists A former reporter, Jack Moseley, and current opthalmologist, Dr. Kit Moulton, present their new novels. By Lynn Wasson

The Roberts of Roland Stick Close to Home Ever have the impression that every other person in Roland is named Roberts? There’s a reason. Linda Seubold writes about some members of this close-knit family.

Fortifiers: The Rotary Club of Fort Smith, helping for 100 years The original Fort Smith chapter of Rotary International marks a century of service helping children and mothers, supporting education and being all-around good citizens.

Represent! Support hometown pride with Fort Smith stuff A brief survey of T-shirts, commemorative bricks, artwork and other merchandise that supports local causes. Wear it, give it and put your pride on display.

departments

Music

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HOME Warnock Real Estate thrives with high professional standards.

eve n t s

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Calendar of Events

Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2016

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Outdoor concert season is here as the Blues Festival opens summer.

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DINING GUIDE A directory of some of the finest eateries in the area.

JUNE EVENTS FOR KIDS Get the lowdown on the day-by-by in the first month of summer.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Yes, there’s fun for grown-ups too, with walking and aqua-jogging.

On the cover: James Ransom takes a spin on the vintage carousel at the Park at West End. Photo by Donna Payne

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On Your Mark, Get Set … READ! Fort Smith Public library Fort Smith Public library 3201 Rogers Avenue, 479-783-0229 Story times: Toddler Time: 10 a.m. Tuesdays Story time (4 and up): 10 a.m. Thursday Spanish story time: 6 p.m. on the second Monday of the month Dallas branch library 8100 Dallas Street, 479-484-5650 Story time is 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays miller branch library 8701 South 28th Street, 479-783-0229 Story time is 10 a.m. Fridays Windsor branch library 4701 Windsor Drive, 479-785-0405 Story times: Ages 5 and under: 10 a.m. Mondays K-6th: 10 a.m. Thursdays June 2-Aug. 11 All programs are free. fortsmithlibrary.org. on your mark, Get Set … rEaD! children's Summer reading Program Who: Preschool to 12 years What: Designed to encourage reading for pleasure, this program will help young readers retain the valuable skills they developed over the school year. Preschool children too young to read also may participate and will receive credit for the books read to them. Rewards will be given for reaching specific goals. When: June 1-July 31 Where: All Fort Smith Public Library locations on your mark, Get Set … rEaD! teen Summer reading Program Who: Teens who love to read 8 Entertainment Fort Smith June 2016

What: Stop by any Fort Smith Public Library location to enjoy books, videos, computers, magazines, music and special library programs of all kinds. Read books and enter into weekly prize drawings for the chance to win great gift cards. When: June 1 - July 30 Where: All Fort Smith Public Library locations Wonderful Wednesday @ the main library Who: School-age children What: A different program will be offered each Wednesday in June and July for school-age children as a part of the Summer Reading Program. When: 2 p.m. Wednesdays June 1 – Institute of Jugglology! June 15– Storybook Strings June 29 – Climbing, Jumping, Soaring! July 6 – Baseball Magic with Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic July 20 – Super Science with Stephen “Super Steve” Cox July 27 – The Young Actors Guild presents “Tilly the Trickster” Where: Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch movie matinee @ your library Who: All ages What: Take the family and your own refreshments – or pick something up from Dewey’s Café! Kids of all ages and their families are invited to spend an air-conditioned afternoon at these free events. When: 2 p.m. Thursdays June 2 – Inside Out June 9 – Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip June 16 – Minions June 23 – The Peanuts Movie June 30 – The Good Dinosaur July 7 – Norm of the North July 14 – Home July 21 – Zootoopia July 28 – Kung Fu Panda 3 Where: Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue

Story time with louise turner Who: Children Pre-K-5 years, K-6th Grades What: Enjoy the magic of reading with children’s librarian Louise Turner. Get kids excited about books and reading with these programs featuring stories, songs, crafts and other fun. When: Schoolchildren: 10 a.m. Thursdays Preschoolers: 10 a.m. Mondays Where: Windsor Branch Library arts & crafts afternoons Who: Kids of all ages What: Free arts and crafts program featuring a variety of different craft projects. All materials will be at the fun open-house-style event. When: 2-4 p.m. Thursdays June 2-July 28 Where: Dallas Street Branch, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith. South Sebastian county libraries Greenwood branch 18 North Adair, 479-996-2856 Story hour (ages 4 and older) 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays hartford branch 22 Broadway, 479-996-2856 lavaca branch 200 South Davis, 479-674-4355 mansfield branch 200 North Sebascott Avenue, 479-996-2856 Who: Ages 4 and older What: Experience all things sports and fitness during library programs and individual reading achievement. Activities will include art contests, weekly book drawings and more. Those who complete the program will be invited to a party and magic show. When: June 1-July 28. Make-and-Take Craft Hour for ages 6 and older is 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesdays

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crawford county library System alma branch 624 Fayetteville Avenue, 479-632-4140 cedarville branch 37 Pirates Way, 479-410-1853 mountainburg branch 1300 U.S. 71 North, 479-369-1600 mulberry branch 220 North Main Street, 479-997-1226 Van buren branch 1409 Main Street, 479-474-6045 All programs are free. crawfordcountylib.org.

alma library on your mark, Get Set … rEaD! Who: Toddlers and children What: Take part in the summer reading program and attend special weekly sessions with story times, adventures, speakers and more. The program will kick off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 4 with a pep rally that will include a meet-and-greet of the Alma High School teams and clubs. Students will be able to pick up their reading packets to prepare to be a super reader this summer. When: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays cedarville library on your mark, Get Set … rEaD! Who: Preschoolers and young children What: Preschoolers and elementary-age children will enjoy speakers, story time, crafts and more. To kick it off, library-goers will go through the StoryWalk program at the Summer Reading Kick-off Party from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June. 4. Cupcake refreshments will be served and participants can pick up a reading log. When: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesdays. Get in the Game ... read! Who: Tweens and teens What: Enjoy guest speakers, fun activities and crafts as part of the summer program. When: 11 a.m.-noon Thursdays

mountainburG library on your mark, Get Set … rEaD! Who: Toddlers, children and tweens What: Enjoy games, stories, activities and crafts about nutrition, relaxation, sportsmanship and more. Participants will receive a ticket for each event they attend for a chance to win prizes at the End of Summer Party. Kick-off Party will be 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. June 4. When: 10 a.m. Mondays Get in the Game and Exercise your mind Who: Teens and adults What: Enjoy crafts, special classes, guest speakers, refreshments and other fun activities. When: noon Wednesdays art class Who: Ages 8-16 What: The Mountainburg Public Library and artists Jessica Pettit and Tami Fujibayahi will conduct a special two-day art class for young artists. Seating is limited and participants must reserve a seat by calling the library in advance. Refreshments will be served. When: 9 a.m.-noon June 6 -7 Where: Mountainburg High School Art Room

mulbErry library on your mark, Get Set … rEaD! Get in the Game ... read! Who: Toddlers to teens What: Summer reading program for children of all ages who can read to win prizes. The kick-off party from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 4 will allow kids to pick up reading logs and learn how the program works. When: 10 a.m. Wednesdays on your mark, Get Set … rEaD! and 1,000 books before Kindergarten Who: Children birth to age 5 What: Parents can take their children to the library for “Drop-in Tuesdays” and take part in the summer weekly reading challenge. When: 8:30-11 a.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 9 movie Days Who: Children, tweens and teens What: Each Friday, everyone can enjoy a family-friend movie. Call the library for the title. When: June 3-July 29, Mondays, 2 p.m. Where: Mulberry Public Library Wii Games Who: Children, tweens and teens What: Have fun at the library playing Wii with your friends. When: 2-4 p.m. June 16, 23 and 30 Where: Mulberry Public Library

Van burEn library on your mark, Get Set … rEaD! Who: Toddlers and children What: Children will have stories, songs and crafts and check out books. Young readers can sign up for the summer reading program at the kick-off party, where they will go on a StoryWalk and read and interact with a book about an imaginary friend. When: 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Wednesdays Kick-off Party 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. June 4 baby & me Summer reading Program Who: Ages 3 and under and caregivers What: Little ones will enjoy story times designed specifically for their age group, including songs and finger plays. When: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays June 7-July 26 Get in the Game ... read! Who: Tweens and teens What: Enjoy crafts, games, healthy lifestyle tips and more. Special “Teen Evenings” with refreshments will be held once each month at the Van Buren Public Library. Call the library or go to crawfordcountylib.org to check titles. When: June 10 & 24, July 1, 8, & 22 at 1:30 p.m. movie night: 7-9 June 17 Game night: 7-9 p.m. Family Fun Who: The whole family What: Yoga, Science with Mr. Jeff, Ranger Cody and more. Refreshments will be provided. When: 1:30 p.m. Thursdays June 9-July 21 movie mondays Who: All ages What: Enjoy a movie with refreshments. Call the library for the title. When: 1:30 p.m. Mondays June 6-July 25

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Entertainment Fort Smith

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Creativity Central Artists of all ages will be inspired this summer with the variety of camps and workshops available throughout the region. Fort Smith rEGional art muSEum 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, 479-784-2782 ram Saturdays Who: All ages What: RAM Saturdays allow artists of all ages to create different art projects during interactive, drop-in sessions. Participants are then encouraged to visit the galleries. Attendees are encouraged to wear “art-making” clothing for this free program. When: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays June 4 – Birdhouses; June 11 – Fuse beads; June 18 – Tie-dye; June 25 – Masks, July 2 – Pinwheels, July 9 – Dream Catchers; July 16 – Kites; July 23 – Puppets, July 30 – Sun catchers. Gilcrease on Wheels Who: Recommended for ages 8-14 What: This innovative, traveling program showcases works from the famous Gilcrease Museum. Students will learn about the history of Spiro Mounds and how to make connections between cultural objects and their lives today. Each session is limited to 25 participants; call to register. Free. When: Hourlong sessions begin at noon, 1:15 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. June 21 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 22. Where: Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, 479-784-2782

cEntEr For art & EDucation art-a-rama Who: Ages 6-14, unless otherwise noted What: Presented in conjunction with BrickCity Emporium, this fun-filled camp focuses on a different art element each week. Two sessions are offered. The morning session will take place at CAE, with the afternoon class at BrickCity Emporium. Sessions are $20, unless otherwise noted. Participants should take “dirty duds” for completing projects. When: 10 a.m.-noon at CAE and 1-3 p.m. at BrickCity Emporium July 5-8 – Cartooning, Learn How to Draw July 11-15 – Paint Party July 18-22 – Mixed Media (afternoon only) July 25-29 3 Dimensional Art Where: Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th, Van Buren, and Brick City Emporium, 3215 South 74th Street, Fort Smith. the art of tinkering Who: Ages 10-14 What: Campers will explore art through science and technology using hands-on experience with soft circuits. The session will be led by artist Mary Overton of West Fork. Participants must attend both the morning and afternoon session so provide a sack lunch or pick your child up for lunch, but be back by 1 p.m. for the second half of this exciting day camp. Space is limited to 15 campers and the cost is $200 for the week. When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 18-22 Where: Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren 10

Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2016

ram Summer art camps Who: All ages What: Fun-filled week of animal-themed art projects, storytelling, dancing and more. Participants must pre-register and be pre-paid before the start of camp. Sign up for individual sessions or for the whole day. Space is limited; call 479-784-2787 or email casey@fsram.org When: 1-5 p.m. Aug. 2-6 ram art party – amazing animals Who: Ages 5-7 What: Celebrate all things animals! There will be four sessions per day. Sign up for individual sessions ($10) or the whole day ($35). Sculpture camp Who: Ages 8-11 What: Participants will learn about the different types of sculpture and create their own artworks that will be displayed at the end of the week at the summer art camp exhibition. Fee is $45 for the week or $10 per day. Pottery camp Who: Ages 12 & up What: Work with an artist represented in RAM’s permanent collection. Rod Hannaman, a local potter, will be using his experience as a potter to teach participants about using clay and making artworks. The students will get to show off their works in a summer camp exhibition at the end of the week. Fee is $45 for the week or $10 per day.

Wee-Draw Who: Ages 3-6 What: Preschoolers will learn the different elements of art and experience creating their own pieces using a wide-range of mediums. The cost is $15 per child per session or $75 for the week. Parents are required to stay with children during the sessions. When: 10:30-11:30 June 6-10 at CAE and 10:3011:30 June 13-17 at BrickCity Emporium Where: Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th, Van Buren, and Brick City Emporium, 3215 South 74th Street, Fort Smith. Wonderful World of art Who: Ages 6-14 What: Enjoy a week learning about the science of kinetic energy and how harnessing natural elements such as motion, air and light can create wonderful art. Morning and afternoon sessions will be held. $20 per one-week camp session. When/Where: June 6-10 – 9 a.m.-noon Mulberry First Methodist Church June 13-17 – 9 a.m.-noon Alma Library June 20-24 – 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Van Buren Library June 27-July 1 – 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Cedarville Library July 11-15 – 9 a.m.-noon ATU Ozark-Conference Center July 18-22 – 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. East Pointe Elementary, Greenwood July 25-29 – 9 a.m.-noon Hackett High School

crE8tiVE artS nEtWorK at chaFFEE croSSinG hiStoric DiStrict camp canvas Who: All ages What: Kids and parents will create in a unique working artist’s consortium. Participants will kickoff the summer learning about Van Gogh and painting Starry Night. Camp is free, but space is limited. Call 479-312-7111 to secure a spot. When: 11 a.m.-noon June 1 little arty and little crafty Who: Ages 8 and older What: Students will draw, make pottery and create jewelry during courses throughout the summer. $10 class fee. Space is limited. Please call 479-357-9079 to reserve a spot. When: 1-2 p.m. ages 8-11 and 4-5 p.m. ages 12 and up beginning June 8. Where: Creative Arts Network at Chaffee Crossing Historic District, 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith. ua-Fort Smith art camP Who: Artists grades 1-9 What: The UAFS Academy of the Arts will offer students the chance to experiment with sculpture, painting and drawing and other mediums. Tuition is $175 and includes T-shirt, materials and snacks. When: 9 a.m.-noon Grades 1-5 – June 6-10 Grades 6-9 – June 13-17 Where: UAFS, 51st Street Annex Building, 425 North 51st Street, Fort Smith

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Creative activities “ShE bEliEVED ShE coulD SEW ShE DiD” 2016 SummEr camP Who: Girls ages 10-17 What: Young ladies will learn sewing, embroidery and quilting along with business skills. Lunch will be served. Cost is $30 with scholarships available. Email JoAnnBrewer@ymail.com or call for more information or to register. Monday – Say hello to the machine Tuesday – Knowing the sewing dictionary Wednesday – It’s time to SEW Thursday – Complete Tote Bag Project Friday – You Rock Girl Party & Graduation When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 25-29 Where: Ramsey Junior High School, 3201 Jenny Lind, Fort Smith, 479-739-0021 lEGo contESt Who: Children ages 17 and under What: Aspiring young builders will compete in a Lego building competition hosted by Central Mall and The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders. Participants will be divided into age categories and a first, second and Best in Show award will be given in each age group. The first 40 children who enter in each age group will receive Legos. Participation is free. Students will register the day of the event. When: 12:30-4 p.m. July 9 Where: Central Mall Center Court, 5111 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, 479-452-1866 fortsmithhomebuilders.com

camP inVEntion Who: Student in grades 1-6 What: Young innovators will spend their days brainstorming, exploring, constructing, and discovering at this innovative, creative, problem-solving teamwork “science” camp, led by experienced local educators. Students should take a lunch and snacks. Fee is $220. When: 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 27-July 1 Where: Christ the King Catholic School Parish Center, 1918 South Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-0614 campinvention.org ScratchJr coDE-to-lEarn camP Who: Ages 5-8 What: AETN sponsors this PBS Kids camp that will use collaborative, digital and physical activities to teach children about computer coding. The PBS KIDS ScratchJr Code-to-Learn Camp is designed as a sequence of activities to introduce children to creative coding by giving them the opportunity to create their own stories, games and collages with the PBS KIDS ScratchJr tablet app. By snapping together colorful programming blocks, children can make characters move, jump, dance and sing. As young children engage in creative coding with the PBS ScratchJr app, they learn how to create and express themselves with technology, as opposed to passively consuming it. In the process, they are empowered to solve problems, design projects, demonstrate knowledge and develop computational thinking skills that are foundational for later academic success. With PBS KIDS ScratchJr, children don't just learn to code, they code to learn. When: 9 a.m.-noon June 21-24 Where: AETN headquarters, 350 South Donaghey Avenue, Conway, Ark. Registration is required at aetn.org/kids

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Fun in the Sun! Spending time in the sun this summer will be easy to do, whether its spent splashing in the pool, riding the train or playing at the park. There is no shortage of low-cost or even free opportunities to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer this season. Fort Smith ParKS & rEcrEation creekmore Pool Who: Swimmers of all ages What: The Creekmore Park Pool is open each year from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Cost to swim is $1 ages 6 and under and $2 for ages 7 and older. Season passes are available. The Splashpad is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and is free. When: May 29-Aug. 7 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday Aug. 13-Sept. 4 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday Sept. 5 (Labor Day) – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Creekmore Park, Rogers Avenue and South 31st Street, Fort Smith, 479-783-1255

martin luther King Jr. Park Splashpad Who: Kids of all ages What: Splashpad/Sprayground is open daily through Labor Day. Admission is free. When: Splashpads are open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Greenwood Avenue and North O Street, Fort Smith, 479-783-1255 tilles & Woodlawn Park Wading Pools Who: Ages 8 and under What: Open for those looking to cool down in the hot summer. Admission is free. When: Noon-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday Where: Tilles Park, Grand Avenue at North 37th Street, Fort Smith Woodlawn Park, North 6th and S Streets, Fort Smith creekmore Park train rides Who: All ages What: The legendary train at Creekmore Park will operate extended hours throughout the warm weather months. Visitors can take a ride around the scenic community park for only 25 cents. The steam engine will run from 1-6 p.m. July 4. When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 3. Where: Creekmore Park, Rogers Avenue and South 31st Street, Fort Smith

Parrot iSlanD WatErParK at bEn GErEn rEGional ParK Who: All ages What: Along with miniature golf, go karts, playground equipment, picnic areas and pavilions, Ben Geren is home to Parrot Island Waterpark. Parrot Island offers a wave pool, four water slides, lazy river, activity pool and children’s aquatic play area for water lovers of all ages. Admission is $15 for those over 48 inches, $10 for those under. Children 3 years and under are free. Season passes are available. When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Aug. 19; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Aug. 20-Sept. 5. Where: Ben Geren Regional Park, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, 479-7886550 tiny tot time Who: Tiny guests 5 and under What: Tiny Turtle Island is open exclusively for the little ones and parents every Wednesday morning during the season. Admissions is $5 for children 48 inches and under; free for parents. When: 8-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Where: Tiny Turtle Island, Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, 479-788-6550 12

