Tradition - September 2019

®

TRADITION

SEPTEMBER 2019 DoSouthMagazine.com

02

september

Contents 04 08 11 12

Publisher’s Letter Pet Adoption: 3 Girls Rescue Reynolds Cancer Support House Shop Local

{PEOPLE}

14 20 24

{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}

06 07 10 18 36 46

September Events

The Sole of Kindness Bring the Funk Sometimes You Need a

42 44 48

State Park: Lake Fort Smith The Trails Provide Arkie Travels: Hot Springs

Little Magic

28 32

After All These Years A Counselor for Life

{SPECIAL FEATURE}

56

Go Downtown: Fort Smith

5 Live Events Get Bookish Play for Team Luke 2019 Chefs in the Garden FCA Outdoor Expo

{TASTE}

37 38 39 40

Wood Grilled Flatbread Pizza Ozark Banana Jam Ozark Banana Jam Cookies Blackberry Demure

{FICTION}

52

{ T R AV E L }

Love is Patient DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

OUR COVER Shutterstock Milleflore Images

04

Letter from Catherine

September 2019

Season of Transition Bye-bye summer! Take your sweltering, suffocating heat and be gone! Bring on the pumpkin spice, the sweater weather, and the holidays. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been more ready for fall. It will be here before we know it, bringing the holidays right along with it. As much as I adore summer, fall truly is my favorite time of year – easy to state as fact when the heat index is pushing 120 degrees.

Around my house, we’re settling into our routines since school is back in session – although I am in denial that we have a freshman in high school, a junior in college, and a first-year med student! When they were younger, it seemed like we had all the time in the world, and these days, I can’t seem to capture the moments quickly enough to engrain them in my memory forever. I have to remind myself, it’s just another season and another is around the corner, just as summer

OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jade Graves CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Battles, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sarah & Paul Heer, Laura Keep, Sarah Phillips, Sara Putnam, Liesel Schmidt, Stoney Stamper, Jim Warnock ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

transitions to fall, when one chapter closes another one opens.

We’re celebrating a new chapter this month – our ninth year in publication! I am grateful you have come along for the ride and thankful for all the advertisers that make Do South ® possible. We have been blessed that so many have chosen us to share their stories with you, our loyal readers, and that trust is not lost on us.

Enjoy these last drops of summer as we transition into the bliss that is fall – see

©2019 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to Do South® or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

you in October!

Catherine Frederick

Owner/Publisher/Editor

catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

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

Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

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

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calendar

Fan Mail

The Calendar

Send comments and suggestions to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

Top-Quality Publication Thank you for the FANTASTIC article on Big Dog Grill! We greatly appreciate you highlighting the District's food truck and its efforts to help feed children in need in our community. Also, the back-toschool section looks great, too! As always, you put out a top-quality

September 2019 September 12 River Valley Go Red for Women Luncheon Fort Smith Convention Center Fort Smith, Arkansas

publication!

Brittany Ransom

Communications Coordinator Van Buren School District

September 7 Play for Luke Fort Smith Athletic Club Fort Smith, Arkansas

Contest

September 9-14 Crawford County Fair Kirksey Park Mulberry, Arkansas

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

CALICO COUNTY

Cinnamon rolls and Calico County go together like peanut butter and jelly! Enjoy cinnamon rolls and much more with a $25 gift card!

September 20

2019 Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair

September 10-19 Blue Man Group Walton Arts Center Fayetteville, Arkansas

Kay Rodgers Park Fort Smith, Arkansas

September 13 Girls Night Out - The Show Unleashed Tour 2019 Fort Smith Convention Center Fort Smith, Arkansas

September 21 6th Annual Race for Recovery 5K Ben Geren Regional Park Fort Smith, Arkansas

CODE: CALICO SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

Raise your glass to a $25 gift card from Sodie’s Wine & Spirits, your one-stop-shop for wine, beer and spirits.

Sodie’s also carries an excellent selection of cigars, unique gift items and party supplies.

