SEASONED - OCTOBER 2022

®

SEASONED

October 2022 DoSouthMagazine.com

02

october

Contents 04 16 66

Letter from Catherine Profiles in Home Design

14

Yellow, Orange, and Blue

Special Feature: Women’s Guide

{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}

06 08

{HEALTH}

Calendar of Events Book Recommendations

{PEOPLE}

32 36 40 44 48

A Time for Every Purpose

Project Zero Shop Local

52 54 56 58

Pumpkin Bites Ghouls and Goblins Charcuterie Spice Baked Apples Spiced Apple Pear Cocktail

Direct from the Farms A Love Story Queen City

{FICTION}

66

Missed Connections

The Long Run

{COMMUNITY}

10 09 12

{TASTE}

OUR COVER { T R AV E L }

60

Oh Christmas Tree

Non-Profit Spotlight: Christmas Honors

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Image Credit: Steven Aguilar

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04

Letter from Catherine

I

FAVO R I T E

I just devoured a pumpkin cream cheese muffin and pumpkin cream cold brew all while it’s a sweltering ninety-five degrees outside – Arkansas weather can send you for a loop! I’ve yet to break out fall clothes, but I have started to dress the house in burnt orange and green hues, pampas grass, and cozy throws. I love picking out décor but putting it all together has always been difficult. Luckily, we’re featuring profiles of local home design experts! No matter what stage of home design you’re in, we have the expert to help you. We’re also proud to feature our annual Women’s Guide, full of local businesses and services to make life a little more fun and a whole lot healthier.

Each time we finish an issue, I claim it as my favorite due in large part to our incredible stories and this month is no exception. We caught up with Jerry Glidewell, recently retired after forty-three years serving the Fort Smith Girls and Boys Clubs and discovered why some refer to Fort Smith as Queen City – apparently not one, but two of the reining Arkansas State Fair Queens are from Fort Smith! We’re also introducing you to Fort Smith’s newest specialty grocery store, Farmers Direct, where not only can you shop in person, but you can order online for home delivery or curbside pick-up!

No issue would be complete without a love story. We’re thankful to Dusan and Maddie Stojanovic for allowing us to share theirs along with photos of their recent trip to Serbia to celebrate and unite their two families! Finally, you’ll meet the amazing Maurice Robinson, runner and beekeeper, who realized his dream of running the fastest one-hundred-mile race in the United States by anyone eighty and above.

Thank you for spending time with us this month! Visit our new website at DoSouthMagazine.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram daily for new content. I encourage you to visit our advertisers often – after all, they’re the reason you’re reading this right now! Happy fall, y’all, see you in November.

Catherine Frederick

Owner/Publisher/Editor catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

OCTOBER 2022 OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jade Graves CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sara Putman, Liesel Schmidt ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

FOLLOW US ©2022 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner. 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, 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 via mail, 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues available upon request. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

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06

entertainment

OCTOBER EVENTS October 1 - Jan 15 FRED COUSINS A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBIT

October 8 ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY LAWN AND GARDEN SHOW

Fo r t Smith Regional Art Mus e u m,

T he Le ar n in g F ie ld s, C h a ffe e C r o s sin g , F or t S mi t h , Ar ka n sa s

October 1 PAINT CHAFFEE PINK The V ue Venue, Fort Ch affe e , Fo r t Smith, Arkansas

October 8 CHAFFEE CROSSING FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

October 15 SOMETHING WITCHY BIKE SHOW F o r t S m it h H a r le y D a v id son

October 15 SURVIVOR'S CHALLENGE CELEBRATION WEEKEND R e y n o ld s C a n c e r S u p p o r t Hous e, F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n sa s

C h affe e C r o s sin g , F o r t S m it h , A r ka n sa s

October 2 FORT SMITH RIVERFRONT BLUES "BLUES CHALLENGE"

October 16 AUTUMN AT THE BARN: A FALL FESTIVAL FOR ALL AGES

The Ba kery District,

T h e B a r n b y T w o B r o t h e r s,

Fo r t Smith, Arkansas

F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n sa s

October 6-9 JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH Br eedlove Auditorium, U AF S Fo r t Smith, Arkansas

October 8 3RD ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & WILLIAM H.H. CLAYTON'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION N ati on al H is t o r ic S it e , F or t S mi t h , Ar ka n sa s

October 8 & 9 FALL FESTIVAL & SECOND SATURDAY SHOPPING D own t ow n , V a n Bu r e n , Ar ka n s a s

October 8 WESTERN ARKANSAS BALLET PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH SINATRA October 7 HAVANA NIGHTS

K i ng O per a H o u s e , V a n B u r e n , A r ka n s a s

Baker y District, Fort Smi th , Ar kan s as

October 14-16 "HEART OF THE KING" ELVIS TRIBUTE K i ng O per a H o u s e , V a n B u r e n , A r ka n s a s

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October 17 PERSPECTIVES CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: LEGENDARY VOICES P r o p a c k C o r p o r a t io n , F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n sa s

October 19 UNITED WAY'S 17TH ANNUAL POWER OF THE PURSE C o m m u n it y Bib le C h u r c h , F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n sa s

entertainment

October 20 ARKANSAS OKLAHOMA FARM AND RANCH EXPO

October 27 HARVEST TIME GLOW IN THE DARK RUN

October 22 WHITNEY'S RACE F or t S mi t h Br e w in g C o m p a n y

B e n G e r e n R e g io n a l P a r k,

Kay Ro dgers P ark, Fort S mi th , Ar kans as

F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n sa s

October 22 COUGHRAN'S HOT ROD SHOW

October 29 ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR

V an Bu ren, Arkansas

S t . J a m e s Mis sio n a r y B a p tis t C hurch,

October 22 FESTIVUS GAMES FEATS OF STRENGTH

F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n sa s

C r os s F i t 4 1 3 , F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n s a s

October 29 HALLOWEEN ON MAIN STREET V a n Bu r e n , A r ka n s a s

October 22 RIVER VALLEY OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WALK October 22 MASK THE RAID FASHION SHOW

C r e e kmo r e P a r k, F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n s a s

The Ba kery District,

October 23 LANDMARK LESSONS: THROUGH THE ART OF JOHN BELL, JR.

Fo r t Smith, Arkansas

October 22 SIPS ON THE RIVER

F or t S mi t h R e g io n a l Ar t Mu se u m

Pr o pak Corporation,

October 25 UAFS WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT

Fo r t Smith, Arkansas

Ar c B e s t C o r p o r a t io n P e r fo r m in g Ar t s

R EGIO NAL LIB R AR Y EVE NT S AT D O SO U TH MAGAZ INE.COM

C e n t e r , F o r t S m it h , Ar ka n sa s

FOLLOW US DOSOUTHMAGAZINE

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Submit events online at dosouthmagazine.com or email catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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07

08

entertainment

Enjoy these four must-read books from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’s only independently owned bookstore.

October Recommendations courtesy Sara Putman, Bookish

Lucy by the Sea

The Marriage Portrait

Night of the Living Rez

Don’t Know Tough

by Elizabeth Strout

by Maggie O’Farrell

by Morgan Talty

by Eli Cranor

If we must relive the early days of the pandemic, let us do so with Lucy Barton. In Strout’s latest book, Lucy Barton leaves her life in Manhattan and heads to small town Maine to weather the lockdown. Accompanied by her ex-husband and on-again, off-again friend William, the trio is stuck together, sheltered away in a little house by the sea. The relationships that are happening apart from them are the highlights in this story, and Strout’s sparse and intimate prose connects the readers and the characters to a story about grief, friendship, and abiding love.

O’Farrell’s newest work is inspired by the life of the woman who inspired the painting that inspired the poem “My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning.

O’Farrell’s novel follows the life of Lucrezia through her fascinating childhood to the betrothal. As she sits uncomfortably for the painting which is to preserve her image for centuries to come, one thing becomes abundantly clear. In the court's eyes, she has one duty: to provide the heir who will shore up the future of the Ferrarese dynasty. Until then, for all her rank and nobility, her future hangs in the balance.

Talty’s collection of short stories is set in a Native community in Maine. His debut illuminates what it means to be Penobscot in the twenty-first century and what it means to live, to survive, and to persevere after tragedy.

There are twelve striking stories, and Talty breathes life into tales of family and a community as they struggle with a painful past and an uncertain future.

The collection examines the consequences and merits of inheritance. Readers who liked There, There by Tommy Orange or Empire of the Wild by Cherie Dimaline will enjoy this selection immensely.

Small towns, football, and murder, what else do you want in your early autumn read?

Cranor, an Arkansas native, captures the ongoing strife between outsiders following a divine calling and the circumstances that surround life in the rural South. The story follows Billy Lowe, a talented but erratic running back, and his coach, Trent Powers. When a murder in town points to Billy, the days leading up to the playoffs could rip the town apart. Author Eli Cranor is scheduled to be at Bookish on November 19th – make sure you schedule plans to attend!

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10

community

ALESHA AGE 15

Alesha is a

sweet teen with a

huge heart! She loves animals and has been volunteering at an animal shelter. She also loves the Twilight movie series and is very creative. She spends lots of time writing short stories and drawing! When she isn’t doing that, she likes listening to music and being outside playing soccer. Chinese and Mexican are her favorite foods, but she isn’t a picky eater. Alesha has struggled recently in school with math, but she does well in IMAGE courtesy Jon Yoder Photography

her other classes, her favorite being science.

She sometimes struggles with anger, as

most teens can, but she does exceptionally well at expressing her emotions and her feelings. Alesha would do well in a home where she was the only child or the youngest of siblings. She would thrive with a strong mother figure, as Alesha is very used to playing the protector role herself. An environment with lots of structure and routine would be great for her! Could your family be the right fit for Alesha?

Submit an inquiry at theprojectzero.org below to learn more!

In partnership with Project Zero and the Arkansas Heart Gallery, each month Do South® will feature a waiting child, or sibling group, in foster care in Arkansas. To inquire about these incredible children, please visit theprojectzero.org.

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community

11

Get Your Boo On - Shop Local! words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Dizzle Liqueur, Siempre Tequila, Mighty Swell Tiger's Blood Spritzer, 99 Adult Trick or Treat Bag, Foster & Rye Skull Liquor Decanter, Swig Stemless Cup

Fresh, Locally Sourced Produce & Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised Proteins

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

479.406.7333

FARMERS MARKET DIRECT

479.783.8013

"Hear in Pink” with Oticon More, Available at Center for Hearing

Hearts On Fire Aerial Dewdrop Bracelet, .43cts.,18kt. White Gold

Karmel Apples in a Multitude of Flavors

CENTER FOR HEARING

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

KOPPER KETTLE CANDIES

479.785.3277

479.452.2140

479.474.6077 / 479.782.8158

Stunning Eyewear

by Caroline Abram Paris

TELETIES Hair Ties, Clips and Headbands

Casamigos Tequila, Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey, La Marca Prosecco, Bloody Buddy Bloody Mary with Vodka, Calumet Farm Bourbon Single Rack Black 14 Year

STILES EYE GROUP

HUMMINGBIRD BOUTIQUE

BARRELS & BREWS BOTTLE SHOP

479.452.2020

479.420.4008

479.763.1228

I NEE. C . COOMM DDOOSSOOUUTTHHMMAAGGAAZZI N

12

community

Do ® South Cares words Catherine Frederick with Philip H. Merry, Jr., Christmas Honors

DS: How did Christmas Honors come to be?

