Picked - May 2016

速

PICKED

May 2016 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Marla Cantrell Catherine Frederick Seth Haines Jessica Sowards Kasey Smith Teresa Vandervort GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Mays PROOFREADER Charity Chambers

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PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

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INSIDE

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CRUSADING COUSINS

Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

What happens when two cousins team up to make the world a better place? Something quite miraculous! You're going to love their story.

Scott Frederick - 479.459.6672

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SURPRISE INSIDE SOAPS

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RUSTIC FRUIT TART

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ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500

Getting your little ones to scrub their fingers and toes just got a whole lot easier. These DIY soaps with surprises inside will make bath time a whole lot easier, and tons more fun!

Scott@DoSouthMagazine.com

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116 Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com 息2016 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South速 are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to Do South速 or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South速 reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

Looking for a way to wow your mom this Mother's Day? Whip up this simple fruit tart, and then make one for yourself!

Cover Image: Svetlana Lukienko/Shutterstock

FOR THE THRILL OF IT

Annual subscriptions are $30 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 7030 Taylor Avenue, Suite 5, Fort Smith, AR, 72916.

Single issues are available upon request for $7.

Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

The weather is perfect for walking on the wild side in Arkansas. We have everything from zip lines to rock climbing to off-road ATVs, all waiting for a visit from you.

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FOLLOW US

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letter from the editor

One day. One out of 365 to honor

Fast forward a few years. He’s lost his

moms. Call me crazy, but I feel a

fair share of teeth, gained more than

little short changed. We moms grew

a few freckles, broken some bones,

another human! I’m pretty sure one

and developed a wicked sense of

day doesn’t cut it. I’m starting a petition

humor, for which his dad and I both

for Mom Month, better yet, Year of the

take ample credit. He’s no longer my

Mom. We deserve it for all we do, which

little baby. The mere thought of it takes

can occasionally go unappreciated.

my breath away. He’s becoming a young man with a heart so big it melts mine, and a

Take cooking for example. The other night, my

true sense of this great big world.

son was making fun of the “processed” dinner I’d just served and I joked that I’d worked so hard on it: frozen lasagna, green beans from a can and corn on the cob (at least it was fresh, even if it was from the store and not

I savor the moments when he still allows himself to be my little boy. Like when we're snuggled up on the couch watching a movie, or when I get a hug that lingers a little

my garden). I fired back that perhaps I would go on vacation from

longer than the others. He still tells me he loves me in front of his

it all. No need to do the laundry, put away clothes, buy groceries,

friends. And, every once in a while, I still find him reaching for my

pick up the house, make breakfast or lunches. He smiled,

hand. So, I hold on tightly, and for now, he doesn’t let go.

laughed, then said, “Go ahead!” My husband, wide-eyed and now a bit pale, quickly added, “Let it be known I had nothing to do with his remarks, so please keep doing my stuff." Yep, there it is. I am needed. BIG TIME. If our son’s NBA basketball career doesn’t work out, there’s always stand-up comedy.

He’s quite the kid. I’ve watched him grow from the infant who

No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother’s love. -Edwin Hubbell Chapin

relied on me for everything, day and night, to a chunky toddler

I pray that he continues to reach for me as he grows and that my

with ringlet curls who loved The Wiggles and Michael Jackson.

heart is strong enough to let him venture out beyond my grasp.

Then, seemingly overnight, he was in elementary school, trading

I pray he dreams big and never stops questioning, learning, and

in The Wiggles for WWE Wrestling and discovering a love for

pursuing great things. I pray his faith grows stronger and deeper

all things sports. He played it all. First soccer, then baseball and

than he could ever imagine. Motherhood is a wonderfully messy

basketball and football. I think that’s when he lost that new

thing that I never feel adequately prepared for. But, I am forever

kid smell I’d enjoyed since he was a baby. It was replaced with

grateful that God chose me to be his mom. He is my greatest joy.

stinky feet and a sweaty mop of hair.

~Catherine

Follow Do South® Magazine

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

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calendar

MAY

Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com

3-8 T H

Bentonville Film Festival May 3-8 Bentonville Geena Davis and the BFF will be in Bentonville, with public events from May 3-8. There will be 34 films competing, and this year the festival has added a short film competition. You can buy tickets to watch individual films, buy a virtual pass, go to panel discussion, or attend events at Crystal Bridges and the Meteor Guitar Gallery. There are also free events listed on the website. This is a remarkable opportunity, and you'll likely see some big-name Hollywood stars in town. See website for pricing. bentonvillefilmfestival.com

6 Safe Kids! Fair May 6, 3-6pm Fort Smith

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Free admission, food, and drinks, for you and your kids! Just bring them to Riverfront Pavilion in downtown Fort Smith. Local agencies will be on hand with great information on keeping your family safe, and a free Next Generation Safety Kit endorsed by John Walsh will be available, which includes a child's safety journal, FBI-approved finger and palm prints, a home DNA kit, and a digital photo. Free.

6-7T H

SATURDAYS IN MAY

RAM Saturdays May 7, 14, 21, 28, 1- 4pm Fort Smith This fun, on-going drop-in program will take place every Saturday in May. Participants will learn about different techniques and materials in the studio and get the opportunity to make their own artwork. Participants are then encouraged to visit the galleries. This is a free program open to the public. See website for details. fsram.org, 479.784.2787

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat May 6-7, 7pm Fort Smith The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s Academy of the Arts will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in the ArcBest Corp. Performing Arts Center, located at 55 South 7th Street. This musical adaptation of the biblical saga, featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Weber, tells the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors and the spiritual challenges Joseph faces throughout his journey. See website for pricing uafs.universitytickets.com, 479.788.7300

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Everyday Superhero 5K/1 Mile Walk May 14, 8am Van Buren Show up at Mike Myers/Lee Creek Park in Van Buren dressed as your favorite superhero, if you like! This familyfriendly 5K/1 Mile Walk benefits the Morgan Nick Foundation, which helps educate and empower children to stay safe from abduction and harm. Prizes, medals, and so much fun! Online registration is encouraged. See website for pricing. runreq.com, 479.632.6382

calendar

THETOPTENTHETOPTEN 14

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Girls Inc. Annual Crawfish Boil May 14, 5:30pm Fort Smith

Two fun-filled, family-friendly evenings to enjoy Mexican food, egg rolls, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and barbecue.

And don't forget the beer, wine slushies, funnel cakes and snow cones.

Kids love the games, face painting, inflatables, live music, and raffles. christ-king.org

This family-friendly fundraiser for Girls Inc. is being held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Glidewell.

The menu will include boiled crawfish, as well as collard greens, dirty rice, spinach salad, and corn and potatoes. Hot dogs will also be available, as well as sweet treats.

Reserve your spot now, and get ready for a fun-filled evening. See website for pricing. girlsincfortsmith.org

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Head to the Old Frisco Depot at 100 Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith on May 28 to see (and buy!) art from some of the best artists we know. We've done stories on Dell Eddins and Sydney Clayton.

You'll find paintings, sculptures, pottery, glasswork, fiber art, as well as paintings.

Art on the Border raises money for the U.S. Marshals Museum, The Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, and the Children's Emergency Shelter. Free to attend.

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Hot Springs Craft Beer Festival May 21, 5-9pm Hot Springs

Enjoy craft beer from more than 100 breweries, artisan chocolate and cheese, awesome food from Hot Springs finest restaurants, live music, and prizes, at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Must be over twenty-one to attend. There are even specially priced tickets for designated drivers. See website for pricing. hscraftbeerfest.com

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Christ the King Carnival May 20-21, 6 -11pm Fort Smith

Art on the Border May 28, 10am-5pm Fort Smith

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Find them on Facebook.

3rd Annual Judge Parker's Rope War May 28, 12-4pm Fort Smith You've never played tug-o-war like this before! Judge Parker's Rope War is a family-friendly event at Harry E. Kelley Park in downtown Fort Smith and pits 10-player teams against each other in a double-elimination, bracketed tournament. There's also a womens and an under-fourteen division. Prizes. Fun. Proceeds benefit the Arkansas-Oklahoma Promotion Association Scholarship Fund. See website for pricing. ropewar.com

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poetry

Spaces between Stars LINEs Kasey Smith

Spaces between stars boom with silence.

Fears and doubts and thoughts and prayers float from the exosphere to galaxies unknown bouncing off celestial bodies losing power along the way.

Light is within reach lightyears away burning for those who enjoy its existence after it has turned to ash.

We see it—the hope within the chaos— we chase it like children after a shooting star.

We reach into the abyss grasping at nothing, searching the darkness to replace our own.

We are told “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.”

But the stars are gone replaced with a void bigger than we can manage.

So what do we do when our hope is false?

When our fears and doubts and thoughts and prayers return to us, gravity taking hold again.

Like the stars explode we must be our own Supernova Big Bang and create a new light in which to chase until the darkness consumes it again.

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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

kristy ball Manager

H3 Home & Décor 7607 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas h3homedecor.com 479.434.4920

ABOUT H3 HOME & DÉCOR H3 Home & Décor / La-Z-Boy® Comfort Studio is the only authorized La-Z-Boy® dealer in our area.

