Entertainment Fort Smith - October 2016

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EDITOR’S NOTES

Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG Art Director Contributing Writers BRITTANY RANSOM KRISTAN ROLAND JERRY HUFF ROBERT HUSTON Contributing Photographers ROGER CARTER GLENN GILLEY KARRIE KELLY DONNA PAYNE JERRY HUFF ROBERT HUSTON FRED McCLURE

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

Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON accounts@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 © 2016 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com 4

Entertainment Fort Smith

October 2016

Everything happens in October October is the month, judging by October calendars in this magazine, year after year.

All Arkansans, apparently, believe that everything is better in this month and they act accordingly. Even though almost every Saturday in October may conflict with a Razorback football game; even though Friday nights are for high school football and marching bands, cheer teams, dance squads and the student bleachers – even so – Arkies (and Okies) hold festivals out the wazoo.

The event calendars for adults, for kids and the featured music and performance schedule – readers will find their choice of two or three or four competing shindigs per weekend.

We put the Poteau Balloonfest on the cover to remind everyone that only about a half-hour away, our neighbors have a real spectacle on Oct. 14-15 and to explain why sometimes, if we’re lucky, a few of the candy-like balloons drift over Fort Smith. Stay alert!

Also in Oklahoma, at the Heavener Runestone State Park, there is a Viking festival!

Seriously, how many Americans can say they have a Viking festival within driving distance of their homes? Way cool.

There are two grand old classics – Van Buren’s Fall Festival on Main Street and the Wiederkehr Weinfest at Wiederkehr Village near Altus, Ark. Everyone should attend these two at least, well, every year.

Active folks can run a zillion “K” or jump on a trail with the Trailblazers Hiking Club. Or the

truly adventurous can run in the morning and then rappel down the side of an eight-story bank in the “Over the Edge” fundraiser for Fort Smith’s Reynolds Cancer Support House. There are two conditions: they must raise $1,000 and be totally out of their minds. ( Just kidding! I’m sure it will be fun. Tell me about it later because I’m not even capable of watching.)

If you’d rather stay indoors there are several more expos being held. Get samples! There’s a Hitchcock Film Festival. Take popcorn! There’s a Showcase Home and Parade of Homes. Take your credit score!

If you love Halloween, you can practically stay in costume all month at various activities. If you like “scary” stuff there are haunted houses, trolleys and buildings. There are two historical cemetery tours – in Van Buren and Greenwood – where characters stand beside their graves and tell their life stories. If you are intrigued by paranormal phenomena, this is your month!

Those who like a social night out for a good cause can absolutely wear out their dancing shoes to support a variety of very worthy, very needed non-profit organizations.

And if you don’t know how to dance, turn off the TV and learn! There are two very friendly dance clubs in the calendar who earnestly would love to teach you square dancing or all kinds of ballroom dancing, for pocket change.

And on the last day (whew!) there’s candy. No wonder October is the month.

– Lynn Wasson

Thank you

The Seubold Family sincerely thanks everyone who offered prayer, sent cards and extended sympathy in so many kind ways after the Aug. 25 death of Frank Seubold, husband of editor Linda Seubold. Your love was felt and is deeply appreciated.

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

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

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

Download a subscription form from www.efortsmith.com

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

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CONTENTS

October 2016

features

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12 188th Wing: Mission ready

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More than fish at resort

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Know these peacocks?

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Poteau Balloonfest

Entertainment Fort Smith

October 2016

Gaston’s luxuries reel in plenty of visitors who never wet a hook Watching the morning fog lift while sipping coffee on the deck. Enjoying meals prepared by a talented gourmet chef. Wait, is this supposed to be a fishing camp? Yes, but much more. By Robert Huston

Motivating students to do more and make life-changing goals The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is inspiring entering and returning students to overcome obstacles and drive for their goals. By John Post

As a matter of fact, she is the Queen of Sheba Due to interest sparked by a photo on Facebook, a tour of Darby Junior High Auditorium, originally Fort Smith High School, will allow people to see an elaborate stage curtain that some alumni remember but others never saw.

FASHION FOCUS Fourth generation jewelers at the Diamond Center.

WHAT’S COOKING What else? Pumpkin recipes for sweet fall treats. By Kristan Roland

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From childhood, she dreamed of flying a fighter jet. Now, the Air Guard commander has launched Fort Smith’s base into remotely piloted combat.

departments

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Col. Bobbi Doorenbos leads 188th ANG on a new mission

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE The entertainment calendar has an all-star fundraiser for program that may be teaching Fort Smith’s next generation of musical talent.

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HOME DESIGN Mike’s Furniture in Roland is built on experience.

DINING GUIDE Here’s where to eat the good stuff from sushi to deli to steak.

50 KIDS CRAFTS & EVENTS

Crafts with kids in mind and many fun Halloween activities. Kids could stay in costume for weeks!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS October is peak festival month. Try hot-air ballooning, shopping for crafts, grape-stomping and wine tasting and even a Viking festival. There’s also ghost-hunting and cemetery touring. Find them all in this very interesting month.

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Air Guard Commander is living a lifelong dream

Col. Bobbi Doorenbos leads the 188th Wing on its new mission: flying remotely piloted aircraft for both combat and intelligence

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Entertainment Fort Smith

October 2016

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When Col. Bobbi Doorenbos received her wings following of Fort Smith. graduation from a 12-month pilot training course in 1996 at Reese Air Before the unit transitioned to MQ-9s, the fighter wing’s Force Base in Lubbock, Texas, the feat represented fulfillment of a manning document called for 999 personnel. With drones, the dream that began when she was a little girl. number increased to 1,003. About one-third of the positions are a Col. Doorenbos credits her father with instilling that dream in her. full-time mix of civilian civil service technicians, who are also He used to take her to the airport and watch jet fighters take off and traditional part-time guardsmen, and active duty military known land. When the sound of a jet engine penetrated their house, he would as AGR (active guard, reserve). run out into the back yard, look up with his hands in the air and shout, While employment has held steady with the new mission, the new “Yea,” with his little girl right behind him doing the same thing. skill set is literally off the charts. Col. Doorenbos has an immediate “I was following in his footsteps,” Col. Doorenbos said. Her father, a need for 111 enlisted and 37 officer positions, mostly for traditional grain elevator owner in the tiny farming community of Breda, Iowa, guardsmen (part-time). The vacancies include 47 intelligence analysts, outside Sioux City, flew the F-100 Super Saber as a pilot in the Iowa along with targeteers, communications (networking, infrastructure) Air National Guard. slots and sensor operators. Other new roles at the 188th include There was a major roadblock in her determination to become one of geospatial analysts, signals analysts, intelligence fusion analysts, the U.S. Air Force’s first female jet fighter pilots after she graduated weather technicians and communications systems operators. The from Iowa State University: in 1992, women were not allowed. positions require advance training in fields ranging from computer So she bided her time working for Principal Financial Group in science to geography to meteorology to cartography.

Sioux City until Congress lifted the ban, then joined the Iowa Air These positions bring a whole new set of high-tech skills to the National Guard. Doorenbos received her commission as a second Fort Smith area. Several units remained intact when the 188th lieutenant after graduating from the Academy of Military Science, a transitioned to its new mission and offer the same highly-prized national guard officer training program in Knoxville, Tenn., before opportunities as before. These include civil engineering attending pilot training. (construction and maintenance), fire and emergency services and a She flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the medical corps.

Iowa Air National Guard and earned her The latest available data for the year 2015 stripes as a combat pilot before reverting to shows the 188th with a payroll of $40.9 part-time Guard status. Converting to civilian million a year. The unit’s estimated aviation, she trained with and flew economic impact on the area in that same commercially for American Airlines. But after time period was $58 million. the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the True to her Dutch ancestry, the colonel military recalled her. admits to being a “workaholic” who takes In 2002, Col. Doorenbos began a decadework home with her. However, she also long tour in the Washington, D.C. area that finds time for bike riding, reading, landed her in high-profile jobs at the Pentagon beekeeping and is a wannabe woodworker The remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper. and White House. Along the way, she served a with all the tools. combat tour flying F-16 jet fighters during the invasion of Iraq.

Col. Doorenbos considers her Fort Smith assignment the “absolute In 2007, she won a highly competitive one-year White House pinnacle of my career” and her job “the best ever, hands down!”

Fellowship, and from 2010 to 2012 served as a special advisor to Vice “People are welcoming and embracing,” she said.

President Joe Biden for defense policy and intelligence programs.

It helps she drives less than 10 minutes to and from work each way, She came to Fort Smith’s Ebbing Air National Guard Base in 2015 compared to more than an hour in the Washington, D.C. area. Plus, to command the 188th Wing as it transitioned from a jet fighter she is less than a two-minute drive from shopping, can always find a mission to its current mission – flying remotely piloted aircraft. parking place and never fails to run into somebody she knows Previously, she commanded the 214th Reconnaissance Group at wherever she goes. The result is, in her own words, “I do not have Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz. She was responsible road rage.” for providing combat-qualified MQ-1 Predator drone aircrews in Then there’s the cost of living advantage. The home she owns in support of missions overseas, as well as domestic incident awareness east Fort Smith, with three bedrooms, two baths with a pool, cost less and assessment in the United States. to buy than she paid to rent a one-bedroom apartment in the Her arrival in Fort Smith was a promotion in more ways than one.

Washington area.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a larger, heavier, faster and more capable craft When this three-year assignment as 188th wing commander than the MQ-1 flown by the Arizona unit. For example, it carries closes next year, new career paths will open. At age 47, with three twice as many missiles and is powered by a turbo-prop engine vs. the years’ time in grade as a full colonel, Col. Doorenbos is younger piston variety on the older model. than most candidates for general officer, but highly qualified.

The 188th’s 24/7 mission, as of August, includes combat and She possesses an impressive resumé – the “sound of guns” as a intelligence-gathering sorties, intelligence analysis and a targeting combat jet pilot; a Master of Science degree in strategic intelligence component. from the National Defense Intelligence College; Air War College and Interacting with the community as an executive of one of its major Air Command and Staff College completion by correspondence; her employers, Col. Doorenbos serves on the Fort Smith Area Chamber Pentagon and White House assignments and group and wing of Commerce Board of Directors and is a member of the Rotary Club command experience.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

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Because she remains on military leave from American Airlines, she has the option to return to flying commercial jets and continue to live in the Fort Smith area, as does her predecessor at the 188th, Col. Mark Anderson.

The colonel, however, is focused on her present command and a goal that would benefit this base and community: to land the actual MQ-9 Reaper here and make it part of the 188th Wing, along with its high-tech take off, landing and maintenance crews.The infrastructure needed to support the actual drones is already in place at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. The hangar area contains jet aircraft maintenance bays, along with a nearby “hush-house” designed to muffle the noise associated with testing jet engines and a secure weapons storage area, all easily adapted to a drone mission since the craft are similar in size to jet fighters.

Stationing MQ-9s at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base would require a waiver to Federal Aviation Administration rules that prevent pilotless aircraft from flying over populated areas. It is an exception Col. Doorenbos believes is possible to obtain from the FAA because where the drones would fly training missions – in restricted airspace over the neighboring Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center – is only four miles from the base runway.

The Chaffee facility has the assets of the Razorback Range, drop and landing zones, various mock villages, miles of woodlands and the Arkansas River. It is ideal for this mission’s training.

The new mission’s greatest impact on the 188th, however, is at the individual level.

With jet fighters, it was necessary for the whole unit to go on an overseas deployment, usually lasting four to six months. Remote piloting mission allow “in-place deployment,” which translates to everyone remaining at home.

Contributing writer Jerry Huff is a retired newspaperman. He served in the Air Force Reserve in Texas and the Georgia Air National Guard. He lives in Fort Smith.

Photos by Jerry Huff and Cody L. Martin, SrA, ARNG Courtesy of the 188th Wing 188wg.ang.af.mil 10

Entertainment Fort Smith

October 2016

SIMULATED MISSION Piloting a drone – Col. Doorenbos prefers the term remotely piloted aircraft -– is sophisticated. A sensor module on the nose of the craft serves as the eyes for a two-person crew. The top screen on this training simulator maps the flight path. The middle screen shows what the sensor sees, in real time, and includes the targeting crosshairs. The bottom is a touchscreen interface with the craft’s various internal systems. The pilot flies the drone to its target and fires the missile, while the sensor operator, seen here, is in charge of the electronics, including guiding the missile to its target. This simulator is for training only.

Actual missions are flown from a secure location at the Fort Smith base.

Col. Doorenbos pilots at the simulator’s joystick.

The flight crew here is in communication with a ground crew which launches and lands the craft.

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Enjoy a stay at Gaston’s, with or without casting a line Our guest writer Robert Huston offers a recommendation from personal experience. But he always fishes when at Gaston’s.

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ven people who are never once going to wet a hook can enjoy a stay at Gaston’s White River Resort in Lakeview, Ark. After discovering the onshore comforts, the landlubber in a couple or a family may become the one who suggests a fishing trip.

Gaston’s is one of America’s premier trout fishing destination for good reason. The White River is teeming with trout, which is how a resort-lover may easily lure their significant angler into a getaway. In a fishery that full of huge trout, you cannot not catch fish. One of Gaston’s professional fishing guides will even do most of the work while you hold the rod.

When your angler asks what you will do while they’re fishing, just say you’ll think of something.

You might join your partner by sitting on the bank, enjoying the peaceful quiet and beautiful fall colors. You could even sit in the boat with him or her while an experienced guide takes you on the White River and you take photos of the scenery. Or you could actually fish, which a guide will make into a wonderful experience even for beginners.

But a fully non-fishing guest can get off the hook and have a fantastic resort experience.

Enjoying morning coffee while overlooking the river, as fog lifts off the water, might work for you, followed by an easy walk to Gaston’s restaurant for the breakfast buffet.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

October 2016

Watching the takeoffs and landings of private aircraft bringing fishermen and celebrities to experience Arkansas trout fishing is fun.

Gaston’s also sports a nature trail where a quiet walk may reveal wild turkeys, peacocks, guineas, a ton of indigenous birds, squirrels, chipmunks and deer. This hardwood-abundant area is so popular with wildlife, there are strategically-placed lawn chairs facing common animal gathering areas.

The setting was much more rustic in 1958 when Al Gaston bought 20 acres of river frontage below Bull Shoals State Park, built six small fishing cottages and bought six boats.

Today Gaston’s has grown to more than 400 acres with two miles of White River frontage, 79 well-appointed cottages and more than 70 boats at state of the art docks. It also has a world class restaurant, private club, gift shop, tennis court, swimming pool and game room. It employs a staff of 80.

Gaston’s massive growth took place under Al’s son Jim Gaston, who was a perpetual supporter of Arkansas tourism. Jim saw the broader picture. He figured, regardless of whether they stayed at his resort, if people just came to Arkansas for the fishing they’d be hooked.

Jim served on Arkansas’ Parks and Tourism Commission with Fort Smith’s beloved Polly Crews. Both were forces to be reckoned with.

He advocated strongly for preserving Arkansas’ wild beauty and protecting its rivers and streams.

In honor of his service, a nearby state Visitor Center was named for him. The $4.7 million facility overlooks Bull Shoals-White River State Park and has an environmental education center.

After Jim Gaston’s death in 2015, the fishing resort is sailing on smoothly under his grandson. Clint Gaston, 27, has a down-to-earth, relaxed demeanor much like Jim’s that immediately Clint Gaston puts you at ease.

Clint says his philosophy is to enhance, not change, what has worked for almost 60 years.

To invite a new generation to explore Gaston’s, Clint plans to establish some running and athletic events, playing to the lifestyle interests of a younger, health-conscious demographic. Maybe they’ll try a little fishing after the race.

The appeal of superbly fresh brown and rainbow trout to people who have adopted “clean” eating or Paleo diets is obvious.

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Gaston’s dining room “is like American Pickers on steroids,” as Robert Huston describes it. Antique boat motors, bicycles and Cushman scooters hang from the ceiling. Vintage neon signs provide a colorful light at night.

By day, views of the White River are clearly the focal point.

Although the restaurant at Gaston’s is already legendary, Clint has brought in Chef Rick Gollinger to burnish the opulent fine dining menu with his experience and creativity. Outdoor writers from all over the country have attempted to describe the chef ’s dishes of duck confit venison with bearnaise sauce. The best way to experience his cooking is to taste it – words fail.

But we thought it would be fun to show Chef Rick’s culinary magic.

You can watch Chef Rick talk about and prepare pan-seared duck breast with wild mushroom brandy cream sauce, step-by-step, at Entertainment Fort Smith’s Facebook page.

Chef Rick and other Gaston’s cooks are also renowned for preparing an outdoor “shore lunch” of freshly-caught trout, fried to perfection and served with sides and delicacies baked in a campfire Dutch oven.

Whether it is chef-prepared cuisine, a country breakfast or campfire cooking, Gaston’s satisfies every guest’s taste.

Beautiful cabins, gorgeous walks and delicious, chef-prepared meals – three reasons a non-fishing visitor can enjoy Gaston’s.

All four seasons offer different reasons to visit. Fishing styles shift between shore fishing, drift boat fishing and at fewer times, wading.

The Gaston’s website includes an expert fishing report offering daily reports and seasonal projections.

The hospitality is equally splendid all year round.

– Robert Huston

Watch Gaston’s chef prepare an entree of pan-seared duck breast on Entertainment Fort Smith’s Facebook page in a video created by Robert Huston Productions.

Editors Note: We knew two correspondents who would say yes right away to the assignment of visiting Gaston’s White River Resort – Robert Huston and Fred McClure, former partners in broadcasting the Arklahoma Outdoors Show on KFSM-TV5. Here’s what Huston said:

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“I’m an avid trout fisherman and have been to Gaston’s numerous times for my show and with family.

So yeah, I’ll do it! The cool thing was I invited my friend and former show producer, Fred McClure, to tag along for yet another adventure together. Fred, who is now retired but still my close neighbor, used to drive by and pick me up in the station vehicle for show assignments. Now, the tables have turned and I get to pick him up in my truck and I’m the producer. Fun! STORY BY ROBERT HUSTON

PHOTOS BY FRED MCCLURE October 2016

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UAFS lets students tell their own stories of change and self-realization

Whether it’s through a small, friendly campus or dedicated professors, students at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith have the opportunity to do more and discover their passion. Here are several stories of students and alumni who have pursued their dreams at UAFS. More stories are found at uafs.edu/do-more.

