Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine - September 2016

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Editorial Staff

Eyes open for the Unexpected

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 BRITTANY RANSOM REBA MIZE LORIE ROBERTS Contributing Photographers ROGER CARTER JOHN CROSS BOB DYER GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY REBA MIZE DONNA PAYNE

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 © 2016 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com 4

Entertainment Fort Smith

September 2016

Gutenberg* mural detail. Created by UAFS art students on North B Street, 2015 Unexpected.

At just about this same time one year ago, we finished up the September issue without any idea what an Unexpected festival would be. It was more like the Unknown.

This year, we’re on the eve of the second Unexpected. Now, we know, this massive art attack will be exciting, provocative, visually compelling – and outstanding.

With the release of the artists’ names coming just as we were finishing our issue, I’ve only had a small, stolen amount of time to look at their work online through their own websites, art publications and Instagram pages. What I have managed to see is promising and deeply intriguing. Fort Smith will have iconic public artworks in common with cities on several continents. And soon the people who appreciate particular artists who have left their mark on those hometowns will be looking us up, as well.

Hi! I wish we could all talk together.

Art is non-language, or perhaps its own language. Even without a translator, perhaps we could wave and point and smile with residents of Estonia, where Bordalo II created an assemblage of found materials that has become a large flying squirrel popping from a wall. The Portuguese artist hashtags them #trashanimals. I tag them #brilliant.

Guido Van Helten is, maybe, Australian? I can’t tell. He’s nominated for a prestigious art prize for rendering lifelike agricultural workers on gigantic, decommissioned grain silos. Stunning. There’s something arresting about a human form or face made so large.

On the cover, one of my favorite artworks made last year by the artist called Vhils gazes over the new little urban park at 913 Garrison Avenue. It’s a case in point that the first Unexpected created significant ripples. Now called Garrison Commons, a small-scale, quickly realized accomplishment created by excellent design, landscaping, lighting and construction has transformed the footprint of a burned building into a gathering place. A food truck is now operating daily there, by design, and folks are dining at outdoor tables under bright umbrellas. Cool.

I’m pleased that in this issue, we go from the Unexpected to the very familiar and familial. Our senior editor and deeply rooted Fort Smith native Donna Payne notes that Darren McKinney, new athletic director of Fort Smith Public Schools, was literally raised in its athletic facilities by his father, Coach Doug McKinney. And, so she wrote about them in a way only she could do.

Entertainment Fort Smith perks up to hot new happenings and also observes the value of tradition and history. This is that kind of town. We just write about it.

– Lynn Wasson

*Gutenberg says “Printing Rulez” since 1439 A.D. As print publishers, this is clearly our favorite 2015 mural.

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).

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CONTENTS

September 2016

features

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10 10 Pollywog and Frog

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16 Outfoxed

Still Unexpected Starting now, downtown Fort Smith again becomes the canvas for noted international artists. It is still Unexpected, even for the second time.

The Coaches McKinney New athletic director for Fort Smith Public Schools, Darren McKinney, has a good reason to know his way around. His dad, Doug McKinney, spent his coaching career here. By Donna Payne

Make Way for Bikes A new symbol on the street alerts drivers to share the road with cyclists.

The Blue Lion Bikeway helps to connect UAFS and downtown Fort Smith.

The Power of Pink Lorie Roberts, one of the founders of the event Paint the Park Pink, shares the defining moment when she knew breast cancer patients’ lives could be saved by the power of volunteer fundraising.

Outfoxed: Seeing is believing Photographer John Cross noticed and captured photographs of surprising visitors to his rural back yard. The gray foxes had an ability that astonished him. Fortunately, he had a camera and a fellow eyewitness.

departments

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32 26 What’s Cooking

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Free September concerts

Entertainment Fort Smith

September 2016

Try a Spiced Pork & Apple Burger recipe.

FASHION FOCUS The proprietress of Firefly fell in love with Main Street.

eve n t s

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WHAT’S COOKING

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Two free country music concerts happen in September.

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GARDENING Cockeyed optimist Reba Mize on daring the frost with a fall garden.

DINING GUIDE There’s something good for every appetite at Western Sizzlin.

47 KIDS EVENTS

Crafts with kids in mind and a month of events for children.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fall festivities, art and farmers’ markets, a model airplane fly-in and a chocolate festival – September is fun.

On the cover: Beneath the gaze of a portrait sculpted last year by the artist Vhils in the city’s first Unexpected art festival, a new downtown park was inspired. Photo by Lynn Wasson

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y the time this magazine is in your hands, art could be coming at you from any direction. For the second year, the Unexpected, a festival of urban art installations, will happen in downtown Fort Smith. Nine artists of international origin and global renown are invited to use our city as their canvas from Sept. 2-11.

As no one who has eyes could have missed, downtown Fort Smith was transformed at the first Unexpected festival when large-scale, visually arresting artwork emerged on exterior walls. Spectators were drawn, then riveted, to hang around and watch. The festival figured itself out, as intended. The point was to see, react and discuss.

What will that be, how do they do that, why? Do you like it? I think I like it. Where are you from? ... These questions evolved into “Hi! Can I get you something to eat or drink?”

The visiting artists reported after the festival that they were overwhelmed by the response of our friendly populace. Two of them return this year - Maser, a native of Ireland, and D*FACE, a Brit.

Local artists, like Southside High School art teacher David King, could not stay away. He kept running into his students and Northside art teacher LaDawna Dillman, who also encountered her kids on the streets. Together, they petitioned the Unexpected for a wall in the 2016 festival. The rival high schools artists will collaborate on their piece, which selected students have been planning since last year with their respective art department faculties.

Art students of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, who created a mural on North B Street last year, will take on a wall again.

The UAFS Windgate Art & Design Building will again have a related exhibit and opening reception at 6 p.m. Sept. 1. The exhibit is an immersive installation by Maser titled “Argon.” Expect to step inside a freestanding structure wrapped geometrically with contrasting color bands. From his start as a Dublin graffiti writer, Maser has begun to take over whole buildings or to create immersive environments. The exhibit will be open to the public from Sept. 1-Oct. 1 at 535 Waldron Road on the UAFS campus. The reception is sponsored by the UAFS Foundation and the Chancellor’s Coalition for the Visual Arts.

Steve Clark of Propak Logistics founded The Unexpected, inspired by a prior commission of Maser to create a mural at Boardertown Skatepark. Maser has created a work at the Fort Smith skatepark more than once and twice at the same wall facing the U.S. Post Office on Garrison and Towson avenues.

A coalition force with JustKids art and design group’s curator Claire Kolberg and 64.6 Downtown, a non-profit redevelopment group working to support Fort Smith economic and cultural growth, again presents this festival, underwritten by local donors.

International interest generated by images and video of the first Unexpected event made Fort Smith notable to the creative world. The festival planners and sponsors have said they participate in order to influence more preservation, adaptive redevelopment and investment in entrepreneurial ventures in Fort Smith.

Images of works around the world, from New Zealand to Europe to Latin America, can be seen at the artist’s websites and social media.

They have carte blanche to create any kind of work on their walls here.

The time is when it is light enough to see. The place is downtown.

It is free. What will happen? The point is to go downtown and see.

ART ATTACK A Maser installation at a Las Vegas motel.

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Kenleigh Godwin (from left), Annabelle Dickson, Breanna McNaughton, Brianna Kincade, Emma Edmonds, Caitlin Phan, Ashley Boyd and Hannah Bender are Southside High School art students who will create a mural at the Unexpected festival.

Northside artists in the collaboration are, standing: Rodolfo Zapata, Zelly Nichols, Chris Cunningham, Aleah Shepard, Latesha Crossno; front row: Maricruz Arriola, Ricardo Araujo, Tyrek Perry, Jacob Pendergrass and Valeria Duenas.

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PROFILE

Being a coach’s son was natural training for athletic director

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ne of Pollywog’s earliest II, five months after he was born. His memories is learning to turn mother worked in the town diner making on the lights at Grizzly . He pies for $18 a week but the young boy was also learned to run a scoreboard and mop able to supplement that with farm labor. the gym floor.

“In the spring, you’d pick strawberries, Pollywog is Dr. Darren McKinney, green beans and then you’d start hoeing now 42 and the new director of athletics soy beans. Then, you had hay to haul, and student activities for Fort Smith then watermelons and cantaloupes,” he Public Schools. recalled. “They didn’t have any He got that nickname from his father, restrictions. If you were big enough, you Doug, who was nicknamed “Frog” in could work.” college because of his jumping prowess in His high school basketball team won basketball. the state championship in 1960 and that Doug McKinney came to Fort Smith earned him the attention he needed for a in 1964 to coach basketball at Darby college scholarship. He signed with Junior High School, where he stayed for Arkansas Polytechnic College, now eight years before moving on to Arkansas Tech, to play both basketball Northside High School. and baseball. After his freshman year, he A young Darren McKinney sits next to his dad on the Although his son has degrees in was offered a contract to play for the Los bench during a Northside basketball game. chemistry, American history, teaching and Angeles Dodgers. education administration, what he learned while tagging along with his “At that time, if you signed a professional contract, you couldn’t play dad may have had the most influence on his career. amateur basketball and that’s the only way I could go to college,” he said.

“I grew up at the Northside gym. That was my second home,” Dr. And that was his mother’s dream.

McKinney said. “As a coach’s kid, it was, ‘Here are the keys, go take care of Upon graduation, he joined Coach Jim Rowland at Darby. things. Go put the balls up, go get jerseys put up.’”

“At the time I was there, all the junior high (basketball) games were Keeping statistics for his dad put him ahead of the game in math. played in the afternoon,” he said. “At Darby, we had 1,500 kids. Our gym “I learned how to calculate percentages way before I was taught in was the old little gym, they called it The Pit. They would sell 450 tickets school because I had to do them at every quarter and at half time … and would alternate the grades. When they sold 450 tickets, that’s all you because I had to hand it to him on a shot chart,” Dr. McKinney said. And could pack into it.” that was when he was just 7 or 8. He had mastered running the scoreboard When they weren’t on the football field or the basketball court, the two a couple of years earlier. young coaches had a different kind of assignment.

Doug McKinney grew up in Mulberry. His father died in World War “Coach Rowland and I were what you would call the disciplinarians. We 10

Entertainment Fort Smith

September 2016

Photo by Bob Dyer

Frog & Pollywog

Photo by Bob Dyer

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had to keep control,” he said. “With 1,500 kids, we had science and fine arts, 250 (students) at a time for four periods in the auditorium. So our job was to keep order.”

And how did they do that? “With an iron hand,” he chuckled.

“The story was if they didn’t have a pencil, they would stand ’em up, give ’em three swats, give them a pencil and sit ’em back down,” Dr. McKinney laughed.

In 1972, Coach McKinney made the move to Northside, where he had a 32-year career as head basketball coach, assistant football coach and drivers education instructor.

Two years after he arrived at Northside, he was chosen to replace the legendary Gayle Kaundart, who was at the pinnacle of his career.

During his 19 seasons at Northside, Kaundart led the Grizzlies to five state championships – the last in 1974. Following that season, Kaundart was hired to coach the Westark Lions.

That put Coach McKinney in a unique position when he learned his son was applying to replace another legend, Jim Rowland. The respected athletic director retired after more than 50 years with the school district, the last 25 as A.D. “I knew what I went through and I said, ‘You’re going to be second-guessed and when you have a decision, half the town will be for you and half the town will be against you. You’ve got to do what you feel is right and don’t worry about it. You’ve got to do what’s best for Fort Smith,’” Coach McKinney said.

Dr. McKinney’s biggest hesitation was following in the footsteps of a man who seemed to be everywhere at once.

“I knew what Coach Rowland did and where he went. Time. Time was the biggest thing. He went to everything,” he said. “I’ve got two daughters that are 8 and 5. I want to see them grow up.”

Fortunately, Caroline and Maggie enjoy going to games, as long as it comes with popcorn.

“They like watching sports but we also try to do different things with them,” he said. “It’s fun

Doug McKinney (left) poses with Gayle Kaundart (right) and the 1974 state champion Northside basketball team. Forty years later, McKinney can still name the starting five.

to watch my oldest one now start picking things out that she’s overheard me say – kinda like what I used to do with my dad.”

He also has the support of his wife, Jennifer, a teacher at Kimmons Junior High.

“She understands the time but she also understands this is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Dr. McKinney said. “To me, this blends the two things I’ve done before, the coaching aspect and being an administrator.

It just takes those two things and puts them together.”

He was hired as an assistant seventh-grade girls coach at Kimmons in 1998 and became principal at Darby in 2005.

Dr. McKinney’s new title includes more than athletics. He’s also director of student activities, which includes band, choir, cheer and dance.

“They work just as hard as the coaches.

Whereas our football coaches are out there working and practicing, our band folks are doing the same thing. They’re getting their drill ready for marching season. They need that recognition,” he said.

“Coming in, to make this job my own, I’m going to do things a little bit different,” he said.

“I’ve got two great people who have set the bar

Darren McKinney with his wife, Jennifer, and two daughters, Caroline, 8, and Maggie, 5.

really high for this job – Coach (Bill) Stancil and Coach Rowland.”

And has his Pollywog nickname disappeared?

“Among my friends, it hasn’t.”

There’s more to the story ...

• Eugenia was pregnant with Darren when Northside won the state basketball championship in 1974. Coach Kaundart’s wife told her she couldn’t have the baby until • Doug helped choose the colors for Chaffin Junior High when it opened. He can still list the the season was over. She complied. colors of all the teams in the conference.

• Darren has taught classes at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith for 10 years.

• Darren’s brother, Doug Jr., aka Tadpole, is a • Fort Smith elementary schools used to have • Doug coached all girls athletics at Northside lawyer and worked as a nuclear engineer on flag football teams. Howard always won. submarines while in the Air Guard. the year Title IX was instituted.

September 2016 Entertainment Fort Smith 11 • There has been a McKinney teaching at Kimmons since the second year it opened.

Eugenia, Doug’s wife, from 1965 to 2004; Darren from 1998 to 2005; and now his wife, Jennifer, who moved from Darby to Kimmons in 2005 when Darren became principal at Darby.

• Darren has been the PA announcer for Northside football for 19 years.

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New Blue Lion Bikeway alerts cars to share the road with cyclists icycling to downtown Fort Smith is now a little easier and safer for the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith campus community and residents who live along the seven miles of city streets now designated as the Blue Lion Bikeway.

This route connects the campus to the downtown area via streets marked with sharrows (shared-use arrows), a symbol painted on the pavement to designate that the roadway is to be shared with cyclists.

The corridor runs from UAFS along Kinkead Avenue, Park Avenue and North E Street, avoiding the higher-traffic, four-lane Grand Avenue.

A $50,000 donation from Arvest Bank helped to fund the installation of traffic signs and painting of the sharrow designation on city roads.

“The bikeway is hitting multiple areas where people will benefit,” said Chris Raible, Arvest’s business banking manager and a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee. “It’s going to increase commerce to downtown just from people biking down there, and studies have shown that trails and bikeways increase land values where they’re located.”

Raible said the bikeway will serve as a “connecting point” to Fort Smith’s lengthening trails and greenways system. Blue Lion Bikeway links to the recently completed Greg Smith Riverwalk Trail along the Arkansas River.

At a current length of more than 30 miles, the trails system has strong community support. Local businesses that have supported the trails system include Arvest, Sparks Health System, Propak Logistics, BHC Insurance, Littlefield Oil, Hanna Oil & Gas, Mercy Health, Walther Arms, First National Bank of Fort Smith and Weldon, Williams & Lick.

Raible pointed to the 2014 Fort Smith Comprehensive Plan, which mentioned the trails and greenways system more than 40 times, as evidence of support for the system.

“Because the comprehensive plan was a project compiled by the citizens of Fort Smith to outline a vision of the future for the community, that really emphasizes that this is something the citizens want,” Raible said.

UAFS students played an integral part in shaping the bikeway. The university selected a student to be a member of the Trails and Greenways Committee, placing a voice for the campus community in the decisionmaking. The Student Government Association passed a resolution in 2014 supporting a route connecting the campus to the trails and greenways system.

“Every major city around us has trails systems, and it really is a strong draw for young people,” said Matthew Farrar, a UAFS graduate who served as the student representative to the committee. “This is one more step toward a healthier and greener community, but also a community that is focused on keeping young people here and addressing their interests and needs.”

When you see the sharrow symbols, remember to share the street!

