Six - September 2016

®

SIX

september 2016 DoSouthMagazine.com

CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / OWNER Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Benjamin Bandimere Marla Cantrell Catherine Frederick Betty Pittman John Post Rachel Putman Jessica Sowards April Stamper Stoney Stamper James Steufix GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Mays

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PROOFREADER Charity Chambers PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC

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INSIDE

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ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500

DOWN, SET, HUT!

Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com

We’re ready for some football! You will be too thanks to our Down. Set. Hut! football themed mason jars. They’re sure to be the MVP of your next game-day celebration.

Scott Frederick - 479.459.6672

THE MEMORY OF ICE CREAM Remember when you were a kid and the sound of an ice cream truck sent you running out the door?

Discover how the memory of ice cream and Ryan Burton’s passion changed his life.

MEATLOAF SANDWICH Meatloaf is one of those comfort foods we come back to again and again. We've kicked it up a notch by turning it into a sandwich with thick slices of Texas toast and our favorite toppings!

GO LOCALLING Think you know Downtown Fort Smith? Think again.

Take a look at some of our favorite stops as we went localling, taking time to truly enjoy everything Downtown Fort Smith has to offer.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

Scott@DoSouthMagazine.com

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

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

Single issues are available upon request for $7.

Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

In Memoriam

Corporal Bill Cooper

Sebastian County Sheriff's Office Veteran, US Marine Corps (1949 – 2016)

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

I

letter from the editor

It feels like yesterday when I held the first

Since football is a big part of our life right now

issue of this magazine in my hands and

- GO BUFFALOS! - I decided to tackle a DIY that

marveled at how my dream had become a

would be a big hit at our next tailgating party.

reality. This month, we celebrate an amazing

It's called Down, Set, Hut! and uses mason

six years of storytelling!

jars, a little spray paint, and a few simple steps.

Make it, and I guarantee you’ll be the real MVP

In my family, we’re also mourning celebrating

of your next Game Day gathering.

the start of the last year of elementary school! The chaos that is the end of summer

Jessica Sowards' essay on homeschooling her

and the beginning of a new school year has

five boys will make your heart melt, and Stoney

begun. For two weeks now we’ve struggled

Stamper will have you laughing out loud in his

to regain composure as we adjust to new routines. All-too-early

story about what it's like to live in a house full of girls.

alarm bells attacking my ears. No more staying up to watch the late movie on a weeknight. Lunchbox packing. The after school

Since fall is around the corner, we're featuring a stick-to-your-

but before dinner meal my son must have immediately in order

ribs meatloaf sandwich you and your family will love. We're

to survive for one. more. minute. Crock pot meals at least three

also sharing details on a free, country music concert, coming

times per week as there is some sort of practice to get to. The

to UAFS, and introducing you to two sisters (one’s a UAFS

struggle is real, people!

graduate, and the other is a UAFS student) making a name for themselves in downtown Fort Smith.

Just a few weeks ago, my son and I spent a day in downtown Fort Smith, visiting as if we were tourists. We had such a great

Be sure to check out our Men's Guide at the end of the maga-

time, and he found so much to love. I’m sharing our adventure

zine. It’s filled with great information from local businesses,

with you in a piece I call "Go Localling."

medical establishments, and services that will make your lives a whole lot easier! And ladies, don’t worry, the Women’s Guide

While I was staying close to home, Marla Cantrell headed to

comes out in October!

Paris, Arkansas, for a tour of a great new beer brewery. Then she headed to Fayetteville where she sampled ice cream so

Finally, we're sharing some of the nice things you, our readers,

good she's planning a trip back for more.

have said to us via email, letters and cards. I want you to know how much we adore hearing from you, and we're so glad Do

Marla also spent some time with Debbie Foliart at Chapters on

South is making such a positive impact on your lives. When I

Main in Van Buren. Debbie tells us why she took the leap to

started this magazine six years ago, my goal was to do just that.

open a book/coffee shop with her husband and grandson, and

I'm thankful every day that my dream has come true!

why this family venture is so dear to her heart.

~Catherine

Follow Do South® Magazine

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

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& Catherine Frederick

UPCLOSE&PERSONAL

UP CLOSE PERSONAL

ABOUT DO SOUTH MAGAZINE

Owner and Editor-in-Chief

Do South Magazine celebrates six years of extraordinary storytelling this month!

Do South Magazine

We are blessed by all of our amazing advertisers who support us and our tens of thousands of readers. There’s no place like Arkansas, and there’s no one better to tell

7030 Taylor Avenue, Ste. 5 Fort Smith, AR 72913

the stories of this great state than Do South Magazine. We love documenting what

dosouthmagazine.com

food that we love, to the artists and craftspeople who find inspiration here. We will

479.782.1500

life is like in this part of the South, from the off-the-beaten-path destinations to the

continue our mission: to showcase what’s best about our state, its people, and the natural beauty that humbles us every time the seasons change.

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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL FAVORITE QUOTE

IF I COULD LEARN SOMETHING NEW, IT WOULD BE

I FEEL DRESSED UP

“The love of family is life’s greatest gift.”

to speak Italian and play the guitar.

anytime I am not wearing yoga pants!

3 THINGS I COULDN’T MAKE IT THROUGH THE DAY WITHOUT

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING IN MY FRIDGE IS

MY WORST HABIT IS

wasabi paste - it’s a must-have for my homemade sushi!

thinking I’ve misplaced my phone every five minutes.

MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT

IF I COULD CHOOSE ANY ACTRESS TO PLAY MY LIFE, IT WOULD BE

MAC, iPhone, Coffee

I can't make it through the day without my Mac computer.

I’ve spent my entire career working in marketing/communications, from a PR firm to communications director, to advertising agencies, to owning my own agency!

Keira Knightley.

MY FIRST JOB WAS

working a snow cone stand.

I WAS BORN IN

Little Rock, Arkansas.

IF I COULD GO BACK AND GIVE MY TEENAGE SELF ADVICE, IT WOULD BE TO

I'M INSPIRED BY

listen to my parents and not be in such a rush.

Take time to travel and try new things.

my son who dreams big dreams and his dedication to achieving them.

THE BEST THING ABOUT MY JOB IS

meeting new people and playing a small part in sharing their amazing stories with thousands of people across Arkansas and the U.S.

WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE IN THE CITY, IN THE MOUNTAINS, OR ON THE BEACH?

The beach!

If calories didn't count, I'd eat Krispy Kreme doughnuts every day.

IF I COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, IT WOULD BE

the ability to time travel.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT ARKANSAS IS

the changing seasons and the beauty of our great state!

My favorite holiday is Christmas.

THE LAST TIME I DID SOMETHING THAT SCARED ME WAS

when I resigned from my job and started my advertising agency, and then only a few years later, took the leap to start Do South Magazine.

I SOMETIMES DAYDREAM ABOUT

owning a seaside bar, bartending, meeting new people and renting out hammocks!

MY FIRST CAR WAS

IF I COULD BE ANY ANIMAL FOR A DAY I WOULD BE

MY FAVORITE TV SHOWS ARE

my dog Jack Brewster, he’s a spoiled rotten mess!

Walking Dead, The Bachelor & Bachelorette, and Nashville.

CURRENTLY, MY FAVORITE SONG IS

"Let it Go" by James Bay. MY FAVORITE STATE PARK IS

Petit Jean.

a cherry red Chevrolet Cavalier.

THE STRANGEST PLACE I EVER CALLED THE HOGS WAS

on the beach with complete strangers!

THE WORST TROUBLE I WAS EVER IN AS A KID WAS

when I wouldn’t let my cousin play with my McDonald’s Happy Meal container (which happened to be a spaceship), after being warned multiple times. Mom found a switch from the yard and attempted a spanking - thank goodness that switch was rotten.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

IF I COULD TAKE A YEAR OFF FROM MY JOB

I'd spend every moment with my family.

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poetry

Night Mendings LINEs Betty Pittman

Frogs mend with rhythmic song a night broken by thunder storms like you mend my sleep, ripped apart by harsh nightmares, with the familiar pattern of your snores.

The predictable in-out rasp of air from the pillow beside me stitches together the torn darkness and sleep settles warm against my skin.

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calendar

SEPTEMBER

Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com

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The Unexpected Fort Smith 646downtown.com World-class artists are coming to downtown Fort Smith to paint murals on select buildings. You can watch these works of art come to life, and attend accompanying events. See website for details.

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September 11, 8am-5pm Hell on the Border AR State Crit Championship Fort Smith arstatecrit.com The Arkansas State Criterium Championship will have bike races in 11 categories. New this year is a kids race. The course starts and ends at the Sound Room on Garrison Avenue. See website for pricing.

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Joshua Bell, the most famous violinist in the world today, will be performing at the ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center in downtown Fort Smith.

See website for pricing.

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September 10 Dragon Boat Festival, 9am Fort Smith paddlesupfortsmith.com With origins dating back 2,300 years, dragon boat racing is a unique cultural event, and you can see it happening in Fort Smith Park! See website for details.

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September 11, 7:30pm An Evening with Joshua Bell, Fort Smith Symphony fortsmithsymphony.org

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

September 12-17 Crawford County Fair Mulberry thecrawfordcountyfair.com There's nothing like a good old-fashioned county fair! This one, in Mulberry, has it all: mutton busting, carnival rides, a 4-H livestock auction, great food, and even a parade. See website for pricing.

calendar

THETOPTENTHETOPTEN 16 T H

September 16, 8pm Sir Mix-A-Lot Pocola, OK choctawcasinos.com, 800.745.3000 Sir Mix-A-Lot, the well-known hiphop artist, is performing at the Choctaw Casino in Pocola. Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm.

See website for pricing.

September 16, 7:30pm The Step Crew Fort Smith uafs.edu Get ready for an exciting blend of Ottawa Valley, tap, and Irish stepdancing, along with three worldclass violinists backed by a five-piece ensemble. The performance is part of the UAFS Season of Entertainment. See website for pricing.

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September 21-24 Petit Jean Open Car Show and Swap Meet Morrilton museumofautos.com Head to the Museum of Autos for a great car show and much more.

Antiques, arts and crafts. A little something for everyone. Open car show will be held on Saturday.

16 T H

September 17, 10am Paws for the Cause Fort Smith

sebastiancountyhumanesociety.org This fundraiser takes place at Carol Ann Cross Park. Bring your family. Bring your dog! If you don't have a dog, you can walk one of the adoptable dogs from the shelter. See website for details.

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October 1, 6pm Red Shoe Shindig Fort Smith rmhcofarkoma.org This year's Red Shoe Shindig, benefiting the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mercy Hospital, is at Hardscrabble Country Club. Great food, a live and silent auction, and a specialty cocktail at the Do South Red Shoe Lounge!

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community

We’ve Got Mail Oh, how we love the people we've met since Do South launched in September 2010! And, on our sixth (happy!) birthday, we wanted to share just a handful of the wonderful cards, letters and emails we've received since we began this incredible journey.

Thank you so much for Do South's support of Red Shoe Shindig ! This year was our best year yet and wouldn't have been possible without the stories and publicity we received in Do South! Every dollar raised at Red Shoe Shindig benefits the more than 375 families we have helped this year! Keep up the awesome work of highlighting Fort Smith!

