Entertainment Fort Smith Magazine - September 2017

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Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG Art Director Contributing Writers KARRIE KELLY BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTAN ROLAND Contributing Photographers BOB DYER GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY DONNA PAYNE KRISTAN ROLAND LYNN WASSON Photos of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine used courtesy of Arkansas Colleges of Health Education

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

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

Entertainment Fort Smith

September 2017

Wow! Seeing our city from the fresh perspective of others is uplifting!

Want to feel optimistic and energized about the future of Fort Smith? Make a point to meet any one of the students now attending the new Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

I talked with only two of them at the end of their first week of classes and I think that alone may have improved my health. These blazingly bright young people, freshly setting forth on the steep challenge of becoming physicians, are (to use an old-fashioned, non-medical word) a tonic for your spirits.

One was an outstanding graduate of Greenwood High School, Savannah Skaggs. If we ever lost this intelligent, caring young woman to another state it would be more than a brain drain, we would miss out on a caring, responsible soul who, while earning both undergraduate and master’s degrees, made time to mentor local teenage girls. Savannah and her mother even sell baked goods to support “Sweet 16,” her personal mission of encouragement and supportive guidance for women only a little younger than she is.

The other was a mother with a young family and a husband who is supportive of her determination to become a doctor but a business owner who also moved his company to Fort Smith. Lena Ivanovic has an inspiring amount of self-confidence. This will be her second quest to obtain an education – after obtaining a nursing degree and working in her original home, the Baltic nation of Estonia, she found her credentials and licensing did not transfer to

the U.S. So, this time, her degree will say D.O. after her name. And she loves Arkansas, Fort Smith and the quality of life for her young family. They’ve been here several months in advance of the school year, getting acquainted with Fort Smith and all its recreational opportunities, which they appreciate.

I resolved to attend the graduations of these two remarkable women, four years from now. I know they will make it.

They were just two people I interviewed in a series of talks to ask people who are now connected with our fastest-growing Fort Smith neighborhood, Chaffee Crossing. I went to see, in a sense, the butcher and baker and candlestick maker – actually developers, entrepreneurs, a homeowner, med school president and a few others who share a state of mind about that burgeoning area’s wide-open potential. I feel like I have been to a two-week pep rally and hey, it feels pretty good!

I hope that hearing from some or all of these folks will be as interesting to you as it was to me, dear readers. It was a positive experience to see our city and region through fresh perspectives.

We hope the new students, especially those from distant hometowns and colleges, will find plenty to enjoy in this upcoming month filled with our own traditions of state fairs, the openings of concert and performance seasons and more. They’re Fort Smithians now and we welcome them.

– Lynn Wasson

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

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CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2017

features

13

20

49

And the winner is ...

departments

38 A party above it all

46

6

57 Mmm ... the fair is coming

Entertainment Fort Smith

September 2017

HOME A sneak preview of the rising 2017 Showcase Home in the Stonebrook neighborhood

DESIGNER NOTES Seasons change in decor at The Goods for a fresh look.

35 77

WHAT’S COOKING Fast and delicious meal ideas to make in this busy season of school and fall activities.

DINING GUIDE Fresh and local is the flavor of Lulu’s Bistro chef Aaron Moffett.

eve n t s

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With more than 200 new faces at Fort Smith’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine and many residents already at home, Chaffee Crossing’s people are becoming a new social culture.

We listened to them describing it.

This land is your land ...

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A New Culture Emerges at Chaffee Crossing

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Concerts, theater and a documentary about Fort Smith students that will be screened at the Fayetteville Film Festival. And the award goes to ... the CSA!

EVENTS FOR KIDS There is nothing as priceless as a free library card from a child’s own local library. It is library card sign-up month.

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

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On the western border of Arkansas at the intersection of two major U.S. interstates, Chaffee Crossing is changing the landscape and culture of the state’s second largest city.

Since 2007, more than $1.5 billion in capital investments have been attracted to the Fort Smith region for industrial, educational, commercial, retail, medical, residential and recreational development. The former Fort Chaffee property is setting the gold standard for mixed-use communities across the nation. Chaffee Crossing is a community on the rise!

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The Chaffee Crossing lifestyle ties all aspects of daily life together—home, work and play are neatly packaged in this community within the Fort Smith community. Everywhere you look in this nationally recognized development are signs of progress, change and growth.

The excitement is contagious and the assets are real and ready.

Chaffee Crossing is a community on the rise.

This is your open invitation to become part of Arkansas’ premiere economic development project.

Come see why so many business owners, families and outdoor enthusiasts have chosen to start their businesses and lives in this beautiful, natural setting.

Make The Chaffee Crossing Lifestyle Yours Today.

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SPECIAL LIFESTYLE REPORT

a new culture emerges at

CHAFFEE CROSSING THIS MAGAZINE HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT WHAT WE DO, BUT ALSO, HOW WE LIVE IN FORT SMITH AND ITS SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE.

A NEW COLLEGE GIVES THIS AREA A GIFT – EVEN MORE YOUNG, INTELLIGENT AND AMBITIOUS RESIDENTS. SOME OF THEM WILL JOIN US, MAKING THIS THEIR HOME.

ONE PART OF THIS CITY THAT GIVES OUR MAGAZINE ITS NAME HAS GROWN INTO A COMMUNITY WITHIN THE ESTABLISHED TOWN THAT IS GROWING AN EMERGING NEW IDENTITY AND SOCIAL CULTURE WORTH LOOKING INTO.

WE THINK THAT IS EXCITING. WE KNOW THEY WILL INFLUENCE US, THE FOLKS WHO ALREADY LOVE LIFE IN FORT SMITH.

AS OF LAST MONTH, CHAFFEE CROSSING’S DAILY POPULATION GREW BY ALMOST 200 NEW PEOPLE WHEN THE NEW ARKANSAS COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE BEGAN ITS INAUGURAL SEMESTER. ALL AT ONCE, THE NEIGHBORHOOD CALLED CHAFFEE CROSSING PASSED, WE THINK, A TIPPING POINT OF POPULATION. THIS PART OF OUR CITY IS FAST EMERGING LIKE A FRESH NEW BRANCH OF A RESILIENT, MATURE TREE. IT IS ADDING TO THE BEAUTY, STRENGTH AND HEALTH OF ITS PARENT TREE AND GROVE – OUR CITY AND REGION. NOW, IN ADDITION TO THE FAST-GROWING UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS - FORT SMITH,

BESIDES THESE NEW, UNDER-40 OR EVEN UNDER-30 MEDICAL STUDENTS, FAMILIES, ACTIVE RETIREES AND PROFESSIONALS IN MID-LIFE ARE SHOWING UP IN NEW HOMES AND BUSINESSES AT CHAFFEE CROSSING. WE INTERVIEWED A SELECTION OF PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH CHAFFEE CROSSING, STARTING WITH ARCOM STUDENTS AND ITS PRESIDENT, A FORT SMITH NATIVE. WE ALSO TALKED WITH RESIDENTS, ONE DEVELOPER, AN ENTREPRENEUR, AN INDUSTRY CEO, FOLKS OF FORT CHAFFEE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE PART OF CHAFFEE CROSSING THAT BELONGS TO ALL OF US OUR BELOVED NATURE CENTER. THEY DESCRIBED THIS FRESH CULTURE IN THEIR OWN WORDS. MAYBE YOU’LL FIND THEIR OUTLOOK INTERESTING. WE DID.

BY LYNN WASSON

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THE MEDICAL SCHOOL

Kyle D. Parker, J.D., president and CEO, on the atrium staircase above students of the inaugural class of Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

HEART

rates were elevated in excitement when the historic first class of students met the equally new full faculty and administrators of the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Classes officially began Aug. 15, preceded by a July 31 orientation assembly and celebration.

Very much like a proud new parent, Kyle D. Parker, president and CEO of the brand-new medical school, tore himself away from fondly watching students on the semester’s first Friday afternoon to exuberantly talk about them in a wide-ranging interview. He enthusiastically described the outstanding students and the birth story of this first new institution of higher learning in Fort Smith’s Chaffee Crossing area.

As significant as is this milestone opening, ARCOM is only the first college of a system already in development by the parent Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, of which Parker also is CEO. He serves with a Board of Trustees resolved to immediately expand the new 102,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in 14

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September 2017

order to establish a second institution, Arkansas College of Health Sciences, which will provide a degree program for physician assistants and a master of nursing program. ACHE also plans future academic programs in other health therapies, to fulfill its mission “to educate and train a diverse group of highly competent and compassionate health care professionals, to create health support facilities, and to provide a healthy living environment that improves the lives of others.” ACHE is dedicated to serving those who are medically “under-served,” particularly in Arkansas and Oklahoma where there is a shortage in the number of physicians.

Sparks Medical Center, Mercy Hospital Fort Smith and the entire local medical community are supportive of ARCOM. Students, staff and faculty are now the newest citizens in the neighborhoods of Chaffee Crossing, enriching the rising community at the eastern edge of Fort Smith.

The daily presence of 162 students and more than 50 other people of the faculty, staff and administration is arguably a tipping point in the evolution of Chaffee Crossing into a diversely

populated community within Fort Smith. To Parker, these individuals are priceless, living assets, more powerful than dollars, now invested into the future of Fort Smith and of Arkansas and Oklahoma. At last, ARCOM can introduce them to the public, through ongoing tours and celebrations related to the school’s opening.

“A citizen, an invited guest, was here, meeting our students,” Parker explained. “He came over to me and said, ‘So, only the top 1 percent of pre-med students get into medical school, right?’

And I said, ‘Yes – and next year we’re going to have 300; the year after, 450; then 600 students.

And then we’ll open our new facility and have 600 students.”

“The visitor said, ‘This is really going to make a difference, isn’t it?’” Parker went on. “Because of who this person was, it shocked me. That person has been here all along, ” he said. “They’d been out there saying ‘rah rah! go go!’ all this time, and then – it hit them. And I realized people can’t see what they don’t see.”

Now, meeting students live and in person, he thinks locals will agree their presence is, as he says, “a paradigm shift” for Fort Smith.

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Parker’s prediction that the people of the college will make a significant, positive effect on this city is backed with evidence – he’s met them. An academic selection panel, plus a panel of local residents, interviewed candidates. The purpose of adding “civilians” to the selection process, he said, is to fulfill ARCOM’s intent to graduate “physicians who care” and who, hopefully, will remain and practice in this region.

“We had the community interview them before the academic selection committee. No other med school in the U.S. does that. They don’t ask a single question about their GPA or MCAT scores. We already knew those. It’s ‘who are you? Where are you from? Where do you plan to be in your lifetime? Tell me about you, the person. Do you fit the profile of people who truly care?’”

Arkansas citizens, statistically, are under-served in access to general practice doctors, some specialists and in some areas, to medical facilities. Arkansas is ranked highly for some categories of physician’s salaries, but lower on average for all physicians, nationally.

ARCOM is deliberately creating a culture shaped to interest its students in practicing in this region after completing their required residency period in Arkansas and Oklahoma medical facilities.

“If you ever come and stay in this area, you’ll fall in love with this and want this lifestyle,” said Parker, a Fort Smith native who himself chose to live here, although he attended law school in another state and, after founding and selling a technology-based company, could have lived anywhere in the country.

Color Parker a true believer in Fort Smith, in the city’s expansion into Chaffee Crossing and in this two-state region. The same goes for his board, plus the academics and professionals who helped launch and will teach and work at ARCOM. They all hope to engage students with their own passion for health care and this region.

Everyone who has met even a few of the 162 new students is convinced the students will spark a cultural uplift while they live and study here, he said.

“These are young generation millennials who are asking, demanding, additional culture to be here.

One of our students, who has three boys, has now moved into this area. An instructor moved their entire family, including their parents, into here,” he said. “Their expectations for excellence in education will go through the roof! That bleeds itself into all walks of life and improves everyone. And that to me is a very exciting thing for Fort Smith.”

ACHE’s master plan included the construction of The Residents, upscale apartments on campus that were the housing choice for some, but not all, of the current students.

The “incredible gift” as Parker describes it, of 200 acres granted by the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority will be built out adjacent to the ARCOM building as a planned mixed-use campus

Students open medical bags presented by the Degen Foundation, from which the original fund to establish the college were given. Faculty member Dr. Harvey Potts looks, too.

The Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2020 takes its first class photo.

THE CULTURE AT CHAFFEE CROSSING IS, ‘WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE EACH OTHER SUCCESSFUL?’ THE OPENING OF THIS SCHOOL IS A CULTURAL CHANGE THAT’S GOING TO TAKE PLACE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THIS ENTIRE COMMUNITY. AS THESE RIPPLES GO OUTWARD, IT’S GOING TO AFFECT US ALL. – KYLE D. PARKER neighborhood of single and multi-family homes with restaurants and retail services.

The professional planning team for this near-future community included designers of Seaside, Fla. During the process of obtaining city and FCRA approvals, Parker lobbied avidly to gain acceptance of some very contemporary ideas and practices, all meant to create denser, walkable neighborhoods with front-porch ambiance. These planning styles mesh with and extend contemporary trends of including trails, dog parks and greenspace now being created, by design, by other residential and commercial developers

within their own Chaffee Crossing projects.

Parker praises the FCRA and municipal Fort Smith authorities who cooperatively take part in development. Those and other state agencies assisted in ARCOM’s birth, he noted, pointing out that the flexibility of building at Chaffee Crossing and the free exchange of fresh ideas with other developers is encouraging.

Parker is clearly as excited about building a vibrant community for the people of the new college, and for Fort Smith, as he is about the future physicians being educated there.

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FAR

MED STUDENT, TRADITIONAL

Savannah Skaggs

NEAR

her hometown of Greenwood, ARCOM’s walls began to rise as outstanding Greenwood High School graduate Savannah Skaggs steadily continued to excel. She earned an undergraduate degree at Hendrix College and a master’s in public health administration at the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health and Health Policy.

Between semesters, as an Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship recipient she traveled with an Elks mission to Washington to provide care to homeless veterans, volunteered on national and international medical missions in Europe and South America and held an internship at UAMS. “I was living in Little Rock when my family began to put out feelers about the new medical school,” she said. She attended ARCOM’s first open house.

Now, she is enrolled in its inaugural class and, because it is here, it’s more likely than ever she may someday practice medicine in Arkansas.

It’s early (the first week!) for her to choose any specialty but Savannah said she may consider pediatrics. “My mother has a wonderful preschool in Greenwood and I’ve always been around children.”

ARCOM, she said, “is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They don’t just build beautiful medical schools every year, so to be a part of an inaugural class, I thought, ‘This is going to change my life if I get in here.” She also recruited Jeffrey Scott, another Arkansan and her boyfriend, to ARCOM. “In grad school, we learned that Arkansas is No. 1, unfortunately, in many morbidity and mortality issues like heart disease and teen pregnancy.”

Savannah loves to serve and help, and hopes to stay here. She’s aware of the northwest Arkansas expansion of Children’s Hospital and the growing UAMS facilities in Little Rock, as well as Fort Smith’s hospitals. “I know that there are many steps that may take me different places, but this is always home.”

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from her birthplace of Estonia in northern Europe and from her recent home in Minnesota, Jelena Ivanova, “Lena,” is now an Arkansan, along with her husband and their 9year-old and 10-month-old daughters. He is the owner of iState LLC trucking company. The family is living in The Haven neighborhood in Chaffee Crossing.