CH: In 2009, I learned the Arlington National Cemetery decorates rotating sections of the gravesites with wreaths each December. I shared this information with a group of friends who discovered many headstones at the Fort Smith National Cemetery received little attention during the Christmas season. That group decided to change this, and Christmas Honors was born to honor every headstone at the cemetery. It would be all or none.

DS: Who does Christmas Honors serve and in what way?

CH: Our purpose is to show gratitude for the service and sacrifices made by the veterans buried at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, the veterans who are presently in the service ranks, and their families by honoring them each December with a wreath.

DS: How does Christmas Honors impact our community?

CH: Over 1,000 volunteers give their time, money, and resources to make this event

The mission of Christmas Honors is to present appreciation to veterans and their families such that they will never be forgotten. Do South ® reached out to Philip H. Merry, Jr. with Christmas Honors, to learn more.

a reality. Strangers work together to prepare the wreaths and leave as friends.

Stories are shared. Hugs are exchanged on the emotional day when the wreaths are laid. Volunteers include our military, city leadership, police and fire departments, veteran organizations, companies, local organizations, churches, schools, individual citizens, and many others – all with a passion to help. It is a special event that unites our community via a common goal.

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

CH: Christmas Honors happens because of sponsors and volunteers. Volunteers are Christmas Honors P.O. Box 10696

needed at the wreath workshop, participation in the event, and wreath pick-up day. As the number of wreaths each year increases, so does our need for trucks

Fort Smith, Arkansas 72917

and trailers to transport wreaths on Friday, December 2nd at the workshop. If you

479.926.0939

have a truck and trailer, please arrive at the Fort Smith Convention Center (at the

ChristmasHonors.org

back loading docks) that morning. We also need monetary donations to purchase additional wreaths and bows to account for every headstone.

DS: What is something that many people may not know about

Next month, we’ll showcase another

Christmas Honors?

worthy nonprofit in our area free of charge.

CH: Christmas Honors has helped the following communities start their own

We will accept requests for this free page

programs to honor their veterans: Grove, Oklahoma, Mena, Arkansas, Muskogee,

beginning in October, 2022. Send questions

Oklahoma, North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Siloam Springs, Arkansas.

to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

DS: Are there any upcoming events or needs we should know about?

CH: This year’s event dates are: Wreath Workshop/Assembly, December 2, Fort Smith Convention Center, 9a – 2p. Christmas Honors Wreath Event Saturday, December 3, Fort Smith National Cemetery, Family time 8a – 11a, Public Ceremony 11a, and Public Laying of the Wreaths 11:30a. Wreath Pick Up and Storage, January 5, 2023.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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14

health

Yellow, Orange, and Blue…

WORDS Dr. Kendall Wagner, Chaffee Crossing Clinic Image AdrialVidal/Shutterstock

L

Leaves are changing colors, pumpkins adorn porches, and

fall/winter SAD, symptoms include oversleeping and weight

spice can be found in everything from coffee to candles.

gain with patients often turning to high carbohydrate,

While fall brings a relief from the heat and a welcomed

calorically rich foods for comfort. Additional symptoms may

change of pace to many, for some, the season marks the

include decreased concentration, feelings of worthlessness,

onset of a dark time.

and increased guilt.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

Seasonal Affective Disorder is not a unique disorder, but

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression

a subtype of depression that mainly affects individuals

defined by its relationship to the change in seasons. For

four to five months of the year. While the exact cause is

most individuals affected by SAD, symptoms begin in the

not fully known, as with other types of depression, there

fall and continue through the winter months. Most patients

is usually an interplay of genetics, environment, nutrition,

experience relief in the spring and summer, while a smaller

and social factors. Studies have shown abnormal levels of

number of individuals may experience a predominately

neurotransmitters, specifically, lower levels or reduced

spring/summer symptom onset. Patients with SAD will

function of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood

experience a recurrence of symptoms starting at almost the

regulation. Serotonin levels have been shown to be affected

same time every year. Many times, patients with SAD feel a

by sunlight exposure (usually reduced in the fall/winter

general loss of energy and low mood that does not improve

months of the year) and Vitamin D metabolism (also affected

over a few days or with rest. In patients with predominately

by sunlight).

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

health

Further, melatonin, a neurochemical essential to the sleep-

twenty times brighter than common indoor lighting. Cognitive

wake cycle has also been shown to be elevated in patients

Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has also been employed to combat

with SAD. Socially, individuals may experience boredom with

symptoms of SAD. The focus of CBT in this setting is to

reduced outdoor activities during winter. Still others may

replace negative thoughts about the winter months with

experience stress associated with the holidays that worsen

more positive ones and the use of purposeful engagement

symptoms of SAD.

in enjoyable indoor activities to elevate the mood. Finally, in some individuals, treatment with a certain medication called

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects approximately 0.5-3

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) may help to

percent of the general population. In individuals already

address the inactivity of serotonin present in individuals with

diagnosed with depression, a worsening of symptoms during

SAD. An additional medication called Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

fall/winter may occur. Additionally, for individuals with Bipolar

has also been shown to improve symptoms by increasing

Syndrome, a condition associated with severe depression

dopamine levels in individuals with SAD when taken during

and intermittent episodes of mania (psychosis with excessive

the fall/winter months.

emotional response), the seasonal effect on symptoms rises to 25 percent. Some may also be diagnosed with subsyndromal

TALK WITH A PHYSICIAN

seasonal affective disorder, a condition of mild changes in

As with all mental health disorders, a combination of one or

mood that does not reach the level of a disorder. However,

more of the above treatments may be necessary to address

such individuals may benefit from some of the interventions

symptoms. It is important to discuss your concerns with your

shown to improve symptoms of SAD.

physician to ensure you are receiving the most appropriate treatment. Additionally, it is not uncommon to see mental

TREATMENT OPTIONS

health disorders occur together. As mentioned previously,

Treatment of SAD is aimed at reducing symptoms and

Seasonal Affective Disorder may present in conjunction with

improving functionality. There are three well accepted

Major Depression Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or

treatments for those affected. The primary treatment for

Bipolar Disorder. Unfortunately, Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD is Light Therapy. Light Therapy has been commonly used

may also be associated with an increased risk for suicidal

since the 1980’s. It is administered by a very bright light box

thoughts and attempts, so it is vitally important to encourage

every day, usually in the morning, for approximately forty-

loved ones experiencing symptoms of SAD to discuss them

five minutes. The light box is designed to filter out damaging

with their physician. Your conversation can ensure symptoms

UV rays, so the therapy is “skin safe,” while emitting light

are addressed and do not progress to harmful actions.

Kendall Wagner, M.D. is a regular healthcare contributor to Do South® Magazine.

Chaffee Crossing Clinic 11300 Roberts Boulevard, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.5910 | chaffeecrossingclinic.com

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

15

2022

PROFILES in home design SPECIAL FEATURE PRESENTED BY

WORDS Dwain Hebda and Catherine Frederick some interviews have been edited for length and clarity

Do South® Magazine is proud to recognize the talents and contributions of architects, select home builders, interior designers, and invaluable suppliers in our community. They strive for excellence and are committed to providing their clientele the very best. Join us as we salute the passion they share for their profession!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Acme Brick, Tile & Stone With well over a century in business and a nationwide network of

“We support our builders, we support our local Home Builders

resources, no job is too big or complicated for Acme Brick, Tile

Association,” Kelly says. “We’re very active in the community as

& Stone. “When you deal with Acme, you’re not just dealing with

well, which sets us apart from a lot of our competitors. We cater to

the Fort Smith office,” says Kelly Haley, general manager. “We

local architects, homebuilders, remodelers.”

have forty-seven sales locations, and we have seventeen brick manufacturing plants. Having forty-seven sales offices, our ability to

Perhaps one of the most surprising things is the range of building

obtain material is considerably higher simply because of our buying

and remodeling products it carries. “We’re more of a one-stop shop

power. We order in bulk; when you order pallets of something, it

than what a lot of people realize,” he says. “People still don’t know

often makes it easier to get your hands on it a little quicker than

that about us, even though we’ve been around for such a long time.

ordering it by the piece. It’s a big plus.”

They may not realize our showroom is open to the public, or they see Acme Brick and they think it’s just brick. They don’t realize all

Despite its national reach, Acme’s locations don’t operate like a

the things we offer.”

typical chain. Each store is invested in the community, supporting local fundraisers, and taking time to get to know their customers

“We carry an excellent selection of tile. We also have outdoor

personally. It’s one of the main reasons Acme Brick will soon mark

grills, iron doors, plus all the masonry tools, cement and different

132 years in business.

components that pull a project together to improve the home.”

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BURTON POOLS AND SPAS

a living space. Now, backyards are an extension of the inside of homes, which makes jobs more sophisticated. People went from

Many things define Burton Pools and Spas as the premiere

just having a pool to showing what they can build around it.”

company of its kind in the region, but the most fundamental is the ethical and moral grounding that guides the company’s efforts

Since launching in 1978, Burton Pools and Spas has grown into

each day. “We have scripture on the wall of our stores that reads,

an industry award-winning, one-stop shop for all things water.

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers labor in vain,’” says

In addition to installing in-ground and above-ground pools, the

David Burton, founder. “We believe we have a duty to be good

company is a leading dealer of spas and provides a full line of pool

stewards of what we’ve been given. That’s number one.”

chemicals, equipment, service, and repair.

David says the company’s Christian principles are reflected in the

It’s also branched into creating backyard elements that accentuate

care Burton Pools and Spas takes in providing recreation that brings

a pool such as fire pits, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens. But no

families together. “We started with the desire to give all families a

matter how big the company gets the joy of the business still boils

chance to have a swimming pool,” he says. “Before us, all the pools

down to the simple things. “In forty-four years, the one constant is

in our area were for the elite. We started saying, ‘Average guy, you

people love water,” David says. “The thing that really motivated us at

can have a pool in your backyard.' We’ve talked about vacationing

the very beginning was thinking about how we could bring a family

in your backyard for years, but it wasn’t until covid that people

together, see people smile and laugh and enjoy the product that we

understood what a gigantic thing it was to make your backyard

put in. That was a big deal to us then and it still is today.”

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

D&D Floor Covering Walk into D&D Floor Covering and a few things stand out,

for customers. I’ve put sealer on for them, and showed them how

like how the friendly and experienced staff greet you and offer

to maintain their new purchase.”

expertise. You’ll also notice many different options, from hardwood and luxury vinyl to carpet to tile, stone, and laminate. You also see

Constantly evolving, D&D now offers window treatments,

they offer window coverings and fabrics.

countertops, sinks, faucets and custom showers to help provide a turnkey solution for homeowners. “We have a paint deck for

You might be suprised to know the attentive customer service

everything that’s sold around here,” Wendy says. “We can pull a

and expert product recommendations have evolved through

customer ’s existing, or remodel paint color or help chose one to

three generations of the Dean family, starting with J.D. Dean who

complement their new flooring.” From free onsite consultations to

opened Dean’s Carpet in Fort Smith with his son, Don, who would

an ever-changing inventory of the latest in hard surface flooring

open D&D Floor Covering with his son, Donnie, in 1996. Today,

and carpet, D&D continues to do business the right way.

Donnie and his wife Wendy own the company, a destination floor covering retailer for the entire region.

“We are strong Christians, and we feel blessed to have been able to serve our customers all these years,” Wendy says. “Our number one

“We do things others aren’t always willing to do,” Wendy says to

goal has always been to make our customers happy, and everyone

explain the store’s longevity. “I’ve gone out and re-stained grout

goes above and beyond to make that happen every day.”

