Drenched - August 2015

速

DRENCHED

AUGUST 2015 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Marla Cantrell Marcus Coker Claire Kolberg Catherine Frederick Rusty Henderson, DVM Lee Anne Henry Laura Hobbs Susan O'Dell Jill Rohrbach Stoney Stamper GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Wooden

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PROOFREADER Charity Chambers EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Emma Sullins PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

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INSIDE

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OUTDOORS IN ARKANSAS More than seventy Arkansas hunters are getting ready to try their hands at taking down an alligator. We'll take a look at the upcoming hunt and tell you what else is going on outdoors in Arkansas.

TEACHER SURVIVAL KIT Want to make a big impression on your kids' teachers?

Make them our Teacher Survival Kit and take it to them on the very first day of school!

A BEAUTIFUL LIFE Joni Fields-Adams has had a whirlwind summer, getting ready for and then competing in the Miss Arkansas Pageant. Find out what she learned, what keeps her motivated, and what her plans are for the future.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500 Scott Frederick - 479.459.6672 EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116 息2015 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South速 are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to Do South速 or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South速 reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

FOLLOW US Annual subscriptions are $30 (12 months),

PANZANELLA SALAD Kalamata olives, capers, goat cheese, basil, crusty bread.

Don't you want to dive right in? We're showing you how to make this Panzanella Salad, so you can be the superstar of the kitchen this summer.

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Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

letter from the editor

05

Summer is waning. Before we know it,

Stamper of the The Daddy Diaries writes about

alarms will be blaring at an even earlier hour

a life lesson he received from his father through

than normal, and our children, who resemble

the game of baseball, that he’s now passing

wild animals, will be stumbling down the hall

down to his daughters.

in search of food. We, on the other hand, will be packing lunches and making sure we’ve

Add to that some great color tips for your

washed that outfit they were so desperate to

home from resident design expert Lee Anne

wear on the first day back to school.

Henry, owner of Whiteline Designs, a delicious drink recipe from our friends at Patrón Mexi-

There, I said it. Back to school. I know, I know.

can Bar and Grill, and a recipe for the best Pan-

Some of you are jumping for joy at the very

zanella salad I’ve ever tasted.

thought of it. You crave the routine and the early bedtimes. Others of us are in mourning. No more sleeping in. No more late-night movie mara-

To top it all off, we’re bringing you a jam-packed Back to School guide!

thons on a weeknight. No more take-the-day-off-and-stay-in-your-pj’s-

Local experts weigh in with educational opportunities, after-school pro-

all-darn-day. Back to reality. Sigh.

grams and activities, dentistry, health and wellness, personalized back to school items, treatment services, and more!

Speaking of school, we learned a lot putting this issue together. For one, we learned you can hunt alligators in Arkansas, but only if you were one

As I write this, in the back of my mind no less than five to-do lists are

of the lucky seventy-two Arkansans to receive a permit. Who knew? Our

forming. A few back to school clothes are needed. School supplies to

friends at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also let us in on which

buy, if I can only locate the list. My son needs a new lunchbox, water

local fishing holes are all stocked up and ready—there’s even an update

bottle, backpack. And now the worrying begins. Will he like his new

on the Mallard population for the upcoming hunting season.

teacher? Will his friends be in the same class? Will he ever tell that girl he thinks she’s cute? Will math homework be as hard as it was last

We discovered some amazing travel destinations close to home—be sure

year—which will once again prohibit me from helping him? These are

to check out how to Beat the Heat in the Natural State, then take a short

the things that keep me up at night.

trip over to Krebs, OK—or as some like to call it, Little Italy.

I’ve got a couple more weeks to get this all sorted out. I think I hear my Don Lee with UA-Fort Smith let us in for a sneak peek of the

pj’s calling—it’s time for one of those all-night movie marathons. Enjoy

58,000-square-foot Windgate Art and Design building—the newest ad-

your last few weeks of summer break while you can. I know I’ll enjoy

dition to the campus.

every last minute of mine.

We’re also sharing details of the highly anticipated 'Unexpected Project,’ a weeklong mural festival coming to downtown Fort Smith. Stoney

~Catherine

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calendar

AUGUST 2015

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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View our calendar on dosouthmagazine.com for more events and details.

River Valley Roller Girls, Fort Smith Convention Center, 4pm

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Sidewalk Sundays, Walmart Museum, Bentonville, 2-5pm

Hot Springs Free Summer Concert Series: Celtic Celebration, Whittington Park in Hot Springs, 6pm

National Night Out, Fort Smith Convention Center, 5pm-8pm

(8/5–8/7) Gilcrease on Wheels, Fort Smith RAM

(8/6–8/8) 39th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival, Fair Park in Hope

Cause for Paws – The Purrfect Picnic, Immaculate Conception Church, Fort Smith, 6:30pm11pm

Pancake Breakfast, Belle Point Masonic Lodge, 7am-10:30am

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Sidewalk Sundays at the Walmart Museum, Bentonville, drop in 2pm-5pm

3rd Sunday Art Show, Michael's Mansion, Fort Smith

Justin Moore Concert, Bank of the Ozarks Arena, Hot Springs, 4pm

Paint Nite at Hog Haus, Fayetteville, 3pm-5pm

(8/10 – 8/11) Gaston’s Fly Fishing School, Gaston’s White River Resort, Lakeview

116th Annual Johnson County Fair, Clarksville

Summer Blooms Experience, Crystal Bridges, Bentonville, 11:30am-12:30pm

(7/31-8/2) Peacemaker Music & Arts Fest, Downtown Fort Smith

Meteor Shower Mania! Lake Cruise, Jolly Roger’s Marina, Little Rock, 9pm-11pm

Education Barge Tours After Dark, Janet Huckabee Nature Center, Fort Smith

Summer Concert Series: Still on the Hill, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville, 7pm

Wild Women Wednesday Trail Hike, Pinnacle Mountain Trails, Little Rock, 6pm-8pm

Kodaking with Mulkeepmo, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Springdale, 12pm

(8/26-10/18) Dinosaurs Around the World, Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock

(8/13–8/15) Bargains Galore on 64, Highway 64 from Fort Smith into Conway on to Beebe

(8/20– 8/23) Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Present Built to Amaze, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock

(8/27–8/30) 6th Annual Fayetteville Roots Festival, Downtown Fayetteville

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Read Do South's® digital edition at DoSouthMagazine.com.

Get one year of Do South® for just $30.

Subscribe online at DoSouthMagazine.com, or send a check to: Read Chair Publishing, LLC

7030 Taylor Ave, Ste 5

Fort Smith, AR 72916

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(8/14–8/30) Smoke on the Mountain, Center on the Square, Searcy

(8/21– 8/22) Frisco Festival Fundraiser, Downtown Rogers

Arkansas Jazz Experience, Quapaw Bathhouse, Hot Springs, 6pm

TEAL Night in Tahiti, Fort Smith Convention Center, 6pm-10pm

Hank Williams Concert, Walmart AMP, Rogers, 7:30pm

The Two Hip Chicks Roadshow, Fort Smith Convention Center, 10am

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poetry

Laura Eva LINES Susan O'Dell

She sits her horse like no man.

The ample brim of her hat pulled low against sun and sorrow.

Kerchief close and tight.

A baby girl recent buried in the west Texas dirt.

Her grief raw as burned flesh on tender hide.

Tears dry in the relentless wind before they fall.

No time to mourn.

Other girls to tend.

Fence to ride.

A husband, his face drawn with his particular regret nods as he passes.

At home in his saddle.

Unaware of her dream of a future where babies live and she shuts a lace-veiled window against the keening of the wind.

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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

Dr. Kris Liggett Dentist, Parklane Dental

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

About Parklane Dental Parklane Dental is proud to offer a practice that is focused on patientcentered care. This is based on thorough examinations, patient education, and understanding the dental goals of our patients through good communication.

We listen to our patients and offer them our very best advice.

What's the most inspirational book you've ever read, besides the Bible? One Hundred Years of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Favorite song when you were a teen? "Wonderwall" by Oasis.

Best way to cool off in August? Swimming at the lake after a boat ride.

What was your first day of kindergarten like? I honestly can’t remember my first day of Kindergarten.

I remember my teachers, Mrs. Cloar and Mrs. McCauley, and that we learned a little bit of French and had our names on little balloons that would get taken down if we misbehaved. I still have close friends that I went to kindergarten with at Hobson in Fort Smith.

What's on your playlist right now? I’m pretty consistent with classic rock and funk. I love Queen, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and James Brown, among so many others.

If you could learn anything at all, what would it be? I'd learn a foreign language. The top languages on my list would be any Scandinavian language, Spanish, and to be better at French.

3 Locations

What the last book you read? Basic Black by Cathie Black.

Creekmore Park Fort Smith 3200 Rogers Ave #111 479.782.0080

Farthest you’ve been away from home? Nozawa Onsen, Japan. It's a beautiful mountain town with natural hot springs and great skiing.

Village on the Creeks Rogers 5204 Village Pkwy #17 479.273.0004

Favorite place in Arkansas? I think that the most beautiful area of Arkansas that I’ve seen is around Jasper. The rivers and the terrain are just breathtaking.

Central Mall Fort Smith 5111 Rogers Ave Ste #207 479.484.0777

Favorite place to eat out in Fort Smith? Rolando’s Restaurant.

Last movie you saw? Cake.

What are you looking forward to this fall? I love for the weather to cool off enough to enjoy spending time outside in the evenings on patios and around a nice fire.

What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I love to bake. I’m a terrible cook for anything else, but I do like to make breads and cakes, etc.

What's been your biggest success up until now? Being happy and content with where I am in my life.

3 things Kris can't live without:

What's gone out of fashion that you wish would come back? Dressing up to go out. I love to put on a suit and tie, and I still do even if I’m the only one.

What's your perfect meal? Pot roast, potatoes, carrots, and chocolate pie.

What do you love about living in Arkansas? I love the small town feel with the promise of growth and progress. I love that there are four distinct seasons. I love the central location that allows easy travel all over the country (and the world) for when you do want to get away from time to time.

What's the most sentimental thing you own? I have kept boxes upon boxes of notes and notebooks, from high school through dental school, and continuing education courses I've taken since I graduated.

iPhone

What would you do if you could take a year off from work? Travel the world. I have a pretty long list of places I want to visit.

Sonicare Toothbrush BMW X3

What's the nicest compliment you've ever received? That I am good to (and for) my friends and family.

Who was your favorite teacher in grammar school? Mrs. Blanche Hill (now Mrs. West, I believe) at Euper Lane.

What was your first job? I worked at Beau’s Tuxedos in Fort Smith when I was in high school, and I taught tennis clinics to children.

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outdoors

OUTDOORS IN

Arkansas

words Reprinted with permission from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission images courtesy Arkansas Game and Fish Commission/Mike Wintroath

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

outdoors

Arkansas is a beautiful place, with fishing, hunting, and wildlife galore. Take a look at what's going on outdoors in Arkansas.

Family and Community Fishing Ponds Take the family out for a day of fishing to Carol Ann Cross Pond or Wells Lake in Fort Smith! Carol Ann Cross Pond was stocked in late June with 500 catfish, and Wells Lake was stocked with 1,000 catfish.