“I love it, it’s still wildernesss, sort of,” she said of their neighborhood near ARCOM. “You are in the city but you’re also in a suburb that is quiet. It takes 10-15 minutes to get anywhere you need to go, but at the same time it’s peace and quiet. You heard the birds chirping!”

“We knew about Arkansas, but when we traveled, we never passed through the state. This is beautiful. I never expected all the woods and rolling hills. I love it,” she said. “It’s a small state but has so much to offer!”

Jelena finds her new hometown well-suited to her family, already, with good schools and day care in nearby Greenwood. Together, they’ve been exploring family fun all around the area.

Attending medical school was not her original plan; she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked as in R.N. in Estonia, “but it doesn’t transfer,” she said. “Life happens. I always say everything happens for a good reason. I’m kind of glad this is the way it turned out,” she said of her decision to become a doctor.

“I really love family medicine and this is where I see myself going, but if I choose one, cardiology is the only specialty I am interested in.”

Lena said she is excited and seems confident as she completed the first week of her second medical education. With her positive outlook, she believes by the time she completes her education it will be an advantage to have reared their daughters at the same time. A number of her classmates have young families, as well.

MED STUDENT, PARENT

Jelena Ivanov

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MAJOR DEVELOPER

Rod Coleman is now developing neighborhoods his father envisioned before Fort Chaffee acreage was returned to public use. Photo by Glenn Gilley

ROD

Coleman would be more accurately shown on video – he’s always talking, always in motion. He waves his long arms, too, describing concepts, reaching over to pat his wife, Kathy’s hand, or pointing to a plat map of his next real estate development project at Chaffee Crossing.

All over that map are the precise shapes delineating property his company already has, or will soon, develop into neighborhoods. ERC, his family-owned company, has likely put more lines on that map than any other developer.

One reason is because Chaffee Crossing is in his backyard. With his father, Ernest R. “Buddy” Coleman, for whom the company was named, Rod grew up and attended elementary school in Barling. The year he was born, his father began buying property and developing neighborhoods. When Rod stepped up to CEO in 1985, ERC was growing quickly through both local and regional projects. Rob Coleman is the third generation, now developing ERC’s newest branded communities called Thrive in northwest Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

“My dad was the first chairman of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority in 1998,” Rod explained.

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“That was not a fun time, because anytime you begin to give birth to anything that includes so many people - Barling, Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Greenwood – it’s hard to get them all on the same page. We’re talking almost 20 years. It’s like raising a child.”

He agrees a daily presence of almost 300 students and faculty at ARCOM is a tipping point in the population who daily live, work or attend school in Chaffee Crossing.

“Community” is not just a promotional description anymore. “It’s good for him to see that,” he said of his dad, respectfully.

People, relationships among them and their quality of life are foremost to the chairman of ERC. “Experience” is what the development company’s leaders, employees and its marketing all describe. In Rod’s case, planning with the human experience in mind (rather than only the houses that will be built or streets that will be paved) is genuine. It’s his passion.

He immediately grasped this magazine’s interest in the cultural influence that a fully developed Chaffee Crossing may have. His opinion, naturally, is the cultural change will be in the style in which people will want to live – in denser, intentionally planned neighborhoods and on smaller lots with slightly smaller homes.

“People will begin to understand that this will work and also is very acceptable in view of land saving and cost saving,” when they see designed development of that style at Chaffee Crossing, he explained. “It’s just a conceptual change from living in 5,000 square feet on a big lot.”

To experience the satisfaction of knowing your neighbors, walking to a restaurant or nearby market or to work and enjoying common outdoor spaces, more people are going to live a bit closer together, said Rod. “These are the things that have got to happen,” he said. “We’re doing this.” Chaffee Crossing is not the only part of Fort Smith where denser living and mixed-use development are happening.

“We have to change the concept of how we live. For you or me to go and live in 1,500 square feet in downtown Fort Smith is something a lot of us would have never considered, but Rodney Ghan has done it and is having a blast,” he observed of a friend, another visionary, local developer. Ghan’s home is a second-floor residence in a recently renovated, former commercial building off Garrison Avenue.

Every study by every planning consultant, Coleman noted, every decade, recommends a mixed-use concept that draws people closer.

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“We’ve got to make this stuff mesh together,” he continued. “Kyle Parker, ARCOM, sits over here with (a future) 1,000 students. Those students will ride a bike or walk somewhere to do something. We don’t want a spread-out city or ‘this is the mall, separate from this is where you live,’” he said. Design for the rest of the college’s acreage, which densely mixes retail and residential, exemplifies concepts ERC also will increasingly develop, he said.

Kathy identified another demographic that is beginning to embrace this new lifestyle – theirs.

“People who are 55 and over and who are looking to downsize like it,” she said. “They love this idea - live here, eat here, have a glass of wine at a restaurant patio, walk the trails with their grandchildren.” Developers and home builders at Chaffee Crossing are in sync with Fort Smith’s walking trails master system, Rod added.

A lifelong resident, he can name off a cohort of family-owned businesses he credits with “keeping Fort Smith going.” Some heads of those businesses were his Northside High School classmates; others are friends through business, his church life or volunteer work such as Partners in Education. Their companies employ 50-100 people, he said. “Because they stayed here, they had an impact.” Retaining their second and third generation is key, as well as welcoming new residents. He keeps in touch with a wide circle of influencers whom he regards as positive forces.

“Fort Smith has the opportunity to have two bookends to a story: downtown Fort Smith, which is very important to the success of this area, and Chaffee Crossing. Some people think they play against each other – but they don’t.”

Currently, ERC has roughly 160 more acres to develop at Chaffee Crossing. “We have developed that much already,” he said. “This is acreage that we own, bought or have optioned with the trust. We have a lot of opportunity.”

He acknowledges that developing at Chaffee Crossing will probably occupy the rest of his working life. Rod embraces the challenges and unique nature of participating in the conversion of the 7,000 acres of Fort Chaffee into part of Fort Smith and Barling, his dual hometowns.

“I like to be identified with it,” he said. “It is going to be the future of Fort Smith.”

TWO RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS DEVELOPED

BY ERC, AMONG OTHERS, ARE AVALON AND PROVIDENCE, NEAR WALKING TRAILS AND THE RIVER VALLEY NATURE CENTER. HOMES THERE ARE CURRENTLY BEING CUSTOM BUILT FOR OWNERS BY NOTABLE LOCAL HOME BUILDERS. September 2017

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ARKANSANS

Twilight silhouettes the walkways and woody trails at Wells Lake at the Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, a well-used attraction at Chaffee Crossing.

ALL

of us are owners of 170 acres of some of the most beautiful property in all of Chaffee Crossing – the Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center on the shore of Wells Lake.

“Nature center people” are very active and early adopters of the outdoor culture of Chaffee Crossing. They include its staff, volunteers and many, many regular visitors of all ages.

Opened in August 2006, this educational, interpretive nature center is operated as part of the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission as part of its mission to manage the state’s fish and wildlife and provide an enjoyable experience that allows visitors to observe, learn about and appreciate its living creatures and natural landscape. Admission is free and the center is open seven days a week. It is easily accessible to mobility impaired visitors.

Kelly Mulvihill leads the staff of the center.

Here since its planning, Kelly has a lengthy perspective on its effect on its surrounding community. A local group formed when the game and fish commission promised to build four nature centers in the state, she said, and our supporters “won” for Fort Smith. A steering committee was created to give input about what the center should become, as its parent agency was new to the “park” business.

“Their priority was education – to have school groups use the center for field trips and as an outdoor classroom,” she recalled of the steering committee.

That is why classrooms and interactive exhibits about this region’s typical wildlife and natural environment of woods and water were installed. The staff created educational programs with local teachers designed to match the curriculum needs of area schools.

“The program we’re most proud of is for Fort Smith Public Schools’ fifth grade. All fifthgraders put on chest waders, do seining for aquatic life and look at the health of the lake by scientific method,” she said. “They also hike and study the differences in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It’s a real part of their curriculum.”

Other school systems in the region participate in similar science programs and fun field trips.

Visitors walk for exercise or recreation, fish at Wells Lake or bird watch. A popular “herps” presentation teaches with live, native snakes and turtles. Families are devoted visitors, enjoying free use of canoes and kayaks, archery and shooting range programs, fishing and picnics.

Grandparents and grandkids are often seen enjoying the center together.

All trails at Chaffee Crossing lead to this popular, loved center that belongs to everyone.

THE ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY NATURE CENTER WAS THE FIRST PUBLIC AMENITY AT CHAFFEE CROSSING, SUPPORTED

BY A 1/8-CENT SALES TAX PASSED IN 1996 BY ARKANSAS VOTERS. 20

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ENTREPRENEURS

Scott Archer

Scott Archer is a partner in a venture to develop retail, office and restaurant space from a former military warehouse, as seen in this rendering.

AS

a favor to a friend, Scott Archer agreed to look at property at Chaffee Crossing offered for sale by the FCRA, he recalled. “I have a friend who was in a Leadership Fort Smith class with Lorie Robertson, the marketing director. I hesitantly went out there just to be nice and go look at the buildings. I really didn’t expect to find anything.”

To his surprise, Archer was intrigued by a sturdy military warehouse, complete with a loading dock. It was enormous – 45,000 square feet – and was comprised, structurally, of five separate buildings separated by fire walls, each about 9,000 square feet.

He found himself discussing it with his professional colleagues at HSA Engineering, where he is principal engineer. HSA is a mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering firm with extensive experience in the design and construction of health care, educational, athletic, church, commercial, municipal and industrial facilities. The firm has offices in Fort Smith near Central Mall and in Conway. The Fort Smith office, substantial in size, was considering expanding its space for staff and technology for its work, “primarily the generation of paper,” Archer said in his dry sense of humor. “We made kind of a joke that we’d set up folding tables and use the warehouse as our office.”

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Joking aside, more serious consideration led him and several business partners to a decision to purchase and develop the long, spacious structures located in Chaffee Crossing’s former Fort Chaffee warehouse district. Their plans are for a mix of other, smaller professional offices, retail space and a restaurant. Or two.

Several factors he thought were in favor of the project persuaded him to take it on, Archer enumerated: first, the warehouse could be renovated to house the engineering firm more comfortably, doubling its current space. Second, he saw pent-up demand because of the geography of Fort Smith and towns to the east.

“I think the dynamic that people are missing is that they’re cut off out that way. Those people out there, I think some 1,600 new residents, all the people in Greenwood, Lavaca, Paris, Charleston – if they want to come to Fort Smith, they have to go all the way down Rogers Avenue. You’re cut off out there, by the airport; you have to drive around it,” he explained. “ I think the dynamic is you have all those people out there – and all they need is a reason to stay right there. Chaffee Crossing will be within a skip of where they live.”

Archer and his wife, Stacey, live in the Rye Hill area. He drew on his own family’s active lifestyle and high “kids mileage” when analyzing whether the warehouse was a viable location for stores and restaurants.

“With the college starting, softball fields opening eventually, you’ll end up having people out there all the time for practice and games and weekend tournaments. There are new soccer fields and possibly, tennis courts. Where are all those people going to eat? The first place they can stop at on the way home,” he said from personal experience. “When you do activities like that, you don’t want to go home and cook.”

The partners also plan to bring in the nonprofit Morgan Nick Foundation, which has decided to have a Fort Smith presence. With that headquarters, HSA Engineering and smaller professional space, retail, services and eateries as tenants, Archer sees a well-appointed, even needed, commercial area. A furniture store and Fort Smith Brewing are nearby in other, adjacent warehouses now, he noted.

“We’d like it to be a place where people park and walk around to the different businesses,” he said. The exterior will be bricked and the loading dock will stay as a walkway. The completed building will be efficiently updated with new interior construction (that’s what engineers do).

But its ambiance will be a cool, industrial vibe.

“At first, we felt like starting on our office was fine but anything else was roughly five years away,” he said. “I don’t think that anymore. It’s reaching critical mass, the people who believe this is happening. It’s the place to be in Fort Smith and that’s what we as partners decided.”

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HOMEOWNERS

Steve and Robin Dawson moved their home and their business to Chaffee Crossing.

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was only after Robyn and Steve Dawson moved into their new home in one of Chaffee Crossing’s residential neighborhoods that they began to realize the many ways they were pleased.

“We built our home new and have been here for about a year and a half,” said Robyn Dawson, principal at Fort Smith’s Spradling Elementary School. “We’re in Stoneshire. Rocky Walker (Cobblestone Homes) built our home.

We love the neighborhood.”

The Dawsons previously lived near the Rogers Avenue Walmart Supercenter.

“I was kind of concerned how I would feel leaving the center of the hub and going out to Stoneshire but, actually, it’s been so great! It feels like you’re in a small community in the center of an urban city,” she explained. “I wondered if I was not going to like the commute, but really, now it’s actually fantastic. It moved my commute 6 minutes. It took me 16 minutes from our other home; it takes 22 minutes now.”

She added that she likes being able to choose to turn right or left to quickly access east or west Fort Smith from Interstate 49.

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Concrete Coating and River Valley Pools, to Chaffee Crossing, as well. They first thought mostly of the convenience of living closer to his workplace. The FCRA had several suggested properties available for the Dawsons to see and communicated different factors about each of the possible locations.

“We enjoyed working with the redevelopment authority when we were purchasing our business and buying property. They have been such a pleasure to work with,” Dawson said. “They really want to see that area develop in a positive way. I think they’ve been very thoughtful,” she said, in regard to FCRA’s long-term planning and the way it shared information about related development near each property.

Even so, it was only after buying a 9,000square-foot warehouse that the full benefits dawned on the Dawsons, she explained.

“Another neat thing that was unexpected for us is that the new interstate is coming right there into Chaffee Crossing. Our building is on the corner of Roberts and Fort Chaffee Boulevard.

We didn’t even realize that. On Chad Colley and Massard is another future exit less than a mile from our addition. When we were thinking about building out there, we didn’t really absorb it all. How great is this!” Dawson said.

Photo by Glenn Gilley

Their builder and all the FCRA extoll an “outdoor lifestyle” and its growing trail system.

“That has been one of the unexpected pleasures we have found out there,” said Robyn.

“Our addition is right next to Lake Torraine.

My husband and I have never really been outdoor enthusiasts but because of the walking trails that connect to the lake, we can step out our door to that park and begin that walking trial that can take us all the way to Ben Geren and circle back. It caused me to actually to do something I wouldn’t have done had I not been out there,” Dawson said. “There are so many people that utilize those walking trails! They put the wide trails and bicycle trails on the side of the road. Anytime I’m coming and going, I see them in use. It’s almost a small town feeling because you see people walking dogs, riding bikes and walking with each other. I just love that part of it.”

THERE ARE 24 RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS COMPLETED OR IN DEVELOPMENT AT CHAFFEE CROSSING, INCLUDING GATED COMMUNITIES, SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, SHARED-ROOF FAMILY DUPLEXES, APARTMENTS AND STUDENT RESIDENCES AT ARCOM.

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INDUSTRY CEO

Adam Blalock leads Umarex USA/Walther Arms, Inc.which manufacture airguns, components and firearms.

HE

tries, humbly, to take no credit, but largely because of Adam Blalock, Fort Smith is the American headquarters of Umarex USA and Walther Arms, Inc. The city prizes landing this 21st-century manufacturer, located at Chaffee Crossing on Chad Colley Boulevard.

Leaders of the German-based PW Group, owner of both Walther Arms and Umarex USA, connected with the Fort Smith native when Blalock was president and CEO of Daisy Outdoor Products in Rogers, Ark. When they decided to build an American manufacturing facility, PW Group officers asked Blalock to help the company find an “optimum” location.

