TART - MARCH 2022

®

TART

March 2022 DoSouthMagazine.com

02

march

Contents 04 16 19

Letter from Catherine March in the Garden

{HEALTH}

14

Watery Eyes and Itchy Nose - Oh My!

Profile Series:

{ T R AV E L }

42 46

Inn Love Top 10 Natural Waterparks

Women in Business

58

Special Feature: Locally Owned Guide

{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}

06 08

{COMMUNITY}

09 10

Book Review: I Came All This

Our Community Cares:

Child Advocacy Project Zero

48 52

Cosmic Key Lime Pie Lime-a-licious

Way to Meet You

{FICTION}

Shop Local

Hamilton Center for

12

What’s New: March Events

{TASTE}

{PEOPLE}

26 30 34 38

54

Love at Second Sight

Forever Thirteen Fostering Selfless Acts of Love

OUR COVER

They Call Him Coach

Image Credit:

Lost and Found: Part One

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Goskova Tatiana/ Shutterstock

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04

Letter from Catherine

I

LUCKY

I am in love with our cover this month. I do love a delicious key lime pie! I noticed we featured an incredible dessert

MARCH 2022

on our cover in February too, so I am not sure what that says about me, other than I have an insatiable sweet tooth. Lucky for me I get to sample the delicious recipes we feature each month!

In this issue, in addition to our recipes, you’ll find your favorites, like our monthly book review, must-attend events, gardening to-do’s, health tips, and a great piece of fiction. Our profile series also continues as we focus on Women in Business! And then, we have not one, but five inspiring feature stories!

As I plan our monthly features, I sometimes wonder if we will ever run out of stories to tell. But, then the phone rings, and there is a kind soul on the other end of the line, sharing their life, their pain, their triumph, and allowing me to share it with all of you. The magnitude of these continued blessings is not lost on me. I am so very thankful!

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

Last but certainly not least, I am proud to feature our 7th annual Locally Owned Guide. Every advertiser you see in our pages is the reason you are holding Do South ® in your hands. They trust us with their business, and I encourage you

FOLLOW US

to learn more about them and visit them often. They truly make our community a better place to live!

If you have comments or suggestions or perhaps you have a story to share, I’d love to hear from you. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue, I’ll see you in April!

Catherine Frederick

Owner/Publisher/Editor catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

©2022 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, 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 via mail, 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues available upon request. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

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

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06

entertainment

FOLLOW US Send comments and suggestions and advertising inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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DOSOUTHMAG

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MARCH EVENTS A NIGHT IN THE CARIBBEAN BENEFITTING THE GREGORY KISTLER TREATMENT CENTER FOR CHILDREN FORT SMITH CONVENTION CENTER, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS — MARCH 5 Great food, open bar, live and silent auctions, and live music from Mr. Cabbagehead and the Screaming Radishes – all in support and benefitting The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center for Children!

CORNTOSS CHALLENGE BLUE AIR TRAINING HANGAR, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS — MARCH 12 Join in to raise funds for ALS research! Register your team or just hang out and enjoy the fun. Proceeds from the Corntoss Challenge benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), the drug discovery engine for ALS.

LITTLE MERMAID ARCBEST CORPORATION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS — MARCH 18-19 Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, pursues human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with evil sea witch Ursula to trade her tail for legs. Ariel needs the help of friends Flounder, Scuttle, and Sebastian to restore order under the sea.

LYLE LOVETT AND HIS ACOUSTIC GROUP ARCBEST CORPORATION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS — MARCH 22 Four-time Grammy-winning singer, composer, and actor Lyle Lovett’s show is informal, with a conversational onstage style, providing the audience with an up-close, “living-room” listening experience. Past hits and upcoming releases will be performed!

HAMILTON WALTON ARTS CENTER, FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS — MARCH 22 – APRIL 7 Hamilton, the story of America then, told by America now, features a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway. It has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater.

Send comments, suggestions and advertising inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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08

entertainment

I C AM E A L L T HIS WAY T O MEET YOU

by Jami Attenberg

WORDS Sara Putman, owner Bookish, visit bookishfs.com

A

Attenberg has made her mark in the

Throughout the first third of the

fiction world by writing about the

book, we see how her mother (who

joys and terrors of family dysfunction

grew up motherless) influenced her

along with essays surrounding food,

upbringing and the beautiful ways in

travel, relationships, and urban life

which Attenberg finds traces of her

for the New York Times. However,

grandmother in her writing and her

in this brilliant, fierce, and funny

wildly curly hair. Attenberg elegantly

memoir, Attenberg reveals the de-

portrays the complex relationships

fining moments that pushed her to

we foster throughout our lives and

create a life – and voice – she could

shows us ways we can use those

claim for herself.

connections to cultivate our own creativity. We are merely layers built

The thing is, Attenberg isn’t nec-

upon layers, after all.

essarily telling us something new. For centuries writers have written love

This is such a great book to read

stories to their craft the same way filmmakers create movies

during the early part of the year as we spend time setting

about filmmaking. But there is something profound in the

goals and leaning into our own life lessons. Attenberg’s

mundane and intense reflections Attenberg hoists on her

writing is witty and profound, she creates lists to build upon

environments.

the mundaneness of life while simultaneously expounding on her own evolution. I Came All This Way to Meet You

Attenberg’s entire fifty-one years are fair game. Each

explores themes of friendship, independence, class, and

chapter has a major theme, but she peppers memories

drive. It is at its heart, the story of finding one’s path home,

from child-hood, book tours, and old apartment buildings

and home is different for all of us.

throughout. She reflects on her relationship with her parents, now happy and retired in sunny Florida; her writer

Attenberg writes, “I walk through my home, I contemplate my

friendships; her past lovers; and even her relationship with

space. Here, for now, and for a long time to come. And I take

anxiety, wraps it all up into vignettes that allow her (and

this moment to be grateful for what I have. A roof, a notebook,

us) to see the happenstance of her life. This realization is a

a full cupboard, and a bed above ground.” This collection is

turning point for her and her writing.

an examination of art and individuality and will resonate with readers who are willing to listen to their own creativity.

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shop

Lucky You! words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

How lucky are we to have so many wonderful local shops that serve us so well? Be sure you visit them often and tell them Do South® sent you!

Hearts On Fire Lorelei Floral Oval Inside-Out Hoops, 18kt White, Yellow and Rose Gold, .88cts.

Odinell Ear Cleaning Spray

by Audinell Hearing Care Technology

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

CENTER FOR HEARING

479.452.2140

479.785.3277

Armand De Brignac Ace of Spades Champagne Brut, Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad Cava Brut, Broc Cellars Love California White

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

Primi Frutti Wines, Ghost Tequila Spicy Blanco, Jameson Orange Irish Whiskey, Jack Links Bloody Mary Mix Sweet & Hot

Eyewear by Tiffany

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

479.783.8013

479.452.2020

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09

10

community

Our Community Cares words Catherine Frederick with Laurie Burnett, Executive Director, HCCA

DS: How did Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy come to be?

Prior to the Hamilton Center opening in 2010, if children needed sexual assault exams in response to a child abuse investigation, they had to travel to Springdale for those exams. Our founder, Jackie Hamilton, realized the additional trauma this imposed on these children and partnered with Mercy Hospital to open the only child advocacy center in the surrounding five-county area. Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy is one of seventeen child advocacy centers in the state of Arkansas.

DS: Who do you serve and in what ways?

A child advocacy center not only provides sexual assault exams, but also forensic interviews, advocacy, and mental health. The Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy is a community-based facility which uses a multidisciplinary approach to reduce trauma to child victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Collaboration exists between medical, mental health, prosecutorial, child protective service, and law enforcement to serve the best interests of young victims.

The Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy

DS: Tell us how the services Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy provides

provides comprehensive services to

impact our community.

child victims of abuse, assault, domestic

Children brought to an advocacy center are more likely to receive long-term

violence, severe physical abuse, and

mental health and advocacy services needed to properly heal and thrive after the

neglect. We work closely with law

trauma of abuse. In 2021, 1,020 children were provided services at the Hamilton

enforcement and the Department of

Center. Every child had the benefit of an advocate who helped the family connect

Children and Family Services to ensure

to resources of healing and rebuilding after trauma. The impact of these services

that justice is sought, and families are

is lifelong and, in many cases, lifesaving. In addition to the direct impact on

given all the tools necessary for healing

the family, a recent national cost-benefit analysis of the Children’s Advocacy

and breaking the cycle of abuse. Do

Center model shows that CACs save approximately $1,000 per case in services

South® reached out to Laurie Burnett,

to children and families during a child abuse investigation. On a per-case basis,

Executive Director, to learn more.

traditional investigations were 36% more expensive than a CAC investigation.

The cost of a CAC investigation averaged $2,902 compared to $3,949 for a

2713 South 74th Street, Suite 203 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.1002 facebook and instagram: @hamiltoncca hamiltoncca.org

traditional abuse investigation.

DS: Are there any immediate needs, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming events our readers should know about?

April is Child Abuse Awareness month, and the Hamilton Center is hosting our first annual “Hunt the Fort” scavenger hunt on April 9th. If you and your friends or family enjoy scavenger hunts, or just getting together for a fun activity, please sign up for this exciting event. More information can be found on our website,

Next month, we’ll showcase another

hamiltoncca.org. The Hamilton Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that

worthy nonprofit in our area free of charge.

depends on community giving to survive. All our services are free of charge to

We will accept requests for this free page

these families. We serve more and more families every year and need financial

beginning in October, 2022. Send questions

support to continue our mission. All donations are tax deductible. Your financial

to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

support can make a real difference to a hurting child.

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12

community

RANDY AGE 16 We'd like to introduce

you to sixteen-

year-old Randy, but before we do, let’s talk about patterns. If you have read a few of our kids’ bios in the past, you’ve probably seen a pattern emerge.

Many of our children have had childhoods marked by instability, inconsistency and uncertainty, and IMAGE courtesy Jon Yoder Photography

these circumstances have created a fundamental lack of trust in adult caregivers in our children, which manifests in a variety of ways. To the casual or first-time reader, it may appear that we repeat these things because we have nothing substantive to say about a specific child. That’s not the case at all. The fact is these issues are very real for many of our children and we want to stress the need for, and the positive impact of stability, consistency, patience, and trust. This is especially true for incredible kids like Randy.