Family and Community Fishing locations are open to fishing with rod or pole only. Largemouth bass must be released immediately. Catfish daily limit is three. Bream daily limit is twenty-five. Trout daily limit is five. Anglers sixteen and older must have a valid license to fish. Anglers sixteen and older must have a trout permit in addition to their license to keep trout. Stocking information can also be found by calling the stocking hotline at 1.866.540.FISH (3474). You can also find a Family and Community Fishing Pond near you by visiting agfc.org.

Duck Survey Shows Record Numbers, Average Pond Count Duck numbers in North America were at a record high, but that good news was tempered a bit by a lower pond count in key areas of the breeding grounds in early spring, according to the 2015

Catch-and-Release Catch-and-release is an excellent practice during cooler months of the year, but during the middle of summer, a fish's chances of surviving after being kept in a live well are greatly diminished. This is especially true if the fish came from deep water.

Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey.

The annual survey estimated the breeding duck population at 49.52 million, a little higher than last year’s population of 49.15 million and forty-three percent above the long-term average.

Large stripers and hybrid striped bass often will fight too hard to be revived once caught, even if they are released immediately. If you fish for stripers, hybrids or any other fish from extremely deep water this time of year, please plan to keep the legal fish you catch and take them home instead of releasing stressed fish to die in the lake.

Mallards, the favorite duck species for many Arkansas hunters, are at an all-time high.

Mallards increased seven percent to 11.64 million, fifty-one percent above the long-term average. Green-winged teal populations grew by nineteen percent to 4.08 million, ninety-eight percent above the long-term average.

Seventy-two Arkansans Win September Alligator Hunting Permits!

Hunters of Arkansans applied, and seventy-two won coveted alligator hunting permits for this fall. The random drawings were by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

The weekend hunts in September will be on public and private lands, and the permits specify where each hunter can go after alligators.

Rules specify that an alligator must be at least four feet long, and it has to be captured, usually with a harpoon, snare or noose, before it can be killed. Permit holders are limited to one alligator, and they can have helpers accompanying them. The complete list of winners can be found at agfc.org.

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outdoors

Stuttgart Youth Center. His pupils have won numerous Junior World Duck Calling Champion titles, many state championships and quite a few world titles.

Butch never married, but he was a teacher, coach and surrogate father or uncle to hundreds of Stuttgart young people. They came to the youth center, played basketball and learned to blow duck calls, a skill akin to that of playing a musical instrument.

He will be remembered, honored and cherished in Stuttgart and in duck hunting venues elsewhere. Late this November, Jim Gaston

Butch Richenback

the Wings Over the Prairie festival will go on as usual for its seventy-ninth year, and more than one person will remark with near-reverence about Butch Richenback.

The Loss of Two Legends ism, died recently at the age of seventy-three. He went to work

Game and Fish Foundation Selects Hall of Fame Inductees

at Gaston’s White River Resort when his father bought the busi-

The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation has chosen its 2015

ness in 1958. It had six cottages and six boat slips. He built the

Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees: Steve Bowman of Little

resort into a property consisting of 400 acres, two miles of river

Rock, outdoor writer and editor.

Jim Gaston, a giant in Arkansas outdoor recreation and tour-

frontage, seventy-nine cottages, a 125-seat conference center, a restaurant, a private club, and a 3,200-foot airstrip.

— The late Joel Campora, of Waldron, Arkansas Game and Fish

Commission wildlife officer first class who died in the line of

Jim was an inductee into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame, com-

duty while trying to save two women from floodwaters in 2013

missioner emeritus of the Arkansas Parks, Travel and Recreation Com-

— George Dunklin Jr., of Stuttgart, past AGFC commissioner

mission and president of the Arkansas Tourism Development Council.

and current chairman of international Ducks Unlimited

— Jerry Fisk of Nashville, master bladesmith and artist — The Legacy Award will go to the late Jim Gaston, who Butch Richenback has been called the Pied Piper of Stuttgart,

played a key role in establishing trout fishing and promoting

tourism in Arkansas

and he used a duck call instead of a flute. Harry M. “Butch” Richenback died in late June at age sixty-eight. He was an icon

The Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet will be Friday,

in Stuttgart, where he lived all his life. Duck calling was his

August 21, at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown

forte, although he was mayor for a dozen years and served on

Little Rock. Tickets are $100. The reception and silent auction will

the city council before that. His business was Rich-N-Tone duck

begin at 6 PM followed by dinner at 7 PM.

calls, which have a niche somewhat like Porsche automobiles or To purchase tickets,

Krieghoff shotguns.

contact the Game Butch was inducted into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame,

and Fish Foundation

one of his accolades that he accepted with a quiet smile and

office at 501.223.6468

just a few words. The element that put him in the legends cat-

or via email at

egory was his teaching of youngsters how to use duck calls. He

lori.lynch@agff.org.

did this for years, mostly through his work as director of the

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16

pets

ASK THE PET VET Resident pet expert, Rusty Henderson, DVM, has tips for keeping your hot dogs cool, weighs in on whether cats can learn to play fetch, and if lovebirds are the right birds for you.

Have a question for our pet vet? Email editors@dosouthmagazine.com. images freeimages.com

Q A Q A Q A

I put blocks of ice in my dogs' water bowl.

What else can I do to keep them cool?

Keep your dogs in a shaded, open area, where the air is moving. Provide a tub of fresh, clean water, so that they can jump in it and cool off, and make sure they're eating quality food, to keep their energy up. tom-erik Paulsen

Is it possible to teach my cat to play fetch?

I've seen a cat that had been taught to play fetch, but it happened only when the mood hit him. And it had to be with a certain mouse toy. Cats can be trained, but as is the nature of cats, it's always on their terms.

Coen Deurloo

Are lovebirds good pets for kids?

Lovebirds are wonderful birds and as the name suggests can form bonds with other birds or humans in short order.

However, some training is required, and they can be nippy.

Frank Hermers

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pets

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UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. FUR BABIES IN NEED OF A FOREVER HOME. M

F

F

CiCi

Cookie

M

F

Joker

M

Enoch

Starr

Jinxy

3 Girls Animal Rescue is a foster-only rescue, so there is no facility. All animals are currently in foster homes being socialized and cared for by loving families. All animals are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and heartworm negative. 3 Girls is run completely by volunteers and operates solely on public donations.

CONTACT: Angela Meek 479.883.2240 • Mitzi Burkhart 479.651.4445 • Cheryl Greenmyer 918.471.8514 www.facebook.com/3GirlsAnimalRescue • threegirlsanimalrescue@outlook.com Each month, Do South® donates this page to local and regional non-profit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

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T

lifestyle

THE WHIRLWIND ROAD TO WINDGATE words Marcus Coker images Rachel Putman (UA-Fort Smith)

Don Lee DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

T

lifestyle

This month marks the completion of the Windgate Art and Design

and proposed the new building,” says Don. “I think they were

building at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. The newest ad-

impressed with the program, but took note of our limited space.”

dition to the campus, the three-story, 58,000-square-foot building will house both the graphic and studio art programs and provide a

The building is named for the Windgate Charitable Foundation

dedicated creative space for faculty, students, and the community.

of Siloam Springs, which donated $15.5 million in the form of a grant for the project, including research and planning, construc-

The building, under construction for the last fourteen months, is

tion, and furnishing. The last $2.5 million is a matching grant,

located at the corner of Waldron Road and Kinkead Avenue and

meaning it’s given as the university raises an additional $2.5 mil-

is significant because it brings under one roof a program that has

lion that will be set aside as an endowment for the upkeep of both

been spread across campus for over forty years. “Up until now,

the building and the program.

we’ve been in four different areas,” says Don Lee, who’s seventyone and head of the art department. “Nine classrooms in four dif-

WER Architects of Little Rock provided the plans for the building,

ferent buildings. So the new place is going to be a learning curve.

which took about a year to finalize. Part of the planning process in-

There will be a public space, a reception area, and two different

volved visiting a number of other universities and museums in order

art galleries—stuff we could only dream about before.”

to gather ideas that would best serve the students in Fort Smith. “We tried really hard to let the building be a backdrop to the program,”

For Don, who started teaching in 1972 when the university was We-

says Eldon Bock, principal architect for the project. “It’s important

stark Community College, it’s been a long journey. He says, “We

for the students to take what they learn in the classroom outside the

used to be in Quonset huts, buildings that came from Fort Chaffee.

four walls, so one of the things we did was design the stairs in such a

There were two little rooms with a partition, and I came in with a

way that they doubled as a critique area, a space where students can

sledgehammer and knocked it down to create more space. One guy

share their work and lives with others.”

thought I’d be fired, like, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. And I’m like, let’s break it. The dean asked why I didn’t do it sooner.”

Built with energy efficiency in mind, the building takes the best advantage of natural lighting, uses LED lighting to reduce energy

Since 1975, Don and most of the art department classes have been

consumption, and uses many recycled materials for major building

in the Ballman-Speer building. Jessica Medeiros, who’s twenty-

components. “Everyone put a lot of thought into things,” says Eldon.

eight, a sophomore, and president of the Studio Art Coalition on

“Even the faculty decided to group their offices together, rather than

campus, says, “Sometimes I paint in the lobby because we don’t

by discipline, in order to encourage more collaboration.”

have room in the classrooms. Our club meets in the lobby for the same reason. But the biggest challenge is not being with the other

The contractor for the job was CDI Contractors, a company with

art students. It makes it difficult to collaborate.” Fortunately, the

offices in Little Rock and Fayetteville. Demolition on the site be-

new space addresses all of these concerns.

gan in May 2014, and then construction of the building began.

CDI employed about a hundred workers Monday through Friday

Since 2008, the university has offered two four-year art degrees.

and forty workers on Saturday, all working just under twelve-hour

All art students (which total about 180 at any given time) start

days, until the completion of the project.

with the same foundation classes (fifteen credit hours), then declare a major—either graphic art (Bachelor of Science) or studio

Walking around the building in the weeks before it opens, Don points

art (Bachelor of Arts). In addition to housing both programs and

to a future classroom, empty except for concrete and dust. The ceil-

all their classes, the Windgate building will also provide a space for

ings are tall, and there are large glass windows that open up to the

certain journalism and humanity classes. Don says, “We are hop-

hallway. “We kept the classrooms open so you can see what’s going

ing it will change the face of the campus by providing a sense of

on. We’re ordering a lot of mid-century furniture, like Herman Miller.

unity and sharing visual arts across the disciplines.”

We’re designers, so we want contemporary things you can attach a name to. The environment should inspire creativity.”

Talk of the new building started in 2012 after the art department hosted a visiting artist in Ballman-Speer. “The donors came to us

To that end, there are multiple areas in the building for students

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people

to display and share their work. Also, there’s a theater room for

“We’re working on the ‘build it and they will come’ idea,” says Don.

viewing films, a first on campus. There’s a student-run art gallery on the second floor, and a professional art gallery on the first.