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The purpose of sharrows •Alert drivers to the lateral location bicyclists are likely to occupy within the traveled way

•Assist cyclists with lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side within the same traffic lane

• Reduce the chance of a bicyclist impacting the open door of a parked vehicle • Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists • Reduce the incidence of wrong-way bicycling

News and photos courtesy of UAFS

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10th Annual

PA I N T T H E PA R K

PINK saves lives, locally

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n October 2004, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer. That was the start of a nine-month whirlwind of chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and extended recovery. By spring 2007, I knew one thing for sure. It was as deep a belief as a person could have. I had survived for a reason and I needed to give something back – to help other women who were facing a breast cancer diagnosis and life changing decisions with little information. Most of all, I didn’t want my daughters to have to go through what I had experienced. I wanted to beat this thing for good.

At a visit to Reynolds Cancer Support House, I was introduced to Alison Levin, then executive director of the Susan G. Komen Ozark Affiliate. After the third visit, she asked me to chair a breast cancer awareness and fundraising event in Fort Smith.

I insisted she had the wrong person; I had no experience organizing a charitable event. I was a volunteer, not a chairman. She insisted she had the right person. We started planning in June for an October event. In a lightning bolt moment, Alison gently smacked the table in the Creekmore Park Community Center and said, “We’re going to paint this park pink!”

And so a local iconic event was born.

Creekmore Park was covered with pink ribbons, tulle, flags and chalked names of survivors on the sidewalk. But what struck me were the tears through the smiles of the walkers. I wasn’t prepared for the emotion stirred by my own experience and I was only beginning to understand what this meant to other survivors and families whose loved ones had lost the battle.

They were so strong, so filled with love and hope that no one else would have to endure a battle with breast cancer. I knew we could not stop. This was bigger than all of us.

Paint the Park Pink has exploded from 270 people the first year to thousands over 10 years helping to bring almost a million dollars of service grants to Sebastian and Crawford counties. This event created by volunteers to provide education, awareness and fundraising would not be what it is today without the faith and support of University of ArkansasFort Smith Chancellor Paul Beran and Stacey Jones.

In three years, PPP outgrew Creekmore Park so the committee approached Dr. Beran about hosting the event on the beautiful UAFS campus. Not only did he say yes, he committed resources, buildings, staff, equipment and students.

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Longtime ‘pink people’ Madeline Marquette, Karen Dodd, Lorie Robertson and Teresa Jones at the UAFS campus where the 10th Paint the Park Pink event will be held Oct. 1.

bands, breast cancer survivors and co-survivors, men and women young and old have worked together to turn PPP into a destination event. But, it is much more than that.

Paint the Park Pink is a lifesaver. Literally.

Within weeks after the first PPP event, I was asked by Sparks to write a Komen grant application. Sparks wanted to provide free mammograms for women who were uninsured or underinsured. Again, I said I have no experience. They replied, “You’re the one.” Three months later, Komen Ozark awarded Sparks a $70,000 grant for mammograms and related services and I was offered a job as director of business growth and development for Sparks Clinic.

Stick with me – this story has a point and IT IS NOT ABOUT ME! One of my tasks was to track and report on the Komen Grant. One day, in my first month on the job, the phone rang. A woman with a suspicious lump had come in and she had no insurance. She received a mammogram through the Komen grant and was diagnosed with breast cancer. A couple of weeks later it happened again – a second patient received a lifesaving mammogram that she could not otherwise afford.

We were all thrilled. We had raised the money, written the grant, provided the mammogram and caught a case of breast cancer before it was too late. A job well done! But then it got personal. As a follow-up for the grant, I interviewed both women. Hearing their stories, how they had no insurance and little access to care (one didn’t have a car), it suddenly hit me: If I never did anything else in my life, I had played a very small part in saving the lives of two women I didn’t know.

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I’d never meet all of the people whose lives would be changed because I stepped out of my comfort zone and did something on their behalf. All the volunteers who took time away from work or their families had given a stranger another chance at life. That one moment made it all worth it.

Paint the Park Pink changed their lives and it changed mine.

Understanding the impact this effort has on people right here in our community has been the driving force that has kept it going for 10 years.

I’m confident this “pink passion” will exist as long as necessary under the capable leadership of Komen Ozark’s new executive director Lauren Marquette; River Valley Services coordinator and co-survivor Teresa Jones; and volunteers with never-ending energy like Madeline Marquette. Paint the Park Pink won’t end until we find a cure for breast cancer because a pink UAFS campus in October equals hope that a free mammogram, education and awareness will lead to early detection and save other lives.

Guest writer Lorie Robertson was invited by the magazine to share her first-person testimony upon this 10th Paint the Park Pink because of her unique perspective as a breast cancer survivor, a volunteer and a founder of the annual walk.

Robertson says she shares her account on behalf of all women and their families who have experienced the lifechanging diagnosis of breast cancer, encouraging them to join her in the empowering effort to save lives.

Register by Sept. 16 with a

PINK TEAM for the Oct.1 Paint the Park Pink Walk Participate by starting a team or joining an existing team to raise funds and walk together on Oct. 1 at Paint the Park Pink day.

Register teams by 5 p.m. Sept. 16.

Pick up team packs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Komen River Valley Office, 1508 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith.

• Register in person at 1508 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

• Download, print and mail in a registration form from komenozark.org

Oct.1 Survivor Breakfast 7:45 a.m.

Survivors are invited to a breakfast in the Reynolds Room at the UAFS Smith Pendergraft Student Center, 800 North 49th Street. The 2016 Paint the Park Pink Survivor group photo will be taken at 9:30 a.m. at the fireplace in the center.

10 a.m.

The walk will start at 10 a.m. at the Bell Tower and is approximately one mile around the UAFS Campus with music, vendors and a kids area to enjoy at the end.

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Foxes in the trees

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s a nature lover and photographer, I am always looking out the windows.

In fact, after I pulled the screen out of my master bathroom window, I began to refer to that area as “Blind B.” Recently, I saw some four-legged movement from there and ran through the house to grab a camera.

While making some adjustment to the camera to allow for the low, late afternoon light, I noticed there was more than one critter.

I hollered to my girlfriend, Beth, as I moved back to my blind and opened the window. The animals were not only searching the ground for food, but also looking up into the trees. I was framing and shooting when I realized one was craning his neck to reach wild grapes that had just begun ripening.

Before my time here, a grapevine had sprouted at the base of a hickory tree. The old tree died and early this spring its top blew down, casting runners of the grapevine into a cedar and high into an oak tree.

The death of the hickory launched the vine into growth and fruit production here before unnoticed. This was the lure that had brought what I realized was a family, eagerly scrambling for the clusters of candy-like fruit.

I concluded that the larger animal on the ground was the male. The mother and her young one were walking up the angled trunk of the fallen hickory to get to more fruit.

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next left me with my mouth wide open. I only hoped that Beth had seen and could confirm what I was seeing.

The male approached the oak tree and as if gravity were switched off for him, he ran straight up the trunk. He was 12 or more feet off the ground, mostly obscured. After he fed on the few grapes he could reach, he climbed down a limb or two, then backed down until he was 6 to 8 feet off the ground, turned and ran/dived down the remaining distance. I was agog.

I continued to photograph this grapefest as the feeding continued on fallen grapes and lowhanging fruit.

We later read that Gray Foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), also nicknamed Tree Foxes, can in fact climb trees. This ability is shared only with the Asian raccoon dog among canids.

Strongly curved claws allow it to climb trees to reach food and escape predators, like the coyote or domestic dog. Beth, too, had seen the climb.

Some gray fox dens may be in trees and as high as 30 feet above the ground. As in my previous story of the backyard bobcat, I learned that foxes are not nocturnal but tend to be more crepuscular, feeding during twilight hours when fewer of their predators are out hunting.

Lately, especially late in the afternoons or evenings, I find myself looking out of Blind B. Often I will see the lone male gray fox and sometimes the whole family in their search for grapes, grasshoppers or maybe even tidbits of

leftovers like a greasy chicken skin. At times, I find I am glancing up in the trees for “dogs.”

A week ago I would have thought I was crazy and now I am just a little better educated and a lot more entertained – thanks to Urocyon Cinereoargenteus or the Gray Fox. – John Cross, photographer

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SHOP LOCAL

Living Local Van Buren’s Main Street will turn Thursday nights into inviting events

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owntown Van Buren is planning to make this its most exciting fall and holiday season ever with the launch of a “Living Local” promotion. Sponsored by The Old Town Merchants Association, Living Loca invites shoppers to Main Street on Thursday evenings for dining, shopping and live entertainment from Sept. 15-Dec. 15.

The 14-week festivities will begin Sept. 15.

Each Thursday night, downtown Van Buren merchants will extend their hours and entertainment will take to the street.

Storefronts will be decorated for the season and the new Van Buren trolley bus will ferry visitors up and down the street. Group and solo acts will serenade outdoors. Visitors will also be able to dine on delicious food from downtown restaurants and food trucks.

“Living Local will be like a party on Main Street each Thursday night,” said Debbie Foliart, an Old Town Merchants Association member and owner of Chapters on Main. “Shopping, food, music, art and the community coming together ... this is what downtown is all about.

We want visitors to see the nightlife potential Main Street has, as well as learn more about all that our merchants have to offer year-round.”

As part of the Living Local series, the

The new motorized trolley is ADA accessible.

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association will also hand out special passports that shoppers may have “stamped” designated businesses. The passports can be entered for a prize drawing for a $50 gift card, good at participating downtown stores and restaurants.

Each month will have a focus, encouraging merchants to join in with displays and decoration. September’s theme is “Fall Market.”

Market tents will pop up near the historic train depot to off locally grown produce, homemade soaps, baked goods and crafts.

October will be all about fall. The PressArgus Courier is sponsoring a “Best Dressed Window” contest. Storefronts will have themed fall displays and compete for customer votes. The winner will be awarded an ad in the newspaper. Votes can be cast by patrons onsite and also be made online at OldTownVanBuren.com and Facebook page of Old Town Van Buren.

November will celebrate the arts with a Nov. 10 Art Walk. Artists on the street will create art throughout the evening. Painters, sculptors, woodworkers and other craftsmen will be showcased. Many will be happy to speak with

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SHOP LOCAL visitors and allow them to watch the process.

“We are partnering with the Center for Art and Education to secure local artists for this event. These individuals will demonstrate their incredible talents and skills for visitors right there on Main Street,” Foliart said.

The series will tie in with popular annual events. Van Buren’s Fall Festival is Oct. 7-9. The yearly street festival of arts and crafts also will include a Mid-West Steak Cook-off Championship.

On Oct. 29, merchants will treat costumed kids for the Halloween on Main candy giveaway.

Downtown in December is designed to put shoppers in the holiday spirit. “The Toy Train” Dec. 15 will invite shoppers to donate a gift for children in the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Crawford County program.

A toy holiday train will run and visitors from the North Pole will be in attendance. Local church choirs will sing classic Christmas carols.

Stores will offer holiday sales and beautiful Christmas displays.

In December, the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce will host its Festival of Trees in conjunction with the Old Town Merchant’s Association’s “Living Windows” performances and the lighting of the historic Crawford County Courthouse Dec. 3. The following weekend will serve as downtown’s Christmas Open House.

“Exciting things are happening in downtown Van Buren and Living Local is just another example,” said Foliart. “Our Main Street has so much to offer and we believe this will help locals and patrons from surrounding areas experience that first-hand.”

Living Local will happen every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. from Sept. 15 to Dec. 15, with the exception of Thanksgiving.

For more information about the series and other downtown Van Buren events, visit OldTownVanBuren.com.

The string band BBQ Bill and the Smokin' Chickens will play on Main Street in October for the Thursday evening Living Local series.

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home & garden goodies

Sauerkraut and a variety of pickles from Paul’s Meat Market.

Wooden vintage-style Halloween wreath and acorn stash trays found at Neumeier’s Nursery.

God Bless Oklahoma and Arkansas framed prints and a metal Razorback available at The Goods.

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home & garden goodies

Several varieties of spa fragrances from Luther Stem Pool and Spa.

Blue donut-shaped accent chair available at Furniture Emporium.

Durable, insulated wine tote, 2014 Hogwash California rosé and a Razorback stiletto wine holder found at In Good Spirits.

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home & garden goodies

Staffordshire-style traveling musicians sculpture from Vintage Finds.

Vintage Walt Disney record albums with music and stories found at Designer Again.

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home & garden goodies

Cat-themed ceramic ring holder and wooden sign from Coleman Pharmacy.

Handmade and hand-painted canisters found at Polish Pottery Depot in Van Buren.

Upholstered headboard with a button-tufted design available at Mike's Furniture in Roland.

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home & garden goodies Wooden serving tray with a pitcher and handmade satin pumpkins from Greenwood Flowers and Gifts.

Razorback drinkware and Arkansas pride frame and decor available at The WareHouse in Greenwood.

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“I Love Lucy” metal sign found at Abilities Unlimited.

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home & garden goodies “Whistler, A Life for Art’s Sake”

by Daniel E. Sutherland and “Persimmon Seed Notebook” by Carol Dickie from Fort Smith’s Regional Art Museum.

Brushed nickel carriage candle warmer lantern and Sweet Grace room spray and reed diffuser found at Jennifer’s Gift Shop inside Sparks Hospital.

The Janome Memory Craft 15000 v2 for sewing, embroidery, quilting and craftwork has 510 built-in stitches, WiFi and its own apps available at Sewing Machine and Fabric Center.

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WHAT’S COOKING

There's nothing like the perfect picnic or barbecue to slow down and reconnect with friends and family. Try these delicious new recipes that bring out the flavor of apples – a versatile and healthy year-round fruit.

APPLE TORTELLINI SALAD Dressing 3 tbsp. frozen concentrate apple juice, thawed 3 tbsp. light corn syrup 2 tsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar 2 tsp. garlic salt Ground pepper to taste Salad 9 oz. cheese-filled tortellini 2 cups sliced apples 2 cups shredded salad greens 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery 1/2 cup sliced scallions 2 tbsp. toasted pine nuts (optional) To prepare dressing, combine apple juice concentrate, corn syrup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic salt and pepper. Cover dressing and refrigerate.

To prepare salad, cook tortellini, drain and cool by rinsing pasta under cold water. Shake gently to drain thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine tortellini, apples, salad greens, strawberries, celery and scallions. Toss salad gently with chilled dressing. Serve chilled. If desired, sprinkle with pine nuts.

STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE ICE POPS 1 1 1 1 6 1

cup apple juice pint strawberries, hulled, sliced and frozen banana, sliced and frozen apple, peeled, cored, sliced and frozen oz. vanilla yogurt tsp. vanilla

Put all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into ice pop forms or paper cups. Place ice pop sticks in center and freeze, inverted, for three hours or until solid. Keep frozen until ready to serve.

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DESIGNING

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BACKYARD PARTY IS EASY

• Find vintage plates and serving pieces at a local flea market.

• Serve beverages in Mason jars, which can also be used as flower vases.

• Cover your table with gingham tablecloth.

• Fill large wicker baskets with apples to use as centerpieces.

• If hosting in the evening, line the table with tea lights and lanterns.

BAKED APPLE PIE LAYER BARS Bars 21⁄2 cups sifted flour 1 tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 cup shortening 1 egg Milk 2/3 cup crushed corn flakes 1/2 cup apple sauce 5 cups sliced, peeled apples 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon Glaze 1 cup confectioners' sugar 2 tbsp. lemon juice Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Cut shortening in with pastry blender or two knives. Put egg yolk into measuring cup and add milk to make 2/3 cup. Add to shortening mixture. Mix just enough until dough shapes into a ball. Roll out half the dough into 15x11inch rectangle. Transfer to baking sheet. Cover with corn flakes. Mix apple sauce together with apple slices, and add mixture on top of corn flakes. Mix sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apple mixture. Roll out other half of dough for top crust. Place over apples. Pinch edges together. Beat egg white until stiff and spread on top crust. Bake in 400-degree oven for 40 minutes. Cut into 16 squares.

Combine confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice to make glaze and drizzle glaze over top.

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SPICED PORK & APPLE BURGER WITH MAPLE DIJON 3 tbsp. maple syrup 2 tbsp. spicy brown mustard 2 pounds ground pork 1/2 cup natural apple sauce 11⁄2 tsp. salt 11⁄2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. dry mustard 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 6 hamburger buns Baby spinach leaves Stir maple syrup and mustard together in a small bowl. Set aside. Spray a large non-stick grill pan or griddle with cooking spray and place over medium to medium high heat.

Mix pork, apple sauce, salt, chili powder, dry mustard, pepper and cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl. Form mixture into six patties. Place patties in pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turn and cook additional 4 to 5 minutes or until done.

