Issuu

01.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 4:40 PM Page 1

02.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:59 PM Page 2

03.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 4:00 PM Page 3

04.qxp_Master Pages 10/25/18 5:42 PM Page 4

EDITOR’S NOTES

*We are grateful for our staff and contributing friends. Editorial Staff LINDA SEUBOLD *Grateful for your endurance and faith Editor in Chief lindaseubold@efortsmith.com LYNN WASSON Your staff is grateful to have such a fierce leader, from the one that reads the pages last. Managing Editor lynnwasson@efortsmith.com DONNA PAYNE *Grateful for, well, everything. Senior Editor donnapayne@efortsmith.com MARY JANE HENNIG *Grateful that you taught us. Art Director Emeritus Contributing Photographers BOB DYER McFARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY *Grateful to both for your beautiful pictures Monthly Contributing Reporters *Grateful to all, but big time to these two: DIANE HOLWICK, GAYLE WILLIAMS AND ALL MEDIA CONTACTS WHO REGULARLY ENTER EVENTS

Advertising Sales LINDA GILHAM *Grateful for your grace under pressure Account Executive lgilham@efortsmith.com 479-629-0235 Advertising Coordinator KARRIE KELLY *Giving chemo that eyeroll karrie@efortsmith.com

Don’t skip a season just yet Slow down, it’s just November. Please get a warm drink and enjoy this issue in an armchair or at a coffee shop or somewhere other than on the run. It’s only Nov. 1. Make a plan. It’s true that this issue offers many things to do but please take them one at a time. We’ve invited you to see the latest thing – the justfinished installations of the Unexpected Project. But when you go, add time to discover that there’s art all over, all the time. Permanently on display for your slow pleasure during an afternoon walk in the fall (maybe after the Thanksgiving meal) there are interesting, new installations of public art on the Greg Smith River Walk. The UAFS Windgate & Design gallery is always open when the university is in session. RAM is open six days a week (even after work). The Center for Art & Education is just across the river. There’s even an exhibit at the Fort Smith Regional Airport, if you’re traveling. That’s what the artist was doing, traveling, when he had the idea to ask if the airport would exhibit his work. There is art to discover downtown inside businesses that have become tiny art galleries themselves. Art is all around us, all the time. November is a time this community shows appreciation to our military with two parades and several other ceremonies, including a Nov. 11 fireworks display that has never been done before. There’s also a new effort to invite young veterans to share the camaraderie and service available in VFW membership – find it in the calendar of events. Old reaching to young and the young recognizing their seniors is a healthy and honorable symmetry that’s good for both ages of people.

About veterans, organizer Phillip Merry of the Christmas Honors decorations at the National Cemetery needs the hundreds of fine volunteers who work at the event to know that this year there will be a different preparation day for unboxing all the 16,000 wreaths. It will be on a Wednesday, Dec. 5, not a Friday, as has been traditional. Why such an anxious, early announcement? Because people take off work to volunteer. That’s the kind of community we have here. There is preparation for Christmas to come and even Christmas-related events that begin in November. Even so, do not let this season of gratitude pass. You may decide you are so fortunate that you can share with others through the many food drives that will begin now. Perhaps you can help make sure there’s a nice meal in every home and for every person in our community. In this time of gratitude for the good things we have, we are grateful to the businesses that help us continue to bring this free magazine to you and to you, the readers who find the magazine useful and enjoyable. It is interesting, always, to survey all of the things the people of this area think up to do. We see not just a glimpse but nearly every kind of performance, fundraiser, celebration, honor or just plain fun that our fellow residents get up to. This is a good place to live. We have visionaries and doers, traditional folks and history keepers. They all connect to make this good place what it is. Be thankful that all kinds of people cooperate to make our hometown good. We are. – Lynn Wasson

CHARLES G. HUBBARD *Grateful for your help Corporate Sales charleshubbard@efortsmith.com 479-831-3995 Bookkeeping JULIE BERCH HAMILTON *Grateful it’s you and not me doing math accounts@efortsmith.com 479-494-1888 © 2018 eFortSmith.com Media, Inc. efortsmith.com 4

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

No trades.

05.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 4:00 PM Page 5

06.qxp_Master Pages 10/25/18 5:19 PM Page 6

CONTENTS

November 2018

features

Art All Over

“Dep(art)ing Passengers” painting by Charles K. Steiner

Art All Over Town The new Unexpected Project murals are freshly painted. While checking them out, take a tour of art from the river trail to the airport, Fort Smith to Van Buren. Art is always all over town.

Downtown Lives Up to Expectations Every town has expectations of its downtown. Fort Smith is living up to many kinds of wishes and needs from preservation to progressive growth. Inside: The Fort Smith Public School District Report to the Public

departments

Flavors of the season

37 42

“You’ve just got to look” is the motto of regulars at A to Z Variety.

eve n t s

HOME & HEALTH

COOKING 30 WHAT’S Cranberry, pumpkin and apple are the flavors of the season.

EVENTS FOR KIDS Mark your calendar for parades and traditions to keep with family.

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Many performances noted here have stories from the heart behind them.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Veterans Day has traditional parades and a fireworks celebration this year.

On the cover: ‘Halite with Quartz and Bauxite,’ a permanent installation on the Greg Smith

Fort Smith to Nashville

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

River Trail. Fabricated steel. By Paul Siebenthal and Alex Cogbill

7-11.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 2:03 PM Page 7

ARTALL OVERTOWN

reshly painted, new works of the fourth Unexpected Festival are being discovered by people just now visiting downtown after a crew of international artists finished late last month. There also are works of art to be found on the new Greg Smith River Trail. The heron sculpture shown below was placed at a beautiful park area on the trail in honor of the late Greg Smith, a Fort Smith resident who volunteered for years as a blazer of city walking and biking trails and who supported parks and outdoor trails with his own efforts. The artist Annie Edmondson created a very personal memorial, commissioned by Smith’s family and friends. On the plaque on the sculpture’s base, Edmondson explains: “I created this piece with the handprints, open and closed, of three generations of his family on the heron and cattails. The brush sculptures on the base include the tines taken from Greg’s pitch fork used to clear brush on this trail.” The trail begins at the Fort Smith River Parks Events building near the new Riverfront Skate/Bike Park. Its wide, lighted concrete path allows folks who stroll, or run or ride to co-exist peacefully. It hugs the bank of the river and those who take the path will find several more recent additions of art.

Windsong II by Brian Massey

Halite with Quartz and Bauxite (Arkansas gems and minerals) Fabricated steel. By Paul Siebenthal and Alex Cogbill.

7-11.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 2:03 PM Page 8

Upcoming Arts Walk will exhibit in pop-up galleries On Nov. 4, a one-day Arts Walk set in businesses and buildings downtown will offer exhibits by many local artists in a wide variety of mediums. It will start and end at “The Redacted” Pop-up Gallery inside the Main Hall at 703 Rogers Avenue. Check in to get the Arts Walk map, which will let you board a shuttle service and obtain discounts at participating venues. Get the map stamped at each venue and return it for a free drink pass (beer, wine or soda) and a raffle for prizes from local businesses and artists. The Crumbs and Escape Tones will entertain. Venues with exhibits include the Fort Smith Coffee Co., the Artistic Bean Coffee House, Bastion Gallery, Bookish, an indie shop for folks who read, Designer Again, Olen & Co. Market, the former Rolando’s building, James R. Childers, Architect, and the Bakery District. A partial list of artists includes Jill Ledbetter, Jessi Philpott-Medeiros, Melody Smith, Nobody Support Art and Melody McIver. At 5:30 p.m., there will be a reading of The Book of Mistakes for children. Drop-in painting classes for kids at Olen & Co. Market. A photo booth with the new Unexpected mural by Northside and Southside high school art students is at Designer Again. Free. Facebook/Fall 2018 Arts Walk

Portuguese artist and master tile-pattern painter Add Fuel painted the entire 200 block of Towson Avenue, a monumental project still in progress when this magazine went to press. New installations created this year are indicated in blue in the guide to all of the Unexpected works, above.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

7-11.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 2:03 PM Page 9

HISTORICAL Two larger-than-life-sized bronze statues are the most prominent public art in downtown Fort Smith. Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves and Gen. William O. Darby were commissioned by citizen committees that raised funds to create these monuments.

PERSONAL Several downtown establishments are informal art galleries. Bookish, a new bookstore in Brunwick Place, had no sooner opened when it exhibited this Jim Horne portrait of newly elected Mayor George McGill. Horne has been prolific downtown, making portraits as it has pleased him and painting several commissioned works.

musical A pantheon of heroes to music lover Bill Neumeier, portraits of musicians no longer living are enshrined in upper windows of the Rib Room at Garrison Avenue and North 5th Street. Freddy Mercury and Janis Joplin, right, are beside Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison and Jim Morrison, all by Jim Horne. The west side of the Rib Room holds an Unexpected mural.

Van Buren Center for Art & Education offers local and regional exhibits and art classes The epicenter of creativity in Crawford County is the CAE, soon to move to a new home on historic Main Street in order to offer a larger gallery, expanded studio space and more capacity for art education classes. Admission is free. The CAE periodically hosts significant art workshops for adults, taught by nationally acclaimed instructors and organizes art-related group travel. An opening reception will be held 1-4 Nov. 4 for a Choctaw Native American Art Exhibition, through Dec. 20.

Angel Walk, Connie D. Phillips

In the Main gallery will be artist Connie D. Phillips’ renditions of the Choctaw people during the Trail of Tears and other significant legends and stories of the Choctaws. She is listed on the Choctaw Artist Registry and the National Source Directory of Native American Artists. In the studio gallery, pottery and ceramics, basket weaving and beadwork by several artists. Choctaw artists create art the same way their ancestors did. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 104 North 13th Street, Van Buren, Ark. art-ed.org

CAE has ongoing art classes for children 7-18, including curriculum for home-schooled students and an extensive summer art program. November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

7-11.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 2:03 PM Page 10

Rachel Rodemann UAFS

Windgate Art & Design is the creative center of UAFS

Steiner Exhibit at Fort Smith Regional Airport

n addition to housing the classrooms and studios of visual arts and graphic design, the Windgate building is a public gallery. On Nov. 1, an opening reception will be held for An American Vernacular, an exhibition by artist John Randall Nelson. Light refreshments will be served. Nelson creates layered, large-scale paintings that collage text and symbols to create a narrative of contemporary culture. It will run to Jan. 1. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, following the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith calendar. Free. 5-7 p.m. UAFS Windgate Art and Design Gallery, 535 North Waldron Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7290 uafs.edu

The outdoor sculpture at the Windgate is “Tossed About” by Greer Farris of Fort Smith.

Airport Gesture Painting XI, Charles K.Steiner

John Randall Nelson: An American Vernacular Genuinely, left. Body and Akasha, above. 10

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

“Dep(art)ing Passengers,” paintings by UAFS adjunct faculty instructor Charles K. Steiner, are on exhibit at the Fort Smith Regional Airport through Jan. 7. The paintings, installed at the central entrance of the passenger terminal, depict passengers waiting to board airplanes. The paintings derive from his frequent flights. To maintain his studio practice, he sketched his fellow passengers while waiting in airports across the country. “Dep(art)ing Passengers” features paintings based on those drawings. Steiner has a fine arts degree from Cornell University and a master’s of fine arts from George Washington University. His work is included in major corporate collections in New York, Minneapolis and other cities. The airport is open from 4:30 a.m.-midnight daily, with free 30-minute parking.

7-11.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 2:03 PM Page 11

RAM presents engaging art experiences from free exhibits to studio hours, kids days, lectures and juried art competitions

Louis Meluso RAM

R h lR d UAFS

ort Smith Regional Art Center’s open doors and free admission beckon downtown visitors and business employees for daily enjoyment in sunlit galleries of ever-changing exhibits, both of local artists and curated exhibits on loan from major institutions. Many people go weekly to Drop in and Draw from life models or create as a family at RAM Saturdays, art activities for all ages. Currently on exhibit are Todd Gray: Pop Geometry and outdoor sculpture by Modern Master David Hayes: the Ventana Series. Dec. 7 is an opening reception for Timothy J. Clark: Masterworks on Paper, exquisite watercolors. RAM is now inviting young professional artists of Fort Smith for a chance to showcase their artwork in a new Studio Gallery. It will soon open The William E. Knight Porcelain Gallery. Dr. Knight’s gift of more than 143 pieces of Boehm porcelains will be on permanent exhibit. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. 1601 Rogers Avenue. 479-784-2787 fsram.org The mid-century modern RAM building has a sculpture garden. Above, a Boehm owl soon to be on permanent display in a new gallery.

In the Presence of Sacred Light

Lecture by Chris B. Crosman Friday, December 7, 2018, 6-7PM Free for members, $25 for non-members

Masterworks on Paper Opening Reception: Thursday, December 6, 2018, 5-7PM FREE for members, $10 non-members 1601 Rogers Ave | Fort Smith, AR 72901 479.784.2787 | fsram.org Tues –Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 1-5pm | General admission is always FREE

Lecture will cover contemporary artist Timothy J. Clark, his work with watercolor and the history of watercolor as one of America’s most famous mediums of art throughout recent centuries. Visit fsram.org or call 479-784-2787 to purchase tickets securely over the phone. Image: Timothy J. Clark, Nessum Dorma, Watercolor, 2013 November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

12-17.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 3:38 PM Page 12

DOWNTOWN lives

owntown has never let anything pass it by. Not a river, not a fort, not a railroad, not a crossroads of two highways. Since 1817, as has been observed during Fort Smith’s Bicentennial anniversary, the city has been rooted firmly on the banks of the Arkansas. After two centuries of expansion, an area of 64.6 square miles is all Fort Smith. But downtown still owns its identity, its star on the map, its iconic images – a fort, a broad avenue, brick buildings, a place of gathering with a hum of collective energy. And while growth and commerce happen at all edges of these city limits, downtown remains a magnet, a focal point and a symbol of how we’re doing as a place. Everyone has high expectations for it. In the waning days of his two elected terms, Mayor Sandy Sanders can say that he’s “seen the needle move” in positive metrics. It has been due to numerous public/private partnerships that have made a big difference over the time he has served and those are especially apparent downtown, he said. “It has been so key to have the business sector jump in as they have in public/private projects,” he said. “The river trail, the new skate/bike park are here because of private business partnerships. Government can’t do everything.” But with participation from citizens and businesses, a city can have enjoyable activities and amenities. “As mayor, I wanted us to have a marathon. People stepped up and, in February, we’ll have the fifth Fort Smith Marathon. I hoped to mark one day for the 200th anniversary but a big group of volunteers turned that into a full year of events.” Commerce continues to spring up to meet expectations that citizens and visitors place in downtown: There is a steady increase in restaurants, night life venues, coffee houses and craft beer on tap.

to expectations

Downtown’s smaller parks and greenspaces such as Ross Pendergraft Park and Garrison Commons have become the homes of recurring artisan markets, food truck courts, diverse concerts and celebrations. Especially at night, downtown meets expectations as a central entertainment district. Its most popular restaurants also are venues for live music enjoyed with open-air dining and drinks. People are drawn down sidewalks to look over the fences and choose from music on many stages with seating on inviting patios and courtyards. By day, business steadily hums as downtown is still the headquarters of banking, courts and professional offices with the city’s convention center and major hotels near legacy industry around the edges. But even the grain elevators of O.K. Processors connected the poultry producer with downtown’s image as an art installation with one of its most spectacular Unexpected murals rising over Wheeler Avenue. This year’s project tied in Towson Avenue’s gateway to downtown with art installations on multiple blocks. Plans are underway to convert the spearhead of Garrison and Rogers avenues into a monument park with statues of three historic figures. Fort Smith’s origin point is the National Historic Site and its archives of the past are interpreted at the Museum of History. A former downtown bakery is being redeveloped as The Bakery District to take advantage of its spacious, multipurpose potential. As he prepares to pass his duties to Mayor-elect George McGill in the new year, Sanders hands this charge to his successor. “It’s our city’s intention to both retain our young people and to attract young professionals and workers to live and work here,” he said. He is pleased that the entire economy within all the city limits is rising and that downtown, our symbolic face, shows its progressive momentum.

12-17.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 3:38 PM Page 13

12-17.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 3:38 PM Page 14

DISTINCTIVE SHOPPING DISTRICT Expectations for any downtown’s shopping experiences are that they be diverse and distinctive with a strong local identity. Downtown Fort Smith meets those standards with a combination of longtime landmark stores and unique, home-owned retail of all kinds. Its treasure row is the 700 block, with the sparkling diamonds, gemstones and Rolex timepieces in the lighted windows of Newton’s Jewelers at one corner and the merchants of rare coins and precious metals, DBKJ Numismatics, at the other. In between is Sunshine & Oak, with beautiful home decor. The east end is undergoing a transformation that started with the renovation of the landmark Friedman-Mincer building as headquarters of Propak Logistics. Its tech staff will soon be near a clubby atmosphere at a new Winston’s Pipe & Cigar Emporium. Johnston’s Florist, a multi-generational, family-owned institution, endures as a trusted service, rendering love, sympathy and thoughtfulness into beautiful flowers. People carrying guitar cases are seen in and out of Garrison Music Co., supplier of all musical needs of instruments and equipment. Visible from Texas Corner’s Cisterna Park monument triangle is the ever-favorite Rolando’s, now expanded at its Brunwick Place, two-story home. Its newest neighbor in the cluster between A & B Streets is Bookish: an indie bookstore for folks who read. The bookstore has immediately become a destination for experiences of readings and lectures and is overseen by Barry the bookstore cat. It is steps away from intriguing shopping at Timeless Oddities & Curiosities and mystery-solving challenge at Cluemasters, with live escape room games. Ink artistry is happening in True Grit Tattoo Parlor. Deliciousness is happening at AJ’s Oyster House bistro and Frozen-Over Indoor Snowcones, also in Brunwick Place. At the West End of downtown, original art now adorns the outside of both Designer Again with a new Unexpected mural and Belle Starr Antiques Mall, where artist Stacy Bee has painted a mid-century modern pattern on its exterior. These establishments are for deep dives to pick up one-of-a-kind finds of antiques, collectibles, vintage and re-purposed items. Downtown is a destination of time pleasantly spent, unique discoveries and conversation over artisanal foods and beverages. Its merchants and hosts work together to blend that into the distinctive experience visitors expect to enjoy. 14

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

12-17.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 3:38 PM Page 15

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

12-17.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 3:38 PM Page 16

Downtown living The one consistent principle for 21st century development, urban or residential, is to lead people to live higher-density homes. Griffin Properties has led the way in downtown Fort Smith as a business and as leaders for preservation and adaptive re-use in its commercial properties, such as historic Adelaide Hall. It is now opening 21 North, a fourth project that has created well-designed urban residental homes. Over the last two decades, the Griffin family has created apartments over two blocks of Garrison Avenue and North Third Street storefronts. 21 North on North 4th Street is its first stand-alone conversion of a commercial property into residences. With secure, interior entrances and the amenity of covered outdoor parking, these well-appointed, one- and two-bedroom apartments offer a distinctive city address in walking distance of all of downtown’s parks, the Farmers Market and many workplaces.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Encouraged by continued full occupancy at its 401 Garrison block residences called The Breezeway, the company has acted on the idea that even more people find downtown living desirable. Griffin Properties also is trying a contemper style of leasing at offices on Rogers Avenue adjacent to the Fort Smith Museum of History, the 400 Rogers building. “We’re offering individual offices there – single offices – with shared breakrooms and conference space,” said property manager Jana Mundy. The single offices with interior entrances can meet the needs of business people with multi-city operations and oneperson professional services. The other half of the building is occupied with state agency tenants. Richard and Rick Griffin, principles of Griffin Properties, have been stalwart leaders with many contributions to downtown Fort Smith’s history, preservation and innovation.