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CHASEN GARRETT ARCHITECTS For fifteen years, Chasen Garrett Architects has developed a reputation for designing spaces that function well for their clients, inspire their users and are beautiful to experience.

“Mies van der Rohe, a well-known twentieth century architect, once stated ‘Form follows function,’” Chasen says. “ This ordering principle is our primary concern for any building or public space – it must first function properly then be beautifully formed. If it does not serve the needs of the client, then the project will not be a success regardless of its beauty and grace.

“A building certainly relies on brick and mortar to create space, but achieving an authentic human experience also requires the designer to reconcile the tangible with the intangible.

Natural light and air are also building materials. A designer needs to address the transient rainstorm with their design, and they must find ways to inspire or subdue with color when appropriate. Good design is much more than black lines on white paper.”

Chasen was born and raised in the River Valley and was heavily influenced by the rural and agrarian character of the area. His family has roots in design and construction as well.

This range of perspectives, combined with his own training, help craft his design ideals and create beautiful and functional structures.

“We have a long history in the hospitality and multi-family sectors,” he said. “Many of our efforts are now focused locally, but we’ve also completed projects from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to Oregon, and from Chicago to Louisiana.

“Additionally, we’ve been blessed to be a part of several of the outstanding projects being developed by the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. Celebration Garden and Wellness Park, Haas Hall, and the Research Institute and Health and Wellness Center at the former Golden Living corporate office building are all projects that we have been involved with for ACHE.” Of all the functions required of an architect, client relations is what Chasen enjoys the most. Having a strong relationship with his clients is a critical element in understanding the needs of a project. "Architecture is part art and part science,” he says. “An architect must think about how metals interact with each other, how concrete reacts chemically to develop strength and how the physics of structures work. These are all issues we must be comfortable with. Architects must consider the clients’ needs first, and then place those needs into the environment of our physical world, the realm of life safety and building codes, and bring together all those regulating factors to cast the vision and create the best solution for the project.”

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Don Wise Construction Any business with a four-decade track record of satisfied customers is doing something right and that’s just the kind of long-standing reputation Don Wise Construction has built.

“We do a lot of spec houses and some custom homes and every one of them gets the same expertise,” says Don Wise Jr., whose father started the company forty-four years ago.

“We’ll build twenty-five to thirty homes every year and we put a lot of pride into every one of them.”

The firm is as well-respected by its network of subcontractors and suppliers as it is by homeowners, which is one reason why Don Wise Construction stayed busy through the pandemic, materials shortages and all.

“I think it helps that our contractors and our subcontractors have been with us throughout the years,” Don says. “Some have even carried on from working with my dad. I think that’s a real advantage, because we’re using people who we know are going to deliver quality work. We have a lot of long-term suppliers as well. We take a lot of pride in relationships.”

Don says the trends for homes today lean toward smaller footprints that make intelligent use of space, extending even into the outdoors.

“One of the things we build into almost every house is a nice outdoor living area,” he says.

“We take a back patio and add a cathedral porch that flows nicely from interior to exterior living spaces. We’ll add a patio fireplace or an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill. That’s one of the main selling points of our homes that not everybody else does.”

Another feature that sets them apart is use of technology which keeps homeowners up-todate on their project. “We have a lot of technology that allows the client to track their job, change orders, make color selections, see schedules,” Don says. “ The client has access to their building plans at all times and we do weekly updates where we go out to a job and do a weekly log. It gives an overview of everything, including photos of what got done all week. That’s been an extremely popular feature that we offer.”

Asked what lessons his father taught him that are still in play today, Don says attention to detail has been and still is a primary focus. “ The stuff most people don’t notice, that’s where we stand out,” he says. “Dad even put extra effort into the footings, even though the customer never sees that. Because of him, we still do more than what’s called for. He used to say, ‘If you don’t have good footings, the rest of the house doesn’t really matter.’”

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are certified in the installation of every product they carry for both

Elite Roofing

shingled and metal roofs. Elite Roofing is certified by building products manufacturers GAF, Tamko and CertainTeed as masters

Excellent craftsmanship using the best materials is the formula

of their craft. “As new products come out, new techniques come

Elite Roofing follows and it shows. The company, which services

out, we take the time to educate our workforce. We don’t have

both residential and commercial projects, is one of the most

a problem picking up new information,” says Gavin Collins,

respected in the River Valley for new builds, replacement and roof

co-owner. “We welcome the opportunity to refine our skills, that

repair. “The consumer is really taking a risk when they shop on price

keeps us a top-of-the-line company”

alone,” says Kendall Hogan, co-owner. “Quality of materials and workmanship can really vary from company to company and most

Elite serves an area encompassing the River Valley, Northwest

customers don’t know if the company they have hired is buying

Arkansas and parts of Oklahoma. Free no-obligation inspections

seconds or first-off-the-line quality product. They don’t know their

are part of the award-winning Elite Roofing difference. “Our goal

experience or work history. They don’t know if that individual has

is to provide exceptional service, which helps us build lifetime

insurance. We provide that information before a customer can even

relationships with our clients,” Gavin says. “We have a lot of repeat

ask for it, that’s how proud we are of our reputation and how willing

customers as a result of that. When you care about what you do, it

we are to stand behind our work.”

shows, and we try to go the extra mile to make the customer happy."

The company has been building their reputation since its founding

Kendall adds, “As we like to say, Elite Roofing isn’t here just to protect

in 2004, accelerated since 2012 under current ownership. Workers

your home or business, but to protect your loved ones inside.”

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“Years ago, they decided that taking care of people and making it

Lites Etcetera

as easy as possible was going to always be at the top of everyone’s priority list,” she says. “For example, when we deliver your lights, we

For more than 20 years, Lites Etcetera has built a loyal following

don’t just drop them on a pallet in your garage. They are labeled and

among homeowners and contractors by providing the highest in

placed in the room where they are to be installed just to make things

customer service and providing the best selection, including the latest

a little easier for builders, electricians and the homeowner. We get a

and newest lighting styles. But as new co-owner Kelsey Przybysz

lot of positive feedback on that.”

says, the real secret ingredient in the store’s success formula isn’t what’s new; in fact, quite the opposite.

As the only store in the area exclusively dedicated to lighting, Kelsey says customer expectations of Lites Etcetera are high for

“All of our employees have been with the company for ten-plus years,”

knowledgeable staff, unique inventory and great advice for their

she says. “This is their life – they each have a very good role, they’re

lighting needs. It’s a standard the next generation of company

knowledgeable and excellent at what they do.”

ownership is more than ready to meet. “Our goal is to introduce a whole new generation of customers to our store for an almost

Kelsey, who took ownership of the store with her husband Hayden

boutique-like shopping experience,” she says. “We’re not the place to

and business partners Kevin and Brittany Faulkner in August, said

come if you want your home to look like everyone else’s. In the last

the value of the team’s experience cannot be overstated. In a world

month we’ve opened up at least three new lines of lights. We want

where lighting can be purchased a million different ways, the over-

to be able to cater to people who want something unique that sets

the-top personal touch of Lites Etcetera still manages to stand out.

them apart.”

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LUMBER ONE In a world full of impersonal big box chains, it’s nice to know there

Another service is project estimating to help give builders and

are still hometown stores that take the time to know their customers

homeowners a projected cost of materials for their job. “We can

as well as their product needs. Van Buren-based Lumber One is

take a blueprint and figure out a material list to give potential

such a company. “Four members of our team have been here since

customers a quote,” Brett says. “We’ve got a full-time estimator on

day one, over twenty years ago,” says Brett Green, general manager.

staff and that’s what he does; he takes a blueprint, does a takeoff,

“We’ve got several more who’ve been here over fifteen years. As

then calculates an estimate on how much material a job will take.

a result, our people know what they’re talking about and what’s

From that, we can provide the builder or potential customer with

involved with the building process from start to finish.”

a quote on estimated materials for that job.”

Lumber One offers services that truly set it apart, starting with

Lumber One’s delivery service is another strong feature that’s helpful

its custom door fabrication shop. “Our door shop is definitely a

to keeping customers’ jobs and projects on schedule. “We have a

strong selling point of our operation, not many lumber yards have

truck fleet that allows us to handle just about any type of job,” Brett

that option,” Brett says. “We’ll take raw materials and build a door

says. “You’re not going to have to wait a week to get your materials.

to the customer ’s specifications. Which can include different door

In some cases, we can even get an order delivered the same day or

styles, sizes, and can include a wide array of window choices.

next day, depending on the size of the order and if it’s in stock. This

That includes interior and exterior doors.”

separates us from most of our competitors in the area.”

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Whether designing for one room or an entire building, she brings

SPICER INTERIORS

the same impeccable taste and attention to detail to every job.

She’s even developed three tiers of service to accommodate the

Katherine Spicer has one simple philosophy when it comes to

different needs of her customers.

serving her growing clientele: Deliver the very best in interior design creating warm, inviting living spaces that tell a story about

“We offer what we call a Strategy Session,” she says. “It’s a two-hour,

the owner.

one-on-one meeting where we go over the house and discuss the problems they’re facing and address the solutions.

“I believe that every home should be a reflection of who we are,” she says. “I make a special effort to talk to clients and ask them a lot

"Another tier is Interior Design Plan Only, which includes a design

of questions about how they live, what they like, what they dislike,

plan for a room or several rooms. We compile a shopping list and

what their hobbies are. I gather as much information as possible

the client orders furniture and furnishings on their own. And, of

to create an environment that reflects them. I’m not interested in

course, we offer a Full-Service Interior Design plan which covers

designing spaces that look great but don’t function well. I’m totally

everything from beginning to end.”

committed to telling the client’s story by designing a room that says something about them.”

Katherine said using an interior designer makes a space function better through the most efficient placement of furniture, not to mention

Graduating from Sheffield School of Interior Design in New York,

improving the aesthetics. “With all the stress and pressures of modern

Katherine opened her Fort Smith studio in 2012 and has built a

life, people should have a beautiful oasis to come home to,” she says.

large and satisfied clientele of residential and commercial clients.

“Why settle for a home that looks plain when it can be fabulous!”

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Rucker Fine Homes Emily Rucker is a groundbreaker on many levels. Not only is she unique in her role as a woman builder in an industry overwhelmingly dominated by men, she’s known for building custom and spec homes that function as beautifully as they look.

“No one wants to come home and do repairs at night, so our homes have very little maintenance to them,” she says. “ They’re energy efficient. They’re green, they have cellulose insulation as well as high-efficiency heating and air units, tankless water heaters, all the things that keep the utility bills low. And, they have the aesthetics to match, such as a large open kitchen/living room family-type plan that people want today. If you’re in the kitchen cooking, you can see the TV and you’re not sheltered from your family and everything going on. They’re very easy to entertain in, with large islands and powder rooms for company. They’re very beautiful homes, inside and out.”

Location is another plus, as Rucker Fine Homes are found in some of the most desirable developments in the River Valley, including Pinnacle Park in Chaffee Crossing, Cisterna Villa, Belle Chasse and Blaylock Ranch in Alma. Homes typically range from 1,800 to 2,500 square feet.

Emily knows her customers because she and her children – son Chapen Rucker and daughter Whitney Ware – take time to listen. She said the company’s ability to relate to female clients, who tend to make the majority of design decisions in a family, is a particular advantage.