Randy has never had the luxury of a stable, supportive home. His caregivers disappointed him and let him down time and again. As a result, he doesn’t always let himself believe that a new caregiver will be any different than the ones he

knew growing up, and he can act out at times in response to those emotions. But let us tell you something else about Randy … He is a straight-A student and was recently accepted into a special arts and science magnet school! Randy is one smart kid who is in desperate need of someone to believe in him and provide him with the structure, consistency, and stability that he needs and deserves. He has so much potential – Randy just needs the right place and the right someone to realize it. Maybe that someone is you!

In partnership with Project Zero and the Arkansas Heart Gallery, each month Do South® will feature a waiting child, or sibling group, in foster care in Arkansas. To inquire about these incredible children, please visit theprojectzero.org.

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14

health

Watery Eyes and Itchy Nose – Oh My! WORDS Kendall Wagner, M.D., Chaffee Crossing Clinic images Superstar/Shutterstock

The days are quietly getting longer and the

Allergies as a disease can be divided into seasonal and

frost a little lighter in the mornings as small bits of green

perennial.

grass can be seen peeking through the dull brown carpet

symptoms in spring, summer, and early fall. These symptoms are

covering our lawns. Spring will be here soon! While we

usually triggered by allergic sensitivity to pollens from grasses,

welcome the burst of color and life that spring brings, many

trees, and weeds, or may also be triggered by airborne mold

of us will soon be sneezing, rubbing our eyes, and clearing

spores. Perennial allergy sufferers experience symptoms year

our throats. According to the American College of Allergy

round and usually are sensitive to more insidious stimuli such

and Immunology, allergies are the sixth leading cause of

as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and mold spores.

Seasonal

allergy

sufferers

usually

experience

chronic disease in the U.S. with an estimated fifty million Americans suffering from allergies each year. In fact, the

Allergic rhinitis, sometimes referred to as “hay fever,”

estimated economic impact of allergies exceeds eighteen

presents with a constellation of symptoms including stuffy or

billion dollars per year!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

health

runny nose, sneezing, watering of the eyes, and a sensation

such as Flonase (Fluticasone) nasal spray or Astelin (Azelastine)

of itchiness of the eyes, nose, or roof of the mouth. Contrary

may be used for isolated nasal stuffiness or runny nose, while

to the common name, allergic rhinitis is very rarely associated

Patanol (Olopatadine) eye drops may be used for isolated

with fever. It is important to distinguish these acute symptoms

symptoms of itchy and watery eyes. Your physician may even

from sinusitis or a sinus infection that is usually characterized

recommend a combination of oral medication, nasal spray,

by symptoms lasting longer than ten days, facial pain/pressure,

and eye drops to effectively treat your symptoms.

and fever greater than 101° Fahrenheit. Many people mistake the presence of purulent (discolored) nasal discharge as an

Longer term solutions in the management of allergic disease

indication of sinus infection, but this finding simply indicates

include avoidance of the allergic trigger (avoiding outdoors

the presence of white blood cells in the nasal discharge, and

during peak pollen times), decreasing the exposure to the

may be seen in allergic, viral, and bacterial causes of nasal

trigger (special pillowcases/mattress covers for dust mites),

discharge lasting longer than a couple of days.

chronically prescribed allergy medications, and finally allergy immunotherapy. All these treatments may be used at different

Treatment of allergic rhinitis usually does not require the

times in the management of a patient with allergies. Usually,

use of antibiotics. That is why it is important to distinguish

these treatments may be preceded or guided by allergy testing.

between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. With more antibiotic resistance developing, it is important to use antibiotic

Allergy testing can be performed by your doctor or an allergist

treatment only when necessary! Thankfully, treatment of

(specially trained physician who focuses on treatment of allergic

allergic rhinitis can often occur without a physician office

disease). In your primary doctor’s office, testing may consist

visit. Many of the basic medications are available over

of a blood test, while an allergist usually performs skin-prick

the counter. Early treatment with over the counter (OTC)

testing that has been viewed as the gold standard in identifying

medications can prevent progression of allergic rhinitis into

allergic triggers. Such testing may be used to formulate an

sinusitis further reducing the need for antibiotics.

allergy immunotherapy plan (i.e. allergy shots) usually under the direction of an allergist or specially trained physician.

OTC medications available for the treatment of allergies include antihistamines such as Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Claritin

As spring arrives, know that you do not suffer alone and

(Loratadine), and Allegra (Fexofenadine). These medications

there are great treatment options available for both seasonal

work by blocking the release of histamine, a protein involved

and perennial allergic disease. Many of these treatments are

in triggering an inflammatory cascade that results in the

available at your hometown pharmacy! Call your physician’s

symptoms referenced above. While these medications are

office today to schedule a consultation about management

generally safe in most patients from infancy through elder

of allergic rhinitis. Remember, do not start any new med-

years, it is important to always talk to your doctor and

ication regimen without first consulting with your physician

pharmacist about other medications you may be taking

and pharmacist!

and potential side effects of these medications. Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

has

also

been

used historically for the treatment of

allergy

symptoms

but

can

have unwanted side effects such as

sedation

(sleepiness)

and

Kendall Wagner, M.D. is a regular healthcare contributor to Do South® Magazine.

grogginess/confusion (brain fog) in some patients and should be used with caution. Topical medications

Chaffee Crossing Clinic 11300 Roberts Boulevard, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.5910 | chaffeecrossingclinic.com

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16

garden

Gary C. Tognoni/Shutterstock

Words Catherine Frederick

march in the Garden THE DIRT Time to get your soil tested. Submit one pint of air-dried soil to your county extension office so you’ll know the exact amount of fertilizer and other amendments to add before planting. Most offices perform this service for free.

THE SITE

Before choosing a garden site, make sure you know how much sun the area receives. Most vegetables need at least six hours of direct sun. Others, like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, can handle a bit more shade.

THE SPACE Make the best use of a small space by interplanting. Plant okra, eggplant, peppers or tomatoes in between rows of early cool-weather crops. You’ll have harvested the early crop before the ones you inter-planted become too large. Also, consider vegetables that don’t use much space. Think small plants in close rows, such as radishes, turnips, lettuces, beets, spinach, chard, cilantro, mustard, and onions.

TIP: Know the mean date of your last frost before placing plants or seeds in the ground. Typically, the mean date in zone C (Sebastian County, Arkansas) is around April 1st.

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WHAT TO PLANT: (only a partial list)

Lettuce Brussels Sprouts Kale Carrots Radishes Cauliflower Cabbage Broccoli Turnips Swiss Chard Beets Irish Potatoes Onions Spinach English Peas The closer the vegetable is to the bottom of the list, the closer it should be planted to the end of the month.

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2022 women in business

profiles SPECIAL FEATURE PRESENTED BY

WORDS Dwain Hebda and Catherine Frederick some interviews have been edited for length and clarity

Do South® recognizes the talents and contributions of women in our community. Strong, powerful women who set the bar for excellence in their profession. Join us as we salute these incredible women propelling our region forward!

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Farm Credit of Western Arkansas For centuries, women have played critical roles in agriculture from the farm to the classroom to the boardroom. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are almost one million women farmers in the U.S. or thirty percent of all farmers in the country and in some states represent a majority of ag producers. What’s more, nearly a third of farm women nationally are principal operators, per the USDA. Given these statistics, it’s probably not surprising how profound the impact of women has been on all aspects of the agricultural economy. All one has to do is look at a company like Farm Credit of Western Arkansas to see the vital roles that women continue to play in the health and prosperity of the local farm economy.

Farm Credit of Western Arkansas’s staff mirrors the heavy representation of women in agriculture, with women holding a variety of key positions in the company. These important jobs can be found throughout the organization at all levels of management, administration, and front-line, customer-facing roles.

The company’s female workforce are not only well-trained professionals, but are wellversed in the personal and professional challenges that farmers and ranchers face in any given season of the year. That’s because about ninety-five percent of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas employees have a direct relationship to rural Arkansas, either having grown up on a farm or are currently engaged in agriculture.

Being able to relate to the organization's members on such a personal level is a big part of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas’s success. After all, as a cooperative, farmers and ranchers aren’t just customers, they’re owners.

The national Farm Credit program was established in 1916 as part of the Farm Credit Act. Operating under the national umbrella and part of a network of offices throughout western Arkansas, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas’s Fort Smith and Alma locations support a range of agricultural and non-agricultural clients locally, from youth to beginning farmers to longtime rural residents.

By providing high-quality lending and financial services to meet the needs of farmers, ranchers and rural homeowners, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas supports the rural lifestyle as well as the people and communities that rely on the farm industry. And in supporting women through training programs and internal promotion, the organization provides career-track opportunities to attract and retain the most qualified, diverse workforce possible.

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Dr. Ann Passmore Passmore Plastic Surgery There are a lot of elements to Dr. Ann Passmore’s longtime success in Fort Smith, with continuing education, hiring the right people and an uncompromising level of individual attention paid to each patient atop the list.

And to these leading ingredients for success Ann adds innovation, constantly examining new technology and techniques in an effort to provide clients with more options, better outcomes and as little downtime as possible.

“What I have done is basically listen to my patients,” she says. “People have been through this pandemic where they’re shut inside and they may be doing little things like Botox and routine home skincare, but so many are feeling terrible about themselves. They see a double chin on a Zoom call, or they see extra wrinkles and yet they don’t want to take time off.”

The latest innovation, Morpheus8, addresses many of these elements and is a good example of Ann’s servant philosophy in action. The technology is a minimally invasive device designed for skin tightening by remodeling collagen and coagulating adipose tissue. Ann introduced the Morpheus8 procedure through her practice, Passmore Plastic Surgery, in February and is the only cosmetic surgeon to offer it in the area.

“Morpheus8 delivers a radio frequency delivered in a bipolar fashion through twenty-four gold prongs. This form of micro needling punctures the skin and the radio frequency is at an energy that stimulates collagen synthesis and thickening of the tissue. It shrink-wraps the skin, in a manner of speaking, with minimal to no downtime.”

Besides being an innovative surgeon and physician, Ann is also a model entrepreneur.

The Fort Smith native began her career with Cooper Clinic, a twenty-year stint that established her in the local health care community. From there she served for three years with Mercy Clinic before opening Passmore Plastic Surgery in 2020. The practice continues to grow under her unique blend of outstanding medical expertise, astute business leadership and a knack for hiring staff as passionate for the patient as she is.