Entertainment Fort Smith

June 2016

thE ParK at WESt EnD Who: All ages What: Known for its Ferris wheel from the 1935 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Park at West End is one of Fort Smith’s most iconic spots. The park offers rides on the Ferris Wheel and its vintage, hand-painted carousel. Guests can also grab a bite to eat from the Nickel & Dime Diner. Park admission is free; rides are $1. When: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday through Aug. 15 Where: The Park at West End, 15 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, 479-7842368

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All Summer Long Many local youth organizations are open all summerlong, offering a wealth of recreational programs to keep kids active and engaged while school is not in session. Fort Smith boyS & GirlS clubS Who: Boys and girls ages 6-18 What: FSBGC will offer a summer program full of activities, including arts and crafts, summer exploring field trips, golf, bowling, art class, movie time, gym and game room fun. Free breakfast, lunch and snacks will be served each day at all four units. Participants must pay a one-time $25 summer activity fee and have a current $10 membership card. For more information, call your nearest club or visit fsbgc.org. When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through July 29 Where: Evans, 6015 Boys Club Lane, 479-646-9519 Jeffrey, 4905 North O Street, 479-782-8126 Goldtrap-Gardner, 8800 Dallas, 479-452-5779 Stephens, 3101 North 6th Street, 479-782-6392 boyS & GirlS club oF Van burEn Who: Boys and girls ages 6-18 What: Activities will include art, technology, games, sports, field trips and character-building programs, such as SMART Girls and Passport to Manhood. A nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Participants must have a $15 membership and pay a $75 activity fee. When: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays June 6-July 29 (closed on July 4) Where: Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren, 1403 City Park Road, 479-474-9401, vbclub.org

GirlS inc. oF Fort Smith Who: Girls age 5-18 What: Girls Inc. will continue its mission of “Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold” this summer with its educational programming. Participants will focus on economic literacy, technology, science, math, media literacy, physical fitness, arts & crafts, cooking, community services opportunities, out-of-center trips and other fun activities. Girls can attend each weekday throughout the summer. In addition to in-house activities, Girls Inc. offers participants the opportunity to take part in programs with local partner organizations, including First Tee, First Serve, Girl Scouts and Western Arkansas Ballet. Breakfast and lunch are included. Girls must have a current membership ($25 for 2016) to participate. Summer program is $25 per week. Summer camp is an additional cost. Theme weeks Hawaiian Hullabaloo, Fun & Fitness, Disco Dayz, Survivor, Stars & Stripes, Girls Inc.’s Got Talent and Fiesta!! When: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays through July 11; Summer camp at Dwight Mission Campground in Vian, July 26-July 30. Where: Girls Inc. of Fort Smith, 1415 Old Greenwood Road, 479-782-0375 girlsincfortsmith.org alma boyS & GirlS club Who: Boys and girls ages 6-18 What: The Alma Boys & Girls Club will offer local youth the chance to take part in a full summer of fun and activities focusing on different areas of interest, including STEM, News Reporting, Cooking, Drama, Keystone, Karate, Gardening, Dance, Art and SMART Girls. Different events such as Police Day, Water Week, Archery Day, Volleyball Camp, Internet Safety Week, and Arvest Banking Class will be offered, as well. Participants must have a $25 membership. Cost is $100 for the summer. Register online or at the club. When: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays June 6-Aug. 5 Where: Alma Boys & Girls Club, 410 East Main Street, 479-430-8646, almabgc.com

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Sweet, summertime music Local students will have the chance to make lots of sweet, summertime music. Special classes, private lessons, theater training and a number of band camps are offered for musicians of all ages. uaFS acaDEmy camPS academy of the arts music lessons Who: Ages 3 and up What: Private music lessons available in piano, wind, brass, percussion and string instruments, as well as voice lessons. Five- and 10-week options are available for 30-, 45- or 60-minute weekly lessons. Fees vary by length of session. Lesson times are scheduled at student’s convenience. When: Through Aug. 5 musikGarten Who: Ages birth to 5 What: The camp is an introduction to music for children with developmentally appropriate activities for each age group. Classes include "My Musical World" for birth to age 2; "Cycle of Seasons – Summertime" for ages 3-4; and "All Together Now" for birth to age 4. Caregiver must attend each class with student. Fee is $75. When: Wednesdays June 1-29 10-10:40 a.m. – My Musical World 10:45-11:25 a.m. – Cycle of Seasons: Summertime 4:30-5:15 p.m. – All Together Now Where: UAFS Echols, Room 115, 504 North Waldron Road, Fort Smith musical theater Performance camp broadway bootcamp Who: Grades 7-12 What: An intensive week of musical theater featuring students performing their favorite Broadway musicals. Every student will receive one-on-one lessons from faculty and have the chance to participate in a masterclass with a guest instructor. A final performance will take place at 6 p.m. June 24. Cost is $200 and includes a T-shirt. When: 1-5 p.m. June 20-24 Where: UAFS Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith broadway bound Who: Grades 3-9 What: Explore tunes from some of Broadway's most popular shows. Instructors will introduce students to a wide variety of musical theater elements, including singing technique, acting & character development, showmanship, dance & choreography and more. Tuition is $250 and includes a T-shirt. Participants will meet daily at UAFS, and the camp will finish with a finale performance at 1 p.m. July 23. When: July 18-22, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: UAFS, Breedlove Auditorium, 5120 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith broadway babies Who: Grades 1-2 What: An introductory musical theater camp that explores a number of popular stage tunes. Fee is $175 and includes a free T-shirt. A finale performance will be 1 p.m. July 16. When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 11-15 Where: UAFS Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith For more information on all academy camps, call Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell at 479-788-7546. Registration forms are available at uafs.edu/academy.

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banD camPS high School band camp Who: Wind, symphonic and percussion musicians, grades 8-12 What: Dr. Alexandra Zacharella will serve as conductor at the UAFS Band Camp for musicians of wind, symphonic and percussion band instruments. Students must provide their own instruments, except percussion. The fee is $190 (includes lunch) for commuters and $385 for residents. The final concert will 6 p.m. July 1. When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday June 27-July 1 Where: UAFS, Breedlove Building, Room 114, Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, 479-788-7972 high School Jazz band camp Who: Musicians of all instruments, grades 9-12 What: Open to musicians of all instruments, students will spend a week in jazz orchestra rehearsals, playing in jazz improv sessions and taking classes in music theory, listening skills, and songwriting. Students must provide their own instruments (excluding piano and drums). Cost is $190, includes lunch and T-shirt, for commuters and $385 for residents. When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 13-17. Final concert will be 6 p.m. June 17. Where: UAFS, Breedlove Building, Room 114, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, 479-788-7547

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Dancing through the Summer Ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap – oh my! Itty bitty ballerinas, seasoned dancers and all of those in between can learn the basics or sharpen their skills by attending one of the variety of local camps offered. baby ballEt Who: 2½-3 year olds What: Baby Ballet is a 40-minute class designed for the youngest dancers who want to express their independence. Dancers will have fun learning pre-ballet movement to popular children's music through singing and movement games. Props such as pom-pons, hula hoops, rhythm sticks and bean bags are used to enhance the learning experience. Fee is $48 a month. When: 4:50-5:30 p.m. Mondays Where: Chance2Dance, 1612 North 7th Street, Suite C, Van Buren, 479-806-9125, chance2dance.net PrESchool PrincESS/PrincE camP Who: Boys and girls ages 3 to 5 What: No experience is necessary for these fairytale adventures. Fee is $95.50 for each camp. “Frozen,” 1-30-3:30 p.m. June 13-16: Take a trip to Arendelle to visit Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Christoph and all of their friends. “Jungle Safari,” 1:30-3:30 p.m. June 20-23: Lions, tigers and bears – oh my! What will you discover on this adventure into the jungle? “Fairytale Princess,” 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 11-14: Your favorite fairytales come to life! “Under The Sea,” 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 18-21: It's an adventure down under with Ariel, Sebastian and Flounder. What treasures will you discover under the sea? Where: Grayce Dewitt Dance Studio, 3400 Rogers Avenue, Suite 118, Fort Smith, 479-783-7748

you’rE a Star! Who: Ages 2½-3 years old , 4-6 years old, and 7-10 years old What: Pre-Dance – Little ones 2½ to 3 years old learn social skills, coordination and balance and gain flexibility. From 4:30-5 p.m. Fee is $50. Ballet and Tap – Beginning dancers will learn basic technique for both ballet and tap each day. Ages 4-6 years meet 5-5:30 p.m.; fee is $50. Ages 7-10 years meet 5:30-6:15 p.m.; fee is $55. When: June 6-10, July 11-15 Where: Shining Stars Dance School, 6421 U.S. 217 South, Fort Smith 479-926-0784, shiningstarsdanceschool.com PrincESS camPS Who: Girls ages 3 to 9 What: God’s Beautiful Princess Camp – Princesses ages 5 to 9 will learn a ballet dance and will learn etiquette, dress up and do crafts. Fee is $50 and includes crafts and a snack. When: 10 a.m.-noon June 27-29 What: Precious Princess Camp – Tiny dancers ages 3 to 5 will dance, dressup, and do crafts. Fee is $35 and includes crafts and a snack. When: 10-11 a.m. June 30-July 1 Where: Shining Stars Dance School, 6421 U.S. 217 South, Fort Smith 479-926-0784, shiningstarsdanceschool.com thE nutcracKEr/GiSEllE ballEt camPS Who: Ages 4-6 (Nutcracker) and 7-9 (Giselle) What: Each day of camp features a dance class and studies of explorations of music, dance history, nutrition, creative expression, mime, dance vocabulary and dance demonstration. Fee is $75 for Nutcracker, $85 for Giselle. When: June 13-17 – 10 a.m.-noon Nutcracker, 1-3:30 p.m. Giselle Where: Western Arkansas Ballet, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, 479-785-0152, waballet.org

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Summer Meals Children won’t have to go far this summer for breakfast and lunch. At no cost to kids and minimal cost to adults, several local school districts and non-profit organizations will provide two square meals a day throughout the summer months. Fort Smith Public SchoolS Who: Young people 18 and under are eligible to participate at no cost. What: Fee meals will be offered throughout the summer to children in the community to help keep them growing and learning. Parents may eat lunch for $3.50 or breakfast for $2.50. No paperwork is required. For more information, contact FSPS Child Nutrition at 479-7852501, ext. 1240 or 1285. When: 7:45-8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays June 6-Aug. 6 Where: Lunch Ballman, 2601 South Q Street Barling, 1400 D Street, Barling Carnall, 2524 South Tulsa Street Fairview, 2400 South Dallas Street Howard, 1301 North 8th Street Morrison, 3415 Newlon Road (begins July 5) Pike, 4111 Park Avenue Spradling, 4949 Spradling Avenue Sunnymede, 4291 North O Street Tilles, 815 North 16th Street Trusty, 3300 Harris Avenue Breakfast: Carnall, Morrison (begins July 5), Pike, Sunnymede, Spradling and Tilles hacKEtt School DiStrict Who: Anyone 18 years old and younger. What: The Hackett School District will offer free breakfast and lunch. When: 8:30-9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays May 31-June 10 Where: Hackett School Cafeteria, 102 North Oak Street, Hackett, 479-638-8822 manSFiElD School DiStrict Who: Young people 18 years old and under are eligible to participate at no cost. What: The Mansfield School District will provide free breakfast and lunch to children ages 18 and under throughout the summer. Adults are also welcome to eat breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3. When: 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon Monday-Thursday June 13-30 & July 5-29 Where: Mansfield Middle School Cafeteria, 400 Grove Street, Mansfield

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alma airEDalE booK ExPrESS mEal SchEDulE Who: Children 18 and younger What: The Alma Airedale Book Express will also deliver meals along its route throughout the summer. When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays June 6-Aug. 10 Where: Mondays – 9:15 a.m. Hidden Oaks Lane; 9:40 a.m. Mote Road & Peter’s Road; 10 a.m. Graphic Store; 10:20 a.m. Mountain Grove Road; 11 a.m. Ready, Set, Grow! Daycare Parking Lot; 11:30 a.m. Alma Gardens Apartments; 12:45 p.m. Railroad and Spring Streets; 1 p.m. London and Seal Streets; 1:15 p.m. Harris Drive, Garden Walk Apartments and Chitwood Drive; 2:15 p.m. Mulberry Street; and 2:30 p.m. Harmony Road and Melody Lane. Wednesdays – 9:15 a.m. Sunrise Mobile Home Park; 9:40 a.m. Rudy Store; 10 a.m. Kelly Road and Collum Lane Subdivision; 10:30 a.m. Pin Oak Subdivision; 11 a.m. Rudy Road Apartments; 11:30 a.m. Alma Gardens Apartments; 12:45 p.m. Railroad and Spring Streets; 1 p.m. London and Seal Streets; 1:15 p.m. Harris Drive, Garden Walk Apartments and Chitwood Drive; and 2:15 p.m. Mulberry Street. Fridays – 9:15 a.m. Riley Subdivision; 10 a.m. Kibler Bus Stop (Fire Station at Shale Pit); 10:30 a.m. Orrick Road and Lamb Road; 10:45 a.m. Sharp Chapel Road and Red Hill Road; 11 a.m. Porter Place and Main Street (Dyer); 11:30 a.m. Alma Gardens Apartments; 12:45 p.m. Railroad and Spring Streets; 1 p.m. London and Seal Streets; 1:15 p.m. Harris Drive, Garden Walk Apartments and Chitwood Drive; 2:15 p.m. Mulberry Street; and 2:30 p.m. Harmony Road and Melody Lane. Van burEn School DiStrict Who: Young people 18 years old and under are eligible to participate at no cost. What: VBSD will offer free breakfast and lunch to youth ages 18 and under throughout the summer. Adults may eat for $2.50 at breakfast and $3.50 at lunch. For more information, contact Child Nutrition at 479-474-4736. When: Weekdays June 6-Aug. 5 Where: Central Elementary, 913 North 24th Street 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon Van Buren Boys/Girls Club, 1403 City Park Road 8:30-9:30 a.m. and noon-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street 8:30-9 a.m. and 12:30-1 p.m. Housing Authority, 1701 Chestnut Street 8:30-9 a.m. and 12:30-1 p.m.

cEDarVillE Public SchoolS Who: Young people 18 years old and under are eligible to participate at no cost. What: Cedarville High School will offer free breakfast and lunch to children and students throughout the summer. There is no cost for ages 18 and under. Adults can eat breakfast for $2 and lunch for $3.35. For more information, visit cedarvilleschools.org or call the Cedarville High School Cafeteria at 479-922-6137 When: 7:45-8:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. weekdays June 6-Aug. 5 The district will also provide transportation for participants. Six designated bus stops will transport students to and from the high school. Natural Dam Store Breakfast: 7:50 a.m. pickup; 9:15 a.m. return Lunch: 11:30 a.m. pickup; 1:10 p.m. return Cedarville Baptist Breakfast: 8 a.m. pickup; 9:10 a.m. return Lunch: 11:15 a.m. pickup; 1 p.m. return Lucian Wood Road Breakfast: 8:05 a.m. pickup; 9 a.m. return Lunch: 11:45 a.m. pickup; 12:50 p.m. return Uniontown Store Breakfast: 7:40 a.m. pickup; 9:15 a.m. return Lunch: 11:30 a.m. pickup; 1:10 p.m. return Shiloh Village Breakfast: 7:55 a.m. pickup; 9:05 a.m. return Lunch: 11:45 a.m. pickup; 12:50 p.m. return Corner Store Breakfast: 8 a.m. pickup; 8:50 a.m. return Lunch: 11:45 a.m. pickup; 12:50 p.m. return

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Fort Smith National Historic Site The Fort Smith National Historic Site will offer a number of free special programs this summer focusing on local history and nature. 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, 479-783-3961 nps.gov/fosm traveling with the Deputy marshals What: Program will focus on the life and duties of a Deputy U.S. Marshal, including what it took to do their jobs, weapons, tack, equipment, rules and regulations. Kids will be able to make their own log book and badge. When: 10 a.m. June 4 civil War artillery What: Park staff and volunteers will be firing a cannon and teaching about Civil War artillery. Learn about how the gun was fired, why artillery was so dangerous and how the Civil War affected Fort Smith. When: 2 p.m. June 18 and Aug. 20 tree leaf Shape Walk What: Nature is filled with trees that have many shapes, colors and sizes. By learning various shapes leaves can have, children can begin to discover the difference between trees. Children will go on a walk to discover various shapes in nature then finish by making their own artwork from leaves. Group size is limited. Reservations required. When: 10 a.m. July 2 Fur trapping on the Frontier What: Trapping and hunting animal furs was a major occupation in Arkansas for much of its history. In the 1700s, French fur trappers met at Belle Point to sell furs collected each year. People continued to hunt and trap through the 1800s and early 1900s for money. In this program, children will get to see and handle actual furs while learning about the different kinds of animals that were hunted in early Arkansas. Group size is limited. Reservations required. When: 10 a.m. Aug. 6 June 2016

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Summer Athletics Athletes of all ages and abilities will score with a variety of sports camps offered this summer. uaFS baSKEtball camPS basketball Skills camp Who: Boys entering grades K-12 What: UAFS will hold three sessions of its basketball skills camp focusing on the fundamentals of shooting, ball handling, passing, defense and rebounding. The cost is $100 for each session. Register online at uafsbasketballcamps.com. When: Grades K-6 – 1-4 p.m. June 6-8 Grades K-5 – 9 a.m.-noon July 12 Grades 6-12 – 1-4 p.m. July 12-14 Where: UAFS Stubblefield Center, 5402 Kinkead Avenue Shooting camp Who: Boys entering grades K-12 What: Participants will learn shooting fundamentals and mechanics during these one-day camp sessions. The cost is $40 per session. Register online at uafsbasketballcamps.com. When: 9 a.m.-noon June 9 and Aug. 2 and 1-4 p.m. Aug. 2 Where: UAFS Stubblefield Center, 5402 Kinkead Avenue Elite camp Who: Boys entering grades 7-12 What: Elite Camp will help maximize participants’ skills while they compete against other elite players. It is designed for student athletes entering the 7th through 12th grade and those who have student-athletes that have completed their eligibility, but who have not attended a tryout session at UAFS. UAFS players will be present throughout camp. Overnight camper fee is $90, commuter fee is $60. Register online at uafsbasketballcamps.com. When: 6-8:30 p.m. June 26, 9-11 a.m. June 27 Where: UAFS Stubblefield Center, 5402 Kinkead Avenue uaFS baSEball camPS youth Summer camp Who: Ages 6-14 What: Three-day summer baseball camp focuses on all aspects of the game, including throwing, hitting, fielding, pitching and base running. Days will include group instruction and competitive drills. Cost is $80. When: 9 a.m.-noon June 14-16 Where: UAFS Baseball Field, 5600 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith one-Day Prospect Showcase Who: Players grades 9-12 What: Created specifically for high school players, campers will be given the opportunity to showcase their abilities in a pro-style workout and in game situations for the camp staff. Camp personnel will include the UAFS baseball staff along with other college coaches. When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 12 and Aug. 5 Where: UAFS Baseball Field, 5600 Kinkead Avenue, Fort Smith

