'Round - August 2018

®

'ROUND

August 2018 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / OWNER Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Randi Bomar Marla Cantrell Marcus Coker Catherine Frederick Dwain Hebda Jade Graves Megan Lankford Tom Wing Jessica Sowards GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Mays PROOFREADER Charity Chambers

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PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

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INSIDE 18 22

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Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500 Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116

FIZZZ… It’s been a busy summer, and you’re ready to soak your cares away. Our heavenly scented DIY bath bombs will do just that, and they’re also great as teachers’ gifts!

GETTING BOOKISH This month, a new bookstore opens in Fort Smith under the caring guidance of owners Jennifer Battles and Sara Putman, two former high school English teachers on a mission to start a literary wave in this region.

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NOT YOUR MAMAW’S FRUIT SALAD

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HOT SPRINGS FOREVER

We loved our mamaw’s fruit salad, we certainly did.

But after trying these versions with dressings like Strawberry and Mint, Honey Lime, and Orange Poppy Seed, we’re never going back!

One last trip to celebrate summer sounds pretty good right now. Pack up your car, turn up the radio, and head to Hot Springs for a getaway that’s filled with fun.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com ©2018 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to Do South® or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893 Cover Image: CHOKCHAI POOMICHAIYA

FOLLOW US Annual subscriptions are $36 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues are available upon request. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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letter from the editor

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My Facebook friends are wondering if I ever

While we’re in the kitchen, I thought I’d share

spend any time at home. That’s because, for

some of my favorite tools with you. You may be

most of this month, I’ve been posting photos

able to live without a watermelon slicer this time of

while I’ve been on the road (or in the air) with

year, but I don’t know how I could!

my son’s traveling basketball team. I’ve watched them win. I watched them nearly win. And I’ve

Jessica Sowards is taking us on a tour of her garden,

watched them after every game, determined to

the place inspired by the classic book, The Secret

give their all the next time on the court.

Garden. Plus, Megan Lankford, with the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, is sharing her top picks for

I’ve learned a lot about determination and basketball.

shade trees, a big need during these dog days of summer.

Before too many more days, we’ll be back to our routine, though.

If the heat gets to be too much for you, we have two travel

Early to bed. Early to rise. Homework, homework, homework!

suggestions: a hostel that’s housed in an old fire station in Little

Every year, this season comes too soon; I could spend at least

Rock, or a trip to Hot Springs that’s filled with food, drink, and

another month in the company of summer.

an afternoon soaking in natural mineral pools.

But then fall comes, and I break out the scarves and boots, and I

Finally, we’ve gathered information in our special section about

think that’s my all-time favorite part of the year. I may be a little

local services for your children, in honor of Back to School

bit fickle, y’all!

month. If you’re looking for a dentist who caters to kids, are considering a new educational opportunity, have always

I’ve also learned to be present in whichever season I’m in, to be

wanted to learn more about gymnastics, or would love to know

thankful for it, and to try not to look too far ahead. The same

which local church holds a special service for students, this will

could be said for Jennifer Battles and Sara Putman, two former

be a great help.

Alma High School English teachers who left the classroom in May to open Bookish, the newest bookstore in Fort Smith. They are

We love working with local business owners and professionals

embracing every second of their new journey. Marla Cantrell sat

who put so much back into our community. It makes Arkansas

down to hear their story so she could tell it to you. When you

such a great place to live. I know how great our state is, I’ve

read it, you may be inspired to shake up your own life!

been traveling everywhere, but I didn’t find one other place that matched the beauty of the place I call home.

And then there’s our story about lactic-acid fermenting, an old, old way of preserving food that’s getting some new buzz. We’re telling you what’s so beneficial about this process, and we’re sharing a recipe for salsa that I hear is out of this world.

~Catherine

Follow Do South® Magazine

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

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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poetry

Feather Moon LINEs Randi Bomar

She was a feather moon.

All except a sliver of her luminous spirit obscured.

No one living could see the shadow that hid her substance, her radiant substance.

She began to believe she was only a thin slice of light, a borrowed glow...

She went sailing silently through the night, veiled in darkness as penance, her blue-black apology for having dared to shine.

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calendar

AUGUST

images courtesy certain vendors and the AR Dept. of Parks & Tourism

Crawford County National Night Out Alma Find them on Facebook

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Honor Crawford County’s police, firefighters, and first responders at the Alma Primary School from 5:30-7:30pm.

Free hot dogs, snow cones, games, face painting, and bounce-arounds, and a chance to say thank-you!

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Trout Fishing in America Fort Smith gofortsmithar.com The iconic Trout Fishing in America is performing at 1pm, with tickets going for $5. At 2:30pm, Mayor Sanders will bury a time capsule at Pendergraft Park, and at 3pm, there’s a free ice cream social at the Fort Smith Museum, all to celebrate the city’s bicentennial.

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Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com

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Petropolitan Fort Smith kittiesandkanines.com Hardscrabble Country Club is the site for this year’s Petropolitan event. Dinner

by Chef Ben Ortiz, music by After 5 Jazz, silent and live auctions, raffles, liquor pull, and prizes. Proceeds benefit Kitties and Kanines Veterinary Clinic.

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Tontitown Grape Festival Tontitown tontitowngrapefestival.com Homemade spaghetti, fried chicken, yeast rolls, and concord grapes. Plus, carnival rides, and arts and crafts. This is one of the best festivals in the state!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Teal Night in Tahiti Fort Smith rivervalleyoca.com Great food, live music by Ultra Suede, dancing, drawings for jewelry, games and more, at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Proceeds help raise awareness and provide education about ovarian cancer while supporting newly diagnosed cancer patients, survivors and their families in our area.

calendar

THETOPTENTHETOPTEN

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Keith Urban Rogers waltonartscenter.org Country legend Keith Urban will be performing at the Walmart AMP as part of his Graffiti U World Tour. Snag those tickets while you can!

Beatles vs. Elvis Fort Smith fortsmithconventioncenter.org

AUG. 1ST - SEPT. 3RD

Love the Beatles? Can’t get enough Elvis? This concert’s for you! The show’s described as a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping musical showdown that will leave you all shook up!

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ST Think Like a Mountain Devil’s Den State Park 479.761.3325 Guest speakers, family activities, and park rangers help you get to know Devil’s Den State Park even better.

Discover new things and celebrate nature during the State Park Service’s Legacy Week.

SEPT. 1ST-2ND

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TH Free Summer Concert Fayetteville bgozarks.org Enjoy the beauty of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks while listening to the Ozarks National Park Radio, a group that plays folk, bluegrass, and Americana. Bring along a lawn chair, a picnic, or pick up something from the food trucks! Concert is from 7-9pm.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Downtown Junk Fest Van Buren vanburen.org Downtown Van Buren comes alive with hundreds of vendors, selling vintage, reclaimed, antiques, boutique items, and vintage clothing. Plus, food, drinks, and snacks.

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community

Our Community Cares words Do South® staff

3 Girls Animal Rescue, Inc. PO Box 1001 Shady Point, OK 74956 threegirlsanimalrescue@ outlook.com Angela Meek 479.883.2240 Mitzi Burkhart 479.651.4445

3 Girls Animal Rescue is devoted to saving dogs. They regularly go to certain animal control facilities in Leflore County, Oklahoma, to help adoptable dogs that have only five days for their owners to claim them before being euthanized. Two of their volunteers, Mitzi and Betty, take photos of the dogs and post them to the 3 Girls Facebook page to try to find the dogs’ owners. If the owners aren’t found, they work to find foster homes and sponsors. The dogs are taken to a vet for an exam and care. 3 Girls Rescue says they’re the only group of their kind that does this on a weekly basis. Do South® talked with Angela Meek, the president of the non-profit, about their mission.

DS: Tell us how 3 Girls Animal Rescue got its start.

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area. If you have a non-profit you’d like to see recognized, email us at editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

Angela: We started by fostering for another rescue and realized the great need to not only save the dogs in the Poteau City Pound but those in other local facilities as well. In 2014 we formed 3 Girls Animal Rescue, a 501(c) (3) non-profit, which consists of two full-time volunteers, myself and Mitzi Burkhart, and others who volunteer, foster and support our mission. We run on donations only and are always in need of foster homes and drivers to help us with the thirteen-hour trips, one way, to take the dogs not adopted out to larger no-kill facilities.

DS: How many dogs have you helped since you began?