“Dedication, I think, is one of the biggest components of why we’re successful as a team,” she says. “I love my patients and I want them to have the best experience possible. I surround myself with people who care about the same things, such as serving the patient, compassion and conducting yourself as a professional. I wouldn’t be where I am without my team; they’re what makes my practice what it is.”

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Samantha Sims Salon Savvy at The HUB at Providence Of all the sparkling new shops and businesses in The HUB at Providence, one standout is Salon Savvy, a luxury salon that continues to turn heads. But the business, envisioned by owner Samantha Sims, has proven to be more than just a pretty face.

“We opened in October 2020, with all the COVID challenges,” Samantha says. “Then last year in February, we had water damage related to the heavy snowfall. It was an eventful start, to say the least.”

Despite these challenges the salon has thrived. Under Samantha’s leadership, the salon quickly developed a reputation for professional expertise and customer service normally found only in much larger cities.

“We started out with me and three other stylists,” Samantha says. “We have now grown to eight hair stylists, two estheticians and a receptionist. In the next few months, I’m looking to add three more stylists too, so that’s super exciting!"

The business has also expanded its retail side, carrying quality products to help clients look and feel their best. Samantha said it’s all part of the full-service business she’s always dreamed of. A native of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, she jumped at the chance to create Salon Savvy out of a 2,100-square-foot space at The HUB, the city’s first true live-work-play development.

The strategic decision laid the groundwork for all the salon’s success to follow.

"The first time I saw The HUB at Providence, I just fell in love with it," she says. "This is such a vibrant, fun community. We're excited to be a part of it, and it’s done wonders for my salon."

As her business has grown, so too has Samantha’s image as an entrepreneur to be emulated. At every opportunity, she imparts the same advice to others dreaming of opening their own business.

“The saying ‘You only live once,’ is so cliché, but it’s true,” she says. “If your end of days was tomorrow, would you look back with regret and think, ‘I wish I would’ve done this or that’?

You just have to step out there and go for what you want in life.”

“What I tell people all the time now is, I’m so thankful that I put the right people around me that enabled me to create Salon Savvy. It has its challenges, of course, but I never have to wonder about what might have been, because I’m having so much fun building my business every day.”

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26

people

forever WORDS Dwain Hebda IMAGES courtesy Lori Evans

13

Noah Evans DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

FOR MANY OF US,

the teen years are remembered

It started with a headache.

with a tinge, the awkward age when incumbent childhood and impending adult life coalesce messily. It’s a time our self-

Lori hears herself saying it, but to this day scarcely believes that

confidence rolls us back on our heels even as our hearts yearn to

something so innocuous could irrevocably alter the course of five

plunge ahead into new adventures and freedoms.

lives. Kids got headaches and scrapes and bruises all the time, especially boys with brothers. Dish out a couple of ibuprofens,

In a word, it’s a transition to end all transitions, steps that once

buff out the dents and hose them off, that’s all the maintenance

completed are never to be retraced.

her sons generally required.

Noah Evans’ journey to this threshold was everything others

“Someone asked me then, ‘Are you concerned?’” Lori says. “I

went through, times ten. Along the way, the youngster endured

said, ‘I am not. If it was anything major, I think Noah would be

what is every parent’s worst nightmare, carried it with grace and

having more problems. He wouldn’t be able to make it through

dignity, reserving his energy in his dwindling lucid moments to

a full day of school, soccer practice and theater rehearsal if it was

tell his family he loved them. At the end, transitioning not just

serious.’” But the persistence and intensification of the pain led

from one chapter to another, but one life to another, he showed

to doctors and eventually to a neurologist at Vanderbilt University

how hope and strength survive the grave.

Children’s Hospital in Nashville. It was an evening in September 2019 when the door cracked to the imaging room where Noah

He is, in his mother’s gentle words, “Forever thirteen.”

was having his MRI, and for the first time Lori’s skin prickled.

“He was the kind of kid who walked into a room, and it lit up

“The nurse said, ‘Are you by yourself?’ I said, ‘I am.’ She said,

because of his presence,” says Lori Evans, Noah’s mom. “He had

‘I need you to come with me,’” Lori remembers. “It was like a

this amazing ability to see people. He would find the kid that

movie. We walked down this long hallway and the lights are dim

didn’t have a friend, just innately knowing what person looked

because nobody’s there. She finds this empty room and sits me

lonely or who needed a smile or some encouragement. He would

down and says, ‘I’m so sorry to tell you this, but we see a brain

find those people and befriend them.”

tumor in Noah and that’s what’s causing his symptoms.’”

“I look back now over his journey, over his life, and I just stand in awe of his character and the way that he was so joyful. He made

The Evans Family

things brighter.”

Noah was the middle of the loud, loving chaos of three boys born to Lori and her husband Tom, a physical therapist. The itinerant jokester, Noah was a natural for the stage and although he sampled other activities in his short life, it was in performance that the quick-witted youth shined brightest.

“He was a soccer player, but he also loved the arts,” Lori says.

“He loved improv. He was a great artist, drawing and creating.

He was also in musical theater.”

“He loved making people laugh and being silly. I remember one visit to his oncologist at Vanderbilt, he asked him, ‘Noah, do you have any weakness?’ Noah goes, ‘Cute puppies.’” **** DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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community people

Lori and Noah

Noah was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma of the right

family was convinced the miracle would be confirmed, that

thalamus with an H3 K27M mutation. Translation: Cancer, and

against all odds, against all medical science, their pleas for divine

even among brain tumors, a species that stood out as particularly

intervention would be vindicated. Retelling what actually happ-

vicious and aggressive. There will be a honeymoon phase, doctors

ened, the words still slide in dry shards from his mother’s throat.

told them, four weeks after radiation, when you’ll swear we’re wrong. But we’re not and you’ll see things degenerate quickly.

“He had his scan,” she says. “That showed progression of the disease. The one tumor had spread into two new locations, so he

Six months, they said, at most twelve cruel, decimating months.

had three tumors that were growing.”

That’s all he has. ***** ***** As the year wore on – and as one by one, the doctors’ forecasts True to form, Noah didn’t look or act like a terminal patient

proved true – Lori and Tom had to change their prayers from

for the first few months of treatment. He played sports, his

shaking, fervent pleading to the choking acceptance of a

most loved being pickleball, performed in musical theater, and

Providential plan they couldn’t fathom.

generally tweaked the nose of the monster foaming in his head with each passing day.

“Every morning, my husband and I had got up before Noah’s treatment and hit our knees together and we would pray,” Lori

“For the first seven months I did not even allow myself to go in

says. “We had these declarations that we would pray like, ‘God,

any other direction than, ‘God is going to heal him on earth. This

we believe this medicine will be only used for good and not

is just a part of Noah’s story,’” Lori says. “I woke up every day

harm.’ We were just praying and declaring all these things every

going on my knees before the Lord saying, ‘God, I know that You

day over Noah and then all of a sudden, it was like, that’s great,

can. I know You’re able. I know this is not too hard for You to do

but that doesn’t guarantee you’re going to get what you want.”

and I’m asking You to do it.’”

“I remember sitting on my back porch reading Luke and the story “Meanwhile, all the things the doctor had told us were going to

of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. At that point, ‘Father,

happen were not happening. I took that as the Lord is doing this,

please take this cup of suffering from me. If there’s any possibility

He is giving us our miracle on earth.”

to do it another way, please let it be. But not my will be done, but Yours,’ that was the moment that I said that has to be my

In April 2020 Noah was scheduled for another scan where his

new prayer. I started unpacking and rewriting some of my faith

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Tom and Noah

and theology behind suffering. And every time I was like, ‘God,

for 501(c)(3) status, which was granted in October. Since then,

why would you let Noah be born only to die?’ He was like, ‘I

donations have come in, fundraising events have been held,

allowed my Son to be born only to die. But there was a purpose

families have been loved on and prayed over, whether they ever

in that.’”

meet or not.

January 5, 2021, Noah came home from the hospital to family

Running the foundation full time, every day brings Lori a

and friends constantly at his bedside. Eight days later, he said

chance to retell and relive the namesake’s incredible life. Doing

to his mother, “I love you guys,” and that night, an assembled

so sustains her, reminding her to emulate Noah’s courage,

gathering holding prayer vigil witnessed a shooting star fly over

challenging her to love as deeply. It’s credo and crux all rolled

the Evans’ house. A little after seven a.m. the next morning,

into one, the purpose of the organization and the guiding light

January 14, Noah Evans at last shook off the wrappings of cancer

for the family behind it.

and, bathed in the sunlight, went back home for good.

“The Lord knows I do well when I get to tell Noah’s story,” she In the months leading up to Noah’s passing, Lori had started to

says. “If you ask anybody who has a child pass, ‘What’s your

get signs that she was to do something with her pain to help

biggest fear?’ It’s that they’re not remembered. Getting to share

other families in the same situation. She became aware that

Noah and getting to share his story is a huge part of my healing.”

his type of brain tumor was so new there was nothing in the way of treatment just four years prior. Approaching her fortieth

“As for the foundation, I just focus on how I can be there for a

birthday, she posted on social media for followers and friends to

family from Day One of diagnosis through whenever your child

donate to the cause. She raised $22,000 and it didn’t take much

is healed, and beyond. It’s become this passion I feel to live like

to understand why.

Noah. Like, I see you, I love you, I care about you, I want you to know that you’re known in your suffering and, if your child passes,

“I was like, ‘Okay, Lord, we are going to use this money to

in your grief. You’re not going to be left alone on this journey. I’m

help other families,’” she says. “Immediately, I started getting

going to walk alongside of you however long this thing is.”

connected to them. And even though Noah was still in his battle, I’m meeting these other families who are also in their battles and needing help.”

A month after Noah died, Lori sent in the paperwork chartering her nonprofit, the NoahBRAVE Foundation. By April she’d applied

NoahBRAVE Foundation Franklin, Tennessee info@noahbrave.org | noahbrave.org

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Fostering Acts of Love The CALL helps fill the need for foster families WORDS Jenny Boulden images courtesy The CALL

A

A fourteen-year-old girl who’d never had a Christmas tree.