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FirSt tEE GolF camPS Who: Ages 5 and older What: First Tee teaches life skills, core values and healthy habits through the game of golf. Summer Sessions will keep first-time and experienced golfers on PAR. Class times vary from 30-90 minutes. The cost is $30 per session with a $60 paid membership. Call or go online to register. When: Session I: May 31-June 30; Summer Session II: July 12-Aug. 11 Classes meet Tuesday-Thursday at varying times. Where: First Tee of Fort Smith, 6400 Golf Course Loop, Fort Smith, 479-648-9833, thefirstteefortsmith.org 1St SErVE tEnniS camP Who: Ages 5- 16 What: The 1st Serve tennis camps introduce beginning tennis players to basic knowledge of the game during three summer camp sessions. Cost for the clinic is $30, which includes instruction and T-shirt, with racquets available for $15. Additional weeks include instruction only and cost $25. Register online at arkansasfcs.org/1st-serve-tennis3. When/Where: Creekmore Tennis Center, 3303 South M Street, Fort Smith 8:30-10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon June 13-17 and June 20-24 Ben Geren Tennis Center, 7200 Zero Street, Fort Smith 8:30-10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon June 27-July 1 littlE SPiKErS VollEyball camP Who: Players ages 6-10 What: Little Spikers camp focuses on learning and improving the fundamentals of volleyball. Athletes will have the opportunity to apply the skills learned in competition throughout camp. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to attend. Cost is $45. Call or email to register. When: 10 a.m.-noon June 1-3 Where: Fort Smith Juniors Volleyball Club, 5720 South 73rd Place, Fort Smith, 501-733-7337, kelsyorendorff@gmail.com

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Summer Movies Going to the movies is something every family can enjoy this summer. Don’t miss these family friendly movies that parents and kids can enjoy at little or no cost. moViES in thE ParK Who: All ages What: The Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department will bring back its ever-popular summer "Movies in the Park" series. Pre-show activities will be offered starting at 6 p.m. Films will start at dusk. All movies are free to attend and visitors are encouraged to take blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the show. When: June 10 – Zootopia, Creekmore June 17 – Maleficent, Tilles June 24 – Pan, Creekmore July 1 – Space Jam, Tilles July 8 – Norm of the North, Creekmore July 15 – Inside Out, Tilles Where: Creekmore Park, Rogers Avenue and South 31st Street; Tilles Park, Grand Avenue and North 37th Street. fortsmithparks.com

malco thEatErS KiDS SummEr Film FESt Who: All ages What: Malco Theaters in Van Buren will have a kid-friendly movie two mornings a week. Cost is $2 per person. When: 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays June 7-8 – The Croods June 14-15 – The Peanuts Movie June 21-22 – Alvin and the Chipmunks Road Chip June 28-29 – Home July 5-6 – Penguins of Madagascar July 12-13 – Horton Hears a Who July 19-20 – Turbo July 26-27 – Night at the Museum Secret Tomb Where: Malco Cinema, 1636 North 12th Street, Van Buren, 479-471-0600

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riVEr VallEy naturE cEntEr The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is where the outdoors and learning converge. Trained experts and skilled volunteers teach a number of courses throughout the summer, as well as provide unique programs specifically designed to bring nature to life. Daily activities include the 2 p.m. Critter Crunch feedings. Weekly activities include a Nature Break for children ages 3-7, Saturday morning guided hikes, canoe/kayak programs, laser shot and archery instruction. Canoe and kayak check-outs are available from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. All activities are free. Summer youth Workshops art Workshops Who: Ages 6-9 and 10-13 What: Hands-on opportunities to create art using classic mediums. Pre-registration is required. Up to three workshops per child. When: Ages 6-9, 9:30-11 a.m.; ages 10-13, noon-1:30 p.m. June 21, July 26 – Sketching Nature with Colored Pencils June 22 – Watercolor Techniques for Nature Painting July 27 – Mosaics Kiddy Kamps Who: Ages 4-7 What: Little ones are invited for a two-hour mini-day camp that will include special age-appropriate activities. A responsible parent or adult is required to stay on the premises. Registration is required. When: 9-11 a.m. each session June 15 – “F” is for Fish July 6 – “B” is for Birds Aug. 3 – “R” is for Reptiles nature nights Who: Nature lovers What: Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities “after hours.” When: 8 p.m. June 10 – Owl Prowl 6, 7 and 8 p.m. June 21 – Evening Education Barge Tours 8:30 p.m. July 8 – Star Party 6 p.m. July 19 – GPS for Hunters and Hikers 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 – Back to School Bash 6 p.m. Aug. 16 – The Endangered American Burying Beetle SummEr ProGramS bb Guns and Slingshots What: Participants will learn basic firearm safety and shooting techniques, and learn how to shoot a slingshot. Equipment is provided. When: 9 a.m. Thursdays June 9-Aug. 12 nature art What: Children and their families will take part in nature art activities When: 11:15 a.m. Thursdays Fishing What: Educators at Wells Lake will give participants fishing tips. Cane poles or rod and reel, tackle and bait will be supplied. When: 9 a.m. Fridays canoe and Kayak Program What: Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Participants are required to wear life jackets, which will be provided. When: 10 a.m.-noon Fridays All activities will be held at the River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road Fort Smith, 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com 20

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laKE Fort Smith StatE ParK 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith/ Free Fishing Weekend Who: Families who love to fish! What: Fish this weekend without fishing licenses. Don’t have a pole? No worries-the nature center has several poles to loan at the marina, along with everything else you’ll need enjoy a day fishing. Regulations for Arkansas waters apply and must be observed. For more information, call 479-369-2469. When: June 10 -12 Wetlands Discovery Day camp Who: Ages 10-14 What: Discover nature as you kayak to the far end of the lake to observe aquatic birds and animals and use dip nets to find and observe macro invertebrates and fish. Campers will learn the basics of conservation and ecology by exploring Lake Fort Smith State Park’s varied habitat of forests, streams and lake. The park provides all the educational materials used in their explorations. Participants are encouraged to take a lunch, water bottle, hat and sunscreen. Admission is $20. Space is limited. Call the park at 479-369-2469 to register. When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13-14 and July 11-12 Kayak adventure Who: Ages 6 and up What: Kayaking is a great way to experience the sights and of Lake Forts Smith and a fun way to exercise. Whether you are a beginner or have a bit more experience, this kayak tour is a perfect way to jump-start your day. Reservations are required and should be made by calling the marina at 479-369-1018. Space is limited. This event is weather dependent and may be cancelled. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12. When: 7-9 p.m. June 11 and July 2 and 9-11 a.m. June 25 and July 4 DiScoVEry DayS SummEr Day camP Who: Girls of all ages What: The Fort Smith Service Unit and the Peg Brazelton Girl Scout Nature Center are excited to offer Discovery Days Summer Day Camp. This year's theme is Splish-Splash: It's Time to Get Wet! Children will hear special guest speakers, muck around in the creek and become water droplets on an incredible journey through the water cycle. Each level will work-on Journey and badge-specific activities while having a blast with girls from all over the council. Classic camp activities such as hiking, outdoor cooking and crafts will round out the day camp experience. Snacks and a Tshirt are included in the fee. Take a sack lunch with drink each day. No flip-flops – closed toed shoes and socks only. Wear weather- and activityappropriate clothing. Expect to get wet and dirty. Financial aid is available. $40 per girl; $15 per adult. When: 9:15 a.m.-4 p.m. June 7-9 Where: Peg Brazelton Girl Scout Nature Center, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, 479-452-1290 girlscoutsdiamonds.org

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Movie Matinees @ Your Library Take the family and your own refreshments (or pick something up from Dewey’s Café!) for the library’s Summer Movie Matinee series at the main library. Kids of all ages and their families are invited to spend an airconditioned afternoon at these free events on Thursday afternoons from June through July. Free. 2 p.m. Thursdays. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

June 16: Minions Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world in this animated family comedy. June 1 Star Wars Day An “Out of this World Story Time” will be followed by Star Wars-themed crafts, games, coloring and snacks. Activities are intended for preschool and elementary school-aged children. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

June 2-July 28 Summer Sports Craft All materials will be provided for you to show off your creative side at this fun open-house-style event for kids of all ages. A different sport will be featured each week, including swimming, horseback riding, basketball, cycling, camping & hiking and baseball & softball. Free. 2-4 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

June 3 Dance Story Time Learn about dance. Directly following some dance-related stories and songs, there will be a brief performance from a few young dancers. Conclude the story time with a fun craft. Free. 10 a.m. Miller Branch Li22 Entertainment Fort Smith June 2016

June 2: Inside Out After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school in this animated adventure comedy.

June 9: Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Alvin, Simon and Theodore believe Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami and dump them. They have three days to get to him, saving themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.

June 23: The Peanuts Movie Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while pal Charlie Brown begins his own quest back home to win the love of his life.

June 30: The Good Dinosaur In a world where dinosaurs and humans live side-by-side, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend in this animated adventure comedy.

brary, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

$10 for adults. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550

June 4 The North Franklin County Rodeo Queen Contest The 2016 North Franklin County Rodeo Queen Contest is looking for girls to be representatives in and around the area of Ozark. There will be three categories: Princess 10-13, Junior Queen 14-16 and Queen 1725. Competitors will be expected to compete in modeling, impromptu questions, speeches, interview and horsemanship. 9 a.m. Ozark Fairgrounds, 802 North 29th Street, Ozark, Ark. 479-209-6938

June 5-10 Lorraine Cranford Summer Dance Workshop Western Arkansas Ballet, a nonprofit dance academy, hosts this intensive workshop for ages 11 and up with a minimum of two years’ classical ballet training. $475. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org June 6, 20 and 27 Value Day Special savings rates on select Mondays. $5 children,

June 6-27 Laptime Story Time A love of reading starts early. Babies and their caregivers are invited to this special story time geared toward children birth to 24 months old. There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories, and lots of interactive fun. The story time will last around 20 minutes, with time for casual interaction following the program. Free. 10:30 a.m. Mondays. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 June 6-8 Fort Smith Express Soccer Club Competitive Soccer Tryouts All Fort Smith Express U11-U19 competitive team tryouts will be held at Ben Geren Soccer Complex. Check in 6 p.m. at the awards stage area. Tryouts begin at 7 p.m. Email amber@fssoccer.net with any questions. $55. Ben Geren Soccer Complex, 7200 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 4794611071 fssoccer.net

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June 6-10 East Side Baptist Church VBS Get “submerged” with all kinds of fun with crafts, snacks, stories, and games! It's free! Register online. For ages 5 years through sixth grade. Free. 9 a.m.noon. East Side Baptist Church, 2710 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1481 myeastside.tv

Foreign Wars will do a presentation about how to properly respect, fold and care for the American flag. Celebrate with stories, crafts and other Flag Day fun. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

June 6-July 29 Critter Camp 2016 Enjoy interacting with the animals and humane education in the morning, arts and crafts in the afternoon. Learn skills such as bathing and walking dogs and handling cats of all ages. Each camp is five days and scheduled with similar age-groups – 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14. Two sessions scheduled for each age group; class sizes are limited. $100; $25 discount for second camper. Sebastian County Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Hwy., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-4395 sebastiancountyhumanesociety.org

June 8 Summer Reading Program: Training Day for Toddlers and Children It’s time to train hard for a summer full of fun. Read books that explore how people train for special jobs and events – everything from how Michael Phelps trains to win gold at the Olympics to how astronauts train for their trips to space and how the military branches train to keep our country safe. It’s all about hard work and determination. Warm up with exercises, fill your brain with new facts, and put your creative skills to work with fun crafts. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 8 Flag Day Story Time This special story time will honor local military heroes and families. Representatives from the Veterans of

June 9 Family Fun Night Take the family out for books, fun, crafts and activities that celebrate the summer reading theme – On Your Mark, Get Set ... READ! Free. 6-7 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

June 6-Aug. 12 Arts Live Theatre Summer Camp Arts Live Theatre is offering a full schedule of summer theater camps in musical theatre, reader's theatre, comedy improv, create-a-play, theatre conservatory and more are offered for ages 5-7, 8-11 and 12-18. Schedules and registration forms available online. Arts Live Theatre, 818 North Sang Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-521-4932 artslivetheatre.com

June 9 Kiddie Pool Kickball Take clothes you don’t mind getting wet and team up to play kickball with a twist. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 9 Cultural Literature Celebration Meet award-winning children and teen authors who will speak about their writing process, the impact culture has on their writing and give reading and writing advice. The author talk will be followed by book signings throughout the library. The following authors will be participating: Kwame Alexander, Joseph Bruchac, Matt de la Pena, Debby Dahl Edwardson, S.D. Nelson, Jewell Rhodes, Gary Robinson and Duncan Tonatiuh. Made possible in part by Fort Smith Public Schools. Free. 6:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 10 Parrot Island Water Park Teen Night Pool Party Party themed for teens. Wave pool access only. $10, $5 for season pass holders. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Parrot Island Water Park, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550

June 10 Cultural Literature Celebration Story Time with Author Duncan Tonatiuh Award-winning illustrator and children’s author Duncan Tonatiuh will discuss his book “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote; A Migrant's Tale,” winner of the 2014 Tomás Rivera Mexican American children's book award. It is also the first book to receive two honorable mentions, one for the illustrations and one for the text, from the Pura Belpré Award for a work that best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children's books. Free. 9:30-10 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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June 10 Muffins with Teens! – A Cultural Literature Celebration Teens are invited to meet popular and award-winning authors Kwame Alexander, Matt de la Pena and Debby Dahl Edwardson. This is a unique opportunity to interact with three of the most significant and popular authors writing for young adults today. Take your friends and join the conversation. Made possible in part by Fort Smith Public Schools. Free. 10:45-11:45 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 10 Crafternoon Children of all ages can drop in and make a craft or three. Light refreshments will be served in case the crafting makes you hungry. Free. 1-6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

June 10-11 Ignite Conference The ignite Conference will be a two-day, dynamic event, which will bring together students and adults from around the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas. $10 for students,$15 for adults. St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4916 High Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-7057 June 11 Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day Bicycling is good, healthy fun and a gateway to healthy lifestyles. Lake Fort Smith State Park, in conjunction with the International Mountain Biking Association, strives to develop a connection between kids, bikes and the natural world around them while touching on themes such as bike safety, skills, rider etiquette, nutrition, hydration, and sun protection. Free. 8 a.m.8 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

Storybook Strings brings life to music The members of Storybook Strings, a string quartet, maintain diverse musical careers in schools, orchestras, churches and jazz/bluegrass combos of northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas River valley. They collaborate to create original musical interpretations of stories that inspire people of all ages with educational and exciting public performances. Founded in 2013, Storybook Strings has been featured on National Public Radio’s “Of Note with Katy Henriksen” and has performed at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, as well as many schools, libraries, and special events. “First Edition,” their first CD of original compositions and familiar music was released earlier this year. Storybook Strings will brings books to life through music and narration at several free, local performances in June. 10:30 a.m. June 9 Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, 479-632-4140 2 p.m. June 9 Cedarville Public Library, 37 Pirates Way, 479-410-1853 4 p.m. June 9 Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, 479-997-1226 10 a.m. June 10 Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, 479-474-6045 1 p.m. June 10 Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, 479-369-1600 2 p.m. June 15 Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue 479-783-0229 24

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June 11 Rockin' Pool Party Enjoy an evening of swimming, fun and snacks. Join park personnel for free homemade ice cream. Park passes are not valid for this event. $5. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith June 13 Cuentos para Niños en Español: A Story time in Spanish Niños de todas las edades y sus familias están invitados a la Biblioteca principal a la hora de los cuentos GRATIS, incluiremos cuentos, historias, canciones, refranes y otras actividades divertidas en español. Ven y aprende acerca de la Biblioteca y lo que tiene para ofrecer a tu familia. Gratis. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

June 13-17 First United Methodist Church VBS Enjoy a fun week of Surfing through the Scriptures and Catching the Wave of God's Amazing Love. Classes are best for children who turned 3 by September 2015 through those just finishing 6th grade. The fifth- and sixthgraders will help with different community service projects each day. Registration forms are available online or in the church office. T-shirts may be purchased for $8. Free, registration required. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-8980 fsfumc.org

June 13-17 Pre-Company Camp Pre-Company Camp is a “mini” sampling of Western Arkansas Ballet. This specialized camp is for students who are interested in being a member of company or want to expand their dance knowledge and ability. Each day will include a technique class, a lesson about ballet history, stage makeup, nutrition, how to care for a dancer’s body and choreography. There will be a short studio showing on the final day. Registration forms are available at the studio or online. Deadline for registration is June 8. $150. 10:30 a.m.3 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org

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June 14 Miller Movie Matinee: Inside Out Take your family, friends and a snack to see 2015 Disney and Pixar’s movie “Inside Out,” rated PG. In this animated comedy, after Riley’s family moves from their Minnesota home to San Francisco, her personified emotions – Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear and Sadness – try to lead her through her new life. Free. 2 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 June 15 Young Actors Guild Audition Workshop Have you ever wanted to audition for a play or a musical? Well, this is your chance. This Young Actors Guild workshop will give you the tools necessary to have a great audition, whether you've auditioned 100 times or never. Sing a little, act a little and have fun a lot. This workshop will help you prepare for the upcoming YAG auditions for “Tilly the Trickster.” If you have a song you would like to sing acappella, bring it with you. Songs are not necessary and will be performed as time allows. Free. 4 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 June 15 Summer Reading Program: Outdoor Adventures for Toddlers and Children Take the fun from the library to the outdoors and explore nature in our own backyard with a bear hunt through the long, wavy grass and the squishy mud to the dark cave where our friend bear makes his home while re-enacting Michael Rosen’s classic children’s book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.” Learn about the

different types of animals that make their homes in our own backyards with books like “Look Up,” “ Bird Watching in Your Own Backyard” and “Pipsie, Nature Detective: The Disappearing Caterpillar.” Then, gather around the camp fire to enjoy a trail mix snack and read about “Mr. Pants: Camping Catastrophe!” Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 15 Story Time with the Sheriff Join the Sebastian County sheriff at story time full of fun. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 June 16 Spanish Story Time Join Mrs. Norma and enjoy the magic of stories through reading, singing and other fun activities in Spanish. Free. 6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