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Entertainment Fort Smith

October 2016

Casey Millspaugh, entrepreneur

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asey Millspaugh might never have become an entrepreneur had it not been for a day in 2009, when he was called into the office of a business professor at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. The professor told Millspaugh he was suspended from school for repeatedly skipping class.

“He told me to go home and sit there for six months and hate not going to school,” Millspaugh said. “And I did. I thought about how everyone else was out in the world accomplishing things, and I wasn’t doing anything.”

“That’s what started getting to me,” he added. “I told myself, ‘I’m not going to do nothing ever again.’”

When Millspaugh returned to UAFS six months later, he found the professors in the university’s College of Business rallied around him.

Dr. Jim Beard took him on as an additional advisee, and other professors mentored him and placed him in internship programs.

“It was a situation where I didn’t want to let these people down,” Millspaugh said. “They rallied around me and supported me from such a high level.”

While taking courses in his second attempt at college, he discovered a passion for entrepreneurship that changed his perspective about the opportunities in Fort Smith and also his career path. After a business professor began showing Millspaugh examples of young entrepreneurs beginning successful startup companies in Arkansas, Millspaugh realized that he could be a business owner.

After he graduated, he landed a job as a carrier sales coordinator at UPS, but his interest in entrepreneurship remained. He eventually started two companies: Fort Smith Popcorn Company and Organic Lifebox, a subscription service for organic hygiene products.

Millspaugh’s entrepreneurial streak also extends into helping the community, as he recently helped coordinate the recent Ales for Trails event in downtown Fort Smith, where residents could sample craft beer to raise money for the trails.

“The professors here took a genuine interest in my education.

Without them and the education they gave me, I never would’ve had the knowledge or the confidence to become a business owner,” Millspaugh said. “The education I received at UAFS allowed me to apply my degree in ways I couldn’t have elsewhere and pursue my passion for entrepreneurship.”

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hen Heather Deere of Muldrow, Okla., began researching universities as a high schooler, she initially wanted to attend a large university.

Now, as a senior rhetoric and writing major at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, she’s realized the impact she can make on a smaller campus after becoming involved in numerous organizations and opportunities that UAFS has to offer.

Deere, who was shy when she first started at UAFS, joined Delta Gamma to meet new people and “bring me out of my shell.” She had no plans of taking a leadership position with the sorority when she first joined, but did so after the urging of women in the organization.

That first leadership opportunity unlocked a passion in her. She took on several more leadership roles in the sorority, culminating in becoming president this school year.

“Leadership gave me a voice and confidence that I didn’t have previously,” Deere said. “It was also immensely rewarding to see others enjoying events and programs I had planned.”

Her work in Delta Gamma led to the university’s Student Activities Office to hire her as an intern, where she assists with day-to-day operations of student life.

Lynette Thrower, returning student

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Heather Deere, emerging leader

Since then, Deere’s involvement on campus has blossomed. She has competed twice in the Miss UAFS Scholarship Pageant; served on the director staff for Cub Camp, a freshman orientation camp; been a member of the Honors International Studies Program scholarship; and joined the UAFS chapter of Love Your Melon, a national organization that sells apparel and donates the funds to cancer research.

“If I were to envision life at a different university, possible a larger one, it would be to be go to class, go to work, and go home,” Deere said.

“Here, I’m able to do more than I would somewhere else. And I think that’s possible in large part because it’s a smaller university and I can make more of an impact.”

Following graduation, Deere wants to work in a student activities office at a university and help other students unlock a passion for leadership.

“I believe that UAFS is an extremely transformative university,” Deere added. “Coming into UAFS, I didn’t believe I had the ability to be a leader on campus. Now that I’m about to graduate, I realize I can accomplish more than I could ever imagine possible.”

fter surviving two near-death experiences – an apartment fire and a cancer diagnosis – Lynette Thrower decided to return to school because she wanted to do more with her life.

“I realized there was so much more I wanted to do with my life, and life is so truly short,” she said. “I didn’t want to wait until another instance like this happened that could take away my opportunity to make an impact in this world.”

But in returning to school after a 20-year hiatus, Thrower found college daunting. She worried about her ability to retain and recall information and compete with students half her age. She worried about the time commitment.

After the encouragement of professors at UAFS, a friendly campus and numerous resources available to non-traditional students, Thrower has found a comfortable setting to pursue her passion of becoming a teacher.

Thrower attended UAFS because of the value of education it offered.

While she had her reservations about being able to complete college, several UAFS professors helped her realize graduating from college was a real possibility.

“Dr. Laura Witherington was one of my English professors, and she has been fantastic in assuring me that I’m good enough, I’m competing and doing well, and I’m bringing so much value to the classroom,” Thrower said. “Having a professor encourage me like that went a long way in building my confidence.”

When Thrower, who had always struggled with math, tried to drop an introductory mathematics course, her professor urged her to stay in the class. She agreed, and ended up earning an A. Now, as a senior at UAFS, Thrower has gained the confidence to be a student again.

“UAFS is unique in that it’s a small setting with a very big heart and big academic offerings,” Thrower said. “In coming here, I knew what I wanted to pursue, but having it reaffirmed by such intelligent professors and administrators has really driven home the fact that I’m going to be an asset as a teacher someday and make the impact that I’ve always wanted to make.”

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Historic Darby Auditorium tour and history talk stars its hand-painted “Queen of Sheba” stage curtain Thousands of users of Facebook participate in the group “If You Ever Lived in Fort Smith, Ark.” where they share historic images and stories of local interest. Hundreds have been engaged by one photo of the Darby Junior High School auditorium, by photographer Mike Holloway.

It is the auditorium’s stage curtain, which depicts “The Queen of Sheba’s Visit to King Solomon.” Because of that interest, Darby Junior High will open the auditorium for an open house from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 15.

Holloway and researcher Joe Wasson will host, showing more photos and history of the school itself, built as Fort Smith High School. Alumni are invited to reacquaint themselves with one of the grandest halls of its day. At 1,500 seats, it was used also for civic and theatrical events.

Well-maintained in close to its original appearance, it now has modern climate control and is used regularly for school concerts and assemblies.

Others can see for the first time the grandeur of the 103-year-old building and may tour the original gymnasium, as well.

The elaborate stage curtain was handpainted in France under the auspices of the Kansas City Scenic Company and retains vibrant colors. On this stage have appeared artists as diverse as Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys, jazz great Stan Kenton, comedian Brother Dave Gardner, the A.C. Carter Family, radio host Paul Harvey and current television producer/writer Brad Neely.

More of that history will be presented at the open house. Those willing to show their own photos or artifacts are encouraged.

The auditorium is accessible by elevator or stairs. Students will help to direct visitors.

Free, but donations to the Darby PTA are welcomed.

1-3 p.m. Darby Junior High School, 616 North 14th Street, Fort Smith.

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Holloway’s photo of the stage curtain; photo album and postcard view of the original Fort Smith High School, now Darby Junior High.

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The elaborate curtain was sometimes unseen because it was hoisted into the “fly” above.

1920s photos show the auditorium balcony, the basement pool and the original gymnasium

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FASHION & FITNESS

Fourth generation jewelers at The Diamond Center

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rothers Zach and Jim Cash III are proud to carry on their family’s tradition of selling beautiful jewelry in the River Valley.

They are fourth generation jewelers who recently assumed ownership of The Diamond Center from their father. Jim Cash, Jr. operated the store for three decades.

Located on one of the most visible corners, next to the food court inside Fort Smith’s Central Mall, the store’s sparkling jewelry cases shine brightly and always catch the eye.

The Diamond Center is known for its exquisite selection of engagement and bridal pieces. Couples can choose from beautiful solitaires and specially designed wedding sets by the world’s outstanding designers.

Qualified staff patiently walk customers through the steps of selecting diamond value by cut, color, clarity, and carat.

“We believe it is truly our service that sets us apart,” explained Jim. “Our job is to guide customers through the process and educate them about their choices, so ultimately they find exactly the ring they want.”

Both men say a favorite part of what they do is knowing they play a small role in the love stories of so many local couples.

“Seeing a girl’s face light up when she sees the rings she wants is just a great feeling,” said Jim. “We once had a guy propose right here in the store,” recalled Zach. “It is wonderful knowing that for many, that part of their journey sort of starts here.”

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Owners Jim Cash III and Zach Cash.

The Diamond Center carries leading wedding jewelery designer collections such as LaVie Diamonds, distinguished by the highest quality stones and bright, patented Precise-White gold and the beautiful Romance Diamond bridal collection.

Among the store’s glittering cases of fashion jewelry, rings, bracelets and necklaces, the ornate, intricately-crafted Andréa Candela collection is known for premier silver designs, Zach explained.

Men’s and women’s watches by Citizen, Fossil, Seiko are joined by a recently added Michael Kors line.

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FASHION & FITNESS Opposite: A spectacular diamond pendant in the showcase at The Diamond Center.

Below: One-carat halo engagement ring in white gold, one of many distinctive styles.

A piece of fashion jewelry or a timepiece is one of the most personal purchases anyone can make, for themselves or as a gift. Jewelry is given in love and to mark life’s great occasions. The Cashes have a discerning staff who have the sensitivity and intuition to help anyone choose a piece of jewelry that expresses something about themselves or the love and regard they are showing with a gift to another person.

The Diamond Center specializes in creating custom jewelry and is in the process of forming its own unique line.

Buyers can work with the design staff to create classic or contemporary designs that are personally meaingful and unique.

The Diamond Center has professional jewelry repair service on site and offers and a lifetime warranty on all its merchandise.

The store is also a member of Preferred Jewelers International, and is one of only three jewelers in the state to hold the prestigious distinction.

Diamond Center, Central Mall 5111 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Noon-6 p.m. Sunday 479-452-0246 diamondcenterjewelers.com

October 2016

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fashion & fitness goodies

Matrix Biolage skin and hair products carried at Vanity Calls.

Boys denim and chinos and girls Mollie & Millie ensemble from Polka Dotted Zebra in Greenwood.

Steeping cup and herbal teas found at Olde Fashioned Foods.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Beastie Boy onesie from Baby Chic, dotty serving tray from Inscriptions, Honey Almond Shea soap from Colquitt & Co, Shine Project necklace from Hanger Management, all at GreenPointe Shopping Center.

14K white gold, split shank, halo wedding set from The Diamond Center.

Tom Ford designer frames and sunglassesfound at Ennen Eye Center.

October 2016

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fashion & fitness goodies

Oliver Peoples sunglasses found at Dr. Steven Stiles Eyegroup.

L’Amour Crisscut diamond engagement ring in 18K white gold available at Newton's Jewelers.

Raquel Welch wig collection carried at Salon Elements.

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fashion & fitness goodies

Running gear by The Story found at Firefly.

Ronaldo bracelets from Greenwood Flower and Gifts.

Halloween applique tees from Main Street Ltd.

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fashion & fitness goodies

YMI distressed skinnies sizes 0-13 from Zoe Bug’s of Charleston.

Aveda natural styling foam, hair spray and wooden brush carried at Metropolis Hair Studio.

DefendEar Hunter camo passive ear protectors by Westone from the Center for Hearing.

October 2016

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fashion & fitness goodies Top Dash women’s half-zipper top by Brooks and a Mile Junkie visor found at True Grit Running.

Matching leggings, tunic and bow from Katie Bugs.

Designer canes by Nova available at Coleman Pharmacy.

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DESIGNER NOTES

Mike’s Furniture has a family of experts

M

ike Barnes knows a thing or two about customer service. Now marking almost 40 years in the new furniture business, he started as a delivery driver.

He learned every aspect of the home furnishings trade before opening his own store in Roland, Okla., in 1994 and trained an expert staff – his family. He works alongside his wife, Roxana, his daughter Tamara Oliver and longtime friend, Grant Rhoads, whom the Barnes consider one of their own.

“Grant is truly family to us. He is like a son to me,” explained Mike. “It was his dad who really got me started in this business. He is the one who invested time into me and taught me about retail. So, it really is a family business here and I am very proud of that.”

Above, the close-knit staff poses at Tamara’s wedding. From left, Grant Rhoads, the bride, Roxanne and Mike Barnes.

At right, trending prints in accent chairs 28

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As a family, Mike and the staff understand other families’ desire to furnish their home with lasting items that fit their own taste, lifestyle and budget. The store carries trusted, quality brands including Ashley, Bassett, Best, Lane and Mayo.

“We believe in carrying brands that stand behind their products,” Tamara said, so the store can stand behind its customers. The store will help to get replacement parts or make repairs after purchase.

The expansive showroom is attractively staged so customers can sit in the couches, loveseats and chairs or place pieces together with side tables to visualize their own rooms at home. The staff is skilled at calculating measurements to help a customer pick the right size and proportion of furniture for a particular space.

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DESIGNER NOTES Family business: Mike Barnes with daughter Tamara Oliver and wife Roxana.

Every style of decor – modern, contemporary, Old World, casual, traditional, leather, rustic to eclectic, is available at Mike’s. Many of the pieces can be ordered with custom upholstery.

Tamara has an eye for blending and updating an existing room’s design with accent pieces, new colors or more current lighting, which is also carried. She follows color trends and up-to-the moment fashion in interior design.

A selection of grandfather clocks, quality bookcases, glass-front curios, ottomans, bigscreen monitor stands, rugs and artworks are available to create well-appointed rooms with an extra degree of polish.

A wide spectrum of style is seen also for the bedroom, with matched suites and or stand alone beds, wardrobes, night tables, chests of drawers and vanities.

The showroom has choices for every style.

Mike’s has durable bedroom sets suitable to grow up with the kids who live with them. It offers a full selection of mattresses, featuring the Serta brand.

Dining sets, the heart of any family’s home, are on display in every style and price point.

Shoppers can also select from top of the line appliances for kitchen and laundry, with brands such as Amana, Frigidaire, Speed Queen and Whirlpool.

Mike’s Furniture offers same-day delivery for residents within an approximate 100-mile radius in Arkansas and Oklahoma. It’s a concept of customer service he knows from his long career.

“Customers don’t often want to wait two to three weeks to be able to take their furniture home, which is why we are happy to give them the option of having their items delivered the same day,” he explained.

Mike’s Furniture U.S. 64 East, Roland, Okla.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 918-427-3620 mikesfurniturestore.net October 2016

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home & garden goodies

Wooden rustic decor found at The WareHouse.

Halloween tea light holder, Zombie Apocalypse Vodka, Dead Guy Whiskey and Poizin Zinfandel from In Good Spirits.

BioGuard's Off Season Arctic Blue Winter Kit pool treatment carried at Luther Stem Pool and Spa.

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home & garden goodies

Fall themed cookie jars, wreath and ceramic pumpkin from the The Goods.

Pride of Szeged seasoning rubs for steak, chicken and fish, from Paul’s Meat Market.

Janome MB-7 7- needle embroidery machine found at Sewing Machine Center and Fabrics.

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home & garden goodies

U of A stadium seat and hat and OU canvas with a real 1981 Orange Bowl Champs license tag available at Designer Again.

Rustic metal lantern and decorator accessories from The Potting Shed in Alma.

Voluspa coconut wax fragrant candles carried at Now and Then Shoppe.

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home & garden goodies Handpainted pumpkins with matching plates found at Polish Pottery Depot.

Original abstract painting by Sanniemarie Slabbert of Fort Smith available at RAM’s gift shop.

Magnetic scrapbooking easel and autumn magnets available exclusively at Neumeier Nursery and Flowers.

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home & garden goodies

American Presidents collectible pewter plates found at Abilities Unlimited.

Collegiate helmet lamps and bean bags for local teams available at Mike’s Furniture.

Wall plaques of paintings and wit found at Creative Furnishing by Jean.

October 2016

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home & garden goodies Vinage cookie jars found at the Sparks Guild This and That Shop.

Accent mirror found at Furniture Emporium.

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Ceramic dairy cow lamp and Michel Design soaps from Vintage Finds.

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United Way uses purses to put books in the hands of kids

W

hile hearing an inspiring speaker, women can enjoy a luncheon and chance to bid on valuable handbags in an auction at Power of the Purse planned for Oct. 19.

Jillian Duato of Boston will share a powerful personal story of two lives saved: when she became determined to rescue her brother from drug addiction, she found her own power to reach a healthier weight. Through a personal blog called “Living Inspired with Jillian,” she gained a following of 7,000 others encouraged by her life story and created a supportive community. She has challenged herself to conquer goals such as running the Boston Marathon, competing in the boxing ring and becoming a public speaker. Boston strong, red-headed and as compassionate as she is tough, Duato lights a spark in others.

Proceeds will bring books to kids who need them.

Through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, United Way of Fort Smith Area mails 2,500 children a quality, age-appropriate book a month from birth to their fifth birthday. It costs $25 a year per child.

Research has shown more than 50 percent of children entering kindergarten in Fort Smith perform two to three years behind their developmental norm and that families living in poverty have fewer than 10 children’s books in their homes.

United Way of Fort Smith Area’s early literacy initiative is working to break the barriers to help children succeed. By building the children’s libraries and their vocabularies, it increases kindergarten readiness. Tickets $40. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Epic Event Center, 7601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-1311 unitedwayfortsmith.org October 2016

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WHAT’S COOKING with KRISTAN ROLAND

Pumpkins:

Not just for pies anymore

PUMPKIN STREUSEL PANCAKES Pancakes 2 cups Bisquick 3 tbsp. granulated sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1 cup pumpkin 1 large egg 11⁄4 cups whole milk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 38

Entertainment Fort Smith

Heat griddle to 325 degrees or warm a skillet over medium heat.

Streusel 2/3 cup Bisquick Streusel: In a small bowl, combine Bisquick and brown sugar. Cut in butter and mix 2/3 cup brown sugar with your hands until combined and a crumb topping is formed. Set aside.

4 tbsp. salted butter, cubed Pancakes: In a large bowl, stir together Bisquick, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Stir in pumpkin, egg, milk and vanilla until smooth and combined.

Glaze Pour batter by the 1/3 cup onto griddle. Let cook until bubbles start to appear, then 1 cup powdered sugar add a sprinkle of streusel. Let cook until bubbly all over and brown underneath. Flip 2 tbsp. whole milk and top with another sprinkle of streusel. Cook until done, then remove to a plate.