Our store features only La-Z-Boy® furnishings, along with Kincaid® and Hammary® case goods.

We are owned by a three-generation furniture family and have three stores statewide. We offer free in-home design as well as over 750 different fabrics and leathers to choose from so that you can customize your furniture for your home and lifestyle.

All of our furniture comes with a lifetime guarantee on the frame and everything inside the frame. La-Z-Boy® is made in the USA with our factories being in Neosho, Missouri and Siloam Springs, Arkansas. We are known for comfort and quality!

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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Treat everyone you meet like you would like to be treated.

Something that's always in my purse is lip gloss.

I WAS BORN IN

Russellville, Arkansas.

I LIVE IN

IF I COULD BRING BACK ONE FASHION TREND

it would be big hair!

I NEVER MET

an egg I didn't like.

MY WORST HABIT IS

leaving opened Splenda速 packets on the counter.

MY BEST HABIT IS

Alma, Arkansas.

IF I COULD THANK MY MOM FOR JUST ONE THING, IT WOULD BE

i'm a time control-freak.

I'M INSPIRED BY

for always believing in me.

I CAN MAKE

nature, texture, and color.

MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT ARKANSAS ARE

nature, the lakes, and mountains.

MY BEST SUMMER VACATION WAS

in Hawaii.

MY SUPERPOWER IS

a mean dish of chicken spaghetti.

THE ACTOR I'D CHOOSE TO PLAY MY LIFE

Julia Roberts.

MY LAST ROAD TRIP WAS

that I'm a flea market junkie.

mom power. I have eyes in the back of my head.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING IN MY FRIDGE IS

THE WORST TROUBLE I WAS EVER IN AS A KID WAS

MY FAVORITE FASHION TREND IS

lots of spicy sauces.

maxi dresses.

MY FAVORITE APP

when I tried to fix a red Kool-Aid速 stain on white carpet with bleach.

is Houzz.

I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT

was when I went parasailing.

MY FIRST JOB WAS

my makeup bag.

I SOMETIMES DAYDREAM ABOUT

at Burger Time. I was a window cashier.

ONE THING I WAS NEVER ABLE TO LEARN WAS

traveling the world.

WHEN I WAS A KID, I WANTED TO GROW UP TO BE

how to dance.

MY FIRST CAR WAS

MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN

a flight attendant.

Something I can't live without is flip flops.

IF I COULD GO BACK AND GIVE MY TEENAGED-SELF ADVICE, IT WOULD BE

to stay focused and determined and to build myself up.

I FEEL DRESSED UP WHEN I WEAR

a sundress and wedges.

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to Kansas City to see my new grandbaby.

THE LAST TIME I DID SOMETHING THAT SCARED ME

a Volkswagon速 Rabbit.

If calories didn't count I'd eat ice cream every day.

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pets

Unconditional Love & Affection Adopt your furry soulmate!

F

F

F

M

Cairy

Darcy

M

Archie

M

Cassidy

Hudson

Levi

Charleston Dog Shelter Donations are always needed and greatly appreciated.

Charleston Dog Shelter | Charleston, AR 72933 | 479.965.3591 | Find us on Petfinder™ |

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

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entertainment

Grandma Gatewood's Walk

By Ben Montgomery | Pulitzer Prize Finalist | 277 pages | $27 review Marla Cantrell

You could credit this entire biography

Emma started her hike at the southern

on an article about the Appalachian

terminus of the trail, in Georgia. If being

Trail published by National Geographic

alone scared her, she never let on.

in August 1949. Emma Gatewood, a

Ahead of her, she'd face two hurricanes,

great-grandmother living in Ohio, found

a rattlesnake strike, a fall that would

the magazine in her doctor's office, and

break her glasses, and a night spent with

as she read she was captivated by these

gangsters from Harlem. But she didn't

words: "Planned for the enjoyment of

know that yet. So she put one foot in front

anyone in normal good health, the A.T.

of the other, walking until her legs burned,

doesn't demand special skill or training

until she needed to make slits in her tennis

to traverse."

shoes to accommodate her bunions that bloomed from her boney feet.

Emma's thought was that her health was just fine, although she did have bunions

Those she met along the way wanted to

and eyes so bad she was blind without

know why this great-grandmother was

her glasses. She stood five feet two and

walking the trail. She'd tell them she'd

weighed 150 pounds, every ounce of her

done it on a lark, but there were likely other reasons. She'd survived a lot in her

weight filled with the kind of stubborn determination that moves mountains. So she began planning for

life, including an abusive husband. She'd eventually divorced him,

the day she'd walk the Appalachian Trail, all 2,050 miles of it.

but when the curious asked, she'd tell them she was widowed.

She started by taking walks, first around the block, and in just a It's possible that walking the Appalachian Trail healed Emma.

few months she was hiking ten miles a day.

Years later, author Cheryl Strayed would say the same thing, after In May of 1955, when Emma was sixty-seven years of age,

walking the Pacific Crest Trail, and she'd chronicle her experience

she told her eleven adult children she was going for a walk.

in her book, Wild. But whatever Emma was seeking when she

She'd saved two hundred dollars by then, had a pair of Keds

started out, this one thing is certain: Emma's future turned into

tennis shoes and dungarees, and a pack she'd made from a

something miraculous on that trip, and she became the first

yard of denim. Inside the pack, she carried Vienna Sausages,

woman to hike the entire trail alone.

raisins, peanuts, candy mints, bouillon cubes, powdered milk, Band-Aids, Vicks salve, a bottle of iodine, a flashlight, bobby

It is stunning to imagine this older woman from Ohio, who didn't

pins, a coat, drinking water, a Swiss Army knife and a shower

even take a map with her, navigating the mountains and valleys,

curtain to keep the rain off. What she didn't have was a tent

crossing streams that sometimes rose all the way to her chest.

or a sleeping bag. If she needed a soft place to sleep, she

Grandma Gatewood's Walk may just inspire you to take on your

thought, she'd empty her bag, fill it with leaves, and lay down

own adventure, to believe there's nothing you can't overcome, no

her weary head.

matter how old you are, no matter what you've faced in your life.

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people

Crusading Cousins PER DIEMS AGAINST POVERTY words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Per Diems Against Poverty

Brittany Hodak and Jennifer Barker

WE’RE FIGHTING FOR THE DAY W H E N N O A M E R I C A N G O E S H U N G R Y. - JENNIFER

BARKER AND BRITTANY HODAK

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F

people

First cousins Jennifer Barker and Brittany Hodak, only ten months

woke up without food

apart in age, grew up in Roland, Oklahoma, a border town six miles

in their cupboards.

from Fort Smith, Arkansas. When they were kids, there were only about 1,500 people living in their hometown, and not a lot to do. But

It seemed to them that

that didn't matter. As long as they were together, they were happy.

they could be part of the answer. All they'd

One of the things Jennifer loved was that Brittany was an "idea

need to do was find a

addict." When they stayed over at each other's houses—which was

way to connect with the

often, since they lived only two miles apart—they'd brainstorm,

right people, lay out a

volleying ideas back and forth, and planning their future. They

detailed plan, and hold

wanted to be in business with each other one day. And so they drew

tight to the belief that

up pretend documents for pretend companies that seemed so real

when given the chance,

they could almost see the slick cars they'd drive to work, and the tall

most of us are eager to

office buildings they'd one day occupy.

be generous.

For Brittany, now thirty-two years old, that meant New York

That belief led to the

City, specifically Manhattan. That's where she lives and works, at

creation of Brittany and

ZinePak, an entertainment marketing company she co-founded

Jennifer's non-profit, Per Diems Against Poverty. They teamed up

with Kim Kaupe that has clients like Brad Paisley, Justin Bieber,

with Feeding America, whose network of food banks provides

and Katy Perry. In 2014, Brittany even made it to the TV show,

service to 46.5 million people in need across the United States,

Shark Tank, and her segment aired in March 2015.

including 12 million children and 7 million seniors.

By that time, Jennifer, now thirty-one years old, was living in Fort

It didn't matter that Jennifer and Brittany lived nearly 1,400 miles

Smith, where she'd worked in business administration and public

apart. The two knew each other so well that working long distance

relations before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She was cheering

didn't ruffle one feather. Brittany already had great contacts because

Brittany on, staying in touch with her for the three days Brittany

of her work in the entertainment industry, and Jennifer, who loves

was in Los Angeles taping her segment of Shark Tank.

research, felt at home gathering information on whom to contact once their initial list of potential donors was completed.

One of the perks of being on the show was the per diem (an allowance for meals) that she received daily. She certainly couldn't spend all that

With that part of the work done, Jennifer started making phone calls.

money on food, which was approximately $200, and that fact tripped

She laughs when she talks about the nerve it takes to pick up the

a wire in her brain. If she couldn't use all the money she was given,

phone and ask for something from someone you've never met. But

what were other people doing with their per diems?

here's the thing about Jennifer. She's incredibly engaging, and she's equally convincing. "People tell me I come across as enthusiastic,"

Since sports teams and Screen Actors Guild contracts routinely

Jennifer says. "I didn't really see that until I saw myself on TV."

include per diems, Brittany wondered if there might be a way to tap into those funds for others in need. She'd had months to think

What she's talking about is a report CBS This Morning did on Per

about this when she came back home for Thanksgiving the same

Diems Against Poverty, which aired in March. In it, Brittany and

year. And during this holiday devoted almost exclusively to food,

Jennifer described how they started, and the amazing things that

she and Jennifer talked for hours.

have happened since.