Another Christmas miracle: a set of siblings she and husband James fostered in their Greenwood home informed them Santa

It’s one of Kristan Williams’ many stories about being a foster

never visited them, though he left presents for all their friends.

parent. “It was November, and I never put our tree up early,

“She told me, ‘The one year Santa came, all he brought me

but when she told me she’d never once had a Christmas tree,

was coal,’” Kristan says, her voice filling with emotion. “I’m

I ordered one right then. Two days later, we got it up,” Kristan

telling you, that Christmas, my church ‘adopted’ these kids to

says. “I didn’t want to wait, because I didn’t know how long

give them presents. It’s not about the gifts, but my goodness

she’d be with us, and I was determined that child would have

these kids had such an awesome Christmas. They think it’s

her first Christmas tree. She loved it.”

something they’ve done that made Santa skip them, and we got to show them that it’s not.”

Joseph Wood

The Williams Family DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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Deep Local Needs

“It’s something that was put on our hearts,” Kristan says.

Fostering children is a year-round, urgent need, especially in

“This time, we jumped right in and started the process.”

Western Arkansas. Emily Treadaway is county coordinator for The CALL in Crawford & Sebastian Counties. The organization

Streamlining Certification

recruits, trains, facilitates, and supports foster families to

That process was aided by The CALL. The nonprofit has one

provide temporary homes to children who the state deems

of the only partnerships of its kind in the nation between

can’t stay in their homes until their parents stabilize. “We stay

a state agency coordinating foster care and a faith-based

at around five hundred to six hundred kids in care in Crawford

organization. “We don’t approve homes or place the children

and Sebastian counties together. That was the highest in the

— that’s all DHS,” Emily explains, referencing the Arkansas

state until the pandemic,” Emily says, explaining that only

Department of Human Services, which manages the program.

Pulaski County currently has more kids in need of homes.

“We are simply here to help DHS find homes and get them

Other counties have as few as fifty children in foster care.

open and support them.”

Yet, Crawford and Sebastian counties only have about one

Part of The CALL’s role is to streamline the approval process,

hundred foster families altogether. The homes average

which can take six months or longer, to get a foster home

about two children each, meaning sixty percent of local kids

ready to accept children. The CALL’s emphasis is on finding

get moved out of their county. The moves introduce more

homes for the harder-to-place children, such as kids over six

upheaval, as kids enter new school systems and move away

years old (she says many people want babies, but there are

from their friends. Emily says The CALL is hoping to recruit

two hundred children in care age thirteen or older), sibling

about seventy more foster families to meet the local demand

groups that want to stay together and children with medical

and keep the kids closer to home.

or special needs. The organization does work with people looking to adopt from foster care, Emily says, but primarily

The Call

seeks to find foster homes that will serve the ongoing and

About five years ago, Kristan, a mom of four girls, felt the

urgent need for temporary safe havens for the children.

call to be a foster parent after witnessing the experience of a church friend who was fostering children.

The state requires that foster and foster-to-adopt parents receive thirty hours of special training. The DHS training takes

She and her husband James prayed about it. They’d years

place three hours, one night a week, for ten weeks in a row.

before considered fostering, but hesitated to commit, thinking

The CALL offers the same thirty-hour training, but condenses

it would be too hard to say goodbye to children they had

it into two sequential weekends, which families often find

bonded with when they returned home.

easier to arrange. Additionally, the organization coordinates

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kids’ supervised visits with their families, offers respite care

limits have been waived because of need, so seniors over sixty-

(some families opt to be respite homes for up to two weeks

five can now be approved as fosters, but the foster parents

when foster parents need a break) and provides emotional and

must be at least fifteen years older than the foster child.

practical support for foster families. The CALL also provides helpful things like diapers, cleaning supplies, car seats, beds

Adaptive, Sometimes Adoptive, Hearts

and cribs for the foster homes, even frozen family dinners.

Every foster family is different, as is every child. The families

Kristan is a nurse, so she says their family gets matched with

control when they can accept new kids, choosing what’s best

a lot of medically fragile children; when one needed weekly

for their family and when.

trips to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, The CALL Daniel Skipper describes himself as a “former foster parent”

provided gas cards.

and supporter of The CALL. He and his wife Kristin had fostered Emily says there are “several pages of requirements,” but in

a seven-month-old girl at their Van Buren home for just under

general, foster applicants must be able to provide fifty square

a year before she returned to her parents, then they fostered a

feet of bedroom space per child and afford their care even

boy her same age, Elijah, whom they adopted in 2019. When

without the small stipend the state provides for each child’s

Kristin gave birth to their fourth child later that year, they

basic expenses. Homes can be owned or rented, foster parents

opted to cease fostering. “We needed to step away and close

single or married, with kids of their own or none. Upper age

our home; four kids including the newborn was all we could handle,” he explains, adding they may eventually reopen (“open” and “close” are terms used to indicate whether a home is accepting foster kids) once their four become “a little more self-sufficient.”

In contrast, in four-and-a-half years of fostering, the Williams have had about thirty-five children stay with them, some for days, some for more than two years. Despite her original fears, Kristan says she now understands that “letting them go” is exactly what they need. “It’s not about, ‘Oh that’s going to be so hard on me,’ because I don’t do this for me,” she explains.

“We’re doing this for the kids. We love these kids like they’re our own. But your heart adapts.”

She and James did end up adopting the first child they fostered, a son who now has four big sisters.

Daniel says that though it was emotionally hard for the whole family to send their foster daughter back to her parents, that was always the goal. But perspective helps. “My wife and I talked about how whatever we’re investing in this little girl at a year old — affection, stability — that's something she was not getting before.” Reading about child psychology and development convinced him how important those things are for young children. “We hope that whatever impact we made on her in eleven months will carry on way beyond the heartache we had,” he says. “The long-term benefits to the

The Skipper Family

child exceed however much it hurts to let her go.”

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He says they were drawn to foster care initially when they were living in Oklahoma after they discovered their daughter’s preschool BFF was a foster child. “I was like, yes, we will take that little child — does she need a home? She does not ‘fit’ in our family, she is not the same color, she does not ‘match,’ but we would love to have her,” Daniel says. The little girl already had great foster parents, but it started the Skippers on their journey.

“We were actually going through the process of being approved for foster care in Oklahoma when we moved here, so we had to start the process all over again,” he says. "Luckily, we came through The CALL.” The organization The Treadaway Family

helped shorten their Arkansas certification by several months.

Not everyone is suitable or interested in being a foster parent,

Not Easy, But Worth It

but The CALL needs volunteers in many roles, and the nonprofit

Emily and her husband, who have two young daughters, served

depends on donors to sustain operations. It also works with

as a provisional foster family for her nephews and nieces for a

churches to host supportive events like Foster Parent Nights

span, and later had a foster child in their home about a year.

Out and Drive-Thru Dinners. And one other vital thing.

“I know how hard it is,” Emily says. “I tell people, ‘It’s not my job to talk you into this. I’m not trying to convince you or guilt

“We also of course need prayers, because we’re faith-based

you into it. I’m simply providing the information about the

and we know prayer works,” Emily says, adding that lately

path you can take if you choose to.”

they’ve been asking local churches specifically to pray The CALL finds those seventy new foster homes.

While the thirty-hour training covers as much as it can, she says it can never cover everything. “One thing we talk about

“One thing we say is, we’re not all called to foster care, but

in training is even if you have been a parent, however you’ve

we’re all called to do something,” she says. “If you’re reading

parented your children, that’s not necessarily going to help

this and it tugs at your heartstrings, let me know, and I will

you,” Emily says. “They have different needs, and sometimes

find a place for you to help these kids. There’s plenty of work

only other foster parents can understand what you’re going

to go around.”

through. … We provide a lot of support.”

Daniel says that while some children come with emotional trauma and behavioral problems, foster parents must remember it’s not the child’s fault. “I think any child that does not have structure is going to have some issues,” he says. “It’s not that they’re bad kids, they’re just adjusting. That pulls my heartstrings, the fact that these kids didn’t do anything wrong to deserve being pulled out of their homes. They don’t always know that.”

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

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THEY CALL HIM COACH

Coach Ronnie Williams

WORDS Dwain Hebda IMAGES courtesy Greenwood Public Schools and Karen Schwartz of Pictures by Karen

For more than four decades (give or take, with an

Like any coach with a career as long, there are losses that

ill-advised detour into temporary retirement), Ronnie Williams

haunt him still. The basketball championship tilt where his team

has been on the bench, alongside the track or riding a golf cart,

dropped their only game of the season; that one hurt so much

coaching generations of middle and high school athletes in Fort

he left the second-place trophy sitting in the opposing gym.

Smith and Greenwood. Along the way, he’s assembled stories from the sidelines enough to fill volumes.

“We were 27-0 going into the last game and we lost. We lost to County Line. Bill Gossage beat me that year,” Ronnie says,

“So many things in my life, to me, are godsends,” Ronnie says.

the memory thorny to this day. “It was devastating.”

“I’m a strong Christian and I’m not ashamed to say it. God has brought me so many things.”

But there’s also the incredible runs of success and streaks of domination. The Trinity girls’ team that won sixty-eight

There’s the one about the principal at his first school job, a nun,

basketball games in a row. The football program that won

known for giving him a stern side-eye over his antics. Or how in

twelve league titles and eighty percent of its games, that once

his early days as a football coach, he wasn’t above strapping on

won thirty-eight consecutive contests and included one squad

a helmet and running the ball himself during practice.

that ran the field with just twenty-two players. Finally, his peer schools couldn’t take it anymore.

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"We got kicked out of our conference in 2005,” Ronnie says,

“My dad built me a concrete slab in the backyard and put a

incredulity rising in his tone. “I asked them, ‘Why are y’all

basketball goal up for me,” he says. “I look at it now, and it’s

kicking us out?’ They said, ‘We’re tired of you winning. We’re

just a little bitty piece of concrete. But back then it was a big ol’

tired of playing you.’ I said, ‘What am I going to do?’ They said,

piece of concrete. We had a lot of games on it."

‘We don’t care.’”

In addition to school, extracurriculars and part-time jobs for But what’s more amazing is the number of people who have

spending money, Ronnie also started volunteer coaching pee

stories about him, former students, colleagues, and parents

wee baseball and basketball teams. At the time he just found it

who tell of how Ronnie influenced their lives for the better,

fun, but it was actually mining something much deeper within

from the front of the classroom or from the opposing sideline.

him. “I loved sports, but the thing that pulled me was working with those young kids,” he says.