Angela: We saved more than 500 the first year, and each year since, the numbers have increased to close to 800. We are currently a foster-based rescue. The dogs are taken to a vet and checked for heartworms, given rabies shots, wormed, and treated for ticks and fleas.

It costs an average of $60 per dog. Before they’re adopted out, we pay for microchipping, and spaying or neutering. We do a lot of transports to northern states where they do a lot of the spaying and neutering and get the dogs and cats adopted out to wonderful homes.

DS: What’s your biggest challenge?

Angela: Being able to fund the vetting, the cost to transport the dogs, finding foster homes and transport drivers.

DS: How can Do South® readers help?

Angela: By donating financially or by becoming a foster for 4-6 weeks. To do either, call us or email us at threegirlsanimalrescue@outlook.com.

DS: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Angela: We hope to build a 4,900 square foot facility to house dogs until they leave on transport or get adopted. To do that, we’ll need help from the community. Every dollar helps save a dog’s life, which is our mission.

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pets

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Fur Babies in Need of a Forever Home.

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F

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Archie

Ruby

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Jacob

Mickey

Fern

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Minnie

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 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.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainment

The Lying Game

By Ruth Ware Simon & Shuster | 384 pages | $25 review Marla Cantrell

I can’t help you with your vacation plans, but I can tell you

To bind them together, they pledged never to lie to one

which book to take along. The Lying Game, a psychological

another, a tenet that continued when they invited Isa and

thriller by Ruth Ware, is set in the coastal town of Salten,

Fatima into their confidence.

on the cliffs of the English Channel, where four high school friends, now in their thirties, gather for a reunion at their old

The four spent weekends at Kate’s house. Ambrose was the

boarding school.

art instructor at the school. He was loose with rules and was a recovering addict. He was also acutely devoted to his daughter

At least that’s what they want their former classmates and the

Kate, trying everything in his power to make sure she had the

townspeople to believe. In reality, what brought them back

foundation she needed to build a beautiful life.

together was a text from Kate, who still lives in Salten, which read, I need you.

While the girls swam or sunbathed, Ambrose penned quick sketches of them, an innocent endeavor, but something that

The plea came after a bone was found in the channel, which

caused a stir at the school once the drawings were discovered.

opened a police investigation that began when Kate’s father,

Could something untoward have been going on between

Ambrose, disappeared while the girls were still students.

Kate’s friends and their teacher?

When Kate sends the text, Isa, Fatima, and Thea drop everyThe question was never resolved since Ambrose soon disap-

thing to rush to her side.

peared without a trace. In the aftermath, Isa, Thea, and When they arrive, Isa, the narrator, is shocked by the condition

Fatima returned to their families, and Kate was left to live in

of Kate’s house. It is sinking into the sea, the shifting of the

that lonely house alone.

building causing electrical hazards and sloping floors. But Kate won’t leave—this is the house where she lived with her father.

Although the girls were separated, the secret they shared about the night Ambrose disappeared bound them together.

As the women reconnect, the story of their teenage years

As a way of coping, they made poor choices, drank too much,

unfolds. Kate and Thea were already students when Fatima

engaged in self-harm, and tried to find a path to forgiveness.

and Isa arrived. Kate and Thea had a reputation as liars, playing a game that caused them to make up fantastic stories

When they returned to Salten, they quickly picked up the three

to see how far they could go, and how many people they

concrete rules of their old game. Tell a lie, stick to your story, never

could make believe them. The game could be vicious, and

get caught. The first two rules were harder to keep now that they

there were plenty of casualties.

were adults. The third rule, though, that one seemed impossible.

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community

This year, as Fort Smith celebrates its bicentennial, author and historian Tom Wing will be sharing stories of our city’s past in each edition of Do South®.

WITNESS AT THE END THE BOSTON STORE

Tom Wing in Front Row

words Tom Wing, Historian and Author IMAGEs courtesy Fort Smith Museum of History and Tom Wing

Life is full of seemingly insignificant situations, and surface-level

Under Rudolph Ney’s leadership, the Boston Store grew, adding

associations that at the time appear to be only a temporary

a Van Buren location and becoming “the” source for finer things

means to an end. But looking back through the lens of experi-

in Western Arkansas. The store offered designer dresses, furs, a

ence, some of those associations might prove to be historically

tea room, and superior customer service.

big and important. My time with the iconic Boston Store in Fort Smith was like that.

Rudolph Ney died in 1936 but not before building a loyal customer base and an equally loyal and dedicated staff who, at

Founded in 1879, by bothers Sigmund and Julius Baer, along

Ney’s expense, enjoyed a yearly train ride to Mountainburg for

with partner Aaron Fuller, the “Boston Store” began as a grocery

the company picnic with swimming, softball, and food.

and dry goods business. Rudolph Ney, after marrying Marie Baer, sister to Julius and Sigmund, soon joined the partnership. Ney

During the Great Depression, Jerome Ney, Rudolph’s son, took

became the sole partner when the other three relocated for a

over and remained until the store closed in 1986. He began as

larger market in Saint Louis.

a stock boy in a Chicago store, and his experiences helped him DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

community

grow and expand the company. During World War II, he served

1912 Boston Store Company Picnic

in the Office of Price Administration, helping the war effort by controlling rationing and prices for items “essential” for the troops overseas. Jerome stated that the 1950s and 60s were “good years for a good business in a good town.” The company expanded into Oklahoma and Texas at this time.

In 1983, fresh from graduation at Northside High School, I became a Boston Store associate—we were always called associates and never employees. In 1971, the store moved to Central Mall from Garrison Avenue and anchored one of the three ends of the complex of shops. I had no idea the lessons I would learn, the experiences awaiting me, and the lasting impact it would have. I started as a stockman, working nights and Saturdays while attending Westark Community College, now UAFS. I put out new merchandise, cleaned and arranged stockrooms, and was responsible for closing each night which included locking all doors, stopping the escalators, and turning off the lights. A manager assisted me each evening. Each associate had a number on the store intercom. Mr. Jerome Ney was number one, his sons Randy (two) and Jerry (three) were followed by the store manager and so on through the departments and staff. As a stockman at the end of the store hierarchy, my number was forty.

I recently spoke with Jerry Ney, Jerome’s son, about his father.

From stockman, I moved into shipping and receiving, then a short

He and I talked about his father’s natural ability as a salesman

stint in the marking room pricing new merchandise, and eventu-

and his keen awareness of granting customer satisfaction. Jerry

ally into deliveries, including taking new stock to the Fayetteville

said, “The salespeople in the Fountain Room [designer dresses]

store. I learned much in those days about Estee Lauder and Clinique

would alert my father when a male customer made a big sale.

cosmetics. Before my time was done, I also worked in collections

Dad would go to the Fountain Room and thank the man for the

as well as the sales floor in men’s clothing, shoes, and electronics. I

sale [usually at Christmas] and would bring along an assortment

even worked the store phone and intercom a few times.

of Judith Lieber belts [designer and costly]. After thanking the man, he would suggest a belt as a stocking stuffer. He made the

One day, Mr. Jerome Ney paged me to his office. Everyone

[follow-up] sale virtually 100% of the time!”

wondered what trouble I was in, but he sat me down and told me he had a special mission. The next day, I was to clock in, pick

Mr. Jerome Ney, his family, and the Boston Store were steeped

up two large bags of designer dresses, fly to DFW, hand off the

in tradition. However, times were changing, and shoppers

dresses to the designer (I had a physical description and a code

wanted to pick from larger inventory and enjoy lower prices

word), then fly back to Fort Smith arriving at five in the afternoon.

that larger volume stores could offer. Old-time service gave way

I had never flown before, and Mr. Ney sensed my excitement. He

to mass merchandising. I was fortunate to attend (although I

told me to ride the tram completely around the airport and take in

didn’t know it at the time), the last company picnic at Lake Fort

the sites between my flights. He also gave me a generous amount

Smith, where we ate plenty of food, swam and played softball.

for lunch and snacks from his own wallet. He was waiting for me

The event had been started by Rudolph Ney and carried on for

when I returned, wondering how it had gone. He didn’t seem to

years. I was also in the last company photograph on the front

care much about the dresses but wanted to know about the flights,

row, just a few feet from the Ney family. And finally, I was there

my lunch, and impressions of the airport.

the day the store closed for good, a witness at the end of it, “a good business in a good town.”