June 17 Baseball Magic with Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show For summer reading, Tommy Terrific gets the kids to activate their minds and bodies in his fun, baseballthemed magic show. The show features a huge Magic Trunk containing a huge Magician's Handbook. Inside the Magician's Handbook are exciting baseballthemed magic tricks representing the Major Leagues, Minor Leagues, Negro Leagues, Softball Leagues and much more. The kids will have a ball at this interactive magic show and be inspired to search their library to learn more about the rules, tradition and history that

is American baseball. Free. 10 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

June 17 Father’s Day Craft Children, tweens and teens – drop by the library to make dad or that someone special a Father’s Day gift. Refreshments will be served. Free. 10 a.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 June 20 LEGO Club: Ice Excavation! You are an Archaeologist looking for fragile fossils in a glacier. What “LEGO” fossils will you be able to excavate from ice blocks and what tools will it take to uncover the mystery hidden inside. Kids, Tweens, and Teens are invited to the Main Library for this drop-in two-hour special themed summer LEGO Club program! Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

June 22 Summer Reading Program: Ninjas! for Toddlers and Children Have you ever dreamed of being a ninja or a karate master? Learn about the ninja life with books like “Ninja, Ninja, Never Stop!” “Ninja” and “Karate Pig.” Then, a special guest Sensei Jared Jones from Chaos Combatives Academy will teach us some karate moves. With your new karate moves and a ninja headband craft, you will be geared up for a fun game of sensei says. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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June 22 Stroller Workout Get those post-pregnancy pounds off and spend quality time with your little one at this stroller-based workout. Incorporate strength and flexibility as you exercise around the library. Wear comfortable workout clothes and take your child and stroller. Free. 3 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 June 23 Bingo for Books All ages are welcome to play bingo for a chance to win books. Free. 10 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 23 Family Fun Night Books, fun, crafts and activities to celebrate the summer reading theme, On Your Mark, Get Set ... READ! Free. 6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 June 23 Life-Size Lawn Games: Hungry Hungry Hippos & Tic-Tac-Toe Toddlers and children will play life-size versions of favorite classic games. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 23-26 The Boxcar Children Directed by Stephen Pigman and adapted by Caroline Elser, this classic children's book comes to life. 7 p.m. June 23-25 and 2 p.m. June 25-26. Arts Live Theatre, 818 North Sang Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-5214932 artslivetheatre.com June 25 Snakes of Arkansas Local reptile enthusiasts Jeremy Sloan and Brad Birchfield will present a family-oriented live snake demonstration including the importance of snakes to our environment. This is a great family activity with a chance to see a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes up close. Free. 1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

June 25 The Children of Hooverville Auditions Actors ages 6-18 are invited to audition. No previous experience is necessary. No appointment is needed

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as actors may attend the audition anytime during the 10 a.m.-noon period. Performances will be held Aug. 4-7 at Arts Live Theatre. For complete audition information and to download the audition packet, please visit artslivetheatre.com. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Arts Live Theatre, 818 North Sang Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. 4795214932 artslivetheatre.com

June 26-July 2 Camp Subiaco A fun-filled week of go-carts, archery, boating, fishing, overnight camp-outs, swimming, riflery and more. It's an action packed week made for boys. The monks, alumni, students and friends of Subiaco all pitch in to make camp a success. Meals and snacks included in fees. A 10 percent discount is offered to brothers or campers residing in the same household. $475. Subiaco Abbey Academy, 405 North Subiaco Avenue, Subiaco, Ark. 479-963-1001 campsubiaco.org

June 27-July 1 Kibler Baptist Church Vacation Bible School Enjoy all the events at Kibler Baptist Church Vacation Bible School. Children pre-K through 5th grade are invited. At 6:30 p.m. July 1 is VBS Celebration Night, which includes fun for the whole family – food, bounce-a-rounds, snow cones, popcorn and more. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Kibler Baptist Church, 141 East Kibler Hwy., Alma, Ark. 479-632-7007 kiblerbc.com

June 28 Family Recreational Day on the River Families are invited to take part in this half day of activities on the Arkansas River, with some time on the Education Barge, time for canoeing and swimming on a tributary to the river, and even some time for fishing. Advance registration is required, space is limited. Each family unit must include one child and children must be accompanied by adults. Space is limited. Free. Noon. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com June 29 Summer Reading Program: Hometown Sports! This program for toddlers and children is all about hometown sports. From Michael Jordan to Curious George, explore how favorite athletes and book characters enjoy some of favorite hometown sports. Play baseball, pin the football on the goal post and create our basketball craft. Wear your favorite sports jersey. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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June 29 Police Officer Story Time Get ready for the Fourth of July with some patrioticthemed crafts and snacks following the presentation by the Fort Smith Police Department. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 June 29 Wonderful Wednesday: Climbing, Jumping, Soaring! Our special Library guests this week will be the Natural History Educational Company of the Midsouth. The Climbing! Jumping! SOARING! program will focus primarily on mammals and avian wildlife exhibits and address their unique anatomy that allows them to move throughout their environment. Presented by high school biology teacher, Shawna Adams, this scientifically-driven program will show audiences the importance of why all animals exercise, stretch their muscles and how to stay strong. The program hopes to include popular exhibits such as our Eurasian Eagle Owl, Fruit bat, Prairie dog and possibly another new addition to our NHECM family: a baby Red Kangaroo. Free. 7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 June 30 Fifth Annual Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Pink lemonade, apple juice, and cookies will be served at this “fancy” party and the animated Disney movie “Alice in Wonderland” will be shown afterward. Seating is limited; please call to reserve a spot. Free. 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 June 30 Science Experiments in the Library Join Mr. Jeff as he takes you on an adventure through the world of science in this program geared to children. Free. 1:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 1 Fourth of July Craft Children, tweens and teens stop by the library to make a wild tissue paper flag suncatcher. Refreshments will be served. Free. 10 a.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

July 1 Ninja Story Time After reading a few stories about ninjas, there will be a short Tae Kwon Do demonstration. A fun ninja craft will wrap up this program intended for preschoolers. Free. 10 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

July 2 Reptile Mania! Have you ever wanted to see a rattlesnake up close? Here is your chance. Join snake enthusiasts Brad Birchfield and Jeremy Sloan as they present reptiles from their extensive collection of native venomous and non-venomous snakes. The program addresses facts and myths about snakes and details conservation efforts in Arkansas. Free. 1-2 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

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July 4 Fourth of July Crafts for Children Children and their parents will make a patriotic craft and enjoy refreshments. The event is free with museum admission and open to children 12 and younger accompanied by a parent. Call for reservations, which are required. Museum admission: $7 for adults, $2 for children, under 6 free. 1-3 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

July 6 Disney Character Story time Story time features your favorite Disney stories, crafts and snacks. Dress as your favorite Disney character for this program full of fun. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 July 6 Summer Reading Program: Animal Exercise Toddlers and children will explore how animals exercise, starting with a trip to the zoo with some animal yoga. There will be turtle races, face painting and the chance to exercise your wild side at the library. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 6 Wonderful Wednesday: Baseball Magic with Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show Tommy Terrific gets the kids to activate their minds and bodies in this fun, baseball-themed magic show, which features a huge Magic Trunk containing a huge Magician's Handbook. Inside the Magician's Handbook are exciting baseballthemed magic tricks representing the Major Leagues, Minor Leagues, Negro Leagues, Softball Leagues and more. The kids will have a ball of fun at this interactive magic show and be inspired to search the library to learn more about the rules, tradition, and history that is American baseball. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 July 8 Star Party The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society will have their telescopes set up on the North side of Wells Lake to view the night sky. Visit with the astronomers and view the stars and planets. Jupiter, Saturn and Mars might be visible. Free. 8:30 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com July 9 Parrot Island Water Park Teen Night Pool Party A pool party themed for teen visitors. Wave pool access only. $10 regular admission, $5 for season pass holders. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Parrot Island Water Park, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550

July 9 Snakes of Arkansas Local reptile enthusiasts Jeremy Sloan and Brad Birchfield will present a familyoriented live snake demonstration, including the importance of snakes to our environment. This is a great family activity with a chance to see a variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes up close. Free. 1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com July 10 Stevens Puppets present Rumpelstiltskin Watch the charming hand-carved wooden marionettes come alive in their miniature worlds, transporting the audiences through magical journeys of endearing stories, raucous laughter and artistic beauty. The puppeteers give life to their little actors, weaving a spell of childhood over audiences of all ages, as they invite everyone along for a trip through “once upon a time.” Stevens Puppets was founded in 1933 by the Peabody Award-winning Martin Stevens, preeminent American puppeteer and founder of the Puppeteers of America. With his wife, Margi, Stevens created ground-breaking touring marionette shows featured in books, in museums and on tour. Stevens’ marionettes and stage design have influenced generations of puppeteers in America and abroad, often cited as artistic benchmarks and industry standards. Dan and Zan Raynor, present owners, have been with Stevens Puppets for more than 20 years. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 28

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More Than A Witness by Jack Moseley

Summer reading

Moseley and Moulton write intriguing novels

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ewspaperman Jack Moseley has drawn upon people he knew and news stories he reported to create a compelling work of fiction, a real page-turner of a mystery, “More Than a Witness.” The novel, set in the niche of the post-Berlin crisis, pre-Kennedy assassination 1960s, uses Cold War military culture and a hard-edged newsroom as its setting. Both are familiar to Moseley, a career journalist who was editor of the Southwest Times Record from 1975-2000. He may have been a born reporter, but never thought of himself as a soldier. As a child of 8, in small-town East Texas, Moseley was hit by truck that crushed his shoulder and rib cage, left a hole in his knee and tore his diaphragm and pericardium – a medical history he gave to the main character of the novel, Alex Massey. After graduating from the University of Texas, the fictional Massey (as did Moseley) received a draft notice and reported for his physical examination. An irascible Army physician ignored the injuries and rated the recruit 1-A. “‘Son, you’re gonna serve,’ is what he said to me,” Moseley recalled. “I don’t know why I didn’t fight to get out.” For one thing, the stakes for the next two years of service then seemed low. In 1961, most Americans were not aware the Vietnam War was impending. The reader, with historical hindsight, will know much better than the character what peril Massey could be facing. The novel begins jarringly, with a crime that pursues Massey from Fort Leonard Wood to his Fort Worth newsroom. A recruit from Massey’s unit is murdered and the body is staged in such a way to bring scorn upon the dead soldier, supply a lurid false motive and discourage a search for the killer. 30

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Although everyone suggests that Massey forget he ever knew the disgraced victim, a string of anonymous tips and a brush with the probable murderer drive him to investigate what the military brass would rather bury. While he’s is a risk-taking reporter, willing to be jailed under a false name to write an exposé, he’s leery of the Army. This novel sat on a shelf for almost 20 years, Moseley explained. When his then-wife Margaret Moseley published her first mystery novel, “Bonita Faye,” he decided to give fiction a try. Her book was selected as a finalist for an Edgar Award for Best New Novel. His mystery wasn’t accepted by the few publishers he queried, so he put it aside. In 2006, after his retirement, he wrote an autobiography titled “Up from Haggerty Hill,” mostly to share his life and family history with their daughters, Charlotte and Dixie. A colleague who also is a former newsman pointed Moseley to White Bird Publications, which published his book this year. He contrived the murder plot but fictionalized many real-life news stories and people he had known in his more than 40-year career. Many of them came from his time as a young reporter for the Fort Worth Press. “I really did work at a paper where the editors wore green eyeshades,” said Moseley, 79. A female editor who struck terror in the hearts of reporters is one. Moseley said Mary Crutcher, his formidable superior, once sent him back five or six times to ask more questions about a car accident involving a man and a puppy – including the puppy’s name. In the novel, Crutcher becomes a similarly demanding character in the life of Alex Massey. If the fictional reporter’s career follows the writer’s, there is an opportunity for another Massey mystery that could be based on Moseley’s encounter with President John F. Kennedy on the day of the assassination. Moseley has no plans to write another, but based on the engaging “More Than A Witness,” he should. Moseley will sign books in an “Authors in the Afternoon” event from 4-6 p.m. June 16 at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

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o one is more surprised that Dr. Kit Moulton is a novelist than Moulton himself. At 68, he said this is the first time a literary venture had ever occurred to him. But in less than three years, he has written not one novel but a trilogy that carries an epic story from 1937 through the second World War. The first two books are out; the third is soon to emerge from Dorrance Publishing Co. Moulton is a fourth-generation opthalmologist to practice in Fort Smith, beginning with Dr. Herbert Moulton, who practiced here from 1890 to 1940. He was joined by Dr. Everett C. Moulton Sr., who was followed by Dr. Everett C. Moulton Jr. Dr. Moulton Jr.’s medical career was interrupted by World War II. He entered the service upon his college graduation in 1941, served in Europe and completed his residency before joining his father’s practice in 1948.

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“Kit,” as his son Dr. Everett C. Moulton III was nicknamed, has loosely based events in these three novels, titled “Annabella,” “Sweet Annabella” and “Anabella Redeemed,” on his father’s journals, records and recollections. In 1937, his father and two medical school classmates took a summer trip through Europe, crossing by ship and touring by bicycle and train. It was perhaps the last moment Americans could hope that peace would continue in Europe. The young men were pursuing adventure before their absorbing last Annabella years of medical school, but encountered many by Dr. Kit Moulton portents of a coming war. and “I had no idea what I was doing,” Moulton Sweet Annabella said of beginning a work of fiction inspired by Annabella Redeemed his father’s 1937 journal. Although he had majored in English as an undergraduate, he was neither an avid reader of fiction, nor had he taken any creative writing classes, he said. He went about it his own way, writing longhand on paper – without an outline. The “Annabella” for whom the trilogy of books is named is introduced through the memories of a main character, Sonny, who fell in love but lost contact with Annabella after a brief romance in Panama, two years prior. He can’t help but wonder why his letters to her have gone unanswered. Sonny is 21 and susceptible to pretty girls. He meets a new interest aboard ship and plans to see a third coed who will be in Europe at the same time. But he continues to yearn for Annabella, his sensuous first love. Moulton was not aware of his father’s college travel journal when he first traveled widely through Europe as a student. “My sophomore year of college, I was very fortunate to go to boarding school in Lugano, Switzerland. I had a great time. We traveled all over Europe that year. I found that I had been to every place that dad was, in his bicycle trip, with the exception of Cornwall in England,” he said. Though he built upon his dad’s long-ago itinerary, Moulton said the novel’s fictitious story grew much larger as he wrote. The world he was creating began to take up all his spare time away from his busy opthalmology practice and, indeed, became three separate volumes. “I have no social life,” he laughed, describing his intense writing schedule. “I spent every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Fort Smith Public Library, writing. I lock myself away in a study room.” Aware that he is affected by mild attention deficit disorder, he removed all distraction. He kept to his routine and wrote the three volumes back-to-back. “I totally escape reality. It’s just not there,” he said of a process he enjoyed. “When I’m writing, I’m actually visually imagining everything that is going on.” His painstaking historical research will take the reader through a vivid tour of pre-war Europe as these young students enjoy their last carefree days. One suspects some sights they enjoy will be much changed when seen again. He’s currently beginning another novel, based on a true crime he won’t disclose. “There’s no way anyone is going to know if it is related to real life except the guilty parties,” he said with glee. Moulton will sign books from 4-6 p.m. June 25 at the main library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. At least two titles of the trilogy will be available.

Summer Reading is for grown-ups too June 1-July 31 On Your Mark, Get Set … Read! Adult Summer Reading Celebration Why should kids have all the fun? The Fort Smith Public Library holds an Adult Summer Reading Celebration, On Your Mark, Get Set … Read! Adults can register for this free activity at any library location beginning June 1. There’s a wide variety of entertainment available in addition to traditional books, said the library’s assistant director Diane Holwick. For those who use digital devices, e-books and audiobooks are available. Zinio is a portal to read popular magazines, digitally. The Freegal download service offers a world of free music. Learn a new language online through the Mango digital lessons. Librarians at all branches can assist patrons in setting up these digital services on their own devices. June-July Library Walking Club As a natural extension of a library visit, many main library patrons enjoy walking for exercise in nearby Creekmore Park. The library is starting a Walking Club. Meet at the library fountain at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in June and July, and walk together to Creekmore Park for approximately 45 minutes of walking. In inclement weather, the club will walk indoors in the library. Adults may accompany their children, if they wish. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. More Summer Reading: “Images of America: Van Buren” by Tom Wing is a pictorial collection of hundreds of historic photos of Van Buren drawn from archives, family collections, newspapers and from previously unseen, original glass plate negatives discovered by Ray Wallace, former provost at UA-Fort Smith and current chancellor of Indiana University Southeast. This book is a significant addition to the historical record of our area. Numerous photos were provided by the Drennen-Scott-Bulloch-Bercher clan, original residents of the Drennen-Scott Historic Site. Tom Wing is the director of the that historic site which includes the Drennen-Scott home and is assistant professor of history at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. June 21 Authors in the Afternoon: Wayne Hancock “The Kidnapping of Bobby Greenlease” is local writer Hancock’s true crime novel based on a 1953 abduction and murder of the 6-year-old son of a St. Louis family. Before the kidnappers demanded ransom, they had murdered the boy, Bobby, whose family paid an enormous ransom of $600,000. The kidnappers, a man and woman, were arrested, tried and executed all in 1953. The case frightened parents across the nation and was a sensational news item all year. The author of nine mystery novels and one non-fiction book, Hancock now lives in Fort Smith. The book wil be available for purchase and signing at this open-house style event. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. June 2016

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Arthur Roberts, center, in 1949 with his sons Roy, left, and Melvin at their first service station and wrecker service.

There’s no place like home for the Roberts of Roland

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any children of large families decide to live far away from where they were born. Not the six sons and three daughters of Arthur and Bess Roberts of Roland, Okla. All of the nine children were born near Roland and moved there in 1943. All nine of them grew up in Roland and have lived within five miles of each other all their lives. Arthur Hilton Roberts of Georgia and Bess Czarnikow of Fort Smith were married in 1923. They were living in the Blue Mouse community a few miles north of Roland when their children were born, starting in 1924. Every two or three years after that, a new brother or sister arrived. They were named Melvin, Ralph, Roy, Delmas, Betty, Doris, Kenny, Earl and Clarice. Of the nine, five are living. Roy is 88; Delmas, 85; Doris, 81; Earl, 75; and Clarice, 72. While Arthur and Bess were raising their large family, he scrambled to find farm, factory and mechanic work to provide for them. He was working at a Fort Smith factory when sons Melvin and Ralph joined the Navy during 32

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World War II. While the brothers were overseas, they sent their mother money to save for them. When they returned home in late 1945, they used the $600 they had saved to go in with their dad to buy property in Moffett, Okla., that had been a gas station, grocery store and dance hall. After converting the dance hall into an automotive garage, Roberts and Sons opened in the spring of 1946, offering gasoline, groceries and mechanic service. Roy joined his dad and brothers in the company in 1948 and still sometimes jokes about his family having, at one time, the only automotive garage they or their customers had ever seen with a hardwood floor. Roy and his son Billy Gene now own the family's original Moffett property and the salvage and auto parts businesses it has become. While there was still a gas station on the property, Earl, the youngest of the six brothers, remembers being trained by his dad to furnish complete service for gas station customers. He

was taught not only to fill a customer's gas tank, but to wash the windshield, check the oil and tires and provide travel information for the many travelers they served – especially those on their way to Oklahoma City and farther west. In 1949, Roberts and Sons expanded their automotive business into Fort Smith by buying a Sinclair Service Station at North 10th and A Streets, which was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The station also operated 24-hour wrecker service and Roy became the station's “all-night man,” often with the help of his younger brother Earl. Roy and Earl still laugh when they recall the station's first wrecker, an old Ford truck with no doors or back window glass, and the many adventures and characters they encountered while working all-night shifts together. The 24-hour station also had contracts with many prominent local businesses – such as Randall Ford, Beckman Dairy, Johnston’s Flowers and B&L Amusement – to clean, detail and service their fleets.

