SPARK - July 2020

®

SPARK

July 2020 DoSouthMagazine.com

02

july

Contents 04 12 13

Publisher’s Letter Shop Local Pet Adoption

{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}

06 10

Fan Mail & Contest Get Bookish: July

Recommendations

18 An American Classic Returns

{PEOPLE}

14 22 26

Fighting to Axe ALS Just Peachy Brings the WOW The Digital Diva

{COMMUNITY}

11

Non-Profit Spotlight:

United Way Fort Smith

40

Back to Business

Special Feature

{TASTE}

08 30 31

Eat Local Contest Blistered Shishito Peppers Spicy Pineapple Margaritas

{FICTION}

36

Inherited Spirit

OUR COVER Gunnar Pippel/ Shutterstock

{ T R AV E L }

32

Gaston’s White River Resort

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Letter from Catherine

JULY 2020

W

G R AT E F U L

We’ve officially stepped into summer and there’s no better time to get out and explore the great outdoors. This month, we’re taking you to the banks of the White River as we explore Gaston’s White River Resort. We’ve also partnered with four local restaurants, each of whom have $50 gift cards for the winners of our Eat Local contest – don’t miss your chance to win at DoSouthMagazine.com! Feeling hungry? Try our easy recipe for blistered shishito peppers served alongside a spicy pineapple margarita.

We’re also introducing you to two entrepreneurs. One is tied up in a ballooning business and the other is illustrating a darling life. You’ll also meet a local man, determined to give ALS the axe. He and his wife’s love and hope for the future will warm your heart.

OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jennifer Burchett, Jonathan Burchett, Jade Graves, Dwain Hebda CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Boulden, Jennifer Burchett, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sarah Phillips-Burger, Sara Putnam, Liesel Schmidt ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

They say it takes a village to thrive during hard experiences. It’s during times like these we begin to understand the need to appreciate each other a bit more, and we want to hear from you! Do South® Magazine wants to recognize those who work tirelessly to build our community up. Please reach out and tell us how you or someone you know is impacting the River Valley!

To all the moms and dads, grandparents, neighbors, teachers, doctors, first responders, law enforcement officers, nurses, social workers, essential workers, and so many more, we thank you for everything you pour into the River Valley. We are forever grateful. Have a happy and safe 4th of July, I’ll see you in August!

Catherine Frederick

Owner/Publisher/Editor

FOLLOW US ©2020 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner. Opinions contained in Do South ® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South ® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

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

Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

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

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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fan mail

FAN MAIL Send comments and suggestions to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

Excited OH! MY! GOODNESS! I am so excited! I love Do South® Magazine! Thank you so much!

Looking forward to an informative and fun year reading Do South® Magazine! ~ Juanita C.

Published Got my magazines! Thank you so much for the wonderful article and all of the photos!

Being the school photographer is not in my job description and I never imagined that I would get a camera and then get them published! ~ Susan D.

Delivered Thank you for continuing to deliver Do South® during these trying times. I enjoy the magazine so much and I am so happy I was able to have it delivered to my house. ~ Margaret W.

CONTESTS (Deadline is July 21) Go to dosouthmagazine.com, click on “Contest” at the top of the page. All who enter will be subscribed to our mailing list. Please see rules and policies on our Contest page!

DO SOUTH® DELIVERED

Love Do South®? Here is your chance to have it delivered right to your door!

Two lucky readers will win a full, one-year subscription to Do South®!

CODE: DOSOUTH EAT LOCAL GIFT CARD CONTEST

$50 gift cards to El Zarape, Jeff’s Clubhouse, Ralph’s Pink Flamingo, and Uncork’d are up for grabs in this month’s Eat Local Contest!

CODE: ZARAPE I CODE: JEFF | CODE: FLAMINGO I CODE: UNCORKD

CONGRATS Congrats to our contest winners from June!

One-year subscription to Do South®: Janie Dahlem and Betty Pittman

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entertainment

PARTICIPATING JULY RESTAURANTS:

El Zarape Jeff’s Clubhouse Ralph’s Pink Flamingo BBQ Uncork’d

EAT LOCAL! Do South® has partnered with 4 amazing local restaurants, each providing a $50 gift card to their establishment! Leave the cooking to the pros and enter for your chance to win online at DoSouthMagazine.com/Contest.

#EATLOCAL #SHOWLOVE #FORTSMITHEATS

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

DEADLINE TO ENTER IS JULY 21.

Want to be next month’s featured restaurant?

Call Catherine at 479.782.1500

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community entertainment

Get

BOOKISH JUly Recommendations courtesy Sara Putman, Bookish

Interested in learning more and educating yourself about antiracism? Our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’s only independently-owned bookstore, recommend these five powerful, mustread books. Shop hours: Monday 11am-4pm, Tuesday - Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am4pm. Need curbside delivery? Call 479.434.2917 or email orders@bookishfs.com.

How to be an AntiRacist

by Ibram X. Kendi A historian who teaches at American University, Kendi defines what it means to be antiracist while helping us visualize what an antiracist society might look like and how we can help build it. Kendi uses his expertise in history, law, and science to share his own journey towards antiracism. This is a must-read for those interested in making real change in our communities.

Stamped

Just Mercy

by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

by Bryan Stevenson

This is the book you need if you are just learning the foundations of Black history in the United States. Reynolds “remixes” Kendi’s National Book Awardwinning book Stamped from the Beginning into something from which all readers can learn.

In Stevenson’s memoir we are introduced to a first-hand account of the atrocities of the American prison system. Stevenson graduates from law school and moves to Alabama to represent death row inmates. The story will shake you to your core and open your eyes to injustices that so many of us have been privileged enough to ignore.

The Vanishing Half

by Brit Bennett This novel introduces us to the Vignes twins who grow up in a small, southern black community. When they disappear at the age of sixteen, the town is in turmoil. But eventually, one sister comes back with her black daughter.

The other sister secretly passes for white. Bennett’s novel grapples with how we see the past. Does it shape us? Define us?

Is it something we can erase?

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Black Wall Street

by Hannibal B. Johnson Johnson is a regional author and graduate of Harvard Law School.

The history Johnson provides throughout is footnoted and his narrative is captivating.

This is a book that will help continue your education about our local history. Most people have not heard about this brutal massacre, and Johnson goes beyond the atrocities and focuses on the regeneration after the massacre.

community

Nonprofit Spotlight words Catherine Frederick with Eddie Lee Herndon, President and CEO United Way of Fort Smith Area

DS: How is the United Way of Fort Smith Area assisting our community during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We convened a group of philanthropic and business partners to form a COVID-19 Community Response Fund, to rapidly deploy resources to local agencies and organizations. The fund will assist agencies and organizations in providing individuals and families impacted by this pandemic assistance to stay in their homes and keep food on the table. We will work to get these dollars into our area quickly, funding nonprofit partners and service providers working directly with those impacted.

DS: What is the greatest hurdle United Way of Fort Smith Area faces rising from COVID-19?

United Way of Fort Smith Area has

Because of COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions, our fall fundraising

provided change in our area. They

campaign may look very different this year. In addition to restrictions, some of the

mobilize our community in ways

employees who were once donors in our company payroll deduction campaigns

that no single agency, individual, or

have been laid-off or furloughed. It is critical that we prepare for, respond to, and

government can to enhance the ability

ultimately help our communities emerge stronger. To do so, financial support from

of people to care for one another.

the community will be critical in our ability to continue support for programs and

United Way addresses the needs

agencies that are funded by United Way.

important to people who live and work in Crawford, Franklin, LeFlore, Logan,

DS: For members of our community who would like to volunteer or

Sebastian and Sequoyah counties.

make a financial donation, what is the best way to do so?