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shop

How Cool is Shopping Local? words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Stylish Ear Protection for Infants, Toddlers and Children

CENTER FOR HEARING

Young Living Essential Oils and Diffusers

ARKANSAS VEIN CLINICS & SKINCARE 479.484.7100

479.785.3277

Ocean Organic Vodka, Seersucker Southern Style Lemonade (Lemon Flavored Gin)

Hearts On Fire Transcend Single Halo Pendant 18kt White, Yellow or Rose Gold .45cts.

IN GOOD SPIRITS

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

479.434.6604

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

shop

We’re squeezing every ounce of fun out of this sizzlin’ summer with these great products and services from businesses we love!

Funatic Socks, Made in the USA

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT SPARKS HEALTH

Krewe New Orleans Eyeware

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

479.441.4221

479.452.2020

Golden Road Palisades Pineapple Wheat Ale, Boulevard Hibiscus Gose Sour Ale, Lost Forty Trash Panda India Pale Ale, Blue Chair Bay Pineapple Rum Cream

Swerve Sugar Replacement, Bulletproof VXT Oil High Performance MCT’s, Coffee & Grass-Fed GHEE Clarified Butter, Choco Perfection Sugar Free Chocolate

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

OLDE FASHIONED FOODS

479.783.8013

479.782.6183 / 479.649.8200

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diy

Fizzzzzzz……… words Catherine Frederick

Does the mere thought of back-to-school leave you feeling frazzled? I’ve got just the DIY for you! Whip up a batch of these homemade bath bombs, drop one in a nice, hot bath, and soak your cares away. These make great teacher gifts, so make a batch for yourself and your teacher friends too!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

diy

Ingredients

Method

(makes 2-3 bombs)

Whisk baking soda, corn starch, citric acid, and Epsom salt in a bowl, removing all clumps. In a small bowl, melt coconut oil in microwave. Add water, essential oil, and food coloring to the melted coconut oil.

4 oz. baking soda 2 oz. corn starch

Slowly add wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisk to remove large clumps (adding wet mixture too quickly will cause the dry mixture to foam or fizz – this is a no-no).

2 oz. citric acid 2 oz. Epsom salt

Using your hands, take a small amount of the combined mixture and press together. It should pack like wet sand.

If it’s too dry, add a ¼ teaspoon more water until you’ve reached the desired consistency.

1 to 1 ½ teaspoons water 1 teaspoon essential oil (I used lemongrass, lavender, and eucalyptus)

Fill each side of mold until just overflowing. Press sides together and gently remove one side of mold. Place the other side on a baking sheet and let dry for 10-15 minutes before removing other side of mold. Allow finished bomb to dry for 10 hours, or overnight. Once dry, place in a container, or in individual clear bags to give to friends.

1 ¼ teaspoon coconut oil 1-2 drops food coloring (optional) Mold (I bought mine at Hobby Lobby)

*Note, to make the two-tone colored bombs, mix up batter in two bowls and add food coloring to one bowl, leaving the other white. Alternate the colors in each side of the mold.

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lifestyle

My Favorite Things Do South® Magazine Reviews

myFlipShade words Catherine Frederick Image myFlipShade

If you’ve ever tried to view the screen on your phone while you're outside, lounging by the pool, or walking along the beach, and can’t see a thing because of the sun’s glare, the myFlipShade will be your new best friend! It’s the new, must-have accessory for your phone. myFlipShade had me before I even opened the package with their large “Are you being shady?” sticker on the front. The product is super lightweight and comes in a variety of styles, from pineapples to black. Find out why myFlipShade is my new travel companion!

How it works: Simply attach it to the back of your phone (a strong piece of 3M adhesive which can be reused up to 50 times, is already attached to the product).

Flip the shade over the top, into place – you will hear a “click.” Pull out the side wings until they click, the wings can easily pop on and off and fold in as well. When not in use, fold the shade around to the back of the phone and click into place to fold the product flat.

What’s the verdict?

I love that it’s easy to attach and comes in styles that I enjoy. The price point, at $9.99, makes it affordable and it can be purchased from Amazon or Target. Not only does it provide shade, but it also protects your phone by blocking sunlight, rain and snow. myFlipShade also doubles as a privacy shield so prying eyes cannot peak at your screen! You can also use myFlipShade to prop up your phone to watch videos or FaceTime friends.

It is compatible with iPhone models 6 and higher, including plus sizes.

Have a product you’d like us to review? Send your ideas to editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

lifestyle

GO-GO

Kitchen Gadgets

words Catherine Frederick images courtesy vendors

I’m a sucker for kitchen gadgets. Not all the ones I’ve purchased make the final cut, but I’ve rounded up some of my favorites that never fail me! They save time and are also fun to use. Plus, they make great gifts!

Amco® Melon Seeder & Slicer This dual duty tool makes seed removal and slicing easy! The stainless-steel end slices halved or quartered melons, and the seeder/ spoon removes seeds quickly. Great for cantaloupe, honeydew and other thick-rind melons. Dishwasher safe.

Watermelon Slicer Perfectly cut twelve slices of watermelon with one press of the easy grip handles! Simply cut away the top and bottom portion of the watermelon, stand on its end, and press the slicer down.

Voila! Dishwasher safe.

Salad Chopper Bowl Strainer It’s a triple threat. Strain, evenly chop fruits and vegetables, and store them in seconds. Place all ingredients in the bowl, turn upside down, and slice through the grooves. Perfect for making salads and more. Dishwasher safe.

Sharper Image® 4-in-1 Vegetable and Fruit Chopper My all-time favorite tool. Slice, dice or chop with a close of the lid. You can even store your vegetables or fruits in the container.

Three interchangeable blades provide a variety of sizes and chop options. Dishwasher safe.

Joseph & Joseph® Rotary Peeler Small but mighty! This handheld gadget is a 3-in-1 peeler. The standard blade peels like a traditional peeler for potatoes and carrots.

Turn to the soft-skin blade for tomatoes or kiwi. The julienne blade works on almost any vegetable for matchstick strips. Dishwasher safe.

Bar10der Ten-In-One Bartending Tool My BFF got this as a gift for me and I love it! It will muddle, cut, stir, strain, zest and much more. You can measure with it and open bottles (cap or corkscrew). Stainless steel with a rubber handle. Handwashing is recommended.

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people

Getting Bookish words Marla Cantrell IMAGEs courtesy Bookish via Rachel Rodemann Photography

Linda, Sara, and Jennifer

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

I

people

In the summer of 2017, Sara Bruns Putman recommended a

Sara steps in. “I’d wanted to be a bigger part of the

book to her friend, Jennifer Batchelor Battles. This was not an

community, and I’d had business ideas myself, so it didn’t

uncommon occurrence, since both women are avid readers.

come out of the blue for me. We realized we couldn’t teach and run a bookstore, so we decided to go all-in, stop

The book is You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your

teaching, and devote everything we had to Bookish.”

Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by author and success coach Jen Sincero, which has sold more than two

Bookish is the name of their brick and mortar store located at

million copies. It arrived in Jennifer’s hands at a time when

115 North 10th Street, beside AJ’s Oyster House, in downtown

she was considering shaking things up. She and Sara had

Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is set to open August 11, a Saturday

also been reading other transformative books, such as The

that happens to be Jennifer’s mom’s (Linda Batchelor) birthday.

Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile.

Linda played a pivotal role in Jennifer’s life, filling her childhood For years, Jennifer had taught English at Alma High School,

with books, reading to her when she was too young to read to

where Sara taught the same subject. When they talked, it was

herself. When Jennifer decided on a career, it was in education,

often about books they’d discovered. When they taught, they

just like her mom who spent forty-four years teaching

naturally advocated for students to become lifelong readers.

elementary school and has a master’s degree in reading.

Shortly after finishing Jen Sincero’s book, Jennifer told

When the store opens, Linda will be helping in the children’s

Sara she’d been thinking of leaving the classroom to open an

department, offering story time for the littlest readers,

independent bookstore. Already, she’d contacted Arkansas

taking them on adventures far and wide.

Tech’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, a free service that helps aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their goals.

“I love what’s going on here; I love the focus on the arts,” Sara says. Jennifer agrees. “With the explosion of the

A day after Jennifer shared her news, a text came. When you

Unexpected mural project and the art that’s happening here,

get a chance, I want to talk to you about something, Sara had

there’s no reason Fort Smith and the River Valley shouldn’t

written, and Jennifer, a bit wary, set a date to do just that.

have a bigger literary culture. It may sound like pie in the sky, but we believe there will be a time when widely-known

Maybe Sara thought her idea was crazy, Jennifer thought.