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract Repeat until all the batter is used.

Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth.

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PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE BUNDT CAKE Cake 1 (roughly 18 oz.) box yellow cake mix 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/4 cup water 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 4 large eggs Cheesecake Layer 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 tbsp butter, softened 1 tbsp. cornstarch 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 large egg 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Glaze 2 oz. cream cheese 2 tbsp. salted butter 11⁄2 cups powdered sugar 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1 to 3 tbsp. milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. In the bowl of your mixer, beat together the cake mix, sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin, water, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and eggs. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds.

Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for two minutes. Pour into Bundt pan.

In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter and cornstarch until fluffy.

Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk, egg and vanilla until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture evenly over cake batter. Bake for roughly 40 minutes, until a knife inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Let cake cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Use a sharp knife to make sure the cake is loosened from the pan, then carefully turn out onto cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

Place cooled cake on plate.

In a medium bowl, heat butter and cream cheese in the microwave until melted, roughly 30 seconds. Stir together, then whisk in powdered sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze is thick but pourable. Drizzle over cake. Refrigerate until cold and firm, then slice and serve.

About Kristan Kristan Roland, a work-at-home housewife living in Fort Smith, has been blogging at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen since 2010. She balances potty training, math homework and running a home, all while working with brands such as Pillsbury, Disney and eBay. confessionsofacookbookqueen.com October 2016

Entertainment Fort Smith

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PUMPKIN CAKE TRUFFLES Pumpkin Cake 1 (roughly 18 oz.) box yellow cake mix Cream Cheese Frosting 1/2 cup white sugar 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup vegetable oil 4 tbsp. salted butter, softened 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 cup water 2 tbsp. milk 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 16 oz. vanilla almond bark 1/2 tsp. ground ginger or candy melting wafers 4 large eggs 4 tbsp. granulated sugar 1/2 can prepared vanilla frosting 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 9x13 pan.

Cake: In the bowl of your mixer, beat together the cake mix, sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin, water, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and eggs.

Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for two minutes. Pour into prepared 9x13 pan. Bake for 3040 minutes, until a knife inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Remove pan to cooling rack and let cool completely.

Frosting: In the bowl of your mixer, beat butter, cream cheese, vanilla and milk on medium speed until smooth. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add powdered sugar, beating until just barely mixed in. Once combined, increase speed to high and beat for one minute. Place frosting uncovered in the freezer for about one hour, until firm.

Prepare Truffles: Line a baking sheet with wax paper. With clean, damp hands, roll the frosting into balls (roughly the size of blueberries/small grapes). Place on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper and pop back into the freezer for about 30 minutes.

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In a large bowl, crumble the cooled cake so that no large pieces remain. Spoon half a can of store-bought vanilla frosting into the bowl, then use a rubber spatula to mix it completely. Once mixture forms a thick “dough,” roll into walnut-sized balls. Flatten with your palm, then wrap each cake ball around the frosting, rolling it between your palms to seal. Place cake balls back on waxed paper-lined baking sheet.

Place baking sheet of completed cake balls in the refrigerator for one hour to chill.

Melt almond bark/candy melts according to package directions. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Carefully dip cake balls in melted candy, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on lined baking sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Chill until firm before serving.

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Q:

Judicial elections are non-partisan. So I don’t know what your values are. Please give me an idea of who you are and what your values are.

Dianna: I am 48 years old. I’ve been married to my husband, Jeff for 17 years and we have two children. My oldest is 8 and my youngest is 5. We lived in Greenwood from 2003-2015 and recently moved to Fort Smith. However, both my husband and I have lived in Sebastian County most of our lives. After law school, we chose to move from Fayetteville back to Sebastian County. We love this community. The sanctity of my marriage is very important to me. And it is very important to me that my family lives in a wholesome community.

Helping Sebastian County grow and thrive “We did not is very important to me.

I grew up the youngest have much of four kids. We did not money. I have much money. My worked to put parents were financially conservative and raised us myself through on principles of hard college and work and Christianity. I then law worked to put myself through college and then school.” law school. I graduated in 1996 from John Brown University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and in 2000 from the University of Arkansas, School of Law at Fayetteville. And despite sometimes working two jobs at a time, I was on the Dean’s and the President’s Academic lists. Working hard and being independent is very important to me. Education is very important to me.

While I was working to put myself through college, I worked for an organization called SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect). While working there I saw a very young, very little, boy who had a large bruise on his face. The bruise was in the distinct shape of an adult bite mark. You could see the bruise each tooth left on his little face. It broke my heart. It was then that I knew I had to help Families who were going through crisis. That was more than 25 years ago and I have been working and volunteering to help Families and Children ever since. There is nothing more important than the life of a child.

I am a Christian with conservative philosophy. I had no idea of the path God had carved out for me when I saw that little boy at SCAN all those years ago. And I still don’t know fully what His plan is for me. I do, however, have complete Faith, and can actually see, that God has been working in my life this whole time to get me ready for where I am right now. I believe it is His plan that I run for this position and help as many Families as I can. My Christian Faith is very important to me.

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Faith, Family & the Facts ...

Q:

Q:

What kind of cases would you hear as Circuit Judge and why are running for this position?

What is your professional background that qualifies you to be Family Law Judge?

Dianna: This particular judgeship consists of Family law cases like custody, adoption, grandparent’s rights, guardianship, juvenile, mental incompetency, divorce and a loved one’s estate. All of these cases have one thing in common: Family.

The Fact is, I have a thriving “I was asked by Family law practice with my several highly brother in law, former Arkansas respected members State Representative, John Verkamp. I was, and am, very of the legal happy with my practice. However, community to run for I was asked by several highly this position. These respected members of the legal community to run for this are people who position. These are people who know my opponent know my opponent and they know and they know me.” me. They know my demeanor, my integrity and my professional and personal experiences. And they know as a Mom, I understand the emotions at the heart of these cases. After much discussion with my husband, Jeff, and a lot of prayer, we decided I absolutely had to do this for the Families of Sebastian County.

Dianna: While I was in law school, I spent over 100 hours researching the effects of divorce on children. After graduating from law school, my emphasis in the practice of law has always been Family law. I’ve worked in the legal field for more than 20 years. I have litigated thousands of Family law cases. I have helped Grandparents get visitation rights with their grandchildren after the United States Supreme Court struck Arkansas’ Grandparent Visitation Act as unconstitutional. I have served as Special Judge countless times and I have been a Prosecuting Attorney for South Sebastian County District Court since 2007. I have been the lead attorney in countless jury and bench trials. I have been admitted to practice law in all Arkansas Courts including the Arkansas Supreme Court, as well as the Eastern and Western Federal District Courts of Arkansas and the Federal Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. I am a member of the Family Law Section of the Arkansas Bar Association and the Sebastian County Bar Association.

I have served as volunteer Judge for the University of Arkansas School of Law and I have been trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse. I have volunteered for the Lion’s Club, the Crisis Intervention Center, and the Children’s Emergency Shelter. My volunteerism was not something I did to become Judge. They are things I did because I wanted to help Families and children. The Fact is, my professional and volunteer experiences make me uniquely qualified for this position.

Q:

Do you think it’s important to this judgeship to have both professional and parenting experience?

Dianna: Most definitely. We tried for many years to have children. After nearly giving up, God blessed us with two boys. He blessed me. Having those babies showed me what it is to unconditionally love someone. Having children changed my life, my perspective and gave me the ability to fully understand what Families in crisis are going through. Blogger, Matt Walsh hit the nail on the head when he said: “There are things in this world that you can come to understand without seeing or experiencing them firsthand, but parenting is not one of them. I have never been to Paris, for instance, but if I studied it long enough I could get a pretty good idea of it. And if I had a map of the city, I could even tell you how to get from Point A to Point B, despite having never walked the streets or driven the roads. But there are other things you cannot understand without having experienced them. I’m told that war is one example of this. I know from experience that parenting is another. You can watch children, observe parents, read parenting books, and listen to parents talk about their trials and tribulations, but you cannot understand what any of it means,

on a practical or spiritual or emotional level until you’ve done it...[Y]ou swear that you’ll never make a mistake, or look away, or have a lapse of judgment, but until you’ve had to put that oath into practice, you’ll never understand how incredibly [f]oolish you really sound.”

I was that person. Before I had my boys, I had said similar things. “I’ll never do that. My kids will do this and they won’t do that.” My list was long. Trust me, I thought I had it all figured out! I even had my heart broken when a client said to my pre-motherhood self, “you don’t understand because you don’t have kids.”

That was during the time that we were desperately trying to have kids and it stung (I loved kids! I wanted kids! How could she say that to me?). But, I know now what I could have never known then: there is a huge difference in your life – in your thinking – before and after kids. And the Fact is, you never really “get” parenting, until you’ve lived it. I know this from personal experience.

The person who fills this position will affect 1000’s of Families and children’s lives in Sebastian County. I believe it is important that this position be filled by someone who has both Family law experience and Parenting experience.

“The person who fills this position will affect 1000’s of Families and children’s lives in Sebastian County. I believe it is important this position be filled by someone who has both Family law experience and Parenting experience.”

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Q: Your opponent oen posts on social media that she is the only candidate who gained ballot access by petition. is makes it sound like you did not have the support of the people. What does this mean?

Dianna: The Fact is, I absolutely did, and do, have the support of the people. I not only obtained all of the required signatures for the petition, but I also had to pay the filing fee. That’s okay though. I don’t give up easily and through my Faith, I try not to let people and politics get me down.

In Arkansas, you can run for Circuit Judge by either 1) filing a petition with a certain number of voter’s signatures; or 2) by paying a filing fee. If you choose to file a petition, you have to get signatures of 3% of the voters. If you choose to pay the filing fee, you just have to pay $6,400.00. Ouch! Although, it is widely accepted to just pay the fee as many of our existing Judges who ran without an opponent did, I started this campaign with two opponents and knew that it could get very expensive, very quickly. Of course, I wanted to avoid paying the high fee. So, I worked very hard and actually obtained several hundred more signatures than was required. Rob Hammons, the Director of Elections for the Secretary of State, personally told me that my signatures looked great and they were not a problem. However, he told me that my petition for ballot access was denied because they did not like the “form” of my petition. Specifically, they did not “The Fact is, I absolutely did, like that at the top of each signature page after the first page, it did not repeat the language that said and do, have the support of who I was and what I was running for. Interestingly the people. I not only obtained enough, the Secretary of State’s own sample petition all of the required signatures for ballot access, which is displayed on their website, for the petition, but I also had specifically concedes that “there is no form of petition set out in Arkansas Code nor is the to pay the filing fee.”

Secretary of State authorized to promulgate a form of petition.” Yet my petition was being denied for this very reason. I pointed that out to Rob and even showed him where the law does not require the language be on every page for ballot access. I also showed him that the only law that does require the repeating language on every page is in an entirely different section of the law that has to do only with petitions to create new law or change existing law. He told me he was not an attorney but would have his staff attorney look at it and if they could not find law to support their decision, he would reverse the decision. Long story short, the staff attorney could not find any law to support their decision. However, in the end, I was told they were not going to reverse their decision because they were concerned that my opponent(s) would object. To add insult to injury, if I had appealed their decision, the deadline to pay the filing fee would expire while my appeal was pending. So, I was in a catch 22. I had to pay the filing fee to ensure my candidacy. But because I paid the filing fee, my appeal would then become moot. Sometimes, you just have to suck it up. I tell my kids all the time, “you get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit.”

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Dianna Ladd Circuit Judge

Photos by Wendy White

“The Fort Smith Fraternal Order of Police endorsed me because of my temperament, demeanor, volunteerism, and experience.

They have worked around me and they know me.”

Q:

Why is it important to be endorsed by the Fort Smith Fraternal Order of Police?

Dianna: First, as a City Prosecutor for many years, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know many of our local law enforcement officers. And those relationships have provided me with an insight into their jobs and have left me with a high level of respect for them. They sacrifice their lives every day just to protect us. And they do it for very little pay. They have a sense of community and loyalty for their brothers and sisters unlike anything I have ever seen. To have that respect returned to me, from them, is one of the biggest compliments – one of the biggest honors – I have ever received.

But to answer the question, the Fact is that a relationship between law enforcement officers and judges that is built on mutual respect is critical to an efficient and judicious community. The Fort Smith Fraternal Order of Police endorsed me because of my temperament, demeanor, volunteerism, and experience. They have worked around me and they know me. I am told their decision to endorse me was unanimous and I am told that has never happened before.

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MUSIC

& performance Magician Maxwell Blade returns Maxwell Blade attended Greenwood Schools from 1974-1980. When he was 10 years old, he saw his first magic show on television, “The Magic of Mark Wilson,” and OCTOBER was inspired to learn the art of magic. Near the magical time of Halloween, Maxwell Blade will return to the Greenwood Performing Arts Center to amaze and amuse a hometown audience.

Money Matters The cast of the comedy“Money Matters” conducts a seance in a scene from the Fort Smith Little Theatre production. Actors Jim Moody (from left), Mary Beth McAlvain, Nikki McDaniel and Michael Richardson attempt to summon dead spirits, a scheme to cover up counterfeiting.

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Maxwell Blade

His magical solo career began locally in 1991. He performed in clubs, festivals and concerts, opening for well-known bands such as Trout Fishing In America, Dan Seals and many others under the direction of manager Dick Renko.

Maxwell’s first large-scale illusion show was Aug. 4, 1994, at the King Opera House in Van Buren. The show was dedicated to his terminally ill mother, who passed away of Lou Gehrig’s Disease later that month.

Oct. 1 Money Matters Final performance. Printing money in the basement is the Hammond family business. When the house must change hands, the very heavy printing press presents a dilemma. The counterfeiting family hatches a zany scheme using psychics, seances and spooky scares to convince outsiders the house is haunted and therefore unsellable. Funny money – funny show. 7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Little Theater, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org Oct. 1-2 Music at the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair Final days of the fair. The band Samuray performs in the arena Oct. 1. On Oct. 2, entertainment in the Expo Building starts at 6 p.m. with Rosemary Johnson, Nissa Greenmyer, Kerstein Kane and Kaitlyn Alexandra Culver. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2393

The illusion show toured for two years before settling in Hot Springs in 1996. For 12 years, Blade performed his large-scale production, alongside his wife, Cathy, and his daughters, Courtney and Alexis, who began performing at age 2. In 2003, Gabrielle Blade was born and joined him on stage shortly after.

In 2008, Maxwell decided to downsize to a more intimate setting, the Maxwell Blade Theater of Magic at 121 Central Avenue in Hot Springs. He enjoys the personal connection in this intimate space, which gives him the opportunity to connect with his audience through magic, comedy and music. Crowds from all over the world continue to enjoy his zany and unique style of entertainment and each year, a Festival of Magic attracts touring magicians and illusionists.

Tickets are $17 for adults and children for this familyfriendly show, available online. To purchase ADA seats, please call 479-996-4142. Tickets are available at the school’s central office. 7 p.m. Greenwood Performing Arts Center, 515 West Gary Street, Greenwood, Ark. etix.com

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The Peterson Brothers Oct. 6 AACLive: The Peterson Brothers These two talented teenage brothers – Glenn and Alex Peterson – from Bastrop, Texas play old-school blues, soul and funk. Their amazing onstage chemistry radiates joy and soul-infused inspiration from Earth, Wind & Fire, the Isley Brothers and B.B. King, among others. The Peterson Brothers band has shared the stage with the likes of B.B. King, Willie Nelson and Los Lonely Boys. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available online. $40. 7:30 p.m. 801 Media Center, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-9488 AACLive.com

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Oct. 9 Mary McDonald Music Series: Mosaic Harp Trio A simply elegant Sunday afternoon concert featuring Lorelei Barton on harp, Maureen O'Boyle on violin, and Pete Peterson on cello. All Mary McDonald Concerts open to the public. Free. 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 116 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-8919 1pres.org/music/themary-mcdonald-music-series/

Bobby Bones Oct. 7 Bobby Bones and the Raging Idiots What began as great friends playing silly tunes on local television, radio and random stages has snowballed into a wildly beloved musical comedy group playfully named “Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots.” The Raging Idiots started with Bobby in high school and later as a fake opener for his solo comedy act. The “band” was reinvented again in 2014 for a single charity event for no more than 40 people. Soon after, they decided to do one more show for charity and sold more than 3,000 tickets.

Knowing they would never win a Grammy for “group of the year” or “male vocalist,” they still knew they were on to something big. Since then, The Raging Idiots have performed nearly 40 shows.

Tickets $26/$51 + fees. 8 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-965-9324 itickets.com

Oct. 11 UAFS Choral Concert Choral students of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith present a concert. $6. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 788-7300 universitytickets.com

Depue De Hoyos Oct. 17 Depue De Hoyos The duo of Alex Depue on fiddle and Miguel De Hoyos on guitar collaborate as two individually remarkable players to create a sophisticated blend of styles. Depue is a classically trained violinist with a taste for interpreting pop. DeHoyos is a virtuoso, classical Mexican/Spanish guitarist whose skillful fingerings and rhythms contribute the other half of the performance. Players of either instrument will be inspired by their intense musical mastery. $25. 7:30 p.m. UAFS Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. uafs.edu 479-788-7300

Corrigenda Big Daddy Weave Oct. 8 Big Daddy Weave Beautiful Offerings Tour Christian contemporary act Big Daddy Weave tours behind their seventh album, “Beautiful Offerings,” in song and ministry. Their song “Redeemed” spent 11 weeks at No. 1, was Song of the Year at the first KLOVE Fan Awards, garnered Dove Award and Billboard Music Award nominations and certified a gold single. The songs on the new album are “more chiseled and more focused and directed” as a result of the conversations the band members have nightly following the ministry time at the end of each performance, an intentional time of dedicated dialogue and one-on-one prayer with the people who attend their concerts. Tickets $20-$50. 7 p.m.

Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. ticketfly.com Oct. 8 Uncle Kracker Matthew Shafer, performing as Uncle Kracker, has made his mark in rap, pop and country as a solo singer and guitarist, “Follow Me,” and recording hits with Kid Rock, Dobie Gray and Kenny Chesney. $39.

8 p.m. Choctaw Casino Center Stage, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-745-3000 ticketmaster.com

Illusionist Sean-Paul demonstrates a levitation outside the Crawford County Courthouse.