“I attended Trinity – it was actually Immaculate Conception at the time – and Coach Ronnie was my ninth-grade civics

After attending Westark Community College (now University

teacher,” says Dr. Karen Hollenbeck, principal of Trinity Junior

of Arkansas Fort Smith) he earned his teaching and coaching

High in Fort Smith. “I always remember he started every class

credentials from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. A pal

with a devotional, which of course is not uncommon in Catholic

offered him a coaching job at Immaculate Conception School

schools. He’s always been such an example of Christian

in Fort Smith. It was 1980, and the tiny Catholic school – which

leadership. I receive copies of the texts that he sends out to

would eventually grow into Trinity Junior High School – would

his athletes today, ‘Make sure you go to church this weekend.

be his home for the next twenty-six years.

Make sure you’re reading your devotional.’ That’s just how he lives his life.”

"It was a learning experience,” he says. “They don’t teach you a lot in college on how to mop a gym floor, how to clean the

Ronnie Williams grew up in Greenwood, attended public

bathroom and those types of things. They don’t really teach

schools and played any sport that was in season. Basketball

you a lot about how to handle parents and how to handle

was his favorite and he’d play anytime he could – be it practice,

certain situations with kids. It was fun learning and all, but

a pickup game at the Baptist church parking lot or close-in

they don’t teach you enough stuff to prepare you for the real

competitions in the Williams’ backyard.

world of coaching.”

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Ronnie proved a quick study and he had to be, considering

and radiation destroyed skin, causing a quarter-sized hole to

he either head or assistant coached nearly every sport the

open on his back that required an operation to repair. And

parochial school offered. Along the way, he found as much

it was then Fort Smith saw the chance to give back to the

opportunity to develop character in his players as he did to

man who had given so much over the years. Friends organized

build a coaching résumé.

a fund drive to help defray medical expenses, eventually collecting in excess of $25,000, to say nothing of the countless

But by 2006, still smarting from being expelled from the league

prayers from the community.

for being too dominant, he looked around at other options, landing at his alma mater at Greenwood. For the next thirteen

“It’s just awesome to see your old players, your old parents,

years, he made the seventh, eighth and ninth-grade girls’

people you don’t even know, people from your church, people

basketball programs, seventh grade track team and high school

from your town give like that,” he says. “My wife and I both

boys’ and girls’ golf teams instant contenders in their respective

just sat there and cried that there’s so many people who were

leagues and, in golf’s case, in the state as well. Under his

willing to help.”

direction, his girls won five state titles while his boys won one Ronnie could have ridden off into the sunset after this last

and gave him his only overall state medalist.

procedure and no one would have blamed him. That he has And, in January 2019, he reached a pinnacle few coaches at any

returned to the Trinity sidelines as its basketball coach comes as

level do, as his girls landed him career basketball win number

a surprise to no one, either.

1,000 against Van Buren.

“I retired in 2019 and sat out. Didn’t like it,” he says. “The

“You think about milestones that are unbreakable,” says Dustin Smith,

difference I’ve found in the private school versus the public school was, when I was at Trinity I knew every parent, every kid, every kid’s brother or sister. We were just family. Then when I

Greenwood athletic director. “It’s hard to coach a thousand games, let alone win a

got to public school, I never got to know very many. I knew the kids I coached, I knew some of the golf parents and stuff, but I didn’t get to know near as many people. I missed that part of it.

thousand. I don’t know that people will really appreciate what a thousand wins

“So, last year I went back to Trinity. It’s kind of been a cycle, you know, I was there and now I’m back. I plan on working

really is, because that’s so hard to do. But

there maybe this year and two more. At some point in time, I’ve

that’s a testament to the level of success

got to get out and see the world, do some things while I can.”

that his teams have had.”

No matter how many more years the beloved coach stays on the bench, he’ll have already left a mark that is impossible to

The total is all the more impressive because it came as Ronnie

erase from two athletic programs, leaving both much better

was battling a bigger opponent than had ever stepped foot

than he found them.

on the field or court against him. In 2013, he was diagnosed with cancer in his tailbone. Surgery was thought to have caught

“What stands out about Ronnie is his faith, number one. His

it all, but in 2015 it was back, prompting thirty rounds of

integrity, second. He is one of those guys if he tells you he’s

radiation. That bought him two more years before the cancer

going to do something, he’s going to do it,” Dustin Smith says.

again returned.

“And I always say this about him: If you can’t get along with Ronnie Williams, it’s not Ronnie’s fault. You go look in the

After narrowly avoiding more surgery, he’s managed the

mirror if you can’t get along with him, because that’s where

condition with medications. But the combination of surgery

the problem lies.”

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Jimmy McGill

LOST AND FOUND

THE JIMMY MCGILL STORY - PART ONE WORDs Dwain Hebda images Dwain Hebda and courtesy Jimmy McGill

Somewhere along the line it became apparent that I was growing up different than other people. I remember going into the sixth and seventh grades knowing that I was the only kid in class who had spent the night in a dope house or a bar, you know?

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At the insistent tapping on his window,

Jimmy McGill came to.

Central to Jimmy’s life and mentality was his father, the late

Even in his altered state, he knew he was in trouble. A quick

Thomas McGill, a complicated figure who lived by a very

scan about the cabin of the running car reminded him of the

black-and-white code.

copious drugs on his person, the stolen property stacked in the back seat. Even the pit bull sitting next to the longtime

“He was violent. He was an outlaw. He loved the only way he

gangbanger, drug addict, and wannabe rapper seemed to

knew how to love,” Jimmy says. “I don’t ever want to paint a

know the score, looking at him with a mix of disgust and pity.

picture that my dad wasn’t a loving person, because he loved me the best that he could love me. He did the best he knew

It wasn’t rock bottom, he says, but it wasn’t far off, either.

how to do. In the end, my dad was my best friend, and he was all I had in the world.”

“I woke up in the Lonoke County Jail, which I’d heard nothing but bad stories about,” Jimmy says. “There was something

At the same time, Jimmy acknowledges the outlaw code

about the hopelessness that I woke up with. It was over. I

that his father lived by opened the gate to the troubled and

knew in my heart that it was over. I’d done got caught with

ultimately dark road his life would follow for nearly forty years.

seventeen grams of ice, all this stuff in my car, I’m on parole, I’ve been to prison five times. I know one of two things is

“Behaviors are learned traits,” he says. “In a world that’s

going to happen: I am either going to die in prison or, if I

basically separated from normal functioning society, there’s

come home, I’m going to be too old to enjoy life.”

this outlaw code that actually exists. So, my idea of what a man was, was extremely tainted. A man doesn’t tolerate any

At this Jimmy snorts a sarcastic chuckle. He’s told the story

B.S.; you don’t owe me without paying me. A man takes what

a thousand times and the hubris and moral bankruptcy of

he wants, or he’s weak. It’s a dog-eat-dog mentality.”

that period still taste bad.

“My dad, in my mind, was someone everybody owed a favor.

“Not that I knew how to enjoy life,” he continues, eyes cast

Everybody was too scared to question him. He didn’t fear any

out the window. “What I was doing wasn’t living, it was

consequences. So, there was this big shadow in the dope

surviving. I used to live, and I lived to use. That was it.”

world that I felt I had to live up to, almost like I’m a prince amongst thieves, you know? I got a lot of free rides because I

They say every person is born with the same potential and

was Thomas’ son and I loved it, thrived off of it.”

while that may be true, there are some people who enter the world in such circumstances that they have no chance but to

Thomas may have been an authentic badass, but as a kid Jimmy

become what their environment demands. For Jimmy, there

struggled to follow suit. Picked on in school for lack of a tribe,

was hardly a decision in his life, especially early on, that hadn’t

he’d eventually search the various cliques for his people.

already been made for him.

“In the seventh grade, I’m not tough at all,” he said. “I was “My house was broken. I came from broken spirits, broken

looking for kids who didn’t get bullied, the outcasts and rule-

bones. It was unhappy to say the least,” he says, when asked

breakers. I noticed the jocks, the preps, they weren’t picking

to start from the beginning. “I didn’t know what a happy

on the stoners because the stoners will hit you with the middle

home was until I broke into one.”

finger and be like, ‘I’ll kick your ass, punk!’ I was like, ‘Ohhhh, there they are!’”

“Somewhere along the line it became apparent that I was growing up different than other people. I remember going

“I immediately started trying to be whatever they need me to

into the sixth and seventh grades knowing that I was the only

be to be accepted. The first thing I abused wasn’t a drug, it

kid in class who had spent the night in a dope house or a bar,

was attention. Skipped school one day, broke into a house,

you know?”

got arrested and it was off to the races.”

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of patience with him. After hopping the fence and breaking into yet another house, the legal machinery decided to fix the fifteen-year-old incorrigible once and for all, convicting him as an adult.

“Incarcerated in juvenile prison, they give me an adult charge.

I’m convicted at fifteen,” he says. “No chance for military.

No chance for anything. My juvenile record could have been quashed, but the system really did screw me, even though I made my own decisions. I’m put on adult probation for five years and there’s no way I’m going to make that without screwing up and they knew it.”

During Jimmy’s incarceration, Bangin’ in Little Rock came out, documenting gang violence in Central Arkansas. He knew many of the kids featured in that production but wasn’t in it himself due to being locked up. What he missed on film, he lived for the next twenty years.

“I get released and by the time I’m seventeen, I come home, and I’ve got this gang life in me,” he says. “I’m an active gang member and I bring this back to my neighborhood. I’ve always been able to influence people. I’m no longer the kid getting bullied. My heart’s got hard. My mindset had got hard. I come home with this tough-guy mentality, and I bring this whole gang set to my neighborhood.”

Jimmy had evolved into every dangerous person he idolized growing up and his career as a gangster was off to a racing start. In no time, he’d built his own crew, hustling his way through one live-fast, die-young scheme after another. He stood out in that dark and violent subculture, and the attention and fear he received was intoxicating.

Jimmy got sent to a youth ranch near Harrison, of the variety meant to scare offenders straight before they really mess up.

“I had to be the guy that stands all the way out because I

But an ill-conceived breakout landed the thirteen-year-old in

had so many issues of being neglected and abandoned that

juvie prison, to this day the worst of his multiple incarcerations.

