Entertainment Fort Smith - August 2017

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Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG Art Director Contributing Writers GLENN GILLEY REBA MIZE BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTAN ROLAND JOE WASSON Contributing Photographers BOB DYER GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY DONNA PAYNE KRISTAN ROLAND LYNN WASSON

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

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

Entertainment Fort Smith

August 2017

Happy anniversary to With this issue, we start our18th publication year As we burn the midnight pixels once again, we remembered to change the words on our August cover to “Vol. 18, No. 1.” And just a few blocks over, guest artists are, right now, burning the midnight paint (and work lights) as they create art for the third Unexpected Project; downtown Fort Smith, their canvas. It’s been too dern hot to paint in the blistering daylight.

This year, our press deadlines straddle the festival – we go to press just before the art is started. But we were invited to a preview of the completed work of Doze Green and to our absolute delight, his installation of art and neon sculpture is inside the 1911 New Theatre or as living patrons remember it, the Malco Theater.

It was so entertaining to see young people who not only had never been inside the grand theater, but didn’t know it was even there, enter and comprehend its enormous capacity. When opened, the New Theater had 1,500 seats on its ground floor and two balconies. For scale, that is a few seats greater capacity than our present-day convention center.

For decades, after the live theater was converted to a movie palace, segregation laws forced black patrons high into the upper balcony, a climb into darkness to some truly steep seating.

As the artist turned the stripped-out auditorium wall surfaces into his canvas by painting them black, most of the amazed preview audience could not see the balconies or imagine a time when all Americans did not sit together equally. But some who were at the festivities did remember. Many remarked the disgrace of the era before civil rights were fought for, and gained, to end such regrettable injustice.

We love progress, every kind. I shot the cover photo with an iPhone 7. That wasn’t even dreamt of in 2000, when we made Vol. 1, No. 1 and were impressed by our first digital camera.

The festival’s founding sponsor and visionary, Steve Clark, thanked Richard and Rick Griffin of Griffin Properties and Griffin Construction, the theater’s owners, and the City of Fort Smith for allowing use of the space as a stabilized, temporary “preserved ruin.” The Griffins have preserved, literally, whole blocks of downtown.

The greatest thing is to hear Richard Griffin say, “Let’s do that,” when presented with a project.

It was inspiring to be among so many people who say “yes” to audacious ideas and, then, execute them. Bravo, Griffins, Steve Clark, City Hall and all who opened those theater doors.

Around the corner, Phil White, one of the city’s earliest preservationist developers, has started a project at Garrison and 9th. You bet Phil knows how! Rolando’s has just renewed one of the buildings Phil restored originally. A few blocks north, Lance Beatty’s crew is inches from opening Temple Live, converting the Masonic Temple into a unique entertainment venue.

They just announced a Dwight Yoakum concert for Oct. 1! Mike Brown of Temple Live hints Yoakum will not be the first event. We are hot to report! Stay tuned at templelive.com, efortsmith.com and Facebook.

At 18, we still feel sparks of the entrepreneurial passion it took to launch an independent, local magazine. It’s the same fire that drives all the people above. My partner, Linda Seubold, and I, only under the taskmaster discipline of senior editor Donna Payne and mentoring of Mary Jane Hennig, somehow, have persisted. Our fine current staff members are able veterans now, too.

Because of you, loyal readers, and the support of advertisers who prize what is genuinely local, (made in Fort Smith!), this magazine is in your hands now. Stay town-proud. Fortify! We make this a great place for, and with, each other. Persist along with us. Thanks for being a part of this!

– Lynn Wasson

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

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

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

Download a subscription form from www.efortsmith.com

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

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

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CONTENTS

AUGUST 2017

features

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10 8

Back to school

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She’s a good Scout

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69 12 New park makes a splash

Profile: Susan Chaney She’s been a Scout most of her life. At 77, she’s still leading young women to self-confidence and having fun around a campfire. By Brittany Ransom

Van Buren falls in love with Freedom Park Citizens voted to create a new park right on Main Street. Now it is open and proving to be popular. By Brittany Ransom

His walk for a diet became a feast for the eyes Glenn Gilley, our frequently contributing photographer, noticed more and shares his observations through a photo essay about walking for his health.

Who was Marie Harris?

A mystery is maybe only the passage of time. A little girl’s life rediscovered.

By Joe Wasson, with a little help from his friends

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54 Unexpected discoveries

Entertainment Fort Smith

August 2017

HOME Kitties & Kanines, the city’s spay and neuter clinic, throws a party to support animal welfare.

WHAT’S COOKING Fruit-flavored treats taste great in summer or after school.

Recipes by Kristan Roland

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GARDENING Is crape myrtle the official tree of the South? Turns out it isn’t all ours.

By Reba Mize

FASHION & FITNESS Clothes make the child, if they’re comfy and well-made. A visit to Katiebug’s delves into tiny fashion.

DINING GUIDE Learn where the locals love to eat.

eve n t s

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Fort Smith Public Schools launches a listening project meant to become a plan of action, all for the betterment of our students and community.

departments

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54

Back to school – everyone’s invited

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE ‘Tis the season for season tickets. Performing arts series announce great entertainment and performance to enjoy now and next year.

EVENTS FOR KIDS Last days of freedom, but the first month of school has fun in store, too.

Word search, a new home for youth arts, Van Buren Partners in Education

CALENDAR OF EVENTS New art exhibits, including extended Unexpected opportunities, for August along with library activities, learning and fun.

Cover: The work of Doze Green, a cubist painter invited by The Unexpected Project, at the festival preview in the New Theater. Photo by Lynn Wasson

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The whole community is welcomed back to school

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Inclusive planning and great partnerships start now

ow often does a teacher remind their students to listen in order to learn?

The Fort Smith Public School District as a whole is embracing that fundamental principle, by inviting parents, students, educators, Partners in Education and citizens to discuss our schools together. It begins publicly Aug. 3.

Listening and having mutual dialogue is the first step of fresh strategic planning started when Dr. Doug Brubaker was hired as superintendent last year.

The fall semester starts his first full school year as the district’s top administrator but in February, on his first day, Brubaker said he would take a personal listening tour with the school board, administration, educators and in the community at-large.

Now, the process is going to be opened widely to parents and all the city’s residents, including those who are already involved through the Partners in Education program.

After listening comes a plan, then action.

“We’re really going to work to come up with big, broad goals but also to drill down to a series of actions we’re going to take,” Brubaker said.

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August 2017

Whether action is taken on improvements big or small, “I like to quantify what we are getting out of it,” Brubaker said. “I like for what we accomplish to be shown. It is transparent to say this is where we started and this is where we ended up.”

Brubaker likes quantifying results, even when efforts have to be given a bad mark.

“A transparent process also shows when we didn’t get a goal accomplished, so we can discuss a different avenue to succeed,” he said.

A strategic planning consulting firm, Cambridge Strategic Services, is working to assist the school district in this endeavor, using data to impartially help identify the school district’s internal threats and opportunities, point out different external factors and understand its current strengths and weaknesses.

The action plan all the stakeholders will help shape by their input likely will include something Brubaker has already heard from many sources, from civic groups, educators and parents: “I keep hearing about college and career readiness. People want our district to be making sure that our kids, regardless of where they’re

going to go, begin that path as a graduate of our schools – with a leg up.” That leg up can mean graduating with significant college credits earned while in high school and it can mean a head start in certification in other career tracks. He gave the example of certification for work in the computer security field. Such certification also can be obtained while in high school.

Some of these programs and opportunities already are available to Fort Smith students in effective programs, he acknowledged.

“But we want to empower all our kids to reach their goals, whatever they are, at graduation. The second thing is we don’t just want a program for some of our kids. We want for our programs to have enough capacity to meet the needs of all the kids,” he explained.

“So, do we have enough opportunities for kids to get college credit? Can they earn associate degrees in a few fields before they get out of high school? What can we do to ensure that all the kids have that opportunity in a lot of different areas?” he continued. “We don’t necessarily want it to be an example or pilot program, we want it to be part of how we do business. We want to say we have it everywhere for everyone.”

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Fort Smith Public Schools benefit from great strengths right now, he added. During his personal listening tour, even before beginning official strategic planning, others praised many current “positives.”

In visiting civic clubs such as the Kiwanis, Brubaker saw an example of Partners in Education in that organization’s long-term volunteer work to create outdoor classrooms, playground improvements and to mentor school newspapers at several elementary schools.

At Rotary Club meetings and other gatherings where he was invited to speak or attend, he heard comments on the strength of the district’s fine arts programs and concerns that the district should continue to strive for the best safety and security. “It really illustrates how the community is embedded into the fabric of the school system,” Brubaker said of the feedback.

All of these people are invited into the official strategic planning process, he said. Action teams will be developed to put people to work on particular goals.“We want people to think divergently instead of hearing the superintendent give examples of goals,” Brubaker said. The strategic planning process will ask all contributors to develop those goals.

“I sense that commitment here – that when folks in this district do it, they want to do it right,” Brubaker said. He said has seen strategic planning succeed in school districts where he has worked. His last posting was at a 50,000-student district in Garland, Texas. Fort Smith Public Schools serves about 15,000 students.

Brubaker is eager for the listening, goalsetting and action to start. He will be a parent of a kindergarten student, his daughter, when school begins. “My family and I believe we’ve landed in a great place and we’re excited to be here,” he said.

Aug. 3 is a big day for Fort Smith Public Schools Day: Partners in Education Workshop will meet Night: Community Summit will hear your ideas

Let’s

TALK! COMMUNITY SUMMIT FOR

The annual workshop day of Fort Smith Public Schools’ Partners in Education will begin at 8 a.m. Aug. 3.

It’s a one-day exchange of ideas between the Partners of different schools with informative break-out sessions.

Two sessions, at 10 and 10:30 a.m., will be devoted to giving an overview of the new Strategic Planning initiative.

Partners also will be briefed on the City of Fort Smith’s upcoming bicentennial and encouraged to participate. Three projects are already planned to engage students in the 200-year anniversary of the city’s founding. They are a lip dub video, a fortbuilding project and a community garden-related project. Attend to hear more!

The Partners Workshop is held at Chaffin Junior High, 3025 Massard Road, Fort Smith. Contact the School District at 479-785-2501 or fortsmithschools.org.

Brubaker reading “The Gruffalo” to elementary students – with enthusiasm.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

At 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3, everyone in the community who cares about public schools is invited to speak and perhaps volunteer in the Fort Smith Public School District’s strategic planning initiative.

This process will be guided by a facilitator. The first step is listening and contributing about wishes, problems or proposals of new ideas to innovate and uplift public schools. As the process continues, leaders and action teams – all volunteers – will be identified and can begin to focus on specific goals.

This process will continue throughout the fall semester and may include training for those who become part of the team.

Off-site work will continue through November. A second, large team meeting is scheduled for early December.

After semester break, the developing strategic planning will be communicated to the school board. The board will review and contribute to the plan and instruct the superintendent to begin its implementation in 2018-19 school year.

This long-term outline will be explained in full at the Aug. 3 Community Summit.

Everyone is invited to learn about the process, contribute and be heard or perhaps to volunteer to work as a member of an action team.

Entertainment Fort Smith is proud to be a Partner in Education to the Fort Smith Public School District, one of more than 200 community-based partners.

It starts with good communication.

Everyone is welcome to be a part of this process.

August 2017

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PROFILE: SU SAN FL E T CH E R CH ANE Y

A good Scout all her life and a leader today

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n 1956, 5,000 youth from across the country came together for the become known for her informative babysitting and CPR trainings and first-ever Girl Scouts National Round-up in Milford, Mich. Among often teaches courses at Kelley Cabin, the Girls Scouts’ Fort Smith them was 15-year-old Susan Chaney of Arkansas. headquarters. She is a Scout leader again, leading girls of all ages on The experience had a profound effect on her, as tears come to her eyes exciting outdoor adventures and through the fundamentals of Girl Scouts. when she recalls the festivities from that gathering. Lessons learned there “My favorite thing is seeing them discover,” said Susan. “Watching forever shaped Susan’s views on service and the importance of investing in them set up their own tent, cook in an outdoor setting, and see that, ‘Hey, others, which translated into all aspects of her life, including her family, I can do this.’ It is great seeing them build that self-confidence.” her career and her passion for volunteering.

At 77, Susan continues to lead troops on outdoor camp outs and pass Susan, who grew up in Fayetteville, came to Fort her love for the outdoors on to the next generation.

Smith many years ago to work for the nursing program Fellow Scout leader Madeline Marquette has seen the at what was then Westark Community College. effect that Susan has on kids.

She was ahead of her time in a way, having chosen to “I first met her at a camp out at Camp Cahinnio Girl earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

Scout Camp over 20 years ago. She was the main leader After nursing in central Arkansas for many years, she for 20-plus small Scouts,” Marquette said. “Over the last relocated here to become a founding staff member of the few decades, Susan has developed a reputation for being Westark nursing program. able to help mold young minds and make their Scouting Her career choice is in no way surprising, given Susan’s experiences as memorable as her own. She is still doing innate drive to care for those around her. In addition to that. She knows mountains of information to keep Scouts raising her own children, one of whom had special needs, learning and having fun.” she also helped raised her grandchildren, eventually “She has a fantastic skunk game she plays with the girls adopting one of them. to learn team building skills,” Marquette said. “Sometimes In 1956, ready for the Round-up During many of those child-rearing years, Susan they all dress like skunks, too!” served as both a Boy Scout and Girl Scout mom, often Part of Susan’s motivation for volunteering is the sense leading troops and teaching the same skills she learned as a youth. of fulfillment it gives her. “I still get a lot of joy out of it. You always get After taking a break for a few years when her children were older, more out of it than you give,” she said.

Susan volunteered again for the privilege of introducing her She also has been able to achieve goals of her own through work grandchildren to Scouting. with her church. Six years ago, she began participating in missions to It was after officially retiring that Susan began to become even more Guatemala through First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. involved with her volunteer roles, particularly Scouting.

She has traveled to the country to help with construction projects and Drawing on her own experience and her medical background, she has medical missions, for which her training as a nurse came in handy.

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Young Girl Scout Susan Fletcher (left) in 1946 and at an end-of-year campfire (above) in May. Susan Chaney says her greatest enjoyment comes from “seeing them discover.”

Susan chose nursing as a career, graduating from UAMS in 1962, then earning a master’s degree.

Teaching young women how to perform CPR in a Girl Scout babysitting course, Susan, a registered nurse, shares lifesaving techniques.

In an adult Scout uniform for the 1959 Round-Up. “Note the gloves for travel,” she wrote on this photo. “You can’t see the hose and heels!”

“This was something I had wanted to do all my life,” she said.

“Being in contact with others is one of the real benefits from church, Scouts and other such,” said Susan. She supports other programs, such as Senior Nutrition Centers run by Area Agency for the Aging, which gives her company at lunch and helps promote a good cause.

“I eat lunch most days at Baker Center on North Albert Pike. If you are 60-plus, a $3 donation gets you a balanced meal and contact with a group of nice people – both important for healthy aging!”

Susan continues to apply the values instilled in her at that roundup more than 60 years ago. Her life of service, from patient care here and abroad, to teaching outdoor skills on camp outs, make this forever-Girl Scout the embodiment of the organization’s mission to build “girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”

– Brittany Ransom

Volunteering on a church mission to Guatemala with a team from her church, First United Methodist, fulfills a lifelong dream for Susan.