Sincerely, Elise Cooley, Ronald McDonald House CharitiesÂŽ Arkoma

Thank you so much for telling Beckham's story. You did a phenomenal job.

Natalie Prescott, Beckham's mom

Thank you for touching our lives and so many others with your story about ovarian cancer, Karen's life, and our Teal Nights in Tahiti event to raise funds for ovarian cancer awareness . I know the success of our event was due to people reading the article and wanting to support in some way. You will forever hold a special place in the hearts of our family .

Shirley Yeager, Karen's mom

I'm using a quote from your story as a blurb on some flyers we're making for a couple of upcoming signings.

It's the passage where you start by saying that Uncle Drew and the Bat Dodger sends a necessary message and conclude with the comment about the decision to be brave. I like that a lot. Thanks for the observation.

Thomas Cochran, Uncle Drew and the Bat Dodger

Thank you for publishing "Full Circle," by Becca Whitson, in this month's Do South! I smiled, cried, and rejoiced in the simplicity and beauty of a mother's testimony . I was also thankful for your willingness to publish the accompanying scripture reference . May God continue to bless you richly.

Grace and Peace, John Clayton, Covenant Presbyterian Church

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community

I cannot thank you enough . You shared our story so beautifully .

Lori Rae, Fork and Crust Pie Company

You have the best ability to string words together.

I laughed. I cried. Thank you for the honor.

Patricia Brown, The Four Prayers of Patricia Brown Thank you so much for the interview in Do South.

I received texts, Facebook messages, and tons of compliments. It was rather fun to be a "star" for a few days ! My mother cried when she read it, but that was a good thing! Thank you for all you do for the community !

Thanks for the great article. I do believe it's the best one anyone ever wrote about me, and I appreciate your close listening.

Effron White, singer/songwriter

Shirley Skulman, Fort Smith Cotillion

Want you to know how blessed I was to see the photos of my paintings in Do South. Thank you so much for stepping out and wanting to do an article on my work. It allowed me to get my work out there, as well as to share a special time in our lives .

You always do such a great job sharing neat and inspiring articles.

Sydney Clayton, artist

Thanks so much for making my business look great in Do South once again.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you both for creating such a beautiful magazine about our area. The stories are so heartwarming and are about all of our neighbors . I appreciate that you write about and acknowledge people and interests that are so admirable and helpful . Some magazines appear only to cover stories of those that are more privileged than others or who may be seeking praise for their efforts, whereas your publication celebrates those in our community who truly have love in their hearts and are working to glorify our God with their efforts. It is always so inspiring and encourages us to do better each day.

Thank you again, Chellie Smith

Kaci Singer, Paperwerk DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainment

Miller's Valley

By Anna Quindlen | Random House | 272 pages | $28 review Marla Cantrell

The nine acres where I grew up belonged

of the book when Aunt Ruth's haunting

to my parents, and before them to my

secret is uncovered.

grandmother who gave that plot of land to my family. My grandmother lived on a

When the book opens, a government

couple of acres that abutted ours. When

agent is making the rounds, letting resi-

I think of her, she is always in her house

dents know he's ready to make a deal to

or walking the land where her second

buy their property. There's a plan to turn

husband planted a pear orchard that grew

the land into a reservoir. If that happens,

wild after he died. When I think of home, it

6,400 acres will be flooded, families will

is always on that land where almost every-

be relocated, and the Miller's farm will

thing that made me who I am happened.

no longer exist. And while Mimi's father fights the plan, Mimi's mother is all for it.

Our family no longer owns the property.

Both have valid reasons for the way they

Someone sells RVs where my house used

feel, but their opinions cause friction in

to be, and there's a veterans' club where

their marriage.

my grandmother lived. All these facts As the story progresses, more and more

about my life are what drew me to Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen, a book about what it means to lose the

water rises across the valley. A flood comes, taking lives with it,

place you call home.

and the future of the valley seems set in stone. Mimi feels the pending loss like a knife in the chest. Who will she be outside

The book is set in Pennsylvania on a farm that has been in the

this valley? How will her father, who loves the land like a partner,

Miller family for almost 200 years. It is the 1960s, and whip-

survive outside his home?

smart Mimi Miller is eleven. She loves her father who's a farmer.

She has a complicated relationship with her mother who's a

The story follows Mimi as the plan to take Miller's Valley unfolds.

nurse. And she has two brothers, one who's moved away and

She falls in love with the wrong boy. The Vietnam War comes

another who's the life of the party.

along and takes her carefree brother. When he returns, he is damaged beyond repair. She researches what's really going on

Aunt Ruth lives in a house beside Mimi's. She is a fragile woman

in the valley, and uncovers secrets about the government's fight

who suffers from agoraphobia, so it's up to Mimi's mother to

to take this land away.

make sure she's OK. Miller's Valley really is Ruth's whole world; she can't leave her own house because of the panic that drives

Miller's Valley is a beautiful book about what home means,

her life. Always, there is tension between Mimi's mother and

what family means, and how our lives are a result not just of the

aunt, but the reason for their trouble is not revealed until the end

people who raised us, but of the land where we grew up.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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entertainment

A Great Night of COUNTRY MUSIC Words John Post image courtesy UAFS

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

entertainment

R

ural areas and country music commonly go hand in hand,

After spending several years in Nashville and recording an album

but a Country Music Television initiative takes the equation

with a Grammy Award-winning producer, Jillia returned to Fort

one step further to include education.

Smith, but not before having her music featured on television shows

In an effort to increase educational accessibility among residents

group performed at the 2016 Peacemaker Music and Arts Festival.

in rural areas, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and Rich

I wouldn’t have met the people that I met and had the opportunities I had if it hadn’t been for UAFS.

such as The Good Guys and Parenthood. Recently, her musical

Mountain Community College have partnered with CMT to bring rising star Courtney Cole to the UAFS campus for a concert at 6pm September 8 as part of the network’s Empowering Education initiative.

The concert will take place in the Stubblefield Center on the UAFS campus, with doors opening at 6pm and a tailgate taking

UAFS was one of five on-site partners in the country to be selected

place outside at 4:30pm. The concert is free, but tickets are

for the partnership, which will help the university further serve

required for admission.

the rural areas of the greater Fort Smith region. “As a premier regional institution, it’s the university’s duty to ensure the rural parts

The featured artist is one of the top up-and-coming country music

of our service area have accessibility to the quality education UAFS

artists in the nation. Courtney’s recent single hit number one on

has to offer, and CMT’s Empowering Education initiative will help

Taste of Country's Top 10 Countdown, and she opened for Miranda

us further that goal,” said Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the College of

Lambert on the 2015 “Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour.”

Applied Science and Technology who has co-led the partnership with CMT. “This event will strengthen our ties to local schools and

A part of CMT’s Empowering Education Initiative, the concert

cause more first-generation students to realize that college is a viable

aims to inspire viewers to further their education. “I’m excited

option and can lead to increased quality of life and well-being.”

to partner with CMT on their Empowering Education initiative,” Courtney said. “Music and education are a powerful combina-

Prior to the concert, the Be Pro Be Proud trailer will be set up

tion. Having the opportunity to meet students and hear their

outside of the Stubblefield Center for students to tour from 4-6pm.

stories is something I am looking forward to.”

The trailer, which is sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, seeks to raise awareness of the importance and need

Before the concert, several UAFS students and alumni will share

for skilled technical professionals in Arkansas and the opportuni-

stories of the power of education via filmed testimonials followed

ties available for students.

by an in-person panel discussion. Their stories are different but unified by a common theme: how education improved their lives.

It’s fitting, then, that the opening act is also a testament to the importance of education. Country musician Jillia Jackson, a former UAFS student and winner of Miss UAFS in 2004, went on to secure a recording deal in Nashville after UAFS professor Don Bailey produced her first demo and sent it to a friend of

Those interested in attending the concert can pick up tickets in-person or online. To print tickets online, visit uafs.universitytickets.com and click “Community Events.”

To pick up tickets in person, visit the UAFS Box Office in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

his in Nashville. “That demo that Don produced is what got my connection and led to my publishing deal,” she said. “A lot of people debate whether experience or education is more important, but I think going to a university also gave me experience, not just education. I wouldn’t have met the people that I met and

For more information about the concert, contact the Box Office at 479.788.7300. For more information on the CMT initiative, visit cmtempoweringeducation.com or follow along on social media using #CMTEmpoweringEducation.

had the opportunities I had if it hadn’t been for UAFS.”

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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pets

ADOPT YOUR FURR-EVER FRIEND The Humane Society of the Ouachitas has more than 50 adoptable cats and dogs. Your best friend is waiting!

Call to learn about monthly adoption events in Fort Smith and Hot Springs.

M

F

F

Jack

M

Rarity

F

Lady Loo

Dream

JoJo

F

Autumn

Humane Society of the Ouachitas Donations are always needed and greatly appreciated.

368 Polk County Road 50 | Mena, AR | 479.394.5682 | Tue. - Sat. 10am-2pm | www.hsomena.org | Each month, Do South® donates this page to local and regional non-profit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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shop

Fall in Love with Local words Catherine Frederick imageS Catherine Frederick and vendors

Uptown Premier Stationary Chair, Flashback Nesting End Table, Montreat Entertainment Console

H3 HOME + DÉCOR 479.434.4920

Bongo Cooler, Fall Seasonal Oktoberfest Lagers by Lost Forty Brewing & Sierra Nevada, In the Zone Football Koozie, Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whiskey, Swine Wine Pinot Noir 2013

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Persol Polarized Sunglasses

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When Pigs Fly Wooden Wall Sign, Climaweave Indoor/Outdoor Pig Pillow, Solar Powered LED Metal Pig

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT SPARKS HEALTH 479.441.4221

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Hearts on Fire, 18kt White Gold Earrings, .50cts.

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

shop

We fell in love with these great products from our advertisers! When you shop local, you strengthen our community. We encourage everyone to support small business – you can make a difference!

SOCI Ceramic and Glass Tiles

D&D FLOOR COVERING 479.474.0533

Fall and Sports Themed Cookie Cakes

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Hogs Shot Glass, Aiko Vodka Hog, Ultra Premium Arkansas Select Whiskey, Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whiskey

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

Happy Campers Live Here Wooden Wall Sign, Birdhouse Camper, Gone Fishing Key Rack

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Amma Design Infinity Scarves

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diy

, N W O D !

T U , H T E S words and images Catherine Frederick inspired by Pinterest

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

diy

Are you ready for some football? These mason jars are the perfect accessory for your next Game Day get-together or tailgating party. Set the table with these adorable jars and all that will be missing is that glorious Game Day food!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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diy

MATERIALS •

4 mason jars

•

Black, white, brown,

PLAYBOOK

dark green, and lime green flat spray paint •

Acrylic paint, white

(for touch-ups) •

Chalk marker, white

•

Clear acrylic sealant

spray paint, matte •

Painter's tape, 1”

•

3 black buttons

•

Paintbrushes

FIELD

(various sizes) •

Glue

METHOD

REFEREE

Paint 3 jars with white paint, covering all outside areas, including the top rim. Paint one jar with black paint, covering all outside areas, including the top rim. Let dry completely.