I needed to mean something to somebody,” he says. “When

There, he learned firsthand how savage the laws of the jungle

people showed me attention, in my mind, it made me feel like I

were, the violence, the abuse, the gang code.

was something to them. See what I mean? I had this God-sized hole that nothing can fill; I just keep putting stuff in and the

Which isn’t to say, he adds quickly, that he got a whole lot

hole doesn’t get filled. It’s not quenchable. It just keeps getting

smarter overall. His many infractions prolonged his sentence

bigger the more I put in it. So, the more attention people

from a few months to ultimately two years, and he still didn’t

showed me, the more dumb stuff I do to get attention.”

put together in his mind that the system would one day run out

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people

Photos from the time are jarring. Jimmy stares into the camera

and mentally, turning his life into a haze. His addiction was

with eyes that are cold and nearly lifeless as if sizing up some

suffocating and brought with it a panic similar to being

mark, looking for a weakness. Laid end-to-end, the snapshots

trapped in a leaky footlocker someone had tossed over a

are also a timeline. The pictures of him posing with his homies

bridge, sinking into black water.

or flashing bling and flipping off the camera with both hands morph into one in an orange jumpsuit during one of his many

“I lived to use,” he says. “The only thing that meant anything

incarcerations. And that one bleeds into a shot of him staring

to me was my next bump and I couldn’t enjoy it because as

out from under a hoodie with the hundred-yard stare of a

soon as I was doing the bump I would start worrying where my

walking dead addict.

next shot of dope was going to come from. The paranoia and insanity would kick in and everybody around me would hate

In his late thirties, Jimmy had gone from OG Original Gangster

me. I would be in a constant and immediate psychosis, thinking

to OG Old Gangster. Guys generally didn’t live that long in

everybody was communicating telepathically or something.”

the life, but even with five stretches to his credit, he never stopped looking for the next hustle or the next high. Having

Then one day, he awoke in that car, with that dog, on that

sampled almost every intoxicant out there since before he was

road. The racket banging in his ear against the glass was being

a teenager, there was little that got his attention. Then one day,

hammered out by a Lonoke County sheriff’s deputy, demanding

he tried meth.

an audience. Jimmy, not knowing how he got there or how long he’d been out, tried to pull it together. He opened the

“Man, I’ve done almost everything, but the second I experienced

door in compliance, stepped out of the vehicle and a waterfall

methamphetamine, there was no looking back,” he says. “I had

of pills poured out of his lap and onto the pavement. His face

found the thing that could fill that hole.”

hit the hood, his wrists met the familiar bite of the cuffs. Jimmy McGill was going down for the last time.

Meth sapped things out of Jimmy no other drug or gangbanging wound ever did. It chewed him down physically

…TO BE CONTINUED IN APRIL

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travel

INN LOVE

WORDs Liesel Schmidt images Lacey Hendrix

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travel

There’s something incredible about the prospect of sleeping in a place where history whispers from every crevice, where the corners of every room have a story to tell, and the past seems to collide with the present. And while one can only imagine who has slept in the eleven themed bedrooms located in the historic Beard and Lady Inn in Chester, Arkansas, the connection to days gone by is undeniable— almost palpable.

Originally built as The Chester Inn in 1887 by prominent local business owner Jacob Yoes, the Beard and Lady Inn has an origin story that begins with life as a hotel and a dry goods store. Over the next seventy years, the inn survived multiple disasters. First, flames from the massive fires in 1908 and 1936—unquenchable blazes that nearly destroyed the entire town of Chester. Then, the town-wide floods of 1934 and 1957 once again challenged its strength. Incredibly, the inn was the only structure in Chester to withstand those disasters.

During the 1960s, The Chester Inn abandoned hotel life and found a new identity solely as a store. It wasn’t until 2003 that it was converted to a bed and breakfast and antique store—and it was then that Lacey Hendrix fell in love. *** It was a love that had planted seeds years before, during Lacey’s childhood, when she spent years in and around the inn. So enchanted was she by those memories that she eventually returned to the town of Chester to purchase the inn in 2019.

Rather than simply taking over from the new owners, however, the next eighteen months were spent on a massive restoration project to the historic building that meticulously preserved its historic details and charm. Finally completed in 2021, it reopened as the newly named Beard and Lady, a place for those who want to get away from the bustle of modern life and take a journey back to a simpler time.

Of course, there’s a much deeper story here—one that begins with a mountain girl named Lacey who fell in love and married a southern Louisiana boy named Lance. During the first few years of their marriage, the couple explored the Eastern Hemisphere, living in Egypt and traveling to Western Asia before settling in England. They’d had their first child, and their exploration of so many unique places had borne in Lacey a fascination with the herbs, spices, and oils typical of these countries. Coupled with her love for apothecary and natural remedies that had been ingrained in her as a child watching her mother, the fascination became the impetus for creating her very own line of personal care and grooming products which she launched in 2015.

Naturally, the company needed a name, but not just any name. It needed an inspired one. “My husband and I were brainstorming name ideas, and he reminded me of a picture I once drew of a bearded lady that we both loved,” Lacey recalls.

“We liked the vintage circus-style feel of the picture, but when we tried to get the

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domain Beardedlady.com, it was taken. As we searched and pondered, we realized that ‘Bearded Lady’ sounds like ‘Beardand-Lady.’ We thought this was even better and represented a personal care line that didn’t focus solely on men with beards.”

Having created a successful company that was growing, Lacey was ready for her next passion project. What she found was the inn that had so captivated her during her childhood—and all it needed was her touch and vision. Returning to Arkansas after decades away, Lacey came home with her husband and three children, ready to take on a project that would revitalize a piece of history, eventually adding an event space, a stage, and a mercantile shop offering Beard and Lady products, as well as nature-inspired workshops and immersive guest experiences in the inn’s themed rooms.

Lacey Hendrix

With the renovation and reopening of the inn came the need for a new name. It stood to reason they would rebrand as the Beard and Lady Inn, maintaining continuity with their apothecary

back in time to a small Ozark town near a beautiful creek

line that would be a prominent part of the inn’s operations

surrounded by the Boston Mountains, and near an active train

at the mercantile store. “We thought that continuing to use

line,” Lacey says. “With so much screen time in our lives, we

our name and apothecary-inspired brand would fit well in the

also decided to not have TVs or screens of any kind, though

135-year-old building,” says Lacey.

we do have Wi-Fi and a projector for events. The rooms are perfect for creativity, contemplation, romance, and adventure.

After opening in October 2021, the Beard and Lady began

As part of their stay, we encourage each of our guests to write

taking reservations as a bed and breakfast as well as an event

a postcard and mail it at the post office next door, and we even

space with a large dining hall and kitchen. A restaurant on the

provide postcards and stamps! We hope guests will want to

first floor opened the first week of February 2022, serving inn

stay around to eat in our restaurant, which serves high-quality,

guests and the public by reservation only. “We are excited to

local foods sourced from the River Valley and Northwest

be working with Home Grown Native Foods to provide local-

Arkansas. For those looking to relax, we also have a licensed

sourced foods on the menu,” Lacey says. “We will also be

massage therapist and offer spa therapy. Additionally, we plan

opening the Beard and Lady mercantile store and convention hall

to have live bands out to play and will be hosting classes on

in March. The mercantile store will sell our branded beard oil,

wild foraging and perfume creation.”

lip balm, soaps, hair pomade, and other wares from local small businesses. What makes the mercantile so unique is its location

Clearly, this project is one that Lacey and Lance Hendrix have

in the original mercantile part of the building, which includes the

fallen in love with, giving their all to bring it back to life and

original shelves from 1887 that were shipped from Missouri on

make it a vital part of the Ozark experience. With so much

the Frisco Railroad. The conventional hall has seating for events

invested in its success, this stalwart landmark will live on for

plus a stage, sound system, and projector with screen.”

years to come.

Respectfully maintaining the historic integrity of the building, the renovation completely restored the inn to a level of beauty and charm not found in modern hotels. The appeal is in that uniqueness, and Lacey and Lance are committed to offer an experience that is unforgettable. “It feels like you are traveling

Beard and Lady Inn 411 East Front Ave, Chester, Arkansas 919.971.0059 | beardandladyinn.com

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Arkie Travels Top 10 Natural Waterparks words Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels images courtesy Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels and the venues

1

HAW CREEK FALLS

Did you know over sixty percent of employees with paid time off won't use all their vacation time this year? What's holding them back? The cost! Lucky for us, we live in a natural wonderland with lakes, rivers and waterfalls around every corner. The hard part is settling on one for your staycation. Here's our top ten list of natural Arkansas waterparks to enjoy without breaking the bank!

6 7

FALLS CREEK FALLS

Hagarville, Arkansas Combine this waterfall with an overnight stay in the Haw Creek Campground for some memorable family fun! The falls provide a beautiful backdrop and the sounds will lull you to sleep at night.

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Lake Catherine State Park, Arkansas A beautiful, wide trail along the lake leads you straight to your own piece of paradise! It’s a short, easy trek to the falls with other trails available nearby.

BLANCHARD SPRINGS

WOOLY HOLLOW STATE PARK BEACH AND SPILLWAY Greenbrier, Arkansas A clean beach on Lake Bennett and a beautiful waterfall spillway make this a fun area for the whole family! And, since it's a state park, it's very well maintained.

Near Mountain View, Arkansas Several rock beaches hug the river and you'll love the waterfall spilling out of the cave – it feels like air conditioning hitting your face! Also, make sure you see the spillway on Mirror Lake. It's a stunner!

3 4

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5

10

BLUE HOLE

FALLING WATER FALLS Smyrna Township, Arkansas This is our favorite waterfall in the state! Just off Hwy. 16 close to Sand Gap, this pool is easily accessible and perfect to cool off on a hot Arkansas day.

DEVIL'S DEN STATE PARK SPILLWAY Winslow, Arkansas Devil's Den has long been a favorite of ours! The spillway is spectacular and is a perfect area for play. The rock dam spans Lee Creek, forming Lake Devil, with canoes and pedal boats for rent.

LITTLE MISSOURI FALLS Langley, Arkansas If you feel like you're driving down an old Jeep trail, you're on the right track! This beautiful cascade is located in the Ouachita National Forest and is easily accessible for all ages.

Caddo Gap, Arkansas This hidden gem has been a local secret until recently; it now has its own pin on Google maps. The owner asks for a $5 donation if you decide to swim. You can scuba but no cliff jumping allowed!

9

CEDAR CREEK SWIMMING HOLE OZARK HIGHLANDS TRAIL Hagarville, Arkansas This one takes a bit of a hike, but it's well worth the destination!