As they brainstormed, their excitement grew. They checked to

Like meeting Curtis Granderson, an outfielder for the New York

see if there was a charity utilizing per diems, but couldn't find

Mets. When he heard about the charity, he signed on without one

one. They kept bringing up the great need in the United States,

reservation, giving his ten thousand dollars in per diems to their

all those people who went to bed hungry. All those children who

cause, which equals 110,000 meals. They were overwhelmed by his

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18

people

generosity; he even asked if he could overnight a check to them,

"When

and if he could help spread the word.

the food, she broke down

she in

saw tears,"

Since that time, the cousins have also met with movers and

Jennifer says. "She

shakers in Hollywood, and one production company with names

said,

so big they're recognized across the world (Jennifer and Brittany

no idea what this

are not allowed to disclose this information just yet). They have

means to us. I know

agreed to participate in Per Diems Against Poverty. And that

it seems like a small

company has three films in the works.

thing, but this has

'You

have

changed the next To date, the charity has raised $150,000 for the nation's hungry.

week for my family.

It is such a brilliant plan, and so perfectly executed by these two, it

There's no way we

seems as if it might be their calling. In the CBS interview, Brittany

could

said that after her stint on Shark Tank, she'd go to sleep and wake

much food, even in

up thinking about how to make this idea work. She said it was the

a month.'"

afford

this

closest she'd ever come to being driven by a higher power.

Jennifer pauses and then says, "Things we take for granted, like As for Jennifer, she'd been praying for a way to make a difference.

going to get milk and bread at the store, are a luxury for other

When Brittany's idea surfaced, she knew she'd found her purpose.

people. That was my first one-on-one interaction, and I'll tell you, if that one experience was all the difference we made as a non-

Although, it's not easy. Every cent donated goes to the charity. And

profit, that would be enough, just seeing that woman's face,

Jennifer is working approximately sixty hours a week, from home,

hugging her, and knowing that we helped."

mostly when the kids are asleep, something she says wouldn't be possible without her husband, who is her greatest support and

The difference Jennifer and Brittany are making is monumental.

biggest fan. Brittany is equally as busy, working in Manhattan and

Because of their ties with Feed America, one dollar buys eleven

making sure Per Diems Against Poverty continues to flourish.

meals, and by the end of this year, Per Diems Against Poverty plans to provide 10 million meals.

As Jennifer talks about the strides they've made, she is all but buzzing with excitement. She smiles, nearly non-stop, and she looks

She turns the conversation once again to her cousin and friend,

a bit like a pixie: thin, and small, and beautiful.

Brittany. Jennifer knew when they were kids that Brittany was destined for great things. Her mind was always spinning with

Per Diems Against Poverty has been a godsend. It is easy to ignore

ideas, with creative genius, but it was Brittany's heart that Jennifer

the problem of hunger if you're not confronted with it, if you have no

adored even more. Behind all that innovation, Jennifer says, was

personal experience. But hunger is everywhere, and the rates for food

so much love, such a bright, shining light. And because of that,

insecurity in Arkansas are significantly higher than the national average.

so much goodness came into the world. Because of that, people who wouldn't have had meals today are eating healthy food that

Jennifer praises the River Valley Food Bank, a member of Feed

will help restore their bodies. That will bring them hope again. And

America, for all they do. Last fall, just after she'd held a food drive for

that's the thought that races through Jennifer's mind every time she

them, a friend reached out to her to tell her about his relative who

grows weary, when her household is quiet, and she's working late

had fallen on hard times due to an injury that forced her to miss work

into the night. And that, she says, makes it all worthwhile.

for an extended time.

The woman in question had small children in the home. As Jennifer listened, her heart broke. The following morning, as soon as church was dismissed, Jennifer took her two boxes of food.

Anyone can donate to Per Diems Against Poverty. To find out how, visit perdiemsagainstpoverty.org

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diy

Surprise Inside Soaps words and images Catherine Frederick

Who doesn’t love a surprise? We know kids especially love them, so why not create something that not only keeps their hands clean, but also has a surprise inside?

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

diy

Materials - Small plastic toys (dinosaurs, farm or marine animals, other figures) - Clear glycerin soap - Soap mold - Rubbing alcohol - Spray bottle - Soap colorant (optional)

Method Place plastic toy into mold. The bottom of the mold is the top of the soap, so make sure the toy is placed so that it’s visible from the top.

Melt glycerin cubes in microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring

between each until melted. Add 2-3 drops of soap colorant (too much will cause the soap to be opaque). Pour melted soap into mold. Spray tops with rubbing alcohol to remove any bubbles.

Let set about an hour.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Once hardened, gently push on all sides of mold to remove soap.

This soap makes a great gift for the little ones. Just include a cute washcloth along with a thoughtful note!

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diy

MAP CHAIR words and images Teresa Vandervort

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

diy

It's my favorite time of the year! Time to get out

ONE

and explore. I fell in love with this souvenir map

Open and smooth out map. If map is too large, cut it down to size.

chair. You can use a map of your home state or some special place you've been.

TWO

MATERIALS

Spread a smooth, even layer of Mod Podge® onto chair seat with sponge.

• Sponge Wood chair • Map • Sanding block • Mod Podge® • Scissors • Rubber stamp & ink pad (optional) •

THREE Position map over chair seat and gently smooth it down to remove any wrinkles.

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diy

FOUR

FIVE

Use the sanding block at the edge of the seat to "cut" the map using downward swipes all the way around. This will smooth the edges at the same time.

If adding a stamp to mark your hometown, do this now (optional).

SIX Apply a smooth, thin layer of Mod Podge速 on top of map to complete. If additional coats are needed, let dry between coats.

SEVEN Repeat steps for the chair back.

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shop

Live Local. Love Local. words and imageS Catherine Frederick

Stone® IPA, Stiegl Grapefruit Radler, Abita Strawberry Lager

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

Evergreen® Night Garden Glow in the Dark Birdfeeder and Wind Chimes, Skeeter Screen™ Patio Egg™

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT SPARKS HEALTH

Delicious Treats for any Occasion

479.441.4221

GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES 479.452.9999

Tommy Bahama Handcrafted, Natural Wood Rugs

D&D FLOOR COVERING

Face A Face Paris Eyewear

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

479.474.0533

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479.452.2020

shop

We love our local shops and we know you will too. Check out some of our favorite finds, right here in Fort Smith! Stop by today and show these shops some local love!

Mother’s Brewing Company Lil’ Helper Beer, Stella Rosa Stella Berry Wine, High Spirits High Heel Wine Bottle Holder

Natalie Premier Stationary Chair, Baja Round Coffee Table, Loop Ottoman,

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SUNSHINE SHOP AT MERCY FORT SMITH 479.314.6079

479.646.7555

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It's midday at Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Students hustle from class to class.

Still others gather in the office, talking in bright sentences, their voices echoing off the walls. If you could collect this kind of energy, you could sell it on the black market to worn-out adults all across town who are already counting the hours until quitting time.

In the midst of these students is Southside's assistant band director, Josh Ray. Tall, dark-haired, smiling, he talks easily with the students, answering questions, asking after several of them. He looks at home here, completely in his element.

At thirty-one years of age, Josh can still conjure up images of his own time as a student at Southside. He played trumpet in the band, sang in the choir one year, and he was an offensive lineman on the football team from junior high on. He enjoyed all of it, but when it came time to pick a career, the choice was simple. He loved music and couldn't imagine his life without it.

So Josh enrolled at Arkansas Tech in Russellville. He liked the

BAND TOGETHER The

Josh

Ray

Story

structure of his days. He was learning to play every instrument so that he could one day teach others,

a

feat

that

required

diligence and practice. In his offtime, he'd often go to the gym, a place he would remember always.

words Marla Cantrell imageS courtesy Josh Ray and Fort Smith Public Schools

Because it was there, at the gym, that he saw a girl named Sarah, who had also attended Southside.

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"I didn't see her again for two weeks," Josh says. "She was a history major, and I made every attempt I could to walk past the history building, but I never ran into her. I finally saw her at the gym again and in the process of working up the guts to ask her on a date, I dropped my keys like four or five times, and I waited until she was running on the treadmill to talk to her. It was the worst possible scenario.

"I must have caught her at a weak moment because she said yes.

We went on a coffee date and went to Walmart. It was meant to be, because I did everything wrong, and that should have messed it up but it didn't."

That first date led to more dates, which led to their engagement and then to marriage. "When I knew I loved my wife was when I realized she made me better in every way. My grades went up.

I was working harder in school. I love everything about my wife.

Everything good about me can be tied to her."

Josh's dream was to land a job at Southside, something he saw as a long-shot. But when a position opened ten years ago, he applied. "I was so thankful just to get an interview," Josh says.

