Divvy - November 2019

®

DIVVY

NOVEMBER 2019 DoSouthMagazine.com

02

november

Contents 04 08

Pet Adoption:

3 Girls Animal Rescue

12

Health: Joint

Replacement Surgery

14

Shop Local

Publisher’s Letter

{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}

06 07 10

November Events

Get Bookish

Happy Place

{ T R AV E L }

30 No Big Deal 34 Stories

44

The Best Fall Drives

in the Ozarks

{PEOPLE}

{SPECIAL FEATURE}

16 20 26 38

Making the Score

52

Local Guide to Non-Profits

Honky Tonk Man More than Skin Deep That’s So Cheesy

5 Live Events

{FICTION}

48

{ FA I T H }

COVER IMAGE Shutterstock / Elena Veselova

{TASTE}

42

Bourbon Dark Chocolate

Pecan Pie

47

Thanksgiving One-Two Punch

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Letter from Catherine

November 2019

Home The holiday season is upon us and we’ve got delicious recipes, stories to warm your heart, gift ideas, fall color routes, and much more! I’m honored to showcase our Guide to Local Non-Profits in this issue! Please take time to learn about their missions and how you and your family can help. We are blessed with so many deserving non-profits in our community and they could not accomplish their work without the generosity of others.

Holidays are a time to spend with family and friends. But, we have busy lives and often compromise time spent with family, until it’s too late. Perhaps this is why a commercial I recently watched hit a nerve. It featured an older man, seated at the dinner table eating alone, the voices of his children and grandchildren echoing from the voicemail playing in the background, sentiments such as, “Sorry we can’t make it this year, Dad,” and “We miss you, Grandpa.” The same sad scene, intermixed with busy glimpses from his children’s lives, replayed year after year as the man grew older. Until one day, his children received a call that he had passed. They rushed back home with their families in tow, only to find dinner on the table and the Christmas tree adorned with lights, as their dad walked around the corner. Astonished, they stared at him as he said, “How else could I have brought you all together?”

This holiday season let’s make time. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and lose sight of what’s important. It doesn’t matter what food is served, or whose house you go to. It doesn’t matter if they are grumpy or you disagree politically. Be kind. Give grace. Love one another.

Don’t let home be just some walls you once knew. Go home. Be present. Gather with one another. Happy holidays to you and yours, I’ll see you in December!

Catherine Frederick

Owner/Publisher/Editor

catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Amy Adams CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Jade Graves CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alicia Agent, Jennifer Battles, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sarah Phillips-Burger, Sara Putnam, Liesel Schmidt, Jessica Sowards, Stoney Stamper ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com Amy Adams | 479.926.1234 amy@dosouthmagazine.com ©2019 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner. Opinions contained in Do South ® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to 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

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.

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

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calendar

Fan Mail

The Calendar

Send comments and suggestions to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

November 2019

One of our favorite ways to stay up to date on what's happening in our area. Beautifully written and designed. We can't wait to grab the new issue each month.

~A. Johnson

November 11 The Color Purple presented by UAFS Season of Entertainment ArcBest Performing Arts Center Fort Smith, Arkansas

Terrific quality and colorful monthly with lots of good writing, creative photography and information about events for all interests. Advertisers are typically top of the line retail and services. Good way to get the attention and interest of discriminating, educated local area readers.

~ R. Smith

November 2 Fort Smith Invitational Ranch Rodeo Kay Rodgers Park Fort Smith, Arkansas November 16 Annual Vintage Masquerade Ball Temple Live Fort Smith, Arkansas

Contest

2019 Jim Rowland River Valley Run Ben Geren Park Fort Smith, Arkansas

(Deadline is November 15) Go to dosouthmagazine.com, click on our “Contests” button at the top of the page. All who enter will be subscribed to our mailing list. Please see rules and policies on our Contests page!

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP, BAPTIST HEALTH FORT SMITH

Enter to win a $25 gift card from Jennifer’s Gift Shop, Baptist Health – Fort Smith. We’re certain you’ll find the perfect gift for someone you love, or a treat just for yourself!

CODE: BAPTIST

Congrats Congrats to our contest winners from October!

Raw Beauty Salon & Spa: Ron Chrzaszcz

Red Shoe Shindig Night at the Museum Marshals Museum Fort Smith, Arkansas

November 2-3 Fort Smith Holiday Market Kay Rodgers Park Fort Smith, Arkansas

November 15-17 Konsplosion The River Valley Comic Con Fort Smith Convention Center Fort Smith, Arkansas

November 7 David Sedaris Walton Arts Center Fayetteville, Arkansas

November 25 UAFS Campus Lighting Ceremony Campus Green Fort Smith, Arkansas

November 7–16 Miracle on 34th Street Fort Smith Little Theatre Fort Smith, Arkansas

November 28 Mercy Thanksgiving Day Turkey Run 859 Ellis Street Fort Smith, Arkansas

November 9 Denim and Diamonds Fort Smith Riverfront Pavilion Fort Smith, Arkansas

November 29 WWE Holiday Tour Verizon Arena North Little Rock, Arkansas

Hannah House 5k/12k Run Greg Smith Trail Fort Smith, Arkansas

November 30 Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Garrison Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas

Bookish: Sandra Kaundart

Submit your events to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

L ive !

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calendar

Don’t-Miss November Concerts

1

NOVEMBER 2

2

NOVEMBER 2

Fort Smith Symphony Concert 2: The Sounds of Hollywood Attendees will hear awesome film scores

by Hans Zimmer, James Horner, Alan Silvestri, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, and Danny Elfman with video presentations by multimedia artist Amos Cochran.

ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center Fort Smith, Arkansas

TJ’s Guitar & Music Program Gala This annual event raises money for the TJ Guitar & Music program at the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs. Several of the top musicians from throughout the area entertain with various music styles. A silent auction and door prizes are included.

Hardscrabble Country Club Fort Smith, Arkansas

3

4

NOVEMBER 7

Casting Crowns, Hillsong Worship, Elevation Worship USA Tour Casting Crowns, Hillsong Worship, and Elevation Worship join together for their USA Tour! Don’t miss this evening of worship at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas, hosted by Premier Productions.

Simmons Bank Arena North Little Rock, Arkansas

NOVEMBER 16

Martha Redbone A multi award-winning musician, the charismatic songstress is celebrated for her tasty gumbo of folk and mountain blues sounds of her childhood in the Appalachian hills of Kentucky mixed with the eclectic grit of her teenage years in pre-gentrified Brooklyn.

Walton Arts Center Fayetteville, Arkansas

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NOVEMBER 19

Fall 2019 Jazz Band & Jazz Catz Concert The energetic and entertaining Jazz Band delivers top-notch performances by talented student musicians and worldrenowned guest artists. The award-winning Jazz Catz are one of the area’s most outstanding vocal ensembles, having performed with well-known national groups.

ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center Fort Smith, Arkansas

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pets

Fur Babies in Need of a Forever Home.

M

M

F

Jeremiah

Beetle

F

M

Vicki

Caliope

F

Mozart

Monica

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

Get

BOOKISH Recommendations courtesy Bookish

Five must-read book recommendations from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’s only independently owned book store.

The Dutch House

The Other’s Gold

Ask Again, Yes

by Ann Patchett

by Elizabeth Ames

by Mary Beth Keane

Patchett can do no wrong in our eyes.

And somehow she has managed to run a beautiful bookstore in Nashville while writing this dark fairy tale that spans five decades. Danny and Maeve are siblings thrown from their wealth back into the pover ty their parents had seemingly escaped from. This is another gorgeous look into the lives of “regular” people that digs deep into questions of inheritance, forgiveness, love, and how we see ourselves.

In this debut, we have a tale as old as time. Four college friends from varying backgrounds forge a bond that spans into adulthood. What Ames does so well is show us the complexities of female friendship.

When the decisions we make influence our adult lives and those around us. You will be thinking about the relationships you – the reader – have made with Lainey, Ji Sun, Alice, and Margaret for hours, or days, after you read the last page.

Keane masterfully captures the delicate relationships that make up our lives in this debut novel about neighboring families and the crisis that tears some of them apar t while bringing some of them closer.

What is forgiveness?

What is friendship?

And most interesting is the connection between parent and child as they delve into how that relationship changes in the face of tragedy and as the child comes into her own.

The World That We Knew

by Alice Hoffman Hoffman uses magical realism and fairy tale structure to highlight the intricacy of humanity’s darkest hour. A Jewish mother works to save her twelve-year-old daughter, Lea, from the Nazi regime through Jewish mysticism. The daughter of a rabbi creates a golem who is sworn to protect Lea. The pair travels all over France waiting for the moment each girl can become who she is destined to be.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

A Better Man

by Louise Penny Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is back on the job as head of homicide. As flood waters rise, a father approaches Gamache in desperate need of help finding his daughter. Gamache’s empathy takes charge and mistakes are made. With each mystery, Penny sends her readers into darker, more complex places. Gamache is certainly flawed, but readers are able to relate to his motivations, especially when it comes to our children.

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health

JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERIES ON THE RISE FOR BABY BOOMERS

surgeon. At Baptist Health, a team of experienced and skilled surgeons, specially trained nurses and therapists provide a cohesive treatment plan to simplify joint replacement surgery.

“Our program takes a ‘concierge’ approach to total joint replacement surgery,” said Natalie Bohannan, Orthopedic & Spine Center Care Coordinator. “From pre-surgery

WORds and images courtesy Alicia Agent, Director Marketing Communications Baptist Health – Fort Smith

education classes to making sure the patient has what they need to make their home safe for when they’re discharged, everything we do is personalized for each patient and gets

The number of joint replacement surgeries performed in

them one step closer to a successful outcome.”

the United States is on the rise as baby boomers choose to stay active and the next generation continues to work

Natalie says she takes pride in her role in each patient’s

later in life. More than one million total joint arthroplasty

success, much like the rest of the nurses and therapists who

surgeries, or joint replacement surgeries, are performed

work in the Baptist Health Orthopedic and Spine Center.

each year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.

One of the things that makes Natalie proudest is that the center’s complication and infection rates are well below the

In our area, total hip or total knee replacement surgeries

national average, which Dr. Heim says is due to investments

are performed at Baptist Health Orthopedic and Spine

in technology and a commitment to patient safety.

Center inside Baptist Health-Fort Smith each month, giving residents of the River Valley access to quality orthopedic

“Our operating room suites are state-of-the-art with laminar

care closer to home.

airflow ventilation and during procedures our team wears surgical helmets and body exhaust suits to reduce chances

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most

of surgical site infections,” Dr. Heim said. “These are just

common causes of chronic joint pain, according to

a few of the ways we improve quality and patient safety.”