To serve, spread bun bottoms with maple mustard mixture. Top each with a patty, spinach leaf and bun top. If desired, toast buns and top with cheddar cheese, grilled onions, pickles, tomatoes or other favorite toppings. Serve with crispy sweet potato fries and steamed beans for an easy but special meal.

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GARDENING WITH REBA

For the brave or the adventurous, another season of gardening begins now

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sn’t it too late to plant?

This was the question Joe Carr of Joe’s Local Grown Produce was asked over and over about the seedlings for “Sugar Baby” watermelon he was selling at a recent Fort Smith Farmers Market.

Joe and I talked in between customers at his booth about the misconception that spring is the only time to plant. Fall can be a great time to revive your garden.

Joe teaches gardeners to count backward from our local frost date to see if there is a possibility of harvesting a fruit or vegetable. There are enough days to grow a watermelon from these seedlings, so why not try?

I am new to fall vegetable gardening so I sought his advice. Joe, my long time friend, is known by many as the market manager. He is also a member of CNG, Certified Naturally Grown, a national organization that offers peer review of farmers and bee keepers to promote locally grown, non-GMO produce with no synthetic fertilizers. “Farm to Table” is alive at our Farmers Market.

Fall is a time to grow late season vegetables. If you are a flower gardener, it’s still gardening season, too. You can replace your fading and bedraggled spring plantings with glorious fall annuals that will be pretty in autumn.

If you don’t already keep a garden journal, fall is a great time to start. Write down what plants did well and which might need to be replaced next year. It may also be time to divide some kinds of ornamental plants to make more, but that’s another subject.

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Joe Carr, manager of the Fort Smith Farmers Market, helps a customer who decided to bravely try planting his “Sugar Baby” watermelons. If this adventurous lady is lucky and weather conditions are favorable, she will enjoy some sweet melons from late-summer gardening.

Begin your fall vegetable garden by removing plants that are no longer producing. In my case, my entire vegetable garden was history. Pull any weeds that will compete with our new seeds or seedlings.

Hopefully, you already have a compost area to throw them in. If not, fall is a great time to start.

Your fallen leaves, healthy plant clippings and kitchen scraps become gardeners’ gold in time.

Almost everyone can compost. You can buy or build fancy bins but I just designated an area of my yard and disguised it with a picket fence. By spring, you’ll be able to give your soil a boost by digging in some of your own compost before you begin planting.

Before you plant, use a watering can or bucket and water your garden thoroughly.

Now you can choose and plant seeds or transplants. Fall gardening is a matter of thinking backward. Our average first frost date is mid-October (ish) so read the seed packet to learn the average days to harvest. Use that number to count back from your first frost date.

Add about a week to account for day length and see if you can beat the calendar. Remember, these frost dates are predictions – so live dangerously. At worst, your plants will be wiped out by an early frost. At best, you may harvest fall veggies!

If you have a small garden, you can guard against frost by covering plants at night with a

sheet – or make a cloche from a plastic milk carton with the bottom cut off. Some early frosts are very light, followed by warm and sunny days.

I am going to try Contender bush beans that I have been told will mature in around 42 days. I also looked up Ruby Red Swiss Chard. Not only is it a gorgeous plant, it is frost tolerant. Winter Bloomsdale Spinach was adapted for late summer/early fall planting. Spinach grown in frosty weather is said to be sweeter. Red Sails looks a winner in the leaf lettuce department.

Drag out your leftover seeds or head for your local garden center. You may get lucky and find seeds that are discounted.

While there, you may be tempted by ornamentals while looking at the seed selection.

I love Hardy Hibiscus and found several that were amazing, plus Echinacea (coneflower) in dramatic new color choices. Go ahead and indulge – they are meant for fall planting, too.

The saying, “Even failure is worthwhile and admirable, provided the failure is splendid enough,” is attributed to William Faulkner and could quite easily be about gardening. Most gardeners believe if you don’t kill at least one plant a year, you are not being adventurous with your plant selection. This year, I am taking a chance on a fall garden or at least a splendid failure. I hope you do, too.

– Reba Mize

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Study the back of seed packets. We’ve got a shot at harvesting some varieties of these veggies if planted from seed in our USDA climate Zone 7, the good Lord willin’ and the frost don’t come early:

Swiss Chard Bush beans Spinach Mustard Radish Leaf Lettuce

Days to Harvest 60 42 42 40-50 24-30 45-65

The Old Farmer’s Almanac says Fort Smith’s first frost may be Halloween, with a 50 percent probability. The USDA estimates Nov 1-11.

Feeling lucky?

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DESIGNER NOTES

Van Buren Main Street caught their eye and a store named Firefly was born

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bright red sign, aptly adorned with a firefly, points the way to a Van Buren shop known for its modern styles and its building’s rich history. Firefly Boutique & Gifts offers current fashions and downtown Main Street’s historic charm.

Owner Mindy London and her husband, Lonnie, opened the store three years ago.

“We were riding our motorcycles through the area when we made a stop at the train depot up the road,” she explained. “We looked down at Main Street and just loved it.”

They purchased a building in the 600 block of Main Street and began a long remodeling process. When the opportunity to purchase the adjoining storefront came, they expanded.

Their complete renovation of the property was done carefully to maintain the historical elements of the building.

Mindy London fell in love with historic Main Street and now she and her husband live above the store they named Firefly.

In the process, they discovered it once housed one of the area’s oldest funeral homes. They also unearthed a large drinking cistern that had been capped off in the 1970s. Upon completion, the Londons shifted their boutique to the new addition and added a home goods area inside their original location.

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DESIGNER NOTES A selection of quirky wind chimes (at left) made from silverware, teapots and other found objects twinkle in the store window at Firefly’s expanded store on Van Buren’s Main Street.

A former educator, London said the retail business is a bit out of her element.

“My boys were here the other day and kind of just laughed because this is so out of my realm,” London said. “But, I just love it here and doing this. People tell me they want to be able to buy local and spend their money in their hometown. My goal is to help them do just that. We provide trendy, affordable clothing, accessories, and more.”

Firefly has a selection of stylish tops, tunics and dresses, include the labels Lilypad and Umgee USA. Lots of jewelry, including custom cuffs and necklaces, is mixed in with shoes, handbags and accessories to complete an overall look. Sizes range from small to 3X. Firefly’s newly opened home décor shop offers furniture and decor from vintage collectibles to one-of -a-kind woodwork pieces. Decorative signs, mirrors, frames and planters hang near a selection of quirky wind chimes.

Men can take a breather in the popular “Man Cave,” which includes a comfy couch, big screen television and free sodas.

Behind all of the merchandise, rustic finishes lend to the architectural character. A sign reading “Bryan Building 609-611-613” is the name of a former occupant along with the original street addresses.

A poster of the 1995 film “Frank and Jessie” starring Rob Lowe and Bill Paxton hangs in the décor shop. The Western had scenes filmed on the second floor of Firefly, which now serves as the Londons’ living quarters. More recently, Mindy used wood from the floors seen in the movie to adorn her shop wall.

Firefly Boutique & Gifts 609 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-689-5255 Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday September 2016

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fashion & fitness goodies

Sunglasses from Michael Kors 2016 Collection available at Ennen Eye Center.

Curious Kitty book and extra soft stuffed kitty found at Polka Dotted Zebra.

YMI plus size skinnies paired with a graphic tee and chain necklace from Zoe Bug’s in Charleston.

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fashion & fitness goodies Aveda rosemary mint shampoo, conditioner and lotion from Metropolis Hair Studio

Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze with woven jacquard textile strap available only at Newton’s Jewelers.

Mirabella waterproof mascara, eye crayon and lip pencils from Salon Elements.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Lightweight navy top and matching chaser shorts found at True Grit Running.

Camo hunter passive ear protectors from The Center for Hearing.

Matrix Biolage Sugar Shine System shampoo, conditioner, Illuminating mist and polishing hair scrub available at Vanity Calls.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Boys gingham shirt, cardigan, corduroy jeans and Livie and Luca velcro boots found at Katiebug’s.

14k white gold diamond halo engagement ring available at The Diamond Center in Central Mall.

Southern pride tee with white distressed jeggings and Razorback jewelry from Firefly in Van Buren.

School spirit onesies and girls T-shirt with matching necklace found at Main Street Ltd. in Charleston.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Bvlgari eyewear available at Dr. Steven Stiles Optometry.

Beautiful James Hayes Art Glass Co. bowl available at Inscriptions, knitted Razorback hat from Baby Chic, Colquitt & Co.’s California Coast soap and Razorback canvas shoes found at Hanger Management, all located in GreenPointe.

Wellness supplements for adults and children found at Olde Fashioned Foods.

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MUSIC

& performance

Courtney Cole in free concert at Stubblefield Center The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, in collaboration with Rich Mountain Community SEPTEMBER College, is hosting rising Country Music Television artist Courtney Cole in a free concert as part of CMT’s Empowering Education initiative.

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The concert is free and open to the public but tickets are required for admission.

The featured artist is one of the top up-and-coming country music artists in the nation. Cole’s recent single hit No. 1 on Taste of Country's Top 10 Countdown, and she opened for Miranda Lambert on the 2015 “Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour.”

A part of CMT’s Empowering Education Initiative, the concert aims to inspire viewers to further their education.

“I’m excited to partner with CMT on their Empowering Education initiative,” Cole said. “Music and education are a powerful combination.

Having the opportunity to meet students and hear their stories is something I am looking forward to.”

UAFS alum Jillia Jackson will serve as the opening act for the concert.

Winner of Miss UAFS in 2004, Jackson spent several years in Nashville as a country musician, recording an album with a Grammy Awardwinning producer. Her music has been featured on television shows such as “The Good Guys” and “Parenthood,” and her musical group recently performed at the Peacemaker Music and Arts Festival.

Additionally, the Be Pro Be Proud trailer will be set up outside of the Stubblefield Center for students to tour from 4-6 p.m. The trailer, which is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, seeks to raise awareness of the importance and need for skilled technical professionals in Arkansas and the opportunities available for students.

Tickets are available on campus or online. To print tickets, visit uafs.universitytickets.com and click “Community Events.” Pick up tickets in person at the UAFS Box Office in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

Read about the CMT initiative at cmtempoweringeducation.com or follow along on social media using #CMTEmpoweringEducation.

4:30 p.m. pre-concert tailgate party. Doors open at 6 p.m. UAFS Stubblefield Center, 532 Waldron Road, Fort Smith, Ark.

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Sept. 1 An Evening with Styx From 1976-1981, the string of hit albums and singles by Styx just kept coming, including four triple-platinum albums in a row: The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), Cornerstone (1979) and Paradise Theater (1981). Styx is joined by Honeyjack. Tickets from $31. Walmart AMP, 5079 West Northgate Road, Rogers, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org Sept. 1-18 All the Way This play written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Robert Schenkken has also been recognized with a Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Play.

TheatreSquared presents this drama with Lyndon Baines Johnson at the center, dealing with his accidental presidency, towering ambition, the Civil Rights Act, Vietnam – and what it takes to go all the way. There are 17 performances available during September. Ticket prices and times vary. Nadine Baum Studios Studio Theater, 505 West Spring Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 tickets.waltonartscenter.org

Sept. 8-11 Eureka Springs Jazz Festival The many performances and parties of the Eureka Springs Jazz Festival invite fans to a jazz vacation in order to catch all the music. The festival begins with a party on the lawn of the historic Crescent Hotel.

Performers include Rodney Block Collective, Matt & Gus Smith, the Claudia Burson Trio, Calle Soul Band and headliners The Brubeck Brothers Quartet.Tickets for individual events start at $10 or full weekend passes are available. Downtown Eureka Springs, Ark. 479-253-9652 jazzeureka.org

Joshua Bell Sept. 11 Fort Smith Symphony: An Evening with Joshua Bell Joshua Bell, the most famous violinist in the world today, performs with the Fort Smith Symphony in its opening concert. The program includes Wagner: Overture to the Flying Dutchman; RimskyKorsakov: Capriccio espagnol, op. 34 and Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1, op. 26 in G minor, Joshua Bell, violin. Season tickets are available for this performance and all of the 2016-17 symphony season. Season tickets $195, $150; student season tickets $125, $100. Single tickets. $45, $40 adults and $22, $17 student may be available. 7:30 p.m.

ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-7575 fortsmithsymphony.org

Sept. 13 Christopher Barrick Saxophone Concert Dr. Christopher Barrick, head of the Department of Music and Theater at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, will perform a concert titled “The Saxophone: Prohibited.” The concert will feature musical works from the American Prohibition Era, 1920-1933, and Barrick will be accompanied by John Krebs on piano. Free. 7:30 p.m. UAFS Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-488-7300 Sept. 15 Ginny Hudson Flute Concert Ginny Hudson, visiting instructor of music at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, will perform a flute concert. Free. 7:30 p.m. UAFS Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-488-7300

Sir Mix-A-Lot Sept. 16 Sir Mix-A-Lot The rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot is a lot more than“Baby Got Back” but that 1993 hit secured his place in musical fame. He’s been sampled countless times and remains an icon of rap. And he has more to say on this tour. Tickets start at $25. 8 p.m. CenterStage, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla.

800-745-3000 ticketmaster.com Sept. 16 The Step Crew A cast of 11 performers includes dancers and four members of Ireland’s The Chieftans to present Celtic music, song and three styles of percussive dance.

This ensemble of dance and music starts with Irish traditional roots, features vocals by Scot singer Alyth McCormack and includes champion fiddle players of Canada. The UAFS Season of Entertainment presents this performance as its first national touring show this year. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 tickets.uafs.edu The Step Crew

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Sept. 17 Arise: Songs of Hope and Inspiration The South Sebastian County Historical Society presents the acclaimed Arise Ensemble of Wichita, Kan., to perform a concert of historic spirituals in a program that also shares the history and meaning of the songs. A featured soloist of the ensemble is Gerald Norwood, grandson of Greenwood's late Henry Norwood (1850-1952), the subject of a recent Historical Society biography. The Proscelto Chorus of Greenwood High School will join the choir in singing a special selection. Free.

7 p.m. Greenwood Performing Arts Center, 515 East Gary, Greenwood, Ark. Gerald Norwood 479-996-6537

The Quebe Sisters Sept. 20 The Quebe Sisters The Quebe Sisters are triple-threat fiddle champions who play and sing in close harmony, gliding musically from authentic Western Swing to their own original Americana style. Texas sisters Hulda, Sophia and Grace were 7, 10 and 12 when they began to perform publicly. They were soon championed by established artists who would invite them to the stage, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Ray Price, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, Riders in the Sky and many others. $25. 7:30 p.m. The Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 tickets.uafs.edu September 2016 Entertainment Fort Smith 41

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE pyrotechnics will call to mind a grand mix of the styles of past masters such as Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. $40; available online. Season ticket subscriptions are available to the whole AACLive concert series. 7:30 p.m. 801 Media Center, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-9488 AACLive.com

Albert Cummings Sept. 22 AACLive: Albert Cummings Artist, Audience & Community Live! opens its 17th season with Albert Cummings who writes, plays and sings the blues like nobody else. Albert's fiery guitar skills and enormous onstage charisma have made him an international favorite. His barrage of guitar

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Sept. 22-24; 28-Oct. 1 Money Matters Printing money in the basement is the Hammond family business. When the house must change hands, the very heavy printing press presents a dilemma. The counterfeiting family hatches a scheme using psychics, seances and spooky scares to convince outsiders the house is haunted and therefore unsellable. Funny money – funny show.

2 p.m. matinee Sept. 24-25; 7:30 p.m. evening curtain times. Fort Smith Little Theater, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org

Sept. 24 Bluegrass in the Park Bands performing this year are local favorites, Flat Broke and Lonesome, from the Conway area, Big Still River and from southern Missouri, Crazy Mule.

Take your own lawn chairs for a family friendly evening of toe-tappin’ good bluegrass music. The event is sponsored by the Ozark A&P Commission.

Free. 6-10 p.m. Gar Creek Park, U.S. 64 East, Ozark, Ark. 479-667-2525 Sept. 27 Andrew DeBoer Concert Enjoy an evening of music by legendary and awardwinning composers. Works to be played include Brahms's Trio in A minor, Op. 114, Kevin Puts's And Legions Will Rise, and Marc Mellits's Prime. Also playing in the recital will be Tommy Dobbs, percussion; Lori Fay, violin; Tomoko Kashiwagi, piano; Kyung Seu Na, cello; Christopher Barrick, baritone saxophone; Gini Law, piano; and Chase Garner, percussion. Free. 7:30 p.m. The Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 Andrew DeBoer

Ro

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Cox Community Concerts presents

Rodney Atkins and the band Parmalee in free concert

Rodney Atkins

Parmalee

Country music platinum recording artists Proceeds help hometown kids and hunger Rodney Atkins and Parmalee will headline a SEPTEMBER free Cox Community Concert with Arkansas band Backroad Anthem as a special guest at Backroad Anthem Harry E. Kelley Riverpark on Sept. 22.