Do South reached out to Eddie Lee

Due to social distancing, volunteer opportunities have changed. Call our

Herndon, to learn more.

Community Initiatives Coordinator, Carrie Terry, for available opportunities.

®

For donations, we have a text-to-give option; text “response” to 91999 or give online at unitedwayfortsmith.org, or simply mail a check and list Address: 120 North 13th Street

COVID-19 in the memo line.

Fort Smith, AR 72901 479.782.1311

DS: In what ways does United Way support our communities?

unitedwayfortsmith.org

For ninety-two years we have connected the River Valley with resources in the areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability and Crisis Support Services, including disaster response for events such as Hurricane Katrina, the 2019 Flood and COVID-19. We are also the local affiliate for Dolly Parton’s

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a nonprofit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

Imagination Library, a program that provides an age appropriate book to children birth to age five. FamilyWize, a prescription discount card, saved area residents $353,000 in 2019 on their prescription medicines.

DS: Are there any upcoming events that our readers should know about?

We plan to continue with Fill the Bus at the end of July but are uncertain of the details. Each year we collect over fifty thousand packages of school supplies to ensure local children have the supplies they need. The United Way Classic, presented by Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, has been rescheduled for August 3rd-8th, at Hardscrabble Country Club. Follow us on social media and our website for updates!

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shop

Summer Shopping!

Take a peek at a few of our favorite things from local shops!

words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Hearts On Fire Tessa Diamond Navette Pendant, available in 18kt White, Yellow and Rose Gold, starting at .25cts.

Protect Your Hearing with Microsonic Custom Ear Plugs

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

479.785.3277

CENTER FOR HEARING

479.452.2140

99 Party Pack, Primus Mural Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca Cerveza, Movo Wine Spritzers, Hard Ice Vodka Pops, Swig Tumbler, Cool Shooters Shot Glass Ice Mold, Cayman Jack Margaritas

Riddle Luxury Fragrance Body Oils, Roll-Ons and Spray Lotions

BLACK BISON COMPANY 479.551.2880

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

Face A Face Steam and Watts Sunglasses

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

TailGator Gas Powered Portable Blender, 1800 Ultimate Blood Orange and Watermelon Margaritas

479.452.2020

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

pets

Hot Dogs and Cool Cats F

F

Charlotte M

M

Snow White M

Curly

Speedy M

Dusty

Sheridan

3 Girls Animal Rescue is a foster-only rescue, so there is no facility. All animals are currently in foster homes being socialized and cared for by loving families. All animals are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and heartworm negative. 3 Girls is run completely by volunteers and operates solely on public donations.

CONTACT: 918.564.2483 or private message on Facebook www.facebook.com/3GirlsAnimalRescue • threegirlsanimalrescue@outlook.com Each month, Do SouthŽ donates this page to local and regional nonprofit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

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people

Les and Susan Stephenson

FIGHTING

TO AXE ALS Words and images Dwain Hebda

Les Stephenson’s eyes scan the room like a hummingbird.

They’re a window to his soul, providing subtitles to what the former fire battalion chief is thinking at any given moment.

His gaze isn’t the only way he communicates but ever since he lost the ability to speak, a byproduct of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the eyes have been key, turning from sparkling to haunting in a breath.

“I’m here,” they seem to say. “I’m still IN HERE.” Susan Stephenson knows his looks with an almost telepathic understanding. It’s a skill that at its core has less to do with Les’ condition than their nearly thirty years of marriage.

But ever since his diagnosis two-and-a-half years ago, ALS has sharpened those senses, even on days when her knees buckle under the weight of it all.

“You just have to have respect for each other,” she says.

“We’ve always had that. We’ve never been one to argue and fight in front of people. We didn’t. I mean, we did get into little spats, but then it’d be over with.

“We cry a lot. You know, I’ll cry, and get on a crying spell, and he’ll ask me why. I’m like, ‘You know why: life.’ And he’ll do the same thing because he feels like he’s a burden to me, which he’s not. You’re not. It’s not a burden.” **** ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease robs people of muscle movement, leading to the loss of various body DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

systems and ultimately death. About 16,000 people in the

“It is very frustrating to see the rush they have put on COVID-

U.S. have the disease at any given time with 5,000 new cases

19, a disease that is less than one percent fatal, while the FDA

diagnosed per year.

drags their feet on a disease that has no treatment and is one hundred percent fatal and has been around one hundred and

After Les was diagnosed, he and Susan connected with the

fifty years,” he says. “There are four to five drugs or therapies

ALS Association Arkansas Chapter which proved a godsend of

that have already been proven safe and slows progression. In

information and connections to assistive technology, the most

some cases, it has stopped progression. One particular stem

recent of which is a computer setup which allows Les to type

cell study called NurOwn reversed some of the symptoms of a

by focusing his gaze on keys of a keyboard on the screen. By

Russellville man. NurOwn has been in trials ten years.

this laborious process, Les provided insight into living with the killer inside his own body.

“Meanwhile, during that same period good patients lost their lives. How wrong is that? I like to use the analogy, since I was

“My ALS started with slight weakness in my left hand and

a firefighter, if I pulled up to a burning building and it was in

arm,” Les says. “It has spread through the rest of my body

the beginning phase of the fire but sat there and waited until

in two-and-a-half years. It also has taken my voice. I am still

someone who was savable perished, more than likely I would

able to transfer, with the help of my wife, into my wheelchair

face manslaughter charges. Is that any different than what the

and recliner. This is huge. I also eat and breathe on my own.

FDA is doing? I think not!”

It is very frustrating not to be able to do things for yourself.

I rely on my wife for most everything. She does so without

****

complaining. She is my angel.

Les and Susan first laid eyes on each other in tenth grade at Alma High School. Les had just switched schools and with just

“I still struggle coming to grips with my diagnosis. I want to

one look, Susan saw her future. “When I was like, sixth or

fight and win this battle. I am a very sore loser! LOL. I know

seventh grade, I was shy. Real shy,” she says. “The first time

that miracles happen every day, so I expect a miracle for all

I met him, I ran away from him. I remember all my friends

living with ALS. Until that happens all we can do is live life. We

had boyfriends. I was like, ‘Lord, I don’t even have to have a

have today, my wife often reminds me.”

boyfriend, just send me the right guy. I just need the right guy.’

As a career firefighter, Les says he tried to provide a good

“I always tell him that he’s my answered prayer. When I saw

role model for others to look up to. He hopes to have that

him, I was like, ‘I’m gonna date that guy.’ I knew he was the

effect now, inspiring other families in the same situation to

one. I just knew.”

have hope and providing insight as to what lies ahead. “You have to stay one step ahead of this disease,” he says by way of

Susan shares these memories in the couple’s living room, a

advice. “There is a huge possibility that you will need to make

home that sits just a couple doors down from where Les grew

your home more accessible. Don’t wait until you need to do it, go ahead and do it. It takes time to acquire some things. Also, contact your local ALS Association chapter. They are a tremendous help and have tons of information about ALS.” Like a lot of patients, Les is frustrated at the glacial pace by which promising ALS drugs move through the FDA approval process. He says red tape unnecessarily prohibits people facing a death sentence from trying something, anything, that Les and brother-in-law, Kevin Nelson

might help.

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people

up and where family still abounds, kin both of blood and spirit.

“Our church family, Kibler Baptist, has just been unbelievably amazing,” Susan says. “They’re just down the road. They were actually just here at noon; we had a whole choir out there from one-year-olds all the way up to, probably forty. They came over and sang. They were going around to people who are shut in. We’ve been here, shut in, for a while.”