“I’ve had a lot of women in the past tell me they enjoy working with us because they feel like they can say anything about what they want instead of feeling somewhat intimidated by other companies,” Emily says. “Women feel like they can explain to us what it is that they want, what they’re looking for, what they like and what they want to change. This enables me to keep them on budget and make things more compatible with their expectations.”

Monica and Jeremy Ibison of Keller WIlliams Platinum Realty, are Realtors® for Rucker Fine Homes and vouch for the attention the company pays to its clients as well as their attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. “Rucker Fine Homes goes above and beyond,” Monica says. “Emily, Whitney and Chapen all walk through the homes they’re building multiple times. Every little detail, every caulk bead is double-checked, every cabinet door adjusted. It’s just outstanding quality that you can see and feel when you walk into one of their homes. They really pay attention to the details.”

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The Paint Store In more than thirty years in the retail business Sue Moore, owner of The Paint Store, has seen a little bit of everything, including the rise of big box and online competition that has been the demise of many Main Street businesses.

Yet under her direction, The Paint Store has not only survived, it’s become a fixture for top-quality paint, brushes, accessories and expert advice.

“I’ve sold paint to generations of people,” Sue says. “Our thirty-four years of experience has given us the ability to discuss whatever the customer is trying to accomplish. We help them work through obstacles that they may have or give them insider information that we’ve learned over the years. We like to have conversations with people.”

And ask any contractor, homeowner or commercial account who’s shopped The Paint Store and they’ll tell you it spoils them for shopping anywhere else. To understand just how far Sue’s service-first mentality goes, just look at her mammoth card catalog, arranged by customer, detailing every purchase.

“When we started The Paint Store, I felt it was important to keep records of the colors customers purchased,” she says. “You always hear, ‘I can’t ever go back and get the same thing twice. This gallon doesn’t match the first one.’

“I developed a system where we keep those records on index cards complete with a wet sample of every gallon we mix on the back of that card. This way, we can maintain the consistency of the color and sheen of the paint. Some people keep files on the computer but without that sample, you really don’t know if the paint will match, because you don’t have anything to refer to.” Other unique services include on-site color consultations in clients’ homes or with builders and designers who bring in fabric, tile and floor covering samples to match just the right shade. “ There’s only so much hard surfaces can do to make a room,” she says. “The paint is the glue that brings everything together.” A visit to The Paint Store is more than just a great shopping experience, it’s also an abbreviated tour of Sue’s life. (Which explains why it’s the only paint store on the planet that also sells certified grass-fed beef cuts and freerange chicken eggs from M&M Farms, which Sue owns with her husband Tom.) After three decades, The Paint Store has brought her as much satisfaction as it has to her clientele.

“We’re so grateful for the people who have supported us all these years,” she says. “We love being part of the community and we like to think we’ve made it a little more beautiful, one gallon at a time.”

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A Time for Every Purpose WORDs Dwain Hebda images courtesy Jerry Glidewell

I

It’s rare these days to run into someone like Jerry Glidewell, who’s spent the entirety of his long career with a single organization.

So rare, in fact, that it’s difficult to comprehend how lengthy of a stretch his forty-three years (longer if you count his working part-time during college) with the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs really is.

For context, when Jerry joined the organization full-time in 1979, national headlines included the meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, the taking of American hostages at the U.S. embassy in Iran and the release of two classic albums with “wall” in the name, Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall.

In fact, he even predates the organization’s name by eleven years as “Girls” wouldn’t be added until 1990. Just one of the many milestones passed on a long and successful career serving youth across the city and throughout the area.

Jerry Glidewell and his wife Cyndi

“My goal in college was to teach and coach in public schools,” Son Jay and daughter Emily

he says. “I just kind of fell into the Boys & Girls Clubs and loved it because of the variety of working with people and all kinds of programming and government officials and volunteers and board members. I loved it all.”

Jerry was born in Southern California where he lived until age ten when the family moved to Las Vegas. Following his sophomore year of high school the family moved again, this time to western Arkansas where he attended Hartford High School, graduating in 1974. It was a bittersweet time, not only for the culture shock but also for losing his mother.

“My mother had a terminal illness, a brain tumor, and she was about to die,” he says. “That was challenging, for sure. She had been in and out of the hospitals for seven or eight years and it was a really tough situation on the family.

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people

“My father wanted to be around his family, so that’s the reason

and renovation of the Evans club in 2003. He also led a campaign

for the move back to Arkansas.”

to improve Hunts Park, raising $2.5 million in 2019.

A standout baseball player, Jerry played for what was then

“We completely turfed the field and made major improvements

Westark, now the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. After two

for football, soccer and baseball,” he says, a note of pride in his

years he transferred to the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville,

voice. “Activities are played there year-round, and we also lease

then known as College of the Ozarks, graduating in 1979.

that field; Northside Public High School uses it for their home baseball field and Trinity Middle School plays their football

“I started working part-time for the Fort Smith clubs back when

games there. We rent it out for various soccer groups in town

I was attending Westark in 1975 and 1976,” he says. “When

along with our own soccer program and flag football. It’s really

I transferred to the University of the Ozarks, I started working

a great facility.”

for the Boys Club in Clarksville. The director of that club left for medical reasons, so they hired me to be the executive director at

Programming has grown right alongside the physical elements

that club in 1979. That’s when I started full-time.”

of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs. While most people equate the organization with after-school supervision and

By 1982, Jerry was recruited to join the Fort Smith organization,

sports programs, the actual slate of programming is much

starting out at the Stephens club located on North Sixth

broader, from tutoring and mentoring to guest speakers and

Street. In 1987, he was promoted to director of operations for

scholarship programs.

the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs and was named executive director in 1990.

“We provide meals for free at the clubs,” Jerry says. “During the summer we serve breakfast and lunch and then during the

Jerry had no time to ease into his new role as that same year, a

school months we have after-school snacks and a dinner meal.

capital campaign was launched to build a new club, Goldtrap, at

That comes through a state program, prepared and delivered by

8800 Dallas Street, completed in 1993. It was the first of several

a local church. In 2021, we served 109,000 meals.

successful capital campaigns and building projects that also included rebuilding and expanding the Stephens location after it

“We also have after-school transportation where we provide

was destroyed by tornado in 1996 and a $2.5 million campaign

van service to pick up approximately 250 kids per day from

Jaylin Williams and Jerry

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fifteen different schools and bring them to the clubs until the parents can get off work and pick their children up. I think that’s a great service.”

Jerry says the diversity of programs, from the traditional to the progressive, is one of the things that has held his interest and kept him here for more than four decades.

“There’s fundamental things in life that remain the same,” Jerry says of the club’s impact. “I think the club offers a safe haven for kids, a place for them to go to feel that they belong.

It also provides a sense of security and friendship, providing new opportunities for kids to expand their horizons. Those are the main things that have stood the test of time.

“The thing that has changed is how fast paced everything is, especially with cell phones and social media and the complexity of life. The simplicity of how things were in the ‘70s, ‘80s or even the ‘90s, that’s been accelerated with all kinds of things kids face in today’s world. For good or bad, there’s been a lot of changes and things will continue to change, for sure.”

Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs executive directors have a tendency to serve long careers. Jerry, who’s just the fifth executive director since 1928, lived up to that tradition and then some. But unlike his predecessors, he hands off the baton in historic fashion, welcoming the first woman to hold the job, Beth Presley, who succeeded him in September.

Cyndi and Jerry

“I’ll definitely miss the kids, the volunteers, the board, the

“I want to volunteer within the community, either with some

staff,” he says. “But I do have a lot of hobbies. I write music;

United Way agencies or the public schools,” he says. “I’m on

I’ve done that for many, many years and I’ll continue to do

a board at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith; I want to get

that. My wife and I love to travel. I love art, I love learning

more involved there as well.

and I may be going back to take some college classes, maybe “I think of the old Byrds’ song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” which was

try to learn some new things.”

based on Bible scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:1, that says there’s As he retires, Jerry leaves the organization far better than

a season for everything. Well, I’ve had my season at the Boys

he found it, having just completed a $3 million campaign to

& Girls Club. I’m very appreciative of the time I’ve experienced

renovate and expand the Jeffrey facility. Construction for that

there and I’m excited about the future of the organization.”

project is set to start later this year. He admits it will take some getting used to not driving to work every day, but he’s not ready to completely step to the sidelines just yet.

Learn more about Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs at fsbgc.org.

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Direct

from the

Farms

WORDs Liesel Schmidt images courtesy Kim Bice, Farmers Direct

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people

In an age when so much is manufactured by machines and shipped out by faceless companies consumed by the bottom line, buying something from the source, from the hands that grew it and the people who put their heart and soul into bringing it to fruition, is incredibly special. For that reason, farmers markets have seen a resurgence, a return of people who might once have satisfied themselves with the off-the-shelf produce and meats they find at the big box store simply for the sake of convenience. But there’s nothing like the taste of a vegetable dug fresh from the ground, in-season heirloom fruits and vegetables plucked from the vine, or pasture-raised meats.

The health benefits of fresh, whole foods are also undeniable.

Still, there is one glaring issue: Not everyone can make it to a farmers market to buy these glorious gifts from the ground or the many artisan goods so commonly found there. This was precisely the problem faced by four friends in Fort Smith, who instead of just shrugging their shoulders and wishing things were different, decided to make a change.

“Fort Smith hosts two incredible farmers markets, but due

Of course, creating a “farmers market at your fingertips”

to hectic schedules, neither of our families could ever make

meant offering the same products as weekend markets.

it there to shop for local, high-quality goods, and we were

Farmers Market Direct offers a wide variety of products

sad to miss out on these items,” says Kim Bice, who, along

including grass-fed beef; pasture-raised chicken and pork;

with her husband Josh, and their friends Dr. Sean Baker and

fresh, local produce and flowers; baked goods; canned goods

his wife Erica, created Farmers Market Direct, an online and

such as relish, chow chow, salsa, jam, jelly, apple butter,

brick and mortar store in Fort Smith. “We knew if we felt this

molasses, syrup, and honey; and hand-crafted items like

way, surely others did, too. Plus, if we missed the markets

artisan jewelry, small batch candles, soaps, natural skin care

and still wanted these local products, we’d have to spend

products, wall art, and more! They also feature Fort Smith’s

hours driving from farm to farm to find them. By bringing the

first zero-waste soap refill station providing all-natural,

farmers market to the people, we could not only meet a need

eco-friendly, biodegradable, cruelty free, vegan, gluten free,

for like-minded consumers, but also provide a platform for

US-made soap and cleaning products. In addition, they even

farmers and artisans to sell their goods every day of the week,

have a small selection of non-GMO and organic foods and

not just on Saturday mornings.”

can easily connect customers with specialty products they may not be able to find elsewhere. “We try to source most things

Their goal, in its essence, is a simple one: “Farmers Market

as locally or regionally as possible, but in some cases, there

Direct’s mission is to connect local farmers and artisans with

are no available options,” says Kim. “So, we try to source

urban consumers,” says Kim. “By doing this, we hope to

products that aren’t carried in other stores, and if there are

build relationships, nurture the health of our community, and

certain items that people would like or need due to dietary

boost our local economy. That’s incredibly important to us—

restrictions, but haven't been able to find in other stores, we

to get back to basics in our mindset and eating habits. We

are happy to try to source them.”

also hope that by providing this sales platform, it promotes a resurgence of entrepreneurs who want to focus on their

Naturally, such a cornucopia of goods didn’t just materialize.

craft and enables them to do what they love and make a

Once they had the idea—as ingenious as it was—they had

living from that.”