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“That's how Roy was able to stay awake all night,” Earl recalled. He said the frequent, latenight calls for tow service the station received also kept them both on the alert. In 1952, a fire destroyed the family's uninsured Moffett property but the family built back the service station and garage and continued to develop its salvage yard. In 1956, Roberts and Sons opened an automotive parts store at 1520 Towson Avenue in Fort Smith with a full line of new auto parts. “All of us were in both family businesses together until 1966, after mom died,” Earl explained. “Then, we split the two businesses with Kenny, Delmas, Melvin and me taking over the new auto parts business, and Ralph, Roy and Dad keeping the salvage businesses in Moffett. All of us still had the 24-hour service station together at 10th and A, until we sold it in the late 1960s to a non-family member who worked for us.” “I hated to see it go,” Roy said. The Roberts sold the Fort Smith auto parts business in the early 1980s, when several of the brothers were already beginning to start their own separate businesses. Melvin, Delmas and Earl got their real estate licenses in the early 1970s and worked together for awhile before opening their own businesses. Earl opened his Hilton Insurance and Real Estate agency on Ray Fine Boulevard in Roland in 1978. Roy and his son Billy Gene have co-owned Roberts Salvage since 1992. This year is the 70th anniversary of the original family business. During that time, the business has survived fires that destroyed its main buildings in 1952 and 1964 – plus five major floods, including two last year that inundated everything on the property. Roy and his wife, Betty, both in their late 80s, still work every week at the business Roy helped his dad start. In 2013, they opened a second location, Roberts Parts-U-Pick, a selfservice automobile recycling center where customers can save money by bringing their own tools and removing parts they need from vehicles at the site. The Roberts sisters – Betty, Doris and Clarice – also helped in the family's various businesses after school while they were growing up. They went on to become successful on their own. Betty and Doris had long careers in banking at First National Bank. Clarice has owned floral and hair salon businesses. The descendants of Arthur and Bess Roberts now number around 100, Earl estimates, and are very diverse in ages and professions that include pastors, teachers, doctors, physical

Arthur and Bess Roberts with their nine children.

Kyle Sampson, grandson of the late Ralph Roberts, at the statue the family donated to the school.

therapists, barbers, surgeons, dentists, Realtors and insurance professionals. Others are still outstanding high school and college students. Many attended and graduated from Roland High School, including Earl. The school did not have a statue of its Ranger mascot. So, when Earl happened across a large statue of a ranger figure on horseback earlier this year, he bought it. He and his sons donated it to the Roland Alumni Association, which gave it to the school, where it is now proudly displayed. – Linda Seubold

In 2013, Earl, Delmas, Clarice, Doris, Roy and Melvin at the opening of another Roberts family business. June 2016

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FORTIFIERS

A Century of Service Rotary Club continues to make Fort Smith stronger

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harter members of the newly formed supported wartime efforts such as Liberty Bond to make it accessible to children of all abilities. Fort Smith Rotary Club, who convened drives. Significant early projects stand out, such Fort Smith Rotarians have reached out to at the Main Hotel in 1916, could drop as the city’s first stadium, financial support for an serve the world, as well. In 1988, after the in on a regular Wednesday meeting at Emmy’s orphanage, pay for a night matron at the train Chernobyl nuclear reactor explosion, members German Restaurant and recognize the spirit of station and a site for a boys camp on Lee Creek. gathered medical supplies and personally their service club among today’s members. The This club worked to support local Boy Scouts, delivered them to a Ukrainian children’s men could even sing some of the same songs the Red Cross, a charitable Community Chest, hospital. In 1990, members helped supply freshtraditionally included on the weekly agenda. Liberty Loans, the Crippled Adult Hospital in running water to a Mexican village. Residents Decades ago, the club admitted women and Memphis and a nursing student loan program. were given a faucet outside each front door. people of all races. It will be thanking its fourth The club has been an active supporter of female president, Sherry Sims, for a year at its Rotary District Medical Supplies Network, helm as it marks its 100th anniversary on June 1. which collects and distributes container loads of What the original members would be pleased supplies and equipment to areas of need. to learn is that so many high ambitions stated In Belize, members led by David Webb of when the national club was Fort Smith have constructed Is it the truth? founded 111 years ago have been six school buildings and Is it fair to all concerned? realized and that new, even equipped them with desks greater goals have been set and Will it build goodwill and better friendships? and computers. The club also accomplished. built a sawmill and water Will it be beneficial to all concerned? One of the most difficult of filter for another school. The Rotary Four-Way Test those goals – to eradicate polio worldwide – Volunteers traveled at their own expense. is all but achieved. Only Afghanistan and The Fort Smith Rotary Club has just Pakistan have active polio cases. This global celebrated the end of the school year with its campaign for human health began in 1979; Fairview Elementary pen pals at a picnic. then, in 1985, Rotary International joined with Another annual service is the club’s gift of a big partners: the World Health Organization, dictionary, inscribed with the student’s name, for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, each third-grader in a school selected each year. UNICEF and the U.S. Centers for Disease During the Depression, the club gave seeds Rotary members pitch in to volunteer as Control and Prevention. And you thought for vegetable gardens to jobless families. individuals across a myriad of other community Rotarians were just going to lunch. Rotarians brought Big Brothers/Big Sisters to events such as the Fort Smith Marathon, the Here at home, the work of Fort Smith Rotary western Arkansas, organized free dental service, Veterans Day Parade, for the Donald W. Club can be seen all over the area. Member and supported free vaccinations, free surgical clinics Reynolds Cancer Support House and many former president Gary Campbell researched and free transportation for surgical patients. youth-oriented service projects, living up to their club archives to highlight a century of service. In the 1980s, the Rotary Club spearheaded a club’s motto, “Service Above Self.” In its early years, he reported, the Rotary Club redesign of the playground at Creekmore Park

Top, Fort Smith Rotary Club,1922, Goldman Hotel

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FORTIFIERS Promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies are Rotary International’s stated areas of focus. A few local members spoke of personal experiences they had in following those aims. Peace and Friendship Jim Spears, a Rotary member and 12th Judicial circuit judge, has had experiences that relate to each of those aims. On a 2007 group study exchange, he visited club members in Romania who hosted American guests in their own homes in several towns all over the country. “We saw whatever they wanted to us to see and attended their Rotary meetings, for a month. I found it to be a fascinating country and I now have friends there,” Spears said. Even though he could not converse with some of his host families because of a mutual language barrier, helpful translators and just plain goodwill got them through amiably, Spears said. He was abashed that many Romanians could speak several languages to his one. Discussing world matters with former Soviet bloc citizens was fascinating, he said, especially with a Romanian military officer who had conducted maneuvers with both the (then) Soviet Navy and the U.S. Navy. Fighting Disease, Supporting Education Ken Colley has given his heart again and again to young people in Rotary’s programs. His Fort Smith office has as many snapshots of his family’s exchange “kids” as his own children. He now has “family” in Brazil, Germany, Hungary, Taiwan, South Africa and Colombia and has visited seven of the eight students they’ve hosted. He has helped to find families for about 100 exchange students in this area. Also, he helps arrange for local students to go abroad. Taylor Vaughn of Greenwood is going to Paraguay for a month this summer; Evan Kohler of Northside High School is going to Italy for a year. “Every spring break, I go to Mexico and put little kids in wheelchairs,” he said. “Springdale Rotary Club allows us to do that. It is so humbling,” he said, not embarrassed to tear up while talking about the experience. Colley grew up living all around our nation and overseas because his father was in the military. He has always been open to befriending people of all cultures and encouraging youth. Rotary gives him a chance to do both. “And Rotarians you meet are such tremendous people,” he added. He has appreciated meeting genuine, helpful members all over the world.

A few Rotary Club of Fort Smith past presidents at a May meeting. From left, standing, Jim Spears, Gary Campbell, Steve Lovick, Sherry Sims, Matt Holland, Ken Bell and Bill Kirk, seated.

Growing locally for another century Sherry Sims, who has just completed her term as president of Rotary Club of Fort Smith, concentrated on recruitment to launch the club into a second century of service. It hasn’t been too hard to convince candidates that joining Rotary is worthwhile, she said. Membership is at 107. “It has been a great step in my career in this community,” she said. “It’s been a year of excitement and re-invigoration. This is one of the more active groups and has good participators. We have a lot of fun.” Younger members such as Greg Abbot “are going to be the future of Rotary,” she said, laughing. “He calls me an ‘elder.’” Rotary International of the future will look like Rotary Club of Fort Smith, she said. “We have young, old, male, female and all facets of business.” – Lynn Wasson

Helping children get wheelchairs, top right, has been a joy for member Ken Colley. Third-grade student of Moffett Elementary hold their new dictionaries, donated by Rotary. Each book has a student’s name inscribed. Long-time Rotarian David Webb, right, has led members to build facilities for two schools in Belize. Photo by Jack Weatherton June 2016

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DESIGNER NOTES

Warnock Real Estate agency has a singular focus

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his is a serious business,” says Clif Warnock, whose friendly expression turns thoughtful and eye contact becomes piercing when describing his business philosophy. “Our main concern is the well-being of our client. Everybody in here knows that or they don’t work here. We are absolutely focused on selling other people’s homes for them.” Clif and his wife and partner, Jayne, regard Warnock Real Estate as the ongoing, successful result of aiming for the highest standards. It has been Clif ’s only profession. “I knew from the ninth grade that I wanted to go into real estate,” he said. His father, Wesley, was a Realtor in their hometown of Alma, Ark. “I got my license at 18 and started working with my dad. I was selling real estate in the afternoons and going to Westark in the morning.” He and his father mainly sold land. “Undeveloped, big tracts, little tracts ... that market shrunk because we sold it all. Seriously, you couldn’t find any more,” he said. His father, with a partner, developed Eagle Crest golf community near alma and Clif helped to sell its residential lots. Exploring all facets of real estate, Clif himself developed subdivisions and a few commercial properties. But when he and Jayne decided eight and a half years ago to establish an agency in Fort Smith, they determined it would work only for the purpose of selling homes for homeowners and that everyone they invited to be a Warnock associate would do the same, with undivided attention or loyalty.

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A gang of some of the Warnock team enjoys a fun “selfie” with Wesley Warnock, center.

The agency’s growth both pleased them and validated their standards. Warnock Real Estate swiftly notched up in its number of successful closings, adding more with each year. With roughly as many agents as the agencies who typically vie for first and second place in the market, Warnock has consistently been among the top sellers, Clif said. Warnock’s associated agents share his requirement of “absolute professionalism,” he said. “The agents in our office, on average, sell more than anybody. They are the best.”

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DESIGNER NOTES Jayne and Clif Warnock, left, principals of Warnock Real Estate in Fort Smith.

The Warnock team now includes Michele Crawford, Rosalba DeMondesert, Jan Dyer, Kelsey Edwards, Chris Hosier, Tina LaRoche, Bill McCord, Dinah McCord, Allison Moore, Christi Moore, Belva M. Ross, Ram Smith, Paige Spradlin, Kelly Underwood, Linda Wallman, Debi Wilkinson, Brenda Williams and Marshall Yantis. They represent decades of experience. Warnock is known for valuing comprehensive, compelling marketing of the homes the agency represents. Outstanding photography of homes by Bob Dyer is a huge asset, Clif explained. Homes sold by Warnock are only “ready for their close-up” after skillful staging, guided by experienced agents, to maximize their appeal. Proper marketing leads to faster sales and better sale prices, he said. “There are things that you do from the very get-go of putting your house on the market that will cost you a lot of money or make you money depending on the knowledge and professionalism of the Realtor you hire,” Clif said. Last year, Warnock was involved in the majority of sales of homes in this market that were valued at more than $1 million, he said, but the agency works just as hard to sell an average-priced home. Behind the scenes of the beautiful print and web marketing, scrupulous, professional attention is paid to detail in all aspects of listings. What Clif would most like potential buyers to understand is, “It costs them nothing to come here and let us help them find a house. We can help them with any house that is for sale. Even if they buy one, they don’t have to pay us to help them find it.” He would have home sellers know, “They don’t pay us unless we do our job and sell your house.” Warnock’s pros have the experience and high standards to “do it right” from the start, Clif said. Warnock Real Estate 7320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-434-2818 warnockrealestate.com

A home recently sold by Warnock Real Estate. June 2016

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home & garden goodies

Bruschettas made from roasted peppers, olives and sun-dried tomatos available at Paul’s Meat Market.

Vintage kitchen scale lamp, tea towel and rustic wooden tray found at The Goods.

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Fruit and veggie beverages from Olde Fashioned Foods include non- GMO Just Cranberry juice, pure pomegranate juice and GinsengUp grape soda.

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home & garden goodies

Ornate, painted porcelain lamp and frilly shade found at Abilities Unlimited.

Burlap garden flags for animal lovers available at Neumeier Nursery & Florist.

Hand-painted Marigold pattern dinnerware from Polish Pottery Depot in downtown Van Buren.

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home & garden goodies Boldly colored geometric fabric and Olfa rotary cutter from Sewing Machine Center and Fabric.

Football helmets of local university teams used as themed lamps found at Mike’s Furniture.

Songbird figure and a terrarium bottle from Creative Furnishings by Jean.

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home & garden goodies

Staffordshire-style dogs and Blue Italian Spode platter from Vintage Finds, inside BrickCity Emporium

Mission-style oak end table available at Woodco Furniture

Whitewashed frames by Two’s Company found in the gift department of Coleman Pharmacy.

June 2016

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home & garden goodies

Private Reserve Kentucky Bourbon by J R. Ewing, Two-Headed Ale and pipe tobacco selections found at In Good Spirits.

Pouf ottomans by Ashley available in a selection of styles and colors from Furniture Emporium.

Ceramic hen vessels and spring silk florals available at Greenwood Flower & Gift Shop.

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home & garden goodies

Solar powered, waterproof, dual portable charger available at Luther Stem Pool and Spa.

Savoy Executive humidor of olive ash burl, from Winston's Pipe & Cigar Emporium.

Contemplative man sculpture and decorative brass clock found at Designer Again.

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WE RECOMMEND:

Fort Smith Souvenirs REPRESENT! GET A T-SHIRT OR GIFT TO SHOW YOUR HOMETOWN PRIDE The Fort Smith Museum of History has local collectibles in its Gift Shop.

Find a T-shirt, frame a print Õ or donate a brick to support the Clayton House.

Find delights for all ages at the River Valley Nature Center.

Belle Starr Antique Mall has a summer pop-up shop for U.S. Marshals Museum merch, Unexpected Festival and Fort Smith souvenirs.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Black and white tunic and chevron bag, beaded bracelets and stone necklace from Firefly in downtown in Van Buren.

Greenpointe Shopping Center Finds Grill Master two-piece platter set from Inscriptions, tiny teal turban from Baby Chic, Artisan spa soup by Colquitt & Co. and strappy, gunmetal wedges from Hanger Management.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Father’s Day gifts for dad found at the Sparks Auxiliary This N That Thrift Shoppe.

Maui Jim sunglasses for dad found at Dr. Steven Stiles Eyegroup.

Matrix Oil Wonders hair care collection carried at at Vanity Calls.

March 2016

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fashion & fitness goodies Aquanots swimmer earplugs by Westone found at Center for Hearing.

Burlap bags by Mona B, wet bags and an ultimate purse organizer by Pouchee seen at The Warehouse.

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UV sun protection swimwear Rash guard swimsuit sets by SwimZip available at The Polka-Dotted Zebra.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Andrea Barnett communion and miraculous medallion necklaces and La Vie Parsienne handmade bracelets from Now and Then Shoppe.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches from Newton's Jewelers.

Ikat-dyed float tunic and gold feather and stone necklaces found at Zoe Bug’s in Charleston.

March 2016

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fashion & fitness goodies

Custom monogram caps and “Lake Hair”items by Simply Ginger available at Main Street Ltd in Charleston.

Aveda Color Conserve hair care line carried at Metropolis Hair Studio.

Vera Bradley sunglasses in Clementine and Paisley in Paradise styles found at Ennen Eye Center.

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Wedding the

issue

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JUNE

Call now to place your business or service in Fort Smith’s most-read annual wedding resource, Entertainment Fort Smith’s annual June Wedding Issue.

479-494-1888

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MUSIC & performance Selwyn Birchwood

Toronzo Cannon Curtis Salgado

Riverfront Blues Festival has legends, rising stars A blues show really cooks when long-time legends share the stage with ambitious young players paying their dues. They JUNE inspire one another. The 26th annual Riverfront Blues Festival is going to be that kind of scene.

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Curtis Salgado is a harp player and vocalist who has personified soul and blues as co-leader of the Robert Cray Band, frontman for Roomful of Blues and as a solo artist, a multiple winner of Soul Blues Artist of the year at the Blues Music Awards, which also named him the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year in 2013. He takes his rightful place of honor to close out the two-day festival on Saturday night. Friday night’s headline is a young man with hot hands. Selwyn Birchwood won both the International Blues Challenge and Albert King Guitarist of the Year awards in 2013. When reverence for Jimi Hendrix led him to explore the blues, hearing Buddy Guy live at the age of 18 convicted him. As a college student, he toured with Sonny Rhodes. With his band, he has opened for Guy and Robert Cray and played major national festivals. Local artists Blues N Greens, Boyce Wofford and Steve Dragos and the popular Eric Matthews Band. Both acts have been International Blues challenge competitors, as has the band Fat Head, with Mike Huff, Hunter Smith, Mike Campbell and Sean Brinkman.