The Stephenson’s church family has done more than entertain; they’ve collected money to help fund various treatments and just keep things running. ALS patients and their families are well-versed on the official story line about the disease: no cure, two to five years average life expectancy, and one hundred percent fatal. But from there,

“Don’t cry,” she chides, gently.

many families write their own story, connecting to networks

***

that report on promising treatments or clinical studies all

A few years ago, scientists determined the human eye

over the world.

could detect a single candle flame from up to a mile-anda-half away, provided the night was dark enough. It’s an

The Stephensons are one such family, traveling to China, Costa

apt metaphor for the Stephenson’s perspective as they work

Rica, Miami and the Mayo Clinic for trials and various therapies.

through the biggest challenge of their lives. “He’s lucky

None of them have helped much, but both say it beats letting

because he has me every day,” Susan says with a chuckle as

the disease take you out without a fight. “The thing is, once

Les smiles. “I tell him, you could stay in a funk all the time.

you get diagnosed, all you do is wait for progression,” Susan

But, why? When we first wake up, I say, ‘OK, there’s nothing

says. “The doctors aren’t helpful at all. There’s no hope given to

to be sad about right now. Let’s be happy.’ I just believe

you once you’ve been diagnosed. That’s why we tried to start

you live one day at a time and just be happy because there’s

going to these other places, just to hope that something might

something to be happy for every day.”

help slow the progression or stop it or reverse it.

“I get joy out of being around my family, Susan and my boys “My thing is, ALS is fatal, so you have people willing to say, ‘I

Caleb and Cole,” Les adds. “I have several great nieces and

don’t care, just let me try it. What’s the alternative?’ It’s all just

nephews who come visit. This brings me great joy. I also enjoy

out-of-the-box thinking. It cost lots of money, but we got a lot of

watching birds, squirrel and deer. I have a wonderful support

donations and Les was like, ‘I want to use them. I want to try.’”

system: family, church, coworkers, friends and community.

She looks at her husband and sees his eyes rimmed with tears.

“I really try to hang onto hope. There are several promising

Back in high school, Susan warded off a rival suitor by fist-

treatments in the pipeline, we just need them approved. This

fighting the other girl into submission. (“Well, we fought. I

disease has taught me to cherish every single day. You give

didn’t say I laid her out,” she says. “You know how girls do.

yourself time to be sad, angry, etc., but don’t stay in that

Meeeow! Pulling hair. She broke my necklace.”) Susan didn’t

moment for long. Enjoy life. Enjoy the things you can still do

quit that fight and damned if she’ll quit this one.

and find new things to enjoy. Don’t let ALS beat you.”

“Our faith is the main thing. Without that, you have no hope.

Right, Les?” she says. “Eventually, I’m going to be gone, too.

I tell him all the time it could be me first. Just live every day and find the joy in every day. And he has been! The last couple days have been great.”

To learn more about ALS and how you can help, visit webar.alsa.org.

The ALS Association Arkansas Chapter | 479.621.8700 1200 West Walnut Street, Suite 2406-08, Rogers, AR 72756

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entertainment

An American Classic Returns words Dwain Hebda IMAGEs courtesy Kenda Drive-In, Flintrock Media Bob King, Arkansas Mobile Theater, Fort Smith Brewing Company

It’s Friday night in north Arkansas and as the summer sun starts to sink in the west, cars are already lining up at the Kenda Drive-In Theatre.

Kenda Dearing is in the concession stand, popping popcorn, pouring drinks and flipping burgers. You can get a cheeseburger here for almost pocket change – heck, make it a double. The prices Kenda Dearing

here, like the movie experience, are something from yesteryear.

“It’s more than just the movie. It’s an experience,” Kenda says.

“It’s grandparents bringing grandkids. It’s family together.

When you come here, you still have family interaction. It’s not just sitting in a seat concentrating on a movie. It’s an overall experience. It does go back to simpler times with family interaction and that’s kind of the key.”

If you think it’s a remarkable coincidence that the concessions manager shares the same name as the Marshall, Arkansas,

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entertainment

Fort Smith Brewing

Arkansas Mobile

landmark, it’s not. The drive-in, launched by her parents in

struggling. But, [the drive-in] was already paid for and they

1966, is named after her. Given that, you can understand how

weren’t building one at that time, so I guess basically they just

personal it is to have seen the attraction survive and, in the

weathered the storm.”

age of coronavirus social distancing, even thrive.

Officially, there are three drive-ins operating in Arkansas; “On any given night, we have people that drive a long

besides the Kenda, there’s the Stone Drive-In in Mountain View

distance to see us,” she says. “We have seen an increase

and the 112 Drive-In in Fayetteville. Unofficially, the number

in new people, people that have never been to the drive-in.

is much higher as businesses and communities statewide are

The newbies, the ones that don’t know the radio station to

using the concept to help bring people out of their homes for

tune into for sound. You can tell when they come in the gate

some COVID-approved entertainment. In May, the Little Rock

they’ve never been here.

Marathon and UA Little Rock partnered for a drive-in feature, as did the Arkansas Cinema Society at a site in North Little Rock.

“Basically, it’s just people that are looking for a safe way of getting out of the house and they’ve realized that we’re here

The trend has spawned at least one new mobile drive-in

and they bring in the kids, bring in the grandkids. They’re

business, Arkansas Mobile Theater, launched in May by Drew

just struggling to find something to do to get them out of

Clark with the help of his father, Ken. Little Rock-based AMT

the house.”

offers a mobile movie setup for backyard gatherings, parking lot screenings and various groups.

There aren’t many good things to say about COVID-19, but the renaissance in drive-in movies is one of them. As the Washington

“I think there are probably a couple different factors that play

Post reported in June, the drive-in turned eighty-seven this year,

into (demand),” Drew says. “One of them is everyone’s just a

a uniquely American form of entertainment sprung from one

little stir-crazy to an extent and anything that gets them out of

set-up in Camden, New Jersey. A few years later, in-car audio

the house, even a change in the routine, is probably exciting.

systems were developed and the concept took off, peaking at more than four thousand screens in the late 1950s.

“Another aspect of it is when movie theaters went out of operation, it was hard to get that experience. I think there’s

The decline of the drive-in – various sources put the number

absolutely a demographic, and I'm part of that demographic,

of survivors nationally around three hundred – follows the

that totally misses movie theaters. We all understand the reason

development of VHS, DVD, streaming services and gargantuan

for those movie theaters closing down, but it's still a bummer

high-definition televisions. Kenda remembers well the lean

that you can't watch movies on the big screen like that.”

times her parents endured.

The idea for the business grew out of Drew’s nineteenth “I can remember VHS killed a lot of theaters. It was bad,”

birthday party in May for which his parents gifted him the

she says. “I can remember in the ‘80s my mom and dad

projection equipment for a movie screening with his friends.

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entertainment

His dad pitched the idea of launching the business as a way

Meanwhile, back in Marshall, the Kenda is aglow with its

to fill the summer hours and to recoup the cost of the gear.

weekly 1980s-vintage double-feature. Hollywood isn’t making

Drew, an avid movie buff with a DVD and Blu-Ray collection

much new product right now, but the patrons don’t seem to

exceeding twelve hundred titles, was more than game.

care. In fact, Back to the Future feels particularly apt right about now.