"I told my wife, 'There's no chance this will ever happen.' And then I got the phone call and for whatever reason, all my family was there, and they got to hear the news with me. The guy who hired me was my band director, Steve Kesner."

He remembers his first months on the job.

When he showed up for work, he felt like he was under a microscope. "That was great for me," Josh says, "because it kept me from doing the stupid things I probably

I've spent my whole career surrounded by m asters.

would have done on my own. I'd study at home. Sometimes I'd take an instrument, like a clarinet, home and practice. The hard part was calling Mr.

"When I look back, I can see that the collective tie in all these

Kesner “Steve,� but he sat me down finally and told me I had

influential people was that they were from Fort Smith Schools.

to now that we were working together."

These men and women invested in me, and so when I had the opportunity to come back and do the same thing for students, it

There were days when Josh could hardly believe he'd been

was pretty meaningful."

given this chance. "I came from a situation that's like a lot of families. We didn't have a ton of money, but I had two

Josh marvels at the growth in the band program, across every

parents who loved each other and really invested in me and

group of students. When he was in school, students were more

my younger brother. Failure at school was not an option. We

likely to be divided into cliques. "Now, you see kids from every

always did the best we could, and my parents made sure we

different background mingle together. At ballgames, you'll see

were plugged into great influences.

cheerleaders and athletes and members of the Dixie Belles leave DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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their places to play with the band at halftime. We had a young

"I don't know if I was worthy," Josh says, and this statement, so

man with autism who graduated last year as an All-Region trumpet

full of humility, is one of the things that is most striking about him.

player. He loves music, and I had the pleasure of working with him

And with that humility an equal amount of joy. Being the father

from seventh grade to twelfth. I got to know his parents and see

to his young son, Hudson; anticipating the birth of his second

his growth. It gives me chills to think about it.

son, Harrison, later this month; the thrill he still feels when talking about his wife, Sarah, who's a counselor at Kimmons Junior High,

"We have this massive group of band kids that gather before

a job she loves.

school, and the first day of school they'll meet up. If you're a sophomore, you immediately know nearly 300 people."

Right now, Josh is concentrating on his growing family and planning for his sons' futures. On his playlist is band music,

Josh says the same growth is happening at Northside, the city's

Mumford and Sons, Coldplay, and sermons by Tommy Nelson, a

other high school. "There's something about working on a team

pastor Josh's brother and best friend, Jacob, introduced him to.

and about knowing other people depend on you. If you're on a marching team, and you go the wrong way, you can derail the

There are things that bring him down, of course. "When you have

whole thing. They learn collaborative skills, communication skills. It

a student who's not being fed, or you have a student whose dad

does a lot for work ethic. There are lots of individual opportunities,

beat her mom and she saw it, and then she's supposed to come

where students play by themselves or audition. I've seen countless

to band the next day and care, then it's hard to separate yourself

young men and women develop their personalities, who lose their

from that. My faith is big for me. I keep a list of all my students, and

shyness, just because they've had to in that environment. And I

I pray for them, maybe two per day, and it's amazing to see how

try to be a motivator. I set the bar above their heads and convince

kids pull themselves out, how they make it through. Education will

them they can do it. And they always do."

give you a grateful heart because you'll see how good you had it."

One of the highlights of his decade-long career happened in 2014

Josh, who believes being a teacher is a calling, loves to trace the steps

when he was asked to conduct one of the pieces in a memorial

that led him to this job. He says he's been surrounded by masters his

concert honoring Bill Shaver III, a former Northside band director who

entire career. The thought that he's a master himself never seems to

worked for the school system for thirty-four years, and was Josh's

cross his mind, although it seems entirely likely that he is.

wife's grandfather. Mr. Shaver passed away in December 2013.

"It was an emotional time for me. You couldn't find a person who ever had one bad thing to say about Mr. Shaver. The first time I met him, I'd gone to Thanksgiving dinner with Sarah's family. I was horrified because I was this new, green band director who didn't know anything, and he was a legend. He sat for two hours with me and talked to me like I was his equal. He had an incredible impact on me and thousands of other people.

"I had this moment when I was with the Northside Band in rehearsal, and I thought back to when I was in college, and I was hoping that I could get any job at all. And there I was, getting to work with Southside, which is a blessing, and then getting to work with the great kids at Northside, and I just stopped to count my blessings.

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people

homegrown words and images Jessica Sowards

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people

Back in February, when there was still a threat of frost, my eldest

after eating. His skin was often broken out, and I had that gut

son Jackson and I turned the dirt in the raised garden bed next

feeling that something wasn’t right.

to the greenhouse, weeding out any grass that had sprung up over winter. We stirred in a couple of bags of organic potting

The day Asher was diagnosed with a dairy intolerance, the doctor

soil, a wheelbarrow of compost and half of a five-gallon bucket

told me I’d have to remove all dairy from my diet if I wanted to

of rabbit poop. Then we planted neat rows of sweet peas and

continue breastfeeding. I figured it would be no big deal. I was in

radishes. We built a trellis out of T-posts and masonry twine and

for a rude awakening.

stood back with sweat on our backs and black soil clinging to our knees, hands and hair, admiring our hard work.

I can’t tell you how many times I would take a bite of something and spit it out because it would register in my mind, Oh, this is

Jackson, in his full ten years of wisdom, said, “Growing food

dairy. Milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, anything made with butter,

yourself makes you want to eat it more, huh?”

anything containing whey, the list just kept on going. Did you know most spaghetti sauces contain dairy? Yeah, I didn’t either.

I nodded, “Yeah, I feel like that.”

“I really like growing food,” Jackson said.

I replied, “Me too, baby.”

It did frost, but it just made the radishes sweeter. I let Jackson have the honor of pulling them out of the ground. He harvested a basket of dirt-covered rubies and we tore the greens off the tops, while still standing there by their bed. On the way back to the house, we detoured through the chicken yard, scattering radish tops and watching the silly birds swipe them and run before another bird could take away their prize.

He and I ventured into the coop and gathered three dozen eggs, carefully placing them in the basket with the radishes and the kale we’d cut in the greenhouse. Once inside, I scrubbed the radishes and handed them to Jackson, who sat at the counter and cut them into quarters and tossed them into a baking pan. We drizzled them with melted butter, salted and peppered them and stuck them in the oven to roast. We spun the kale and laid it out on a cookie sheet with oil, salt and pepper and put it in the oven as well.

Roasted radishes, kale chips and fried eggs is an early-spring farm meal if there ever was one. It was a strange lunch, but one Jackson proudly served to his brothers. He, the child who a few years ago wouldn’t eat a vegetable to save his life, ate every bite.

My journey with real food started almost ten years ago. Asher, the second of my five sons, was a baby. I cooked dinner every night, and the process usually entailed opening boxes and cans and adding water. But Asher cried a lot, a whole lot. Especially DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Learning to scrupulously read labels alerted me

every single one of them will respond, “The

to the rest of the stuff in the food we ate.

blackberry kind we made.”

I began to study and the more I learned, I realize this life isn’t for everyone. This life

the more I moved our diets to whole,

is more of a calling than it is a hobby or a

unprocessed foods. I adopted a rule that the fewer ingredients some-thing had,

career. And understanding this makes

the better it was. I began to learn

me want to share it with everyone I

about pesticides and GMOs, and

can. One of my favorite things about

about the environmental impact of

this farm is sending our visitors home

transporting out-of-season produce

with a Mason jar filled with our hard

across nations.

work and a dozen eggs they got to collect themselves.

Somewhere in the midst of that The sharing goes far beyond that.

season, my childhood dream of having

We’ve branched out into selling what

a small farm resurfaced with a vengeance.

we make, and truly it feels like sharing our

I fell madly in love with farmers' markets and

life. A few weeks ago, we sold duck eggs to

with finding local food sources. It took seven years, and the grace of God before that dream became

one of the locally sourced restaurants in Little Rock.

a reality. Even before we closed on our house and acreage, my

I used to sit in that place with a plate of Arkansas-grown food

plans for the food we could produce were growing wildly.

and dream of having a life like this. And on Saturday mornings, I no longer wake up at 8 a.m. in a sleepy neighborhood and

It’s taken two years of trial and error, of hard work and building,

take empty baskets to the farmers' market. No, now I wake at

but, we're finally getting to a place where we can make meals

5 a.m. on a bustling farm and load my truck with the goods

of food entirely produced on our farm, even if those meals are

we will sell.

occasionally a little strange.

I never thought, in all my dreaming, that this farm would change It’s expanding exponentially from this point. This year, we

so integrally how we do life. Striving for food sustainability has

bought an additional twenty-nine acres and partnered with our

made me rethink the way we cook, the way we consume, and

neighbors. Together we put in an orchard and tilled more than

the way we appreciate what we have. My goal is to someday

8,000 square feet of garden space, planting it with heirloom

produce ninety percent of what we consume, with extra

seeds that will be organically grown. We are raising holiday

to share and sell. We aren’t even halfway there yet, but it’s

turkeys for the second year, and we're venturing into chickens

obtainable if we put in the work.

and pigs for meat. Our laying flock gives us dozens of eggs daily, and our dairy goat herd produces several gallons of fresh milk a

In the meantime, we will be here plugging away, getting our

day. We make goat’s milk yogurt and kefir and cheese (which,

hands dirty and our arms scratched up. It’s often hard, and we are

by the way, Asher eats just fine).

always tired, but ask any one of us what we’d like for dinner. The answer will always be the same, “I’ll take the stuff we made.”