A year and a half ago, another building stood where the Windgate building is now. It was once a gas station, then a bookstore, then

Don is clear that what they are doing, both in the program and

the Center for Lifelong Learning. But just like Don took a sledge-

the new building, makes a difference. “We’ve got former students

hammer to the wall of the Quonset hut over forty years ago, the

working in studios in New York, one teaching painting at William

construction workers tore that building down in order to make

and Mary. We’re creative and we’re problem solvers, and we cre-

space for something new. And perhaps that’s the true job of the

ate a demand because we are willing to make things work. But

artist, to see something no one else sees, and then to make it.

creativity isn’t limited to artists. Writers start with an idea, make an

And surely we all benefit from both the spaces that artists create,

outline, revise it. That’s creativity. And if you can be creative in one

and the artists created within those spaces.

area, you can transpose it to another. Students go from English to art class and don’t always see how they connect.”

As part of helping students transition from the classroom to the “real world,” the Windgate building features a room designed to imitate an ad agency, a place where graphic design students can use and apply their learning before finding a job and going to work.

“Our mission is to develop the skills in students to be ready for employment, and I think this building is going to do that very well,” says John Post, director of public information at the university. “It’s beautifully created—a true centerpiece for the campus—and will no doubt help with recruiting both future students and faculty.”

There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the building on Thursday, September 3. For details, check uafs.edu or call 479.788.7021.

The foundation is still raising funds for the $2.5 million endowment.

Additionally, they are accepting donations in the form of art and furniture for the building. If interested in donating, contact:

Dr. Mary Bane Lackie Vice Chancellor for University Advancement/ Executive Director, UAFS Foundation mary.lackie@uafs.edu 479.788.7021

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entertainment

The Sunlit Night review Marla Cantrell

funeral his father wanted, which is to be held at midnight so near the ocean Yasha worries that the coffin will soon be washed away.

He remembers the conversations he had with his father while the two were working together in their bakery in New York. He remembers how many years his father waited for Yasha's mother to come back to them, and how he never once stopped longing for her. When his heart was failing, all he wanted was to see her again, and when that proved impossible, he gave up hope.

It is an arrow in Yasha's heart that his mother decides to show up for the funeral, and that she tries to mend their relationship after such a long absence.

Yasha crosses paths with Frances at his darkest hour, and in that time she becomes the light he's been searching for. While he

F

works his way through the grief of losing his father, he begins

By Rebecca Dinerstein Bloomsbury 255 pages | $26

to believe that there is something good just beyond the horizon.

This is a story of loneliness and longing, and of hope and love.

Both Yasha and Frances find out things about themselves that tie

Frances, from Manhattan, is fresh out of college and on the heels

them to one another, and they discover that letting go is some-

of a breakup. To get away from her troubles she travels to Lofo-

times the only thing to do.

ten, a clutch of six small islands in the Norwegian Sea, just ninetyfive miles north of the Arctic Circle. She has come to the Far North

The author, Rebecca Dinerstein, started this book when she was in

to work with an artist who paints using only the color yellow. It is

Norway on a fellowship from Yale. She talks about the eighteen-

summer, the time when the Norway sun shines twenty-four hours

hour train ride from Oslo to Lofoten, and seeing those mountain-

a day. The light illuminates everything, from Frances' art to her

covered islands for the first time, ripped up by fjords, and how

broken heart, to her desire to be loved.

the sight of it caused her to never want to leave. What she loved was the pure air, and the culture of open doors and trust, and the

But her worries are small compared to those of seventeen-year-

national love of the outdoors.

old Yasha Gregoriov, a Russian immigrant from Brighton Beach, who's come to this northernmost part of the world to fulfill his

Trained as a poet, Dinerstein excels as a writer. Her descriptions are

father's last wish to be buried here, at the top of the world.

beautiful and precise. And her characters are complex, often funny, and totally flawed. She says she'd been working on Yasha's character

Heartbroken, Yasha finds that Norway is exactly what he needs.

for ten years. The time she spent certainly paid off. If you're looking

It is a place of solitude when you need it, and of friendship when

for a book to escape the heat of August, this is the one for you.

you least expect it. He takes command, hoping to pull off the DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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home

words & IMages Lee Anne Henry, Whiteline Designs

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It’s the season of celebrating the sunshine and beauty of Arkansas, the Natural State, and it makes me happy to see our community come together at local farmers' markets and music festivals.

Everywhere there are people walking around with smiles, and wearing bright colors. Flowers are everywhere, and they make me happy!

In my interior design business, there are several truths in how people see and interpret color. Our brain can process color better when there’s a contrast with the surroundings.

When picking paint for clients, I begin by selecting a light neutral backbone. Soothing whites for the main living areas, such as kitchens and living rooms, allow for the homeowner’s personal color preference to be added by using furniture, photographs, and paintings.

There are hundreds of different shades of whites that trend towards light gray or cream. I’m not asking you to paint the room completely white—although it’s really amazing if you have the courage to do it!

Using this time-honored design approach, I pick the light color for the trim and then select a slightly deeper accent color in the same tone for the wall color. Using this tone-on-tone approach, a room begins to make sense as a neutral backdrop.

Against this light wall, bright artwork will pop! People seem to forget their personal possessions have many different colors, some of which may conflict with their wall color. This approach means the wall color will not compete—it will serve as a backdrop.

Let’s test my approach: This month, I encourage you to do something nice for yourself. Go to your local farmers' market and buy a bundle of fresh-cut flowers!

Place them in your kitchen one day, next to your bed another.

Move the flowers around your house from a dark room into a bright room and watch what happens.

Against a light backdrop, the bright flowers will shine! Against a dark or brightly colored backdrop, they will compete with their surroundings. You’ll be amazed how this small investment will pay off in making your day brighter, and you might see firsthand how our brains understand and recognize color set against a neutral background.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Lee Anne Henry, owner of Whiteline Designs in Fayetteville, Arkansas, expresses her love of art through interior design.

She looks forward to getting to know her clients and creating a sense of calm in their personal spaces.

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shop

. l a c o l shopsupport our community!

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Check out a few of our fantastic finds from some of our favorite local shops. Be sure to tell them you saw them in Do South Magazine! Find something for yourself or someone you love.

Gorgeous Variety of Lamps Crossroads Antique Mall – Fort Smith 479.452.3037

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diy

" S" IS FOR

SURVIVAL

words and image Catherine Frederick inspiration Pinterest®

Teachers have tough jobs, y’all! Brighten their first day back to school with this handy survival kit.

MATERIALS Any container will do – I chose a cute pail. Be sure to shop the dollar spot at Target or the travel section at Walmart for fun ideas. Here are some great items for your kit.

Animal crackers Band-Aids® Chewing gum Peanuts A shiny coin Tissues Eraser Life Savers® candy Deodorant

Antibacterial gel Lotion Lint roller Travel Febreze Emergen-C® packets Blow Pop Chocolate Sharpie®

Here’s the fun part! Create and print, or handwrite, a personal message to your child’s teacher with a cute message behind each item you chose.

Animal crackers for when your class feels like a zoo

Eraser to remind you that everyone makes mistakes

A shiny coin to remind you that each child will shine in their own way

Chocolate because chocolate makes everything better

Sharpie® to remind you that you leave a permanent mark on every child

Blow Pop because some days suck and you need to blow them off and start over

Tootsie Roll® to help you roll with the punches

Lotion for when things get rough

Lint roller for when things get hairy

Life Savers® candy for when you need to stay afloat

Chewing gum to help you stick to it

Emergen-C® packets to keep you in the classroom and off the couch

Febreze® for that stinky aroma that arrives after recess

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Peanuts for when everyone’s gone completely nuts

Antibacterial gel to keep cooties at bay

Band-Aids® to hold it all together

Deodorant to help keep your cool when the pressure is on

Tissues to wipe away tears… yours and theirs

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people

words Marla Cantrell images Danny Barger, You've Got the Look Photography; Rachel Putnam, UAFS photographer, and courtesy Joni Fields-Adams DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

There is a salted caramel cupcake in Joni Fields-Adams' past she

tary. Joni calls her grandfather her role model. She spent a

won't soon forget. Her father bought it for her in Hot Springs,

lot of time with him, growing up in Poteau, Oklahoma, not

Arkansas just after she competed, along with forty-five other

far from his goat farm. "I loved to go there. But I also was

contestants, in the Miss Arkansas Pageant, the weekend of July

the girl who loved to dress up and put makeup on. I might

11. It had been awhile since Joni had eaten anything decadent.

be giving shots to the goats one minute and all dolled up and

For months she's been in pageant mode, first when she was vy-

riding in a parade the next."

ing for the Miss UAFS title she won in March, and again as she prepared for Miss Arkansas.

While she did not take home the title, she was awarded $1,300 in scholarships for winning the Wednesday Night Alpha and Overall Preliminary Lifestyle and Fitness Awards, and the Julie Blackwood Smart Swimsuit Award for having the highest G.P.A. But back to the cupcake. "I ate every bite," Joni says.

"Plus the crumbs!"

It's easy to imagine Joni's disappointment at not taking home the crown, but that's just not the case. She is thrilled for the new Miss Arkansas, Loren McDaniel, who lives in Van Buren and competed as Miss Northwest Arkansas. And Joni says just being around the other contestants was inspiring. "Their passion and determination were very contagious and motivating to me!"

She is smiling at this recollection. Her childhood was a happy If Joni has a character trait that will serve her well through-

one. When she was in the sixth grade, she transferred to Union

out her life, it's this ability to see the good in every situation.

Christian Academy in Fort Smith. When she was a junior, she

Life is a grand adventure and she doesn't plan to miss any

entered the Miss Western Arkansas Pageant. "I got halfway

of it. She finds joy almost everywhere, in simple things like

through my dance routine and just forgot everything," Joni

fishing with her family, and shopping for bargains with her

says, "so I just free-styled the rest. I was the third runner-up. I

mom, often in thrift shops and discount stores. "The dress

thought if I could do that well and have that happen, I might

I interviewed in for Miss UAFS cost me twenty dollars," she

really do well if I worked hard."

says. "Last week I found a dress for eight dollars!"

Her next chance came when she was a freshman at UAFS. In fact, it's her family that comes up again and again as she talks

She entered again, winning second runner-up. It gave her

about what has kept her on track. And it's her family who inspired

the confidence to enter the Miss UAFS pageant this year.

her pageant platform, called Project Unforgotten, which recogniz-

"It was a great experience. All the young women are intel-

es veterans for their service. "I want to inspire patriotism. When

ligent. When you're interviewed for pageants you have to

you hold your hand over your heart for the Pledge of Allegiance,

be up to date on current events, and you have to know

that heartbeat was paid for by someone who fought for you. In

what you believe and why you believe it. I've learned who

Arkansas there are 250,000 veterans. I want to motivate people to

I am and how I've matured and how I'm evolving as a

volunteer at local veterans' organizations.

person. I've developed my communications skills, I know how to hold my head up in a room, how to have poise and

"My papa, Joe Bozarth, and his four brothers have a combined

presence. It's so much more than beautiful faces on stage

total of more than 100 years of service in the United States

in a gown. It truly is the heart of a person, their intellect

Armed Forces," Joni says. "All five brothers were career mili-

and their ability to communicate."