And they asked to hire him.

By that time, 2001, Blalock had moved from Daisy to Fort Smith’s PRADCO Outdoor Brands plant.

“At that point, I had in my mind, ‘I’m here, church is here, home’s here, so really for personal reasons, I’m here.’ I told them I’m pretty much in Fort Smith,” Blalock recalled telling his German associates. “I said, ‘I feel like this is where our family is supposed to be. If you are set 26

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on finding the optimum location, I could help you do that, but I wouldn’t be the one to run it.

For me, it needs to be in Fort Smith. Having said that, let me tell you all the reasons Fort Smith is an optimum location. Here’s why ... .’”

Teamed with the highly motivated Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, Fort Smith Regional Chamber, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and then-Gov. Mike Beebe’s office, Blalock hit the bull’s-eye for his hometown. First built as Umarex USA and completed in 2010 after occupying leased space since 2006, the facility was expanded in 2012 to manufacture Walther Arms Inc. firearms.

An industrial neighbor is the nearby Mars Petcare plant, which has grown through three major expansions since it opened in 2009 and currently employs more than 250. Recent news of the planned third expansion projects the addition of 130 jobs. Mars Petcare is noted as an energy-efficient plant; Arkansas’ first sustainable manufacturing facility and the first sustainable pet food manufacturing facility in the world. Like Umarex USA and Walther, Mars has a global parent company.

Photo by Glenn Gilley

Today, Blalock works with 100 employees and more than 80 independent sales reps across the country. Many moved to the area from all over the nation and world and are now residents of Fort Smith and this area. The company manufactures and ships a wide inventory of air guns and iconic Walther firearms. Blalock calls it “intergalactic headquarters” for Umarex USA and he said, five years later, he and the company are fully pleased to have chosen to be here.

Strong business performance is one reason. But he finds additional benefits.

Blalock maintains there is a recognizable lifestyle, a culture, at Chaffee Crossing that is noticed and embraced by people who live and work there. The setting invites you outdoors.

“Depending on where people are in their exercise cycle, you’ll see people at lunch running, walking, cycling, walking around the lake,” he said. Often, Blalock is one of them.

“On the surface, it’s 27 acres in our campus and facility, but for me personally – I happen to be a cyclist so I ride my bicycle everywhere out here,” he said. “It’s beyond buildings and what’s inside them. It’s like going to work in a park.”

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As accustomed as he has grown to be with Chaffee Crossing, Blalock still meets local people who are not familiar with how much has happened since they perhaps read about the original groundbreaking for his facility and other neighboring industries.

“When I’m talking to someone who doesn’t really know about it, whose travels don’t bring them out here, I say we’re near the Mars plant they don’t know where it is,” he said. “People who haven’t physically been here may not know what is happening.”

They, like he does, may have memories that identify Chaffee Crossing with their experiences with the military Fort Chaffee, years ago.

“My dad and I bird hunted out here when I was a kid,” he recalled. But he has been a daily observer of the growth of this now-burgeoning side of Fort Smith for more than a decade. He’s aware of and can name many housing developers and builders, small and large business owners and other figures and companies with projects under way.

Blalock at a large display of the airguns and firearms made at the Fort Smith facility.

“What I tell people – sometimes they think I’m kidding – is I cycle out here, I go to church at River Valley Community Church right next to FCRA; I work here and I’m going to move into a home here in a new development,” Blalock said. “I’m a resident and a recreational user. I have four grandchildren and we love to go to the nature center. I’m pretty much here!”

OTHER ENTERPRISES DESIGNATED INDUSTRIAL AT CHAFFEE CROSSING INCLUDE GLATFELTER, GRAPHIC PACKAGING, MARS PETCARE, PHOENIX METALS, SEVERAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES AND OTHER MANUFACTURERS AND FABRICATORS. MANY ARE CLUSTERED NEAR THE CHAD COLLEY BOULEVARD/ROBERTS BOULEVARD AREA. September 2017

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THE AUTHORITY Lorie Robertson and Ivy Owen, in patriotic socks, at FCRA headquarters.

THIS

is the hub and these are two folks who interact with all people who live, work, invest in or even ask about Fort Smith’s Chaffee Crossing. The very job description of Ivy Owen, executive director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, and Lorie Robertson, its director of marketing, along with its able staff, is to “know almost everybody.”

The FCRA is the entity charged with administering the conversion of 7,000 acres that once were part of the military base Fort Chaffee to civilian use and ownership after the Defense Department, by a congressionally authorized process called Base Realignment and Closure, ceased use of this land. The FCRA also is duty-bound to someday put itself out of business. When all of that acreage is fully and officially privately owned or publicly administrated by a municipal government, the authority’s job will be completed.

Owen has an insightful, first-hand perspective of the multi-faceted, massive regional effects resulting from the birth and evolution of Chaffee Crossing. There’s a good case he could retire and write a notable nonfiction book about these unique circumstances. Such a book would be informative and relevant to urban planners, state and national elected officials, federal and state civil service agency professionals, the U.S. military command, economic developers, sociologists, political science academics, real estate developers, the investor and financial sector, historians, journalists and a myriad of affected citizens. It’s a big, wide and deep subject that has consumed him since taking this job in 2007.

That is, if he ever were to retire. It’s a standard and amusing question to ask Owen when he will retire – and he always answers in good humor.

“I used to say my work would be done when I drove on I-49, but now I can’t say that any more,” he said. “Then, I said when I see the medical school opened but as of now that’s already passed. My next benchmark is when the dirt starts turning on the 13 miles that gets us over to I-49 at Alma.” (I-49 is meant to take this route when federally funded.)

“The only reason I’m excited – well, several reasons actually – one is because our governor has taken it on as a pet project. The second reason is the way they’re examining it now is as public/private project. The state has already committed to $10 million,” he said, his face now alight.

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His answer is typical. Owen seems biologically hard-wired to transmit enthusiasm, to motivate engagement and investment in or at the very least, a positive attitude towards Chaffee Crossing. His numerous professional accomplishments, accolades; his occasional regulational combat maneuvers on behalf of the FCRA and complex, creative, long-range campaigns are better followed in business and news publications.

But he’s a “people person,” so he did understand and respond very thoughtfully to this magazine’s current purpose – to look at the social, human culture developing as Chaffee Crossing fills with people. He thinks a lot about that culture, he said, as one chief in shaping it.

“I think it is a culture of hope and excitement,” he said. “Hope, that what people feel and see when they drive on Chaffee Crossing is what the future of Fort Smith holds; excitement that they’re fortunate enough to be part of it. But especially hope.”

“I can see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices. We hear it in the FCRA board meetings when people are here making an emotional plea to our board to sell them property; sharing their vision for what it’s going to look like and how successful it’s going to be.

When they get that way, it’s catching! Every time we have one of those emotional pleas and excited orators it catches on. It’s amazing what a positive attitude can do,” he declared in his animated manner.

“It’s hard not to have a positive attitude when you drive around here and see all the new construction, the med school, ArcBest, young people walking and riding bicycles, babies in strollers, people going to the nature center, building houses, moving in, eating at the restaurant, it’s just hard not to get excited about it, no matter what your age. Especially for the young people,” he continued, pausing to take a breath.

“I think the culture predominately will be made by new people and new businesses. The reason I say that is because the shifting that would have happened has already happened. People who already live or own businesses in Fort Smith were going to move when it was inexpensive,” he reasoned. “Those people, like Trotter Electric, have moved out here years ago. There’s people who moved their homes when The Woods addition was opened 10 years ago. People who lived farther east moved to get closer to Fort Smith. There’s a lot of people there who didn’t live in Fort Smith before. I bet 60 percent of those who live in Reata weren’t from here. The further you get up the hill, I bet it is as high as 60 percent new residents,” he said.

Lorie Robertson, who meets prospective property buyers such as Scott Archer’s warehouse partners, sees a culture of pioneers.

“This is Fort Smith’s new frontier. Fort Smith was founded on the western edge of the city, looking off into Oklahoma and it was uncharted territory. The people who came here and built and developed were pioneers,” she said. “People who are investing in this land today are pioneers. They’re looking for something new and different, yet they love this city and want to stay here close. This is their new frontier. This is where they get to branch out and explore and try new things and not be so constricted by all the other confines of a developed city.”

Ivy sees the McClure Amphitheater as symbolic of new alliances and a cooperative culture Chaffee Crossing offers. Dick Gordon, he recalled, first took him up a foot trail to the abandoned military amphitheater on an overgrown ridge. By cooperating with the city and Sebastian County governments, the stone amphitheater is now attractively restored. It immediately became a popular destination and amenity to the many new residents around Massard Road. From it is a new vista with a beautiful view back toward miles of Fort Smith.

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THAT GI BARBERSHOP - AND PRIDE IN ARMY HISTORY Perhaps the most publicized event at Fort Chaffee is the 1958 induction of Pvt. Elvis Presley at the height of his fame. News photos of “the King” getting an GI haircut flashed around the world.

The FCRA, under Ivy Owen, joined a local group of elementary students and the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau in efforts to turn that clapboard building where Elvis was shorn into a historic tourism attraction. The Barbershop Museum is restored and open with exhibits about experiences of GIs who trained there. Annually, relatives of barbers who manned the clippers and Elvis fans hold an Elvis GI Haircut Festival. Some fans sit in the historic chair and get buzz cuts!

Preserving history is a duty charged to the FCRA, which also has underwritten a Chaffee Military History Museum located in the Chaffee Crossing Historic District. A Vietnam Veterans Museum created by local veterans also is there, along with preserved barracks and a Memorial Plaza. The district is the site of a spectacular, annual Veterans Day Parade.

The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. Throughout these museums, the significance of Camp Chaffee, then Fort Chaffee is interpreted. From 1941 onward, thousands prepared for service in World War II and the active post also housed German prisoners of war. Fort Chaffee later processed more than 50,000 Vietnamese refugees from 1975-76, to move them toward permanent relocation in the United States and housed 25,000 Cubans who were expelled or escaped in the 1980 Mariel boatlift incident.

Fort Chaffee also has served as a National Guard training center and was opened again for temporary, emergency housing for people displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

The history of families and communities whose farms, homes and schools were purchased to build the original 15,000-acre military base, (eventually expanded to 66,000 acres) also is recognized. Even as the Chaffee Crossing area is transformed into part of a city rather than a base, its military history is visible, preserved and treated with respect and interest.

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HOME DESIGN

Going up! 2017 Showcase Home is rising toward its October debut ach year, the Greater Fort Smith Association of Homebuilders presents a Showcase Home to show off the best skills, materials, products and construction practices of its industry. This year’s home in Stonebrook at Chaffee Crossing is under the leadership of fine home builders Carrington Creek Homes.

It is rising at a coveted location, the Stonebrook neighborhood in the growing Chaffee Crossing area and will exemplify the high standards of others of the association’s member builders and associates.

The home’s climate control systems, kitchen appliances and hot water will be powered by natural gas. Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp. (AOG) is a major annual sponsor of the building industry’s proud presentation.

E

An open house stretching over two weeks during each year’s Showcase Home event is held at the same time as a Parade of Homes offers tours of other new homes available for sale that were built by distinguished, top regional builders who are homebuilder association members.

This professional association exists to uphold the best practices and quality standards in new home construction. Of course, the annual Showcase Home includes the contributions of craftsmanship from not only the featured supervising builder, but within it are products such as doors, trim, windows, cabinetry, surfaces such as granite and marble, flooring and carpeting of the finest quality and value. The buyer of the Showcase Home gets a fine new home that has many premium upgrades.

Perhaps unnoticed, but very important to the owners’ life and budget, are the latest practices, best energy source and materials selected to make the home both energyefficient and climate-resilient.

Cary Smallwood of Carrington Creek is prominent among a cohort of distinguished regional builders. It has built extensively in the region and has been a previous Showcase Home featured builder. Its signs are in front of many attractive, valued custom homes already completed for client owners.

From another fine Carrington Creek Homes property, an attractive kitchen design.

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HOME DESIGN The Showcase Home, opposite, features glass garage doors, a stone and brick exterior, two bedrooms and two baths and will be fully landscaped. Amenities include energy-efficient gas appliances, HVAC and hot water heater.

Carrington Creek Homes is building homes now in the Chaffee Crossing neighborhoods of Avalon and Stonebrook and Ridgewood at Rye Hill, between Fort Smith and Greenwood.

The Showcase Home is in Stonebrook at Chaffee Crossing, a development off Massard Road near the McClure Amphitheater, accessible by walking/biking trails. The home is in the Fort Smith Public School District.

Weather factors and completion schedules permitting, Entertainment Fort Smith will feature a pictorial tour of the Showcase Home in the October issue. The Showcase Home open house dates are Oct. 6-8 and 13-15, concurrent with the Parade of Homes, staffed by area Realtors. A map and list of Parade of Homes addresses will be provided online at fortsmithhomebuilders.com.

Detail of the front entry of a completed, custom home by Carrington Creek Homes. Below, gas range in the builder’s model home

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home & garden goodies

Picking Flowers, a painting by Martin Peerson found at Fort Smith’s Regional Arts Musuem.

Variety of sport headboards available for children at Mike's Furniture.

Chevron bathroom accessories from This 'n That Thrift Shoppe.

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home & garden goodies In all things give thanks pillow and a decorative stone candle holder with fall accent found at The Goods.

Collapsible beverage dispenser and a multi-purpose beer holder from In Good Spirits.

Fall metal decor available at Neumeirer’s Nursery.

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home & garden goodies Michel Design Works Golden Pear candle and napkins plus metal twig candleholder with a pillar candle from Vintage Finds.

Scented wax warmers and break apart natural wax available at The Potting Shed.

Parsons charging chairside table from Furniture Emporium.

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WHAT’S COOKING

MEALS MADE EASY Tight schedules don’t have to mean takeout

SOUTHWEST SKILLET CHICKEN & RICE

2 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. seasoned salt 11⁄2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves 1 tbsp. oil 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes, drained 1 cup frozen corn 1 cup instant white rice 1 cup water

Mix chili powder and seasoned salt in small bowl. Sprinkle chicken with 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mixture.

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook 5 minutes per side or until lightly browned.

Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, rice, water and remaining seasoning mixture. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut chicken into serving size pieces. Fluff rice mixture with fork before serving.

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SLOW COOKER CREAM CORN

SLOW COOKER OATMEAL APPLE COBBLER Apple Filling 5 medium Gala apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup Bisquick 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Oatmeal Cobbler Topping 1 cup Bisquick 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. salt 1 stick cold butter, cut into pieces

Spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. For the Apple Filling, toss apple slices, brown sugar, baking mix and cinnamon in large bowl. Place in slow cooker.

For the Cobbler Topping, mix all ingredients, except butter, in medium bowl. Cut in butter with fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over Apple Filling.

Cover. Cook 3 hours on high.

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2 pounds frozen corn kernels 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed 1 cup milk 1/4 cup butter 1 tsp. garlic salt 1 tsp. thyme leaves 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika Spray inside of slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover. Cook three hours on high or until desired consistency, stirring halfway through cooking. (Corn will thicken upon standing.) Stir well before serving.

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SLOW COOKER BBQ PULL PORK 3-pound boneless pork shoulder roast or loin roast, trimmed 1 package McCormick Slow Cookers BBQ Pulled Pork Seasoning 1/2 cup ketchup 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup cider vinegar Place pork in slow cooker. Mix seasoning mix, ketchup, brown sugar and vinegar until blended. Pour over pork. Cover.