to get to work to source everything they would sell. “We DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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ran radio ads in rural Arkansas asking for ranchers, farmers

launch was incredibly successful, and the promise it shows is

and craftsmen to become partners, and the word spread,”

encouraging, to say the least. As great a reception as they’ve

says Kim. “We’re eager to make partners with all different

been met with, however, the Bices and Bakers are fully

vendors, which will allow us to offer more diversity. We hope

aware that there are challenges to not only maintaining their

that by handling the marketing and business side of things, it

success, but also growing it. “Most everyone agrees this is a

allows our vendors more time to work on their craft.”

great concept, but for us to thrive, we need the community to jump on board with our mission and realize the importance

“We spent four months cold calling local farmers, building

of eating locally sourced food and supporting our farmers and

relationships and asking about their farming practices and

artisans,” says Kim. “Breaking the box store habit is going to

their grow methods,” adds Josh. “We want to ensure our

be one of our biggest hurdles. It might be one more stop or

partners grow with the most ethical and natural methods

a little out of the way, but we try to make it as convenient as

possible, without additives, chemicals, steroids, hormones

possible—not only can you shop in person, but you can easily

or unnecessary antibiotics.” Fortunately, they were met with

order online for home delivery or curbside pick up in Fort

suppliers who were eager to talk about their products and

Smith. We offer competitive pricing, and believe our products

practices and shared the information about this new venture

have superior taste and quality.

with others in their circle, who were also interested.

in a warm atmosphere and have the satisfaction of knowing

Customers are welcomed

the dollars they spend here are supporting local farmers, While the Bakers and Bices come from different backgrounds,

craftsmen, and the community. We encourage everyone to

each team member brings unique skill sets to the table.

break the ‘box store' habit and check out the River Valley’s

Aside from their enthusiasm and passion for the project were

new specialty grocery store!”

individual strengths that made them invaluable to the whole.

As someone who has been in grocery distribution for fifteen years, Josh, the COO, was knowledgeable about the pricing breakdown of dollars spent in the grocery store and knew how much of each dollar actually went back to the farmer— traditionally around ten to fifteen percent, while Farmers Market Direct determined to offer their partners sixty-six percent of every dollar spent at their store.

Kim, meanwhile, has worked for a number of non-profit organizations and has owned a photography business since 2009, giving her a good head for business and making her an ideal Director of Marketing. CEO Sean is a family physician at Mercy Clinic and a colonel in the Army National Guard. Having grown up in Haiti as a child of a veterinarian missionary, he developed a strong interest in farming. Erica, who serves as Chief Administrative Officer, is stay-at-home mom and the homeschool facilitator of four children, which takes an incredible degree of organizational skills. Completing the team is Bryan Patterson, Director of Warehouse Operations, and Cami Brakhage, retail associate.

Fortunately, this team of dynamic individuals received affirmation that their vision was not one without merit. Their

Farmers Market Direct 479.406.7333 | 6119 Hwy 271 South, Fort Smith Open Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturdays 9am-2pm For more information and online ordering, visit farmersmarketdirect.com.

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A Love Story words Dwain Hebda images courtesy Dusan and Maddie Stojanovic

Maddie and Dusan Stojanovic DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

T

The most sweeping love stories often spring from the humblest of first impressions. Such was the case when Maddie Gilliam Stojanovic first laid eyes on her future husband, Dusan – nicknamed Duci by his mother – at the time Dusan was a member of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith basketball team.

“I saw Duci when I was in high school,” Maddie says.

“I went to a UAFS basketball game when I was still at Greenwood High School and the first time I saw him he was walking out of the tunnel to country music. Every other guy on the basketball team had a rock or rap song and here comes Duci. He even had a cowboy hat.

“He comes walking out of the tunnel with this hat on and he grabs the coach’s daughter and twirls her around and

Dusan and Maddie with their parents and grandparents

walks out like a cowboy. I think that would work on every other girl in Arkansas, but country music was just not my thing. All I could think was, ‘Who is this guy, and why is he walking out to country music?’”

As if that weren’t a dubious enough start, Dusan had similar misgivings later when Maddie enrolled at UAFS on a volleyball scholarship.

“Maddie, from my perspective, I knew of her when she was a freshman,” he says. “She was one of those girls who always had a boyfriend. It was the weirdest thing.

I genuinely thought she was really pretty, but I never really tried even to talk to her because she always had a boyfriend.”

Dusan's family at their wedding celebration, Lazarevac, Serbia

The couple finds such stories funny now, having got the last laugh in 2018 when they wed. Married life is still fresh enough to tinge their voices with that particular newlywed quality, all the more because they know how narrow the odds are that they should have ever found each other to begin with.

“I had every intention of moving back home [after college],” Dusan says. “As God would put it together, I had the opportunity to meet Maddie and really, that’s when everything changed for me. I knew this is where I wanted to stay and build my life and my future with her.”

Dusan with neighborhood kids where he grew up in Serbia

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Every successful love affair is a statistical longshot, the odds

The other common denominator in Maddie and Dusan’s story

of which make probability experts’ heads spin and in Maddie

is athletics, in which they were both gifted and supremely

and Dusan’s case even more so. Born on opposite sides of the

competitive. Maddie discovered sports as a toddler and would

Earth – she in Arkansas and he in Serbia – there's little in their

play on the first state champion volleyball team in Greenwood

upbringing to think fate would allow them to ever cross paths,

High School history along with elite club teams. She’d also earn

much less find in each other a soulmate.

all-state honors in both volleyball and soccer, landing her three scholarship offers. Her choice of college proved a key element

“Our relationship really did happen according to God’s plan,”

to her eventually meeting the love of her life.

Maddie says.

“Looking back, at that time I always said I wanted to leave and On the other hand, as they are quick to tell you, having a

go to the east or west coast,” she says. “I actually fell in love

romantic backstory straight out of a movie script is something

with the school there in Fort Smith. It's the reason I’m still here

of a family tradition. Take Maddie’s grandparents, for example,

and it’s where I met Duci.”

whose relationship was a product of the Vietnam War. Dusan was a natural on the basketball court, pushed to his best “My grandfather was formally trained in California as an

by his older brother Djordje.

interpreter,” Maddie says. “He had two deployments to Vietnam; on the first he met my grandmother and on the

“I really looked up to my brother in a lot of different ways,” he

second they got married. The rest is history.”

says. “He started playing basketball when he was about seven years old. I was five and not really old enough to play, but I kept

Dusan’s mother and father met and fell in love in Serbia despite

bugging my dad to take me to his practices. At first, I’d just

the misgivings of parents. The girl of affluence and the poor

hang out and play on the bleachers until practice was over but

carpenter ultimately ended up running away in order to start

eventually the coach said to my dad, ‘Why don’t you bring him

and build their lives together.

over too?’ and my dad agreed.”

“My grandmother still has the goodbye letter my mother

Unlike Maddie, who liked to mix it up in several sports, Dusan

wrote,” Dusan says.

was laser focused on playing basketball. He got good enough

Dusan's grandma, Bigova, Montenegro

Zabljak, Montenegro

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Belgrade, Serbia

people

that wherever Djordje played, his little brother generally followed, until one day Djordje took a step that left Dusan behind in a big way.

“Eventually my brother had the opportunity to come to the United States to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on a basketball scholarship,” Dusan says. “That was really hard on me when I was still in high school. Two years later, I ended up at Fort Smith, too.”

By 2016, when both were on campus and moving in the same circles as collegiate athletes, Maddie and Dusan’s life orbits finally aligned. It happened under typically, untypical circumstances for the couple.

“In 2016, Duci is just a few weeks from graduation,” Maddie says. “He’d torn his ACL and he got medically redshirted and decided with another year he might as well get a double major.

He was just staying around to play another year; if he hadn't torn his ACL, I would have never met him.

“Anyway, we had a mutual friend who was a volleyball player from Brazil. She was having a birthday get-together and she invited all her friends. At that birthday dinner in downtown Fort Smith, I talked to Duci for the first time.”

Dusan and Maddie, Bigova Bay, Montenegro

“Knowing she was never single, I first wanted to test the waters,” Dusan says. “Once I found out she was actually single at that time, I was like, ‘I just have to go for it and talk to her

“The GDP in Serbia isn’t very high, so people look out for each

and ask her out because I’ll never get that opportunity again.’”

other and take care of each other,” Dusan says. “I only have one sibling, but I have about seventeen cousins. We have a

From that first conversation the couple grew inseparable, as

really tight-knit big family. So, I pride myself on being a good

each took the time to learn the other’s unique story, immersed

team player. I want to be successful, but I’m definitely more laid

in the subtleties of their respective cultures and communities.

back while Maddie is very, very driven. I love that about her –

It’s a process that continues to this day, helped along by

how she loves to push for change.”

personal experience.

“Duci has taught me so much about the culture in Serbia and Maddie first traveled to Europe and met Dusan’s family in 2017

how they maximize their love and time with family. Those are

and then the couple returned for an extended visit earlier this

the things they place their value in,” Maddie says. “I have the

year, a makeup trip from 2020. For his part, Dusan likes to

same love for my family, but I've gained a new perspective as to

spend time with Maddie’s grandmother to compare notes on

what I value. It’s made me question, ‘What is winning? What is

the challenges of being a first-generation immigrant. In so

success?’ and he’s shown me a whole new way to look at that.

doing, both have learned how to keep time with the rhythms

Of everything I’ve ever accomplished, Duci is the best thing

of their respective clans while still dancing to their own music

that’s ever happened to me.”

as a couple.

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people

QUEEN CITY words Dwain Hebda images Sheri Stell and Suzanne McEvoy

“It’s great for women our age to realize they can still do the things that they love. Who says that you have to stop? If it’s something you enjoy, why, just because we’re getting older, should we stop?”

T

The 2021 Arkansas State Fair was one for the ages. The annual event attracted more than half a million guests, an all-time record, as well as countless head of livestock, multiple jam-packed concerts and untold pounds of corn dogs and funnel cakes consumed.

It was also a banner year for beauties from the River Valley as two of the four state fair titles handed out came home to Fort Smith.

And under those tiaras are two very smart, accomplished women who have spent their respective reigns as walking examples of the power of attitude over age.

“It’s great for women our age to realize they can still do the things that they love,” says Sheri Stell, Arkansas State Fair Sr. Mrs. “Who says that you have to stop? If it’s something you enjoy,

Suzanne McEvoy and Sheri Stell

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why, just because we’re getting older, should we stop?”

people

“I just love helping promote [the state fair] not only for the

is available for those who participate, whether it be showing

pageant girls, but for the talent kids and also for the kids who

their animals or in the talent show or the girls who participate

show their cows, chickens and other livestock,” says Suzanne

in pageants.”

McEvoy, Arkansas State Fair Mrs. “I also hope to inspire and encourage women my age and older to do whatever they set

The two state fair queens also stand in sharp contrast to the

their minds to. We’re not too old. You’re never too old.”

stereotypes that plague pageants and pageant contestants. Both women are successful in their respective careers and heavily

The duo’s respective backgrounds share a lot in common.

engaged in their communities. Suzanne – who is director of the

Both competed in pageants when younger and have remained

Sebastian County Fair’s pageant and talent competitions, holds

active behind the scenes in pageants ever since. Sheri won Miss

a degree in criminal justice and excelled during her professional

Arkansas USA in 1987 and went on to represent the state at the

career, first as a parole officer then for thirty years in sales – is

Miss USA Pageant in New Mexico that year. Suzanne competed

a prime example.

in local pageants in high school and then became a dedicated “pageant mom” when her daughter started competing.