Stephen Heim, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health. Injuries from sports or a trauma, and obesity can

In addition to performing traditional orthopedic procedures,

also cause pain for patients as they age.

Baptist Health-Fort Smith orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques, which often allow for smaller incisions

According to Dr. Heim, joint replacement patients usually

and minimal disruption to surrounding tissue.

reach a point in their lives where hip, knee or back pain reduces their quality of life. They may miss out on grandkids’

For patients, this means less pain and scarring, more

football games and everyday activities and hobbies such as

flexibility and mobility immediately following surgery, and

walking, shopping, housework or golf. Measures like diet,

a smoother, faster recovery.

exercise and medications no longer provide pain relief.

Outside of the operating room, Baptist Health Orthopedic “There’s not a certain age to get a joint replaced; when

and Spine Center features a spacious nine-bed unit

your pain has reached a point that conservative treatment

with private rooms and bathrooms dedicated to joint

options aren’t working and you are not able to live a

replacement and spine surgery patients.

fulfilled life, then it’s time to consider joint replacement Natalie works with each patient to identify a friend or

surgery,” Dr. Heim said.

loved one to be a “coach” during the process. Patients Dr. Heim says that conversation often begins with your

can also lean on each other for emotional support and

primary care physician, who can refer you to an orthopedic

motivation during group therapy sessions.

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health

“The advantage of group therapy is that it makes it more

Straight Leg Raise: Lie on your back with unaffected knee

social, patients find themselves wanting to encourage

bent and foot flat, tighten quad on affected leg and lift

other people, root for them or even compete with them,”

leg 6-12 inches from surface. Keep knee straight and toes

Natalie said. “You’ll be recovering alongside others who

pointed toward your head. Perform 2 sets of 5.

are going through the same thing and want the best Hip Abduction/Adduction: Lie on your back with toes

possible outcome, just like you.”

pointed to ceiling and knees straight. Tighten quad Walking begins the day of surgery, and group therapy

muscles and slide leg out to side and back to starting

begins the next morning with Baptist Health’s physical

position. Perform 10 times.

therapy team. Patients are encouraged to get out of bed, walk, and use the restroom after surgery to increase

Knee Extension: Sit with back against chair and thighs fully

mobility in the joint.

supported. Lift foot up, straightening knee. DO NOT raise thigh off chair. Hold for a 5 count. Perform 2 sets of 5.

“Walking is among the best forms of physical therapy,” Natalie said. “Once the anesthesia has worn off and if a patient feels ready, we help them take a few steps. In most

Stephen Heim

Natalie Bohannan

cases, patients are walking down the hall, with assistance, just hours after surgery.”

One of the most difficult transitions for a joint replacement patient is learning how to get into a car again after surgery.

To help the process, the physical therapy staff uses an actual model car that can be raised and lowered to match the height of the patient’s vehicle. Natalie says most patients stay one to two nights in the hospital and follow up with physical therapy either in a clinic or in their homes.

5 EXERCISES TO HELP RELIEVE KNEE OR HIP JOINT PAIN Natalie Bohannan, Orthopedic & Spine Center Care Coordinator, suggests the following workouts to relieve your joint pain at home.

If you’re interested in learning more about total joint

Quad Sets: Lie on your back, press back of knees into bed

replacement surgery, attend one of the Baptist Health

or mat by tightening muscles on the front of the thigh

Orthopedic and Spine Center’s joint replacement seminars held

(quadriceps). Hold for a 5 count. DO NOT hold breath.

at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday on the second floor of the Baptist

Perform 10 times.

Health Medical Plaza on Dodson Avenue. For more information,

Heel Slides: Lie on your back and slide heel up a flat

call 479.441.5095 or visit baptist-health.com.

surface bending knee. After surgery, your therapist may have you use a strap around foot to assist in gaining more knee bend. Perform 10 times.

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shop

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble! words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Elderberry Organic Syrup, Host Defense Mushrooms Myco Shield Immune Support Cinnamon Spray, Source Naturals Wellness Formula Herbal Defense Tablets, Oscillococcinum Homeopathic Medicine, mykind Organics Oil of Oregano Seasonal Drops, Elderberry Gummies for Kids

OLDE FASHIONED FOODS 479.782.6183 / 479.649.8200

Widow Jane Bourbon, Yellow Stone Bourbon Whiskey, Bib & Tucker Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, Calumet Farm Bourbon Whiskey, Wooden and Leather Bound Flasks

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

Seasonal Hand Towels, Dinnerware, and Decor

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP BAPTIST HEALTH-FORT SMITH 479.441.4221

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shop

As you gather with friends and relatives, be sure you shop local! Whether you need the perfect gift, are decorating for the holidays, or need to ensure you and your family stay healthy, we have you covered.

Stop by some of our favorite local shops and be sure and tell them Do South® sent you!

Limited Edition Captain Morgan Gingerbread Spice Rum, Crown Royal Salted Caramel Whiskey, Limited Edition Baileys Pumpkin Spice

Hayley Paige By Hearts On Fire, Behati Say It Your Way Oval Engagement Ring, in Multiple Center Stone Sizes Starting at .33ct and in Platinum or 18kt Rose, Yellow and White Gold

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

DefendEar Digital Hearing Protection by Westone

CENTER FOR HEARING 479.785.3277

Sospiri Sunglasses

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY 479.452.2020

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people

The Presley Family

MAKING THE SCORE WORDs Liesel Schmidt images courtesy the Presley family, Terry Buzbee and Bradley Widding

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people

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“Attitude and effort.” It’s a refreshing change from the

“I’ve learned that being humble yet confident is key, that

oft-espoused mantras of some sports families, with their

failure is one’s best teacher and that you will fail at some

generational expectations of constantly winning, no matter

point. Everyday, you will make mistakes—but it is not the

the cost. Yes, winning is important to being successful in

mistake that defines you, it is how you bounce back from

sports—and in life—but for the Presley family, it all really

them,” she goes on. “Sports have taught me to be a team

comes down to attitude and effort.

player and how to rely on someone else for your victories; and one of the biggest takeaways for me has been that you have

As a family whose days are often tied up with volleyball—be

only a limited time for doing what you love, so make the best

it training, practices, games, or tournaments—the Presleys

of it. Don't settle for anything other than your best and have

understand well the sacrifice it takes to be part of a team. But

fun while doing it.”

for Daryl and Beth and their daughters MaKenzie and Camryn, that sacrifice has been well worth it, as it has brought them all

Remembering to have fun is certainly important, but so,

innumerable blessings that they wouldn’t trade for the world.

too, is the overall mindset and maintaining the resolve to keep on going, no matter what the scoreboard might read.

“Seeing my daughters participate in volleyball has shown me

“Volleyball has taught me how to be mentally strong,” says

that they have both developed great leadership skills, both on

twenty-year-old MaKenzie, who is currently in her junior year

and off the court,” says Beth, who also played volleyball in

at Hendrix and was recognized as tournament MVP at The

her younger years and now cheers her daughters on in their

Battle of the Fort—a rarity for the position of libero (defense).

games. “Our family mantra of ’attitude and effort’ has always

“It’s a game of mentality and having a strong mentality

been our expectation in all that they do and seeing them lead

can pull you out of the hardest situations. As physically

by example is extremely rewarding for us as parents. Volleyball

challenging as it can be, the hardest thing about the sport

teaches you to never give up, no matter what the score. If you

isn’t the skills, it’s mastering the ability to be mentally strong

keep a positive attitude towards your teammates and exert

when the times are tough.”

maximum effort for the point at hand, you can come back from anything.”

Mental strength and determination are characteristics both girls seem to possess in spades, balancing their busy volleyball

There is wisdom in those words, and to listen to both MaKenzie

schedules with their academics and social lives and whatever

and Camryn, it’s clear that they each have gained a greater

else they might have time to fit in. Time management is

understanding of themselves as well as the importance of thinking

obviously key—but so, too, is, of course, that attitude and

beyond

themselves

during

their volleyball careers.

“I really can’t put into words all that sports have taught me

growing

up,”

eighteen-year-old

says

Camryn,

who began playing at the age of eight and has carried that on into high school, where she helped lead the

effort. “I’m still learning how to

“I’ve learned that being humble yet confident is key and that failure is one’s best teacher and that you will fail at some point. Everyday, you will make mistakes—but it is not the mistake that defines you, it is how you bounce back from them."

Greenwood Lady Bulldogs

balance volleyball life and the rest of my life,” admits Camryn.

“Having

helpful

parents

is

the main key to my success.

They’re quick to help me in any situation and never complain about having to leave straight from a Friday night soccer game so that we can drive for hours to a club volleyball tournament early the next morning. I’m very

to becoming state champions her sophomore year. Now

disciplined in my schoolwork and have always prioritized it

looking at entering college, she has made a commitment to

over volleyball, so I’ve never really struggled to keep up in my

playing as part of the team at Hendrix College.

schooling. I’ve learned that if I just stay organized and use a planner, I will be fine!”

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people

Daryl, MaKenzie, and Beth

Beth, MaKenzie, Daryl, and Camryn

“It’s tough to balance athletics and academics,” MaKenzie

Both girls seem to have a great deal of confidence in

says, somewhat conversely to her younger sister. “You must

themselves and in what they want for their lives, a

have a great sense of time management and starting things

determination that could certainly be attributed to their time

early to get things done. Being a student athlete in college

in the sport. They’ve shown themselves to be young women

is way more demanding, and time management is key.”

of great character, as well, displaying attributes that others

Demanding as it might be, however, it’s clear that her ability

can look up to—and ones that their parents can take great

to balance it all is winning—both on and off the court.

pride in. “I think that some of my greatest moments as their mother have come when another player or parent comes up

As they go through life and move past their time on the

to us after a game to say that our girls are fun to watch

team, their lessons learned on the court will serve them each

because they always give their all,” says Beth, the pride

well in their chosen careers—both of which, interestingly

evident in her words. “Nothing hits the floor without them

enough, have nothing to do with pro sports, but are rather

trying to make a play, and that shows a determined effort.”

in the medical field.

There’s that family motto, coming to bear on the court.

“My goals for the future are to earn a position on my

“Recently, a younger player’s parent told us how much

collegiate team, lead the team to a championship title,

they appreciated that our daughters—both Camryn and

graduate college, get accepted into medical school, and

MaKenzie at two different times and two different schools—

become a successful surgeon!” says Camryn decisively. “I

always look out for the younger players and encourage

really don’t see a career for myself in professional volleyball

them to be better and include them as members of the

because I’m eager to pursue my passion for the medical field

team,” Beth continues.

and saving lives.”