CODE: SODIES

Congrats Congrats to our contest winner from August!

September 13-14 2nd Annual Dan Burton FCA Outdoor Expo Kay Rodgers Park Fort Smith, Arkansas

September 27-29 Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure Verizon Arena North Little Rock, Arkansas

September 20 2019 Fort Smith Homebuilders Trap Shoot Pajara Gun Club Fort Smith, Arkansas Beauty and The Beads - Arkansas Single Parent Scholarships Fundraiser Hardscrabble Country Club Fort Smith, Arkansas

September 28 6th Annual Mountainstache 5k Walk/Run Mountainburg High School Mountainburg, Arkansas

Submit your events to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

Do South® Magazine Annual Subscription: Mavis Lawson DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

L ive !

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calendar

Don’t-Miss September Concerts

1

SEPTEMBER 5

KISS End of the Road World Tour The Final Tour Ever An enormous presence in the rock community since the mid-1970s complete with outlandish makeup and costumes, KISS insists this is their final tour. Simmons promises the tour will be nothing less than extraordinar y for the fans lovingly known as the “KISS Army."

Verizon Arena North Little Rock, Arkansas

3

SEPTEMBER 26

Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Rev. Peyton, the world’s foremost country blues finger-style picker, along with the biggest little band in the country has pieced together one of the most dedicated followings out there. With all the power of a freight train, the Big Damn Band is known for its live shows.

Blue Lion Fort Smith, Arkansas

2

SEPTEMBER 8

Fort Smith Symphony presents The Sounds of Joy A thrilling season opener featuring the brilliant young American pianist Drew Peterson and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, along with the sounds of Wagner ’s Siegfried Idyll, and Mozart ’s Piano Concerto No. 20.

ArcBest Performing Arts Center Fort Smith, Arkansas

4

SEPTEMBER 26

Daryl Hall & John Oates Live in Concert Hall and Oates, best known for their six No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "Rich Girl,” "Kiss on My List," "Private Eyes," "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)," "Maneater," and “Out of Touch, ” have sold an estimated forty million records.

Verizon Arena North Little Rock, Arkansas

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SEPTEMBER 26

Luke Combs CMA and ACM Award-winner Luke Combs is a multi-platinum, No. 1 Countr y singer-songwriter from Asheville, NC. With brazen songwriting talent and grizzled, soul-infused vocals, Combs stormed onto the music landscape as one of countr y ’s brightest stars.

Walmart Amp Rogers, Arkansas

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pets

Fall in Love with a Rescue F

F

Alyssa M

F

Betsy Ann M

Blitz

Kay M

Skeeter

Zorro

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

CONTACT: Angela Meek 479.883.2240 • Mitzi Burkhart 479.651.4445 www.facebook.com/3GirlsAnimalRescue • threegirlsanimalrescue@outlook.com Each month, Do South® donates this page to local and regional non-profit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

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entertainment

Get

BOOKISH

Recommendations and Image courtesy Bookish

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

(Picture Book)

(Middle Grades)

(Ages 12-17)

(Adult Novel)

(Adult Novel)

The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown

Ghost Boys

The Poet X

Chances Are

by Jewell Parker Rhodes

by Elizabeth Acevedo

by Richard Russo

The Most Fun We Ever Had

Twelve-year-old Jerome is accidentally shot and becomes a ghost. Luckily, he meets other historical ghosts along the way to help him navigate modern America. Through modern dialogue, historical characters, and just enough edge to keep young readers engaged, Ghost Boys is relevant and thoughtful. This is a great book for the young activist moving into 3rd - 6th grades.

National Book Awardwinner Acevedo tells the story of Xiomara Batista through a novel written in poems.

Xiomara is a 10th grader in Harlem balancing friends, family, and school.

Through it all, she gains the courage to find her voice.