Seasons are now marked by what’s growing. This month, for instance, starts blackberry season. The kids and I will spend hours foraging, while wearing rubber boots. We will eat cobblers for dessert every Sunday for two months, and by the end of June, we'll be so scratched and scraped from the brambles that we won’t want to look at another blackberry bush for a year. But, in a few months, when I make breakfast

Follow Jessica on her blog @thehodgepodgedarling.blogspot.com

and ask the boys what kind of jam they’d like on their biscuit, DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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lifestyle

g n S i trawber z a m A e ry Th

WAYS TO ENJOY

By the handful On oatmeal or in cereal On salads or mixed in yogurt In baked goods In smoothies or frozen Dipped in yogurt

words Catherine Frederick

Early May is the time to pick your own strawberries (we love Wild Things Farm, in Pocola, Oklahoma), or buy them from your favorite local farmers' market. Strawberries are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamin C, and are a good source of fiber, B6, potassium, copper, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids, just to mention a few.

health benefits CALIFORNIA & FLORIDA account for over 95% of all strawberries grown in the U.S.

FRESH

are always best, think self-picked or farmers market

FROZEN

are as nutritious as fresh, especially if frozen immediately after harvest

ORGANIC

have a greater nutritional profile than conventional, plus lower pesticide residue

IMMUNITY BOOSTER One serving contains over 51mg of vitamin C, about ½ your daily requirement.

EYE HEALTH

Antioxidant properties may aid in cataract prevention, and the vitamin C helps strengthen corneas and retinas.

CANCER PREVENTION

Ellagic acid has been shown to yield anti-cancer properties like suppressing cancer cell growth.

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INFLAMMATION REDUCER Lower the levels of C-reactive protein (an indicator of inflammation in the body) by eating 16 or more a week.

WRINKLE WARRIOR

Vitamin C promotes collagen production to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Low calorie, fat-free, low in sodium and sugar—the sugar in strawberries is about 4g per serving.

lifestyle

My mother had a good deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. — MARK TWAIN

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What is a Mother?

I

words and image courtesy Seth Haines

Seth wrote this essay to promote the book, The Mother Letters: Sharing the Laughter, Joy, Struggles, and Hope, that he co-created with his wife, Amber.

If man was made from the dust of the earth and woman cut

her literary teeth on Planet of the Apes, knew the names of

from his rib, my mother was sawed from the bayou's bone. A

superheroes and villains.

daughter of cypress knees, Spanish moss, and spent shotgun shells, she was reared on a lane with a passel of boys—a rough

My grandfather told me she was a bona fide daddy's girl, a

and tumble crew of scabby, bb-gunning, scratching, cussing

parasitic, stick to the hip sort. He took her hunting in the basin

boys. She learned to spot snakes—water moccasins and

of a Louisiana bayou, and poor shot as she was, she winged

coral alike—spit on a scraped knee, and climb trees. She cut

a green crested mallard. He rowed to the gaggling bird,

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swimming circles, black-marble eyed. "Finish him,"

gourmet Creole variety), and a good portion of the cleaning.

Gramps said, "or we'll have to break his neck." She

Mom read stories of adventure aloud at the table, and hoisted

was tough girl, but didn't have much use for shotguns

me into trees. And this is not to say that my father was effeminate,

after that. This is how the story goes, anyhow.

or my mother was boyish. Pops still brought home the bacon, shot hoops in the backyard, and took me fishing. Mom still wore

I imagine my mother as the fist-fighting sort of girl,

heals, collected pretty patterned plates for church-lady parties.

the kind who'd knock your tooth out if you mentioned

It is to say, though, that my parents each lived into their unique

how pretty she looked in her Easter dress. I imagine her,

roles. They were comfortable outside of traditional definitions, or

queen of the treetop, swaying in the pecan tree's upper

in them, whatever the case happened to be.

crown. I see her pitching rocks through tire swings, maybe trying a plug of molasses-flavored tobacco because the boys were chawing it. I don't suppose this is the whole truth. I suppose she was a lover of dolls, and flowers, and tea parties. I know she loved Dorothy and Black Beauty. She wanted ruby slippers and an oiled saddle. Maybe she enjoyed playing dress up with her grandmother's old jewelry.

My mother grew into more feminine whiles—so my

I'm thankful for my mother, a woman who knew her way around boy things. I'm thankful for one who didn't mind imagining ice planets and pretending to be the princess of the rebellion while I wielded stick lightsabers.

father says, glint in his eyes. She learned miniskirts, halter tops, the ways a singer can charm men with a few shakes of the hip. She learned the sensibilities of

Mom taught me good truth - mother is not a word that comes

1970s southern womanhood, too. She learned how

with a standard definition. Mothers come in all shapes and sizes.

to deep fry, make a man's gin and tonic, perhaps

There are crochet moms, and tea party moms. There are moms

even crochet. There was college, marriage, the losing

who love Anne of Green Gables, and those who love Star Wars.

oneself that comes with raising a couple of rugrats.

There are tom-moms and girly-girl moms. Some moms bring

She sang soprano in church choirs—still does—and

home the bacon, and others stay home and decoupage coasters

joined the Junior League for a spit. She loves to

with twin babies cooing on their hips. Some are traditionally

shop. No one can sniff out a deal on a blouse like my

traditional; others are not. And as an aside that's no small aside,

mother. She's a by-God bloodhound for a sale rack.

traditional isn't a word that necessitates celebration; mother is.

My mother grew from tomboy to womanhood,

I'm thankful for my mother, a woman who knew her way around

but she kept the true grit under the fingernail polish. When

boy things. I'm thankful for one who didn't mind imagining ice

I was a boy, she'd rather walk me down the creosote stained

planets and pretending to be the princess of the rebellion

railroad trellises of Black Bayou—her old stomping grounds—

while I wielded stick lightsabers. I'm glad my mother wasn't

than search for deals in the waxed halls of any shopping mall.

traditional in the traditional sense of the word. She taught

She'd look over the muddy waters, ask me to imagine the days

me to look for a woman who is much the same.

dinosaurs swam in the prehistoric waters. She'd conjure space aliens if I tired of dinosaurs. She was good for the imagination

Mother - this is the word of the day. A word that is best

of a little boys. I'm grateful for this.

when unsaddled from stereotypes, when unhitched from expectations. It's the word that brings life, that nurses this

I wasn't raised to believe certain things about cooking,

world along, and along, and along.

cleaning, or who's to take the proverbial family bull by the proverbial horns. Pops did most of the cooking (of the

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garden

May in the Garden THE DIRT

It’s time to get growing! If you haven't already started your plants from seed, check out your local Farmers Coop for healthy transplants. Remember choose vegetables your family enjoys along with one or two new ones to try.

TIPS: Watch plants carefully for any signs of insect damage (holes, stripped stems, or notches) so you can take early action to combat pests. Consider planting a cover row to create a barrier from veggieloving rabbits (I always plant marigolds).

Also, watch your soil temperature and be careful not to under or overwater.

YOU CAN PLANT: Beans (pole & snap) Radishes Cantaloupe Collards Corn Cucumbers DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Melons Okra Pumpkins Squash Watermelon Sunflowers

Swiss Chard Eggplant Peppers Tomatoes Sweet Potatoes

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taste

Rustic Fruit Tart words and Images Catherine Frederick, Adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction

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T

This delicious tart is easy as pie to make, well, much easier than pie actually, which is one of the reasons I love it so.

Don’t get me wrong; I really enjoy making pies with light and flaky crusts and creative designs on top. But that takes time, and I seem to be in short supply lately. But, being short on time doesn’t diminish my craving for a fresh-baked dessert heaping with fresh fruit. Now is the perfect time for strawberries, so be sure to go out and pick your own!

Throw in some blueberries and peaches for some added yum, a quick, rustic-style crust and you’re in business. Serve it up with a sweet glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This rustic tart is best when eaten the same day it’s baked, but will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days — but I doubt it lasts that long. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS FILLING

CRUST

GLAZE

2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)

1 ½ cups flour

1 cup powdered sugar

2 fresh peaches (peel, pit, slice)

3 Tablespoons sugar

1 Tablespoon heavy cream, more if needed

¼ - ½ cup fresh blueberries

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 Tablespoons sugar

½ cup cold unsalted butter (chunked)

¼ teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup ice water, more if needed

1 egg for egg wash (beaten)

INGREDIENTS Tip: Pop butter in freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting into chunks

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taste

METHOD FILLING

CRUST

GLAZE

Combine strawberries, blueberries and

Combine sugar, salt, flour in a bowl. Add

Add all ingredients in small bowl.

peaches in a bowl. Add vanilla and

butter. Using your hands, or a pastry cutter,

Stir to combine.

sugar, stir to coat. Move bowl aside to

mix until pea size crumbles form. Add ¼

let flavors blend.

cup ice water, smash mixture with fork until

METHOD combined. If dough is too dry, add more ice

water— up to 2 Tablespoons.