That team mentality is one that comes from being focused Her sister shares the vision, her future clearly one on a path

on the end goal, of recognizing the importance that others

that would have her wearing scrubs rather than a volleyball

play in the overall picture. These are young women whose

uniform. “I really don’t have any plans of going into

focus lies in bettering those around them even as they better

professional volleyball,” MaKenzie says without a beat of

themselves. In sports—and in life—that’s a characteristic that

hesitation. “I want to attend medical school and further my

doesn’t just win a few rallies. It’s one that wins the game.

academics in medicine.”

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people

H onk y T onk Man

20

Jimmy Doyle

WORDs Dwain Hebda images Dwain Hebda and courtesy Patsy Brewer

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people

“The bar is open,”

sounds a clear, melodic voice, not

quite a yell, but more than plainspoken, smooth as whiskey

as the wry name of the place implies, if rich folks can have their country clubs, so should the working man.

running out of a glass. “The. Bar. Is. Open.”

And that’s where Jimmy Doyle’s place comes in; a sanctuary The sound emanates from Jimmy Doyle (whose actual last

frozen in time beyond where the dictates of political

name is Brewer but hardly anyone, it seems, uses it). Jimmy’s

correctness and natterings over little vices like cold beer or

looking resplendent in a turquoise shirt, jeans and high-dollar

a few smokes can reach. As the rail-thin cowpoke fronting

cowboy boots, but the thing you notice first is the mane of

the band tonight growls a la Charlie Daniels, “If you don’t

white hair, the shine of which even eighty-plus years and a

like the way I’m livin’, why don’t you leave this long-haired

lifetime in the music and bar business couldn’t dull.

country boy alone.”

Through the chatter and clinking of glasses and the house

The bar is indeed open. Where else in the world would you

band’s pitch-perfect renditions of country gold, the clarion

want to be?

call to the bar lands soft as cigarette smoke curling skyward.

Yes, you can smoke here at Jimmy Doyle’s Country Club at

***

the Galloway exit of North Little Rock, Arkansas. Not only is it OK to drink here, it’s all but mandatory. Not because

Country music is the last surviving oral tradition of American

anyone said so, but because it feels like the right thing to do.

culture, a history primer set to steel guitar. The genre chronicles many facets of the human condition – love,

Some couples are scattered throughout the big space

loss, rage, redemption. You don’t have to be a fan to

around the dance floor, a table of ladies on a night out

appreciate the music at its best, nor do you need a degree

are looking to get loud and neon tints the whole scene. It’s

to understand it. At its heart, it tells the stories we all live

Saturday night and time for honky tonkin’, a unique and

and can relate to.

rapidly disappearing brand of American entertainment. But

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people

Jimmy Doyle Brewer was made for country music like

on horseback later on. He didn’t do it for laughs, to get rich

a mule was made for kicking. Every phase of his remarkable

or be a badass. The Brewers, like a lot of farm families back

life seems pulled from the lines of a George Jones tearjerker

then, were just trying to survive.

or a Buck Owens romp with just enough Johnny Paycheck outlaw charm to stir the pot.

“I was born in ‘36 and we had eighty acres back there, only about twenty was cleared for farming, so it wasn’t a big

Like a lot of the old-timers, Jimmy got into music not because

crop,” he says. “That’s where the moonshine came in.”

he’d planned to, but because he wanted to get the hell out from under his childhood circumstances.

*** The waitresses at Jimmy Doyle’s are schooled in the art of

“We were called farmers and it was true,” he says. “Growing

navigating tables in the dark, spotting beers running low and

up and picking cotton for a living, hoeing. Oh, you had to

doing something about it.

hoe the cotton back then. There wasn’t no such thing as a cotton picker. You picked it all by hand.”

“You need another’n, hon?” they ask. You nod and they whisk away the empty.

Doyle grew up in a place his kinfolk founded – Brewer Bottoms – out on the Grand Prairie. He attended school

When the new one gets there, full and frosty, the Arkansas

locally through the sixth grade then caught a bus for the

River Bottom Band hits an opening note that brings Jimmy

long daily ride to DeWitt, twenty-eight miles away. He’d

to the stage. White fiddle in hand, he works the crowd with

attend both DeWitt and Stuttgart until a high school teacher

some fiddlestick humor that flirts with dirty but doesn’t go

ridiculed him in class for asking a question. He walked out

all the way.

and never looked back.

He touches the bow to the strings and a sound Jimmy’s upbringing was as chaotic as it was lean. Born the

pure and joyful sprays out of the speakers. It’s an

youngest of ten kids in Depression-era Arkansas, hardscrabble

uncharacteristically sparse crowd tonight but those

doesn’t begin to describe it. His parents split up when he

who are here rush the dance floor. He makes George

was still a boy, a situation he describes with a line so lyrical

Jones’ “The Race is On” look effortless, mugging with

you could build a song around it.

the tight band and cutting up between songs.

“My momma left,” he says. “I don’t blame her.”

“I went to the doctor and I said ‘Doc, I have a problem.’ He said, ‘Well, what is your problem,’” Jimmy tells the crowd.

Lillie Mae Watkins moved to Little Rock, but she didn’t

“I said, ‘I have a BM about six o’clock every morning.’ He

exit Jimmy’s life. In fact, she bought him his first guitar, just

said, ‘Well that’s good.’ I said, ‘Noooo; I don’t wake up ‘til

one of the musical gifts he got from her side of the family.

about seven.’”

“My uncle was a fine guitar player and everybody on my

***

mother’s side, was musical,” he says. “My grandpa, he was a fiddle player. My aunt and my uncle, they sang. My mother,

Jimmy learned to perfect his patter and musical chops in

she didn’t play no instruments, she liked to dance too much.

the Navy. He made three far east cruises, one around the

Anyway, that’s handed down to me, you know.”

tip of South America and one to the Arctic Circle and every port they pulled into, he’d find a bar and play his

His father’s contributions to his life were much different

music. While on board ship, he and his group, The

than his mother’s – Jimmy recalls working in the “family

Hayseeds, entertained their fellow swabbies. When he got

business” of moonshining that included making deliveries

out, it was music or moonshine and it didn’t take much to

pulling a red wagon as a boy and outfoxing the revenuers

decide which.

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Patsy and Jimmy

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“Yeah I liked to play and I liked to sing,” he said. “And, I’d

Rock while working and playing local gigs with her singing

got tired of outrunning the revenuers.”

group. At the recommendation of her mother, who’d seen Jimmy do his thing on a morning TV program, Patsy pulled

He made his way to San Jose, California, and started playing

some girlfriends together to go catch the show.

clubs and backing the famous acts that came through. Over time he’d cut a record or two and hosted a local TV

“When you’re in the crowd and you sing, they’re gonna try to

show which earned him some fame. From there he worked

put you on stage whether you want to or not,” Patsy says. “All

Reno and Vegas back when they were still the wild west.

of a sudden, I’m singing up on stage with him. He musta liked

Someone nicknamed him The Arkansas Wildman for his

what he heard because he called me in a week.”

antics onstage and off, a tag he readily admits was apt.

Jimmy had a show coming up in Monroe, Louisiana, and he It would be easy to describe Jimmy’s wife, Patsy, in the

invited Patsy along. She went, and despite a twenty year

words of Waylon Jennings – “a good-hearted woman in love

age difference (the trip to Louisiana happened when she was

with a good timin’ man,” – but that sells her short. Raised

just seventeen, “something you could never do today,” she

in Humnoke, Arkansas, the rural equivalent of the same

says) they’ve been together ever since.

neighborhood, she knew early of the Brewers and the Patsy started singing at age five, in church, then graduated

services they provided.

to small-town celebrations called hootenannies. That led to “My dad was a farmer and [Jimmy’s] dad used to sell my dad

gigs in bars, first accompanied by older relatives and later

whiskey,” she says.

just by an altered ID that got her in the door.

Patsy grew up similarly talented and poor as Jimmy,

“That made me feel big, when I’d see my name on the

leaving home early in life to live on her own in North Little

fliers,” she says. “But the kids, when you get up into your teenage years, can be quite cruel when you sing country music. You get a little backlash from that and I was kind of

Patsy and Jimmy

bashful anyway.”

At that, she flashes a million-dollar smile rivalling the diamond ring on her hand.

“Kinda hard to believe, huh?” *** You get up to stretch your legs and realize how big the club is with a poolroom in the back and a whole second level that doesn’t even get used much anymore. There used to be places like this everywhere in Arkansas, everywhere in the country, in fact; local joints by the interstate that gave musicians passing through a place to play, pay their dues and pay their respects.

On two large bulletin boards, Patsy has archived volumes of photos, posters and various knick-knacks accumulated through the years. There’s a poster for David Allen Coe who

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still plays here, a photo of Travis Tritt and Alan Jackson up on stage and of Toby Keith who sat in for an impromptu session one memorable night. That hardly even scratches the surface of her collection.

Back in the early days, Jimmy opened for or worked with Buck Owens, Wynn Stewart, Merle Haggard and Freddie Hart during his California period. He and Tammy Wynette watched George Jones perform from the wings of stages; while doing standup in Las Vegas, he hung out with Red Foxx.

He says he’s worked with everyone he ever wanted to play with except, ironically, Arkansas native son Glen Campbell. Today, he and Patsy talk about those entertainers like the family friends they are or, as is increasingly the case, remember them for who they were.

Back on stage, Jimmy and Patsy run through a couple of songs then he turns things over to her and heads to the dance floor, toasting friends and hugging the pretty young things who want a photo. Those kinds of human connections they credit for their longevity, thirty years in this spot, but the same wherever they’ve been.

Before you know it, it’s time to get up the road. You wave “It’s the people, I think, is a lot of it,” Patsy says. “We’ve

off the waitress like a blackjack player standing on nineteen

got a lot of regulars and they’re most of the time here every

and make your way to the exit. Jimmy’s there and you

weekend. And then with the Interstate, we get a lot of

thank him for his hospitality. Patsy invites you back anytime,

different people in here that we get to meet and talk to. The

mentioning the great acts they have coming up. You say

people keep you going.

you’ll be back sometime, and you mean it.