“A lot of times pageant contestants get a lot of flak, like, ‘Why do you want to do that?’” she says. “Some people have

Still, both needed a measure of persuasion to get back into the

this negative stigma of pageant girls, but these girls are good

game last year after decades out of the spotlight.

students and volunteer heavily in their communities. And, there is scholarship money out there and that’s why a lot of these

“It actually took a lot of convincing to get me to do it again,

girls do it, because college is expensive.”

but so glad I did,” Sheri says. “It really has changed things for me, especially my perspective on pageants and ladies my age

Sheri’s original competitive career may have ended in 1987,

competing again. It was great.

but she never got too far from the stage. Her singing talent has kept her booked in gigs with various bands through the years as

“I think so often we think that pageants are only for the

well as special invitations to governors’ inaugural balls and the

young, that it’s a young beauty thing. Older women sometimes

National Baseball League Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. A

categorize the things that you used to do when you’re younger

former director of a local Christian preschool, she now owns

as things you can’t do anymore. You’re too old. There might

and operates Sheri’s Bridal and Formal in Fort Smith.

have been some of that with me, thinking that’s not something that we do at this age.”

Suzanne has a passion for the state’s county fairs, which are a critical feeder system for state fair competition of all types. She says she saw the state pageant as a chance to promote wider participation at the local level, and since being crowned, that’s exactly what she’s done.

“I grew up around our local county fair. They’ve always had a special place in my heart,” she says. “I love helping kids out and just knowing the amount of money and scholarships that are available, I wanted to help promote that and make people aware that it’s not just about showing livestock. The county fairs have so Joan Warren, Sheri, Suzanne, Bill Warren

much more to offer and that scholarship money DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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people

Sienna Miller with Sheri and Suzanne “Being a girl, there’s nothing better than dressing up in a pretty

state fair where the final acts of their respective reigns will

gown. It’s my happy place,” she said. “When I walk in the door

center on the various pageant competitions that attract

here and the sunlight hits all the sparkles and beads, I just stand

contestants of all ages from across Arkansas.

there like a little girl in a candy story.

“Being backstage, walking through and seeing the girls, you can “I have absolutely made it my mission to promote self-esteem

spot the ones who are nervous and unsure about what’s going

and good body image for the girls who come in here. It’s hard

on,” Sheri says. “I feel like it’s almost an obligation to stop

for the ones who just don’t feel good about themselves. Even

and talk to them, calm their nerves. ‘OK, let’s don't look at the

if they never buy a dress but just look at themselves and smile

big picture here; let’s take this a step at a time. Take a deep

as they’re walking out, which they weren’t doing when they

breath.’” As for taking this memorable ride at the same time,

walked in, then I honestly have succeeded. That’s the truth and

both women said it was extra special. The women have known

that’s just how I feel about it.”

each other for some time and their sons trained and now serve together as Fort Smith firefighters.

The duo has carried similar messages of empowerment and grace at any age throughout their yearlong reign. Along with the Miss

“Sheri is an amazing person,” Suzanne says. “She has so much

Arkansas State Fair and Junior Arkansas State Fair queens, Sheri

background in the pageant industry and her singing career.

and Suzanne have been in demand since earning their tiaras last

We have had a ball. It was so exciting because it had been so

October as appearances at galas and small community festivals

long since I had competed in pageants, and I was an absolute

alike are standard fare for pageant winners.

nervous wreck at the state fair. She has this way of calming your nerves that is just unlike anything else. It was so exciting

“Since we got crowned, I have been to the Cattle Baron’s Ball

when she was crowned first and then when they crowned me,

in Little Rock and the Heart Ball,” Suzanne says. “I have judged

I was walking off the stage and she was standing right there at

and helped out with the state 4H-A-Rama and talked with some

the edge just smiling. We were just like, ‘Oh my God! We did

4-H kids at their events. Here recently every weekend, I’m at

it! We did it!’ It meant a lot for both of us to be from the same

as many of the county fair pageant and talent shows as I can

town. It’s pretty cool.”

possibly fit into a weekend. Some days I may be hitting more than one, making an appearance.”

Interactions with youth are the highest priority for the two-some, passing on encouragement and a kind word to the next generation. It’s work that will culminate at the upcoming

Make plans to attend the Arkansas State Fair!

October 14-23, 2022 | State Fairgrounds, Little Rock arkansasstatefair.com

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people

THE LONG RUN words Dwain Hebda IMAGEs Dwain Hebda and courtesy Maurice Robinson

Maurice Robinson

O

One thing you immediately come to know about Maurice

In hindsight, therefore, it should not be a surprise that once he

Robinson, he’s a guy who favors the long haul.

took up running, it would be a long-term proposition and for twenty-three years and counting, it has been just that. But no

In his eighty-plus years of life on this planet – all spent in

one, not even Maurice himself, could have imagined where his

Arkansas – he’s enjoyed an almost sixty-year marriage which

trademark stick-to-itiveness would eventually lead him.

produced two children, over nearly five decades living in Benton.

He can also boast of a long career as an electrical engineer,

“I got hooked on running and racing,” he said in a landslide of

serving Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation for just shy

understatement. “I enjoyed running with neighbors and friends

of forty-four years. When Maurice puts his mind and his talent

and enjoyed getting trophies once in a while. That was fun. I

to something, it sticks.

got addicted.”

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people

Addiction is the only thing that explains the audacity of

three generational levels, to be on the team to help me do this.

Maurice’s running career, which he took up on a whim at the

I don’t think they thought I was in my right mind, but they said

invitation of a family member. Although his first training run

they would help.”

was inauspicious (“I ran about a hundred yards and just bent over,” he says) he’d soon joined a local running club and was

Team 80, as he dubbed his squad, kicked off April 2021. Water

entering local races, an activity spurred on by his wife Norma.

aerobics, cross-training and of course, road work became his daily regimen under the watchful eye of training partner Pete

“My wife is a breast cancer survivor,” he says. “I started going

Ireland, himself an octogenarian, who agreed to sign on as

with her to 5K Races for the Cure. She enjoyed walking them

Maurice’s coach. After some tune-up ultras in September and

and she would jog a little. I would go with her wherever she

November 2021 Maurice arrived at the Prairie Spirit Trail race

wanted to go. We went to several states.”

in eastern Kansas for his bid at immortality. The morning of the race was dark and brisk, but dry and without wind, unusual for

Like many runners, Maurice kept pushing his limits, running

Kansas in winter.

longer and longer races. He’d made it up to the half-marathon distance (a little more than thirteen-and-a-half miles) when Fate

“I was the last to start but I was good,” he says. “I jogged

put him on a more extreme path.

out and I threw up my arms real wide and I gave thanks to my Creator and my parents for making me like I am and getting

“In my Sunday school class, was a man who ran marathons

me to the start.”

and ultramarathons,” he says. “One day, I found out he was going to run the Arkansas Traveler 100 out of Perryville. I said,

The moment was so overwhelming, he had to fight his

‘A hundred miles? That’s impossible.’ When he did it, he came

adrenaline not to exceed the pace Pete had set for him. His

back and could barely walk because of the blisters on his feet. I

first challenge was to make the turnaround at mile fifty-one-

thought, ‘Why would anybody want to do that?’”

point-five in fourteen hours; run slower than that and he’d be disqualified. Achieving that mark, the strategy called for him to

Intrigued, Maurice entered a fifty-miler on a friend’s suggestion

reach mile sixty-one running solo, then a series of pacers would

and has since completed numerous ultramarathons, including

help him stay on target through the mental blur and physical

seventeen one hundred-mile races, by his recollection. To put

exhaustion to the finish line.

that 1,700 miles into perspective, imagine running from San Francisco to Denver or Chicago to Jacksonville, Florida – and

“My grandson-in-law paced me about sixteen miles, then my

seven-tenths of the way back – in one stretch.

son paced me for the next nine miles to the aid station,” he

Then imagine doing it in your golden years and at a pace that ranked top-ten in the world in your age group, as Maurice did at age seventy-five. And even if you did all that, it pales in comparison to what Maurice set out to do next.

“I was almost seventy-nine years old and I had a desire to leave a greater legacy for my family than just being the fastest runner in the world at one point,” he says. “So, I looked at race records for eighty and above.

“We got together Christmas Eve 2020, and I stood up in front of everybody and told them about this dream I had to run the fastest one-hundred-mile race in the United States by anyone eighty and above. I begged them, four family members from

Norma and Maurice Robinson

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says. “My son’s wife paced me for six-and-a-half miles after that and Pete got me for the last seven miles.”

The last leg proved the most difficult; Maurice had gradually developed a lean in his running posture from about mile seventyfive and by mile ninety-seven, every step took concerted effort.

“The last three miles, that forward lean began to go to the side,” Pete says. “When that happens, it’s really hard to keep your balance. He was still moving well but his back was bothering him and every opportunity we came to road crossings he would run up to a roadside post and grab onto it to stretch his back.”

Granddaughter Tiffany, Maurice, daughter Kristin

Pete had calculated a time cushion into the pace, but each stop and start – including more than one fall due to balance issues – were bleeding time. To reach the finish at all, let alone in record time, Maurice would have to find a gear few people ever have to reach for.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to make it,” he said. “I stepped over to a trail post and grabbed it, hugged it and momentarily stretched my back again. I could see the red inflatable finishing archway, so I doubled down to finish the course.

“When I stepped over the timing mats and hit the finish line, I couldn’t cry tears. I just cried dry tears of happiness to see my

Kristin, son Randy, Tiffany, Maurice, Kevin Weston, and Pete Ireland

son and other members of my family waiting there with open throughout the run averaged only one hundred twenty-one

arms. It was so emotional.”

beats per minute – Maurice couldn’t so much as jog for a week Maurice completed the race of his life in twenty-nine hours,

and it took a month to fully recover. Norma made him promise

three minutes and change, averaging under seventeen minutes,

he wouldn’t do another race as taxing as a record attempt, but

twenty seconds per mile. The time bested the American record

she relented on him running more races. With her blessing, he

and is the second-fastest one-hundred-mile time in the world for

trained for and completed his latest ultra, in Tennessee over

a runner age eighty and over. In time, the media would come

Labor Day, making eighteen ultras in his career.

calling and the governor would send a congratulatory letter, but the best tribute awaited him upon arriving back home.

“She said, ‘You can do others that are not that intense,’” he says with a grin. “We talked about it and she’s OK’d this latest

“When we returned to Arkansas at my son’s house, we were

one. She’s a jewel.”

greeted by about a couple dozen friends and family members,” he said. “They were holding big cardboard signs, each with a different phrase. The cutest one was the one my granddaughter, Boyce Bethel, was holding that read, ‘My Paw Paw is faster than yours.’ That’s what I was going for.”

Despite being in superb physical shape – his heart rate

Ever thought of taking up running?

Running clubs are a great place to start!

Western Arkansas Runners 479.629.3600 | facebook.com/westernarkansasrunners/

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taste

PUMPKIN BITES! RECIPE Catherine Frederick image ltummy/Shutterstock

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

HOW TO PREP

• orange supreme or spice cake mix

Prepare and bake cupcakes in liners as directed on box, let cool. Stir store-bought icing vigorously

(I use Duncan Hines) • icing (you can tint orange or purchase ready-made) • candy eyes

in the container, set aside. Remove liners from cupcakes. Spoon a generous dollop of icing on the top of a cupcake and place another cupcake, upside

• purple Skittles or black candy (for eyes)

down, on top, pressing slightly to ensure you see

• white tic tacs or mini marshmallows (for teeth)

the icing. Press tic tacs or halved mini marshmallows

• Tootsie Rolls (for stem)

into the icing for teeth. Affix eyes with a bit of icing.