12-17.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 3:38 PM Page 17

18-19.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 5:08 PM Page 18

DESIGNER NOTES

Variety is an understatement at A to Z ustomers never know what they may find at A to Z Variety on Midland Boulevard, because the proprietors never know what they’re going to discover to offer their clientele at bargain prices. That one category of surprising merchandise is purchased from freight sales and owner Gerrie Meek makes selections with a keen eye for value and desirability. Truly anything could turn up, she explained. That’s why A to Z “regulars” find the treasures that amaze their friends. There may be a trove of high-thread count linens or a case of gourmet olive oil, designer accessories or popular toys. Even so, these “found” treasures are displayed between areas of standing departments where the new stock is ordered just as any variety store does. There are departments of health and beauty products, cleaning supplies, home maintenance and hardware, kitchen and bath goods and pet foods “from dog to ferrets,” said Ashlynn Meek, who, with her sister Sara Meek, and their mother, Gerrie, operate the huge, lively variety store. A to Z also has a large grocery selection with canned and boxed foods and an extensive department of frozen foods. Fresh Highland Dairy products are stocked, too. EBT accepted.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Sara Meek with one of a rainbow of colors for Christmas tree ornaments and garlands.

At marked-down prices, there also are camping goods, school supplies and art supplies and picture frames. The furniture department has sofas, chairs, tables, lamps, dining tables, beds and mattresses and contemporary lighting fixtures. But wait, there’s more. One of the most popular and certainly the largest and frequently changing departments of A to Z Variety is the seasonal and floral department. This is the domain of creative floral designers led by Bill Harper, a local celebrity of floral design and the

18-19.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 5:08 PM Page 19

DESIGNER NOTES

Designed for visual interest from any side, this centerpiece by Bill Harper has A to Z florals. Ashlynn Meek, left, talks with Harper in the store’s furniture department.

secret weapon of home decorators who love seasonal themes. From autumn and harvest themes to Thanksgiving centerpieces and, the biggest one of all, Christmas, the floral department at the back of the store is teeming with silks florals, garlands, greenery, gourds, table decorations, Christmas trees and ... well, more. It is seasonal decoration heaven. On display are all the elements of floral design – single-stem silks, decorative picks, sprays, garlands and other ornaments. Pretty cemetery wreaths are available yearround. Or choose from outstanding floral pieces already created by A to Z’s floral designers. Custom designs can be ordered. A to Z Variety 2600 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith Open seven days a week

Contemporary light fixtures found at A to Z. November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

20-26.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 12:09 PM Page 20

goodies

Organic chicken and beef broth available at Paul’s Meat Market.

SkinPhD skin care products for mature skin available at Beauty Through Health.

SpaGuard Spa Complete found at Luther Stem Pools & Spas.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

20-26.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 12:09 PM Page 21

goodies

Painted metal turkeys for table and garden from Neumeier Nursery & Greenhouses.

Seasonally flavored liqueurs and whiskeys available at In Good Spirits.

Mirabella setting spray, lip gloss, brushes, sculpting powder and eye shadow collection found at Salon Elements.

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

20-26.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 12:09 PM Page 22

goodies

Coffee mug and piglet with buffalo plaid accents found at The Potting Shed.

Unique table lamps available at Mike’s Furniture.

Locally handcrafted sign from Firefly Boutique & Gifts.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

20-26.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 12:09 PM Page 23

goodies Natural, non-toxic eye makeup removal and eyelid scrub products from We Love Eyes,available at Dr. Steven Stiles, Optometrist.

45-piece Autumn Harvest dish set and cornhusk figurines found at Designer Again.

American Jewel scented Yummy Gummy wristlets from Polka-Dotted Zebra.

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

20-26.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 12:09 PM Page 24

goodies Amika moisture maintenance styler from Vanity Calls.

SoundGear Custom Fit electronic hearing protection and enhancement products for ear protection available at Center for Hearing.

Filled pottery soy candles found at Now & Then Shop.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

20-26.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 12:09 PM Page 25

goodies

Aveda’s invati products for thinning hair found at Metropolis Hair Studio.

Go-Go Elite Traveller 3-Wheel Travel Scooter from Coleman Pharmacy.

Everun running shoes with breathable mesh upper found at True Grit Running Co.

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

20-26.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/25/18 12:09 PM Page 26

goodies

Rolex Explorer II watch found at Newton’s Jewelers.

Fall throw pillow and antler wreath available at A to Z Variety.

Eleven Point mercury barrel scented candles from Zoe Bug’s Boutique.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

27.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 4:01 PM Page 27

Flavors

28-30.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:58 PM Page 28

WHAT’S COOKING

of the

Season

CHOCOFLAN 1 cup dulce de leche, divided 4 eggs 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided 1 package (two-layer size) chocolate cake mix Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 12-cup Bundt pan with no stick cooking spray. Spread 1/2 cup of the dulce de leche in bottom of prepared pan. Place Bundt pan in large roasting pan. Set aside. Beat eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla in large bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Set aside. Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla. Pour batter over dulce de leche in pan. Slowly pour flan mixture over batter. Cover pan with foil sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Carefully pour hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up side of Bundt pan. Bake 1 1/2 hours or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Transfer Bundt pan from water bath to wire rack. Remove foil. Cool completely. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight. Loosen cake from sides of pan. To unmold, invert pan onto a serving platter. Remove pan. Spoon any dulce de leche remaining in pan onto top of dessert. Warm remaining 1/2 cup cajeta. Drizzle over top. 28

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

GINGERED PUFF PASTRY 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed 4 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/3 cup large sugar crystals Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Unfold and cut puff pastry into 18 squares. Place squares 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. In small bowl, mix butter and ginger. Brush puff pastry squares with ginger butter, then sprinkle with sugar. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipes and photos courtesy of McCormick & Co.

28-30.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:58 PM Page 29

WHAT’S COOKING

CRANBERRY MACADAMIA & WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 31⁄4 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 3/4 tsp. salt 113⁄ cups butter, softened 114⁄ cups granulated sugar 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 2 eggs 4 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts 1 cup white chocolate chips Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Set aside. Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Stir in cranberries, macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoons about 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

CANDY APPLE SLAB PIE 2 packages (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts, (4 crusts), divided 2 cups sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoonground cinnamon 8 cups thinly sliced peeled Fuji apples, about 8 apples) 50 drops red food color Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring crusts to room temperature and unroll. Press two crusts onto bottom and sides of 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Press seams of overlapping crusts in middle of baking dish together to seal. Mix sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in large bowl. Add apples; toss to coat well. Add food color; toss to coat well. Spoon into pie crust. Top with remaining 2 crusts. Pinch edges of top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut small slits in top crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

28-30.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:58 PM Page 30

WHAT’S COOKING

CARAMEL APPLE SLAB PIE 2 packages refrigerated pie crusts 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 8 cups thinly sliced peeled Honey Crisp apples, (about 8 apples) 1 cup caramel topping, divided

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring crusts to room temperature according to package directions. Unroll pie crusts. Press two of the pie crusts onto bottom and sides of 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Press seams of pie crusts in middle of dish together to seal. Mix sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon in large bowl. Add apples; toss to coat well. Spoon into pie

crust. Drizzle with 3/4 cup of the caramel topping. Top with remaining two crusts. Pinch edges of top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut small slits in top crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with remaining caramel topping to serve.

31-36.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:57 PM Page 31

KIDS

calendar of events

Nov. 1 World Origami Day Let’s get the world to fold together. Celebrate origami by spreading the joy of paper-folding during World Origami Days. The possibilities are limitless, just as with origami itself. Children of all ages and their families are welcome. Free. 3:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 Nov. 1 STEAM Discover new ways to play and learn about science, technology, art and math at the same time, encouraging student investigation, discussion and critical thinking. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Nov. 1 Parenting Stress The holidays are coming, which can be a stressful time for many families. Join Child Care Aware of Northwest Arkansas to discover different coping skills and mechanisms for stress. Story time and activities will be provided for children who accompany their parents to this program. Free. 6 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 fortsmithlibrary.org

CSA presents Lion King Jr., the Musical Community School of the Arts presents “The Lion King.” A

NOVEMBER talented cast of 40 actors of the children’s theater company

16-17

will bring this popular story to the stage, directed by Shannon Stoddard with musical direction by Sheila Mann. With full costumes and colorful sets, the actors will sing and dance the story of Simba’s life journey from cub to king. After running away following the death of his father, King Mufasa, young Simba meets meerkat Timon and warthog Pumbaa, who take him to their "worry-free" jungle home. Meanwhile, under his evil uncle’s reign, the Pridelands are nearly destroyed. With newfound courage, Simba returns to the Pridelands, confronts his uncle, the truth of Mufasa’s murder is revealed and Scar runs away, pursued by angry hyenas. With peace restored in the Pridelands, Simba takes his place as king and the circle of life continues.Tickets available online, by phone or at the Community School of the Arts office. CSA box office hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. $12 for adults, $10 for children 10 & under; $8 group rate for 10 or more. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Nov. 16; 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 17. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org

Nov. 1- 5 Register Now to participate in The Wizard of Oz Community School of the Arts is enrolling students in grades 7-12 and early college for the Youth Theatre Company’s production of “The Wizard of Oz,” which will be performed in March. The CSA theater program is led by highly trained professionals who love to work with young people. The show is directed by Shannon Stoddard, with musical direction by George and Sheila Mann and choreography by Jennifer Woodside Anderson. No experience is required. Register online or by phone. $350. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org Nov. 1-29 After School Programs All students can have fun after school with a wide variety of activities for all ages, including days for Ozobots and Lego brick building. Free. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 1-Dec. 10 Community School of the Arts Spring Registration Registration is open for all spring classes and private lessons in music, theater, dance and visual art. Offerings include children’s musical theater, youth theater company, children and early teen art classes, ukulele, preschool drama, private lessons for all ages and chamber strings for advanced teen players. There will be children’s theater productions of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Tuition varies. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. CSA Offices at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org November 2018 Entertainment Fort Smith 31

31-36.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:57 PM Page 32

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 1, 3, 8, 15, 29 Alma Library Story Times Story time themes are manners, sandwiches, dessert, Thanksgiving and naps. Free. 10:30 a.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 2 Dia de los Muertos Activity Celebrate Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrated by people of Mexican heritage, by enjoying festive snacks and a movie. Tweens and teens will make a portable altar, a miniature box created in memory of a loved one. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Nov. 5 STEAM Team STEAM Team is a monthly program for children ages 812 who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The STEAM Team will build fun stuff, be active, make art and even make a mess. In November, STEAMers will learn the science behind Shrinky-Dinks during a drop-in program and can make Emoji Shrinky-Dinks to take home. All supplies are provided. Free. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Nov. 6-27 Baby & Me Babies to age 3 and their caregivers participate in songs, finger plays, bubbles, parachute play, a story, and play time. It is a chance for social interaction with both babies and their adults. This program supports early literacy and language skills. Free. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 2-30 Coding Club Kids can learn how to make computers work for them in a weekly coding club. Register for limited space. Free. 4:15 p.m. Fridays. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Nov. 3 Lights, Camera, Action! A Creative Story Time Children and their families are invited to explore literature through creative drama in this special Saturday story time with Shannon Stoddard, a teacher at the Community School of the Arts. Stoddard has a master’s degree in theater education. This program will feature the book “Lion Lessons” by Jon Agee. Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 3 Visit with Gunner the Therapy Dog Gunner and Susan come every first Saturday of the month to spend time with kids and adults on reading, confidence building and just good, old-fashioned dog time. Visits are relaxed and unstructured, so there’s room for each person to find their comfort level. Free. Noon. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Nov. 3, 10 Devil’s Den Trail Adventure From a waterfall to sandstone crevices, the Devil’s Den Trail is one of the most fascinating areas of Devil’s Den State Park. Join park interpreter Mystina to discover some of the animals, plants and natural forces that can be found along this beautiful, scenic trail. This moderately strenuous trail is a 1½-mile loop and will take about 1½ hours to hike. Wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water. Meet at the visitor center flagpole. Free. 3-4:30 p.m. Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325 Nov. 3, 10, 17 Weekly Story Time Toddlers and children are invited to read, sing and do a craft or an activity together. The story time is designed to be fun while building literacy skills and confidence. Free. 1 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Nov. 5 Friends of the Library Family Story Night Enjoy stories like “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves.” There will be stories, crafts, lots of fun and a thankful tree. Add a leaf or two. All ages welcome. Free. 6- 7 p.m. Sebastian County Library, 18 North Adair Street, Green, Ark. 479-996-2856 32 Entertainment Fort Smith November 2018

Nov. 6 Toddler Time & MomLife Fitness Toddler Time is for babies, toddlers and their caregivers. This 30-minute story time features stories, songs, puppetry, finger plays, manipulatives and flannel stories. Special care is taken to select shorter, developmentally appropriate stories and provide lots of opportunity for movement. Directly following this week’s Toddler Time, an activity features MomLife Fitness, a fitness program for moms that specializes in pre- and post-natal fitness. Babies and toddlers participate in strollers. Free. 10 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Nov. 5 Monday Movie Night: Justice League Fueled by his restored faith in humanity, and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Rated PG-13. Free. 6 p.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 fortsmithlibrary.org

Nov. 5-7, 13-14, 26-28 Teen Time Teens can learn a life skill, play games, craft and more during teen time. Nov. 5, World Tour (Australia); Nov. 26, cooking; Nov. 27, card-making. Free. 3:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045

Nov. 6 The Lion King Jr. Preview Show The talented cast of Community School of the Arts will give a preview of their upcoming production. These 39 students in grades 3-6 will entertain with musical selections from the popular show. The African savannah comes to life with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as Simba journeys from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again. Free. 4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Nov. 7-28 Ozobot Driving School Want to join the Coding Club for ages 6-10? Earn an Ozobot Driver’s License first. Work through an Ozobot activities packet and pass the final test, then you’re ready to go. Advance registration is required by phone or at the front desk. Free. 4:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

Nov. 7, 14, 28 Story Time: Toddlers and Preschoolers Join Ms. Lara and read stories, sing songs and do activities together. Free. 10 a.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Nov. 7, 14, 28 Story Time Children’s story time is a great experience where kids hear new stories, sing songs, make crafts, make friends and check out books. Free. 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 8 Teen Leadership Committee This is a group of teens interested in becoming more involved in their community or library. Teens can give input on library young adult collections, help lead/create programming, volunteer at events, organize community service projects and influence how their library serves teens. Earn volunteer hours that will enhance college applications. Free. 3:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Nov. 8 Autumn Lanterns Join the library by enjoying a fall craft. Tweens and teens use the colors of fall to make a beautiful, festive lantern. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 crawfordcountylib.org

31-36.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:57 PM Page 33

Nov. 15 America Recycles Day Help keep your park beautiful! Join park staff for some fun activities about litter and discover more about what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. The national recycling rate has increased over the past 30 years. The current recycling rate is 34 percent. You can make a difference. Free. Devil’s Den State Park, 11333 West Arkansas 74, West Fork, Ark. 479-761-3325

Nov. 9 Film Friday Enjoy popcorn, drinks and a movie. When a new rooster arrives on the farm, things start to change. The rooster convinces the others they can learn to fly and escape their egg-laying life. Their need for flight becomes a little more desperate when a pie-making machine comes to the farm. Can they learn to fly or will they end up in a pie? Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 15 DIY Dream Catcher Tweens and teens will make their own dream catchers, a traditional Native American craft that is said to bring good dreams and restful sleep. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Nov. 16 Film Friday The continuing story of Flint Lockwood, who has accidentally created living creatures made of food called “foodimals.” This is what happens when his crazy invention is supposed to turn water to food. Popcorn and drinks are provided. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Nov. 17 Private Meet & Greet and Breakfast with Santa Enjoy Breakfast with Santa and be one of the first children to share their wish list with him. Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Cinderella and Santa’s elves will all be there to greet little ones. Also, three winners will be the first to meet Santa before his official arrival at Central Mall. Each of the three winners can bring up to four guests to join in on the fun. The VIP Meet & Greet includes 20 minutes with Santa and a deluxe photo package at the Santa set. Visit the Central Mall Facebook page or website for full details on how to enter. Free. 10 a.m. Central Mall Food Court, 5111 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-1866 CentralMallFortSmith.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 18 Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Meet favorite Nutcracker characters for a delightful afternoon of lunch, delectable desserts and snacks, and fun Nutcracker and Christmas crafts. Children may take photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Cavalier, Clara and other cast members. Nutcracker and Christmas items will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Western Arkansas Ballet, a 501c3 dance academy and preprofessional company. Tickets, available online through Nov. 11, $30 each; $350 for tables of 10. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Riverfront Pavilion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0152 waballet.org

Nov. 19 Bookworms Book Club The young readers club will discuss “Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever, yet, disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. Enjoy fun discussion, crafts and snacks and pick up next month’s book. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Play While Your Money Grows OPEN AN T ACCOUN ! Y A D O T

2.5

% Interest Rate*

First Savers Savings Account for Minors (Birth to Age 18)

*2.5% Interest Rate and 2.53% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is paid on balances up to $2,500 and 0.30% interest rate and APY paid on balances above $2,500 each quarterly statement cycle. Interest compounded daily. Must be under the age of 18 to qualify for a First Savers account. First Savers accounts will be converted to regular savings accounts upon the minor’s 18th birthday. Visit one of our Team Members today for qualifications. Must have a minimum of $0.01 to open the account. No monthly service fees. Rates subject to change at the bank’s discretion. APY and interest rate may change after the account is open. A person of the age of 18 years or older must be on the account with the minor to open the account. APY effective as of August 15th, 2018.