Cook 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Remove pork from slow cooker.

Shred pork, using two forks. Return pork to slow cooker. Mix and heat with sauce before serving. Serve on sandwich rolls, if desired.

CLASSIC JAMBALAYA 1 tbps. vegetable oil 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 pound Andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 1 tbsp. minced fresh garlic 1 medium tomato, chopped 2 tsp. Creole seasoning 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 cup enriched long-grain parboiled rice 1¾ cup chicken stock Heat oil in large heavy skillet on mediumhigh heat. Add chicken and sausage; cook and stir 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.

Add onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic; cook and stir on medium heat until onion is softened. Stir in tomato, Creole Seasoning and cayenne pepper.

Return chicken and sausage to skillet. Add rice and stock; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 25 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

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DESIGNER NOTES

Owner Sherry Goodrum and Molly

The Goods good and ready for fall

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all is around the corner and, as usual, The Goods owner Sherry Goodrum is hard at work keeping up to date on the newest fall decor.

“When I think of the fall/holiday season, I think of how we used to gather the fall harvest.

The word ‘gather’ stands out to me because this is the time of year we gather with family and friends. Offering my customers seasonal decor will help make their home cozy and inviting for their gatherings,” explains Sherry.

Popular trends this year are artificial lamb’s ear, eucalyptus silver drop and magnolia wreaths, as well as stems of cotton, antlers and green and orange pumpkins made out of cloth. Faux pumpkins are available for customers to create something special by painting with The Goods exclusive Maison Blanche chalk paint. Try their muted colors of oyster, ivory, sugar cane, Creme de menthe, robins egg, cobblestone, creole or Franciscan gray for a soft, updated color range.

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New fall decorations can be found everywhere but Sherry always comes up with creative ideas for her customers.

“Vine candle rings used as candle accents are a great example of how a simple piece can change a summer look into a fall look very easily,” she said. “Cotton wreaths are a sign of Southern hospitality. Add a few cotton stems to existing floral arrangements or gather a bundle and place them in a white creamware pitcher and that becomes an easily updated fall design.”

More items in The Goods fall arsenal are stems, vines and wreaths with orange berries, pumpkins or fall leaves, along with candle holders, table toppers and more.

The shabby chic interior design has been a popular way of decorating since the 1980s and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. The demand is high and The Goods has many choices of shabby chic-style items. “Rusty, crusty metals and buckets, as well as rustic wooden pieces, signs and crates are still a major trend.

These items paired with a more sophisticated decor is a good balance,” Sherry said.

Of course, many of The Goods staples are peppered throughout the new fall items.

Wooden signs, tea towels, mugs and pillows with inspiring quotes or silly jokes are still abundantly stocked. Repurposed and chalk painted pieces, including dressers, window frames and desks, can be found hanging on the

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DESIGNER NOTES

walls or on display. Lamps, framed art, dinnerware, metal milk jugs of various sizes, artificial greenery, farmhouse decor like wooden chickens and pig paper towel holders, cream dispensers or cutting boards.

She has items perfect for repurposing or repainting like shutters, frames, tables and chairs. Sherry puts out new products all the time so customers will always have many unique items to decorate their home or give as gifts.

Customers will find abundant Maison Blanche paint colors to choose from. Sherry offers a paint guide to help each customer choose the perfect paint for their projects and is available to offer advice.

The Goods 1809 Dodson Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-5057 Facebook/Thegoodshomewares

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fashion & fitness goodies Razorback hi-low tee with football necklace with tassels paired with a camo mini skirt found at Clothologie.

Flannel shirt with coordinating skinny jeans found at Katiebug’s Boutique.

Hot wasabi green peas and lightly salted edamame dry roasted soybeans available at Paul’s Meat Market.

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fashion & fitness goodies No-slip beaded headbands from the Pink Pewter Collection found at Vanity Calls.

Sun n’ Sand hats available at Luther Stem Pools & Spa.

Razorback needlepoint, T-shirt and wooden sign found at Designer Again.

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fashion & fitness goodies A variety of Poo-Pourri found at Natural Treasures and lace and criss-cross bras from Firefly Boutique & Gifts.

Aveda Color Conserve products available at Metropolis Hair Studio.

Stink Free odor eliminator in detergent and spray found at True Grit Running.

Electronic hearing protection for shooting available at Center for Hearing.

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fashion & fitness goodies Grande Lash primer, liner and mascara found at Gambill Medi-Spa.

Chaps and extra small D.O.T. helmet available at Old Dog Leather.

Soft cover can be used for nursing, a car seat or shopping cart cover, as well as an infinity scarf. Available at Polka-Dotted Zebra.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Beautiful print scarf, studded snap bracelets and woven fedora found at Jo Waite Interior & Design.

Tudor watches available at Newton’s Jewelers.

Giorgio Armani sunglasses and La Loop eyeglass holder necklaces exclusively at Dr. Steven Stiles Eye Group.

September 2017

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MUSIC & performance

Fort Smith documentary Leaving a Legacy will be screened at Fayetteville Film Festival SEPT The locally made documentary film “Leaving a Legacy,” directed

by Brenda Yelvington of Fort Smith, has been selected for inclusion by the Fayetteville Film Festival. It will be screen among a dozen documentary films in a three-day festival that also includes feature films, narrative short films and documentaries.

12

This magazine has followed the film with articles chronicling the making of and premiere of the full-length documentary that captures a year in the life of band members of the Northside High School marching and concert bands. The FFF is its first festival acceptance for independent filmmaker Yelvington and ST Film Studio.

The film intimately and honestly follows the lives of six individual band students and the directors who lead them. The film’s official synopsis

describes it well: Every kid has dreams and hopes, but then life gets in the way and mistakes are made. It’s how they handle those mistakes that audiences will remember. The promotional quote associated with the documentary is “239 band kids, 6 band directors but only one legacy.”

The students who were subjects of the film are now in college, some at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. The editors suggest that a large hometown audience would continue to show support for them and for the dedicated filmmaker and crew.

“Leaving a Legacy” will be screened at 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Fayetteville High School, 994 West Martin Luther King Boulevard, Fayetteville, Ark. Passes to the festival and a schedule of the full and very worthwhile festival can be found at fayettevillefilmfest.org.

Interactive Photo Exhibit is also the work of Yelvington Participate by reacting to the exhibit Sept. 1-30 “See Who You Are,” 15 photographs by Brenda Yelvington, is an exhibit at the UAFS Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center depicting “the uniqueness and beauty of individuals in ordinary moments” and asking for reactions that are posted, anonymously, online. The exhibit is sponsored by the Chancellor’s Coalition for the Visual Arts. See it 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.5 p.m. on Fridays.

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Branford Marsalis

Sept. 7 Branford Marsalis in Concert Incomparable, innovative jazz great Branford Marsalis opens the 37th University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Season of Entertainment. Considered “the most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist,” Marsalis has been performing jazz and classical music for 40 years and has released more than 30 albums, most recently “Upward Spiral.” He will perform with his reknowned quartet. The bandleader, composer and saxophonist is a Louisianan, born into a family of outstanding jazz musicians, including his parents and brothers. He has performed with rock acts, symphonies and on Broadway. Handsome and personable, he has frequently been cast by major television and film directors for cameos. UAFS Season of Entertainment 37 is a yearlong slate of plays, musicals and symphonic performances. $32-$35. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith 479-788-7300 tickets.uafs.edu Sept. 1-3; 6-10; 13-17 Fun Home A five-time Tony Award-winner. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing make-believe at the family business, the Bechdel Funeral Home. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, cathartic and wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. Based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, this play was a finalist for the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Tickets range from $17-$47. 7:30 p.m. Theatre Squared, 505 West Spring Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Jeremy Denk

Sept. 10 An Evening with Jeremy Denk and the Fort Smith Symphony “An Evening with Jeremy Denk” will feature one of the most prominent pianist in the world today, when the Fort Smith Symphony gives its opening concert of the new season on Sept. 10. Denk has been playing with violinist Joshua Bell, who opened last year’s Fort Smith Symphony Season. They recently recorded a collection of Brahms together. With the symphony, Denk will be performing Beethoven’s beautiful Piano Concerto No. 5 in Eb Major. Also on the opening concert program will be Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 in D Minor. Ticket prices vary by seating. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith 479-452-7575 fortsmithsymphony.org.

TajMo Sept. 19 TajMo: Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ Friends Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ are both iconic bluesmen. When they unite it is for an historic cross-generational collaboration. Each musician has extended blues traditions. Collaboration brings out the best in both artists, merging their distinctive voices, personalities and guitar styles to create vibrant, immediate music that's firmly rooted in tradition yet ruled by a playful sense of adventure. $48-$58. 7 p,m. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org September 2017

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Sept. 23 Bluegrass in The Park This family-friendly event begins with bluegrass bands Big Still River, Flatbroke and Lonesome and Springstreet. The event is sponsored by the Ozark A&P Commission and the American Legion. Take your own lawn chairs. Free. 6-10 p.m. Eastside City Park, Highway 64 East, Ozark, Ark. 479-667-2525 Sept. 26 Dark Night at Fort Smith Little Theatre This “Dark Night” performance of the comedy “Making God Laugh” benefits the Sack Lunch Program. $20. 7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-9912 fslt.org The Secret Sisters Sept. 20 AACLIVE: Secret Sisters Kicking off its 18th season, AACLive! welcomes the Secret Sisters. These two soulful sisters, Lydia and Laura Rogers combine effortless harmonies with a shared love of country music’s rich history. The Secret Sisters have shared stages with the likes of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Levon Helm, Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, and Ray LaMontagne. $40. 7:30 p.m. 801 Media Center, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-8931 aaclive.com

Sept. 28 Hot Club of Cowtown Western Swing served sizzling is the signature of the Hot Club of Cowtown, a trio that has been asked to perform globally. Their latest project, Rendezvous in Rhythm, is an exuberant collection of Gypsy songs and American Songbook standards. It is their first album dedicated to the Gypsy jazz and French swing of 1930s Paris in the 1930s, featuring standards in the style of hot jazz titans Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. $30. 7:30 p.m. Walton Arts Center, 495 West Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-443-5600 waltonartscenter.org Sept. 30 Lollapalooza on the Green The Shane Bailey Memorial Music Society presents an all-day free concert on the UAFS campus green with 10 bands on two stages, lawn games, a kids corner, booths manned by campus clubs and an instrument petting zoo, where anyone can touch and try out musical instruments. Free. 2-8 p.m. UAFS, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7554

Sept. 21 Exile in Concert Exile formed in 1963 looking to play small clubs in Richmond, Ky., but managed to top both the pop and country charts during a 50-year-long career. Their hit “Kiss You All Over” went to the top of pop charts in 1978. In the 1980s, Exile started to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts, Exile has successfully had 10 No. 1 singles, including “I Don’t Want to Be A Memory” and Give Me One More Chance.” The five original members of Exile re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour together today. $25-$41.

7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Exile

Sept. 21-24; 27-30 Making God Laugh In one typical family, empty-nester parents and their adult children are all dealing with changes, hopes and dreams. As time marches on, they learn that, despite making plans, we often arrive at unexpected destinations. An honest look at family life layered with real humor, real people and real meaning. Play by Sean Grennan. Directed by Lora Rice. $12. 7:30 p.m. Sept 21-23, 27-30; 2 p.m. Sept. 24. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org 48

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Oct. 3 Catapult Catapult features incredible dancers who work behind a screen to create magical shadow silhouettes of shapes. Packed with hundreds of shape transformation, the show is full of humor, emotion and engaging stories. $20-$35. 7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, P.O. Box 2359, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Oct. 7 Hawk Nelson Popular Canadian Christian rock and pop punk group in concert. Their albums have been chosen for GMA, Juno and Dove Awards and nominations year after year. The band is led by founding member, bassist Daniel Biro. Tickets, $22, available at the door, by phone or web. 7 p.m. Greenwood Performing Arts Center, 515 East Gary Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-4142 etix.com Oct. 7 White Collar Sideshow WCS is throwing a farewell party for drummer of 11 years, Herr Schwein. Also on stage is the local band of brothers, .357, and reuniting for the first time since 2006 – Uttermost! A portion of ticket sales supports the Riverview Hope Campus and donations will be accepted. All ages. $7. 7 p.m. The Sound Room, 817 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-1338 whitecollarsideshow.com

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Bravo! Young actors and musicians recognized with National Youth Awards

Alex Marrin

Gabrielle Gore

Turner Tecmire

Emily Bieker

Last month in New York, five young actors and musicians of the Community School of the Arts were honored by the National Youth Awards. Some were able to attend to represent the CSA and were invited to perform at the awards ceremony program.

Awards presented were: Lead Actor in a Musical, Alex Marrin as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls; Lead Actress in a Musical, Gabrielle Gore as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls; Lead Actress in a Musical, Turner Tecmire as Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls; and Instrumental Soloist, Emily Bieker for Partita Nr. 2 in Chamber Strings Spring Concert. The entire ensemble received an award for Youth Orchestra for their performance of the Chamber Strings Spring Concert.

Guys and Dolls also received nominations for outstanding production and the ensemble cast; set direction (Stephan Copeland) and vocal soloist (Gabrielle Gore). Adult instructors Gini Law and Sheila Mann were nominated for musical direction and Thesa Loving received a nomination for direction.

Community School of the Arts is a non-profit organization serving the this community and region by providing instruction in music, theater, dance and visual art. The mission of CSA is to develop confident leaders and outstanding citizens through training in and appreciation of the visual and performing arts.

All performances are subject to change without notice. Entertainment Fort Smith recommends that you please check a venue’s provided social media or website links, or call ahead to verify appearances and admission prices.

Venues that serve alcohol admit patrons 21 and older with I.D. only unless the show is designated “all ages.”

Venues may submit their schedules by email to calendar@efortsmith.com for consideration, by the 10th of the month before the show date. The editors do not seek out or report Music & Performance items; we require that they be reported to us before the deadline. Highresolution digital images related to the music or performances are accepted by email. The editors will determine whether news or images will be published.

Bands and performers, please encourage the venue to notify Entertainment Fort Smith by email.

We cannot accept booking information from individual bands without verification of the venue.

Display advertising.is available for guaranteed placement in the Music & Performance pages.

Direct questions to calendar@efortsmith.com or call 479-494-1888.The magazine does not accept calender entries over the phone.

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KIDS

calendar of events

It’s National Card Library Month!

SEPTEMBER

1-30

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. This is the perfect time to apply for a card. All children who sign up for a library card at a Fort Smith Public Library during Library Card Sign-up Month will receive a free paperback book, provided by the Friends of the Library. Library cards are available free of charge to Fort Smith city residents age 5 and older. A parent or legal guardian must apply in person for children ages 5-15. Those who want to apply should bring a current street address, such as a driver’s license, bank check or utility bill.

Main Branch 3201 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 1-5 p.m. Sunday Primetime Story Time, first Tuesday: 6 p.m.

Spanish Story Time, second Monday: 6 p.m.