“We talk about retiring and everybody is like, oh no you’re

On the wall of the ticket office you see Jimmy Doyle t-shirts

not, you’re not gonna retire. Well, what are y’all gonna do

for sale and you seriously think about buying one, just to

when we’re outta here, you know? But I don’t think we’d

have something, anything, that’s a part of this place, a slice

be happy retired.”

of America that feels to be slipping away all too fast. Outside the semis still roar by with that same lonesome whine and

For Jimmy’s part, the formula is simple – mingle with

you wonder how many dramas have played out on the dance

your clientele and whether you make ‘em laugh with

floor that spilled out here into the parking lot.

a joke or cry with your song, give everyone the But not tonight. It’s peaceful and the weather is fine and the

same memorable experience.

soft nighttime breeze carries the band’s farewell reminder to “I’ll treat that old boy that ain’t got shit, I’ll treat him as

you from back inside.

good as that guy who thinks he’s the hunk of the club, you know?” Jimmy says. “Hell, I must be doin’ something right.

“It’s the honky tonk women,” they sing. “Gimme, gimme,

I ain’t got worms.”

gimme the honky tonk blues.”

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Ann K. Passmore, M.D., F.A.C.S.

More than Skin Deep words Dwain Hebda IMAGEs Beth Revell, Chick Flicks Creative

A woman sits timidly in the tidy, inviting waiting room of the cosmetic surgeon’s office. It took a lot for her to come in here; in fact, ever since the accident, it takes a lot to go anywhere. Most people don’t mean to stare, but they can’t help it.

Heck, she thinks, if I was them, I’d probably stare too.

But today she’s alone in the waiting room and so she indulges herself, bringing her hand to the side of her face. She knows every new curve and contour, so often has she stared, half-disbelieving her own tear-filled eyes at the image in the mirror. She’s a private person, but her face lays her bare – one look and complete strangers know something about her worst day; one glance and she sees pity enter the grocery clerk’s eyes.

Nobody’s perfect, her mother used to tell her when she was small, but this ... this was more than a largerthan-average nose or slightly misaligned cheekbones. This is more than she can bear to carry for the rest of her life. This is why she is here.

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In twenty-two years of cosmetic surgical practice in her hometown of Fort Smith, Ann K. Passmore, M.D., F.A.C.S., has repeatedly induced a phoenix effect in her patients.

People walk in for initial consultation as one person and through Ann’s surgical skill and caring bedside manner, evolve into another. It’s a metamorphosis of which she never tires.

“Although we cannot do scar-less surgery, we as plastic surgeons try to put things back together not only to have a great functional outcome but also to have that aesthetically appealing outcome,” Ann says.

“The end result isn’t necessarily about smoother skin or a curvier figure or a flatter stomach,” Ann says.

“It’s really about the confidence that results from those procedures and how the confidence makes one feel. It’s amazing to see my patients blossom and glow. I mean they just have a radiance.”

“It is very rewarding to see people gain confidence, even after they’ve had to have a medically indicated procedure such as a cancer resection or a trauma. Those are things

she cautions, just because a procedure is elective doesn’t

that they didn’t ask for.”

mean it’s entirely about ego.

Society has come a long way in its acceptance of cosmetic

“People want to stay competitive in the marketplace. They

surgery, in part because it has become so commonplace.

want to look their best,” she says. “They want to maintain

Last year there were nearly eighteen million surgical and

that competitive edge against someone who’s a new college

minimally invasive procedures completed in the U.S.; of

graduate. The person who may be a little bit older wants to

these, two million were plastic surgery and the rest were

look just as good.”

procedures such as Botox and chemical peels. Per statistics

by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the overall total

Not only is cosmetic surgery not always about vanity, it’s

represents an increase of more than 250,000 procedures

also not exclusive to women. Ann says one of the biggest

from the previous year.

trends she’s seen in her practice is the number of men who

are having work done, often for the same reasons as their

Breast augmentation, liposuction, nose reshaping, eyelid

female counterparts.

surgery and tummy tuck procedures, respectively, were

the top five most-performed surgeries. What those figures

“Male patients want to look younger, want to stay

don’t tell you are the number of procedures done to help

competitive in the job market,” Ann says. “Some fellas

restore a patient after an auto accident or other trauma or

want to maintain looking youthful for their spouse or they

the ravages of disease such as breast cancer. These are the

may be on the dating scene and they want to maintain that

cases that fly in the face of stereotypes about who gets

through middle age.

cosmetic work done and why.

“I think men in the workplace also realize that it’s not

“The end result isn’t necessarily about smoother skin or

necessarily all female driven for cosmetic surgery. Men can

a curvier figure or a flatter stomach,” Ann says. “It’s really

have it too and it doesn’t mean that they’re effeminate or

about the confidence that results from those procedures and

anything like that. It just maintains that self-confidence,

how the confidence makes one feel. It’s amazing to see my

that competitive edge.”

patients blossom and glow. I mean they just have a radiance.”

From the time she decided on a career in medicine, Ann

One doesn’t need to have suffered a disfiguring event or

knew she wanted to go into a surgical specialty. Even

disease to share in this new self-confidence, Ann says. And,

though it was unusual to see a woman in the practice, she

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saw it as the perfect marriage between her medical skills and her natural artistic talent, which she indulges on her own time with painting and sketching.

“Plastic surgery has its Greek derivation from the word plastikos which means to shape or to mold,” she says. “It is an art, it’s dynamic, living art and you have to be able to formulate a three-dimensional picture of reconstructing that wound or defect or maintaining the volume and potentially replacing volume in an area.”

There’s also a counseling side of sorts to what she does.

Plastic surgery may change appearance, but it doesn’t change the underlying person. She makes sure that patients understand this and that they are getting procedures for the right reasons and with the right expectations.

“I feel like my patients come to me because of my experience, my expertise and my board certification,” she says. “They also rely on me to tell them, ‘Yes this is a reasonable expectation to have from a procedure.’

Or, they also rely on me to say, ‘Hey, let’s step back just a minute. This might be a better option as opposed to something that’s grandiose.’

“Sometimes patients will come in and have a photograph and say, ‘You know, I would like to have more of an abdomen like that.’ Well sometimes that can be accomplished with

plastic surgery and sometimes it’s not possible. I try to

“It is one of the most gratifying things for people to allow

let them know what can be achieved because I think that

me to take care of them or to take care of their family

is important and in no way do I want my patient to wear

member even whether I’ve just met them or if they have

rose-colored glasses, so to speak, and have an expectation

been a longtime family friend or someone that my mom

that’s not possible.”

used to know. It’s definitely a feel-good profession for me

all the way around.”

Ann says practicing in her hometown lends a certain responsibility to her work, but also makes the end result that much more meaningful.

“It’s very rewarding for me to have someone in my office that I grew up with or that was a teacher for me or that was a friend’s parent,” she says. “It shows the patient has confidence to come to me and listen to my knowledge, my experiences.

Passmore Plastic Surgery Ann K. Passmore, M.D., F.A.C.S., Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Board Certified 2717 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.573.3799 passmoreplasticsurgery.com

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N O

B I G

D E A L words Stoney Stamper IMAGEs April Stamper

Stoney and Gracee

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M

My six-year-old daughter, Gracee, spills stuff. Lots of stuff.

was nothing. Something that can be wiped up with a rag.

If she’s drinking something, there’s a very high likelihood

Nothing more than a quick thirty seconds out of someone’s

that all, or part of it, will get spilled on something before

day. Although, to be completely honest, after hip surgeries,

she is done. I can’t give exact percentages, but I am betting

knee surgeries, back surgeries, arm surgeries and dozens of

they’re high. I can’t count how many times I have walked

other medical procedures in the last two years, I will admit

barefoot through the house only to step in something sticky

that it is usually not me wiping that mess up off the floor.

or wet. “Gracee! Did you spill your drink in the floor?”

Because Daddy doesn’t bend quite like he used to. But it will

Generally, there is a bit of a pause, then she’ll walk in the

be cleaned up, and our day will be no worse because of it.

room with a sheepish look on her face, and timidly say, “Yes

Don’t cry over spilled milk. Simple concept, but harder than

sir.” Sometimes, she’ll say something like, “I tried to clean it

it sounds sometimes.

up, but I guess I didn’t get it all.” It’s a constant chore for her mother and I, and her sisters too, to get Gracee to start

One of my coworkers many years ago said something to

cleaning up her own messes. It’s certainly been a process,

someone, and I think of it often. He told them, “You need

and not a short one, but as she has gotten older, she has

to learn what a big deal is.” Things happen in our day to day

gotten better. I wouldn’t say she’s terribly good at it yet,

lives that seem like a big deal. But when we take a step back

but she’s improving.

and look at the overall picture, they are actually not big at all. Sometimes, the things that cause us the most worry and

Once upon a time, this sort of thing might have made me mad,

anxiety are little things that begin to add up. They aren’t one

or at least very irritated. I haven’t generally had a reputation

big thing. They are small things that pile up on one another

in our family of being terribly tolerant. Things tend to get on

and begin to feel suffocating. Car trouble, something that

my nerves. Someone coming into a clean kitchen, making

upset us at work, a minor disagreement. My friend’s words

a sandwich and leaving everything out on the counter…

have stuck with me for years.

cabinet doors left open...jelly on the countertops. I admit, I am still not a big fan, but before, I may have overreacted.

I may have had a little temper tantrum. And I am sure I still have my moments. But I have had an awakening. It hasn’t been easy. But it’s a lesson I needed in my life. As the saying goes, “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” Or Kool-aid, or water, or cereal, or any other number of things that Gracee has managed to spill in her short lifetime.

I never had a true understanding of that concept before November 8, 2017. I really like a clean house, a clean

I think many of us have the tendency to take something small and ultimately insignificant and turn it into a major ordeal. All this does is cause more strife and stress and worry in our lives.

truck, a clean office. And something as minor as someone moving something out of its place could send me into a mini

I think many of us have the tendency to take something small

tirade about my “things.” But on that cold, drizzling day in

and ultimately insignificant and turn it into a major ordeal.