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The night Joni won the Miss UAFS title was magical. "It taught me that

But she's in no hurry. "I just love the spirit of southern hos-

hard work pays off. The hours of studying current events, of working

pitality and love it at UAFS. (She's a member of the Chancel-

out, the days I ate the salad instead of the donut, it really paid off."

lor's Leadership Council, something she enjoys immensely.) I love the fact that all the professors know my name. It's such a

Still, as soon as it was over, Joni headed to Village Inn and ordered

community-based place."

a big stack of chocolate chip pancakes. "I devoured that, along with some bacon," she says, grinning at the thought.

As she's studying, she'll also keep working to help veterans. Already she spearheaded a project that gathered Christmas cards,

The next day, she began training for the Miss Arkansas Pageant,

along with blankets and socks, for patients at the Veterans Hos-

and working on her jazz dance routine that served as her tal-

pital in Fayetteville. There will be more projects to come. She

ent. The work consumed much of her summer, but she loved it.

wants to honor those who served, and she wants her grandfa-

The entire experience in Hot Springs is one she wouldn't have

ther to know how much he means to her. "He's the sweetest

missed for the world.

little cowboy you've ever met."

When she came home, her thoughts went immediately

Joni looks out across the room to the wide bank of windows. Beyond

to competition. There are three upcoming pageants she

the windows the lawn is bright with flowers. Beyond the lawn is the

has her eye on. And when she returns to UAFS later this

main road that runs through Fort Smith, and beyond that are infinite

month, as a junior, she'll be studying to become the best

opportunities. Joni can't wait to see what her future holds, what the

journalist she can be. She someday wants to work as a

next part of her journey will bring. Even now, as she contemplates her

news reporter, and she is currently interning at KFSM-TV

next step, she is expecting great things, and she smiles again, ready to

as a production assistant.

take on a world where anything is possible.

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people

words Claire Kolberg and Marla Cantrell images Maser/Conor walls – Nick Gibson, Picture of Health wall - Eoin Murphy, Never Too Late To Love wall - Maser DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

Take a look around downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas from the eyes

an internationally known Street Artist, an Irishman named Maser,

of an artist. There are rows of historic brick buildings that tell the

who had done work for Steve at one of his businesses, Boarder-

story of another time. But beyond that, their exterior walls look

town Skate Shop, in the Quarry Shopping Center in Fort Smith.

like blank canvases. An artist, intent on creating something extraordinary, couldn't find a better opportunity.

So he talked to Maser, who was just as excited about the possibilities.

What they decided was possible was to bring a weeklong mural festi-

That's what business owner and art advocate Steve Clark real-

val to downtown Fort Smith on September 3 through September 12.

ized last year when he was brainstorming, trying to come up with

Artists will be painting several exterior walls in approximately a ten-

something new and fresh to bring to the city. He is friends with

square-block area of downtown. The public will be watching, and the

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people

The list of artists continues to grow as the festival nears. Maser will be painting, along with other internationally renowned artists from around the world.

As of this writing, the lineup is still being finalized, but the roster promises to be A-list.

The festival kicks off September 3 with a gallery show opening at the new Windgate Art & Design building at UA-Fort Smith. The mural artists will begin painting in downtown Fort Smith on Saturday, September 5. The community is encouraged to watch as they get started, and to return as the festival continues through September 12.

Additionally, a Plein Air

event will be held Saturday, September 12, in Ross Pendergraft Park downtown, which is open to local and regional artists, who will be painting as the mural artists put the finishing touches on their walls. buzz is expected to grow as these artists and their fans race to social media to share photos and talk about what's happening.

Not long after that conversation, the festival had a name, The Unexpected. “I want people to come to Fort Smith and get more than what they expect,” Steve says, explaining the meaning of this title.

To make it happen, Steve formed a committee, 64.6 Downtown (64.6 refers to the number of miles within the city limits), headed

by John McIntosh. JustKids, headed by international Street Art curator Charlotte Dutoit, was hired to help execute the plan. She's overseen outdoor art projects like the art and music festival Life is

In addition to the mural festival, poet Malcolm London will perform on September 10 at the Blue Lion. In 2013, Malcolm, an internationally recognized poet and activist, collaborated with Maser on a wall in Chicago, integrating London’s powerful words,"It’s Never Too Late To Love", with Maser’s trademark type.

Already, the excitement is growing as word spreads. This historic part of town, close to the Arkansas River and a stone's throw from Judge Isaac Parker's courthouse, is a prime location for something new and groundbreaking to happen. The organizers of The Unexpected believe this is just the beginning.

Beautiful in Las Vegas. It's such a sought-after event that three-day tickets for the upcoming festival cost nearly six hundred dollars.

Charlotte visited Fort Smith in March. She saw such great potential she had this to say: “All of these artists [we plan to bring] have millions of followers. Soon they will know about your town and how open you are to the art community. The festival could create one of the top outdoor art galleries in the world.”

That's high praise, and words Steve and his team embrace. They believe in the value of art and its ability to bring people together.

Be sure to visit 646downtown.com for the latest information, artist

They also know when crowds flock to Fort Smith, they will bring

bios, the walls they plan to paint, as well as details on the other

their money with them. All of that is good for the city.

festival activities.

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lifestyle diy

s on s a e R on i ll i A M

e t a r b e l e C to YOU OWN UP TO YOUR PROBLEMS. YOU QUIT PRETENDING THAT EVERYTHING'S PERFECT OR WONDERFUL. YOU DON'T LET IT BEAT YOU UP OR INTIMIDATE YOU. Words Marla Cantrell

Shutterstock DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

T

lifestyle

This world is not a gentle place. We face disappointments, more stress

Ed is quick to point out that those in leadership roles are there to

than we can handle, and family issues that cause us to stay awake at

simply guide others through the process. "We're not a therapy

night. And these are the everyday problems. There are other times

group, we don't try to give advice, we don't play like we're your

when the battles we fight leave us so wounded we feel as if everyone

therapist. We just provide a safe environment where people can

we encounter can see our hurts, can see how miserably we're failing.

learn these time-tested steps to recovery, and in so doing you get

39

better. Those twelve steps are just remarkable."

Pastor Ed Saucier, leader of Celebrate Recovery at Community Bible ®

Church on Dallas Street in Fort Smith, Arkansas, says he has a way to

There are guidelines to protect the privacy of those attending. No

help. Five years ago he brought the popular twelve-step program to

one is allowed to talk about what's been said or who is in the

his church, thinking it could help the congregation. After working the

group with them. This security is a key part of the program. An-

Celebrate Recovery program himself for a few months, he realized

other critical component is that no one is charged for these ser-

he was getting more out of it than anybody else. "We have the ten-

vices. If they want, group members can buy "participant's guides"

dency to see those in recovery as 'those people.' But we're all 'those

that are seven dollars each (there are four that cover an entire

people.' We all have something in our lives we need to deal with."

year), although it's not required. There is another small fee for

®

the food that is catered for the night, but you can skip the meal if Celebrate Recovery® is similar to Alcoholics and Narcotics Anony-

you'd like. Other than that, it's all free.

mous, hence the twelve steps. But in Celebrate Recovery , the ®

steps have been reworked to show Jesus Christ is the one and only

When Celebrate Recovery® first began at Community Bible, they

Higher Power. It also broadens the program to include problems

had between six and eight people attending. Now, there are ap-

besides chemical addictions. At Community Bible, the program

proximately 140 every week. One of the people who went through

covers a wide range of issues, including things like codependency,

the program is Haylea Newcity. She was so amazed at what it did

depression, addictions, anger, eating disorders, anxiety, and grief.

for her, she began volunteering and she's now on staff at the church as part of the Celebrate Recovery® team.

The way it works is this: The church opens its doors every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, and people come from miles around

"I'm still in the program; I'm starting my fifth year," Haylea says. "It's

to be part of the group. Volunteers greet attendees at the door. There

changing my life. What I'm learning is a valuable, huge asset. Probably

is an information desk for those with questions. Child care is available.

the best part is the support that's offered, to be around people that are

The program starts with dinner, followed by an open assembly with

open about their struggles and looking for a way to change and are

music and a short lesson. From there, those who've gathered break

able to say they don't know how to do it themselves. You'll hear these

up into one of thirteen classes, gender and issue specific, where they

testimonies, and you'll think, They got through that and so can I."

share their stories and get support from others facing the same challenges. Each group has a leader, someone who has been through the

The thought of the transformation in her life causes Haylea

program. And there are sponsors and accountability partners, so that

to stop. Her voice quivers. "We live in a world where we beat

each member gets individualized support.

ourselves up so much, we get sick and tired of being sick and

"We have people who come here who

tell us this program saved their lives."

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lifestyle

tired. Being able to talk about it is huge. But you do have to

says. "If you come to recovery and learn the tools you need to heal

want it. It's hard to talk about at first, but once I did, it didn't

from those things, it's a trickle-down effect. If you have children, it

control me. It has no power over me. When you do that, the

will change how they treat others at school. It's huge."

process of healing begins.

Ed and Haylea are excited about what they've seen at "Sometimes I feel like I'm sitting on the front

Community Bible, and the program is expanding.

row of what God sees. These ladies (men meet with men and women with women) have come in so broken, no job, or they're broken in their relationships,

They now have classes for kids and teens, so that everyone in the family can be served.

"You learn in

Thursday is their favorite day of the week, since they get to share the lessons

recovery that

and now their marriages are back together. They're sober. They're much

they've learned with those hungry for answers. "You approach life in a very

hurt people

happier and much healthier."

healthy, responsible manner," Ed says.

"You own up to your problems. You

hurt people"

Ed is listening intently. He says, "We have people who come here who tell us this program saved their lives."

Since it began twenty-four years ago, Ed says nearly one

quit pretending that everything's perfect or wonderful. You don't let it beat you up or intimidate you.

For me, that was a huge deal. The unfair expectations

million people have gone through the Celebrate Recovery pro®

of my life were just beating me up, and the sick thing is that

gram. It's been translated into twenty-eight languages and is active in

I was the one putting the expectations there. I am my own worst

twenty-four countries. More than 20,000 churches participate. Ed, as a

enemy if I'm not careful. You have to learn how not to do that."

state representative for Celebrate Recovery®, has been able to help other churches, including several in Fort Smith, offer the sessions.

Ed and Haylea talk about their days before they joined Celebrate Recovery®. They were both struggling with problems that wouldn't go

His dream is to one day have a central facility in the city where

away. Their worlds are different now. There is so much joy, so much

there are meetings every night of the week, sponsored by a

happiness. It fills up their lives, and they continue to share their good

group of churches. The impact, he believes, will be monumen-

news with everyone they meet, because they are certain they have an

tal. Already he sees the community improving. When drug and

answer that could make this world a much better place to be.

alcohol problems are dealt with, people stop missing so much work, for example, which helps companies grow, which in turn fuels the economy.

But there is a much more far-reaching outcome, according to Haylea. "You learn in recovery that hurt people hurt people," she

Celebrate Recovery® meets every Thursday (including holidays) in the Worship Center at 9201 Dallas Street in Fort Smith. You don’t need to be a member or regular attendee of Community Bible Church to attend.

5:30 PM - Dinner 6:00 PM - Large Group Session 7:00 PM - Open Share Groups For more information, visit communitychurch.com, or call Ed Saucier at 479.452.9201.