Toddler Time (3 and under): 10 a.m. Tuesdays Preschool Story Time (3 and up): 10 a.m. Thursdays Dallas Street Branch 8100 Dallas Street Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday Noon-5 p.m. Saturday Story Time: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays

Miller Branch 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday Noon-5 p.m. Saturday Laptime Story Time: 10:30 a.m. Mondays Story Time: 10 a.m Fridays Windsor Branch 4701 Windsor Drive, 479-785-0405 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday Noon-5 p.m. Saturday Story Time: 10 a.m. Mondays

Sept. 1 Yoga For Special Needs Yogaterrium is teaming up with The New Normal (a local special needs group) to offer a monthly yoga class just for those in our community with autism, disabilities and other special needs. This will be a shorter yoga class (30 minutes) and will go over basic yoga poses, breathing and relaxation. Instructor Terri Hargrove has been teaching private lessons to a teen boy with autism for more than 10 years and has seen the benefits and improvements and wants to make yoga more accessible for the rest of the special needs community. This class is open to ages 5 and older.

Parents and/or care takers are encouraged to attend the yoga class too. The studio provides plenty of yoga mats and props at no additional charge. Every first Friday of the month. $5. 4:30-5 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187 Sept. 1-11 Fall Art Classes Registration Led by artist/teacher Marianne Nicodemus, students explore all types of visual art mediums from painting with feet to exploring unusual art materials. Students will exhibit their work at the end of the semester. No experience is required. Go online to download registration forms. $150. 4-5 p.m. Mondays, beginning Sept. 11. Community School of the Arts, St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

Sept. 1-11 New Dance Classes Fall Registration Community School of the Arts is now offering dance classes for children ages 8-12. Led by professional dancer/instructor Jennifer Woodside Anderson, classes will explore classical ballet and American tap.

Download registration forms online. Tuition varies. 45:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Sept.

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

Sept. 1-13 Preschool MusikGarten Classes Registration Led by certified instructor Alice Sanders, Musikgarten explores a variety of musical and movement activities that develop very young children (ages 21⁄2 to 4) to feel rhythms and hear musical sounds. A variety of classes and ages are available to choose from. Download registration forms online. Tuition varies. 11:15 a.m.-noon, beginning Sept. 13. Community School of the Arts.

St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org Sept. 1-29 Registration for Beauty and the Beast The Community School of the Arts is now enrolling teens entering seventh grade through college level for the full-length musical theater production of “Beauty and the Beast.” All students who register will get to participate. No experience required. Rehearsals begin in late fall. The show is set for March 9-10 at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center. Led by director Thesa Loving, musical direction by Gini Law and Sheila Mann, choreography by Jennifer Woodside Anderson and musical arrangement by George Mann. Download registration form online. $350. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org September 2017 Entertainment Fort Smith 51

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KIDS CALENDAR

Sept. 3 Ice Cream Social Enjoy all-you-can-eat ice cream and build your own sundae from a variety of flavors and toppings served in a working exhibit that includes an old-fashioned soda fountain and a 1920s-1940s pharmacy. View new and updated exhibits. 2-4 p.m. $5, includes museum admission. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Sept. 1-29 Fall Registration for Private Lessons The Community School of the Arts is now registering students for fall private lessons. Lessons are offered weekly for 30, 45, or 60 minutes in music, theater, dance and visual art. For students from preschool to adult, lessons are arranged at a convenient time.

Choose between 5, 10 or 15 weeks of lessons this fall.

All lessons are taught by experienced artists. Popular lessons include voice, piano, drums, guitar, violin, dance, acting, composing and art. Download registration forms online. Tuition varies. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

Sept. 1-30 Library Card Sign-up Month Challenge for Kids & Teens The Dallas Branch library invites area kids and teens to participate in their Library Card Sign-up Month Challenge during September. This program encourages students to sign-up for a library card. To complete the challenge, participants will check out or use three different kinds of library items by the end of the month; a book, an audiovisual material and an eBook or other online resource. Participants will each receive a prize for completing the program and also will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to Malco Theaters. Kids who already have cards may also participate. Free. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 2-4 Parrot Island Waterpark Labor Day Weekend Splash & Friend Frenzy Splash into savings with discounted admission prices.

All weekend long, prizes will be raffled off, with a grand prize of a family season pass being given away every day at 3 p.m. Must be present to enter. On Sept.

2, season pass holders may bring a friend for free.

Children over 48 inches are $9 and children under 48 inches are $5. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 52

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Participants are required to wear a life jacket, which will be provided. This activity is weather permitting.

Free. 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays.

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

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

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

Sept. 2-30 RAM Saturdays!

Enjoy a fun, hands-on exploration of a new medium or type of art each week. Participants will experiment with techniques and materials in the RAM studio and have the opportunity to make their own original works of art. This program is for all ages. Please wear artmaking clothing. Sept. 2 – Key chains; Sept. 9 – Sun Catchers; Sept. 16 – Hand Puppets; Sept. 23 – Bird Houses; Sept. 30 – Oil Pastels. Free. Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

Sept. 5 Tinkering Tuesday This monthly program encourages girls to do what they do best – let their curiosity take over. Daisy, Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts may explore the world of engineering by building machines and creating processes, and then explore what happens when you make changes or do things differently. Not a Girl Scout? No problem. You can register for Girl Scouts when you register for the event. $5. 6-7:30 p.m.

STEAM Center at Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-632-6894 girlscoutsdiamonds.org Sept. 7 Magic: The Gathering Take wits, skills and, of course, cards to the library’s Magic: The Gathering meetup. Newcomers and veterans of the game alike are welcome to play for fun or practice for upcoming tournaments. Magic: The Gathering is card game of strategy and luck using creatures, spells and enchantments to drain the opponent’s life force. Ages 8-18 are welcome, as well as families. Free. 4-7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Sept. 7 It Came From the Library: Scavenger Hunt Celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month by using library resources to answer questions from clues in “It Came from the Library” scavenger hunt.

Encourage a friend who doesn't have a library card to sign up for their first card at this event for all ages.

Free. 4 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

Sept. 7 Movie in the Park The first Thursday of the month is movie night on Main Street. The movie will begin at dusk. Take blankets or chairs and enjoy a movie in the great outdoors.

Free. 7 p.m. Blanche Moore Park, 710 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862 oldtownvanburen.com/

Sept. 9 STEAM Second Saturday Celebrate all things creative, imaginative and exploratory at STEAM Second Saturday. It's Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship (invention!), Arts and Making. The day will include awe-filled, jaw-dropping chances to tinker, hack, build, crumble, fly, drive, do, dabble and play. Levels/grades may vary. Not a Girl Scout? Register for Girl Scouts when you register for the event. $5-$10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. STEAM Center at Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-632-6894 girlscoutsdiamonds.org

KIDS CALENDAR

Sept. 7-9 Young Actors Guild: Uncle Pirate, the Musical Wilson is just your average kid. Then one day he finds out his uncle is a pirate ... like, a REAL pirate! With help from Uncle Pirate and his faithful talking penguin, maybe, just maybe, Wilson can survive the fourth grade. Grab yer eye patches and pirate hats, mateys! The adventure begins now! Tickets are available online or at the door. Online tickets online will be picked up at the will call booth the day of the vent. Ticket office one hour prior to show, and house opens 30 minutes prior to show. Appropriate for all ages. 7 p.m. Sept. 6-10; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 9; 2 p.m. Sept. 10. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. Sept. 9 Elk’s Lodge No. 341 Youth Fishing Tournament This fishing tournament is for area youth, as well as special needs kids. This is given by the youth activities committee of the Elk’s Lodge 341. Take a pole and tackle and plan for a lunch of hot dogs, chips and a drink. Local law enforcement with K9 units and Fort Smith Fire Department safety training team will be on hand. Lots of prizes will be given to children ages 212. Elroy the Elk will be available for photos. Free. 8 a.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Sept. 9-Dec. 31 Come Clay With Us Cre8ive Arts Network offers classes for those who have always dreamed of throwing on a wheel but never tried and offer studio space to those who have spent years building or throwing. Students can take classes with one-on-one instruction or small group classes. All classes require advanced registration and deposit to hold a spot. Classes range from $35-$95 for a range of classes for children and adults. Studio space is $30 a month. 5-7:30 p.m. Cre8ive Arts Network Inc. at Chaffee Crossing Historic District, 7408 Buckhorn, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-357-9079 cre8beartsy.com September 2017 Entertainment Fort Smith 53

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KIDS CALENDAR

Sept. 11-25 Fall Registration for Chamber Strings Community School of the Arts is holding auditions for the advanced teen Chamber Strings ensemble led by violinist/instructor Lori Fay. Chamber Strings is open to string students who have advanced training. While the ensemble is comprised of mostly teens, any advanced student may audition. Students should prepare 5 minutes of music of their choice. Other instructors involved in this wonderful ensemble are violist Cory Winters and cellist Barbara Godette. A December performance is scheduled along with other possible performances for area organizations. The Chamber Strings is limited to 25 members. Rehearsals are 6-7 p.m. Mondays. Alternate audition times may be arranged by calling. Download registration forms from website. $225. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org Sept. 15 Pirate Party and Story Time Walk the plank in celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day! This special, pirate-themed program will feature exciting pirate stories and silly pirate songs, followed by pirate-themed crafts, games and snacks. Free. 10 a.m.

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 16 Hunter Education Course The course teaches the fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting. It is free and open to all ages. Anyone born after 1968 must complete a hunter

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education course and carry a valid hunter education cards to legally hunt in Arkansas. Pre-registration is required at register-ed.com. Free. 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 Sept. 18 LEGO Club: Talk Like A Pirate!

Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create and build unique creations with the LEGO Club. In celebration of Talk Like a Pirate Day, this month’s theme will be pirates. Free. 5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Sept. 21 Magic: The Gathering Newcomers and veterans of the game alike are welcome to come play for fun or practice for upcoming tournaments. Magic: The Gathering is card game of strategy and luck using creatures, spells and enchantments to drain the opponent’s life force. Ages 8-18 are welcome, as well as families. Free. 4-7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Sept. 21 Maker Studio – Third Thursday Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors – Maker Studio inspires girls to be creative and express them-

selves by exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Girls are encouraged to learn a technique, then personalize projects. $5. 6-7:30 p.m.

STEAM Center at Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-632-6894 girlscoutsdiamonds.org Sept. 23 Fab Five National Hunting & Fishing Day Event All ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy the numerous activities related to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Casting skills, BB Guns, archery, rock climbing and more. Free. Noon-4 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Sept. 23 Nutcracker and Snow White Auditions Western Arkansas Ballet, a nonprofit performing arts organization, will hold combined open auditions for Snow White and the 32nd annual production of The Nutcracker. Candidates should be at least 6 with at least two years’ experience in dance and/or gymnastics; however, there are also parts available for adults and boys with little or no dance experience. 10 a.m.

Western Arkansas Ballet, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Sept. 26 Library Fall Family Festival Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month and the season.

There will fun games, prizes, face painting and crafts for the whole family. 5-7 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-6463945 fortsmithlibrary.org

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F E C W W V L M U S I C K Z

U M A E S O I D X P J D T J

N X R Y D N A C N O T T O C

ARMBANDS CARNIVAL CHICKENS COTTON CANDY

N F N Q N E M R W T N I N H

E K I Z A H C A P S L C H I

L R V E B S O J R P K K C C

C Y A Y M I W U I Z D E W K

COWS FUNNEL CAKE GAMES GOLDFISH

A A L A R F S Q Z I A T O E

K F P W A D J O E P R S I N

E J B D I L H S S P M O C S

MIDWAY MUSIC POPCORN PRIZES

F S F I G O C H Q E G V S I

Y S E M A G K E L R I D E S

N O Z A G L T E P U B N R H

N R O C P O P P Q H M B G A

RIDES SHEEP TICKETS ZIPPER

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Sept. 30-Oct. 14 Fort Smith’s Got Talent Auditions This talent competition for all ages, with two categories – 9 to 18 and 19 and older. The audition for the competition takes place at the Windsor Library. Performances will take place on Oct. 21 at the King Opera House. Free. 1-4 p.m. Windsor Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Oct. 3 Tinkering Tuesday This program encourages girls to do what they do best – let their curiosity take over. Daisy, Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts may explore the world of engineering by building machines and creating processes, and then explore what happens when you make changes or do things differently. Not a Girl Scout? You can

register for Girl Scouts when you register for the event. $5. 6-7:30 p.m. STEAM Center at Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-632-6894

Oct. 6-7 130th St. Boniface School Lawn Social The St. Boniface Lawn Social is celebrating 130 years with great food, games and live music. What started as a church picnic in the late 1800s now draws thousands of local residents each year. The event has a silent auction in the Parish Hall. At the same time, the games, a wide variety of food and entertainment get under way outdoors in Hilary Field. In addition to old classics like bingo, there will be special activities for young children, older kids, teens and adults. Just some of these include $10,000 in cash prizes, inflat-

ables, train rides, crush a car and face painting. Also, several local bands will perform throughout the night.

5-10 p.m. St. Boniface School, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-6601 stbonifaceschool.org

Oct. 9 How I Became A Pirate AARRRGH! Sail off on a swashbuckling musical excursion as young Jeremy Jacobs joins Captain Braid Beard’s band of comical pirates and searches for the perfect spot to bury their treasure. Jeremy finds fun and adventure on the high seas, but he soon learns that home and family are treasures you can’t find on any map! It’s a joyful family musical! Recommended for ages 5-11. $10, $15 9:30 a.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

CRAFTS with kids in mind

The Kindness Rocks Project encourages people to decorate rocks with inspirational messages and leave them in random public places for people to find.

Visit thekindnessrocksproject.com to learn more.

Here’s how: • You will need some rocks! Flat, smooth rocks work best.

• Spray or paint them with non-toxic spray/paint.

• Be sure to add #TheKindnessRocksProject to the back of each rock you drop so others can join in on social media and share their pictures when they find one.

• Use oil base Sharpie paint pens to create your artwork. They are easy to work with and long-lasting. Prismacolor Premier non-toxic dual tip markers work best for creative writing.

• Paint a final coat of non-toxic clear sealant to protect the artwork and the paint from altering the environment. Brush-on Modge Podge outdoor sealant works great.

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Abandoned automobiles and other debris clutter an acid water- and oil-filled, five-acre pond. It was cleaned up under EPA supervision to prevent possible contamination of Great Salt Lake and a wildlife refuge nearby. Photo by Bruce McAllister, near Ogden, Utah, April 1974.

Do you know these children? Photographer Jim Oliver took a picture of these Fort Smith elementary students in May 1972. They are creating a rag rug from plastic bread wrappers.

Young woman watches as her car goes through testing at an auto emission inspection station in Cincinnati, Ohio. 1975

Hitchhiker with his dog, Tripper, on U.S. 66 in Yuma County, Ariz. Photo by Charles O’Rear, May 1972.

