Timeless - December 2018

®

TIMELESS

DECEMBER 2018 DoSouthMagazine.com

Cons umer Pr otection Since 1934 â„¢

5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith AR 479.452.2140 | johnmaysjewelers.com |

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / OWNER Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Marla Cantrell Catherine Frederick Dwain Hebda Jade Graves Megan Lankford Jessica Sowards Tom Wing GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jessica Mays-Meadors Artifex 323 PROOFREADER Charity Chambers PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

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ADVERTISING INFORMATION

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INSIDE 18

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Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500 Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

EDITORIAL INFORMATION

IT’S IN THE BAG!

Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116

Giving never tasted so good! We’ll show you how to make cookie mixes to give to those special people in your life. Plus, a delicious Spiced Caramel Apple Butter that will put you at the top of Santa’s List.

Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com

NEVER FORGOTTEN One of the most beautiful sights at Christmastime is the Fort Smith National Cemetery, after volunteers for Christmas Honors place a wreath on every headstone.

Find out how this lovely tradition got its start.

UNCORK’D IN THE FORT You have to see Uncork’d to appreciate this new concept in wine tasting, craft beers, curated bourbons, and cocktails. Their scrumptious small plates take your experience over the top!

CRANBERRY APPLE PIE This Cranberry Apple Pie is the perfect addition to any Christmas celebration. It’s so good, you may make two!

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©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: Anna-Mari West

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.

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from our publisher

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Fall was certainly breathtaking this year, but it’s time for millions of colored lights to sparkle as they take over the landscape.

large part to those in our community who volunteer their time each year to assemble and place wreaths in honor of those

Time for shops to adorn their windows. To mix up a

who gave so much.

batch of clove, orange and cinnamon to simmer on the stove. To reminisce of gatherings from holidays

During this time of year, there is no better way to

past. I love this time of year in all its glory!

connect with family and friends than to gather for good food and drinks, and we’ve found the place

But, if I am being honest, there is one thing I

to do just that. We had the pleasure of visiting

miss—the wonder and excitement in our children’s

with the owner of Uncork’d, a new wine and tapas

eyes when they were younger. How I wish they

room offering the widest selection of curated wines

were never too old to search the skies on Christmas Eve. But, I am thankful that with each new season of life comes new experiences, new traditions. Our oldest daughter,

and craft beers on tap, paired with delicious small savory dishes. Learn how it all came together and what makes it so unique.

now engaged, brings her fiancé home for the holidays. Our youngest daughter, in her second year of college, is busy

In keeping with our holiday theme, we took a spin with Ballet

with classes and newfound friends. And our son, although no

Arkansas as they prepared for their Fortieth Anniversary Nutcracker

longer believing in Santa, has come to know the true meaning

Spectacular to be held December 7-9, at Robinson Performance

of Christmas in ways he never did before. All this makes my

Hall in Little Rock. It’s an evening your family will never forget.

momma heart happy and full of love.

Be sure and check out our Holiday Gift Guide starting on page 56.

This December, we’ve packed our love of all things Christmas into

It’s full of great ideas from local business owners we are blessed

the pages of Do South . I’ve been busy in the kitchen, baking up

to call friends. When you shop with our advertisers, tell them

holiday goodies and creating homemade Christmas gifts. You’ll

Do South® sent you! They’re the reason we can deliver amazing

find the recipe for my family’s new favorite dessert, Cranberry

stories each and every month, and for this we are grateful.

®

Apple Pie, as well as two foodie-inspired DIYs perfect for gifting!

So, turn up the Christmas music, turn down the lights, and enjoy Several homes and cities in our great state have been busy as well!

the moments with those you hold most dear. My wish for you is to

They’ve spent months adorning rooftops and lawns with light

cherish each day like a holiday, that your New Year brings you good

displays for our enjoyment. Jump over to page 48 to start planning

health and tidings of joy, and that you’ll remember the best gift of

your holiday light trip—several are right here in the River Valley!

all is simply time. Whether spending it with family, reconnecting with old friends, or volunteering to help those in need—give of

This month, we are proud to pay tribute to Christmas Honors. This

yourself, and may blessings be returned to you. Merry Christmas

annual tradition of placing a decorated wreath on all 16,300 head-

and Happy New Year, may they be the best ones yet.

stones at the Fort Smith National Cemetery began in 2009 as a

~Catherine Frederick

labor of love and appreciation. It continues to this day, thanks in

contact catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

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

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poetry

Old Santeclaus with much delight His reindeer drives this frosty night, O’er chimney-tops, and tracks of snow, To bring his yearly gifts to you.

Old

Santeclaus LINEs Clement Clarke Moore 1779 – 1863 This poem is in the public domain.

The steady friend of virtuous youth, The friend of duty, and of truth, Each Christmas eve he joys to come Where love and peace have made their home.

Through many houses he has been, And various beds and stockings seen; Some, white as snow, and neatly mended, Others, that seemed for pigs intended.

Where e’er I found good girls or boys, That hated quarrels, strife and noise, I left an apple, or a tart, Or wooden gun, or painted cart.

To some I gave a pretty doll, To some a peg-top, or a ball; No crackers, cannons, squibs, or rockets, To blow their eyes up, or their pockets.

No drums to stun their Mother’s ear, Nor swords to make their sisters fear; But pretty books to store their mind With knowledge of each various kind.

But where I found the children naughty, In manners rude, in temper haughty, Thankless to parents, liars, swearers, Boxers, or cheats, or base tale-bearers, I left a long, black, birchen rod, Such as the dread command of God Directs a Parent’s hand to use When virtue’s path his sons refuse.

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calendar

DECEMBER 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 T H

Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com

Mercy Charity Ball Fort Smith 479.314.1133 Mercy’s annual charity ball, held at the Fort Smith Convention Center, includes a champagne welcome, three-course dinner, top-notch entertainment, live auction items, and an over-the-top after-party!

Black tie optional.

Caroling in the Caverns Blanchard Springs yourplaceinthemountains.com Hear the old Christmas songs performed inside Blanchard Springs Caverns, surrounded by all that natural beauty. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience!

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5K Yule Run Greenwood greenwoodarkansas.com

Christmas Parades Fort Smith/Van Buren At 3pm, head to downtown Fort Smith for the annual Christmas parade with marching bands, festive floats, and a visit from the Jolly Old Elf. At 6:30pm, the Van Buren parade begins in downtown Van Buren, with tons of fun for the family.

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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Fort Smith community.uafs.edu

This family-friendly run starts at 9am and even has a prize for the best Christmas-themed outfit. Check-in is at 2 West Center in Greenwood.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Experience Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center. This has been one of America’s favorite holiday traditions for more than 30 years!

calendar

THETOPTENTHETOPTEN 10, 11, TH 12

Christmas in the City Fort Smith Find them on Facebook Head to the Convention Center for shopping, drawings, food vendors, and live music. There’s even an ugly sweater contest! December 14, 3-8pm, and December 15, 11am-8pm.

Holiday Express Pajama Train Van Buren amtrainrides.com

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The Snowman: Family Concert Fayetteville waltonartscenter.org The kids will love The Snowman, shown at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. What a happy holiday treat!

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This one-hour round trip on the Holiday Express Pajama Train, which starts and ends at the Old Frisco Depot in downtown Van Buren, is for children of all ages. Includes a visit from Santa, hot chocolate, and cookies. The evening train will offer pizza at an additional cost.

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The Nutcracker Fort Smith waballet.org The Western Arkansas Ballet’s annual production (two performances) of The Nutcracker takes place at the ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center.

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Noon Year’s Eve Bentonville crystalbridges.org Ring in the New Year (without staying up past bedtime) at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art’s fourth annual family celebration! Fun art projects, performances, a Coca-Cola toast at noon, and a family dance party.

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community

Our Community Cares words Do South® staff

Homelessness comes in all shapes and forms and does not discriminate. Also, there is not a onesize-fits-all model approach to help reduce homelessness, which is why HOPE Campus takes a client-centered approach. Everyone who goes there has an individual case plan. HOPE Campus is committed to reducing homelessness through effective evidenced-based practices. This is supported by several on-site partners, such as Fort Smith Housing Authority, that works to find housing plans; medical services by Mercy Hope Clinic; therapy and mental health options through the Guidance Center; and back-to-work programs through Go-Ye employment. Do South® spoke with Executive Director Chris Joannides, MSW, to find out more.

DS: How many people have been helped since HOPE campus opened in September 2017?

Chris: We’ve served over 120,000 meals, provided 37,008 beds of emergency shelter, laundered 9,381 loads of laundry, and successfully transitioned 261 individuals from homelessness into self-sufficiency.

DS: What is your greatest need for the winter months?

Chris: I would humbly ask that readers consider the HOPE Campus for a year-end donation.

Address: 301 South E Street

For convenience, we take online donations at hopecampus.org.

Phone: 479.668.4764

DS: How can our readers get involved?

Website: hopecampus.org

Chris: We have several opportunities. Feel free to reach out to our development director, Stephanie, for details. You can subscribe to our newsletter by emailing development@riverviewhopecampus.org.