Oct. 14 The Illusionist and the Ghost Talker Internationally acclaimed Illusionist Sean-Paul and Clairaudient Medium Juliana Faye perform one night only. Inspired by the Golden Age of Magic and dressed in Victorian attire, they captivate audiences while exploring folklore and ancient legends, and then bring them to life. This experience will challenge the audience’s reality, engage all the senses and baffle even the most skeptical minds.

Communicating with ghosts, voodoo spells and walking through brick walls are just a few of the mysteries explored and demonstrated by the Illusionist and the Medium. Sean-Paul and Juliana's Intrigue Theater has a permanent home in Eureka Springs, Ark. Tickets are available online or by phone. Find a discount code on the theater web page. Guests in the VIP and Premium Sections will have a much better chance of being involved in Juliana Fay's Ghost Talking Segment where the spirits will begin communication. $24.95-$44.95 with early bird discounts. 8-10 p.m. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 855-446-8744 intriguetour.com

Oct. 20-22, 24-25 Corrigenda Ten years ago, this original production from a fledging theater department at UAFS brought national acclaim to the university and was the beginning of a 10-year run of celebrated productions and performances by the theater program. Theatre @ UAFS will present a revival of the award-winning production “Corrigenda” for a 10th-anniversary celebration. Called a cross between Cirque de Soleil and V for Vendetta, “Corrigenda” depicts a world run by an authoritarian state with citizens devoid of creativity, joy or love.

One woman decides to fight against oppression. The play features high-flying trapeze and aerial silk stunts and other astonishing gymnastic and dance movements, set to a 90-minute sound score. The student cast has learned and trained to master many circus-like skills for this production. Written by Bob Stevenson, the theater program director, and thenstudents Kurt Smith and Michelle Greensmith, it won national awards from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2006. Corrigenda was performed 11 times in 2006 and 2007 in Fort Smith, Conway and Tulsa. A part of the University’s Season of Entertainment. Ticket $6; students admitted free.

7:30 p.m. UAFS Breedlove Auditorium, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 universitytickets.com.

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Oct. 23 AETN Foundation Presents Ethan Bortnick Ethan Bortnick is a 15-year-old American pianist, singer, composer, songwriter, actor and musician.

Recognized by the Guinness World Records as “The World’s Youngest Solo Musician to Headline His Own Concert Tour.” Tickets $50, $35, $25; family 4pack $75. 3 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 800-662-2386 aetnfoundation.org

Mambo Kings Oct. 22 Fort Smith Symphony Hot Latin Nights with the Mambo Kings Latin Jazz and orchestral showpieces from Spain and Mexico are featured in full symphony splendor.

The Mambo Kings are one of the premier Latin Jazz ensembles in the world. The program will include "Mambo" from “West Side Story” and feature music

by Astor Piazzola, Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente and more. Tickets available online or by phone. $17-40.

7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-7575 fortsmithsymphony.org

Horseshoe Road Oct. 22 Horseshoe Road A high-energy, uplifting musical experience that blends captivating virtuosity and heartfelt sincerity.

With an eclectic musical style ranging from Blues to Bluegrass, Gypsy Jazz to Western Swing, Country, Rock and Gospel, Horseshoe Road blends them into an earthy genre of music they call Heartland Acoustic. $22/$30. 8 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Oct. 26 Straight No Chaser The a Cappella group Straight No Chaser performs the captivating sound of 10 unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music – with a sense of humor. $30/$45. 7:30 p.m.

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All-star music will support free music lessons for children T.J. Cunningham fundraiser supports the gift of music at Boys & Girls Clubs As a living memorial to the late T.J. Cunningham, the joy of music lessons are being given to children of the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs. In honor of their son and brother’s passion for music, the family started a program in 2010 of guitar lessons, provided the guitars and annually gives away instruments to outstanding guitar students.

An Oct. 22 dinner and party at Fianna Hills Country Club with outstanding musical acts will raise funds for the ongoing program, which is embraced by the Boys & Girls Clubs, said Jerry Glidewell, the youth organization’s executive director.

“Not only has the program given away guitars, some lessons and equipment – we’re expanding it to have lessons at the clubs. We now have lessons at Stephens, Goldtrap and Evans Units and we’re about to convert one of the rooms at Stephens into a music room, where we’re going to bring in keyboards and expand to piano lessons,” Glidewell said.

“This all goes back to T.J. To deal with a family tragedy, his dad, Tommy, found a creative way to memorialize his son with something that his son loved in an organization that his son grew up in - and a way to help hundreds of kids for years to come,” he said.

“We’ve been known as kind of a sports factory and we don’t want to take away from that all, but we do want to enhance our afterschool and summer programs and music is something that is a lifetime activity that kids can do,” said Glidewell, who is himself an accomplished songwriter.

The Oct. 22 fundraiser’s entertainers are friends and/or bandmates of Tommy Cunningham, a founding member of Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes.

Many of the musicians grew up attending the Boys Clubs themselves.

Starting with a 6:30 p.m. happy hour, Rodney Jeremiah performs in the bar area.

The Rain Kings take the main stage with Kaelin Pratt, Greg Cook and Rick Tinder.

After dinner, a true all-star ensemble performs, with John Cunningham, TJ’s brother, Ricky Young, Mark Albertson, Tom Ware, Rick Boyett, Larry Matthews and Larry Pearson.

The hors d’oeuvres and meal are also a “greatest hits” presentation by Chef James

T.J. Cunningham’s family with two guitar students and their instruments. With guitar winners Jerome Olopuy and Melissa Walker are, from left, volunteer guitar teacher Ethan Echols, Laurie England Cunningham, John and Tommy Cunningham, Matthew Scott and Zoe SchwartzCunningham. “T.J.’s Guitars” have been awarded to students annually at the clubs since 2010.

Thomas. Guests will visit carving stations, a potato martini bar, a vegetable array, chicken and sausage stations and petite desserts, among other delicious selections.

Appealing items have been donated for door prizes giveaways and a silent auction, including a big-screen television.

All proceeds will help to support “T.J.’s Guitar Program” music lessons and

instrument give-aways and the expanding music instruction programs at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs.

Tickets for the Oct. 22 event are $35, including the meal. Purchase by phone at 479-646-7861. 6:30-11 p.m. Fianna Hills Country Club, 1 Essex Place, Fort Smith, Ark. More about joining or volunteering in the music program is found at fsbgc.org.

Young guitarists with teacher Joseph Underwood using guitars given by T.J.’s Guitar Program.

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MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Oct. 27 Britain’s Finest: The Complete Beatles Experience With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles classics such as “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “Yesterday,” “Something,” “Get Back” and “Hey Jude,” Britain’s Finest makes audiences feel they are watching the real thing. $25. 7:30 p.m.

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

Collective Soul Oct. 29 Collective Soul Choctaw Casino presents Collective Soul in concert. the band broke into fame with the single “Shine” in 1994, followed by more No. 1 hits, such as “December” and “Heavy,” and is now touring behind its ninth studio album, “See What You Started by Continuing.” $59. 8 p.m. Choctaw Casino Center Stage, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-745-3000 ticketmaster.com

Oct. 31 UAFS Symphonic Band Under the direction of Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, the symphonic band performs. $6. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 788-7300 universitytickets.com Nov. 3 Ernie Haase and Signature Sound Ernie Haase has built Signature Sound into one of the most popular and beloved quartets in all of southern gospel music. The Grammy-nominated and GMA Dove Award-winning quartet performs unmistakable four-part harmonies. $20-$35. 7:30 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Nov. 18 An Evening with Elvis Tribute Artist Travis Powell In his first Arkansas appearance, award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist Travis Powell conjures the excitement of the King. The winner of nine contests, including the prestigious "A Tribute to the King" competition in Milwaukee early this year, Powell hopes to recreate the excitement for audiences who were lucky enough to have seen Elvis live as well as show the younger crowd why the sensational star captivated the world. The show will also feature the tribute band Spinout. Tickets $30 floor; $25 balcony are available by phone or by emailing stevemdxelvis@gmail.com.

7 p.m. Van Buren Fine Arts Center, 2001 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 832-312-0074 etatravispowell.com

LIVE in local clubs

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

Must be 21 or older to attend. 10 p.m. Gilley’s, Choctaw Casino, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. choctawcasino.com 800-745-3000 1 7 8 10 14 15 21 22 28 29

Brick Fields JB & The Moonshine Band Tragickly White Asphalt Cowboy Shotgun Billys Ben Miller Band John Conlee John Conlee The Funk Factory The Mullet Boyz

The Sound Room Restaurant and bar service in a smoke-free, familyfriendly covered outdoor venue. Open seven days a week. 817 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Fort Smith, Ark. 479-763-1950 Facebook - The Sound Room 1 5 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

Prince Albert Band and Arkansas Football Bobaflex Steel Horse Rally Fundraiser Loxley Jade Will-N-Able and Arkansas Football Whipper Snapper Rylee Renee and the Ruckus NHS Reunion w/Mr. Cabbage Head Oktoberfest w/Eliminator: ZZ Top tribute band Private Fundraiser Halloween Party featuring Hillbilly Vegas and Hands Full of Soul

Fraternal Order of Eagles Entertainment Largest dance floor in this area and a non-smoking facility. Dance nights with live bands are $5 for members, $7 for non-members. 8 p.m.-midnight. Additionally, the Diamond Dance Club meets Mondays to encourage beginning dancers to learn ballroom, Latin, country, swing and polka styles from friendly instructors at $5 per dance. New participants are encouraged to learn to dance. No partners are required – singles welcome. 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays. Fraternal Order of Eagles, 3321 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-5888 Facebook/Eagles Fraternal Order of 208 1 3 8 10 15 17 21 22 24 29

Libby Starks & Bandit Diamond Dance Club with lessons and DJ Country Xpress Diamond Dance Club with lessons and DJ Dead Armadillos Diamond Dance Club with lessons and DJ Diamond Dance & Social Livin Country Diamond Dance Club with lessons and DJ Brauna & Richmond Road Band

Live entertainment is subject to change without notice. Please check the venues’ provided social media or phone to verify schedules.

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Oct. 3 Community School of the Arts Chamber Strings Auditions All string students who have advanced training may audition from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 3 for Chamber Strings, a select ensemble of 20 students led by violinist Lori Fay. Rehearsals are held from 6-7 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 12. The ensemble will perform in concert on Dec. 12. Chamber strings will be assisted by cellist Barbara Godette and violist Cory Winters. Call, go online or email rosilee.russell@csafortsmith.org to register. Tuition varies. 6-7 p.m. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655 csafortsmith.org Oct. 3 Primetime Story Time: Woo Pig Sooie!

Wear Razorback gear and join the fun, with stories about pigs of all kinds including Big Red, the Razorback mascot. Make a piggy bank to take home. Open to kids of all ages. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

The Show Must Go On! Children who enjoy theater, orchestra, music and art classes will be able to enroll in the new Community School of the Arts (CSA), a non-profit organization staffed by the former director and faculty of the Academy of the Arts. The academy was formerly operated by the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.

Classes at the new arts school will be held at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, according to Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell, executive director of the CSA. Registration is now open for classes to begin the week of Oct. 3.

Opportunities in this inaugural semester include Musikgarten for preschool children; children’s theatre, a Youth Theatre Company, Chamber Strings, Drums Alive and private lessons in music on almost any instrument, acting, dance and visual art, Russell explained, with expanded courses in the spring session. In many cases, students who enroll in the new school may continue in classes they previously enjoyed, with the same teachers who now make up the faculty at the CSA. “We will offer family-focused education and entertainment that is age-level appropriate,” Russell said. To speed registration, forms and information about all classes are offered at the school’s new website. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church is located at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655 csafortsmith.org 50

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Oct. 3 Family Read Aloud Have your family dinner, get everyone ready for bed and then come out to the library for a read aloud. Wear PJs if you want. There will be a bedtime snack and a staff member will begin reading a book to all of the families. Each family can take a copy of the book to finish reading it at home as a family. Call to register.

Free. 6 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Oct. 3-31 Story Time with Louise Turner Enjoy the magic of reading with children’s librarian Louise Turner as she brings stories alive. Watch children get excited about books and reading at program for kids pre-K through age 5 and their caregivers featuring stories, songs, crafts, and other fun. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Oct. 3-31 Teen Time Mondays Teens have the opportunity to get creative while making a 3-D paper book cover, lanterns and more. Free.

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

Oct. 3-31 Laptime Story Time Babies and their caregivers are invited to this special story time geared toward children birth to 24 months old. There will be rhymes, songs, simple stories and lots of interactive fun. 10:30 a.m. Mondays. Free.

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945

Oct. 3-Nov. 28 Community School of the Arts: Visual Arts Classes The new CSA invites children in grades 1-6 to weekly art classes. Led by artist/teacher Marianne Nicodemus, explore all varieties of visual art mediums, including painting, drawing, and sculpting. An art exhibit is held at the end of the semester. Tuition varies. 4-5 p.m. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655 csafortsmith.org

Oct. 3-Dec. 10 Musical Theater at Community School of the Arts Community School of the Arts (CSA) holds open registration for a new musical theater program for children and teens. One company is for children in grades 1-2 and one for children in grades 3-6. Led by Adrein Parmenter and Sheila Mann, the companies will meet twice weekly beginning Oct. 3. The Youth Theatre Company, led by Thesa Loving, Gini Law, and Eric Williams, is open to students in grades 6-12 and will also begin rehearsals the week of Oct. 3. All companies will conclude the fall with performances. This fall season will debut with a Broadway Showcase of singing dancing and acting from favorite musicals. No experience is required. Tuition varies. 4-9 p.m. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-6065 csafortsmith.org

Oct. 3-Dec. 17 Private Music, Dance and Art Instruction Community School of the Arts offers a lineup of weekly private lessons in the form of one-on-one training in piano, voice, woodwinds, brass, guitar, drums, and strings, as well as music composition, music theory and conducting. Instruction also is offered for acting, dance and visual art. All ages and levels are invited to participate from children to adult.

Five-week and 10-week lessons of 30, 45 or 60 minutes begin the week of Oct. 3. Register online, by phone or by email to rosilee.russell@csafortsmith.org.

Tuition and times vary. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655

Oct. 4-25 Baby & Me Babies, birth to age 3, and caregivers can join in songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story and play time. This is an opportunity for social interaction with both babies and their adults. This program supports early literacy and language skills. Free. 10:30 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Oct. 4-25 Crazy 8 Math Club Crazy 8s is a recreational after-school math club that helps kids in grades 3-5 enjoy the math behind their favorite activities. It is nothing like a usual math club.

Kids will build glow-in-the-dark structures, crack secret spy codes and play games like Toilet Paper Olympics. Free. 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Oct. 4-25 Teen Time Tuesdays Teens will work on Halloween décor. Free. 3:30 p.m.

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

Oct. 4-Dec. 6 Community School of the Arts offers Drums Alive Led by certified instructor Hachya Franklin, this highenergy program combines rhythms of world percussion with aerobics and dancing. No experience is necessary. Open to grades 4-7. Register online, by phone or by email to rosilee.russell@csafortsmith.org.

Tuition varies. 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655 csafortsmith.org

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Oct. 5-26 Van Buren Story Time Themes will include bats, pumpkins, Halloween and more. On Oct. 5, there will be only one story time at 11 a.m. as there will be guest firefighters. Free. 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Wednesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Oct. 5-26 Teen Time Wednesdays Enjoy a variety of games. Free. 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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

Oct. 5-26 Alma Story Time This month’s stories will be about fire safety, pumpkins and Halloween. On Oct. 26 wear a Halloween costume and go trick-or-treating in the library. Free.

10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Oct. 5-26 Cedarville Story Time Ms. Lara will read stories about bears, what not to do, monsters and bats and a Halloween story. Enjoy a fun activity after every story. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays.

Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Oct. 5-26 Mulbery Story Time Intended for little ones who aren’t in school. This month’s themes are baby animals, fish, fall and a Halloween party on Oct. 26, for which costumes are en-

KIDS EVENTS couraged. Free. 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

and more. Oct. 27 is Lego Brick Builders time. Free.

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

Oct. 6 River Valley Artisan Market Children's Night Enjoy a family friendly night with a focus on anti-bullying. The market has games and an open mic night for youth 16 and under from 6-8 p.m. Market vendors range from talented local artists, amazing musical guests to food truck fare, local produce and handmade baked goods. Shop local and help support this community. The market will be hosting local charities such as the Sebastian County Humane Society and the Future School of Fort Smith, as well as offering free spaces to youth artists 16 and under. Sunset yoga with Terri at 8:30 p.m. Take your own mats. Free. 510 p.m. Creekmore Park, 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-831-3711

Oct. 8 Quillow Kids Class Children 7-12 are invited to learn to sew in a class that will make a Quillow, a blanket with a built-in pillow. $30. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com

Oct. 5-Nov. 30 MusikGarten Class MusikGarten is a preschool music program geared for children aged 1-5 that explores elements of singing, rhythms, and movement, and music listening. Taught by Alice Sanders, this is a great way to begin the arts with young children. For registration, go online or email rosilee.russell@csafortsmith.org or joshua.floyd@csafortsmith.org. Tuition varies. 10:3011:15 a.m. St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-739-4655 csafortsmith.org

Oct. 6-27 All Ages Thursday Everyone is welcome to choose from games, crafts

Oct. 8 Wild Wild West Girls Scouts K-12th grade will see the Wild Wild West come to life while celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Daisies, Brownies and Juniors will experience the living history of Judge Parker's courtroom, traditional native and pioneer art, songs, dance and games. Cadets, Seniors and Ambassadors can take a photography workshop, tour the grounds and visit the courtroom. The Wild Wild West event will literally end with a bang when the Civil War-era cannon is fired. Girls can register for this event online. $7. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1290 girlscoutsdiamonds.org

Oct. 9-15 Teen Read Week Scavenger Hunt Pick up a hunting game board and complete the hunt by following hidden clues. Prizes will be given to participants who complete the challenge. Free. 1 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library (all locations), 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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Oct. 10 Cuentos para Niños en Español Niños de todas las edades y sus familias están invitados a la Biblioteca principal a la hora de los cuentos GRATIS, incluiremos cuentos, historias, canciones, refranes y otras actividades divertidas en español. Ven y aprende acerca de la Biblioteca y lo que tiene para ofrecer a tu familia. Gratis. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

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

Mufaro's two daughters travel through a mystical jungle to be presented to the king. Along the way, they encounter a number of situations that test their kindness, compassion and strength of spirit. Told with authentic African drumming and powerful choreography, “Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters” unmasks the true meaning of beauty and celebrates the splendor of Africa. Suggested for children ages 5-12.