Images of everyday life in 1970s America: disco dancing and inflation, protests and bell-bottoms, gas shortages and suburban sprawl. At a time when the war in Vietnam and the Watergate scanSEPTEMBER dal wore on the national psyche, a burgeoning movement to protect the natural environment was gaining force. In 1971, the newly estabOCTOBER lished U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched the DOCUMERICA Photography Project with the goal of documenting environmental troubles and triumphs across the country. About 70 photographers, including Flip Schulke, John Corn, Danny Lyon, John H. White and Lyntha Scott Eiler, completed 115 separate assignments between 1972 and 1977. What emerged was a moving and textured portrait of America. Capturing a rapidly changing society with surprising resonances to the present, Searching for the Seventies: The DOCUMERICA Photography Project presents a sampling of images culled from a trove of thousands. Closing reception will be held in conjunction with RAM’s Annual Fundraising Gala Saturday, Oct. 28, which is $75 for members and $100 for nonmembers. Free. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org

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Sept. 1-3 Rats to Riches Specialized car show features Rat Rods, Rat Bikes and Shop Trucks. There also will be a pinup contest, beard contest and a flame thrower contest, swap meet and a vendor row, with food and apparel. There will be a meet-and-greet with Steve Darnell of Vegas Ratrods, as well as the Delicious Dolls at The Sound Room. Cruise night open to all cars will be Saturday night on Garrison Avenue from 5-10 p.m. See website for registration forms and complete event listings. $10. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue and South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-7038 rats2riches.com

Sept. 1-30 Library Card Sign-up Month Sign up for a library card and be entered to win a prize. Already have a card? Just stop by the front desk and show your card to enter. Limit one entry per person per day. Free. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 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. This is the perfect time to apply for a card. All children who sign up for a library card during Library Card Sign-up Month will receive a free paperback book, provided by the Friends of the Library. Library cards are available free of charge to Fort Smith city residents age 5 and older. A parent or legal guardian must apply in person for children ages 5-15. Those who want to apply should bring a current street address, such as a driver’s license, bank check or utility bill. Free. All Fort Smith Public Library locations, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Sept. 1-30 Student Neighborhood Exhibition In partnership with the U. S. Marshals Museum, junior and senior high students present an exhibition on three historic Fort Smith neighborhoods. The students met weekly to conduct research into the Belle Grove and Fishback neighborhoods and the Chaffee Historic District. They have designed an exhibit utilizing art, writing, photography, etc., of the students’ choice of focus. $7 adults, $5 veterans, $2 children, under 6 free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Ave-nue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

Sept. 1 First Friday Friends: School Day Memories This monthly program features fun activities and social time for adults. Reminisce about school days by bringing a memory to share and a friend, or come and meet some new ones. Coffee and light refreshments will be available. This library program is intended for adults. Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Sept. 1 Yoga For Special Needs Yogaterrium is teaming up with The New Normal (a local special needs group) to offer a monthly yoga class just for those in our community with autism, disabilities and other special needs. This will be a shorter yoga class (30 minutes) and will go over basic yoga poses, breathing and relaxation. Instructor Terri Hargrove has been teaching private lessons to a teen boy with autism for more than 10 years and has seen the benefits and wishes to make yoga more accessible for the rest of the special needs community. This class is open to ages 5 and older. Parents and/or care takers are encouraged to attend the yoga class too. The studio provides plenty of yoga mats and props at no additional charge. Every first Friday of the month. $5.

4:30-5 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187

Sept. 1, 15 and 29 Redwork Redwork is a form of embroidery that uses floss to trace simple line drawings. It became popular during the Victorian era as women searched for new ways to decorate. To learn Redwork, take an embroidery needle, embroidery loop, floss, envelopes and a shoe box. Free. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Sept. 1-29 Knitting and Crocheting Club/Class Knit and crochet with a congenial group. Take your own project or learn how to knit or crochet. Free. 1 p.m. Fridays. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 58 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2017

Sept. 1-30 Photography Exhibit: Larry Millican Larry Millican has been photographing nature scenes, landscapes and close-up macro images since 1986. Artwork is available for viewing all hours that the library is open. Free Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

Sept. 1-Oct. 14 26th Annual Survivors’ Challenge 10K & 5K Runs 5K Walk and Celebration Walk Registration Open Thousands will lace up their sneakers Oct. 14 to walk or run in this exciting community event that raises money to support the programs and services offered to cancer fighters and survivors and their families by the Reynolds Cancer Support House. The crowd and camaraderie grow as the sun comes up for a great morning of running or walking. Then, the festivities will move downtown to First National Bank for the 2nd Annual Over the Edge rappelling event. Sponsored by the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House and the Western Arkansas Runners. Online registration and fundraising are open. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthosue.org

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Featured Library Artist: Anna Sue Wilcox SEPTEMBER

The paintings of Arkansas artist Anna Sue Wilcox span space and time from Africa to Europe to the railroad tracks of 1930s Sallisaw. Largely self-taught, Wilcox studied under Arkansas artist John Bell Jr. She captures the human experience, striving to convey the hearts of the OCTOBER people she portrays. Artwork is available for viewing all library hours when meetings are not being held in the Community Room. Free. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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Sept. 2-4 Parrot Island Waterpark Labor Day Weekend Splash & Friend Frenzy Splash into savings with discounted admission prices.

All weekend long, prizes will be raffled off, with a grand prize of a family season pass being given away every day at 3 p.m. Must be present to enter. On Sept.

2, season pass holders may bring a friend for free.

Children over 48 inches are $9 and children under 48 inches are $5. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Parrot Island Waterpark, 7300 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-6550 Sept. 2 First Saturday at the Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing This month will feature a free class – From Cold Frames to Greenhouses – Gardening Under Cover In Winter. Master Gardener and president of the Learning Fields Board Susan Randolph, along with Diane Pitlick, will review greenhouse growing techniques.

This class will involve walking/standing on uneven surfaces. It is important for participants to wear comfortable, sturdy footwear. Handouts will be provided.

Class will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Visit all the demonstration gardens maintained by Arkansas River Valley Master Gardeners and participate in the free class to prepare for winter gardening. Free. 9 a.m.-noon. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardener Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 470-484-7737 learningfieldsatcc.org Sept. 2-3, 16-17 Lawbreakers and Peacemakers The Lawbreakers and Peacemakers perform shootouts and historically based skits to entertain and educate. Located next to the Hanging Judge’s gallows, the set of Judgment is open to all. Saturday performances from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sundays noon until 4 p.m.

First and third weekends unless the troupe is performing out of town or has a private party scheduled. Donations accepted. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The town of Judgment, 300 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-670-3292 lawbreakersandpeacemakersinc.com Sept. 2-3 Downtown Junk Fest Hundreds of vendors with vintage, re-purposed, antiques, salvaged, farmhouse and rustic are included in this festival that also will have multiple stages with live music, a variety of food trucks and more. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Historic Main Street, Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-414-3320 Facebook.com/DowntownJunkFestVB Sept. 2-30 Van Buren Farmers Market Local farmers and craftspeople display their produce and art. Find locally sourced produce, eggs, jellies, jams and more. 7 a.m.-noon. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Freedom Park, 833 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-259-7517

Sept. 3 Ice Cream Social Enjoy all-you-can-eat ice cream and build your own sundae from a variety of flavors and toppings served in a working exhibit that includes an old-fashioned soda fountain and a 1920s-1940s pharmacy. View new and updated exhibits. 2-4 p.m. $5, includes museum admission. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 60

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Sept. 3 Belle Grove Classmates An annual all-classes reunion of students who attended Belle Grove School will include potluck food and desserts. Take photographs and memories to share. Students and families are welcome. Drawings for door prizes will be held. Phone Patricia Irvin for questions. Free. 1-5 p.m. Creekmore Park Rose Room, 3300 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-4488 Facebook/Belle Grove Classmates

Sept. 3 Dew-vies: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (PG) Dew-vies, movies at Dewey’s, will be shown every Sunday afternoon in September. This week’s feature will be “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” A toon-hating detective is a cartoon rabbit’s only hope to prove his innocence when he is accused of murder in this animated adventure comedy. Take your family or a friend to enjoy this classic fun film. Free. 1:30 p.m.

Dewey’s Cafe at the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 4-25 Refuge Recovery This Buddhist-based recovery program is for people struggling with addiction. This class is court approved, similar to AA or NA meetings. Donation based. 7-8 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187 Sept. 5 Diabetes Academy Lisa Roling of Novo Nordisk presents Diabetes Academy. This free class teaches how to manage the disease, while providing basic information and tips for staying healthy. Free. 10 a.m.

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

Sept. 5-12 UA-Fort Smith 9/11 Photo Exhibit

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s annual exhibit featuring photographs taken during the Sept. 11 attacks contains nearly 100 square feet of space featuring photos documenting the attacks, emergency response and recovery efforts of the attacks, as well as the eventual rebuilding of the World Trade Center. The exhibit will be located near the fireplace in the campus center. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Friday. Free. Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, UAFS, 800 North 49th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300

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Sept. 5-Oct. 5 Conversational Spanish Level 1 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. $90. 6 a.m.-7:50 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 2606 Enid Place, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com Sept. 6 Farm Pond Workshop Learn about pond ecosystems, maintaining, stocking, fishing and managing fishing in existing ponds, stocking strategies for new ponds and managing the pond environment. Free. 7-9 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Sept. 6 Adult Book Club Join in a discussion of the book of the month. Free.

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

Sept. 6-27 Dewey’s Cafe Chess Knight Chess players of all ages and skill levels are welcome.

Play and discuss the game of chess in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. Everyone is invited, from beginners to Chess Grand Masters. Take a chess set if possible.

Free. 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 6-27 Wednesday Meditations Enjoy a quiet and peaceful guided meditation class, practicing meditative techniques such as breath work, concentration, contemplation, visualizations and deep relaxation. Classes may vary in meditation styles allowing beginners to get a wide variety of tools to establish a meditation practice. Meditation classes are donation-based; all donations are given to different local charities each month. 5:30-5:50 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-4592187

Sept. 7 It Came From the Library: Scavenger Hunt Celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month by using library resources to answer questions from clues in “It Came from the Library” scavenger hunt.

Encourage a friend who doesn’t have a library card to sign up for their first card at this event for all ages.

Free. 4 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

Sept. 7 Movie in the Park The first Thursday of the month is movie night on Main Street. The movie will begin at dusk. Take blankets or chairs and enjoy a movie in the great outdoors.

Free. 7 p.m. Blanche Moore Park, 710 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862

Sept. 7-28 Living Local: Thursday Night Shopping and Entertainment on Main Street Evening shopping, entertainment, music, food and fun. Live local, shop, walk, visit the Farmers Market at Freedom Park and rediscover and experience Main 62 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2017

Street. The Van Buren Visitors Center Trolley will be running, as well. Free. 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Historic Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862 oldtownvanburen.com

must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 6 to be included. Call or go online for entry forms. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 West Johnson Avenue, Springdale, Ark. 479-750-8165 shilohmuseum.org

Sept. 8 Migrating Monarch Every fall, the annual monarch migration takes place and often migrating monarchs can be seen in this area. Join Dr. Cliff Ivy for this photographic presentation on the migration of the monarch butterfly. Free.

6-8 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Sept. 9 2017 Walk to End Alzheimers All funds raised further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Raise funds during the walk or make your donation before the event. Every registered participant will receive a T-shirt after achieving the fundraising minimum of $100. Donations can be made offline by submitting a check or money order by mail or hand-delivering to the local Alzheimer’s Association office. Fill out an offline donation form, which can be found on the fundraising website. Volunteer opportunities are available. See website for registration forms and more specific information about the event and how to participate.

Registration 9 a.m.; opening ceremony 10 a.m.; walk at 10:30 a.m. University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-273-5559 act.alz.org

Sept. 7-June 7 Square Dance Fun For Beginners The Charleston Circle Up Squares square dance club will be starting back after summer break. Square dance lessons will follow in a couple of weeks. Refreshments provided. Visit the Charleston Fair on Sept.

8 for a demonstration by the group. $2.50. 7-9 p.m.

Thursdays. Hugg Chevrolet, Main Street and Highway 217 intersection, Charleston, Ark. 479-674-2578

Sept. 8 Bingo for Books Do you like playing bingo? Do you love winning free books? Bingo for books is the best of both worlds. 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. 8, 22 Redwork Redwork is a simple and fun form of embroidery that traditionally uses red thread on light-colored fabric.

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

Sept. 8, 22 Writers Group Meet with other writers to share your work, give encouragement, offer suggestions, and share tips. Free.

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

Sept. 9 Homebuyers Workshop Class Classes provide potential home buyers with information about inspections, down payment assistance, mortgage credits and other CSCDC programs. Call for more information. Free. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1617 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-2303, ext. 125 cscdc.org

Sept. 9 Remember Mulberry Speakers will share memories about the history and founding of Mulberry, Ark. Free. 11 a.m. Music and Moore, 306 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark.

Sept. 9 Ozark Quilt Fair Quilters and quilt lovers are invited to display and view new and antique quilts for show and sale on the museum grounds. Entry fee is $10 per exhibitor. Cash prize Viewers Choice awards will be given for first ($50), second ($35), and third ($15) place in both new and antique quilt categories. Entries for the exhibition

Sept. 9-Oct. 31 Great Arkansas Cleanup Each fall, thousands of Arkansans remove tons of trash from our state’s roadways, shorelines, parks and public areas during the Great Arkansas Cleanup, Keep Arkansas Beautiful’s fall statewide community improvement campaign. Communities large and small show their commitment to the Great Arkansas Cleanup campaign by recruiting volunteers of all ages and taking on a variety of community cleanup and environmental improvement projects. Organizers may access free promotional tools online. KAB also will provide cleanup materials and supplies, such as Tshirts, trash bags, gloves and safety vests to local events to those organizers who register their local cleanup with the KAB office. Go online to find an event near you or to organize one. 888-742-8701 keeparkanasbeautiful.org

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3rd Annual Hell on the Border Arkansas Criterium Championships SEPTEMBER

This event marks the end of the 2017 Arkansas road racing season and athletes from across the state and region come together to compete for the Arkansas State Criterium Championship and a State Championship Jersey. Criteriums are a popular form of bicycle racing that are typically set up in downtown locations to showcase the speed, agility and power of the cyclists, and also designed to provide corporate sponsors with numerous exposure opportunities. Located on historic Garrison Avenue, spectators will experience the excitement as groups of 30-plus competitive riders race at speeds exceeding 35 mph.

New for this year will be kids races and an expo area for vendors. This

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Sept. 9-Dec. 31 Come Clay With Us Cre8ive Arts Network offers classes for those who have always dreamed of throwing on a wheel but never tried and offer studio space to those who have spent years building or throwing. Students can take classes with one-on-one instruction or small group classes. All classes require advanced registration and deposit to hold a spot. Classes range from $35-$95 for a range of classes for children and adults. Studio space is $30 a month. 5-7:30 p.m. Cre8ive Arts Network Inc. at Chaffee Crossing Historic District, 7408 Buckhorn, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-357-9079 cre8beartsy.com

Sept. 10 Dew-vies: Grease (PG-13) In “Grease,” good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance? John Travolta solidified his position as the most versatile and magnetic screen presence of the decade in this film. Recording star Olivia Newton-John made her American film 64 Entertainment Fort Smith September 2017

year’s race will be a memorial to John Thellman, a long-time supporter of bicycle racing in Fort Smith. A portion of the race proceeds will be donated in his name to Friends of Recreational Trails (FORT), a community coalition formed to promote, fund and build recreational trails in the Fort Smith area. This race is held in conjunction with the Acenta Kids Bike Race, which has a free entry fee. Free Bell SafeKids Helmets while supplies last. All kids race entries come with the chance to win a free bike.

The Fiori Family Kids Zone includes inflatables, bicycle obstacle courses.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Fort Smith, 8th Street and Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-648-8624 hotbcrit.com

debut as Sandy, Travolta’s naive love interest. Free.

1:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Sept. 10 Crawford County Chronicles Presents Billy Higgins Billy D. Higgins, professor of history at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, will speak about Thomas Nuttall, an English botanist and zoologist who published significant, illustrated books cataloguing the plants and birds of America in the mid-19th century. Nuttall spent time in Fort Smith and this region to study and make a record of birds and plant life. Accompanied by Maj. William Bradford, who oversaw the construction of the first Fort Smith, the naturalist journeyed to the Red River on a scientific expedition on which the two men became separated. Higgins’ talk will involve that adventure. He is the author of “Fort Smith: Vanguard of Western Frontier History,” in which Maj. Bradford plays a large role. Higgins has also published “A Stranger and a Sojourner: Peter Caulder, Free Black Frontiersman in Antebellum Arkansas” and a biography of a Major League player “The Barling Darling: Hal Smith’s Life in Baseball.” Seat reservations are sug-

gested by emailing twing@uafs.edu. Free. 1:30 p.m.

Drennen-Scott Historic Site, 221 North 3rd Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-262-2750 Sept. 11 Embroidery Guild of Fort Smith All levels of experience are welcome to attend. Take supplies. Refreshments served. Free 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

Sept. 11 Adult Coloring Club Relax and color the stress away. Take your own supplies or use the library’s. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 11 Book Talk Join the discussion of “Slow Way Home” by Michael Morris. Pick up a copy of the book in advance. Free.

7-8 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

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Sept. 11 Mountainburg Friends Meeting You don’t have to join the Friends of the Mountainburg Library to attend. The Friends volunteer, publicize, raise funds and help make it the best library it can be. Free. 3 p.m.

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

Sept. 11-25 Color Me Happy Mondays Adults are invited to a relaxing time, doing something we all love – coloring. Supplies provided. Don’t plan on getting the page done in one sitting because they are complex.

Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

On Oct. 10-11, 1966, elements of the 1st Cavalry Division airmobile take part in Operation Irving against the Viet Cong in the Phu My province. Members of A Company 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Brigade advance through rice paddies in their search for the Viet Cong.

Viet Cong guerilla Bui an Quang carries a wounded friend during action along the trail on the Cambodian border. Bui bore his comrade for two hours while under attack. Although the Viet Cong led the resistance early in the war, after 1968's Tet offensive, North Vietnamese troops did most of the fighting in the South.

The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick SEPTEMBER

Join the Fort Smith Public Library for an early special screening of The Vietnam War, a decade-long undertaking from filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. The presentation will highlight portions of the 10-part, 18-hour documentary series premiering Sept. 17 on PBS. The series tells Vietnam War protestors Pittsburgh the epic story of one of the most Veterans for Peace at the March on the Pentagon. Oct. 21, 1967. consequential, divisive and controversial events in American history as it has never before been told on film. Visceral and immersive, the series explores the human dimensions of the war through revelatory testimony of nearly 80 witnesses from all sides – Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as combatants and civilians from North and South Vietnam. The event will also feature a panel of community members discussing their own experiences and expertise with the war. Free. 6-8:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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Sept. 11-16 Crawford County Fair Carnival, live entertainment, rodeo, arts and crafts, commercial exhibits, animals, Junior Livestock Auction, pageants, talent show and more can be found at the 92nd annual Crawford County Fair. Complete event listings on website. Advanced tickets available at Dickerson’s Hardware in Mulberry. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Kirksey Park, Arkansas 215, Alma, Ark. 479-997-5301 Sept. 11-25 Ballroom Dance Lessons Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach ballroom dance. Beginner lessons are 7:30-8:30 p.m., advanced lessons are 6:307:30 p.m. The type of dance changes on the first Monday of the month. Dress attire is casual. Everyone is welcome. $5. Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072

Sept. 12 Book Talk: The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion

by Fannie Flag Sookie begins a search for answers that takes her to California, the Midwest and back in time to the 1940s, when an irrepressible woman named Fritzi takes on the job of running her family's filling station. Soon truck drivers are changing their routes to fill up at the All-Girl Filling Station.

Then, Fritzi sees an opportunity for an even more groundbreaking adventure. As Sookie learns about the adventures of the girls at the All-Girl Filling Station, she finds herself with new inspiration. Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Sept. 12 The Book Lover’s Club Read a favorite books and come prepared with a short report to read – choose up to three titles. The club meets the second Tuesday of every month. Free. 10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Sept. 13 Welcome Neighbors Get-Acquainted Social This non-profit, social service organization for women provides friendship and family for all ages and stages. The group offers brunches, book clubs, community involvement, day trips and activities, charity auctions and more.

Membership is $15. Refreshments served. 9:30-11 a.m.

Fort Smith Public Library Cambridge Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Sept. 14 Chapters on Main Book Club This club highlights a different author the second Thursday of each month. Free. 6-7 p.m. Chapters on Main Book Store, 816 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-9315

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Everyone is invited to the 6th Annual Fort Smith Volunteer Fair. Learn about two dozen local historic and natural sites and volunteer organizations from the Fort Smith area. Opportunities for volunteers include anything from staffing front desks, to giving tours, to grounds maintenance, or helping the many that are in need in our community. Discover a position that best fits you and your talents. It’s a great chance to build your resume, share your skills, make new friends and strengthen your community!

Fort Smith National Historic Site Miss Laura’s Visitor Center Fort Smith Museum of History Fort Smith Regional Art Museum Clayton House Drennen-Scott House RSVP Janet Huckabee Nature Center

9 A.M.-1 P.M. RIVERPARK EVENTS BUILDING 121 RIVERFRONT DRIVE, FORT SMITH

Trolley Museum Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Lake Fort Smith State Park Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center Girl Scouts Ronald McDonald House Mercy Hospice Project Compassion

OCT. 7

Chaffee Crossing Barbershop Museum STEPS and Family Resource Center Civil Air Patrol, US Air Force Auxiliary Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House We Care Foundation Sebastian County Humane Society Area Agency on Aging And other worthy organizations ...

LUNCH PROVIDED BY

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sept. 14 Adult Craft Party: No-Sew Pillow This is the easiest pillow ever. Just cut and tie. Register by Sept. 7. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Sept. 14 Job Fair Readiness Workshop Are you prepared for the Sept. 21 job fair? Go to a workshop covering resumes, professional dress, interview tips and more. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 15 Free Prostate Cancer Screenings Free prostate exams for men 45-70. Exams take roughly 15 minutes. Held in partnership with the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, Cooper Clinic, and UAMS-West, Area Health Education Center. Call for appointment. Free. 8 a.m.-noon. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302

The ’20s Roar Again for Garrison Gatsby SEPTEMBER

Attend The Garrison Gatsby street dinner and downtown celebration at Cisterna Park, hosted by the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association (FSDBA). Attendees are encouraged to dress the part and fill the streets with flappers, chaps and maybe even a mobster or two. The inaugural event will help support the association’s efforts to develop and promote the downtown area, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the nonprofit constituent-efforts of Riverview Hope Campus, Community School of the Arts and STEPS Family Resource Center. An all-inclusive dining experience will feature the best apps, entrees and desserts from participating downtown restaurants. Also included will be four drink vouchers redeemable for premium wines from Post Winery and St. Thomas Winery, craft brews from Core Brewing Co. and Bricktown Brewery. A variety of bourbons, locally distilled Smithworks Vodka, specialty mixed drinks and premium cigars will be available for purchase. And, for those seeking alcohol-free options, high-quality coffees and a variety of teas will be offered by Fort Smith Coffee Co., Artistic Bean and Savoy Tea Co. Entertainment will include a street dance and live jazz by the Escape Tones, Community School of the Arts, Don Bailey Jazz and the Tabitha Graves Jazz Quartet. Plus, guests will have access to silent and live auction items that include gift cards, apparel, autographed sports memorabilia, local advertising packages and travel experiences that include beach vacations, hunting trips in Argentina and more. After the street dinner, only 50 VIP ticketholders will have exclusive access to the Speakeasy SkyLounge featuring unparalleled and panoramic bird’s-eye views of historic downtown. Grab a drink from the Speakeasy SkyLounge bar, listen to the smooth melodies of the live, inlounge jazz pianist JD Chitwood. As a special thanks from the association’s executive committee and devoted members, each person who attends The Garrison Gatsby Street Dinner will receive a commemorative, stemless wine glass to take home.

Must be 21 to attend. Go online for details and tickets. $45 general; $145 VIP. 6:30 p.m. Cisterna Park, North 10th Street and Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. www.garrisongatsby.com

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Sept. 15 Diamond Dance Make new friends and dance to swing, ballroom, latin, and country music. Dress attire is dressy/casual. $5. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072

Sept. 15-16 Night Court at the Fort Smith National Historic Site Two women. Two murders. Actors present the trials of Fannie Echols, charged with murdering her partner of several years, and Mary Matoy who, along with her young son, stands accused of killing a former employer. Both trials are gripping in their depiction of women’s lives during the 1890s in the Indian Territory. Both women defend themselves but a jury chosen from the audience at the Night Court will decide their fates. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call for reservations. $7. 6 p.m. Sept.

16; 7 p.m. Sept. 16. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3961 nps.gov/fosm Sept. 15-17 Southside High School Class of 2007 Reunion Classmates will attend a home football game against Heritage at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 where graduates and their guests will be given reserved seating and halftime recognition.

The school campus will be open for a private tour at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16 and from 7 p.m.-midnight, graduates and their guests (ages 21 and up) are invited to 21 West End to enjoy a full open bar with unlimited drinks and appetizers. Tickets are $37 for the 21 West End activities. 479-434-4213 eventbrite.com/e/the-southside-highschool-class-of-2007-10-year-reunion-tickets-35297104590 Sept. 16 Hunter Education Course The course teaches the fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting. It is free and open to all ages. Anyone born after 1968 must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education cards to legally hunt in Arkansas. Pre-registration is required at register-ed.com. Free. 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Sept. 16 Labyrinth Walk Walk the path, speak words of peace and enjoy the visit with others. Light refreshments will be available. Free. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardeners Lane, Chaffee Crossing, Ark. 479-883-0719

Sept. 16 Mountain Dulcimer Club Practice playing dulcimer. Spend some happy time playing music and get better at playing together. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Sept. 16 Wings of Hope Memorial Butterfly Release A short ceremony will be held on the back deck, overlooking Wells Lake, in honor of survivors and those lost to ovarian cancer. Refreshments will be served. Free. 2 p.m.

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

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Sept. 16 Quarterly Mutual UFO Network Meeting Arkansas MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) West Central Section meets to discuss and share insights and experiences with the mysterious UFO phenomenon happening around the world. Discuss current newsworthy UFO events, learn about investigating sighting reports, listen to guest speakers, and more. Free. 10:30 a.m.noon. Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 17 TrailBlazers Hiking Club General Meeting Myron Means, statewide large carnivore program coordinator with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, will be the speaker. He is responsible for all matters related to bears and mountain lions across the state and has worked with black bears in Arkansas for 21 years. Anyone interested in joining the hiking club is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Free.

2 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com Sept. 17 Dew-vies: Galaxy Quest (PG) The alumni cast of a space opera television series have to play out their roles in real life when an alien race comes to earth for their help. Free. 1:30 p.m. Dewey’s Cafe, Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Sept. 18 Alzheimer’s Association Talk There are currently 15 million Americans providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Learn the facts about Alzheimer’s disease and its effect on individuals and families nationwide. Free. 1 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Sept. 19 Basic Hand Sewing Class Learn the essentials with certified sewing educator Patti Deffenbaugh. Take along a needle (size 7 or 9), a spool of black thread, small scissors and a needle threader (optional). Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 19 Talk with the Doc: Don’t Let Prostate Cancer Sideline You Men older than 50 – attend this free seminar with Dr. John Terrell to find out more about treatments options, including minimally invasive surgery. Register online or call 479-709-3627. Free. Noon-1 p.m.

Sparks Regional Medical Center, 1001 Towson, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-441-4000

Sept. 19 Bingo for Books Take your friends, play BINGO and earn books as prizes. Free. 2-3 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Sept. 19 Wild Edible Plants Learn which plants are edible and where to find them.

Charles Griffith has been teaching about wild edibles since the early 1980s. Free. 6-8 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Well Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 470-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com September 2017

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 19 Daughters of the American Revolution The Fort Smith Chapter of DAR will hear guest speaker Lexi Harrison, archaeologist for the U.S. Forest Service. Harrison will be speaking on “Penny Pine Forests and the Forest Service.” Guests are welcome. Members are present to answer basic questions about joining DAR and researching lineage. Free. 6-8 p.m. Fort Smith Main Library, Computer Lab Room, Second Floor, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-5170 Sept. 19 Crossroads Book Club Each month, this book group features one author and participants can choose that author’s book to discuss.

Free. 2-3 p.m. Savoy Tea Co., 925 Garrison, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-222-6890

Sept. 20 Nutrition and Cancer: Nutrition and Prostate Cancer September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Learn more at this talk presented by Ryan Ellison, RD, LD, of Sparks Nutrition Counseling Center. Free. 11:30 a.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 Sept. 20 Fort Smith Public Library Writing Club Writers of all ages and backgrounds are invited to attend. Discuss writing goals and ambitions, experience other members’ works and enjoy being among others that share the same passion for writing. Free. 4-5 p.m.

Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 1479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

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Sept. 20 Diabetic Support Group A diabetes support group can provide a place to discuss issues that others with the same condition may be experiencing, as well. It can help a person with diabetes realize that he or she is not alone. Each month, discuss an issue for people who are dealing with diabetes. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Sept. 20 Immunizations and What You Need to Know Find out more about useful vaccinations from a registered pharmacist. This presentation will be held in conjunction with Cooking Matters; lunch will be provided through the class cooking demonstration. Call to RSVP. Free. Noon- 1 p.m. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

Sept. 20 Last Day for Free Tax Assistance For the final time this year, free tax preparation assistance will be available at the RSVP Center. WestArk RSVP is a local organization of active adults, 55 years of age or older, that partners with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly program (TCE) to offer free tax return preparation for families with incomes less than $54,000 or to seniors 60 and older with no income limit. IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteers are trained to help prepare free basic federal and state (Arkansas and Oklahoma) income tax returns, prior year returns (2013-2016) and amended returns. This year, 83 local VITA/TCE volunteers prepared federal and state tax re-

turns for more than 4,800 families. Free. 9-11 a.m.

RSVP Center, Grand Avenue and North 13th Street, Fort Smith, Ark.479-629-4240 WestArkRSVP.org Sept. 21 Cherishing Children Dinner and Awards Presentation Each year the CAC staff, community supporters, law enforcement and others who work with victims of child abuse are invited to hear an inspiring message from a guest speaker at this fundraising event. This year, Lucille O’Neal will share her personal story to raise awareness about the issue. $50. 7 p.m. John Q. Hammons Center, Rogers, 3303 South Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Rogers, Ark. 479-621-0385 Sept. 21 Book Club Discuss a new selection every month and discover a new author. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Sept. 21 Job Fair Meet with employers recruiting for customer service, sales, manufacturing and other employment. Wear your best and take copies of your current resume.

Everyone who stops by can also enter to win a prize drawing. Free.1-4 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 21 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

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS a spot on the list. Showcase a talent, or just come to 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. 21 Magic: The Gathering Newcomers and veterans of the game alike are welcome to come play for fun or practice for upcoming tournaments. Magic: The Gathering is card game of strategy and luck using creatures, spells and enchantments to drain the opponent’s life force. Ages 8-18 are welcome, as well as families. Free. 4-7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Sept. 22 Autumnal Equinox Walks Archaeologist Dennis Peterson will lead a series of 1mile, two-hour tours of the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. He will talk about the culture that built the mounds, how and why the mounds were built and why some of the mounds align with the Solstice and Equinox sunsets. $5 adults and $3 children in addition to the regular admission costs. Cash or check only.

11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18154 1st Street, Spiro, Okla.