Russo is back with his trademark humor and humanity. In this “elegy for a generation” sixtyyear-old Mickey, Lincoln, and Teddy discover more about themselves in each other than they ever have. Russo delves into the nuances of male friendships like only he can, with purpose and profundity.

by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Sarah Jacoby Barnett has one goal in his book, and it is to highlight the significance of Wise Brown’s work.

Wise Brown lived forty-two years, and in forty-two pages Barnett highlights her idiosyncrasies and some of her most well-known books. It’s a biographical picture book celebrating one of the most eclectic authors in children’s literature.

Reader note: Acevedo will be in For t Smith on October 8th!

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

by Claire Lombardo Marilyn and David Sorenson fall in love in the 1970s, but through a series of events leading up to the fall of 2016, their four daughters help show them just how lucky they are. Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace are dramatically different, and through the backdrop of the Chicago suburbs, Lombardo’s debut gives us a glimpse at what makes a family a family—even in the midst of lifechanging secrets that span decades.

community

Our Community Cares

DS: Tell us about the support groups you offer cancer patients and their families.

words Catherine Frederick with Amy Willadsen, Outreach Coordinator, Reynolds Cancer Support House

and exercise groups including quilting, yoga, and Tai Chi. Visit the “Programs &

RCSH: We have groups for men and women with mixed cancer diagnoses, women with breast cancer, men with prostate cancer, caregivers of cancer patients, a group especially for those for whom Spanish is their primary language, Kids Kicking Cancer an activity based group for children affected by cancer, and Moms and Dads Kicking Cancer for parents of pediatric cancer patients and survivors. We also offer creative Services” tab on our website or call the Support House for details.

DS: What educational sessions are coming up that may be of interest to our readers?

RCSH: On September 12 at 6pm we will host “Cancer 101: What to Expect from

The Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House provides cost-free, ongoing support for patients fighting cancer. The House is a haven where patients join others to accomplish a shared goal – survivorship. The Reynolds Cancer Support House is the largest free-standing cancer support facility in the country. Located away from a sterile hospital or clinical setting, the Support House provides individuals a comfortable and inviting place of recovery and hope. Do South® reached out to Amy Willadsen, Outreach Coordinator, Reynolds Cancer Support House, to learn more.

Cancer Treatment. This session will include a multi-disciplinary panel discussion from experts to address common physical, emotional, and nutritional concerns and side effects experienced by cancer patients in active cancer treatment. Cancer patients and their caregivers are encouraged to attend. On October 15 at 12:00pm, we will host Living with Lymphedema. Both sessions are free to the public, refreshments will be served. Seating is limited, reservations are encouraged, 479-782-6302.

DS: If our readers wish to volunteer, what are the options and how can they sign up?

RCSH: We are always looking for caring individuals to help with our day-to-day Patient Service programming. Duties include registering new patients, fitting for wigs, making support phone calls, clerical duties, and helping with community outreach. Training is provided, volunteers must be at least l8 years old. Those interested may contact Amanda Collins, Patient Services Manager. For a shorter-term commitment, our Christmas Programs are a great way to get involved and bring joy to families affected by cancer. Contact Amy Willadsen, Outreach Coordinator, for more information.

DS: Do you accept financial and/or product donations? If so, how can our readers help?

Reynolds Cancer Support House

RCSH: Financial donors may click the “Donate” button on our website, donate

3324 South M Street

by mail to 3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, AR 72903, or in person at the same

Fort Smith, Arkansas

address. We also maintain a “Wish List” of items. Click the “Donate” tab at our

479.782.6302

website to see the full wish list.

reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

DS: Is there a special event or fundraiser coming up our readers should know about?

RCSH: Our 28th Annual Survivors’ Challenge 5k, 10K and Celebration Walk on

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

Saturday, October 19, 2019. Join us at ARVEST Tower on Rogers Avenue for a great community event raising funds for cancer fighters and survivors. One hundred percent of proceeds stay right here in OUR community to support those we serve.

Registration is now open at our website. Running not for you? We are looking for sponsors, vendors, and volunteers! Call for more information!