Twelve thousand free tickets are now available at any Arkansas Cox Solution Store. Tickets are first-come, first-served and are free with the donation of two non-perishable food items per ticket; limit of four tickets at the time of the request.

The donated food will go to the River Valley Regional Foodbank and the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. The concert’s goal is to deliver more than 12,000 pounds of food to regional food banks as part of September’s National Hunger Awareness Campaign.

Rodney Atkins is a Platinum recording artist with six No. 1 hits from his first three albums. Atkins has sold more than 4 million singles, Special guests Backroad Anthem of Fayetteville will open including his smash hit “Take a Back Road.” The east Tennessee native the show at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds of food and drink sales hits on sentiments that strike a chord with country listeners. benefit the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club and Mercy Foundation. Donated food will go to the River Valley Parmalee is one of country music’s most successful new acts. The Food Bank and Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. platinum-selling band of brothers is one of only three groups since 2001 to earn three consecutive Top 10 singles from a debut country album.

Arkansas band Backroad Anthem will open the show at 6:30 p.m.

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and The love of its local fans only increases as Backroad Anthem continues entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, internet, to record and perform after the accidental death of original member telephone and home security and automation services over its own Craig Strickland. The country/rock band from Fayetteville is Toby nationwide IP network. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of Freeman on vocals and electric guitar, fiddler Eric Dysart, guitarist Josh voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers. Cox Media is Bryant, bassist and vocalist Brandon Robold and drummer Isaac Senty. a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and digital media This year’s annual Cox Community Concert is for the benefit of the advertising.

Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs and Mercy Foundation of Fort Smith. The Complimentary tickets are available at any Arkansas Cox Solutions nonprofit partners will split all proceeds from food and beverages sold at Store. Children 3 and under need no ticket. Take lawn chairs or blankets the concert and 100 percent of the money raised will stay in the Fort for seating. Gates open at 6 p.m. and Backroad Anthem opens the Smith area to directly support local programs. For this reason, no food concert at 6:30 p.m. Harry E. Kelley Riverpark, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort or coolers will be allowed inside the gate.

Smith, Ark.

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

LIVE in local clubs

Gilley’s at Choctaw Casino 10 p.m. Guests can listen to free, live music performances while enjoying a beer or cocktail at the full-service bar. Must be 21 or older to attend. Gilley’s, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla.800-745-3000

2 Def Leggend The Def Leppard Tribute band based out of Dallas features veteran musicians that have performed at several House of Blues locations around the U.S. They will perform Def Leppard’s all-time hits like, “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Photograph” and “Hysteria.”

3 Groovement 4 Jesse Dean & Left of Center 9 Rock & Roll Over KISS Tribute Band 10 Asphalt Cowboy 16 DJ Midnite 17 Leah & The Mojo Doctors 23 Keith Horton Band 24 Mayday by Midnight 30 Aces Wild The Sound Room Full restaurant and bar service in a smoke-free, familyfriendly covered outdoor venue.

817 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Fort Smith, Ark. 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30

The Don Bailey Jazz Band TCU vs UA and J.B. & The Moonshine Band NFL on the Big Screen The KLOCKS (FSFOP Fundraiser) The KLOCKS (FSFOP Fundraiser) NFL on the Big Screen Crossroads opening for Mason Jar Oreo Blue NFL on the Big Screen Larry Bedell & The Cradle Rockers

CONCERT alert Sept. 6 Goo Goo Dolls with Collective Soul Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org

Dixie Chicks Sept. 8 – BOK Center, Tulsa Sept. 9 – Verizon Arena, North Little Rock ticketmaster.com Oct. 1 The Lumineers Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org Oct. 2 AMPfest Craft Beer and Music Festival Walmart AMP, Rogers, Ark. tickets.waltonartscenter.org 44

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Free musical entertainment at the Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair Free entertainment happens every day of the fair, Sept. 23-Oct. 1, from concerts in the Hugh Hardin Arena, talent at the Expo Building and bands on the Choctaw Casino Stage. Enjoy free performances after gate admission of $7 adults; $4 children ages 3-11. Ages 2 and under are free. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. arkansasoklahomafair.com Sept. 23 9:30 p.m. Hugh Hardin Arena

Expo Building Free Entertainment SEPT. 23 6 p.m.

Holly Cluck 6:30 p.m. Madison Loris 7 p.m.

Kennedy Holland 7:30 p.m. Ella Mills SEPT. 24 6 p.m.

New Creation Gospel Group

Pop Evil Sept. 24 8 p.m. Hugh Hardin Arena

SEPT. 25 2 p.m.

Stephanie Lynn Woughter 3 p.m.

Arkansas-Oklahoma Fair Pageant Enter by Sept. 22 in age divisions from tot to teen. Entertainment by Kaitlyn Alexandra Culver and Kerstein Cheyenne Kane.

SEPT. 26 7 p.m.

The CW Youth Talent Show Up to 10 finalists will be chosen for ages 10 to 15 and up to 10 finalists ages 16-21 will perform in this final round of performances.

Enter online by Sept. 12 via video and online forms at the website thearkansascwcrew.com

SEPT. 27 7 p.m.

Diva Dance Studios 7:30 p.m. Anderson Terry SEPT. 28 6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Teachers Band Teachers Band Brittany McConnell Lee Altman

SEPT. 29 6 p.m.

BBQ Bill & The Smokin' Chickens SEPT. 30 6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Chance 2 Dance Keli Pyle Niki Waters Jordan Jones

OCT. 1 6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Rosemary Johnson Nissa Greenmyer Kerstein Kane Kaitlyn Alexandra Culver

Sept. 29 8 p.m. Hugh Hardin Arena

Old Dominion Sept. 30 8 p.m. Hugh Hardin Arena

Oct. 2 9:15 p.m. Hugh Hardin Arena September 2016

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KIDS

Anna Claire Tilley (clockwise from left) scouts the site for the first Hammock Hangout, hangs out with Kaci Tucker and presents her project to the Fort Smith parks commission.

I

n the next two years – if not sooner – there could be places for 50 convenient and safe hammocking areas in several Fort Smith parks.

In an effort to begin my Girl Scout Silver Award, I began looking at community needs. The award is the highest a girl sixth through eighth grade can earn. The Silver Award is similar to the Boy Scout Eagle Project.

For a girl’s Silver Award, she must: analyze community needs, create a team of stakeholders and conduct a sustainable community project that takes more than 50 hours. It prepares girls for real-life situations based upon what project she chooses. It also prepares girls for the Gold Award, the highest a girl between ninth and 12th grade can earn.

I love being outdoors and wanted to share that love with the community – but I didn’t know how. A Girl Scout troop in Fayetteville built a Hammock Hotel in Wilson Park and I thought that would make a great project because many of my friends enjoy hammocking. So, in an IHOP parking lot, the process began. Plans were made to meet the Fayetteville troop and discuss their process. I called a member of the Fort Smith parks committee to get advice on who to talk to next and visited some Fort Smith parks to find a good location.

After meeting with the Fayetteville Girl Scouts, I was able to form a plan and project that would best fit our park needs. I talked to a few park commissioners to see if the idea was feasible. Everyone I talked to thought it was a great idea, so I created a proposal and a slideshow to pitch my idea to the parks committee.

My vision for the Hammock Hangout is to increase park usage, increase outdoor activities for the youth and to have a Hammock Hangout in every Fort Smith park – beginning with Creekmore Park.

Hanging hammocks can damage trees and, since hammocking is a growing hobby, this is a major concern. Adding a Hammock Hangout will decrease the amount of damage to trees in the area and provide a safe hammocking location.

The Hammock Hangout at Creekmore Park will be set in a hexagonal shape with the posts 15 feet apart. They will be set in concrete 5 feet below ground; eye hooks will be 6 feet above ground – the ideal hammocking height. We will begin building at Creekmore as soon as possible. However, to avoid the holiday lighting season, it may be the project will be completed before spring break.

The Parks Commission voted unanimously to go forward with the project. The day following my presentation, Sen. Jake Files, who represents Fort Smith, called. He wanted to know more about the plan. Following my presentation to him, he agreed to fund a $5,000 grant that would allow expansion of the Hammock Hangout to different Fort Smith parks. I am working with the parks department on park selections and how each Hangout can be unique.

This is one of several Girl Scout Silver and Gold Award projects being developed for our community. Girl Scouts are working on foreign language kits to help expose preschool children to various languages, building “Little Free Libraries,” creating an outreach orchestra group to take music into nursing homes and developing STEM-literacy interactive book clubs for Girls Inc. to help build girls’ reading levels.

Anna Claire Tilley, 13, is the daughter of Angela and Michael Tilley. She is an eighth-grader at Chaffin Junior High School in Fort Smith and has been with the Girl Scouts for nine years.

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KIDS calendar of events

Pokemon Go ... To Your Library SEPTEMBER

Players of all ages are invited to a Poke Lure Party at each branch.

Librarians will set out non-stop Pokelure, which will attract nearby Pokemon, every 30 minutes for three hours. Take advantage of the library Pokestop and explore books and other great free resources. Sept. 26 is Metapod Monday at the Dallas Branch, Sept. 27, Tauros Tuesday at the Miller Branch; Sept. 27, Weedle Wednesday at the Windsor Branch; Sept.

29, Tentacool Thursday at the Main Branch. Free.

3-6 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-4845650 fortsmithlibrary.org

26-29

Sept. 1-29 Games and Crafts All ages are welcome for games, crafts, and more. Sept. 29 will be Lego Brick Builders day. Free. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 1-30 Golden Tickets at the Library Help the Fort Smith Public Library celebrate the birthday of Roald Dahl, author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (Sept. 13). All library locations will be hiding golden tickets in randomly selected audiovisual materials (audiobooks, CDs and DVDs) throughout the month. Check out an audiovisual item to find out if you are a winner. Golden tickets can be redeemed for a scrumptious treat at the library’s front desk. Free. All Fort Smith Public Libraries, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 1-30 National Library Card Sign-up Month Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children.

Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning. If you don’t have a library card, this is the perfect time to apply. If you do have one, come and see what your library card can do. There’s no better place than the library to have fun – it’s a place the whole family can enjoy. Free bookmarks will be given away at all Fort Smith Public Library locations.

All children who sign up for their first library card will receive a free paperback book, provided by the Friends of the Library. Library cards are free to Fort Smith city residents age 5 and older. A parent or legal guardian must apply in person for children ages 5-15. Present identification with current street address, such as a driver’s license, bank check or utility bill. Free. Library hours. Fort Smith Public Libraries, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 3 Kids Imagination Festival Live entertainment, vendors, food, games, prizes, crafts, raffles and more. Proceeds benefit more art classes for children. Donations accepted. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cre8tive Arts Network, 7408 Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-312-7111 facebook.com/kidsinspiringkidsimaginationart

Sept. 3 Children's Program: Join the Civil War Infantry Do you think you have what it takes to be a Civil War infantry soldier? Hot uniforms, long marches in uncomfortable shoes, deplorable food and some very rustic equipment. That's not to mention the stress of combat. Come meet with Ranger Cody during this children's program and learn about the uniform and equipment of a Civil War soldier including drilling on a wooden musket. The program will include the blank firing of a musket, as well. Call for reservations. Free.

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3961 nps.gov/fosm

Sept. 4 Ice Cream Social The Fort Smith Museum of History's Annual Ice Cream Social is an end of summer tradition. The Sunday before Labor Day, enjoy all-you-can-eat ice cream in the museum’s old-fashioned soda fountain. Build your own sundae from a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings. All proceeds benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History. The Fort Smith Museum of History Ice Cream Social was voted the Best History Event for 2015 in Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine's Readers Favorites Poll. $5 per person. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Sept. 5 Teen Book Club Read and discuss a good book. The club decides together what to read in the upcoming months. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Sept. 5-26 Story Time Read books, sing songs and do crafts together. Free. 10 a.m. Mondays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

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KIDS EVENTS

Sept. 6 Scout Blitz Hear about all the fun things girls who join Girl Scout get to do and learn during this visit from a regional Girl Scout representative. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Sept. 6-27 Baby & Me Babies birth to 3 years and caregivers can participate in songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story and play time. This is an opportunity for social interaction with both babies and their adults. This program supports early literacy and language skills. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 6-27 Teen Time Teens can get creative. Free. 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept.7-28 Toddler to Preschool Story Time Toddlers to preschool children will enjoy stories with a special theme with fun time and refreshments.

Themes will include the alphabet, numbers, donuts and dogs. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 7-28 Cedarville Preschool Story Time On Sept. 7, in honor of Roald Dahl and the first story

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time of the year, the library will be having a “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” party. Read the story, have a fun activity and eat some yummy chocolaty treats.

Snow White herself will read to children on Sept. 14.

There’s a piggy story time and activity on Sept. 21. Dinosaur story time is set for Sept. 28. Free. 10 a.m.

Wednesdays. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Sept. 7-28 Mulberry Story Time Story time will have books about the fair and color.

Sept. 21 is about Pete the Cat and everyone is invited to wear blue. Sept. 28 is Eric Carle Day. Children are welcome to enjoy a story and stay for a craft and snacks. Free. 10 a.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Sept. 7-28 Van Buren Preschool Story Time Learn about teddy bears, hats and pirates. Refreshments are provided. Free. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 7-28 Van Buren Teen Time Teens can play and enjoy a variety of games. Free.

3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 7-28 After School Craft and Homework Help Kids ages 8-16 are invited to hang out after school and receive help with homework assignments, or, if

homework is done, learn to make something cool.

Free. 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Sept. 9 Star Party The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society will have their telescopes set up on the north side of Wells Lake to view the night sky. Everyone is invited to visit with the astronomers and view the stars and planets.

Free. 7:30 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993

Sept. 8 Teen Advisory Council A teen advisory council is a group of teens interested in becoming more involved in their community and library. Teens work with the librarians to decide what their group would like to do. Teens can give input on library YA collections, help lead/create programming, volunteer at events, organize community service projects and influence how their library serves young people. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Sept. 8, 15 Learn About the Community School of the Arts Dr. Rosilee Walker will introduce the new Community School of the Arts for youth, which will begin classes Oct. 1, for after-school, evening and weekend activities in music, theatre, dance and art. Performances, productions and exhibits that are family friendly and family focused will provide students the opportunity to present their craft. Walker is the former director of the

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KIDS EVENTS Academy of the Arts. Faculty members who formerly taught at the Academy of the Arts will be teaching at CSA. Upcoming classes include art, chamber string, children’s theater, Drums Alive, pre-K MusikGarten, private instruction and a youth theater company. Call or go online to register. 4-6 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, and 4-5:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue,Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655

Sept. 8 Umoja Soul Story Time Each month there will be a different person from the community sharing stories about fearless trailblazers.