Maybe she’d try to talk her out of it. When they met on a

names in the literary world come to Fort Smith, a lot like what’s happening in Tulsa with Magic City Books.”

Sunday afternoon, Sara seemed nervous, and after chatting for a bit, she said, “I’d like to be your partner.”

Magic City Books is an independent bookstore owned by the non-profit Tulsa Literary Coalition and home to Booksmart Tulsa,

“I cannot convey how nervous I was to have that conversation with Jennifer,” Sara says. “The bookstore was her dream, one she’d had for a long time, and I was asking to be part of it. But I felt like I could give her a nudge, that we could work well together, and I’d been having that

which has been presenting author events for nearly a decade.

Literary giants including Rick Bragg, Elizabeth Gilbert, Dorothea Benton Frank, and Stephen King have come to read their work, drawing crowds from across the region. On October 8, Jodi Picoult will be reading in Tulsa from her new book, A Spark of Light.

feeling myself that something had to give in my life.”

Jennifer and Sara know it will take time to build the future “It hadn’t occurred to me that anyone else would want to give up the security of their life to do this, but it made perfect sense. I need her, and she needs me,” Jennifer says.

they see. That starts with getting the area excited about Bookish, the only independent shop in Fort Smith exclusively selling new books. The buzz has been building as the two have shared their progress on social media.

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The shop has come together over the summer, and today sun

Sara says, “I would grab my mom’s paperbacks, mostly

is streaming through the tall bank of windows that line one

biographies, and read them after she finished. I remember

side of their building. A new floor that looks like polished

having slumber parties and reading books like Are You There

barn wood is down. Most of the walls are bright white, the

God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. I think I was pretty

children’s area is waiting for its new mural, and a separate

nerdy. It was a way to get away.”

room is ready to host small groups.

Sara leans forward in her chair. “I love it when you read a Most of the furnishings are vintage purchased locally from

character and you say, ‘That’s exactly what I was feeling.’”

places like Bell Star Antiques and Wasted. But they did splurge on two new settees where customers can sit and chat or read a few pages of a book they’re considering.

Jennifer says, “One of Sara’s strengths is her open-mindedness, her thoughtfulness in every situation. She doesn’t rush to an opinion, whereas I have an opinion right off the bat. She’s

As for the books, they’ve been working on a list for opening

helped me to slow down and think.”

day that meets their high standards. The two are so widely read that they seem to know nearly every current author, what they write, and which audience they appeal to.

The talk turns to what Bookish can offer. It will be a community of book lovers, of those who are just starting to read, or those rediscovering the printed page.

For them, it’s not much different from teaching. They still see themselves as educators, only now their classroom is a bookstore, and their students range in age from one to one hundred. Each day they’re open, they’ll be guiding folks toward books that will encourage, or explain new ideas, or show them how connected we are to people who may live an ocean away.

That’s what happened to Jennifer as a young girl, when her mother read to her as a small child and encouraged her when she could read on her own. “I was in the library’s summer reading program every year. I’ve always been the person who has to settle down with a book before I can fall asleep. I’ve traveled the world in those pages, even though my roots have been pretty firmly planted here. I used to see reading as an escape but lately I’ve been seeing it as social change, how to see another person’s perspective.”

They’ve been asked if they can compete with the pricing Amazon offers. The short answer is no. But there is so much else they’ll be giving. The hands-on experience of book shopping, the advice from experts, the knowledge that you’re shopping local.

Recently, a woman named Amy walked in while they were hard at work. She’d heard about Bookish and couldn’t wait to meet the women behind it. Amy said, “I can’t wait for you to open. I love libraries but I cheat on them with bookstores.”

They laugh as they tell the story. The woman belonged to their tribe. They can’t wait to meet others like her, who want to create a literary explosion in this town on the river, where so much good is happening.

Bookish opens August 11, at 115 North 10th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Check Bookish out on Facebook, Instagram, and at bookishfs.com.

For more on Arkansas Tech’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, visit atu.edu/asbtdc.

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garden

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

THE DIRT:

august in the Garden YOU CAN PLANT:

When the temperature climbs above 90°, heading to the shade of a tree with a cool glass of freshly squeezed lemonade can refresh even the most tired gardener. Shade trees are not only beautiful

Arugula, Beets,

but also functional. They can be used to shade your home from the summer’s intense heat, provide

Beans, Cucumbers,

an outdoor space for your family to enjoy a summer’s day, and provide a variety of environmental benefits including fresh air. Now is a good time to look forward to fall and winter when we can plant the trees that will provide shade and beauty for generations to come.

TIPS: Trees, shrubs and perennials that are hardy in your Winter Hardiness Zone should be planted in late February or early March, just before they break dormancy. Those that are hardy at least one zone north of your zone should be planted in November and December when they are dormant.

With those instructions out of the way, let’s look at some great native oaks. They’re great because they can withstand strong storms, live for centuries, and are beautiful year-round. Even in the winter their silhouette against the sky is breathtaking. If you have a smaller yard and don’t have room for a full-size oak, check out Quercus acutissima, the sawtooth oak. Although the leaves are not the typical oak shape, they are beautiful, as are the frilled acorns. This oak’s mature size is between 40

Peas, Radishes, Scallions, Spinach SOW IN DAPPLED SHADE START OF AUGUST: Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Collard Greens, Kale,

and 60 feet tall and wide.

Leeks, Mustard Greens,

Despite being somewhat of a slow grower, Ginkgo biloba is a shade tree worth waiting for. One

Onions, Scallions,

of its best features is its exquisite show of yellow leaves in the autumn. There is only one species of Ginkgo on the planet. Additionally, they can live up to 3,000 years! “Spring Grove” is a great variety that can fit a smaller space, reaching 6 to 8 feet at maturity. Just be sure to get a male, as the female fruit has a pungent smell.

Mulberries are another superb shade tree. They are in the genus Morus and unlike Ginkgos, you’ll want to make sure you get a female tree. Some mulberries require a male for pollination, while others don’t. Check with your local nursery to see what they have available. There are a few dwarf varieties for smaller spaces including “Issai,” which gets to be no more than 6 to 8 feet tall and wide.

You can also use a weeping form in an ornamental bed, and still eat the fruit!

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Spinach, Swiss Chard IN LATE AUGUST: Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Fennel, Lettuce

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THE NOT S O S EC RET

garden

Words Jessica Sowards

images Jeremiah Sowards

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of a secret garden. I loved

growing wild that you would have to have a mind like an

the classic children’s novel by the same name. I remember being

encyclopedia to know them all by name. And I would. I would

altogether wooed by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s tale of a garden

know them all like old friends.

where sickly and cast aside children came to life again, where they learned wonder and friendship and found wholeness.

I am no longer a little girl. I am now old enough to have a child called “teenager,” and though I am still taken aback

I dreamed of one day having a garden just like it. It would have

by it from time to time, I am thoroughly an adult. I am also

towering, ivy-covered rock walls and iron scrollwork in the

a gardener. It took me a while to say that with confidence.

locked gates. Roses would mound in heaps all about, herbs

When I lived in town and grew tomatoes in pots on the patio,

would grow wild, and willow trees would dance, admiring

I did not call myself a gardener. When I worked in garden beds

their own reflection in still, lily-pad-adorned ponds. There

and learned to separate my crowded hostas, I thought about

would be rope swings in my garden and so many flowers

wearing the title, but hesitated.