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

31-36.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:57 PM Page 34

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Greenwood High School presents ‘Tarzan, the Musical’ NOVEMBER The Greenwood High School Musical Theatre

15, 17

is swinging onto the stage with the king of apes and his lady love. Orphaned as a baby and adopted by gorillas, Tarzan meets Jane Porter and both of their lives forever change. Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s “Tarzan of the Apes,” this musical production features heart-pumping music by rock legend Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang. This is a must-see show that spotlights some of Greenwood’s most talented students. $5 adults, $3 students. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 17. Greenwood High School Performing Arts Center, 515 East Gary Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-4142 greenwoodk12.com

Nov. 19 LEGO Club: Skyscrapers Kids, tweens and teens are invited to design, create and build unique creations with the Lego Club. This month’s theme is skyscrapers. Supplies are provided – just take your imagination. Free. 5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Nov. 20, 27 Teen Club Tweens and teens are invited to make “Weird Food Combos” Nov. 20 and a poetry activity Nov. 27. Free. 4 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Nov. 21 Thanksgiving Story Time A Thanksgiving-themed story time features stories, songs and a craft for pre-school and elementary-aged children. Stay for a Pilgrim Party following story time. Free. 10:30 a.m. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650

Nov. 21 Thanksgiving Pilgrim Party Share in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Immediately following story time, enjoy Thanksgiving crafts, a snack buffet, coloring and other activities. Wear appropriate Thanksgiving costumes, if you wish. Open to all kids of ages and their families. Free. 11 a.m.-noon. Dallas Branch Library, 8100 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5650 34

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Nov. 21-Jan. 1 Rhema Christmas Lights Join more 200,000 annual visitors at this lights display and witness more than 2 million lights and more than 100,000 shimmering bulbs synchronized to Christmas music. This much-loved lights display in Broken Arrow began in 1982 and has been attracting thousands of visitors since. Drive through the lights, get out of the car and walk around the park, or view the spectacular displays from a carriage. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available on select evenings. Don’t miss the Rhema Park bridge, complete with more than 90,000 lights draped across the bridge alone. Synchronized to both classic and modern Christmas music, these lights have delighted visitors of all ages. While there, enjoy concessions that include cups of hot chocolate, piping hot coffee or sweet apple cider while venturing into the displays. Popcorn, funnel cakes and other treats also will be available. Free; donations accepted. Rhema Bible Church, Rhema Bible Church, 1025 West Kenosha Street, Broken Arrow, Okla. 918-258-1588 Nov. 22-Dec. 31 Castle Christmas Experience one of the world’s largest collections of holiday inflatables and Christmas lights. Take a drive through the kingdom’s winter wonderland and enjoy more than 1,000 displays in various holiday scenes ranging from 4 to 20 feet in height. Take the whole family and hop on an old-fashioned tractor-drawn hayride or chug along on the train throughout the Christmas village. Castle Christmas also features camel and pony rides for the kids and a special visit from Santa or Father Christmas. Visit the holiday gift shop and create a festive ornament with Santa’s elves or enjoy a free holiday movie shown at the castle. Make your way to Muskogee for a breathtaking, old-fashioned Christmas celebration. Free; donations accepted. 5:3010 p.m. The Castle of Muskogee, 3400 West Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee, Okla. 918-687-3625 Nov. 23-Dec. 1 Polar Express Pajama Party Bring the magic of Christmas alive with a trip to the Polar Express Pajama Party in Muskogee. This exciting event welcomes guests to the Roxy Theater where they will receive their golden ticket. While watching the movie “The Polar Express,” each guest receives a take home hot chocolate event mug and a free bag of popcorn. After the movie, you’ll be transported over to Three Rivers Museum on the bus (train) where you can get your picture taken with Santa and receive a surprise gift. 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Roxy Theater, 220 West Okmulgee Street, Muskogee, Okla. 918-686-6624

Nov. 23 Green Friday Crowded stores, short tempers, and congested traffic … sounds lovely, right? Avoid the headaches of Black Friday and, instead, create enjoyable memories by spending your day at Lake Fort Smith State Park. Join park staff for a hike, a bike ride, a picnic or just sit back and watch the glittering water of Lake Fort Smith from a rocking chair on the back porch. Treat yourself to a Green Friday! Contact the park for a schedule of events. Free. Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Sheperd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469

Nov. 23-25, Dec. 10-12 A&M Railroad’s Van Buren Holiday Express Pajama Train Children of all ages can enjoy the magic of the holidays on this one-hour, round trip Holiday Express Pajama Train. The ride includes hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa. Also available on the 6:30 p.m. round trip, at an additional cost, is the Holiday Pizza Express. Purchase advance tickets online: $25 adults, $15 children 3-12. Departures times vary from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Old Frisco Depot, 813 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-725-4017 amtrainrides.com Nov. 26 Feather Necklaces Craft Make a special craft of feather necklaces, using simple crafting items and colorful feathers. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

31-36.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:57 PM Page 35

Nov. 27 Classic Christmas Movie Tuesday evenings through December, take a camp chair to enjoy free movies with popcorn. 5:30 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 27 Teen Lounge: Cupcake Wars Calling all teen cupcake lovers to compete in the Teen Lounge Cupcake Wars. Just like the TV show, teens will compete with each other to see who the best cupcake decorator will be. The winner will receive a $10 gift card and bragging rights. All supplies are provided. Ages 13-18. Free. 4-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Nov. 27 Polar Express P.J. Story Time & Movie Children are invited to wear their pajamas to a special evening story time. Start the night with a reading of “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, followed by a fun craft. Those who want to stay after the story time are invited to watch the movie “The Polar Express” (PG) while enjoying delicious hot chocolate. Free. 6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Nov. 28 Mommy & Me A story time for babies, toddlers and their parents or caregivers. Free. 10 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Nov. 29 Preschool STEAM: Fizz, Boom, Read, & Experiment Science play will nurture a child’s natural sense of adventure and curiosity. It will help develop understanding of the natural world. Play can introduce a child to basic elements of scientific reasoning. The Youth Services Department, in collaboration with the Fort Smith Public Schools’ preschool program, invites children ages 3 to 6 and their families to participate in a fun science-filled afternoon. Drop in to join the science-based activities, including hands-on learning and experiments. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 29 Just Dance Wii It’s time to move it, move it. This week’s activity is a miniature dance party. Tweens and teens are going to play Just Dance on the Wii. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Nov. 29 Story Time Wanda Meadors will host the first story time in the library’s new, enlarged Wanda Meadors Kids Room. Enjoy stories, songs and crafts. Free. 10 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Nov. 29 Story Time Plus A story time designed for grades K-2 with crafts and themes that may continue for the entire month. This is not your little brother/sisters’ storytime. Free. 4 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

31-36.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:57 PM Page 36

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Addams Family bringing drama to the Alma stage NOVEMBER “The Addams Family” features an original

29 1-2

story and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of DECEMBER darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And, if that weren’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. Presented by the Alma High School Performing Arts. Call or go online to purchase tickets. $15 adults, $10 students. 7 p.m. Nov. 29, Dec. 1; 2 p.m Dec. 2. Alma High School Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main Street, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Nov. 29 Teen Book Club The theme is science fiction. Free. 4 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Nov. 30 Film Friday Enjoy popcorn, drinks and a movie. Surly the squirrel has accidentally destroyed the Liberty Park animals’ stash of food for the winter. He must come up with a plan to restore the bounty. Soon, he hatches a plan to rob a local shop. Unbeknownst to him, the shop is actually a cover for the mob who is planning to rob the local bank. Can Surly pull off a heist to find more food? Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Frontier Trails BEST Robotics Competition What is BEST? Take plywood and a box filled with items such as PVC pipe, screws and other hardware, an irrigation valve cover, piano wire, aluminum paint grid, a bicycle inner tube, a BRAIN (BEST Robotics Advanced Instruction Node programmable platform), and something called a micro-energy chain system and try, within six weeks, to design and build a functioning machine that can perform certain, specific tasks in three minutes. What do you get? You get BEST, a middle and high school robotics competition whose mission is to engage and excite students about engineering, science, and technology as well as inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. Students learn to analyze and solve problems utilizing the Engineering Design Process, which helps them develop technological literacy skills. Free. 8 a.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-8932

Dec. 1 Lights, Camera, Action! A Creative Story Time Children and their families are invited to explore literature through creative drama in this special Saturday story time with Shannon Stoddard, a teacher at the Community School of the Arts. Stoddards has a master’s degree in theatre education. This month’s program will feature the books “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” and “Bearrobics.” Free. 10:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Dec. 1 Jingle and Mingle on Main Street Christmas Festival Enjoy Old Town Christmas charm at Historic Main Street’s Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market and Open House. The day will include horse-drawn carriage rides, photo opportunities with Santa and for families, hot cocoa, carolers, a new twist on the tradition of living windows, and door prizes. The unique shops of Main Street will also offer refreshments and Open House promotions. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479- 922-6862 vanburen.org

Dec. 3 STEAM Team STEAM Team is a monthly program for children ages 8-12 who have an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Every first Monday, the team will build fun stuff, be active, make art, and even make a mess. In December, STEAMers will join the country in celebrating Hour of Code. Children will learn how algorithms work with an obstacle course, make binary bracelets to wear home and play with Ozobots. All supplies are provided. Free. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Dec. 8 Winter at the Lake Take the whole family to the park for this one-day winter event. There will be programs, crafts and more. Activities will be going on all day. The day will end with the ceremonial lighting of the park’s Master Naturalist bird feeding tree. Free. Lake Dardanelle State Park, 100 State Park Drive, Russellville, Ark. 479-967-5516 Dec. 10-12 A&M Railroad’s Van Buren Holiday Express Pajama Train Children of all ages can enjoy the magic of the holidays on this one-hour, round trip Holiday Express Pajama Train. The ride includes hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa. Available on the 6:30 p.m. roundtrip, at an additional cost, is the Holiday Pizza Express. Purchase advance tickets online. Hourly departures from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Old Frisco Depot, 813 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-725-4017 amtrainrides.com

37-41.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 9:58 PM Page 37

MUSIC

& performance

Larry Pearson, John Robert Cunningham, Ricky Young, Tommy G. Cunningham, Tom Ware, Mark Albertson, Larry Mathews and Richard L. Boyett after a 2017 rehearsal.

TJ “Peaches” Cunningham Memorial Fundraiser is about good music, love and guitar lessons for kids NOV

“Peaches” certainly had loving, talented musical friends and relatives. Friends and family of the late T.J. Cunningham, a fine musician himself, remember him with this party and concert annually, to raise funds for a ongoing music program in the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs.

Jack Ingram Nov. 2 Jack Ingram Jack Ingram is a country singer, songwriter and guitarist. He has released nine studio albums, one extended play, six live albums and 19 singles. The country singer’s song “Wherever You Are’” was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs back in 2006. Since then, Ingram has sent six other songs into the country Top 40 with “Love You,” “Measure of a Man” and “Barefoot and Crazy.” Free. 10 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825 choctawcasinos.com Nov. 3 True Grit & Grind Burlesque Presents: 3rd Annual Halloween Hangover Fort Smith’s longest-running burlesque troupe celebrates its 3rd Annual Halloween Hangover. This glittery gore fest features a mix of classic burlesque with the spirit of Halloween in ways that must be seen to be believed. Featured guest dancers from Hot Springs’ Foul Play Cabaret include Violet D’Vine, Doris Night and Rosa Lee Bloom. Doors open at 9:30 p.m., show at 10:30 p.m. $10 cover. 21 and older. 10:30 p.m. Old Town Grain & Feed, 503 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark 479-653-2961 Todd Mosby

In memory of Cunningham and his love of music, his family created a program in 2009 at the Boys and Girls Clubs to set children off on a lifetime of playing. Kids who join the program at the clubs learn to play guitar and other instruments and some receive their own instrument. The children are taught to read and play music, and the value of persistence and good citizenship, by encouraging teachers and role models. The entertainment, most of them Cunningham’s lifetime musical friends, will be by the Rain Kings (Greg Cook, Kaelin Pratt and Rick Tinder) and the Dodging Bullets All-Star Band (Ricky Young, Mark Albertson, Tom Ware, Rick Boyett, Larry Mathews, Larry Pearson and John Cunningham). Special guests are the Mr. Cabbagehead & the Screaming Radishes Horn Section. All of these musicians are members of other bands who come together in creative collaboration to put on a wonderful night of music. “All-Star” is correct, even though this group only convenes once a year. Many of these musicians were noted, and were asked to perform, in a recent Fort Smith Museum of History presentation called “The Music that Moved Fort Smith.” The live auction and especially the door prizes are very exciting. A great dinner is included. Tickets are $40, available by phone. 6:30-11 p.m., Fianna Hills Country Club, 1 Essex Place, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-7861 Instructor Larry Pearson with a group of guitar students learning together in the T.J. Cunningham music program at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club.

Nov. 3 Todd Mosby New Horizons Ensemble This six-member contemporary acoustic instrumental supergroup creates a blend of new acoustic music with reimagined classics by Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Neil Young. A guitarist’s guitarist, Mosby, leads. He is a two-time Global Music Award recipient, two-time Global Peace Song nominee and was on the 2017 Grammy ballot in three categories. An innovative guitarist, composer and improvisor who creates an intriguing combination of new age, jazz, folk and world music, Mosby’s music is genre-defying. $25. 7:30 p.m. UAFS Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. uafs.universitytickets.com November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

37-41.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 9:58 PM Page 38

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Nov. 3 Shane Smith & The Saints These five gentlemen pride themselves on their ability to unleash an amazing performance. From the formation of the chords and lyrics by Shane, to joining their fiddler Bennett Brown, lead guitarist Tim Allen, bassist Chase Satterwhite and drummer Zach Stover, each song is brought to life by every member of this band. Despite the fact they don’t fit easily into any musical category, this band is here to put on an amazing show you won’t want to miss. Free. 10 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825 choctawcasinos.com/choctaw-pocola/entertainment/

EHSS Nov. 4 Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and The Martins Since 2003, Ernie Haase has built Signature Sound into one of the most popular and beloved quartets in all of Southern Gospel music. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound gains fans all around the globe with its unique performances and unmistakable four-part harmonies. Ernie Haase and Signature Sound has been Grammy nominated and is a GMA Dove Award winner. Siblings Joyce, Jonathan and Judy, collectively known as the Martins, have countless radio hits and performances at concert halls, arenas, auditoriums and churches worldwide. During the 1990s, the Martins rose to national and international success, showcasing their distinctive harmonies for audiences, from Bill Gaither’s award-winning Homecoming Video and Concert Series to the White House to Carnegie Hall. Over the years the trio has won eight Dove Awards, as well as a Grammy nomination. $22-$38. 3 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org

Singer/songwriter JD Clayton releases his first EP Young musician finds his groove in Nashville sessions NOV

If a musician is lucky, a moment can arrive when all his creative drives and abilities come together and feel just right. J.D. Clayton found that moment when recording five songs for an EP in a Nashville recording session, with musicians he had only just met. He’s ready to share those new songs in a live performance at Harry’s downtown. J.D.Clayton “When we sat down to record the first song, the weight of it all kind of came down on my shoulders,” he said. The session musicians whom he and the producer, Thomas Dulin, had chosen were players he had long admired and followed. Clayton sat in a vocal booth, separated from the session players in the studio at The Planetarium. With his own songs lined out in simple chord charts by the producer, Clayton was thrilled to hear other musicians bring all their talents to his music.

“It was incredible,” he said. “The first cut starts with me playing alone and singing. When the bass and drums came in, I almost fell out of my chair. When that happened, I lost my mind. I was just trying to focus. It was the best feeling ever.” Clayton said it was humbling to be playing with musicians he liked so much. It was a one-day recording session. But with meaningful questions, the players asked to understand the feelings he was trying to convey in each cut. Their artistic collaboration encouraged him to believe in his abilities, he explained. “It doesn’t matter, all the past times that my earliest recordings didn’t turn out the way I had wanted,” he said. The experience gave him a goal of getting back into the studio soon with the right material for a full album. “Smoke Out the Fire” is the title of the five-song EP, which will be released the day after the Nov. 8 debut party. Download and stream it everywhere or through his website, jdclaytonmusic.com. The first cut of the EP, “Twenty-Two,” picked up good reviews when it was released in late October. Clayton graduated from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and Southside High School. He married Claire Stovall in 2016; their wedding was featured in Entertainment Fort Smith. He is a freight broker with Propak Logistics and she is completing a degree in nursing. Music has always been a part of his life. While balancing a career and marriage, the experience of recording “Smoke Out the Fire” fuels his dream of pursuing music professionally, he said. He plays harmonica and keyboard along with guitar and was encouraged from a young age by his grandfather, a musician. He played guitar with his father, John Clayton, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith, and was influenced by his dad’s musical tastes. Clayton’s own style is, loosely, Americana. His songwriting has an open-hearted honesty and authenticity.