Free. 6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Sept. 8 Grandparents Day Craft Make a craft to show grandparents how much you love and appreciate them. Refreshments will be served. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 9 Bingo for Books Play bingo, meet new friends and win books. All players go home with at least one book. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 9-11 Western Arkansas Ballet Junior Championship Tennis Tournament Matches will be held at Creekmore Park and at Ben Geren Regional Park. Tournament check-in is at Creekmore Park Tennis Center. All Level 6 is Saturday only. Each player will receive a gift. There will be Ping Pong challenges throughout the tournament and pizza will be available for lunch on Saturday. All proceeds from this tournament are divided between the Nancy Wood and Ray Moore Scholarship Funds, which provide need-based scholarships to students of Western Arkansas Ballet. Register online by Sept. 6. Entry fees from $10-$30. Creekmore Park Tennis Center, 3303 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152

Sept. 10 Elks Annual Special Needs, Youth Fishing Derby This fishing derby is tailored for kids ages 2 to 12 and all ages with special needs. Registration begins at 8 a.m., fishing competition at 9 a.m. and will end at 11:30 a.m. Only fish caught by registered youth will be measured and entered into the competition. Prizes will be awarded during a free picnic lunch from 1212:30. Youth will compete in three age categories: 4 years and younger, ages 5-8 and 9-12. Special needs anglers will compete according to age and/or disability. A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be available for contestants. If possible, entrants should take their own tackle and bait. Prizes will be awarded for the most fish caught and largest fish in each age category. Participants and their families will be treated to a free picnic lunch by the Elks Lodge Master Grillers. Elroy the Elk will give out goodie bags and pose for photos. The Elks Drug Awareness trailer will hand out free materials. The Sebastian County Sheriff Office will give a K-9 Unit demonstration and the Fort Smith Fire Department provide safety training. Free. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wells Lake, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks.org September 2016

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Sept. 12, 19, 26 Lap Time Story Time Babies and their caregivers are invited to this special story time geared toward children birth to 24 months old. There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories and lots of interactive fun. The story time will last around 20 minutes, with time for casual interaction after the program. Free. 10:30 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

Sept. 12 Cuentos para Niños en Español: Celebrando La Herencia Hispana 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. 479783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 12, 19, 26 Teen Time Enjoy a variety of activities each week. The last Monday of the month, those who come can try their hand at simple cooking. Refreshments served. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 13 Roald Dahl Day Celebrate author Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday by dropping by the Youth Services Department at the Main Library for an afternoon of festivities. Events will begin

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with a showing of the original “BFG” from 1992 at 3:30 p.m., followed by fun activities related to the wondrous books of beloved author Roald Dahl. Participants will have a chance to win a Roald Dahl door prize! Free. 3:30-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 13, 20, 27 Crazy 8 Club: Math Meets Mischief Join the Crazy 8 Club for grades 3-5, to build stuff, run and jump, make music, make a mess … it’s a totally new kind of math club. Register to join. Supplies are limited. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Sept. 14 Curious George Story Time: Happy Birthday H.A. Rey! Celebrate the birthday of children’s book author H.A. Rey with this story time spotlighting Curious George.

Preschool Story time features stories, crafts and snacks. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

Sept. 15 Hispanic Heritage Bingo Kids of all ages are invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a round or two of Hispanic Heritage Bingo after school. Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from Sept 15-Oct. 15, recognizes contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrates their heritage and culture. Free. 3:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 15 Spanish Story Time Mrs. Norma leads the magic of stories through reading, singing and other fun activities in Spanish. Free.

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

Sept. 15 Western Arkansas Ballet Studio Showing Western Arkansas Ballet will showcases its pre-professional company's choreography for the 2016-2017 season. See dancers perform and meet the staff in the newly refreshed studio. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Sept. 16 Pre-Nutcracker Audition Workshop Learn about the audition process for “The Nutcracker.”

Girls and boys ages 6-12 will learn how to prepare to audition, including what to wear and hints for a successful audition and dance practice. Separate classes will be given for boys and girls. Benefits the Western Arkansas Ballet Guild. Tickets, $20, available online.

4:30-6 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Sept. 16 Pirate Party and Story Time Special pirate story time in celebration of “Talk Like a Pirate Day!” This themed story time for preschoolers will feature fun pirate stories, silly pirate songs, a pirate craft and snacks. No registration is necessary. Free.

10 a.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org

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Sept. 17 Wii Games Kids ages 12-18 are invited to play Nintendo Wii games. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-4101853

Sept. 17 Open Auditions for The Nutcracker Western Arkansas Ballet will hold open auditions for the 31st annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Candidates should be at least 6 years old with at least two years’ experience in dance and/or gymnastics. Parts are available for adults and boys with little or no dance experience. Dress in appropriate dance clothing. Audition times for girls: Ages 6-8 – registration 10-10:30 a.m., audition 10:30 a.m.-noon; ages 9-10 – registration 12-12:30 p.m., audition 12:30-2 p.m.; ages 11 and up – registration 2-2:30 p.m., audition 2:30-3:30 p.m. Audition times for boys: ages 6-8, registration 10:30-11 a.m., audition 11 a.m.-noon; ages 9-10 – registration 12:30-1 p.m., audition 1-2 p.m.; ages 11 and up, registration 2:30-3 p.m., audition 3-3:30 p.m. This annual production gives WAB’s students, as well as the community, an opportunity to perform Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 10-11. The production features more 100 local children and adults and professional artists. Western Arkansas Ballet, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Sept. 17 Girl Scouts Art in the Outdoors Girl Scouts and girls interested in learning more about Girl Scouting are invited to enjoy some art in the outdoors. Take a sack lunch and drink. Dress for weather, including closed toe shoes, bug spray and sunscreen.

There is no charge for the event but please bring a donation of school supplies for area foster children. To register please send names and ages of girls to fortsmithserviceunit424@gmail.com by Sept. 9. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Girl Scout Office at Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-8980

Sept. 17 Hunter Education Course Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in Arkansas. This course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting and is open to all ages. Free. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Sept. 17 Reptile Mania!

Snake enthusiasts Brad Birchfield and Jeremy Sloan as present living reptiles from their extensive collection of native venomous and non-venomous snakes.

The program addresses facts and myths about snakes and details conservation efforts in Arkansas. Free. 12 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 lakefortsmith@arkansas.com 54

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Sept. 19 LEGO Club: Pirates!

Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create and build unique creations with the LEGO Club. Celebrate “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” Everyone loves LEGOs and supplies are provided. Free. 5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Sept. 20 Evening Canoes on Wells Lake Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Participants are required to wear life jackets, which are provided. Free. 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Sept. 21 Fall is Here Story Time Celebrate the changing of seasons with this special autumn-themed story time featuring stories, crafts and snacks. Free. 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 22 First Day of Fall Celebrate the first day of fall by making crafts for the coming autumn season. Refreshments served. Free.

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

Sept. 23 Library Card Blitz In honor of National Library Card Sign Up Month, all ages are encouraged to get a library card at the Mulberry Library. Check out books about dogs, see a dog demonstration, adopt a dog, eat pizza and see a Snoopy movie. Prize drawing for a $10 Dollar General gift card and a bundle of books. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Sept. 24 Girl Scouts: Scavenger Hunt, Scout-Style Girl Scouts and girls interested in finding out more about Girl Scouting will learn to use letterboxing, geocaching, orienteering and compass work to solve some fun Girl Scout mysteries. There is no charge for this event but please bring a donation of paper products for the elderly. Register by emailing names and ages of girls to fortsmithserviceunit424@gmail.com

by Sept. 17. 1-3 p.m. Girl Scout Office at Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-8980 Sept. 24 Fab Five National Hunting and Fishing Day Event All ages are invited to play just for fun! Free. Noon.

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

Sept. 26 Kids Kicking Cancer An activity-based support program for children ages 7-17 with a cancer diagnosis, siblings of a child with a cancer diagnosis and children with a caregiver with a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is hard but life can still be fun. Activities and games at each session. Sponsored

by Western Arkansas Guidance and Counseling. Preregistration required for new participants. Free. 6-7

p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org

Sept. 29 Bookworms: Kid’s Book Club Discuss the book “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett.

Chasing Vermeer is the first in a series of novels featuring the characters Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay.

When strange things begin to happen and a priceless Vermeer painting goes missing, Petra and Calder team up to solve the mystery. This novel has been described as “a puzzle, wrapped in a mystery, disguised as an adventure and delivered as a work of art.” Free.

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

Sept. 30 Movie Time Enjoy an after-school movie. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479410-1853 Sept. 30-Oct. 1 129th Annual St. Boniface Catholic School Lawn Social The St. Boniface School Lawn Social will have more than 25 booths for kids of all ages. The family carnival includes food, games, a silent auction, train rides, bingo, a Kiddie Korner, a giant slide and paint ball. Admission is free with affordable game tickets. 5-10 p.m.

St. Boniface Catholic School, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-6601 stbonifaceschool.org

Oct. 8 Lake Fort Smith Astronomy Day Explore the sky in daytime at Lake Fort Smith State Park celebrates Astronomy Day. At the visitor center, members of the Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society provide specially filtered telescopes for solar viewing, meteorites for hands-on examination, astronomy related photos and videos and information on how to become a member. Free. Noon-4 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Spring Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 Oct. 8 Star Gazing on Astronomy Day Explore the night sky with Arkansas/Oklahoma Astronomical Society (AOAS) members. At the marina boat launch parking lot, AOAS members will share a number of telescopes for viewing. Take your own scopes and binoculars as well as chairs and blankets for seating. Free. 7-10 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

Oct. 10 Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters When a great African king desires a wife, the most perfect maidens in the land are invited to meet him.

Mufaro's two daughters travel through a mystical jungle to be presented to the king. Along the way, they encounter a number of situations that test their kindness, compassion and strength of spirit. Told with authentic African drumming and powerful choreography, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters unmasks the true meaning of beauty and celebrates the splendor of Africa. This show is suggested for children ages 512. School discounts available. $10-$15. 9:30 a.m.

Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

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Sept. 1 Pink Heals Fire Truck at Choctaw Casino Firefighters from the Pink Heals Fire Truck will be decked out in all pink raising awareness for local community members that have been affected by cancer.

The program began in 2007 and helps raise funds for the people in the community, rather than the cause.

All local residents that are cancer survivors, currently fighting cancer or know someone that is fighting are urged to stop by the property and sign the truck. All donations will be given directly back to the residents of the River Valley. The firefighters will be making house calls to those too sick to participate. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Choctaw Casino Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 972-345-0990 Sept. 1 Adult Craft Party Adults and seniors will be making duck tape lanyards that can be used for many things, such as camera straps, keychains and badges. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 1 Kids Outfit Sewing Class Learn how to put together a two-piece kids outfit. The kit of sock monkey fabric will be provided. Working with the appliqué technique will be a part of the project. $30. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351

Hell on the Border State Criterium Championship In association with the Arkansas Bicycle Coalition, Fort Smith will host the 2nd Annual Hell on the Border Arkansas State Criterium Championships. This event marks the end of the 2016 Arkansas road racing season and athletes from across the state and region come to compete for a State Championship Jersey. Located on historic Garrison Avenue – one of the widest main streets in the nation – spectators will experience the excitement as groups of 30plus competitive riders race at speeds exceeding 35 mph. New for this year will be kids races and an expo area for vendors.

Start/Finish will be located near 8th Street and Garrison Avenue. There will be $4,500 in prize money. The kids races, open to ages 6-9, begin at 12:30 p.m. There also is a junior race category for ages 9-18. Register online at bikereg.com/2016-arkansas-statecriterium. Registration, which ends Sept. 9, is $40. Same day registration will be $45 and will be open one hour prior to first race. Parking will be at 800 Rogers Avenue and in the parking garage at 715 Rogers Avenue. Prizes range from merchandise to $1,250.

8 a.m. Garrison Avenue at 8th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-479-3267 arstatecrit.com

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Sept. 1, 15 Rivervalley Artisan Market An evening market held in shady Creekmore Park has live music, vendors such as artists and crafters, local produce for sale, sunset yoga, food trucks and more family-friendly fun. Take blankets or lawn chairs for seating. The market is open to new vendors who make application and is held on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Free admission. 5-10 p.m. Creekmore Park, 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. FacebookRivervalley Artisan Market Sept. 1-4 Vintage Sports & Memorabilia Show Visit a variety of sports memorabilia vendors throughout the mall, during regular mall hours. Free. 10 a.m.9 p.m. Central Mall, 5111 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1866 CentralMallFortSmith.com

Sept. 1-30 National Library Card Sign-up Month Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

If you don’t have a library card, this is the perfect time to apply. If you do have one, come and see what your library card can do. There’s no better place than the library to have fun – it’s a place the whole family can enjoy. Free bookmarks will be given away at all Fort Smith Public Library locations. All children who sign up for their first library card will receive a free paperback book, provided by the Friends of the Library. Library cards are free to Fort Smith city residents age 5 and older. A parent or legal guardian must apply in person for children ages 5-15. Present identification with current street address, such as a driver’s license, bank check or utility bill. Free. Library hours. Fort Smith Public Libraries, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 September 2016 Entertainment Fort Smith 57

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Sept. 1-30 Survivors Challenge Registration for Over the Edge Register to take the challenge of going “Over the Edge” of First National Bank in rappelling gear to raise funds for cancer patients in this community through the Reynolds Cancer Support House. In this new event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Survivors’ Challenge campaign, a few will dare to rappel down the side of the eight-story building. The first 90 entrants to register and raise pledges of $1,000 will make the descent. To participate, entrants must weigh a minimum of 100 pounds and less than 300 pounds and be 18 on or before Oct. 15. Previous rappelling experience is not required. The equipment, practices and procedures of the descents are approved by federal and state OSHA and IRATA governing bodies. This event has been held by nonprofits across the United States and Canada, rappelling thousands of participants, and operated by Over the Edge. Register online with a $50 commitment donation that will be counted toward the $1,000 pledge requirement. Those who qualify to rappel will be added to an “Edgers” Facebook group to receive more information and become eligible for special incentive prizes. Register online also for the 25th Annual Survivors Challenge Arkansas Grand Prix Series 10K Race, 5K Run/Walk and Celebration Walk to be held Oct. 15, as well. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org Sept. 1-30 Welcome Neighbors Meet and Greet Ladies who want to know more about the community, make friends and have fun are welcome. Join Welcome Neighbor activities such as a book club, day trips and an annual charity auction. Refreshments will be served. Free. 9:30-11 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library-Carnegie Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5846

Sept. 1-30 Miller Branch Library Artist of the Month: Doris Hampton Fort Smith native Doris Hampton will showcase her original paintings at the Miller Branch Library. Hampton started painting at 55 and has attended many artist workshops in Oklahoma and Missouri; she feels fortunate to have been able to study under several wellknown artists. Her acrylic and oil paintings feature mainly landscapes. Free. Library hours. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org

Art Exhibition: Sally Hart The original artwork SEPTEMBER of Sally Hart features a variety of mediums and styles OCTOBER with introspective works putting innermost feelings on canvas. Sally likes to take everyday objects and cast offs and bring them to life in a new way. The exhibition will feature photography, oils, collage and found art. Free. Fort Smith Public Library Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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Sept. 1-30 Golden Tickets at the Library Help the Fort Smith Public Library celebrate the birthday of Roald Dahl, author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (Sept. 13). All library locations will be hiding golden tickets in randomly selected audiovisual materials (audiobooks, CDs and DVDs) throughout the month. Check out an audiovisual item to find out if you are a winner. Golden tickets can be redeemed for a scrumptious treat at the library’s front desk. Free.

All Fort Smith Public Libraries, Fort Smith, Ark. 479783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Sept. 1-30 Library Card Sign Up Month During normal business hours, sign up for a free library card in September and be entered to win a prize.

Already have a card? Stop by the front desk and show

your card and you will be entered, as well. Free. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m Monday-Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 2-30 Knitting & Crochet Club and Class Knit and crochet with others. Take a project you’re working on or learn to crochet or knit from other members. 1 p.m. Fridays. Free. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Sept. 2, 16 & 30 Redwork Redwork is a form of embroidery in which floss is used to trace simple line drawings in stitching. It became popular during the Victorian era as women searched for new ways to decorate. Tea towels and table cloths are popular projects. To learn redwork from experienced embroiderers, take an embroidery needle, embroidery loop, floss, envelopes and a shoe box. 12:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Sept. 2-12 Sept. 11 Memorial Exhibit A collection of photographs taken by news and civilian photographers during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York will be exhibited near the Campus Center fireplace. This exhibit was established with the leadership of Fort Smith resident Carmen Taylor, who was present and captured an iconic image she shared with The Associated Press and which was published worldwide and received distinguished news awards. Her photograph and others taken that day came at a beginning of the rise of digital photography and of reporting by citizen journalists. In addition to the news value of the historic tragedy it depicted, the exhibit reflected a life-changing experience for the photographers who took risks to document the crime itself, the heroism of emergency responders and the reaction of bystanders and victims. Some photographers were injured and all experienced profound personal reactions. Some of these personal stories are told in the placards with each photo. UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.edu Sept. 3 First Saturdays at the Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing Open house and garden tours. Get hints for gardening in the heat, using irrigation and other strategies. The open house is held rain or shine. Free. 9 a.m.-noon.

Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardener Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-522-1695 learningfields.atcc.org Sept. 3-5 65th Annual Clothesline Fair This Ozarks arts & crafts exhibition started in 1951 with artists hanging their works on clotheslines. Now, there are more than 100 craft booths with vendors demonstrating and selling their wares. Living history, musical entertainment and square dancing are all traditional at this celebration. Refreshments are available from non-profit vendors. Admission free; parking on grounds $5. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove, Ark. 479-846-2990

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Sept. 3-4 Rats To Riches Car Show A rat rod, rat bike, shop truck-only car show also includes a swap meet, tattoo expo and concerts by the Derailers, Miles Williams, Reverend Horton Heat and the White Collar Side Show. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-6176

Sept. 3-24 Guided Hike A member of the education staff will lead a hike every Saturday morning. Dress for the weather and don’t forget your camera. Free. 10 a.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Sept. 3-28 Van Buren Farmers Market Every Wednesday and Saturday from through December, local farmers and craftspeople display their produce and art at the Van Buren Farmers Market. Find locally sourced produce, eggs, jellies, jams and more.