Photos courtesy of Susan Chaney August 2017

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Everyone loves Van Buren’s new Freedom Park

Completion of the park was a true community effort. GFWC-Women’s League of Van Buren raised more than $25,000 to purchase the vintage-style clock for Freedom Park.

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uch to the delight of Van Buren’s citizens and leaders, Freedom Park is open, showing real progress in downtown revitalization.

According to city planner Joe Hurst, the concept behind the picturesque new park is “to create an exciting, central gathering spot for the community and visitors alike to celebrate the freedoms secured by veterans.”

People immediately have started enjoying its many amenities. Two covered pavilions, roofed to match the tile-topped train depot, are already in use by the Farmers Market and available for other activities. Green space, a stage, an interactive fountain, benches and picnic tables invite people in. Since opening, the park already has welcomed hundreds who have gotten wet at its new splash pad.

The city will soon begin Phase II of the project, which will be known as Veterans Memorial Plaza. Located across from Freedom Park, the site will display flags of all military branches and first responders. A fountain will move pools of water downward into a star-shaped water feature, which will be adorned with a battle cross donated by a local Eagle Scout. Each side has monuments and service plaques and will be lighted for night viewing. The entire plaza will have period light poles and landscaping that create an environment where visitors may reverently reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans.

“Both sites embody the spirit of the ‘Four Freedoms’ that were highlighted 75 years ago in a famous speech by President Franklin Roosevelt as our nation prepared for entry into World War II,” explained Hurst. They are Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship,

Kingsley Dickens, 1, catches on to the splash pad.

Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear.

A series of civic projects, including a new fire station, police station and senior activity center, have been achieved in just over three years. Main Street has been a primary focus, with groups such as Van Buren Original and The Old Town Merchants Association concentrating to attract visitors and recruit new businesses to fill existing properties.

Their efforts have resulted in new business openings and the restoration of several historic buildings.

“My hope is that this will encourage us to do more,” Hurst said. “... I heard citizens say they never thought Van Buren would have a downtown park like this. Mayor Freeman told me similar stories about the city’s spectacular new library that was built just a while back. And if I’m being honest, born and raised in Van Buren, I’m not sure I ever expected to have them either. But my expectations have risen. I expect more because I see the passion in our downtown groups. I marvel at the innovation being applied throughout our school district. I’m excited about the energizing leadership in elected officials. And I’m encouraged by churches, businesses, civic groups and others investing their time and resources in the service of others. There’s still work to do with real challenges ahead, but together we can move forward. We can expect to do more.”

Freedom Park’s free splash pad opens daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Farmers Market is held 7 a.m.- p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and 4-8 p.m. Thursdays, when downtown businesses stay open for “Living Local,” with shopping, dining and street entertainers.

Van Buren to host

Downtown Junk Fest on Labor Day Weekend A new event will celebrate all things vintage over Labor Day weekend in Van Buren. Downtown Junk Fest, Sept. 2-3, will have more than 100 vendors.

Presented by The Old Town Merchants Association, the festival will be a treasure hunter’s dream, offering antiques, repurposed furniture and one-of-a-kind décor. “Think rustic, farmhouse chic and salvaged pieces,” said Lindsey Brown, a coordinator.

Local shops will showcase wares, including a headline sponsor, Wasted, a Fort Smith store with eclectic and reclaimed goods. Owner Angie Littleton helped start the Junk Ranch, which draws thousands to northwest Arkansas. Downtown Junk Fest is the realized dream of Kenneth Robison and Mark Shaffer, who operate Metro Gallery on Main Street. It’s a fresh take on festivals.

“We wanted to bring something updated and modern,” said Robison. “This has been a huge group effort and it is great for our community. Big things really can happen in small places when people work together,” he said.

There will be food trucks, multiple music stages along Main Street and Farmers Market in Freedom Park. Main Street merchants will extend their hours. Festival starts at 9 a.m. daily.

Downtown Junk Fest has a Facebook page.

A drawing at Downtown Junk Fest will benefit the Center for Art and Education’s renovation of its future home at the 400 block of Main Street.

Sponsored by Marrlin Transit, Inc., Metro Gallery and Rhodes Chevrolet, buying a $20 ticket is a chance to win a 2017 Chevy Camaro. Tickets sold at Metro Gallery. A winning ticket will be drawn at 7 p.m. Sept. 2.

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Taking a walk before sunrise, a photographer sees a familiar route in a new way Thirty-four pounds ago, I decided if I was going to lose weight, it would take more than salad. What I call the “food and foot” approach came from a friend, Chris Carter. That’s salad with walking as the side dish. If Chris could drop 125 pounds with it, I could drop 80.

“Clear dressing,” Chris said. “Dip your fork in the dressing and then spear the salad.”

I can now eat chicken prepared in any fashion, as long as the fashion is roasted.

Food starch comes from Satan.

One of these days, I’m going to eat three pizzas, five Mr. Goodbars and a gallon of butter pecan Blue Bell. I’m just not going to do it today.

Oddly enough, it has been the “foot” part that has provided the epiphany.

5:29 a.m.

Like Odysseus, we wander in our hermetically sealed, air-conditioned automobiles, rightly focused on the oncoming car, or the one beside us, or the knucklehead that’s riding our rear bumper.

Meanwhile, the aromas that lurk outside Benson’s are siren’s songs beckoning us to enter. A trance-like state is required to resist: Bacon is evil.

Bacon is evil.

Bacon is evil.

“No, no,” answers a distant voice. “Bacon is the most wonderful thing in the world!”

I currently have two walking courses. One originates eastbound at 16th and Rogers Avenue, looping back westward at Sweet and Presley streets. Then, North C to B for the final stretch to the front door. It was this course where I discovered Marie Harris Park.

I promptly contacted Joe Wasson to investigate that story.

The second is an central-eastside residential neighborhood with a sizable population of rabbits. Both courses are best served as close to 5:30 a.m. as possible.

It is amazing how those residential rabbits blend into their surroundings. Often, one can’t see them without looking right at them.

We see things every day that we don’t look at. Big things. Little things. Hidden things.

Blatantly obvious things. They go unnoticed.

Thanks to my salad’s side dish, here are some things I’ve gone to the trouble to actually look at.

– Glenn Gilley 14

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5:44 a.m.

7 a.m.

6:24 a.m.

Marie Harris Park, 6:43 a.m.

St. Boniface, 6:35 a.m.

PHOTOS BY GLENN GILLEY August 2017

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Who was Marie Harris?

A small sidewalk marker leads a team to research the story of a beloved little girl

We associate the phrase “gone but not forgotten” with gravestones. Occasionally, people, places and events become both gone and forgotten, at least until the more curious among us notice their memorials hiding right under our feet.

This was the case when photographer Glenn Gilley’s daily walk led him to notice a monument at perhaps one of the most unlikely spots in Fort Smith.

At the narrow, pie-shaped traffic island where North 19th and A Streets and Rogers Avenue converge, Glenn looked down and saw the words “Marie Harris Park” inscribed in the sidewalk. He mentioned it to historical researcher and writer Joe Wasson.

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ho was Marie and why did someone long ago create perhaps the smallest park in Arkansas in her honor, there on an itsy-bitsy wedge of land at a busy intersection?

Glenn’s question inspired me to try to find out.

The good news is the mystery of Marie Harris Park has been solved. Several people contributed their knowledge to give a human story to this little marker – historical researcher Rena Westbrook and Harris family relatives Thomas Pryor III and Arthur Widder II. Almost 122 years ago, Marie Harris was born into a family of “doers” in the tiny town of Leflore, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory, 25 miles southwest of Poteau. It was 12 years before Oklahoma statehood.

Marie’s grandfather Matthew Handy Harris Jr. and her father, Robert Perry Harris, had moved there from Hartford, Ark., to establish a country store and a sawmill as white people began to flood across the Arkansas River into the territory west of Fort Smith.

The Harris family took in a boarder, Miss Lula Ward of Fort Smith, who had been hired to teach at a local Indian school. It didn’t take Cupid long to launch his arrow and on May 17, 1892, Lula Ward married Robert Perry Harris.

Their first two children were born in LeFlore County: Lucile in 1893 and Marie in 1895. By 1898, the R.P. Harris family was living in a rented house at 108 North 16th Street, Fort Smith.

Harris had opened a thriving lumber business. The family grew with the births of Bess in 1898; Robert Perry Jr. in 1900; Dorothy in 1903 and William K. in 1906. R.P. and Lula quickly became so well-known in business and society that it was mentioned in the newspaper when R.P. had a case of measles in February 1899.

Around 1900, the Harris family settled into a new home at 101 North 19th Street. It resembled the new brick home their former neighbor T.J. Smith had built at 120 North 16th Street.

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As a lumber man, R.P. built his new house of wood. Life was good and the family prospered. R.P. joined his former neighbor, Smith, on the board of the American National Bank. It was the original occupant of the Garrison Avenue building where R. Landry’s New Orleans Cafe is today.

Lula’s brothers Joseph Napoleon and Frank Ward Jr. were overseeing a successful livestock operation. The Wards would subsequently buy Border City Ice & Coal Co., which would soon make Joe the king of the ice business. Ward Ice Co. spread across Arkansas and Oklahoma. Ward Ice Industries, as it was renamed, employed six other members of the Ward family.

In 1920, the family launched Ward’s Ice Cream Co., which would last into the 1980s with the advertising slogan “It’s A Food Not A Fad.” Joe N. Ward’s 1889 home is still standing at 323 North 19th. His family later built a new mansion around 1912. That beautiful red brick house is at 904 Adelaide.

Marie, baby Dorothy, Lucile and Bess Harris.

All was well for both families until February 1905, when 9-year-old Marie Harris was injured when she fell from the top of a neighbor’s picket fence.

As Marie struggled along, using a crutch, her condition worsened. At 5 a.m. Feb. 24, she died of meningitis, at home.

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The R.P. and Lula Harris home, 101 North 19th Street, Fort Smith. It was razed in 1960. A business is on the site today. Family photos courtesy of Tom Pryor III. His mother, Dorothy, is one of the children in the picture.

The sidewalk inscription “Marie Harris Park” is across North A street on a traffic island. where it would have been visible from the home. No research has revealed the creator of the little memorial but presumably it was put there by or for the consolation of Marie’s family.

The present-day property owner is aware of the sidewalk inscription and has taken care to avoid damaging it. The traffic island also has an electronic sign and a large billboard.

Her funeral was conducted by the Rev. F.F. Gibson at the Harris home, according to her obituary in the Fort Smith Times. Marie was buried at Oak Cemetery.

A look at that era’s newspapers shows the Harris family trying to resume normal life after Marie’s death. In 1907, the newspaper reported a traffic accident between an automobile and a buggy on North Greenwood Road. Local automobile pioneer Gus Boehmer was teaching R.P. Harris the fine art of driving a motorcar. The clatter of the car caused the horse pulling a buggy to bolt. The buggy driver, a Mrs. Buggs, was holding a baby in her arms. The buggy turned over. Fortunately, no one was killed.

Despite this accident, R.P. and his brother in-law Joe Ward invested $28,000 ($600,000 today) to form the Ward-Harris Automobile Co. in 1908. They built a large new showroom and full-service garage at the corner of North 10th and B Streets, part of today’s Brunwick Place complex.

They were authorized dealers of Cleveland White Steam cars and gasoline-powered Thomas Flyers and Oldsmobiles. They kept their garage open 24-7 to service the “crippled machines” of their customers. A few years later, Harris’ driving instructor, Boehmer, would move his Ford and Buick dealership into the building that is the new location of Rolando’s Restaurante, 917 North A Street.

Tragedy came to the Harris and Ward families again. Lula Ward Harris, Marie’s mother, died March 17, 1917, at the age of 46, due to “acute distillation of the stomach.”

North A Street where Marie Harris Park was inscribed in the sidewalk would have been visible from the windows and wraparound front porch of the Harris home.

By 1920, the Harrises sold that home. The children were grown and married. R.P., now 54, and his 19-year-old son, R.P. Jr., were living in Eagle Township, Polk County, operating their lumber company.

R.P., who never remarried, died in 1938, at 73, in Caddo County near Shreveport, La., while operating an oil and gas business.

During World War II, the Harris house was divided into four apartments. It was torn down in 1960 for the new office of Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Today, that building is the headquarters of TEC Staffing Services.

All but one of the surviving Harris children moved away. Lucile, the oldest, lived to age 98. She was the wife of Dr. William Rogers Klingensmith and lived in Texas. Bess married John Arthur Widder and lived in New York. She moved back in the 1950s after her husband died. John Arthur Widder II, her son, is living and shared family stories, photos and letters concerning Marie with his cousin Tom Pryor III. R.P. Jr. left in the 1920s. He married Edith Berquist in Connecticut and lived many years in Massachusetts.

Dorothy Harris married Thomas Brady Pryor Jr., in 1929 and lived here. She died of pneumonia at the age of 39 in 1942, leaving three young children. She is the mother of Tom Pryor III, who contributed to this story.

He recently gave the Pryor family history in a “Clayton Conversation” talk. He did not know of the Marie Harris Park inscription until the time of this article.

William K. “Bill” Harris became a lawyer.

He married Dawn Atkins and practiced in Fort Smith before joining his sister Lucile in Amarillo, Texas, for the remainder of his life.

Marie Harris Park wasn’t gone, but until recently it was forgotten. A photographer’s curiosity brought to light a great deal of information from Rena Westbrook, who had noticed the park a few years ago, prompting her research. With the help of Marie’s nephew, (Dorothy’s son) Tom Pryor III, the mystery of Marie Harris Park is solved.

The author of this article, Joe Wasson, added a personal thought after spending many hours talking with the others involved and thinking of Marie Harris: “Those who knew Marie have been gone for decades. But love for her is reflected in that small memorial even though she lived more than 100 years ago. It is heartbreaking and yet, heartwarming. Perhaps the marker and tiny ‘park’, that someone who loved her put there, has the power to lend some comfort to anyone who has experienced such a loss. Marie Harris is remembered.”

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HOME

It’s going to be OK, buddy. With a gentle cuddle for reassurance, a nervous Kitties & Kanines Veterinary Clinic patient gets a careful toenail trimming from the vet. Photos by Reba Mize

Petropolitan party raises funds for low-cost spay and neuter clinic o humane person can bear the idea of wonderful entertainment and a fine menu to any cat or dog suffering pain, starvaattract patrons to the $100-a-seat event. tion, fear, homelessness or death. Pet The upscale party is at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at overpopulation is a direct cause of those unHardscrabble Country Club with live music by wanted results. Spaying and neutering can After 5 Jazz, appealing prizes for silent and live greatly reduce those outcomes for pets and stray, auctions, tempting raffles, a liquor pull, a bar abandoned or feral animals. and door prizes. A delicious dinner will be preSince 2007, a nonprofit organization in Fort pared by Chef Ben Ortiz of Hardscrabble. The Smith, Friends of Kitties & guests may choose an enKanines, has operated a tree from a carving station clinic where cats and dogs with European beef tenare spayed and neutered by derloin or salmon and a veterinarian at the lowest chicken dishes along with cost it can offer: $35 for bright, summer-fresh salad cats and $50, $70 or $80 and a long list of delicious for dogs, depending on sides and rolls. Dessert is their weight. The clinic also Kitties & Kanines Veterinary Clinic is a peach cobbler and dark non-profit organization supported by gives vaccinations starting chocolate cake. donations. The fundraiser is Aug. 10. at $10.