FOOTBALL

diy

Spray all outside areas of jar including top of rim with black spray paint, let dry completely. Use chalk marker to draw on Xs, Os, and arrows. Let dry. Spray with clear sealant to seal and protect.

Spray all outside areas of jar including top of rim with white spray paint, let dry completely. Using painter's tape, apply two horizontal stripes to jar. Spray with dark green paint, let dry.

Once dry, carefully remove tape. Apply two additional horizontal stripes leaving a small strip of white showing to create the yard line markings. Spray with lime paint, let dry. Once dry, carefully remove tape. Using chalk marker, draw numbers on the yard lines. Spray with clear sealant to seal and protect.

Spray all outside areas of jar including top of rim with white spray paint, let dry completely. Using painter's tape, apply five vertical stripes on jar. Spray with black spray paint, let dry. Once dry, carefully remove tape. Use white acrylic paint and small paintbrush to touch-up lines. Spray with clear sealant to seal and protect. Glue three black buttons onto a white stripe on the jar.

Cut one strip of painter’s tape 1/2” X 2 1/2”. Apply this strip vertically to the jar. Cut four strips about 1/4” X 1” and apply them horizontally across the vertical strip to create the laces.

Spray with brown spray paint, let dry. Once dry, carefully remove tape. Spray with clear sealant to seal and protect.

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people

Red Shoe Royalty The Udouj Family images courtesy Henry Udouj Sr. and Ronald McDonald Family Room, Fort Smith

O

On October 1, Henry and Linda Udouj Sr., and Henry and Melissa Udouj Jr., will be given the 2016 Lily Award at the Red Shoe Shindig, held at Hardscrabble Country Club, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Lily Award is named in memory of Lillian Paige Pruitt, the infant daughter of Susan and Clay Pruitt. The award honors a person or group whose work has touched those who stay in the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Housed inside Mercy Hospital, the Family Room provides food and lodging for families of ill or injured children, so that the families can remain close and find the respite they need.

The Udouj family was chosen because of the impact they have on children every day, their positive attitude, and their selflessness. We caught up with the Udouj family to find out more about them, and their contributions to the Ronald McDonald Family Room.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

(Henry and Melissa Udouj)

How did you feel when you learned you'd received the 2016 Lily Award?

bearable was the hope that we could go back to our home away

Completely surprised and humbled! We think so much of the

returned to Long Island for the second surgery.

Pruitt family and all they do. To be given this award which honors their daughter, Lily, is priceless.

Tell us a little about your family.

from home at the Ronald McDonald House. In January of 2008, we

We know Joseph has a great story about the Ronald McDonald House, can you share it with us?

We arrived about four days before Joseph's first surgery for testing,

I (Henry) grew up in Fort Smith. Melissa grew up just down the

so he got to stay with us at the House for several days. Joseph was

road in Paris. We met while living in Dallas. After I had spent several

only two and had a very limited vocabulary—about ten words.

years in school, we moved back, and I went into business with my

Each time we'd come and go, Joseph would point to the empty

dad at Udouj Orthodontics. We have two children. Isabella is a

high ceiling of the entryway, look up and say, “Baby Jesus.” After

sophomore at Southside High School. Joseph is in sixth grade at

he had done this about eight times, Henry said, “I have no doubt

Immaculate Conception School.

that Joseph sees Jesus, and He’s living in the entryway of this

How long have you been involved with the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith?

We were so excited to be involved from the beginning, six years

House!” So we’ve always said that we believe Jesus lives in the entry of each of the special Houses and Family Rooms.

(Henry and Linda Udouj)

experience with the Ronald McDonald Charities was nine years

From your perspective, what’s it like to have a grandchild who is sick?

ago when our son Joseph had surgery in New York. We stayed

Having a sick child is one of, if not THE most devastating experience

at the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island and returned the

a parent can live through. But somehow, you "buck up" and tackle

following year for a second surgery. It’s hard to explain how much

it one day at a time. It's a 24-7 type of thing that you learn to live

the House, the volunteers, patients, and families meant to us.

with, and with the grace of God, make it through. It may not be

Since we were so far from home, it was our haven. We left there

the life you expected, but it is your new life, and you adjust. That's

knowing if there was ever a chance to be involved in this great

a parent. A grandparent is a whole other species. Grandparents

charity that had done so much for us in a difficult time, that we

love with no boundaries and feel we should have no boundaries,

wanted to give and do as much as we could.

whether the parents like it or not. Melissa's mom, Sue Lloyd, of Paris,

ago this December, with the Family Room at Mercy. Our first

Arkansas, and I (Linda) had small conversations about our misgiv-

Tell us more about your son, Joseph.

ings with the development of our precious grandson, Joseph. We held our tongues and prayed we were wrong. Unfortunately, we

When Joseph was two

weren't. I think I can speak for Sue and Roy Lloyd as well as Henry

years old, he was diag-

and myself when I say the feeling of helplessness and heartbreaking

nosed with Chiari Type I

love for Joseph as well as his parents and sister, Isabella, is beyond

Malformation and Teth-

mere words. Grandchildren are the parents' "second chance to do

ered Cord Syndrome.

it right." We don't care if the grandchild tracks mud on the new

After much research,

carpet, spills jelly on the new sofa, or takes hour-long showers with

we landed at The Chiari

our expensive bath products. It's a love only other grandparents

Institute on Long Island.

understand, as well as a heartbreak only other grandparents under-

He had his first surgery

stand. The hardest part is trying to be strong and be of support the

to de-tether his spinal

only way we know: to be on-hand when needed and to PRAY with

cord in January 2007.

every ounce of our strength and learn to live the new life.

Joseph in RMH

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How can we help the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mercy Hospital?

They always need volunteers and wish list items. Of course, we're going to push the Share a Meal! We encourage you to sign up to help. Get a group of friends to take meals once a month. Have your Sunday school class take it on as a mission. Our family was so blessed by that meal every night. Last but not least, sponsorships and donations are always welcome! Please come out and support our one fundraiser for the year, the Red Shoe Shindig!

Dr. Coloso - Neonatologist, Mercy Fort Smith

(Henry and Melissa Udouj)

What do you think it means for families to have a place like this?

Most of the families have children in the NICU. How incredible that they can ride an elevator to the next floor and have a place to eat, rest and just regroup! The Family Room gives these families the support they need during a very difficult time.

The Lewis Family

What do you think is the most impressive thing about the Family Room at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith?

I’ll never forget the first time we saw it! It looks like something straight off of HGTV! I think families feel pampered there. I am quick to say that our family feels like the most important part of the Family Room is the nighttime meal. Volunteers bring a meal for the families to enjoy and share. Nothing compares to sitting around a table sharing a meal with complete strangers, but feeling so connected because you're going through the same hard times.

The Ranas Family

The Red Shoe Shindig "A Night in Oz" takes place on October 1 at Hardscrabble Country Club, and benefits the Family Room at Mercy Hospital. When you attend, be sure to stop by the Do South Red Shoe Lounge for a specialty cocktail. For details and tickets, visit rmhcofarkoma.org.

For volunteer opportunities, to provide a meal or a wish list item, please contact the Ronald McDonald Family Room at 479.314.8030, or emma@rmhcofarkoma.org.

The Bray Family

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Rose

A

BY ANY OTHER NAME words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Liz Preston

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O

On a day when the sun is ruling the earth, I make my way from

"We wanted to honor

Fort Smith to Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company in Paris,

their history, and when

Arkansas. The trees are strikingly green for late summer, and the

we

roadside stands are plush with tomatoes and green peppers and

our company Prestonrose,

stalks of tasseled corn.

using their last name with

decided

to

name

ours, they were tickled."

AR-22 curves and rises, before the road finally enters a valley. If you're not paying attention, you might miss the turn that takes

Liz and Mike moved in

you off the main road and to the wooden sign that marks the spot

January 2013. They saw

where Prestonrose begins.

this transition as their next great

adventure.

They

At the top of the gravel drive is the ten-acre homestead of Liz and

were married nine years

Mike (who's mostly known by his surname) Preston. Three days a

ago at high noon in a ghost

week, for four hours a day, the doors open to Prestonrose Brewing

town in Nevada. Liz's dress

Company that's housed in an eighteen-by-twenty-foot metal

was made from pieces of

building on their property. And on those three days, customers

100-year-old French lace.

from as far away as Memphis and Tulsa stop by to sample the craft

And their three-tiered cake

beer Liz makes and take more home to enjoy.

was baked in a Dutch oven since there was no elec-

The brewery opened in February, and in five months' time, Liz had

tricity. To feed the seventy-five people who attended, they roasted

sold a thousand gallons of beer with names like Tea and Biscuits,

a pig. Later, they rode bicycles across Europe. They took cheese

an extraordinary tea-infused beer, and Blu Wit that's made with

making classes together, and then a beer making class.

Arkansas blueberries. As she notes the accomplishment, she looks out past the brewery to the metal bones of the second greenhouse

For Liz, Mike was a much-needed source of joy. She'd been a single

that will be completed in just a few weeks. When the cold weather

mom, who'd worked long hours getting an education and then

comes—a nearly impossible thought on a day like this—the green-

even longer hours at impressive jobs—she was once a molecular

houses will extend the growing season on this organic farm.

ecologist whose research took her as far away as the Netherlands, and often to Hawaii.

These ten acres, and the brewery that will one day move to the magnificent weathered old barn that sits several yards away,

For Mike, a nuclear chemist, Liz was his superstar. Even now,

make up the dream that Liz and Mike had while they were living

talking about her beer making skills, or her expertise in the kitchen,

in California where Liz had spent most of her life. They knew they

he can't stop describing how wonderful she is. "I'm a cook," he

wanted to grow things as naturally as possible, and they wanted

says, "but she's a chef. She makes her own tofu, makes the pasta

to open a brewery. They considered buying property in New York

for lasagna, cures the meat to make pastrami." He smiles. "Some-

but decided against it.

times I ask myself if there's anything she can't do."

Soon after, an ad on Craigslist caught Liz's attention. There was a

Liz is beaming. "How can you not love that?" she asks, the ques-

place for sale in Paris, Arkansas, that had once been farmed by a

tion already answered.

family named Rose. The Prestons came to see it, and everything they wanted was here. "We bought this homestead from the descen-

Four hawks loop across a patch of sky just outside the brewery.

dants of the Rose family that settled here, and we wanted them to

Neat rows of flowers and herbs stand beneath the bright sun in

know we didn't want to change anything," Liz says. "They used to

a garden that's edged by sunflowers that came up on their own.

be famous for their purple-hulled peas and sweet potatoes, and I

Beyond, crops of peppers and black-eyed peas and okra ripen.

grow flowers and herbs where Mama Maxine Rose kept her kitchen

What the Prestons don't use will be sold, mostly at the Paris

garden. Her husband, Houston, drove the school bus for years.

Farmer's Market that Liz helps organize.

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Mike has been working in the fields, and he sits drinking one of Liz's beers called Forty Pound Brown, a sweet, slightly hoppy double brown.