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people

Thirty-two-year-old wife, mother and owner of local boutique, Hazel's Haven.

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people

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people

GO DOWN SWINGING words Stoney Stamper images courtesy April Stamper

"At that precise moment, I knew that I was disappointed in myself. Not for striking out, but for not trying to hit the ball."

I

I gripped the bat, holding it tight, which was not at all the way

coach. He shook his head and said to me “If you don’t swing

I was taught. I was told to hold it loose and easy but I was too

the bat, kid, you won’t ever hit the ball.” Disappointed, I took

nervous for that. I watched the pitcher check first base, and

my place on the bench.

then turn his focus towards me, the little freckled kid at home plate. He wound up and fired the ball. I gripped the bat even

On the surface, that seems like some pretty basic baseball advice.

tighter, and then did nothing as the ball flew over the plate

I mean, it’s pretty simple, right? If you swing the bat, you hit the

and smacked into the catcher's mitt. "Strike two!" the umpire

ball. If you don’t swing the bat, you don’t hit the ball. You don’t

yelled from behind the plate.

have to be Babe Ruth to figure that out. After that game, I got in the truck with my dad. “You played well tonight, Stone. You

My shoulders slumped. I backed out of the box and turned to look

made a great catch in centerfield, and you did a good job back-

at our dugout. My coach, Dickie Willis, was my best friend's dad,

ing up second base.”

and treated me just like his own. "Swing the dang bat, Stoney!"

Dad always did his best to build my confidence and focus on the I stepped back in the batter’s box. I watched the pitcher check

positive points of my performance. His routine was like this: He'd

the runner on first base, then wind up, and pitch. And once

pat me on the back before he ventured into things he felt I might

again, I did nothing. I heard the ball hit the glove. I heard the

need to work on. But even then, he was kind. I knew he was

umpire yell, "Strike three!" I walked away slowly, defeated,

getting ready to start talking about the places that I needed to

back to my dugout. With tears in my eyes, I looked up at my

improve, so I decided to beat him to the punch.

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people

“I’m not a good batter, Dad. I struck out. I always strike

while sitting at another game in another state, a long way from

out.” He didn’t say anything for a moment, but when he

my dad. I'm now a thirty-five-year-old daddy with three beautiful

did, I listened closely. “Whether or not you are a good batter

daughters. My ten-year-old daughter Emma is the second base-

isn’t really in question here, Stone. I have no doubt that if

man for her softball team, and she reminds me of myself in so

you really tried to be a good batter, that you would be. But

many ways. I am her coach at third base, and I watched as she

here’s what I am seeing. You’re not trying. When you don't

stepped in the batter's box, facing a pitcher who throws faster and

take a swing at the ball, you are accepting defeat without

harder than any other girl in our league.

even giving any effort."

I watched Emma as she grabbed the bat. I could see the anxiety in We sat in silence for a few moments, until he asked, "Why

her face. I urged her on, and said in a voice so low only I heard it.

aren't you swinging at the ball?" I thought about the ques-

"Swing the bat, baby. Just swing the bat." The pitcher delivered

tion for a moment and then replied, "He was throwing really

a fastball right down the middle. "Strike!" I saw her slump. I hol-

hard, and I guess I was just afraid I would miss it."

lered at her from third base, "Swing the bat, Em! You can do it!

You've got to swing at it!" We made eye contact, and she nodded

What my dad said next would undoubtedly be one of those

at me. She stepped back in the box, dug her feet in and got set.

moments where everything becomes clear, when something

She suddenly looked different, more focused, and determined.

in your mind clicks. He said, "Well, let me ask you. Would you

The pitcher wound up and fired a harder, faster pitch at her. This

feel just as bad right now if you had swung at the ball, but missed

time, she swung. There's the distinctive sound of a ball hitting

it? Either way, you struck out. But would you rather swing, and

an aluminum bat. The crowd cheered as Emma ran towards first

miss? Or would you rather just not try?"

base. "Foul ball!" came the scream of the umpire. The ball caught the tip of her bat and flew maybe fifteen feet up the first base line.

At that precise moment, I knew that I was disappointed in myself.

Her mother and I clapped and yelled as if she'd just hit a grand

Not for striking out, but for not trying to hit the ball. This simple

slam. "You've got her speed down now, Em! Just straighten out

piece of advice changed who I was. I made my mind up right that

the next one. You got it."

second. I'd never lose for lack of effort. From that point forward, I tried with all of my might, at everything I did. I wasn't the best

The count was 0-2. The pitcher threw the ball. Emma stepped

athlete in school, but I tried hard. I wasn't the best student either,

with her left foot and slung the bat in front of her, just like she'd

but I tried hard. I never wanted to feel that disappointment again.

been taught. She rotated her hips and swung through with all of

I never wanted to feel like I could've given more.

her little seventy-five-pound frame. And the ball hit the catcher's mitt. "Strike three!" comes the call from the ump. Her shoulders

I am who I am today because of one simple talk that I had with

sagged as she wilted out of the batter's box and headed back to-

my father in his old red Ford pickup on the seven-mile drive home

wards me. I was prepared for tears, but what I got was something

from a baseball game more than twenty-five years ago.

else entirely. A smile. A big, beaming smile. She said to me, "I did what you said. I swung the bat." I smiled back at her and said,

That talk was what I was thinking about just a few weeks ago,

"You sure did. You did great. I think you did just great."

Stoney Stamper

is the author of the popular parenting blog, The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife April have three daughters: Abby, Emma and Gracee. Originally from northeast Oklahoma, the Stampers now live in Tyler, Texas. For your daily dose of The Daddy Diaries, visit Stoney on Facebook or on his website, thedaddydiaries.net.

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BEAT THE HEAT IN THE

NATURAL

STATE S

words Jill Rohrbach, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism images courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Summer is in full swing, and we're all trying to find ways to beat the August heat. We're fortunate to live in Arkansas, where there are caverns, lakes, and springs galore. Jill Rohrbach, travel writer with Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, has gathered all the information you need to plan a trip to some of the coolest places in the state.

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BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS

49

MAMMOTH SPRING STATE PARK

Ranked among the most beautiful underground discoveries of

One of the great natural wonders of mid-America, Mammoth

the twentieth century, this limestone cavern is located deep in the

Spring flows at an average hourly rate of some nine million gal-

Ozark National Forest, fifteen miles north of Mountain View. It is

lons. The fifty-eight degree Fahrenheit water flow creates a 10-acre

the only developed cave system operated by the U.S. Forest Ser-

lake that then becomes Spring River, a popular year-round canoe

vice and is open throughout the year. Lighted walkways lead to

and fishing stream. The park, located at the big spring, includes a

stunning formations and massive rooms, one as large as six foot-

restored 1886 Frisco Depot with engaging exhibits and a "crew"

ball fields. In addition to the lighted walking tours, the wild cave

of workmen and waiting passengers from the early 1900s. Other

tour lets adventure seekers don kneepads, helmets and lights for

features include walking trails, picnic sites, playgrounds, an early

an off the path spelunking experience. Nearby Blanchard Springs

hydroelectric power plant and an official Arkansas Tourist Informa-

Recreational Use Area provides scenic campgrounds, picnic areas,

tion Center. Along U.S. 63 at Mammoth Spring.

hiking trails, a massive natural spring and a trout lake. Off Ark.14

870.625.7364, ArkansasStateParks.com/MammothSpring

near the town of Fifty-Six. 888.757.2246, BlanchardSprings.org; tour reservations: Recreation.gov DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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GREERS FERRY LAKE LITTLE RED RIVER

BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER

Nestled in the hardwood forests and foothills between Clinton and

The country’s first national river (1972), the Buffalo River flows roughly

Heber Springs, Greers Ferry is the third-largest lake in Arkansas'

135 miles and includes nearly 95,000 acres of public land along its cor-

Ozark Mountains (31,500 surface acres). The U.S. Army Corps of

ridor. It has been the topic of a full-length book, the subject of a Na-

Engineers reservoir has served as a national model for environmen-

tional Geographic feature article, and the cornerstone for the state's

tal cleanliness. Commercial and public use campgrounds, first-class

environmental movement. The stream descends nearly 2,000 feet

lodging, resorts and championship golf courses are trademarks. The

through layers of sandstone, limestone and chert. Its many bluffs are

Little Red River emerges icy-cold from Greers Ferry Dam and pro-

the highest in all the Ozark Mountains. Hidden away, ready for dis-

vides excellent trout fishing waters for miles downstream. An In-

covery are other geologic marvels—springs, caves, waterfalls, natural

ternational Game Fish Association (IGFA) and National Fresh Water

bridges, and box-like canyons where trails are abundant. Numerous

Fishing Hall of Fame all-tackle world-record German brown trout

outfitters service the river, and there are several campgrounds, cabins,

was caught here in 1992. The big brown weighed in at 40lbs., 4ozs.

motels and other lodging options nearby. While spring and early sum-

Resorts and outfitters are available. The lake and river visitor center is

mer are the prime floating times, the lower section of the Buffalo can

located on Ark. 25 at the western end of the dam. 501.362.9067,

be floated year-round. 870.741.5443, NPS.gov/buff

GreersFerryLake.org DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

travel

There you have it, a trove of places to escape the summer heat, and fall a bit more in love with the great state of Arkansas. Start planning, and be sure to snap a bunch of photos. Send your best to editors@ dosouthmagazine.com.

They might just end up in a future issue of Do South Magazine速.

WHITE RIVER AND BULL SHOALS LAKE Internationally famous for its beauty and great fishing, the White River flows through the Ozark Mountains and across the Delta (over 700 miles) before joining the Mississippi River. Trout fishing below U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-built dams is a major draw. A rainbow trout estimated at 24.7 pounds was caught and released on North Fork River, a major tributary of the White Rive, in the fall of 2002. Resorts and full-service marinas are available. Bull Shoals Lake, with more than 45,000 surface acres of water and a 1,000mile shoreline, is a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Largemouth bass and big stripers (in the fifty-pound class) are on the fishing menu. Many accommodations and guide services are available. 870.425.2700

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ONLY IN

KREBS Words & Images Marla Cantrell

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travel

I

It takes less than two hours to drive from Fort Smith, Arkansas to

when one of the workers mistakenly ignited explosives. Approxi-

Krebs, Oklahoma. Given the route you take, you could pass by

mately 100 miners died, some as young as twelve, and another

Bugtussle and Eufala Lake, a popular spot for those looking for a

150 were seriously injured. The casualties were so high that nearly

little downtime after a week of hard work in the city.

every family in town was affected.

Not long after you cross the water, you'll enter the town of Krebs,

The museum has a wealth of information on the coal mining tradition

with a population of a little more than 2,000. If you don't know

in Krebs. There were fifteen mines in the town, an amazing number

what you're looking for, it's easy to pass right on through. But that

in such a small place. There are other exhibits as well, such as those

would be a mistake. There are places in this town you won't find

covering the Native American tribes of Oklahoma, and military his-

anywhere else, places that exist because of the people who came

tory, beginning with the Revolutionary War. There are thirty-two gal-

here in the 1800s hoping for a better life.

leries displaying photos, furniture, and household items of the town's founding families, there's even a sleigh on display.