School discounts available. $10-$15. 9:30 a.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Oct. 11 Teen Read Week: Movie Tuesday Tweens and teens are invited to enjoy popcorn, drinks and a movie. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Oct. 12 Teen Read Week: Murder in the Library Celebrate Teen Read Week with an after-school Whodunit: Murder in the Library murder mystery. Read for the fun of it by examining different clues to see if you can find out who killed Miss Janine. Was it Talulah Toonsbury? Tickles the Clown? Barb Dwyer? Jean Poole? Chris Coe? You be the detective. Free. 3:30 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

Oct. 12 Teen Read Week: Pokémon Scavenger Hunt There will be a Pokémon Scavenger Hunt throughout the library and once you catch ’em all, you can win a prize. With Crawford County’s newest 3D printer, print out some pretty cool things. Go to the program to choose what an item to be printed from the 3D printer, free! Pick up the Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Oct. 12-14 Teen Read Week Scavenger Hunt The will be a variety of scavenger hunts and prizes.

Refreshments will be served. Free. 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Oct. 13 Teen Advisory Council Meeting This group will be discussing community service projects and library improvements for teens. Free. 3:304:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Oct. 13 Umoja Soul Story Time Do you like to hear stories? There will be a different 52

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person from the community sharing stories about those who were fearless trailblazers. Open to all ages.

Free. 6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Oct. 13 Star Wars Reads Day Celebrate the awesomeness of “Star Wars” books and movies with crafts and games, refreshments and a costume contest. Dress as your favorite star character for a chance to be a grand prize winner. Free. 4 p.m.

Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Oct. 13 Graphic Novel Download Class Did you know you can access free graphic novels and comic books on your phone? Free. 4 p.m. Free. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Oct. 14 Teen Scavenger Hunt In honor of Teen Read Week, teens and tweens are challenged to participate in a scavenger hunt. Free. 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Oct. 14 Teen Read Week: Take Home Craft Pick up a take-home craft. The project is a beautiful fall bracelet. Free. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Oct. 15 Fort Smith Got Talent Audition for an Nov. 12 Talent Show, open to all ages.

Do you dance, lip sync, perform poetry or sing? A second audition round will be from noon-2 p.m. on Oct. 29. The finals will be held at 7 p.m. at Van Buren's King Opera House, presented by GGT Productions and directed by Cosaundra Chapple. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Windsor Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-769-5164 Oct. 15 Wii Games Tweens and teens 12-18 are invited to play Wii games at the library! 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Oct. 17 LEGO Club Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create, and build unique creations. Supplies are provided.

Free. 5-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Oct. 17 Movie Time Watch a movie. 4 p.m. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Oct. 20 Let's Talk About Montessori: A Conversation with Michael Duffy Michael Duffy was first introduced to Montessori education when he and his wife enrolled their daughter in a New York Montessori school in 1973. With more than 40 years experience as a Montessori parent, teacher, trainer and consultant, Duffy is a leading au-

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KIDS EVENTS thority on Montessori curriculum. He has co-authored three books. They also helped to found the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative in Massachusetts. Intended for anyone with an interest or curiosity about this non-traditional approach to learning.

Duffy will discuss the curriculum, philosophy and structure of the Montessori classroom as well as answer questions. Register by phone. Free. 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Montessori School of Fort Smith, 3908 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-7225 Oct. 20 Spanish Story Time Join Mrs. Norma and enjoy the magic of stories through reading, singing and other fun activities in Spanish. Free. 6 p.m. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405

Oct. 20 Pumpkin Etching Class Forget pumpkin carving – learn Pumpkin etching! No mess, more variety! BOOP – Bring Your Own Pumpkin! Tools will be provided. Free. Adults, 10 a.m., Kids, 4 p.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Oct. 20 Bookworms Book Club Children and tweens are invited to join a discussion of “The Wizard of Oz” by Frank L. Baum. There will be snacks and a craft to go along with the book. Then, pick up a copy of our book for the month of November. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Oct. 21 Fall Fun Make & Take Crafts Celebrate the arrival of the autumn season at the story time room for fall fun with make & take crafts in a drop-in event. Enjoy some family fun and then top it off with Pumpkin Spice Latte from Dewey’s Café. Free.

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

Oct. 22 Girl Scout Make, Take and Serve Participate in Make a Difference Day by serving others.

Girls will learn new skills while making projects that will be given to area nonprofit agencies. Projects will include dog toys, rice and bean meals, T-shirt bags, quilts and more. All girls in kindergarten through 12th grade are welcome to come make a difference through Girl Scouting. Please take any of the following: a bag of pinto beans, old T-shirts to be cut up or extra hotel/travel size toiletries. Take a sack lunch and drink. Dress for weather-including closed-toed shoes, sunscreen and bug spray. To register email names and ages of girls to fortsmithserviceunit424@gmail.com.

10 a.m.-noon. Girl Scout Office at Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-8980

Oct. 22 Rocks and Minerals of Arkansas Enjoy an exciting and informative table-top program on Arkansas rocks and minerals. Look at and touch the variety of rocks found in Arkansas (and some not).

Remember, all rocks contain minerals, so you will see and learn the composition of rocks in The Natural State. Denis Dean, an Arkansas Master Naturalist, will present this display for families of all ages. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark.

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Oct. 22 Steps Fall Festival Steps Fall Festival will be full of fun with face painting, balloon animals, games, prizes, popcorn, candy and much more. There will also be a raffle with great prizes. All proceeds will benefit Steps Family Recovery Center. Free. 2-4 p.m. Outdoors at the community park next to Steps, 708 Garrison, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-7837 thestepsinc.org

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Oct. 24 BINGO for Books: Halloween Edition Take family and friends and for the fun of this special Halloween edition of Bingo for Books! Earn books as prizes. Dress in Halloween costume if you’d like! Winners will be able to select a book from a selection of children and teen titles. Free. 4-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Oct. 24-28 Pumpkin Decorating Contest Everyone is invited to decorate a pumpkin to look like your favorite story or character. Take your pumpkin to the library on by 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Patrons will vote Tuesday through Friday for their favorite pumpkin.

Voting should end before noon on Friday and the will be announced at 1 p.m. Oct. 28. Free. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Oct. 24-31 Rock the Vote Under 18? Who says you can’t vote? Cast your vote for the 2016 Presidential Election. This event is just for students Pre-K through 12th grade. There will be two ballot boxes, one for Pre-K-6th grade and one for grades 7-12. The results will be compared to the national vote. Every vote counts! Free. Windsor Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Oct. 26 Spooky Story Time Halloween is in the air! Celebrate this spooky holiday with a special Halloween-themed story time. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes. Preschool Story Time featuring crafts and snacks is held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Free. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

Oct. 27 Van Buren High School Fall Festival There will be carnival-style games geared toward younger kids but are adaptable for all ages. Take a goody bag to hold the candy prizes. There is a costume contest at 6:30 p.m., with age groups from birth6; 7-12; adults 13 and up and Best Group Theme. A raffle drawing will be held for prizes on display. Raffle tickets are $1. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. Van Buren High School, 2001 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6821

Oct. 27 Halloween Party Celebrate the spookiest day of the year. Enjoy a costume contest, snacks and a movie. Wear your best Halloween costume for a chance to be the grand prize winner! Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

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Oct. 28 Halloween Lake Tour The normally placid Lake Fort Smith takes on a sinister feel as we cruise its waters and tell authentic Ozarks ghost stories and folklore. Wear your costume and celebrate Halloween. Not for the faint of heart! Adults $10, child (6 through 12) $6, children under 6 free. 67 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park Marina, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 Oct. 29 Girl Scout Science of a Birthday Party Girl Scouts and girls in interested in Scouts are invited to a birthday party in honor of the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low. Learn songs, play games and even try out different musical instruments.

The event is free but please contribute a cake mix, frosting, candles, party decorations or other items that can be placed in birthday boxes for area foster children. Registration required. 1-3 p.m. Girl Scout Office at Burnham Woods, 5705 Gordon Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-8980

Oct. 29-31 Good Times Community Theatre's Annual Storybook Forest Children can meet characters from storybook scenes at Goodtimes Community Theatre's second annual Storybook Forest, a "not-so-scary" event that is one of the top Halloween happenings in the Poteau area.

Designed for children 10 and under, in full costume if they so choose, Storybook Forest features a tree-lined trail where kids collect candy, play games, take pictures with the characters, and visit scenes from classic tales such as "Little Red Riding Hood," "Wizard of Oz" and "Rapunzel." Other festivities in Storybook Forest include a hayride, concessions from Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, a campfire setting for roasting marshmallows, and warming up with mugs of hot chocolate. $6 and free for accompanying adults. 5:308:30 p.m. each night. Twyman Park, 501 Twyman Park Drive, Poteau, Okla. 918-649-0728 goodtimescommunitytheatre.com Oct. 31 Halloween Crafternoon Children of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat at the Miller Branch Library and make a Halloween craft (or two or three) to take home. Enjoy light refreshments.

Free. 1-6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Oct. 31 Halloween Celebration at the Dallas Branch Library Kids of all ages are to trick-or-treat for some Halloween fun. Candy, a Halloween make-and-take craft, and holiday coloring will be available. Don’t forget to wear your costume! Free. 4-7 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

Nov. 1 Mr. & Miss Alma High School Pageant sponsored by Alma DECA. All proceeds from the Audience Appeal will be donated to the Make-AWish Foundation. $5, school age and up. 7-9 p.m.

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

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Oct. 1 Red Shoe Shindig Follow the yellow brick road to the 6th Annual Red Shoe Shindig. Get swept away over the rainbow with cocktails, seated dinner, live and silent auction and an after-party. All proceeds stay local, benefiting the Fort Smith Family Room at Mercy Hospital. Presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma. 6 p.m.

Hardscrabble Country Club, 5211 Cliff Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-314-8030 redshoeshindig.com Oct. 1 Paint the Park Pink This is the 10th annual local walk to end breast cancer in association with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Proceeds benefit patients in this area who may obtain support for medical testing and treatment. 10 a.m.

UAFS Bell Tower, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-430-4365 komenozark.org Oct. 1 Great Arkansas Cleanup A statewide effort aimed at removing trash and debris from our parks, roadsides and waterways. Assemble at the Visitor Center to volunteer to keep Arkansas beautiful. Register by phone to guarantee a T-shirt.

Free. 9 a.m.-noon. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepherds Spring Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

Van Buren Fall Festival fills historic Main Street with arts & crafts, music and community fun Oct. 7 Van Buren Fall Festival Karaoke Battle and Carnival Opening Opening night of the annual Fall Festival features a 7 p.m. Karaoke Battle on Stage 9 at Blanche Moore Park, 714 Main Street. The carnival begins Friday. Street fair will begin Saturday and carry through Sunday.

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Oct. 8 Midwest Steak Cookoff Championship During Van Buren’s Annual Fall Festival, grill masters from kids to adults are invited to enter a steak cookoff championship. Prizes range from $100 to $1000. The top prize will be doubled if the winning contestant cooks on Kingsford brand charcoal. Contestants must register in advance and pay an entry fee by phone or online. Contest begins with a 10 a.m. cooks meeting. Steaks will be turned in at appointed times with an awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Full details and contest rules are available at the contest website.

Sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Association. $150 entry fee. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

580-656-0717 steakcookoffs.com Oct. 8-9 Annual Van Buren Fall Festival More than 200 exhibitors line Van Buren’s Main Street with booths offering fine artwork, handcrafted items, antiques and collectibles in addition to the always-interesting Main Street stores, restaurants, galleries and attractions. Saturday and Sunday offer the arts & crafts street fair plus all-day entertainment, carnival rides and helicopter rides. Take lawn chairs for a 7 p.m. outdoor concert featuring the Eric Matthews Band and Camille Ray. The festival will be held rain or shine. Opens at 9 a.m. Oct. 8-9. Historic Main Street, Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 580-467-6377 oldtownvanburen.com 58

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Oct. 1 The Place for Art at the River Pat Little’s 16th annual fall art show showcases the artists Pat Lappin and John Lane. Paintings, drawings, mixed media, quilts and sculpture may be offered. A portion of the proceeds supports local non-profits.

Free admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. River Front Pavilion, 121 River Front Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-357-9079 Oct. 1 Native Prairie Walks with Master Naturalists Join Western Arkansas Master Naturalists to explore native prairies with expert guides. Joe Woolbright on prairie plants and maintenance, and Joe Neal on bird identification and migration, will lead the walks through Flanagan, Cherokee and Presson-Oglesby Prairies. Meet at 10 a.m. in the parking area for Flanagan Prairie. Take Arkansas 217 North from Charleston.

Past the intersection of Arkansas 60 and 217, go east 2.2 miles and turn left (north) onto Grand Prairie Road, go 1.5 miles and the parking area is on the left.

Take a sack lunch and water. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Flanagan Prairie, 9051-9299 North, Grand Prairie Road, Charleston, Ark. 479-806-3249 wordpress.arkansasmasternaturalists.org Oct. 1 The Old Fort Paracon River Valley Paranormal Research & Investigation presents a convention of speakers who have appeared on popular TV programs such as “Ghost Adventures,” “A Haunting,” “Cursed” and more. Presenters include Steven LaChance, seen on the Discovery Channel’s program “A Haunting” and many other programs.

Other presenters include Pat Fitzhugh, Anita Tallbull, Rick Marshall, Alan Lowe, Royce Fitzgerald, Dave Harkins and Adrian Scalf. Open-minded investigation of unexplained phenomena from hauntings, exorcisms and ufology will be discussed. Free. Seasons Inn, 2219 South Waldron Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-926-9704 rvpri.com/old-fort-paracon

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 1 Butterfly Gardening 101 Dr. Clifford Ivy will demonstrate how to attract the colorful butterflies of this region with nectar and host plants. 1 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. Oct. 1 Butterfly Breast Cancer Quilt Learn to make a twelve square quilt project for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. $45 includes materials kit.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Oct. 1-29 Van Buren Farmers Market Every Wednesday and Saturday through December local farmers and craftspeople display their produce and art at the Van Buren Farmers Market. Find locally sourced produce, eggs, jellies, jams and more. 7 a.m.noon. Van Buren Public Library parking lot, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-259-7517 Facebook.com/VanBurensFarmersMarket Oct. 1-31 Art Exhibition: Sally Hart While she grew up in Birmingham, Ala., over the years Fort Smith has become this artist’s home. Hart feels there is so much natural creativity in the area that you can feel the energy. Photography, oils, collage and found art are exhibited. Free. 9 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Oct. 1-31 Artist of the Month – Julie Mayser Julie Mayser's work is ever-evolving, leaning toward impressionism with hints of representational painting.

Mayser received her first art schooling at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, studied at Carl Albert State College and Northeastern State University. She has also studied with leading artist-teachers in the U.S. and Europe, continuing her art education into the present. Free. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org Oct. 1-Nov. 15 Casting Call for Step Into: Miss Laura's Local actors may apply online with headshot/photo to the casting directors of the Mad Possum Film “Step Into: Miss Laura's.” A teaser trailer can be seen at madpossum.com. Those chosen to audition live will receive a callback for November. The Emmy-winning local company will be producing this short film based on Fort Smith history with a cast of men and women.

Submit online at madpossum.com/castingcall Oct. 2 TrailBlazers Fall Kickoff TrailBlazers Hiking Club will begin its 15th season of hiking with a hike and picnic at Devil's Den State Park.

The group will hike the park’s familiar trails before gathering for a traditional wiener roast/pot luck. Hot dogs will be furnished; share a side dish and take personal beverages. Families, new hikers are welcome to join the club. To carpool, meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren at 1:30 p.m. or meet at the pavilion by the park playground at 2:30 p.m. Devil's Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, near Winslow, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com October 2016

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 3-27 The Best Pecans at a Fair Price This sale is an annual fundraiser of the Crawford County Conservation District to provide an education scholarship, conservation workshops and programs.

Make orders until Oct. 27 for fresh shelled, ready-toeat nuts, which make excellent gifts. Packages will be shipped to the Van Buren CCCD office for pick-up a week before Thanksgiving. To order or get a price sheet, call the Crawford County Conservation District office or send a Facebook message to @ArkansasCCCD. Crawford County Conservation District, 701 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-2281

CAE Exhibit REDD 4

An opening reception from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 2 wil launch an exhibit by REDD 4, a collaborative quartet of artists that brings new perspective to abstract paintings. REDD 4 was created by a group of artists led by Dale Augustson. He recruited Rita McKinley, Elise Jones and Dennis Lawrence to become the artistic co-op. The abstract paintings created by group bring the talent of all four to each canvas. They begin by painting backgrounds. Then the group meets to exchange canvases. The second artist to touch the canvas may do as he/she pleases and change the original in any way. This continues through a third pass where full freedom is given to the artist in hopes that what is there will inspire them to take it one step further. A fourth and last pass ends with a critique followed by the final enhancements. The exhibit remains in the main gallery through October. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org

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Oct. 2-3 Rosh Hashanah Services Open to all, Rosh Hashanah evening service is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2, followed by Rosh Hashanah Oneg. Rosh Hashanah morning service 10 a.m. Oct. 3 followed by Tashlich service at Carol Ann Cross Park. United Hebrew Congregation, 126 North 47th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1468 Oct. 3 Humans of New York’s Creator Brandon Stanton The author and photographer of “Humans of New York,” the popular internet street portrait photography project, will speak at the University of Arkansas Distinguished Lecture Series. Stanton’s initial idea of sharing portraits of 10,000 New Yorkers grew into a social media phenomenon that has led him to shoot around the world and to produce two best-selling books. The site has more than 20 million followers worldwide. In 2015, he posted the story of a boy from an underprivileged Brooklyn middle school in a crime-plagued neighborhood, which inspired him to start an online crowd-funding campaign to raise money to send students on field trips to Harvard to 60

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expand their idea of their potential. HONY's fans raised more than $1 million for Mott Hall Bridges Academy, drawing international media attention and earning Stanton a meeting with President Obama. Open to the public. Free. 7 p.m. Bud Walton Arena, 1270 West Leroy Pond Drive, Fayetteville, Ark. Oct. 3 Friends Meeting and Recruitment Friends of the Mountainburg Public Library are volunteers who raise funds and help the library. Free. 3 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Oct. 3 Book Talk: “Boy, Snow, Bird “ by Helen Oyeyemi As the library will be closed Oct. 10 for Columbus Day, the book talk will be held Oct. 3. Check out a copy by phone. Free. 7 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Oct. 3-4 Little Theatre Auditions: The Game's Afoot Auditions for “The Game’s Afoot: Holmes For The Holidays,” directed by Duff Taylor, will be held each evening at the theater. The cast calls for five females ages 25-85 and three males ages 25-65. Production dates are Nov. 10-19. Free. 7 p.m. Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2966 fslt.org

Oct. 3-31 Affordable Dance Lessons Anyone from 9 to 90 can learn to dance. The Diamond Dance Club is a social group of dance lovers with instructors who give lessons weekly in many styles of dance including Latin, ballroom, country, swing and polka and hold a weekly Monday night dance. Single dancers are welcome. Dances are held on the area’s largest wooden dance floor with music provided by two local DJs. Diamond Dance Club was started by Jim and Betty Farmer who have retired, leaving the club in more youthful hands in the hope that the spirit and desire to dance could be kept alive. Meet friendly people and learn to dance at an affordable cost. $5.