The Martins 38

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Clayton will perform songs from the EP with bandmates Jeremy Trobaugh, Landon Turner, Nicholas McFarland, Nick Shirl and Grayson Stewart, with singers Amy Maurer, Cami Testerman and Brandon Bolin. The Allison Grace Duo will open. $5. 7 p.m. Harry’s Downtown, 508 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-308-3662

37-41.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 9:58 PM Page 39

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Nov. 8 The Gaither Vocal Band in Concert Some of the best-loved voices in gospel music. The evening is hosted by Bill Gaither and features the band members and more special guests. $23-$36. 7 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 855-484-1991 gaither.com Nov. 8 Travis Meadows All the pain, the battles with self, searches for faith and for sobriety – and the struggle to keep it can be heard in the music of Travis Meadows. One of Nashville’s most emotionally genuine singer/songwriters performs with his band. Tickets online. 7:30 p.m. 801 Media Center, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. artistaudiencecommunitylive.com Nov. 9 Matt Stell Stell has opened up for some of the biggest country acts of the last decade, including Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Jake Owen. His goal is to create songs that you feel are written by the kind of guy you want to party with. Free. 10 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825 choctawcasinos.com Nov. 10 Radio Romance A fusion between traditional country and ’90s pop, Radio Romance has introduced their sound to country music fans nationwide alongside some of the genre’s top acts including Cole Swindell, Lee Brice, and Luke Combs. Free 10:00 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825

Nov. 10 Local Color Radio Hour: A Live Show and Podcast A live radio-style program of music, history and fun with some entertaining “history heads.” Loosely in the style of “A Prairie Home Companion,” the live show has musicians Joe Hardin, The Numskulls, Maggie Janes Jones, Steve Heinrichs and more. “History Matters” and segments called “On Display” and “Little Known Facts” will be presented by museum and historic site directors Tom Wing, Leisa Gramlich and Caroline Speir. Marcus Woodward shares a memory of Christmas in Rome. Special guests Cody Faber and Loren McLane are the Rambling, Roving Rangers from the Fort Smith National Historic Site. The radio drama “Hanged at Logtown” by Terrence Dean of Van Buren is based on a historical hanging. Proceeds support the Drennen Scott Historic Site and Fort Smith Historic Site. $5. 7:30 p.m. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-783-7841

FEAST YOUR EARS. KUAF November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

37-41.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 9:58 PM Page 40

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Nov. 17 David Lee Murphy David Lee Murphy is a country music singer and songwriter best known for his No. 1 country hits “Dust on the Bottle” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” He has five solo studio albums and co-writes for Reba McEntire and Jason Aldean. He was nominated for the CMA Award for Musical Event of The Year 2018 for his single “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” Free 10 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825

TEN Tenors Nov. 12 Season of Entertainment 38: TEN Tenors The TEN Tenors are one of Australia’s greatest entertainment success stories, with more than 90 million people worldwide witnessing their charm, camaraderie and vocal power. The TEN Tenors are a premier classical-crossover group. With a colorful repertoire, breathtaking arrangements and powerful performances, the Tenors tip their hats to the great classical composers and contemporary music’s most popular artists, from Buckley to Bocelli. $33, $35. 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com Nov. 15, 17 GHS Presents Tarzan The Greenwood High School Musical Theater swings onto the stage with the king of apes and his lady love. Based on Disney’s animated musical and Edgar Rice Burrough’s “Tarzan of the Apes,” the show features heart-pumping music by Phil Collins and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang. It spotlights some of Greenwood’s most talented students. $5 adults; $3 students; VIP $25, by phone, online and at the door. 6:30 p.m. Greenwood Performing Arts Center, 515 East Gary Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479- 996-4142 greenwoodk12.com Nov. 16 Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights A hard rock/blues rock band named Best Group, Best Male Vocalist and Best Blues Act by the Dallas Observer Music Awards. Top hits include “Pardon Me,” “Young & Free” and “Hot Sake,” all of which have been featured on networks such as NBC, FOX and ESPN. Free 10 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825 Nov. 16-17 CSA Presents Lion KIng, Jr Community School of the Arts presents a talented cast of 40 actors of the children’s theater company, directed by Shannon Stoddard with musical direction by Sheila Mann. With full costumes and colorful sets, the actors will sing and dance the story of Simba’s life journey from cub to king. Tickets online, by phone or at the CSA office. $12 adults, $10 children 10 & under; $8 group rate for 10 or more. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Nov. 16; 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 17. Office hours are 9 a.m.6 p.m. CSA Office at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. Performances at King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren. 479-434-2020 csafortsmith.org 40 Entertainment Fort Smith November 2018

Miss K Nov. 18 Heal, Change, Stand II Performance A local dance troupe presents a unique performance created by choreographer and Arkansas native Miss K, Katrina Steward. Dancers 6 and up will perform outdoors at the McClure Amphitheater. Miss K teaches dance in Fresno, Calif., and Fort Smith. An award-winning choreographer and national dance competition winner, she has danced in GCP’s “HairSpray,” “Dreamgirls” and “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” She is a performer for the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder. She was Miss Black Arkansas USA 2006. The 18-minute piece is adapted from her award-winning modern dance choreography, “Heal, Change, Stand.” Tickets, $8 for ages 3 and up, are available online. 12:45 p.m. McClure Amphitheater, 7201 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. mkbd.org Nov. 20 UAFS Jazz Fall Concert The energetic and entertaining Jazz Band delivers topnotch performances by talented student musicians and world-renowned guest artists. The Jazz Catz are one of the area’s most outstanding vocal ensembles. Free. 7 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. Nov. 23 Runaway June An all-female country trio whose song “Wild West” earned them a 2018 ACM nomination for New Vocal Group of the Year. Bluegrass tradition fused with their own influences creates a style of music fans have been craving since The Dixie Chicks. Free. 10 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825 Nov. 24 Steve Brack This country music singer/songwriter has six self-produced albums, with No. 7 in the works. Brack has written a couple hundred songs on his own before branching out and writing with other hit songwriters. Top hits include “Bikers Creed” and “The Driller.” Free. 10 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825

Fort Smith Chorale Nov. 29 Fort Smith Chorale Christmas Concert The Fort Smith Chorale’s “Carols by Candlelight” concert is a musical tradition that has ushered in the area’s holiday season for 37 years. This year’s program, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” will inspire imaginations and bring back family memories and traditions with such songs as “Away in a Manger,” “Joy to the World” and “Ave Maria.” “Mary Did You Know,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Silent Night” may elicit reminiscences from church services of years ago. A specially commissioned work commemorating Fort Smith’s Bicentennial celebration will be premiered. The wonderful poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Moore and arranged by Harry Simeon will highlight the performance. $15. 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-242-7464 fortsmithchorale.com Nov. 29 Season’s Greetings Concert Start off the holiday season with live performances of holiday hits by the UAFS Symphonic Band, Choral Ensembles, Jazz Catz and special guests celebrating with songs of the holidays. Free. 7 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 Nov. 29, Dec. 1-2 AHS Performing Arts Presents The Addams Family Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change on the fateful night the Addams Family hosts a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. 7 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 1; 2 p.m. Dec. 2. $15 adults, $10 students, available by phone or online. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almanac.org

37-41.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 9:58 PM Page 41

MUSIC & PERFORMANCE Nov. 30 Backroad Anthem The country/rock band Backroad Anthem has six members whose music can be described as contemporary country, but each member adds different influences from hard rock to bluegrass and ’90s country. Free 10 p.m. Choctaw Casino & Resort, 3400 Choctaw Road, Pocola, Okla. 800-590-5825

Dec. 7-9 Keyboards at Christmas Using four grand pianos and a choir, Oak Cliff Baptist Church celebrates the birth of Christ. Keyboards At Christmas includes traditional Christmas music in a variety of piano and choral arrangements. Special guests are pianists Dr. Rosilee Walker Russell and Gini Law. Free. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 . Oak Cliff Baptist Church, 3701 South Gary Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3891 oakcliffbaptist.com/keyboards-at-christmas

Jim Lauderdale

TubaChristmas Dec. 1 TubaChristmas TubaChristmas is a free concert of well-known and loved holiday music performed by tuba and euphonium players. All brass bass players are invited to participate (see the website.) It’s “deeply” fun for the whole family and includes a visit by Santa. Free. 11:30 a.m.-noon. King Opera House, 427 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-926-4794 tubachristmas.com Dec. 1 Fort Smith Symphony: It’s Time for Christmas This concert features a tremendous array of music for the entire family performed by a huge full symphony orchestra. Teaming up with the orchestra will be the Fort Smith Chorale, the Fort Smith Symphony’s Kool Cats Jazz quartet, instrumental and vocal soloists. “Sleigh Ride,” “Silent Night,” “The Nutcracker,” “The Messiah,” as well as film scores from “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Polar Express” and “King of Kings.” Holiday Jazz music and Christmas arrangements by the Trans Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller will make this a Christmas celebration to remember. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. fortsmithsymphony.org Dec. 6 First Thursday Films: Ensemble, c’est tout (Hunting & Gathering) This 2007 French comedy drama directed by Claude Berri stars Audrey Tatou, Guillaume Canet, and Laurent Stocker. Camille (Tatou) is an artist who works as cleaning lady in the evenings. Philibert (Stocker) is a postcard salesman who is temporarily living in his grandmother’s grand Parisian apartment. He has rented part of it out to the gruff and womanizing Franck (Canet), who is also an up and coming cook. This trio manages to live together and learn from each other. English subtitles. It is not rated but has some adult content. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

Peter Noone Dec. 8 Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits At the age of 15, Peter Noone found international fame as lead singer of the legendary ’60s pop band Herman’s Hermits. His classic hits included: “I’m Into Something Good,” “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry VIII,I Am” and “There’s A Kind of Hush,” Herman’s Hermits sold more than 60 million recordings including 14 singles and seven gold albums. With his band, Noone consistently plays to sold-out venues. $27-$42 8 p.m. Alma Performing Arts Center, 103 East Main, Alma, Ark. 479-632-2129 almapac.org Dec.9 Season of Entertainment: Mannheim Steamroller Chip Davis, creator and musical director of this powerfully arranged fusion of classical, orchestral, rock and new-age fusion performed with live musicians and synthesizer, leads Mannheim Steamroller. His unique take on traditional Christmas music has become some of the most popular holiday recordings ever and this concert will show why. His Christmas recordings increased to comprise a boxed set of multiple albums and 250 radio stations across the United States air a 12-hour program of Mannheim Steamroller holiday music annually. A light show enhances the show. $53-$55. Two shows: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ArcBest Performing Arts Center, 55 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7300 uafs.universitytickets.com Mannheim Steamroller

Dec. 12 Jim Lauderdale at AACLive Winner of multiple Grammy Awards, singer/songwriter and sideman Jim Lauderdale has released at least one, and sometimes as many as three, records every year since 1998. He is the second most recorded writer in George Strait’s canon of country music, as well as having been responsible for country hits for Patty Loveless, George Jones, Mark Chesnutt and the Dixie Chicks. He’s recorded albums with Dr. Ralph Stanley, the North Mississippi Allstars, Donna the Buffalo, Elvis Presley’s band, Elvis Costello and Buddy Miller. Lauderdale has also written whole albums with long time Grateful Dead collaborator Robert Hunter. AACLive presents this fine ambassador of Americana in an acoustically awesome venue to enhance the enjoyment of really listening to a great musician. 7:30 p.m. 801 Media Center, 801 North A Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-629-5750 Annie Moses Band

Dec. 15 Christmas with the Annie Moses Band PBS sensation and Emmy-nominated, award-winning folk group Annie Moses Band, known for its fiery string playing and soulful renditions of beloved American songs, is touring with its popular holiday show, Christmas with the Annie Moses Band. A perennial holiday favorite with audiences across the country, Christmas with the Annie Moses Band features music from its made-for-TV special that stands on the PBS charts as one of the most played specials of the season. From spirited renditions of “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen,” “Deck the Halls” and “The Sussex Carol” to the breathtaking beauty of “O Holy Night,” Annie Moses Band invites fans to share in this evening of music meant to be invigorating, reverential and transporting. $15. 6:30 p.m. Greenwood Performing Arts Center, 515 East Gary Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479- 996-4142 greenwoodk12.com November 2018 Entertainment Fort Smith 41

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:35 PM Page 42

CALENDAR of events

Nov. 1 First Thursday Films: The Apartment This Academy Award-winning 1960 movie (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenwriting) was directed by Billy Wilder and stars Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine in Oscar-nominated performances. Lemmon plays an employee who allows his bosses to use his apartment to conduct their affairs, in hopes for a promotion. Instead, complications and a romance of his own ensues. Free. 6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Nov. 1 Fort Smith Musical Coterie Meeting The Coterie program will feature a Parade of American Music with duets and a presentation on “Anthems That Unite Us.” Refreshments will be served. Free. 10 a.m. Home of Denise Weakley, 12511 Dunston Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-414-2239

Riley and Millican photos reveal small universes NOV

1-30

Two observant photographers will exhibit their work at the Miller Branch Library in November, with an emphasis on closer looks at natural subjects. These images contains tiny worlds captured with macro lenses.

Tracy Riley’s photographic journey began by making photos of her daughter. She gained further experience making photos of dogs for a local animal shelter. Riley is passionate about macro photography. She loves discovering and sharing the lives of the tiny things she finds with her macro lens. Larry Millican has been shooting nature scenes, landscapes and close-up macro images since 1986, before digital photography. He is familiar to many photographers as a teacher and expert at Bedford Camera & Video and he has led the Photographic Alliance. More of his work can be seen at millicanphotography.com. Free. On exhibit during library hours. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 fortsmithlibrary.org 42

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Nov. 1 John Randall Nelson: An American Vernacular An opening reception will be held for an exhibition by artist John Randall Nelson. Light refreshments will be served. Nelson creates layered, large-scale paintings that collage text and symbols to create a narrative of contemporary culture. This exhibition marks the second installment of the 2018-2019 Gallery Series, and will run to Jan. 1. Reception 5-7 p.m. Nov. 1. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, following the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith calendar. Free. UAFS Windgate Art and Design Gallery, 535 North Waldron Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-788-7290 Nov. 1, 5, 8, 15, 26, 29 Yoga for All Ages Try learning to practice yoga to create strength, awareness and harmony in the mind and body. The physical benefits of yoga include increased flexibility, muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality, balanced metabolism, weight reduction, cardio and circulatory health and protection from injury. It can be practiced by people of all different abilities, including seniors. Free.10 a.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853 Nov. 1-30 Mr. Rogers’ Sweater Drive Won’t you, please, help a neighbor? The Alma Public Library will be participating in the Mister Rogers’ Sweater Drive in November. Help build a “neighborly feeling” by donating new or gently used sweaters. Every item donated earns a ticket to enter a prize drawing. Free. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 1-Dec. 31 Fort Smith Public Library Holiday Food Drive Help out local families in need by donating to the annual Library Holiday Food Drive. One in five people in our area are struggling, one in three rural Arkansas children live in food insecure homes. Drop off your non-perishable food items at any Fort Smith library location. Donations will be accepted all hours that the library is open; all food collected will be given to the Community Clearing House to help the hungry in the Fort Smith area. Free. All library locations: Dallas Branch, 8100 Dallas Street; Miller Branch, 8701 South 28th Street; Windsor Branch, 4701 Windsor Drive; Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:35 PM Page 43

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 1-Feb. 28 Hannah House Holiday Matching Challenge Donors and the Hannah House Board of Directors have joined to give $20,000. They challenge individual donors to contribute to match that amount. The fundraising goal is $40,000. Four ways to give are by phone, by text to 479-888-4006; on the website or by mail to P.O. Box 1672, Fort Smith, AR 72902. Hannah House, 418 South 17th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-5683 hannahhouseark.org Nov. 2 Drawing with Ryan Starkey It’s never too late to learn to draw, even in adulthood. Local artist Ryan Starkey will lead free, interactive drawing classes at the Miller Branch Library during the month of November. He will be teaching techniques using pencil and charcoal. Ryan’s paintings have been on display at numerous locations in Fort Smith and at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. No registration is required for this program for adults. Free. 1-2 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Nov. 2 Inspiration Book Club The book discussed will be “Enrique’s Journey” by Sonia Nazario. Free. 10 a.m. Meet at the Kirskey Park Community Center. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Nov. 2-3 Northside Class of 2008 10-Year Reunion The 10-year NHS reunion includes tailgating at the Northside/Southside football game, a Saturday afternoon class tour of NHS and a dinner and party in downtown Fort Smith. Tickets, $50-$60, are inclusive of all events. 5:30 p.m. tailgate Nov. 2; 3 p.m. school tour and 6 p.m. dinner, both on Nov. 3. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com/10 Year Reunion-Northside High School Class of 2008. Connect on Facebook in the group Northside Class 2008 FTSM. Nov. 2-3 Arkansas River Holiday Market This two-day shopping event will offer more than 100 vendor booths. Holiday Market will feature exciting and unique gift-buying opportunities to start the holiday season. Food trucks, live music, finger foods and lots of door prizes. $5 admission. 5-9 p.m. Nov. 2 is Ladies Night. Open to everyone from 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Nov. 3. Expo Center, Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Blvd., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-719-0736 arholidaymarket.com Nov. 2-3 Bentonville Dia De Los Muertos This is the first Bentonville Dia De Los Muertos Festival, a family-friendly event commemorating the exuberant Mexican holiday that celebrates life and honors the memory of those who have died. Enjoy mariachi music and take along a photo of a loved one to embellish at festival art tables, where art supplies are provided. There will be a community altar to honor loved ones, where the photos can be placed. Activities are held at two locations: the Museum of Native American History, 202 Southwest O Street, and Peel Mansion Museum and Heritage Gardens. Free. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Peel Mansion Museum; Museum of Native American History, 400 South Walton Boulevard, Bentonville, Ark. 479-254-3870 Facebook/Bentonville Dia De Los Muertos

You’re Invited!

Please join us for an exciting Pyromusical Fireworks Salute honoring the U.S. Military.

Compliments of J&M Displays Soundtrack can be streamed via one of the Fort Smith Radio Group stations below or J&M Displays mobile app (scan QR Code).

SOLID GOLD

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 44

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 2-5 Friends of the Sebastian County Library Book Sale Calling all book lovers to the annual book sale at the Sebastian County Library’s Greenwood branch. Friends of the Library members can shop first at a preview sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 2. The sale is open to all Saturday-Monday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 3; 1- 5 p.m. Nov. 4 and 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Held in the library’s garage. Sebastian County Library, 18 North Adair Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-2856 Nov. 2, 16, & 30 Redwork Stitching Circle Redwork is a form of embroidery that uses floss to trace simple line drawings. It became popular during the Victorian era as women searched for new ways to decorate. To learn redwork, take an embroidery needle, an embroidery loop, red floss, envelopes and a shoe box. Members are happy to teach new stitchers and share designs and ideas. Free. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Deanna Cagle

Library exhibits photos by Cagle and Leonard Photography by Deanna Cagle The photography of Deanna Cagle will be shown in the community room at the Main Library through the end of the year. Cagle, a Greenwood resident, pursued photography for about 13 years, and finds inspiration in mountainous landscapes and wildlife. Local beauty and breathtaking images from Grand Teton National Park and Canada are featured. A member of the Fort Smith Photographic Alliance, she has won awards at the Lawn & Garden Show, the Arklahoma State Fair and the Stewart, B.C., Bear Festival.