The immigrants were English, Irish, Scotch, Welsh, with an even larger contingent from Italy. When they arrived, they had with them their recipes from home. Several of the families eventually

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

started restaurants, cashing in on their ability to make authentic

290 Northwest Church Street | 918.423.6695

Italian dishes that drew in both their neighbors and those who traveled from outlying areas to try the food.

The shining star of Krebs is St. Joseph's, a beautiful example of Neo-Gothic architecture and one of the oldest Catholic

Three of those restaurants survive today: Pete's Place, Isle of Capri,

churches in Oklahoma. When it was organized in 1885, the

and Roseanna's. There is also a gourmet Italian shop called Lov-

church was built of wood, but it burned to the ground in 1902.

era's where they make their own sausage and cheeses, and import

In 1903, the current church was constructed. Fat Kevin Willis,

things like gourmet olives from Italy.

who came to the parish in 2013, says his congregation includes great-grandchildren of the coal miners who helped establish

Debbie Breedlove-Young, who works at the city's museum, says

Krebs. One of the many perks of serving here is the great Italian

what she loves about Krebs is that it's like Mayberry, from the old

food his congregation provides.

Andy Griffith Show. Life is slower, and people stop to talk. They wave as you drive past. This, Debbie says, is something you rarely

A restoration project was completed approximately ten years ago.

find in bigger places.

Part of the reason was to bring the interior back to its original glory. If you'd like to see inside St. Joseph's, stop by the church

Here are some of our favorite places in town.

office. If the staff is available, they'd love to show it to you.

Kreb's Heritage Museum 85 South Main | 918.426.0377 | krebsmuseum.com

Lovera's Handcrafted Foods

Thursday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm

95 West 6th Street | 918.423.2842 | www.loverasmarket.com

Admission is Free. Donations welcome.

Monday - Saturday: 7:30am - 6:00pm Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

The town began as a small coal-mining camp in the Indian Territory and is named for Judge Edmond Folsom Krebs, whose heri-

The Lovera family arrived in Krebs in 1907. In 1946 they decided to

tage was both Choctaw and German. Immigrants were recruited

become store owners, opening a market to serve their neighbors.

to work in the mines, the first of which opened in 1875.

Stepping inside their store is a wonderful experience. It smells of smoked meats and handcrafted cheese. Lovera's has several sig-

The museum tells the story of the town, including the tragedy

nature lines, from cheeses to sauces to spices. They make their

that struck in 1892. On the night of January 7, several hundred

famous Caciocava style cheese (Caciocavera) on site, using milk

workers were in the Osage Coal & Mining Company’s No. 11 mine

from four area dairies. They also make Italian sausages.

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Lovera's stocks more than a thousand selections of olive oil, vinegar,

he designed it to look like a house, a place he could live if the res-

antipasti, cookies, chocolates, espresso, pasta, spices and olives. They

taurant failed. He opened for business on Mother's Day, 1950, offer-

sell a selection of cheeses and meats, their own brand of frozen Italian

ing ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, steak, chicken, and lamb fries.

foods, and they get shipments in from Italy on a regular basis.

Dom had nothing to worry about. The town embraced this new You can watch them make cheese, pick up some great cooking

Italian eatery, and his family helped run the place. His key helper

tips from their knowledgeable staff, and come home with some

was his sister, who took over when Dom died at the age of fifty.

of the best Italian food you'll find anywhere. Can't make the trip?

You can order online.

Today, the Isle of Capri is still in the family, and still going strong.

Pete's Place

Roseanna's Italian Food

120 Southwest 8th | 918.423.2042 | petes.org

205 East Washington | 918.423.2055 | roseannas.com

Monday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm | Friday & Saturday: 11am - 10pm

Tuesday & Wednesday: 11am - 8pm

Sunday: 11am - 8pm

Thursday - Saturday: 11am - 9pm

Pete Prichard was born in San Gregorio Magno, Italy, and came

Roseanna's is the newest Italian addition, opening in 1975. That

to Krebs in 1903, when he was only eight years old. At eleven, he

was the year Frank Prichard and his wife, Rose Ann, opened their

was working in the coal mines, and at twenty-one he was severely

Italian carry-out restaurant. Three years later, after Frank faced

injured when the mine where he worked caved in. The incident

health problems, the restaurant closed, opening again in 1980.

ended his days in the mines, but left him with a dilemma. How was he going to make a living? The answer came while Pete was

Today, Frank and Rose Ann's children keep the business going, with

at home, experimenting with home brewing. He found the recipe

the help of dedicated employees. Customers love their traditional

used by the Choctaw tribe. His Choc beer was a big hit. At the

Italian dishes, including lamb fries, Nana's Gnocchi, Sliced Steak and

same time, his home cooking was growing in popularity. In 1925

Pepperoncino Peppers, rib-eye steaks, and homemade desserts.

速

he opened Pete's Place inside his home.

Things were looking up until Prohibition started, outlawing the

Dolce Vita Cupcakes

beer that was making him a local icon. Pete was sent to jail, and

10 S E Washington Ave. | 918.916.6695 | dvcupcakes.com

cooked so well there that he was refused parole. The guards didn't

Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 8pm

want to miss out on his Italian specialties.

Saturday: 9am - 3pm

Today, Pete's Place is still in the family. The menu includes tradi-

In 2010, Margherita McPherson started Dolce Vita Cupcakes in

tional Italian fare, including lamb fries, chicken parmesan, lasagna

her kitchen. In just three years she had enough business to open

and ravioli, as well as steak and shrimp. Choc速 beer is brewed

the storefront she's in today. Her cupcakes are delicious. One spe-

onsite, and tours are available. Call for dates and times.

cialty uses maple-bacon cake, maple buttercream frosting, and sprinkles of crisp bacon. She also has flavors like Italian Cream, Tiramisu, Banana Cream Pie, Chocolate-Covered Strawberry, and

Isle of Capri

Blueberry Crumble. There are different flavors on different days.

150 Southwest 7th Street | 918.423.3062 | isleofcapriofkrebs.net

Call ahead or check their website.

Monday - Thursday: 11am - 2pm Monday - Saturday: 4:30pm - 10:30pm

That's it! A look at Krebs, Oklahoma, a.k.a. Little Italy. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path kind of experience, this could

When Dominic Anthony Giacomo took out a loan to build the Isle

be just the ticket.

of Capri, he feared the business might not make it. Because of that, DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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taste

recipe & images Laura Hobbs

This year my dad turned sixty-seven years old. He’s been every-

rant - and I mean ANY restaurant. He’s even gained the moniker

thing from a mailman to an archaeologist to a cartoonist, and

“T-Bone Tucker” from family and friends.

spouts famous Tuckerisms (his first name is Tucker) like, “never wake a sleeping anything” and “lowered expectations mean a

But this recipe isn’t about steak, it’s about a salad that Mom makes

happier life for you,” which are heeded and repeated by friends

alongside dad’s birthday ribeye. Mom had acquired a panzanella-

and family (like yours truly). He has the loudest, most infectious

esque recipe from a friend, who acquired it from “one of those

guffaw you will ever hear, he has a special place in his heart for

checkout counter food magazines.” The salad was good — toast-

dumpster diving, and he makes a mean cinnamon toast.

ed baguette, tomatoes, basil and goat cheese — but something told me I could make a few tweaks and make it just a little better.

Every year on his birthday, he wants the same thing: “a steak that breaks the don’t-eat-anything-bigger-than-your-head rule”

Sunday morning I set out early to go to Panera for bread. I was

(which is yet another Tuckerism). Steak has always been dad’s de-

among several other bleary-eyed patrons, but luckily I was early

fault special meal. If it’s on the menu, he orders it at any restau-

enough to dodge the brunch rush. I grabbed the loaf, and with iron-

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taste

clad self-control avoided the heavenly pastries that called out to me.

easy vinaigrette. Three main ingredients in this dressing — olive oil, vinegar and garlic — make it quick, delish and a no-brainer.

Later in the day, I got to work on the salad. I started by cubing half

I tossed the veggies with the dressing, and just before dinner, I

of my loaf of bread (I’ve got the other half in the freezer, waiting

tossed in the beautiful fried bread. You want to wait until the last

to be turned into a Sunday morning French toast). Into a frying

possible second — the bread gets soggy quick, and no one wants

pan the bread went with a liberal drizzle of olive oil. I kept a close

a soggy salad. A few plugs of goat cheese on top and the salad

eye on the cubes as they began to brown, turning them and ar-

was good to go.

ranging them as necessary to avoid burning. Don’t get distracted!

Five minutes after Real Housewives sucks you in, you’ll be wonder-

I have to say, this salad was an amped-up version of mom’s. Sorry,

ing, What in the world is that burning smell, and why is my frying

Mom, but it’s true! Frying the bread gave its flavor more depth

pan spewing flames?

and toastiness, the cucumber was cool and refreshing and the briny olives and capers added a salty bite. This is a great sum-

After a quick chop to some fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and

mertime salad; think about adding grilled chicken or even grilled

cucumber, and a good handful of basil, I got to work on the super-

salmon for a light, tasty meal on its own. Enjoy!

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taste

LALOS recipe courtesy Patrón Mexican Bar & Grill, Fort Smith image Catherine Frederick

Ingredients Raspberries (4 – 6), extra for garnish Blueberries (4 – 6), extra for garnish 1 – 2 Basil leaves 1 – 2 Mint leaves Pinch of fresh Alfalfa sprouts 1 oz. Lime juice ½ oz. Agave nectar Finest Call Strawberry Puree Mix (splash to 1 oz.)

2 oz. Absolut Pears Vodka 1 oz. Cointreau

Method Muddle dry ingredients in a shaker. Add wet ingredients to shaker with ice. Shake and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with additional raspberries, blueberries and a mint or basil leaf. Enjoy!

Always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

Don’t want to make it?

Order it at Patrón Mexican Grill!

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southern fiction

L

FICTION Marla Cantrell

Libby Gallus, at fifteen, has had it. What happened is this: her mama

meet?" Libby asked, but all her mama said was, "It had some-

has turned in to somebody entirely different. Her Grandma Iola, who

thing to do with the railroad."

lives less than a quarter mile away in a house with a tin roof, says Libby's mama is going through the change, and Libby wonders what

The grave is untended, and Libby pulls a few weeds and leaves one

she's changing in to. So far, it doesn't seem to be an improvement.

of her guitar picks on the headstone. She wonders if her grandmama ever misses Willet Fox, but she doubts it. She married a man

There have been incidents of late, times when her mama disappeared

named Butch last winter, a man so young he and Libby's daddy

for hours on end. Or like last night, when she came in Libby's room

listen to the same music.

and wrenched out all the dresser drawers, scattering her clothes across the floor. "Clean up this pig sty," she said, and stomped out.

Which is another thing that sets Libby's mama off.

In a few minutes, Libby heard her laughing in the kitchen, on the phone with her best friend, and it made Libby want to hit her.

“I don't intend to live without a man,” is what her grandmama says when Libby's mama complains about Butch, and her mama

She is thinking about running away, but the truth is she's too lazy

storms off, but only a little ways, since they all live on the same

to go, plus, there's a boy at school who says to her every morning,

piece of property.