“Doing this little side hustle is perfect for me at the moment. It’s right up my alley,” he says. “We’re keeping

“It’s kind of like an antique car. You buy a new car and it

people interested in movies. I think some people just kind

starts to go down in value and then eventually you reach a

of long for that experience and we are happy to help

point where it’s so old that now it’s something that’s worth

people get that.”

more,” Kenda says. “Now, we’re nostalgia and some people want to come for the nostalgia. But a lot of people prefer this

Businesses are also cashing in on the concept as a way to lure

method of watching a movie, too. Those are customers that I

people out of their homes. Quentin Willard, co-founder of Fort

know by name or by face. Those are our regulars.

Smith Brewing Company, says the business had been hosting movie nights inside the craft brewery for some time. But with

“This is my happy place. Fresh-mowed and everything’s ready

coronavirus, management began looking at converting the

to go right before Friday night. It makes me smile.”

promotion to a drive-in format.

“When COVID hit, a lot of our regulars who went to watch the movies were really upset that they couldn’t do their normal thing,” he says. “My parents grew up in Missouri and there’s a big Route 66 Drive-In there we used to go to. It was kind of fresh on my mind, so that’s kind of where I put two and two together and that’s what we came up with.”

Quentin says making the all-ages attraction a reality meant custom designing a screen and amending the menu to include popcorn and candy. To his surprise, the regulatory approval Kenda Drive-In

hurdles were far less than what he expected.

“Arkansas Beverage Control worked with us very well,” he says. “We put a very safe plan in place so people could still consume their beverage in their vehicle in the parking lot.

Kenda Drive-In Theatre

That was a huge rule that ABC worked with us on, because

107 Westwood Drive Marshall, AR 870.448.5400 kendadrivein.com

they understood that nobody could be inside, but they still needed tax revenue and I still needed to keep my employees employed. So, they were very gracious to allow us to do that.

We can’t thank them enough.

Arkansas Mobile Theater

“Actually, every Arkansas government entity, the Health Department,

everybody,

was

very

understanding.

We

ArkansasMobileTheater@gmail.com facebook.com/ArkansasMobileTheater/

discussed a lot on what we could do to make it safe for the

Fort Smith Brewing Company

community. Honestly, I’m proud to be here in Arkansas with

7500 Fort Chaffee Boulevard Fort Smith, AR 479.242.3722

everything they’ve done to allow us businesses to stay open.”

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people

JUST PEACHY

BRINGS

THE

WOW

words Jenny Boulden IMAGEs courtesy Christen Byrd

Christen Byrd's small business is tied up in knots.

from giant chandeliers at fundraisers, draped over home

Just the way it should be.

mantels as a welcome home surprise, or spilling over staircase banisters in tasteful engagement photos.

Each week she personally hand-ties “one or two thousand” balloons of all sizes into glorious, oversized garlands and

Her biggest installation to date was at Arkansas Children’s

abstract shapes that can stop you in your tracks. The bright,

Hospital and included 4,500 balloons strung from the ceiling

unmissable explosions of color by Christen’s company, Just

in clusters along the full length of a huge room. “That one

Peachy, dress up doorways, yards, event spaces and local

was such an effort, but it came off great in the end,” she says.

businesses across central Arkansas and the state beyond for

“Thankfully, we had a lot of volunteers and a production

all manner of special occasions. You’ll find them dripping

company to help put it together. It’s usually just me.”

The Byrd Family

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people Becoming one of the balloon people Christen, a mom of three with a big smile and twinkly, intelligent eyes, trained as a graphic artist and photographer. Several years ago, while working as creative director at Little Rock’s Loblolly Creamery in the SoMa district, the Cabot native got it in her head that she wanted to try her hand at balloon design, a skill she taught herself.

“I got started by following a bunch of balloon people on Instagram,” she says. (Yes, “balloon people” are a thing and apparently have their own cottage industry.) She says the big players were in New York, L.A., Chicago and San Francisco, plus Australia, a country Christen says is “leading the charge” on creative design concepts. “I still do a lot of research on trends in design to stay on top of it,” she says.

When Loblolly moved a few doors down on South Main, Christen created her first balloon installation for the grand opening. “It’s funny looking back at that now,” she says, laughing. “Absolutely nothing from that first one is anything I do now. I’ve learned a lot since then.”

As Christen started creating more balloon installations for Loblolly, “people started calling, and they did not stop,” she says. She’d become one of the balloon people.

So, she branched out, for several years working long hours balancing her Loblolly work with balloon installations for new clients. She named her business Just Peachy after one of her loves, and one of her catchphrases.

“When people ask me how I’m doing, I’ve always said, ‘I’m doing just peachy,’” Christen explains, “I love peaches. I even screen-printed curtains for my living room with giant peaches on them. So, when I was looking for a name for my business, something fun and memorable, something big and round like my balloons, it fit perfectly.”

The other reason Christen didn’t want to go with an explicitly balloonthemed name for her business is that she plans to expand the business and include more of her event-planning and design services under the Just Peachy umbrella. While she has no plans currently to open more locations, she travels to all areas of the state to install her designs.

Christen says, “My husband also owns his own business [Perch, a web development company], and for a while we were both working from home. With his work, my balloons, and three kids, we got to a point we realized we had to have more space.”

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people

In September the couple moved their businesses into a

there are parameters where that’s not possible, and I always

shared studio downtown. It’s light and airy with two walls

try to work within their budget,” she says, “but those times

of floor-to-ceiling windows that brighten the long, colorful

they give me the go-ahead to do my thing and let my creativity

latex streamers installed in a sculptural array hanging from

flow organically as I build the installation, those are the best.”

the ceiling (“I love to do streamer backdrops, too,” she says).

From the street, it’s hard to miss. A third wall is carpeted with

Staying afloat

dark green faux botanicals that contrast with an oversized neon Just Peachy logo and lend the reception area a sense

Business at the new location was growing. Then suddenly

of organic design. The cozy space somehow feels huge and

at the start of wedding, prom and spring fundraising

friendly, with comfortable furniture inviting conversation

season, the world stopped for a pandemic. All at once,

and brainstorming, just the way Christen wanted it.

every event on Just Peachy’s calendar was canceled. “That was pretty scary,” Christen admits. “I thought, ‘How can I

Palettes beyond peach

make this work and continue some sort of income?’”

Just Peachy’s installations, which Christen describes as abstract

With everyone stuck at home, Christen came up with the

and organic custom designs, have only a vague similarity to the

idea of a balloon delivery service. Purchasing cute and

standard balloon arches seen at so many weddings and proms,

unusual-shaped balloons that other retailers don’t carry, she

those uniform structures with formal lines. There’s a place

began packaging “helium bundles” for people to surprise

for those traditional forms, she says, but it’s not what she’s

their friends and family. In another stroke of synergy, she

interested in doing. “I want to do pieces that are outside the

partnered with her former employer to offer an optional

box. I don’t want to do anything that’s normal looking. Every

pint of Loblolly ice cream delivered with the balloons.

single thing I do looks completely different from the last one; they’re unique by design,” she says. “I have to be creative.”

Likewise, to accompany a large margarita-shaped helium bundle, she paired it with a margarita kit from The Fold, a

Indeed, Christen’s designs seem like what those traditional

local Mexican restaurant. “People who can’t meet for drinks

arches might become if they experienced a literal explosion

anymore send one to their friends, and it’s a lot of fun. Or

of creativity and color, splashing out of their bounds into

they send the bundles of balloons and ice cream to a kid

wild bursts of ridiculous fun. It’s impossible to see one of

having a birthday, to their grandmother stuck at home, to

Just Peachy’s installations and not want to take a photo.

anyone they want,” she says. “It’s really taken off.”