NOV

Photography by Michael Leonard In Dewey’s Café, see the award-winning work of Michael Leonard. Recognized for unique printing and presentation techniques, he has inspired and trained many other photographers in his dramatic style of color and infrared photography. He spends every free minute he can exploring and photographing our country. His work has won local and regional competitions, toured with the Arkansas Arts Council’s “Small Works on Paper” and has been exhibited in Missouri, Texas and Arkansas. Leonard has lived in Fort Smith since retiring from the Navy in 1994. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Michael Leonard

Nov. 3 Downtown Fort Smith Arts Walk This exhibit of multiple artists starts from one point and has stops all throughout downtown Fort Smith. Pick up a map at the starting point, 703 Rogers Avenue, where a “The Redacted” Pop-Up Gallery holds the first exhibit. Then, walk or take a shuttle service around the downtown area to venues such as Fort Smith Coffee Co., Artistic Bean Coffee House, Bastion Gallery, Designer Again, Bookish, Olen & Co. Market and the Bakery District to see a many local artists exhibiting their artwork, giving demonstrations or presenting interactive art experiences. Bookish offers a story time at 5:30 p.m. Opportunities for kids are provided, such as chalk drawing. Everyone will be invited to add their own wishes to a “Wishing Tree” installation by artist Melody Smith. Along the Arts Walk route, live music or discounted beverages are available to map holders. Get the map stamped and turn it in for a chance to win raffle items from participating venues. 1-8 p.m. Main Hall Pop-Up Gallery, 703 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. Facebook/Downtown Fort Smith Arts Walk theartswalk.com Nov. 3 Ingrid Gipson Sculptures Open House The artist holds an open house and an unveiling celebration of a new series of sculptures, “The Lighter Side of Life.” Enjoy food, live music and outdoor painting demonstrations by guest artists. Ingrid Gipson Sculptures, 60674 River Lane, Hodgen/Big Cedar, Okla. 918-839-0067 ingridgipsonsculptures.com Nov. 3 and Dec. 1 Walk with a Doc Begin a walking program open to anyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. Meet with local doctors and future doctors from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine for a fun walking program. Participants will learn about important health topics, have questions answered by local physicians, build new friendships and enjoy an informal, relaxed walk. The event will start off with a 5-minute health talk by Dr. Kate Buffey, followed by a self-paced walk for the rest of the hour. No special gear is needed. Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and walk alone, with friends, family or with a group. 10 a.m. Creekmore Park, 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. Facebook/wwadARCOM

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 45

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 3 ABC Fest: Apples, Beer and Chili ABC stands for apples, beer and chili. Sample apple desserts, homemade chili and craft beer at an event that also is a cookoff and brewing contest. Prizes will be awarded to the makers of the home-brewed beer and dishes. A ticket includes a mug for beer-tasting and all the chili and apple desserts you can eat. $20. 7-11 p.m. Christ the King Parking Lot, 1920 South Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. eventbrite.com/abc-fest 2018 Nov. 3 Ouachita Art Celebration Mena Art Gallery’s 5th annual indoor/outdoor street festival of arts related activities features hands-on adult and kid crafts and art instruction, acting and dance performances, live music, professional face painting, flint knapping, culinary demonstrations, art of falconry, a fashion show, art galleries and restaurants. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mena’s Downtown Arts District, 607 Mena Street, Mena, Ark. 479-243-3043 menaartgallery.org Nov. 3 VFW Post 8845 Open House and Membership Drive Welcome to all veterans, active duty, Guard, Reserve, retirees and non-retired – and their families. Everyone in military service is invited to become a member of this VFW Post. Lunch will be available. A Veterans Service Representative will be present. Take DD214’s and any other pertinent paperwork for assistance. 1 p.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8845, 3005 Tilles Ave., Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-8394 facebook.com/Jim.Taylor.VFW.Post.8845

Nov. 3 Elk’s Lodge 341 Veterans Dinner Elk’s Lodge members serve this annual, free Veterans Dinner to any veteran and one guest as a way to give thanks and show respect for their service. The lodge will open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served promptly at 6 p.m. There will be live entertainment. Free. 6-8 p.m. Elk’s Lodge 341, 5504 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-478-1060 Nov. 3 Denim & Diamonds Dinner, drinks, live entertainment, silent auction and more are the entertainment at this fundraiser benefiting Western Arkansas Ballet. Wear your favorite jeans and best bling. Tickets are available online. $55 single; $400 reserved tables for 8 with bottle service. 7 p.m. Fort Smith Glass Pavilion, 100 North B Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-7858-0152 waballet.org Nov. 3 Hike with the TrailBlazers at Petit Jean State Park TrailBlazers Hiking Club will walk the Seven Hollows Trail at Petit Jean State Park, a beautiful 4.2-mile trail with super scenic spots nearly every step of the way. This mountainous park trail has large bluffs, boulders, waterfalls and a natural bridge. It is rated moderate. Take lunch and water. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Home Depot parking lot, Fort Smith, to carpool and/or caravan to Petit Jean. Non-member, able hikers are welcomed to tag along on Trailblazer outings. Every hiker is responsible for packing their own food, water and supplies and follow safety rules. 8 a.m. Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Near Morrilton, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com

Nov. 3 Embroidery Class: Turkey Applique Pillow Cover Use your embroidery machine to learn to make a scallop turkey applique design. This class will teach how to load an applique design, how to stitch out the design and how to sew a pillow cover. Register by phone. $20 includes the materials and design. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Nov. 3 Adult Recess: Chew & Chat The holidays are right around the corner and Adult Recess is needed more than ever. Prepare a favorite dish, take the recipe to share and possibly discover a new addition to your menu for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Free. 2-3:30 p.m. Windsor Drive Branch Library, 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0405 fortsmithlibrary.org Nov. 3 11th Annual Black Tie Bingo Gala The Fort Smith Public Library Endowment annually hosts this fabulous night of fine dining, exciting bingo games and outstanding raffle items in support of the Fort Smith Public Library Endowment Trust. Daren Bobb and Erika Thomas will be the emcees for the evening. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Don Bailey Jazz Ensemble and Terri Bailey on the keyboard. Proceeds support the programs and services of the Fort Smith Public Libraries. Seating is limited; tickets are available for $150 each. 7-11 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 46

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2018 Election Information Early Vote Centers and Hours Saturday Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday Nov. 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. All eligible voters in Sebastian County will be able to cast their vote at any listed vote center. Sebastian County Courthouse Ben Geren Park Tornado Shelter Creekmore Park Community Center Greenwood City Hall Council Room Harvest Time

Room G8, 35 South 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 7200 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 30 Bell Road, Greenwood, Ark. 3100 Briar Cliff Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

Election Day Nov. 6 – Vote Centers 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. All eligible voters in Sebastian County will be able to cast their vote at any Vote Center listed below on Election Day. Grand Avenue Baptist Church Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center St. Luke Lutheran Church Creekmore Park Community Center St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church First Baptist Church, Fort Smith Goddard Methodist Church St. John Episcopal Church Nelson-Hall Beckman Center Windsor Library Ramsey Junior High Tornado Shelter Temple Baptist Church Orr Elementary School Tornado Shelter Southside Senior Center Harvest Time Tabernacle Forefront Church Eastside Baptist Church Cliff Terrace Assembly of God Church Ben Geren Park Tornado Shelter Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church Rye Hill Baptist Church Grace Lutheran Church Union Baptist Church Lavaca First Baptist Cornerstone Freewill Baptist Greenwood City Hall Hackett Fire Center Huntington City Hall Hartford Masonic Lodge Midland City Hall Bonanza Assembly of God First Southern Baptist Central City Witcherville Community Building Faith Baptist Church, Jenny Lind Milltown-Washburn Fire Department Mansfield City Hall 46

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

3900 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 4400 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 5401 Free Ferry Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 3301 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 2701 Old Greenwood Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 1922 Dodson Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 215 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 2100 North 31st Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 4701 Windsor Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 3201 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 5100 South 31st Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 3609 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 3100 Briarcliff, Fort Smith, Ark. 10300 Jenny Lind, Fort Smith, Ark. 2710 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 3301 South 66th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 7200 Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 1301 Frank Street, Barling, Ark. 11512 Old Hwy 71 South, Fort Smith, Ark. Hwy 71 South, Greenwood, Ark. 8300 North Hwy 252, Lavaca, Ark. 100 W Main Street, Lavaca, Ark. 29201 Ark.-22, Charleston Ark. 30 Bell Road, Greenwood, Ark. 205 Hwy 10 Southwest, Hackett, Ark. 223 East Broadway, Huntington, Ark. 12 South Broadway, Hartford, Ark. 204 North 3rd Street, Midland, Ark. 701 McConnell Street, Bonanza, Ark. 12 West Central Avenue, Central City Ark. 18 Buckner Way, Huntington Ark. 14511 Old Jenny Lind Loop, Fort Smith, Ark. 6573 East Hwy 252, Greenwood, Ark. 200 North Sebascott Street, Mansfield, Ark.

Nov. 3-4 Immaculate Conception Ladies Auxiliary 49th Annual Holiday Bazaar This annual IC Ladies Auxiliary Bazaar will showcase handmade items by its members, including quilts, dolls, needleworks, wreaths, floral arrangements, wooden gifts, crafts and more. A country store will sell the auxiliary’s famous featherbed rolls, cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, jellies, candies and cookies. Live plants, Rada knives, casseroles to go, silent auction and raffle items are also available. A children’s booth entertains the kids. Lunch will be available from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Bazaar hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-noon Sunday. Free. 9 a.m. Immaculate Conception Parish Center, North 13th Street and Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-648-8675 Nov. 4 40th Anniversary of the Boys Shelter Celebrate the Boys Shelter at an open house and give appreciation for foster parents, with speakers U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, Mayor Sandy Sanders and Keith Larkin of MediSav Pharmacy. Lunch at noon. 10 a.m.noon. Boys Shelter, 5904 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-2819 Nov. 4- Dec. 20 Choctaw Native American Art Exhibition The Center For Art & Education is proud to present a Choctaw Native American Art Exhibition. The main gallery will feature Connie D. Phillips’ renditions of a moment in time of the Choctaw people during the Trail of Tears and other historically significant legends and stories. Phillips is listed on the Choctaw Artist Registry and the National Source Directory of Native American Artists. In the studio gallery, several artists will show pottery and ceramics, basket weaving and beadwork. The opening reception is 1-4 p.m. Nov. 4. Light refreshments and music. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Center For Art & Education, 104 North 13th, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-7767 art-ed.org Nov. 5 Free Diabetes Information Seminar Attend a free seminar to learn about managing diabetes, with Mercy certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians. Guest speakers are Dr. Frederick Niegos, endocrinology; Dr. Christopher Greer, ophthalmology; Dr. Raj Rammohan, podiatry; and Jenna Siebenmorgen, MS, RD, LD, CPT. Register by phone. Free. 5:30-8 p.m. Mercy Hospital-Hennessy Room, 7301 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-314-6722 mercy.net/Diabetes18 Nov. 5 Sewing Class: Pumpkin Party Coaster Set These festive fall coasters will be perfect for holiday tables. Materials provided will make a set of six coasters. Register by phone. $20. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Nov. 5 Mountainburg Friends of the Library Meeting Friends of the Library group is a 501c3 organization dedicated to serving the Mountainburg Public Library and its patrons. Volunteer, publicize, raise funds and help the library be the best library it can be. All are welcome to pitch in their own abilities. Free. 3:30 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 47

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 5 Mountainburg Library Book Club Adults choose books to read together and discuss while enjoying refreshments. Free. 5 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Nov. 5-26 Ballroom Dance Lessons Learn to dance to enjoy exercise and a lot of fun. Mike and Lisa Lawrence teach group dance lessons every Monday. The dance style they teach changes every month. Dress attire is casual. See the Facebook group “Step in Time Dance Class” to connect with this social dance community. $5 per person per night. Advanced lessons from 6:30 p.m.; beginner lessons, 7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072 Nov. 5-Dec. 31 Come Clay and Create With Us Pinch pots, coil pots, slabs and wheel throwing. Come Clay with Us to make baskets, bowls and more. Learn basic cylinders to make bowls, mugs or learn handbuilding for cubism and modernism forms. Choose from more than 500 ceramic molds to learn to pour slips, cleaning, glazing and firing to create one of a kind pieces of ceramic. A mosaics class is coming soon. $85 and up. 1-5 p.m. Cre8ive Arts Network, Inc., 7408 Buckhorn, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-357-9079 Cre8beartsy.com Nov. 6 Election Day Nov. 6 is a national election day. All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate will be contested. In addition, 39 state and territorial governorships, as well as numerous other state and local elections, also will be contested. Vote! It is the most important right of a citizen. Nov. 6 Cutting the Cord: Cable-Free Options for TV Entertainment “Cutting the Cord” refers to cancelling cable or satellite subscriptions in favor of alternatives such as streaming video services, both free and paid. Learn if you want to join the growing number of Americans who are “cutting the cord.” Become less overwhelmed by the numerous options available. The program will cover available streaming services, explain the required devices and the pluses and minuses of cutting the cord. Free. 6 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 79-646-3945 Nov. 6 Adult Craft Class Register for a monthly craft class for grownups only, where all supplies are provided. Meet at the Kirksey Park Community Center. Free. 1 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Nov. 6 Teen Suicide Prevention Youth to adults are invited to attend a program to raise awareness about teen suicide and how to prevent it and find help for people in danger of harming themselves. Free. 4 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 48

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 6 Vista College Learn about Vista College in Fort Smith, the courses and degrees it offers and how to apply for admission. Free. 6 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Nov. 7 Book Club “Quiet” by Susan Cain will be the featured book. Meet at the Kirksey Park Community Center. Free. 10 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Nov. 7-28 Weekly Meditation A class for anyone who needs to destress, reconnect or find inner peace. Regular meditation practice can reduce high blood pressure, lessen the risk of heart attacks, decrease stress, help manage anxiety, increase awareness and improve mood, memory and productivity. The simple method is easy to learn and do. Sit, breathe and repeat (as needed). Free, donation based. 5:15-5:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Yogaterrium, 2712 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-2187 yogaterrium.com

Art for a New Understanding Native Voices,1950s to Now Through Jan. 7, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will host a new exhibition of Native American artists. Organized by Crystal Bridges, it features 80 artworks, including paintings, photography, video, textiles, sculptures and more, created by 40 Indigenous U.S. and Canadian artists. Artists include Tulsa-based Shan Goshorn, who makes social critiques through baskets, Spiderwoman Theater, three performanceartist sisters and Cannupa Hanska Luger, creator of the Mirror Shield project for Oceti Sakowin Camp near Standing Rock, N.D., to be used by the water protectors. Other influential American artists in the exhibition include T.C. Cannon, Kay WalkingStick, Fritz Scholder, Anita Fields and Jaune Quick-toSee Smith, who are part of Crystal Bridges’ permanent collection. Admission is free. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Closed Tuesday and Thanksgiving Day. Crystal Bridges, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Ark. 479-418-5700 crystalbridges.org Melissa Cody, World Traveler, 2014 3-ply wool, aniline dyes, wool warp & 6-ply selvedge cords, 90x48 7/8 in. Tribal Affiliation: Navajo

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Nov. 8 Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia An educational program presented by the Alzheimer’s Association-Arkansas Chapter. Learn about the effect of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia and the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Understand risk factors, current research and treatments available to address some symptoms. Become aware of Alzheimer’s Association resources. Free. 2 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Nov. 8 Adult Craft Party: Quilling Quilling is an art form using strips of paper to create decorative designs. Learn to roll, loop, curl, twist and manipulate paper by design to make a lovely fall craft. Free. 2 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 8 Military History Trivia with Bow Tie Joe In honor of Veterans Day, join Joe Luebke for Military History Trivia Night. Test your knowledge of military history. Potential topics include great American battles, famous or infamous officers, U.S. military bases, the founding of each military branch, military slang and acronyms and much more. There will be prizes for the first-, second- and third-place teams. Teams can be of any size, but do not blame the host if one of your teammates talks you out of a right answer. Luebke is a local attorney, history enthusiast and museum board member, as well as a weekly trivia night host, emcee and question writer. Refreshments will be available, including beer and wine for adults. Donations are welcomed at the bar. View the museum’s Veterans Day Exhibition in the Boyd Gallery honoring all veterans. The exhibit includes artifacts of local veterans and the museum also hold extensive materials and memorabilia concerning Gen. William O. Darby and other local citizens who served in all U.S. military operations. $7 adults; $5 veterans/military; $2 children; under age 6 are free. 6-7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

Nov. 8 Andy Griffith Show Fan Club: Mayberry on Main All “Andy Griffith Show” fans are invited to a gathering each second Thursday of the month for a good time talking about their favorite show. Enjoy Mayberry trivia, interesting knowledge about the cast of actors and other fun, fan community facts about the longrunning and much-beloved show. Free. 6-7 p.m. Chapters Coffee Shop/BookStore, 816 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-9315 Nov. 8 Sip Shop Support: Fashion Show for the CES Grab the girlfriends and support the Children’s Emergency Shelter at a night of fashion, shopping, dinner and more. The Children’s Emergency Shelter, along with sponsors Orr Chevrolet and First Security Bank, will host a fashion show fundraiser with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, an Italian-themed pasta bar, a fashion show of clothing and accessories, and shopping opportunities. Wonderful raffle prizes, including a Vahan bracelet donated by Newton’s Jewelers and valued at more than $2,600, will be awarded throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit Fort Smith’s Children’s Emergency Shelter and the children it serves. The CES makes a home for children 6 and older who have been removed from their home by the Department of Human Services due to neglect and/or abuse. It provides shelter and care in a safe, structured, home-like environment and allows kids in crisis the opportunity to “just be kids.” Raffle tickets are $25 or 5 for $100. Event tickets available online or by phone. $65 per person. Tables of 10, $750. 6-10 p.m. Hardscrabble Country Club, 5211 Cliff Drive, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-242-5771 childrensemergencyshelter.org Nov. 8 Mercy Charity Premier Patrons Party Premier patrons of the Dec. 7 Mercy Charity Ball will enjoy a patrons party with entertainment by comedian Cowboy Bill. Admission to the party comes from purchases of tables for 10 (or more) reservations and sponsorship contributions with other premier perks and after-party admission at the Dec. 7 main event. Complete package descriptions are available by phone or online. The Nov. 8 Premier Patrons Party will be held at Temple Live, 200 North 11th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-314-1131 mercy.net/ftsmcharityball Nov. 9 Drawing with Ryan Starkey Have you always wanted to learn to draw? Local artist Ryan Starkey leads free, interactive drawing classes at the Miller Branch Library in November. He will be teaching techniques using pencil and charcoal. Starkey’s art has been exhibited in Fort Smith and at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. No registration is required. Free. 1-2 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Nov. 9 Redwork Embroidery A circle of stitchers gathers to enjoy redwork, a simple form of embroidery of red thread on light-colored fabric. Many a tea towel or pillow case has been decorated with bright, cheerful redwork design. Take a large swatch of muslin, red embroidery floss, an embroidery needle, and a hoop. All skill levels welcome. Free. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 crawfordcountylib.org