November, and in the months that followed, the important

All this does is cause more strife and stress and worry in our

things were shown to me very clearly, and the unimportant

lives. And you know what worry helps us with? Absolutely

things were, too. A small cup of juice being spilled on the

nothing. The scripture says in Philippians, “Do not worry

floor was a pretty minor problem compared to the physical

about anything; instead, pray about everything.” Sometimes,

disabilities caused by the November wreck, the financial

scriptures can be wordy and difficult to understand. But

strains of me not being able to work, and the terrible

that’s about as simple to understand as anything I can think

emotional strain that my injuries and multiple surgeries

of. Now, actually using it in your daily life, that’s a little

put on my beautiful wife and our three daughters. Those

more difficult. Praying is the easy part. But casting away

were real problems. Spilled juice, milk, or whatever it was,

your worries when you have medical issues, family issues,

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financial struggles or any number of other things, that’s a

Another day, we had our yard mowed and they did a great

tough task. But it all comes down to one thing. Faith. And

job, as usual. But when they left my wife noticed the back

that’s why it was such a struggle for me for so long to simply

glass on her vehicle had been shattered by a rock from the

cast my worries on the Lord and leave them behind me.

lawnmower. Glass filled the back of her car. I began calling around to auto glass stores and found the cheapest price

Although I certainly believed in God and knew His word, my

would be five hundred dollars to get it fixed. Was I happy

faith was weak. I took more of the burden on myself and gave

about it? Of course not. Was my confidence shaken? Not at

less of it to Him. But no matter how strong I believe I am I am

all. I got the glass fixed, and we moved on. No big deal.

not strong enough to carry that load. I need His help. And I believe that because He knows more than anyone just how

On my fortieth birthday, we were getting ready to go spend

hardheaded I can be, He had to put me into a position where

a night in Oklahoma City with some of my best friends that

I had to lean more on Him, and less on myself. And still, I

I don’t get to see very often. April had arranged a fun filled

fought it like my daughters Abby and Emma fight over the last

night and I was excited. It also happened to be the hottest

Pop-Tart. But when the day finally came, that I surrendered

day of the year. Our house has two central air conditioner

myself, it was as if all the weight in the world had been lifted

units, and they both decided to go out on us that morning.

off me. I felt free. I felt relaxed. I wasn’t clenching my jaw. I

It was sweltering inside of our house, and it was a Saturday,

was just me. For the first time in longer than I can remember, I

and we couldn’t get anyone to come out and work on them.

was this fun, kind, happy person. I had missed him. It was like

The temperature inside the house was ninety degrees and

seeing a friend from high school that I hadn’t seen in years.

we all felt like we were dying. But I wasn’t going to let

My wife, April, could see it, my girls could see it, my parents

it ruin my day. I bought as many fans as I could and had

could see it. It felt so good.

them all around the house to keep the girls comfortable. As luck would have it, April’s hairdresser’s husband happened

But the devil is sneaky. He likes to catch you off guard and

to be an HVAC mechanic. He came out and got both units

test your faith. He likes to plant doubt, and he tries to chip

running again. Did we get hot? Yes. Did I let it ruin my day?

away at your confidence. One day, on my drive home from

Absolutely not. No big deal.

work, in a new truck, I had a flat tire. Something that would generally put me in a bad mood for hours. I got out, looked

Where would I be today if I continued to choose to try and

at the tire and chuckled to myself. Not today, Satan. I got

fight all my battles alone? What kind of person would I have

out my wrench and jack, gingerly lowered my broke down

become? Would my marriage have survived it? Would my

body to the ground, and changed my tire. Yes, it took me

relationship with my daughters be as strong and healthy as it

about an hour instead of fifteen minutes, but I did it, and I

is today? I don’t think there’s a chance. Because finally, after

was back on the road. No big deal.

all these years, I finally figured out what a “big deal” was, and that really, most things aren’t a big deal after all.

Stoney Stamper Stoney Stamper is the best-selling author of My First Rodeo: How Three

Daughters, One Wife, and a Herd of Others Are Making Me a Better Dad (WaterBrook) and author of the popular parenting blog The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife, April, have three daughters and live in Oklahoma, where they are heavily involved in agriculture and raise and show a variety of animals.

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Words and image Jessica Sowards

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FOR SOME REASON , November’s articles are the hardest

I finally started the journey of tracking out ancestors’ stories

articles for me to write. Year after year, I find myself staring

late one night when it would have been more responsible to

at the blinking cursor. It’s as if he mocks me with every blink,

do something else. The sink was full of dishes, no doubt. The

telling me that I sound like a broken record who has already

laundry was calling my name, I am sure. It always is. But on

played the same song on repeat.

that particular night, curiosity got the best of me and I began typing in what little information I knew about my parents’

I’ve told the story of the first year I hosted Thanksgiving,

parents’ parents. Away we went, down the winding path of

when my grandfather was hospitalized the day before. I

documents and public records.

found myself with four dollars-worth of food and no family to serve it to. We gathered a hodgepodge smattering of single parents and displaced soldiers and regular patrons of my cousin’s bar. I don’t remember anyone’s name that bellied up to my table that Thanksgiving, but their gratitude has stuck with me for years.

I’ve told the story of my mom accidentally cooking a turkey upside down, unlocking a secret to very moist light meat and a lifetime of teasing. I’ve mentioned before how I take Thanksgiving as a personal challenge to out-do every year before it, cooking from scratch for days and growing as much of the food as I possibly can.

I barely left the kitchen table for two days. I’d get up to make meals and do the necessary chores, but I was quickly pulled back to my post.

There, I tracked my husband’s heritage sixteen generations back to English royalty. My own story was a humbler one, but I found photos of gravesites and church buildings, newspaper clippings and draft papers. I tracked my own forefathers right back to South Carolina where they first settled and their forefathers all the way back to Scotland.

I’ve talked about the family I gained in marrying my husband Miah and how we have traditions of late-night card games

It was amazing to read the skeletal bones of our history.

over leftover pie. I’ve talked about adjusting in grief and how

Mostly I found simple birthdays and burial days. There were

much the holiday changed after his mom died.

general dates of marriages and records of the births of children. Sometimes census records filled in the details of

I remember when I was a kid and my parents would talk

relocations and very rarely I came across a story or a scrap

about the way things were during their childhood. They’d

of extra information, usually compiled by some other family

tell the same stories, over and over, until we kids would

historian that had a public account on the website.

mouth the punchline along with them we knew it so well. I imagined them ancient at the time, but of course, they were

It was fantastic. Amazing. Possibly a little undoing. I found

the average age of parents to young kids, in their thirties or

myself speaking the nearly forgotten names of my six-time

so, just as I am now. They described the world of the 60’s

great grandparents out loud. I’d let them hang in the

and 70’s, becoming particularly reminiscent during holidays

atmosphere and then say them again and wonder how long

as we gathered with those they spent their childhoods with.

it has been since someone said their name and wondered

The age they described might as well have been a million

about their life.

years ago for how irrelevant it felt to me. So naturally, I brushed it aside.

I wish I could know their stories. I wish I could hear these long-gone people tell me about their long-gone childhood,

Recently, I was gifted a membership to an online ancestry

their hopes, their dreams, even their occupation. But alas, it

tracking site. I thought it was a novel gift, but left the link

is long gone, right along with them. My journey into the past

unclicked for weeks in my email inbox. I’m busy, I thought,

made decades of single generations feel like a tiny blip on a

and this can wait.

very long line.

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A few weeks ago, I took an evening stroll in my dad’s

And here we are again, facing another November, another

neighborhood. We moved into that neighborhood in 1994,

holiday season. It’s easy to feel sometimes like we are playing

when I was nine. Now, twenty-five years later, I occasionally

the same record again and again. The cyclical manner of our

find myself walking those same streets, and that dreamy tone

lives can even be a little wearing if one doesn’t keep a firm

of reminiscence comes over me. If my children are with me,

grasp on gratitude.

I might point out a house along the street and say, “That’s where the lunch lady lived. Her name was Gracie and when

So, this year, as I go into the season of giving thanks, I will be

I was much older she gifted me a set of paints she couldn’t

ever grateful for the real food I have the pleasure of growing

use anymore with her arthritis.” What I don’t voice is the

and the family I have to share it with. But perhaps more than

wondering if she’s still alive. I don’t do the math out loud.

ever, I will be paying attention to the stories. Maybe I will

Gracie must have been nearly seventy back then and I don’t

write them down, collect them for someone to find later.

remember her being a picture of health.

Maybe I will tuck them in my pocket to share with you later.

Definitely, I will tell some of the same old stories again. We

Those walks stir a lot of that wistful and sad math to my

will reminisce, and perhaps it’s better that way.

mind. The landscape of the neighborhood has certainly changed in my lifetime. The homes that were once full of

I suppose the best stories bear repeating, and with repeating

young children now house visiting grandchildren, and the

maybe they will bear remembering. Maybe one day, a few

homes that once housed visiting grandchildren, well now

hundred years from now, some descendent of mine will

those homes hold new families altogether.

come across a stack of old magazines and read my repeated stories. Maybe she will say my name out loud and she won’t

I try to tell these stories to my sons. As if, somehow, I could

have to wonder who I was.

impress upon them the world I grew up in and it wouldn’t be lost forever. Of course, in their minds, I am ancient and

At the very least, she’ll know about that time my mother

thirty years ago is practically a million. Nonetheless, I still

cooked the turkey upside down, because that, my friends,

try just like my parents once tried to tell me of the world of

was a story worth repeating.

their childhood.

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

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people

To say that Jessica Keahey loves cheese would be an

That’s So Cheesy

understatement. A card-carrying curd nerd, to listen to her speak about cheese, one might even suspect that closer inspection would reveal her to have a rich Mornay sauce running through her veins, as it is constantly on her mind. Literally. She goes to sleep thinking about cheese and wakes up thinking about cheese. And while some of that might be attributed to the fact that she runs an independent cheese shop,

Jessica Keahey

it’s more a matter of straight-up fromage fixation, a love of cheese in all of its forms and iterations and uses that dates back to her early childhood. And while she could easily have left it simply as a hobby to collect cheeses and perhaps take a casual class or two on making the very thing that makes her heart go pitter patter, she did what a truly passionate person does: She turned it into a business.

“From the store-bought holiday cheese balls of my childhood to the first cheese making experiments in my kitchen as an adult, I’m certain I’ve always loved cheese,” says Jessica, who opened Sweet Freedom Cheese Shop in October 2018. “After a decade in engineering, I was ready to take on a new adventure and the next chapter of my life, but I was at a complete loss for what kind of career was even possible—much less one that would yield any happiness. One day, pondering the things in life that brought me joy, I realized that there were people who actually made careers in the fascinating and tasty world of cheese. And now, seven years later, I’m one of them!”

The passion she feels for it is evident in her voice as she speaks about cheese, and for someone trying to sell a product, that passion is key in creating success. She’s quite the connoisseur, to be sure, but she’s also extremely knowledgeable in all things cheese, having traveled extensively to study cheese and cheese making, both

words Liesel Schmidt IMAGEs courtesy Sweet Freedom Cheese Shop

domestically and abroad. “My first cheese making classes were in Arkansas and then in Belize, and from there, I spent a few summers in Vermont advancing my cheese making knowledge and skills,” thirty-six-year-old Jessica explains.