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shop

Down, Set, SHOP! words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Resound GN Hearing Aids

CENTER FOR HEARING 479.785.3277

Hearts On Fire Aurora Cluster Pendant, in 18kt Yellow, White or Rose Gold, 1.45cts.

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

Sodie’s Branded Flask, Rock Town Single Barrell Bourbon Whiskey, Folly of the Beast Pinot Noir, Maison Noir Horseshoes and Handgrenades Wine

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum Advanced Skin Care, Booda Butter Moisturizer, Plus + CBD Oil Hemp Gummies

OLDE FASHIONED FOODS 479.782.6183 / 479.649.8200

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

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shop

Gear up for fall with fantastic finds from local businesses. Whether you’re looking for just the right thing to make game-day perfect or keep yourself in tip-top health, we’ve got you covered!

Tiffany & Co. Sunglasses

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY 479.452.2020

LA Collection 7 Times Distilled Vodka, Pig’s Nose Blended Scotch Whiskey, Black Cherry Yankee Candle

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

Hobo Handbags, Wristlets & Wallets

JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP BAPTIST HEALTH-FORT SMITH

Young Living Essential Oil Diffusers

479.441.4221

ARKANSAS VEIN CLINIC AND SKIN CARE 479.484.7100

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people

Sole of Kindness

the

words Liesel Schmidt imageS courtesy Carrie Jernigan and ABC Studios

“Be nice and kind.”

For River Valley attorney Carrie Jernigan and her family, those aren’t just words they say to one another—they’re words they strive to live by. But what do they mean? To the Jernigans, those words mean looking beyond yourself and your own needs to watch out for the needs of others and to consider their feelings in all that you do. It’s a great principle to uphold, a great philosophy to emulate.

Unfortunately, that niceness and kindness is often seen as archaic and old-fashioned; but to hear Carrie explain what drives that way of life, one can only be inspired to mirror them, to be the very best versions of ourselves as we encounter others and, perhaps, make an impact on their lives even by the smallest measure in a positive way.

“It started because when my kids would get out of the car for school, I would always tell them things like, ‘Make a new friend;’ ‘Be kind to everyone;’ ‘Don't leave people out at recess;’ ‘Sit by someone who doesn't have anyone by them at lunch.’ My son was barely three years old when he finally said to me as one of the girls was getting out of the car, ‘Mom, why don't you just say, “Be nice and kind”?’ We all The Jernigans

laughed because he was so little, but it was so true,” Carrie explains. “All of those things I was trying to tell DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

them could be summed up in that one little statement. That turned into our family motto; and now, we always say, ‘Be nice and kind.’ I just think those two simple, four-letter words embody everything we all need to be.”

Recently, that Jernigan family motto came into play in a big way, reaching their community in a far greater capacity than they might have ever imagined and capturing the attention— and the hearts—of people on a national level.

It started simply enough, almost as an off-handed joke, when nine-year-old Harper expressed to her mother the desire to buy a pair of shoes for a classmate. It was a sweet idea, something that one wouldn’t expect to hear from a typical fourth grader. But for the Jernigans, it was just one more example of being nice and kind. Sweet as it was, however, there was just one problem: Harper didn’t know the boy’s

On the set at Strahan and Sara

shoe size. “I made a joke about buying the entire store so that it wouldn’t be an issue,” Carrie recalls, her thick Southern accent making the telling of the tale all the more charming. Little did she know that, in making that joke, she would be foreshadowing the future.

Carrie had the unexpected opportunity to do just that— to buy the store—when a local PayLess Shoe Source went out of business and the entire store went up for sale. Still stocked with 1,500 pairs of children’s shoes, the now-defunct store was the perfect solution to taking her daughter’s idea of buying shoes for a classmate and executing it in a much bigger way. “My daughter’s act of kindness really challenged me to do more,” Carrie says.

It also set the ball in motion for a community-wide initiative that gained traction on social media and, from there, an invitation to make an appearance on GMA’s Strahan and Sara.