The chilled glass fogs in the heat. On the tap nearby are Liberty Weiz, a German Hefeweizen brewed

with

Liberty

hops, Another Pale, and Old School Cream Ale, an homage to the

most know it as the ingredient that adds the "bitter" to the brew.

old-school cream ales of the Midwest and East Coast.

She talks about the progress she and Mike have made since they moved here. She talks about how much they love Arkansas.

When they opened Prestonrose, the pair thought they’d have to take the beer to surrounding cities like Fort Smith, which is an

The brewery is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, for a total

hour away, to sell it. But from the first time they opened the doors,

of twelve hours. Every weekend so far, they've sold out of the fifty

customers have shown up. They have regulars now who don't

gallons they have available. Liz keeps three to five beers on tap.

mind the trip for craft beer that's as good as Liz’s.

Usually, that's a pale, an IPA, a fruit or herb beer, and a brown and a porter or stout. Prestonrose offers tasting flights, and customers

What Liz loves about the process is that it combines two things she

then buy beer in growlers to take home.

adores: science and art. "Cooking and art were two of the things I was interested in early on. I got accepted to a design school in San Fran-

The menu changes every week, and already Liz is looking to

cisco, but I decided not to go. Science fed my intellectual curiosity, and

autumn for inspiration. She'll be brewing Elderberry Blonde,

my hobbies, like photography and cooking and art, fed my creativity.

Peach Pale, Chamomile Brown, Espresso Cream Stout, and a few versions of chili pepper stouts and porters, that will be available

"The science of fermentation is intertwined with art. It's another alive

after her peppers ripen and then dry out.

thing helping you make what you want. It's not fully controllable.

You have to enter into a partnership; you're asking the yeast to please

The combinations seem endless to Liz, and that's part of the

make you some beer. You are providing the right conditions, from

appeal. For most of her life, she's been looking for that valley

the temperature of the water to the temperature of the grain, and

where creativity and science meet. She knew that when she found

that's the science of it. You're doing your best to get the situation

it, everything else would fall into place. Mike leans back in his chair

perfect, to tweak your recipes, but in the end, it's a dance. And that's

as Liz talks, smiling so wide it seems as if it might hurt. Liz smiles

the art. It takes a certain degree of creativity," Liz says, "and faith."

back, her blue eyes bright. And all around them, birds call out, and

As for those recipes, Liz is always experimenting. This spring, she

a breeze picks up at last, ruffling the tops of the trees, lifting the

made a beer called Saison d'Angela, an old French farmhouse-style

petals on the flowers in the field, that Liz so carefully planted.

Saison that was fermented and finished with fresh strawberries.

"She used five pounds of strawberries in the boil," Mike says, "and then she dehydrated another twenty pounds of strawberries and added them to the fermenter. You might think that beer would taste like candy, but in the end, it was delicious but with just a little whiff of strawberries in the thirty gallons of beer."

Across the way, Liz is growing hops for her beer making, a rarity in

Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Co. 201 St. Louis Valley Road | Paris, Arkansas Hours: Friday and Saturday, 4-8pm. Sunday, 12-4pm.

For more on Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company, visit their Facebook page.

Arkansas. Hops do a lot of work in the beer making process, but DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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sisters of style

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people words John Post, Director of Public Information, UAFS images Rachel Putman, Marketing Communications Photographer, UAFS

S

Ultimately, the support of her parents made her decide to take the leap of faith. “My dad jokingly made the comment that we are already young and poor so we might as well do it while we have nothing to lose,” Constance said. “But it really is true. I recently

Sisters Constance and Naomi Lee have always been close. When

got married, and thankfully my husband is very supportive also

Constance, the older sister by three years, got a job as a waitress

because it's hard—financially, physically, and mentally—to open

at a local restaurant, Naomi got her work permit at age thirteen

a business. I kept thinking that if I waited and we had kids and

so she could bus tables alongside her. As kids, the two spent

more responsibilities that I would never take the leap for fear of

a summer in Michigan detasseling corn, an experience they

not being able to help support a family and pay bills and put the

describe as “horrible” but are able to laugh about now.

time and effort I want to into a family.”

During the rehearsal for Constance’s wedding, the priest joked

And there was cause for hesitation for the two sisters to start

that he was afraid he would say “Constance and Naomi” rather

a store together. Going into a business venture with a family

than “Constance and Kent,” simply because of how often their

member was risky, as it had the potential to ruin relationships in

two names were grouped together. “From day one, we’ve just

addition to possible business failure. But the only qualm Constance

always been close,” Constance said. “We’ve just always enjoyed

had about Naomi joining her in opening Indie had nothing to do

being around each other, and everyone has always seen us as a

with potential squabbles. “Constance was asking me if I would

pair because we do everything together.”

make it to work on time,” Naomi joked. “That was the only thing she was hesitant about. She knows I like to sleep in.”

So when Constance decided to start a clothing store, it went without saying that Naomi would be her business partner.

Instead of a detriment, Constance and Naomi saw their familial bond as a strength, in part because the sisters complement each

The result was Indie, a fashion boutique that initially opened

other as polar opposites. Where Constance is shy, non-confronta-

on Rogers Avenue before relocating to downtown Fort Smith

tional, and girly, Naomi is outgoing and candid. Where Constance

this spring.

enjoys marketing and merchandising, Naomi likes paperwork.

“We are total opposites, but we pull from that,” Naomi said. “If

With the store, which sells a variety of women’s clothing and

there’s a delay from one of our vendors, Constance will have me

accessories, the two sisters want to provide a fashion-forward

call them and ask what the hold-up is. We are always thinking

boutique for Fort Smith. “We stay on trend as much as possible,”

about our strengths and weaknesses and make tasks for each of

Constance said. “We try to carry basic pieces because they sell

us based on what we’re both good at.”

well, but we want to bring in unique items too that you’re not going to see in every other place in town.”

Accompanying their differences in personality are distinct tastes in fashion, which helps them relate to a spectrum of customers.

Constance had the idea to start the business after a one-year

“I have a more feminine style, and Naomi is more edgy. But

stint in Oklahoma, where she disliked the rigid corporate

that’s good, because we can bring a mix into our store since not

structure of the department store chain where she worked.

everyone has the same taste,” Constance said. “Even working

"Everything that I had wanted to do wasn’t what I thought it

with customers, we can relate to different ones, and that helps

was once I got into it,” she said. “I disliked the corporate atmo-

us cater to a wider variety of people.”

sphere, and I wanted a job that gave me more independence to do what I wanted to do.”

But the most important key to their success as business partners is honesty and quick inclination towards forgiveness. For example,

Not just that, but she missed Fort Smith—and her sister Naomi—

Constance and Naomi laughingly admit they had gotten into

as well. When she moved back, she thought about what she

an argument that very morning. “We’re fine now. When you’re

wanted to do with her life, and had been dwelling on her dream

sisters, it’s like, ‘Whatever, I still have to love you,’” Naomi joked.

of opening a boutique.

“But if we were just business partners, it would be different.”

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“It’s harder for me to address issues sometimes. So for me, having a

Constance and Naomi Lee

family member made it easier to talk through things,” Constance said.

Just as the sisters rely on each other to be successful, they also rely on the education they received from UAFS. Constance, a 2014 graduate, earned a degree in media communications, while Naomi is still a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.

Naomi’s dual designation as an entrepreneur and college student ensures she stays busy, but being a business owner allows her a unique platform to apply her learn-

how to reach out to people all over the nation who shop online,”

ings from the program. “I’ll learn something in class, and then

Constance said. “Fort Smith is a great area, but there are so many

I’ll tell Constance we need to implement it in our business and

possibilities when you reach out to millions more. I think a good

tell her how it’ll help us,” Naomi said. “I’ve learned a lot about

online presence helps with expanding brick and mortar locations

incentives and how to get people to work harder, and what

also because your name is out there.”

makes coming to work worth it for them. We’ve worked on that with some of our employees.”

But no matter what challenges the sisters face, with the business and in life, they will face them together—even if Naomi moved

For Constance, she pursued a media communications degree out

away. “I'm married to a guy I met at UAFS who is from the area,

of an interest in the field but has found plenty of areas for applica-

so it was easy for us to plant our roots here,” Constance said.

tion as an owner of Indie. “My degree has been invaluable as I’ve

“Naomi has any possibility ahead, and we both know that. There is

been marketing the company and even as I’ve been reaching out

the possibility of her moving one day, either for Indie or to spread

to different businesses and people to help grow our store in terms

her wings and try something new. I'd be sad if she moved, but we

of making connections,” Constance said. “A lot of my classes

would talk every day, just like when I lived in Norman, and keep in

were geared towards social media, and the classes at UAFS really

touch. Nothing would ever change our friendship.”

prepared me to build an online presence with Indie.”

They’ve also seen intangible benefits of attending UAFS—namely, through a community who supports the university and its alumni.

“UAFS graduates stay around here for the most part, and they want to give back to students,” Naomi said. “And I think with me being in college and Constance being an alumni, with both of us opening a business, a lot of people wanted to be supportive of that.”

Naomi and Constance see the future of Indie expanding to other

Indie 5305 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith Tues – Fri: 10a to 6p Sat: 10a to 4p Sun: 1p to 5p 479.434.4467 shopwithindie.com or find them on Facebook

cities and growing their online offerings, although they also want to keep their Fort Smith location. “We have a lot of ideas for

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WAITIN' ON WOMEN words Stoney Stamper images April Stamper

T

The last time I was on time for something would've been

I was drowning. But not in water. I was drowning in a sea of

in August of 2011. You may wonder how I remember that

estrogen. I had married a woman who had two daughters.

month so clearly, but it’s really pretty simple. It’s because right

And let me tell you, I didn’t have the best track record with

after that is when I got married. My days of simply taking a

even one woman, much less with three at the same time. So

quick five-minute shower, getting dressed in three minutes

to say that I was completely out of my element would be a

and getting out the door in ten minutes flat were over. I was

monumental understatement. This dude was lost.

hypothetically stepping off the high dive into the deep end of the pool. I didn’t have a life jacket or an inner tube. Heck, I

My family and friends thought it was hilarious. I had always

didn’t even have any floaties. And let me tell you something,

been a meticulously put together fellow. My home and

I dang sure didn’t know how to swim.

truck were clean, and I was never late. Never. To anything.

But all of that changed when I became a husband and

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dad. My ten-minute routine was thrown into a downward spiral that I have never recovered from.

Even though I'd heard stories from my friends who had daughters, I didn't fully appreciate them until I had daughters of my own. The clothes, the makeup, the hair products, the hair bows, and the nail polish. And the bobby pins, oh my gosh, the bobby pins! Bobby pins are like small magical paper clips that can take a ratty case of bed-head and turn it into a delightful little swept-back look in a matter of moments. Swept-back look!

I'm pretty proud of myself right now for even knowing what that is.

Anyway, they had a lot of stuff. And all of it would inevitably end up scattered across the countertops and floors in the bathroom, and maybe even in the sinks and bathtubs. Not to mention the complete jungle of intertwined electric cords for the curling iron, flat iron and hair dryer. It would have taken an entire group of Eagle Scouts to undo that knot; I can guarantee you.