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 49

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 9 Bingo for Books The combination is fun – play bingo, win books. All players go home with at least one book. Free. 10-11 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 9-10 A Past & Present Christmas Quilt Show Blackgum Harvestime Church Sewing Sisters will hold their first quilt show. Entries will be Christmas themed. Browse many quilts, a vendors area and a gift boutiques. Drawings for door prizes. A Christmas Cafe will offer soups, chili, cornbread and desserts. $5 admission. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Blackgum Harvestime Church, 451558 East 980 Road, Vian, Okla. 918-773-8929 facebook.com/quiltsofpastpresent Nov. 9-10 Holiday Bazaar Supports Gifts for Others This charitable bazaar will have handmade baby quilts, aprons, Christmas ornaments, Christmas trees and crosses, decorative pillows and more. A huge bake sale also will have frozen casseroles and lasagnas. Lunch served both days at 11 a.m. with homemade chili, crackers or cornbread, fried pickle, dessert and drink for $5. Buy a raffle ticket for a beautiful handmade quilt to be given away on Nov. 12. Proceeds will be used to purchase gifts for residents of local nursing homes, patients of the VA hospital, families at the Ronald McDonald House, Sheriffs Youth Ranch residents, Salvation Army clients and several other area organizations. Free. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. American Legion Post 31 Building, 4901 Midland Boulevard, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-221-6884

Nov. 9-10 Annual Pecan and Fruitcake Sale The Pilot Club of Fort Smith will be selling fresh crop, 1-pound bags of mammoth pecan halves along with fruitcakes, pecan logs; glazed, chocolate-covered and cinnamon pecans; pecan clusters and cashews. Proceeds will benefit local non-profit organizations relating to Alzheimer’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease research, Community Services Clearinghouse, Fountain of Youth Day Care Center, an autism seminar and many other local, non-profit organizations. Call to purchase pecans after Nov. 10. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Woodlands Hills Methodist Church, 7804 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-5633 Nov. 10 Walk of Hope for Huntington’s Disease Participate in the 18th Annual Walk of Hope Fundraiser to raise funds that will help local patients with Huntington’s Disease. A traveling trophy will be awarded to the team that raises the most money. Huntington’s Disease is an inherited brain disorder that gradually takes away the ability to walk, talk and reason. There currently is no effective treatment or cure. Approximately 30,000 Americans have the disease and more than 150,000 more are at risk of inheriting it from a parent. Once considered rare, Huntington’s affects as many people as cystic fibrosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Walk and visit the silent auction to help pay for clinical research. The Pilot Club will sell pecans and fruitcakes to raise funds, as well. 8-11 a.m. Creekmore Park Community Building, 3301 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-5209

Nov. 10 Hike at Fitzgerald Mountain The TrailBlazers Hiking Club will make an outing to Springdale’s Fitzgerald Mountain. There are soft-surface trails for hiking and biking. Hike about 5 miles, rated moderate. Take lunch and water. Meet at Cloverleaf Plaza parking lot in Van Buren for an 8 a.m. departure. 8 a.m. Fitzgerald Mountain, Dodd Avenue, Springdale, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com Nov. 10 Van Buren Library Author’s Day Meet and talk with local authors. Works will be available in a variety of subjects. Autographed books will be available. Show appreciation for local authors. Free. 1-3 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 10 Library Clean Up Day Get together with other volunteers to clean the outof-the-way corners, dust the shelves, do light repairs and a little light yard work to keep the new Mountainburg library in tip-top shape. Simple sandwiches provided at noon. Donations of fall-planted perennials and cleaning supplies can be dropped off the week before. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Nov. 10 RM Snider Book Signing Author Rachel Snider has three novels in her River Series. Books available for purchase and signing. Free. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Chapters on Main, 816 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-471-9315

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 50

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Many parades, honors and exhibits observe Veterans Day Area shows appreciation for all U.S. Armed Forces NOV Van Buren Veterans Day Parade

The 17th annual Veterans Day Parade will roll down Van Buren’s historic Main Street. Participants are to line up at the Crawford County Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. Spectators may line the sidewalks to watch the lighted floats of the evening parade. Free parking is available in municipal lots. To volunteer or participate, contact Les Thomas Jr. by phone or vbvetparade@gmail.com. Free. 6:30 p.m. Downtown, Historic Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-652-3374

NOV Museum of History Veterans Day Exhibit

The Fort Smith Museum of History will honor our local veterans with a special Veterans Day Exhibit in the Boyd Gallery. Featured in the Veterans Day Exhibit: an oil painting of Gen. William O. Darby by Judy Ware; the suitcase used by Nic Wintory to flee Nazi Germany in 1939; artifacts of Larry Reed, Fort Smith High School graduate, Vietnam veteran, Green Beret and Purple Heart recipient; a painting and journal by Emery “Swede” Lundquist, Pearl Harbor survivor; a uniform of Admiral Edward Walter Eberle, one of Fort Smith’s famed admirals; and military commissions of Gen. Benjamin Bonneville, early solider at Fort Smith and a famous resident. Join the museum in honoring our local veterans. The exhibit runs through Dec. 31. $7 adults; $5 veterans/military; $2 children; under age 6 are free. 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org

NOV Chaffee Crossing Veterans Day Parade

One of the best-attended celebrations of each year is this annual Veterans Day Parade held in the Historic District of Chaffee Crossing, formerly Fort Chaffee. The historic district includes preserved World War II barracks, the Barbershop Museum and Chaffee History Museum and its quiet, shaded streets allow for comfortable vantage points for spectators, as well as ample time for the long and colorful parade. On the march are area high school students of ROTC programs, bands, military and community associations of Vietnamese veterans and citizens, and floats and vehicles honoring veterans of all branches of the Armed Forces of all wars. Some individuals march in honor of their veteran relatives. This year the parade honors veterans of the Cold War era, which includes veterans from all wars between 1946 and 1992. At 11 a.m. is a ceremony for Presentation of Medals at Chaffee Memorial Plaza. The parade begins at noon. At 1:30 p.m. is a Veteran Honors Ceremony. Participate in the parade by registering online at chaffeecrossing.org. All events this day are free. Parking is free. Chaffee Crossing Historic District, bounded by Taylor Avenue, Darby Avenue and Terry Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-452-4566 50

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

NOV National Cemetery Veterans Day Ceremony

This Veterans Day, set aside annually to honor all members of the U.S. Armed Forces, is also the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Originally known as Armistice Day, it marked the ceasing of hostilities of World War I, formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Local military organizations organize speakers and a ceremony that begins traditionally at 2 p.m. Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark.

NOV Fort Smith Veterans Day Fireworks Salute

As a Fort Smith Bicentennial event, Mayor Sandy Sanders has announced there will be a Veterans Day Fireworks Salute at Ben Geren Regional Park. Synchronized with the fireworks, the audience can listen to a soundtrack of patriotic music. It will be available as a smartphone app that can be obtained by swiping the QR code found on page 43. The soundtrack can also be heard on stations of the Fort Smith Radio Group: The Fort 94.5 FM, Kool Oldies 104.5 FM or KFSA 1230 AM/96.7 FM. The event is free. 6:30 p.m. Ben Geren Regional Park, 7200 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark.

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 51

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 10 Native Conversations: Sun, Moon, and Starlore The Museum of Native American History hosts speaker Caitlin Ahrens, the Pluto Manager on KUAF 91.3. She will delve into the fascination of constellations. There is a mixture of cultural stories and certain astronomical events, such as the annual Leonid meteor shower, noted by glyphs on the Dakota Winter Counts. The counts are pictorial history records of important events of each year. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. Museum of Native American History, 202 Southwest O Street, Bentonville, Ark. 479-273-2456 monah.us Nov. 10-18 Give Where You Live 5News Food Drive Share in the joy of the giving season while shopping at Harps Foods or Price Cutter or dropping by an Armstrong Bank branch. During this 5NEWS food drive, everyone can reduce hunger in the River Valley with the gift of just a few cans of food. The food drive helps the River Valley Regional Food Bank provide nutritious staples to struggling families and individuals through its 187 hunger-relief partner agencies. Participating drop-off Harps and Price Cutter grocery stores are in Alma, Clarksville, Fort Smith, Van Buren and Waldron. Armstrong Banks in Fort Smith also are drop-off locations. Items most needed are canned meats, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables and pasta sauces, as well as peanut butter, cereal, 100 percent juice, pasta, rice and personal hygiene items. On Nov. 14 in the afternoon, 5NEWS chief meteorologist Garrett Lewis will be at the Harps Foods at 3401 South 74th Street in Fort Smith. Harps Foods Stores, Price Cutter and Armstrong Bank locations. Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0582 rvrfoodbank.org Nov. 10-Feb. 9 True Grit Half Marathon Training Program Designed to help runners train for the 2019 Fort Smith Half-Marathon, this program can be used to train for any spring half-marathon. The program focuses on gaining endurance to complete a half-marathon to each runner’s best ability. Receive a schedule and instruction on how to properly prepare, including pacing, nutrition, hydration, form and training principles. Monthly clinics in November, December, January and February address various aspects of endurance running. Participants will meet every Saturday morning until the Feb. 10 Fort Smith Half-Marathon. Register online at eventbrite.com/True Grit Running Co. 8 a.m. Saturdays. True Grit Running Co., 6808 Rogers Avenue, Suite B, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-3571 truegritrunningco.com

NPR’s Steve Inskeep: Rule of Law and the Indian Removal

NOV

The U.S. Marshals Museum will host NPR Morning Edition co-host and author Steve Inskeep for a “Rule of Law” public lecture in Little Rock. As part of his remarks, he will discuss the effects, then and now, of the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Senior Circuit Judge Morris “Buzz” Arnold, 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, will introduce the program and moderate a Q&A session. Inskeep is the co-host of Morning Edition, a nationally broadcast daily news program of National Public Radio. His recent book “Jacksonland” is a historic account of President Andrew Jackson’s long-running conflict with John Ross, a Cherokee chief who resisted the removal of Indians from the eastern United States in the 1830s. In 1839, Ross’ wife, Elizabeth “Quatie” Ross, fell ill on the Trail of Tears and died in Little Rock. Her headstone lies in Little Rock’s Mount Holly Cemetery. The U.S. Marshals Museum is set to open on Fort Smith’s riverfront in 2019. The national museum will honor the sacrifice of marshals killed in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to place their lives in harm’s way, as they enforce the Constitution. The museum will focus on civic literacy and the rule of law, and feature five immersive galleries – Defining Marshals, The Campfire: Stories Under the Stars, Frontier Marshals, A Changing Nation and Modern Marshals. Admission is free but registration is required by Nov. 9 at theruleoflaw.eventbrite.com. 6 p.m. Lecture location is the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Jack Stephens Center, 2801 South University Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. The U.S. Marshals Museum administrative office is at 14 North 3rd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-709-3766 usmmuseum.org

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 52

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 14 The Book Lovers Club The only requirement for this club is that you love to read. Read whatever you like, fiction or non-fiction, and give a short report on up to three titles. The club meets the second Tuesday of every month. Free. 10:15 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 13 Recipe Club Every month, members choose a theme, then cook and take a dish and recipe to share with the group. November calls for everyone’s best fast and easy dish. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

Friends of the Fort are recruiting new members to present popular festivals, tours, trials and programs NOV The Fort Smith National Historic Site is a landmark, the city’s namesake and its

premier tourism attraction. Park rangers maintain and develop its permanent displays and exhibits and serve to greet and educate visitors. Many wonderful programs are additionally produced by a cooperative all-volunteer, non-profit group called Friends of the Fort. The Friends are seeking more members.

The Friends currently present two Night Court re-enactments in Judge Parker’s courtroom annually, organize special events, furnish volunteers and raise funds for historic site programs. In its short history, Friends of the Fort brought Train Day to the park’s historic Frisco Station and developed a tour of the Coke Hill area of the park. Hundreds attended these programs. Friends represented the Historic Site in parades, presented attractions in the first Fort Smith Fall Festival and volunteered at several site events. The Friends were honored to be allowed to organize the Christmas Day 2017 re-enactment of an 1817 keelboat landing at Belle Point, to kick off Fort Smith’s bicentennial celebration. Members have a deep understanding of, and respect for, the history of our area and welcome opportunities to share our rich past with locals and visitors from around the globe. The Nov. 11 meeting will include a site tour and a review of activities planned for 2019. Make history as a Friend of the Fort. Email friendsofthefort@gmail.com, phone or visit the Friends of the Fort Facebook page. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-831-9274

Night Court: 1893 Trial of Deputies Cannon and Stanphill NOV

The audience will be the jury, hearing the actual historic testimony of the defendants, Deputy Marshals Rufus Cannon and William Stanphill, who sought to serve a writ on four men accused of stealing Choctaw cattle. When the marshals and their posse approached the Indian Territory home of suspect Lon Thomas, shots were fired. When the smoke cleared, deputies find one of the four suspects, Joe Pierce, shot and killed. One of the shots was allegedly in his back.

16-17

The widow of Pierce asks the federal court in Fort Smith for a writ for the arrest of the two marshals for the murder of her husband. Were the deputies justified or could their actions be ruled as murder? Using the trial’s transcript, the case is presented and the “jury” rules before learning the historic verdict that was passed. Actors play Judge Isaac C. Parker, the prosecutors, defense lawyer, defendants and witnesses. Seating is limited. Light refreshments are served. $7 advance tickets must be purchased at the front desk. Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith. 479-783-3961 nps.gov/fosm 52

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Nov. 13 Book Talk: The Leavenworth Case The first American detective character to be written about in a book series was Ebenezer Gryce in “The Leavenworth Case.” The book was published in 1878, nine years before the debut of Sherlock Holmes. It made Anna Katharine Green an enormously popular writer. Free. 6 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140 Nov. 13 Flour-Sack Towel Craft Decorate flour sack towels by printing them with fall leaves in fall colors. Supplies are limited to 15 people. Register in advance. Free. 10-11 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Nov. 14 Hospice Month Education: We are All Just Walking Each Other Home Presented by Heart of Hospice. Learn more about hospice care and when it is needed. Lunch provided by Heart of Hospice. Call to register. Free. Noon. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org Nov. 14 Sewing Class: Zany Zebra Pillow Cover Learn to sew a fun pillow cover. $40 includes materials. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sewing Machine Center, 6700 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-484-5351 sewingmachinecenterfs.com Nov. 15 Authors in the Afternoon featuring Julie Morton Author Julie Morton will sign her first novel, “The Light of Joy.” Escape from the soul-crushing poverty and abuse of an early 20th century Arkansas timber town is the primary driving force for the five Jacobs sisters. Morton is a native Arkansan who lives in the foothills of the Ozarks. She was first published at age 12. Later she was a copywriter. Recently, her articles have been featured in local and state publications. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at this drop-in event. Free. 4-6 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 15 Book Club November’s book is “The Drive” by Teresa Bruce. Free. 1:30 p.m. Cedarville Public Library, 737 Pirates Way, Cedarville, Ark. 479-410-1853

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 53

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 15 Open Mic Night at Dewey’s Café Musicians, poets and other talented folks are invited to perform. Sign up at the door. Free. 7 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 15 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War This fraternal organization honors those from Arkansas that fought for the United States during the Civil War, open to all. 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. meeting. Free. 6-8 p.m. Western Sizzlin, 5720 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-381-6883 Nov. 15 Card Making: Holiday Cards Use provided supplies to make a Christmas card. Free. 1:30 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 17 The Pilgrims Are Coming The Arkansas Mayflower Society’s presentation on the voyage of the Mayflower from England to the American colonies and life as a pilgrim. Meet descendants of passengers, dressed in authentic costume with period tools and weapons. Learn why Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. Free. 11 a.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Nov. 18 Grand Opening of Mulberry’s New Library Everyone is invited to the grand revealing of the expansion project to the Ralph D. Graf Library of Mulberry. Tour a new kids room, teen room and a reading room. Free. 2 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Nov. 16 Drawing with Ryan Starkey Local artist Ryan Starkey will lead free art classes for adults in November, teaching techniques using pencil and charcoal. No registration required for this free program for adults. Free. 1-2 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Nov. 16 40/29 NEWS Feeding Hope Turkey Drive for River Valley Regional Food Bank Be the reason a family gets to enjoy a home-cooked turkey this Thanksgiving. Put an extra turkey in your cart on Nov. 16, one to be given to a family in need through the River Valley Regional Food Bank. For every Butterball turkey given, donations will be matched up to 1,000 turkeys. At 4:30 p.m. at the Walmart Super Center at 8301 Rogers Avenue, 40/29 News staff and The Arkansas CW Street Team will greet shoppers. Other locations collecting turkeys are Walmart Super Centers and Neighborhood Markets in Alma, Booneville, Clarksville, Dardanelle, Fort Smith, Greenwood and Mena. The Food Bank will distribute these turkeys through its partners for the benefit of the 47,000 citizens in the River Valley who lack enough food for a healthy lifestyle. That’s one in six people, and one in four children. Help end hunger, through the River Valley Regional Food Bank. 4:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, 8301 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-785-0582 rvrfoodbank.org November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 54

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 16-17 Bonneville House Holiday Market Expect holiday fun on Friday at Ladies Night, with door prize giveaways every 15 minutes, delicious food and cocktails, music and shopping galore from tempting vendors. Proceeds help to fund the preservation of this Belle Grove Historic District mansion. Must be 21 and older. $15 or $20 VIP with early admission, available online or by phone. Open to all Saturday. $5 at the door or free to members. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 17. The Bonneville House, 318 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-782-7854 bonnevillehouse.com Nov. 17 9th Annual Holiday Market Shop for gifts and decor for every holiday occasion. Support local small businesses and crafters by shopping at this hometown market. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Curves Building, 20 Town Square, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-9601 Nov. 17 Annual Bean and Cornbread Lunch Beans, soup and cornbread are on the menu for this annual luncheon fundraiser of the Pilot Club. Take home more goodies from a bake sale. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, Fountain of Youth Day Center, Community Services Clearinghouse, Huntington’s Disease research studies, an autism seminar and other local charities. $5 adults; $3 children. 11 a.m.1 p.m. Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 605 North 47th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-5633 Nov. 17 Dancing Like The Stars The Family Healing Place at Sparks presents “Dancing Like The Stars.” See local dancers vie for The People’s Choice Award and Judges Award. Sponsored by KHBS 40/29 and iHeartMedia Fort Smith. $45. 7-10 p.m. The Hall at Columbus Acres, 10201 Columbus Acres Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-459-0474 TheFamilyHealingPlace.com Nov. 17 Fire Painting for Teens & Adults Teens and adults can create stained-glass art. Paint with ink and then “fire” the design onto glass. Supplies and light refreshments provided. Ages 13 and up. Free. 1-3 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 17 Creating Strong Characters in Children’s and Young Adult Fiction Anyone 18 and over, with a passion for writing, can attend this free, interactive course that will help writers create strong characters in their work. Led by Mark Burgh, Ph.D. No experience is required. Free. 2-5 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Nov. 17 Diamond Dance Everyone interested in dancing is invited to the Diamond Dance Club’s November dance. A variety of music for dancing will include swing, ballroom, Latin, and country. Attire is dressy casual. See the Facebook group “step in time dance class” for additional information. $5. 6-9 p.m. Fort Smith Senior Activity Center, 2700 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-208-1072 54