Drawing from the outstanding talent at that international competition in Memphis, the Riverfront Blues Festival also invited Delta player Mr. Sipp of Mississippi and the act Gracie Curran and the High Falutin’ Band. Representing New Orleans will be the Colin Lake Band. The festival would not be complete without a Chicago bluesman like Toronzo Cannon, who made his chops in the tradition of Muddy Waters, Junior Wells and Guy. Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday for sets by Blues N Greens, Eric Matthews Band, Mr. Sipp and Selwyn Birchwood. Gates open at 4 p.m. when Fat Head opens the Saturday show, followed by Colin Lake, Gracie Curran and the High Falutin’ Band, Toronzo Cannon and the great Curtis Salgado. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and younger with a paid adult. Tickets are available at the gate. The audience is encouraged to take lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Food, beverage and beer vendors will sell refreshments. No personal beverage coolers allowed. I.D. is required for alcohol purchases. Gates open at 5 p.m. June 24 and 4 p.m. June 25. Harry E. Kelley River Park, 121 Riverfront Drive (corner of North A Street and Clayton Expressway), Fort Smith, Ark. riverfrontbluesfest.org

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Kenny Chesney June 2 Kenny Chesney Spread the Love Tour Old Dominion joins Chesney for a high-energy stadium style show. Tickets from $60. 7:30 p.m. Walmart AMP, 5079 West Northgate Road, Rogers, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org June 2-11 The Lights Are Warm and Coloured It is 1905, years after Lizzie Borden of Fall River, Mass., was acquitted of the axe murder of her father and stepmother in 1892. Lizzie and her sister Emma now live together in a home called Maplecroft. In this play by William Norfolk, Lizzie invites a troupe of actors to perform a play that re-enacts the stillunsolved murder. How will Lizzie’s sister react? Why is this particular evening the occasion for a visit from the only other person, besides Lizzie, to have discovered the bodies? This imaginative play puts forth a theory of what really happened. Did Emma know the truth? Directed by Melissa Vitale. 7:30 p.m. June 2-4, 8-11; 2 p.m. matinee June 4-5. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org June 3 What's My Line Anyway Whose Line Is It Anyway-style family-friendly improv comedy featuring Fort Smith's own troupe, Naturally Improv-able. Free. 7:30-10 p.m. Sake Sushi & Martini Bar, 823 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479.434.5434 June 5 Jinan China Circus – Acrobats of China In association with the Amazing Acrobats of China from Branson, the Jinan China Circus performs. Tickets range $18, $23 and $33. $5 off per ticket for groups of 10 or more. Family four-pack (two adult, two kids general admissions) $80. 2-4 p.m. Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-4017 centerforfinearts.org

Jinan China Circus

June 7 Clayton House Dark Night: The Lights are Warm and Coloured Did Lizzie Borden really “take an axe?” Step into an infamous chapter of the Victorian era with this entertaining evening at the Fort Smith Little Theatre in support of the Clayton House. The play shines a light on the historical murder of Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother in 1892 in Fall River, Mass. Set in the home of Borden and her sister 13 years after Borden’s acquittal, the play is based on trial notes and introduces theories that will make you wonder just who gave her father 40 whacks. At 6:30 p.m. hors d'oeuvres, wine and refreshments will be served and guests may bid on silent auction items. Proceeds of the dark night performance benefit Clayton House. Operated by the nonprofit Fort Smith Heritage Foundation, it is Fort Smith’s only Victorian-era home authentically restored and open to the public. Guided tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays and by special appointment, and weddings have been held here for more than 100 years. Purchase tickets, $15, from the Clayton House. 6:30 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7883-3000 claytonhouse.org June 10 An Evening with Travis Tritt Travis Tritt has been called a country renegade but more descriptive words would be a talented musician comfortable with country, Southern Rock, blues and gospel. Labels don’t matter to Tritt and neither do cowboy Travis Tritt hats. Tritt lets his music define itself. Tickets $35-$50 plus fees. 8 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-965-9324 fortsmithconventioncenter.com June 10 An Evening with Charlie Rock! The 106th Arkansas Army National Guard Rock Band Charlie Rock will give a free concert on the lawn at Lake Fort Smith State Park to kick off Free Fishing Weekend. Charlie Rock plays all over the state spreading good will and great tunes. Take chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to this familyfriendly event. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

June 17-18 Music on the Mulberry The first festival was a creative response to the cancellation of the Thunder on the Mountain festival. Ozark native, singer-songwriter Lance Carpenter pulled together a new slate of performers and went on with the show at Byrd’s Adventure Center. This year’s two-day music and camping festival features national and home-grown talent, headlining Carpenter and the Texas country music group Randy Rogers Band. They have recorded four studio albums and two live albums, and have charted seven singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Carpenter moved to Nashville after playing football on the Arkansas Tech University Wonder Boys team that took the 1999 conference championship. He co-wrote “Love Me Like You Mean It,” taken to No. 1 by Kelsea Ballerini in 2015. Home-brewed Arkansas native Barrett Baber, a competitor on “The Voice” and composer of “Razorback Game Day” made popular on KNWA, also performs. Trailer Choir, Ashley Martin, Devin Robertson and the Travellers, the Hard Cider Boys, Matthew Huff, James Robert Webb, Apollo’s Crown, RVO3 and Whistlin’ Dixie are on the bill. Two-day festival passes are $54.50. Camping rentals are separate. Music begins at 5 p.m. June 17. Byrd’s Adventure Center, 7037 Cass Road, Ozark, Ark. musiconthemulberry.com June 17-July 15 Opera in the Ozarks Opera in the Ozarks, an annual summer music festival featuring emerging opera professionals from across the country, celebrates its 66th season from June 17 to July 15 with 25 performances and an inspiring selection of operas. This year’s featured operas include Mozart’s Don Giovanni, a double-bill of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and Puccini’s Il Tabarro, and Britten’s Albert Herring. June includes Don Giovanni on June 17, 22, 25 and 29. The opera Albert Herring will be performed June 18, 23, 26 and 30. Pagliacci and Il Tabarro are performed June 21, 24 and 28. Performances will take place at Inspiration Point in Eureka Springs. Three performances are held at Arend Arts Center in Bentonville. Single tickets start at $25 for adults, $10 for children. Special multi-show ticket pricing is also available. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone. 7:30 p.m. Inspiration Point, 16311 Highway 62 West, Eureka Springs, Ark. 479-253-8595 opera.org

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June 23 film premiere to benefit the Young Actors Guild Recent winners of Regional Emmys, Devon Parks (Best Director) and with Chuck King (Best Short Format Program) will release their latest short film, “The Rocking Horse Winner,”at a film premiere to benefit the Young Actors Guild. Working together as Mad Possum Pictures, the two have based a new short film on the 1926 classic short story by D.H. Lawrence. Their regional Emmy Awards were for “Step In: King Opera House.” “We went into production for ‘Rocking Horse’ immediately following Christmas last year,” said King, the film’s producer, who has an acting role. “We needed to secure a strong leading lady, and we felt we got one of the area’s best when Missy Gipson agreed to appear.” Gipson is executive director of Fort Smith’s Young Actors Guild, which exists to foster a love of the arts and inspire creativity in young people in the River Valley through no-fee, high-quality theater production opportunities and workshops led by professional artists. The organization is the oldest youth theater in Arkansas and has won 15 National Youth Arts awards. “A fundraiser benefiting YAG is our way of honoring Missy for her contribution, and it will be a great way to showcase her talent for YAG patrons and students,” King said. “We hope that the film will inspire young people to explore all aspects of film production, including acting and beyond.” David Harper, a 14-year-old student at Northridge Middle School, carries the leading role in the film. He is the son of Dr. Jon and Gena Harper of Van Buren. “He came to us with absolutely no previous acting experience at all and turned out a convincing performance in a very demanding role,” said the film’s director, Devon Parks. “The Rocking Horse Winner” is a poignant story of the desperate efforts of a young boy to win his mother’s love by seeking the luck she bitterly maintains that she does not possess. After discovering that he can predict the winners of horse races while riding his rocking horse, the boy falls deeper and deeper into his obsession. The MovieLounge of Fort Smith will host the event. The film is 30 minutes in length and is appropriate for ages 10 and up. Following each screening, the director, producer and members of the cast and crew will be available for a questionand-answer session monitored by Rham Cunningham. $12 tickets. Showtimes are 6, 7 and 8 p.m. The MovieLounge, 7601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-629-5646

David Harper plays a son desperate to win his mother’s love in the short film “The Rocking Horse Winner,” based on the story by D.H. Lawrence. The short film was made locally by Mad Possum Pictures.

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summer

CONCERT alert June 3-5 Little Rock Riverfest Chris Stapleton, Goo Goo Dolls, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Grace Potter and more riverfestarkansas.com June 17 Widespread Panic Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org June 19 Selena Gomez BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla. bokcenter.com June 24 James Taylor BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla. bokcenter.com June 25 Rachel Platten Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org

July 2 Sammy Hagar and the Circle Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org July 4 Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes Fort Smith Mayor’s Fourth of July Harry E. Kelley Riverpark, Fort Smith Free. July 15 Miranda Lambert Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org

July 17 Weezer and Panic! At the Disco Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org

July 26 Carnival of Madness Tour Shinedown, Halestorm, Black Stone Cherry Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org July 29-30 Peacemaker Music & Art Festival Cold War Kids, Turnpike Troubadors, Leon Russell, Blackberry Smoke and more. peacemakerfest.com Aug. 12 Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org

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June 1 Rotary Club Celebrates a Century of Service Rotary Club of Fort Smith concludes its first century of service on the 100th anniversary of its founding on June 1, 1916. A special luncheon will be held at MovieLounge. Founded as Club #224 of the thousands worldwide, the club has emphasized "Service Above Self" in all its projects since that time. Reservations required. $25. Noon-1 p.m. Movie Lounge, 7601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-7314 June 1 Van Buren Farmers Market Every Wednesday and Saturday from April through December local farmers and craftspeople display their produce and art at the Van Buren Farmers Market. You will find locally sourced produce, eggs, jellies, jams and more. 7 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library Parking Lot, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479218-2316 facebook.com/VanBurenFarmersMarket

Harley Davidson Road

The Muskrat Family

Beverly Conley Photography Exhibit This exhibit highlights more than 50 works by documentary photographer Beverly Conley. Featured in the exhibit is her series Life in the Ozarks: An Arkansas Portrait, a gritty and honest depiction of rural life in the area, JULY alongside contemporary Native American subjects in the series Oklahoma’s Cherokee Country. Conley’s compelling and compassionate perspective narrates intimate and insightful stories of lives rarely seen. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

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June 1-4 Old Fort Days Rodeo The area’s oldest and most spectacular rodeo continues nightly with top-ranked competition in saddle bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, calf roping, barrel racing, wild horse racing and steer wrestling. Kids compete in mutton bustin’ at 5 p.m. each night before the main event. Professional rodeo announcer and in-arena showman Mike Mathis keeps the action moving. The Old Fort Days Dandies lead the spectacular Grand Entry each night. Cody Sosebee, a native of Charleston, is the star rodeo clown in charge of cowboy safety and silliness. John S. Payne, “The One Arm Bandit,” will perform in the arena June 3-4. He is the 12-time Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association Specialty Act of the Year, performing with an amazing herd of Longhorn steers, mustangs, mules and buffalo. Using horses and Blackmouth Cur dogs he has trained, the One-Arm Bandit can herd the stock onto the top of his trailer and truck. June 3 is “Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night” to raise funds to end breast cancer. The Choctaw Casino Stage presents local entertainment each night. Tickets at a variety of price levels are available online. Gates open early. The main event starts at 7 p.m. nightly. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7832393 oldfortdaysrodeo.com

June 1-4 RAM Invitational Call for Works Deadline Final days of opportunity to submit works for the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum’s annual invitational art exhibit, a national competitive exhibition created to encourage and recognize professional artists. This exhibition, which will be held July 8-Oct.16, aligns with the museum’s mission to foster art appreciation in the community. All works will be for sale and proceeds will benefit RAM’s exhibitions and participating artists. Prizes for the juried exhibition include cash awards for first place of $3,000; second place of $1,500 and third of $750 and a solo show for the first-place winner. There will also be a museum purchase award and a people’s choice award. Requirements for submission are available on the museum’s website or by phone. Artists from any state are eligible to enter. The invitational competition’s theme is “The Art of Transcendence.” Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

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Tentative Resolve

June 1-30 Jennifer Libby Fay Textiles Textile artwork by hand weaver and fiber artist Jennifer Libby Fay will be on exhibit at UAFS in June. The exhibit showcases 19 artworks by Fay, a result of her work with textiles that she has embellished and dyed for artistic effect. Fay’s work has been shown in exhibitions in California, Washington, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and she was named a “Women to Watch” by the Arkansas State Committee of the National Museum of Women. A reception will be held from 5-6 p.m. June 8 on the west end of the first floor of the campus center. Free. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 June 1-30 Photo Exhibition: Jim Anderson An exhibit of the photographic works of Jim Anderson will be on display. Anderson is a schoolteacher by trade and a photographer of the natural landscape as a hobby. This special library exhibit will include pictures of the Natural State and other regions across America, showcasing the changing colors of fall. Free. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

June 1-30 Art Exhibition: Rania Asadi Fort Smith artist Rania Asadi will display her original works. Originally from Syria, Rania Asadi has lived locally for 13 years. She works as an art teacher at the Montessori School of Fort Smith and enjoys painting with oils and watercolors, as well as designing jewelry and furniture. Her exhibit will feature still life paintings and landscapes done in oil. Artwork is available for viewing all hours that the library is open. Free. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org

June 1-30 Visions, Reflections, Abstractions: Photography by Corey S. Krasko Photographer Corey S. Krasko will display a collection of his work, including images from recent travels in Arkansas, New Mexico and the “big island” of Hawaii. Artwork is available for viewing all library hours when meetings are not being held in the Community Room. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 58 Entertainment Fort Smith June 2016

June 1-July 27 Stories on the Square Before Sequoyah introduced his “talking leaves” writing system, generations of Cherokees passed down family heritage and culture through the art of storytelling. Now, the Cherokee Nation is sharing that longheld tradition with Stories on the Square event series. Storyteller Janelle Adair will offer traditional Cherokee stories, including How the Opossum Got His Tail, First Man and First Woman, The Medicine Plant, How the Turtle Cracked His Shell, How the Redbird Got His Color, The Stickball Game Between the Animals, First Fire and The Milky Way Story. In the event of inclement weather, Stories on the Square will be moved the Cherokee National Prison Museum, 124 East Choctaw Street. Free. 10-11 a.m. Cherokee National Capitol, 101-129 South Muskogee Avenue, Tahlequah, Okla. 877-779-6977 June 1-Aug. 26 Works from the Montessori School of Fort Smith Organized by the Montessori School of Fort Smith in collaboration with the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, students grades 3-5 exhibit their work. 11 a.m.6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

June 1-July 31 On Your Mark, Get Set … Read! Adult Summer Reading Celebration Why should the kids have all the fun? Win prizes while reading your favorite books. Adults can register at any Fort Smith Public Library location. A library card is not required. Stop by your neighborhood library to sign up for summer entertainment for all ages. Anyone who lives inside the city limits of Fort Smith and is age 5 or older is eligible for a free library card. Take ID showing your name (or the parent's name for children) and current street address (driver's license, state ID, or a bill). A parent or legal guardian must apply in person for children ages 5-15. Fort Smith real estate property owners and their families are also eligible. Ask for details at any library location. People who live outside the city limits of Fort Smith can get all the benefits of a Fort Smith Public Library card for $35 a year. That's less than 10 cents a day. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

June 2, 16 Enneagram Fellowship Of Fort Smith This group meets twice monthly to view educational videos, discuss books, etc. that are beneficial in studying the enneagram. Meetings are on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Central Presbyterian Church. Free. 5 p.m. Central Presbyterian Church, 2901 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-2555

June 2-July 28 Library Walking Club Enjoy the benefits of exercise in a casual atmosphere with the Fort Smith Public Library Walking Club. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage various conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your balance and coordination, and improve your mood. Meet at the library fountain and walk together to Creekmore Park for approximately 45 minutes of walking. In case of inclement weather, the group will walk indoors in the library. Take a friend or make some new ones. The walking club is intended for adults; children and teens are welcome if accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Free. 7:45-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

June 3 4th Annual Havana Nights Grab your Fedora and dancing shoes for the Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter 4th Annual Havana Nights. This Cuban-inspired fundraiser features hand-rolled cigars, Cuban cuisine, rum and bourbon tasting and entertainment by the award-winning salsa band Calle Soul. All proceeds directly benefit the Fort Smith Children’s Emergency Shelter and the children it serves. CES provides a safe and structured, homelike environment to area children in crisis, ages 6-17, who have been removed from their home by the Department of Human Services due to neglect and/or abuse. In addition, it provides a safe and stable housing option with emphasis of life skills training to foster youth ages 18 and older who have “aged out” of foster care. Serving more than 260 children each year, part of the Children’s Emergency Shelter’s mission is to allow children in crisis the opportunity to just be kids and to give young adults the opportunity to become successful contributing members of society. Call for information about sponsoring this event. $100. 6 p.m. Riverfront Park Building and Amphitheatre, Front Street and North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-2425771 childrensemergencyshelter.org June 3-4 Chester Funky Junk Fest Enjoy treasure hunts? The town of Chester will host another Funky Junk Fest at their Farmers' Market Pavilion. Antiques, collectibles, recycled creations and much more. Plenty of space and parking. Booth spaces are available for $10 to sellers, buyers will be charged $1, children under 10 are free. This “fun raiser” will benefit community events and the farmers market. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Chester Farmers Market Pavilion, East Front Avenue field, Chester, Ark. 479-9975657, 479-997-5217 June 3-4 Lum & Abner Festival Sponsored by the Mena Advertising & Promotion Commission. Live entertainment is a huge part of the event as it runs all day both days of the festival. Enjoy wonderful arts and crafts, great food, the awesome Lum & Abner Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, Kiddie

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Korner with playground and bounce houses, the Lum & Abner 5K Run/Walk, Outhouse Races, the Lum & Abner 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, the Lum & Abner Softball Tournament, the beautiful quilt show, Firefighter’s Challenge, Fishing Derbies, the Lion’s Club BBQ Cook-Off, the RE/MAX Baby Crawlin’ Contest, and a fan favorite, the All-American Lumberjack Show. Free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Janssen Park, 512 7th Street, Mena, Ark. 479-394-3141 visitmena.com June 3, 17 Adults, Exercise Your Mind: Crochet Exercise your mind by participating in a crochet class. All experience levels are welcome. Take your own supplies and share projects, ideas and patterns with the group. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

June 4 Guided Hike A member of the education staff will lead a hike along one of our many trails. Dress for the weather and don't forget your camera. Free. 9 a.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

dor information available on website. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Louemma Park, Arkansas 59, Van Buren, Ark. 479-632-3500 pageantgypsy.com

June 4 Peak-to-Peak Poker Run Queen Wilhelmina State Park and Mount Magazine State Park are on top of Arkansas' highest mountains. In between are 90 miles of scenic highways, national forests, and beautiful landscapes that make for most scenic motorcycle touring in the state. Join riders from all over the area in enjoying the views while competing for prizes. Prizes will be awarded for the best poker hands. $25, $15 for each additional rider. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Arkansas 309, Paris, Ark. 479-963-8502