The first time I knew that I was in way over my head was one morning before school. April and I weren’t even married yet. In a desperate attempt to connect with the girls, I offered to take Abby and Emma to school for the first time. How hard could that be? Simple, right? All I had to do was get two girls loaded into the truck, drive to the school and drop them off. Easy peasy.

No. That was not correct. First, getting them to the truck was similar to herding cats. Especially in the morning. It was mass chaos. Little girls running around

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with one shoe on, screaming at each other. Trying on clothes,

Abby never uttered another word to me, and Emma didn't stop

then changing clothes and trying on different clothes. Then

talking all the way to school. I dropped Abby off right as the

Abby told Emma, “Emma, that doesn't match!” Then Emma

bell was ringing, but Emma was a few minutes late. Right then

said, “Yes it does, Abby!” Then Emma came running out of her

and there, my immaculate record of promptness came to an

room. She said, “Stoney, Abby says this doesn’t match, but it

end. I called April and told her, a tad disappointed in myself.

does. Doesn’t it?” She was staring at me with those big blue

She laughed and said, “Don’t worry about it. It won’t be the

eyes, and I just didn’t have the heart to tell her. It didn’t match.

last time.” And how true that statement turned out to be.

It didn’t match at all. And in normal Emma flair, the colors weren't bland. It was pink pants and a red shirt. But I wouldn’t

Being on time is now just a figment of my imagination. Just a

have hurt her feelings for any amount of money. So I just smiled

distant memory of a faraway time. Abby is sixteen now, Emma

and said, “Sure, you look great.” She smiled a big, smug smile

is twelve, and we added another little girl named Gracee in

and said, “I told you, Abby!” Abby was eleven years old and

2013. And of course I've got their mama April, and I won’t

hadn't decided if she liked me. In fact, she was determined not

tell how old she is. With the four of them, things that were

to like me. With a roll of her eyes and a sideways glance, she

once so simple, like going out to dinner, are now much more

said, “He’s just a guy. He doesn’t know if you match or not.”

complicated endeavors. Even the most casual settings call for a fresh change of clothes, makeup, fixing hair, and most likely,

With that little jab, I said “OK, girls, we're running late. We’ve

changing clothes.

got to go!” We rushed out the door and headed for my truck.

There's lots of screaming, even occasional crying, and one heck of a big pile of laundry. And usually one of them, if

Being on time is now just a figment of my imagination.

Just a distant memory of a faraway time.

not all four, can’t find their shoes. But these days, instead of getting too stressed out about it, I just laugh as I watch them run through the house.

And now when Emma says, “Stoney, do I match?” I tell her the truth. “No, honey. You don’t match at all.” But she doesn’t really care because she’s going to wear it anyway. Because I’m just a guy. And guys don’t know if you match or not. At least that’s what my girls tell me.

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

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The Memory of

M

Ice Cream

words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Ryan Burton via Eugene Grace Photography, and Kaitlyn Burnham Photography

"My favorite food is ice cream." That's one of the first things

come to get a cone and a cup of ice cream for his dog, picks

Ryan Burton says. He is standing near his food truck, Burton's

up his dog's half-eaten container from the pavement and the

Comfort Creamery, on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

two jog away.

It is a Saturday, just after noon, and on Saturdays, he and his wife Chelsey typically sell 600 cones.

Ryan shuts up shop for the time being. At a nearby table that's shielded from the rain, he tells the story of how a hobby he

But dark clouds have rolled in, and rain is not far behind. The

loved became the career of his dreams. The road is not a

blinding heat that made this week nearly unbearable is gone

straight one, but none of the interesting ones are. When Ryan

for now—a welcome relief—but those clouds look sinister.

was in college at the University of Arkansas, his major was in

Ryan looks to the sky and shrugs. It is Arkansas after all, a state

the science field, but after he graduated in 2011, he moved to

famous for its unruly weather.

Nashville to try his hand at music.

A couple waits as the rain slowly begins, and they stay until

There, he worked with Christian bands, and then with fellow

they each have a cone. The two duck underneath an awning,

U of A alum, Ben Rector, who's a pop singer/songwriter from

he with the Salty Dog, which is vanilla ice cream drizzled

Tulsa. Ryan stayed two and a half years, logging two hundred

with salted caramel, rolled in crushed pretzels. She has Snap!

shows, doing everything from running the lights to playing guitar

Crackle!, vanilla ice cream drizzled with marshmallow creme,

to managing tours. "I learned really quickly while all that was

and then rolled in Rice Krispies.

fun, the traveling just wasn't for me. I was getting serious with my girlfriend at the time who's now my wife, and I was looking

In a few minutes, a jagged bolt of lightning crosses the sky, the

for something that would keep me at home," Ryan says.

boom of thunder following. The final customer, a man who's DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Enter ice cream. When Ryan wasn't on the road, he was experi-

transfer to the U of A. She found a roommate. Ryan found a

menting with new recipes. "I'd be in Seattle, Portland, L.A., and

place, and the following October they married.

instead of thinking about being in those awesome cities, I'd be wishing I was back at home making ice cream."

When Burton's Comfort Creamery opened in June 2014, they were thrilled by the response. Customers were returning and

Ryan loved everything about the process. "Since my degree is in

bringing friends along with them. Burton's started spiking on

kinesiology, I had a strong background in science, and there's so

social media. Today, it has the largest following on Instagram for

much science in sustaining this product between freezing and a

any ice cream shop/business based out of Arkansas.

liquid state. That was interesting to me, and then all the creativity you get to bring in with flavors. I was intrigued by it. I was learning

So, what's the secret? It has a lot to do with the number ten.

how to change texture and consistency. I fell in love with that."

"Most soft-serve ice cream is around two to three percent milk fat. A premium ice cream might be five percent. But we wanted to

In January 2014, Ryan attended Penn State's Ice Cream Short

push it even more. We're in the South, for goodness sake!" Ryan

Course. "It was intense. All math and science. There were repre-

says and smiles wide. "So we wanted to blow it out of the water.

sentatives from Kroger. People from Ben & Jerry's had been

We were able to find a dairy that was able to make one for us

there in the past, and Blue Bell. Major companies. We didn't

that's ten percent milk fat. It makes a really rich, creamy product."

get to taste ice cream until halfway through the course. You go through the protein make-up of milk, for example. You learn

The first year they were open, they made so much ice cream they

about what happens when you add emulsifiers. I learned a ton

wore out their ice cream maker. "We now have a custom-made

about ice cream production."

machine that works much faster. The faster you can go from liquid to ice cream, the smaller the ice crystals and the creamier

In March of that year, a friend from Fayetteville called to tell

the texture. From there, we were able to get creative with sauces

him that Shulertown Food Truck Court was going to open on

and toppings. We've created our own little niche."

Dickson Street.

He called the owner of the court to pitch his idea. The only problem was that Ryan didn't have a food truck. He had one month to get one.

After scrambling to find what he needed, he came across a Miami company that could build a custom truck in four weeks. Ryan took the plunge.

Which then created another problem. Ryan was in love with Chelsey, who was an Arkansas girl living in Nashville. He didn't want to lose her, and she didn't want to lose him, so she decided to move to Fayetteville, and

Ryan and Chelsey Burton

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A big part of that niche is understanding how people look at ice

"That's humbling," he says. "I had a woman who was visiting from

cream. "The reason we went with the name Comfort Creamery is

Chicago tell me the same thing the other day. I love to hear that."

because growing up ice cream was always a comfort food for me.

We wanted that to be the same experience for our customers,

In sixteen months, Burton's has sold 90,000 cones. They've

so we include toppings such as Fruity Pebbles, graham crackers,

won three awards. And Ryan says that one day they'll expand,

Oreos, Rice Krispies, and other foods that bring back childhood

adding a second location that will be a brick and mortar shop.

memories and are fun, familiar foods for children."

But they're moving slowly and carefully.

Burton's shuts down from November to April. When that

Ice cream, he says, is nostalgia on a cone.

Close your eyes and you can probably hear the sound of an ice cream truck, its melody like something from a fairy tale.

happens, he'll have more time to think about his future. As he's talking about what lies ahead, he works his way back to the past. Ice cream, he says, is nostalgia on a cone. Close your eyes and you can probably hear the sound of an ice cream truck, its melody like something from a fairy tale. The sun is a bright dot in the sky, and you are as happy as you've ever been. "There's power in those memories," Ryan says, and you realize he's right.

This man who owns an ice cream truck gets how much we rely

Ryan even created a cone called Ben's Beloved, named for his

on those memories, and how great it is to relive them every time

friend, Ben Rector. "When I was making ice cream at home in

we order a cone.

Nashville, I'd make ice cream for him and his wife. He'd worked at a frozen custard shop growing up in Tulsa, and he told me he used to make an Oreo Blizzard-type custard. And he'd add a little sea salt. So, now it's part of the menu. Vanilla ice cream drizzled with fudge sauce with a little sea salt, rolled in Oreos."

As Ryan is describing the cone, the storm picks up, tossing a metal trash can into the street. Rain falls like ammunition, and the awning above us pops in the wind. Later, I will come back for ice cream. And later, after standing in a line that forms quickly, I will discover why Burton's has gotten so much buzz. Even without the toppings, this is the best ice cream I've ever had. When I tell Ryan this, he smiles.

Burton's Comfort Creamery Shulertown Food Truck Court 372 West Dickson Street Fayetteville, Arkansas burtonscreamery.com Tuesday & Wednesday: Noon - 10pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Noon - 11pm Open from April to November

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people

The Best Chapter Yet

words Marla Cantrell images Marla Cantrell and courtesy Debbie Foliart

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D

Debbie Foliart sits at a table inside Chapters on Main in Van

downtown festival that brings in thousands each year. And so

Buren, Arkansas, and looks out the window that faces the Old

they got to work.

Frisco Depot. Soon, tourists will show up to ride the vintage A&M train that will take them through some of the prettiest land in the

Getting ready to open turned out to be a whale of a job. There

state. Soon, the trolley will swing by, the seats filled with visitors

were approximately 200,000 books to catalog. A friend owned

who want to see the sites in this historic downtown.

another downtown building that was empty at the time, and let Debbie use it as a storage/sorting facility. In the bottom of a box,

But right now, early in the day, the street is relatively quiet. Debbie

Debbie found a copy of A Child's History of England by Charles

takes advantage of this small break, sitting here with her first cup

Dickens. The handwritten inscription reads "Christmas 1851."

of Mama Carmen's coffee from the bookstore's coffee shop. Soft

Her heart raced. As a lover of books, she realized what a rare find

music plays in the background. The air smells like new coffee and

it was, and she put it away for safekeeping. The crew also found

old books. Sunshine streams through the plate-glass window.

stacks of old magazines like Life and Look and the Saturday Evening Post that chronicled events such as the shooting of Presi-

A short time ago, the scene that's unfolding lived only as part of

dent Kennedy in Dallas, the Freedom March in Selma, Mississippi,

a dream Debbie had. She'd always loved reading, and on vaca-

and a previously unpublished manuscript by Mark Twain.

tions or business trips, she'd find herself in bookstores. And even though Debbie had been told that owning a bookshop didn't necessarily make you flush with cash, she still wanted one.