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When I devoured books about growing flowers, herbs and

marriages, one repelling the pests that plague the other, one

vegetables, becoming familiar with the offerings of the

returning to the soil nutrients the other needs to thrive.

gardening section at the local library, I became bold enough to say, “I enjoy gardening.” I never really called myself a

Arched trellises stretch overhead between the rows. On them,

gardener though. I felt like a little girl standing at the wrought

lush foliage creates a tunnel, one where the leaves reach long-

iron gate of some forbidden land, one which I was far too

ingly up to the sun, and long green bean pods or melons or

unqualified to enter and to belong.

cucumbers hang down. To the right of the raised beds, there are ten rows in the ground completely covered by vines. Those

The first year I planted a garden you could classify as large, I

rows were an orderly company back in May when we planted

traveled to visit a friend who was preaching in another city. He

them. They were tilled and mulched and were the picture

referenced me in his sermon, an off-hand mention, nothing at

of tidiness. Then we dropped seeds for rambling things into

all really except he said, “Jessica is here. She is a gardener…”

them. Melons and vining squash, and those seeds grew with a wildness and covered the rows as they brought forth their

She is a gardener. And just like that, I graduated. A little girl

fruit. And throughout the garden, sunflowers sway with their

in my mind stood with a cap and gown and received her green

faces turning to the sun as it moves across the sky. A whole

thumb award like it was a ribbon-tied diploma.

row of them stands at the end of the melon patch. And single stems of mammoth flowers grow proudly in the corners of the

The fenced space of my garden these days is more than 10,000

raised beds, one here and one there, planted on a whim one

square feet. Three times the size of my house. My goals have

spring morning.

changed a bit since I was a girl. With six kids to feed and a head full of knowledge about the importance of real food, I laid my

Before the days came when my harvest basket was over-

heart on heirloom vegetables as the star of my space. But I

flowing, I shot a video of my garden. It was early June, and

didn’t want it to be just functional. I wanted more; I wanted to

honestly, I didn’t think anyone would watch it because it

grow beauty. I wanted a garden that moved me, that filled that

was nearly an hour long. It was simply a walk through the

aching place in my heart that craved a living sanctuary.

garden sharing about the different plants and my experiences growing them. When I made the video, I was thinking of my

When my family and I started the project of building our garden

winter self, and how I will so desperately long for a walk under

nearly three years ago, I unrolled a large sheath of white paper

bean covered tunnels once January comes and the garden is

on the kitchen table and sketched the thing to scale. It would

bare. I shot the video for myself and uploaded it to YouTube

cost more than we had and be more than I could handle

for anyone else who may have wanted to see.

on my own, but I have never been reserved in dreaming. It took two years to build all the raised beds. And though the cosmetic features, like gravel walkways and a sitting gazebo in the middle, are still not complete, it doesn’t take imagination

Within

a

day,

three

thousand

people

anymore to be undone by the beauty of the thing.

watched it. And resounding pleas for more

We spray painted an old metal screen door hot pink and hung

videos came in droves. So I began weekly

it for the gate. It’s not quite the towering wrought iron thing of my childhood dreams, but it does have a certain whimsy to

garden

it. There are no looming walls around my garden. Just a simple

about how our garden grows. It has been

four-foot farm fence, barely enough to keep the dogs out.

The beds are planted diversely. Someone might even observe it as being hodgepodge if they hadn’t spent hours reading about companion planting. Different vegetables and herbs and flowers are mixed, filling out garden beds with unlikely

tours,

teaching

more

in-depth

wonderful to share, wonderful to teach, to enjoy strangers’ awe at the work we have so fully poured ourselves into.

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It’s funny how my dream was for a secret garden, full of

A found and shared and completely marvelous garden bursting

beauty and wonder, and instead, I got one that is anything

with life and loveliness. One where friends and strangers alike

but secret. Some mornings, though, before my children are

have been inspired, where plants help their neighbors thrive and

awake and the responsibilities of the day make their demands,

flowers worship the sun from morning to night. All just beyond a

I make a beeline through the garden, right to the back. There,

hot pink door. This is my garden. How could I hide it?

between a few overgrown beds, I’ll lie down on my back and completely disappear beneath massive squash leaves and reaching cucumber vines.

There, in the secret place of the garden, I thank God for the healing I’ve found, and I realize that the secret garden was not

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

wonderful because it was hidden. It was wonderful because it was found and shared.

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taste

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

My Adventure in Fermenting WORDS and images Marla Cantrell

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taste

What’s as old as mankind and the newest artisanal craze?

much smaller quantities since the original recipe makes such

Trust me, it’s lactic-acid fermented food like sauerkraut, kefir,

a large amount. I chopped the veggies, put them in a Fido jar

and kimchi. I had been hearing about the benefits for a

(those are the glass jars with the hinged glass lids attached),

while when I learned about a one-day class at Ozark Folkways

and waited five days.

in Winslow, Arkansas.

Cat said in class that fermenting is safer than canning pickles.

My teacher was Cat Swenson, owner of Great Ferments, and

She relies on her eyes and nose: the end product should look

she is a zealot about fermenting, telling us the long history of

and smell good, no off-putting smells or slimy texture. For

the process which can be done using simple ingredients like

those she calls Nervous Nellies, her recommendation is to buy

filtered water, sea salt, and vegetables. (There are those who

pH testing strips from a pool or home brewing company and

ferment all kinds of other things, I know, but for brevity, we’re

make sure the finished product has a pH reading below 4.6.

sticking to veggies.)

I didn’t do that, but I did ease into the salsa, eating only a tiny bite the first day, followed by a quarter teaspoon the next.

Consider the pickle barrels in old general stores. Cucumbers

When all was well, I ate some on chips, and then served it to

were put in a barrel with unchlorinated water and salt and

my family who claimed it was the best salsa they’d ever had.

checked regularly to see if more saltwater was needed. When they achieved the right amount of sour flavor, they were sold.

Want to try it? Let’s go over some basics.

Over the years, most turned to the canning process of the

MAKE SURE YOU:

modern era, which uses heat and vinegar to preserve food. It works really well and keeps food stable for a long time, but Cat

Wash your hands! The consensus I’ve found says to stay away

says it also destroys a lot of the nutritional value.

from anti-bacterial soap, which makes sense since you’re Lactic-acid fermentation works like this: Probiotic bacteria natu-

promoting good bacteria in your culture.

rally present on raw vegetables creates lactic-acid during the fermenting process, creating complex flavors. According to Cat

Clean all work surfaces, kitchen utensils and containers.

and other experts, the method also enhances vitamins, helps digestion, makes nutrients more readily available, and supports

Use sea salt that doesn’t have any other ingredients such as

the immune system.

caking agents.

In Cat’s class, I made sauerkraut, an easy endeavor that required

Rinse vegetables in cool, filtered (unchlorinated) water.

a head of chopped cabbage, sea salt without any additives, which served as the preservative, saltwater, a glass jar covered

Make sure the veggie pieces stay submerged beneath the liquid

by a paper towel and rubber band, and three weeks of waiting.

while fermenting.

The process produces CO2 gas, which bubbled after a while, causing the brine to spill over the edge of the jar. This is normal,

Make sure temperature is between 55 and 75° during fermen-

and it’s why you have to add brine as needed.

tation, and relatively constant.

Cat told us she hoped we would try new recipes at home, and so

Consider using pH test strips to ensure the pH level is below

I did. Once I’d succeeded at sauerkraut, I bought a book called

4.6. If you opt not to, make sure you discard end product if it

Fermented Vegetables by Kirsten and Christopher Shockey, and

looks slimy or smells rotten.

joined a fermenters’ Facebook group.

Store the finished fermented product in the refrigerator.

I found this salsa recipe online at Yang’s Nourishing Kitchen.

When I made the salsa, however, I adapted it slightly and used DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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taste

Wild Fermented Salsa INGREDIENTS Organic produce is best.

• 2 lbs. Tomatoes (Make sure they’re firm.)

• 2 Tablespoons Finely-Grained, Additive-Free Sea Salt

• 1 Red Onion

(I used Redmond’s Sea Salt. I would advise against reducing the

• 1 Bell Pepper

amount since salt is the key to the culture that preserves this dish.)

• 2 Jalapeños

• Coffee Filter or Paper Towel and Rubber Band if using canning jars

• 4 Garlic Cloves

• Glass Canning Jars and Lids or Glass Fido Jar(s)

• ¾ cup Cilantro

• Optional but Recommended: pH strips sold at

• ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin

brewing supply or pool companies or online

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METHOD: Chop tomatoes, saving the juice that results from chopping. Dice onion. Dice bell pepper and jalapeños and remove seeds. Dice garlic. Now, pulse the bell pepper, jalapeños, garlic and half the onion in a food processor, adding the tomato juice you saved, until the ingredients are blended but you can still see small chunks of veggies. In a large bowl, combine the mixture from the food processor to the cilantro, tomatoes, remainder of onion, sea salt, and cumin.

Fill your jar(s) with the salsa, leaving an inch of space at the top. I used a 50-ounce Fido jar with a hinged lid that I purchased at Walmart, since the hinged lid will allow the CO2 gas to escape around the seal. If you’re not using a Fido-type jar, cover the opening with a coffee filter or paper towel and secure with rubber band.

Use the back of a spoon to push down the veggies, making sure they’re covered by the juice. The pieces must stay submerged during this process.