DS: Can you share one of your success stories?

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.

Chris: When the doors opened, Mike B., who’d been on the streets since 2011, was among the first residents. He spent most of his time in the library, reading and keeping it clean. Three months after arriving at HOPE Campus, a woman walked into the library and into Mike’s life. Karen came to us in January 2018, after losing everything. The last thing on her mind was meeting a man; Karen had previously been in a verbally and emotionally abusive relationship. Karen also enjoyed the library and spent time there. When Karen met Mike, she noticed his intelligence, his big heart, and his faith in God. Gradually, her interest in the library became more about Mike, but because of her past, she was wary.

Would he change how he treated her? Was his kindness just an act? These are common thoughts for survivors of domestic abuse. After five months, a friend of Mike’s asked him if he was interested in anyone. He replied, “Well if I had to choose, it would be Karen.”

Little did he know; his friend was playing matchmaker, who then told Karen what Mike had said. In May, they started spending more time together, with Mike inviting Karen to his church, introducing her to his pastor, and slowly gaining her trust. Not long after, Mike popped the question. Karen said yes. “God made me trust a man again and gave me the strength to love,” she said. They were married in September at HOPE Campus with Dewayne, who is an intake coordinator and an ordained minister, officiating. Mike and Karen have successfully transitioned into self-sufficiency and have grown their family with the addition of a sweet puppy.

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pets

the "pawfect " present M

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Pumpkin

Rosaleigh

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Candy

Spook

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Heidi

Cherokee

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.

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entertainment

this CHR I STMA S

t e G s ’ t Le

H S I K O O B

This year, we asked our new friends at Bookish, Fort Smith’s only independently owned book store, to recommend books they love for Christmas gift giving.

You’ll find these great reads and more at Bookish, in downtown Fort Smith!

Young Kids | Older Kids | Adults

reviews courtesy Bookish

The Book of Mistakes

If You Ever Want to Bring a

Sylvia’s Bookshop

by Corinna Luyken

Pirate to Meet Santa, Don’t!

by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Katy Wu

In this beautifully illustrated picture book,

by Elise Parsley

You’ll love this little book told from a

the main character realizes how beautiful

It’s easy to get bearded guys mixed up. After

bookstore’s perspective! When Sylvia—an

mistakes can be. The unexpected circle

bumping into another guy with a beard

American free spirit—goes to Paris, she sees

becomes a pair of glasses, and as the

and red suit, the kiddos ignore warnings

the potential in the dusty old bookshop.

creation grows, the mistakes become more

from their father and vow to make the

You’ll meet writers, artists, philosophers, and

and more beautiful. This picture book

pirate change his swashbuckling ways

a black cat called Lucky while you learn about

celebrates creativity by showing how the

before they get to the end of the line. By

the importance of stories and the people and

biggest blunders can spark inspiration.

the title, you can tell their idea doesn’t work,

places that bring them to us.

but the pirate humor is top-notch.

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entertainment

Mascot

Pride

The Wild Robot

by Antony John

by Ibi Zoboi

by Peter Brown

Middle-schooler Noah Savino is struggling

Zoboi’s genius takes themes and characters

Roz is a robot who comes to life on a remote

after an accident that left him without use

found in Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and

island—having to learn to survive from the

of his legs and without his father. He’s tired

puts them in the Brooklyn neighborhood of

wild animals surrounding her. This young

of the inspirational phrases and pep talks

Bushwick. If you’ve read the classic, you’ll

adult novel deals with complicated themes

everyone keeps offering him. The reluctant

enjoy making the connections between the

about technology vs. nature and what it’s

middle-school readers in your life will find

characters you thought you knew. If you

like to feel isolated.

themselves engaged in Noah’s story as he

haven’t, you’ll enjoy the spicy characterizations

wonders if he’ll ever feel like himself again.

of the Benitez sisters and the integration of the Afro-Latino culture infiltrating the pages.

Where the Crawdads Sing

Salt Fat Acid Heat

There, There

by Delia Owens

by Samin Nosrat

by Tommy Orange

“Marsh Girl” has spent her entire life

Fans of Nosrat’s Netflix series by the same

Twelve characters tell twelve stories about

learning how to survive. When she is

name will want to add this “foodbook”

their own reasons for traveling to the Big

accused of murder, she must learn to

to their kitchen! Written specifically for

Oakland Powwow. This multigenerational

cope with the repercussions of letting her

home cooks, readers will learn to master

story touches on the hard parts of being

guard down and falling in love. Set in the

the basic four elements of good cooking

human: memory, violence, beauty, and

South Carolina marshes, Owens weaves

through the book’s excellent narratives,

recovery. Orange was longlisted for the

together a setting that feels as alive as the

gorgeous illustrations, and tasty recipes.

National Book Award.

characters she creates.

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community

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

WHEN GAS WAS CHEAP words Tom Wing, Author and Historian IMAGE Benjamin Child

Before George Lucas became famous for his work in Star Wars,

In the 1950s and 60s, the youth of Fort Smith followed a

he directed an earlier film, American Graffiti. That movie served

couple of circuits. The junction of Free Ferry and Rogers

as “a metaphor of what we once had and lost.” The entire film

Avenue was called the Y, and was the location of a popular

chronicled a night of “cruising,” where teens in cars drove up

drive-in burger joint called Nation’s. Park Lanes Bowling

and down the same stretch of a city street at night, many in

Alley was located at the corner of Old Greenwood Road

hot rods, all playing pop music, often stopping at drive-ins for

and Rogers Avenue. From there the route went up Rogers

a root beer or french fries.

to Garrison Avenue, where two options were present, one involved cruising all the way down Garrison to the bridge

While Lucas’ vision was set in the California of his youth, the

then making a U-turn, or turning left on Towson and

same thing was happening in Fort Smith. In a time before

heading out to Beverly’s Drive-in and A&W Root Beer, near

cell phones and social media, cheap gas made driving around

the present-day Phoenix Village Shopping Center. Passing

town for hours one of the best experiences you can imagine.

through the drive-ins or a U-turn would let you retrace your

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

community

route. The radio soundtrack in those days likely included Buddy Holly, The Platters, Chuck Berry, Del Shannon, Booker T and

"Some of us even invested in custom

the MGs, and The Beach Boys.

8-track tape (and later cassette)

Soldiers from Fort Chaffee, and young people from Alma,

stereos, including powerful amplified

Van Buren, and neighboring Oklahoma towns all took part.

Fort Chaffee’s most famous soldier, Elvis Presley, was the source of constant rumors and wild goose chases, and cruisers would set out to catch a glimpse of the king of rock and roll. They never found him.

My mom, who grew up in Fort Smith, and my dad, a soldier at Fort Chaffee, met while cruising, a story they love to tell. When I was old enough to drive, in the early 1980s, I had my chance.

speakers. Our soundtracks included The Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Journey, Prince, The Police, Queen, and Van Halen."

Our route had changed to a loop from the Hardee’s on Grand

I can see it still. The rows of cars that seemed to know the

Avenue to the Sonic on Greenwood. This was a much smaller

route instinctively. The laughter that echoed across Sonic

route than my parents used, but served the same purpose.

Drive-in, where we couldn’t get enough hamburgers and Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper. The mingling of car stereos when

I spent time cruising before and after dates, or while waiting

our windows were rolled down.

for friends to get off work. Many nights after home ballgames, my friends and I cruised as well. The only requirements were

What cruising seemed to do for us was bridge the barriers of

a functional automobile and a decent radio. Some of us even

high schools. On Grand Avenue, we were all just kids in big

invested in custom 8-track tape (and later cassette) stereos,

cars, with time on our hands and a couple of dollars in our

including powerful amplified speakers. Our soundtracks

pockets. A guy who might not be popular at his own high

included The Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, Styx, REO Speed-

school could break that stigma when he met a girl from two

wagon, Journey, Prince, The Police, Queen, and Van Halen.

towns away who saw what a gem he really was. As I said, anything could happen.

We drove in pick-up trucks, in jeeps with the doors off and the roofs down, in clunkers, and classics. My first experi-

Of course, cruising, like everything else, was destined to

ence cruising “on Grand” was the evening of my sixteenth

end. Rising gas prices, traffic congestion, and the undesired

birthday. A good friend took me out and let me drive his

loitering, led to its decline. Today we have only sponsored

brother’s step-side truck, formerly belonging to a concrete

cruise nights, mostly with older folks in old, restored cars

company. It took me all night to get the column shift down

who probably remember nights like I’ve described. It serves to

smoothly, but it didn’t matter. We were having the time of

remind us of “what we once had, and lost.”

our lives. I remember another buddy of mine whose girlfriend’s father owned a 1969 El Camino SS. This combination

As my last essay on Fort Smith’s history comes to a close, I

car/truck had a 396 cubic-inch, high-performance engine,

would like to thank Catherine Frederick and Marla Cantrell

and I even had the chance to drive that car on one of those

for inviting me to share glimpses of the city’s past, in honor

memory-filled nights.

of its 200th birthday. I will forever be indebted to the folks I interviewed, and to the numerous researchers, historians, and

It’s hard to describe the emotions that filled those hours.

authors who provided valuable source material on a variety of

Anything could happen at any time. Teenage romance was

Fort Smith-related topics.

always a possibility, but you could also meet a friend you’d have decades later. And it all happened behind the wheel while the soundtrack of our generation played.