And rightly so, as the Jernigans’ idea to hold an event last month to offer the 1,500 pairs of shoes to kids in the area in need of those new kicks for the school year ahead was amped up to a whole new level by others who wanted to get in on the giving action. Local merchants and businesses joined in, offering haircuts, dental exams, eye exams, and even school supplies. The Jernigans took the first step, and they inspired a stampede. Clearly, one person being nice and kind has the potential to start something amazing.

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people

“While not everyone has the chance to go buy 1,500 pairs of

Surreal as that was, it became even more surreal when it was

shoes, just being nice and kind is all people really need. If you’re

announced that they were being given, in partnership with

following that simple principle, everything else just falls into

Staples, $30,000 worth of school supplies to give away at their

place,” Carrie says.

event. “I was in shock. The emotion I felt was indescribable, because I knew that that money would help so many kids in

As a busy career woman, a wife, and a mother of three,

my community,” she recalls.

the thirty-seven-year-old attorney could easily claim that too much is already on her plate to take on organizing something

For the Jernigans, the whole idea is bigger than just giving

as big as the River Valley Kickstart, the name officially given

away pairs of shoes. It’s about what those shoes represent

the event. But Carrie saw the broader picture, recognizing

and the way that they can actually set up a child for success

the importance of stopping to do something that would

and give them confidence. “We just wanted every child in our

make such an impact on the children of her community

area to have a new pair of shoes and socks to start back to

and—hopefully, by extension—impact the lives of others

school. When you feel good, I think you are better equipped to

who heard the story.

learn, enjoy school, and have a great experience. Oftentimes, clothes are gifted to people, but shoes are forgotten. When

Thanks to local and national media outlets who picked up the

Harper talked about giving her classmate a pair of shoes, I had

story and Strahan and Sara, who flew Carrie and Harper to

this vision of all the kids in our area being able to walk into

their set in New York City to film a segment about their plans

school on the first day with new shoes.”

for River Valley Kickstart, their story would be heard by far more than they could have imagined when they bought out

Clearly, the vision had the potential to come true, as

the inventory of that PayLess, giving that humble family motto

Carrie’s initial 1,500 pairs of shoes grew in number, as did

airtime that proves just how powerful it is.

the donations of goods and services that would make River Valley Kickstart an event for the books. Given the community

“It was a surreal experience,” Carrie says of their time on the

response, Carrie has high hopes that this was the first of many

show. “Everyone was so incredibly kind, and it was so neat to

Kickstarts to come…And who knows? Maybe it will inspire

have celebrities come up to Harper and me to tell us they had

Kickstarts across the nation as people adopt that motto for

heard our story.”

their own lives to “Be nice and kind.”

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entertainment

Play for Team Luke 2019 Two World-Ranked Singles Players to Headline Fort Smith Tennis Fundraiser Fourth Annual “Play for Luke” Event to Benefit Children with Brain Injuries words Laura Keep imageS courtesy Jaymie Alvarez and Play for Luke/Hope for Minds

Spencer Aydelott was eight years old when his life changed

began in 2016 as a fundraiser for the family of Luke Siegel, a

forever. He and his family were on vacation in North Carolina.

then nine-year-old boy who suffered a traumatic brain injury

They were tubing down a river when he was caught in a

following a golf cart accident. Luke’s father, Tim Siegel,

swirling current and trapped under a log. He was underwater

is a longtime friend of Hardscrabble Country Club Tennis

for more than twenty minutes. Spencer miraculously survived

Director Bobby Banck. Shortly after the accident, Banck

the drowning but was left with an anoxic brain injury.

began sharing social media updates on Luke’s progress. He and several Fort Smith area friends began looking for ways

“At first he couldn’t walk, talk or eat,” says his mom, Jaymie

to support the Siegels and “Play for Team Luke” was born.