Half of their appeal is the daring colors Christen pairs together,

The helium bundles kept the business afloat, so to speak,

curating them in sometimes surprising combinations that

and she’s keeping it going. But now, with businesses

make a piece pop (metaphorically, that is; popping balloons

reopening, events are being rescheduled, and her balloon

is not ideal in this business). The colors aren’t always what

installation business has picked back up. Byrd realized she

a customer originally had in mind, but Christen works with

had a new problem: she had too much work to do by herself.

them to see her vision for what the piece could be.

So last month she hired her first employee. “It seems “I’m real picky about color,” she admits. “I appreciate when

crazy to be hiring during a pandemic, but that’s what’s

people recognize that. I try to guide my clients sometimes, and

happened,” she says. “We’re officially growing.”

most people are very open to suggestions. I feel like it's worth saying something if it doesn’t feel right, because if it’s going

Ballooning, you might say.

to have my name on it, I want it to look the best it can look.”

Her favorite part of her work is when a customer trusts her

Follow Just Peachy!

enough to allow complete creative freedom. “Sometimes

@justpeachylr | fb.com/justpeachylr | doingjustpeachy.com

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people

The Digital Diva The Reed Family

Looking online for downloadable digital templates for cards and invitations can sometimes turn into an endless search that leads from one website to another, all without finding the perfect one. And while some people would just settle for something close enough to what they had in mind, the truly creative and doggedly determined take the frustrated search and use it as inspiration.

Meet Canon Bey Reed. A thirty-four-year-old wife and the mother of two young children, her life is already hectic with running a household.

Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that she has an amazingly creative mind and an undeniably entrepreneurial spirit—two things that have driven her to be successful as the digital diva behind the whimsical clipart brand she named The Cheeky Darling.

Originally begun in 2011 as a way to bridge the gap between what she personally wanted and needed to see and what was actually available online, The Cheeky Darling gave Canon an outlet for her artistic brain to make the designs she saw in her mind’s eye. More

Words Liesel Schmidt images courtesy Canon Reed, Cheeky Darling

than that, it gave her a way to turn her ideas into profits. “Back then, I had just gotten serious about wanting to grow my photography business. Photo albums and senior graduation cards used background

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people

patterns that all seemed very standard and lacked anything

Clearly, Canon doesn’t allow

that was really unique, and I wanted something that wasn’t

social norms and commonly

distressed or faux antique,” says Canon. “I really wanted

held expectations of interaction

something fresh and fun, like my work. Unfortunately,

to impede her personality, and

there weren’t many options in 2011, so I started making my

that personality is something

own. I told myself that if I was going to spend so much time

that definitely pops on the page.

on making designs, I should sell them. It went great; but at

Looking at her designs, it’s

the time, Etsy didn’t have a digital download system. There

impossible not to get a sense of

were problems with each seller using a different system,

the fun, creative woman behind

so I stepped away until 2014, when I had my son. Being

them and want to get to know

a mother actually renewed my love for color and playful

her and how she does what she

things—plus Etsy had their new system.”

obviously does so well. “I find inspiration everywhere, but my

Scrolling through The Cheeky Darling’s page, it’s clear

best things come when I’m not

that the new system has yielded great things for Canon—

searching for inspiration,” she

as has her renewed creativity. Design after design, the

explains. “I work on the bones

options she offers are amazingly unique and truly fun, not

of something first, sketching

to mention versatile. Ideal for everything from invitations

on paper or in Illustrator. I’ll

and announcements to scrapbook paper, stickers, and

think about the basic shapes

textiles, the designs can be easily downloaded and printed

that make the picture and then

in a variety of sizes without losing the incredible detail and

get more detailed, paying close

rich colors. Naturally, Canon has the virtual world covered,

attention to the feeling I want

as well; and her clipart can even be used for adding that

it to convey. For instance, is it

perfect touch of something to websites and blogs. “I have

playful? Which kind of playful?

a lot of stationery companies, party planners, and textile

It’s also easy to get caught up

companies as clients,” says Canon. Not surprisingly, some

in detail and color, but those

of her biggest sellers are her floral patterns and anything

things come last. I love making

holiday themed. “My personal favorites are scenes,” she

a design in several color ways.”

says. “It used to be patterns, but making scenes feels like I’m carving something with shadows and highlighting. I also

While creativity is in no short

love a funkier mid-century palette of mustard greens, pale

supply, confidence is something

blue, orange, and pinks. Even so, I do love color trends

that Canon has often struggled

and forecasts as much as anyone. It's fickle and fleeting—it

with. “I don’t have a great

seems like it all changes faster every year!”

deal

of

self-confidence

or

confidence in what I’m doing,” While she holds no degree in the arts, looking at the

she admits. “Even though I’ve

many designs of clipart that bear her mark makes it

been

abundantly obvious that Canon lacks no shortage of natural

that, the better you do, the

ability. “I’ve always been creative—though not always

more you think about what

conveniently,” she says. “My whole life, I’ve been able to

comes next and whether it will

see things in a different way. I’m mesmerized by how the

be well-received. Conversely,

light hits things, and colors can stop me in my tracks. I

sometimes the designs I’m not

sometimes embarrass the people I’m with because when I

truly confident about actually

see something beautiful about a person—even a stranger—I

become huge successes.”

successful,

have to tell them!” Canon laughs.

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I’ve

found

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As busy as she is creating her designs, Canon understands the importance of balancing family and work life. Fortunately, she has an incredible support system and an adoring fan-base at home. “My family is all really proud of me and what I’m doing,” she says of her husband Renner, Lavaca High School boys basketball coach, their six-year-old son Gus, and threeyear-old daughter Emet. “I was paid in 2018 to speak and draw at a conference near Times Square, and you would have thought that I’d won the Nobel Peace Prize with how they bragged! Even if I was the worst and never made a sale, they would be cheering me on. I definitely got lucky with them.”

Of course, productive creativity needs to be fueled by downtime, and Canon unplugs from her work by painting, building forts with her kids, and “saving trash to repurpose—I have a slight hoarding issue!” she says with a laugh.

Going forward, Canon would love to break into illustrating children’s books. For now, however, she’s definitely proud of what she’s done so far. “I feel amazing about how much I’ve been able to do as an entrepreneur. I have a lot of customers outside of the U.S., and it feels good to know that I’m doing my part to contribute to our economy. Admittedly, I think every maker of things can look back and shudder at some of their creations and marvel at how far they’ve come or how things have changed. Still, each design is mine, and I’m proud every time they’re used by someone.”

From vibrant, whimsical florals to fantastical fairytale scenes, Canon Bey Reed and her designs at The Cheeky Darling are everything the name implies. Full of whimsy, color, and sometimes-sassy attitude, this is one company that’s anything but one-dimensional.

To view all of Canon’s beautiful work, visit The Cheeky Darling at: etsy.com/shop/TheCheekyDarling.

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taste

Blistered Shishito Peppers & Avocado Crema Recipe Catherine Frederick image Jenlo8/Shutterstock

Blistered shishito peppers are amazingly delicious and not too spicy! Give them a tr y alongside our avocado crema to take these tasty treats over the top!

METHOD

INGREDIENTS SHISHITO PEPPERS

AV O C A D O C R E M A

•

shishito peppers

•

½ teaspoon sea salt

•

2 teaspoons olive oil

•

1 avocado

layer with a slice of lemon. Cook until the skins begin

•

lemon, sliced (optional)

•

3 Tablespoons Greek yogurt

to blacken – about 2 minutes. Turn peppers, cook 2

•

sea salt

•

½ Tablespoon fresh lime juice

•

sesame seeds (optional)

•

½ Tablespoon chili powder

For the crema, blend yogurt, avocado, lime juice, sea salt, and chili powder until smooth. Add olive oil to skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange peppers in single

minutes more. Remove peppers, place on paper towels.