Put the container(s) on a plate in a dark place such as a closet for 3-5 days, and cover with a kitchen towel to ensure constant darkness. I waited 5 days because I like tangy salsa. Each day, I used the back of a spoon to push the salsa down and help release any trapped air. On the third day, I could see some bubbling through the sides of the glass jar, which is a sign the fermentation is working. When the 5 days were up, I stored the salsa in the refrigerator. Can be kept for 4 months. I’ve made 2 batches since June, so I haven’t stored mine for too long.

Want to enjoy fermented foods without making them yourself? Olde Fashioned Foods in Fort Smith carries Cat’s Great Ferments products (try her pickles!), as well as products for fermenting.

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taste

NOT YOUR

mamaw’s FRUIT SALAD WORDS Catherine Frederick

Fruit Salad. It’s been around forever, and not that I don’t love it the way my mamaw used to make it, I surely do. But, I’ve mixed up a few new dressings that kick traditional fruit salad up a notch, or ten. Try all three, but you can’t go wrong with a single one. Layering the fruit into Mason jars is a beautiful and handy way to transport this delicious dish to your end of summer BBQ’s.

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INGREDIENTS

METHOD

•

4 cups strawberries, hulled & halved

Wash, slice, and dice fruit. Divide dressing of choice evenly into four Mason jars.

•

1 cup blueberries

Layer fruit by weight, heaviest on bottom.

•

3 mandarin oranges, peeled & sectioned

•

3 kiwis, peeled & sliced into half moons

Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Before serving, gently invert jar to evenly coat

•

½ a fresh pineapple, peeled & diced

fruit with dressing.

•

Pomegranate seeds, garnish (optional)

•

Whipped topping (optional)

Add whipped topping if you like and garnish with pomegranate seeds!

DRESSING OPTIONS HONEY LIME

•

3 Tablespoons honey

•

1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice

•

1 Tablespoon pineapple juice (from the fresh pineapple, if using, or from a can)

METHOD Blend honey, lime juice and pineapple juice in a small bowl, set aside. Divide dressing among four standard Mason jars.

ORANGE POPPY SEED

•

¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

•

Zest of 1 orange

•

1 Tablespoon honey, more to taste

•

½ teaspoon poppy seeds

•

Pinch of allspice

METHOD Blend orange juice, zest, honey, poppy seeds, and allspice in a small bowl, set aside. Divide dressing among four standard Mason jars.

STRAWBERRY MINT

•

2 cups fresh strawberries

•

¼ cup fresh mint

•

¼ cup honey

•

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

METHOD Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until blended. Divide dressing among four standard Mason jars.

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NIKKI BEACH WATERMELON MOJITO recipe and image courtesy Nikki Beach

INGREDIENTS • 2 oz. vodka • 1 c. fresh watermelon juice • 1” fresh ginger • 1 piece of watermelon • 2 tsp. sugar • 12 fresh mint leaves • 1 c. tonic water • 1 oz. fresh lime juice • Strawberries (garnish)

METHOD In a shaker, muddle mint, sugar and lime juice with fresh watermelon and juice, and ginger. Add vodka and ice to shaker, shake to mix. Pour all contents of shaker into glass and top with tonic water, fresh mint sprig and a strawberry.

Always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

Nikki Beach is the first and original luxury beach club concept that combines the elements of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art into one. For more information, visit nikkibeach.com.

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travel

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taste travel

EAT, PLAY, LOVE

Hot Springs Forever WORDS Marcus Coker Images Marcus Coker, courtesy Visit Hot Springs and The Waters Hotel

Recently I traveled to Hot Springs as a guest of Visit Hot Springs, and although it wasn’t my first visit to this charming southern town, it was my favorite. I stayed at The Waters Hotel, and both the space and staff were impeccable.

I took a tour of Bathhouse Row, the place America went to heal a hundred years ago when people believed the area’s natural spring water could cure almost anything. (Some people still believe this.) I had a drink at The Ohio Club, Arkansas’ oldest bar. The bartender there told me about gangster Owney Madden, who—before living in Hot Springs—not only owned The Cotton Club in New York City, but also lived next door to F. Scott Fitzgerald and is thought to have been the inspiration for The Great Gatsby.

Up and down Central Avenue (the downtown area), there’s a wax museum, a gangster museum, and mom-and-pop shops that sell everything from homemade soaps to delicious cupcakes. There’s the Medical Arts Building, the exterior of which was used as The Daily Planet in the old Superman series.

And there are the bathhouses, of course, two of which are still in operation.

I wish I had time to tell you everything I learned about Hot Springs, but, really, you should just go. Nestled in the lush hills of Arkansas, it’s only a short three-hour drive from Fort Smith and is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Oh, when you do visit, be sure to take your thermoses or gallon water bottles. The water from the springs is free and is pumped to local fountains.

Below are my top picks of places to go and things to do. Enjoy!

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LODGING

able to take in the area’s rich history, since the tower hosts a small museum. Learn about the famous bathhouses, as well as former Hot Springs residents like Bill Clinton and Owney Madden, the notorious gangster who had a love affair with Mae West.

The Waters Hotel 340 Central Avenue 501.321.0001 | thewatershs.com

Hot Springs National Park and Visitor Center 369 Central Avenue

A newly opened boutique hotel, The Waters is located in the

501.620.6715 | nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

heart of downtown in a building that’s actually older than the Arlington. The perfect blend of old-meets-new, this swank spot

People often confuse Hot Springs National Park with the city of

is where you’ll want to stay. Not only is it hip and comfortable

Hot Springs itself. In fact, the National Park greatly surrounds

with top-notch service and a friendly staff, it’s also home to

the city, but doesn’t include all of it. Stop by the Visitor Center,

The Avenue, the in-house restaurant that boasts some of the

located in the old Fordyce Bathhouse, for a map of the park

most delicious and creative fare this side of the Mississippi.

and a list of trails to hike or ride. While you’re there, get a tour of the Fordyce, which has been preserved as a museum and

ACTIVITIES

includes antique bathtubs, showers, and exercise equipment.

Garvan Woodland Gardens Hot Springs Mountain Tower

550 Arkridge Road

401 Hot Springs Mountain Drive

501.262.9300 | garvangardens.org

501.881.4020 | hotspringstower.com Plan to spend some time at Garvan Gardens, a gorgeous place From 216 feet in the air, not only will you be able to view the city

to get away for a picnic, nature walk, or even a wedding. Once

of Hot Springs and the Ouachita Mountains, but you’ll also be

a private 210-acre labor-of-love, this botanical garden is now

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travel taste

owned by the University of Arkansas and includes a Japanese

A Hot Springs classic and not-to-be-missed spot, The Pancake Shop

garden, a koi pond, a gorgeous glass chapel, and even a live

is the way to start your day. With immaculately preserved original

peacock and a fairy village complete with tiny gnome-homes.

(retro) fixtures, this southern gem will make you feel as if you’re

For kids, there’s a giant train set and one of the coolest tree-

back at Grandma and Grandpa’s table. Here you’ll find pancakes

houses (currently being built) you’d ever want to see.

that are slightly crispy along the edges, and eggs fried up to perfection. If you’re adventurous, you can order the stewed prunes.

Quapaw Baths and Spa

Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery

413 Central Avenue

329 Central Avenue

501.609.9822 | quapawbaths.com

501.624.2337 | superiorbathhouse.com

Spend an afternoon—or entire day—in the famous baths. The

Owned and operated by Rose Schweikhart, this brewery is

Quapaw offers four co-ed baths for lounging and soaking in

located in the old Superior Bathhouse and is the only place in

the acclaimed healing waters. Each bath is heated to a different

the world that crafts beer from thermal spring water. Go by—

temperature. I went into the baths worn out and congested.

more than once. (Ask for a tour.) They have eighteen local brews

After three hours of soaking (and drinking more mineral water

to choose from. Try the Beez Kneez, a honey-basil beer, or the

than I have in my entire life), I woke up the next day rejuve-

Owney Madden, named for the infamous gangster. They have

nated. I hope you have the same experience!

delicious wraps and sandwiches as well. Throwing a party—ask about their event space upstairs. Recently redesigned and deco-

FOOD

rated, it used to be the bathhouse locker rooms.