Aguilar. Spencer spent months in the hospital and rehab. As he was about to be discharged home, Jaymie received a

This year’s special guests are two world-ranked singles

packet of information from the Team Luke Hope for Minds

players, John Isner and Danielle Collins. Isner is number

organization. “I thought wow, this is awesome.”

fifteen in the world rankings. He currently holds the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) official record for

The non-profit organization stepped in to help with

the fastest serve ever recorded at 157.2 mph in the 2016

expenses for Spencer’s occupational therapy services at

Davis Cup. Collins is currently ranked number thirty-six in

home, they helped him find a speech therapist and provided

the world in singles after making it to the semifinals of the

many tools including a music therapy system called

2019 Australian Open. She won two NCAA singles titles as

“The Listening Program” designed to help strengthen

a tennis player at the University of Virginia.

neurological pathways. In addition to providing funds, they provided emotional support for Spencer and his family as they navigated their new world.

“The organization helps me never give up hope,” says Jaymie. “Wherever Spencer is in his recovery, they help me believe in the future.”

Spencer has made great strides since his accident nine years ago. Today he’s even walking the field as the manager for the freshman football team. He still deals with a lot of cognitive delays including

Spencer Aydelott

short-term memory loss, slow speech and processing but he wants to learn. “The tools the organization

Team Luke at 2018 Event

provided, the emotional support, it’s just priceless in getting us to where we are today,” said Jaymie.

Team Luke Hope for Minds is the beneficiary of the “Play for Team Luke” Tennis event set for September 7th at Fort Smith Athletic Club, 5400 Gary Street, Fort Smith, Ark. The event

Learn more about the event and purchase tickets at playforteamluke.com.

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people

BRING THE

FUNK WORDs Dwain Hebda images courtesy Grandmaster P

James “Grandmaster P” Perry

Somewhere in Arkansas, as the couple says, “I do,” guests are ready to cut loose. Somewhere a group of teenagers gathers for a dance or a birthday celebration or a neighborhood gathers to kick back and let off steam at a block party.

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people

Somewhere in Arkansas this weekend, it’s party time. And you can’t start a party without a “P” – James “Grandmaster P” Perry, that is.

“What I’m really looking for when I play the music is people’s heads bobbing,” says the father of two from behind his trademark louvered shades. “I’m looking for people’s feet moving to the beat, and if I don’t see that I just try to find the feel of the room.

“I feel like I’m just getting out there and engaging with the crowd and having a fun time, which I find that many DJ’s don’t do that. They just play the music and hide behind their booth. I’m in your face and I’m out there having a good time with you.”

Everything about James, aka Grandmaster P, is a study in contrasts, a blend of influences and cultures and even the occasional contradiction.

You don’t find too many youth ministers who love and play rap and hip-hop. It’s hard to square the imposing physique and stone-cold stare of his publicity stills with his quick, megawatt smile. In conversation, his enthusiastic tone is more Mister Rogers than Mister T. In fact, he sounds like a third-grade teacher which, believe it or not, is exactly what he is. James moves through these various personas as seamlessly as he lays down tracks.

“It’s very easy for me and, I tell my wife this very often, I don’t really feel like I’m switching roles,” he says. “Having that background with kids and in the church and all that, just wanting to be a part of a community, that helps so much as a DJ. It helps me to just have fun and be relaxed whenever I’m doing it.”

Every chapter in James’ story transcends barriers and stereotypes. He and his fraternal twin sister Julie grew up in Barling, part of a bi-racial family. The family’s modest material means were more than made up for in spiritual wealth from faith and music.

“We went to Christian school our whole life,” James remembers. “I’ve been a part of Harvest Time (church) in Fort Smith, I’m still a children’s pastor there, and I’ve been there my whole life.”

James graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith with a degree in early childhood education. For the past thirteen years, he’s been putting third-graders through their paces – eleven years at Sunnymede Elementary in Fort Smith and most recently at East Point Elementary School in Greenwood. Male teachers are a relative oddity in the primary grades, but even if they weren’t, James stood out.