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shop

Ho, Ho, Holiday Shopping! words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Hearts On Fire Aerial Elegance Chandelier Earrings, 18kt., White Gold or Platinum, 3.28cts.

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140 Boxed Gift Sets Perfect for Holiday Gifting

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

DefendEar Shooter Hearing Protection for the Hunter Who has Almost Everything

Finchberry Soaps, Lambrecht Gourmet Toffee, Nouvelle Candles

CENTER FOR HEARING

WAITE & CO. 479.262.6232

479.785.3277

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shop

This holiday season, be sure and stop by these local businesses to find something for everyone on your list! Be sure and tell them Do South® sent you. Bundle up and get going! Happy shopping, and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Gifts & Holiday Décor Young Living™ Thieves® Essential Oil and Hand Sanitizer, Stress Away and Lavender Relaxing Bath Bombs

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

ARKANSAS VEIN CLINICS & SKINCARE 479.484.7100

Organic and All-Natural Foods and Homeopathic Medications

OLDE FASHIONED FOODS

Krewe Sunglasses

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

479.782.6183 / 479.649.8200

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479.452.2020

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diy

IT'S IN THE words and images Catherine Frederick

T

bag

ucked inside these adorable flannel bags are quart-sized bags of delicious cookie mix, perfect for gifting this holiday season! Share your family’s favorite recipe or try one of ours. Brownie and soup mixes are other great ideas to fill these holiday bags which are easily customizable based on your choice of fabrics and embellishments!

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diy

method

materials (makes 8 bags) • Scissors

Cut fabric equally so you have 8 strips, each 8” wide and 22”

•

Iron

long. Fray short edges. Make sure fabric is inside out. Apply heat

•

Heat bond

bond to right and left sides of top half of strip, fold bottom half

•

Twine

up, iron to adhere heat bond. Turn bag right side out.

•

1-yard fabric (45” wide), I used buffalo plaid flannel

•

Embellishments (measuring spoons, tags, greenery)

Add dry ingredients to Ziplock, close, then insert into the

•

Quart-sized Ziplock bags for ingredients

prepared bag. Write or print any instructions on tag. Tie bag

•

Dry ingredients of choice

with twine, add embellishments if desired.

chocolate chip (makes 12)

snickerdoodles (makes 8)

•

6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

•

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

•

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

•

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

•

3 Tablespoons granulated sugar

•

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

•

1 large egg yolk

•

1/8 teaspoon salt

•

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

•

3 Tablespoons granulated white sugar

•

1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

•

3 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar

•

1/8 teaspoon fine salt

•

1 Tablespoon granulated white sugar

•

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

•

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

•

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

•

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and browned

•

1/3 cup chocolate chips

•

1 large egg yolk plus 1 ½ teaspoons egg white

•

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Method

Method

Preheat oven to 375°. Beat butter with mixer until fluffy. Add

Preheat oven to 400° F. Melt butter and cook until amber in color and

sugars, blend. Next, add egg yolk and vanilla, blend. In separate

brown specks appear (3-5 minutes). Pour into bowl, let cool. In separate

bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Add

bowl, combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt. Add sugars

flour mixture to butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Place on

to butter and mix until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Combine butter and

lined baking sheet 1-2 inches apart. Bake 8-10 minutes, remove

flour mixtures. Cover dough, chill in fridge 10-15 minutes. In small bowl,

when edges start to brown.

combine sugar and cinnamon. Roll dough into 8 balls. Roll balls in mixture until well coated. Place on lined baking sheet 1-2 inches apart. Bake until edges start to brown, but centers are soft, about 8 minutes.

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diy

SPICED CARAMEL APPLE

butter

Spiced caramel apple butter is delicious on toast, hot buttered biscuits, pancakes, and also straight from a spoon! While there is little butter in this recipe, slow cooking the apples and adding in the caramel gives this apple butter a rich depth of flavor that can’t be beat.

materials •

Mason jars

•

Embellishments (tags, ribbon, etc.)

ingredients (makes about twelve 4oz jars) •

16 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 7-8 lbs.),

I used Fuji and Gala

•

¼ cup Salted Caramel Crown Royal (optional)

•

1 cup apple juice

•

1 cup brown sugar

•

¼ cup unsalted butter

•

2 teaspoons cinnamon

•

1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves

•

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

•

½ bag caramels, unwrapped

method Peel and dice apples. Add apples, brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, butter and cloves to crock pot, cover, and cook on high for 4-6 hours, or until fork tender. Once cooked, strain off and reserve excess liquid.

Blend apples by hand, or with immersion mixer. Add vanilla and whiskey (if using), stir to combine. Melt caramels in microwave in 30 second increments until you can stir easily. Add melted caramel to apple mixture, blend to combine. If too thick, add a bit of reserve liquid. Replace lid askew to vent and continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated and mixture has reduced and thickened. Fill jars leaving 1/4” of head space, screw lid on tightly.

TIP: If your apples are already very sweet, you may opt to add less brown sugar.

*Refrigerate for 2 weeks or freeze up to 6 months. Cooked mixture is not shelf stable unless canned properly. For instructions, visit The National Center for Home Food Preservation.

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lifestyle

My Favorite Things ®

Do South Magazine Reviews |

words Catherine Frederick Images courtesy vendors

December is here and I’m very excited to share some of my favorite things with you! All of these amazing products have found their way under my tree this year for family and friends. After personally trying them, I know they will be appreciated and enjoyed. Merry Christmas, everyone, may your holidays be bright!

Java Sok No more puddles, no more rings! Java Sok stops condensation rings and puddles from forming on tables and cup holders and keeps your hands warm and dry when enjoying your favorite iced beverage. Drinks stay colder longer, thanks to insulating neoprene fabric. They are soft and cushy for easy travel and come in a variety of colors, and three sizes. Java Sok fits on all plastic cold beverage cups from your favorite coffee shops, fast-food chains and convenience stores too!

$9.99 (all sizes), javasok.com

Mobot The world’s most portable, eco-friendly foam roller is also a water bottle! Developed by Lani Taylor, an entrepreneur, sports therapist, yoga instructor, and speaker, Mobot is a hydration and stretching system for athletes and active people on the go. There is so much to love about Mobot. From the silent straw, to the sleek design, to the eco-friendly mission to reduce plastic water bottle waste, you need Mobot in your life! There are three sizes to choose from and a wide variety of colors.

$39, $49, $59, mobot.com

WineBlock WineBlock is an on-the-go, pocket-sized, preventative anti-stain treatment for your lips and teeth. Made with tannin and acid blocking agents to protect both your lips and teeth from red wine or stains. What’s more, WineBlock won’t interfere with the taste of your wine! Any inconspicuous taste dissipates seconds after you apply it. Simply apply a dime size amount to teeth and lips before enjoying your glass of red wine to prevent staining. Reapply before each glass for best results.

$14, wineblock.com

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lifestyle

Pirro’s Sauce Pirro’s Sauce originated at Pirro’s Restaurante in historic Woodstock, Illinois. In addition to serving the most delicious and popular Italian dishes, the restaurant soon became known for its remarkable pasta sauces, all based on recipes handed down from grandmother to mother to son and painstakingly refined to perfection. The family carefully maintain their shared dedication to quality and commitment to using only the finest natural ingredients, while meeting the highest standards in every respect. Available sauces include Bolognese, Marinara, Pesto Pomodoro, Pizza Sauce, Puttanesca, and Rustic Vodka.

$4.99, $7.99, $9.99, pirrossauce.com

Furniture Clinic Leather Care Kit and Recoloring Balm Is your leather furniture faded, scratched, showing signs of general wear? Start with Furniture Clinic’s Leather Ultra Clean, then apply the Recoloring Balm for a quick, efficient solution.

They offer twenty-one shades of balm, which absorbs quickly and works on all types, from furniture and car interiors to clothes, shoes, handbags, and even equestrian leathers. Only one application is necessary with guaranteed results up to three years! Finish with their Leather Protect Cream to condition and repel liquid and ink. Visit their website to see which product is right for you.

$24.95 Care Kit / $29.95 Recoloring Balm furnitureclinic.com

Thirsty Towels Bathrobe Luxurious details such as a velour collar, cuffs & belt, not to mention the corded trim all around, will have you longing to lounge in your gorgeous Turkish bathrobe for days. It’s super plush and made of the most absorbent materials available.

Machine washable, this unisex robe comes in three colors, and a variety of sizes, including petite. The packaging was beautiful and included a lovely handwritten note from a member of the company’s family. Other products and robe options available via their website.