6:30-9 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Eagle Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 Oct. 4 Prayer Service For Mental Health Week In conjunction with NAMI Fort Smith River Valley's Mental Health Awareness Week, Saints George and Alexandra Orthodox Church holds a prayer service for healing accompanied by the anointing of the sick with blessed oil. It is an intercessory prayer service conducted by a priest asking Christ our Savior for spiritual and bodily healing for the sick and suffering. The service is open to all who seek healing in Christ. Free. 67:30 p.m. Saints George and Alexandra Orthodox Church, 7500 Mahogany Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-259-5563 fortsmithorthodox.org Oct. 4 Adult Coloring Think coloring is just for kids? Not anymore. Relax and color stress away. Crayons and markers provided.

Free. 11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Oct. 4 Alfred Hitchcock Movie Festival: Rear Window The Miller Branch Library presents a film festival of filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, master of suspense of the mid20th century. See a Hitchcock film every Tuesday night in October. The opening film will be “Rear Window.” A professional photographer convalescing with a broken leg becomes obsessed with watching the private dramas of his neighbors play out across his courtyard when he is confined to a wheelchair. This edge-of-your-seat classic stars James Stewart and Grace Kelly and is rated PG. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 6:30 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org

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Sixth Annual Buried Treasure Graveside Tales OCTOBER

Celebrate the lives of residents from days gone by in this popular annual community history event. Costumed presenters will share their history and tales at graveside. Memorialized this year are Italian emigrant Clementina Maestri Gazzola; early settler Eudora Blaylock Cumbie; labor organizer and Civil War veteran and author Wylie B. Heartsill; early educator and newspaper editor Professor Ligurn M. Redwine and Cuban emigrant physician Dr. H.G. Alvarez. The event begins at 2 p.m. Liberty Cemetery is at corner of Highway 96 and Ware Road. Directions from Fort Smith: From U.S. 71 South, exit left onto 10 Spur, turn left on Arkansas 96. Directions from points south: From U.S. 71 North, exit right onto Spur 10, turn left on Arkansas 96. Directions from points east: From Arkansas 10, turn right onto Arkansas 96. 2 p.m. Liberty Cemetery, Arkansas 96 and Ware Road, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-6357 greenwoodmuseumonline.com

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Oct. 4 Refuge Recovery Refuge Recovery is a mindfulness-based addiction recovery community that practices and utilizes Buddhist philosophy as the foundation of the recovery process.

Donation-based meetings are held every Tuesday.

1:30-2:30 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187 yogaterrium.com Oct. 4 Working With Vinyl & Rhinestones Learn more about working with heat transfer vinyl and rhinestones. Take a T-shirt; other materials are provided. $35. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Oct. 4-Nov. 18 Northside High School Dancing Atoms Response Northside High School photography students create their own exhibition of local dancers in response to photographs in the Dancing Atoms exhibit. Students will arrange their own photoshoots with local dance studios to capture movement, emotion and beauty as way of interpreting Barbara Morgan’s famed images.

Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org Oct. 4-Jan. 10 Square Dance Fun for Beginners Square dance caller Jay King teaches beginners how to join in on the fun of square dancing. Every Tuesday night, discover the activity that includes music, dancing, exercise, fun and friendship. Beginners will alternate sessions with current dancers, as they learn modern Western square dancing. $2.50. 6:45-9 p.m.

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Oct. 5 Digital Download Class Can’t get the book you want in large print? All books can be large print on a digital reading device. Wait list too long for that new book? Get it online. Can’t get that last book in the series? Download it! Don’t know how to do that? This is where to learn. Free. 3 p.m.

Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Oct. 5 Quilts of Valor The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Meet the owner of Cozy Quilts, who will explain how to make a quilt for this program. Free. 9 a.m. Mulberry Public Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Oct. 6 Fort Smith Musical Coterie The Fort Smith Musical Coterie will hold the annual Founders' Day meeting at the home of Dick and Donna Smith. The Coterie is the local affiliate of the National Federation of Music Clubs, sponsor of the Gold Cup program, as well as many other music related events. The club was federated in 1906 and is dedicated to continuing this rich tradition. Guests are welcome to enjoy the music and fellowship. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. 2816 Heather Oaks Way, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-649-9141 nfmc.org Oct. 6 Authors in the Afternoon featuring Rick Niece Hot Springs author Rick D. Niece, Ph.D., will sign copies of his latest book “Perfect in Memory: A Son’s Tribute to His Mother.” The third book in the awardwinning Fanfare for a Hometown series, Perfect Memory celebrates the life of the author’s beloved mother,

Dortha Jean “Dodie” Niece. The author’s heartfelt remembrances focus with tender reflection on the richness that makes life so beautiful. Niece is an award-winning author and educator who has served as a classroom teacher, public school administrator, and university professor, provost and president. His first book, “Side-Yard Superhero,” was named the One Book, One Community reading selection in Arkansas and Ohio. Now retired, he and his wife live in Hot Springs Village. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at this openhouse style event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Oct. 6 River Valley Artisan Market Children's Night Enjoy a family-friendly night with a special focus on anti-bullying. The market has games and an open mic night for youth 16 and under from 6-8 p.m. Market vendors range from talented local artists, amazing musical guests to food truck fare, local produce and handmade baked goods. The market will be hosting local charities such as the Sebastian County Humane Society and the Future School of Fort Smith, as well as offering free spaces to youth artists 16 and under.

Sunset yoga with Terri at 8:30 p.m. Take your own mats. Free. 5-10 p.m. Creekmore Park, 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-831-3711 Oct. 6 Halloween Table Topper Class Sew a fun, festive project for Halloween. $30 includes materials. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Oct. 7 First Friday Friends: Coloring Time Social First Friday Friends arranges activities and social time to allow adults to relax and meet new friends. Coloring helps promote relaxation and stress relief and it’s not just for kids. Unwind in the fun, friendly, and casual atmosphere. Coloring pages and colored pencils will be provided, but feel free to take your own supplies.

Coffee and light refreshments are available. Invite a friend or meet some new ones. Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Oct. 7 Free Car Washes Celebrating 10 years of business, Star Wash car washes of Fort Smith will be offering free car washes and taking donations to benefit the Children’s Emergency Shelter at both Fort Smith locations. Kona Ice will serve Hawaiian shaved ice. CES provides shelter and care in a safe and structured, home-like environment to area children in crisis, ages 6-17, who have been removed from their home by the Department of Human Services due to neglect and/or abuse. Serving more than 300 children each year, part of the CES mission is to allow kids in crisis the opportunity to just be kids. Star Wash, 3651 Rogers Avenue and 8411 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 7 Yarn Lover’s Club Children and adults may learn to knit and crochet. Take a project or learn the ropes. Free. 1 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 1300 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Oct. 7-8 Cruizin' 64 Car Show and Blues Fest Enjoy live music at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, along with food trucks and vendors. Both a talent show and downtown car show take place at 8 p.m.

Saturday. Musical performers include Southern Thunder, Whiskey Revolver and headliner Connie Hawkins and the Blues Records. 6-11 p.m. Oak Street, downtown Sallisaw, Okla. 918-776-7920 sallisawmainstreet.org Oct. 7, 21 Redwork Redwork is an easy form of embroidery that uses floss to trace simple line patterns. To learn Redwork, please supply an embroidery needle, embroidery loop, floss, envelopes and a shoe box. Experienced embroiderers will teach newcomers and share patterns. Free.

12:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Oct. 8 United Cerebral Palsy's Race For Independence 5K The race includes a 5K run and a 1/2K walk and roll.

The organization's mission is to help people with disabilities reach their highest potential of independence and integration into society. Register at RaceWizard.com to allow everyone to "Live Life Without Limits." $25 for 5K; $15 for 1/2K walk and roll. 8-10 a.m. Pinnacle Hills Promenade, 2203 Promenade Boulevard, Rogers, Ark. 479-936-2160 Oct. 8 Lake Fort Smith Astronomy Day Explore the sky in daytime. The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society provides specially filtered telescopes for solar viewing, meteorites for hands-on discovery and astronomy-related photos and videos.

Free. Noon-4 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park Visitor Center, 15458 Sheperds Spring Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 lakefortsmith@arkansas.com Oct. 8 Star Gazing on Astronomy Day Astronomy Day events continue. Explore the night sky with AOAS members. At the marina boat launch parking lot, they will share a number of telescopes. Take your own scopes and binoculars as well as chairs and blankets for seating. Free. 8-10 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park Marina, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 Oct. 8 Blitz at the Border Chess Championship A one-day tournament with individual awards and a traveling team trophy are the prizes for a National Day of Chess tournament. USCF Quick and Blitz ratings.

UCSF membership is required. Fifteen total rounds include six G5 rounds, five G10 rounds and four G20d5 rounds. The tournament is held in a private room at a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mail entry fee and USCF ID, if known, to Karis Ballisario, 3409 Ramsgate Way, Fort Smith, Ark. 72908. Entry $20. 9 a.m. check in. Big Jake’s, 1702 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren, Ark. October 2016

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 8 Fall Formal A night of second chances! Enjoy the River Valley Equality Center's Fall Formal. Go stag, take your loved one or invite a friend or group of friends. Enjoy the prom you never had or high school formal you skipped. Hors d’oeuvre and a cash bar will be available. Jazmyn Turrelle will provide entertainment. Tickets available online. $20 person or $30 per couple.

7-10 p.m. MovieLounge, 7601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. (479) 274-0825 rvecark.org/fallformal Oct. 8-9 Music on the Mountain Viking & Celtic Festival Heavener Runestone Park is the setting for a festival of Celtic music, acoustic folk, rock music, people dressed like Vikings, food and games for all ages.

Enjoy musical tales told through the Americana, singer/songwriter and Celtic traditions. Viking re-enactors will provide a glimpse into the lives of Vikings.

Benefits the Heavener Runestone Park. $5 admission; $10 camping fee. Heavener Rhinestone Park, 18365 Runestone Road, Heavener, Okla. 918-653-2241 Facebook/Heavener Runestone Viking Festival

Poteau Balloonfest: above it all Everyone’s eyes are on the skies in Poteau, Okla., during its annual two-day hot air balloon festival. The enormous, stately hot air balloons are the star attraction in early morning and afternoon ascents (weather permitting) and at beautiful balloon “glows” at dusk, when they remain tethered to the ground but inflated and lit by gas flames from within. Photo opportunities are spectacular given the cooperation of the weather. Around this focal point, the festival on the ground includes a full carnival with many attractions and rides. Motorheads will like a Rumble on the River Mud Bog ATV race and Mud Run, the Twin Cities Redi Mix BurnOut competition and a demolition derby. Kids can enjoy a free petting zoo, watch bicycle stunt riders, see America’s Famous Flying Dogs, watch the Lawbreakers and Peacemakers re-enact a shootout or see a magician, Jonathan Meyer. With an additional ticket, tethered balloon rides, Monster truck and helicopter rides may be taken. Closing night has the LJ Jenkins Bull Riding competition and featured entertainment from Libby Starks and the Bandit Band. Admission is $5 for ages 4 and up.

Advance, discounted armbands are on sale for $3 per person at the Poteau Chamber of Commerce until noon Oct. 14. The festival gates open at noon Oct. 14 and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 15. LeFlore County Fair Grounds, 1509 South Broadway Street, Poteau, Okla. 918-647-9178 poteauballoonfest.net

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Oct. 8 TrailBlazers Hiking Club: Lake Alma Hike the Lake Alma Trail, a close-to-home 3.8 mile trail in Alma rated moderate. There are bluff lines, boulder fields, small streams, seasonal waterfall, historic structures and artifacts and views of the lake. Take water and snack. The hike will finish before noon so lunch is optional. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren at 8 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan or meet at trailhead at 8:15 a.m. The hiking club is open to new members for every event. From U.S. 71 North, take Collum Lane East to North Mountain Grove Road to the park entrance. Lake Alma, North Mountain Grove Road, Alma, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com 64 Entertainment Fort Smith October 2016

Oct. 8 2nd Annual “Read, Write, Share” Writers Workshop This one-day writers’ workshop is for authors and writers interested in learning about writing memoir and personal stories, from talks by experienced writers. Published authors or non-profit groups are invited to participate in a book fair. Contact the workshop coordinator Nichelle Christian at nschristian03@gmail.com or workshop co-sponsor Janis F. Kearney at janis@wowpublishing.org to register. $25 workshop; $25 exhibitor. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. USW Local 9452 Union Hall, 2107 Brazil Street, Fort Smith, Ark. writingourworldpublishing.com

Oct. 9 Fort Smith Flow Jam Flow Jam events are a donation-based meet-up for flow and movement artists of all kind. This is not a class with teachers but a practice space to expand the flow community and meet others interested in this form of art. All skill levels are encouraged to attend.

Extra hoops and other props are available to use.

Other flow props are also welcome such as poi, staff, or fans. 5-7 p.m. Ben Geren Regional Park, Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-222-9033 sacred-somatics.com Oct. 9 Friends of the Fort Membership Meeting Anyone can become involved in planning and implementing the exciting events at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. As a member of Friends of the Fort, volunteers will have the opportunity to share our city's history and help plan future public events at the Fort Smith Historic Site. This is a volunteer program dedicated to preserving the history of our community and presenting it to the public. Everyone is welcome. Free.

2 p.m. The Frisco Railroad Station, 100 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-831-9274 nps.gov/fosm/index.htm Oct. 9 HOG on the Hill Mountain Bike Poker Ride The best hand gets half of the cash. The remaining proceeds go to pay for community free rides all day Dec. 16 on the Fort Smith transit bus system in honor of Hanna Oil and Gas founder, Jim Hanna. Sign up starts at 1 p.m. and the ride begins at 2 p.m. Cost is $20 per rider with optional $10 for two or more cards at the end of the ride. Raffle prizes given at 3:30 pm.

Snacks and drinks provided. 2-4 p.m. Spring Hill Park Bike Trail Head, 1700 Lock and Dam Road, Barling, Ark. 479-806-2602 Oct. 10 Embroidery Guild of Fort Smith This month's project is a fall table runner with hand appliqué. All experience levels are welcomed. Take basic supplies. Free. Refreshments served. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-2759

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 10 Knight of Columbus Charity Classic The Knights of Columbus Council 996 will hosts a charity golf tournament to benefit The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center and Maggie House. Lunch will be served at noon. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Prizes will be given away for closest to the pin, longest drive, and door prizes. Team and hole sponsorships available.

Noon. Fianna Hills Country Club, #1 Essex Place, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-1698 Oct. 11 Fall Finale Autumn is when the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is at its peak. Gardeners will answer questions and give short educational demos. Children’s activities are offered near the education cottage. Free. 5-8 p.m.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-750-2620 bgozarks.org Oct. 11 Book Talk: Orphan Train by Christina Kline Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to “aging out” out of the foster care system. A community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvenile detention or worse. As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. As a young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York, Vivian was placed on a train to the Midwest along with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance. 6 p.m. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Oct. 11 Blood Drive Feel good by donating blood. Must be 18 years or older. Free. 2-6 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Oct. 11 Alfred Hitchcock Movie Festival: Notorious The American daughter of a convicted Nazi spy is recruited by a government agent to infiltrate a group of Germans living in Brazil after the war, but he doesn't count on their lives becoming so intimately entangled.

This 1946 film stars Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman and is not rated. Light refreshments will be served.

Free. 6:30 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Oct. 11-12 Yom Kippur Observance Open to all. Kol Nidre at 7:30 p.m Oct. 11. Yom Kippur morning service at 10 a.m. Oct. 12. Afternoon service at 2 p.m. Oct. 12. Yom Kippur Memorial Yizkor and concluding services 4-5 p.m. Oct. 12 followed by Break Fast. United Hebrew Congregation, 126 North 47th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1468 Oct. 11-Nov. 15 Conversational Spanish Level II The instructor will customize the class to the needs of it members. For example, if the students need industrial vocabulary, the instructor will develop a curriculum to address those needs. Tuesday and Thursday 6-7:50 p.m. $80. Fort Smith Adult Education Center, 501 South 20th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-1232 adulteducationfortsmith.com

Oct. 12 Fort Smith Historical Society Meeting Adeline Ellis and Jennifer Carpenter, UAFS students who work in the Boredom Library Pebley Center, will present methods of correctly archiving documents and how to prepare items for donation. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, Community Room, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Oct. 13 5th Annual Adult Spelling Bee Three-person teams sponsored by local businesses and organizations compete in this Scripps National Spelling Bee-style match. Enter for door prizes and raffles. Drinks and popcorn available. Cheer on your favorite team and compete to win Cheer Team Award.