918-962-2062

Sept. 22-24 Weekend Retreat: Seven Sacred Pauses Using themes drawn from Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr’s book “Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully” and Velma Frye’s accompanying CD, “Seven Sacred Pauses: Singing Mindfully,” the presenters will lead participants into the contemplative practice of deep listening. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at time of registration. Lodging and meals are included. $245. St. Scholastica Retreat Center, 1205 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-1135 Sept. 23 Financial Fitness Class Certified, trained counselors will provide information about homeownership. These classes include: Budgeting, Goals, Banking Services, Credit, Investmentsand Predatory Lending information. Free. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Crawford Sebastian Community Development Council, 1617 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-2303 Ext. 125 cscdc.org

Sept. 23 Greg & Kathy Nichols Charity Scramble Golf Tournament for Hannah House This charity scramble includes lunch and the chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes. Multiple tournament sponsorships available. 25-team limit. $350 per 4man team or $87.50 per person. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fianna Hills Country Club, No. 1 Essex Place, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5683 hannahhouseark.org

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Sept. 23 Museum Day Live!

The Fort Smith Museum of History will participate in Museum Day Live! The Museum Day Live! ticket provides free admission for two people. The annual celebration of boundless curiosity is hosted by Smithsonian magazine. Downloadable tickets are available at smithsonianmag.com. Free. 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

Sept. 23 Fab Five National Hunting & Fishing Day Event All ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy the numerous activities related to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Casting skills, BB guns, archery, rock climbing and more. Free. Noon-4 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Sept. 23 Test of Wills: Strong Man & Woman Contest Divisions for men and women. Visit website for specific weight details and cost. A portion of all entry fees will be donated to the United Way of Fort Smith Area. $50-$60. World Class Fitness, 6206 South 31st Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-4022 wcfit.com

Sept. 23 CASA of Sebastian County Annual Stand By Me Fundraiser Dance to Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes, dressed in your hippie or flower child clothes! Admission will include barbecue by George Lawson, adult beverages and soft drinks. There also will be a silent auction, dance contest, costume contest and limbo contest. All proceeds benefit Sebastian County CASA, a nonprofit organization advocating for foster children. $50 or $450 for a table of 10. 7-10 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-4171 CASAofsebastiancounty-org.doodlekit.com Sept. 23 Old Fort Days Dandies Tryouts Seeking cowgirls to be a part of the 41st year of the Old Fort Days Dandies, ambassadors of the Old Fort Days PRCA Rodeo in Fort Smith, Ark. Free. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Heroes Arena, 14445 AR-15, Natural Dam, Ark. 479-966-6787 Sept. 23 Introduction to Writing Picture Books for Children Ever wanted to write children’s literature but were not sure how to begin? This introduction to Writing Children’s Picture Books is taught by Mark Burgh, PhD. No experience required for this three-hour workshop intended for people ages 18 and up who have a desire to write books for young people. Free. 2-5 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org

Sept. 23 Lavaca Movies in the Park “Jumanji” Lavaca Chamber of Commerce will be showing the action/adventure film “Jumanji” under the stars. When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped for decades in it and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game. Movie and popcorn are free. Drinks available for purchase. 8:30 p.m. Lavaca City Hall Park, 808 West Main Street, Lavaca, Ark. 479-462-2804 Sept. 23 Nutcracker and Snow White Auditions Western Arkansas Ballet will hold combined open auditions for Snow White and the 32nd annual production of The Nutcracker. Candidates should be at least 6 with at least two years’ experience in dance and/or gymnastics; however, there are also parts available for adults and boys with little or no dance experience. 10 a.m. Western Arkansas Ballet, 4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org 72

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Sept. 23 Fall Cruisin’ On Main There will be lots of cars cruisin’ on Main Street, loads of music, food, entertainment and much to do for the entire family. 4-9 p.m. Historic Main Street, Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 23 Crawford County Friends of Genealogy This workshop begins with coffee and speakers at 9 a.m., lunch at noon and an afternoon class at 12:30 p.m. with David Travillion Bunton on family DNA. His passion for genealogy led him to study history and ethnology. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 474-0664 Sept. 24 Dew-vies: 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13) A family rule forbids a teenager from dating until her unpopular, rebellious, older sister gets a suitor in this modern remake of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” Free. 1:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Sept. 24 Friends of the Fort Smith Public Library Chocolate Festival Local clubs, businesses and individuals will offer their favorite chocolate samplings to the chocoholics of Fort Smith. All proceeds will be used by the Friends of the Library for special materials and programs.

Helping out never tasted so good! Tickets to the festival are $7 for six tastes of chocolate; price includes a to-go-box. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 Sept. 25 As the Page Turns Book Club “The Kitchen House” by Kathleen Grissom will be discussed. Free. 6 p.m. Dewey’s Cafe Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-1603

Sept. 25-29 Banned Books Week Every year, there are hundreds of attempts to remove books from schools and libraries. Celebrate our freedom to read. Free.8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8:30-5:30 p.m. Friday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 26 Library Fall Family Festival Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month and the season. There will fun games, prizes, face painting and crafts. 5-7 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

Sept. 26 National Voter Registration Day Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration or aren’t sure how to register. Free. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Sept. 26 Fall Library Tour Learn more about what the library has to offer with this behind-the-scenes tour. Light refreshments to follow. Free. 4-5 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 September 2017

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Step Right Up for Fabulous Fair Fun! What began as a livestock exhibition more than 80 years ago has grown into one of the area’s greatest entertainment activities. Carnival rides, games, funnel cakes and goldfish exist in perfect harmony next to the sheep, pigs, cows and chickens. Discounted ticket packages are available online through 4 p.m. Sept. 22. arkansasoklahomafair.com Friday, Sept. 22 4 p.m.-midnight – Moonlight Madness on the Midway, unlimited ride armbands 4 p.m. – Mighty Thomas Carnival opens 4-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, Expo Center with creative arts, horticulture, education and commercial exhibits open 9:30 p.m. – Revancha Norteña performs in Hugh Hardin Arena Saturday, Sept. 23 8 a.m. – Livestock judging in Harper Stadium 11 a.m.-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, Expo Center open 11 a.m. – Mighty Thomas Carnival opens 3 p.m. – Arkansas/Oklahoma Pageant in Expo Building 9 p.m. – Adelitas Way performs in Hugh Hardin Arena Sunday, Sept. 24 9 a.m. – Livestock judging in Show Barn B and Harper Stadium 10 – Rabbit show in Harper Stadium Noon-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, Expo Center open Noon – Mighty Thomas Carnival opens Noon-10 p.m. – Unlimited ride armbands 5 p.m. – Youth Talent Competition Monday, Sept. 25 8 a.m. – Junior market goat show 4-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, The Expo Center open 4 p.m. – Mighty Thomas Carnival Opens 4-10 p.m. – Buddy Night/unlimited arm band day, 2-for-1 armbands 6 p.m. – Junior livestock auction in Harper Stadium Tuesday, Sept. 26 4-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, The Expo Center open 5 p.m. – Mighty Thomas Carnival opens 5-11 p.m. – Ticket discount day; all rides 1, 2 or 3 tickets Wednesday, Sept. 27 Feeding Hope Day – Gate is $1 or non-perishable food item until 5 p.m.

Rides reduced by one ticket for kids 18 and under from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

8 a.m.-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, Expo Center open 8:30 a.m. – Mighty Thomas Carnival Opens 5 p.m. – Livestock judging, Harper Stadium Thursday, Sept. 28 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. – Livestock judging, Hardin Arena & Show Barn B 4-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, Expo Center open 5 p.m. – Mighty Thomas Carnival opens 5-11 p.m. – Ticket Discount Day; all rides 1, 2 or 3 tickets 9 p.m. – Midget Wrestling Warriors in Harper Stadium Friday, Sept. 29 9 a.m. – Open and Junior Poultry Judging 4-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, Expo Center open 5 p.m. – Mighty Thomas Carnival Opens 8 p.m. – LOCASH in Hugh Hardin Arena Saturday, Sept. 30 8 a.m. – Junior breeding sheep judging 10 a.m.-10 p.m. – Midway, Old McDonald's Farm, Expo Center open 11 a.m. – Mighty Thomas Carnival opens 10 a.m.-10 p.m. – Unlimited arm band day

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Sept. 27 Fall Career Fair The career fair will provide access to education and career options. CCAEC hosts local employers, community resources and schools during the fair to help individuals make the transition into training and/or employment. Resume and online job application assistance also will be provided during the event. Refreshments and door prizes. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Crawford County Adult Education Center, 605 Alma Boulevard Circle, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-0019

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 28 Keeping the Me in TreatMEnt Presented by Dr. Charles Saulsbery, director of social work and pastoral care for Peachtree Hospice. Learn more about how to stay actively engaged in self-care.

Free. 5:30 p.m. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 Sept. 28 Crafterwork: Fall Candle Holder Crafts after work! Make a Mason jar candleholder to ad fall flair to any home. Supplies are provided. Make reservations. Free. 6-7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Sept. 28 Welcome Neighbor Book Club “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio and “Glory Over Everything”

by Kathleen Grissom will be discussed. All women welcome. Free. 11:30 a.m. Dewey’s Cafe Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-1603

Sept. 28 QuickBooks Desktop Hands-On Workshops The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents two hands-on workshops for QuickBooks Pro, Premier and Enterprise software users. QuickBooks for Beginners is designed for business owners and employees with little or no experience. Topics include company set up, transactions, working with lists, reconciling accounts and more.

QuickBooks Day-to-Day Basics includes working with invoices, payments, bills, inventory and reports. A computer is provided. Call or go online by Sept. 27 to register. $65 per session. Beall Barclay & Co., 3101 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067

Sept. 29 Fest of Ale 2017 Benefitting Girls Inc. of Fort Smith, this event will include craft beer tasting, food and live music for attendees’ enjoyment. VIP tickets will include access to a specialty beer section. Pre-order discounted tickets online. $35-$75. 6-9 p.m. The Shipley Building, 63 South 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-0375 girlsincfortsmith.org/events

Sept. 30 6th Annual Paint Downtown Pink 5K Run/Walk This relatively flat course runs through Belle Grove Historic District and is a 2017 Arkansas Grand Prix Series Race in the 2017 W.A.R. Running Series.

Teams must represent a business.Register before Sept. 20 to receive a T-shirt. Proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen-Ozark, Special Olympics Arkansas Area 4, and Special Olympic Athletes of Abilities UnlimitedVan Buren. $25-$35. 8:30 a.m. Glass Pavilion at Riverfront Park, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-650-0766 Facebook.com/PaintDowntownPinkFortSmith

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sept. 30 Downtown Stroll and Scavenger Hunt Meet historical Fort Smith characters and learn little known facts of Fort Smith history. Learn the stories of Judge Isaac C. Parker, Pvt. Henry Strong, Marie Cole, U. S. Deputy Marshal Madsen, Belle Starr, Mayor Fagan Bourland and Bonnie and Clyde portrayed by Floyd Robison, Stephen Christian, Betsey Rooth, Steve Raney, Donna Knecht, Bill Rooth, Ruby Dean and Rodney Dean with Sue Robison and Bambi Clifton as tour guides. The downtown stroll and scavenger hunt is included with museum admission. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the scavenger hunt and stroll will be held indoors. $7 adults; $5 veterans and military; $2 children; under age 6 free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.com Sept. 30 Jell-O Wrestling Sebastian County Humane Society presents this family-friendly event with three categories, including a men’s, women’s and team bracket. $3. Noon- 6 p.m.

Fort Smith Park, 5301 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-4395

Sept. 30-Oct. 14 Fort Smith’s Got Talent Auditions This talent competition for all ages, with two categories – 9 to 18 and 19 and older. The audition for the competition takes place at the Windsor Library. Performances will take place on Oct. 21 at the King Opera House. Free. 1-4 p.m. Windsor Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Oct. 6-7 130th St. Boniface School Lawn Social The St. Boniface Lawn Social is celebrating 130 years with great food, games and live music. What started as a church picnic in the late 1800s now draws thousands of local residents each year. The event has a silent auction in the Parish Hall. At the same time, the games, a wide variety of food and entertainment get under way outdoors in Hilary Field. In addition to old classics like bingo, there will be special activities for young children, older kids, teens and adults. Just some of these include $10,000 in cash prizes, inflatables, train rides, crush a car and face painting. Also, several local bands will perform throughout the night.

5-10 p.m. St. Boniface School, 201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-6601 stbonifaceschool.org

Oct. 7 Second Annual Fall Fashion Show See and shop styles for the upcoming season at the GFWC-Women’s League of Van Buren’s second annual Fall Fashion Show. The event will feature a variety of looks for all ages provided by local merchants. Following the show, guests will have the chance to shop.

Vendors will be set-up on-site offering clothes and accessories. Merchants interested in showcasing their clothes can participate for $75. Cost to show and sell items is $125. All proceeds from the event benefit GFWC-Women’s League of Van Buren’s Community Improvement Project. $10 in advance and at the door.

10 a.m.-noon. Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren Ark. 479-459-3093

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DINING GUIDE Lulu’s serves an original menu created with locally sourced foods Showcasing seasonal produce and fresh, local ingredients is at the culinary heart of Lulu’s Bistro executive chef Aaron Moffat.

Each day, Moffat produces delicious dishes that embody the farm-to-table concept of the Fort Smith restaurant.

Lulu’s has been open just over a year in the iconic “water wheel” building at the east end of Rogers Avenue. The rustic structure is a harmonious backdrop for the upscale American cuisine that features regional products.

“We source all of our stuff locally that we can,” explained Moffat. That includes naturally raised, antibiotic-free Chef Aaron Moffat meat, as well as locally grown vegetables, often picked up from the Farmers Market.

Moffat also finds local honey and incorporates herbs from the restaurant’s onsite garden. Ingredients that aren’t locally grown or raised are brought in directly, including seafood from the gulf and Hawaii.

Moffat uses these carefully selected foods to create delicious dishes. Among the restaurant’s most popular plates are its shrimp scampi and pork chop.

Above: beautiful presentation. Left, apple-stuffed pork chop. Right, mango salsa chicken.

“We also serve a lot of filets and ribeyes,” said Moffat. Several of the chicken entrees also have proven to be diner favorites.

A chef since the age of 19, Moffat takes great pride in providing guests with a memorable experience and delicious food.

Lulu’s menu is fluid, giving him the opportunity to make changes and additions to accommodate availability and customer preference.

“I change the menu every three months, adjusting for the most popular items and what is in season,” he explained.

In addition to its locally sourced products, Lulu’s menu abounds with made-from-scratch breads and pastas. “We make all our own dough each day. Everything we do is fresh,” said the chef.

One of his passions is pairings. Every few months, the restaurant invites customers to enjoy a special five-course meal with a wine

pairing selected for each dish. The evening has a prix fixe menu and the chef explains how the food and drink complement one another.

Many patrons do not get past Lulu’s wide selection of appetizers and desserts. Full bar offers locally brewed beer and wine from area vineyards, along with a range of classic and contemporary cocktails.

Numerous options are available for glutenfree and vegetarian meals. Because of Moffat’s made-from-scratch approach, most dishes can be tailored when ordered to fit a diners’ dietary needs or specifications.

The restaurant can accommodate groups and small parties in one of its three private rooms. Catering off-site is also available.

Lulu’s Bistro, 9417 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith Open 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thurs; 5-10 p.m. Saturday 479-763-1550 lulusbistrofortsmith.com September 2017

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