• cupcake liners

Gently push Tootsie Roll in the top for the stem!

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taste

GHOULS & GOBLINS CHARCUTERIE RECIPE Catherine Frederick image lJeniFoto/Shutterstock

Charcuterie boards aren’t just for grownups!

Your little ghouls and goblins will love this Halloween-themed charcuterie board. This board comes together in a snap and is best prepared right before serving so your fruit doesn’t brown.

FRUIT:

TIPS: Wash and dry all fruit! Melt a few chocolate chips in separate Ziploc® bags in the microwave (just a few seconds).

Snip a tiny triangle from the bottom corner of each bag so you can drizzle and draw onto the fruit and dip. Peel, cut and slice fruit as seen to create mummies, pumpkins, ghosts, monsters and more! The stems of the pumpkins are made from slivers of

bananas, green grapes, strawberries, oranges,

the Granny Smith apples! Cut marshmallows in half, or leave

kiwis, Granny Smith & Red Delicious apples

whole, for teeth. The bug in the fruit dip is made from two

OTHER: mini marshmallows, peanut butter, mini

raisins! The whites of the eyeballs are thin slices from a cheese

white and milk chocolate chips, cheese sticks, raisins,

stick and the eyes are either candy eyes, affixed with a small

candy eyes, fruit dip (I use store bought), toothpicks,

amount of melted chocolate, or mini chocolate chips. There are

Ziploc® bags, serving tray, spiders (gummy or plastic if

so many ways to get creative and surprise the kiddos with a

age appropriate)

monstrous charcuterie board of their own!

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taste

Spiced Baked Apples Recipe recipemagik.com Image Tatiana Vorona/Shutterstock

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

• ½ cup brown sugar • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 375°. Wash and dry apples. Combine brown sugar, butter, nuts, raisins, cranberries, and all spices, set aside. Cut the top ½-inch off each apple. Remove the center core and seeds from each apple using an apple corer or a small utensil, but don’t cut all the way through, you want the brown sugar mixture to stay inside the apple.

• ¼ cup raisins • ¼ cup cranberries, dried • 4 Tablespoons butter, unsalted, cut into small cubes • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon • ½ teaspoon ground ginger • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg • ½ teaspoon ground cloves • 4 large baking apples (we love Honeycrisp) • ½ cup apple cider (or apple juice)

Place apples in a baking dish, top side up. Press filling into the center of the apples, mounding at the top. Pour apple cider (or juice) around the apples. Bake until the apples are fork tender, 30-40 minutes. Baste apples with juice from the dish. Let cool slightly then serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

MAKES 4 APPLES

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taste

Spiced Apple Pear Cocktail Recipe adapted tasteofhome.com Image Kolpakova Svetlana/Shutterstock

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

for the infused simple syrup

for the cocktail

• ½ fresh pear, chopped, keep other ½ for garnish

• 6 ounces gold rum (omit for a mocktail)

• ½ fresh apple, chopped, keep other ½ for garnish

• 4 ounces prepared simple syrup

• 2 cinnamon sticks • ½ teaspoon apple pie spice

• 2-4 cups apple cider • cinnamon sticks (garnish)

For the simple syrup, boil water and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once combined, add pears, apples, and spices.

Boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, cool in refrigerator. Strain mixture through a mesh sieve.

Add rum, syrup and 2 cups of apple cider to a pitcher. Stir to combine, then taste.

• ½ cup sugar • 1 cup water

MAKES 6 COCKTAILS SERVE HOT OR COLD

If too boozy, add more apple cider. Pour into glasses, garnish with more chopped apples, pears, and a cinnamon stick.

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travel

JOHNSON FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Paris • johnsonchristmastree.com / 479.847.5280

Oh Christmas Tree! words courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism IMAGE Taylor Rooney

Choose-and-cut or precut Christmas trees, tree shaking and netting, fresh wreaths (pre-decorated, plain, or custom), table arrangements, handmade ornaments, free hot chocolate, and candy canes on weekends. Hay bale stack for kids to play on and photo ops. You can even get an ornament made from the bottom slice of your tree's trunk for $5.

DREWRY FARM & ORCHARDS Dover • Facebook / 479.857.0869 Living Christmas trees (to plant later), Christmas wreaths and boughs, Christmas decorations, pre-picked produce, fruit/gift baskets, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours.

HILLTOP CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Dardanelle • Facebook / 479.264.3807 Choose-and-cut or precut Christmas trees, wreaths and boughs, saws provided, free tree shaking and netting, hot cocoa, candy canes, coloring books for kids, photos, removal bags, tractor-pulled hayrides.

WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Pea Ridge • wonderlandtreefarm.com / 866.235.0863 Choose-and-cut or precut Christmas trees, trees bagged, trees tied, tree

One of the best things about the holiday season is that

shaking provided, trees baled, saws provided, hot chocolate for sale, complimentary candy cane for kids, Santa’s mailbox, Christmas gift shop, winter hayrides, port-a-potties.

soothing fresh scent of the great outdoors that wafts through the house from a live Christmas tree.

LOLLIS CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Rudy • Facebook / 479.474.2102 Choose-and-cut or precut Christmas trees, trees bagged, trees tied, tree shaking provided, trees baled, saws provided, wreaths and greenery, stands available, free candy canes, port-a-potties on site.

Picking out your own Christmas tree can be a fun family tradition and many

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE Ozark • christmastreelane.info / 479.667.8412 Choose-and-cut or precut Christmas trees, hayrides, a live snowman, free

farms also offer fresh-cut

hot chocolate and cookies, a Christmas gift shop, shaking, baling. Also, cozy

greenery, wreaths, and

fireplace, checkers, rocking chairs, outdoor old-time toys, and an indoor “I

seasonal fun such as hayrides!

Call ahead for up-to-date hours and information.

Spy” game for the kids.

PINE GROVE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Charleston • pinegrovechristmastreefarm.com / 479.965.4826 Choose-and-cut or precut Christmas trees, Christmas boughs, tree shaking provided, trees baled, winter hayrides, free hot chocolate, port-a-potties, petting zoo.

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fiction

Missed Connections

words Liesel Schmidt image rido/Shutterstock

It was there, in the black and white of shadows and light, the curves and angles of words made reality.

Every thought. Every emotion. All confessions whispered in the dark to an empty room, now brought into the light.

Megan closed her eyes and held her breath. How she wished she could crawl back through time and undo what had just happened. What if she scared him off? What if the truth was just too much for him?

She exhaled and took another breath, opening her eyes and feeling the unexpected sting of forming tears.

She couldn’t do this again. The first time had shattered her. To go through it all again would end her.

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fiction So how do I live without you now that I know what it’s like

**************************

to be in your arms and feel that it’s so completely right?

From: Megan Jones <redrunnr@gmail.com> From

Like two halves that have finally found each other to become

To: Thomas Matheson <thomasjmathe@yahoo.com> To

whole. This can’t be for nothing.

Sent: October 15, 2022 Sent Subject: After all this time…

Subject

But now I’m left in the wake of the tidal wave of everything that passed between us, so much that showed me just how

There’s so much I want to say to you, so much I wanted to

much I still want what I always did, and I can only wonder if

say when we were face-to-face. But I didn’t know how—and

you regret it now that you’ve had time and space to think. I

I still don’t. Not really. I’m afraid that what I have to say will

know I don’t regret a moment of it.

make you run for the hills and disappear from my life again.

You still have my heart, Superman. Please don’t break it.

If I’m honest, I had to hate you for a while. It was the only way I could survive. But hate is so closely tied to love, isn’t

Megan

it? You were never far from my mind, for so many years. And then I had to put you away and try not to think of you.

***********************

It was easier while you were gone. When you were too far

“Meg, why do you look so pale?” Sarah looked at her with

away to ever worry that I would one day look up and see you

concern etched on her face. As long as they’d been friends,

somewhere, close enough to touch. It was torture to know

she could tell without words ever passing between them

you’d moved back here, and that you came with a family in

when something was wrong. And something was definitely

tow. As close as you were, you were still so far away from

wrong.

me. I wasn’t part of your life, and the life you had was one that I envied.

“I accidentally sent it,” Megan said quietly. She buried her face in her hands and exhaled a deep breath.

All those pictures I saw of you, of her…I would wonder why her and not me. What you saw in her that you didn’t see in

“It, as in it? The email you were writing to Thomas but were

me and what made you fall in love with her, when I’d wanted

never going to send?” she asked incredulously.

more than anything for you to want to share a life with and to love me back as much as I loved you.

Megan nodded without ever lifting her face from her hands.

Her curly red hair bounced emphatically.

So, I had to stop. Stop looking, stop wondering. Stop thinking about you.

“Ooh, honey,” Sarah tutted. “How did that happen?”

But you were always there, the man who stole my heart and

“It was in my Drafts folder,” Megan whimpered. “When I hit

never gave it back.

the Send and Receive button, it…sent.”

And now you’ve come back into my life after so many

Sarah sucked in a breath through her teeth and widened her

years, after moving away again—at a time when we’ve both

eyes. “I’d say it’s not that bad, but…” she trailed off, then

come through the other side of hell, stronger people who

seemed to think better of it. “No. No. Maybe this is a good

have grown from our pain, our mistakes and failures, our

thing, Meg. How long have you waited to say those things

struggles. All those things I felt for you then are still here,

to him? I remember what it was like the first time, sweetie,

magnified in the light of who you’ve become—and who I’ve

and it was hard to watch. So maybe this needed to happen.”

grown to be.

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64

fiction

Megan looked at her dubiously. “Why?” she asked, shaking

Megan hiked her backpack up on her shoulder and checked

her head. “So he can go running for the hills because I

the digital boarding pass on her phone. Group three, seat

poured my heart out and told him everything I’m feeling?

17B. She was going to be waiting awhile.

That’s not what I wanted. I wanted to ease into this, to take my time and rebuild an actual relationship with him before ’I

A text alert pinged on her phone, flashing words across the

love you’ happens. So…this? This is exactly opposite of what

screen. It was from Thomas. “I’ll never run.”

needed to happen.”

She smiled, feeling her heart jump a little at the words.

Sarah shrugged. “Don’t you think he’s smart enough to have figured out how you feel? You kissed him first, Megan. That’s

“Turn around.”

a pretty good indicator of your feelings, and he knows you well enough to know that’s not something you did lightly.”

She looked up from her phone and glanced around. He

She paused. “And from his response to that kiss, I’d say it’s

couldn’t be here…Could he? She’d told him she had a

a pretty safe bet he has genuine feelings for you. He could

layover in Atlanta on her way to Amsterdam for work, and

have backed off after that, and he didn’t. He wanted to see

he’d offhandedly mentioned that he would be traveling

you again—he even made sure he would have time to see

overseas at the same time, as well. But what were the odds

you before he left to go back home. Don’t forget that.”

that he also had a layover here—and that he would come to find her?