It's located about five miles west of Haw Creek Campground on the Ozark Highlands Trail. With water so blue it doesn't even look real!

KINGS RIVER FALLS Witter, Arkansas A favorite amongst college students, Kings River Falls is a beautiful oasis at the end of an easy hike. Carry your cooler on the short trek and make a day out of it!

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taste

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taste

Cosmic Key Lime Pie Recipe adapted momontimeout.com image Goskova Tatiana/Shutterstock

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ingredients (Serves 8-10)

FO R THE FILLIN G

FO R THE CR UST

° (2) 14 oz. cans sweetened condensed milk ° 1 cup plain Greek yogurt ° 1 Tablespoon grated lime zest ° ¾ cup fresh key lime juice

° 1 ½ cups graham crackers, finely crushed

° cup light brown sugar, packed ° 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

(regular limes can be substituted)

° thin lime slices for garnish

method FO R THE CR UST

Preheat oven to 375°, position rack in the middle of the oven.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and brown sugar until well incorporated. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 x 1.5-inch pie pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to press the crumbs firmly into place. You want the crust to be around ¼-inch thick.

Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes – you want it to be slightly brown. Remove from oven and lower oven temperature to 350°.

FO R THE FILLIN G

Add sweetened condensed milk, yogurt, lime zest, and lime juice to a bowl and whisk to combine.

Pour the mixture onto the warm crust. Bake for 15 minutes, or until filling is almost set – it should jiggle a bit but not be completely set. Allow to cool for 30-45 minutes, then cool in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

Garnish the pie with lime slices just prior to serving. Add whipped cream if desired!

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taste

Lime-a-licious

Recipe adapted thespruce.com image Rafael Trafaniuc/Shutterstock

ingredients ° 2 ½ teaspoons superfine sugar (more or less, to taste) ° 1 lime, cut to wedges ° 1 lime, cut to wheels for garnish ° ice cubes ° 2 ounces Cachaca ° club soda, optional

method In a mixing tin muddle sugar and lime wedges. Add Cachaca and shake to combine. Pour over ice and top with a dash of club soda if desired. Add lime wheels for garnish.

Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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fiction

Love at SECOND Sight words Liesel Schmidt image Mladen Zivkovic/Shutterstock

“What’s a six-letter word for lethargy?” Amy asked, tapping

“A setup? Nope,” I said, shaking my head. “Done that. I love

her pen on her bottom lip as she squinted thoughtfully at the

you, but no. Besides, I don’t really have time for a relationship

folded newspaper in front of her. She’d been working on the

right now.”

crossword puzzle for the last half hour. She’d heard about someone doing the New York Times crossword in ink before,

Amy arched an eyebrow. “Uh huh. Because you’ve got so

so she’d started doing all of hers in ink, as well, like a personal

much going on.” She turned back to the crossword. “You

challenge to prove she was smart enough not to make a

want my luck with men, you have to put yourself out there.

mistake. After all, pen was forever.

That’s what I do.”

I thought for a minute. “Torpor.”

I shrugged. “Maybe. But in case you forgot, the last one you set me up didn’t work out so well.”

“T-O-R…damn, girl. I wish I had your vocabulary,” she mumbled, scribbling the letters into the little blocks.

She looked up sharply from her work. “Hey! He seemed normal.

I can’t help it if sometimes a crazy slips through the cracks,”

“And I wish I had your luck with men, but we can’t have

she argued, tucking an errant lock of curly red hair behind her

everything,” I replied with a smirk.

ear. “He was cute, smart, well-dressed, and had a good job. He checked all the boxes.”

“Speaking of, I have just the guy for you,” Amy said, looking up from her crossword. She caught my smirk and returned it.

I gaped at her. “Yes, but crazy. You just said it. And crazy wasn’t a box I wanted checked.”

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fiction “Mad, crazy is a box no one wants checked.” She shook her

and walk down the street for a cup of coffee before it turned.

head and leveled her gaze at me. “But I’m telling you, this one

Not that I’d tested that theory. I huffed a sigh of frustration and

is perfect. And I’ve known him forever, so I know he’s not got

leaned my head back against the headrest, closing my eyes for

a secret box of crazy waiting to explode. Can’t you give him

a moment as I tried to locate a small slice of patience that was

a shot?”

seemingly absent that morning.

I shook my head again. “No. N-O. Two-letter word for negative.”

I opened my eyes and checked the time on my phone, catching movement from the truck next to me in my peripheral vision.

Amy stuck her tongue out and went back to her crossword.

I looked over and saw a handsome guy about my age looking

“Says you. But I’ll change your mind yet, Madison Gates,” she

intently at me, gesturing to roll my passenger side window down.

muttered.

Following his direction out of curiosity—after all, what if he’d noticed something wrong with my car?—I pressed the button

“Hmmm?” I asked sweetly.

and rolled the window down.

“I didn’t say anything. I’m just minding my own business, doing “You’re beautiful!” he yelled out the window, above the roar of

this crossword,” she replied, not looking up.

his truck’s very loud engine. “Marry me!”

“Uh huh. Let’s keep it that way.”

I laughed at the ridiculousness of his words and shook my head. ********************************

“You’re crazy!” I yelled back, grinning widely.

“Really? Really? You’re going to sit here when it’s wide open

“Maybe!” He shrugged. “But I think I love you! Marry me!”

like that? What do you need, a written invitation?” I was keenly

His grin matched mine, revealing even, white teeth. He really

aware that I was yelling at someone who couldn’t hear me—and

was good-looking, I realized as I locked eyes with him. Close-cut

that I sounded slightly road-ragey. But really, the guy in front

dark blonde hair, neatly trimmed beard that traced out a strong

of me was camped out and showed no sign of pulling out into

jawline, and dark blue eyes. “Don’t think, just say yes!” he yelled.

traffic. And I was already running late.

The light turned green, and the cars lined up behind us honked Finally, the car moved and gave me the space I needed to get

impatiently.

onto the road. “Thank you,” I muttered sarcastically. I was in no mood for this. I’d woken up with a headache and found that

“I can’t!” I laughed. “Now drive! The light’s green!”

the aspirin bottle was empty, thanks to Amy’s uncanny ability to use things up without throwing away the bottle…or replace the

I waved and pressed the gas, knowing that this moment, as

empty toilet paper roll…or toss the tissue box when there were

flattering as it was, was absolutely nuts. He probably did that

none left. But the headache had just been the beginning in a

all the time, proposing to random women in traffic. I pulled

series of frustrations, the latest of which was the bungling idiot

forward and started to gain speed, and still the truck stayed

who didn’t know how to drive.

level with me.

Thankfully, the traffic gods seemed to be smiling on me as I crept

I looked over at truck guy and saw that he was still glancing over,

onto the highway. All green lights greeted me, and I still hadn’t

still smiling.

seen any flashing blue lights in my rearview. Yet. “Marry me!” he repeated, louder to rise above the noise of the My luck with the traffic signals ended about five miles into

road and the engines.

my commute, and I hit the red light notorious for lasting eons without going green. You could practically get out of your car

“No!” I shot back with a laugh. I saw my turn ahead and put

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fiction

my blinker on. I threw a smile at my persistent suitor and waved

I took the glass and followed her into the living room, where

goodbye. He waved back, and when I turned, he kept straight,

a board game was set up. The couches and floor around the

driving towards whatever destination awaited him while I drove

coffee table were occupied by three couples and a single

towards work. Amy’s never going to believe this, I thought.

guy, sitting alone with space next to him on the loveseat. He was looking down, studying the rules of the game we were

******************

apparently playing.

“Thought any more about that setup?” Amy asked when she

“Nick is going to be your partner for this one,” Amy said,

picked up.

ushering me towards the guy on the couch, who still hadn’t looked up. “Nick! This is Madison, my roommate. Say hello to

I rolled my eyes. Fortunately, she couldn’t see it through the

your teammate!”

phone. “No,” I said firmly. “But I did get a marriage proposal on my way to work this morning.” I wondered if she could hear the

“Hey, Madison—” Nick replied, stopping short as he looked up.

ridiculous grin that was on my face.

Our eyes locked, and he smiled. Same even, white teeth. Same “Say that again?” she said, the puzzlement in her voice carrying

dark blue eyes. Same hair and beard. Only now, we weren’t

over the line.

separated by traffic.

“Some guy asked me to marry him when we were stopped at a

I smiled back. “Hello, Nick.” I held out my hand to him. He took

red light,” I said simply.

it in his and kept his gaze locked on mine. “Propose to strange women in traffic often?”

“I take it you didn’t run off to do it,” she observed.

“Never. Do you believe in love at first sight?” he asked, his “Nope.”

voice low.

“Fantastic. I’m having some people over tonight for game

“Maybe,” I said, the smile not leaving my face. “Or maybe it

night. Good with you?” she asked. I could hear her crunching.

takes second sight.”

Probably on the last of the pita chips. Amy was like a garbage disposal sometimes. I didn’t know where she put it; she had

Nick’s grin widened. “You know she’s been wanting to set us up,

such a tiny frame.

right?” he asked, nodding slightly in Amy’s direction. Fortunately for us, Amy was too immersed in conversation to notice.

“Fine by me. Anyone I know?” I asked, crossing my fingers that the guest list didn’t include any potential setups.

I felt my eyebrow arch involuntarily. “Really?” I bit my lip and stifled a laugh. “I’m never going to hear the end of this.”

“Yes and no. You know most people coming, just a couple that you don’t,” she replied cryptically.

Nick shook his head. “Nope. Better get used to it. It’s going to be in her speech at the wedding,” he said with a teasing tone.

“Can’t wait,” I said, rolling my eyes again.

Another laugh escaped, unbidden. I felt my face flush. “Guess *************************

we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Hey, Mad! Good you’re home—we waited to start the games

“Looking forward to it,” Nick said, eyes alight with amusement.

until you got here,” Amy said, holding out a glass of red wine to me as I tossed my keys on the kitchen counter and shucked

I smiled. “Me, too.”

my shoes.

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WELCOME TO OUR 7 th ANNUAL

LOCALLY OWNED GUIDE! On the following pages, you’ll meet incredible locally owned businesses that are vital to our community. The owners of these businesses are our friends, our neighbors, each working to make our community a better place to live, work, and play!