7 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Saturdays. Van Buren Public Library parking lot, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-259-7517 Facebook/VanBurensFarmersMarket

Sept. 4 Ice Cream Social The Fort Smith Museum of History's Annual Ice Cream Social is an end of summer tradition. The Sunday before Labor Day, enjoy all-you-can-eat ice cream in the museum’s old-fashioned soda fountain. Build your own sundae from a variety of ice cream flavors

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and toppings. All proceeds benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History. The Fort Smith Museum of History Ice Cream Social was voted the Best History Event for 2015 in Entertainment Fort Smith magazine's Readers Favorites Poll. $5. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Sept. 5 Deadline for Entry: The Place for Art at the River Submit to Pat Little’s 16th annual art exhibition. Paintings, drawings, mixed media, quilts, sculpture and all family-friendly art will be accepted. $15 submission fee; 15 percent commission goes to local charities.

Call to enter. The event will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 1.

Riverfront Pavilion, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1459

Sept. 5-26 Dance Like the Stars Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach beginners dance lessons from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and advanced lessons from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The type of dance changes on the first Monday of every month for both beginners and advanced. The dress attire is casual. $5. 6-9 p.m.

Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Eagles Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578

Sept. 6 Sewing Machine Cover Class Learn to make a dust cover for your sewing machine.

The kit will be provided and the materials are vinyl and sewing-notion themed fabric. $25. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351

Sept. 6-10 Fayetteville Film Fest In its eighth year, the festival is an advocate for films and filmmakers as they enter the marketplace. The fest offers panels and other events along with screenings of original, independent films. Documentaries, shorts, animated films and features will be screened with filmmakers present for discussion. The selected films include high school and college filmmakers. Festival pass to all films, screenings, workshops and VIP after-parties, $40 in advance; single screenings, $5 each in advance. Headquartered at the Global Campus Building, 2 East Center Street, Fayetteville, Ark. fayettevillefilmfest.org

Sept. 6-Oct. 6 Conversational Spanish Level I Would you like to learn to speak conversational Spanish? The instructor is willing to customize the class according to the needs of the individual participants.

For example, if the students need industrial vocabulary, the instructor will develop a curriculum to address industrial vocabulary needs. $80. Classes meet 6-7:50 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sign up today.

Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 Sept. 7 Adult Book Club Join in reading and discussing of a good book. Members help to choose the club’s reading list. Stay after this meeting to learn about the Adult Education Center, as well as volunteer opportunities with the Literary Council. Free. 2 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

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Sept. 7 Open House: Crawford County Adult Education Center and The Literacy Council There are many opportunities to learn and to serve at both the Crawford County Adult Education Center and The Literacy Council. Volunteers are sought. 3:30 p.m.

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

Sept. 7-24 CAE Adult Art Competition Exhibit and Reception Enjoy the entrants and award-winners selected for exhibit in the Center for Art & Education’s Adult Art Competition. Original work of the last two years in watercolor, oil, acrylic, pen & ink, pastel, charcoal, colored pencil, print-making, mixed media and found object art were accepted for entry in this juried contest with cash prizes. Many of the works are available for purchase. An opening reception will be held 1-4 p.m.

Sept. 11. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. TuesdaySaturday. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org Sept. 8 Learn About the Community School of the Arts Dr. Rosilee Walker will introduce the new Community School of the Arts for youth, which will begin classes Oct. 1, for after-school, evening and weekend activities in music, theatre, dance and art. Performances, productions and exhibits that are family friendly and family focused will provide students the opportunity to present their craft to others. Walker is the former director of the Academy of the Arts. Faculty members who formerly taught at the Academy of the Arts will be teaching at CSA. Upcoming classes include art,

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chamber string, children’s theater, Drums Alive, preK MusikGarten, private instruction and a youth theater company. Registration is available online or by phone.

4-6 p.m. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655 csafortsmith.com Sept. 8 Umoja Soul Story Time Take the family out for a special treat where each month there will be a different person from the community sharing stories about fearless trailblazers. This community story time event is intended for all ages.

Free. 6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 9 Leaders on Main Get your motivation before work during the first week of this special series for the fall featuring local, regional and sometimes national leadership speakers. Listen, meet and speak to Josh Foliart, pastor, motivational, leadership speaker and author. The series is offered

by Leadercast-Van Buren. 7:15-8 a.m. Chapters on Main, Van Buren, Ark.

Sept. 9 Star Party The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society will have their telescopes set up on the north side of Wells Lake to view the night sky. Everyone is invited to visit with the astronomers and view the stars and planets.

Free. 7:30 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993

Sept. 9-11 Megaphone Summit 2016 A conference for bloggers, social media influencers, PR professionals, corporate marketers and writers.

The seminar’s keynote speaker is Peg Fitzpatrick, author of a social media power tips book. The conference also features entrepreneur Patricia Barnes, chef, cookbook author and the person behind the Sister Shubert brand. Opportunities exist for communication and PR professionals to polish their skills, hone tricks of the trade and uncover emerging industry trends.

Prices vary. Chancellor Hotel, 70 North East Avenue, Fayetteville, Ark. megaphone summit.com Sept. 9, 23 Writers Group Meet with other writers on the second and fourth Friday of every month to share your work, give encouragement and offer suggestions. 10 a.m. Free.

Mountainburg Public Library. 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Sept. 9, 23 Redwork Have fun and make new friends in a redwork embroidery class. All experience levels are welcome. Take your own supplies. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-4746045 Sept. 9-Oct. 9 Farewell Reunion A reunion of longtime River Valley fine artists will take place at Ralph Irwin's Western Legacy Gallery in historic downtown Van Buren. This reunion is bittersweet

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS as the community bids farewell to Patricia Lappin and Peter and Margaret Lippincotts as they move on to the next chapter of their distinguished careers outside of Arkansas. Fellow artist Shawn Adair rounds out a stellar grouping of top local artists. Twenty-five percent of the gallery's proceeds from the sale of participating artists’ work will go to benefit Van Buren's Center for Art and Education. Wine and cheese will be served. Free. 6-9 p.m. Western Legacy Gallery of Fine Art, 627 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-650-2525

Sept. 10 The Single Parent Expo Resources for single parents such as babysitting, education information, scholarship information for parents, financial development, employment information and more. Childcare will be provided. Kids can enjoy movies, games, face painting, fire trucks and more.

Raffle tickets will be provided for give aways such as hair cuts for kids, a gift basket and more. Single parents also will have an opportunity to sign up for future events such as cooking classes, parenting workshops with topics such as businesses for singles, ACT & SAT Prep for high school students, financial investments for Single Parents and more. Parents will get to sign up for Single Parents Day Out, and receive mentoring for their children and more. Register online at tinyurl.com/DVSingleParentExpo. Free. 3-6 p.m.

Community Bible Church, 9201 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. Facebook/DivineVillageofFortSmith Sept. 10 6th Annual Relay for Life Gospel/Bluegrass Singing Fundraiser includes gospel singing and bluegrass. The gospel groups are The Parnells, Diamond State Trio and The Kizers. Living Water from Lavaca, Ark., will perform bluegrass. Enjoy hamburgers or hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad and drinks for $6. Deserts (homemade pies and cakes) will be $2.50 per slice.

Bid in a silent auction and enter a drawing for a Browning 20 gauge BPS Shotgun. 2-6 p.m. Greenwood Fair Barn, 530 East Knoxville, Greenwood, Ark. 479-461-3792 Sept. 10 Beginner's Yoga Workshop This workshop covers the fundamentals of a yoga practice. Learn about the history and fundamentals of yoga, as well as moving through a well-rounded physical practice. $25. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187

Sept. 10 Elks Annual Special Needs, Youth Fishing Derby This fishing derby is tailored for kids ages 2 to 12 and all ages of youth and adults with special needs. Registration begins at 8 a.m., fishing competition at 9 a.m. and will end at 11:30 a.m. Only fish caught by registered youth will be measured and entered into the competition. Prizes will be awarded during a free picnic lunch from 12-12:30. Youth will compete in three age categories: 4 years and younger, ages 5-8 and 912. Special needs anglers will compete according to age and/or disability. A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be available for contestants. If possible, entrants should take their own tackle and bait. Prizes will be awarded for the most fish caught and largest fish in each age category. All participants and their families will be treated to a free picnic lunch by the Elks Lodge Master Grillers at noon. Elroy the Elk will be on hand to give out goodie bags and pose for photos. The Elks Drug Awareness trailer will be onsite

handing out free materials. The Sebastian County Sheriff Office will give a K-9 Unit demonstration and the Fort Smith Fire Department provide safety training.

Pre-registration is not required. Free. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wells Lake, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks.org

Sept. 10 Great Arkansas River Clean-Up Volunteer to clean up the Arkansas River? Call to register for this local Keep Arkansas Beautiful River CleanUp day. Participants will clean up litter in the Arkansas River near Lock and Dam 13 in the water and on the shore with Keep Van Buren Beautiful. Free.

10 a.m.-noon. Lee Creek Boat Ramp, Lee Creek Road, Van Buren, Ark. 479-459-4238 Sept. 10 Bow Pillow Class Learn to make a fancy pillow in the shape of a bow.

These pillows will be perfect for dorm rooms, gift giving or even a fun accent to your own home. $25. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351

Sept. 10 Wings of Hope Memorial Butterfly Release Hosted by the River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance, this year’s Wings of Hope Memorial Butterfly Release will be at the River Valley Nature Center. Assemble on the back deck overlooking Wells Lake to honor survivors and remember the friends and family lost to ovarian cancer. Dozens of Painted Lady butterflies will be released. Refreshments will be served. Free. 10 a.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-7042

Sept. 10 Lights of Hope – The Addict’s Mom A ceremony symbolizing hope and support for those whose lives have been shattered by, or lost to, addiction will be held by a local chapter of The Addict’s Mom. This campaign invites all to step out of the shadows of shame and stigma to light three candles representing those in active addiction, in recover and those who have died. Together, the tapers embody the hope that this national epidemic of death and despair will end. Local member Beth Jordan leads. Nationwide, the group has more than 70,000 members supporting one another and raising awareness of this problem. Free. 7 p.m. Assembly of God Church, 314 Heard Avenue, Mulberry, Ark. 479-217-1570

Sept. 10-Oct. 29 Tai Chi in the Park The Fort Smith National Historic Site has a peaceful landscape that offers visitors a quiet place to reflect, meditate, exercise, seek inspiration or just escape the fast-paced world. The National Park Service will partner with instructor Cindy Cole to introduce a new way of enjoying the park. Imagine an exercise in which you focus on your breathing, clear your mind of all distractions and listen to the “song” of your joints through slow and graceful movements. Participants end their session calm, peaceful and relaxed. Tai Chi offers a low-impact form of mental and physical conditioning that focuses attention on slow movement and breathing. Cole has taught at churches, senior centers, libraries, the Reynolds Cancer Support House and the Learning Fields. No reservations are required.

Free. 10-11 a.m. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3961

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Sept. 11 Belle Grove School Classmates Reunion Take a covered dish to share with classmates who attended Belle Grove School in Fort Smith (all years).

The reunion is dedicated to classmates who have passed away in the last year and to the family of the late Larry Jones. Free. 1-5 p.m. Creekmore Park Rose Room, 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479459-4488 Facebook/Belle Grove Classmates

Sept. 11 Elks MVS Scholarship Clinic This clinic provides valuable information in completing the Elks MVS Scholarship application. The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants ranging from $4,000 to $50,000 for a grand total of more than $2.4 million. Explicit tips about completing the application will be the focus of this clinic. Anyone is welcome to attend, including 2017 seniors, parents, counselors and educators. The MVS Scholarship is open to all area high school seniors. No family affiliation with the Elks is required. Although it is not required, attending this clinic can be most helpful – 98 percent of those receiving money in this area have attended. More than $120,000 has been awarded to area students within the past few years. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Males and females compete separately. Applications will be available to download. The completed application is Nov. 30. Free. 2:30-4 p.m. Fort Smith Elks Lodge #341, 5504 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 elks.org/scholars

Sept. 11 Acro-Yoga Jam Learn a fun physical practice that is deeply rooted in community and compassion. All skill levels are welcome. Yoga mat optional. Acro Jams are a time for community building and guided play as a group in a safe setting with ample spotters. Opening circle will start with a group warm up and partner stretching, then guided/free play until noon. $5. 11-12:30 a.m.

Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-222-9033

“Maidenhair” by Laura Wattles Art Reception The Chancellor's Coalition for the Visual Arts will hold a reception for the exhibit “Maidenhair: Beauty, Grace and Light,” by artist Laura Wattles. After years of working with pencil in exacting detail and photorealism, her new series moves in a new and playful direction. This series is her exploration into portraits of modern young women featuring braids, scarves and hair, while keeping the lines simple and the colors loose.Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit is open from Sept. 1-Oct. 31.

Free. 5-6 p.m. UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center-Reynolds Room Lobby, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300

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Sept. 12 Diversity Task Force Meeting Be a part of the group that is helping to create diversity within the city of Fort Smith. Join the police and community engagement team, school diversity team, city of Fort Smith team or economic and business team.

Diversity is needed and you can help. Learn more by visiting Diversity Task Force on Facebook. Free. 6 p.m.

McGill Center, 521 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 901-340-1966

Sept. 12 Adult Coloring Club Think coloring is just for kids? Not anymore. Relax and color the stress away. Take your own supplies or use the library’s. 11 a.m. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-4746045

Sept. 12 Embroidery Guild of Fort Smith This month's project is beaded pincushion. All experience level are welcomed. Take your own basic supplies. Free. Refreshments served. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-2759

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Lincoln High School: A Significant Past, A Solid Present, A Sacred Future Join authors Sherry Toliver and Barbara Webster-Meadows as they share the history of Fort Smith’s Lincoln High School in this fascinating program cosponsored with the Fort Smith Historical Society. From its beginning as Howard High School in 1892 to its closure in 1966, marking the end of segregation in Fort Smith, Toliver and Webster-Meadows will tell the story of Lincoln High School, which formed the nucleus of black life in the entire area of Fort Smith and surrounding towns. Their talk will draw from the extensive research and information compiled in their new book, “Lincoln High School History: A Significant Past, a Solid Present, a Sacred Future.” The book, a culmination of 20 years of effort, was recently published in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the school’s closing and last graduating class. The nearly 500-page history contains photos, historical information, alumni profiles. It includes an alphabetical list of more than 6,000 teachers and students at Lincoln from 1870-1966, compiled by genealogist Evelyn Tonia Holleman. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

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Sept. 12 Kids Kicking Cancer An activity-based support program for children ages 7-17 with a cancer diagnosis, siblings of a child with a cancer diagnosis and children with a caregiver with a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is hard but life can still be fun. Fun activities and games at each session. Sponsored by Western Arkansas Guidance and Counseling.

Pre-registration required for new participants. Call for more details. Free. 6-7 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org Sept. 12 Book Talk Pick up a designated book in advance (limited copies available) to discuss. This month, read “Hot Springs”

by Stephen Hunter. Free. 7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 12-13 Breast Cancer Twister Quilt Breast Cancer Awareness Month is rapidly approaching. This class will focus on how to make a breast cancer ribbon twister quilt. Class meets for two days. The kit will be provided. $70. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351

Sept. 12-17 Crawford County Fair Something for everyone including a full carnival, food vendors, pageants, 4-H livestock auction, commercial exhibits, bluegrass and gospel music. $6 weekly pass or $3 adults; $1 ages 5-12. Kirksey Park, Mulberry, Ark. crawfordcountyfair.com 479-997-1558 64 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2016

Sherry Toliver and Barbara Webster-Meadows

Sept. 12-Oct. 17 When Children Grieve Dr. Rick Broadway, certified recovery specialist, will lead a program to help adults help children deal with death, divorce, pet loss, moving and other sources of grief and upset. The course meets every Monday night for six weeks. Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Sept. 13 Chefs in the Garden Chefs in the Garden captures the excitement of the harvest season by bringing local chefs into the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Guests stroll through the garden, watching cooking demonstrations by the area’s finest chefs and sampling their creations while sipping premium beverages. Ticket sales close at midnight Sept. 11. Tickets start at $50. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org

Sept. 13 Crawford County Community Foster Care Meeting Learn how to become a foster parent or volunteer to help the 140 children who are in foster care in Crawford County. Different guest speakers from community providers are featured every month. If your group or organization would like to be featured, please call John at 479-208-8557. Large groups welcome. Free.

6-8 p.m. Crawford County Adult Education Center, 605 Alma Circle, Van Buren, Ark. 479-208-8557

Sept. 13 Book Talk “Catherine the Great” by Robert K. Massie is the subject of this book talk. Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst became Empress Catherine II of Russia (1729-1796). She was

related through her ambitious mother to notable European royalty; her husband-to-be, the Russian grand duke Peter, was the only living grandson of Peter the Great. As Massie relates, during her disastrous marriage to Peter, Catherine bore three children by three different lovers, and she and Peter were controlled by Peter's all-powerful aunt, Empress Elizabeth, who took physical possession of Catherine's firstborn, Paul. Six months into her husband's incompetent reign as Peter III, Catherine, 33, who had always believed herself superior to her husband, dethroned him.

Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 14 Fort Smith Historical Society Meeting Hear presentation on ways to home archive using everyday items and methods to prepare items before they are donated to archives. The presenters are Adeline Ellis and Jennifer Carpenter, UAFS students working in the Pebley Center. Ellis is completing an internship at the Southwest Regional Archives. Free.

6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-8557

Sept. 15 Lifestyle Choices for Healthy Aging It is known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age.

Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on tools to incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. 2 p.m. Free.

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

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Sept. 15 Cancer Education: Support Groups, Together for the Journey Presented by Reynolds Cancer Support House support group facilitators. Support Groups provide emotional support, answers to questions about treatment and can be a place where lifelong friendships are forged. The cancer support house offers a variety of support groups for men and women. This panel discussion will highlight the benefits and impact of support groups for the cancer fighter, survivor and family members. The session will be divided for men and women. Refreshments provided by River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Free. 6 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 Sept. 15 Learn About the Community School of the Arts Dr. Rosilee Walker will introduce the new Community School of the Arts for youth, which will begin classes Oct. 1, for after-school, evening and weekend activities in music, theater, dance and art. Performances, productions and exhibits that are family friendly and family focused will provide students the opportunity to present their craft to others. Walker is the former director of the Academy of the Arts. Faculty members who formerly taught at the Academy of the Arts will be teaching at CSA. Upcoming classes include art classes, chamber string, children’s theater, Drums Alive, pre-K MusikGarten, private instruction and a youth theater company. Registration is available online or by phone. 4-5:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655 csafortsmith.com

Sept. 15 Authors in the Afternoon featuring Becky Yandell Fort Smith author Becky Yandell will sign copies of her novel “A Walk Through the Valley.” The book is about the devastation of divorce, single parenting and finding love. Yandell sold insurance for about eight years and real estate for 25 years before running for public office in 2005. She has served as Sebastian County assessor for 12 years and will retire in December. The author has started working a sequel. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at this open-house style event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 15 Beginning Embroidery Learn beginning embroidery techniques. The class will learn about stabilizer and what best to use for each kind of project. $20. 5:30 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351

Sept. 15 Western Arkansas Ballet Studio Showing Western Arkansas Ballet will showcases its pre-professional company's choreography for the 2016-2017 season. See dancers perform and meet the staff in the newly refreshed studio. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Western Arkansas Ballet Studio, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Sept. 15-Dec. 15 Living Local: Main Street Van Buren Businesses will be open for fun, music, lots of enter-

CALENDAR OF EVENTS tainment, savings, great food and a chance to rediscover Van Buren. Get a passport stamped in each participating downtown store while strolling down Main Street to survey all the new things that are happening.

Drop completed passports with any participating store to be entered in a monthly drawing for a $50 gift card for merchandise or food at downtown businesses.

Presented as a partnership of The Old Town Van Buren Merchants Association, Van Buren Advertising & Promotion Commission and Van Buren Original. Free. 58 p.m. Thursdays. Main Street Van Buren, Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-5179 oldtownvanburen.com Sept. 15 Open Mic Night at Dewey’s Café Musicians, poets and other talented folks are invited to perform. Sign-up at the door; arrive early to ensure a spot on the list. Showcase a talent or just listen.

Music or poetry does not have to be original work.

Acoustic music only, please. Free. 7 p.m. Dewey's Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Sept. 16 Diamond Dance This is a monthly fun social dance that includes ballroom, Latin, country, European and line-dancing music together in a relaxing social environment. The T&T Combo of Wes and Hope will provide music for your dance enjoyment. This is not club affiliated so membership is not required. This is a smoke-free environment and the dress attire is dressy casual to formal. $5. 8-10:30 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3317 South 66th Street, Eagles Lane, Fort Smith, Ark.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 479-674-2578, 479-629-4736 fortsmithballroomdancers@sbcglobal.net

Sept. 16 Food for Thought: UAFS Robotics Learn about robotics, the branch of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science that deals with the design, construction, operation and application of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. Find out how UAFS is working with students to offer courses in robot automation and cyber systems to help develop the workforce of the future.

Take lunch or pick one up at Dewey's Cafe. The library will provide drinks and dessert. Free. Noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Sept. 16-Sept. 17 9400/500e Quilt Away Event Learn sewing and machine embroidery. The cost of the two-day event includes materials for class projects and lunch both days. Machines and tools required for projects will be provided. Each work station will have a sewing machine that will be shared alternately between two people. Everyone will go home with a finished project. $55. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 Sept. 17 Central Arkansas Walk Like MADD This year, thousands of people in more than 60 cities around the nation will participate in 5K events to eliminate drunk driving from our roadways. Help MADD

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eliminate drunk driving by signing up for Central Arkansas Walk Like MADD 2016 as a walker, team captain or volunteer. You can even be involved without attending the event by signing up as a virtual walker or making a donation to another walker or team. Free.

10 a.m.-noon. Murray Park, 4455 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock, Ark. 501-246-8810 Sept. 17 Mufon Quarterly Meeting-UFO Abduction The claims are so fantastic they are hard to believe.

Watch and discuss a documentary video about just such an event. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Fort Smith Public Library-Cultural Center, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 armufonwcs.wix.com/armufonwcs Sept. 17 Outdoor Movie Cliff Terrace Church will be showing “God's Not Dead 2.” Take a lawn chair for this outdoor screening. In case of rain, the movie will be viewed indoors. Free. 7 p.m. Cliff Terrace Church, 3301 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-5734 cliffterrace.net Sept. 17 Hunter Education Course Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in Arkansas. This course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting and is open to all ages. Free. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Sept. 17 Reptile Mania!

Snake enthusiasts Brad Birchfield and Jeremy Sloan present living reptiles from their extensive collection of native venomous and non-venomous snakes. The program addresses facts and myths about snakes and details conservation efforts in Arkansas. Free. 1-2 p.m.

Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 lakefortsmith@arkansas.com

Sept. 19 Down in the Holler: Lessons in Ozark Folk Speak Susan Young, outreach coordinator of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, discusses the origins and nature of the language patterns of the Ozarks. Young has an engaging and fun look at the manner of speaking that has its roots in Old English and is unique to this part of the country. Monthly meeting of the South Sebastian Historical Society. Free. 7 p.m. Community Room, Farmer's Bank, 71 West Center Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-6357

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Sept. 19 Lunch and Learn with CCAEC Enjoy lunch provided by the Crawford County Adult Education Center while learning what programs it offers. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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Sept. 19 Van Buren Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Golf Classic The Van Buren Chamber hosts its Chamber Golf Classic, presented by Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative.

This great day on the green offers delicious food, networking opportunities and the chance to win valuable prizes. Registration at 11:30 a.m. Lunch, sponsored

by Cox Business, will follow at noon. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. This year's tournament will feature a putting contest, longest drive competition, closest to the line, and closest to the pin contests. Several hole-in-one challenges will also be offered with thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs. Register by calling the chamber. $400 for a 4-person team. 11:30 a.m. Eagle Crest Golf Course, 3926 Golf Course Drive, Alma, Ark. 479-474-2761 VanBurenChamber.org

Sept. 19 Sebastian County ARCCC Meeting Arkansas' Creating Connections for Children (ARCCC) is a group dedicated to finding local foster homes and volunteers for the 650-plus foster children from Sebastian County. With fewer than 200 foster home beds available, many of these children are placed in other counties throughout the state. Share your ideas on how to create a more neighborhood-based foster care system in Fort Smith. Free. 4-6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479208-8557

Sept. 20 NEW Annual Women’s Development Luncheon: “The State of US” This year, the panel features dynamic women in the areas of health, manufacturing, quality of life (social justice) and education. The speakers are Aimee Arzoumanian, Dr. Sylvia Balsara, Sherry Sims and Dr. Georgia Hale. Cathy Williams will serve as moderator.

Lunch will be provided by River City Bistro. $30/person, $300/table for 8. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Columbus Acres, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-6474

Sept. 20 Evening Canoes on Wells Lake Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Participants are required to wear life jackets, which are provided. Free. 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com September 2016

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS the discussion. Free. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dewey's Cafe, Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue 479-459-1603 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com.

Sept. 22 Special Ring Toss Class Learn to make a Ring Toss Quilt Top. Tuition includes all the fabric needed to make a small quilt top. 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351

Sept. 22 Book Club Cedarville book lovers get together and discuss this month’s book club pick. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479410-1853

Europe in Eureka Springs: A Slide Presentation with Eli Vega Published photographer, instructor and author Eli Vega will offer an artistic look at Eureka Springs in his presentation. A recent arrival to Eureka Springs, Vega noticed many scenes, locales and buildings that are reminiscent of Europe. The artist has compiled more than 50 photo images that depict the European likeness. Born in a railroad boxcar in Wyoming to poor migrant parents of Mexican/Spanish descent, Vega grew up in west Texas near Lubbock, where he failed first grade due to the language barrier. Eli believes it was a miracle that he stayed in, much less finished, school. His male role models were, for the most part, school drop-outs, alcoholics or ruffians. The only art he was exposed to was body art – tattoos on human canvases. Although by second grade Vega realized he liked art, he wasn’t able to gain the education that became the foundation for his photography until he enrolled in college.

Copies of the author’s books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Free.

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

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Sept. 20 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) The Fort Smith Chapter of DAR invites the public to a program with speaker Judith Hansen, editor of the Southwest Times Record. She will speak on the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Members will answer questions about joining DAR and researching DAR lineage. 1-2 p.m. Fort Smith Main Library, 8108 Adam Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-5170

Sept. 20 Ozark Mind Stretchers: Gaining Insight Into Islam In the first of a three-part fall series, St. John Episcopal Church’s small group ministry, Ozark Mind Stretchers, will hear a Christian layperson’s experience living among Muslims, with questions and discussion. Dr. Mary Bane Lackie, vice president for development at UAFS, will share her experience living and working abroad. Learn about the Muslim faith through her observation of the lives of ordinary people. Lackie re68 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2016

turned home to Arkansas after more than eight years of work at educational institutions in Poland, Armenia, Dubai and Pakistan. Upcoming talks in this series in October and January concern the complexities of war in Syria and the Quran. Free. 6 p.m. Ruth Skinner Building across from St. John’s Episcopal Church, 214 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9912

Sept. 21 Nutrition & Cancer Series Presented by Ryan Ellison, Registered Dietician, Licensed Dietician with Sparks Nutrition Center. Call to register. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscacersupporthouse.org

Sept. 22 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The book “One Plus One” by Jojo Moyes will be reviewed. Any woman is welcome to attend and enjoy

Sept. 22 Back to School … Back to Sexting?

Parents may not be aware that sexting (using current technology to send sexually explicit photos, images, text messages or emails) may start as early as the fifth grade. Morgan Nick Foundation’s director of education Genevieve Strickland will share information every parent and teacher needs to know to help children navigate the challenging aspects of technology. This program is intended for parents and teachers of children in the fifth grade or higher. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Sept. 22-23 Autumnal Equinox Walks Special archaeologist-guided tour of the only prehistoric Native American archaeological site open to the public in Oklahoma. Each walk will last about two hours and be about a mile of easy walking along paved trails. Archaeologist Dennis Peterson will talk about the site, the mounds and culture that created them and why some of the mounds are aligned with the Solstice and Equinox sunsets. $5 adults, $4 seniors and $3 children; the walk is an additional $3 adults; $2 children. Three walks each day will start at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla. 918-9622062 Sept. 23-24 Literature of the Hidden and Fantastic Conference Fantasy buffs will gather to celebrate and analyze fantasy literature and entertainment during a “Hidden and Fantastic” conference hosted by the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The conference will include presentations by graduate students and scholars of the fantasy genre, highlighted by two keynote speakers: Dr. Michael Ward, senior research fellow at the University of Oxford and one of the pre-eminent scholars on C.S. Lewis, and John Granger, whom TIME called “the Dean of Harry Potter scholars.” Other presenters will be an eclectic mix of academics from the United States and abroad, with submissions received from countries such as the United Kingdom, India and the Ukraine. Undergraduate students will have an opportunity to present papers and research in a public forum. Topics range from the works of J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to pop culture fantasy icons such as Joss Whedon, novelists such as Ursula Le Guin, Toni Morrison, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and others. The conference is an effort to elevate fantasy novels, television shows and movies as a legitimate art form, according to Dr. Dennis Siler, director

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS of the Honor International Studies Program at UAFS. Advance registration required. $70 general public; $15 per day for public schoolteachers and students. UAFS, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7025

Sept. 23 Free Prostate Cancer Screenings Fifteen minutes is all it takes and it could save your life. Screenings for men 45 and up will be provided in a non-clinical setting. Made possible in partnership with the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, Cooper Clinic and UAMS-West, Area Health Education Center. Call for an appointment. Free. 8 a.m.-noon.

Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 Sept. 23 QuickBooks for Beginners and Day-to-Day Basics Hands-On Workshops QuickBooks for Beginners includes setup, reconciling accounts, working with lists, customers, vendors, assets and liabilities. The second session, QuickBooks Day-to-Day Basics, includes invoicing, receiving payments, bills, handling sales tax and more. A computer is provided during each interactive session. Seating is limited with registration required no later than Sept.

22. $65 per session. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Beall Barclay & Co., 3101 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events/ Sept. 23 Library Card Blitz In honor of National Library Card Sign Up Month, all ages are encouraged to get a library card at the Mul-

berry Library. Check out books about dogs, see a dog demonstration, adopt a dog, eat pizza and see a Snoopy movie. Prize drawing for a $10 Dollar General gift card and a bundle of books. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Sept. 24 Fab Five National Hunting and Fishing Day Event All ages are invited to play just for fun! Free. Noon.

River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Sept. 24 Trail of Tears Memorial Dedication Attend the Trail of Tears Memorial Dedication at the Ozark Area Museum. The guest speaker will be Troy Wayne Poteete, executive director of the National Trail of Tears Association and a Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice. Representatives from the Choctaw, Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw and Seminole nations will be in attendance. The project is sponsored by Main Street Ozark. Free. 1-2 p.m. Ozark Area Museum, 100 East River Street, Ozark, Ark. 479-667-5015

Sept. 24 3rd Annual Charity Scramble Golf Tournament Visit the third annual Charity Scramble Golf Tournament to support Hannah House. Beginning with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., this event includes lunch, prizes and the opportunity to hit a hole in one for a chance to win $10,000. $350 per team. 9 a.m. Fianna Hills Country Club, #1 Essex Place, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5683 hannahhouseark.com

Sept. 24 Museum Day Live!

In the spirit of the Smithsonian Museums, which offer free admission every day, Museum Day Live! is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Live! ticket for free. The ticket provides free admission for two people. The Fort Smith Museum of History will participate. Download and print a ticket from smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-live2016. The Fort Smith Museum of History also accepts tickets presented on a cell phone. Free with online ticket. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS having to buy tiny bottles of the dried stuff that loses its flavor before it is used up. The River Valley Master Gardners Herbal Adventure group will teach about preserving herbs. Reservations required. Refreshments served. $20. 9:30 a.m.-noon. The Learning Fields at Fort Chaffee, 7300 Gardeners Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-2104 or 479-646-8234 Sept. 25 TrailBlazers Hiking Club General Meeting Jim Warnock, club member and hiking enthusiast, will present a slide show covering trails in the Ozarks of Arkansas and Missouri featured in his trail guide book that will be published in October. He will also show pictures from his adventure hiking the John Muir Trail this summer. Everyone is welcome to join as the club begins its 2016-2017 hiking season. Refreshments will be served. 2-3:30 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8200 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

It’s time for Deep-Fried Fun at the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair

Sept. 23-Oct. 1 Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair In addition to the live entertainment in OCTOBER Harper Stadium, free performances will take place 6-8 p.m. nightly in the Expo Building. The midway will be packed with rides and activities, including the 100-foot Fun Slide, Fun Zone Fun House, Happy Face Bounce and, of course, the classic Scrambler. The centerpiece of the midway is the towering Century Wheel, a 70-foot ferris wheel with gondola-style seating designed to be enjoyed by the entire family. Popular carnival games include water races, the duck pond, balloon pop, basketball, break-a-bottle, big ring-o-bottle, grab bag fish 'til you win game, bulldozertoken push, and the rope ladder. Enjoy great traditional fair food items on the midway, including corn dogs, foot-long hot dogs, caramel and candy apples, nachos, pickles, funnel cakes, pizza, hamburgers, popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones and soft drinks. Gate admission is $7 adults, $4 children 3-11, free for children 2 and under. Advance ticket packs and armbands may be purchased at a discount online until 4 p.m. Sept. 23. Unlimited ride armband days will be 4 p.m.-midnight Sept. 23; noon-10 p.m. Sept. 25; 4-10 p.m. Sept.