Mix dough with hands until a nice dough ball forms. Flatten dough ball into a

thick circle, wrap in Saran Wrap, place in

refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.

ASSEMBLE & BAKE

ASSEMBLY Preheat oven to 425°F. Place Silpat on baking sheet, or line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Flour the working surface, roll dough out to a 12-inch round. Move dough to baking sheet. Using a slotted spoon, add fruit to the center

of dough, leave a 2 to 3-inch border. Fold edges of dough over fruit — dough can overlap. Seal edges by pressing together lightly. Drizzle leftover juice on top of fruit, reserving about 2-3 Tablespoons.

Brush dough with egg wash and sprinkle crust lightly with sugar. Bake 25-30 minutes or until crust begins to brown. Remove from oven, let cool just a bit, drizzle on glaze and serve warm!

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taste

Pear CoCo & recipe and image Catherine Frederick

-

INGREDIENTS (makes 2)

METHOD

4 oz. Jumex pear nectar 2 oz. coconut vodka 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract Coconut LaCroix Pear slice for garnish (optional)

In a shaker combine pear nectar, vodka, and vanilla. Shake well. Pour mixture over ice, top with coconut LaCroix. Stir gently. Garnish with pear slice. Make it a mocktail by leaving out the vodka.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Always drink responsibly.

Never drink and drive.

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PIE

GIRLS FORK & CRUST PIE COMPANY words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Fork & Crust Pie Company and Catherine Frederick

L

ori Rae sits inside Fork & Crust Pie Company in Rogers,

It wasn't until one of Lori's daughters was a junior in high school

Arkansas, where the pies smell heavenly. Lori's curly

that baking took on a more important role. Her daughter had

blonde hair tumbles free from its elastic band, in trailing

just committed to play soccer at an NCAA Division 1 college, and

tendrils that frame her face. Her eyes are the blue of shimmering

the family was celebrating. Soon after, however, tests uncovered

water. Her long fingers tap the table as she talks. On her left arm,

a medical condition that was serious enough for the college to

just above her inner wrist is a tattoo that reads "Dare Greatly."

rescind its offer. In the weeks and months that followed, the family searched for the right specialist, seeing five doctors before

Lori got the tattoo not long after she and Molly Hennessy, her

they found the answers they were looking for.

partner in pie, decided to open this shop. It was the perfect time to commemorate the two words that seem to be Lori's motto.

"She's my kid who's always calm and in control, but at that time, she was upset and crying. Just remembering that time makes me

By that time, Lori and Molly had been friends for nearly twenty

want to cry," Lori says, and her eyes dampen. "One day, we were

years. They met when they were both stay-at-home moms. They

watching TV—and we didn't watch much TV—and there was a

lived catty-cornered from each other in a neighborhood in the

show about hand-pitting cherries for cherry pies. My daughter and

mountain town of Harrison in north central Arkansas. Married, with

I were interested. It was something to take her mind off what

four children apiece, they spent a lot of time cooking and baking

was going on. And that's really how it started. Pitting cherries and

and a lot of time shuttling the kids to and from dozens of activities.

baking pies really helped us through that time."

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The following year, Lori was looking out her window at Molly's

crumb toppings. Our strawberry rhubarb has a crumb topping.

house, something that happened regularly because of the way

Customers also like traditional, like our coconut or chocolate.

their houses were situated. But this time, an idea began to brew.

One of the most asked about is our pear ginger with cranberries

Lori's roots were in the kitchen. "My great-grandmother," she

that we have at the holidays. I love our buttermilk pie and

says, "lived in Turon, Kansas, and she baked pies for all the

anything with peaches.

49

local cafĂŠs in her little town. And I grew up in Branson, cooking with my grandmother. We never made anything from a box. My

"One of my favorite things is connecting with the customers.

mom always cooked. We were a baking family."

Saturday, a little girl came in and she wanted the raspberry chiffon, and she didn't see it. She was so disappointed. We did

Which made Lori an excellent baker. And Molly was an excellent

have it. It was being sliced when she came in, and you should

baker. Their kids were growing up by then. What if they started

have seen her face when we showed her the pie."

a baking business, Lori wondered. And so she picked up the phone and called Molly to see what she thought.

Thankfully, Molly agreed that it was a grand idea, and their first company, A Little Smitten Pies, was born.

They began by taking their small, freestanding pies (they were packaged without pie tins) to the Farmers Market of the Ozarks in Springfield, Missouri. Their first recipe was hand-pitted cherry, a nod to the pie that helped Lori and her daughter through those trying days. In four months' time, they were so busy, they realized they couldn't keep doing what they'd started out

"But I knew people loved pie, and people loved baking and they're intrigued by it.

We hand roll everything. We make everything, and we set up Fork and Crust so you can see the process, you can watch what we do."

to do. So they switched gears, rented a commercial kitchen in Harrison and started selling wholesale, something that

As Lori is telling this story, a man walks into the shop. He is

continues today. And that was so successful that they decided

rubbing his jaw, and he says, "I just came from the dentist,

to branch out with their shop, Fork & Crust Pie Company, in

so I'm a little numb." Lori laughs, realizing his first stop after

Rogers, which opened to the public in December 2015.

the dentist was to Fork & Crust Pie Company, but that's how delicious this pie is. It's good enough to forget diets or to

"I'm one of those people who gets an idea, and I don't

consider the irony of stopping by for a slice just after a trip to

necessarily think things through." Lori smiles, and you can see

have a tooth filled, and to do it anyway.

how her mind works, gears clipping along all the time. She says, "Sometimes that hurts me, but I just go for it. I know I

"When people tell us our pies are as good as mom's or

drive Molly crazy. I drive my husband crazy. But I knew people

better than mom's or grandma's, that's really something. It's

loved pie, and people loved baking and they're intrigued by

hard to be better than mom's, and we know that, so those

it. We hand roll everything. We make everything, and we set

compliments mean a lot."

up Fork and Crust so you can see the process, you can watch Lori's thoughts turn to her own grandmother, who has passed

what we do."

on. "From the time I was ten," Lori says, "I would sit on a stool Their pies are delightful and decadent and indulgent. Crusts

she had in her kitchen, and I would sit and watch, and we

that are perfectly made, and fillings that are swoon-worthy.

would bake. It's what we did. She'd typed up her recipes over

"Molly is really good at recipes, and I have recipes from my

the years, and my father gave them to me, so I have them all."

grandma, and we're foodies, so we like making things up," Lori says. "Our caramel pecan isn't like any other caramel pecan; it

For Lori, pie represents tradition and family and memories. So

isn't as sweet. There are two things we love: salted caramel and

there is sentiment attached to this career she and Molly have

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people

"When people tell us our pies are as good as mom's or better than mom's or grandma's, that's really something. It's hard to be better than mom's, and we know that, so those compliments mean a lot."

- lori rae

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people

carved out. But there is also a great deal of work. Recently, in two days, 200 pies had been baked and sold.

Each of Lori's and Molly's kids has had a hand in helping create a pie. "My son asked for a butterscotch pecan pie. We had a chocolate oat pie that was really interesting. We'd called it an oatmeal pie, and because of that people were really iffy. So Molly's daughter said we should add chocolate to it, so we did. We put chocolate ganache on the bottom and drizzled it on the top. After that, it became popular."

Fork & Crust Pie Company is expanding into Fayetteville this August. And there are already baking classes going on at the Rogers shop. It's a lot of work, especially rolling all those crusts, but Lori says it's worth it. She's still commuting from Harrison, the drive an hour and a half each way. One of the bright spots, though, is that her youngest daughter is a student at the University of Arkansas, so she's closer to her when she's at work.

But she misses spending time with her husband, who has an optometry practice in Harrison. And she misses her sweet dog.

Sometimes she'll look up, and she'll see her husband's car outside the shop, and he'll have their dog with him. They've come to see her, missing her as much as she misses them.

There is so much to be thankful for. Her husband, her kids, Molly. She smiles again.

Molly and Lori

Not far away, in the kitchen, two of Fork and Crust's employees, Tyler and Sally, work side by side. "Those two are just wonderful," Lori says.

Fork & Crust Pie Company

The sun is bright, and it shines on everything inside Fork &

Village on the Creeks

Crust Pie Company Outside, the wind whips through hedges,

5208 Village Parkway, Suite 11

and whistles through the trees. Lori shuts her eyes for just a

Rogers, Arkansas

moment, and she looks radiant in the light, this woman who

Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm & Saturday 11am - 4pm

dares greatly, this woman who dreams big.

forkandcrust.com

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A 52

community

Art on the Border words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Art on the Border

them off the canvas. We also introduced you to Dell Eddins in September 2014, a fine artist from Goshen. Her paintings of animals won our

Artists need solitude to create. At home, in their studios, outside in

hearts, and we loved hearing

nature, they all struggle to capture what's extraordinary about this

the story of why horses are

world we live in. Once their work is complete, it goes up for sale,

so important to her. Dell also

sometimes in galleries, sometimes online, and more often than

does commission work, so be

not, we never meet the artist behind the work we love so much.

sure to stop by and meet her.