Sprinkle with sea salt, serve. Sprinkle with sea salt and sesame seeds (optional), serve.

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taste

Spicy Pineapple

Margarita Recipe adapted theblondcook.com image apolonia/Shutterstock

ingredients

method

(makes 2)

° spicy rim salt (you can also mix together 2 Tablespoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon chili powder)

Rub rim of glass with a chunk of pineapple and

° 2 Tablespoons lime juice

to release spice, and lime juice. Add tequila,

° 1 jalapeño, sliced

pineapple juice and Triple Sec. Shake vigorously

° 3 ounces tequila (we like Tres Generaciones)

glasses. Garnish with pineapple wedge and

twist the rim in the salt. In a mixing tin filled with ice, combine 2-3 jalapeño slices, muddle

and pour mixture and ice into the prepared jalapeño slice (optional).

° 1 cup pineapple juice ° 1 ½ ounces Triple Sec ° Optional garnish: pineapple wedges and jalapeño slices

Please drink responsibly.

Never drink and drive.

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travel

Take Me to the

River

words Jennifer Burchett images Jonathan and Jennifer Burchett

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travel

W

With the abundance of outdoor activities in Arkansas, it can

making this nature destination a prime spot to adhere to

be difficult to choose the right one for your family. Lakes and

safety measures to decrease the spread of the Covid-19. It

parks have seen an uptick in patronage since the coronavirus

is rare to come within six feet of another person, especially

pandemic made its way to our area, so finding a secluded spot

given the lawn space that each cottage has between the

can be difficult. Well, look no further than Gaston’s White

bank of the river.

River Resort. With the plethora of amenities, it’s not difficult to see why families flock to the resort year after year.

The bottom of Bull Shoals Lake empties out into the White River, making the water temperature fifty degrees,

Located downstream from the dam that separates the White

on average, year-round. That’s a temperature that trout,

River from the Bull Shoals Lake in Lakeview, Arkansas,

though not native to Arkansas, thrive in, making Gaston’s

Gaston’s sits on over four hundred acres of secluded

a top fishing destination in the state. Those opting to fish

wilderness. The resort’s seventy-nine cottages range from

in the morning may find their spot along the shores of the

those that are equipped with two double beds, to those

river or rent a boat from the resort. Guides are available to

that have ten bedrooms, giving you several options to

take you down the White River from the resort for a fee.

choose from. Jacob Hanson, General Manager of Gaston’s, suggests that families book their stay at least three weeks

“Trout are all about that cold water. It’s nice that you

in advance. “We are booked up through the fourth of July.

can just walk right out from your cabin and go fishing,”

Usually we fill up about a week-and-a-half beforehand,

continues Jacob, who is not only an avid Gaston-er, but is

but right now we are booked about three weeks out. In

also an avid fisherman. “A Gaston’s guide is ideal. They will

early May, when Governor Hutchinson lifted travel bans,

take you up and down the river while you and your family

we really started to get booked up. Rates are as they were

fish from the boat. This way you’ll catch a lot of fish. I have

before the virus,” says Jacob.

memories waking up in the morning and it being cold and foggy. We would catch fish, then at lunch the guide would

The area, a reasonable destination for families and

cook our fish for us, then we’d go fishing some more. I have

fishermen, offers a plethora of sights and sounds that make

very fond memories of that.”

any vacation memorable. Since the resort opened in 1958, generations of families have grown up with the experiences

Though the waters were once full of smallmouth bass and

that Gaston’s has to offer.

other warm-water fish before the Army Corps of Engineers built the dam at Bull

“Loving Gaston’s goes back to my

Shoals Lake, they are now full of trout.

childhood,” shares Jonathan Burchett,

Arkansas Game and Fish stocks the White

frequent patron of the resort. “I went

River throughout the year, totaling on

several times as a kid with my family.

average, hundreds of thousands of fish

So, at this point it’s sort of a tradition.

being put into the river from fisheries.

I try to go there once a year and share

Though rainbow trout is the main fish

my love for the area with my family

in the river, you may also find cutthroat

and friends.”

trout, brook trout, and brown trout.

According to the Arkansas Game and Fish

Every morning, men and women fish

2020 schedule, they estimate stocking

the banks of the White River alongside

Bull Shoals Tailwater (White River) with

fabulous cranes and herons that swoop

771,300 rainbow trout, 58,000 brook

down through the fog, all doing their

trout, 33,000 brown trout, and 35,000

best to catch the day’s dinner. Since the

cutthroat trout. June and July will be

cottages are adequately spaced apart,

stocked

social distancing is easy to maintain,

rainbow trout each month.

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the

heaviest

with

110,100

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When families have exhausted their fishing fun for the day,

cottages, which appear straight out of the 1950’s, are

they may enjoy watching the resort’s birds, many of whom

classic components to this resort that has been around for

roam freely across the grounds. According to U.S. Fish and

sixty-two years. Throughout the generations, management

Wildlife, the White River is one of 550 refuges in the nation

at Gaston’s has gone above and beyond to satisfy the needs

where biodiversity is preserved. Ducks, eagles, loons, blue

of their guests, including housekeeping and cleanliness

jays, wrens, and many more frequent the resort in the same

accommodations for even the most cautious visitor.

troves as the fishermen, but for a real up-close look at our feathered friends, you should check out the aviary.

Jacob, who’s been with Gaston’s since January, explains the resort’s commitment to customer satisfaction. “Cleanliness

Located close to the resort pool and restaurant, the aviary

has always been a central component to Gaston’s. Since the

is adjacent to several miles of hiking trails and is full of

coronavirus, we maintain our excellent standards and go a

birds such as peacocks, turkeys, and different species of

step further by emphasizing the sanitizing of objects that a

pheasants. While the pheasants and turkeys remain enclosed

hand would grab. Inside doorknobs, dresser drawers, and

in cages with ample space to wander, the peacocks roam

handles are all high priority. All of our linens are professionally

freely. (It isn’t uncommon to come across an elusive albino

cleaned. We have always taken pride in our cleaning and

peacock roaming the grounds freely!)

maintain that pride under the caution of the coronavirus.

Our housekeeping is an area in which we excel.”

Along the hiking trails, you can enjoy fields of wildflowers, historic mills, and, of course, an occasional peacock. Because

No matter your fancy, whether it’s fishing, hiking, or

the trails wind in and out of one another, hikers can choose

enjoying a nap under a canopy of trees, you are sure to find

between a quick hike or one that lasts for several miles (and

what you’re looking for at Gaston’s White River Resort. Who

hours). The streams that run throughout the grounds make

knew staying in a cabin just may be the perfect solution to

for perfect cooling-off havens or a meditative sit-down,

your cabin fever?

though you should be cautious about substituting stream water for bottled water.