"Libby Gallus, I catch fire every time you walk by."

It might help her situation if Libby's daddy got involved, but he Today, she's visiting her Granddaddy Willet Fox's grave up on

works nights at the sawmill and sleeps odd hours, a nap here, a

Valencia Ridge. She never met him; he was gone before she was

few minutes of shut-eye there. He has pillows everywhere: on the

born, but she knows he had a poor relationship with her mama,

couch, on his bed, on the porch swing. This is another thing that

and that bonds her to him somehow.

ticks Libby off, this constant need to be quiet when the rest of the world is loud and awake, just so her daddy can sleep when and

When she asked her mama about him, she told her two things—

where he wants to.

that he spent his life bellied up to a bar, and that he claimed a spotty connection to country star Glen Campbell. "How'd they

When she gets home from the cemetery, she stays outside, away

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southern fiction

from the tornado that is her mama. Away from the zombie that is her

and when he returned home he drank a concoction made from

daddy. But he comes out soon enough, sleepy-eyed, looking for the

raw eggs and uncooked oats that kept him full until dinnertime.

cigarettes he hides in his toolbox—Libby's mama won't abide smoking—and fishes one out before he sits down on the metal lawn chairs.

The revelation shocks Libby, who has never seen her daddy run or fight.

When she was little, Libby used to sit on her daddy's lap and hold his wrist. She'd feel his pulse, close her eyes, and make her own heartbeat

“And then me and your mama got married,” he says.

match his. She smiles when she thinks of this, pulls a strand of auburn hair that has come loose from her braid and tucks it behind her ear.

Her mama, though, she could imagine her mama fighting. She is dark and tall and fiery and puts her foot down. Her daddy is pale

"Smoking'll kill you," she says, and her daddy bends his blond

and short and lets her mama have her way. Libby used to think she

head and cups the end of the cigarette until it catches fire.

was the thing that fit between them, that hinged them together like a fence. She's not so sure anymore.

"Don't start," he says, and she doesn't know if he means smoking or nagging. He speaks in short sentences that sometimes seem re-

“What was she like back then?” Libby asks.

hearsed. Ask him about work and he’ll say, “Another day, another forest gone,” and then he’ll laugh, which sounds like laughter with a

Her daddy looks away, past their two Quarter Horses, Blue Fern

bunch of heartbreak mixed in. Ask him why he doesn’t go to church

and Bubbles, that are grazing in the pasture. “You check on the

and he’ll say, “God understands,” which sounds mystical if you

girls today?” he asks.

haven’t heard it before, but after a while sounds like plain old B.S. “Sure did,” Libby says.

The sun is hidden behind the clouds, a rare occurrence in August, and the two sit in the shade of the elm, the smoke like a curtain

“Check their salt lick?”

that keeps them bound together. Libby's daddy begins to really talk, another rare occurrence, and she grows still, afraid she'll

“New one on Tuesday.”

cause him to stop if she makes any sudden moves.

“So, your mama,” her daddy starts, “she was fourteen when I In his youth, he says, he was a runner. Every morning he rose

met her. Acted like she wasn’t afraid of the devil himself. Used to

before the sun, laced up his tennis shoes, and shot out on the

climb up Walker’s Bluff and jump off into the quarry, down into

mountain paths he knew so well. He did it because he was training

that deep water, and it would seem like forever before she’d come

to be a boxer in the welterweight class, so he ran to stay in shape,

up. I’d pull her out when she swam to shore and I’d wrap my shirt

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around her, and I’d feel like you do when you’re around bull riders

unruly hair and a few extra pounds around his middle. But that is

or Nascar drivers. Like she was a different breed than me.”

before he starts to run, his arms pumping, his chest pushed out, like maybe he's proud of something.

“But you were a boxer,” Libby says.

When he reaches Grandma Iola’s place, he whips across her yard.

“Nah, I wanted to be a boxer. Big, big difference. I fought around

Her husband Butch is draped across the hammock, and Libby's daddy

here,” he says, moving his cigarette in a wide circle. “Local boys,

yanks on it until it flips, spilling Butch onto the hard earth. Butch

not smart enough to win. Out there, where the real boxers were,

scrambles up, looks around, shakes his lazy head, and rushes toward

I wouldn’t have stood a chance. So I said I had to make a living

the house, calling out, "You're not going to believe this one, Iola!"

and didn't have time to train. Marrying your mama saved me from having to give up on my own.”

Libby's daddy has made it all the way to the highway, and he's running on the shoulder of the road, and he looks elegant, which

“She can be a hard woman,” Libby says, and she knows she's

is a strange thing to say, but true. He’s keeping pace with a slow

crossing a line. Her pulse jumps, but her daddy just squints and

brown pickup that’s plodding along, his legs stretching out as far

takes a long drag from his cigarette.

as they can with every footfall.

The chickens are calling out like the Lord himself might be coming

Libby feels a hand on her shoulder, and she jumps when she real-

to take them home. One of them has laid an egg. The rooster is

izes her mama is beside her. Her mama is grinning. She says, "Isn't

strutting by, all spurs and swagger. A white Lincoln rolls by on the

he something?"

highway, the muffler loud.

"He sure is," Libby says, and her mama adds, "You're something “Your mama had a hard childhood," Daddy says. "Didn’t have

too," which causes tears to inch up in Libby's eyes.

much of a father. And now your grandmama has married a man young enough to be her own son, and your mama has to deal

"Did you see what he did to Butch?" Libby asks, and her mama

with that every day.”

says, "Sure as heck did. Mama'll probably kick us off her property," and then she laughs.

Libby says, "Mama's a grown woman who ought to be thinking about what's bugging me, but we all still circle around her, mak-

Libby's daddy passes the truck, and the driver honks like a mad-

ing sure she's okay. I don't get it. I really don't."

man. Libby and her mama jump up and down, hoot and holler.

The horses lift their fine heads, look around, then go back to graz-

"She talks about leaving," her daddy says, and Libby can't tell if he

ing. But farther away, there on the road, Libby's daddy has finally

means she's giving up on this place or on the two of them.

stopped and he's pumping his fists in the air."

If the smoke is a curtain that kept Libby and her daddy in one

He looks like a champion to Libby. He looks like a hero to Libby's

place, this revelation is the curtain that rips them apart. Libby looks

mama, who squeezes Libby's shoulder and says, "You stay mar-

at her shoes. Her daddy stubs out the cigarette and sighs.

ried long enough, you forget the facts of your own life. You forget who you really are. You start to lose the things that matter."

Inside, Libby's mama is putting away the breakfast dishes, the plates pinging when one drops atop another. Libby slips inside

Libby decides she is one of the things that matters, and so she

then looks behind her to see if her daddy followed. When she

takes her mama's hand and they walk toward the highway, where

heads back outside to find him, he's in the pasture leaning against

they'll have to half-carry Libby's daddy home. Butch will be wait-

the fencepost, and he's stretching his foot behind him, his hand

ing on Grandma Iola's porch, but he'll take one look at them and

cupping the toe of his shoe.

run back inside. It is not a big victory, but it's enough. They'll walk side by side, past the empty hammock, past the horses, and back

From here he looks the same as always: a middle-aged man with

home, where they'll start again, and this time they'll get it right.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Back to School

This is the time of year when we get to start over. We head out to buy school clothes and supplies. We start setting our alarms to get ready for those early mornings, and we start gathering information on the best products and services for our kids.

Our Do South® experts have done a lot of the work for you! In

Perfect. This group accepts 20 students, led by Mollie Armour.

this section, they'll show you several educational opportunities,

Rehearsals begin this fall on Mondays. "We are expecting to have

great after-school programs, facilities designed to help your kids

a banner year as we celebrate our 10th season!"

when they need it most, and even a series of lessons that will teach your children social skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Friddle Dentistry has two main locations, one in Fort Smith and one in Van Buren. There are also two school-based clinics inside the Lavaca

Dr. Rosilee Russell, Executive Director of the UAFS Academy of

and Mansfield Schools. All four locations treat adults and children.

the Arts, is excited about the upcoming school year. They have some big productions planned, such as The Addams Family,

Dr. Cody Friddle says the top three habits of kids with good

Mulan, Alice in Wonderland, the Youth Symphony Orchestra,

checkups include:

Broadway our Way ( musical theatre follies presented by Academy faculty). "Those are just a few great shows coming

1. Staying away from sugary foods and drinks. If a child is going

this season to celebrate our 10th anniversary," Rosilee says.

to drink something with sugar in it, it's best to do so during a

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meal. It's not always the amount of sugar that causes decay, it's "The academy offers after-school group classes. The Youth

the amount of time that sugar stays on the teeth that leads to

Orchestra rehearses every Monday evening from 6-8 pm,

the most destruction of tooth structure.

while the teen theatre company rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm. Children’s groups from art classes to

2. Brushing at least twice daily and preferably after meals.

musical theatre to show choir rehearse after school on various

Especially when children are in active orthodontic treatment, it is

afternoons at 4pm.

important to brush teeth after lunch, even if that means taking a toothbrush to school.

"One new offering is the Teen A Cappella—an auditioned group of teens grades 7-12 who love to sing, based on the hit movie Pitch

3. Flossing before brushing teeth at night. Many children come

Fort Smith Public Schools fast facts: There are 26 schools,

between their teeth there is a large cavity. This is many times

approximately 1,200 educators and educational administrators,

only detectable with an x-ray. Flossing helps remove the food

and last year there were 14,707 students including Pre-K.

particles that get trapped between teeth when eating. Even good brushing habits will be ineffective at removing these

Lori Griffin, AR Master Principal, Ballman Elementary, Sharla

particles and preventing tooth decay.

Whitson, Principal Bonneville Elementary, and Peggy Walter, Principal Fairview Elementary, have this advice for helping your

Delanna Taylor, owner of Inscriptions, says her customers love

child get ready for kindergarten:

monogrammed backpacks for every age, from the Mother's Day Out crowd on up. There are also lunch bags. "Having the ability

1. Read with your child, practice counting objects up to 100, writing

to pick out an item that you love, and having your name or

name, zipping and buttoning clothes, as well as tying shoes.

monogram on it, makes it truly yours," Delanna says.

2. Let them have creative play and time to make things out of everyday household items, such as paper towel rolls, cotton

The Jon Hart line is trending for the high school and

balls, etc. It will help prepare them for STEM activities.

college set. Customers can pick out the color they want

3. Because there could be up to 20 children in a kindergarten

and have it personalized. Also big with this crowd are

classroom, talk about sharing, taking turns, listening to the

personalized bathroom/vanity storage items, laundry bags,

teacher and doing what they're asked to do.

cosmetic and storage bags, throws, pillows, towels, and

4. Show enthusiasm when your child talks about the school day.

umbrellas. Delanna says everyone loves that each product

Children pick up on their parents' feelings and emotions.

can be personalized — making it unique. Tailgating items

5. Spend time each day talking to their student about their school

with U of A, OU and OSU logos are big sellers. Once you

day. Ask more open ended questions such as, “What did you learn

have everything you need for your kids, don't forget those

today? What was your favorite part of the day and why?”

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to my office with healthy looking teeth, only to find out that

back-to-school gifts for teachers.