The Pancake Shop

The Avenue

216 Central Avenue

340 Central Avenue

501.624.5720 | pancakeshop.com

501.625.3850 | theavenuehs.com DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Part of The Waters Hotel, this restaurant is a must. Combining

Serving up Latino food with a colorful and delicious twist,

traditional southern menu items with upscale presentation,

Rolando’s is the place to celebrate. You can’t go wrong with

The Avenue is creative cuisine at its finest. I had the polenta,

Popeye’s Burrito or the Goat Cheese Quesadillas, and I promise

zucchini, and salmon; not only was it delightful to look at,

you’ll never feel so fancy eating chips and guacamole.

it was also delicious. And the dessert—granola, sherbet, and

DRANKS

raspberry—had a flower on it!

(That’s southern for drinks!)

Deluca’s Pizzeria 407 Park Avenue

The Ohio Club

501.609.9002 | delucashotsprings.com

336 Central Avenue 501.627.0702 | theohioclub.com

Prepare yourselves to be amazed. Deluca’s does hand-tossed pizza—and all that goes with it—like no one else. Here you’ll

The oldest bar in the state of Arkansas, The Ohio Club is the

find pizza pie slices as big as your face, and appetizers and

place to be. Once a casino, this jumping joint has served up

desserts that are out of this world. Owner and chef Anthony

Mae West, Al Capone, and Babe Ruth. (Hot Springs used to be

is always dreaming up something new. When I was there, he

a baseball hot spot.) With live music seven nights a week and a

paired a burnt orange with a caramel-topped cheesecake, and

lunch and dinner menu that will make your taste buds dance,

I’m still dreaming about it.

The Ohio Club doesn’t disappoint.

Maxine’s Live 700 Central Avenue 501.321.0909 | maxineslive.com An excellent place to cool down after a long day, Maxine’s is filled with funky décor. Check out their antique lamp collection! If you’re with friends, grab a drink then go upstairs, where there’s a nook for playing darts, telling tall tales, and making memories.

Rolando’s 210 Central Avenue 501.318.6054 | rolandosrestaurante.com

For more information, visit hotsprings.org. If dancing is your thing, The Arlington hosts a monthly tea dance. The next two are August 12 and September 30, both on Sundays from 3:00 to 5:45 PM.

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46

travel

Sleeping at the Firehouse words and images Dwain Hebda

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travel

There's seemingly nothing about firefighting that Johnny Reep doesn't know. Holding court in Little Rock's Firehouse Hostel and Museum he's a backdraft of data on the honorable, vital and sometimes deadly profession.

As we talk, one fact leads to another, the conversation fanning out like a Zippo in a hayloft.

The evolution of the fire engine? Check. The etymology of the term "hook-and-ladder"? Double check. Deciphering the buzz and chatter of antique street-mounted fire alarms as they alerted central dispatch? Johnny knows it all.

"I'll even slide down this thing if you want me to," he says, halfway through a dissertation on the origin of the brass fireman's pole.

Johnny comes by his encyclopedic knowledge honestly, having spent thirty years with the Little Rock Fire Department. His attachment to the hostel has grown over the past twelve years, as he and others who believed in the project, counted each dollar that was raised and each inch that was restored.

"It was in such disrepair," Johnny says. "It had multiple layers of wallcovering and ceiling, and to put it into the use that you see today took many, many Dumpster loads and many volunteers stripping it out.

"Now, it's part of the preservation of the neighborhood just like these old beautiful houses downtown. We feel so blessed to have this facility here, and we wanted to enhance it, and we think we have. We're keeping it alive."

The extraordinary story of the Firehouse Hostel and Museum begins near the start of the twentieth century.

Commissioned for service in 1917, the Craftsman-style Fire Station 2 served the city for forty years until modern firetrucks became too large for it to handle. A new station was built just across MacArthur Park to the north, officially ending the old firehouse's first glory days.

From there, the structure was used for whatever miscellaneous tasks the city had including storage, housing a children's meals program and, unintentionally, shelter DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

John Hedrick and Johnny Reep

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for squatters and trespassers, one of whom nearly burned the place down.

Along about 2006, a group of citizens formed the nonprofit Hostelling Arkansas, Inc., and approached the city with the novel idea of turning the two-story fire station into a hostel with a museum display on the main floor. After some negotiation, the nonprofit agreed to raise the money to refurbish the building—roughly a half-million-dollar proposition—and lease the structure from the city to operate as a hostel. Today, Firehouse receives no public appropriations, although the city still picks up the tab on utilities as owner of the property.

Johnny, a board member with the nonprofit, remembers the city being more confused than opposed to the original idea, a posture he could appreciate considering hostels are largely foreign concepts in these parts.

"I was still on active [fireman] duty when they [Hostelling Arkansas, Inc.] called me about being involved," he remembers. "They called and said, 'How would you like to put a museum inside a hostel?' I didn’t know what a hostel was."

The Little Rock venture isn't the first hostel in the state—one operated in the White River community of Gilbert for years—but at present, it’s the only one open in Arkansas. Fellow board member Anncha Briggs said while hostels aren't as numerous in America as in her native Sweden and throughout Europe, they're becoming much more common.

"You go on the internet and look up hostelling, you find that every major city has one, two, three, four hostels,” Anncha says. “And I really felt like Little Rock did need a hostel."

For the uninitiated, a hostel is a lodging option that more resembles a bed and breakfast than a motel. Typically much cheaper than a hotel room, accommodations are shared among guests in the way of dorm-style bunk beds and communal bathrooms. In Firehouse's case, there are two sleeping units upstairs, segregated by gender, with a total of twenty-six beds.

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travel

The remaining ten beds are on the main floor, which includes

guests are international—to date, representing more than forty

the four-bed Captain's Room and a family/handicap accessible

countries—most chalk it up to a unique opportunity to mingle

room that sleeps six, both of which are co-ed, for those trav-

with people from around the world.

eling together. Bunks start at under $30 per night and include a continental breakfast with common areas and shared kitchen

"You're going to have to be willing to share, and you have to

set-up for cooking one's own meals.

like people," Anncha says. "We have a little bit of everything, actually all ages. You know, we don’t talk about youth hostels

The close proximity and relative lack of privacy compared to

anymore; it used to be when I was young there would be youth

a traditional hotel room is the biggest culture shock to most

hostels. And then we had something called elder hostel. But

American guests. However, considering half of the Firehouse

those words have totally disappeared.

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Having the museum on the ground floor made sense given the building's history, and it provides a nice diversion for guests, as well as being an attraction in its own right. John said the lure of the museum is the key to the project's future. "The future here is, we talk about expanding the museum, so you can get trucks in there," he says.

"If you're going to have a fire museum, you really have to have some early fire trucks in here and expand it on into the parking area for that.”

Johnny adds, "This building was damaged by the 1997 tornado, and when the city remodeled it, they bricked in the front entrance where the fire trucks "People of all ages hostel. We have a nineteen-year-old and

used to go in and out. So, if somebody gave us the rarest,

a sixty-, seventy-, eighty-year-old sitting next to each other,

beautiful fire truck and said display it, we can't get it in here.

having breakfast."

An annex would be a dream come true with more hostel beds upstairs, a glass wall on the west side facing Commerce

To gain prestige in the hostel community, Firehouse became a

Street, well-lit at night."

member of Hostelling International, which requires its members to maintain certain standards, criteria backed up by periodic

Johnny pauses at the thought of it while the others nod. "We

inspections. Firehouse has also benefited from being listed on

have our dreams," he says.

Airbnb, Expedia, and other travel websites. Still, having been open to guests for about two years, the modest number of beds

Our time at an end, Johnny invites me to partake in a Firehouse

don't sell out often.

tradition, ringing the station bell by a firm yank on a rope. The massive brass bell sings sharply, the clear tone carrying into the

"We're in flyover country, and I think that’s been part of the

Arkansas air like smoke and steam and days gone by.

challenge getting people interested to come to Little Rock," says John Hedrick, a Texas retiree, and board member. "But then again, we're between Nashville and Dallas and Oklahoma City so for people going west, it makes a good natural stop. I think everybody who’s stayed has been quite impressed with Little Rock and all the amenities that we have here."

Firehouse Hostel and Museum 1201 Commerce Street, Little Rock (501) 476-0294 firehousehostel.org

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southern fiction

THE HEART IS A PUMP

I

FICTION Marla Cantrell

The story goes that when I was born, my daddy didn’t especially

We had a Coleman ice chest we carried in the back of the station

cotton to me. I had this head full of black hair, for one thing, in a

wagon, metallic green, and filled with RC Colas and Patio Root

family so blond we looked like we belonged on a hillside singing

Beers and lemonade and bologna for sandwiches when we’d

something from the Sound of Music.

head out of town.