When she told her husband Alan, he voiced his concerns. But then he thought about it. The two own TDG Merchant Solutions, and under that umbrella Debbie owns the Destiny Group and is the host of Leadercast Van Buren. Her instincts had always been spot-on, especially when it came to business. If she thought a book/coffee shop could succeed, he was willing to give it a try.

Alan and Debbie Foliart

There was a problem, though. This spot was already taken. And it already housed a used bookstore that had been in business for

Back inside the store, major construction was underway to open

years. Each time Debbie visited, she thought about what she'd

up the space. Several seating areas were added. Upstairs, Debbie

do if it were hers. So, the next time she stopped by she told the

had two large windows installed, and made that area a haven

owner that if he ever wanted to sell, to give her a call.

for children. Now, on Saturdays at one in the afternoon, people from the community come to read to the kids who are devel-

In January 2016, the owner did call, and by February they had

oping a lifelong love of books.

a deal. Debbie, Alan, and their grandson, Christian Westbrook, became the new owners. At that time, the bookstore was

There is also a massive basement, books crowding shelves, much

filled to the gills, with books everywhere, standing in stacks,

as they had before Debbie and her family bought the place, and

and sometimes spilling over to the flat surfaces. While Debbie

those who enjoy searching through the volumes love this area.

loved the store, she envisioned a place where the inventory was streamlined, with wide aisles and lots of sunlight. She knew she

But one of the favorite parts of the store is the coffee shop. Caterer

wanted a coffee shop inside the store, and she wanted to add a

Cathi Dixon makes the pastries. And the coffee and tea is Mama

selection of new books.

Carmen's, a brand distributed by Airship Coffee in Northwest Arkansas. "Our son knows Mark Bray, who owns Airship, and we

Which meant that she needed to get all the books that came

loved what he was doing. The coffee is delicious, and he does

along with the sale organized. Debbie set a target opening date

so much to help coffee growers. We're one of only four places

of May 13, the first day of Old Timers Day weekend, the annual

in the state to carry it," Debbie says. When they buy the coffee,

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ten percent goes back to Mama Carmen, who grows coffee in Guatemala to support orphaned kids in her country.

When Chapters on Main opened in May, a flood of well-wishers showed up, many gravitating to the coffee shop, where Christian and barista Logan Needham were barely keeping up, making White Chocolate Mocha Lattes, White Pomegranate Tea and Black Apple Espressos. Laughter erupted here and there. Parents shopped with their kids, and customers were lining up at the register with books in hand.

"We had a woman named Michelle who brought her kids in the day we opened. That

Logan Needham

Sunday she brought her husband. On Monday she brought her sister. The next Monday she brought in her

Not far from where Debbie sits, a shelf holds new works by local

friend," Debbie says.

authors. One of the books, Images of America Van Buren by Tom Wing, tells the history of this place. Debbie wants to learn every-

Since then, the shop has become a gathering place. People come

thing she can about this town she loves so much. This building

and read for hours. Others work on their laptops. A men's church

has its own stories to tell, having been here since 1908. That

group has started meeting here weekly. For Debbie, seeing this

year, the forty-sixth star, representing Oklahoma, was added to

shop become a center for the community is all she ever hoped for.

the U.S. flag. The Model T came rolling off the assembly line,

She's always giving back, volunteering, working with civic organi-

the first Gideon Bible was placed in a hotel room, and the most

zations, the Van Buren A&P, and the Van Buren Original, a group

intense documented rain shower (2.47 inches in three minutes)

devoted to the revitalization of downtown. In June of this year, she

caused panic in the country of Panama.

received the Iverson Riggs Memorial Citizen of the Year Award.

Each of these events was written down, the details preserved.

Even now, when she talks about the honor, she feels a sweep of

Debbie smiles, her green eyes lit with joy. One day her chapter of

emotions. Debbie believes she's immensely blessed to have the life

this town's history will become part of the bigger picture of Van

she does, surrounded by great friends, a wonderful family, and

Buren. Until then, she has a world of good to do. And so she gets

now all these books. Her shop has at least 200,000 stories waiting

back to the work at hand, here at this bookshop that started as

to be read. But it also contains new stories that happen here every

a dream she knew would come true.

day, as old friends catch up with each other, or new friends meet while browsing for books.

As Debbie talks about what Chapters on Main means to her, two customers come in, a couple in their late teens. They're asking about the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child release party that will happen just a few days later. Part of her mission was to create a place where the younger crowd wanted to be, and that's exactly what's happening.

Chapters on Main 816 Main Street | Van Buren, Arkansas chaptersonmain.com 479.471.9315 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm; Saturday, 8am-4pm

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Curious words and images Jessica Sowards

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people

On the first day of school, I thought we might sleep in. There was

Then this year, when Toby knew there was finally a box of

no bus to miss and no bell to be late for. Three color-coded plastic

supplies just for him, he woke up extra early on the first official

crates lined the walls by the kitchen table. In each one, brand new

day of the school year. He crawled into my bed and said, at six

crayons and pencils filled color-coded art boxes, and unlearned

a.m., “Mom, I’m so ready to start homeschool now.” So I got up

curriculums stood in proud stacks, waiting to be explored.

early and made breakfast while Toby woke up the other boys, then he came and sat at the table with so much pride he could

Jackson and Asher would have been happy to sleep in. Sure,

have just burst.

they enjoyed browsing Mardel’s and helping me piece together their homeschool books over the summer. They are excited

It’s hard sometimes. It feels a lot like a juggling act with five boys,

about this year's music lessons. Jackson is eager to do fifth-

homeschooling, a farm and ministry. Thankfully, I have a lot of

grade science experiments, and Asher is deciding on what

help but I still occasionally have a breakdown and feel like I can’t

book series he'll embark on for his fourth-grade year. Still, they

possibly be able to give these brilliant boys what they need. It

would have been happy to roll out of bed with just enough time

never fails, though, when I feel the most overwhelmed, they will

to scarf down some cereal and help me wipe the table at nine

do something that completely surprises me.

in the morning, our usual start of the school day.

Usually, it's something small, like when we are driving down the That is not what happened, though. Because Tobias (Toby)

road, and they spout off the name of the farm equipment we

started Pre-K this year.

just passed or ask me a question about atmospheric pressure because “they were just wondering.” Sometimes, it’s when I

Oh, Toby. We call him enthusiastic which is a woeful understate-

see their hunger, like when Jackson watched someone on the

ment. Unlike his older brothers, he has no memory of the public

drums at church, touched my arm and leaned over without

school system. Jackson and Asher attended a wonderful elemen-

breaking his gaze from the rhythmic beating, and said, “Hey,

tary before we moved to the country and started our farm. I

can I learn that?”

never fancied myself a homeschooler. I loved their teachers and the programs. But when we found our dream house and

This year, I involved them in picking a curriculum. They again

dove in, we were surprised to learn we were zoned for a school

surpassed my expectations. I thought they might go into the store

over thirty minutes away from our house. So just like that, for no reason but logistics, we became homeschoolers.

Toby was only two then. In the last two school years since we accidentally became homeschoolers, when Jackson and Asher did art and worked in their workbooks, Toby would beg for his own school work. So I would print off matching sheets and coloring pages from the Internet, and he would patiently grasp a crayon at the table, waiting to be validated as a student. While we read books like Charlotte’s Web and Because of Winn Dixie, Toby would sit and listen. Before I knew it, he could recite colors and recognize letters. He could animatedly recount stories and spit off facts about sharks or bees or whatever we’d been recently discussing.

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them, for a long time I was a stickler to the workbook schedule and the written instructions. Then I started to see their curiosity grow. I love curiosity. So I want to nurture it the best I can. I am quick to say, “I don’t know, let's figure it out.” And we do. We often turn to the Internet in random places like the grocery store or during ministry meetings because in that moment, we absolutely must know the gestational period of a cow.

See, homeschooling woke something up in me, too. Just like they have learned to teach, I’ve learned to be a student. Our life changed so much all at once, and I’ve embarked on many new endeavors with the farm and schooling my boys. But in nurturing theirs, my curiosity has grown as well. This year we are doing a science unit on the development of an egg, and they will have full responsibility for operating the incubator and bringing chickens to life. Then we raise them on our farm, and I’ll let them choose to keep them in our flock or sell them to earn money.

I’ve started bringing them to the grocery store with me with a list and a calculator. I’ve started pulling them into the kitchen and giving them responsibilities that used to make me nervous.

Because I want them to learn. It has become my priority, teaching these brilliant boys whatever I can.

It’s funny how things work out sometimes. If you had asked me a few years ago what I imagined life would look like now, I would have never said this. and just pick the first set of books that caught their eye. But they didn’t. They paused thoughtfully at different subjects, flipping

I would have never imagined mornings being so beautifully

through the pages and making comments like, “It might be kind

laid-back and days being so full of wonder and curiosity. And

of cool to learn Spanish.”

even though it is very hard sometimes and I have to look fear in the face and say “I am enough” on a regular basis, even

Homeschool woke something up in my sons. It has helped them

though many people don’t understand this walk we’ve chosen, I

to realize it’s OK to be different from one another. And that

wouldn’t change it for the world.

it's OK to have strengths we play to and weakness we forgive.

Even when I’ve struggled, I’ve come to realize they have actu-

Oh, and cows are pregnant for 283 days. Just in case you

ally learned to teach by watching me figure it out. Sometimes I

were wondering.

find all the boys piled up on Asher’s lower bunk bed with one of the older brothers reading picture books to the little boys. Or I’ll catch a glimpse of them in play, and see one of the bigger boys crouching down next to one of their younger brothers explaining directions or answering the constant question of “Why?”

Follow Jessica on her blog @thehodgepodgedarling.blogspot.com

It’s taken two years for me to have the confidence to begin to branch out in what they learn. I was so afraid to mess up and fail DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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taste

Meatloaf Sandwich

recipe and image James Steufix

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taste

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

° 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 350°F, with rack in middle of oven. Melt butter

° 1 cup finely chopped onion

in a large, thick-bottomed skillet, medium heat. When the butter

° 1 celery rib, finely chopped

starts to foam, add the onions, celery, carrot, green onions and

° 1 carrot, finely chopped

garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Cover pan and cook for 5 minutes

° 1/2 cup of finely chopped green onion,

more, until carrots are tender, stirring every so often. Sprinkle in

salt and pepper. Add Worcestershire sauce and 1/3 cup ketchup.

including the green tops

° 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tablespoon)

Cook for 1 minute, remove from heat to cool.

° 2 teaspoons salt

(use 1 1/2 teaspoons if using Italian sausage)

Once cooled, place vegetables in large bowl with the ground

° 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

beef, Italian sausage, eggs, breadcrumbs and parsley. Use your

° 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

hands to mix everything together until combined. Place mixture in

° 2/3 cup ketchup, divided 1/3 and 1/3

a loaf pan (4x8 or 5x9) and press to compact into pan (or form a

° 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (chuck)

free-standing loaf and place in rimmed baking pan). Cover meat-

° 3/4 pound spicy ground pork sausage

loaf mixture with remaining ketchup. Bake for 1 hour at 350°F, or

until a meat thermometer inserted into center reads 155°F.

or Italian sausage*

° 1 cup fresh bread crumbs ° 2 large eggs, beaten slightly

Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Use a metal

° 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

spatula to gently lift meatloaf from the pan to a serving plate.