June 4 First Saturdays at the Learning Fields Open house and garden tours. The featured gardens will be the Gelene MacDowell Wildflower Meadow, the Children's Garden and the Vertical Garden. See these great gardens and get some ideas to take home. Light refreshments will be served. Event is held rain or shine. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardner Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 462-4113 learningfields.atcc.org

June 4 National Cancer Survivors Day A health and wellness-themed event will include breakout sessions on nutrition, exercise, rehabilitation, spiritual and emotional wellness for the cancer survivor. Presented in partnership with Mercy STAR program and Sparks Nutrition Center. Survivor recognition and celebration at 11:45 a.m. Lunch will be provided by the Arvest Grillers. Call to register. Free. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7892-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

June 4 National Trails Day Celebrate America’s trails by getting outdoors and active. Take a scheduled hike or strike out on your own. Take a morning hike with park officials on the Ozark Highlands Trail and journey back in time by traveling to the old Shepherd Springs settlement. Old rock walls and foundations, spring-boxes and chimney stacks tell the tales of an earlier time in the Boston Mountains. This hike is moderate with a couple of strenuous sections. Make sure to take water and a snack. If you're more of a night time person, join the evening hike on the Boston Mountain Trail as the sun goes down and the night animals come out. Owls, coyotes and chuck-wills-widows pierce the night with their distinctive cries. See the online calendar for times and details. Bring water and a snack. Free. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

June 4 Spring Craft Fair Enjoy a day of shopping with local vendors. Scentsy, Country Meats, Mary Kay, Watkins Products, boutique clothing, jewelry, arts & crafts and much more. Ven-

June 4 The North Franklin County Rodeo Queen Contest The 2016 North Franklin County Rodeo Queen Contest is looking for girls to be representatives in and around the area of Ozark. There will be three categories: Princess 10-13, Junior Queen 14-16 and Queen 1725. Competitors will be expected to compete in modeling, impromptu questions, speeches, interview and horsemanship. Ozark Fairgrounds, 802 North 29th Street, Ozark, Ark. 479-209-6938

June 4-July 22 Exercise Your Mind – Read! Adult Summer Reading Program Register and win prizes for reading books. Sign up at the library and receive your bingo card. Once you have a bingo, take your card to the front desk and you will be entered to win a prize. Drawings will be held every Friday. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

June 4-July 22 Five-Mile Challenge Take the Five-Mile Challenge by walking 5 miles – or 10,000 steps. Use your own pedometer or smart phone to track your progress throughout the day. For every 5 miles you walk, you can enter the library’s drawing and have your name displayed on the FiveMile Challenge board. A winner will be drawn for June and July. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

The Life and Art of Mary Petty Mary Petty began her career with The New Yorker magazine in 1927. Over her four decades with the publication she created a singular style of cartoon illustration and central to her imagery were the characters of Mrs. Peabody and her maid, Fay. Mary Petty used these two characters to explain, in a humorous vein, the foibles of the social elite. Working in watercolor, Petty meticulously drew her characters and scenes using a limited palette of roses, blues, greens, browns and gold. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS listic health practitioner with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Free. 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 7 Crawford County Community Foster Care Meeting Visit with people who care about and work with the local foster care system. Different guest speakers are featured every meeting. Find out how many children are in the foster care system in Crawford County and how to become a foster parent or volunteer to help out Crawford County children. Large groups welcome. Free. 6-8 p.m. Crawford County Adult Education Center, 605 Alma Circle, Van Buren, Ark. 479-208-8557

WANTED: The Making of Modern Manhunting The final session of the WANTED Lecture Series is titled "The Making of Modern Manhunting." Retired Deputy U.S. Marshal John Clark will speak about the evolution of U.S. Marshals Service investigations and man hunting from the 1980s through today, using cases from his own career as examples. Tickets are available online or at the door. $10. 6:30-8 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, North Rotunda, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 usmarshalsmuseum.org

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June 6 Parrot Island Value Day Special savings rates on select Mondays during the season. $10 adults, $5 children. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 parrotislandwaterpark.com

June 7 Exercise Your Mind: Movie & Bingo Watch a movie and play movie bingo at the library. Every bingo wins a book. Call or go online for the movie title. Both movies are rated PG-13. Refreshments provided. Free. 5 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 crawfordcountylib.org

June 5-25 The Art of Working Men The exhibition will be a wonderful mix of paintings and mosaics from a fine group of male artists – Dee Carroll, Jason Davis, Jim Beckman and Patric Anderson. The title, The Art of Working Men, is reference to the fact that all these men have other jobs or have retired from a career other than art. Free 1-4 p.m. Center For Art & Education in Van Buren, 104 North 13 Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org June 6 Color Me Happy This coloring program is for adults and can be a good stress reliever. Stress is the No. 1 health concern that 60 Entertainment Fort Smith June 2016

leads to many diseases. You don’t have to be an artist for the event. Relax and color themed pages. This month’s theme is the beach. Free. 4-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479632-4140 June 6-27 Learn to Dance Watch dancing on TV and wish you could glide on the dance floor, too? What's stopping you? Grab the opportunity while it exists. Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach advanced lessons from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and beginners dance lessons from 7:30-9 p.m. The type of dance changes on the first Monday of every month. The dress attire is casual. $5. 6:30 p.m. Mondays. Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578

June 7-28 Parrot Island Water Park Aqua Jog Special access to the Lazy River for 55 years and older. $6 regular admission and $4 admission for season pass holders. 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Parrot Island Water Park, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479788-6550

June 7 Brain Fog Certified health coach Marilyn Sneed uses a holistic approach to health and wellness. She is a certified ho-

June 7-10 2016 Z Mart Z Fest Enjoy fun activities each day - a cookout, samples, giveaways. Thursday and Friday are transportation days – the Illuminator Monster Truck will be there. Jack's Building Supply will give away a shed and the Sebastian County Sheriff's Department will do fingerprinting for the kids, S.W.A.T. demos, K-9 unit demonstrations and more. The White Bluff/Fire Hill Fire Department will offer demonstrations for the whole family. Donations are accepted for local charities. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Z Mart/Valero, 4300 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-649-6600

June 7-July 18 Twinkle Toes Tuesdays The Twinkle Toes Walking Club is offered as an exercise option in conjunction with the library’s summer reading program, Exercise Your Mind – Read! The walking club features a one-hour walk around the City Park. The goal of the program is to encourage a regular fitness routine, as well as encourage book discussion and socialization between library patrons. Free. 10-11 a.m. first three Tuesdays of each month. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 8 RVCAN Community Meeting Join people who care about and work with the local foster care system in Sebastian County. Different guest speakers are featured every meeting. Find out how many children are in foster care in Sebastian County and how you can become a foster parent or volunteer to help out Sebastian County foster children. The River Valley Community Action Network (RVCAN) is a partnership between STEPS and ARCCC. Free. Noon-2 p.m. STEPS, 708 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-8557 June 8-29 Woozy Wednesdays Learning about your brain and how it works will make your head spin. Watch a TV series about the brain and how it works. Free. 2 p.m. Wednesdays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 9 Adult Craft Party Make a beautiful glass bead candleholder for a centerpiece or an accent to home decor. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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Sippin’ on 6th Street: Judge Clayton’s Southern Soirée The Clayton House invites all (who are age 21 and over) to its third annual summer party that has something for everyone. This fundraiser has unique appeal with its live auction of hunting, sporting and self-protection firearms at the conclusion of the party. Leading up to the auction, sponsored by Fort Chaffee Outfitters, guests feast on heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts, sip popular bourbons with expert tasting advice, listen to live music and relax with friends inside and outside the Victorian mansion. Glidewell Distributing and Sodie's Wine & Spirits are providing the bourbon tasting. New features are a Wild West photo booth that is sure to provide some amusing souvenirs and an offering of fine cigars in the large gazebo. Thanks to Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium, your cigar money will benefit the Clayton House. Also new are opportunities to win a firearm through three games-of-chance offered throughout the evening. One of the prizes, a Charter Arms 38 Special LW pistol, comes in pink if the winner is female. The party’s door prize tradition continues, with one attendee winning a Henry Lever Action Golden Boy 357 rifle. Everyone can win with the “bourbon pull,” including a participant who takes home the grand prize bottle. You can still win without even attending: purchase raffle tickets ($5 or $25 for six) for one of three firearms: a Ruger 10/22 .22LR Rifle Mannlicher Stock, a Henry Lever Action .22 rifle and a Ruger Mark III 5½ bulled SS barrel .22 pistol. The Clayton House provides a step back to 1882, the year William Henry Harrison Clayton moved his family into the antebellum home that he doubled in size and shaped into an Italianate-style masterpiece. Coal-burning fireplaces and period furnishings in each room place you in a time that featured no indoor plumbing or electricity, but that was rich with austerity. Guided tours provide a perspective of the mission to bring law and justice to the area from the home of the chief prosecutor of the famous court of Judge Isaac C. Parker. Buy the raffle tickets, as well as the $50 event tickets, by calling the Clayton House, at its website, claytonhouse.org, or from a member of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation board. Raffle tickets are limited and you do not have to be present to win. $50. Raffle tickets $5; need not be present to win. 6-10 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org

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Downtown Stroll and Scavenger Hunt Beginning at the Fort Smith Museum of History, the Downtown Stroll guides visitors on a short walk of the area while discussing historic buildings still in place and long gone. A scavenger hunt will provide a fun history lesson for children. Judge and Mrs. Parker are portrayed by Floyd and Sue Robison. Meet other notable citizens from Fort Smith history, including John Childers (first man to be hanged in Fort Smith); Reverend Springer of the Freedman's Bureau after the Civil War; wife of Arkansas Gov. William Fishback and daughter of Fort Smith furniture company owner J.G. Miller, Adelaide Miller Fishback; Belle Starr; Mayor Fagan Bourland, George Tilles and others. The walking tour and scavenger hunt are offered free with museum admission: $7 adults, $2 children, under age 6 are free. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

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June 9-11 Art of Wine Art of Wine features three days of enticing events with the world’s finest wines and an array of artfully crafted local cuisine in a unique atmosphere, all benefiting the Walton Arts Center. Activities include a June 9 Winemaker’s Dinner, a June 10 Friday Night Tasting with a selection of more than 400 different wines from around the world and the June 11 Premier Tasting. Tickets are available online. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org

June 10 An Evening with Charlie Rock The 106th Arkansas Army National Guard Rock Band, Charlie Rock, will present a concert on the lawn to kick off the Lake Fort Smith free fishing weekend. Charlie Rock plays all over the state spreading goodwill and great tunes. Take your chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to this family-friendly event. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

June 10-12 Free Fishing Weekend Let's go fishing! Residents and nonresidents may fish this weekend without fishing licenses. Don't have a pole? No worries – the park has several poles to loan at the marina, along with everything else you will need to land the big one. Regulations for Arkansas waters apply and must be observed. Free. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 June 10, 24 Redwork Redwork is a form of embroidery that uses floss to trace simple line drawings. It became popular during 64 Entertainment Fort Smith June 2016

the Victorian era as women searched for new ways to decorate. To learn, take an embroidery needle, embroidery loop, floss, an envelope and a shoebox. Free. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Alma Public Library , 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

June 11 Book Signing with Dan Marcou Join retired police officer and internationally recognized police trainer/writer Dan Marcou for a program and book signing. Marcou's latest book, “Law Dogs: Great Cops in American History,” is a non-fiction historical account of more than 30 law officers who have distinguished themselves by going above and beyond the call of duty. From Texas Rangers to U.S. deputy marshals, FBI agents to local law enforcement officers, retired police Lt. Dan Marcou has meticulously researched each heroic figure to separate fact from fiction, delivering an action-packed history of law enforcement dating from the American Old West to gangster-era policing, to the present day. $7 adults, $2 children, under age 6 are free. 11 a.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org June 11 4th Annual Honor and Duty 5K Race Next Step Homeless Services holds this run and walk race to raise funds for homeless veterans and other

homeless clients. Participants can register online. Sponsorships are available at the $500 and $250 levels. $25 entry fee includes an event T-shirt. 7:30- 9:30 a.m. Chaffee Crossing, beginning at Wells Lake Road, Custer Street and Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-242-5100 nextstepfs.org

June 11 Star Gazing Explore the night sky with the Arkansas/Oklahoma Astronomical Society (AOAS) Star Gazing program at the marina boat launch parking lot. AOAS members will provide telescopes for viewing. Take your own scopes and binoculars, as well as chairs and blankets. Free. 8-10 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith June 11 Elks Golf Tournament This 18-hole, four-man scramble will be held at the beautiful and challenging Deer Trails Golf Course within the Fort Chaffee property. Singles and partial teams are welcome. The entry fee includes green fees, golf cart, beverages during play, Welcome Bag and lunch. Pre-registration is encouraged in order to hold your team's place in the tournament. Hole-in-one opportunities and mulligans available, plus more opportunities for prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded at the Elks Lodge after the tournament where every player will be treated to a world-class lunch. Cash bar available. Call for more information or to register. $50 per person/$200 per team. 7:15 a.m. registration; 8:30 a.m tee-off. Deer Trails Golf Course at Chaffee Crossing, 11707 Custer Blvd., Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 Leave message for call back elks341.org June 11 In Memory Of LaRonda This Zumbathon honors a local woman who died in a car accident last year. Donations will also be accepted. $10. Noon-4 p.m. Ozark High School, 1631 Hillbilly Drive, Ozark, Ark. 479-209-6646

June 12 Elks National Flag Day Ceremony The Elks Lodge and area Fort Smith Boy Scouts conduct their annual Flag Day Ceremony in downtown Fort Smith at Judge Parker's Courthouse. A history of our national symbol will be presented through a parade of flags carried by the Boy Scouts. Join in the hoisting of the huge Garrison Flag at Judge Parker's Courthouse. The Garrison Flag is the largest massproduced flag available and help is needed to keep it off the ground and shown the respect it deserves. Parking is available just off Garrison Avenue close to the bridge. There will be limited shaded seating under the pavilion. Following the ceremony, a barbecue picnic will be held inside the Fort Smith Elks Lodge at 5504 Massard Road. Free. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Fort Smith Historic Site Pavilion off Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks.org

June 13 Exercise Your Mind: Adult Coloring Think coloring is just for kids? Not anymore! Relax and color the stress away. Take your own supplies or use materials provided by the library. Invite a friend. Free. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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June 13 Exercise Your Mind: Book Talk Discuss “A Dog's Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron. Probably what makes this story so beloved and unique is that it is told from the perspective of a real dog – that is, not a dog who understands English or talks to other dogs or animals. Often, this results in hilarious misunderstandings – just as in real life. Also, it is not a story where at the end of the book the dog dies. That’s not a spoiler alert because the entire premise of the novel is that the dog never dies – he keeps being reborn, remembering each life, learning lessons from each life that help him with the next one. Eventually, he comes to conclude there must be a purpose, a reason for him to be reborn and, until he has figured out that purpose, he will keep being reborn. Signing up at the front desk to register. A limited number of copies are available at the front desk. Refreshments provided. Free. 7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 June 13-14 Boating Education Course The Arkansas Boating Education Course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible boating and is open to all ages. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, must complete a boater education course and carry a valid boater education card to operate a motorboat powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more (including a personal watercraft) in Arkansas. Take the class, pass the test and receive a boater safety card. Boat smart, boat safe. Attendance both nights is required. Free. 6-9 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

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June 14 Exercise Your Mind: iPad Basics Learn basic iPad features in this hands-on class. Take your own iPad and learn how to download apps, change settings and use other features. Free. 5:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

June 14 Authors in the Afternoon: Jack Moseley Fort Smith author Jack Moseley will make a special appearance to promote and sign copies of his recently released book, “More Than a Witness.” National award-winning reporter, columnist and editor Jack Moseley has been read by millions around the world, most notably his “The Last Day” written under deadline pressure on the day of the assassination of President Kennedy. His honors include two gold medals for the advancement of human rights from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, a White House citation for reporting on poverty in a major Southwestern city and national awards for promoting economic understanding. He also was one of the first Mark Ethridge Graduate Journalism Fellows in America and was a founding director on the board of the nation’s first journalism think tank at the University of Missouri. A graduate of the University of Texas, he is the author of two nonfiction books and a contributor to both high school and college journalism textbooks. He is semi-retired and lives in Arkansas, where he gardens, cooks and “piddles” on his computer when he is not traveling. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at this open-house style event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

June 14 iCook Cooking Class iCOOK is an interactive cooking class to learn how to cook quality, restaurant-style meals with a healthy twist. The class includes a three-course dinner and beverages for participants. An accomplished chef and registered dietitian will be available to answer your food and nutrition questions while you are cooking your own delicious meal. $25, $40 per couple. 5:307 p.m. 7th-Floor Dining Room, Sparks Medical Center, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-441-4183 SparksHealth.com June 14 Book Talk: In the Woods by Tana French As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do no return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children gripping a tree trunk in terror, wearing blood-filled sneakers, and unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours. Twenty years later, the found boy, Rob Ryan, is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad and keeps his past a secret. But when a 12-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and Detective Cassie Maddox – his partner and closest friend – find themselves investigating a case chillingly similar to the previous unsolved mystery. Now, with only snippets of long-buried memories to guide him, Ryan has the chance to uncover both the mystery of the case before him and that of his own shadowy past. Registration is required for a copy of the book. Sign a copy out at the library. Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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June 15 Nutrition & Cancer Series This monthly talk on artificial sweeteners is presented by Ryan Ellison, registered dietician. Free. 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

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June 15 Exercise Class with Beverly from Body & More Fitness Get fit in a free exercise class. No registration is required and all skill levels are welcome. You don’t have to take anything, but be prepared to sweat for a 3045 minute work out and have fun doing it. Free. 4 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 June 16 Long-Term Care Options: What Do I Do Now? A panel of local long-term care experts will discuss the myriad of long-term care options available, including assisted living, rehabilitation and nursing home care. Learn the pros and cons, costs and levels of care each provides. Refreshments provided. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

June 16 Geocaching Damirce and Elizabeth Jordan will talk about geocaching, an outdoor recreational activity in which participants use a global positioning system (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches,” anywhere in the world. 2 p.m. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 June 17 Judge Isaac C. Parker Memorial Chili Cook-Off This Friday night chili cook off includes live entertainment by Denim and Pearls, food from License to Grill, children's activities on-site and more. Donations accepted. 5-11 p.m. Columbus Acres, 10203 Columbus Acres Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-561-4552 facebook.com/belch.pod

June 17-18 Stigler Reunion Days This annual, old-fashioned festival is held on the charming town's courthouse lawn. Enjoy this community festival for arts and craft vendors, food booths, Friday night gospel singing and live music performed at the gazebo. Take the kids for games on Saturday morning, then head out to Reunion Days for terrapin turtle races, horseshoe contests, bubble gum-blowing contests and other fun kids activities. Stigler Courthouse Lawn, 204 East Main Street, Stigler, Okla. 918-967-8681