LOCALLY OWNED

The Black Bison Company 8000 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.310.8444 Find us on Facebook

3716 South 87th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas Find them on Facebook 479.551.2880 As Fort Smith natives, we love supporting our community and providing a service to our customers! You’ll be drawn

giving needs! We have everything you need to make your

by the beauty of our 111-year-old barn, originally the Ozark

Valentine’s Day, wedding day, or any day special. As Fort

Mountain Smokehouse. Shop our gift store and boutique

Smith’s one-stop shop for spirits, vino, and brew, we offer

to discover one-of-a-kind items including fine art, jewelry

a large selection of wines, in all price ranges, and welcome

and gourmet foods. We’re also a small batch coffee roaster,

you to browse the area’s best wine cellar featuring wines

selling our whole beans by the bag – enjoy a free cup of our

from all around the world! We also carry a vast variety of

fresh roast coffee while you shop! We offer unique gifts for

every popular craft beer, along with all the popular beer

special occasions, weddings, birthdays or just for yourself. We

brands. You’ll also find your favorite liquors, liqueurs,

support other local businesses by offering frozen meals from

brandies – even cigars! Enjoy the experience for yourself at

Taliano’s Italian Restaurant and Jeff’s Club House in store.

4 Corks Wine and Spirits!

Keep shopping local and hope to see you soon!

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Choose 4 Corks for all your event, entertaining and gift-

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6121 South Zero, Fort Smith, Arkansas 725 South 48th Street, Springdale, Arkansas burtonpools.com 479.648.3483 / 479.756.5511

4300 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas centerforhearing.net 479.785.3277

What other product can bring a family together, turn special

Living and growing up in the River Valley area has special

moments into lasting memories, offer good, clean fun for

meaning to our audiologists and team. It means they can give

years to come, and improve your health, all without leaving

back to the people in our community who have meant so

the comfort of your own backyard? We all know the family

much to them for so long. It means having a viable way of

that spends thousands of dollars on family vacations that

helping people improve their quality of life through better

require months of planning, but then they are over in the

hearing. We love it when people tell us how much their

blink of an eye. Invest in a swimming pool to provide those

relationships have improved and grown just by addressing

moments of family fun, and you'll never need to go anywhere

their hearing needs. Dr. Linton, Dr. Cash and Dr. Boyd are

else. Call Burton Pools and Spas today – we are your source

available to help you do just that. Give us a call, we can help!

for backyard fun!

LOCALLY OWNED

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Chaffee Crossing Branch 9433 Harmony Ridge Road Fort Smith, Arkansas chuckfawcettrealty.com 479.651.2092 Chuck Fawcett Realty, Inc. is the trusted name in home, commercial, and land real estate in Fort Smith. Where you live has such a huge influence on your happiness. Searching for your next home can seem like wandering through a maze. We will be happy to guide you through the process.

Let us show you the brand-new Lakeside Crossing at Chaffee Crossing where you can spend time enjoying the outdoors by taking advantage of all that Chaffee has to offer. High efficiency, beautiful homes sitting next to Wells

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Lake and ready for you to enjoy! Call for more information.

1323 Main Street, Van Buren, Arkansas ddfloorcovering.com 479.474.0533 As a local small business owner, we appreciate and support other small businesses, just like ours! We know first-hand how small business owners must wear many hats. The relationships we have with our staff, customers, and community are what have made D&D Floor Covering successful! That’s why we helped launch a small business community group called SBC Unified. It is an affordable way to increase your online visibility! We are proud to be a part of the River Valley and look forward to serving our customers for years to come. Give us a call anytime, at 479.474.0533.

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602 Garrison Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas fnbfs.com 479.788.4600

4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 32 Fort Smith, Arkansas hummingbird-boutique-fort-smith.myshopify.com 479.420.4008 Hummingbird is a unique boutique offering gifts and clothing for all ages! Founded and operated by a local mother-daughter duo, they’ve curated beautiful and unique items waiting for

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you to explore. Nothing makes them happier than moms, Founded in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1872, First National

daughters, grandmothers and granddaughters shopping

Bank of Fort Smith has been a community partner serving

together at Hummingbird! Inside the 2,500-square-foot space,

local businesses for 149 years and counting. As one of

you will find clothing, décor, candles, journals, books, religious

the first and oldest locally owned banks in Arkansas,

items, inspirational gifts, jewelry, and more! Customers

our commitment is shown through resilience in an ever-

compliment the inviting interior and peaceful shopping

changing society and driven by an understanding of the

experience. Safe and close parking makes it a quick and easy

symbiotic partnership between First National Bank and our

stop. Hummingbird Boutique also offers complimentary gift

community. First National Bank of Fort Smith is proud to

wrapping and a website to browse and purchase online. Since

be your local bank serving local businesses now and for

opening, they’ve quadrupled their inventory – so you’re sure to

generations to come.

find something for everyone!

LOCALLY OWNED

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LOCALLY OWNED

5622 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas johnmaysjewelers.com 479.452.2140 Spring is in the air and so is a change in fashion. We are back

3407 Industrial Park Road Van Buren, Arkansas lumberone.org 479.474.4444

fresh from market and the buzz of the newest trends was heard all around! Functional and fun pieces for men and

Lumber One has been and still remains the area’s only locally-

pearls for the ladies were at the top of the list. We selected

owned and operated full-service lumber yard since opening

some stunning new colored stones and will be working at

in May 2002. Lumber One is here to provide a level of service

crafting gorgeous new masterpieces soon. Mother’s Day

that sets us apart as the best in the marketplace against our

and Father’s Day will be here before we know it, and we

competitors. We can supply you with the materials to tackle

are stocking up on new Tag Heuer timepieces that will be

your projects whether you’re a professional home builder,

arriving daily. Make plans now to pick out that special piece

commercial contractor or do-it-yourselfer. Lumber One is

so we can set it back for you so as not to spoil the surprise!

part of the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders.

Let our experts give you the assistance you need and the

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materials to get the job done right!

LOCALLY OWNED

5100 South 35th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas mrrooter.com/greater-fort-smith 479.262.6261 When you need a plumber for your home, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the one to call. We work around your schedule with a photo of your service professional to let you know who is on the way and when we will arrive. We clear clogs, but also offer video camera inspection to get to the root of the problem. Our licensed and skilled service professionals can repair a gas or water leak, install a new water heater, or service other plumbing issues you may have. We are thankful to have served this community since 2008! Give us a call for fast, quality plumbing services.

The Paint Store in Van Buren has been serving the needs of the River Valley for thirty-four 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! Hands down the most popular colors can be found here – on large, real sheetrock and wood samples. Have a special order? We'd love to help. Details count when it comes to paint, so we ask a lot of questions to enable us to share the best tips and techniques. Call or come see us today!

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and your safety is our priority! We even send a text message

1414 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren, Arkansas Find them on Facebook 479.474.4505

LOCALLY OWNED

314 Lexington Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas salonelements.com 479.649.3435 We are an award-winning hair extension salon, with leading experts in hair extensions offering more than ten installation

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methods for hair extensions because we understand that no two people have the same hair and what is suitable for one might not be for another. Our wide range of extensions includes micro-rings (micro-links), tape-in, keratin bonds, hand-tied, braidless beaded rows & more. We even offer invisible flat wefts suitable for those with fine hair and interlace hair top systems for those with crown hair loss! In addition to extensions, we provide a superior professional service for those who desire to enhance their natural hair with volume, length or add pops of color!

5401 Phoenix Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas mysodies.com 479.783.8013 At Sodie’s Wine & Spirits, we are committed to growing and supporting our local community. As a result, we support local businesses and several local charities throughout the year. We believe that our community thrives when one drives that extra mile to shop local, keeping jobs and tax dollars here in the River Valley. As we continue to grow, customers can expect to find top-of-the-line products and services, including online ordering, the Sodie’s app, and a loyalty rewards program that returns dollars toward purchases. We invite you to shop local and experience different at Sodie’s Wine & Spirits.

LOCALLY OWNED

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LOCALLY OWNED

2401 South Waldron, Fort Smith, Arkansas stileseyegroup.com 479.452.2020 Exceptional Eye Care - Innovative Eye Wear! Stiles Eye Group, led by Dr. Stiles and Dr. Friday, has been a leading provider

2101 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 808 South Broadway, Poteau, Oklahoma udoujorthodontics.com 479.782.3021 / 918.647.7272

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of optometry services and vision care products in the River Valley since 1978. Our number one priority is to help you

We love our hometown and have for generations. The Udouj

achieve and maintain clear vision for years to come! Our

family is rooted in Fort Smith! Our patients love that we have

experienced staff offer comprehensive vision examinations

often treated their parents and even their grandparents,

and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array

so we've established trusting relationships. As a locally-

of eye diseases, conditions, and problems. We use advanced

owned business, we are deeply involved in the success of our

diagnostic technology and vision correction products and are

community, and we strive to offer our time, treasure and talents

committed to improving the quality of life for those in our

to see that “Life IS worth living in Fort Smith, Arkansas!”

community through enhanced vision. We look forward to serving your family with quality, comprehensive eye care!

LOCALLY OWNED

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LOCALLY OWNED

3117 Waco Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas westarkplumbing.com 479.646.5151

8101 McClure Drive, #301, Fort Smith, Arkansas jameskelly3md.com 479.242.8300 Surgery of any kind should not be taken lightly. Choosing to have plastic surgery or hand surgery requires thorough research and educated decision making. The qualifications

Why choose Westark Plumbing? We are locally owned, and

and experience of a surgeon must be considered, along

we’ve kept the River Valley flowing since 1993! We stand

with ensuring the facility has been properly accredited. Dr.

behind our work, and our vendors stand behind us with their

Kelly, Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery,

products. We are organized and productive, honest, and

has provided quality services since 1996. Our office utilizes

available, and have an excellent work ethic with the licensing

state-of-the-art equipment, emphasizing proper disinfection

and the right equipment to get the job done. Water, sewer,

and sterilization techniques for your safety and comfort.

gas, and grease, we take care of your needs, and trust is

Our friendly, knowledgeable, and well-experienced staff

our main asset. Please depend on our team for all plumbing

stand ready to answer your questions. Dr. Kelly accepts most

installations, repairs, and replacement needs! We are very

insurances and performs surgery at both Mercy Hospital and

thankful for your continued trust!

Baptist Health in Fort Smith. Our number-one priority is your

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well-being!

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

479.452.2140 | 5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith johnmaysjewelers.com