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Sharon Blentlinger, Principal at Immaculate Conception

message of Jesus Christ. This is coupled with a strong academic

School, couldn't be prouder of their school, where 46% of

program. We teach our students to model after Jesus by serving

the instructional staff have advanced degrees and average

others. We demonstrate that by setting aside days where all our

more than 17 years of service. "We're a Blue Ribbon School

students serve in some way. It culminates in a ‘U-Serve’ week

as recognized by the Department of Education, the only

just before spring break where our older students serve in a

elementary school in Fort Smith, public or non-public, to have

regional, national and international location."

this distinction, and the first Catholic school in Arkansas to have received this recognition," Sharon says. "IC is a Leader

Last year, 300 students attended Union Christian Academy.

in Me School, which integrates the 7 Habits of Highly Effective

"The graduation rate is 100%, and many students will graduate

People by Steven Covey, into our school community. This

with college credits thanks to an agreement with UAFS that

program teaches leadership, self-responsibility, and many

allows Union high school students, beginning in tenth grade,

other important lifelong skills for successful people."

to take concurrent college classes at a greatly reduced cost, earning both high school and college credit. These credits are

IC has a preschool beginning with 18-month-old toddlers. The

transferable to nearly any four-year institution."

elementary program has approximately 17 students in each class, and they have two classes at each grade level, from

Arkansas Virtual Academy is a tuition-free, public school. Those

kindergarten through 6th grade. "Our school also has an after-

who are eligible also receive a loaner computer and subsidized

school care program and a summer program for both preschool

Internet access.

and elementary students."

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"At ARVA, your child has the benefit of a powerfully effective Paul Bridges, Superintendent of Union Christian Academy,

student team—a collaboration between curriculum experts,

is honored to lead this private school. "Students at Union

teachers, counselors, senior school leadership, the school

Christian learn about God, our reliance on prayer and the gospel

community, and you," Scott Sides, Head of School, says.

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"In fact, as a parent (or the responsible adult), you have a role

Law and Gospel are used to enable each student to reach their

that is so important we call you the 'Learning Coach' or 'Mentor.'

potential and become responsible and productive adults. It is a very loving and forgiving place to be each and every day.

"The student team works hand in hand, providing support,

Smiles are everywhere!

encouragement, and a gentle push, when needed. Together, we inspire your child to believe in his or her own abilities—removing

"We also provide a well-rounded education in the context of

barriers to reaching the potential within."

a Christian worldview. Students master fundamental skills in reading and math while exploring interests and skills in history,

The difference is “dramatic,” says Laurel Barrette, Director

science, music and art and lifetime fitness and health.

of School Counseling Programs. “Too many kids get put in a box. Students may be tracked into one group with one level of

"All students receive both art and choral music instruction

courses, even if their strengths vary by subject.

each week. Every fifth and sixth grade student plays a band instrument. We have a drama club for grades 4 – 6 that is

“A really important thing we’re able to do is look at the individual

involved in producing two musical performances each year as

student in an accepting, open-minded way. We’re able to put

well as a group of one-act plays."

together a customized plan and meet kids’ needs, without them having to worry what other people think.”

Fort Smith Montessori School serves those from PK3 through

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the 6th grade. Jessica Hayes, head of the school, says they're Dr. Philip Frusti, Principal of First Lutheran School, which serves

branching out in the near future. "We are making plans to

preschool through 6th grade, says education is a team effort.

expand through at least 8th grade beginning in the fall of 2017,

"Our teachers and support staff, our parents, and our students

with the potential for 9th as well. We are not a pre-school or

all work together for the benefit of each child whom God has

daycare, though. The school day for our 3-and 4-year-olds is

created with unique gifts and abilities. It is a place where both

very similar to that of our elementary students.

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The school is even offering free lunches to all students. "We

lessons. Therefore, we can give them the time they need

are very excited to be the first school to offer free lunch for

independent of the other children in the class. Children who

all attending students. Our hot lunches are cooked fresh daily

are quick learners have the ability to continue moving in the

with whole and organic ingredients, whenever possible. This is a

curriculum without waiting on others to catch up. Children who

$500-600 annual value to our families."

need more time can take that time without feeling rushed or like everyone is waiting on them. There is a lot of fluidity between

If you'd like to tour the school, call 479.646.6003 to make an

the classrooms as well for quick learners or students who need

appointment. htacademy.net

that extra time."

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Chancellor Paul B. Beran is Harvest Time Academy is open to those 3 months through the

excited about the start of the fall session. Students will have

6th grade. Rev. Sean Sloan, Teaching Pastor-Harvest Time, says

access to the new Windgate Art and Design building, a 100

he's happy to be part of such a great organization. There were 160

percent privately funded, 58,000-square-foot building that

children in their preschool last year. This is the first year for the

houses educational programs that were previously spread across

academy to offer elementary classes.

five buildings. Inside is a film theater, numerous art galleries for

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"Our goal for our students is mastery of the materials and

both professional and student artwork, and professional-quality Rev. Sloan and the Harvest Time congregation see the program as

photography and video facilities.

a ministry. "Believing our students deserve more and our society is experiencing a deficit in quality leaders, we have opened this

"In fall 2016 we plan to open our new Recreation and Wellness

ministry with the full backing of Harvest Time to develop this

Center," Chancellor Beran says. "The 47,000-square-foot

generation of Christ followers and future leaders. We are providing

building will feature a rock climbing wall, two basketball

Christian education as close to cost as possible without additional

courts, four volleyball courts, and additional space for

fees for books, registration, etc. The tuition you pay is all you pay."

multipurpose use.

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"Whether you’ve already landed your dream job or are hoping

"Eighty-seven percent of graduates from the spring 2014 semester

to advance in your career, earning your Bachelor of Science in

have either found employment or are continuing their education

Organizational Management will set you apart in the job market.

in graduate school. Additionally, many of our academic programs

With an OM degree from JBU, you’ll be equipped with the key

boast 100 percent graduate and job placement rates. Those

skills that so many employers seek when hiring managers: critical

numbers validate the work we do here at UAFS and reinforce that

thinking, effective communication and rational decision-making."

we prepare students for the next step of their lives."

Jennifer Kistler, Executive Director of The Gregory Kistler Kelly DeWitt, Admissions Counselor at John Brown University,

Treatment Center, says their mission is to provide support and

says their one-class-at-a-time approach to earning a bachelor's

learning opportunities in the community for children and adults

degree is perfect for those already in the workforce. "If you want

with developmental disabilities and to provide all individuals an

a classroom experience but don't have time in your schedule

opportunity for a full and productive life through therapy services.

for taking classes during the day or multiple nights per week, consider John Brown University's Organizational Management

One of those services is helping young children with

program," Kelly says. "Designed for working professionals,

developmental issues get ready for school. "Children who

you can finish your bachelor's degree in about 20 months by

have any type of developmental concerns are at risk for falling

attending class just one night per week in Fort Smith (across

behind in their education potential. With the help of physical,

from Central Mall, on Waldron Road).

occupational, and speech-language therapists, the Kistler Center

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While the buildings are impressive, so is the university's record.

can help a child acquire essential prerequisites for school.”

"With our accelerated program, you can utilize the college credit and skills you've already acquired to finish your bachelor's

If you believe your child is having difficulties playing, learning,

degree faster. You take one class at a time, allowing you to

communicating, or moving, speak with your doctor. The doctor can

focus on one subject before moving on to another.

assess the situation, and can refer your child to Kistler Center, if needed.

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Dan Beam, who co-owns Flame Gymnastics with Laura Beam,

Shirley Skulman, Director of the Fort Smith Junior Cotillion, is

offers classes for kids from 12 months to 18 years. Besides

on a mission to help kids feel confident in every social situation.

the physical benefits, gymnastics also teaches confidence,

"We are consumed with the obvious things for our children’s

patience, mental toughness and time management. "Most

progress such as sports, musical training, entertainment, etc.,"

all skills learned during gymnastics training are beneficial

Shirley says. "The thing being missed is that manners, etiquette

when children participate in a wide variety of other sports,

and the other social things that cotillion teaches our children, is

including baseball, softball, football and swimming, just to

the glue that can help them in all of the above things. It helps

name a few," Dan says.

them bond, get along and progress with more ease in all of their endeavors because everything comes down to dealing and

Flame is part of the USA Gymnastics Member Club, which means

interacting with people. When they know how to treat other

they are required to do background checks on coaches, staff

kids and adults with respect and confidence, it compounds their

is trained through the USA Gymnastics Educational University,

development into adulthood.

and they maintain both accident and general liability insurance, which covers their students.

"Fort Smith Junior Cotillion eases your children into social situations, interactions with their peers, and subtly teaches them

"August 5, 2015 marks our 30th anniversary," Dan says.

manners, not to mention some fun and classic forms of dancing.

"In that time we have earned the reputation as being the

So, as the slogan says, "Just Do It", and enroll them in cotillion.

premiere facility in the River Valley for parents wanting

You and your children will not regret it!"

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the finest for their children in gymnastics and tumbling instruction, on either the recreational or competitive level.

Brandon Morrison, owner of BodyTailors Personal Training, can

We are very proud to not only produce high-caliber athletes,

help you get back in shape after a summer of vacations and

but also to help develop high-caliber young men and women

parties. They offer 30-minute classes, limited to 24 people. There

who go on to be successful in life."

are several classes that can accommodate almost any schedule.

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"We use a combination of weight-bearing, suspension and

grade, as well as course work for students that are pursuing

bodyweight training, along with good old-fashioned cardio,"

a GED. When a student comes to Valley, we contact their

Brandon says. "We start everyone in a foundations class

school and get a course schedule so we can design their

where they must demonstrate they are capable of performing

course work here to match what they will be going back

basic exercises with correct form before moving into a more

to. When the student returns to their school, we send a

advanced class. This will ensure that we don’t overwhelm

report card with grades that are factored into their grades.

new clients just starting and that we don’t slow down

This allows the school to use grades for work completed

more advanced clients. Each class is a safe but challenging

while the student was at Valley, rather than loading them

workout in a team setting. With 23 years of helping hundreds

down with missed assignments.”

of people get in shape, I have found that most people have a tendency to achieve greater results when held accountable in a fun, energetic atmosphere in a group of their peers." If you

SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER

would like to set up an appointment for a fitness assessment, call Brandon at 479.310.6820.

We had such a great time putting our Back to School section together. And we're already working on our Fall Fun Special

Valley Behavioral Health System staff is trained to work

Advertising Section for September! It will include fall festivals,

with children who are having a wide array of issues. If a

vacation destinations, hunting and fishing locales, outdoor fun,

child needs to stay at Valley, they don't have to worry about

and a ton of information from our experts that will make you

missing school. Kasey Loyd, the Director of Education, says

want to get out and explore.

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their teachers take pride in being part of the team that cares for their patients. "Valley Behavioral Health has a

If you're a business owner looking to advertise, give Do South a

team of teachers that hold Arkansas Teachers Licenses. We

call at 479.782.1500 or 479.459.6672. We'd love to talk to you

offer classes for students from Pre-School through 12th

about how we can help you grow your business.

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Read Chair Publishing, LLC 7030 Taylor Avenue, Suite 5 Fort Smith, AR 72916