Among the trails, streams, and fishing paradise, it isn’t hard to see the serene beauty of the area. Early morning fog drapes the resort with an air of timelessness. Even the

Gaston’s White River Resort 1777 River Road, Lakeview, Arkansas 870.431.5202 | gastons.com Gastons@Gastons.com

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fiction

INHERITED SPIRIT words Sarah Phillips-Burger image OlPhotoV/Shutterstock

R

Ruth was always running late. The ongoing joke in

began to gather on her neck. A blue metal dumpster sat

her family was that you could always depend on three

in the driveway that lead to the front door and as she

things: death, taxes, and Ruth being the last one to arrive

passed it, the day’s heat radiated out, warning her away

anywhere. And now, as she looked down at the clock on

and toward the side door. Nana, it seemed, was a bit of

the dashboard, she saw she was an hour-and-a-half late to

a hoarder.

meet her mother. She had promised she would help clean out her grandmother’s house that had sat empty since

Ruth tugged the storm door open, and it creaked its

Nana went into the nursing home. She pressed on the

welcome as she stepped inside the disheveled kitchen. It

clutch and pushed the gear shift into fourth as she sped

still smelled like her Nana’s; the scent of warm cornbread,

along the highway, her car revving in earnest to make up

sugar, and coffee soaked into every pore of the room. The

some lost time.

boxes that filled the floor were marked with a Sharpie, noting their temporary inhabitants. All the cabinet doors

She pulled into the driveway and parked between two

were open, the shelves behind them barren. Ruth tossed

pine trees in her grandmother’s yard, her tires crushing

her keys on the white countertop next to a pair of yellow

pinecones and coming to rest on the accumulated needles.

latex gloves and followed the narrow trail left open

Ruth opened the car door and felt the rush of the July heat

through the boxes.

almost push her back into her seat. Like a cold Coke taken out of a refrigerator in a hot kitchen, sweat immediately

“Mom?” she called out.

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fiction

“I’m in here,” a voice echoed from down the hallway.

Linda’s voice startled Ruth, waking her from the nightmare that her eyes seemed locked on.

She found her mother sitting crisscross on the bathroom floor, a box on one side, a trash bag on the other, her

“This room is terrifying,” she laughed in reply.

head leaning into the cabinet under the sink.

“I’ve got a date with my grandbaby. Promised him a Happy “Sorry I’m late,” Ruth began.

Meal. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Her mother’s hand waved away her apology before she

“Tell my nephew ‘Hi’ for me. Oh, and I have a Fourth of

surfaced with an ancient-looking blue jar, the faded label

July thing to go to later…”

read Noxzema Skin Cream. “What do you think? Trash or antique? I can’t tell anymore.” Linda held the jar as though

Again, her mother waved her response away as she walked

she was a model on The Price is Right. She was dressed, as

toward the kitchen, “Just do what you can. It’s not like all

she normally was, in chinos and a white button-up shirt,

this is going anywhere.”

sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her shoulder-length, saltand-pepper hair was pinned back in a tortoiseshell barrette.

Hands on her hips, Ruth looked around once again before deciding to start on the dresser, a white lacquer

Ruth crinkled her nose and shook her head, “Why did she

monstrosity with fake gold hardware. She put an empty

keep that?”

box on the bed and grabbed the packing paper. One clown, then two bunny rabbits were wrapped and placed

“Who knows,” Linda shrugged before gently setting the

in the box, followed by a Precious Moments musical globe

jar in the trash bag.

that Ruth suspected was broken and a set of atomizers once filled with her grandmother’s perfume.

“What would you like me to do?” Ruth asked, secretly hoping her mother wouldn’t suggest cleaning the other bathroom.

She then wiped down the surface of the dresser and sat on the bed before opening one of the top drawers. In it, she found a giant pile of photographs. As she pushed them

“How about the spare bedroom?”

around in the drawer, she noticed a theme. These were “Will do,” Ruth replied as she turned and headed down

all of her grandmother’s home and yard, in no particular

the hallway, photographs filled with past and present

order. She picked up one and recognized the front yard

family members staring at her as she passed.

which was covered in dandelions. She remembered her grandmother once telling her that the number of

The spare bedroom was once her mother’s, but as she

dandelions in the spring could predict how difficult the

looked around, Ruth couldn’t see one speck of evidence

rest of the year would be. Ruth turned the picture over

that she had once inhabited this space. Even without the

to find Spring of ’68 written on the back and thought,

empty boxes, the room was cluttered with knick-knacks

“Maybe Nana was onto something.”

collected over decades. Creepy clowns inhabited the walls, shuttered behind red frames and dusty glass. Stacks of old

She stacked the pictures into a separate box and sat down

books occupied an entire corner, rising up out of the floor

to peer inside another drawer. She was surprised to find

like centuries-old stalagmites. Covering the queen-sized

only a single photo album. It was red and soft, and as

bed, a polyester duvet the color of Barney clashed against

Ruth ran her hand across the lush velvet cover, her fingers

ruffled ornamental pillows painted with sunflowers.

left lines like freshly vacuumed carpet. She opened it to find her own almond-shaped eyes staring back at her,

“What was she thinking?”

as well as the slim nose and cupid’s bow that she saw reflected in the mirror. Only, they weren’t hers, they were DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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fiction

her mother’s. But this wasn’t the mother that she knew.

“What do you have there?” Linda asked as she sat down

This was high school senior Linda.

next to her daughter. “Oh, I forgot about this album,” she said, turning it around to face her and running her hand

In the photo, thick bangs covered her mother’s perfectly

down the page. She took a deep breath as if trying to pull

arched eyebrows. The rest of her hair was worn in a long,

a bit of her youth into the present.

low ponytail that lay on her shoulder like a mink stole.

Her mouth was set in the slightest smirk that would later

“I didn’t know you went to protests,” Ruth said as she

be used when her children said something clever. Ruth’s

turned the pages back.

fingertip traced her mother’s face, marveling at her beauty.

When she turned the page, she was met with a completely

“Oh, yes. That was amazing. Well, you know what it’s like,

different version of her mother, college Linda. She had

you went to the one in D.C.”

a short pixie cut that set off her high cheekbones and long neck. She was wearing short shorts and a sleeveless

“Why didn’t you tell me about any of this? I mean, look

button-up shirt tied at the waist.

at you, Mom. You were absolutely fierce. You got a law degree. That wasn’t easy back then, right? But then you

Her mother posed in unabashed laughter, her arms

didn’t use it. You could have done so much more with

wrapped around a couple of her friends sitting on the

your life than just being a wife and raising two kids. What

hood of an old car. In one photo, she was tanning in a

happened to the woman in these pictures?”

bikini at the lake, a beer in one hand, a cigarette in the other, her skin shiny from baby oil. Another picture was a

Linda’s brow furrowed as she tried to understand what her

candid shot of her mother studying, her hair tied up with

daughter was saying. “That woman,” she paused. “That

a scarf, her brow furrowed at something she was reading.

woman taught you and your sister to be independent.” She

The sunlight that lit her up from behind also caught the

pointed at her college graduation photograph. “That woman

dust in the air, freezing it forever.

instilled in you the importance of getting an education.”

She turned the page again to find her mother at protests,

Linda flipped to her protest pictures. “That woman married

her fist raised high in the air with the other women

a man that treated us with respect and always told you

demanding equal rights. The look on her face was both

that you can do anything you want.”

pained and happy. Ruth could almost hear the chants and feel the solidarity but had a hard time bringing it into her

Another turn of the page, “This woman volunteers at the

reality. How was the woman in these pictures her mother?

women’s shelter and gives free legal advice to anyone who

Her mother that was always so reserved, so quiet? Her

needs it.”

mother, who didn’t use her law degree, instead opting to stay home and raise children?

She pointed one last time at her younger self, “This woman is still me. And now, she is you and your sister.”

“What happened to the person in these pictures?” Ruth wondered as she stared and flipped the pages back and

A tear ran down Ruth’s face as she looked at the picture

forth through time.

under her mother’s finger. Linda touched her cheek, raising her chin until their eyes met.

“I’m surprised you’re still here,” Linda said as she stood in the doorway.