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 55

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 18 3rd Sunday Art Show Every third Sunday, Michael’s Mansion invites the public to browse its art gallery filled with works from featured, local artists. This month’s theme is Christmas and all works are for sale. Meet the artists, see original artwork and enjoy refreshments by Chef Mike. Free. 1-4 p.m. Michael’s Mansion, 2900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-8336 michaelsmansion.biz Nov. 19 Backroads and Ballplayers Talk Baseball fans and history buffs alike will enjoy a presentation by author Jim Yeager to the South Sebastian Historical Society. Yeager will discuss Arkansas baseball players of the first half of the 20th century and autograph copies of his book “Backroads and Ballplayers.” Descendants of well-known Arkansas ball players have been invited to attend. Free. 7 p.m. Farmers Bank Community Room, 71 West Center Street, Greenwood, Ark. 479-996-6357

Roark Bluff on the Buffalo National River. Photo by Tim Ernst Nov. 19 TrailBlazers Hiking Club hosts Tim Ernst Photography Presentation TrailBlazers Hiking Club will host Tim Ernst, Arkansas nature photographer and author. Ernst will present his new annual slide show of his favorite photographs taken in Arkansas during the last several years. His many books of photography, calendars and prints will be available for sale. Open to the public. Free. 7 p.m. Grace Community United Methodist Church, 4100 Brooken Hill Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-9562 thcfs.com Nov. 19 Adult Coloring Club Adults enjoy coloring, too. Relax and color the stress away while visiting with others. Take your own supplies or use markers and coloring designs the library provide. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 19 Adult Book Club: Hillbilly Elegy Discuss the best-selling book “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance or hear why it may be of interest to read. Vance’s memoir of his Appalachian upbringing and family experience challenges whether society fails his rural, poverty-stricken region or if individuals fail themselves, of their own responsibility. Free. 7-8 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 10:22 PM Page 56

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Greenwood’s Bell Park sparkles with Trail of Lights Nov. 23-Dec. 26 Trail of Lights Starting the day after Thanksgiving, Focus on Greenwood presents a Holiday Trail of Lights in Greenwood’s Bell Park. See 140 displays illuminated with LED and RGB bulbs. The decorations adorn beautiful Bell Park and will be on display nightly. Focus on Greenwood is a 501c3 organization that raises funds for scholarships and Greenwood projects. There is no admission fee but a small donation is always appreciated to help fund future events. 5:30-9 p.m. Bell Park, 1050 Bell Park Road, Greenwood, Ark. 479-357-1135 Facebook/Focus On Greenwood Nov. 24 S’mores & Hayrides Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride and s’mores around a campfire at the #1 Pavilion. Free. 6-8 p.m. Bell Park. Nov. 30 Family Photos and Trail of Lights Everyone is invited to the Ed Wilkinson Pavilion to take family holiday photos. 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 7 While touring the Trail of Lights, enjoy holiday hot cider and s’mores. Focus on Greenwood and the Greenwood Parks Department are the hosts. 6-8 p.m.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

Photos courtesy of Focus on Greenwood

Nov. 19, 26 Movie Monday Take a camp chair for seating. The library provides free popcorn and an afternoon movie. Free. 1 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226 Nov. 23 Green Friday at Lake Fort Smith State Park Crowded stores, short tempers and congested traffic – sounds lovely, right? Avoid the headaches of Black Friday and instead create enjoyable memories by spending the day at Lake Fort Smith State Park. Hike, take a bike ride, have a picnic or just sit back and watch the glittering water of Lake Fort Smith from a rocking chair on the back porch. Treat yourself to a Green Friday in the Natural State at one of its most beautiful state parks, only a short drive from Fort Smith. If nature and weather conditions grant their blessings, it could be one of the best days of the season for seeing the trees of the Boston Mountains in glorious autumn colors. Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Fort Smith State Park Visitor Center, 15458 Shepherd Springs Road, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-2469 arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith Nov. 25 Hanging of the Green Service and Holiday Lunch To kick off the Christmas season, the church will have its annual hanging of the green service, followed by a community holiday lunch. All are welcome to attend. Free. 10:30 a.m. River Valley Church of the Nazarene, 2401 Savannah Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-2671 rivervalleynaz.org

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 10:22 PM Page 57

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Nov. 26 Alzheimer’s Class This ongoing education series will address how to converse with those that have Alzheimer’s disease, offering support to both patients and their caregiver. Free. 10 a.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 26-Dec. 31 The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas Honor someone special while sharing your love of reading. Donate to the Fort Smith Public Library’s The Perfect Gift: Library Books for Christmas fundraiser. Visit any Fort Smith Public Library location to choose a book to add to the library’s collection in honor or memory of someone special. Children’s books are a $10 donation; adult books are a $25 donation. Proceeds from the Perfect Gift fundraiser will go to the library’s materials fund to be used for the purchase of new library materials. Fort Smith Public Library (all locations), 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 Nov. 27 True Crime Book Club The featured book is of local interest. “Fatal Trust” by M.E. Cooper is about the 1992 murder of Dr. Rebecca Johnson of Ozark, Ark. After she withdrew more than $1 million in cash from her Danville bank, this wellliked Franklin County doctor went missing for a week from her Arkansas practice. Her body was found in Alabama and eventually, murder charges were brought against a suspect and his wife, Johnson’s employee. Free. 6 p.m. Ralph D. Graf Library, 220 North Main Street, Mulberry, Ark. 479-997-1226

Nov. 28 Boston Mountain Writers League Meet with other writers to share your work in a supportive writing workshop. Most writers in this group focus on gentle fiction, local history, memoir and religious stories. Free. 10 a.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Nov. 28 Very Basic Computer Class Learn beginner computer skills – when to click or double click, mouse exercises and how to go to a web site. Register. Free. 2-3 p.m. Mountainburg Public Library, 225 U.S. 71 North, Mountainburg, Ark. 479-369-1600 Nov. 28 QuickBooks Payroll Hands-On Workshops The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center offers two QuickBooks payroll workshops: QuickBooks Pro, Premier, and Enterprise or cloud-based versions (Simple Start, Essentials or Online Plus). Call or go online by Nov. 27 to register. $65. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Landmark CPA, 3101 South 70th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-356-2067 asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events Nov. 29 Welcome Neighbor Book Club All women are invited to discuss this month’s choice, “A House in the Sky: A Memoir” by Amanda Lindhout and Sarah Corbett. Free. 11:30 a.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 972849-3004 welcomeneighborftsmith.weebly.com

Nov. 29 Adult Crafty Corner: Holiday Cards Rediscover your creative spark by making a holiday card craft. Free. 2-3 p.m. Miller Branch Library, 8701 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-646-3945 Nov. 29 Crafterwork Grownups are invited to make a Christmas ornament with supplies provided. Reservations required. Free. 6 p.m. Van Buren Public Library, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-474-6045 Nov. 30 Clayton House Gaslight Gala The Fort Smith Heritage Foundation’s 6th annual Gaslight Gala will feature a buffet of delicious fare from 21 West End, live music, carriage rides, live and silent auctions and lots of holiday cheer. Step back in time and feel the history of the Clayton House while supporting its preservation and ongoing public programs. $60 per person; $500 for table for 6. Corporate sponsorships available. 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. The Clayton House, 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3000 claytonhouse.org Nov. 30 Film Friday Enjoy popcorn, drinks and a movie. Surly the squirrel has accidentally destroyed the Liberty Park animals’ stash of food for the winter. Banished from the park, he must come up with a plan to restore the bounty and steer clear of some shady mobsters. Free. 4 p.m. Alma Public Library, 624 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Ark. 479-632-4140

Open the Door to the Home of Your Dreams At BancorpSouth, we’ve been helping people buy and renovate their homes for over 140 years. We offer a variety of mortgage types, and our mortgage lenders will help to ensure the process is enjoyable. Plus, we feature an easy-to-use website with an online mortgage calculator and online applications. When you want to turn a house into your home, you need someone you can trust.

Ciela Edwards

Grissa Schmitz

Sandra Barron

Stacy Johnson

NMLS #484988 5800 Hwy 71 S Fort Smith, AR 72908 (479) 649-1011

NMLS #1617157 1222 Rogers Ave Fort Smith, AR 72901 (479) 785-8332

NMLS #458059 1222 Rogers Ave Fort Smith, AR 72901 (479) 785-8324

NMLS #484982 7000 Rogers Ave Fort Smith, AR 72903 (479) 478-4426

Mortgages are subject to approval. Interest rates are subject to change without notice & dependent on credit score. This is not a commitment to lend or rate guarantee.

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 58

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Holiday Home Tour sustains Junior League’s ongoing services to foster children and youth after foster care

DEC The Junior League of Fort Smith presents its 4th annual Holiday Home Tour. The

tour is self-guided and invites ticketholders inside to tour five beautifully decorated homes all decked out for the holidays. Enjoy beautiful Christmas trees, elaborate mantels adorned with stunning decorations, elegant table settings and many other design ideas. A raffle will be held for two prizes: a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM handbag and a custom-made, furnished and lighted Victorian dollhouse. Tickets are on sale now and the proceeds help fund JLFS community projects to better the lives of foster children and children aging out of foster care. Tickets for the tour can be purchased online, at the door of any of the hosting homes, through any of Junior League Holiday Home Tour committee members or at the downtown Junior League headquarters. $20 advance tickets available through Nov. 15. $25 after that date. 1-5 p.m. tour time. Junior League Fort Smith Headquarters, 311 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-3930 jlfs.org

Dec. 1 Jingle & Mingle on Main Street Christmas Festival Lighting of the Courthouse and Festival of Trees Enjoy Old Town Christmas in downtown Van Buren, with horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa photos, cocoa, carolers, a new twist on the tradition of living windows and door prizes. The unique shops of Main Street have refreshments and promotions from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., a ceremony turns on the lights outlining the beautiful Crawford County Courthouse, 100 Main Street. Its lawn also twinkles with the Festival of Trees – Christmas trees decorated by different groups. Main Street Historic District, 400-700 Main Street, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862 oldtownvanburen.com

Crawford County Courthouse in lights. Dec. 1 Annual Booneville Christmas Festival A one-stop shopping experience offers a fabulous assortment of handmade items and a wide assortment of decorative metal art, jewelry, Christmas decor, gifts, candles, clothing, beauty products, purses, puppets, food and more. Lunch and take-out available. Free admission. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 4th St., Booneville, Ark. 479-6756900 58

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 59

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 1-2 Art in Motion Holiday Open House The works of Maggie Malloy, visual artist and Joseph Barry, photographer, will be on exhibit and for sale in a two-day open house in downtown Fort Smith. Free admission. 1-4 p.m. A Pop-up Art Gallery, 914 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-883-9482 Dec. 1 Christmas in Tuscany Guests will be transported in spirit to the Italian countryside to enjoy a variety of foods, holiday shopping and live Italian music. Dining selections include winter soups catered by Taliano’s and the Caldarera family; fresh breads and olive oils, decadent desserts and Italian wine pairings. Guests will have the opportunity to shop from local merchants and a silent auction of Italian goods. The event honors the Caldarera family of Fort Smith, long-time supporters of the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund. The event ends in time for evening holiday shopping, with discounts from stores of the Downtown Merchants Association or to attend the Fort Smith Symphony’s holiday concert. Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund’s River Valley program has been helping single parents change their lives and the future for their children for more than 25 years. Scholarship recipients work toward career-focused college degrees or professional certificates and obtain new jobs with family-supporting wages. Tickets, $100 per guest, are available in advance online at christmas-in-tuscany.eventbrite.com and discounts are available for businesses, groups and couples. Also available at the door. 4:30-6 p.m. The Blue Lion, 101 North 2nd Street, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-434-6171 aspsf.org

Maggie Malloy, painting. Photo by Joseph Barry Dec. 2 Sunday Funday: DIY Ugly Sweater You bring the sweater, we’ll bring the ugly! Adults and teens are invited to the main library to customize their own ugly sweater in this DIY, drop-in activity. Here’s your chance to create something to wear to your next Ugly Christmas or Holiday Sweater Party. Attendees must bring their own sweater. All other supplies will be provided. Ages 13+. Free. 2-4 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229

Dec. 3-9 Friends of the Library Vintage and Rare Book Sale Just in time for the holidays, book lovers will find a broad assortment of books in this sale including rare, vintage and valuable titles. The books include art, religion, history and much more with publication dates ranging from the 1800s to present. A list of the books included in the sale will be available at the sale and on the library’s website beginning Dec.1. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Friends of the Library. Noon- 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4; noon-5 p.m. Dec. 5-7; 10:30 am.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 1-5 p.m. Dec. 9. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Dec. 4-18 Project Compassion Hearts of Gold Gift Collection Each year, Project Compassion collects gifts to give to every resident of area nursing homes, making sure that no person is forgotten. The gifts are donated by the public in a heart-felt drive to provide comfort and joy. Suggested gifts are new sweatshirts, elastic-waist sweatpants, nightgowns, pajama sets, lounge pants, closed toe and heel house shoes and plain, colored Tshirts. Sizes medium to 5XL are recommended. The donation drop off locations are the Project Compassion office at St. Scholastica Monastery, 1205 South Albert Pike Avenue, Fort Smith; the Hampton Inn of Van Buren and all Simmons Bank locations, through Dec. 18. Drop unwrapped gifts at the Dec. 4 kick-off celebration, emceed by Darren Bobb of 5News. There will be food, music and fun. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 5401 Free Ferry Road, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-2273 projectcompassioninc.com

November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 60

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Christmas Honors Wreath Workshop Changes Days Christmas Honors Wreath Workshop Attention! The hundreds of faithful volunteers who unpack greenery for the annual decoration of the Fort Smith National Cemetery are alerted to report on a different day of the week this year. Wednesday, Dec. 5, is the unpacking and preparation workshop date. The Christmas Honors wreath placement is Dec. 8.

DEC

This is different than the usual schedule of consecutive days, according to chairman Phillip Merry. Experienced and new volunteers are relied upon each year to prepare more than 16,000 Christmas wreaths that will be placed at every headstone in the Fort Smith National Cemetery. An appropriate role will be found for volunteers of every age and ability. Check in to volunteer online at the Facebook page Christmas Honors or at the program’s website. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fort Smith Convention Center, 900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. christmashonors.org Christmas Honors Ceremony and Laying of the Wreaths

DEC Each of the headstones at the Fort Smith National Cemetery will be decorated with

a Christmas wreath by hundreds of volunteers and relatives of the U.S. military veterans interred there. This annual ceremony, created, financially supported and produced by respectful volunteers and donors, is one of this community’s most moving, patriotic gestures of thanks for those who gave military service to our country. A reserved time for wreath placement by families only comes first, from 8-10 a.m. The public is asked to wait respectfully during this time. A public ceremony is held from 11-11:30 a.m. at the cemetery’s central pavilion. Following it, attendees will lay wreaths on all remaining headstones under the direction of organizers. Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Street, Fort Smith, Ark. christmashonors.org

PLAN AHEAD SAVE MONEY GRADUATE ON TIME Beginning fall 2019 UAFS is extending its commitment to affordability with the UAFS Promise. Through this program first-time entering students will have the same low tuition rate for up to four years of schooling at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, provided they remain on track to graduate within the timeframe of their designated degree.

For more information visit uafs.edu/promise.

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 61

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 7 Mercy Charity Ball Mercy Health Foundation presents its annual fundraising ball, “An Evening of Elegance and Entertainment.” The black-tie optional event has a champagne welcome, a formal three-course dinner with entertainment and a “Defrost” after-party with Emerald City Band. Tickets $200. Table reservations and sponsorships with premier perks are available. Fort Smith Convention Center, 900 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-314-1131 mercy.net/ftsmcharityball

Nostalgic toys and ornaments decorate the Museum of History’s huge Christmas tree. Dec. 8 Fort Smith Museum of History Open House Join the Fort Smith Museum of History for its annual tradition, Open House. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and free museum admission before or after the 3 p.m. Fort Smith Christmas Parade. Shop the museum gift shop for unique locally produced candles, pottery and artwork. Choose from a selection of regional history books and books by local authors. The gift shop features an excellent selection of Fort Smith Bicentennial souvenir gifts including the book “Bridging Borders and Time: A Bicentennial Portrait of Fort Smith.” Free. 2-5 p.m. Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-7841 fortsmithmuseum.org Dec. 8 Fort Smith Christmas Parade Spectators on Garrison Avenue will witness the arrival of Santa Claus at the end of a festive parade of marching bands, holiday-decorated floats and vehicles carrying merry-making children, local clubs and organizations and businesses. Prizes are awarded for floats and bands. Organized by the Fort Smith Jaycees, the annual Christmas parade is in its 78th year. Registration and line-up information will be given online to parade participants who submit an application. Registration opens online Nov. 1 at fschristmasparade.eventbrite.com. 3 p.m. Downtown Fort Smith, Garrison and Rogers Avenues, Fort Smith, Ark. Facebook/Fort Smith Christmas Parade November 2018

Entertainment Fort Smith

42-62_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 8:36 PM Page 62

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 8 Van Buren Christmas Parade This traditional evening, downtown Christmas Parade includes lighted floats and many hometown participants from businesses to schoolchildren. Downtown is decorated for the holidays with lights and shining storefront displays. Free. 6:30 p.m. Historic Main Street, 700-400 blocks, Van Buren, Ark. 479-922-6862 oldtownvanburen.com Dec. 9 15th Annual Fort Smith Public Library Holiday Open House Celebrate the holiday season when the entire Fort Smith Public Library staff opens the doors of the Main Library for a festive afternoon of music, crafts, games, stories, holiday displays, light refreshments, and other entertainment for children and adults. There will be musical entertainment throughout the entire afternoon, along with special activities to delight all ages. Take a non-perishable food item for the Holiday Food Drive. Free. 1-5 p.m. Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Ark. 479-783-0229 fortsmithlibrary.org Dec. 11 RSVP Holiday Open House Experienced or aspiring volunteers are invited to RSVP’s wonderful Holiday Open House. This occasion honors members, partners and community friends. It’s an opportunity to forget about your diet, visit with friends and enjoy homemade cookies. Free. 10 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

Entertainment Fort Smith

November 2018

63.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 4:02 PM Page 63

64.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 4:03 PM Page 64

2018FSPSSchoolReport.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:55 PM Page 1

2018FSPSSchoolReport.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:55 PM Page 2

The Unmanned Aerial Systems program began at Northside and Southside high schools in 2017-2018. Grant Brewer, SHS UAS teacher, explained that the program has three phases. The first-year students learn to build drones and develop early aviation skills. The second year, students learn to read aeronautical maps and develop a knowledge of the content on which they will be tested for UAS certification. A third year in the program allows students to master the skills they have acquired. Photo by Melanie Rice, Southside Senior

“

”

We are going to make the most of every dollar we have for the benefit of our kids.