But this month, all that changes. The charity event, Art on the

Other artists include Steve

Border, comes to the Old Frisco Depot in downtown Fort Smith,

Brewster,

Arkansas, on May 28, and is free to attend. And on that day, you'll

whose work is in the private collections of some of Hollywood's

be able to meet the artists who will be selling their work. The show

elite, including Diane Keaton, Jodi Foster, Jack Nicholas, and

benefits The Children's Emergency Shelter, the U.S. Marshals

Denzel Washington. Crea8ive Arts Network will be there, along

Museum, and the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House.

with Jeanne Rorex Bridges, Rebecca Dunn, Martha Efurd, Jeanette

a

glass

artist

Dell Eddins

Foreman, Suzanne King, Jane Hartsfield, Helen Howerton, Ed

Since Art on the Border is part of Fort Smith's Western Heritage

Hunter, Elisa Cossey Brock, Patsy Lane, Patricia Lappin, Peter

Month celebration, you'll find Western and Native American

Lippincott, Maggie Malloy, Julie Mayser, Teresa Riggins Schlabach,

pieces. But that's only the beginning. A wide array of work

Kevin Walker, Bob Wright, and Western Heritage Legacy Gallery.

will be available that ranges from landscapes to contemporary paintings in oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels. There

While you're enjoying all this great work, be on the lookout

will also be wood carvings, fiber art, ceramic tiles and trays,

for Deputy U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, the character from

sculpture and hand-woven baskets.

Fort Smith who came to fame in Charles Portis' Old West book and movie True Grit. Rooster will be at the show, posing for pictures with the crowd, and making sure everybody behaves.

Maggie Malloy, one of Art on the Border's organizers, says Rooster is the spitting image of John Wayne, who played the role in the 1969 film. (The movie was remade in 2010, with Jeff Bridges taking the role.)

So mark your calendars, plan to attend, and support these talented artists who make the world better by bringing so much beauty into it.

Jeanne Rorex Bridges

Art on the Border May 28, 10am-5pm

Do South was happy to introduce you to two of the artists who

Old Frisco Depot

will be showing their work. Sydney Clayton was in our October

100 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas

2014 issue, an emerging artist from Fort Smith. We fell in love

Free Admission

速

with all her paintings, but our favorite was a large painting of buttons, so realistic it seemed as if you could reach out and pluck

Find Art on the Border on Facebook

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54

travel

FOR THE

Thrill OF IT Words and images Catherine Frederick, Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Arkansas is the place for extreme adventures! From motocross riding and off-road ATVing to rock climbing, zip lining and geocaching, we've got you covered! Breathtaking scenery and our state's diverse landscape provide an outlet for your adventurous spirit. Get out and explore Arkansas! You’ll be sharing stories of your trip for years to come.

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travel taste

Zip Lines

Zip line adventures are found in abundance in The Natural State! Check out all the excitement offered by these action-packed attractions. Each has their own special brand of activity for different ages. Contact the individual properties for rules and regulations.

OZARKS Buffalo River Canopy Zip Line Tour – Ponca buffaloriver.com, 800.221.5514 Byrd's Outdoor Adventure Center – Ozark byrdsadventurecenter.com, 479.667.4066 Fort Rock Family Camp & Cabins – Combs fortrock.org, 479.677.3136 Iron Horse Zip Line – Jasper horseshoecanyonduderanch.com, 800.480.9635 Loco Ropes – Mountain View locoropes.com, 888.669.6717 Ozark Mountain Ziplines – Eureka Springs ziplineeurekasprings.com, 479.363.6699 Zippin Griffin – Hardy griffinparkarkansas.com, 870.856.4743 OUACHITAS Adventureworks – Hot Springs adventureworks.com/hotsprings, 501.318.3711 Ouachita Bend Adventures Zip Line – Malvern ouachitabendadventures.com, 501.318.3711

Motocross Riding & ATVs

For thrill seekers who enjoy the high-speed power of motocross riding, tracks like Pine Bluff MX host courses where enthusiasts can unleash their energy. For visitors who prefer BMX action, there are a few BMX motocross complexes for riders to maneuver their bikes across, including Cabot BMX Complex and Bonzai BMX at Burns Park in North Little Rock.

Pine Bluff MX – Pine Bluff pinebluffmx.com, 870.879.5144 Cabot BMX – Cabot cabotparks.com, 501.278.7343 Bonzai BMX – North Little Rock bonzaibmx.8m.com, 501.753.6989

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taste travel

Sky Diving

Learn how to skydive at the "Free Fly Capital of the Midwest," Skydive Ranch! They offer jump static line, jump tandem, and extreme jumping! You'll get a whole new perspective on the gorgeous Arkansas Ozarks as you travel back to terra firma on a memorable journey.

Sky Ranch – Siloam Springs: skyranch.com, 888.456.JUMP

Off-Road

Off-road connoisseurs can find days of muddy fun at Arkansas’ ATV hot spots that include the Ozark National Forest, Mill Creek, Wolf Pen Gap, Moccasin Gap, Fourche Mountain, and Huckleberry Mountain. Superlift Off-Road Vehicle Park is home to an all-in-one course that offers challenges for four-wheel-drive vehicles, buggies, ATVs, and motorcycles.

Superlift Off-Road Vehicle Park – Hot Springs ORVPark.com, 501.625.3600

Rock Climbing & Bouldering Some of the best rock climbing in the nation is found right here in Arkansas. Grab your climbing shoes, chalk bag, and harness and spend a day or a week exploring the vertical world of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges. Sam's Throne and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch are just a few of the destinations for climbers. Bouldering is also big here.

General information: arkansasclimbers.org Ozark Mountains: horseshoecanyon.com and arkansasclimbingservices.com Ouachita Mountains: ouachitarocks.com DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

travel taste

Mountain Biking & Hiking Taking on the challenging terrain of long trails via a mountain bike or hike is always a dependable source of adventure. The International Mountain Bicycling Association has named five trails in the state EPIC routes, including the Womble Trail and Lake Ouachita Vista Trail in the Ouachita Mountains and the Syllamo Trail near Mountain View. Trekkers can also explore the 168-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail or travel the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail to the south. Discover more than twenty routes and free bicycling guides at Arkansas.com. arkansas.com/bicycling/mountain-biking

Canoeing & Kayaking

For water junkies, the Cossatot River forms Cossatot Falls, a rugged and rocky canyon that hosts Class IV and V whitewater rapids for canoeists and kayakers. Wakeboarders can practice their craft on 600,000 acres of lakes located across the state (including 40,100-acre Lake Ouachita). Scuba divers and parasailers can enjoy the view both under and over Arkansas’ watery terrain. arkansas.com/outdoors/water-activities/canoeing-rafting-kayaking

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travel

Other Outdoor Adventures

Adventure racing is another extreme thrill you can find here.

The state has many adventure races throughout the year that showcase the varied terrain through various trekking challenges.

The adrenaline rush of paintball is also an option. The sport combines a blend of strategy, teamwork, and action. The largest paintball range in the state can be found at Paintball Arkansas in Conway. The park offers woods, trails, bridges and nine different playing fields for outdoor laser tag, hillbilly golf, etc.

Paintball Arkansas – Conway: paintballarkansas.com, 501.470.4400 The Natural State is also home to Geocaching, which combines technology with nature to produce an exciting new form of entertainment. Think of it as a modern-day treasure hunt, with caches hidden all over the state by individuals or groups. The location of each geocache is marked with Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates which are shared via the Internet or an app. Each hunt and the terrain around it varies in difficulty. Standard geocaching protocol is to leave something if you take something. Geocaching is an activity kids and families will love because it combines a laid-back hike with problem-solving and navigational skills. Test your geocaching skills in some of The Natural State's scenic and historical settings. Caches can also be found at some Arkansas wineries, in the middle of downtown areas or other public venues. Over 150 special geocaches are located along Arkansas' Great River Road, including a 100-cache power trail. The caches are placed at historic locations in the tencounty region of the Arkansas Delta. Tens of thousands of caches are hidden in Arkansas. So, grab your GPS and discover some of the wonders of The Natural State. But, be warned, the challenge of Arkansas geocaching is addictive!

Official geocachers website: geocaching.com Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: agfc.com

There you have it, friends! Adventure takes on many forms in Arkansas, but no matter the thrill you seek, you’re sure to find it right here in this great state we call home. Start planning your adventures in Arkansas today! Visit Arkansas.com for more ideas and a free planning guide.

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southern fiction

Traffic

T

FICTION Marla Cantrell

he traffic light turns from yellow to red, and Lena hits

She is thinking of her cousin Tinnie, a year older than Lena. She is

the brakes. The old Dodge truck, bronze and white and

thinking about the year Tinnie turned eighteen, when Lena was

rusty in spots, shimmies to a halt. Lena looks around.

seventeen and already wild, reckless. That was seven years ago,

She is driving the back roads to Russellville and then on to

when Tinnie left Arkansas. She stayed in Paris for six full months,

Hot Springs, through misbegotten towns without a Walmart,

or so she said, sending Lena postcards of spiny fish on beds of

without a McDonald's. Up ahead, an ancient sign, made with

ice in outdoor markets, of schoolchildren visiting the Louvre, of

iron letters inside a scrolled frame, reads High Hope Cemetary,

Montmartre where Picasso and Van Gogh and Monet painted.

the word cemetery misspelled by the unschooled craftsman.