Slice thick for burgers. Add toppings of choice, serve on Texas

*If you don't have access to spicy ground pork or Italian

toast or your favorite bread.

sausage, mix in a half teaspoon each of fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, and hot sauce into regular ground pork.

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st

1

words and image Catherine Frederick

INGREDIENTS -

&

10

4 oz. Wild Turkey American Honey Whiskey 5 oz. Cranberry Juice 3 oz. Orange Juice 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

METHOD Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake well. Fill glass with ice. Pour mixture over ice. If not using mug with straw, garnish glass with orange wedge.

To create football design on mug: Draw 3� long laces on the back of a sheet of white vinyl (available at craft stores). Cut out and apply to front of mug. Note: Do not place in dishwasher! Hand wash only.

Always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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travel

Go Localling

words and images Catherine Frederick Garrison Avenue image courtesy Benjamin Bandimere Splash pad image courtesy Jenny Thompson

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History, arts and culture, boutiques and antiques, delicious foods and specialty cocktails, a Ferris wheel (yes, that’s right, I said Ferris wheel), a splash pad for the young and young at heart, a bustling, growing farmer’s market, and annual festivals and events—downtown Fort Smith has something for everyone. I challenge you to open your mind and GO LOCALLING! I guarantee it will change the way you think about this ever-growing town I’m proud to call home.

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travel taste

Recently, my son and I went localling and explored downtown

The Fort Smith Museum of History houses more than 40,000 arti-

like we were tourists. We fell in love with downtown all over

facts. We toured the museum, enjoyed a delicious root beer float

again. What we discovered is that there’s much more to see and

from the old-fashioned soda fountain, and checked out products

do than meets the eye.

from a 1920s-1940s pharmacy.

We began at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, established in

From the museum, we drove down to the Arkansas River and

1867, where over 16,000 members of our armed forces and their

took a stroll on the Greg Smith River Walk, a 1.6-mile trail which

families are buried. Then, just around the corner, we checked out

connects Harry E. Kelly Park to the Rice Carden Levee Trail.

the Fort Smith Trolley Museum and jumped aboard the trolley for a historical tour of downtown.

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At the westernmost end of the avenue is The Park at West End

There are several dining options on the Avenue, from Cuban

where you can enjoy food, a spin on the carousel (hand-painted

to Mexican, to burgers, pizza, and ribs. There’s something for

in Treviso, Italy) and take a ride on the Ferris wheel from the 1935

everyone. We decided on sushi and popped into Sake Sushi &

World’s Fair in San Diego. If you need to cool off, take a run

Martini Bar – I highly recommend the Crazy Tuna!

through the Splash Pad, located just a few steps away.

We headed east up the avenue and found plenty of reasons to Across the street from The Park at West End, we walked past Pen-

shop! I fell in love with an Arkansas Razorback top at Simply

dergraft Park and stopped for photos of The Bass Reeves Monument,

Couture. Along the way, we stopped to take in the grandeur

a larger than life piece of art that honors the famous lawman.

of the amazing murals painted on local buildings, thanks to The Unexpected Project – Ana Maria is one of my favorite artists!

On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, you can’t miss the Fort Smith Farmer’s Market! It’s filled with delicious jams, homegrown

Enjoying this day with my son reminded me that life really is worth

produce, grass-fed meats, gorgeous flowers and arts and crafts.

living in Fort Smith! And now, more than ever, is the perfect time for all of us to spend a lot more time downtown.

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For activity and event details, including hours of operation for venues listed, please visit individual websites. FortSmith.org is a great place to start!

DINING AJ’s Oyster House 21 West End Bricktown Brewery Creative Kitchen Doe’s Eat Place Emmy’s Restaurant Garrison Pointe Market & Cafe La Huerta Landry’s New Orleans Cafe Neumeier’s Rib Room Nickle & Dime Diner Papa’s Pub & Pizzeria Rolando’s Sacred Grounds Sake, Sushi & Martini Bar Savoy Tea Co. Taliano’s Italian Restaurant Tammy’s Tamales

SHOPPING Belle Starr Antique Mall Crane Clothing Creative Kitchen Fort Smith Farmer's Market Indie Magnolia Boutique Mama Says Emporium Simply Couture The Popped Popcorn Co. The Valley

ENTERTAINMENT ACCA Live!

ArcBest Performing Arts Center Blue Lion – UAFS Clue Masters Escape Room Fort Smith Little Theatre Fort Smith Regional Art Museum Fort Smith Symphony Garrison Commons “Pocket Park” Splash Pad Spray Fountain The Park at West End The Unexpected Murals

NIGHTLIFE Core Public House Roosters The Sound Room Wishbone’s Music and Chicken Joint

HISTORY Bass Reeves Monument Belle Grove Historic District Fort Smith Museum of History Fort Smith National Cemetery Fort Smith National Historic Site Fort Smith Trolley Museum General Darby Monument Miss Laura’s Visitor’s Center

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southern fiction

T

The wind was blowing that night, lifting the edges of our skirts, tossing candy wrappers that tumbled end to end across the football field. The field was empty except for the debris, and the scoreboard blinked a row of zeroes in a way that was dizzying if you watched it for too long. There were four of us that night— there were always four of us—and we were wearing knee-high boots and too much eyeliner. Our hair was long and wild, as if we'd just climbed out of bed. We could have passed for twenty, though none of us was older than seventeen.

"It feels like the end of something," Kate said, and she pointed to the empty field where forty minutes before our football team, the Alma Airedales, had crushed our biggest rival, the Van Buren Pointers.

"This time next year," I said, "we'll all be somewhere else."

Miller was tapping a spot near her collarbone, a habit she'd had since the day I met her, when she'd transferred to Alma in the ninth grade. Her nails were painted burgundy, and she looked like Cleopatra, even in the boots and the white T-shirt with a red satin apple that stretched across the spot where her heart beat. "When we moved here, my dad said we wouldn't stay more than a year." She stopped, her gaze fixed on the visitors' bleachers, although no one was there. "And then Mom left," Miller said. The wind whipped her long hair across her face, and

All Those Rocket Men & Rocket Women FICTION Marla Cantrell

for a moment she was hidden by the darkness of it. "But then I met the three of you." Her voice broke on the word 'three,' and I felt something tighten in my chest.

Nina stood on one foot, like a flamingo, I thought. "Let's get out of here," she said. Nina glanced at her watch—it was a guy's watch and she'd yet to tell us where she'd gotten it, although we'd all asked. "I have to be home by midnight." She shook her head. "Midnight. Can you believe it?"

We cranked up the heat in Miller's car. We were always cold back then, our bodies waif-like from too many diets, too much time spent in front of tall mirrors and fashion magazines. We turned on the radio. Otis Redding came on, and then Neil Young, and then Creedence Clearwater Revival singing a song that asked who would stop the rain. Miller put on another layer of lip gloss, eyed herself in the rearview mirror, frowned.

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southern fiction

Her car was old and loud, and Miller drove like she was punishing

"Of course you are," Miller said, but Nina shook her head no.

it. We passed the one cop in town, waved as we flew by, and he flashed his lights but didn't move. On the highway, Miller let it go,

"And I'm not going back on Tuesday," Nina said. "Or any other

and we caught air on the stretch of road that curved back and

day." On her right hand she wore her senior ring, the stone icy

forth across the dark mountain.

blue even though our school colors were green and gold. We'd already planned our graduation trip to Gulf Shores. Already had

Nina was beside me, and when the headlights of an oncoming car

our senior pictures taken. "There's this guy who wants me to leave

flashed across her face, I stole a look. Her eyes were the green of

with him," she said, and I saw her twisting the man's watch on her

gemstones. Her hair so black it looked unreal. I watched Miller's

wrist. It was so loose it could have easily slipped off.

hand on the steering wheel. Every finger had a ring. Beside her, Kate sat, the air from the heater moving her hair, lifting it like a red

"There's always a guy," I said. "No reason to lose your mind over it."

silk scarf caught on a wind current.

Kate said, "I get it. If I had a guy waiting, I'd leave this town in "Where are we going?" I asked, and Miller shrugged. Kate

the dust." I was so close to her, I could smell the smoke from the

reached across the seat, squeezed my knee. "Lake Fort Smith,"

wood stove that heated her house and seeped into every outfit

she said, and then looked at Miller to make sure. "Right?" Kate

she wore after September.

asked and Miller nodded.

"Who is it?" Miller asked.

Clouds hung low in the sky, hiding the moon. When we came to a stop, there was the sound of the spillway rushing below us,

"I can't say," Nina said. Miller covered her eyes with her hand and

thousands of gallons of water screaming across the rocks. When

said, "You're breaking my heart."

we spoke, our voices barely sounded above the noise.

There was a maple tree that caught the light from Miller's car, We grabbed our coats and walked to the cliff where slabs of lime-

and as the wind moved, at least a dozen leaves fell. They were the

stone rock jutted out below in shallow ledges here and there.

color of autumn, the color of Kate's hair when the sun hit it. "I'm

"Let's climb down," Kate called out, and already she was moving

breaking my own heart," Nina said, "but I can't help it."

closer, sitting down finally, her tall boots hanging over the edge.

Miller lifted her arms like she was directing a choir. "This was "That's how people die." I said, and I kneeled down beside her.

supposed to be our year!" Miller said, her affinity for drama

Kate said, "Don't be such a drag."

showing in every syllable. "You and me and Kate and Jennie. Our last year. Next year, you can take off with anybody you want and

Miller walked back to the car, started the motor, flicked on the

I won't say a word. I promise."

headlights that threw light across all of us. In the glare of the headlights, we could see the water crashing across the rocks. Kate

Kate had taken my hand, and she held it between her own hands

looked at Miller, and then down below. She scooted back to safe

and I could feel her trembling. "We have this moment. This right

ground and spun around so that her back was to the spillway, and

now. But nothing else. Ask for too much, Miller, and you'll get

I sat down beside her. Nina and Miller stood just feet away.

slapped down! You might as well figure that out now."

"I'm not going back to school on Monday," Nina said. She had

Kate's older brother had drowned the year before at Frog Bayou in

her arms crossed tight. Her hip jutted out. She looked like a young

Rudy. In two years' time, her younger brother would be swallowed

Elizabeth Taylor standing there, her dark hair billowing, one

up by the Arkansas River after his fishing boat capsized.

eyebrow arched just so.

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67

68

southern fiction

"Do you love him?" Miller asked Nina, and Nina laughed. "Of

Miller wiped her eyes. "How far are you going?"

course not," she said, "but I'm going with him anyway. Mama loves Daddy, and you see how that works out. They fight like

"Tulsa."

ninety percent of the time."

"And you'll come back sometimes?"

Miller pulled her coat tighter around her. "So you think not loving this guy is going to save you somehow?"

"Sure I will. After things settle down."

Nina lifted her chin. "I do."

Kate took a step backward, teetered, and for a minute I imagined what it would be like to see her sailing over the edge. I grabbed

"Then you're an idiot, Nina."

her wrist and pulled her back and held her close. In five years Kate would get a diagnosis she couldn't come back from. If I'd known

I stepped in then. "Enough, Miller. It's not your life. It's nobody's

that then, I might never have let her go.

life but Nina's."