By the Numbers: Promises Kept

Dr. Doug Brubaker, Superintendent

5.558 Millage Increase

Staffing Key to Student Success

Election succeeds 62 percent to 38 percent

The following new staff and added contract days were funded using resources from discontinued programs and reduction in force at the central office.

$121 million additional revenue elected by Fort Smith citizens

2 ADDITIONAL NURSES hired for 2018-2019 school year, moving

$90 million

the district toward the completion of an action item calling for a nurse in Wellness Action Team every building.

in bonds issued for millage projects, August 2018

3.6 percent interest rate secured for bulk of bond funds

9 LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS at work for the safety and security of students and staff. FOUR NEW licensed peace Learning Environments Action Team officers hired with savings. 3 ADDITIONAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS ensure all schools have added supervision and test coordination/support. Staffing Action Team

$8 million potential savings based on 4-percent interest rate projection

3.5 NEW SCHOOL CLERICAL POSITIONS ensure customer service, tech equipment inventory support and front desk presence at all Staffing Action Team campuses.

33 Citizens monitor progress on millage projects as the Citizens Millage Advisory Committee

5 DAYS ADDED to counselors’ contracts to support and increase daily student contact time.

Equity, Wellness, Staffing Action Teams

What’s Been Happening Since the Election? When Does Construction Begin? HPM hired as Millage Project Managers July 2018

Pool of Architectural Teams selected November 2018

Project Assignments November/ December 2018

Design Phase Begins Late 2018/ Early 2019

Construction Schedule Outlined Early 2019

Construction Begins on Secure Vestibules Spring 2019

On the Cover: Retired teacher and Gold Card Ambassador Cher Horwedel reads at Trusty during the District's first Ambassadors Tour. See page 6 for the story. Photo by Glenn Gilley 2 l 2018 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC

2018FSPSSchoolReport.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:56 PM Page 3

From the Superintendent

he past two years have brought some exciting and positive changes to our District. Almost a year ago in December 2017, the Board of Education adopted Vision 2023, a five-year strategic plan developed by nearly 200 parents, educators, students, support personnel and members of the community. In May 2018, a millage referendum based on Vision 2023 goals and a community-led needs assessment was approved by district residents by a margin of 62 percent to 38 percent. This election marked the first time since 1987 that a millage increase was approved by voters, a time span of more than 30 years.

Dr. Doug Brubaker and Board President Susan McFerran recognized graduating members of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council at the FSPS Awards Banquet. They are pictured with Southside graduate Matthew Hudefi.

As these citizens considered the needs and aspirations of our students and our community, they devised a mission statement that directs our continuing work toward “premier” status in our region, state and nation, as it promotes a culture “where innovation creates excellence.”

Our seven Vision 2023 strategies continue to guide our efforts on behalf of students. You will find references to these goals and our progress in addressing them throughout this document. The strategies are explained here:

Career Planning: Develop and implement education and career pathways so that each student graduates with a viable plan and relevant skill set for his or her future.

Instruction: Design, develop and implement programs to promote rigor, relevance, collaboration, critical-thinking skills and learning environments designed to meet each student’s unique needs and aspirations.

Equity: Develop and implement a systemwide plan to provide all students with the resources they need to optimize their learning.

Learning Environment/Facilities: Align resources, facilities and technology strategically and equitably across the District to maximize security and enhance the learning environment.

“

Thanks to the Fort Smith and Barling communities for their support of Fort Smith Public Schools and the students we serve. We are committed to ensuring our processes and projects continue to be characterized by the high degree of transparency our community expects.

”

Indicators of innovation and academic excellence include two recently designated National Blue Ribbon Schools (Euper Lane Elementary in 2016 and Woods Elementary in 2017), 3,399 hours of college credit awarded to the Class of 2018 and two campuses (Spradling and Ballman elementary schools) selected for the Professional Learning Communities pilot administered by the Arkansas Department of Education.

Staffing: Recruit and retain highly qualified faculty, staff and administration. Technology: Provide appropriate technology that is consistently available, effectively supported and equitably distributed for group and individual instruction.

Wellness: Develop and train empathetic and nurturing employees to be sensitive to and supportive of the needs of all children and families.

Please visit www.FortSmithSchools.org for more about Vision 2023 and the impact it is making on the lives of our students! I also invite you to get involved in our efforts to ensure that every student experiences authentic success in school, ultimately graduating with both a viable plan and a relevant skill set for his or her future! Best regards, Doug Brubaker, Ph.D. Superintendent

Fort Smith Public Schools, a premier district where innovation creates excellence, is dedicated to providing an equitable, challenging educational experience by engaging families and community partners as we prepare students to embrace their roles in our culturally diverse community and rapidly changing world.

2018 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 3

2018FSPSSchoolReport.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:56 PM Page 4

According to data collected from the 2018 ACT Aspire Assessment cycle, Fort Smith Public Schools students are demonstrating growth: From 2017 to 2018 on the ACT Aspire Assessment:

English: 11 schools had an increase in the percentage of students scoring Ready/Exceeding. Reading: 13 schools had an increase in the percentage of students scoring Ready/Exceeding.

Math: 13 schools had an increase in the percentage of students scoring Ready/Exceeding. • From 2017 to 2018, the number of students in Grade 9 scoring Ready/Exceeding increased in all content areas of English, Reading, Math and Science. 2018 ACT Aspire Assessment • 20 schools increased or remained constant for performance in at least one content area of English, Reading, or Math. • 11 schools increased or remained constant for performance in two or more content areas of English, Reading, or Math.

Overall ESSA Index Scores 14 schools scored higher than the state average for their grade spans. A School Value-added Growth Score of 80 indicates students, on average, met expected growth. In 2018, the range for growth scores for all FSPS schools was 78.7686.47, with 24 schools scoring higher than 80. 4 l 2018 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC

2018 Southside High School graduates Wyatt Robinson, Wesley Schwartz and Will Robinson earned first place in Digital Video Production at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference.

Jackson Wollscheid, Chaffin Junior High School eighthgrader, won first place in the National History Bee and National History Bowl. He is the only student to have an undefeated tournament record.

Kaylee Cano, Northside High School, logged the highest score in Arkansas on her MicroSoft Excel Certification test and qualified to participate in national MicroSoft Office Certification testing.

Northside High School’s Grizzly Gear earned Gold Level Certification by DECA International for the sixth consecutive year.

The Southside High School Bowling Team won the 6A/7A Arkansas Bowling Championship.

Southside High School seniors Madelene Riche’, Vinh Nguyen and Ryan Beallis have been named National Merit Semi-Finalists.

Isaiah Joe, Northside High School, is the 2018 Gatorade Arkansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Thai Ta, Southside High School senior, won the state High School Wrestling Tournament in the 106-lb. weight class. Fort Smith Public Schools JROTC Shooting Team won the American Legion State Championship Match in Precision and Sporter Shooting Events.

Northside High School Boys Soccer Team are the 2018 7A State Boys Soccer Champions.

Nabila Siddiqui, Chaffin Junior High School, won first place for her Journalistic Photo Story focusing on successful local Syrian refugees. The award is presented by the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association.

Southside High School Future Business Leaders of America won state recognition as the largest chapter in Arkansas. Fifteen students earned first-place awards.

Chaffin Quiz Bowl Gold Team won the Arkansas Quiz Bowl Championship for the second consecutive year.

Kimmons Junior High Boys Basketball team won the 2018 7A West Regional Basketball Tournament, the highest honor a junior high sports team can win. Southside DECA chapter members won six first-place awards during the State Career Development Conference.

Fort Smith Public School District students won 47 awards in the 2017-18 Arkansas PTA Reflections Competition. Nine students earned first-place recognition for artistic response with Music, Photography, Visual Art, Film Production and Dance Choreography to the 2017-2018 theme “Within Reach.”

Three Southside High School students earned first-place positions in All-State Choir, Band and Jazz Band. Tyler Sexton, a Southside junior, has been selected as a member of the Southwest American Choral Directors Association High School Honor Choir.

Southside High School Journalism students won 10 firstplace honors during the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association state conference. Southside senior Andrew Swaim was one of 100 nationally selected students to the John Philip Sousa National Honor Band.

More than 90 students earned positions in All-State Bands, Choirs and Orchestras.

Southside Drama Students earned four first-place positions at the 2018 Arkansas Thespian Festival. They used their technical skills to direct the District’s Bicentennial Arts & Sounds Performance in May.

2018FSPSSchoolReport.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:56 PM Page 5

Ballman and Spradling elementary schools were selected in 2017 to participate in the Arkansas Department of Education's Professional Learning Communities at Work pilot program. After one year, improving assessment data at both schools indicate the pilot program is working. You can see a video on PLCs at Ballman and Spradling at www.FortSmithSchools.org. Adina Boatright, Southside High School business teacher, was recognized as an Outstanding Arkansas DECA Advisor.

Kelly Daniels, Darby Junior High School counselor, received the Arkansas PTA Heroic Effort Award from the Arkansas PTA.

Robyn Dawson, Spradling Elementary School principal, was recognized with the 2018 Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals’ “Above and Beyond Award.” Oretha Ferguson, Southside High School English Teacher, received the 2018 Arkansas Society for Technology in Education Leadership Award.

Cathey Ford, Intervention and Dsylexia coordinator, was selected to present in the national Lindamood-Bell Leaders in Literacy webinar series featuring education leaders from around the country sharing their stories of improving student achievement. Northside High School Boys & Girls Soccer Coach Mauricio Maciel has been named as the 2018 Arkansas Coach of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches Association. Travis Minor, Chaffin Junior High School Social Studies teacher, received the Sarah Fountain Outstanding Novice Teacher at the National History Day State Competition.

Great Teaching Supports Everything

Dr. Mary Ann Johns, director of Elementary Education was named as the organization’s Administrator of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Educational Office Professionals.

Brad Ray, Northside High School Assistant Principal, was selected as the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators as the 2017-2018 Arkansas Assistant Principal of the Year.

Gordon Manley, Northside High School director of bands, was named as a 2018 laureate of the John Philip Sousa Foundation by the Bandworld Legion of Honor.

Jeff Tomlin, former Director of Transportation, received the 2018 Arkansas Association of Pupil Transportation’s President’s Star Award.

Rebecca Macy, Chaffin English Language Learning teacher, was named as the 2018 Teacher of the Year by Arkansas Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Highly Qualified Staff

Fort Smith Public School teachers participate in a rigorous program of content-focused professional development each year. Arkansas licensure requirements mandate 36 hours annually, but teachers accumulate many more than what is required. Three principals have earned the prestigious Arkansas Master Principal designation. Eight are in varying stages of the process seeking this professional credential.

Jenni Rosar, Secretary to the Supervisor of Purchasing, was named as the Educational Office Professional of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Educational Office Professionals.

In 2017-2018, 112 FSPS teachers had earned the prestigious National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Twenty are in the process of obtaining this certification. In 2017-2018, 100 percent of the 1,184 educators in the District were fully licensed to teach in their subject areas. $55,148.80 was the average teacher salary in 2017-2018.

During the 2017-2018 school year, the certified staff education data showed 47.29 percent of District educators hold a bachelor’s degree. This number includes teachers who have accumulated up to 36 additional credit hours beyond their undergraduate degree. Educators holding a master’s through master’s plus 30 hours make up 50.25 percent of the certified staff population. Educators who have earned a doctoral degree equal 2.45 percent of the certified group. 2018 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 5

2018FSPSSchoolReport.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:56 PM Page 6

Gold Card Ambassadors were greeted by Fort Smith Public Schools JROTC cadets when they arrived at Southside High School during the Fall Ambassadors Tour.

Ambassadors Important to FSPS Success

ou are important to FSPS success!” is the message Fort Smith Public Schools representatives hoped to convey when Human Resources Supervisor Sherri Penix, Orr Elementary School Principal Dawn Childress and Northside High School Assistant Principal Jennifer Steele began planning the Fall 2017/Spring 2018 Ambassadors Tours. The purpose of this ongoing outreach program is to build relationships between adults who are 60-plus and Fort Smith Public Schools. These Ambassadors are invited to spend a portion of their day learning about specific schools and getting to know some of the District leadership, including FSPS Superintendent Dr. Doug Brubaker.

The October 2017 Ambassadors Tour began with breakfast and a District update in the Service Center Auditorium. From there, the group of about 40 traveled to Trusty Elementary School to see the building and learn a little about the students, teachers and what they are accomplishing in their classrooms. Later, Southside students hosted the group for a tour of their school and the FSPS Child Nutrition Department treated the group to lunch.

The spring tour began at Ramsey Junior High School, where approximately 25 Ambassadors heard what FSPS junior high schools offer students transitioning to seventh grade. The Ambassadors also met with members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and then toured Sunnymede Elementary School.

The newly titled Ambassadors have told district officials they are impressed by the innovation they witnessed in local schools and 6 l 2018 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC

The group had the opportunity to tour Trusty Elementary School and meet and talk with members of the Trusty Golden Knights earlier that day.

expressed interest in learning more about Fort Smith Public Schools. One way the district is doing that is with a personalized Gold Card for Ambassadors. This token of appreciation provides free access to school-based events and special greetings and information throughout the year for residents of the Fort Smith Public School District. Ambassadors Tour hosts are planning the 2019 Spring Tour.

2018FSPSSchoolReport.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:56 PM Page 7

Financing Schools Requires Balance

WHAT DOES THE MONEY BUY?

s the educational needs in the Fort Smith Public Schools grow, the challenge of a limited revenue base makes it essential to balance revenue sources against rising costs. From facility needs to staff salaries, making school dollars stretch to cover demands requires a balanced approach that uses many options.

Total Funds

Using a combination of funds from local property taxes, state revenues and federal categorical funds to address the instructional support demands of a complex school program requires careful attention to detail to assure compliance with all federal and state rules while ensuring an efficient operation. The graphical representation of how revenues and expenditures are allocated reveals the prudent use of resources within mandatory parameters. The use of a variety of financing tools to support capital needs has allowed FSPS to address facility requirements within the available revenue stream. This practice has maintained and improved the community investment in school buildings while keeping buildings appropriate for today’s needs.

The District engaged an independent auditor, Przybysz & Associates, CPAs, to audit financial records of 2017-2018. FSPS received a total of $40,155.50 from commissions based on a competitive beveragevending contract during 2017-18.

WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF REVENUE?

YOUR DOLLAR Photograph by Senior Northside Photography Student Ciera Still

EDUCATION OF CHOICE School Completion 2016-2017: 138 students were recorded in the Report of the Number of Students Being Removed from the Pupil Attendance Rolls as “Drop-Outs.” This number, which represents 2.1 percent of the FSPS secondary enrollment, includes 35 students who enrolled in the GED program administered through the Fort Smith Public Schools Adult Education Center. The GED pass rate for these students is 97 percent. Enrollment: In 2017-2018, there were 14,252 students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade and 582 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten in Fort Smith Public Schools. School Choice 2017-2018: The percentage of students transferring into the FSPS district under the School Choice Act is approximately .0002 percent. Less than .0005 percent exited the District under the same law. Retention Data: A total of .9 percent, or 61 students, in grades K through 6 were retained. A total of 12 students, or .057 percent of students, in grades 7 and 8 were retained.

IN THE FORT SMITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHING AND LEARNING Classroom Instruction......................55¢ Auxiliary Instruction/Support Services...16¢ • • • • • •

Literacy and Math Specialist Guidance and Counseling Library Media Services Nursing Services Speech/Occupational/Physical Therapy Adult Education/Preschool

Instruction....................................71¢ PROGRAM SUPPORT School Meal Services.......................5¢ Transportation...............................2¢ Utilities, Maintenance, Central Support....12¢ District and Campus Administration.......6¢ Debt Service.................................3¢ Capital Outlay...............................1¢ Support.......................................29¢ TOTAL.......................................$1.00 2018 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 7

2018FSPSSchoolReport.qxp_Master Facing Pages 10/24/18 3:56 PM Page 8

Northside High School student photographer Cynthia Flores captures a moment of scientific observation at Fairview Elementary School.

FSPS Activities

School Board Fact

Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,695 Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,513 Cheerleading . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Choral Music . . . . . . . . . . . .1,246 Drill Team . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 145 JROTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338 Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 846 Drama . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 141 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,031

FSPS Board Meetings

Fort Smith Public Schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities that encourage students to become a part of a group or groups that develop and refine personal and team skills and habits. These activities also make school more memorable.

Fort Smith Public School Board members documented 111 hours in Arkansas School Board training in 2017-2018. Arkansas ACA 6-13-629 requires that each member attend at least six hours per year. All seven board members have completed this requirement. The Fort Smith Public School District is governed by a seven-member Board of Education. Four members are elected by zone while three are elected in at-large positions. School board meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Service Center Auditorium, located in Building B of the Service Center Complex, 3205 Jenny Lind Road.

Administration

2017-18 School Board

Doug Brubaker, Ph.D. Superintendent

Susan McFerran, President Bill Hanesworth, Vice President Yvonne Keaton-Martin, Secretary

Jeannie Cole Wade Gilkey Greg Magness Talicia Richardson

P.O. Box 1948 • Fort Smith, AR 72902-1948 • (479)785-2501 • (479) 785-1722 fax In compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws, the Fort Smith Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, genetic information or disability in its employment and educational practices. If you have questions regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s teachers or paraprofessionals, you are encouraged to ask Martin Mahan, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Campus Services. • Le invitamos a que hable con la Martin Mahan si usted tiene alguna pregunta sobre las capacitaciones profesionales de los maestros o asistentes de maestros de sus hijos. www.FortSmithSchools.org 8 l 2018 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC