Gush - May 2019

®

GUSH

May 2019 DoSouthMagazine.com

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may

Contents 04 06 08 12 40

Publisher’s Letter Pet Adoption: Chasing Miracles

18

If You Weren’t Afraid

May Events Shop Local What Lilah Sees

{COMMUNITY}

11 14 24 36

{ FA I T H }

Junior League Fort Smith

They Call the Thing Rodeo

28 35

Arkie Travels Devil’s Den

{HEALTH}

22

Summer Safety for Kids

{SPECIAL FEATURE}

44

All About Kids

{LIFESTYLE}

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May in the Garden

Fighting for Zero A Modern-Day Barn Raisin’

{ T R AV E L }

OUR COVER Ross Elle

{TASTE}

32 34

Grilled Pizza Derby Watermelon Julep

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- Shutterstock

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publisher's letter

MAY 2019

Yeehaw, y'all Grab your boots and hat! We’re kicking up some dust with Denny Flynn, former professional bull rider and Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame inductee, for details on the 86th annual Old Fort Days Rodeo, starting May 27th.

Ever thought about how rodeo is a lot like parenting? It’s full of highs and lows. It’s expensive.

And you’d better know how to hold on tight and pray! If you’re in the throes of parenthood, check out All About Kids, our special feature, full of info from local businesses and organizations doing their part to make your life easier!

We’ll introduce you to Christie Johnson Erwin, Executive Director for Project Zero, an organization that’s made it their mission to find forever families for kids in foster care. You’ll also meet thirteen kiddos, currently waiting right here in the River Valley.

OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Jade Graves CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alicia Agent, Marla Cantrell, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sarah & Paul Heer, Meg Matthews, Jessica Sowards ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

Next up is Manes & Miracles. They’re on a mission of their own, raising funds to provide equine therapy to local children and veterans. Find out how you can help bring their dream into reality.

We’re headed outdoors with our new friends, Arkie Travels, on a trip from Jasper to Ponca, Arkansas. Want more outdoor fun? Take a trip and explore Devil’s Den State Park!

We’ve also got a grilled pizza recipe, summer safety tips, and so much more! Next month brings our annual House & Home issue. Until then, I wish everyone a happy Mother’s Day, happy graduation, and blessings for every celebration in between!

Catherine Frederick

Owner/Publisher/Editor

catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

©2019 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to Do South® or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893 Annual subscriptions are $36 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues are available upon request.

Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

FOLLOW US

To reserve this free space for your charitable non-profit organization, email: catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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pets

All You Need Is Love & A Dog F

F

F

Blair

Dally

M

M

Blue

F

Riley

Caine

Rosy

Chasing Miracles Animal Rescue 40941 S CR 4500, McCurtain, OK 74944 chasingmiraclesanimalrescue@gmail.com | 918.448.5143 | Foster homes are always needed. Follow us on Facebook.

Each month, Do SouthÂŽ donates this page to local and regional non-profit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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lifestyle

words Megan Lankford, Horticulture Supervisor, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks image courtesy Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

may in the Garden THE DIRT: After a cold winter and a wet spring, I am itching to get my warm season vegetables in the ground! For those of you in southern Arkansas, by early May you’ve likely already planted your tomatoes and peppers. However, those of us in the more northern areas of the state should wait just a little longer. Arkansas last average frost dates range from the 1st of April to the 20th of May, so be sure to plant your warm season vegetables after the corresponding date for your area.

YOU CAN PLANT: eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, leeks, basil, sunflowers, fennel, annuals,

T IPS:

A recent addition to my summer vegetable garden is Vardaman sweet potatoes. Not only are they easy to grow, but they are a good size for families, make delicious sweet potato fries, and they’re space savers. These compact plants get only about a foot high, and trail along the ground for a mere four feet! Much smaller than many traditional sweet potatoes. Be sure to hill your soil before planting if you have poor drainage.

My absolute favorite pepper to grow right now is the Mad Hatter. It produces all season long, and one plant will keep your garden brimming with these mildly sweet, unique shaped fruits.

The seeds can have a mild heat, but nothing that will set your mouth on fire. If you have little ones that like to munch on fresh sweet peppers, be sure to grow two or three plants, instead of just one.

On a closing note, I encourage you to plant annual flowers alongside your vegetables. Not only will you be feeding the pollinators, but you’ll likely be increasing your vegetable yields, as well as encouraging beneficial insects to come to your garden. Zinnia’s are a favorite of butterflies and bees, and you can easily sow seeds directly in the ground. All you need to do is pick your favorite and sow them when you sow your squash.

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perennials, trees and shrubs Direct Sow: arugula, beets, beans, carrots, corn, melons, cucumbers, squash

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calendar

Fan Mail

The Calendar May 2019

Send comments and suggestions to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

Love the Love!

Love this magazine! It’s the only one I subscribe to! ~ N. Parish

I love your magazine so much! Thank you! ~Patty D.

Contest (Deadline is May 15) Go to dosouthmagazine.com, click on our “Contests” button at the top of the page. All who enter will be subscribed to our mailing list. Please see rules and policies on our Contests page!

Jennifer’s Gift Shop, Baptist Health – Fort Smith

Enter to win a $25 gift card from Jennifer’s Gift Shop, Baptist

May 31 Havana Nights, Children’s Emergency Shelter Fundraiser Fort Smith Riverfront Park & Amphitheatre Fort Smith, Arkansas

May 3 Little Mermaid King Opera House Van Buren, Arkansas May 3-4 5th Annual Steel Horse Rally (3rd-4th) Veteran Fireworks Display (4th) Garrison Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas

– Fort Smith. You’re sure to find something for yourself or CODE: BAPTIST

May 3-4 Byrdfest Byrd’s Adventure Center Ozark, Arkansas

Congrats

May 4 Wine & Roses Don Reynolds Cancer Support House Fort Smith, Arkansas

your bestie at Jennifer’s!

Congrats to our contest winners from April!

Dr. Steven B. Stiles Eye Group: Sharon Martin John Mays Jewelers: Patty Dipboye

May 4 Day at the Derby JLFS Clayton House Fort Smith, Arkansas

May 27

Old Fort Days Rodeo Kay Rodgers Park Fort Smith, Arkansas May 9 Chonda Pierce Evangel Temple Fort Smith, Arkansas May 17 Duck Day in May Parrot Island Waterpark Fort Smith, Arkansas

May 4 Walk for the Waiting War Memorial Stadium Little Rock, Arkansas

Submit your events to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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L ive !

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calendar

Don’t-Miss May Concerts

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Molly Tuttle A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and awardwinning songwriter with a distinctive voice, Molly Tuttle puts even the most talented shredders to shame with her rapid-fire bluegrass guitar work, incredible technical skill, sweet voice and fun, barnstorming songwriting.

Walton Arts Center Fayetteville, Arkansas

Ashley McBryde & Barrett Baber Dubbed as one of Rolling Stone’s “Artists You Need to Know,” citing she’s “an Arkansas red-clay badass, with the swagger of Hank Jr. and the songwriting of Miranda Lambert,” McBryde fearlessly lays it all on the line. Don’t miss your chance to hear her up close and personal.

Temple Live Fort Smith, Arkansas

MAY 2

3 MAY 4

Carrie Underwood The Cry Pretty Tour 360 Multi-award winner, singer, songwriter, and actress, Carrie Underwood takes the stage at Verizon Arena to promote her sixth album, Cry Pretty. One of the most successful artists in any musical genre, she’s sold more than 65 million records worldwide.

Verizon Arena Little Rock, Arkansas

MAY 3

4 MAY 13

Hills of Fame Gospel Songfest Enjoy an evening of inspirational gospel music at the 29th Annual Gospel Songfest. This year’s featured group, The Erwins, are a sibling team blazing new trails in Southern Gospel.

Enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful drive just thirty miles south of Fort Smith.

Faith Chapel Hartford, Arkansas

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MAY 28-31

CATS This record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber is now on tour across North America! CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

Walton Arts Center Fayetteville, Arkansas

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community

Our Community Cares words Catherine Frederick with Candace Jackson, Junior League Fort Smith Communications Coordinator

The Junior League of Fort Smith is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. JLFS has been empowering women to act as agents of social change since 1960 and has evolved into one of the oldest, largest and most effective women's volunteer organizations in the world, encompassing 155,000 women in 293 Leagues in four countries.

Do South® reached out to Candace Jackson, Junior League Fort Smith Communications Coordinator, to learn more.

DS: What does it mean to be a member of JLFS?

Being a member of JLFS means being part of a group of powerful, diverse, and dedicated women who work to make a positive contribution to our community through effective volunteer and leadership training.

DS: How do you become a member of Junior League Fort Smith?

We recruit new members on an annual basis, beginning in the spring. We are currently recruiting new members until May 31, 2019. You can download an application from 311 Garrison Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.3930 jlfs.org

our website and can contact us at any time to receive more information.

Women desiring to join Junior League of Fort Smith should: - Show an interest in voluntarism with a commitment to community service and in developing your potential for voluntary community participation.

- Be twenty two years of age or older and live in the nearby area.

- Complete a new member application.

- Demonstrate an ability to meet the requirements, which includes attending meetings, helping raise money for our projects, completing at least four hours of service throughout the year, and certain placement responsibilities.

DS: How can our community get involved and support JLFS?

We are still raising money to fund our scholarship for foster youth preparing to attend college in the fall. If you would like to donate a gift card or contribute to our scholarship fund, please email us at juniorleaguefs@gmail.com.

DS: Are there any special events coming up we should know about?

We invite everyone to come get “down and derby” with the Junior League on Saturday, May 4th at our annual fundraising event, Day at the Derby! This Kentucky Derby Watch Party with style will be held at the Clayton House in downtown Fort Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a non-profit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

Smith from 2-7pm. We will be playing the race on a big screen and guests will have the opportunity to enter a Pick Your Pony raffle. We will have mint juleps, a cornhole tournament, a bourbon tasting bar, a cigar bar, a silent auction, and prizes for the best hat and best bow tie.

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shop

Celebrate the Moments! words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Hearts On Fire Lorelei Floral Earrings, .58ct., 18kt White Gold, Designed in Collaboration with Girls Inc. Chapter in Lynn, MA

Sea Sun California Chardonnay, Stella Rosa Rose, Ceramic Rose Wine Stoppers

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

Glass Jar Set and Bowl by Evergreen

Bvlgari Sunglasses

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP BAPTIST HEALTH-FORT SMITH

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

479.441.4221

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479.452.2020

shop

'Tis the season for celebrations, from Mother’s Day to graduations. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, look no further than our favorite local shops. They have everything you’re looking for and more!

Stylish Ear Protection for Infants, Toddlers and Children

CENTER FOR HEARING

Beyond Meat Gluten Free Grilled Chicken Strips and Plant-Based Burger Patties, dr. Praeger’s Gluten Free Mushroom Risotto Veggie Burgers

OLDE FASHIONED FOODS 479.782.6183 / 479.649.8200

479.785.3277

Estrella Jalisco Cerveza Tradicional, Exotico Reposado Tequila, Ayate Tequila

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

SkinCeuticals Skincare Products

ARKANSAS VEIN CLINIC & SKIN CARE 479.484.7100

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community

Fighting for Zero WORDS Dwain Hebda images courtesy Arkansas Heart Gallery and Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services

In many ways, Christie Johnson Erwin is like any other head of

she has approached about considering adoption. Time and

any other nonprofit. As Executive Director for Project Zero, an

passion have gifted her a raw, plainspoken response.

organization that brings adoptive families and kids together, she’s committed to her cause, tireless in her efforts and skilled

“Early on when I would hear [those statements] I would just

in the art of building relationships and networking resources.

kind of let it roll off my back. Then I began to realize that’s not

The only difference is her fight is for the children who are

the way to handle it,” she says. “They’ll say ‘I could never do

waiting and longing for a forever family.

that. I’d get too attached.’ I immediately say, ‘Then you are the perfect person to be a foster or adoptive parent,’ and that kind

“You don’t have to talk to one of our waiting kids for very

of makes them stop.

long to just realize you’ve got to fight for them,” she says of her vocation.

“Here’s the reason why: Kids who come into foster care or kids who are available for adoption, whether they’re a newborn

Erwin’s sunny, upbeat approach never wavers, even when she

or they’re eighteen, have experienced some type of trauma

hears for the millionth time the well-worn line from someone

or loss, whether it’s abuse, neglect, even in utero if there’s drugs involved. The last thing they need is for me as a mom

James, age 14 He's all boy, a rough-andtumble kid who loves basketball.

He wants a family so he won’t have to move around anymore.

He loves fishing and camping and dreams of a family who shares his love of the outdoors.

Jovanni, age 12, Molly, age 10 The girls love to be outside and be active. When asked what people should know about them, Molly says “We are good at helping.” When they grow up Molly dreams of being a nurse and Jovanni wants to be a vet.

Coltin, age 9 Coltin said finding his forever family, “means not having to move a lot and being loved.”

He loves to play video games and would love to have a family that is active and spends a lot of time outdoors.

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Jy’daveous, age 12 Like a lot of kids his age, he loves to play video games, especially Sonic the Hedgehog, and Mario.

A laid-back kid, he likes to be indoors, but also loves sports. He dreams of a family who will love and accept him.

community

to hold them at arm’s length to protect myself. They need me

“If we think about how these kids have been hurt – I mean

to throw my arms open with abandon with a no-holds-barred

we’ve had kids who were left at cocaine houses in lieu of

kind of love and compassion and love them with everything

drug payment, who survived abortion attempts, who were

that I’ve got.”

sexually abused. Anything that our minds can’t take in because it’s just too hard, these kids have lived. When we

Christie pauses; as the adoptive mom of two and the shepherd

look at the equation that way, it changes everything.”

of hundreds more to forever families through Project Zero, this is sacred work to her. And as happy as she is for the ones

At this moment, there are 4,298 children in Arkansas’ foster

who’ve made it home, the faces of the hundreds still on the

care system, according to the Division of Children and Family

journey are always looking back at her, wondering when it

Services, the arm of the Arkansas Department of Human

will be their turn.

Services responsible for kids who have been remanded to the state’s custody. And while the cooperation between

“The 363 kids that we have waiting today, their lives and futures depend on what I do and what you do and what we do corporately,” she says.

“It’s not enough just to sit back and say ‘Well, I can’t do that because I’m going to get hurt.’ You will get hurt.

Lorelie, age 11, Abigale, age 10, Gracie, age 8 Outgoing and active, the girls love basketball and cheerleading. They have simple expectations for their forever family: “It means we will have a mom and dad,” Abigale said. “We want a family who’ll spend time with us.

DCFS and various community organizations committed to assisting their work has never been better, there's still a higher population of total kids in the system than that of 400 of Arkansas’ 476 towns.

Many of them, about ninety percent, will be reunited with their families, either with their parents or responsible relatives.

Those kids who remain, whose parents’ lives have spiraled to where they are stripped of their parental rights, make up the cadre of lives for which Project Zero exists every single day.

Chase, age 8 Bright and inquisitive, he likes dinosaurs and building with Legos. A country boy at heart, he loves animals and the outdoors – he can’t wait to go camping.

Chase can’t wait to share his love of sports with a mom and dad.

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Mersadies, age 15, Jentry, age 13, Michael, age 11, Jordyn, age 10 These are four good kids who like to be active.

Their hope is to find a family who will provide love and guidance. They dream of finding acceptance and stability that comes with the unconditional love of a family.

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community

“As a foster parent and working with [our organization] I

year’s Disney Extravaganza, Project Zero and DCFS managed

began to realize that as kids linger and languish in foster care

to bring together nearly 80 percent of Arkansas’ waiting kids

waiting to be adopted, they lose hope,” Christie says. “For

with hundreds of hand-picked prospective families, resulting

me as a mom, as a Christian, as a human, that just was not

in an unprecedented sixty-one adoptions.

acceptable. Kids who are vulnerable need a voice, they need somebody to champion who they are and what they deserve.

But most victories are won one day and one child at a time.

Project Zero was born out of that.”

As we talk, Christie mentions casually that she’s at a birthday party Project Zero is throwing for a waiting child at a Little Rock

Christie’s goals are audacious. The “zero” in the group’s name

burger restaurant. It’s one part providing a celebration for a

refers to the day when literally no more children are waiting,

child who likely has never had one. It's also public outreach as

something that hasn’t been accomplished since Moses’

other customers are invited to come wish the youngster happy

basket was plucked out of the Nile River, if then. But credit

birthday and perhaps, just maybe, make the connection that

her this much, she’s throwing everything they’ve got at the

leads to the ultimate birthday gift – that of a home.

issue, including some innovative multi-media tactics which are The cake devoured and the balloons put away, Christie allows

having a marked impact on the backlog.

herself a pensive moment.

“We realized we had to think outside the box; what we had “I would be less than honest if I didn’t say there weren’t days

done in the past was not working,” she says.

when I struggle, because I feel the weight of this just resting Matching kids to families is a numbers game, so Project

squarely on my shoulders and on the shoulders of Project

Zero attacks the issue from various vantage points. They

Zero,” she said. “But once again, when I look at the faces or

raise awareness about waiting kids through the Heart

get a hug from one of our waiting kids or throw a birthday

Gallery, an online photo album that provides a face to go

party for a kid that’s never had one, I am filled with optimism.

with the story, a critical element in connecting a child with “It’s not just business as usual anymore. [Our work] is beyond

a potential family.

what I could have ever imagined. It’s making a difference.”

Two years ago, they expanded the concept by creating short, professional videos allowing people to hear the kids describe themselves and their aspirations in their own words. Social media is also leveraged to the hilt and collectively these tactics are paying off.

To view waiting children via the Arkansas Heart Gallery, make a donation to Project Zero or learn more, please visit theprojectzero.org.

“We get inquiries from all over the country,” Christie says.

“We’ve gotten inquiries from England, from Australia. When the kids are able to share their own stories, even if it’s a

For more information on becoming a foster or adoptive home, please visit dhs.arkansas.gov/dcfs/fcaadopting/FCA_Inquiry.

two-minute short film, it makes a difference. We have set out to do a short film about every waiting child; I think we’ve produced over one hundred at this point.”

The group also organizes Connection Events which are a sort

For information on participating in or donating to Walk for the Waiting in Little Rock, a May 4 walk benefiting Project Zero, The Call and Immerse, three nonprofits that serve waiting kids and teens, please visit walkforthewaiting.org.

of meet-and-greet between waiting kids and prospective families, giving both sides a chance to discover and learn about one another. In one of the largest of these events, last

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18

faith

Afraid

if you weren’t Words and image Jessica Sowards

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T

faith

This morning, I woke up in the dark. I’d forgotten to turn the alarm on, but the glowing red lights of the clock peered through the morning darkness to tell me I’d only slept three minutes longer than I would have had I remembered to turn it on. My internal clock is, apparently, precise. My feet slid across the soft sheets and touched my sweet husband’s legs next to me. His internal clock has long since been broken by staying up too late. He didn’t stir, but I didn’t mind.

I’m always the first one awake. Before the boys rise, before the dogs stir, and before the farm starts to come to life, I lie in bed and talk to Jesus.

Years ago, if you’d talked to me about dreams, I would have shared a big one. My dream, for the better part of my life, was to have exactly what I have now. I wanted a farm. I wanted to grow my own food. I wanted to raise my babies with their bare feet in the soil, to teach them the beauty of nurturing life.

It’s been over five years now that we’ve been doing the small farm thing. It was an impossible dream that I could neither force nor even rationally hope for. But I did hope, and in the form of a foreclosure, God gave me a house and a handful of acres. We rolled up our sleeves and learned to build and to grow. There were lessons along the way, some expensive and heartbreaking and others thrilling and wonderful. All of it has been beautiful.

I am thirty-three years old. I’m old enough to have learned some things by experience and young enough to still have so much to learn. This spring, as I’ve celebrated the five-year anniversary of my dream-come-true, something has begun to stir in my heart.

Springtime is special on a farm. New life explodes. In the form of fluffy chicks and bouncing goat kids, with milk flowing and seedlings breaking through the soils, spring screams the announcement of hope and fulfillment. When winter becomes grey and desperate, all of a sudden, the green comes rushing back. Then before I know it, it’s May and everything is alive and thriving. It is the time of year where I am quite literally overwhelmed with the fulfillment of what I used to pray for. And this year, as I’ve spent hours and hours working and preparing my garden, I’ve been thinking, and I’ve made a realization.

I don’t notice the roosters crowing anymore.

For five years my dreams have been primarily contained here on this handful of acres. I’ve planned gardens and fences and breeding lines of dairy goats. I’ve learned, grown, and stretched myself to the limits of what

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faith

one person can possibly do. I’ve taught, shared and enjoyed

simple and at the same time profound. I’m asking Him, “What

this dream infinitely more than I thought I would. My sons

do you want me to dream?”

have developed a gentleness that stops me in my tracks. When I see them gently place an earthworm into the garden beds

Surely, He has shown me that He cares about what I dream.

or lovingly pat the stretched skin of a pregnant doe, I know

And so, I’m asking Him to conceive dreams in my heart that I

this life has produced something precious in them. I am so,

might not be brave enough to hope for on my own. I’m asking

so thankful for my life. Truly, it blows me away and woos my

Him to give me dreams for my family, for my friends, for all

heart with a romance for which I don’t have words.

of you. I’m asking for dreams for our nation and for humanity as a whole.

My first rooster crowed on my farm on a warm December afternoon, the first year we lived here. I was sitting at the

Oh, the things I’ve started dreaming! I’m imagining retreat

kitchen table, and the window was open to allow a breeze

centers to teach people how to grow food. I’m imagining farm

to flow in. That first crow floated in on the breeze and it

to table bed and breakfasts and a little restaurant with live

might as well have been a brick wall with how hard it hit me.

worship sets and classes on eating seasonally. I’m dreaming of

I wept at the table that day, so awestruck at the faithfulness

co-ops and community and being able to equip people to go

of God. And now, I don’t notice it. At first, when I realized it,

back to the land.

I thought maybe it was sad, that maybe I’d failed to maintain an appropriate degree of gratitude or wonder. But the more I

Perhaps those are big things to ask for, but why not ask?

ponder it, I don’t think that is the case.

If a once poor girl like me could have the chance to raise I may live this dream with wild wonder and gratitude, but

her boys to be kind to earthworms and goats, if a country

it is still my everyday life. I may maintain joy in the work

girl like me could teach tens of thousands to garden by

of it and handle the hardships with a persistence rooted in

way of YouTube and have the great opportunity to become

thankfulness, but even still, this extraordinary life is mine. It is

accustomed to the crow of a rooster in her yard, why couldn’t

my normal, and that is ok.

I dream of great and wonderful things?

I have come to realize that when dreams come true and

I want to ask you a question and I want you to really ponder

become normal, when God sees your heart and meets you

it. Ask yourself this question and really let it settle in the deep

there with blessings, it’s an invitation to ask for a new dream.

places of your heart. It may seem silly, but I believe this single question, if we allowed it to convict us and stir us and strike

That’s exactly what I am doing this spring. In the season of

our imaginations into action, could quite truly change the

new life and new beginnings, as my hands are busy milking

world: What would you dream for if you weren’t afraid?

goats and sowing my garden, I’m asking God a question,

To watch Jessica’s garden tours, visit her YouTube channel, Roots and Refuge.

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22

health

SUMMER SAFETY

FO R K I D S Heat-related illness happens when the body’s temperature WORds and images courtesy Alicia Agent, Director Marketing Communications, Baptist Health – Fort Smith

control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. Illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat

School is almost out and our local parks, trails and

cramps, heat rash and sunburn. Children of all ages are at risk

neighborhoods will soon be filled with kids looking for

when exposed to excessive amounts of time in the sun and heat.

fun ways to spend their summer breaks. Baptist Health pediatricians Samina Nadvi, M.D., and Manar Ibrahim, M.D.,

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the more serious illnesses

see a wide variety of injuries during the summer months.

and symptoms can include:

Here are three of the most common summer safety topics

• Heavy sweating

to consider before sending your child out the door to play.

• Changes in pulse

ARKANSAS HEAT

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness or fainting

Whether those activities involve splashing around a pool or practicing at the ballfields, extended time in the sun and heat

• Headache

can put kids at risk for injury. Make sure your children dress

• Red, hot skin

in loose, light-weight, light-colored clothing when playing

• Muscle cramps

outdoors. Staying hydrated will also reduce their risk of heatrelated illnesses.

Cool showers and baths can often soothe some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. But if symptoms last longer

“It’s important to make sure your kids stay hydrated by drinking

than an hour or if your child experiences these symptoms and

more water than usual, not just when they are thirsty,” said

a temperature of more than 103 degrees Fahrenheit, they may

Dr. Ibrahim. “Having low-sugar drinks like flavored waters,

be suffering from heat stroke and you should call 9-1-1. Very

Pedialyte or Gatorade on hand is important if your children are

high body temperatures can lead to serious health problems

going to spend time outside this summer.”

and may damage the brain or other vital organs.

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health

HEADS UP!

become less vigilant about supervising a child who had taken

Concussions are often thought of as sports-related injuries,

swim lessons. Even if a child has had formal swim lessons, it’s

but Dr. Nadvi says there are many activities that can lead to a

still important to use other safety precautions.

head injury.

“Children in the swimming pool or lakes should always wear “Even falling off a slide or swing or injuring the head while

life jackets because ‘floaties’ and pool noodles can slip off or

jumping on the trampoline could cause a concussion,” said Dr.

get away, leaving the child unsafe,” Dr. Nadvi said.

Nadvi. “Anything that jolts the head or causes a whiplash-type injury can lead to a concussion.”

The pediatricians recommend that adults set a good example for their children by wearing life jackets and being within arms’

The pediatricians stress that children should also wear helmets

length of the children when swimming.

as well as elbow and knee pads when riding bicycles, scooters or skateboards to avoid serious injuries. Symptoms of a concussion

Another topic for parents to be aware of is recreational water

can include severe pain or headache, confusion, nausea or

illness (RWIs). These are illnesses caused by germs and chemicals

vomiting, slowness to responding and sensitivity to light.

found in the water we swim in. RWIs are spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or having contact with contaminated water

“Give the child time to calm down and watch their

in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks and natural water

symptoms,” said Dr. Ibrahim. “If symptoms do not pass

reservoirs. Diarrhea is one of the most common recreational

after an hour or they get worse, the child will need to be

water illnesses.

evaluated either in the doctor’s office or the emergency room. The evaluation typically involves a neurological exam

“Diarrhea is caused by bad bacteria such as Shigella or E. coli

and monitoring, not necessarily a CT scan.”

that can be found in fecal matter,” Dr. Nadvi said. “Swallowing even a small amount could cause someone to become sick. It’s

Recovery involves cutting back on physical and mental activities

important to shower before and after you swim in order to

in order to allow the brain time to rest, according to Dr. Nadvi.

keep yourself and others healthy.”

If a child does not ease back into activity such as sports or school work, call your doctor immediately.

The physicians encourage parents to have their children take bathroom breaks when playing in the water, as

HEALTHY SWIMMING

well as regularly changing infants’ swim diapers to avoid

Drowning is a leading cause of death in children under four,

contaminating the water.

according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New guidelines released in April from the American Academy of

While there can be health risks with any outdoor activity, the

Pediatrics (AAP) say babies can begin swimming lessons at one

physicians say that it’s still important to stay active over the

year old. Previously, the organization had advised against swim

summer break and reduce “screen time,” or use of television,

lessons for kids under the age of four in fear parents would

video games or other electronics. For more ideas on how to keep your whole family active and healthy all summer long,

Ibrahim, Manar

Mapes, Raelene

Nadvi, Samina

visit the BHealthy blog at baptist-health.com.

Baptist Health Family and Pediatric Clinic-Ellsworth Road 5428 Ellsworth Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.709.7440

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community

A Modern Day Barn Raisin’ MANES & MIRACLES AT CHAFFEE CROSSING WORDS Dwain Hebda images courtesy Manes & Miracles

Cliff Cabaness’ father is a three-tour Vietnam veteran, twice

“When I learned what [the organization] did for veterans and

decorated with the Bronze Star for valor and once with a Purple

special needs children, my wife and I said immediately we’ve got

Heart for being wounded in action. Cliff, himself a vet, saw

to figure out a way to get them out here,” Cliff said.

the toll such service has taken on his dad, in the way of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And, he’s also aware of the

He also signed on as president of the organization’s board of

shocking statistic of suicide among veterans, very often directly

directors, thereby spearheading efforts to raise millions for

related to these issues.

getting the structure out of the ground.

So, when a new Fort Smith nonprofit reached out to ask for

“Between the veteran cause, which is near and dear to my heart

his support of a new state-of-the-art therapy center featuring

with both my father and I being servicemen, and the work that

hippotherapy for special needs children and vets, the Fort Smith

they’re doing with special needs children, this is something I just

businessman jumped at the chance. That is, once he got one

wanted to be involved with,” Cliff said. “Having an opportunity

detail cleared up.

to acquire a large part of Chaffee Crossing and then donate ten percent of that land back to a nonprofit just made sense to give

“At the time, [hippotherapy] is something I had absolutely no

back to the community.”

awareness of,” he said.

Hippotherapy is an effective treatment for people with special The good folks at Manes & Miracles at Chaffee Crossing

needs as well as those suffering from certain mental conditions

were more than capable of educating Cliff on the benefits

including PTSD. The benefit of the therapy is multi-faceted: A

of hippotherapy which utilizes horses to improve physical

horse’s gait imparts a movement response similar to normal

and emotional health. He signed on to donate 30 acres of

human gait, providing an immediate impact on balance and

ground to the project, a slice of a three-hundred-acre buy at

coordination as well as timing, reaching, grading of postural

Chaffee Crossing.

responses and physiological function.

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community

The therapy also improves communication skills in people with speech, language, social and cognitive-communication and swallowing difficulties by coordinating the brain and sensory system. Last but not least, hippotherapy impacts emotional connectivity in people who struggle with such relationships in other aspects of their lives.

While hippotherapy doesn’t replace or substitute for other types of therapy, when combined with other treatment, it can yield remarkable results quickly, Cliff said.

“It is just another tool in the toolbox that sometimes allows for a breakthrough,” Cliff said. “We have had kids that have not been able to eat solid food go through hippotherapy and in six months they’re eating solid food. We’ve had autistic children who’ve showed no emotion to their parents that have hugged the horses and began to tell their parents that they loved them.

We’ve had children that are not speaking and within one or two sessions began speaking to their family. So, these are lifechanging events. They are legacy-changing events in families.”

Locally, the need for hippotherapy services is particularly pressing: The U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2012-2016 reported the prevalence of disability in Arkansas for non-institutionalized persons at nearly seventeen percent, but more than eighteen percent in Sebastian County. And, thanks to Fort Chaffee, there’s a high military and veteran population in the area as well.

Despite these demographics, those wishing to avail themselves of hippotherapy are hard-pressed to find a suitable program.

“We heard that there were so many people from here – both special needs children as well as, and just as important, disabled veterans and veterans – that were driving or having to be bused north of the Arkansas state line into Missouri,” Cliff said. “We knew that there was great need here and just felt like we could bridge that gap.”

The Manes and Miracles facility would not only provide hippotherapy locally, but also other types of therapy on premises. Among other unique attributes, it will house the only Hooves for Heroes program in the state, a program that specifically targets veterans.

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From 2006 to 2010 2.1 million veterans received mental health treatment from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Studies show that only represents about half of the vets who needed help. Putting the scope of the issue another way, twenty percent of vets just from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder and twenty percent of vets in these two mental health categories have experienced a traumatic brain injury, reported the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research. Most sobering of all, 6,000 veterans took their own life in the U.S. annually between 2008 and 2016, according to Veterans Affairs statistics.

“We know about the rate of suicide among veterans and we know about PTSD challenges,” Cliff said. “My father deals with that through the Veterans Association. He has challenges being

come in as the community becomes more educated on the need

a three-time Vietnam tour veteran with two Bronze Stars and a

for this type of facility.

Purple Heart. Those issues are really close and have impacted my family. We just understood what a special need it is.”

“It is definitely a learning curve and we have found it to be pretty consistent that people are learning the dynamics of

Manes & Miracles at Chaffee Crossing became a 501(c)(3)

hippotherapy,” Cliff said. “But the outreach and the in-reach

nonprofit last April and secured Cliff’s donated ground late

of volunteerism and people participating have given us multiple

last year. At the same time, the organization launched a $3.5

people who have already earmarked us to be their nonprofit of

million capital campaign to build its state-of-the-art facility, the

the year or nonprofit for an event.

first phase of which will spend about $1.5 million on a covered arena to shield clients from the elements while participating in

“We are also looking for naming rights; we are looking for a

their treatment.

family, a foundation, a sponsorship to name this barn raising, this covered arena and therapy space. We want some philanthropist

When finished, the total project will encompass a twenty-

to come forward and say I’m ready to put a stake in the ground

thousand-square-foot covered arena, seven-thousand-square-

and help raise this facility.”

foot barn and a six-thousand five hundred-square-foot therapy facility that will include an aquatic therapy pool, therapy rooms and offices.

“The interesting piece to this is within one mile [of the proposed Hearts & Hooves site] they are building a physical therapy center, an occupational therapy center and a speech therapy center beside the osteopathic medical school here,” Cliff said. “Those people will be able to work within equine therapy for clinical hours. So, the proximity of this land and being where these schools will be built really was a nice fit.”

Fundraising for the project is in full swing and has included a 5K/10K road race in April and partnering with the Arkansas

Manes & Miracles at Chaffee Crossing For more information and to learn how you can get involved, call 479.847.5535 or visit manesandmiracles.org.

Naturals baseball team’s Veterans Appreciation night this June.

In addition to special events, private donations are starting to DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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travel

Arkie Travels FROM JA SPER TO PONCA

words Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels IMAGEs courtesy Arkie Travels

I grew up in The Natural State, but even after spending thirty plus years of my life here, I still hadn't seen more than the basic “springs” such as Blanchard, Hot and Eureka. And then I met my husband, Paul. He introduced me to the book, Waterfalls of Arkansas , by Tim Ernst (it’s a must have) and every weekend became an adventure to explore more of this beautiful piece of the south.

One of our favorite places is the little mountain town of Jasper. It's just over an hour north of Russellville via our state's first national scenic byway, Hwy 7, and it is absolutely charming. From the courthouse square to the adorable shops and eateries, there's a lot to love about Jasper. It is home to our nation's first national river, the Buffalo, and to numerous outdoor activities like rock climbing, caving and horseback riding. Join us for a bit of fun as we hit the trail from Jasper to Ponca and explore everything in between!

If you're coming up scenic byway 7 from Russellville, you'll enjoy some beautiful views of the Ozarks on your way. Stop in town and pull up a chair at the Ozark Cafe for lunch! Established in 1909, there's a reason people have been flocking here for over 100 years to get their chocolate gravy fix. They're also known for their burgers and shakes, including the notorious “Excaliburger,” a half-pound burger sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches – seriously.

If you need to walk it off after chowing down, check out the quaint shops on the courthouse square. We're especially fond of Emma's Museum of Junk. It's exactly what the name suggests, but you never know when you might spot that diamond in the rough!

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Take Hwy 74 out of town headed to Ponca and turn right on Camp Orr Road. Triple Falls Trailhead is a short hike away but getting to it is a little more difficult. The road you'll take goes down (and we mean dooooowwwnnnn) to a Boy Scout camp.

Watch out for ruts and areas where the gravel road is washed out. When you reach the bottom, you'll park in a grassy area on the right and the trailhead is directly across on the left. It's an easy out and back trail, only about a quarter mile, leading to a beautiful forty-eight-foot waterfall.

If you're feeling a little more adventurous and looking for a thrill, check out the zip lining at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch on your way to Ponca. If you want to start on something a little smaller, they offer the 600 ft. “Pony Express,” but their claim to fame is a zip line they've dubbed the “Iron Horse.” It’s the longest (2,300 feet), tallest (a vertical drop of 277 feet), fastest (top speeds of over 50 mph) zip line in Arkansas and one of the top zip lines in North America. At one point you will be over 300 feet above the valley floor! Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is an authentic, family-owned dude ranch. They also offer activities like horseback riding, skeet shooting and even a petting zoo!

One of the coolest parts of our beautiful state is the herd of 600 Rocky Mountain Elk living in the Ponca/ Boxley Valley. Stop by the Ponca Elk Education Center and learn more about the elk and other wildlife you may see in the area. It's run by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and they're always happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction for elk viewing. Best of all, it's FREE and they also offer fun classes throughout the year. The elk usually make an appearance around dawn and dusk. Note: They are not always out, but when they are it's a sight to see!

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The last stop on our journey is the 2.1-mile Lost Valley Trailhead. This is a fun out and back hike that will make you feel like you're stepping back in time to the Jurassic age! The first half of the trail is ADA accessible, but it does get more strenuous as you go along. This family-friendly

If you want to extend your stay in Ponca, visit the Buffalo

trail has everything from caves

Outdoor Center for cabin options, canoe and kayak

to a natural bridge and ends

rental for floating the Buffalo and camping essentials.

in a beautiful waterfall. If you

They post the water levels on their website, but make

want to explore the more

sure you call ahead of time to reserve equipment

difficult caves, make sure you

and cabins. Do a little local shopping and pick up a

bring headlamps or flashlights

picnic lunch (we highly recommend the chicken salad

and knee protection.

sandwich) and don't forget your cold drink! They also have the best potties in the area – just sayin'.

If you’re looking for something a little more filling, visit Low Gap Cafe. Just a forewarning, it looks like a hole in the wall from the outside but give it a chance! It's owned by a five-star chef and we’re not lying when we say it was one of the best meals we've ever tasted. The atmosphere is casual, and they have live music on the weekends. Tell Nick we sent you!

Sarah and Paul Heer

For more information about Sarah & Paul’s travels and routes they've designed all over our home state, follow them on social media @ArkieTravels or visit their website at arkietravels.com.

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taste

KEEP CALM & GRILL ON GRILLED PIZZA WITH ARUGULA PESTO, CORN AND HAM words and image courtesy MilkMeansMore.org Recipe Rachel Gurk of Rachel Cooks

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taste

Keep your kitchen cool with a grilled meal that banishes the heat to the outdoors. Homemade pesto, fresh corn and ham create a perfect harmony for this cheesy grilled pizza.

Find more refreshing meal solutions at milkmeansmore.org.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6

ARUGULA PESTO

METHOD

2 cups fresh arugula, tightly packed

Heat grill to medium (350-400 F).

1 clove garlic 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Arugula Pesto: In food processor, combine arugula, garlic,

pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

lemon juice, red pepper flakes & Parmesan. Pulse to

⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

combine. With food processor on, drizzle in olive oil until

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

pesto forms, scrape down sides. Taste & season with salt

salt, to taste

and pepper.

pepper, to taste

Grilled Pizza: Flour pizza dough lightly, stretch or roll to about 1/2-inch thickness (14-16-inch diameter). Sprinkle

GRILLED PIZZA

remaining flour on large rimless baking sheet or pizza

2 Tablespoons flour, divided 1lb. pizza crust dough (at room temperature if using refrigerated dough) vegetable oil, for grill ½ cup Arugula Pesto ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese ½ cup diced deli ham ½ - ¾ cup fresh corn kernels (about 1 cob) ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

stone. Transfer dough to baking surface. Grease grates with oil-soaked paper towel and tongs. Slide dough onto grill. Cover & cook until dough is bubbling on top & golden brown on bottom, 2-3 minutes. Flip dough over using tongs. Remove crust & add toppings. Spread Arugula Pesto over dough. Top with ricotta, ham, corn kernels, onion & Parmesan. Return pizza to grill, cover & cook until toppings are heated through & bottom of crust is crispy, 5-7 minutes.

Remove from grill, slice & serve.

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Family Fun Devil's Den State Park words and images courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Spring is the perfect time of year to visit Devil's Den State Park! Located in the Lee Creek Valley, this iconic park offers activities for the entire family. Devil's Den hiking, backpacking, mountain bike and horseback riding trails lead to the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Guests can stay in one of the seventeen charming rustic cabins that include kitchens and fireplaces, pitch a tent in a scenic campsite, or park an RV. Horse lovers have their own camp that includes a bathhouse and hookups. Devil’s Den hosts many special events throughout the year as well. And remember – there is never an entrance fee! For more information about Devil’s Den State Park and the other fifty-one state parks, visit ArkansasStateParks.com.

Yellow Rock Overlook

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35

ingredients ½ cup sugar

•

½ cup water

•

6 mint leaves, torn

•

1 oz. mint simple syrup

•

1 ½ oz. bourbon (rye is best)

•

3 oz. fresh watermelon juice

•

Derby Watermelon Julep Recipe adapted from Spicy Southern Kitchen image Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

•

1 ½ oz. club soda

•

Fresh jalapeño

•

method In saucepan, create a simple syrup by simmering ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, 1 fresh jalapeño slice, and 6 torn mint leaves until sugar dissolves. Let cool. Blend watermelon, strain to remove pulp, reserve juice. To cocktail shaker, add simple syrup, bourbon, watermelon and lime juice, shake to combine. Pour over crushed ice. Add club soda, garnish with watermelon, mint leaves, and jalapeño slice (optional).

Please drink responsibly.

Never drink and drive.

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community

They Call the Thing

Rodeo words Dwain Hebda images courtesy Avid Visual Imagery

A

A bright red gate swings open and a young bull charges into the arena. From the second the animal sets hoof in the powdery, cocoa-brown dust the crowd knows he’s looking for a piece of somebody – anybody – who's crazy enough to challenge him. He doesn’t have to look far.

A man stands a few yards in front of the raven-black monster, momentarily frozen in place, but light on his feet.

The beast sees him and for a split second gives a quizzical look, as if sharing the sentiment of the crowd that anyone climbing in the ring with him must be seriously loco. Then, he charges.

The duo is facing off in an event called freestyle bullfighting.

Unlike the traditional version which pokes and sticks the bull to weaken it until the matador ends the spectacle in a bloody coup de grace, the freestyle event evens the odds considerably. The human competitor is allowed no spurs, no weapons, no implements of any kind, just wits and reflexes enough to get as close as possible to the 1,200 pounds of ticked-off ribeye, hoof and horn trying to kill him.

Freestyle bullfighting is just one of the highly entertaining events at the Old Fort Days Rodeo, a Fort Smith institution for eighty-six years. Cowboys and cowgirls from as far away as Canada make their way to the event, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Reckoned at about five hundred in any given year, competitors ride, rope and yes, bullfight their way to a cash prize and perhaps beyond as most events carry points toward qualifying for December’s National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

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community

“We draw from a lot of states, maybe fifteen or more,” says Randy Mizell, Old Fort Days Rodeo chairman. “They come from all over; a lot of bronc and bareback riders come from Montana. We get some Canadians, California, Oregon; anybody trying to get in the NFR is going to be here.”

More than just about anything that defines Fort Smith’s pedigree as gateway to the frontier, Old Fort Days Rodeo cements the city’s links to its past. The original event, held at Andrews Field near the Arkansas River, was tagged the Pawnee Bill Rodeo after wild west showman Pawnee Bill (aka Gordon Lillie) of Oklahoma, a contemporary and sometimes business partner of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Pawnee Bill appeared at several of the early Fort Smith rodeos, spurring its popularity.

Another seminal figure in those fledgling days was R.K. Rodgers, a Fort Smith local who took over as the event’s director starting in 1934. Rodgers guided the event through good times (purchase of the former OG&E Electric Park, now known as Kay Rodgers Park and construction of Harper Arena) and the bad (Arkansas River flooding).

But through it all, even the global conflict of World War II couldn’t disrupt the annual confluence of human, equine and bovine talent from congregating, or the crowds from turning out to watch.

“That stadium will hold 7,000 or 8,000 people,” says Denny Flynn, executive director at Kay Rodgers Park. “There’s a couple nights where it’s pretty tight just squeezin’ in seats. One time for Family Night we just about filled it up. It was great.”

Rodeo hasn’t always been in fashion but one of the things that has kept Old Fort Days running is its authenticity and Denny has that in spades. The bull-riding product of Charleston, Arkansas, he resides in the Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Rodeo Hall of Fame and this year, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

A ten-time National Finals Rodeo competitor, Denny was ranked fourth or better in the world for seven straight years during his dazzling career. He finished second three times in the PRCA, a ranking determined by prize winnings. Like every tenured cowboy, Denny’s lived both sides of the rodeo coin – his ninety-eight-point ride aboard Steiner’s Red Lighting DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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stands as second best in PRCA history, but he was also nearly

sport suffered a slow but steady decline in the number of

gored to death in 1975, among a myriad of other scrapes,

professional events before hitting bottom in 2009.

breaks and near-misses.

Since then, rodeos have staged a comeback with more These days, Denny is content to book rank bulls rather than

events and bigger prize money, led by small-town contests

climb aboard one for an eight-second tornado ride. For that,

such as Fort Smith’s. Here, the future is foretold by Old

the rodeo contracts with one of the best rodeo stock outfits

Fort Days’ teeming numbers of mutton busters – a crowd-

in the business.

favorite event comprised of tykes clinging to the backs of runaway sheep. That, plus the growth of high school and

“We work with Andrews Rodeo Company out of Texas,” Randy

college rodeo clubs has Denny optimistic about the future.

says. “They had a bull several years ago named Bodacious.

Everybody knows that name and that bull belonged to them.

“I see [rodeo] growing. We’ve got a little organization

They’ve had the bucking bull of the year in the PRCA the last

around here that just the other day had a little junior rodeo

couple years. They’ve got some really good stock and they

and there were fifty-eight bull riders on a two-day deal. That

stock at all the big rodeos in Texas and Oklahoma.”

just shocked me,” Denny says.

Unlike other rodeo events, Old Fort Days doesn’t distract

“CBS Sports has a lot of rodeos and with the National Finals

from the competition by throwing in a big-name concert or

being on TV, all of that has helped with attendance because

sticking it onto a carnival. But they aren’t above leveraging

anytime the kids want to do or see that the parents are going

some spectacle to keep audiences coming back, either. A

to take them.”

parade in downtown Fort Smith launches the rodeo every year, drawing thousands. Special theme nights including

Back at the bullfighting, the competitor is getting the best of

Family Night, Military Appreciation and Tough Enough to

the animal until the beast wheels unexpectedly and in a dusty

Wear Pink cancer awareness night packs in thousands more.

blink tosses its head and the competitor skyward. Outside, the gathering darkness musters a cool breeze through the

“Attendance has been pretty steady; it’s hard to get an exact

grandstand filled with appreciative buckaroos of all ages, each

handle on numbers,” says Denny. “We do six nights; we start on

one booted and buckled just so. Kids laugh, couples hold hands,

Memorial Day and that’s one of our biggest nights. Then we have

fans cheer. It’s rodeo night in Fort Smith, U.S.A. once more.

a Family Night Tuesday and Wednesday where we cheapen up the tickets for families to afford to come. Friday and Saturday are really good crowds because it’s towards the end of the week.”

Despite having to compete among an unprecedented number of activities vying for young people’s time and attention,

Old Fort Days Rodeo May 27 - June 1, 2019 oldfortdaysrodeo.com

rodeo is still hanging tough. After peaking in the 1990s, the DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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southern fiction

What Lilah Sees FICTION Marla Cantrell Image Tyler B.

T

L

Lilah stayed up too late and now, at eight in the morning, it

In the car, Lilah plays the oldies radio station. A song about

shows. She squints at the entryway mirror, car keys in hand,

a bluebird comes on, and Lilah feels her eyes sting. She has

and doesn’t like what she sees. “Well, I can’t say I ever did,”

grown sentimental in her old age. Sixty-seven years. She

she says out loud.

checks her reflection in the mirror, proud of her hair she keeps dyed a soft brown. Ashamed of her strong jaw, the nose that

Beside the mirror is a black and white photo of her father

hooks at the end. The loose skin of her long neck.

wearing the kind of slacks men wore in the 1940s, cuffed and baggy. A thin belt shows at his waist. It sounds like a normal

She is thirty minutes early for her optometrist’s appointment

photo from that era, except Lilah’s father is standing on his

but goes in anyway. She sits in the mauve-colored chair beside

head, his pants hiked up above his ankles, his upside-down tie

a plastic plant that’s nearly as tall as she is. The room is empty

covering the middle of his face.

except for her; all the employees are behind the glass door. She can hear their chatter. If she tried, she could make out their

Her father was a funny man, that was true enough, but he

words, but instead, she closes her eyes.

was also moody, and if he grew angry at Lilah, there would be days of silence between them. After Lilah married, before

Lilah cannot believe she’s fallen asleep, but when her name is

Junior dove off the bluff at Belle Lake and missed the water,

called, she’s so startled she jumps, and her purse falls from her

she talked to her husband all the time. She thought if she

lap onto the painted concrete floor.

could keep him talking, everything would be fine.

The doctor tells her that her glaucoma is worsening and hands If Lilah could conjure up Junior again, she’d ask him why he

her a prescription for stronger medicine. “This should help

jumped; he was not a strong swimmer. He was only forty-

lower the pressure in your eyes,” she tells Lilah. “If it doesn’t

three. Not old, but too old to take chances.

work, I’m sending you to a specialist.”

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southern fiction

She walks to the pharmacy, Lilah stands in line with the

“Do tell,” she says. Hearing Junior’s name is always a small

prescription tight in her hand and feels the dampness of her

shock, even after all these years.

fingers. The last few days, there have been moments when her vision goes blurry, a new development that terrifies her. She

“This was right before you two got married. A bunch of us

looks to the farthest aisle and then to the woman in front of

guys was hanging out in the parking lot at the Dairy Wonder,

her who’s wearing cut-off jean shorts and an orange tank top.

and there comes Junior in his dad’s Impala, that yellow one

Everything looks the way it should, at least for now.

with all the chrome. Junior had just finished washing and waxing it, and it was like staring at the sun.”

When she leaves, she heads to the café where all the tables and chairs are painted pink. She orders a Coke, wrestles the

Lilah smiles. “We drove that car on our honeymoon

cap off her new prescription bottle and pops a pill. “Anything

to Natchez.”

else?” the server asks, with his pen held inches above the pad of green paper. Lilah orders a meatloaf sandwich, a side

Bobby raises his hand so the server will see him. After he

of fries, peach cobbler for dessert, although she can’t say for

orders coffee and a BLT, he says, “So Junior pulls in real fast

sure that she’s even hungry.

and squeals his tires. He was a big guy even then, but he jumped out of that car like a cat on fire. So, he goes up to

Before the food arrives, Lilah takes a small mirror from her

Tank LaCrue and he pokes him in the chest. ‘Buddy,’ he said,

purse and touches up her lipstick. This is a sort of vanity she

‘if I ever hear my sister’s name come out of your mouth again,

ascribes to, even though she doubts there’s a person in this

I’ll break your neck!’”

place who’d really notice her.

Lilah has never heard this story before, but it sounds right. Junior’s The meatloaf is dry and Lilah shakes catsup over it. As she’s

younger sister Ramona had a reputation. She had the good looks

doing this, Bobby Milam comes in. She hasn’t seen him in ages.

of a movie star back then. It was a powerful combination.

An image comes to mind of a much younger Bobby dressed in short pants on a perfect Easter Sunday, his small hand held safe

“What did Tank do?”

inside his mother’s. She was six years old that year, so he must “That’s the thing. We all figured there’d be a knock-down

have been five.

drag-out. You know how tough Tank was. But Tank just raised “Lilah,” he says and tips his hat. His hair is neat, mostly white,

his hands and backed away.”

and he runs his fingers through it.

The server brings Bobby’s BLT, slides it right in front of him “Why don’t you take a load off?” Lilah asks, and he sits.

and dashes away. The tables are filling up now, and Lilah can hear the sizzle of the griddle as burgers are being turned. The

“Had to bring my tiller in to the hardware shop. Motor’s not

place smells of grease and salt, of coffee and onions. Lilah

running right. I used to could fix near about anything, but

pushes her plate away.

now everything’s gone all high-tech computerish.”

“I don’t know why I thought of that, Lilah. But I could see it just “Don’t I know it,” Lilah says. Truth is she doesn’t know it. She

like a movie playing.”

doesn’t even have cable television or a cellular phone.

Lilah rubs her eyes. “I’ve got glaucoma,” she says. “The doc is “I was thinking about Junior the other day,” Bobby says, and as

trying a different medicine, but if that doesn’t work, I have to

he does, he drums his fingers on the table. Lilah sees the pinky

go see a specialist.”

ring with the big red stone. A ruby maybe. Probably a garnet.

Bobby holds his sandwich mid-air and says, “You’ll be okay, Lilah. Dooter Wilson has the same thing and he got a highDOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

41

42

southern fiction

priced, special trained dog that runs around with him. He

“Well,” Bobby says, “loneliness,” and after saying it,

does just fine.”

stops talking.

“So Dooter’s blind now?”

Lilah rubs her eyes, and the rubbing, or the glaucoma, she is not sure, causes everything to blur.

Bobby looks away, over toward the jukebox, also pink, that plays music from the 1950s. “Well,” he says, “maybe Dooter’s

Once, her sister-in-law Ramona rode with a truck driver

not a good example. What I was trying to say is that I think

across the country. She had a shoebox full of photos of

you’ll be fine.”

herself beside cactuses and oceans. She smiled every time she drug them out.

The peach cobbler arrives and Lilah turns the bowl around in a circle. The peaches look the same color as the crust, which

“Does it make you think differently about me?” Lilah asks, and

is not the prettiest thing. When she takes a bite, she tastes

Bobby wads a napkin into a ball and tucks it under the edge of

the sweetness of the peaches, the cinnamon and salt of the

his plate.

perfect crust.

“It makes you seem a little more like the rest of us,” he says.

After a few bites, she says, “I never had a man fight for me.”

She feels the pressure of tears coming. “No one ever had

“Ramona married an insurance salesman in Missouri eventually.

a reason.”

Changed her first name to Crystal. She teaches a meditation class twice a week.”

“Because you were a good girl, Lilah. We all knew that.

And you always seemed a little above everybody else. I

Bobby takes his wallet out, puts a twenty and a ten on the

don’t know how to explain it. Not snotty or anything. Just

table. Lilah objects, but he waves her off.

better somehow.”

“Good for Ramona,” Bobby says.

Lilah takes her paper napkin and wipes her mouth. Her lipstick is coral colored and some of it comes off on the paper. “I can’t

He stands and tips his hat to say goodbye. But then he sits

believe you thought that,” she says. “I wasn’t better, Bobby. I

down again. “If they send you to an eye specialist, you won’t

wasn’t even good enough. My dad,” Lilah says, and clears her

want to drive yourself. Sometimes those city doctors talk too

throat. “My dad had high standards.

fast. You’ll need somebody to help you sort it all out.”

“So, I was a good girl and then I was a good wife. The only

“That’s good advice,” she says, but the truth is that the thought

reckless thing I ever did happened in Florida two months after

of asking someone to help fills her with dread.

Junior died. I’d taken one of those tour buses from Little Rock to see the ocean. A man as old as I am now took an interest in

“What I’m saying is that I’d be happy to drive you.”

me. After three days on the bus, I married him on the beach, a few yards away from a sign that said Deep Holes, Dangerous

The day Junior died, their family doctor had shown up at her

Currents, Slippery Rocks. When the trip was over, I sent him on

house and handed her a pill she took without reservation. In

his way. The only other time I ever spoke to him was when I

a few minutes, she felt the muscles in her jaw let go and her

asked him to sign the divorce papers.”

shoulders relax. Lilah thought it had more to do with Doctor Jim, who’d stayed beside her, holding her hand, than it did with

Bobby rubs his forehead with his thumb. A young woman with

the chemicals tango-ing through her body. She thought she’d

a toddler scoots by their table. Someone puts a quarter in the

never see that much kindness in this world again, but here it is.

jukebox and “Heartaches by the Number” comes on.

Right here beside her.

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ALL ABOUT KIDS Our children are our world and there’s not much we wouldn’t do to give them the future they deserve. We strive to keep them healthy, happy, and safe. Sometimes our busy lives get in the way of knowing everything we’d like about the local businesses and organizations that serve our families. Each year, Do South® partners with the best of the best, to bring you information you need from public and private education opportunities, to specialized healthcare, to exciting activities and entertainment to keep your kids

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active and entertained all year long!

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1st Serve 479.649.8815 arkansasfca.org Your child will learn basic tennis skills, play games, enjoy being part of a team and experience a week full of FUN! Each court will have high school or college age tennis instructors that will lead each age group in many fun activities. There are three week-long sessions available, and all sessions will be held at the Fort Smith Athletic Club in Fort Smith, Arkansas. To sign up, go to ArkansasFCA.org.

Arkansas Pediatric Therapy has been providing physical, occupational and speech therapy to the River Valley and surrounding areas since 2001 by therapists with over 20 years of experience. APT’s therapists are trained in the latest treatment approaches and work closely with families and physicians to provide the best treatment available. Our caring therapists provide exceptional treatment in a fun, child-friendly environment. Free transportation available to current Arkansas Medicaid recipients.

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Come join us for the 14th annual FCA 1st Serve tennis camp!

7320 Rogers Ave, Ste. 25, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.471.1290 aptkids.net

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In a recently published Morningstar report, researchers drew upon data from the Federal Reserve Bank’s “Survey of Consumer Finances” and the Sallie Mae/Ipsos survey “How America Saves for College” to create savings simulations comparing 529 plans to ordinary savings accounts. The researchers found that utilizing the 529 plans would increase the amount available for college by roughly 25% though superior investment earnings compared with ordinary savings accounts. Full usage of these plans could have created an additional $237 billion without any additional saving contributions! What kind of college savings plan are you using? Speak with an Arvest Wealth professional

479.709.7440 (Fort Smith) 479.474.3399 (Van Buren) baptisthealthfortsmithvanburen.com

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Amy Michalek: AR Ins. License 17562051 479.573.1102 / amichalek@arvest.com Jesica Campbell: AR Ins. License 18529693 479.573.1430 / jcampbell1@arvest.com

Baptist Health’s pediatric doctors provide a full range of quality services to keep children and adolescents healthy.

Our pediatric care team is dedicated to making children and parents as comfortable as possible, providing a welcoming environment with friendly, caring staff. Whether it’s an annual check-up or treatment for a serious illness, our pediatricians take your child’s health as seriously as you do. We offer a variety of pediatric care services, including newborn and infant care, school and sports physicals, as well as immunizations and screenings. To find a Baptist Health pediatrician near you, call 1-888-BAPTIST.

for more information.

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6121 S. Zero, Fort Smith, Arkansas 725 S. 48th Street, Springdale, Arkansas 479.648.3483 / 479.756.5511 burtonpools.com

104 North 13th, Van Buren, Arkansas 479.474.7767 art-ed.org

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The Center for Art and Education, for over 40 years, is at What other product can bring a family together, turn special

the heart of our creative community. Our mission is creating

moments into lasting memories, offer good, clean fun for years

art experiences to inspire personal growth and community

to come, and improve your health, all without leaving the

well-being. We believe arts education is vital to personal

comfort of your own backyard? We all know the family that

development, self–expression, and academic success. As

spends thousands of dollars on family vacations that require

CAE continues its work to create a new space in downtown

months of planning, but then they’re over in the blink of an

Historic Van Buren, AR, anyone can get involved at the center

eye. Invest in a swimming pool to provide those moments of

and experience art. Come visit CAE or contact us for more

family fun, and you’ll find you never need to go anywhere

information about our programs, calendar of events, and how

else. Call Burton Pools & Spas today — we are your source for

you can get involved. Creating art experiences!

backyard fun!

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4300 Rogers Ave, Ste. 15, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.3277 centerforhearing.net

3205 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.2501 fortsmithschools.org From unmanned aerial systems programming to unforgettable

Protecting your child’s hearing begins with monitoring the

kindergarten trips to the farm, Fort Smith Public Schools

noise levels they are exposed to. If you must shout for your

provides incredible opportunities and strong instruction for

child to hear you over their activities, the noise is too loud.

each of the almost 15,000 students in 19 neighborhood

Limit the time your child spends in noisy places and provide

elementary schools, four junior high schools, two senior

hearing protection when the noise can’t be reduced. If

high schools, one alternative learning center and one adult

your child participates in noisy activities, have their hearing

education center. With nationally recognized schools,

tested annually. Be aware of hearing loss symptoms such

students, educators and organizations, Fort Smith Public

as ringing in the ears, if their speech sounds muffled or

Schools are always the best choice. For information, visit

difficult to understand, or if they experience temporary

www.fortsmithschools.org.

hearing difficulty after a noisy activity. Contact us today for

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more information!

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1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.784.2787 fsram.org RAM facilitates nationally and internationally recognized traveling exhibitions and rotating exhibits by local and regional artists. In addition to ongoing exhibitions, the museum offers classes for children and adults, lectures, opening receptions,

FUMC is passionate about God, family, friendships, and

FUMC God, family, friendships, finding is ourpassionate calling. It’s aabout place to get help, healing, and hope. and

children’s art camps, galas, free Saturday programming,

We want to findIt’s the agrace God accepts you and just as finding ouryou calling. placeofto getthat help, healing, hope.

after school programs and artist-led workshops. Several of

We you We to find God thaton accepts you just as likewant you are. wantthe to grace be of of help to you your spiritual

our education programs are free and open to the public.

you are, yet a God who loves you so much He won’t leave you

journey, no amatter where on that journey yourself. you are, yet God who loves you so muchyou He find won’t leave you

The museum offers facility rentals and a specialty gift shop

Please touch if we be help of help if you have spiritual any like you get are.inWe want to can be of to or you on your

featuring one-of-a-kind items created by local and regional

journey, no matter where on that journey you find yourself.

artists. Want to know more about what all we have to offer?

Please get in touch if we can be of help or if you have any

Give us a call at 479.784.2787 or email info@fsram.org. See

questions. Call 479.782.5068 or visit fsfumc.org.

you at the museum!

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200Street, N. 15th Street 200 N. 15th Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.5068 479.782.5068 fsfumc.org fsfumc.org

questions. Call 479.782.5068 or visit fsfumc.org.

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5111 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.9999 2203 S. Promenade Blvd, Rogers, Arkansas 479.986.0700 greatamericancookies.com

ST 41 ANNIVERSARY

3304 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.4677 kistlercenter.org The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center, Inc. has been caring for families for over 40 years. When Wayne and Betty Kistler’s

Great American Cookies set the standard for gourmet cookie

son, Gregory, was injured in an automobile accident at the

sales in shopping centers nationwide. Our first store opened

age of six, he sustained a traumatic brain injury. Several years

in 1977 in Atlanta, and we’ve been proudly offering freshly

later, the Kistler’s granddaughter, Michelle, was born with

baked cookies, brownies and cookie cakes ever since. All of

spina bifida. The Kistler family realized Fort Smith needed a

our cookies and brownies begin with carefully tested recipes,

center that could provide specialized rehabilitative services

highly controlled production and the finest ingredients. Each

for children and provide emotional support for parents. The

of our premium treats is handcrafted and baked fresh daily in

Center offers physical, occupational, speech-language, and

our store. From our signature cookie cakes to our deliciously

aquatic therapy to children. It is a certified provider for the

rich brownies, Great American Cookies takes the time to do

Autism Waiver program for children 18 months to 5 years

it right. The end results are the finest fresh-baked products –

and is a certified provider for children and adults in the

perfect for every occasion and celebration.

Community Employment Support Waiver program.

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Founded on the strength of a generations-old family recipe,

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Harvest Time Academy is excited to announce its launch into Junior High! Each student in 5th – 8th grades will receive a Chromebook for school use. Junior High includes the same excellence in academics, with electives that encourage students’ interests in music, technology, athletics, and art.

Harvest Time Academy is a Christian Preschool, Elementary, and Junior High School! At HTA, our teachers are Godly role models who help ground students in God’s Word, challenging them academically, and preparing them to use their God-given talents as they discover God’s plan for their lives.

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3300 Briarcliff Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.646.6003 htacademy.net

223 South 14th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.6798 icschoolfs.org Immaculate Conception Catholic School, following the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, develops the whole child, instills Gospel values, inspires a love of learning, and promotes academic excellence in a diverse nurturing community. We believe the hallmark of quality education is learning and the appreciation of learning. Therefore, the teachers and the administrators of the Immaculate Conception Catholic School (preschool through 6th grade), in partnership with parents, pledge themselves to achieve and maintain professional and personal excellence to share knowledge, develop useful skills, teach Catholic doctrine, and instill a high Christian value system that reflects Christ-like attitudes. Ask about our summer programs!

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314 S. 17th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.1444 lpgkids.com Learn, Play, Grow Children's Therapy Services is an

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outpatient pediatric therapy provider conveniently located

2717 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.573.3799 passmoreplasticsurgery.com

at the corner of Rogers Avenue and 17th! We offer physical,

Without a doubt, your baby brought changes to your life…

occupational, and speech therapy services to children of all

and your body. To regain your pre-pregnancy shape, consider

ages, diagnoses, and abilities, in a relaxed patient-focused,

an individually designed Mommy Makeover. Procedures

family-centered setting. We offer both ongoing and short-

performed by the skilled hands of Dr. Ann Passmore, can

term therapy programs provided by therapists who have a

lift, enhance, and reshape those areas that could use a little

passion for working with children. We accept most forms

more or a little less. Call for an appointment and learn about

of insurance and payment, including Arkansas Medicaid,

surgical and non-surgical options for every body and budget.

Oklahoma SoonerCare, TRICARE, BCBS, United Healthcare, and private pay. Call to schedule your tour, or to make an appointment today!

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At River Valley Pediatric Dentistry, it is our great pleasure to help nurture the gift of a healthy smile at the earliest part of your child’s development. The knowledge this gift will be shared for a lifetime, strengthens our commitment to provide the best care possible. Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Ciesla received specialized education in pediatric dentistry and our staff is well trained in children’s dentistry. We have a combined total experience of 40 years in doctor treatment and over 250 years in employee experience. Our practice is focused on meeting the oral healthcare needs of infants, children,

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3421 Old Greenwood Road Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.4182 rvpd.org

7301 Rogers Ave, 4th Floor, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.314.8030 rmfrfsm@rmhcofarkoma.org Looking for an opportunity to get involved? Every year, RMHC of Arkoma helps over 400 children from Fort Smith and the surrounding area stay close to their family and to the care they desperately need. Unexpected hospital stays are stressful enough without worrying about where mom and dad will sleep, eat or shower. You can help alleviate these uncertainties by volunteering at the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Mercy Hospital.

adolescents and persons with special needs in a safe, fun and positive environment.

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1009 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 479.696.9280 amazeum.org

615 N. Plaza Drive, Suite C Van Buren, Arkansas 479.209.1274 or 479.806.4914 thepediatricpromisecenter.com

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Make the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville your destination for family fun this summer. Spend a few hours

The Pediatric Promise Center is a pediatric therapy clinic

or a day exploring hands-on, interactive exhibits that connect

servicing Western Arkansas. We provide excellent care to

science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) to the

patients from birth to twenty-one years of age. We offer

world around us and discover something new. The Amazeum

speech, occupational and physical therapy services. Our

is a great place for a pit stop during a bike ride, hike or run

primary focus is to give your child the best therapy service

on the trails around Bentonville. It’s only a short distance

possible, while sharing vital information with you to further

from Bentonville’s Downtown Square. The Amazeum is open

improve your child's progress in their therapy sessions. We

10 am to 5 pm Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, and

care about every child's well-being, which is why we take

1 to 5 pm on Sunday. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

the time to implement individualized treatment plans,

Admission is $9.50 for adults and children 2 and older.

develop individualized goals, and adapt to your child's needs.

Currently enrolling OT, PT, and ST patients for Summer 2019.

Our Fort Smith location opens August 1, 2019!

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A child will make love stronger, days shorter,

clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and the future worth living for.

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nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier,

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5210 Grand Ave, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.788.7780 academics.uafs.edu/rwg/summer-camps SciTech camps at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith are the perfect summer activity for students interested in technology, engineering, robotics, and computer science. Each camp is specifically designed to introduce different areas of science and technology with hands-on projects and a whole lot of fun!

Camp fees include all project materials, a t-shirt, and snacks.

Separate camps are offered for students in grades 4-6, 7-8, and 9-11. For more information, contact Amanda Seidenzahl at amanda.seidenzahl@uafs.edu or 479-788-7780 or go to academics.uafs.edu/rwg/summer-camps to register.

2101 Dallas St, Fort Smith, Arkansas 808 S. Broadway St, Poteau, Oklahoma 479.782.3021 udoujorthodontics.com Udouj Orthodontics has provided orthodontic excellence in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere since 1972! Our staff takes the time to get to know each patient and makes appointments fun! Utilizing the latest technological advances to ensure you receive the most effective care possible, we offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults, including early interceptive and growth modification treatment, as well as treatment with fixed braces.

From traditional metal brackets and wires to tooth colored appliances, we design your orthodontic treatment to suit your lifestyle and preferences, and also offer ceramic braces and clear aligners. Schedule your appointment today and let us

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help you create a beautiful, healthy smile!

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C

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2221 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, Arkansas 479.474.7942 vbsd.us The Van Buren School District is home to nearly 6,000 students

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all with unique abilities, passions, and needs. Our goal is to provide an environment in which children can learn, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. At every level, students have opportunities for hands-on learning, such as gardening, STEM, and fine arts programming. Our reputation for excellence extends to the classroom, field, and beyond. Students also have access to technology and vast course options, designed to ready them for the next step in their journey. Learn more about Van Buren and how to unleash your Pointer Potential!

Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @VBSDPointers.

EAM STR P DR EE T AM

P.O. Box 3431, Fort Smith, Arkansas Camp Director: Mike Kiefer 479.782.8822 wecarefoundationfs@gmail.com “Until There’s A Cure, We Care” is the motto of the We Care Foundation, a local nonprofit organization focused on assisting families who have a child with cancer or a related blood disorder. We encourage children affected to attend Camp Dream Street, a free summer camp dedicated to children ages 6-16 with cancer, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia or other blood disorders, July 7-12, at Subiaco Academy!

Camp Dream Street focuses on giving kids a stress free, fun environment. Activities include swimming, canoeing, wall climbing, archery, photography, arts and crafts, fishing and more! Even though camp is only one week long, campers develop lasting friendships and memories of a lifetime.

Read Chair Publishing, LLC 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110 Fort Smith, AR 72903