Daren Bobb of 5 News To operate the modern, professional clinic will serve as emcee and Tim Dunn as auctioneer. with very affordable fees, the “Friends” raise Guests can also learn more about Gardenuity, a funds to meet all the clinic’s operational and local, online, concierge-style service that provides medical expenses, pay for medicines and employ plants and knowledge tuned to your location, the veterinary staff. Office volunteers save adminisseason and your personal garden preferences. trative costs.

Gardenuity donates a percentage of its revenues Petropolitan is the group’s major annual to Kitties & Kanines Clinic. fundraising event. For the eighth year, its All proceeds raised will be efficiently used planners have conjured up festivities with in the Kitties & Kanines Clinic’s core mission

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HOME to remove cost as an obstacle to spaying or neutering cats and dogs and to reduce and prevent disease in the local animal population.

These two factors benefit all pets as well as lowering the population in local shelters and the expense of public animal control service.

Educating the public and encouraging people to take action for animal welfare is also a mission of the clinic. People who rescue and neuter their cats and dogs or even catch, sterilize, vaccinate and release feral cats are bettering the health of pets with homes by reducing overpopulation and the spread of disease.

The clinic has a “Spay It Forward” donation program to help pet owners, often families or seniors, who need help to take care of their pets.

It gratefully accepts donations of pet food, litter box supplies, towels and bedding, recycled newspapers, paper towels and Ziploc bags. Pet food donated to the clinic can be used to provide food to pets whose families may be in crisis.

Learn more ways to help Kitties & Kanines Clinic at its website. Purchase tickets to Petropolitan at the clinic, 4900 Rogers Avenue, Suite 7 (Quarry Shopping Center), Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-4740 kittiesandkanines.com

A puppy owner receives care instructions about her pet. Cats or dogs must be at least 2 months old and weigh 2 pounds to be spayed or neutered. The cost includes pain medication and surgery. Proof of vaccination for rabies must be provided or will be given for $10. If fleas or worms are present or antibiotics are needed, an additional cost will be charged.

Pets must be dropped off and picked up by appointment. Optional services offered by the clinic are microchipping, flea treatment, nailtrimming and some testing.

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home & garden goodies

Uniquely designed metal and wood bar stool found at Furniture Emporium.

1800 Ultimate Margarita ready-to-serve tequila in a variety of flavors from In Good Spirits.

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Flowerfall pool fountain available at Luther Stem Pools and Spas.

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home & garden goodies

Rae Dunn ceramic canisters found at The Potting Shed in Alma.

Reclaimed metal pigs in all shapes and sizes from Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses.

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home & garden goodies Cilantro lime, mango habanero and mild salsas from The Grove Salsa Co. from Paul’s Meat Market.

Bess Cow graphic art on canvas, Welcome pillow and sweet tea Park Hill Collection candle found at The Goods.

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Skip Hop Zoo Packs available at Polka Dotted Zebra.

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home & garden goodies

Large, patterned throw pillow and blackberry grapefruit, 150-plus-hour Nouvelle candle found at Jo Waite Interiors.

Two-drawer desk with keyboard pull-out available at Mike’s Furniture.

Handmade artisan baskets from the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.

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GARDENING

Behold the glory of the resilient, enduring crape myrtle It was one of those incredibly hot, humid days that separate the gardeners from people who just like flowers. I was driving in one of the oldest neighborhoods in our city, sweating even with the AC turned up full blast, when I began to relax as I saw the glorious gems of the Southern summer, the Lagerstomia.

Whether you spell it crepe or crape myrtle, we Southerners unconsciously claim it as our own, although this long-flowering plant is a native of countries as diverse as Australia and China.

Perhaps it is because they’ve been here so long.

In my research, I found that it was growing in, among other places, Charleston, S.C., around the 1750s. Lagerstroemia indica was the variety.

George Washington grew them on his estate at Mount Vernon. Could those famous wooden teeth have been made from the lovely wood of the crape myrtle? It is true that different parts of the plant were and still are used for medicinal purposes. There are many uses for this fascinating plant – from shade trees to landscaping of commercial buildings. I was amazed to find out people use them in hanging baskets and as bonsai trees.

I spoke with one of my favorite nursery women who said it just wouldn’t be the South without crape myrtle. “Pick out your plants based on flower color, fall leaf color and exfoliating 24

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bark,” Jody Neumeier suggests. The exposed bark on some crape myrtle is very attractive.

Seems this plant has all-season interest. “Also, come prepared knowing what you want the ultimate size of your plant to be,” she said. This will avoid pollarding – harsh pruning.

Dreaded Crape Murder “Crape Murder” is the mistaken practice of using saws or loppers to cut off the trunks of crape myrtles into ugly stubs. It’s the same as a beheading. Often, it causes new growth to be too weak to hold up the flower heads. This butchery prompted Southern Living magazine to hold a contest each year in which they invite readers to send in the most heinous examples of Crape Murder.

The reason harsh pruning continues is perhaps that crape myrtles are so tough they will survive this abuse. The result looks like a flaming matchstick which is less healthy and so much less attractive than a specimen gently trimmed to respect its natural form.

How did they get here?

For those of us who regard the crape myrtle as plant from the South, it is interesting to trace the research of Dr. John Creech of the research department of U.S. National Arboretum.

Creech searched the world for a crape myrtle more resistant to powdery mildew, almost its only enemy. In 1956, he and a Japanese botanist found a variety in Asia they named Lagertroemia fauriei. They collected seeds, distributing them to nurseries in the United States. Now, all hybrids have this one plant in their origin. Many varieties, including bloom colors of white, red, lavender, brighter pinks, were developed, with foliage colors that include black leaves.

Hybridizing of the crape myrtle continues today.

Through Creech’s work for the USDA, Lagerstroemia fauriei and Lagerstroemia indica were crossed and we now have an untold number of selections, colors and sizes. You can now have crape myrtles that range in size from 2 feet to upwards of 30 feet high, and an astounding array of colors.

Surprising, appealing varieties are here I became aware of a small, rounded shrub-like plant that looked like an azalea while I was on my crape myrtle adventure. I called Walker Michael Landscape and was told, “Yes, that’s a miniature called ‘Pokemoke.’ They are great for commercial and home plantings.” I checked around and they are available locally. Summer blooming. Hardy. What’s not to love? They are likely much more heat-resilient than azaleas.

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GARDENING Opposite, the natural form of a mature crape myrtle when it has been lightly or never pruned. Multiple trunks will form and the plant will branch. If your crape myrtle trunk does not branch, you may be a crape murderer.

Right: A miniature, shrub-form variety called “Pokemoke” is a wildly flowering crape myrtle that will stay relatively short. Great success!

Far right: The tough-as-nails crape myrtle can thrive in a hostile cityscape, if watered. This specimen also shows the interest of peeling bark and has been shaped in proper form.

How to plant All my research said to buy your crape myrtle while it is blooming so you will be sure of the color and to plant it now. This goes against everything I know of not planting during the heat so I consulted another nursery, who said just make sure you keep them watered until they get settled.

Crape myrtles are easy to plant. Choose a sunny location, dig a generous hole and place the plant. Replace the dirt around the roots with good nourishing soil. Water generously until it is established, then relax and let it dazzle.

A fun way to bring a bit of whimsy to your

garden is to plant more than one color of crape myrtle in the same hole, stems touching, and in time they will fuse to create a multicolored tree.

I don’t know that there are many ornamentals that will reward you with the drought and heat tolerance of this plant. If you doubt the resilience of this ornamental, look at old home places. The house is long gone but the lovingly planted, familiar old crape myrtle is still blooming its heart out.

– Reba Mize

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WHAT’S COOKING with KRISTAN ROLAND

Cookies 3 cups all-purpose flour* 1 tsp. baking soda 1 cup salted butter, softened (2 sticks) 1 cup extra-fine granulated sugar 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 tbsp. key lime zest 2 large eggs 2 tsp. key lime juice Frosting 1/2 stick salted butter, softened 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp. key lime juice 2 tsp. key lime zest 3 cups powdered sugar *Spoon & Sweep method: Use a spoon to fill measuring cup with flour until required amount is obtained. Scooping measuring cup directly into flour bag will firmly pack flour resulting in too much flour required for recipe.

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KEY LIME COOKIE CUPS COOKIES Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two muffin pans with nonstick spray.

Set aside.

In a medium-large bowl, stir flour and baking soda together. Set aside.

Beat butter, sugars and key lime zest with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and then key lime juice. Reduce speed; gradually add flour mixture and mix until just combined.

Roll dough into golf ball-sized balls. Press into each muffin tin, making a slight indentation in the center. Place pans in oven and bake for roughly 15 minutes, until golden. Remove pans from oven and press a spoon into center of each cookie cup to help centers sink. Let cool in pans for 8 minutes, then use a butter knife or spatula to loosen each cookie cup from the pan. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting: Using a whisk attachment, beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Add key lime juice and zest, beating until smooth. With mixer on low, slowly add powdered sugar until just barely combined. Increase mixer speed to high and beat for 1 minute.

Pipe frosting into centers of cooled key lime cookie cups. Garnish with sliced key limes, if desired.

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RASPBERRY LIMEADE COOKIES Cookies 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 cup salted butter, softened 11⁄4 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed Zest of one lime 2 large eggs 2 tbsp. lime or key lime juice Green food coloring Frosting 1/3 cup frozen raspberries, thawed & pureed 2 sticks salted butter, slightly softened 4 cups powdered sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium-large bowl, stir flour and baking soda together. Set aside.

Beat butter, both sugars and lime zest with your electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and then lime juice. Reduce speed; gradually add flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add desired amount of food coloring and mix until incorporated.

Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop dough and place on prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Use a glass or the palm of your hand to flatten slightly.

Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until edges JUST begin to turn golden. Let cookies cool on sheet for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack.

Frosting: In the bowl of your mixer, beat butter and raspberry puree on medium low speed until combined. Slowly add powdered sugar, beating until just barely mixed in. Increase mixer speed to high and beat for one minute.

Generously frost cooled cookies.

Kristan Roland is a work-athome mom living, baking and online shopping in Fort Smith. She has a 12-yearold son, Jon David, a 4-year-old daughter, Lucy, and a husband, Jess. She has been blogging at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen since 2010 and works with brands such as Pillsbury, Disney and eBay. Kristan's fun, simple, everyday approach to baking isn't the only thing that draws her readers in -- it's also her honest and hilarious musings on being a wife and mother in a world where everyone else seems to have it together. confessionsofacookbookqueen.com August 2017

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STRAWBERRY BANANA PUDDING CUPCAKES Cupcakes 24 vanilla wafers 1 box yellow cake mix 1 small box (3.4 oz) banana cream instant pudding mix 4 large eggs 1 cup water 1 stick salted butter, melted and slightly cooled Filling 1 small box (3.4 oz) banana cream instant pudding 13⁄4 cups cold milk Frosting 1/3 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and pureed 2 sticks salted butter, slightly softened 4 cups powdered sugar Toppers 24 lollipop sticks 24 Campfire Strawberry Banana Roasters 6 oz. white chocolate, melted 24 vanilla wafers, crushed Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 muffin cups with liners. Place a vanilla wafer in the

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bottom of each cupcake liner and set aside.

In the bowl of your mixer, beat cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and melted butter on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and beat for two minutes. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched in the center. Remove to wire racks and let cool completely.

Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together cold milk and banana pudding mix until thick, about 2 minutes. Once cupcakes are cool, cut a circle from the middle using a small knife and fill with pudding.

Frosting: In the bowl of your mixer using the whisk attachment, beat butter and pureed strawberries on medium low until combined.

Slowly add powdered sugar until just barely mixed in. Increase mixer speed to high and whip for two minutes. Frost cooled cupcakes, covering the hole with the filling.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Insert a lollipop stick into each marshmallow. Dip half of each marshmallow in melted white chocolate, shaking off excess. Place on lined baking sheet and sprinkle with cookie crumbs.

Let set, then insert into frosted cupcakes.

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FASHION FOCUS

Tiny fashion and good mom instincts

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aby and children’s clothing reflect how adults feel about our little loves. The first outfits parents choose are made of the softest fabrics, to coddle tender newborns.

When babies begin to crawl and stand, clothes get sturdier to match their ground game. On holidays, parents often choose classic styles; other times moms pick out clothes to express their kids’ pure individuality.

Katiebug’s, a locally owned children’s store, is in tune that everyone wants to buy something just perfect for the little person they love.

Brittney Hall, Katiebug’s owner and fashion buyer, selects her store’s treasures with a eye for what pleases grown-ups and also makes the wearers happy. It helps that she has a son and daughter of the age to wear Katiebug’s clothes and shoes. She has rejected scratchy fabrics, failing fasteners and poor quality sewing on behalf of her own kids. For example, she carries a new jean line, DL1961, because of its fit and comfort.

“Denim and kids do not mix,” she observed, especially if the pants are stiff denim and have adult-style snaps. Her daughter had boycotted

Fashionable everyday and special occasion clothing, on-trend, popular lines such as Kickee Pants (above) and timeless, age-appropriate clothing for infants through size 16 for girls and size 8 for boys are carried by Katiebug’s.

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FASHION FOCUS jeans when she complained, “I can’t sit down criss-cross applesauce at school!”

Brittney met with the designer of DL1961 jeans, doubtful she would like them. When she touched the stretchy, brushed-denim fabric, “they felt butter-soft,” she said. Now, she carries the jeans for boys and girls in denim and colors, and appreciates their adjustable waists, too.

She loves mom-created products and personally knows many of her clothing lines’ designers. She stays alert to other mom-invented products, such as the Binxy Baby hammock, which simply clips to the sides of a shopping cart. “Your baby doesn’t get buried by groceries in their car seat!” Brittney said.

A useful best-seller she chose to carry is called DockATot. It’s a multi-purpose, lightweight sleeper pad with built-in safety bumpers that creates a secure cocoon for napping or placing a baby on the floor. She also noted and carries Brushies, an early-use toothbrush and companion book.

Her thoughtfulness has filled Katiebug’s with truly useful things, as well as attractive clothing.

Sincere service to customers and their children creates trust, such as a mom who sent dad to find their little guy a suit for a wedding. With cell phone calls and photos, and the gentle help of Brittney and her staff, the handsome young man was fitted in a sharp seersucker suit.

Brittney said she consciously chooses items at every price point so everyone who shops in her store can find a special gift.

Katiebug’s 2801 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith 479-648-1069 katiebugsonline.com

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fashion & fitness goodies

UV protectant Color/Conserve hair products by Aveda, found at Metropolis Hair Studio.

Hand sanitizer and hand and body wipes

by Mangiacotti from Natural Treasures and crossbody purse with colorful pave bead bracelets from Firefly Boutique & Gifts.

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Coach backpack and shoes available at Designer Again.

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fashion & fitness goodies Graphic print head wraps and bifold leather wallet with metal .44 Magnum medallions and wallet chain with leather belt loop snap found at Old Dog Leather.

Boys and girls denim pants available in sizes 2T-12 found at Katiebug’s.

Aquanots swimmer earplugs

by Westone from Center for Hearing.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Grande Browfill tinted brow gel found at Vanity Calls.