“I’m not forgetting, but Sarah, he said he couldn’t do long distance,” I said, feeling the same twinge of sadness I always

And suddenly she saw him, standing across the terminal and

did when I thought of that conversation we’d had. “He

watching her with a look she couldn’t quite describe. But it

needs to focus on his daughter, at least until next year when

made her drop her bag and run to him, crossing the short

he has more time. There’s nothing I can do about that. What

distance between them and into his arms. He wrapped them

makes this hard is that I was fine. I’d put him in a corner of

around her and held her so tightly it felt as though they were

my mind that I never looked at, because I just couldn’t. But

melting into each other.

I was fine. Maybe never all-in on any relationship because it wasn’t him, but fine.

“You’re in my personal space,” he said, breathing in the scent of her hair as he held her.

"And now…I just hope it’s not some cruel cosmic joke to put him in front of me only to have nothing come of it.”

Megan could feel the beat of his heart through his shirt. “I like being in your personal space,” she whispered, pulling

Sarah looked at Megan with a sober look on her face. “I

her head back to look into his grey-blue eyes.

don’t think this was all for nothing. You just may have to wait for him to be ready.”

“I like having you there,” Thomas said, smiling down at her.

***********************

“Good,” she said, smiling back. “Don’t ever let go.”

“Now boarding Flight 5367 to Atlanta,” the gate attendant said into the intercom, prompting the restless crowd sitting in chairs at the gate to begin gathering their things and those

Want more fiction? Visit DoSouthMagazine.com/Fiction.

who had been standing around to begin inching forward.

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T HE WOMEN’S GUIDE An Essential Guide for Every Woman

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Women work hard at all they do. From our families to our professions, there is a lot to handle, and yet, we make it look easy. At times, it's also easy to forget how important it is to care for ourselves the same way we do for others. In this issue of Do South®, we're helping you discover local businesses and services designed to make life a little more fun, a bit more sparkly, and whole lot healthier.

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8000 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.310.8444 Find them on Facebook It's finally fall! We invite you to come check out our new craft beers and other seasonal selections. You will love our elegant, climate-controlled wine cellar storage featuring hundreds of buy, don't miss Thirsty Thursdays for select beer, wine, and liquor tastings. We also encourage you to become a member of our rewards program, sign up today for weekly discounts and amazing specials. Whether you are relaxing after a hard week of work, celebrating with family or shopping for the perfect gift, you'll find what you're looking for and more at 4 Corks Wine and Spirits, where we always have something new in store!

Statistics show that one out of every eight women will get breast cancer. Preventive screenings, such as mammograms, are valuable tools at detecting breast cancer at an early stage, thus making it more treatable. Baptist Health Breast Center-Fort Smith is dedicated to serving women through a wide range of services including screening and diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, and breast biopsies. Breast self-examination training, genetic assessment, and testing, along with breast health education, are also available. With a comprehensive breast care clinic and experienced team of providers, including an on-site radiologist, Baptist Health is there to navigate and support women through every step.

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bottles of hand selected wines. If you like to try before you

1500 Dodson Avenue, Suite 140 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.709.1913 baptisthealth.com

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There is no better way to celebrate fall than a festival! And there is no better place for a fall festival than around a 112-year-old original hay barn smack dab in the middle of the city! Don’t miss Autumn at The Barn on Sunday, October 16 at The Barn By Two Brothers venue – 3720 South 87th Street! Expect to see vendors set up selling their arts & crafts, lots of yummy food, live music and have your picture made in the pumpkin patch for free! A fun fall festival for all ages – Autumn at The Barn!

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3720 South 87th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.926.6083 thebarnbytwobrothers.com

7200 Cameron Park Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.3277 centerforhearing.net Center for Hearing and Balance is finally in our new, permanent location! Many outstanding women and companies played an essential role in the building of our new clinic, and we sincerely thank them all! A few of the major players are Dr. Kelley Linton (owner, Center for Hearing and Balance), Lorrie Runion (Glidewell Construction, builder on the project), Gwen Seamans (interior designer), and Jenny McGrew and Darla Brown (Citizens Bank). We appreciate the outpouring of support from our community, our patients, and our referring doctors as we have made this transition. As always, Center for Hearing and Balance is committed to providing the best overall Hearing Healthcare in the River Valley area.

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5004 South U Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.883.2223 healingtreetherapy.com At Healing Tree Women's Counseling Center, we are proud to provide counseling services to clients throughout the River Valley, Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Although based out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, we offer telehealth appointments for clients throughout all of Arkansas, making counseling more accessible and easier for clients who move or go on vacation.

We offer Medication Management, Hypnotherapy, Counseling for Girls, Therapy Intensives, and EMDR. Our mission is to provide healing, expertise, and knowledge so that women gain the self-confidence and inner resources they need to live a healthier and happier daily life. Contact us today!

4300 Rogers Ave, Ste. 32, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.420.4008 hummingbird-boutique-fort-smith-myshopify.com We are a unique boutique offering gifts and clothing for all ages! Founded and operated by a local mother-daughter duo, we've created beautiful and unique items waiting for you to explore. Nothing makes us happier than moms, daughters, and grandmothers shopping together at Hummingbird! Inside our 2,500-square-foot space, you'll find clothing, décor, candles, journals, books, religious items, inspirational gifts, jewelry, and more! We carry over 20 clothing lines with options for all budgets. Our newest line, Sympli, is high-end, flattering on all figures and perfect for the traveler and professional woman!

Customers compliment the inviting interior, peaceful shopping experience, and close parking. We also offer complimentary gift wrapping. Lots of new inventory has arrived, just in time

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for fall – come see us!

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Another summer has passed, school is back in session, and

We know children don’t just get sick during normal

just like that, it’s time for fall cookouts, game days, and

business hours, that’s why Premier Pediatrics Urgent Care

preparation for the holiday season! We wanted to ensure you

treats children with illnesses as well as minor trauma in the

are ready for all your upcoming holiday events and parties, so

evenings and on weekends. We offer in-office x-ray, labs,

during our last show in Las Vegas, we hand selected incredible

splinting, laceration repair, oxygen, and nebulized treatment

new pieces from Hearts On Fire, Tag Heuer and Tane and

therapy. The urgent care is open to all children in need of

Baggins, just to name a few. There’s so much in store to catch

after-hours care. Book an urgent care appointment online

your eye. While you’re here, we would love to inspect your

at premierpediatricsfs.com to save time in the waiting room.

jewelry to ensure it’s in great shape and sparkling bright for

Our Primary Care hours are Monday-Thursday 8am to 5pm,

all to see. Happy fall – stay tuned to Do South for our holiday

Friday 8am-12pm. Urgent Care hours are Monday-Friday

event details!

12pm-8pm, Saturdays 9am-6pm, Sundays 12pm-6pm. Call

®

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5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452-2140 johnmaysjewelers.com

5901 Riley Park Drive, Suite B Fort Smith, Arkansas Call or text 479.763.3050 premierpediatricsfs.com

Certified Gemologist

or text today for your appointment!

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WOMEN'S GUIDE

Ann K. Passmore, M.D., F.A.C.S 7805 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.2442 passmoreplasticsurgery.com

314.276.1680 renee@resetwithrenee.com resetwithrenee.com

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If you look like you “have it all together” but you (secretly) feel Autumn leaves and cooler temperatures have arrived. Perhaps

like a mess…you are not alone! There’s nothing wrong with you

you need a little more here or a little less there to look and

and you are not alone! Relationships, work, and life challenges

feel your best in fall clothes. Passmore Plastic Surgery offers

everyone at best and traumatizes at worst. Seeking support is

contouring procedures to help you attain your desired shape.

not weak; it is empowering! Together we will assess what’s

Having practiced in Fort Smith for 25 years, Dr. Ann Passmore

working (or not) & add in new perspectives, skills, or practices

is proud to be a woman in business, a Board Certified Plastic

to help you feel good inside and out. Investing in your wellbeing

Surgeon, and to have been voted Best of the Best for seven years

is good self-care & healthcare. It helps you and your family,

running. Call or schedule an appointment online to learn about

community, and calling. If you want to live, love, and lead with

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

a whole heart, schedule your reset!

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Salon Elements is your go-to salon! We are experts in dimensional hair coloring, blonding, silvering, balayage, and vivid color and are Easihair Pro Hand Tied and Natural Beaded Row Hair Extension Certified. We also offer lash and brow services as well as truSculpt® body contouring! Need a medical pedicure?

Stephanie Ebert, our licensed Medical Nail Technician, is trained to provide corrective services to restore natural nail growth, revert chronic nail issues, and provide specialized diabetic foot care. She offers state-of-the-art nail restoration along with Reflexology and Bowen-based soft tissue work as well as clay therapy for detoxification to assist in restoring the natural balance to feet and ankles. Schedule your consultation today!

479.442.6266 breastcenternwa.com

WOMEN'S GUIDE

314 Lexington Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.659.3435 salonelements.com

Breast cancer risk is not the same for everyone! For many women, a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40 is sufficient to screen for breast cancer. However, others are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. At The Breast Center, every woman completes a questionnaire about personal and family medical history. If her history indicates she may be high risk, the technologist will recommend a consultation with a specially trained nurse.

During the consultation, the nurse will recommend a personalized screening plan that may include Automated Breast Ultrasound or Breast MRI, optional genetic testing, or increased frequency of screening. The Breast Center offers the most comprehensive breast screening available to women with different risk factors!

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WOMEN'S GUIDE

5905 Remington Circle, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.7773 totalrehabfs.com

PO BOX 11133, Fort Smith, Arkansas contact@rivervalleyoca.com rivervalleyoca.com

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Experience INDIBA® at Total Rehabilitation! It’s safe, non-invasive, and painless, with no downtime, and visible

Ovarian cancer doesn't discriminate based on age or race;

results can be experienced in one session. From medical

it can happen to any female. There is NO PREVENTATIVE

aesthetics and injury, to post-op recovery and pain

SCREENING TEST! A Pap Test does not detect ovarian cancer.

management, INDIBA® provides a solution. INDIBA® works to

Over 22,500 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in

shape, tighten, and enhance the natural beauty of the skin

the US this year. Knowing the signs and symptoms of ovarian

by increasing circulation and promoting the combination of

cancer can help our mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters

collagen and elastin. INDIBA® can also increase blood flow

fight this disease early, when treatment is more effective. Early

over the legs and be combined with manual therapy to

detection and proper treatment are the best defenses against

improve lymphatic drainage and the appearance of cellulite.

ovarian cancer. We must pay attention to our bodies, know

Sculpt your body. Tighten your skin. Reduce stretch marks,

the symptoms and be our own advocates. Listen carefully, it

scarring, and cellulite. Call for details and to schedule your

whispers. Meetings the first Tuesday of each month at the Fort

appointment today!

Smith Public Library in Fort Smith, 6:30pm.

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Women’s Center for Health and Wellness

8101 McClure Drive, Suite 301 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.8300 jameskelly3md.com

8101 McClure Drive, Suite 100 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.459.6528 wchwfs.com

Surgery of any kind should not be taken lightly and choosing to

Dr. Thomas Wood and the staff at Women's Center for

have plastic surgery or hand surgery requires thorough research

Health and Wellness continue to offer the best in Obstetrics

and educated decision making. The qualifications and experience

& Gynecological care. We are excited to announce we now

of a surgeon must be considered and ensure the facilities are

offer EmpowerRF! EmpowerRF specializes in life-changing

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since 1996. Our office utilizes state-of-the-art equipment,

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sexual health. For the face and body, it can improve scarring,

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well-experienced staff stand ready to answer your questions. Dr.

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Kelly accepts most insurances and performs surgery at Mercy

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more on EmpowerRF by INMODE. Call to schedule your

priority is your well-being.

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