Free. 6:30-9 p.m. Van Buren High School Fine Arts Center, Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-4594 Oct. 13 Authors in the Afternoon featuring Suella Thrasher Mulberry author Suella Thrasher will sign copies of her novel Gone “But Not Forgotten: An Ozark Autumn to be Remembered.” Over several generations, characters experience great disappointments, hope and the reality of God’s presence. Thrasher has been an avid reader since kindergarten. She completed a writer’s course at The Institute of Children's Literature.

She is a retired R.N. and educator with a master’s in nursing. Thrasher has presented lectures on health, spiritual life and teaching. Books will be available for purchase at this open-house style event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 13 Adult Craft Party Adults and seniors must be registered by Oct. 7. The craft will be transferring a picture onto a candle. This would be a good way to decorate your home for Halloween. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Oct. 14, 28 Redwork Have fun and make new friends in a redwork embroidery class. All experience levels are welcome. Take your own supplies. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-4746045

Oct. 14 Bingo for Books Play bingo, meet new friends and win books. All players go home with at least one book. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Oct. 14, 28 Writer’s Group Meet with other writers on the second and fourth Fridays of each month to share 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

Survivors Challenge Weekend In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House Survivors’ Challenge race, a weekend of activities is planned. Thrill seekers and bucket listers who have raised a minimum of $1,000 will face their fears and rappel “Over the Edge” of First National Bank in downtown Fort Smith. From 1-4 p.m. Oct. 14, celebrity and media guests will take the first turns rappelling down First National Bank. The event continues all day Oct. 15 with up to 90 people participating in the tallest fundraiser in town.

The public is invited to watch both days.

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Oct. 14 Cherokee Prairies Slide Presentation Author Steven Hunter will present a slideshow on his photographs of the Cherokee Prairies. His book, “Graced by the Light, The Cherokee Prairies” is a testament to the beauty and to the healing power of nature found in the tallgrass prairie, a place full of life and infused with light. Free. 6 p.m.

River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Oct. 14-15 The Art of Illustrated Journaling Nationally known artist Diana Gessler will present an illustrated journaling workshop. Gessler has been journaling since 1974 and is the author/illustrator of eight travel and children’s books. As a fine artist, her work is represented by Shaw Galleries in Naples, Fla. Space is limited, early registration is required. $200 per person for the two-day workshop. $100 deposit is due at registration. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Center for Art & Education, 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org Oct. 14-15 A River Runs Through It Quilt Show Belle Point Quilters Guild’s annual show has more than 200 quilts, door prizes, a donation quilt, vendors, demos, silent auction and judged show. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Oct. 14; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 15. Lunch available. $6. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-8098 bellepointquiltersguild.org 66 Entertainment Fort Smith October 2016

Also on Oct. 15, runners will compete in the Survivors’ Challenge Grand Prix 10K Race, 5k Run and Walk starting from the Cancer Support House at 8 a.m. Teams or individuals may enter by online registration. A lively Celebration Walk honoring cancer survivors is also planned around Creekmore Park. After the race, everyone is invited downtown for rappelling and a landing zone festival with food and live entertainment. while you watch the courageous climbers go Over The Edge. Register online. 8 a.m. race start at Reynolds Cancer Support House; 9 a.m. Over the Edge at First National Bank, 602 Garrison Avenue.

Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-424-1812 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-31 The Ward Haunted House The Fort Smith Jaycees present "The Ward" Haunted House, a horror-themed, darkened walk-through attraction where scares, screams, zombies, monsters and thrills are promised to those who dare to enter. from 7:30-11 p.m. and 8-11 p.m. on Halloween night.

Proceeds benefit local non-profits. $10. The Ward, 7709 Ellis Street at Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith, Ark. 405-609-9573 facebook.com/TheWardFS

Oct. 15 2016 Olde Miners Fall Festival Enjoy arts and crafts, live entertainment, food and so much more. Vendor space available. Free. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Broadway Street, Huntington Arkansas, 223 East Broadway Street, Huntington, Ark. 479-996-0910 Oct. 15 Tour of the Darby Junior High Auditorium An open house gives everyone the chance to see the auditorium’s beautiful hand-painted stage curtain in what was once Fort Smith’s largest auditorium, due to interest in a Mike Holloway picture posted on Facebook/If You Ever Lived in Fort Smith. Researcher Joe Wasson presents more photos and background. 1-3 p.m. Free. Darby Junior High School, 616 North 14th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. Oct. 15 Hunter Education Course The course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible hunting, is free and open to all ages. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in Arkansas. Free. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 4794523993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Oct. 15 TrailBlazers Hiking Club TrailBlazers will hike the beautiful Rim Trail at Mt. Nebo, a 3-mile easy-to-moderate hike with beautiful views. Take lunch and water. Meet at Home Depot parking lot in Fort Smith at 8 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan. 8 a.m. Mount Nebo State Park, 16728 West State Highway 155, Dardanelle, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com Oct. 15 Mommies of Angels Luncheon Mommies of Angels is a non-profit ministry out of New Vision Worship Center in Van Buren. This lunch brings together mothers and fathers who have had to say goodbye to their babies too soon. 1-3 p.m. New Vision Worship Center, 220 Sycamore Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-222-5584 Oct. 15 Celebrate the Birthday of Judge Isaac C. Parker Celebrate with birthday cake in the soda fountain at the Museum of History. Floyd and Sue Robison will portray Judge and Mrs. Isaac C. Parker and present programs on the Parkers at 1:30 and 2:30 at the second floor courtroom exhibit. The Robisons have researched the Parkers extensively. China bowls which

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS belonged to the Parkers and Judge Parker's gold and diamond stickpin from the museum's collection exhibited. The bowls were given to the Robisons by Jymmye Bercher, a longtime friend of Mary Clendening, the Parker's granddaughter. Judge Parker was born Oct. 15, 1838 in Barnesville, Ohio. He studied law, passed the bar exam in 1859 and began his legal career in St. Joseph, Mo. Parker was elected United States Congressman from Missouri for two terms, 1871-1874. Appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1875, Parker held his famous tenure as Federal Judge for the Western District of Arkansas until his death in 1896. Celebrate the birthday of Fort Smith’s famous judge. The party and programs are free with museum admission: $7 adults, $2 children, under age six are free. $7 adults, $2 children, under age 6 are free. 1-3 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Oct. 16 Tales of the Crypt: Fairview Cemetery Enjoy the Annual Tales of the Crypt at beautiful and historic Fairview Cemetery. Historical portrayals will give people a walking, talking depiction of Van Buren’s rich past. Enter through the McKibben Street entrance.

Off-site parking site at 12th and Poplar, with free trolley service to and from the cemetery. $3 for adults, $1 for children. 2-5 p.m. Historic Fairview Cemetery, Highway 59, Fayetteville Road and McKibben Street, Van Buren, Ark. 1-800-332-5889 vanburen.org Oct. 16 Family Day at the Clayton House: W.H.H. Clayton's 176th Birthday Col. Clayton loves a party – especially his birthday party! Make plans to stop by for cake, a Victorian dance lesson, homemade ice cream in a bag, crafts, music, and a visit with the Man of the Hour and his family, too. The circa 1882 family home of William Henry Harrison Clayton serves as Fort Smith's only authentically restored Victorian-era home open to the public. Tours of the Victorian mansion reveal the daily life of a wealthy family in 19th century Fort Smith. $5 per person or $10 per family. 1-3:30 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org Oct. 17 Witches Boots Applique T-Shirt Class This class will teach you how to machine applique.

Take a T-shirt of your choice and the other craft materials are provided. $20. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 Oct. 17-Dec. 7 Medicare Open Enrollment Assistance Questions about 2017 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Part C Advantage Plans?

Make an appointment with a trained Arkansas Insurance Department SHIIP Volunteer Advocate. Many changes have occurred that may affect your pocketbook. Look at all your options before automatically reenrolling. Make an appointment with a trained volunteer advocate who will help you sort through the choices available to Arkansas and Oklahoma Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Open Enrollment starts Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. RSVP Center, corner of Grand Avenue and 13th Street, 401 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-4155 WestArkRSVP.org October 2016

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

‘80s Theme and Football Tailgating support Crisis Intervention Center OCTOBER

Whether the ’80s are nostalgic or straight up still your jam, the Tailgate for a Cause party will rock with the pop music of bands of the era like Flock of Seagulls, Prince, Journey or Madonna.

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This major annual fundraiser for the Donald W. Reynolds Crisis Intervention Center creates a good time that supports adults and children through their toughest times, offering safe, supportive residential shelter and essential services to those affected by domestic violence or sexual assault.

Because no one wants to miss a game, the beautiful dining room and outdoor terrace at Golden Living will have plenty of screens broadcasting college football.

Fort Smith native and television personality Rossi Morreale will be the master of ceremonies. Known for his hosting talents on The Learning Channel’s popular show Junkyard Wars, his current gig producing and hosting the program American Airgunners on the Pursuit Channel and as a former Arkansas Razorback football player, Morreale will entertain during the delicious dinner, drawings and silent auctions.

The Tailgate has a casual atmosphere with guests in motion at the outdoor tailgate buffet prepared by Chef Micki Sellard, plus a cigar bar, bourbon tasting, photo booth and more surprises.

Proceeds help to fund the mission of the Crisis Intervention Center: to end domestic violence and sexual assault through services, education and prevention programs that empower men, women and their children to live free of fear and harm within their own families and the community. The CIC is also supported by the United Way and community contributions.

Dancing will be irresistible to the music of Bueller, Nashville’s most popular ’80s tribute band who entertain with the hits of the Reagan era when hair was big – for everybody!

Bueller

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Oct. 18 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) The Fort Smith Chapter of DAR will hear guest speaker Marcus Woodward, history teacher at Chaffin Junior High. Woodward will address a different perspective on the Revolutionary War. Guests welcome. Members are present to answer basic questions about joining DAR and researching DAR lineage. Free. 1-2 p.m. Fort Smith Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-5170 Oct. 18 QuickBooks Hands-on Workshops The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center presents two hands-on workshops for QuickBooks desktop software users. The 9 a.m. to noon session, QuickBooks Beyond the Basics, includes customizing reports and forms and working with inventory, jobs, estimates, progress invoices, and more. The 1 to 4 p.m. session, QuickBooks Payroll, includes tracking employee time, issuing paychecks, paying liabilities, and producing required payroll reports. A working knowledge of QuickBooks is recommended to attend. A computer is provided during each interactive session. Seating is limited with registration required no later than Oct. 17. $65 per session. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Beall Barclay & Co., 3101 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events/ Oct. 18 Alfred Hitchcock Movie Festival: Vertigo In this week’s feature, Vertigo, San Francisco police detective Scottie Ferguson develops a fear of heights and is forced to retire when a colleague falls to his death during a chase. This romantic mystery thriller stars James Stewart and Kim Novak and is rated PG. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 6:30 p.m.

Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org Oct. 18 Beginning Quilting Learn the beginning basics of quilting. $25. 10 a.m.2 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com

Tickets, $75 per person, are available online at fscic.org/events or by calling the Crisis Intervention Center, 479-782-1821. 6:30 p.m.

Golden Living, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith.

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Oct. 18 Wild Edibles Learn which plants are edible and where to find them.

Charles Griffith has been teaching about wild edibles since the early 1980s, including plant walks at Yellowstone National Park. Free. 6 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com

Oct. 19 Power of the Purse While hearing an inspiring speaker, women can enjoy a luncheon and chance to bid on valuable handbags in an auction at Power of the Purse. Jillian Duato of Boston will share a powerful personal story of two lives saved: when she became determined to rescue her brother from drug addiction, she found her own power to reach a healthier weight. Proceeds provide free books to kids through a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. $40. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Epic Event Center, 7601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-1311 unitedwayfortsmith.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 19 Nutrition & Cancer Series Learn more about nutrition for the breast cancer survivor, presented by Ryan Ellison, Registered Dietician, Licensed Dietician with Sparks Nutrition Center. Call to register. Free. 1:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org Oct. 19 Sparks Senior Circle Halloween Bingo Join Sparks Senior Circle and enjoy a fun game of Halloween bingo. Prizes awarded for winning cards. Costumes encouraged. Free. 2-3 p.m. Shuffield Education Center Sparks Regional Medical Center, 1001 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-441-5445 sparkshealth.com/classes-and-programs Oct. 19 Home Brewing Talk Paul Van Lare, owner of Growfresh Organics, presents an engaging conversation about what it takes to start a home brewing set-up and the intricacies of crafting beers and other alcoholic beverages. Growfresh Organics is a resource for home and commercial gardeners. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Oct. 20 Open Mic Night at Beef O’Bradys Open Mic Night is a night of music, poetry and art. A featured painter will show their works. Poetry will be mixed with acoustic music. Poetry should be three minutes per reading and music is 15 minutes per act.

Acoustic music only. Family-friendly content only.

Free. 7-9 p.m. Beef O'Bradys, 12200 U.S. 71, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-9464 Oct. 20 Exploring Ancestry.com Ancestry.com, the leading genealogy database, has added more than 17 billion records to its site over the past 20 years. With at least 12 billion of those records covering the United States, this massive amount of information at your fingertips can be overwhelming to navigate. Hear genealogy specialist Diana Curry for hints and tips to help utilize all the tools on the site.

Ancestry.com can be accessed for free at all Fort Smith Public Library locations. 3:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Oct. 20 Healthy Living for your Brain and Body Guest speaker Shyfa Hooks of the Alzheimer’s Association will speak. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Oct. 20 River Valley Artisan Market End of Season Bash Vendors at this outdoor market range from talented local artists to musical guests to food truck fare, local produce and handmade baked. The market hosts local non-profits Sebastian County Humane Society and the Future School and free spaces to youth artists 16 and under. Costume contest for all ages and pets. Sunset Yoga with Terri at 8:30 p.m. At twilight, market cofounder Elizabeth James and Kyle Fayhe will be married in the company of friends who have helped to launch the market. 5-10 p.m. Creekmore Park, 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-831-3711 Facebook.com/rivervalleyartisanmarket Oct. 20 Burlsworth Foundation Dinner Honors Judy McReynolds A banquet will honor Judy R. McReynolds, Chairman, President and CEO of ArcBest Corp., for her leadership and character. Ticket sales will benefit the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. Burlsworth was a 1994 walkon football player for the Arkansas Razorbacks noted for his perseverance. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft.

Eleven days after the draft, Burlsworth died in a car wreck. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation honors the 22 year-old’s work ethic and Christian values. Its mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, particularly those with limited opportunities. Burlsworth has been the subject of a biographical book and currently is the subject of the independent feature film “Greater,” in theaters now. In her executive role at the head of ArcBest Corporation, McReynolds is responsible for managing the multi-billion dollar freight transportation and logistics services company.

Her accomplishments will be detailed by several distinguished speakers such as Sen. John Boozman, Robert A. Young, III of ArcBest and others. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon’s father, will also speak. Tickets are available by mail or online. Mail to: The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation,119 West Central, Harrison, Ark. 72601. Tickets are $200 per person and $2000 per table. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. brandonburlesworth.org

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 20 My Favorite Bag Project This project is a favorite class of many crafters. Seating is limited. $60 includes all the materials needed to make the bag. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Oct. 21 Diamond Dance Monthly fun social dance that includes ballroom, Latin, country, European and line-dancing music in a relaxing environment. Membership not required.

Smoke-free environment. Attire is dressy casual to formal. $5. 8-10 p.m. Eagles Ballroom, 3371 South 66th Street, Eagle Lane, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-674-2578 Oct. 21 Food for Thought: The Search for General Tso One staple of nearly every Chinese restaurant is General Tso's Chicken. Where does the recipe come from? See “The Search for General Tso,” a documentary highlighting the place the dish has in both American and Chinese dining culture. Enjoy a small sample of that very dish for a truly immersive lunchtime experience. Film runtime is 72 minutes.

Take lunch or order from the library's Dewey's Cafe.

The library will provide drinks and a small sample of the featured dish. Free. Noon. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Oct. 21 The Ballet Ball Put on your best mask for a Masquerade Ball. Enjoy an evening of dancing with the Don Bailey Jazz Band, live performances by the Western Arkansas Ballet Company, and silent and live auction items such as a Kentucky Derby trip and a Razorback package. Open bar and hors d’oeuvre. All proceeds support Western Arkansas Ballet. Tickets, available online, are $50 per person or $500 for table of 10 including two bottles of wine. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fort Smith Riverfront Pavilion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org Oct. 21-30 2016 Showcase Home and Parade of Homes In one of Fort Smith’s luxury subdivisions, Stoneshire at Chaffee Crossing, the Greater Fort Smith Association of Homebuilders will open the 2016 Showcase Home to the public for daily tours. The home is on the market. With construction supervised by lead homebuilder Todd Basham, the open floor plan, 2600square-foot home has four bedrooms and baths, a gourmet kitchen, outdoor kitchen with fireplace and three-car garage. All the home’s building materials, windows, doors, appliances, wall finishes, flooring, lighting and security were provided by the association’s local members and vendors. Its HVAC system and hot water operates on energy-efficient natural gas from sponsor AOG. The Showcase Home annually demonstrates the best in building practices and home value and most current industry standards in new home construction. A Parade of Homes tour of other new homes built by member contractors offers choices for home buyers at that same high professional standard. The Showcase Home is open daily from 1-6 p.m. 8508 Stoneshire Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-6213 fortsmithhomebuilders.com 70

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Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, 31 Murder and Mayhem Haunted Trolley Tour The popular Haunted Trolley Tour features haunted and gruesome stories from Fort Smith history. Begin the evening with complimentary Halloween treats, drinks and ghost stories along with a peek at haunted areas of the Fort Smith Museum of History. Judge and Mrs. Isaac C. Parker, (Floyd and Sue Robison) narrate the tour, which begins at the museum at 5:30 and 7:30 pm. As the trolley winds its way through downtown and the Belle Grove Historic District, riders thrill to gruesome historic facts and eerie local legends. Pass real haunted houses and hear a story of a bloody love triangle. Reservations by phone. Tickets sales online. $40 per person, ages 21 and older. Tours at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.com Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, 31 Thriller! Western Arkansas Ballet Street Show Enjoy a performance of the Michael Jackson song and dance number, Thriller, by Western Arkansas Ballet on the Rogers Avenue in front of the Fort Smith Museum of History. Free. Donations to both organizations are appreciated. 7-8:15 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Oct. 22 16th Annual Walk of Hope for Huntington’s Disease This annual 5K walk, informational fair and silent auction benefits research and treatment of Huntington’s disease. A non-timed 5k walk with a finishers medal has been added. Pre-register by Oct. 5. Locally, four new patients in this community need support and will benefit from the proceeds. The monies raised go for testing and clinical research. More than 75 local patients have been helped by testing and participation in clinical research studies to find the cure and alleviate symptoms of Huntington’s disease. There are currently four clinical trials going on in this area. A Huntingtons Disease support group at 6 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Fort Smith Public Library and is an open group. 8-11 a.m. Creekmore Park, 3400 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-462-2734 Oct. 22 Inaugural Downtown Fort Smith Oktoberfest Entertainment for all ages starts at sunrise with the Fort Smith Farmers Market and ends after dark with live music and Oktoberfest collector cups for deals in pubs, restaurants and music venues. Enjoy a car show, musicians on the sidewalk, an art walk and a haunted house. Most downtown merchants and restaurants will have extended hours and discounts.