Robes starting at $80, thirstytowels.com

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GOODS FOR THE WOODS words Fayettechill images Jeff Rose

Fayettechill creates goods for the woods that are good for the woods. Established in 2009, we bring our home in the Ozark Mountains to the world by way of eco-conscious, built-to-last goods. We didn’t start this company as pro athletes or experts in the industry. We simply run this company as a showcase of the way we know life can be lived.

FOUNDED Fayettechill was founded in the Ozark Mountains as a refreshed and re-envisioned outdoor culture open to all and inspired by nature. The countless rivers, trails, and forests of the Ozarks’ rolling hills extend a constant invitation for exploration. Our headquarters are located in the historic Ozark Mountain Smokehouse at the base of Kessler Mountain in Fayetteville, AR. Our flagship store, Basecamp, is an evolving hub that connects passionate and active individuals. It is located in the heart of Fayetteville’s entertainment district at 205 West Dickson Street.

SOURCED Designed in the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse, utilizing builtto-last and eco materials, we strive to lessen our impact on the environment with each seasonal product collection. We are always working toward bettering our sourcing and durability of products with each passing line. Our initiatives include hiring local and nationally known artists, utilizing recycled polyester, hemp, and organic cotton, as well as producing USA-made goods as often as possible. This season all of our graphic tees, pullovers, hoodies, sweatpants, and beanies are 100% made in the USA.

GUARANTEED All of our products are backed by the Ozark Mountain Family Guarantee, a lifetime guarantee. When you join our family, our family takes care of you. If a product does not meet expected standards or has manufacturing defects, we replace it.

Find us at Fayettechill.com, or via Instagram @Fayettechill.

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garden

words Megan Lankford, Lead Horticulturist, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

THE DIRT:

december in the Garden

In the cold and sometimes dreary days of winter, it’s easy to daydream of spring, thinking not only about the beautiful flowers but also the creatures that depend on them for food. It is important to make sure we provide pollinators with food throughout the year, but early spring is especially important. Many queens are coming out of hibernation and need nearby food sources.

TIPS : Grape hyacinth is one of my favorite flowers. My yard is filled with them, and each spring I enjoy watching the bees buzz from one to the other. These hardy little bulbs can be bunched in garden beds, or planted in the lawn. They go dormant after flowering in late March or early April, and require little if any care. Their foliage will grow throughout the late fall and early winter to store up energy to bloom again in the spring.

Creeping phlox is another garden favorite that blooms from March to May. Often found creeping over rock walls, phlox prefers well drained but moderately moist soil. Although it does well in full

YOU CAN PLANT: All trees Shrubs Perennials that are hardy at least one hardiness zone north of your own

sun, dappled shade in the afternoon will keep it from frying in the sun. Phlox comes in many colors and can create a beautiful carpet effect when grown together in mass.

The Golden Currant, Ribes aureum, is not meant for a tame garden bed, but makes a wonderful shrub. Leave room to mow around it as it spreads by underground roots. From late March to May this small shrub will bloom profusely with small yellow flowers. Once fruit has set, put bird netting over it and keep the fruit to make jams, jellies, or pies, or, leave them for the birds. Berries will turn a dark purple and ripen between June and August and can then be harvested.

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Determine your hardiness zone and locate your county extension office for free soil testing at uaex.edu.

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Never Forgotten CHRISTMAS HONORS WORDS Marla Cantrell images courtesy Christmas Honors

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community

O

On any given day, a visit to the Fort Smith National Cemetery is a

“I got with the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce to put out

holy thing, walking among the 16,300 snow-white headstones

the word, and the first call I got was from Johnny Smith, who

engraved with the names of those who served our country.

owned Smith Chevrolet at the time. He wrote me a check for one thousand dollars within minutes. I started getting calls

It feels as if you’re standing on sacred ground.

from all over town: Jim Nunnelee Real Estate, Coca-Cola, Glidewell Distributing, McDonald’s, Weldon, Williams & Lick,

Those emotions only intensify in December when each

Baldor, USA Truck, the list goes on and on. Along with that,

heastone is adorned with a Christmas wreath placed carefully

individuals gave, sometimes five dollars each, which would

by family and volunteers. If you walk among the stones in

buy a wreath for a veteran, something that still happens

December, you can sense the gratitude of everyday people

today. It was like a house afire. By the end of October, we’d

who found a tangible way to say thank-you.

raised all the money.”

The wreaths are a relatively new addition, showing up in

A wreath-assembly workshop was set up for early December,

2009, after Philip Merry, Jr. had an epiphany. On Labor Day,

with the laying of the wreaths a day later. Fort Smith Schools

he’d gone to the National Cemetery to pay respects to his late

got involved, bussing certain grades to the cemetery to help.

grandfather-in-law, R.N. “Pops” Donoho, who’d served as a

Surrounding schools participated. Adult volunteers showed

captain in World War I. While there, he looked west toward

up from across the community, a good number of them

the rock wall where some of the oldest graves rest, and it

veterans themselves, making the total number of volunteers

occurred to him that it looked like Arlington National Ceme-

one thousand.

tery in Virginia.

At home that night, he visited Arlington’s website and saw a photo of the cemetery at Christmastime, with many of the headstones adorned with wreaths. Farther back in the photo, however, there were graves left bare. “I got a lump in my throat for those graves,” Philip says, remarking that he later learned a benevolent soul in Maine would send 5,000 fresh wreaths to Arlington every Christmas, and each year the cemetery would alternate which section received the wreaths.

The following morning, Philip learned the Fort Smith National Cemetery had 12,000 graves. He then met with Sheri Neely, Claude Legris, Lea Taylor, and Todd McCorkle. Over breakfast, they formulated a plan, agreeing with Philip that every grave must have a wreath. “It’s all or none,” they said, knowing that “none” was not an option.

“By mid-September, I had a meeting with Kelly Clark, who’s the manager of Walmart on Zero Street, and told him how many artificial wreaths we needed. He told me the wreath I wanted sold for thirteen dollars apiece, but he’d let me have them for four dollars and a dollar a bow, the price he still charges us today.

Philip Merry, Jr.

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community

the headstone carefully, and often volunteers will stop to reflect as they do it. Today, more than 2,000 volunteers show up to help.

Philip’s been asked what drew him to this project. The easy answer is that he saw a need and decided to do something about it. The more complicated answer takes us back to his brother, Tony, a hero who was wounded while serving in Vietnam, and died many years later, still carrying the burden of war. That tragedy leads to an earlier one that takes us to Tulsa in the 1960s during a sweltering summer when Philip was nine years old. His brother, George, who was twenty, had just been killed in a car crash, the news devastating Philip.

For days, he barely left the house. And then one of his former neighbors who’d taken him to church, a grandmotherly-type named Grace Darling, showed up on his front porch. The two talked about Philip’s sorrow. After a while, Grace stood up, dusted off her hands as if she’d made a decision, and told Philip the only thing to do was to start walking.

Confused but obedient, Philip did as he was told, stopping at the curve in the street to look back. Grace urged him on. In a few more steps he found an older woman struggling to rake leaves that had been collecting there since the previous fall, and Philip stopped to help her. For the first time since George died, he felt the sun on his face, the benefit of physical work, the first signs of mending in his broken heart.

When the first Christmas Honors ended, John McFarland, of Baldor Electric, offered warehouse space to hold the wreaths

Two hours later, he walked back home. Grace was on the

until the following year. These wreaths typically last five years

porch waiting. When he told her what he’d done, she said,

because of the care they receive. USA Trucking also helps,

“You’ve just learned the biggest lesson in life. It’s very impor-

storing the boxes the wreaths come in during the weeks

tant to give and help others, but it’s especially important to

they’re on display.

help others when it’s the hard thing to do.”

Not long after, Todd McCorkle, of Movemart Relocation,

Philip stops to collect himself as he tells the story. When he’s

who’d been at the first meeting, figured out a way to stream-

finished, he says, “I’ve never been to a funeral yet where they

line the work. Once the wreaths are ready, they are placed

read off a bank statement or a balance sheet. They talk about

on long poles, twenty at a time, like donuts strung on a shish

what you did, how you helped, what you meant to those

kabob skewer, and taken by truck to the cemetery.

around you.”

The laying of wreaths is a reverent event, and a special time

Soon after he tells Grace’s story, he asks that this article not be

is set aside for family members to decorate the headstones

about him. He makes a plea that the volunteers be lifted up, and

before the volunteers take over. Each wreath is leaned against

donations of food and drinks from Sweet Bay Coffee, Glidewell

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community

Distributing, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Walmart, Marriot Hotel, and the American Red Cross be mentioned. He hands me the

Christmas Honors Wreath Workshop

names of every Christmas Honors board member.