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people

“When I made the full-time leap into cheese, I bought a cargo

Clearly, the lady knows her stuff, from origins and flavors to

van, turned it into our ‘Cheese Mobile,’ and took a six-week

uses and perfect pairings with wine, food, and even chocolate.

tour of cheese makers and cheese shops across the U.S.,

It’s her happy place, biting into the perfect little ball of soft,

learning about their facilities, techniques, and products. After

creamy burrata or sinking her teeth into an ooey-gooey grilled

that, I shifted focus from cheese making to cheese mongering,

cheese sandwich toasted to golden perfection. “I eat so much

collected a hefty library on the subject, and studied extensively

cheese, with pretty much every meal,” she laughs. “I’d say

on my own as well as attending workshops and conferences,”

my top guilty pleasure has to be putting burrata in a bowl

she goes on. “I learned everything from dairy food safety at

of hot water for about five to ten minutes to soften up—it’s

Penn State to the logistics of opening a cheese shop at The

absolutely incredible, because the warmth affects the flavor of

Cheese School in San Francisco. Prior to opening the shop last

the cheese—and then spreading the softened burrata on toast

year, I put all that training to the test and earned the American

to make kind of an open-face caprese sandwich with black

Cheese Society distinction as a Certified Cheese Professional.”

garlic, a little bit of balsamic, and these killer garlic-marinated tomatoes that we sell at the shop. It makes the best open-face

That’s some serious dedication, but again, Jessica is a woman

sandwich ever.”

dedicated to cheese. To ask which is her favorite, however, the question is met with slight hesitation, as she is hard

The usages she can rattle off for each cheese in her shop are

pressed to narrow it down to a singular form of fromage.

endless, her mind an encyclopedia of everything imaginable, be

Rather, she appreciates many—each for their own distinct

it the molecular structure of the cheeses, the texture, the smell,

characteristics and flavors—though she does have a few that

or the taste. Ask her a question, and she’ll have an answer

top the list when it comes down to it, and she’s a great one

ready, almost seemingly without thought; and while she might

for recommendations. “This time of year, I love to grate a

not actually be the one making the cheese she’s selling, she

healthy heap of Leyden—a Dutch cumin gouda—into chili

still sees immense value in knowing the finer points of cheese.

or melt truffle gouda into pasta. It’s also a wonderful season

“From the coagulation of proteins to the fermentation by

to share a bottle of your favorite red and a hearty slice of

microbes, the processes in cheese making are explainable—and

Ossau-Iraty—a firm, nutty sheep’s milk cheese from France—

controllable—by science,” she says, her engineer-side showing.

or enjoy a glass of bubbly with a gooey show-stopper like

“Temperature, acidity, milk quality and composition, and a host

Harbison, which is a velvety, bark-wrapped cheese from

of other variables directly affect the flavor, aroma, texture, and

Jasper Hill Farms in Vermont.”

appearance of a cheese, so it’s immensely important for cheese

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people

makers to understand how these critical factors come into

she says. “Our most popular sessions are Cheese 101 and

play—and can go awry—and how to control them to create a

Mozzarella Making, but my personal favorites are unique

consistent, quality, and safe product.”

tasting classes with innovative pairings such as tea, honey, or whisky and collaborations with other local culinary innovators

The most cheese-crazed member of her family, Jessica’s

like New Province Brewing, King James Wine, Rockin’ Baker,

passionate career choice may not quite be shared by close

and Markham & Fitz Chocolatiers.”

relatives or her husband of seven years—an engineer whom she met during their time together in college—but she’s

Offering educational classes and explaining the flavors of

certainly been supported as she’s taken this new path in life.

cheeses might be useful in a great many ways; but in the end,

It’s taken a lot of sacrifice, to be sure, but that sacrifice seems

it’s all about actual taste, so Sweet Freedom was created as a

to be something she considers well worth it.

“try before you buy” model to provide customers with focused, one-on-one service from the shop’s knowledgeable cheese

“I used to have other hobbies besides cheese,” she laughs,

mongers and an opportunity to actually taste any of the cheeses

though the words are said without a hint of rancor or remorse.

in the case. Cheeses—and the cured meats that pair perfectly

Rather, they’re said with something bordering on amusement,

with them—are cut to order to ensure that customers get the

a realization of just how much of her world centers around

freshest cut and exactly the quantity they need. And then, of

cheese, now that she’s running the shop. “I loved gardening

course, is their addictive selection of sumptuous and sinful grilled

and spending time with my friends, having a bottle of good

cheese sandwiches. Understandably, they’re a shop favorite.

wine, cooking, watching movies and reading books…but I haven’t had that much time to do it lately, being in our first

As Sweet Freedom looks ahead to its second year, it’s a

year of business. Once things settle down, though, I’d really

success that Jessica can take pride in. She’s made her greatest

like to get back into gardening.”

passion her business and proven that, when it comes to having the freedom to pursue a dream, there’s nothing that

And while a large part of her career lies in selling cheeses she

tastes better.

sources, she’s also an impassioned educator on the matter and has worked that into her business model, as well, offering classes to those who wish to learn the fine art of making the perfect cheese. “Education has always been a key component of the business, so we hold frequent classes on topics ranging

For more information on Sweet Freedom Cheese, visit sweetfreedomcheese.com or call 479.466.6694.

from cheese science and history to hands-on cheese making,” DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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taste

Bourbon Dark Chocolate

Pecan Pie recipe adapted Francine Maroukian Image AnjelikaGr

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taste

Ingredients Serves 8 » 2 large eggs, room temperature » ½ cup butter, browned and cooled » ¼ cup white sugar » 1 cup dark brown sugar » 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour » 1 Tbsp. whole milk » ½ tsp. kosher salt » 3 Tbsp. bourbon » ½ cup light corn syrup » 1 ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract » 2 cups pecans, chopped » 4 oz. dark chocolate, chopped

(more for drizzle)

Method Preheat oven to 400°. In large bowl, beat eggs until they begin to foam. Stir in butter, and brown and white sugar. Whisk to combine, then stir in milk, salt, flour, corn syrup, vanilla and bourbon. Add chopped chocolate and pecans, stir to combine. Pour into prepared crust. Bake 10 minutes, lower oven to 325°, then bake until top is set (about 40-50 minutes). Cool completely. Drizzle with melted chocolate, then slice and serve.

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travel

The Best Fall Drives in the Ozarks WORDS AND IMAGES COURTESY Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Arkansas landscapes are rich with the brilliant hues of fall foliage, meaning scenic drives are a popular activity. Normally, the peak of color occurs around two or three weeks after color changes begin, meaning late October for the Ozarks, late October or early November for central and western Arkansas, and early to mid-November for the southern and eastern sections. It’s all dependent on weather, of course.

BOSTON MOUNTAINS SCENIC LOOP/ U.S. 71 AND I-540 Two very different roads crossing the highest part of the Ozark Mountains combine to make the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop. U.S. 71 rises and falls, twists and turns through the mountain landscape, allowing travelers to intimately experience the rugged terrain. Not far to the west, Interstate 49 passes over the mountain streams, valleys and ridges with several soaring bridges and a tunnel carrying the speeding traffic of a super-highway. Both routes offer impressive mountain vistas.

LENGTH: U.S. 71, 42 miles; I-540, 38 miles.

THINGS TO KNOW: Shopping, lodging and dining are available in Alma at the southern end of the loop and in Fayetteville at the north end. Cabins and camping are available near the loop at Devil's Den State Park, at White Rock Mountain Recreation Area and at Lake Fort Smith State Park.

PIG TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY/ARK. 23 The rugged and forested Boston Mountains region of the Ozark Mountains provides the setting for this route, which often runs through a tunnel of foliage during spring, summer and fall. Spring wildflowers and brilliant autumn foliage make the route especially popular during those seasons. The route crosses the Mulberry River and the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail.

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travel

LENGTH: Ark. 23, 19 miles from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest to its intersection with Ark. 16 at Brashears.

THINGS TO KNOW: Shopping, lodging and dining are available in Ozark near the southern end of the route and in Fayetteville to the northwest. Cabins and camping are available on the byway at Turner Bend and nearby at the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area, which offers dramatic views of the surrounding Ozarks from atop the 2,260-foot peak. Other Ozark National Forest campgrounds in the area are Shores Lake and Redding.

OZARK HIGHLANDS SCENIC BYWAY/ARK. 21 The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway passes through a rugged section of the forested Boston Mountains region of the Ozarks where five important recreational streams begin: the White, a world-class trout stream; the Buffalo, the country’s first national river; the Kings; and the Mulberry rivers; and Big Piney Creek. The byway crosses the 165-mile Ozark Highlands Trail, a hiking and camping trail that travels through the Ozark National Forest to the Buffalo National River.

LENGTH: 35 miles, Ark. 21 north of Clarksville as Ark. 21 crosses the southern boundary of the Ozark National Forest and continues until Ark. 21 exits the forest near the Buffalo National River.

THINGS TO KNOW: Shopping, lodging and dining are available to the south at Clarksville and to the north at Jasper.

Lodging is also available at Ponca and Kingston. Camping is available at the Ozone and Haw Creek Falls recreational areas in the Ozark National Forest.

ARKANSAS SCENIC 7 BYWAY Arkansas’s

first

state-designated

scenic

byway

travels

through four of the state’s varied geographical regions. The route begins on the south end within the West Gulf Coastal Plain near El Dorado. Near Arkadelphia, the route enters the Ouachita Mountains, then reaches Russellville and crosses the more level terrain of the Arkansas River Valley.

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travel

areas within the Ouachita and Ozark national forests and at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' recreation areas on DeGray Lake, Lake Nimrod and Lake Dardanelle on the Arkansas River.

Private resorts, cabins and other lodging, as well as dining options, are also available.

MAGAZINE MOUNTAIN From Havana, the Ark. 309/Mount Magazine Scenic Byway quickly begins its ascent through the forests on the slopes of Mount Magazine, the highest peak in Arkansas at 2,753 feet. Here, you’ll also find Mount Magazine State Park. The byway descends more than 2,300 feet to the town of Paris, passing the picturesque Cove Lake on the way. Further North, the byway travels through rolling pastureland and hayfields, dotted with hardwood shade trees and occasional natural gas wells, until it reaches Webb City.

LENGTH: 45 miles, beginning at Ark. 10 in Havana, the route travels north on Ark. 309 to Ark. 23 at Webb City (state designation). Included are 24.9 miles located within the Ozark National Forest designated by the U.S. Forest Service as the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway.