The first BOOM of the night signaled the neighbor’s yearly fireworks extravaganza. “Don’t you have a party to go to?”

Ruth looked up at her mother, then down at the pictures,

Linda asked as she closed the book and set it aside.

then up at her mother again.

Ruth shrugged her shoulders and grinned. “I can be late.”

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Local businesses are the backbone of our community!

Over these past few months they’ve quickly adapted to meet our needs, all while keeping staff and customers safe. Please support local businesses and help keep our small business community open and thriving, they need us now more than ever!

The Black Bison Company

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3720 S. 87th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.926.6083 thebarnbytwobrothers.com

3716 South 87th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.551.2880 blackbisoncoffee.com The Black Bison Company, located in the old Ozark

The Barn by Two Brothers is the perfect venue for all

Mountain Smokehouse, is a locally-owned small batch

occasions! Originally built in 1910 for storing hay, our barn

coffee roaster and gift shop! We sell our whole beans by

is now a beautiful location for birthdays, showers, reunions,

the bag and invite you to enjoy a free cup of our fresh

Christmas parties, business meetings, festivals, weddings

roast coffee while you shop! We offer unique gifts for

and much more! We offer outdoor space for entertaining,

special occasions, weddings, birthdays or just for yourself!

including a stage for live bands and an outdoor dance floor!

Tired of the current coffee at your office? Ask about our

Inside, the barn is climate controlled and includes tables,

coffee delivery service to your church, office or home!

chairs, lanterns and more. We’ll be onsite to help throughout

We are thrilled to serve our wonderful customers from

your entire event and a coordinator is included to help plan

our 105-year-old building and share the beauty of this

every detail, set-up and clean-up provided! Make your next

historic setting. Visit us soon and follow us on Facebook

event a part of history in The Barn by Two Brothers!

and Instagram!

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115 N. 10th St, Ste. H-119-C, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.434.2917 bookishfs.com

4000 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.9463 Find us on Facebook

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In August, Bookish will open its second location in The Bakery District—downtown’s up-and-coming arts and entertainment

Cheers—your neighborhood liquor store and so much

hub! The new location will offer a unique reading experience

more, where we know our customers by name and are

nestled between Fort Smith Coffee Company’s roasting shop

happy to accommodate special requests! While we closed

and the Bakery Event Space and offer curated collections for

our lobby to protect our employees, their families and

adults and teens and a small children’s book section. Our

our customers, we added delivery and curbside pick-up

flagship location at Brunwick Place will see an expansion

along with drive-through service! It’s important to work

of its children’s area with additional children’s books and

together as a community and support local businesses. We

programming to encourage youth literacy and help River

partnered with 21 West End for “Taco Tuesday” pick-up

Valley parents raise lifelong readers. The flagship location will

at Cheers. We’ve added a “Thirsty Thursday” food truck

also feature a carefully curated used book section, in addition

day! Please support local businesses who support our

to adult fiction and nonfiction.

community charities. We are all in this together!

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1120 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 877.785.2912 cp-ins.com

711 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.5881 dbkjcoins.com DBKJ Numismatics is the largest full-time coin dealer

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in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and the largest coin dealer in No matter the circumstances of the world around us, you,

western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.

your family and your business need protection. Our moto

DBKJ Numismatics has bought hundreds of thousands of

at Cross Pointe has been “We are here for you!” Being of

rare coins, rare currency, gold coins, gold bullion, silver

service to our clients is the foundation of our organization.

bullion and other rare collectibles. We are always buying!

Throughout the pandemic and all that followed, we did not

Our base of operation is in Fort Smith, but we travel

falter. Our risk advisory teams have been available to provide

to more than thirty coin shows each year. For almost

service and help provide solutions for mounting problems.

thirty years we have built our reputation on honesty,

To our clients and community, we want you to know we

integrity, and fast payment. We are known as a strong

are ready to help protect your most valuable assets. For all

buyer throughout the nation. Additionally, we provide

your insurance needs, we are just a call or click away, (877)

appraisal services on large coin collections for estate or

785-2912 / www.cp-ins.com.

trust purposes.

Since 1991,

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1719 S. Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.262.6232 jowaite.com

5912 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.646.1616 flamefs.com

Celebrating seventeen years in business! From humble

We’re so happy to see our Flame families again! Rest assured

construction company, we are truly grateful to serve

we are taking every precaution to ensure the health and

our clients and businesses. I am deeply passionate about

safety of all our staff and members. Flame offers Recreational

design and creating spaces that provide my clients the

Gymnastics, USA Gymnastics, Junior Olympic Competitive

atmosphere to live their best lives. We offer a unique

Teams (Level 3-10), and Tiny Tot and Preschool gymnastics

home and gift store as well as a design studio featuring

classes. There are also Mom N Tot gymnastics classes – loved

one-of-a-kind gifts, unique décor, lighting, wallpaper,

by moms and kiddos alike – tumbling classes, and even Urban

upholstery and designer fabrics. There have been many

Gymnastics classes! During the summer, kids age nine months

trials and triumphs, and many laughs too, along our

to twelve years old can learn to swim (beginners, advanced

journey and we are looking forward to all the future

beginners, intermediate and advanced swimmers). Call today

has to offer as we evolve and change to bring the latest

for class details and registration!

design elements to our area!

beginnings to a fully innovative design firm and

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m&m FARMS 1414 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren, Arkansas 479.474.4505 Find us on Facebook The Paint Store in Van Buren has been serving the needs of

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the River Valley for thirty-two years! We are the only locallyowned, full-service paint store in the metro area. We offer friendly, expert advice, can match any competitor color and we are contractor friendly! Have a special order? We’d love to help. You can also pick up your favorite cuts of grass-fed beef from M&M Farms – direct from our farm to your table – at our Van Buren store. Call or come see us today!

8101 McClure Drive (Chaffee Crossing) Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.8300 jameskelly3md.com Dr. James E. Kelly is dually board certified in plastic and hand surgery and serves Mercy and Baptist Hospital. Dr. Kelly also offers our area's only JCAHO accredited office-based surgery center and fully staffed occupational therapy department. We provide quality of care and assurance of a personal rapport in a convenient location as we strive to remain our area’s premier plastic and hand surgical practice. Contact us to schedule your cosmetic consult or hand evaluation. And, always remember in the event of an emergency, ask for Dr. James E. Kelly, III for your plastic, reconstructive, hand and upper extremity needs. We accept most insurances and offer Care Credit financing.

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T. Glasco Designs Fort Smith, Greenwood, Van Buren, Arkansas yeagershardware.com

6123 US-271, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.646.3949 tglascodesigns.com No one considers interior design as an “essential service,” yet as you’ve quarantined during this pandemic, you may

For over sixty years, Yeager Ace Hardware has been your

have realized the spaces you occupy no longer function as

go-to store in the River Valley. We have remained open

well as you thought. Whether it is your home office, your

as an essential business, and you can now shop online

bathroom, kitchen, family room or outdoor living space,

at acehardware.com and pick up or have your order

it is important that we get the maximum use of these

delivered. You can also text our main phone number to

spaces. Also, our environment should reflect a sense of

have questions answered or have your order gathered

harmony for our overall health and wellbeing. Let us

up, then call us when you are here for us to take to you

help you achieve this goal! Remodeling, renovating, and

curbside.

We are all about keeping you safe! New to

creating beautiful, functional spaces is what we do. Give

Yeagers, we now have Ben by Benjamin Moore paint at all

us a call to set up your design appointment today! Call

locations. We also have masks, household cleaners, and

479-646-3949.

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hand sanitizers. We price match, guaranteed!

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