WEDNESDAY, December 5, 9am-2pm Fort Smith Convention Center

But the story doesn’t exist without Philip. Had he not stood at the foot of Fort Smith National Cemetery and imagined what

Christmas Honors Ceremony/Placing of the Wreaths

it would look like with a wreath for every headstone, none of

SATURDAY, December 8

this would have happened. No schoolchild would be placing a

Fort Smith National Cemetery

wreath on the grave of a hero today. And no veteran’s family

8am-10:30am: Families place wreaths

would get to see proof of this community’s appreciation for

11-11:30am: Christmas Honors Ceremony with keynote

what was given in our stead.

speaker, Doug Kinslow, mayor of Greenwood After the ceremony, volunteers can place wreaths on

On a recent day, I came across a social media post that said

remaining headstones.

when someone who’s struggling helps you, they’re offering you more than help. They’re giving you love, a lesson Philip

Wreath Pick Up and Storage

learned at a tender age. It’s a lesson that shows up in every

TUESDAY, January 8, 2019

headstone in the Fort Smith National Cemetery, across this

Fort Smith National Cemetery &

wide expanse where a million stories of courage lie, adorned

Fort Smith Convention Center

with wreaths of green and red, proof these heroes will never

9:00am – until complete

be forgotten.

To donate to Christmas Honors or to find out more about volunteering, visit christmashonors.org.

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faith

GRIEVE WELL Words and images Jessica Sowards

B

enjamin, my youngest of five sons, has his own special mug. My morning routine starts with heating the kettle for my pour-over

coffee. I drag a barstool over to the stove, and for approximately fifteen minutes, I sit sentry at the counter while water boils then drips slowly through freshly ground coffee beans.

Benjamin wakes up earliest. Probably because he ends up in my bed pretty much every morning. When my alarm screams at 5:50, he begins to stir as well, so I sing him a song until he begins to wiggle a morning dance before he ever opens his eyes. Then we get up and softly step down the hall to the kitchen.

His mug is vintage Corelle with a little brown flower pattern around the rim. It has no sister in my cupboard. When it arrived in a package from an online follower of our social media, Benjamin saw me open the package and reached his tiny three-year-old hand out, saying “That beautiful cup is for me because it’s small and I am small.”

I couldn’t argue.

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faith

So, every morning, I brew my coffee, and at the same time, I

Before September, Grief and I were acquaintances. We’d met

brew Ben a cup of Rooibos tea in his beautiful mug. This has

casually at the funerals of distant relatives. We had a fling in

been our routine for months, and it never before struck me as

my early twenties, after the passing of my grandmother. But

extraordinary.

not like this. This time, Grief came and signed a lease for our spare bedroom. Even with strong faith and the knowledge of

Grief arrived at our house on a Friday in September. He came

eternity, the sadness was like an ocean. And Grief promised

quite abruptly and completely unannounced, just before

to stay until we sailed to the other side, then assured us he’d

lunch time. One moment, I was weeding the garden, the

come back for random visits and holidays. So, we fixed our

next moment I was running next door to my mother-in-law’s

eyes on our hope, and sailing we went.

house surveying a scene where an ambulance loomed in the driveway and my sweet husband, Miah, stood buckled over

When Thanksgiving approached, I knew Grief would go with

beside it, pulling on his hair and shaking his head like maybe

me to the grocery store, a trip I used to take with Mom. For

his rejection of the thing could make it untrue.

the first time, my shopping list would include ingredients for scalloped corn and mac-and-cheese and pumpkin rolls. They

Miah’s mom was a hugely integral part of our lives. Her dying

were her annual contributions, the recipes her kids expected. I

turned everything that was comfortable and normal into ice

knew I’d feel a bit like a trespasser picking them up. But I’d do

water, and months later, it still hasn’t quite warmed up. But

it. Grief would stand by me the whole time I prepared them.

every morning, Ben and I make our coffee and tea. Every

He would belly up to the table and eat with us.

morning he asks for his beautiful mug, and where I didn’t notice before, now I do.

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faith

psychology. His soft-spoken demeaner, slightly disheveled hair, and refusal to assert himself to front-and-center, have probably gotten him overlooked more times than one in his life. But he is wise. I’ve often left conversations with him wondering how many times he’s had just the right advice for people at just the right time.

Back in September, as we stood three feet away from a silver coffin that held the body of our beloved mom, G.T. stood by my side and smiled at me. In his soft voice, he said the simplest thing. “Jessica, grieve well.”

Grieve well. When he said it, I thought of sackcloth and ashes.

I thought of building altars and making time to let my pain bleed out with fervor, splashing the walls and staining the floors with no regard or apology for the mess it made. But I’ve learned that hosting Grief as a houseguest is not always pain and bleeding. There comes a point where it turns into something you could even call sweet.

My life is full of so many precious little things. There are five boys, who are all so incredibly tender. Among them, there is a Jana Sowards

three-year-old that calls a mug beautiful and enjoys his morning routine of sitting at the table with his momma. There is a good and kind man that prays for his wife when he finds her crippled

Sometime shortly after she died, Grief’s demented cousin,

by fear. There is a farm that was built with the help of a mom

Fear, came knocking. We all have one relative we don’t want to

that has gone on to be with Jesus. Before Grief came, I had a

take responsibility for. I don’t blame Grief for the association.

tendency to get busy and lose my awe of the details. But not

One night, well into the wee hours, Miah found me shaking in

now. Her dying has somehow, miraculously, made me more alive.

the bed. Fear was there, stealing the breath from my lungs with threats that he could take anyone he wanted. He could take

The shock has worn off now, and though sometimes I’m still

Miah too, that he could take any of my boys, and that he could

taken aback by the fact that she’s gone, the pain has turned

take me. That night Miah prayed, and I decided that I would

from a stabbing shock to something like a dull ache. My hope

give Grief his due time to stay, but Fear was being evicted.

in eternity is more comforting than it was when we first started sailing the ocean. I can almost see a new normal forming. The

Grief is hard to welcome. There was a part of me that wanted

new normal has a void that’s shaped like her and will never be

to refuse him time in my heart. Part of me wanting to box up

filled. But it also has an appreciation for the little details, for

the pain and store it in the attic with the Christmas decora-

the little moments with a boy and a beautiful mug. And it has

tions. Part of me wanted to stuff the feeling and run away,

a lesson I’ve learned and will never forget. Grieve well.

to be tough and hard. Part of me wanted to be unbreakable.

I have a friend named G.T. He’s forty years my senior, and God has a way of putting him in my path when I’m coming

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

apart at the seams. G.T. retired from a career in the field of

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ON A THURSDAY JUST A DAY BEFORE UNCORK’D IN FORT SMITH, Arkansas, opens to the public, Scott Clark is going over last-minute details, getting ready for a private event later in the evening. Already, there have been soft openings with rave reviews. What he’s heard most is that this upscale bar with an impressive selection of curated wines, craft beers, cocktails, and bourbons, seems like a venue from a much bigger city. Guests commented on the beauty of the place, with cozy seating, an atmosphere quiet enough for intimate conversation, and a tapas menu that includes at this writing small plates such as Uncork’d Shrimp, Braised Short Ribs, and a Charcuterie Board.

The idea to create this place came to Scott two years ago, as he was reading trade journals, tearing out articles that he shared with his employees. He and his wife Deborah also own Sodie’s Wine and Spirits, which is just a few yards from Uncork’d. They realized there was an untapped market for a bar so close to Sodie’s that it’s referred to as on-premise.

They also knew that customers loved trying wines before they bought them, and had installed an Enomatic wine dispenser from Italy at Sodie’s. Scott knew the machine would be a hit at Uncork’d where they would serve thirty-two eclectic wines available at any given time, keeping them in pristine condition inside the high-tech dispenser. Customers would buy a debit card they could keep and refill, and use it to sample the wines.

“The Enomatic allows a customer to try a two-hundredScott Clark

dollar bottle of wine that they would never purchase because

Uncork’d IN THE FORT WORDS Marla Cantrell image courtesy Uncork’d

of the price,” Scott says. “Here they can try a one, three or six-ounce pour.”

From there the dream grew. Scott, who understands the importance of supporting other local businesses, worked with Michael Johnson of Architecture Plus, and interior designer, Sarah Stillman. Travis Beshears of Beshears Construction, Inc., helped find some amazing building products, and Woodco Furniture created the custom wooden furniture.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” he says, talking about the outcome of Uncork’d and the collaboration he enjoyed working with these talented people.

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community

Scott, according to his marketing manager, Sarah Brownfield, is a creative genius who envisioned Uncork’d as a place that’s elegant without being uppity. She worked for him at BHC Insurance, where he serves as executive vice president, for more than a decade. When she left to stay home with her newborn twin daughters, she kept in touch, and when he opened Sodie’s Wine and Spirits in 2015, she came on board.

As Sarah walks through the 4,750 square foot space, she talks about the floors (from Allison Flooring) that look as if they were rescued from an old farmhouse. She points to part of the ceiling that features repurposed pallets. On the ceiling above the bar, it looks as if there’s a wine barrel in place, complete with a cork.

Sarah stands in the main serving area and light pools around her. The light is another highlight at Uncork’d, where they purposely created a beautifully lit and welcoming atmosphere.