The postmarks were always smeared.

Lena twists her hair, dyed blue on the ends, into a messy bun

When Tinnie returned, she sounded like a Fodor's Travel Guide, her

and sticks a ballpoint pen she finds on the dash, through it. She

details precise, her French as bad as ever. When Tinnie returned,

often wonders what it would be like not to notice things like

she held her stomach and wept every time she saw a baby.

that: misspelled words, a perfectly fine house with the wrong color paint, lies that ring false the minute she hears them.

Tinnie lives in Oklahoma now and wears her hair buzzed, and thick glasses that hide her eyes.

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southern fiction

In Russellville, Lena stops at Whatta-Burger and stands in a long

Lena never feels like she's in Hot Springs until she sees the oldest

line waiting to be served. Next to her, a little girl wearing a tutu

part of town. This place was built on the thermal waters that flow

and cowboy boots stands, her hand caught inside her mother's.

beneath the earth, that break the surface of the earth in sweet-

She smiles at Lena, and Lena reaches out and tousles the girl's

smelling springs that seem eternal.

fine, red hair.

She parks near the town's fountain, near the sign showing a On the road again, Lena turns on the radio. In Ecuador, an

young Bill Clinton, who spent much of his youth here. She bets

earthquake claims 272. A twenty-six-foot-long python is captured

he caused trouble. She can see it in his eyes, in that grin that turns

and dies in Malaysia. Protesters line the streets of Cairo.

mostly to smirk on a dime.

She is in the Ouachita National Forest when the radio signal fades

Lena walks down Bathhouse Row, where the righteous and the

away. It is a relief, she realizes. She picks up her cell phone. No

sinners used to show up to sit in the healing waters of the spas

service. Another relief.

along this block. Today, there are only two of the old bathhouses left: The Buckstaff and the Quapaw, and Lena's been to both.

It is that shimmery part of the day, the light regal on the giant pine trees and on the water that rushes beneath the bridge she's

Al Capone made Hot Springs his playground, and she imagines

just crossed. A gray heron, its long neck shaped like the handle

him now: fedora, cigar between his teeth, a pocket square in his

on a pitcher of ice tea, flies beside Lena for a few seconds and

suit coat pocket. During Prohibition, he stayed in Room 442 at

then moves on.

the Arlington, and never stepped foot on the street. There were tunnels and secret passages and accommodations for a man like

When she got up this morning, she hadn't planned to be here.

that. For a gangster who had connections you didn't want to cross.

But then she lost three dollars in the washers down at Bubbles and Chains Laundromat, and her hairdresser Jade canceled her

Traffic is heavy, and a motorcycle inches so close Lena could reach

appointment, and then her mama called, her voice itchy with

out and touch him if she had a mind to. The driver has a raccoon

regret. "I never meant to hurt you," she said. And Lena listened to

that walks from his right shoulder to his left, his paws denting the

her reasoning, listened to the clumsy way she pieced together her

driver's leather jacket. It is tethered to a dog leash that's attached

story. Her mama was telling the truth.

to the driver's belt. The man looks at Lena, winks, and Lena, out of habit mostly, considers the possibility of him, the thrill of finding

If Lena had stayed home, she would have ended up at her mama's.

somebody new who hasn't heard her stories yet, who hasn't had

She would have forgiven her. And Lena wasn't ready for that.

time to form an opinion.

Lena checks into her motel. It's old and moldy and sits on Lake

Lena punches the button at the next traffic light and waits to

Hamilton. The wind picks up as she's carrying her duffel bag from

cross. A thin man walking a pink poodle stands beside Lena, his

the truck to her room. Lena's dress blows up, showing her scrawny

teeth too white when he smiles down at her.

legs, showing the tattoo on her right thigh that says "Love Hurts," showing her scarlet underpants. She hears laughter but refuses to

There is music coming from a tiny park that's tucked into a few spare

look in the direction of the sound. She holds the dress down and

feet of grass between two of the old buildings. Christmas lights are

holds her head up high until she's inside.

strung up in a nearby oak tree, and a jug-eared man wearing overalls stands on a small stage, playing an electric guitar and singing.

The nap lasted longer than she intended, and when she wakes the sun is setting. She opens her window and looks out on the lake. The

His voice is off, and when he sways he does it stiff-legged. When Lena

sun is low on the horizon, and then it is gone. A man and a boy fish

gets closer, she stands still. His guitar case is open, and there're no more

on the dock, their dark hair going blue in the dimming light.

than two dollars inside it. He's singing a Kenny Rogers' song about a heartbreaker named Lucille, the word Lucille coming out Woo-cille.

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southern fiction

Lena pulls out her wallet, finds a twenty she needs for rent and

And Lena would imagine she was a princess in a high tower with

drops it in the case. She says, "My mama's name is Lucille," and

the world at her feet, and she would close her eyes and drift.

the man grins at her and nods.

In the hotel, she picks up her cell phone and calls her mama. But it When the song ends, she shakes his hand. "Thank you a whole

is her daddy who answers. He says, "Are you eating enough fruit?

bunch," the man says. "You like Kenny Rogers?"

Are you putting your feet up when you're tired?" And she knows her mama's told him.

"I do," Lena says.

"Sure, Daddy. I practically live in the produce section of "You like Dolly Parton?"

Telstar Grocery."

"Sure do."

"Well, good," he says. He clears his throat, and then he tells her he's been watching one of those history shows. He tells her the

"She's got pretty hair," the man says and holds his hands out

story of traffic lights, how they were first installed in London in

beside his head, showing the width of Dolly's teased tresses.

1868, and how the first gas-powered wonder exploded, killing the policeman who was operating it.

Later, Lena gets her fortune from a Zoltar machine that sits on the sidewalk like a dare. Inside a space about the size of a

"That was 150 years ago, honey," he says. "And now traffic

phone booth, the upper half of Zoltar's body shows. He is a

lights are everywhere, safe as your own front room. Why,

bearded manikin, sitting before a crystal ball. She remembers

there's 12,460 in New York City alone," he says, and she

Zoltar from the movie Big that she watched on her VCR with

can see him standing in the kitchen, phone to ear, the facts

Tinnie so many times the tape snapped in two. She drops in her

coming to him like proof of something.

quarters, waits for her fortune, which is printed on a yellow ticket the size of a Zippo lighter. "The important thing is self-

"What I'm trying to say is that the traffic light got off to a bad

reformation," the fortune says. "There is nothing you can do to

start, but it done a heap of good. That's all I'm saying."

gain complete satisfaction without self-reflection. If you have faults do not fear self-improvement."

Lena hears her mama saying, "Harry, who you got trapped on the telephone?" And when Lena's daddy tells her, Lena's mama

She knows the fortune is a fluke, but somehow it seems as if

comes on the line.

it's not. Lena reads it again, drawing an imaginary line under the word self-reformation. If Lena started reforming now, she

"Oh, Bug," she says, using Lena's oldest nickname. "I've been

might be a better person by the time the baby was born. When

praying and praying you'd call."

she told her mama she was pregnant, she said, "I expected better from you." And Lena said, "That's your problem, Mama,

The traffic is loud on the wide road outside the motel. Lena

expecting anything good from somebody like me."

parts the curtains and looks at all the traffic lights: green and red and yellow. She touches her belly, still flat but not for too

Lena's whole life up until then had been a series of bad decisions

much longer.

and near misses. When she found out she was pregnant, she felt as if her luck had run out. But then she sat on her bed, the

She sits down on the bed and listens to her mama talk, closing

canopied one she'd brought from her childhood room, and she

her eyes, letting the words fall like stars all around her. After a

remembered her mama coming in at night when she was a little

while, Lena's eyes get heavy and she yawns, the day catching

girl, smelling of Ivory soap and Jergens lotion. When Lena had a

up with her. Lena's mama asks if she wants her to go, and Lena

bad dream, her mama would say, every time, "Whatsoever things

says, "No, Mama. Not just yet."

are pure. Whatsoever things are good, think on these things."

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EAT LOCAL

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Eat & Drink Local

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When we buy coffee or tea, we bypass the national chains and go right to our local shops. We buy beef from our local rancher. We get our fresh produce from the store that supports local farmers. And when we go out, we head to local eateries for meals and treats we can't find anywhere else. Take a look at a few of our favorites, and join us as we support local businesses that do so much to make Arkansas a foodie's wonderland.

EAT LOCAL

People who love to eat are - Julia Child

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always the best people.

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SUMMER FUN

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Summer Fun

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Bring on the sun and the fun of summer! We've gathered some of the best ideas for relaxing as the temperatures rise, from creating your own outdoor paradise, to tapping into your creative side, to splish-splashing in the area's newest water park.

Summer fun is here!

SUMMER FUN

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SUMMER FUN

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