My black hair turned snowy soon enough, by year one, I think,

Most weekends, we’d drive to Oak Creek Canyon—this was

but something about our initial meeting caused a rift between

when we lived in Phoenix—to escape the heat and the noise and

my daddy and me. I was never to be his favorite—that was my

the closeness of neighbors. My daddy didn’t like closeness of any

older brother—but I was his last.

kind is what I remember.

I remember car rides, probably like a lot of you do, the windows

I can smell Oak Creek yet, the chaparral, the ponderosa pines,

rolled down, sitting in the middle of a bench seat elbowing my

the oaks of course. If I get near any combination of those smells,

brother and sister for space. In summer like it is now, the backs

my eyes go misty, and I’m a kid again with a yellow metal sand

of my legs would stick to the seat and when I’d get out, I’d have

pail and white-blond pigtails and navy-blue sneakers that slipped

red hatched marks across them.

on the rocks when I tried to cross the stream.

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southern fiction

I still love the smell of a canvas tent. It nearly always brings up

It was a mighty stream.

the good memories of then: waking beside my sister who slept I was born in Phoenix in August—my birthday is just days

on her side with her hands tucked beneath her chin. Going to

away—which is why I’m dragging up the past. My childhood

sleep to the sound of my brother’s transistor radio playing a

comes crawling back, the good and the bad, just like every-

Cardinals baseball game.

body else’s, I suppose. I met a man once, well, let me tell the truth, I loved a man once who said his childhood was episode

That night, my ear hurt so bad my teeth ached. My sleeping

after episode of outright joy. The night he told me, I knew we

bag was on an air mattress, and when I sat up, the mattress

were doomed. I needed a man who understood what it felt

squeaked. The moon was nearly full, and there was a dull light

like not to feel cherished, who understood that if he said he’d

cast across the inside of the tent, enough for me to see Daddy

call at a certain hour, he’d dang sure better. If not, a woman

sitting up as well, his white t-shirt nearly neon in the night.

like me, hurt down to the bone, might do something serious, like start checking hospitals to see if he was there. Or risky,

“Can’t sleep?” he asked me, and I shook my head no.

like heading out to a bar to meet somebody new.

“You didn’t eat supper.”

Well.

I touched my ear. “My ear hurts.”

Not that my daddy hit me. No. But he was an emotional faucet turning on and off, on and off. For days sometimes, after I’d

All around cicadas were making their raspy sound. Tree frogs

made him mad, he’d not speak at all. And then one bright

were joining in, their circular calls like tiny horns blaring.

morning, he’d cuff me on the shoulder real gentle or ruffle my hair or tell a joke and off we’d go again.

“I was about to get a smoke,” Daddy said. “Come go with me.”

This one time—this was at Oak Creek Canyon too—I remember

He took my hand. Outside, he stirred the campfire with a stick,

sitting in the tent with my hand cupped over my ear that was

making sure it was out. When he sat down in his lawn chair, he

infected, I suppose. I was five, I think. Or almost five. Daddy had

lit his cigarette and motioned for me to come over.

made hot dogs for dinner, and he’d opened a package of Hydrox cookies, but I’d not eaten anything. By then, my dad and brother

I sat on his lap, and he smoothed the hair away from my rotten

and sister were roasting marshmallows. My brother was burning

ear. “I’m gonna blow some smoke in there,” he said. “My dad

his, the marshmallow an ember. I’m not sure where my mother

did that for me a hundred times when I was a kid, and it always

was. All I remember is that she never went camping.

helped.”

I could hear the water from the stream rushing by, and an owl

At five, your father is magical, he is a man who holds secrets that

somewhere, and a cat yowling that I took to be a mountain lion. I

hold power that can change the world. And so I sat still in a cloud

often reflect on that scene. Me in the tent. My brother and sister

of smoke that should not have made me feel better but did.

and Daddy standing together.

In between puffs, he told me the story of his daddy, a sheriff in After they finished, Daddy played the car radio, the car doors

a small Arkansas town who sent his own son, my uncle Thomas,

flung open. When Buck Owens started singing “My Heart Skips

to prison for stealing. The story made my brow furrow; it was too

a Beat,” Daddy took my sister by the hand and danced a little in

old a story for me.

the light of the fire. He moved like water, like a heartbeat. My sister stumbled but laughed. At seven, she was more of a tomboy

“Dad was trying to help,” my daddy said. “He was trying to stop

than a ballerina. The next day she would challenge my nine-year-

Thomas from going on down that crooked road.”

old brother to a wrestling match that she would win.

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southern fiction

I spoke, but softly and Daddy said, “I can’t ever understand a

find your way in this world if you can’t even figure out how to

thing you say.”

get back from an outhouse.”

The comment stung, but Daddy didn’t seem to notice. Instead,

My brother and sister roared with laughter, and I cried. This cycle

he said, “Thomas didn’t get out of the pen for six years. He

continued for years—feast or famine from my daddy, love and

didn’t come home after that until Dad was dying.”

hurt—until I had enough gumption to leave home. He was right.

I couldn’t find my way back from an outhouse, and I couldn’t

Daddy puffed smoke in my ear again, and I rested against his

find my way back to my childhood home.

chest, too tired to sit up straight anymore.

This is the part of the story where there needs to be an epiphany, “In the hospital, Dad told Thomas he was sorry for all that had

a great awakening, a homecoming, something. But like I said, I

happened. Thomas tried to say something back, but the words

couldn’t go home again, and I didn’t until after Daddy died. If he

got stuck somewhere.”

regretted the hot and cold life he’d given me, he didn’t say so.

The one time I tried to talk about it, from a phone booth outside

“What happened next?” I said, and this time he heard me.

a bar in Tallahassee, Daddy said, “Try living in a foxhole for three weeks straight, the Nazis shooting at you twenty-four-seven. Try

“Dad’s heart,” he said. “It just quit.”

that and then call me back and tell me how hard you had it.”

I could hear my own heart beat in my bad ear, a drum sending

So, there were wounds I didn’t understand.

messages through the darkness. “Your heart is a pump,” Daddy said. “Like a water pump or a washing machine, like an oil pump

After he died, though, I did find this: his old toolbox with an

in a car. They get old. They wear out.”

envelope taped to the inside of the lid. Inside were photos of me and my brother and sister, mostly on camping trips, mostly

A cupholder was attached to the arm of the lawn chair, and

at Oak Creek Canyon. In the one I carried home, I’m wearing

Daddy picked up the empty cup and put it to his lips anyway. The

white shorts and a pink top and those navy-blue sneakers I

moon was capping the ripples in the stream with silver light. The

remember. I guess my brother or sister took the picture because

night smelled of the forest and wood smoke and cigarette smoke

Daddy is in it with me, looking down at me. He is smiling a smile

and the cologne Daddy wore even in the woods.

that doesn’t have one speck of pain behind it, and I’m smiling back, and the thing I notice most is how similarly we stand,

“Yours is a good heart,” Daddy said, the kindest sentence he

leaning on one foot, our hands tucked beneath our armpits.

ever spoke. “So don’t you worry.”

I keep the picture on my bedside table and look at it most I fell asleep in Daddy’s lap, my good ear to his heart. Even then,

nights before I fall asleep. I’m mindful of my heart, hearing it

the sound was irregular. It dropped beats. It thundered and

beat in my ears. The heart is a pump, I say, no different than a

then quieted.

water pump, an oil pump. But the heart is also a drum, sending signals out that search for love. My daddy could not regulate

The next morning, I stayed in the tent while the rest of my family

the drumbeat of his heart, but I still have a chance. Mine is a

trout fished. If you’re a girl with a certain imagination, a tent

good heart. My father told me that years ago on a navy-blue

can become a palace. A lousy ear a curse from an evil queen. I

night in a canyon we both loved. I remember it still.

ventured out only once, to find the bathroom, and it took me at least a tearful hour to find my way back. When I told Daddy what had happened, he said, “I don’t know how you’re ever gonna

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BACK TO

SCHOOL Summer break is coming to an end, and we’re back to setting those alarm clocks.

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education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to

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Megan & Kasyn Class of 2018 Class of 2031

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UAFS.EDU

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5210 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith 479.788.7000 uafs.edu Students who choose the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

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