THINGS TO KNOW: Shopping, lodging and dining are available in Paris on the route and in Ozark near the north end. Camping is available on the route at Mount Magazine State Park (which also has a lodge and cabins), in the Ozark National Forest at the Cove Lake Recreation Area, and at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Aux Arc Park on the Arkansas Leaving the valley, Scenic 7 ascends into the Ozark

River. South of the route, Waveland Park, a U.S. Army Corps

Mountains, famous for fall foliage, and the Ozark National

of Engineers’ recreation area on Blue Mountain Lake, also

Forest, and passes through the mountain town of Jasper on

offers camping.

its way to Harrison.

LENGTH: 290 miles.

THINGS TO KNOW: Shopping, lodging and dining can be found in the byway's major cities: El Dorado, Camden, Arkadelphia, Hot Springs, Russellville, Jasper and Harrison,

To help you plan your fall foliage tour, Arkansas Tourism has a network of color spotters in every region of the state each fall who have volunteered to supply weekly updates which can be found at Arkansas.com.

and in smaller communities along the way. Lodges, cabins and campgrounds are available in the various state parks and camping is also available at U.S. Forest Service recreation

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taste

Thanksgiving One-Two Punch Recipe adapted Valarie Skinner image Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

ingredients makes 20 one-cup servings •

1 gallon apple cider

•

48 ounces ginger ale

•

1 cup orange juice

•

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

•

1 red apple, sliced thin

•

1 Honeycrisp Apple, sliced thin

•

1 navel orange, sliced thin

•

1 cup pomegranate seeds

•

5 cinnamon sticks

•

1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice

•

mint (garnish)

•

pumpkin spice cocktail sugar

(for rimming)

spirit options Add 1-2 shots (1-2 ounces) Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey per glass. Or, decrease ginger ale to 24 oz. & add one bottle of Prosecco or champagne to the mixture.

Omit spirits if mocktail.

method In a two-gallon container, add 2 cups of cider, whisking in pumpkin pie spice until combined. Add all remaining ingredients & stir. Place in refrigerator for 4 hours, serve cold.

Please drink responsibly.

Never drink and drive.

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fiction

Happy Place Fiction Sarah Phillips-Burger image Element5 Digital

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fiction

Hannah pushed one foot, and then the other into the

the swoosh of the dishwasher already on its second load

sand and paused, soaking her tired feet in its warmth.

of the day. The oven timer announced the readiness of

She wiggled her toes and the golden crystals sparkled as

the main attraction, the Thanksgiving turkey, and also the

they fell away, revealing her cherry red toenails. Her sheer,

end of her fantasy. “Finally,” she thought as she opened

white sarong parted as her leg pushed through and she

the oven and stuck the instant-read thermometer into the

made her way farther onto the beach.

thigh of the bird.

The sun perched atop a low cloud just above the horizon,

She had been up since four a.m., preparing for the feast,

taking in the scene it created; fierce pinks, purples and

accomplishing as much as she could before taking a

oranges all spread seamlessly in the sky above her. She

shower and picking up stray tennis shoes and newspapers,

stopped and raised her arms, reaching up as if to touch

cups and toys that seemed to manifest out of nowhere.

the splendor itself, stretching her muscles as far as she

Everyone arrived early, as is the usual custom for their

could, before bringing them back down with a long exhale

family, and it wasn’t until the last guest arrived that she

to allow the tension to melt away. She continued on to

remembered to put her shoes on. How her mother did

her destination, the loose sand beneath her becoming

all of this every year, she couldn’t fathom, and she felt a

tight and wet.

sudden, intense wave of grief that was interrupted when the thermometer beeped its final reading.

Hannah finally reached the lounge chair and when she sat, she felt instant relief in her legs. The sun now touched the

She pulled the turkey out to rest and placed the stuffing

water’s edge, its light melting into the ocean, the glittery

and the broccoli cheese casserole in the oven on the

orange beams rivaling the brightness of the sun itself. Her

bottom shelf to be reheated and the rolls on the top shelf.

skin, thick with sunscreen, salt and sweat, mirrored the

Dexter, their Boston terrier, burst into the kitchen, running

ocean’s twinkle, making her a part of the show.

in place momentarily on the vinyl floor before eventually gaining traction again and setting off towards the living

She reached over and grabbed her drink, a pineapple and

room. He was directly followed by her twin boys, barefoot

coconut concoction, sipping the frozen delight through a

and cowlicked, out of breath from laughing. “Boys!”

pink straw. She did not swallow it right away, preferring

Hannah called after them, but it was too late, they were

instead to enjoy the sweetness, allowing it to melt and

already headed upstairs. She peeked in the living room

quench her thirst. She ran her finger through the cool

where her husband, one of her uncles and her cousin

moisture on the outside of the glass, watching the drops

gathered around her father, watching football. “Ready in

fall like tears of joy, before placing it back on the table.

about ten minutes.”

The last peek of sun winked at her through ocean waves

“Okay, Hannah Banana,” her father winked in reply

before disappearing. She took a long breath, allowing

before throwing his arms up with the others to celebrate

the salty air into the deepest recesses of her lungs before

a touchdown.

closing her eyes and exhaling. Her breaths followed in sync with the waves that flowed around her, rolling in, kissing

She found the three teenagers spread throughout the

the sand by her feet, and then pulling away again.

house in empty corners and sitting alone on the staircase, gazing down at their phones, listening to their headphones or taking selfies. Her aunt, sister and her new sister-in-law

Beep. Beep. Beep.

sat on the back deck enjoying the unusually warm day, Hannah opened her eyes to see the beautiful sunset

gossiping, comparing pictures and updating each other

replaced by her white kitchen floor, the sound of the

on family news while passing around the newest cooing

waves crashing around her, only slightly recognizable in

family member, and she felt a pang of jealousy. At the

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fiction

dining room table, she found her eldest son, a freshly

casserole. The whole routine repeated as the adults

graduated, yet-to-be-employed philosophy major, having

spooned out big helpings and piled their plates high with

a heated debate with her uncle, a retired steelworker,

food that was then covered in gravy. “This taste just like

over, of all things, politics. Hannah thought that was one

Mom’s,” her sister said after trying the stuffing. Hannah

of the topics that should be off limits on holidays like this.

smiled in relief.

“I better get the wine,” she thought, returning with both red and white, and a pitcher of sweet tea to cover all

While she ate, she watched as her family fed their hungry

tastes. The rolls were placed in a basket, the side dishes

bodies, sipped their glasses of wine, shared their funny

on potholders. Whipped butter and cranberry sauce were

stories, and relived their fondest memories. Even the

pulled from the fridge and placed on the table. The candles

teenagers put down their phones and listened to the adults

in the centerpiece were lit. She did a quick recount of the

talk, and the twins shared the last buttered roll, both of

seats, thankful that her husband put the leaf in the table

which she considered to be miracles. Dexter sat vigilant

to hold everyone, minus the kids who had their own table.

beside the highchair, eagerly awaiting scraps dropped, or

She opened the sliding glass door. “Ladies, I think we are

thrown, by the baby.

ready, if you could help me take everything to the table.”

Slices of her aunt’s famous carrot cake and pecan pies Two by two the women carried the savory aromas through

topped with homemade whipped cream were handed out

to the dining room, the scents tickling noses throughout

to eager hands. Eyes looked to the heavens in absolute

her home, the guests answering the call. It was only the

delight with each bite. Hannah’s husband placed his

twins upstairs playing who needed to be told that the feast

hand on hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Everything

was ready and waiting. Everyone took their seats except

is perfect, well done.” She smiled and squeezed back a

Hannah and her husband who asked her if she needed

thank-you.

help bringing in the star of the show. She said she could manage, but he walked with her anyway, his hand placed

In that moment, Hannah realized that she didn’t need to

on the small of her back. Relishing in the comfort it gave

gaze at a perfect sunset to see beauty. Joy shown from

her, she slowed her pace just slightly, holding onto the

her family’s eyes in a way that almost blinded her. She

feeling for a split second longer.

didn’t need the sun’s reflection on the water to feel at peace. The smile reflected back to her by her husband

In the dining room, the giant golden bird was met with

always soothed her down to her very core. She didn’t need

wide ravenous eyes and applause. She placed the turkey

to hear the waves of the ocean to center her soul in this

before her father who sat at the head of the table.

world, either. The love that surrounded her now was a

“Everything looks beautiful,” he said, his eyes wet, and

force stronger than anything else she knew, and it had

she knew then that he was missing her mother, too.

always supported her. It was then that she understood why her mother always hosted Thanksgiving dinners.

“Thanks, Dad,” she said with a kiss on the cheek.

“Everyone,” Hannah began after tapping her spoon on her The kids were served first, so they could take their places

wine glass, “it’s time for our annual tradition, where we

at their designated table. Hannah watched as plates were

go around the table, one by one, and we say what it is we

passed around, requests for extra portions and different

are thankful for. I will go first.” She paused, looking at

parts of the turkey were fulfilled. The baby smiled gleefully

the faces of those around her. “I am so thankful that this

in the highchair, squeezing marshmallows in between her

is my happy place.”

fingers between mouthfuls of her mom’s sweet potato

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GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

®

The River Valley is home to many non-profit organizations doing excellent work and the people in our community place great priority on

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giving back, be it of their time, their service, or their finances.

It is our hope that our Do South ® Guide to Local Non-profits will serve to further each of their missions and allow you, our readers, to discover just how you and your family can get involved and pledge your support to the organizations that are near and dear to your heart.

Antioch is the largest food assistance non-profit serving Western Arkansas helping between 10,000-to-18,000 people monthly.

Our all-volunteer organization annually provides over 1 million pounds of food at our community pantry and outreach missions.

Antioch Mobile Pantries support low-income elderly, disabled individuals and struggling veteran families. Antioch in Schools sends children at our most at-risk schools home with fresh fruits and vegetables to inspire healthy homecooked meals. Special events like Antioch in the Park at Thanksgiving and Antioch After the Flood provide heartfelt support when it’s most needed.

Antiochyouthfamily.org and our Facebook page have further information on how to receive food assistance, make a financial

421 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas habitatfs.org 479.783.2766 By shopping at your local ReStore, you are helping to build homes in your community for your neighbors in need. Habitat

GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

1122 North 11th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas antiochyouthfamily.org 479.459.0669

for Humanity has placed over 100 families in new homes in the River Valley and money spent in our ReStore will help us to continue that mission. These new homes and the families that inhabit them become integral parts of our communities by supplying tax dollars, stabilizing neighborhoods, and giving families a sense of pride. You can also support our affiliate by donating used appliances, building supplies, etc. to the ReStore. Help us to continue helping others!

or food donation and volunteer opportunities.