June 17 Diamond Dance This is a monthly fun social dance that includes ballroom, Latin, country, European and line-dancing music together in a relaxing social environment. The T&T Combo of Wes and Hope will be providing music for your dance enjoyment. Attire is dressy-casual. No smoking. $5. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578

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June 17 Food for Thought: Bees and Honey Danny Brewer with the Fort Smith Bee Club will talk about the importance of bees and the fascinating world of honey. Take your lunch or pick it up at Dewey's Café at the Main library. The library will provide drinks and dessert. Free. Noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

June 17-19 Slow Lane Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival Three-day bike rally and live music event showcases motorcycle enthusiasts, vendors of all kinds and country, rock, blues, funk and many other types of music. This family-friendly event includes on-site tent camping. Vendor booths and Beer Garden open at 5:30 p.m. June 17. Live music, featuring Ice Cold Domestic, Whipper Snapper and The Pearson Brothers, begins at 7 p.m. On June 18, events will include a poke run, a motorcycle cruise on Fort Street, an aftercruise party and music by Rylee Renee and the Ruckus and Hillbilly Vegas. June 19 events include a CMA church service and live afternoon music by Emma’s Road, Dorrian Cross, The Bannister Brothers, Hedtripp and Oreo Blue. $5 June 17, $10 June 18 and $5 June 19. Proceeds from Beverage Garden sales benefit Chaffee Crossing Veterans Memorial. 13216 Tuscany Street, Fort Smith, Ark. slowlaneevents.com June 18 5th Annual Arkansas Highway Police Cops on Bulls Old Fort Days Dandies will open the show, which will include a car and bike show, mutton busting contest, a dunk tank, horse and pony rides and food vendors. The mutton busting contest at 11:30 a.m. will be followed by Cops on Bulls at 1 p.m. Benefits the MakeA-Wish Foundation. $5, 18 and under free. 9 a.m. Harper Stadium, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. June 18 Build a Bat-House Workshop Bats are extremely important to our ecosystem and having a bat house near your home benefits both you and the bats. Sign up for this workshop to learn more about bats and make your own bat house to take home. Space is limited and early registration is required. Call the park to register. $20. 9 a.m.-noon. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith

June 18 Judge Isaac C. Parker Memorial Chili Cook Off & Arkansas State Open BBQ Championship The Judge Isaac C. Parker Memorial Chili Cook-Off and Arkansas State Open BBQ Championship includes vendors, food from License to Grill, children's activities, raffle items, and tasting kits after noon. Proceeds benefit the Children's Sergice League. Donations accepted. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Columbus Acres, 10203 Columbus Acres Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-561-4552 facebook.com/belch.pod June 18 Labyrinth Walk Walk the garden path at the Learning Fields to mark the Summer Solstice. The community is invited to participate. The Learning Fields is very beautiful at this time of the evening. Light refreshments available. Free. 6-8 p.m. Learning Fields/Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardeners Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. none 68

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June 18 UFO Open Forum Do you have an interest in the UFO phenomenon? Ever had an unexplainable experience or sighting? Here is your opportunity to listen and share with others who have also been influenced in one way or another by this enigma. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Public Library, Carnegie Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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June 19-20 Summer Solstice Walks Special archaeologist guided tour of the only prehistoric, Native American, archaeological site open to the public in Oklahoma. Three walks each day that will last about 2 hours and be about 1 mile of easy walking along paved trails. Archaeologist Dennis Peterson will talk about the site, the mounds and culture that created them and why some of the mounds are aligned with the Solstice and Equinox sunsets. Admission to the site is $5 adults, $4 seniors and $3 children and the walk is an additional $3 adults and $2 children. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla. 918-962-2062

June 20 Bonnie and Clyde in Fort Smith Join Fort Smith historian Charles Girard as he describes the unlawful escapades, eventual capture and demise of notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Highlights will include their activities in Fort Smith and the surrounding area. Monthly meeting of the South Sebastian County Historical Society. Free. 7-9 p.m. Community Room, Farmer's Bank, 71 West Center Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-6357

June 20 ARCCC Meeting Arkansas Creating Connections for Children is a local group dedicated to help raise awareness of the local foster care crisis. There are more than 600 children in foster care in Sebastian County with fewer than 200 foster beds available. This group's objectives are to find local foster homes and volunteers to help local foster children to remain in their local communities and to assist existing foster families. Free. 4-6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-8557 June 2016

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 21-July 21 Willard Stone Centennial: A Legacy of Art Through Family Willard Stone has exhibited regionally and nationally. He gained worldwide recognition for his figures of humans and animals created from a variety of locally grown wood. Stone also used ceramic or bronze. His sons Jason and Dwight and daughter Linda Callery also will have artwork in the exhibit. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. LeFlore County Museum at Hotel Lowrey, 303 Dewey Avenue, Poteau, Okla. 918-647-9330 June 23 Self-Defense Many styles of martial arts are practiced for self-defense. Jared Jones from Kempo Karate will show you how to defend yourself in stressful and unpredictable situations. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

5th Annual True Grit Ride 100 This event offers a challenge for cycling enthusiasts to push through the elements and persevere JUNE through a day of pure cycling endurance. The rides range from 10- to 100-mile courses. The True Grit Mountain Bike Ride will be a 13-mile, guided tour. New this year is the True Grit 5K Run/Walk. There also will be a cookout with live music for all participants from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and a True Grit Mixer at Phat Tire Bike Shop at 6-8 p.m. The event benefits the Community Services Clearinghouse, which provides emergency assistance to families and children in need throughout seven counties in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The nonprofit’s Meals for Kids backpack program distributes more than 2,500 sacks of weekend food each Friday to children who otherwise would go hungry before returning to class on Monday. Early registration is encouraged to ensure correct T-shirt size. Registration is $50 for the True Grit 100, $45 for the mountain bike ride and $35 for the walk/run. 7 a.m. Chaffee Crossing, 7313 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. truegritride.com

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June 21 Evening Education Barge Tours Take part in this casual tour to view the river at dusk. This will be a short, one-hour stroll along the Arkansas River. All safety equipment provided. Space is limited. Call to register. Free. 6, 7 and 8 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

June 21 Authors in the Afternoon: Wayne Hancock Fort Smith author Wayne Hancock will promote and sign copies his recently released book, “The Kidnapping of Bobby Greenlease.” The 1953 kidnap-murder of 6-year-old Bobby Greenlease in St. Louis was one of the most publicized crimes of the decade. Read about it and three other kidnappings from the era in this gripping true-crime novel. Hancock was born in Independence, Mo., the setting for his first novel. He served in the Navy during World War II. He attended Kansas Wesleyan University before joining the J.C. Penny Co.’s management training program. He spent the next 40 years managing Penney stores in the Midwest. The author of nine mystery novels and one non-fiction book, he now lives in Fort Smith. Copies of “The Kidnapping of Bobby Greenlease” will be available for sale and signing at this open-house style event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org 70 Entertainment Fort Smith June 2016

June 23 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The book “The Feathered Bone” by Julie Cantrell will be reviewed. Any woman is welcome to attend and enjoy the discussion. Free. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dewey's Cafe, Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com

June 23 Professional Development Day Teaching artist Mary Overton from West Fork joins art teacher Sue Anne McCoy to showcase the educational programming of the Center for Art and Education in Van Buren, as well as the center's current exhibit, The Art of Working Men. Overton and McCoy will share several instructional modules and 2-D visual art resources that could become the basis for units of study or artist residencies. Discussion will include creating partnerships between schools and community arts organizations. The Arkansas Department of Education, the Arkansas Arts Council and Arkansans for the Arts have partnered to introduce these new classroom resources aligned to the Arkansas Visual Art Curriculum Framework for K-12 visual art teachers and teaching artists. Classroom teachers will receive six hours of professional development for each workshop. Center For Art & Education in Van Buren, 104 North 13 Street, Van Buren, Ark. 4794747767 art-ed.org

June 25 Authors in the Afternoon: Kit Moulton Fort Smith author and ophthalmologist Kit Moulton has just released his second book, “Sweet Annabella,” the sequel to “Annabella,” which delves a little deeper into the romantic interlude between Sonny and Annabella, set in prewar Europe 1937. Dr. Moulton will speak about his book and the writing experience and will be available for questions and book signing following the presentation. Copies of his books will be available for sale and signing. Free. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org June 25 XFI 17 This all-ages show featuring many local athletes will bring you a full night of amateur and professional mixed martial arts bouts sanctioned by the Arkansas Athletic Commission. Call or contact your favorite team for tickets. $25 and up. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith Ark. 479-806-3642

June 25 Cruisin' On Main Step back in time, when cruisin' was a nightly passion and just for fun. People came from all around to show off their street cars, show cars, motorcycles and to see and be seen. Registration from 4-5 p.m., Show 'n' Shine from 5-7 p.m. followed by a $1 Fan Favorite from 7-9 p.m. and a Cruise and Music in the Park from 9-10 p.m. Oreo Blue will perform. Historic Main Street Main Street, Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-883-4732 June 25 Reaction Motorsports Club A series of autocross events – timed competition in which drivers navigate, one at a time through a defined course of rubber cones. It is the safest motorsports experience since emphasis is placed on vehicle maneuverability rather than speed. 7 a.m.-dusk. 13404 Saxony Street, Barling, Ark. 479.414.5998

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June 27 Exercise Your Mind: Cake Decorating with Helen Huckabee Have fun while learning the basics of cake decorating. Plus, you'll get to eat your beautiful creation afterward. Supplies are provided, so please register in advance. Call to register. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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June 30 Roots, Rhythm and Rock: Music That Moved Fort Smith: Second Movement, 1945-1995 The Fort Smith Museum of History will present Roots, Rhythm and Rock – Music That Moved Fort Smith: Second Movement, 1945-1995 with an exhibit opening and volunteer concert featuring local and regional performers. View the exhibit beginning at 6 p.m. then enjoy a concert from 7-10 pm. Many Fort Smithians remember music venues such as Billy Garner's Supper Club, the Glass Hat, the Music Box, the Bee Hive, the Elephant Run, Josenberger Hall, Old Town Grain and Feed and Harper Stadium. Local people who influenced the music scene in Fort Smith include Dick Renko, Bob Ketchum, Charly Hiatt, John McIntosh and many more will be included. Learn the stories of musicians George Hughen, Lacy Schaffer-Thomas, Tom Ware, songwriter Kye (Rhonda) Fleming, dancer Betty Wilkins and radio personalities and performers Herschel Parker, Carl Riggins, Fred Baker, Dennis Snow and many more. Bands featured include Wendy Austin and the Hot House Tomato Boys, Paper Kid, Judge Parker, Kamakaze, Oreo Blue, David and the Immatures, the Cate Brothers, Dark Horse, Razorback, Gray Ghost, Trout Fishing in America and more. Did you see your first real concert at Harper Stadium? Were you buying records at Elmore's? Who remembers Bee Bumble? Who played on 9th Street in 1950s and 1960s? Where did Alphonso Trent play after returning to Fort Smith? Did you ever attend a USO dance in Fort Smith? Remember the Wintergarden or Bobby Don's? How about the Eternal Boogie parties? Learn the stories of the people and places who made music history in Fort Smith. And are still making history today! The exhibition will feature vintage instruments, photographs, recordings and band memorabilia. Remember the monthly calendars from Old Town? How about flyers taped to windows and stapled to telephone poles? Learn the fascinating stories of the Music That Moved Fort Smith. The exhibit opening and concert is offered free with museum admission: $7 adults, $2 children, under age 6 are free. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org June 2016

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July 2 Mena's 4th of July Celebration Enjoy a spectacular show with activities for children, live music and great food. Free. 4-10 p.m. Aubrey D. Tapley Park, 151 Recreation Lane, Mena, Ark. 479-394-8355 mena.com

July 2 Celebrate Mulberry Music and entertainment with fireworks starting at dark. Free. 6-9:30 p.m. Kirksey Park, 33 Kirksey Parkway, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1321 cityofmulberry.org July 2 The Reading and Signing of the Declaration of Independence Hear the Declaration of Independence read as was commonly done in the 19th century at the 1874 Courthouse Visitor Center. Afterward, sign your own “John Hancock” to a copy of the Declaration that you may keep to take home. Free. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Historic Washington State Park, 1874 Courthouse, Washington, Ark. 870-983-2684 historicwashingtonstatepark.com July 4 Sallisaw 4th of July Celebration This Independence Day, head to the Sallisaw 4th of July Celebration. Conveniently located off Interstate 40 at Sallisaw High School, this event features food, fun and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk. This is a family-friendly event. Free. Sallisaw High School, 2301 West Ruth Avenue, Sallisaw, Okla. 918-775-2558 July 4 Fireworks Lake Tour Cruise to the end of Lake Fort Smith and watch the Mountainburg fireworks display from aboard the park’s tour boat. Reservations are suggested and will be taken at the marina at 479-369-1018. $10 adults, $6 children ages 6-12, under 6 free. 8-10 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

July 4 Tenkiller State Park July 4th Fireworks Celebration Go to beautiful Tenkiller State Park, situated along the shores of Lake Tenkiller, for the park's annual July 4th Fireworks Celebration. As soon as the sun sets, the sky will light up with a spectacular display of fireworks. Take a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the view as the fireworks are reflected off the calm waters of the lake. This event will be hosted by the Greater Tenkiller Area Association. Tenkiller State Park, Vian, Okla. 918-457-4403, 918-489-5025 July 4 4th of July in the Park There will be refreshing watermelon and homemade ice cream and many other festivities and activities through out the day. Free. Queen Wilhelmina State Park, 3877 Arkansas 88 West, Mena, Ark. 479-394-2863 queenwilhelmina.com

July 4 26th Annual Devil's Den Games Enjoy a fun-filled family day of horseshoes, softball, sack races, parades, and much more – all topped off with homemade ice cream. Free. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, softball field in Area E, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 72

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Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival XX The Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival is one of the most popular naturerelated family events in Arkansas. Events will include a live butterfly JUNE observatory, duck-calling contest, a kids zone with bounce houses, free play area and a petty zoo, live entertainment, Poochs on Parade Dog Contest, a photo contest, food and craft vendors and a scholarship pageant. For more information or to be a vendor please call 479-936-2244. At the state park, you can enjoy hands-on, make and take crafts, nature related games, guided nature walks, garden tours, insect exhibits, live music and more. To truly understand and appreciate butterflies and other pollinators, immerse yourself in their natural habitat at Mount Magazine. Free. Logan County Fair Grounds on Arkansas 22 and Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Arkansas 309, Paris, Ark. 479-963-8502

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July 4 Celebrate America Celebration featuring games and activities for the whole family, live music, face painting, prizes and a huge, city-sponsored fireworks display. Expect the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center parking lot to be filled with huge water slides, free for kids of all ages. Enjoy live music and dancing, as well. Hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy will all be available for purchase at Celebrate America. Take your lawn chairs and be prepared to stay until after dark when the sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks display. Beautiful fireworks will explode above the city while patriotic music plays in the background. Downtown Poteau, Okla. 918-647-9178

July 4 Greenwood Freedom Fest 2016 The day starts with a 5K run then comes a full day of professional bands, games and food. Free bouncearound (some with water) for the kids and free hotdogs. Also numerous giveaways, pageants and contests. There will be fire trucks and police cars on display and helicopter rides in a very safe environment. More than 100 vendors for food and drinks. Art & crafts also available. Free. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. City Park, 1 Town Square, Greenwood, Ark. 479-806-2241 greenwoodar.org

July 5-26 Parrot Island Water Park Aqua Jog Special access to the Lazy River for 55 years and older each Tuesday. $6 regular admission and $4 admission for season pass holders. 8-9:30 a.m. Parrot Island Water Park, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 July 6-27 No Brainer/Movie Wednesdays Need to get out of the heat and like Zombies? Then it’s a no brainer come to this weekly event. 2 p.m. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

July 7 Exercise Your Mind: Quilling Create your very own beautiful piece of art by rolling small strips of paper. Supplies are provided, so please register in advance at the front desk, by calling or emailing cdunlap@crawfordcountylib.org. Free. 5 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 July 9 18th Annual Butterfly Count Right about peak butterfly season, spend the day hiking and counting butterflies. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Queen Wilhelmina State Park Wonder House, 3877 Arkansas 88 West, Mena, Ark. 479-394-2863 queenwilhelmina.com

July 9 Star Gazing Explore the night sky with the Arkansas/Oklahoma Astronomical Society (AOAS) Star Gazing program at the Lake Fort Smith marina boat launch parking lot where AOAS members will provide a number of telescopes for viewing. You are also encouraged to take your own scopes and binoculars, as well as chairs and blankets. Free. 8-10 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith 74

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DINING GUIDE LA HUERTA It’s patio weather at La Huerta Mexican Restaurant downtown. But at any location, the fajitas will arrive sizzling hot and the margaritas will be icy cold. 400 Garrison Avenue, 5511 Towson Avenue and 3501 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith.

CALICO COUNTY

STONEHOUSE

Their famous cinnamon rolls are served as you are seated. Enjoy while choosing wholesome, home-cooked choices from Calico County’s hearty menu. Voted favorite home-cooking restaurant time and time again. 2401 South 56th, Fort Smith.

In the historic Maness Schoolhouse at Chaffee Crossing, StoneHouse chefs cook with bold Southern flavors. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday with indoor and outdoor dining. Full bar. 8801 Wells Lake Road, Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith.

RIVER CITY BISTRO

Chosen by our readers as Favorite Restaurant Overall, Catering and Gourmet Deli, Chef Jason Haid and co-owner Susan Tucker offer fine dining, daily bistro/deli menu and spectacular event catering. 7320 Rogers, Ste. 7, Fort Smith.

JUAN’S

WESTERN SIZZLIN’

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

Known for its famously tender steaks and the endless variety of the long food bar, with hot entrees, fresh vegetables and colorful, healthy salad selections. Two Fort Smith locations: 5720 Rogers Avenue and 5200 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith.

SAKÉ SUSHI BAR Our readers’ “Favorite” Sushi. Saké Sushi & Martini has unmatched creativity in sushi and seafood. The chefs also turn out stunning premium steaks and filets. The martini menu is amazing in its variety. Full bar. 823 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith.

NICKEL & DIME DINER

WEINKELLER RESTAURANT

Dine in a railroad car on classic burgers, a chicken-fried steak sandwich or country-style breakfast, all day. Hours now extended to 9 p.m. Just step outside to enjoy the Park at West End’s vintage carnival rides.15 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith.

Exit 41 on I-540 leads to Wiederkehr Village, Ark. home of a 135-year-old winery and the famous Wiederkehr Weinkeller Restaurant with Swiss-French, Swiss-Italian and Swiss-German menu. Wine tastings and vineyard tours are free

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