The PEACH TREAT-ment relax and wax renewal kit with facial brushes from Gambill Medi Spa.

Safety Skin reflective skin spread available at True Grit Running.

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fashion & fitness goodies Sterling and 14k gold and diamond stacking bracelets by Vahan available at Newton’s Jewelers.

Black Flores embroidered fabric heel bootie from Clothologie in downtown Fort Smith.

Tom Ford sunglasses found at Dr. Steven Stiles Eye Group.

Kruzers foldable street sneakers, sunglasses and a Simply Noelle purse found at Jennifer’s Gift Shop inside Sparks Hospital.

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MUSIC

& performance

From other bashes, all shot by Bob Dyer, Gary Hutchison, above, and with Don Bailey.

AUGUST 25

Shane Bailey Bash encourages creativity in youth, just as he did Chris Cameron at a Shane Bailey Bash

Shane Bailey’s spirit lives on in the mission of the music society named in his memory, which will hold its 5th annual Bash! concert and fundraiser on Aug. 25.

A phenomenal musician himself, Shane is shown tribute by the excellent bands who volunteer to perform at the yearly show and support society’s mission. Six popular acts will play: JOLT, an electric string ensemble; Shane’s dad Don Bailey leading local rising stars, Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes, the Chris Cameron Band, Goodluck Slim and Oreo Blue with Gary Hutchison.

This evening concert at Garrison Avenue’s Sound Room will give the crowd the opportunity to order dinner and drinks. The venue is smoke-free. There will be a fun, free photo booth for entertainment and drinks and, of course, dancing. With this roster of acts, it will be impossible not to!

After Shane died at the age of 25, his parents and friends created a memorial music society to encourage young musicians and artists, an idea important to him. Its purpose is to provide funding, education and other opportunities to foster creative music and artistic expression.

The society has held “real world” music workshops, a rising star series of live performances, young songwriter jams, youth musical showcases, poetry slams and a family arts festival. The society also has an instrument donation program for students. The group is a nonprofit organization.

A $10 donation is suggested at the door, all for this worthy cause, supporting youth. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the six incredible bands will begin playing at 5:45 p.m. and go on until 11 p.m. The Sound Room, 817 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Learn more online on Facebook and at shanebailey,org August 2017

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Aug. 3-5 Homegrown On The River Music Festival Arkansas's premier sustainable music festival! Three days of music and magic on the banks of the Mulberry River with local, regional, and national touring acts. Featuring Steep Canyon Ranger, Son Volt, Arkansauce, White Denim and more. Camping included in ticket price. Tickets range from $65 to $135.

Byrd's Adventure Center, 7037 Cass Oark Road, Ozark, Ark. homegrownontheriver.com Aug. 5 Lady Antebellum You Look Good Tour With special guests Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young. $38 and up. 7:30 p.m. Walmart AMP, 5079 West Northgate Road, Rogers, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org Aug. 6 Straight No Chaser and Postmodern Jukebox With John McLaughlin. Lawn 4-pack tickets $29.95.

7:30 p.m. Walmart AMP, 5079 West Northgate Road, Rogers, Ark. tickets. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org Aug. 19-20 The Roommate / The Online Shopper This play by GGT Productions features two monologues, 35 minutes each. The Roommate is about several ladies in a bind for money; they take in a roommate, which turns out to be a terrible mistake.

The Online Shopper tells the story of shopaholic Ma Pearl, who might just have an online shopping addiction. $6. 7-8:30 p.m. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-769-5164 theggtproduction.com.yolasite.com Aug. 23-Sept. 17 Fun Home A five-time Tony Awardwinner and one of the most significant new musicals of the 21st century. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing make-believe at the family business, the Bechdel Funeral Home. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, cathartic and wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. Based on the graphic novel

by Alison Bechdel, this play was a finalist for the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Various times and prices.

Theatre Squared, Nadine Baum Studios, 505 West Spring Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org Aug. 26 Flute and Drum Circle The drum and flute circle started back in 2009 from a few of local and area enthusiasts. The group meets the last Saturday of each month to play the Native American Flute and drums. Circle starts at 1 p.m.

Seating is limited. 1-2 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187 yogaterrium.com 38 Entertainment Fort Smith August 2017

Pianist Jeremy Denk will join the Fort Smith Symphony in its first concert of the 2017-18 season.

Fort Smith Symphony’s season subscriptions are available for an outstanding concert program “An Evening with Jeremy Denk” will feature one of the most prominent pianist in the world today, when the Fort Smith Symphony gives its opening concert of the new season on Sept. 10.

Single tickets for the 2017-18 season will be available Aug. 14.

Denk has been playing with violinist Joshua Bell, who opened last year’s Fort Smith Symphony Season. They recently recorded a collection of Brahms together. With the symphony, Denk will be performing Beethoven’s beautiful Piano Concerto No. 5 in Eb Major.

Also on the opening concert program will be Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D Minor.

Music director John Jeter has planned diverse, enjoyable and ambitious musical selections for the symphony he has led for 21 years.

The second concert, Oct. 21, has guest artist and jazz vocalist Dee Daniels in “The Great Ladies of Swing.”

“An Epic Christmas,” Dec. 2 will include all the holiday favorites, with soloists Don Bailey and Andrew DeBoer.

“Romantic Echoes” is Jan. 20. Cellist SangEun Lee will be featured performing Saint-Saens’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor.

Also on the program will be Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances and Schumann’s Symphony No. 2 in C Major.

A historic concert event April 21, “Fort Smith Bicentennial Celebration” marks the 200th anniversary of Fort Smith.

The orchestra will be performing original music written about our city by Fort Smith’s own folk band, The Crumbs. The symphony will also welcome back Smilin’ Bob Lewis with his internationally acclaimed “Ozark Stomp” band, The Ben Miller Band.

“The Music of Florence Price” is the May 12 concert. Price was the first African-American female composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. She is considered the most prominent, historically significant concert composer of her race and gender in American music history. The Fort Smith Symphony will be the first orchestra to ever record her complete cycle of four symphonies.

Season tickets are available now by phone from the symphony office. Adults, $195 and $150; students: $125 and $100. Single concert tickets go on sale Aug. 14.

Concerts are performed at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center at the Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 South 7th Street.

Tickets are available at 479-452-7575. Read more about all the symphony’s programs at its official website, fortsmithsymphony.org.

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LIVE LIVE LIVE Choctaw Casino Resort - Pocola Guests enjoy free, live music performances at the full-service bar. Must be 21+. Start times vary. Gilley’s, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-745-3000 choctawcasino.com CenterStage AUGUST 11 Colt Ford 26 Candlebox Ticketmaster.com Gilley’s 2 Libby Starks and Bandit Band 4 Back in Black 5 Versatile Haught 9 Barter Band 8 Casey Donahue 11 The Lacs 12 The Lacs 16 KOEV18 18 17th Floor 19 17th Floor 23 Rain Kings with Ricky Young 25 Little Skynyrd 26 Frankie Perez and the Truth 30 357 Band No cover charge at Gilley’s.

Cherokee Casino - Roland Exciting gaming and free live performances.

Must be 21+. Music starts at 9 p.m. Cherokee Casino, Roland, Okla. cherokeecasino.com

La Huerta Grill Patio Full menu and bar service available on the outdoor patio. Family-friendly. La Huerta Grill on Garrison, 400 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Facebook/La Huerta

4 4 5 11 12 12 18 19 19 25 26

3 4 5 10 11 12 17 18 19 24 25 26 31

The Georgia Satellites Ted Capps Larry B & the Cradle Rockers Crossroads Mark Wills Crossroads Brandon Butler Dokken Brandon Butler Charlie Robison George Brothers

Rain Kings Movin’ On The Remnants War Pony Dixie Misfits Genius Gary Hutchison Duo Whiskerbiscuit Machine Puppets Mark Albertson Donny Richmond Pearson Brothers Bill Flashpohler Band

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Greenwood Performing Arts Center announces 2017-18 programming Music, theater, comedy, a holiday show and a rising Arkansas star are some of the highlights of Greenwood Performing Arts Center’s upcoming season.

Season tickets, $60, are available now for five shows scheduled in 2017-18.

The band Hawk Nelson, a Canadian Christian rock and pop punk group, will headline the opening concert Oct. 7. Since 2000, they have logged extensive play on Christian radio. Their albums have been chosen for GMA, Juno and Dove awards and nominations year after year. The band is led by founding member, bassist Daniel Biro.

Greenwood High School’s own drama program will sing and dance in the Nov. 16-17 production of the musical “Beauty and the Beast.”

“Mooseltoe: The Moosical” will bring Christmas cheer and humor to the performing arts center on Dec. 9. Mooseltoe is the charming story about a Moose who wants to fly with Santa's reindeer. Mooseltoe sets out

to find the great wise Mooseking for advice, and along the way meets a variety of characters and learns life lessons. Meanwhile, back at the North Pole, there’s trouble. Will Mooseltoe save Christmas?

Comedian Bob Smiley will brighten up the winter Jan. 20. After 20 years of touring, opening for Christian concerts, Smiley is in demand as a hilariously clean comedian.

The final show, Feb. 24, is Arkansas musician Barrett Baber, who performed the Razorback Game Day song for a KNWA video and sang his way to third place on NBC’s “The Voice.” His new album is “A Room Full of Fighters.”

Season tickets are available now. Single show tickets may also be purchased at Greenwood Public Schools, via the school website greenwood12.com or on etix. Purchase by phone at 479-996-4142.

The Greenwood Performing Arts Center is located on the school campus at 515 East Gary Street, Greenwood, Ark.

Daniel Biro of Hawk Nelson, Oct. 7

A Christmas musical, Dec. 9.

Comedian Bob Smiley performs Jan. 20.

All performances are subject to change without notice. Entertainment Fort Smith recommends that you please check a venue’s provided social media or website links, or call ahead to verify appearances and admission prices. Venues that serve alcohol admit patrons 21 and older with I.D. only. Venues may submit their schedules by email, by the 10th of each month, to calendar@efortsmith.com. Or ask about purchasing advertising.

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Fort Smith Little Theatre presents The Secret Garden A grand summer musical is a FSLT tradition Fort Smith Little Theatre presents its annual summer musical, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved Victorian classic “The Secret Garden.”

The musical version of this classic is by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon.

The production will be co-directed by George Mann, musical director, and Carole Rogers, stage director.

When young Mary Lennox (Marie Gray) loses her parents to a cholera outbreak in India, she is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven (Nathan Stockemer), who lives like a hermit in an imposing, secluded manor on the British heath.

Mary encounters a collection of “dreamers” – spirits of people from her past.

They sing to guide her in her new life. The dreamers are played by Emily Guadagnini, Jeremy Marston, Trish McCully, Valerie Valentine, Jon Gustafson, Alex Marrin, Cody Walls, Jamie Lambdin, Shanna Prater-Davis and Kirsten Binns.

Since her Aunt Lily’s death during childbirth, Mary’s Uncle Archibald has pushed away his family, leaving his bedridden son, Colin (Brenden Chick), hidden away in the depths of the manor. The child’s medical treatment is dictated by Dr. Neville Craven (Brandon Bolin).

When Mary discovers her Aunt Lily’s hidden garden, locked and overgrown with vines, she becomes doggedly determined to revive the floral beauty that once reflected joy and hope. Surrounded by the spirit dreamers, who both warn and welcome her, Mary begins to peel away the layers of sadness that cover them all. Her efforts symbolize the impact one small girl can have when she wants something to change and grow.

Other cast members, playing household staff and others, are Hannah Curlin, Katy Featherston, Eric Wells, Eric Krigbaum and Lynne Gustafson.

The role of Colin is played by the youngest member of the cast, 11-year- old Brenden Chick. Newcomer Marie Gray plays young Mary.

Bringing authenticity to the musical is costume designer Hannah Curlin, who also plays the role of Mrs. Medlock.

“I love the Victorian and Edwardian time periods in this show,” she said. Curlin, an Ozark resident, personally created many of the costumes with Barbara Saviers, Lynne Gustafson and Suzanne Thomas.

Able backstage positions are filled by Nancy Blochberger, Vicki Broadaway, Kelsey Flippo,

Musical director George Mann and stage director Carol Rogers, with choreographer David Burney and dance instructor Eric Wells lead a talented cast of actors, singers and dancers.

Neal Goodwin, Rebekah Martin, Jim Moody, Jennifer Roller, Thomas Iverson, Cliff Scott, Nathan Stockemer, David Burney and Eric Wells. The set construction crew is Jeremy Marston, Eric Wells, Eric Krigbaum, Orville Chick, Brenden Chick and Kelsey Flippo.

Enjoy a story of hope, love and recovery told through hauntingly beautiful music and seen through the eyes of a child.

Tickets, $15, are available now. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2-5 and 10-12; 2 p.m. matinee Aug. 6. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org August 2017

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Season of Entertainment tops itself again with world-class performances, right here at home World-renowned jazz musician Branford Marsalis, best-selling country music artist Martina McBride and the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical “Cinderella” highlight the 2017-18 UAFS Season of Entertainment.

The season also features performances by the university’s theater department and concerts by music students. Each semester there will be band, choral and jazz concerts and drama productions.

Seeking to present “something for everyone,” the associate vice chancellor for campus and community events, Stacey Jones, has chosen a balance of appealing performances. Marsalis opens the season Sept. 7.

Oct. 30, Gentri: The Gentleman Trio, will present a concert of lush orchestrations and rich three-part harmony described as “cinematic pop.” A totally different show Nov. 6 is “Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk,” featuring bicycles, cyclists and machinery. Country superstar Martina McBride is the Christmas concert Nov. 26. A Season’s Greetings concert is Nov. 30.

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Incomparable, innovative jazz great Branford Marsalis opens the 37th UAFS Season of Entertainment on Sept. 7.

“Cinderella” was first written for television and a loyal viewing audience made classics of its original music, including “Impossible/Possible,” the love song “Ten Minutes Ago” and “In My Own Little Corner.” Fairy Godmother will once again conjure magical glass slippers, a gown and a carriage for a young woman who goes to a ball but must return before midnight. “Cinderella” is the spring’s Broadway feature, April 23.

“A Grand Night for Singing” on May 1 celebrates vocal performance.

Season of Entertainment subscriptions give admission to all shows and are $195. Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 1. All performances will be at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith.

Only 250 season tickets, $50 each for four shows, are available for another series of shows at UAFS’s downtown arts venue, The Blue Lion.

Robert Tepper will perform with Chris Cameron Sept. 28; the Tejas Brothers will perform a concert of “Tex-Mex Honky Tonk” Oct. 24. Bumper Jacksons will bring their eclectic musical style for a Jan. 17 concert; and UAFS music faculty members show their talents in concert Jan. 30. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Lion Downtown, at 101 North 2nd Street.

Tickets to the Season of Entertainment or Blue Lion series can be purchased at the UAFS Box office in the UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center in person or by phone at 479788-7300. Buy online at the box office website, uafs.universitytickets.com.

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The Community School of the Arts is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization.

The comprehensive arts school serves children and youth in the Fort Smith region.

Outstanding Fort Smith riverfront location will become a new center for the region’s youth arts

Major gift from the family of Robbie Westphal

O

n the Arkansas riverfront in downtown Fort Smith, just north of the U.S. Marshals Museum site, a new educational performance venue will rise, with abundant rehearsal space, a chamber music hall, theater and art gallery.

A new campus for the Community School of the Arts will have been made possible by a major gift from the family of the late Robbie Westphal, also the donors of land for the Marshals Museum.

“We are deeply grateful to the Westphal family for their philanthropy and their vision for developing the next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Rosilee Russell, executive director of the nonprofit arts school. “Like those of us at CSA, they understand the importance of the arts in shaping young lives.”

Russell and board chairman Philip Merry gave an interview to share the boundless possibilities being imagined by the CSA board and faculty in response to the Westphals’ amazing gift. Current board members are Kathy Babb, Selena Bartmeier, Robin Westphal Clegg, Dr. Rick Foti, Wayne King, Lance McReynolds, Belva Ross, Jim Roland, Lea Taylor, Robert Wight and Mary Carleton Young.

The arts school is currently operating at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, which generously opened its doors and spare space to the school when it separated from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and became an independent nonprofit organization. It had formerly been known as the Academy of the Arts. A melody being rehearsed nearby on stringed instruments lightly underscored the enthusiastic conversation of Russell and Merry.

At its prestigious future location, the CSA plans to raise funds to build a fine educational 44

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and performance venue that will include a children’s theater, a chamber music hall for small ensembles, solo recitals and lectures. There will be a large theater for major musical concerts and larger theater productions. The center also will have a beautiful art gallery and state-of-the-art educational space that meets the needs of all types of art programs, they said.

Curriculum offered now includes music for preschool to high school; dance, children’s and youth theater, dance, visual arts and private lessons for vocal and instrumental music and acting. There is a tuition scholarship program.

Besides Fort Smith students, children have enrolled from the Oklahoma towns of Sallisaw and Wister and from as far away as Mena, Ark., demonstrating the powerful appeal of arts education. Some 300 students are currently enrolled and that number will grow when CSA has more space in which to teach them, Russell predicted. The board is motivated to move as quickly as it can to open the new facility.

“This will be something other Arkansas cities do not have,” said Merry. “Fort Smith will introduce and lead the state with a positive effort for youth. We want lots of people to come help us do this for the kids.”

Merry is experienced in campaigning for youth and civic projects such as The First Tee of Fort Smith and is a founding organizer of the Christmas Honors, in which volunteers place a wreath at every grave in the Fort Smith National Cemetery. This board has many members with successful fund-raising and planning campaigns, he said. Merry said the CSA was particularly uplifted to be joined by Jim Rowland, the retired, longtime director of athletic and student activities at Fort Smith Public Schools.

Russell spoke of several supporters who have

sustained the CSA mission through private donations. Some will be recognized and honored posthumously by having elements of the new facility in their honor. “This gesture is a vote of confidence and a gift to our youth like we’ve never seen,” Merry added. “May we do well with this gift for the youth and our city and make the Robbie Westphal family very proud.”

The CSA mail address is P.O. Box 11881, Fort Smith, 72917. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org.

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calendar of events

Aug. 1-29 Baby & Me Babies up to age 3 and caregivers can attend this program for songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story and play time. The program supports early literacy and language skills and is an opportunity for social interaction for everyone. Free. 10:30 a.m.

Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Aug. 2 Kiddy Kamp "S" is for Snake A two-hour mini-camp for children ages 4-7. A responsible parent or adult is required to stay on the premises. Registration is required. Free. 9-11 a.m.

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

Crawford County National Night Out National Night Out enhances the partnership between law enforcement

AUGUST and the community under positive circumstances. Gathering at Van

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Buren High School will be multiple agencies: Van Buren, Mulberry, Alma and Cedarville police departments; Mountainburg police and K9 unit; Arkansas Highway Patrol State Troop H and Fort Chaffee military police. Representatives with the FBI, U.S. Marshals, Dyer and Kibler police departments and fire departments from City of Van Buren and Cedarville-Dyer will be joined by volunteer fire departments, Crawford County Search and Rescue, Medical Reserve Corps, Arkansas Game and Fish and Arkansas Forestry officer. Emergency medical services and an Air Evac helicopter will be participating.

Enjoy games, bounce arounds, face painting, free hot dogs, water, snow cones and popcorn while supplies last. Organizations such as CASA, True Refuge, DHS, Diva Dance Studio, Pawzatively Canine and Almost Home Dog Shelter, Fort Smith Boxing, Girl Scout Troop 4141, Morgan Nick Foundation, VB Pointer Dog, 501st Legion-Diamond Garrison of Arkansas, Van Buren Housing Authority, United Way, Car Seat Safety Fort S, Alma and VB Boys and Girls Clubs will attend. Crawford County Search and Rescue will have all of their equipment out to show: boats, trailers, ATVs, etc. Fingerprinting will be available. Free, donations encouraged. 5-8 p.m. Van Buren High School parking lot, 2001 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, Ark. 479-651-8003 Facebook.com/crawfordcountyNNO Aug. 1 We Can Take It! This motto of the Civilian Conservation Corps inspired the boys of 1933! Join Park Assistant Superintendent Tim to learn their story and the history of Devil’s Den State Park. Free. 8:30-9:30 p.m. Amphitheater near Area E, Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, West Fork, Ark. 479- 761-3325

Aug. 1 Re-cycle Craft Create a re-cycle craft. Free. 3:30 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Aug. 1, 8 Tiny Tot Time Just for tiny guests 5 and under, Tiny Turtle Island is open exclusively for little ones and parents. $5 for children 48 inches and under; adults free. 8-9:30 a.m.

Tuesdays. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 parrotislandwaterpark.com

Aug. 1, 8 Two for Tuesday Buy one admission, get one free. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 parrotislandwaterpark.com

Aug. 2 Bat Chat "Batman Harry" will introduce participants to different bat topics ranging from park species to White Nose Syndrome, the deadly disease that finally appeared at Devil’s Den State Park last winter. Then, with the aid of a bat detector, we’ll listen to the bats’ echolocation calls as they begin feeding on insects over the lake.

Please bring a light source and camp chair or blanket.

Free. 8:15-9 p.m. Dam at Lake Devil, Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 Aug. 2-4 Eyes on the Sky Day Camp Lake Dardanelle State Park is shaped by the forces in the sky. Discover just how vital wind, water, and the sun are as we turn our eyes to the sky. This camp is open to kids ages 8-12. Camp registration includes meals and supplies. Campers will explore all that Lake Dardanelle has to offer. $65. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Drive, Russellville, Ark. 479-967-5516 lakedardanelle@arkansas.com Aug. 2, 9 Wacky Wednesday Enjoy special pricing select Wednesdays. $5 for children under 48 inches; $10 for children over 48 inches.

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

Aug. 2-30 Story Time Children’s story time is a great time to hear new stories, sing songs, make crafts, make friends and, of course, check out books. Free. 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Aug. 2-30 Mommy & Me Story time or babies and toddlers. Moms need to plan on remaining with their children. Free. 10 a.m.

Wednesdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Aug. 2-30 Pre-School Story Time Read books, sing songs and do crafts together. Free.

10 a.m. Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 August 2017

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Aug. 2-30 Wii Hour Pre-teens and teens meet every Wednesday for Nintento Wii fun. Free. 4-5 p.m. Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Aug. 2-30 Story Time Toddlers and children will enjoy stories and make a craft. Topics this month are swimming, school, tasty summer treats, trains and clowns. Free. 10:30 a.m.

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

Aug. 3 Bingo for Books: Back to School Edition Play bingo and win a book. Winners will be able to select a book from a selection of children and teen titles.

Free. 4-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Aug. 3 Bracelet Day Tweens and teens who participated in the Alma Public Library’s Teen Summer Reading Program may pick up their wrist bands. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Aug. 3-10 Fishing Educators will lead some cane pole fishing. Poles, tackle and bait will be provided. Free. 9-10 a.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 Aug. 3, 10 Animal Hour Learn about native animals during this hour-long program. Free. 11 a.m.-12:05 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Aug. 3-31 Story Time A traditional story time for preschoolers. Books, songs, crafts, etc. Free. 10 a.m. Thursdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Aug. 4 Yarn and Needles Club On the first Friday of each month, children and adults of every skill level knit and crochet together. Take a project to work on or sit with others who will teach participants to knit or crochet. Free. 1 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Aug. 4 Nature Games Nothing brings friends and family together like a little competition! Join Park Interpreter Terry for a fun game with a natural twist. Meet in the pool area. Free.

2:30 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325

Aug. 4 Dark Water Enjoy extended park hours. $4-6. 7:30-10 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 parrotislandwaterpark.com 46

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Aug. 4 Nature Scene Investigation Join Park Interpreter Terry and become a real nature detective to see if you can use the clues left by the animals and solve the mystery of what happened at the scene. Free. 7:30 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 Aug. 4, 11 Outdoor Shooting Skills All ages are welcome to learn basic safety and shooting techniques. All equipment is provided. Individual activities are staff and weather permitting. Free. 9-10 a.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993

Aug. 4, 11 Canoe and Kayak Program 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. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Aug. 4, 11 Movie Day Everyone welcome. There will be two movie options, depending on attendance. Adults will enjoy it, too! Refreshments service. Free. 2 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Aug. 4-25 Chess Club Everyone welcome. Free. 3:30 p.m. Fridays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Aug. 5 Nature's High Rise Visitor Center Flagpole Creatures in nature live in high rises, like humans in big cities. Join Park Interpreter Terry for a causal walk in the woods and discover nature's often overlooked apartments and skyscrapers. Meet at the visitors center flagpole. Free. 11 a.m.-noon. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325

Aug. 5 Early Admission for Gold Pass Holders Gold Season Pass holders have access to Parrot Island an hour before it opens to the public. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 parrotislandwaterpark.com

Aug. 5 Kayak Adventure Kayaking is a great way to experience the sights of Lake Fort 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 start your day. Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. Reservations are required; call 479-369-1018. Space is limited. $15 adults, $10 children ages 6-10. 9-11 a.m.

Lake Fort Smith State Park, 18160 Shepherd Spring Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

Aug. 7 Family Read Aloud Go to the library for a bedtime story, wearing pajamas if you want. Enjoy a bedtime snack, get a free book

USS Batfish Living History Days AUGUST Visit the USS Batfish Living History Days in Muskogee and transport

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yourself back in time to World War II onboard the USS Batfish submarine. Witness the USS Batfish come alive as it would have been in WWII as the Batfish Living History Association fills the day with exciting military history stories of the past. Visitors to this event will also enjoy guided tours of this decorated WWII submarine by living historians dressed in 1940s Naval regalia. An actual World War II submarine, the Batfish sank three enemy submarines and 11 other enemy vessels during her tenure in battle. $7 adults, $6 for AAA, $5 for 62+ and retired military; $5 for students (13+), $4 for kids 7-13. Kids under 7 are admitted free with an adult. 10- 5 p.m. War Memorial Park, 3500 Batfish Road, Muskogee, Okla. 918-682-6294 and be home by bedtime. Space is limited so reservations are required. Free. 6 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Aug. 7 Haircuts at the Library Get ready for school with a new look. A free haircut is waiting at the Van Buren Public Library. This service is provided by the DeSigner Barber and Stylist School of Fort Smith. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Aug. 7, 14 Movie Monday Beat the heat, enjoy a movie and popcorn. Call the library for the title. Free. 1:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Aug. 8 If I Were a Bear All animals, including bears, have certain requirements in order to survive. Join Park Interpreter Terry for a fun game of playing bear and see if you could survive in the forest. 7 p.m. Free. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325

Aug. 9 Bat Chat "Batman Harry" will introduce participants to different bat topics ranging from park species to White Nose Syndrome, the deadly disease that finally appeared at Devil’s Den State Park last winter. Then, with the aid of a bat detector, listen to the bats’ echolocation calls as they begin feeding on insects over the lake. Take a light source, camp chair or blanket and meet at the dam. Free. 8:15-9 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 August 2017 Entertainment Fort Smith 47

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Van Buren Schools to launch Partners in Education program

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he Van Buren School District is aiming to connect the community to the classroom with the launch of its new Partners in Education program. Beginning next month, local businesses, organizations and individuals will have the opportunity to team up with an individual VBSD school to lend their support in the form of time, talent and treasure.

The mission of the program is to pair local organizations with Van Buren schools to provide resources not otherwise available.

It is designed to foster partnerships between businesses and schools through one outlet rather than numerous contacts between schools and local companies.

Leading the charge is VBSD Freshman Academy Principal Lisa Miller. Before coming to VBSD, Miller was an educator in the Fort Smith Public Schools, which has operated a highly successful Partners in Education program for the past 35 years. There, she saw first-hand the impact that such a program can have on students, schools and the business community. Miller has been eager to start a similarly structured initiative in Van Buren and believes the program will make a tremendous difference in the lives of those involved.

“We are so fortunate in Van Buren to have a community that is very supportive of our local schools,” said Miller. “We are excited about the potential partnerships that capitalize and build on that support to provide opportunities for our students.

In addition, the program will create a pathway for small businesses and individuals who have not had an opportunity to benefit from such a partnership.”

Partners in Education is designed so that businesses large and small can participate. Individuals and organizations such as civic clubs, nonprofits and churches also can pair with schools. There are numerous ways for partners to be involved. Representatives from the participating organizations can volunteer to read in a classroom, listen to students read, serve as mentors or tutors or help with campus beautification efforts. Partners can sponsor extracurricular activities, field trips or special events, provide guest speakers related to curriculum areas or initiate teacher recognition programs.

Schools also may provide services for the business. These can include offering choral entertainment at company events, having students write a column for the company’s newsletter, sharing school and student successes and sending birthday cards to company employees, among various other possibilities.

The Van Buren School District will host a Partners in Education Back-to-School Kick-off for participating businesses and schools. The event will allow representatives to discuss needs for the coming year and ways in which partners can work together to support students, staff, and the community-at-large.

Applications for partners are now being accepted. Partner applications are available online at VBSD.us or at the Van Buren School District Administration office, located at 2221 Pointer Trail.

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Aug. 10 Back to School Nail Makeover Get a nail makeover in the Youth Services Department.

Materials are provided and attendees may bring their own. This event is held in memory of Leslie Creekmore. Free. 2-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Aug. 10 National S’mores Day Join the librarians to make some yummy s’mores!

Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 10 Family Fun Movie Night: Sing (PG) When an eternally optimistic koala puts on a singing competition to save his failing theater, animals across the city gather to step into the spotlight and chase their dreams in this animated family comedy. Free. 6 p.m.

Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 fortsmithlibrary.org

Aug. 11 Touch-a-Truck Story Time Area children are invited to participate in this extraspecial touch-a-truck story time. Participants will first learn about firetrucks with stories, activities and other truck-related fun. Children will then be able to visit the library parking lot to touch a real firetruck. Free. 10 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 11 Back to School Bash Kids of all ages are invited. Students will get the chance to create nature-related projects including a wildlife journal, backpack tags and wildlife notebook dividers. Free. 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Aug. 11 Bingo for Books Play Bingo for Books and all players go home with at least one book. Free. 10-11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Aug. 12 Teen Dance Night The fun happens at Parrot Island's Wave Pool and Surrounding Deck with rockin' entertainment provided by MS Event Group. Tickets available at the Parrot Island Waterpark ticket office. $10 for teens 13-18.

7:30-10 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550

Aug. 12 Back to School Bash Get back-to-school ready. Play bingo for school supplies and eat snow cones, popcorn and more. Enter a drawing for a backpack filled with school supplies.

Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Aug. 12 Star Gazing Lake Fort Smith State Park Explore the night sky with the Arkansas/Oklahoma Astronomical Society (AOAS) Star Gazing program. Join us at the marina boat launch parking lot where AOAS

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KIDS EVENTS members will provide a number of telescopes for viewing. You are also encouraged to bring your own scopes and binoculars as well as chairs and blankets.

Meet at the boat launch parking lot. Free. 8-10 p.m.

Lake Fort Smith State Park, 18160 Shepherd Spring Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 Aug. 14 Cuentos para Niños en Español Niños de todas las edades y sus familias están invitados a la Biblioteca principal a la hora de los cuentos gratis, incluiremos cuentos, historias, canciones, refranes y otras actividades divertidas en español. Ven y aprende acerca de la Biblioteca y lo que tiene para ofrecer a tu familia. Gratis. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 15 Orienteering Learn how to successfully navigate in the outdoors by use of compass and maps and a lesson in primitive fire-making skills. Free. 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 4300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Aug. 15 We Can Take It! This motto of the Civilian Conservation Corps inspired the boys of 1933. Join Park Assistant Superintendent Tim to learn their story and the history of Devil’s Den State Park. Meet at the amphitheater near Area E. Free.

8 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 Arkansas 74 West, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 Aug. 16 Western Arkansas Ballet Fall Registration Western Arkansas Ballet offers classes for ages 4 through adult in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop and Self-Defense/Fitness. Class schedules and tuition information are available online or by calling.

4-6:30 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org

Aug. 17 Bingo for Books: Teens The best teen books are the prizes. Play a game of bingo to win awesome titles. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Aug. 17 Kids Bingo for Books Toddlers and children are invited to a fun afternoon of bingo, where the prizes are free books. Free. 4 p.m.

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

Aug. 21 LEGO Club Children and teens are invited to design, create and build unique creations with the LEGO Club. Supplies are provided. Free,. 5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Aug. 24 Bookworms Book Club The tweens club’s August book will be “Liar and Spy”

by Rebecca Stead. Enjoy discussion, crafts and snacks. And be sure to pick up your copy of next month’s book. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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Aug. 24 “Alma Rocks” Craft “Alma Rocks” is a cool new group formed to get people involved in their community. As a craft, teens and tweens can paint and decorate rocks to hide throughout Alma. Join in on an awesome community-wide scavenger hunt! Hints will be will posted to the “Alma Rocks” Facebook page to where each rock is hidden.

Be a part of this awesome program. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 24, 31 All Ages Games Bingo for Books for all ages. Everyone goes home with a book. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Aug. 26 Sparks Kids Triathlon Sparks Kids Triathlon is for youth 14 years and under who like to swim, bike and run. The event will begin at the Marvin Altman Fitness Center pool, with the Bike and Run course on Lexington Avenue, which will be closed for event safety. Biking to B Street and running

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to J Street. Each racer must provide a bicycle and an approved helmet. Helmet must be fastened before mounting the bike and should not be unfastened until dismounting the bike. Each competitor will receive a T-shirt and medal, plus be eligible for a bobble-head trophy. Awards will be presented to first- to third-place boys and first- to third-place girls in each age group.

The event will benefit The Gregory Kistler Center. Open to the first 130 individuals who register. Online registration only. $25 registration fee through Aug. 13; $35 late registration through Aug. 20. No entries accepted after Aug. 20. $25. 7 a.m.-noon. Marvin Altman Fitness Center, 810 Lexington Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-441-5469 runsignup.com/Race/AR/FortSmith/SparksKidsTr Aug. 28, 29 Teen Time The Van Buren Public Library’s first Teen Time for the new school year will be fun-filled life skills. Stop in after school to meet new people and get reacquainted with old friends. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Aug. 30-Sept. 4 Arkansas State Parks Legacy Week Lake Fort Smith State Park The Arkansas State Parks system finds its roots all the way back to 1923. Celebrate the lasting legacy of our state parks as well as the rich history of Lake Fort Smith. Family-friendly interactive programs, lake tours, activities and hikes will be offered throughout the week. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 18160 Shepherd Spring Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

Aug. 30 Teen Time Game Day Board games and tournaments for popular collector card games are available to play. Free. 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Aug. 31 LEGO Brick Builders Build LEGO creations in class or free play. Classes for builders begin at 3:30 and 4 p.m. Free play brick building starts at 3:30 p.m. for those who want to build their own creations. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Aug. 31 Trail Mix Kids Celebration Mix together your own trail mix with ingredients such as chocolate chips, raisins, peanuts and M&Ms. Free.

4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 31 Movie Day for Tweens & Teens See a new movie. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Sept. 2 Labor Day Weekend Splash All weekend long, prizes will be raffled off, with a grand prize of a Family Season Pass to be given away every day at 3 p.m. Guests must be present to enter. $5 for children under 48 inches; $10 for children over 48 inches. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550

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KIDS EVENTS

River Valley Nature Center Activity Schedule DAILY 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Canoe and Kayak Check-Out Canoe and kayak check-outs, on your own, are available during the summer months.

2 p.m. Critter Crunch Snakes on Fridays, fish in the large aquarium on Saturdays. For the rest of the week, stop by to see which surprise critter is having lunch.

SUNDAYS 2:30 p.m. Archery Everyone is encouraged to take part in this beginners guide to archery. Bows and arrows, safety and instruction are provided.

THURSDAYS 9 a.m. Fishing Join the educators at Wells Lake as they provide a few fishing tips and see who can catch the big one.

Cane poles or rod and reel, tackle and bait will be supplied.

11 a.m. Animal Hour Learn about native animals; a different animalbased program is offered each week.

FRIDAYS 9 a.m. Outdoor Shooting Skills All ages are invited to take part in weekly shooting activities. Learn basic safety and shooting techniques. The nature center provides all the equipment. Individual activities are staff and weather permitting.

10 a.m. Noon Canoes and Kayak Program Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake.

It’s a great family activity. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Participants are required to wear a life jacket, which will be provided. This activity is weather permitting 3:45 p.m. Nature Break Join the nature center staff for a short, 30-minute nature break activity designed for 3-7 year olds.

SATURDAYS 10 a.m.-Noon Canoe and Kayak Program Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake. A parent or guardian must accompany children.

Participants are required to wear a life jacket, which will be provided. This activity is weather permitting. Free. 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays.

3 p.m. Laser Shot Think you’re a “dead-eye”? Sharpen your hunting skills using a computer program similar to a video game, complete with laser gun. This activity is dependent upon the availability of the Multipurpose Room.

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m.

Sunday. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 August 2017

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Calling All Singers, Dancers, Musicians, Actors & Artists KIDS EVENTS

Fall Musical Who: Children entering grades 2-6. No experience required.

What: Production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” The show includes lots of singing, dancing and acting with full costumes and sets. No experience required.

When: 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Production Date: Nov. 16-18 at King Opera House, Main Street, Van Buren.

Tuition: $300

Preschool MusikGarten Classes Who: Preschoolers What: MusikGarten explores a variety of musical and movement activities that develop very young children to feel rhythms and hear musical sounds.

MusikGarten prepares children to move into private music lessons upon completion.

When: A variety of classes and ages are available to choose from.

Tuition: Varies

Youth Theater Company Who: Teens entering seventh grade through college level. No experience required.

What: Full-length musical theater production of “Beauty and the Beast.” No experience required.

When: 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Production Date: March 9-10 at ArcBest Corp.

Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue at South 9th Street.

Tuition: $350

Advanced Teen Chamber Strings Ensemble Auditions Who: String students who have advanced training.

While the ensemble is comprised of mostly teens, any advanced student may audition. Students should prepare 5 minutes of music of their choice.

The Chamber Strings is limited to 25 members.

What: A December performance is scheduled along with other possible performances for area organizations.

When: 6-7 p.m. Aug. 28 and Sept. 11. Download registration form.

Tuition: $225

Youth Ambassador Program Who: Teens entering seventh grade through college.

What: Class prepares various types of performances to meet the needs of the area's diverse community organizations and explores all aspects of musical theater, including acting, singing and dance.

Tuition: $300

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Dance Classes Who: Students ages 8-12.

What: Classes will explore classical ballet and American tap.

When: 4-5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Students can participate one or both days a week.

Tuition: Varies Art Classes Who: Grade school children.

What: Students explore all types of visual art mediums from painting with your feet to exploring unusual art materials.

Tuition: $150

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

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P A C L I C N E P W M A T H

R U L E R T V C X L Y F R E

ART BACKPACK BOOK CAFETERIA

I B L I B R A R Y E X J A M

N P U F H E U A R X K B D I

C R N E S D N Y O S S A L C

CLASS CRAYON DESK ENGLISH

I D C N T L B O T A D Y H F

P K H G O O O N S I Z E C Q

A R B L J F O R I R S J B O

FOLDER HISTORY LIBRARY LUNCHBOX

L P O I I K K D H E T G S L

Q N X S P U H E U T U B S H

C M D H A L O S Y E D I E Z

MATH PAPER PENCIL PRINCIPAL

B A C K P A C K F F Y A C Z

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N S L R E N P S V A Z C E G

O P Q K R I T E A C H E R A

RECESS RULER STUDY TEACHER

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CALENDAR of events

Aug. 1 National Night Out-Crawford County National Night Out enhances the partnership between law enforcement and the community under positive circumstances. Gathering at Van Buren High School will be multiple agencies of law enforcement, fire departments and first responders. Emergency medical services and an Air Evac helicopter will be participating. The public can enjoy games, bounce-arounds, face painting, free hot dogs, water, snow cones and popcorn. Many local non-profits will participate. Fingerprinting kits will be available. Free, donations encouraged. 5-8 p.m. Van Buren High School parking lot, 2001 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, Ark. 479-651-8003 Facebook.com/crawfordcountyNNO Aug. 1 Diabetes Academy Lisa Roling of Novo Nordisk presents a class to help diabetics manage their disease through basic information and healthy tips. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Aug. 1 Tyson Tuesday Night at BGO Admission to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is free on Tuesday nights. Thanks to the generous support of Tyson Foods Inc. Explore the garden’s vibrant summer beauty in the cool of the evening. Free.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org

Unexpected Festival has extended exhibit dates, more opportunities to experience installations The real-time Unexpected Festival was scheduled to end in August but opportunities to see several indoor art installations will continue through Aug. 13. One of them will also give Fort Smithians of a certain age the chance to enter, once again, the former Malco Theater in the 100 block of North 10th Street, which was historically opened in 1911 as the New Theater. Closed for more than 30 years, the theater likely has never been seen by those under the age of about 60. Its appearance is entirely novel to everyone. It is now an installation created for the Unexpected by the artist Doze Green, whose signature tag marks the 10th Street doors.

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Property owners Griffin Construction Company generously agreed to work with the festival and the City of Fort Smith to prepare the theater to be temporarily opened as a “preserved ruin.” The 1,500 seats have long been removed; the original live theater stage area is revealed where patrons once saw a movie screen and the balconies and projection booth are closed, though still in place. Doze Green, the artist, has made an all-black canvas of the interior, on which he has painted enormous figures to the left and right of the stage. His neon light sculptures and large friezes in the vaulted entry corridor are all his work. Panels in the entry display photographs, artifacts and information about the theater’s history.

Also open for extended viewing is an installation by Amsterdam-based artists Circus Family at 19 North 10th Street, adjacent to the theater. Named TRIPH, it is an audiovisual experience.

Both 10th Street sites will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday through Aug. 13 from 58 p.m. Fridays, on First Tuesday and from noon-6 Saturday and Sunday. Feral Kingdom, an exhibit by festival artist Ana Maria, is open at 11 North 3rd Street from 1-8 p.m. or by appointment. A festival map appears on page 56. A free smartphone app locating all the Unexpected art from 2015-17 festivals is available for download at online app stores.

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Aug. 1-20 Paintings by Carolyn Nally The paintings of Fort Smith artist Carolynn Nally will be on exhibited. Nally paints from the heart. All of her work has an emotional connection featuring places she has visited and special family times. She finds joy in painting water, as each brush stroke takes on a life of its own, twisting and turning into happy surprises.

The theme of blue doors and windows is present in her work as well, including old structures from Old Taos, Santa Fe, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean; she hopes to be able to tell their story and spark curiosity in the viewer’s eyes. Nally began painting in the 1970s while living in Oklahoma. Her work has been in juried art shows around the area. She has studied through the years with various instructors, taking along something from each one as she continues to create. 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

Aug. 1-31 Photo Exhibition: Scott Smith Concert photos shot by local photographer/writer Scott Smith will be on display at Dewey’s Café. Since the summer of 2000, Smith has taken photographs of rock, blues, country, pop and R&B concerts for Real Rock News.com, American Songwriter, The Magazine of Country Music and the Times Record newspaper. Smith, an Alma resident and OSU graduate who plays bass in the local band Goodluck Slim, has photographed Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, The Who, Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Paul Simon, Garth Brooks, Gregg Allman, Jeff Beck, Aerosmith, Robert Plant, Brian Wilson, Santana, Gary Clark Jr. and others Free. Dewey’s Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug. 1-31 Miller Branch Library Art Exhibit – Cindy Sugg The artwork of Cindy Sugg will be featured at the Miller Branch Library. Cindy is a lover of nature and is inspired to paint by many subjects in the Fort Smith area. Oils and pastels are her media of choice in her artwork; her focus is on landscapes and flowers. Her art may also be viewed at Michael’s Mansion, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum and online at artwanted.com/CindySugg. 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

ARTIST BIOS ARTWORK SITES & DIRECTIONS

EXHIBIT INFO AUG. 1-13 HOURS

Aug. 1-31 Bottled Water Drive A bottled water drive for the Day Room at Next Step Homeless Services will be held at all Fort Smith Public Library locations. Bottled water is essential for the Day Room clients, especially those who are unsheltered.

In the hot summer months, staying hydrated remains a daily challenge. Cases of individual-sized bottles (16 oz.) are ideal. Donations may be dropped off at any Fort Smith Public Library branch. The Next Step Homeless Services sees 120-150 clients each day.Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 1-31 Feds Feed Families Program to Benefit River Valley Regional Food Bank All food items donated to the U.S. Marshall Museum Office will go to the River Valley Regional Food Bank.

Donate items such as cereal, dry beans, canned veggies, soups, peanut butter and rice. U.S. Marshals Museum, 14 North 3rd Street, Suite D, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 usmmuseum.org

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RESOURCES LODGING, DINING, ATTRACTIONS & MORE!

FOR MAPS, AREA BROCHURES AND MORE INFORMATION VISIT:

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2 NORTH B STREET - FORT SMITH, AR -

479.783.8888 FORTSMITH.ORG

Aug. 2 Adult Book Club Pick up the book of the month to read and each month, participate in a discussion with other adult readers. Free. 10 a.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Aug. 2 Decorating Eclipse Glasses Adults and seniors can design free eclipse glasses to prepare for the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. Supplies will be provided. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Aug. 2-30 Wednesday Meditations This quiet and peaceful guided meditation class teaches meditative techniques such as breath work, concentration, contemplation, visualizations and deep relaxation. Meditation classes are donation-based.

Each month, donations go to a different local charity.

5:30-5:50 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187 yogaterrium.com

Aug. 2-30 Van Buren Farmers Market Every Wednesday and Saturday from April through December, local farmers and craftspeople display their produce and art. The market also will be open from 5-8 p.m. during Living Local on Thursdays. Free. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Freedom Park, 833 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-259-7517 August 2017

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Author debuts with Young Adult novel Breanne Goodrum holds book-signing AUGUST

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Fort Smith author Breanne Goodrum will sign and sell copies of her new book, “The Ultimate Love.”

Whitney is a junior in high school. As editor of the yearbook and all-around wholesome Christian girl, her world, though sheltered, is neat, organized and leading her straight to her choice college and career.

That quickly begins to change when she meets Samuel, a boy she views as her saving grace, when in reality he’s her biggest downfall.

When the Breanne Goodrum relationship quickly turns sour, leaving Whitney in a highly abusive relationship, she learns that her only hope and healing can come from God. As she struggles with the aftermath of her troubled year, God restores her heart, reassuring her that He is the ultimate love.

“The Ultimate Love” will be available in limited quantity at a reduced price at the signing. Free. 6-8 p.m. The Goods, 1809 Dodson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-5057 booksamillion.com Aug. 3 Thursday Night Living Local on Main Street Evening shopping, entertainment, music, food and fun when Main Street merchants stay open later. Shop, walk or a enjoy an outdoor screening of the movie “Facing the Giants.” The Van Buren Visitors Center Trolley will be running. 400-800 blocks of Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862 Aug. 3 Fan Appreciation and Movie Night Meet this year’s Van Buren Pointer players and coaches from 6 until 7:30 p.m. At dusk, an inspirational football movie will be played at Blanche Moore Park. Free. 6 p.m. Historic Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862 oldtownvanburen.com

Aug. 3, 10 Aqua Jog For guests 55 and over, Crocodile Creek Lazy River is open early every Thursday morning during the season for those wanting to get in quiet exercise time before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Lazy River only. $6; $4 for Season Pass holders. 8-9:30 a.m.

Thursdays. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 parrotislandwaterpark.com

Aug. 4 First Friday Friends: Age of Champions This program features fun activities and social time for adults. “Age of Champions,” an award-winning PBS documentary, follows five competitors who sprint, leap and swim for gold at the National Senior Olympics. Coffee and light refreshments will be available. Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 58 Entertainment Fort Smith August 2017

Aug. 4 Yoga For Special Needs Yogaterrium is teaming up with The New Normal (a local special needs group) to offer a monthly yoga class just for those in our community with autism, disabilities and other special needs. This will be a shorter yoga class (30 minutes) and will go over basic yoga poses, breathing and relaxation This class is open to ages 5 years and older. Parents and/or care takers are encouraged to attend The studio provides plenty of yoga mats and props at no additional charge.

Class meets 4:30-5 p.m. every first Friday of the month. $5. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187 yogaterrium.com

Aug. 4, 18 Redwork Adults are invited to do redwork embroidery together or to learn how. Redwork is a form of embroidery where simple line drawings are traced with red floss.

It became popular during the Victorian era as women searched for new ways to decorate household linens.

Take an embroidery needle, embroidery loop, floss, envelopes and a shoe box. Free. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 5 Book Signing with author Harlow Brown Harlow Brown, a local author whose most recent title is the book “Charlie’s Whiskey,” will sign books and talk about her latest project. Books by Harlow will be available for purchase at the event. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Aug. 5 First Saturday August: Figs The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing will feature Susan Randolph presenting a program called “Figs – From Sticks to Trees, The Learning Fields Fig Trial.”

Randolph is the 2016 Arkansas State Master Gardener of the Year. She will teach how to grow fig trees. Handouts will be provided. Visitors may also tour all of the demonstration gardens at the Learning Fields. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardener Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-7737 learningfieldsatcc.org

Aug. 5-6 Sky Dive for Kids Jumpers are asked to raise funds and awareness for abused children in northwest Arkansas and will have the opportunity to skydive at Skyranch in Siloam Springs. $1,000. 9 a.m. Skyranch, Siloam Springs, 1 Cecil Smith Field Road, Siloam Springs, Ark. 479-621-0385 cacbentonco.com Aug. 5-6 Lawbreakers and Peacemakers The Lawbreakers and Peacemakers perform shootouts and historically based skits to entertain and educate. Located next to the Hanging Judge’s gallows, the set of “Judgment” is a replica frontier town. Saturday performances are from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays noon until 4 p.m. and take place most first and third Tuesdays. 300 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-670-3292 lawbreakersandpeacemakersinc.com

Aug. 6 Teacher Appreciation Day All current teachers from grades k-12 in Fort Smith and regional school districts receive free admission and receive a complimentary concessions voucher, with 50% off discounts for their immediate family members and a 25% discount on concessions and retail throughout the day. See the first ever Teacher Parrot Games, where teams from various schools and their families can compete for the Educators Parrot Cup and exciting prizes. 10 a.m. -7 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479788-6550 parrotislandwaterpark.com Aug. 6 Moms Study: Single and Parenting This free, back-to-school event for all single moms and kids includes dinner, kids’ haircuts, school supplies, kids activities, single mom support and an interactive workshop on time management. Free.

5:30-7:30 p.m. East Side Baptist Church, 2710 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1481

Aug. 7 Home School Launch: Adventures in Home Education This free information-sharing event will provide new and existing home schoolers with the encouragement and inspiration needed for home educating in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The evening includes new home school orientation, pre-session workshops and a general session, where veterans will address common issues facing home school parents. At an Activity Fair, get information about various activities open to FAITH members. Drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the Learning Oasis, the area’s largest source of instructional supplies. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Woodland United Methodist Church, 7804 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-0584 fortsmithfaith.org

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Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28 Color Me Happy Enjoy a relaxing and fun time doing something everyone loves. Every Monday, attend an adult coloring club. The library will be furnish supplies, just show up, relax and color. Don’t plan on getting the page done in one sitting because they are complex. Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug. 7-28 Ballroom Dance Lessons Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach ballroom dance lessons every Monday. Beginner lessons are 7:30-8:30 p.m., advanced lessons are 6:30-7:30 p.m. The type of dance changes on the first Monday of the month.

Dress attire is casual. $5. Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072 Aug. 8 The Book Lover’s Club Adults are welcome to provide a short report on up to three titles. The Book Lover’s Club meets the second Tuesday of every month at the main library. Free.

10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Aug. 8 Book Talk: “Rebecca” “Rebecca” by Daphne Du Maurier is the tale of the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter. She enters the home of her mysterious and enigmatic new husband and learns the story of the house’s first mistress, to whom the sinister housekeeper is unnaturally devoted. This volume is accompanied by selections from “The Rebecca Notebook and Other Memories.” Free. 6 p.m.

Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 9 Book Lovers Day Celebrate Book Lovers Day by entering to win a stack of books. Enter a drawing during normal business hours. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Aug. 10 Chapters on Main Book Club Chapters is a book club that studies the author rather than the book. The August author is mystery writer J.A. Jance. Read one of her books and join the discussion. Free. 6 p.m. Chapters on Main Book Store, 816 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-9315

Aug. 10 Magic: The Gathering Newcomers and veterans of the game alike are welcome to play for fun or practice for upcoming tournaments. Ages 8-18 are welcome, as well as families.

Free. 4-7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Aug. 10 Adult Craft Party: Craft Jambalaya At this craft-making activity for adults, creativity will be challenged by a fun and random mix of materials provided. Anything goes! Make crafts using all the leftovers from crafts parties past. Please register by phone by Aug. 3. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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Aug. 10 8th Annual Petropolitan This upscale party includes music by After 5 Jazz, silent and live auctions, raffles, a liquor pull, a bar and prizes. A delicious dinner will be served by Hardscrabble Country Club’s Chef Ben. The club will be closed for the event and there will be golf cart pick-up in the parking lot. All proceeds from the event benefit Kitties and Kanines Veterinary Clinic, which provides highquality, low-cost spay/neuter surgery and vaccines to low-income families and neighborhood strays. $100.

6-10 p.m. Hardscrabble Country Club, 5211 Cliff Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-7211 Aug. 10-12 18th Annual Bargains Galore on 64 For 160 miles from Fort Smith to Beebe, Ark., an annual, three-day roadside yard sale offers antiques, collectibles and other great buys. Held all along U.S. 64, which closely parallels Interstate 40. Sellers may set up any place along U.S. 64 with property/business owner permission. 888-568-3552 bargainsgaloreon64.org Theresa Schlabach

CAE Exhibit Features Fiber Artists AUG

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An opening celebrates an exhibition in the main gallery by Jane Hartfield, Gail Bradney, Candace Berry, Teresa Schlabach and Michael Rowland. These talented fiber artists use fabric and fibers to create textural pieces that stimulate the viewer to want to touch and experience the art.

Aug. 11-12 Fabric Dyeing Workshops Two one-day workshops on fiber dyeing will be taught by artist Jane Hartfield. Aug. 11, Ice Dyeing on cotton panels. Produce a hand-dyed piece of fabric with intricate designs. It can be used as a pillow cover, a panel for a purse or jacket or wall hanging. Aug. 12, Silk Scarf Dyeing. This class is suitable for those with or without painting experience. Salt and stamps can be used for special effects. Sign up for each class individually. All supplies provided. Please wear paint friendly clothing. Ages 13-adult. $40. 1-4 p.m. Aug. 11. 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 12. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org Aug. 11, 25 Redwork Redwork is a simple and fun form of embroidery that traditionally uses red thread on light-colored fabric.

Take a large swatch of muslin, red embroidery floss, an embroidery needle and a hoop. All skill levels welcome. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Gail Bradney

Jane Hartsfield

The studio gallery has works of father and daughter Donny and Danielle Gregory. He is a veteran of the Air Force. A long-time interest in muscle cars is expressed in his oil paint- Donny Gregory Danielle Gregory ings and pencil sketches.

Danielle is an art education major at Arkansas Tech entering her senior year. She found a passion for art during her time in Van Buren schools. Now, she will share that passion with her own students. 1-4 p.m. Center for Art and Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org 60

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Aug. 11, 25 Writers Group On the second and fourth Fridays of each month, adult writers meet with other writers to share work, give encouragement and offer suggestions. Free. 10 a.m.

Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Aug. 12 Homebuyers Workshop Class Homebuyers classes provide information about inspections, down payment assistance, mortgage credits and all the preparation needed to purchase a home.

Experts will guide the class members according to their personal situations. This step-by-step mentorship helps those with the dream of owning their own homes learn every requirement and resource needed to successfully master the process. This workshop includes information about other CSCDC programs that may be useful in the home-buying process. Free. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Crawford Sebastian Community Development Council, 1617 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-85-2303, ext. 125 cscdc.org

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Aug. 12 Boys Shelter Car Show and Silent Auction This event includes cool cars, hot deals and sweet rides. Entry fee is $25 for the car show. Multiple prizes will be awarded to multiple categories, such as best in show, best engine, best interior, best paint and best rat rod. Raffle prizes will be given away until the event ends with the car show awards ceremony. Free. 8 a.m.

-1 p.m. Fort Smith Pavilion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-769-5624 fortsmithboysshelter.org/ Aug. 14 Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body Learn about current research and knowledge in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement and use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Free. 1-2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 14 Adult Education Fall Registration Classes include GED preparation, Adult Basic Education, Career Readiness, College Readiness, English as a Second Language and U.S. Citizenship classes. All classes are free and are held at multiple locations around Sebastian County. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-8285 adulteducationfortsmith.com

Aug. 16 Nutrition and Cancer: Supplements and Fad Diets Presented by Ryan Ellison, RD, LD. Sparks Nutrition Counseling Center. Free. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org

Aug. 16 Diabetic Support Group A diabetes support group can provide a place to discuss issues that others with the same condition may be experiencing too. Discussions can help a person living with diabetes realize that he or she is not alone.

Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Aug. 16 Fort Smith Public Library Writing Club Writers of all ages and background (from teens to seniors) are invited to participate in the monthly meeting of the Fort Smith Public Library Writing Club. Discuss writing goals and ambitions, experience other member’s works and enjoy being among others that share the same passion for writing as you. Free. 4-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Aug. 14 Adult Coloring Club Coloring is not just for kids anymore. Relax and color the stress away using your own supplies or markers provided by the library. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Aug. 15 Crossroads Book Club Crossroads studies the author rather than the book.

The author for August is Greg Iles. Open to anyone.

Free. 2 p.m. Savoy Tea Co., 925 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-222-6890

Aug. 15 Basic Hand Sewing Class Basic sewing by hand can be “sew” easy! Learn the essentials with certified sewing educator Patti Deffenbaugh. Take a sewing needle (size 7 or 9), a spool of black thread, small scissors and a needle threader (optional). Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 62 Entertainment Fort Smith August 2017

Aug. 17 Open Mic Night at Dewey’s Café Musicians, poets and other talented folks are invited to perform open mic style. Sign-up at the door; arrive early to ensure a spot on the list. Acoustic music only, please. 7 p.m. Dewey’s Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 17 Eclipse Training Before viewing the partial solar eclipse on Aug. 21, learn the science behind it all at a family-friendly eclipse training. Learn about the solar eclipse, see demonstrations of safe viewing methods, make a pinhole viewer and receive free solar viewing glasses.

Preparation is key to viewing the eclipse, which should not be looked at without vision safety devices. Free.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Aug. 17 Book Club Discuss the book of the month, “Boy, Snow, Bird,” by Helen Oyeyemi. This is a new twist on an old fairy tale favorite. In the winter of 1953, Boy Novak arrives by chance in a small town in Massachusetts looking, she believes, for beauty – the opposite of the life she’s left behind in New York. She marries Arturo Whitman, a local widower, and becomes stepmother to his winsome daughter, Snow. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Aug. 14 Friends of the Library Attend the second Monday of each month to participate as a Friend of the Library. Volunteer, publicize, raise funds and help this be the best library it can be as construction begins on a new library. Free. 3 p.m.

Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Aug. 14 Book Talk Join the discussion of “The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto” by Mitch Albom. Pick up a copy of the book in advance. Limited copies are available. Free. 7-8 p.m.

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

Aug. 17 iCOOK Cooking Class Learn how to cook quality, restaurant-style meals at home. Cost includes a three-course dinner and beverages for participants. An accomplished chef and registered dietitian will be available to answer food and nutrition questions. Space is limited and registration is required. Participants can register and pay in person at the Sparks Nutrition Counseling Center at 818 Lexington Avenue or call Sarah at 479-441-4183 to reserve your spot over the phone. $40 per person or $70 per couple. 6-7:30 p.m. Sparks Regional Medical Center, 7th Floor Physician Lounge, 1001 Towson Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-441-4183

Aug. 16 Doc Night: The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters Billy Mitchell is a master Donkey Kong player holding the top-score record since the 1980s. That record soon comes into jeopardy when a mild-mannered teacher attempts to beat it. Barbs, mind-games and hurt feelings culminate into a face-to-face competition to see who truly is the King of Kong. This 2007 documentary by director Seth Gordon is about high scores in classic arcade gaming and subtly, is deeper.

The rivalry between two players on different sides of the country who compete for the official world record high score in the game of Donkey Kong has surprising twists and the drama of dead-serious rivalry. The film is rated PG-13. Free. 5-7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Aug. 18 Diamond Dance Dance to swing, ballroom, latin and country music.

Dress attire is dressy/casual. $5 per person. 8-10 p.m.

Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072

Aug. 18 Walk A Mile in Her Shoes – in High Heels The Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County holds a walk to benefit Women’s Crisis Services nonprofit agency, which provides services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is also a prelude to the shelter’s largest fundraiser, Brave the Mud Run, to be held Aug.19 at the LeFlore County Fairgrounds.

Early packet pick-up will take place at the walk. Men in the community will walk a mile in high heels to help shed light on the importance social issues of domestic and sexual abuse to women and children. There will be live music and a cookout for a fun-filled evening.

Free. 6-8 p.m. Downtown Poteau, 310 Dewey Avenue, Poteau, Okla. 918-647-2810

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Aug. 18 Doing Business with the Government Information and Resource Sharing Session Learn how state organizations can assist small business owners with the steps necessary to work with the government. Free; registration required by Aug. 17. Register online or by calling. Free 10 a.m.-noon.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers, Community Room, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events/ Aug. 19 Teal Night In Tahiti River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance hosts its annual fundraiser, which includes a full dinner, drinks, games, dancing and ticket sales for beautiful donated jewelry.

Dress is causal beachwear. Survivor tickets are complimentary. For more information, to purchase tickets, purchase sponsorships or provide a ticket for a survivor’s family member, visit the website. $65. 6-10 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue, East Entrance, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-424-8444 rivervalleyoca.com

Summer at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art AUGUST

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For two more weeks, experience two stunning exhibitions featuring the work of artist Dale Chihuly. Presented for the first time in an Ozark woods and in the museum’s special exhibition galleries at Crystal Bridges. Chihuly: In the Gallery closes Aug. 14. Chihuly in the Forest will be open through Nov. 14

Chihuly has been an innovator for more than 40 years, working in many media, including glass, paint and neon and always pushing their boundaries to carry out his distinctive vision.

He changed the way we think about glass, stretching the medium to new realms.

Over the years, his creations have become familiar around the world. He is globally renowned for his site-specific installations in public spaces, as well as exhibitions in museums and gardens. At Crystal Bridges, extensive indoor and outdoor installations feature new works by the artist, as well as iconic works spanning his career.

Aug. 19 Hell on the Border Disc Golf Tournament The Western Arkansas Flying Disc Association hosts its 22nd annual tourney. This Professional Disc Golf Association-sanctioned B-tier tournament is a oneday, two rounds of 18 holes event, open to all levels of competition. Entry costs vary. Register online. $40$60. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 478-883-7503 pdga.com/tour/event/30811 Aug. 19 5th Annual Brave the Mud Run Run, walk or crawl the fifth annual Brave the Mud Run. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Crisis Services of LeFlore County. Teams of four or more or individuals.

The costume contest theme is Star Wars. Awards will be given for the best costume – individual and team.

Everyone receives a finisher’s medal and a shirt.

Awards for the top three male and female individuals and the top three teams. Event is chip-timed. $40 each for teams of 4 or more. 8-11 a.m. LeFlore County Fairgrounds, U.S. 271, Poteau, Okla. 918-647-2810 Aug. 19 Dulcimer Club Practice the dulcimer every third Saturday of the month. The group plays together and learns new skills. Spend some happy time playing music and get better at playing together. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Chihuly’s “Boat House,” top and “Rotolo,” above, from the In the Gallery portion of the exhibit.

Admission to the museum is free, sponsored by Walmart. The museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday and Monday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Trails and Grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-418-5700 crystalbridges.org 64

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Aug. 19 Eclipse Party Learn about solar eclipses and prepare for the major eclipse that will occur on Aug. 21. 11 a.m. Free. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Aug. 21 Alzheimer’s Association There are 15 million Americans providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Learn the facts about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals and families. Free. 1 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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Aug. 21 Eclipse Watch Party On Aug. 21, the United States will experience its first coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in 99 years. This spectacular event takes place when the moon blocks the sun, turning daylight into twilight and leaving the sun’s atmosphere, or corona, visible for a brief moment. The eclipse is predicted to be viewable here between 1-1:30 p.m. with almost 90 percent coverage.

The Fort Smith Public Library will be holding Eclipse Watch Parties at all library locations. A limited number of eclipse glasses will be provided on a first-comefirst-serve basis. Never look directly at the sun without proper solar filters. This natural event is weather dependent and will be best viewed on a cloudless day.

Free. Noon-2 p.m. All locations of the Fort Smith Public Library, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party On Aug. 21, local residents will be able to view the 88 percent partial solar eclipse. View from the Van Buren Public Library’s lawn and receive free solar viewing glasses, which are necessary for safely viewing the moon pass before the sun. Watch the eclipse and enjoy refreshments. Take a lawn chair or blanket and sun protection. If the weather does not allow outdoor viewing, watch a live-feed of the eclipse and complete hands-on activities in the library’s meeting room. The sun’s rays can cause serious damage to eyes, so please use safe viewing methods only. Refreshments.

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

Aug. 22 Crawford County Grazing Field Day This program will be highly beneficial for young prospective farmers as well as experienced farmers wanting to enhance their grazing knowledge. Topics covered will include Managed Grazing (fence line weaning, electric fencing, etc.), Water Issues (limited access ponds, maintaining water quality, etc.) and a Rainfall Simulator Demonstration. This informal field day will be filled with conservation partners willing to share their experience and explain how USDA programs can work on your farm. Lunch will be provided.

Call to RSVP and to learn more. Free. Crawford County Grazing Field Day, 2939 Freedom Valley Road, Alma, Ark. 479-474-2281

Aug. 22-26 Sebastian County Fair The annual Sebastian County Fair showcases local agriculture along with the fun of a carnival with rides and games. Judges will award ribbons at exhibits and contests and select the best specimens of livestock from rabbits to cattle. Walk through the livestock barns to see champion sheep, chickens and more. 4H students will show their animals and compete. The fair also includes a community talent show and pageant. Ribbons are awarded for artworks and culinary arts. For kids, daily contests and activities are held such as a stick horse race, mutton bustin’, a pedal tractor pull and more. Highlights of the schedule are the carnival opening on weekdays at 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday. Arm bands are available for carnival rides. Admission $5 adults; $3 children. Fairgrounds, 530 East Knoxville Street, Greenwood, Ark. sebastiancountyfair.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug. 23 Lunch and Learn: Managing Peripheral Neuropathy Presented by Dr. Steve-Felix Belinga, Neurologist, Mercy-Fort Smith. Neuropathy, weakness or numbness in the hands or feet, is a common side-effect of chemotherapy. Many cancer survivors struggle to manage this condition. Dr. Belinga will explain neuropathy and teach how to deal with it in daily living.

Lunch provided by Mercy. Free. noon-1 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org Aug. 24 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The “Lilac Girls” by Martha Hall Kelly is the book to be reviewed. Any woman is welcome to attend or join the Welcome Neighbor organization for newcomers or for those who enjoy making new friends and participating in club activities for service and for social fun. Free 11:30 a.m. Dewey’s Cafe Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-1603 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com

Aug. 24 Magic: The Gathering Newcomers and veterans of the game alike are welcome to play for fun or practice for upcoming tournaments. Magic: The Gathering is a game of chance and strategy and imagination suitable for kids through adults. Players should take their personal cards. Ages 8-18 are welcome, as well as families. Free. 4-7 p.m.

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

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Aug. 24 Short Story and Poetry Reading Participants from Anita Paddock’s writing workshops will read from short stories and poems they wrote at classes held at the Miller Branch Library. Light refreshments provided. Free. 7 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-6463945 fortsmithlibrary.org Aug. 24 Essential Oils and Kinesio Tape Talk Register for a program about the uses of essential oils for health purposes. See a demonstration of a new therapy called kinesio taping. Free. 10 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Betty Campbell

Patrons will enjoy cocktails and take home art at Center for Art and Education 5x5 Gala This cocktail benefit grants ticket holders one 5x5 work of art created by local artists. Each ticket helps to further the center’s mission of “Promoting Artistic Experiences” to the River Valley. Guest artists will be selling their work and creating a piece onsite to be auctioned off at the end of the evening. Fiveinch-by-5-inch canvases created by distinguished local arts, such as the artworks shown here, will be chosen by patrons. $100. 6-10 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-474-7767

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George Kountoupis

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USMM curator David Kennedy with students speaks about exhibit design for their research project into Fort Smith historic neighborhoods.

Aug. 26 Student Exhibition The Fort Smith Museum of History and the United States Marshals Museum have partnered to offer a summer program for junior and senior high school students. The students met weekly to conduct research into the Belle Grove and Fishback neighborhoods and the Chaffee Historic District. They have designed an exhibit utilizing art, writing, photography, etc., of the students’ choice of focus. The student designed exhibit will be held at the Fort Smith Museum of History at an opening event Aug. 26 and be on display through the fall. Students met weekly to visit the neighborhoods and conduct research. Presentations were made by Fort Smith architect Galen Hunter on the principles of good design. United States Marshals Museum Curator Dave Kennedy presented “Components of a Good Exhibit.” Shelley Blanton of the Pebley Center at the UAFS Boreham Library offered advice on research resources. Fort Smith Museum of History Board of Trustees members Jo Ann Campbell and David Roberts guided tours of the historic Fishback Neighborhood. Museum collections committee member David Kerr, Julie Moncrief with the Clayton House, volunteers Sue and Floyd Robison and Marcus Woodward guided students through the Belle Grove Historic District. Curator Rod Williamson conducted a tour of the Chaffee Historic District. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. $7 adults 16 and over; $5 veterans, $2 kids, under 6 free. 10 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

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Aug. 26-27 Friends of the Library Annual Used Book Sale: Mostly Non-Fiction The Friends of the Library used book sale is bigger and better than ever. Shop thousands of non-fiction selections for adults, including hardbacks and paperbacks from your favorite authors and on your favorite topics. Most paperbacks are 25 cents and most hardback books are $1. The sale will continue Sunday with all remaining titles half-price. Clearance sale begins Aug. 31 with remaining items priced by the bag. The proceeds from the sale are used to buy library materials and fund library special events and projects.

Members of the Friends of the Library may come to the exclusive Friends-only Preview Sale on Aug. 25, from 4-7 p.m. for first choice of the sale books. There is a 25-book limit at the preview sale. Shop that same night by joining. Friends of the Library memberships start at $10 and will be for sale at the Preview Sale.

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aug. 26 Hunter Education Course The course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting. It is free and open to all ages. Anyone born after 1968 must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to legally hunt in Arkansas. Register at register-ed.com.

Free. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Aug. 28 As The Page Turns Book Club Meet fellow book lovers at this open event. The first book to be discussed is “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel. Free. 6 p.m. Dewey’s Cafe Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-1603 Aug. 30 Arkansas State Parks Legacy Week Arkansas State Parks system finds its roots all the way back to 1923. Join the celebration of the lasting legacy of our State Parks as well as the rich history of Lake Fort Smith. Family-friendly interactive programs, lake tours, activities and hikes will be offered throughout this entire week. For more information about this event or for inquiries about cabins, lodges, or campsites, call 479-369-2469. Free. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

Aug. 30-Oct. 4 Cooking Matters: Healthy, Affordable, Delicious Presented by UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging. Learn how to cook nutritious and delicious food. Each class includes a cooking demonstration and a prepared meal. Seating is limited. Call to RSVP. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org

Aug. 31 Crafterwork: Glass Magnets Crafterwork is a crafts-making activity after work for adults. Make glass magnets to showcase favorite photos, quotes and designs. Supplies are provided, but space is limited. Register by email to smunguia@crawfordcountylib.org Free. 6-7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 1-3 Rats to Riches Car Show Rats to Riches is a specialized car show featuring Rat Rods, Rat Bikes and Shop Trucks. There also will be a pin-up contest, beard contest and a flame thrower contest. Visit a swap meet and a Vendor Row, with awesome food and apparel. From 6-9 p.m. Sept. 1, Meet and Greet with Steve Darnell of “Vegas Ratrods,” as well as The Delicious Dolls, at the Sound Room.

The car show starts bright and early Sept. 2. Cruise night open to all cars will be Saturday night on Garrison Avenue from 5-10 p.m. $10 car show admission.

Sept. 2-3. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-7038 ratstoriches.com Sept. 2-4 Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair At this Ozark arts & crafts exhibition, which started in 1951, explore more than 100 craft booths with vendors demonstrating and selling their wares. Living history, musical entertainment and square dancing are all important parts of this celebration. Refreshments are available through the Prairie Grove Lions Club and other local nonprofit vendors. Free, $5 parking. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove, Ark. 479-846-2990

Sept. 3 Ice Cream Social Guests can receive all-you-can-eat ice cream for $5 per person. Build your own sundae from a variety of flavors and toppings. Museum admission is included in the cost. $5. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

Sept. 9 Ozark Quilt Fair Quilters and quilt lovers are invited to display and view new and antique quilts for show and sale on the museum grounds. Entry fee is $10 per exhibitor. Cash prize Viewers Choice awards will be given for first ($50), second ($35), and third ($15) place winners in both new and antique quilt categories. Entries for the exhibition must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 6 to be included. Entry forms are available online or by calling.

10 a.m. -2 p.m. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 West Johnson Ave, Springdale, Ark. 479-750-8165 shilohmuseum.org Report community events to the Calendar of Events by using an online form at efortsmith.com, the website of Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine. Publication is free. Events for consideration of approval must be submitted by the 10th of the month prior to the event date. Read the terms and conditions of publication online.

High-resolution photos may be submitted to calendar@efortsmith.com. Some commercial events may be more appropriately placed as paid, display advertisement.

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DINING GUIDE CALICO COUNTY

LA HUERTA

LULU’S BISTRO

Homestyle. Fried catfish and hushpuppies, their famous chicken fried steak, pot roast beef, steaming fresh vegetables, hearty breakfasts and signature homemade cinnamon rolls at every table prove that traditional American foods never go out of style. 2401 South 50th Street.

Patio weather is here at Fort Smith’s Favorite Outdoor Dining place, La Huerta’s downtown location, and Favorite Mexican Restaurant. But at any location, the fajitas will arrive sizzling hot and the margaritas will be icy cold. Dine at 400 Garrison Avenue, 5511 Towson Avenue and 3501 Old Greenwood Road.

Fresh Swordfish steak in a Raspberry Beurre Blanc with Sugar Snap Peas and Herb Polenta could be on the menu, or an endless variety of special choices. The chef has a creation for Saturday and Sunday night features that could be seafood, steak, chicken or pork. 9417 Rogers Avenue.

RIVER CITY BISTRO

ROLANDO’S

WESTERN SIZZLIN

Chosen by our readers as Favorite Restaurant Overall and Favorite Catering, Chef Jason Haid and co-owner Susan Tucker offer a menu of fresh, exciting selections from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

And brunch is divine every weekend.

7320 Rogers Avenue, Stonewood Village.

Chosen by our readers many times as Favorite Restaurant Overall and Favorite Downtown Dining, Rolando’s has made Arkansas fluent in Nuevo Latino Cuisine.

Fresh flavors and artful presentation make each plate and beverage a beautiful gift.

Now open in a bigger location, 917 North A Street, Brunwick Place.

Steak, of course, cooked to order is the star of Western Sizzlin restaurants at 5200 Towson Avenue and 5720 Rogers Avenue.

But there’s also the enormous food and salad bar, fresh bakery and desserts to satisfy every diner.

August 2017

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DINING GUIDE

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