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GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

318 N. 7th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas bonnevillehouse.com 479.782.7854 The Bonneville House is a non-profit organization located in the historic district of Fort Smith. We have several events annually to raise money to continue our mission of preserving and maintaining this historic home to a special events venue for public use and offer a variety of services and amenities. Bonneville House is an ideal venue for photography, weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, showers, birthdays, anniversaries, memorials and fundraisers. We invite the community to attend our events, join our membership and sign up to volunteer for our community outreach programs. Your involvement will help us achieve our mission of historical preservation.

In 1959 Dr. Roger Bost, a pediatrician in Fort Smith, Arkansas, had a vision for special children. Working with a group of concerned parents, a school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities was created. Today, Bost, Inc. is an outgrowth of Dr. Bost’s dream. Bost, Inc. has become a leader in Arkansas for services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and other related conditions.

From a tiny acorn, 60 years of service. 60 years of support. 60 years of Bost. #iambost #wearebost

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keep it a part of Fort Smith history. We also function as

5812 Remington Circle, Fort Smith, Arkansas bost.org 479.478.5579

GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

5521 Ellsworth Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas TheCALLinArkansas.org 479.353.0767

3015 South 14th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas childrensemergencyshelter.org 479.783.0018

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On November 1, 1997, the Children’s Emergency Shelter The CALL’s mission is to educate, equip and encourage the local

welcomed its first five children into the home. Twenty-two

Christian community to provide a future and hope for children

years later, the CES has provided a safe and stable home to

and youth in foster care. We work with local churches to recruit,

over 4,200 abused and neglected children and young adults

train and support foster and adoptive parents to provide homes

in foster care. While living at the CES each child’s needs

for the over 600 children and youth in foster care in Crawford

for food, clothing, shelter, transportation (to/from doctor

and Sebastian Counties. Currently, our biggest need is to have

appointments, visitations, school, and other activities),

certified trainers available to help train new foster parents. Our

tutoring, life-skills, and social opportunities is provided. In

trainings are held at convenient times and locations, at no cost

addition, they receive the therapy and emotional support

to the family. If you have an associate or bachelor’s degree and

needed in order for them to grow and heal. Without the

would be willing to volunteer nine to twelve hours annually,

support of the community this would not be possible. Please

please contact us.

consider supporting the CES and the needs of our children by making a donation online.

GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

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GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

PO Box 10696, Fort Smith, Arkansas christmashonors.org 479.926.0939 / 479.652.3553 Christmas Honors now has two missions: one is to place wreaths with red bows upon every single gravesite at the Fort Smith U.S. National Cemetery and the second is to assist in the procurement of land west of the Fort Smith U.S. National Cemetery (9.5 acres). In ten years or less we will have run out of space to bury our veterans. We are now working to secure $6,000,000 to guarantee the burial of veterans for the next one hundred years. Merry Christmas to one and all, and please consider helping us with your time, talent, and resources during Christmas Honors so as to pay proper

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respects to the veterans and their families!

310 North F Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas fscrm.org 479.782.1443 Fort Smith Community Rescue Mission is a non-profit, faithbased organization that provides safe shelter, meals, and needed support to help people get back on their feet as quickly as possible. When people come to our door, most are broken and in crisis with no place to call home. Imagine how you would feel if you did not know where you would lay your head tonight nor from where your next meal would come. Multiply those concerns several times over if you had children in tow. Whatever the circumstance, we are here to instill hope and empower lives while offering Christ-like hospitality and care since 1981.

GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

615 North B Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas goodsamaritanfs.com 479.783.0233 Our mission is to improve the health in our region by providing access to compassionate, quality healthcare and we have proudly for over sixteen years. We provide medical and vision care, limited dental care and counseling services for adult patients, and children by appointment (the clinic is closed on Fridays).

Walk-in patients are seen for basic medical care and we offer extended hours every Tuesday until 8pm. Visit us online or call 479.783.0233. As a 501c3 charitable clinic, 100% of our funds stay local. You may not need us, but we are certain you know someone who does. Call us today! #iamgoodsam Are you?

The Guidance Center is the Community Mental Health Center serving the communities of western Arkansas. We provide a wide array of care for children, adolescents and adults. These services are for the treatment of mental, behavioral and substance use disorders. Our staff includes licensed counselors, clinical social workers, psychologists, APRNs and psychiatrists who are educated and specialize in the treatment of mental and substance use disorders. With this multi-disciplinary approach, we are able to care for a multitude of needs.

Our services include outpatient counseling, substance use treatment, psychological testing, medication management, group therapy and a variety of additional programs for children and adolescents, as well as adults and families.

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served the uninsured and underinsured in the River Valley area

Fort Smith, Van Buren, Ozark, Booneville, Paris, Waldron, Mena wacgc.org Main: 479.452.6650 / Warm: 479.452.6655 24 Hour: 1.800.542.1031

GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

2713 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas hhsafetycenter.org 479.783.1002

3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas reynoldscancersupporthouse.org 479.782.6302 / 800.262.9917

The Hamilton House is a child safety center that provides a child-

The Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House’s mission is to

friendly atmosphere in which forensic interviews and medical exams are conducted for alleged victims of physical and/or

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sexual abuse. Non-offending family members receive support, crisis intervention, and referrals for mental health services. Since 2010, our mission has been simple. Listen to small voices. Raise awareness. Eliminate child abuse. We accomplish our mission by providing forensic interviews, medical exams, and advocacy for suspected child abuse victims. We appreciate donations of your time, wish list items or financial support. You can find our wish list on our website. If you are interested in volunteering, please email director@hhsafetycenter.org for details!

provide cost-free, non-medical support programs and services to cancer patients and caregivers, and to provide educational programs to the community in support of early detection of cancer. The House is a haven where patients join others to accomplish a shared goal – survivorship. We are the largest freestanding cancer support facility in the country. Located away from a sterile hospital or clinical setting, the Support House provides individuals a comfortable and inviting place of recovery and hope. Our ability to offer the many programs and services for individuals and families battling all types of cancer relies on generous contributions from donors. Will you please consider giving to our mission?

GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

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GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

PO Box 11133, Fort Smith, Arkansas rivervalleyoca.com contact@rivervalleyOCA.com Ovarian cancer doesn’t discriminate based on age or race, it can happen to any female. There is NO PREVENTATIVE SCREENING TEST! A Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer.

Over 22,500 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year! Knowing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer can help our mothers, daughters, wives and sisters fight this disease early, when treatment is more effective. Early detection and proper treatment are the best defenses against ovarian cancer. We must pay attention to our bodies, know the symptoms, and be our own advocates.

Listen carefully, it whispers!

706 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas thestepsinc.org 479.782.7837 Located on Garrison Avenue in Downtown Fort Smith, STEPS Family Resource Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been helping families reduce domestic violence and abuse since 2009.

STEPS provides services that strengthen families through SafetyTraining, Education, Prevention and Solutions that change lives.

Services available include: Supervised Visitation; Safe Exchange; Mental Health Counseling; Therapeutic Supervised Visitation; Parenting Classes; Co-parenting Classes; Anger Management Classes; family mentoring through STEPS Better Life Program; and community resource referrals through the Restore Hope - 100 Families Initiative. Services are provided on a sliding scale fee basis; parenting classes are free to parents with open DHS cases. STEPS

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appreciates the community’s continued support!

GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

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GUIDE TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS

120 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas unitedwayfortsmith.org 479.782.1311 Change Doesn’t Happen Alone. Your organization or group can help make the holidays special for those individuals and

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families who may be struggling this year. If you are looking for ways to contribute this holiday season, our Holiday Giving Guide will make it easier for you. We hope you will share this guide with your friends and family, encouraging them to get involved. Thank you for your generosity of time and resources to help make our community the most caring place to live and thank you for choosing to GIVE LOCAL. View the guide online at unitedwayfortsmith.org to see where you can help this holiday season.

8811 Young Home Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas Facebook: ARTrueVision 479.755.6513 The Young Homes at Chaffee Crossing provides long term residential care for children in foster care. Our program currently serves large sibling groups, in four beautiful homes on our twenty-acre campus. Since opening in July, 2017 we have served almost one hundred children from thirty families. We have cared for children from nine weeks to eighteen years, some for only a few months and some for over two years. If you are interested in more information regarding opportunities to give, volunteer or work with The Young Homes, please call and speak with our Administrator, Marla Nelson.

#UNselfie What if the whole world came together on one day to give?

On December 3, 2019 – let’s find out! GivingTuesday harnesses the generosity of millions of people around the world to support the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live.

Do South® encourages you to learn more about the missions of our local non-profit organizations and show your support.

Antioch for Youth and Family antiochyouthfamily.org 479.459.0669 www.antiochyouthfamily.org/donate.php Arkansas Valley Habitat for Humanity The ReStore habitatfs.org / 479.783.2766 habitatfs.org The Bonneville House bonnevillehouse.com / 479.782.7854 www.bonnevillehouse.com/supporters/ Bost, Inc. bost.org / 479.478.5579 www.bost.org/get-involved/givingopportunities/donation-options/ The Call 5521 Ellsworth Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas TheCALLinArkansas.org / 479.353.0767 thecallinarkansas.org/give/

Good Samaritan Clinic goodsamaritanfs.com / 479.783.0233 www.goodsamaritanfs.com/copy-of-services The Guidance Center (Western Arkansas Counseling & Guidance Center) wacgc.org / 479.452.6600 wacgc.org Hamilton House Child Safety Center hhsafetycenter.org / 479.783.1002 hhsafetycenter.org/blog/donate/ Reynolds Cancer Support House reynoldscancersupporthouse.org / 479.782.6302 reynoldscancersupporthouse.org/donate/ River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance rivervalleyoca.com rivervalleyoca.com/contribute/ STEPS Family Resources thestepsinc.org / 479.782.7837 www.thestepsinc.org/help-families.html

Children’s Emergency Shelter childrensemergencyshelter.org / 479.783.0018 childrensemergencyshelter.org/donate-to-theces-foundation/

United Way Fort Smith Area unitedwayfortsmith.org / 479.782.1311 unitedwayfortsmith.org/donate/

Christmas Honors christmashonors.org / 479.926.0939 www.christmashonors.org/how-to-help/

Young Children’s Homes Facebook: ARTrueVision / 479.755.6513 mnelson@fwbfm.com

Fort Smith Community Rescue Mission fscrm.org / 479.782.1443 fscrm.org/donate

Read Chair Publishing, LLC 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110 Fort Smith, AR 72903