It looks like the perfect place to have an intimate conversation if you wanted, or celebrate a birthday with your best friends, or meet a date at one of the tables for two. Farther away is the cigar room with its own ventilation system, a heated patio with fire pits, a meeting space that seats twenty, with all the technology you’d need, including a 110-inch PowerPoint screen. In the main area is also a dedicated space for live music.

Scott says the broad appeal for those twenty-one and older was part of the plan. “I think Uncork’d hits on every generation. There may be an eighty-something couple in here and a twenty-four-year-old group at another table. When they come in, we’ll find out whether they’re here to drink wine, sit on the patio, be by themselves, and then seat them. They may also be here to watch a ballgame on the big screens, which is why we invested in a great audio system.

“I’ve heard people say for years, ‘My wife and I want to go out and have a drink or two, but there’s nowhere we want to go,’” Scott says. “People want to be proud of where they live, and this is a place you can be proud of, and a place to take your out-of-town family and friends, or business associates.

They can say, ‘Look what we have here.’

“There was a rep in here from Houston the other day who said, ‘We don’t have anything like this in Houston.’ That made me feel good.”

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Part of the mission for the staff at Uncork’d is to teach customers about the different wines, which will come from various places like the Napa Valley, Oregon, and France.

They’ll offer perspectives on their eight featured bourbons and craft beer offerings, something Scott loves to discuss. For him, nothing’s better than an IPA in the warmer months or a cream stout in the winter.

He’ll even enjoy that stout on the patio, which can seat up to twenty-five, since it’s heated. “I hear people all the time discussing where to eat that has the best patio, so when we planned Uncork’d, we made sure that after two in the afternoon it’s shaded, which is so important during the hotter months. And you can’t imagine how great it looks at night with the fire pits going.”

When Uncork’d is closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays, it will be available for groups to have bridal showers or birthday parties or other special gatherings.

Scott smiles as he looks around. Already he’s thinking about the holidays and what Uncork’d will look like decked out for Christmas. He’ll use restraint, he says, wanting all the understated beauty to remain the focal point.

When he thinks of Christmas, his thoughts go back to childhood, here in Fort Smith, where he has such a strong family and so many wonderful friends. Those years were filled with traditions, some of which continue today.

He can’t help but wonder if Uncork’d will be the site of new traditions, a place where friends will gather to celebrate milestones, or just to have a drink and catch up after a long week of work. Maybe Uncork’d will forge a special memory for a couple whose first date was here. So many good things seem possible.

Scott looks across the room, out to the patio with its greenery

Uncork’d

and plush seating, possibly thinking of next year, the spring,

5501 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith

the summer, fall, and all the people who will gather here. He

479.434.5000

is smiling still, in this place he envisioned two years ago, in this city he calls home.

Tuesday through Thursday, 4-10pm Friday, 2-11pm | Saturday, 12-11pm

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entertainment

Primo!

BALL ET ARKA NSAS words Dwain Hebda images courtesy Melissa Dooley Photography, and J. Smithwick Photography

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

I

entertainment

It’s mid-afternoon in downtown Little Rock’s creative corridor.

Pedestrians traipse the sidewalk as traffic shuffles and honks past. No one in those cars glances at the sparkling marquee at the corner or into the gloriously restored building festooned with massive windows at street level. It could be any other office cluster in this vibrantly resurrected part of the city—like the Meredith and Zeek

trendy spaces to its right and left—but it’s not.

Just inside the front door, music billows and bodies move in time, as three pairs of Ballet Arkansas dancers dutifully rehearse under the watchful eye of their creative director. The company is fine tuning slices of The Nutcracker, arguably Tchaikovsky’s most famous work and, by local audience standards, the signature performance of the troupe’s fortieth season.

“We don’t necessarily have one [performance] home,” she says.

“Nutcracker is at Robinson Center. Last year we performed at

Though going at half-speed, the dancers’ power and artistry is

The Rep and at UA Pulaski Tech’s new CHARTS Theater. We

nonetheless mesmerizing; even their clutter of street clothes and

toured to the Walton Art Center last year. This year, our opening

duffel bags litter the entranceway in ways graceful and articu-

performance for Dracula was at UCA Reynolds Performance Hall.

late. It’s not quite Christmas, but as the door closes one can’t help but feel the bracing blush of the holidays on one’s face.

“Touring is a part of the company, something that we didn’t do our first year here because we wanted to show our commitment

For the cast, however, the clock is always ticking.

to Little Rock. We wanted Little Rock to have the opportunity to see all of our performances and productions. This year we are

“It’s a fast cycle of seeing a reward,” says Catherine Fother-

starting to branch out a little bit more.”

gill, associate artistic director. “You have the learning process, you have going through developing your characters or working

The purpose of this schedule is to sow and nurture the seeds of

together and then by the end, you’re getting a product. It doesn’t

appreciation for an art form not generally associated with the

give you a lot of time to sit idle. Typically, you’re at the end of

South, let alone a smaller city like Little Rock. Ballet Arkansas

one process and the start of another.”

doesn’t particularly care if it’s appreciation or curiosity that brings in a given audience, but they know to solidify that following,

The same could be said for the organization itself, so far has it

they must educate and inspire new generations of patrons. They

matured in a mere four decades. Ballet first came to Little Rock

do this through a variety of programming and, particularly, by

as a civic activity in 1966, but it would be a dozen years before it

bringing the art form wherever they can in the state.

would organize as the nonprofit Ballet Arkansas in 1978.

“Here in Arkansas, it’s not like we’re in New York City where The professional dance company didn’t come along until 2009,

[ballet] is everywhere you go,” Catherine says. “I think Ballet

which shuffled through a variety of temporary homes until last

Arkansas is at a very exciting time because we’re growing and

year when it finally landed in this permanent space. Catherine

we’re reaching out to our community. We’re at Arkansas Chil-

and her husband, Ballet Arkansas’ Creative Director Michael

dren’s Hospital. We’re starting to go into our schools. And

Fothergill, arrived from Alabama last summer as well, and all

yes, we’re a professional company and we put on these big

pieces were finally in place.

productions, but also our purpose is to make an impact on our community or else the art form doesn’t grow.”

For all that, the company's performance schedule is still nomadic, Catherine says, by design.

Seeing the dancers up close quickly dispels the dainty connotations inherent to ballet terminology; their visible power and DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainment

strength doesn’t bring “ballerina” (or for men, “ballerino”) to

want this art form to thrive, especially here in Arkansas, because it

the mind’s eye. “Athlete” is more like it, and like all elite athletes,

hasn’t really been here. We’ve had ballet schools but never really

possessing an integral competitiveness to rise above the crowd.

a strong, growing ballet company. I think that’s really exciting.”

Even in a small marketplace like Arkansas, there are far more hopefuls than company members and slots must be defended via

Like any profession that runs on passion over practicality, the

audition each season.

allure of the sometimes-grinding life of a dancer is enigmatic to others. Why spend weeks for five minutes of applause, we

Once on the roster, dancers follow a grueling schedule of

wonder; why live on the edge of injury, exhaustion and rejection

rehearsals, classes and cross-training to strengthen and ward off

as all performers must? Why sacrifice again and again what the

injuries. During performance runs, this can eat up seven days a

rest of us take for granted in each season of our lives – proms,

week and no one here is getting rich doing it.

relationships, children, stability? What can they see so brightly illuminated in the floodlights that we in the onyx gallery of dark-

“I think of ballet sometimes as being in a relationship,” says

ness can only see as fleeting shadow?

Texas-born dancer Zeek Wright. “It’s like, ‘I love you so, so much, Ballet. I love you. But are you going to love me back? Do you love

“For me personally, I have something to work on. I get excited to

me, Ballet? Oh, you don’t? So why am I still giving myself to you

go work on this and then the next day there’s something else to

when you’re not going to reciprocate?’”

work on,” Meredith says. “You’re always growing and building.

You’re making your technique stronger. It’s not like an office

Zeek shifts his head as if just coming to realize all that his art

job where you just have to go sit there and do the same thing.”

form has demanded of him. He’s coiled into a chair with the same effortless grace with which he moves; the only thing that

“There really isn’t ever an end product,” Zeek adds. “Like,

feels awkward is explaining the compulsion, the addiction, he

a double pirouette can be a triple pirouette or accentuating

feels for his craft.

your line, it can always be so much more. There’s always more, more, more. Like today in class, I was getting frustrated. We

“I started when I was fourteen,” he says. “I was a freshman and

all get frustrated at ourselves, we’re our worst critics, for sure.

started at Lone Star Ballet [in Amarillo, Texas], but it was more

But, I love it! It’s not like I’m thinking, ‘It’s time to go to work.’

of a ‘Let’s do this for fun.’ I liked it; it wasn’t so much of a ‘I love

I don’t think about it as work. It’s definitely like, ‘It’s time to go

it’ yet. I think I was a junior in high school when I was like, 'I’ll

dance, here we go!’”

audition for colleges to pursue dance.'

“If I’d started at a younger age, I probably wouldn’t be dancing right now. It’s a lot of time and dedication. If I would have started early I would have been like, ‘You know what? I’ve had my time.’”