7 a.m.-2 a.m. Downtown Fort Smith, Ark. downtowns.com Oct. 22 Sparks Stampede 5K/10K/Walk Sparks Medical Center of Van Buren will host the 3rd Annual Sparks Stampede races benefiting the River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year, a 10K route has been added to the race. Race entry is $20 before Oct. 7 and $25 through the day of the race. 7-10 a.m. Sparks Medical Center of Van Buren, East Main and South 20th Streets, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-3401 sparksvanburen.com

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Grape stomping contest.

Oct. 22 53rd Annual Wiederkehr Weinfest Wiederkehr Winery celebrates the harvest. All-day festivities include tours of the historic wine cellars and wine tastings every 30 minutes from 8:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Throughout the day the traditional highlights include a championship grape stomp, arts & crafts vendors, German and English sing-a-longs, a strolling “oom-pah” band, conga-line and polka dancing. Enjoy tram rides through the vineyards with a panoramic view of the Arkansas River Valley.

Watch or participate in a stone toss contest, a logtoss competition and of course, grape stomping.

Food booths offer bratwurst with sauerkraut, Old World potato soup, quiche and other Tyrollean-style treats. The Weinkeller Restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner. The Wiederkehr vineyard and winery was founded by Johann Andreas Wiederkehr, a Swiss immigrant, who came to St. Mary’s Mountain near Altus, Ark. in 1880 and began cultivating grapes. The winery has remained a family operation with third and fourth generation members producing fine wines. Free admission. Must be 21 to purchase wine or have wine tastings. 8:30 a.m.

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, 3324 Swiss Family Drive, Wiederkehr Village, Ark. 479-468-4791 wiederkehrwines.com Oct. 22 TrailBlazers Hiking Club TrailBlazers will hike to the Winding Stairs Scenic Area on the Little Missouri River, a very beautiful area that Tim Ernst calls the "crown jewels" of Arkansas. The hike will be 5.4 miles rated moderate. Take wading shoes, lunch and water. Meet at Home Depot parking lot in Fort Smith at 8 a.m. to carpool. Albert Pike Recreation Area, Highway 369, Near Langley, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com Oct. 22 Cruisin' On Main Step back in time, when cruisin' was a nightly passion and just for fun. Car owners are invited to show off their street cars, show cars or motorcycles, and to see and be seen. 3 p.m. Historic Main Street Main Street, Main Street, Van Buren , Ark. 479-471-5179 oldtownvanburen.com Oct. 22 Making Herbal Cheeses and Homemade Paper Herbs and spices add even more flavor to cheese recipes. The Master Gardener's Herbal Adventure group gives a seminar on making herbal cheeses. The class will also try the art of making homemade paper, using herb leaves, scrap paper and junk mail to make a Thanksgiving card. For adults and kids. Advance registration required by phone. $20. 9:30 a.m.-noon.

The Learning Fields at Fort Chaffee, 7300 Gardeners Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-2014 October 2016

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 24 Card Making Everyone is invited to learn how to make homemade cards for life’s special occasions. All skill levels are welcome. Free. 5:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Clayton Conversations: Ready-Set-Passion!

Story-telling with Patrick Weeks

Oct. 24 Paranormal Research and Investigations Those who are interested by ghosts and spirits are invited to an evening with Adrian Scalfas he shares the group’s findings from the Fort Chaffee Medical complex and talks about filming with the Ghost Adventures television crew. This a group of Fort Smith paranormal investigators dedicated to the research and documentation of unexplained phenomenon. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Hear a presentation by the new president and CEO of the U.S. Marshals Museum and don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the edge of your seat. Patrick Weeks, who moved with his family from Ohio to Fort Smith in April, has a love of storytelling to his core. His energy and passion for first-hand learning experiences makes him a vibrant, yet down-toearth communicator that an all-ages audience will enjoy. Weeks’ past 20 years represent a vast experience in designing and building unforgettable museum experiences. He helped to designed the “theatres” of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, opened in 2005 and considered to be the first major “experience museum” in the nation. Details he oversaw included the smells of Lincoln’s office and the perfect-color robotic eyeballs for the Lincoln figure. Today, he brings his experience as a museum designer to prepare and execute what will be unforgettable learning experiences regarding the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency, the U.S. Marshals Service. Created in 1789, the Marshals Service is part of the executive branch of government and is the enforcement arm of the federal courts. William H. H. Clayton, as U.S. Attorney of the Western District of Arkansas, served as the chief federal law enforcement officer during the famed Judge Parker era. Of museums, Weeks says, "The biggest misunderstanding is that we’re trying to solve the problems of the world. We’re telling stories. Our job is to spark people’s imaginations and place them in the shoes of whom we are talking about.” Hear Weeks’ plan for the execution of the national museum on the banks of the Arkansas River and his excitement for the stories Fort Smith has to tell. $10; free to members of Fort Smith Heritage Foundation. 1:30 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org

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Oct. 22 Sew for Service Breast Cancer Projects Materials and lunch will be provided. All projects made will be donated to local cancer centers. Free. 10 a.m.3 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Oct. 22 Old Fort Days Dandies Try Outs Old Fort Days Dandies are the precision equestrian ambassadors of the Old Fort Days Rodeo. This elite team performs drills on horseback and also carries the colors for the nightly grand entry. Candidates will be judged on horsemanship and interview. E-mail OldFortDaysDandies@yahoo.com for full requitements.

Free. 10 a.m. Harper Stadium, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-966-6787 oldfortdaysdandies.wixsite.com/oldfortdaysdandies 72

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Oct. 22 The Arc's Annual Halloween Dance The Arc for the River Valley provides year-round advocacy, education and recreation for local residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There party include be dinner, dancing and a costume contest. Free to members of The Arc; $5 for nonmembers. 5 p.m. Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-5529 arcrivervalley.org Oct. 23 Mount Zion CME Church 141st Church Anniversary Mount Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will be celebrating the church's 141st Church Anniversary and all are welcome to enjoy the services and music at this historic worship and services. Free. 3:30 p.m.

Mount Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 910 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-629-4975

Oct. 24 The 6th Annual Alma Popeye Classic Presented by A to Z Golf, the tournament begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon and shotgun start at 1 p.m. Play is a 4-man scramble. $80 per player.

Sponsorships are available. Enter by phone. Eagle Crest Golf Course, 3928 Eagle Crest Drive, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4127 almachamber.com Oct. 24-27 Hunter Education Course Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1969, must complete a hunter education course to obtain and carry a valid hunter education card to hunt in Arkansas. The course is open to all ages. Must attend three, three-hour sessions Oct. 24, 25 and 27. Free. 6-9 p.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 rivervalleynaturecenter.com Oct. 25 TASTE of Fort Smith Taste of Fort Smith is the town’s largest, longest annual buffet, showcasing the area’s of finest food and beverFORT age sampling from more than 45 vendors SMITH in two sessions, lunch and dinner. The delicious event historically draws more than 1,700 diners who can walk from station to station to be served food prepared by local restaurants and vendors. This year’s goal is to raise more than $15,000 to encourage literacy for both adults and children. Funds raised will benefit the Literacy Council of Western Arkansas and Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy. Additional donations will be made to the Fort Smith Public Library, Project Compassion, Maggie House and the Fort Smith Adult Education Childcare. Altrusa International Foundation of Fort Smith, a 501 c-3 non-profit service organization, organizes this popular, social one-day event. The local Altrusans work year-round to support local non-profits and their causes through service projects. Advance tickets go on sale Oct. 1 at any Simmons Bank location, the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce and the Literacy Council of Western Arkansas. Tickets, $15, are required for adults and children age 6 and older, per session. Lunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; dinner, 5-7 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, Rogers Avenue & South 9th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-651-2426

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 27 Breast Cancer Awareness Day at RCSH Quick and easy mammograms take only 15 minutes and could save your life. Appointments are available between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org Oct. 27 Breast Cancer Survivorship: Life after Treatment Presented by Aida Jones, APN, Sparks Cancer Center.

After surviving breast cancer, but what’s next? Learn about long-term side effects, emotional well-being and living life as a breast cancer survivor. Free. 5:30 p.m.

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

Black Tie Bingo Gala Fort Smith Public Library Endowment presents a fabulous night of fine dining in the library with exciting BINGO games and outstanding raffle items in support of the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust. Daren Bobb and Katelynn Zoellner will be the emcees for the evening and entertainment will be provided by the Don Bailey Jazz Ensemble and the Fort Smith Symphony Quartet. $125 per person. 7-11 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

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Oct. 25 Alfred Hitchcock Movie Festival: Stage Fright Enjoy Hitchcock’s suspenseful 1950 film, Rated G, in which a struggling actress tries to help a friend prove his innocence when he's accused of murdering the husband of a high society entertainer. Starring Marlene Dietrich and Jane Wyman. Light refreshments will be served. Free. 6:30 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Oct. 25 Paper Doll Quilt Class A Paper Doll Quilt will make the perfect present for a young girl. Personalize the quilt with skin, eye and hair color. $50 includes materials kit. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 Oct. 26 Arkansas Arts Center Artmobile: Visual Voyages For more than 50 years, the Artmobile has allowed the Arkansas Arts Center to extend its reach beyond Little Rock to all of the state. An educator from the Arts Center will work closely with RAM’s guests to promote critical thinking through carefully crafted questions.

This one-of-a-kind space features works from the Arkansas Arts Center’s permanent collection. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org 74 Entertainment Fort Smith October 2016

Oct. 27 Paranormal Presentation Learn more about paranormal activity with the River Valley Paranormal Research and Investigation group.

Take a canned food item to help support the River Valley Regional Food Bank. Free. 5:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Oct. 27 Welcome Neighbor Book Club The book "The Woman Who Wasn't There" by Robin Gaby Fisher will be reviewed. Any woman is welcome to attend and enjoy the discussion. Free. 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Dewey's Cafe, Main Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-1603 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com Oct. 28 Movie Time A film will be screened for adults and seniors. Free.

3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Oct. 28-29 Arkansas Oklahoma Farm & Ranch Expo Presented by Cumulus Radio of Fort Smith, this new exposition will showcase the latest in agricultural and ranching technology, equipment, services and products. The public can hear educational seminars and see displays and demonstrations of tractors, harvest equipment, cattle management products, work trucks, sprayers, tillers and more. Giveaways, door prizes and samples will be available. Enjoy “Cow Pie Bingo” for prizes, hosted by the Van Buren FHA and entertaining activities. Listen for more information on stations The Vibe 102.7, Nash Icon 100.7 and Big Country 107.3.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 28; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 29. Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-0681 Oct. 29-30 Women’s Expo TV 40/29 and the Arkansas CW host this large expo of food, fashion and fun for the enjoyment of today’s women and families. Watch Taste of Home cooking classes, meet actor and guest star Robert Palmer Watkins, “General Hospital” (Dillon Quartermaine), compete for prizes in a Halloween costume contest and much more. $7. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 29; 11 a.m.5 p.m. Oct. 30. Fort Smith Convention Center, 800 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. womenslivingexpo.com

Oct. 28 Girls Shelter Annual Pasta Dinner/Silent Auction Enjoy great food and shop at a silent auction. Curbside pickup is available for takeout. This event is in memory of Brenda Stovall. All proceeds will go to the general operating fund at the Girls Shelter, a United Way Agency. The Girls Shelter is a residential program for at risk teenage girls. $10 for adults and $5 for students. 5-8 p.m. Westark Church of Christ Family Center, 900 North Waldron, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-0444 Oct. 28 Cause For Paws Night A fun-filled night for beloved shelter pets is the most important fundraiser of the year for the Sebastian County Humane Society, which is currently in great need of funding and support because it is now at full capacity with abandoned and stray dogs and cats in its care. Contribute by enjoying a delicious meal along with live music, and silent and live auctions. Learn about the shelter’s big plans for 2017 as it works towards the goal of becoming a No-Kill Shelter. Purchase tickets at the Sebastian County Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Highway, Fort Smith, or by phone. $50 dinner only; $60 dinner and open bar. 69 p.m. Kay Rodgers Park Expo Building, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-4395 sebastiancountyhumanesociety.org Oct. 28 Community Fall Festival and Chili Cook Off The Van Buren Housing Authority will hold a festival and chili cook off with musical entertainment by The Crumbs. Games, prizes, a bounce house, a popcorn bar and costume contest are part of the festivities.

Chili Cook Off entry is $30. Admission is a donation of a non-perishable food item. Van Buren Housing Authority Community Center, 218 South 17th Street, Van Buren, Ark. Oct. 29 Great Arkansas Cleanup Take part in the statewide Keep Arkansas Beautiful’s Great Arkansas Cleanup. Volunteer to clean up our region’s nature center grounds. Register at the visitor center on the day of the cleanup. Free. 9-11 a.m. River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-3993 Oct. 29 Project Compassion Charity Bowling Tournament This charity bowling tournament will award cash prizes for first, second and highest score. Door prize drawings and 50/50 tickets for sale. Invite friends and co-workers or sponsor a team for a fun afternoon that helps provide gifts and care for area nursing home residents. $140 per team or $35 per person. 1 p.m.

Bowling World, 6100 South 36th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2273 ProjectCompassionInc.com Oct. 29 TrailBlazers Hiking Club Mount Kessler is a scenic 1,854-foot mountain near Fayetteville. TrailBlazers will hike on the Rock City Trail through an area known for its stunning rock formations and then follow one of the loops for a total distance of 5-6 miles rated moderate. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren at 8 a.m. to carpool and/or caravan. Mount Kessler Trails, 2600 West Judge Cummings Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 29 Exploring the 8 Limbs of Yoga The physical (asana) practice of yoga is just one aspect of a yoga practice. In this workshop, learn or deepen understanding of what it means to be a "yogi" by learning to practice all eight aspects of yoga philosophy and begin to incorporate them into life. These limbs lay the foundation for living in peace, love and harmony with all beings. Accessible to all levels. $30.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187 Oct. 30 Temple Baptist Church 100 Year Celebration Temple Baptist Church will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a church with an afternoon of celebration open to everyone with a love for Temple. A church-wide luncheon followed by a Centennial Celebration Service beginning at 1:30 p.m. The service will include music, a message from past pastor Ronnie Toon and a presentation from the Arkansas Baptist Association. Free.

Noon-2:30 p.m. Temple Baptist Church, 5100 South 31st Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-1241 Oct. 31 Mesh Fall Wreath Class Class members will learn to make a festive fall wreath.

Materials are included. $35. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sewing Machine Center & Fabric, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 Nov. 1 Mr. & Miss Alma High School Pageant sponsored by Alma DECA. All proceeds from the Audience Appeal will be donated to the Make-A-

Wish Foundation. $5, school age and up. 7-9 p.m.

Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Nov. 4-Feb. 8 Jason Sacran: New Work A retrospective of award-winning artist Jason Sacran showcases plein air and figurative paintings. Opening reception will be Thursday, Nov. 10, from 5-7 p.m. in combination with opening reception for the Pulled Pressed and Screened exhibit, free for members, $5 for non-members. Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-784-2787 fsram.org Nov. 5-6 Immaculate Conception Holiday Bazaar This annual ladies auxillary bazaar will showcase handmade items by the ladies: quilts, dolls, needlework, wreaths, floral arrangements, wooden gifts, crafts and more. The country store will sell the famous featherbed rolls cinnamon rolls, cakes pies, jellies, candies, cookies and live plants. Shop for jewelry, Rad knives, casseroles to go, silent auction and raffle. A children's booth has activities, Lunch will be available on Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 5; 8 a.m.-noon Nov. 6. Immaculate Conception Parish Center, North 13th and Garrison, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-648-8675 Nov. 10 An Evening with Ron Hall Ron Hall, author of “Same Kind of Different” will be speaking to the public about his journey with Denver Moore, a homeless man living in a shelter. Follow their

relationship as it builds. Hall’s experience promotes acceptance of others. A movie of the same title is being released in early 2017. Benefits the River View Hope Campus. $10. 7-8:30 p.m. Community Bible Church, 9201 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-4991, ext. 36 riverviewhopecampus.org Nov. 12 Pawzatively Patriotic Fundraiser The volunteer group Pawzatively Canine Dog Rescue of Mulberry matches rescued dogs as canine companions to veterans who become their owners. There is no official animal shelter in Mulberry. This organization’s members rescue abandoned and unwanted animals, meet the animals’ veterinary needs and provide training and socialization by fostering them at home before placing them with veterans, disabled individuals and those in need of a companion. The fundraiser includes dinner, music, door prizes, a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. 5:30-9 p.m. Cash bar available. $10. VFW Post 8845, 3005 Tilles Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-217-0994 pawzativelycanine.org

Oct. 28 Halloween Lake Tour The normally placid Lake Fort Smith takes on a sinister feel as we cruise its waters and tell authentic Ozarks ghost stories and folklore. Wear your costume and celebrate Halloween. Not for the faint of heart! Adults $10, child (6 through 12) $6, children under 6 free. 67 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park Marina, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

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

CALICO COUNTY

SAKÉ SUSHI BAR

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

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

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

508 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith.

JUAN’S

WESTERN SIZZLIN

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

Fresh chili rellenos are a house specialty.

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

RIVER CITY BISTRO

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

7320 Rogers, Ste. 7, Fort Smith.

LA HUERTA

WHOLE HOG CAFÉ

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

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

Freed a family or a party with a “Buddy Pack” Dine in for daily specials. 4501 Burrough Road, Fort Smith.

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