Grabbing Kate, pulling her back, happened in the time it would Kate dropped my hand and stood up. "I joined a club," she said,

take you to blink, but it's what I remember most from that night.

and I pulled away. The four of us didn't join anything. Not choir

Not Nina. Nina was like the center of the earth, all iron and fire.

or band or drama or the yearbook staff. We didn't want our

She would always be fine.

classmates to define us by anything but our friendship with one another. "You did what now?" I asked.

In the car, Miller switched on the radio. Nina looked at her big watch. "It's fifteen minutes till midnight," she said, and Miller

"I joined the Science Club. We meet during sixth period. We think

sped up. Nina was a girl of contradictions. She couldn't be late

there's life on Mars. We found this photo that looks like there's water

for anything, even if she was planning to slip out of her bed later,

there," She stood a little taller. "And we think we can prove it."

crawl out the window, slip away into a brand new life.

Nina got up, brushed off her skirt. It was black like her boots, and

The rain started, soft and then furious. At Nina's house, I looked

short, and perfect. "Kate is looking for life on Mars, Miller. Do you

at the mums planted in a circle around the concrete birdbath: rust-

think she'll find it?"

colored, orange, purple. Nina said, "I love you all, I really do." And then she slipped out of the car, the hood of her coat pulled up against the rain. When I looked back she was still standing at her

"No," Miller said. "I don't. I think Kate's been listening to too

front door under the yellow porch light, her hand raised to us. It

much Elton John. All those rocket men and rocket women." Miller

was not lost on me that Nina was the one standing still and we

laughed, but the laugh was hollow.

were the ones moving away.

Nina lifted her chin. "Do you think we'll be friends in a year?"

On the drive to Kate's house, we didn't talk at all. Above us, Mars sat, as red as an apple, and possibly as wet as the road we were

Miller ignored her. "Mom calls sometimes," she said. "Late at

driving. I imagined rivulets of water running down red craters,

night. Early, early morning. I pick up the phone when Dad's not

pooling in red ponds, big-headed green Martians bathing as we

around. She cries a lot. It's not the same as an apology."

drove the back roads of Arkansas. I watched Kate stare out the car's window, this C student I loved, who might one day prove

"Maybe she didn't know how to stay," Nina said. "Staying is hard."

something NASA denied was true. At least she believed in something, I thought. At least she believed.

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MAN'S MANUAL

THE MAN’S MANUAL THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE FOR MEN A great plan to stay fit that doesn't take a ton of time. Doctors and dentists that work hard to keep you healthy and happy. A designer who knows the perfect recliner and trends for fall. Tips on how to dress up jeans, a shop where you can find a timepiece inspired by the man who broke land-speed records, and financial planning that's easy to understand. We'll even show you an innovative way to find the perfect beer and the new hot place to watch NFL and Razorback games.

Do South has gathered all these resources to make your life or the

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life of the man you love, a whole lot easier. Our local experts have offered valuable information in the pages that follow. Still want to know more? They'd be happy to hear from you. Just tell them Do

South sent you!

MAN'S MANUAL

Body Tailors Personal Training Brandon and Jackie Morrison bodytailorspersonaltraining.com 479.310.6820 One of the biggest concerns we hear from men is that our program at Body Tailors Personal Training is designed just for women. Although the majority of our clients are women, we are seeing more men coming in who realize that our program will give them exactly what they need to achieve their goals, which typically is to gain muscle and lose body fat. We offer a great combination of weight training, conditioning and mobility workouts to help expedite results for men, women, and even kids!

Cooper Clinic Dr. Allen Beachy cooperclinic.com 479.274.2000 Often, when considering permanent male birth control, men are worried the procedure is painful. Dr. Beachy says, "It's only associated with minimal discomfort following the procedure so that most men don't need any pain medication.

Although patients need to take it easy for a week after, most are able to go back to work after only two days off." Sexual function and desire should remain unaffected by vasectomy; and within one to two weeks, the patient should be able to do any activities he would have done before the procedure.

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Donaubauer Group of Raymond James Financial Allyn Donaubauer, CFP, CRPC thedonaubauergroup.com 479.494.3892

Friddle Dentistry Carl and Cody Friddle thefriddlesmile.com 479.452.8800 Men are concerned with the health of their teeth, the way

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their teeth look and being as pain-free as possible. They need Start planning for retirement the moment you either go to

convenient appointments without long waits and access to

work or have income. The very fact that you're young gives you

their dentist in case of emergencies for themselves or their

a huge edge if you want to be rich in retirement. When you're

families. Friddle Dentistry offers convenient appointment

young, you can invest relatively little for a short period and

times. We strive to stay on schedule, so patients don't waste

wind up with far more money than someone older who saves

their valuable time in our waiting room. We focus on providing

much more over a longer period. One more piece of advice.

aesthetic dentistry by using metal-free restorations, ZOOM!

Participate in your 401(k) plan the moment you’re eligible.

Whitening, or cosmetic custom veneers. We're available for

Start small, take advantage of your employer’s free match and

emergencies, even on nights and weekends.

watch how compounding works!

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John Mays Jewelers Kevin Mays johnmaysjewelers.com 479.452.2140

Mercy Hospital Fort Smith Dr. William Dudding, Dr. Ferdinand Calero, Dr. Beena Syed mercy.net 479.314.6000

Some of our favorite timeless pieces for men are a quality time-

One thing we notice about male patients is that they usually

piece, ink pen, cufflinks, money clip or even a pocket knife.

do not seek medical help unless they are very ill or brought

All these things can transcend generations. Even high school

in/encouraged by their wife, mother, daughter, etc. Male

seniors are choosing a quality timepiece as a graduation gift

patients are concerned with diabetes, heart disease, high

that will carry them through their college careers. Popular this

blood pressure, low testosterone, obesity and general health

fall are Shinola timepieces because of their industrial feel, their

checkups and exercise. There is testing that is recommended

look, and their American craftsmanship. From timepieces to

as men grow older. Men over the age of fifty should consider

leather goods, such as phone cases and journals, to bicycles,

blood tests for lipids, kidney and liver functions, blood glucose

this company has it all.

levels and cholesterol, prostate cancer screening, as well as an annual overall health checkup.

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Rainwater’s Clothing Gale Rainwater rainwater-s.com 479.452.5836

Sodie’s Wine & Spirits Scott Clark sodiesliquor.com 479.783.8013

At Rainwater's Clothing, we are selling sports coats with

Men are enjoying selecting the individual craft beers from

button-up, open-collar shirts for fall 2016. Finish off your

our Pick 6 area at Sodie's Wine & Spirits. This allows them to

sports coat with dark unfaded jeans or slacks with a dressier

purchase only a single bottle instead of a complete six pack for

shoe. This looks great for business casual or any nice event.

a beer they’ve never tried. As for our other products that are

If you feel a sports coat is too dressy, we suggest a 1/4 zip

great for fall, I'd recommend our new bourbons and scotches

lightweight sweater. This really finishes off a nice button-up

that haven’t been seen previously in Fort Smith. We offer as

shirt and gives you a more sophisticated look. Rainwater's is a

many as six of each in our tasting area to try at any time. We’re

local family-owned business located on the east end of Rogers

committed to offering a great selection!

Avenue, almost to Barling.

10 Signs of a Southern Gentleman

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Walks in Faith Loves His Momma Well-Groomed Knows Hard Work Says “Please” and “Thank You” Has a Solid Handshake Minds His Manners Keeps His Word Holds Open Doors Respects His Elders

MAN'S MANUAL

The Sound Room Pamela G. Kelly Follow us on Facebook 479.763.1950

Sparks Regional Medical Center sparkshealth.com 479.441.4000

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The biggest concerns of our male patients seem to be the We're gearing up for a great fall football season at The Sound

fear of the unknown and the thought of being sidelined due

Room! We plan to televise all Arkansas Razorback games

to illness. These worries can keep many men out of the doctor’s

and host pre-party events. For NFL we will be doing "house

office. At Sparks, we focus on communication, quality and safety

divided" where the upper part of the venue will be one team

to ensure our patients understand their healthcare options.

and the lower part will be the opposing team, or we'll split the

Sparks offers minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgical devices

venue down the middle for people to cheer their favorite NFL

available for use on everything from prostate surgery to knee

team to victory. If you're looking for that one dish that men

replacement and cutting edge technology to speed up recovery

love, our pizzas are one of the best-selling items on our menu!

times and let men get back to work and enjoying life.

DIABETES

479.709.DOCS | SparksHealth.com

Why: More than 6 million people in the United States have diabetes and don’t know it. Symptoms of diabetes are so mild that the disease often goes undetected, or it is mistaken for some other ailment.

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MUST-HAVE HEALTH SCREENINGS FOR MEN

When: Men 45 years of age or older should consider getting a diabetes test, and individuals who have risk factors – overweight, a family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease – should talk to their doctor about beginning testing before age 45.

PROSTATE CANCER Why: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. The disease is rare before age 50, and, when caught early, i.e., while symptoms are limited to the prostate, is curable. Age is considered the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer. More than 70 percent of all men are diagnosed at age 65 or older.

When: A prostate check is usually performed annually, as part of a man’s physical, beginning at age 50.

TESTICULAR CANCER Why: Testicular cancer is rare and its cause is unknown; however, it is also the most common cancer among men ages 20 to 34. It is most often found among white males.

Men who develop testicular cancer do not have any specific A man’s reluctance to visit the doctor is a longstanding and

risk factors. Most men discover testicular cancer during a

popular stereotype – and a regular topic of discussion among

self-exam – or a physician finds it during an annual physical.

the women who care about them. Just like women, men

Therefore, it’s very important to monitor any changes in size,

should visit the doctor faithfully for an annual physical and be

shape or consistency of the testicles and talk with a physician.

screened for certain diseases and conditions that are prevalent

When: Most doctors agree that examining a man's testicles

among men as they age. Many of the health issues that affect

should be part of a general physical exam and recommend

men are preventable, which makes these tests even more

that all men do monthly testicular self-exams after puberty.

important. Recommended screenings for men include: For more information on

Why: Keeping a close eye on a man’s blood pressure level can

any of these tests, contact

help with early detection of hypertension (140/90 or higher) or

Sparks Health System at

pre-hypertension, early-stage high blood pressure (120/80 or

(479) 709-DOCS or visit

higher). If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the

SparksHealth.com.

risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease.

When: Men should have their blood pressure checked at least

1001 Towson Ave.

once every two years.

Fort Smith

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BLOOD PRESSURE

BACK MAN'S TO MANUAL SCHOOL

T. Glasco Designs, Inc. Terri Glasco, ASID, Owner tglascodesigns.com 479.646.3949 Some of our best-selling items for men at T. Glasco Designs

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are our fabulous recliners. The good news, ladies, is there are so many beautiful options now that they don't always "look" like a recliner. There are multiple options in styles, fabrics, and leathers that will please you both. As for trends this fall, textured fabrics, metal finishes, and wood tones help create a more masculine feel. Navy and plum are some of the new rich tones, so don't be afraid to veer off of black or brown, and you can never go wrong with red!

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