Zeek studied at the University of Oklahoma at the same time as fellow company member, Meredith Loy. She too started dancing, in her words, “a little bit older” at the ripe old age of nine. A native of Maumelle, she had no idea at the time she would one day be dancing in a hometown professional troupe.

“When I was younger, there wasn’t really a professional company,” she says. “When I went off to college, Ballet Arkansas started developing and growing. I just thought it was really neat, so I wanted to come audition because this is my home state. I

Ballet Arkansas 520 Main St., Little Rock, AR 501.223.5150 balletarkansas.org 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Spectacular Robinson Performance Hall 426 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR December 7, 7 p.m.

December 8, 2 p.m.

December 8, 7 p.m.

December 9, 2 p.m. robinsoncentersecondact.com

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cr a n

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words and images Catherine Frederick

INGREDIENTS FOR CRUST (makes 2 crusts, double this recipe if topping with lattice or using decorative cutters)

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 ¼ teaspoons salt

6 Tablespoons unsalted butter,

cold & cubed

¾ cup vegetable shortening, cold

½ cup ice water (ice in the water,

not just cold water)

INGREDIENTS FOR FILLING

3-4 large apples (I used Granny Smith

and Honey Crisp), cored, peeled, sliced

(½-inch slices, about 6-7 cups)

1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 Tablespoons cornstarch

1 Tablespoon orange zest

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

I first made this pie Thanksgiving 2017, and

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

since then it's become a family favorite! Tart,

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

sweet, and bursting with fresh cranberries and

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter,

subtle hints of orange zest. I best describe it as

cold & cubed

Egg wash (1 large egg beaten with

1 Tablespoon milk)

Christmas in every bite! Take this pie over the top with my favorite homemade pie crust. It's simple to throw together and bakes up flaky and delicious.

Make sure to keep this recipe around because your family will ask for it time and time again!

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taste

METHOD Preheat oven to 400°F. For crust: combine flour and salt in large bowl.

Add butter and shortening. Using a pastry cutter, combine butter and shortening into flour mixture until pea-sized bits of dough form. If you don't have a pastry cutter, use two forks.

Add 1 Tablespoon of ice water at a time to the dough mixture, stirring after adding each Tablespoon. Don't add more water than you need!

Stop adding when large clumps start to form, anywhere from ½ cup to ¾ cup, just be sure you are adding it in 1 Tablespoon increments.

Move the dough to a floured surface. The dough should not be too sticky! Work the dough with your hands until all butter and shortening are combined and you can form it into a ball. Divide in half, or if doubling the recipe, divide into four equal portions. Flatten each portion into a 1" thick disc. Wrap each disc separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (can be made up to 5 days in advance), be sure it's covered well with plastic wrap!

For filling: stir together apples, cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in large bowl, set aside.

On a floured surface, roll out dough to 12” diameter. Place in pie pan, smoothing out dough as you go. Add filling, but do not allow any liquid from the filling mixture into the pie pan! Place cubed butter on top of filling, place in refrigerator.

Remove remaining dough from refrigerator. Cut into strips for lattice, use cookie or pie crust cutters to embellish your pie, or, keep it simple and cover filling with a 12-inch pie dough circle. Cut slits in top to form steam vents if not using lattice. Trim edges if needed, press to seal edges.

Prepare egg wash. Brush on the top of dough. Sprinkle dusting of coarse sugar over pie before baking (optional).

Place pie on baking sheet, bake for 20-30 minutes. Turn oven down to 350°F, bake for 30-40 minutes more. TIP: Place a pie shield or foil on edges of pie after the first 25 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.

Let pie cool on counter for at least 2 hours so filling can thicken. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy! *Leftovers may be stored, covered, in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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taste

recipe adapted from thekitchn.com image Brenda Godinez

ingredients • • • • • •

•

method

1 1/2 cups whole milk 1/3 cup Nutella 1 teaspoon vanilla Dash of chili powder (less than 1/8 teaspoon) 1 cinnamon stick 4 oz. Frangelico, Baileys, cacao rum, or chocolate liqueur (omit for non-alcoholic version) Garnish: whipped cream, fudge sauce, marshmallows, sprinkles, cookies

Over medium heat, bring milk to a simmer, add Nutella, stir until melted and combined. Add vanilla, cinnamon stick, and chili powder, bring back to simmer. Divide chosen liqueur between two mugs. Pour hot mixture into mugs, stir and garnish to your liking.

Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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taste

ingredients • •

•

• •

2 oz. vodka 2 oz. pomegranate or pear juice 3 oz. ginger kombucha (more or less to taste) Lime juice, splash Garnish: pear slice, rosemary, cranberries

method Combine all ingredients, except garnishes, into a shaker filled with ice. Shake to combine. Pour over highball glass filled with ice. Add a splash of lime juice, garnish with pear slices, sprig of rosemary, and fresh cranberries.

Please drink responsibly.

Never drink and drive.

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travel

‘Tis the Season to

Sparkle in Arkansas

Words Catherine Frederick and courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

M

More than fifty communities around our great state participate in the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights, offering everything from caroling, to tree and town lighting, to open houses, to parades and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Check out the light displays below, and then find additional information at Arkansas.com. Merry Christmas!

F O RT S M I T H Enjoy open-air holiday markets, take a journey through the animated lights on the Creekmore Holiday Express. Help adorn Fort Smith National Cemetery with thousands of wreaths.

Attend holiday performances by the Fort Smith Symphony, Western Arkansas Ballet, Fort Smith Little Theatre, and more!

G R E E N W OO D

B E N TO N Downtown Benton's parade is at 6pm on December 3rd.

Visits with Santa (In the gazebo) on the 3rd, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st, from 6–8pm. Santa (inside the courthouse) on the 7th, for our friends with special needs. Character Night, with characters like Batman and Minnie Mouse, on the 14th.

Holiday Trail of Lights, with LED lighting, can be seen through the 26th. Holiday events are scheduled at Bell Park throughout the month. Discover them all at greenwoodarkansas.com.

H OT S P R I N G S Hot Springs festoons its historic downtown with lights, while Garvan Woodland Gardens shines with more than four million

B E N TO N V I LL E Holiday lights illuminate the square through New Year's Day. Lights on the Square are on from dusk until dawn. The DBI Christmas parade starts at 11am on the 8th.

lights. The most celebrated outdoor light display in Arkansas runs through New Year’s Eve (closed Christmas Day).

MAGNOLIA Enjoy the lights on the courthouse, then walk through the illumi-

B LY T H E V I LL E Blytheville comes alive with six million lights and more than forty-eight major motion displays. The drive-through covers 1.5-miles. Jingle Bell Park has Santa’s Workshop, and hayrides.

nated Wilson Traylor Gardens. Merrytime in Magnolia starts on the 7th, with two days of ice skating, a human-sized snow globe, a gingerbread house contest, carolers, sleigh rides, and Santa!

PA R I S

CO N WAY Illuminate will feature a Ferris wheel, mini-train rides for kids, live music, a food truck, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a visit from Santa Claus! The events at Rogers Plaza will be going on nightly through the 23rd, but the tree will stay lit until the 31st. Mistletoe Madness kicks off the final two weeks before Christmas. The Christmas parade is at 6pm on the 8th, with a holiday market on the 9th.

Visit the Santa Hut, 7 days a week in December. Enjoy more than 100,000 sparkling lights, and free horse and buggy rides on Saturday evenings. Don’t miss the romantic three-course dinner on the Square, held on the 8th, with a live auction, horse and buggy rides. Tickets available by calling 479.963.2244.

VA N B U R E N Jump on the Holiday Pajama Train! Tickets available at amrailroad.com. The Annual Jingle & Mingle on Main Street,

FAY ET T E V I LL E More than 400,000 lights illuminate the Square each evening from 5pm to 1am, through the 31st. Pony rides, fresh hot chocolate, and festive holiday music!

images courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Living Windows displays, Lighting of the Courthouse and Festival of Trees take place on the 1st. The Main Street Christmas parade is on the 8th, at 6:30pm.

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travel

CO N WAY

B E N TO N B E N TO N V I LL E

B LY T H E V I LL E

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FAY ET T E V I LL E F O RT S M I T H

G R E E N W OO D

GARVIN GARDENS

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travel

H OT S P R I N G S

MAGNOLIA

PA R I S

VA N B U R E N

VA N B U R E N

These are only a few of the communities taking part this year. More information can be found at Arkansas.com.

We’d love to see photos of your Christmas lights! Send them to editors@dosouthmagazine. We’ll share as many as we can through social media.

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southern fiction

T

he snow had started by then, but just barely.

The flakes were tiny, like dandruff shaken from

a giant’s hair is how Celeste thought of it. Who knew if it would stick.

Remember Who You Are FICTION Marla Cantrell

She sat behind the wheel of her Kia, in the parking lot of Tandem Grocery, and watched. Christmas music played so loudly, Celeste decided someone had installed speakers on the grocery cart corrals that set at regular intervals on each row of parking.