26 Buddy Night (buy one, get one free) and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 1. Advance tickets may be purchased online at arkansasoklahomafair.com. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2393, 800-364-1080

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Sept. 24 What to Do with a Panel Quilt Need some fresh ideas on what to do with a panel?

This class will offer inspiration on different ways to create a quilt top using a panel. Kit will be provided. $55. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351

Sept. 24 GHS Bulldog Revue “It's a Wonderful World” Enjoy pre-show games, including food, face painting, balloon animals, lots of Disney fun. Show time is at 7 p.m. and it's an evening full of song and dance. All proceeds go to the Greenwood High School Dance Team. 5:30 p.m. Greenwood Performing Arts, 515 East Gary Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-4142 70 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2016

Sept. 24 Gathering at the Labyrinth The labyrinth is very peaceful this time of the evening and walking is at its best because of the cooling temperatures. Light refreshments will be available. Free.

6-8 p.m. Learning Fields/Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardeners Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-0719 facebook.com/The-Learning-Fields-at-Chaffee-Crossing

Sept. 24 Putting It By: Preserving Herbs The farmers market and gardens are bursting with tasty fresh herbs this time of the year, so it is a perfect time to enjoy them fresh but also preserve them to use throughout the winter season. Save money by not

Sept. 25 Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library Chocolate Festival Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! The Friends of the Fort Smith Library will turn the Dallas Branch Library into a Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory of sorts as an abundance of chocolate drips throughout the building.

Local clubs, businesses and individuals will offer their favorite chocolate samplings to the chocoholics of Fort Smith. Tickets to the festival are $7 for six tastes of chocolate; price includes a to-go-box. All proceeds will be used by the Friends of the Library for special materials and programs. Helping never tasted so good! Free. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 Sept. 25-Oct. 1 Banned Book Week Stand up for your right to read during Banned Book Week. Discover and read some the books once banned. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 26-29 Pokemon Go … To Your Library Players of all ages are invited to a Poke Lure Party at each branch. Librarians will set out non-stop Pokelure, which will attract nearby Pokemon, every 30 minutes for three hours. Take advantage of the library Pokestop and explore books and other great free resources. Sept. 26 is Metapod Monday at the Dallas Branch, Sept. 27, Tauros Tuesday at the Miller Branch; Sept. 27, Weedle Wednesday at the Windsor Branch; Sept. 29, Tentacool Thursday at the Main Branch.

Free. 3-6 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 Sept. 27 National Voter Registration Day In 2008, 6 million Americans didn’t vote because they missed a registration deadline or didn’t know how to register. In 2016, the Alma Public Library want to make sure no one is left out. Volunteers, celebrities, and organizations from all over the country will “hit the streets” for National Voter Registration Day. This single day of coordinated technology and media efforts will create pervasive awareness of voter registration opportunities. Register to vote at the library.

Free. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren to host Great Futures Gala Guests can expect a real “Rustic Rendezvous” at the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren’s third annual “Great Futures Gala.”

The elegant fall affair will include a full evening of dining, dancing, bidding and much more.

The gala will be held at the estate of Richard and Helen Hodo, located at 1205 Woodland Creek Circle in Van Buren. This year’s theme, Rustic Rendezvous, will be reflected in all aspects of the event. The outdoor setting will provide a picturesque backdrop for guests as they mingle throughout the festive tents and tables.

Dinner will include a number of seasonal specialties, as well as a signature cocktail.

The national award-winning event is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, bringing together hundreds of community leaders and club supporters. First held in 2014, the Great Futures Gala has grown each year, with last year’s event welcoming a sold-out crowd of nearly 300 guests.

“Our gala is very important to the club, helping to generate crucial dollars and awareness for our organization,” said Cindy Faldon, the club’s executive director. “This year’s Rustic Rendezvous will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy great food and fun, all while celebrating and supporting local youth.”

The evening will get under way at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and the opening of the silent auction. Dinner will follow, along with the program that will include a special presentation about the Boys & Girls Club and the live auction event.

Dozens of items will also be up for grabs in the silent auction, including gift certificates, jewelry, and home décor.

KFSM TV-5 anchor Daren Bobb will return this year as the Master of Ceremonies. Live music will be provided by regional favorite, The Eric Mathews Band. Festivities also will include a photo booth and the chance to take a swing at the property’s on-site putting green for prizes.

Tickets are $60 and include dinner, drinks and the opportunity to bid in both the live and silent auctions. Corporate tables for eight begin at $500, with sponsorships ranging in price and marketing benefits.

All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren, whose mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren serves local youth through its after-school, summer and sports programs, averaging more than 220 students on a daily basis. The club provides nutritious meals and snacks each day, and offers a number of self-esteem and academic programs designed to build confidence and instill values in its members.

For more information, visit vbclub.org or call 479-474-9401.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 27 Sit ’n’ Sew Enjoy some time with people who share the same hobbies. Take your own machine, a project to work on, your favorite covered dish and get ready to spend the day full of fun and laughter. Free. 10 a.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351

Sept. 27 Voter Registration Day Register to vote at the Van Buren Public Library on National Voter Registration Day. Free. Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; 8:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday and 14 p.m. Sunday. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 28 Career Fair Present your resume to local businesses seeking employees. Enter to win a prize drawing. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Claude Monet, Impression, soleil levant, 1872

Clayton Conversations: The Architecture of Color in the Late 19th Century Step into the late 19th century in the restored circa 1882 Clayton House and connect with the French-born art movement the Clayton family and other Americans were experiencing. The year William H.H. Clayton answered President Ulysses Grant’s call to become chief prosecutor of the federal court in Fort Smith, 1874, is the same year French Impressionists made their debut in a private exhibition in Paris.

(They called themselves the “Anonymous Society of Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers, etc.”) By 1897, when Clayton left Fort Smith to become U.S. judge in Indian Territory, the Impressionists had shown together eight times; American Lee Ortega artists such as Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent had taken their palettes to Paris to seek inspiration; and works by Impressionist painters had come to America to be shown in many large-scale exhibitions. The 1888 Impressionist Exhibition in New York featured some 300 works by the masters, including Manet, Monet, Sisley, Renoir, Pissarro, Renoir, Caillebotte, Sisley, Pissaro, Morisot, Degas and Seurat.

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum executive director Lee Ortega will present on her favorite period of art, the late 19th century Impressionism, Post-Impressionism and the birth of Expressionism. “Beginning with Monet’s 1874 ‘Impression, Sunrise,’ we’ll look at the artist’s initial reaction to Realism and the evolution of change through Van Gogh’s sharply subjective perspective as depicted in the 1889 ‘The Starry Night,’” Ortega said. Make reservations for this unique presentation by calling the Clayton House or online. $10; free to members of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation. 1:30-2:30 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000

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Sept. 30-Oct. 1 129th Annual St. Boniface Catholic School Lawn Social The St. Boniface School Lawn Social will have more than 25 booths for kids of all ages. The family carnival includes food, games, a silent auction, train rides, bingo, a Kiddie Korner, a giant slide and paint ball. Admission is free with affordable game tickets. 5-10 p.m. St. Boniface Catholic School, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-6601 stbonifaceschool.org

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Silent Weekend Retreat: O Beauty Ever Ancient, Ever New Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, will be presenting this silent weekend retreat.

Through embracing the prayer of St. Augustine, participants will be encouraged to take their relationships with God to a deeper level through silence and prayer.

Register by Sept. 16. Lodging and meals are included. $195 with $50 advance deposit. St. Scholastica Retreat Center, 1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1135 stscho.org/retreat-registration

Oct. 1 Red Shoe Shindig Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma invites everyone to follow the yellow brick road to the 6th Annual Red Shoe Shindig. Get swept away over the rainbow with cocktails, seated dinner, live and silent auction and an after-party. All proceeds from the event stay local, benefitting the Fort Smith Family Room at Mercy Fort Smith. Purchase tickets online. 6 p.m. Hardscrabble Country Club, 5211 Cliff Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-314-8030 redshoeshindig.com Oct. 1 Great Arkansas Cleanup The Great Arkansas Cleanup is a statewide community improvement effort aimed at removing trash and debris from our parks, roadsides and waterways. Assemble at the visitor center to volunteer with others to keep Arkansas beautiful. Participants will receive a T-shirt while supplies last. Register by phone to guarantee a T-shirt. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

Oct. 1 The Place for Art at the River Artwork by Pat Lappin, John Lane and regional artists will be featured in this exhibit and sale, including paintings, drawings, mixed media, quilts, sculpture and family-friendly art work. A 15 percent commission will go to local charities. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. River Front Pavilion, 121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-4521459 Oct. 2 Devil’s Den State Park Hike TrailBlazers Hiking Club fall kick-off is at Devil's Den State Park. Hike the beautiful trails followed by a wiener roast/potluck. Hot dogs and the fixings will be provided.

Bring a side dish to share and your own beverage. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren at 1:30 p.m. to carpool or meet at the pavilion by the playground at 2:30 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, near Winslow, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

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Burlsworth Foundation Dinner to Honor Judy McReynolds Tickets are available now for a banquet to honor Judy McReynolds, chairman, president and CEO of ArcBest Corp. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation selected McReynolds as a recipient to recognize her leadership, accomplishments and good character.

The late Brandon Burlesworth was a 1994 walkon football player for the Arkansas Razorbacks noted for his perseverance. The Harrison native earned a starting position, first team All-SEC honors twice and the 1998 College Football All-America Team. He also was named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995-1998. Burlsworth graduated with a master’s degrees and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Eleven days later, Burlsworth died in a wreck.

Family and friends established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of the 22 year-old’s work ethic and Christian values. Its mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, particularly those with limited opportunities. It supports a roster of programs such as Burls Kids, which gives selected children Razorback home game tickets. The “Eyes of a Champion” program provides eye care to thousands of pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade students. He has been the subject of a biographical book and currently is the subject of the independent feature film “Greater,” in theaters now.

In her executive role at the head of ArcBest Corp., McReynolds is responsible for managing the multi-billion dollar freight transportation and logistics services company. She also has served on many professional, corporate, educational and community boards of directors. Her outstanding accomplishments will be detailed by several distinguished speakers such as Sen. John Boozman and Robert A. Young III of ArcBest. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon’s father, also will speak at the 6 p.m. Oct. 20 banquet at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Proceeds of the banquet tickets, $200 per person and $2,000 per table, will raise funds for the foundation. To purchase tickets, mail checks payable to: The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, Attn: Marty Burlsworth,119 West Central, Harrison, Ark. 72601 Ticket are also available at brandonburlesworth.org

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Dr. Udouj is experienced in the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction for over 15 years.

(479) 648-9988

Treating TMD (TMJ) •Headaches •Jaw Pain •Limited Opening •Popping Joint Graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.

Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

2600 Market Trace • Fort Smith, Ark.

www.perfectingyoursmile.com

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DINING GUIDE

Western Sizzlin: There’s an app for that

T

he loyalty of longtime diners at Western Sizzlin in Fort Smith, Van Buren and Poteau sustains the success of these popular steakhouses.

Customers know they can count on a choice of juicy, tender, flavorful steaks plus a staggering selection from the menu and on the enormous fresh salad and food bars.

Relax, that will never change, the restaurant’s hometown owners promise.

But Western Sizzlin is offering a new option in customer service: a free smartphone app offering daily specials, discounts, rewards and online ordering. It’s a tool for catering to customers in the most up-to-the minute way.

While owners Wyatt and Kathy Kaundart and Gary and Suzie Stovall are excited to offer the app, they are strongly “old school” about the helpful service their diners appreciate. The massive salad bar and hot food bars are constantly tidied and freshly restocked. It’s not uncommon to see a server hold a baby or amuse a child at these family-friendly establishments.

According to Wyatt Kaundart, who has been with Western Sizzlin’ for 24 years, working there was a first job for many employees who were hired in high school and stayed on. His business partner, Gary Stovall, started as an employee 16 years ago and met his wife, Suzie, on the job.

Strongly identified with their signature trademarked “flamekist” seared and flame-grilled steaks cut by the in-house butcher, Western Sizzlin offers as many other entrees as their choices of prime beef.

On Saturdays at the Towson Avenue location, an opulent, one-price breakfast buffet is served with cooks standing by to make eggs to order, from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

All locations serve lunch. Along with the full steak menu Western Sizzlin’s ground steak, fresh-grilled burgers are a popular lunch order.

Chicken and fish entrees are even more choices.

Plenty of diners create their own experience from the outstanding selections at the food bar and salad bar. Diners can make choices to fit 74

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Prime steak cooked to order is the star at Western Sizzlin but the menu has a huge selection to please every appetite.

Partners and owner/operators Gary and Suzie Stovall, left, and Wyatt and Kathy Kaundart set high standards for courteous service and hometown, familyfriendly atmosphere at four local Western Sizzlin locations.

their own dietary needs such as a heart-healthy, low-fat or vegetarian meal with fresh greens, veggies and fruits. Some choose soup and salad.

The hot food bar offers beef, chicken and fish entrees, fun make-it-yourself tacos or homestyle comfort foods such as meat loaf.

The bakery station has hot yeast rolls and other breads and cookies popping out of the oven every few minutes. Baked potatoes can be doctored with extras like flavored butters, sour cream and other toppings. For those who save a bit of room, a tempting dessert station includes soft-serve ice cream.

Diners at Western Sizzlin can enjoy their favorite, regular order forever or endless combinations of creative selections.

Four Western Sizzlin locations: 5720 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 5200 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith 3120 Alma Highway, Van Buren 2210 North Broadway, Poteau, Okla.

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DINING GUIDE NICKEL & DIME DINER Dine in a railroad car on classic burgers, a chicken-fried steak sandwich or country-style breakfast, all day. This American menu has all the classics. Open until 9 p.m. Also enjoy the Park at West End’s vintage carnival rides.15 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith.

CALICO COUNTY

PINK FLAMINGO BAR-B-Q

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

Award-winning barbecue and hearty, fresh side dishes such as barbecued beans and potato salad keep Ralph’s Pink Flamingo the Readers’ Favorite barbecue year after year.

Dine in, carry out or have it catered. 2801 Old Greenwood Road, Ste. 3, Fort Smith.

PAPA’S PIZZARIA No pizza has ever toppled Papa’s famous pies from the throne of our Readers’ Favorites Poll. Friendly staff, your game on screen, courtyard seating, epic jukebox – Papa’s is a Fort Smith institution for food and fun.

508 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith.

RIVER CITY BISTRO

JUAN’S

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

7320 Rogers, Ste. 7, Fort Smith.

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

THE RIB ROOM The dry rub ribs are divine. The lunch rib plate is just right for midday and comes with a homemade side. Or wait til after work for the whole rack.Saturday lunch, a new time, check out a big ol’ baked spud topped with smoked, pulled pork. 424 Garrison Avenue.

LA HUERTA

SAKÉ SUSHI BAR

Live music continues into autumn at La Huerta Mexican Restaurant downtown. But at any location, the fajitas will arrive sizzling hot and the margaritas will be icy cold. 400 Garrison Avenue, 5511 Towson Avenue and 3501 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith.

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

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SOUND ROOM The Sound Room offers a pub-style menu with burgers, chicken & waffles, Po’ Boys, Margherita pizza, wings, rings and nachos. Kids welcome in a smoke-free setting. Game night table tailgating.

817 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith.

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

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

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

To feed a family or a tailgate party, order a “Buddy Pack” to pick up on your way to the game. Dine in for daily specials.

4501 Burrough Road, Fort Smith.

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