The temperature had dropped twelve degrees since she’d left home twenty minutes before, but in the car with the heater set at ninety degrees, it seemed like someone else’s problem.

Celeste’s grocery list was as small as the snowflakes: bread, peanut butter, granola. She’d tried to think of more, but since she’d been laid off five weeks ago, her mind operated like a one-lane bridge. If one thought needed to cross it, all the others had to wait, and in that waiting, many of them turned around and drove home.

She also needed oranges.

The thought of oranges sent her back to childhood, to the tiny church with the linoleum floors, with pews that smelled like orange oil. Maude Dodson, the oldest member at eighty-three, cleaned the church on Saturdays using only concoctions she made herself. On Sundays, she’d sit next to Celeste, hiding her worker-bee hands in white gloves.

Maude kept hard candy in her purse, and cough drops that smelled like cloves.

Celeste coughed. Touched her forehead with her heated hand. It was summer inside her car; still, she might be getting sick. She added aspirin to her list.

Until five weeks ago, she’d worked as the office manager for Fischer Construction, where she used color-coded spreadsheets to keep up with where the concrete trucks were on any given day, where the sheet rockers were working, where the plumbers were

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southern fiction

hiding out. At thirty-five, this was the best job she’d ever had.

angel, when she was six. Her mom made the gown from an old shower curtain. Her wings and halo from a tinsel-wrapped coat

She worried that getting laid off said something terrible about

hanger her father bent just so.

her character. Since no one else was let go, she wondered if “laid Her parents lived in Florida now, so far away from Arkansas, it

off” was really “fired.”

seemed as if they’d fallen down a rabbit hole. She’d yet to tell Three little boys and their mom darted in front of her parked car.

them about her lost job.

The mom was tugging the arm of the youngest one, who was maybe three, urging him on against the wind that drove a card-

The clerk at the checkout line chewed gum and wore mistletoe

board box across the parking lot like a racecar. The boys were

in her hair. “Not a good day to be out,” she said. “Not good at

dressed in blue and green with stocking caps to match. The mother

all,” Celeste said, and the girl shrugged.

wore a headband made to look like the antlers of a reindeer.

“I got two little ones at the daycare across the way,” the clerk Inside the store, Celeste roamed the aisles. She’d gotten every-

said. “Six months is the girl. My boy is five.”

thing on her list plus a box of chocolate covered cherries, a six-pack of Kleenex, and was now picking up four cans of tomato

“Good ages,” Celeste said, although she had no idea if that

soup. “Joy to the World” was playing, but the clerks stocking the

were true.

shelves looked grim.

“My son, Darius, he wants an honest-to-gosh toolbox like his “Been listening to this stuff since October,” one of the stockers,

daddy’s for Christmas. We’re gonna get him one and put a

a twenty-something with rosy cheeks, said to the other, whose

bunch of toy tools inside it.”

gel-filled hair stood in spikes that looked like shark fins rising from the ocean. “When I quit here, I’m never listening to Christmas

Celeste watched her smile and wondered if she’d ever be that

music again.”

happy. She shivered, more from emotion than cold. She could see the parking lot from here. The snow was picking up. The

“Tell me about it,” shark-head said. He pulled his cell phone

automatic door near the cash registers opened, and six people

from his pocket, ran his thumb across it to bring it to life. “We

walked in. “See that?” the clerk asked. “The crowds are coming.

may not have to listen much longer today. They’re predicting

In fifteen minutes, this place will be full.”

three-inches of snow and possibly sleet.”

Two shoppers waited in line behind Celeste, so she paid for her Rosy-cheeks high-fived him, and said, “Snow day, dude!”

groceries and left. In the parking lot, a gray-haired woman stood with a grocery bag in each hand. She looked like she was freezing.

She had been standing with a can of soup in one hand, staring at the two. Celeste remembered grousing with Amber, the execu-

Celeste walked to her car. So far, no sleet had fallen, the wind

tive assistant at Fischer who still had a job. There was nothing

had died down. She pushed the button on her keychain, and the

better than having someone who felt like you did, who could

door opened. After putting her bags in the trunk, she watched

indicate the mood of your boss with an eye-roll.

the woman, who looked left to right, as if she were expecting someone to arrive.

She should probably head home.

Celeste’s small car warmed up quickly, and she sat behind the But, if the weather turned, Celeste would need more food. She

wheel, wondering what to do. If the woman was disoriented,

knew the balance in her checking account without looking, and

Celeste might have to do more than just drive her home. And

it wasn’t good. Still, she maneuvered her cart down the aisles,

what if she was a scammer? You never knew.

seeing the same tan linoleum as was in her childhood church.

She’d been in a Christmas play on a floor like this, dressed as an

Snow was collecting on the woman’s dark coat, and the sight of

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southern fiction

it caused a thousand needles to hit Celeste’s heart. She got out

Florida for Christmas to see my parents. I haven’t told them I

of the car, walked to the woman, and offered her a ride.

lost my job. I think they think I’m a screw-up most of the time.”

“I catch city bus number seven,” the woman said. “It should

Sheena patted Celeste’s shoulder. “Let me tell you what I see. I

have been here fifteen minutes ago.”

see a lovely young woman who is going through an exceptionally hard time. The holidays make everything tougher. You probably

“It’s probably the weather,” Celeste said. “Let me take your

had to force yourself to drive to the store today, am I right?”

bags to my car, and then I’ll drive back and get you.”

Celeste nodded.

Once Celeste had eased out of the parking lot, she learned the woman’s name was Sheena. And as she drove toward Sheena’s

“But you went anyway. And then you saw me, distressed and

address, she found out even more. Sheena was a retired school

near tears if you want to know the truth, and you could have

secretary who had just turned seventy-eight. She liked to listen

said, ‘That old woman is not my problem.’ But instead, you

to Coldplay. She once had a bumper sticker that read, You

rescued me. I didn’t bring my phone today, and I was flummoxed

just passed a wild and crazy Episcopalian. She’d outlived two

as to what to do. Twenty people passed me before you did, and

husbands, Harold and Albert.

no one offered to help.”

When Sheena asked about Celeste, she said, “I got let go from

“The weather people said it might sleet,” Celeste said.

my job as an office manager a little over a month ago. I know it shouldn’t have made me this sad, but since then, I can’t seem to

Sheena laughed. “The weather people build their fortunes on

do much more than get out of bed in the morning. Some days, I

extreme predictions. My Albert used to say that all the time. He

don’t even get dressed.”

also said that you could tell who a person really was by seeing if they could be charitable when they needed charity themselves.”

Sheena was dressed in dark slacks, low-heeled boots, a white scarf that looked hand-knit. She wore pearl earrings that showed when

Celeste smiled as she turned on to Sheena’s street. The entire

she ran her fingers through her silver hair. “Well,” she said, “the

block had been decorated for Christmas. A six-foot-tall Grinch

USA doesn’t much want its citizens to be unhappy. The TV has

stood in one yard. In the next, a manger scene, the baby Jesus

all those shows with laugh tracks behind them, and commercials

wearing a blanket of snow. Sheena’s apartment was a duplex,

with attractive people buying obscenely expensive gifts for one

with twinkling blue lights around every window and door.

another. But it is okay to feel the way you do. If you loved your job, and I’m guessing you did, it’s perfectly fine to miss it.”

When she stopped her car, Sheena hugged her. “Remember who you are, dear. A good soul with an even better heart.”

Celeste felt a bit of pressure inside her release, as if someone had taken the lid off a boiling saucepan.

After Sheena was safely inside, Celeste said good-bye, winding her way carefully through snow-filled streets. The world and

“I gave you the highlights of my life, dear,” Sheena said. “I left out

everything in it felt washed clean. Celeste felt tears come as she

a few details. For instance, sometimes I wasn’t a very good friend. I

passed a church with candles burning in the window, remem-

could be rather dismissive of other people’s worries. I had opinions

bering herself as that little girl dressed in a homemade costume,

I shared too loudly and too frequently, even with the administra-

pretending to be an angel. How dear she was then. But maybe

tion at my school, who really didn’t need my advice. It wasn’t until

she was just as dear now. It felt like it might be true.

I lost my Harold, and later dear Albert, that I softened up, more from having been beaten up by life than anything else.”

Marla is teaching a short story class at Chapters on Main in January. Visit

Celeste turned slowly on Anchor Avenue, and again on Chelsea

chaptersonmain.com for details.

Street. The snow was making the world soft. “I’m going to DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2018 Holiday Gift Guide Looking for the perfect gift? We’re showcasing businesses who stand at the ready to help you with a gift for everyone on your Christmas list. In the following pages, you’ll discover something for everyone!

Jaw-dropping jewelry. Books to devour. Fitness for all.

Spirited gift sets. Foodie gift cards. Salon services.

Stylish apparel. Entertainment and events for all.

See what we mean? All that’s left to do is bundle up and pay a visit to these valued merchants. They’ve

Merry Christmas to all, and Happy New Year!

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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11