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“The big story about it all is, when I was at Sunnymede

“My dad is a break dancer. I’m talking afro, Converse,

Elementary, I want to say it was 2008 or 2009, I used to do

the whole cardboard flat, everything,” James said. “He’s

the morning assembly shows,” he says. “I’d play music for the

awesome! He can pop and lock like Michael Jackson. So, I

kids when they came in before school started and I’ll never

grew up with that, just mirroring Michael Jackson on the TV.

forget this Kindergarten teacher. Her name was Erin Wilson.

She said, ‘Keep on playin’ those beats, Grandmaster P! Keep

”Honestly, people are not very comfortable with just getting

on playin’ those hits!’”

out there anymore. You get some people who get a couple of drinks in them and they’ll just do whatever, but most

Even though the new handle stuck, James still didn’t consider

people are just going to sit back and watch. And that’s not

getting into the DJ business until a fellow teacher asked

what I want. I want to see people up and having a good time

if he would provide the music at her wedding reception.

and just celebrating. So, you’ll see me get out there and I’m

Despite having only rudimentary gear and zero experience,

doing my thing.”

James agreed.

James estimates he plays every other weekend – half of them “I DJ’d her whole entire wedding with an iPod,” he said with

wedding receptions – and his gigs have taken him from Fort

a laugh. “Did my thing, got out there and danced with the

Smith’s proms and other celebrations to points across Arkansas

people and at the end of the wedding, people were saying,

and in other states, too. He’ll go anywhere, he says, as long as

‘Who are you? Do you have any cards? Where’s your website?’

the gig allows him to stay true to himself.

I said, ‘I don’t have any of that. I’m Grandmaster P.’ They’re like, ‘You’re awesome, man. We need some more information.

“I don’t want to say I feel restricted because I’m a Christian,

We want you for our next wedding and proms.’”

but I feel that people are watching me. They’re watching what I’m doing,” he said. “They’re watching Pastor James get out

In the years since, Grandmaster P has upped the production

there and dance and shaking his booty, so I’m very careful

value, graduating from his lone iPod to a laptop and turntable

with how I dance, even though I know all about the twerking

pumping through some old speakers and then to the total

and all the dirty dancing that’s out there.”

party package he is today. He’s also added a sidekick, Ryan Rasmussen, aka MC Moose, a pal from college. But for as flashy

On his off time, James takes on yet another persona – Dad

as the delivery is, what lies beneath are some fundamental

– and relaxes by spending time with his wife Jodi and two

elements he considers central to his success.

children, Cadence and Jameson. He insists his various callings aren’t that tough to juggle, but the success of the DJ business

“[Clients] usually send me a list of what they want, so I’ll look

has given him a lot to mull for the future.

through them on iTunes or whatever and get the lyrics and make sure everything is clean,” he says. “I make sure all my

“I tell my wife this: everything where it’s at right now is

music is clean. I take out all the cuss words and explicit content

perfecto,” he says. “I can see if I wanted to pursue a full-time

because I know I’ve got to preach the next morning at church.

business in DJ-ing and entertainment, I could. But right now, I’m supposed to be teaching. This is a calling that I’ve been

“That’s one thing that’s really cool about being a DJ and being

given to be able to teach young kids. I want to keep on doing it.

a pastor, too; I just kind of connect with the bridal party and make sure that I know the songs.”

“I pray about it every day about where I’m supposed to be and what I’m supposed to do, but right now I am exactly where

The second thing that hasn’t changed is his interaction with

I’m supposed to be, teaching, preaching and DJ-ing.”

the crowd, especially dancing out in their midst. It’s a skill that demonstrates his joy for what he’s doing, is contagious with the crowd and is something he comes by honestly.

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James Perry "Grandmaster P" 479.459.1137 Find him on Facebook @ grandmasterpdj.

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SOMETIMES YOU NEED A

LITTLE MAGIC

words Stoney Stamper IMAGEs April Stamper

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people

I

I am what my wife and daughters like to call a cheapskate.

But April’s plan was well thought out, and expertly executed.

A miser, a penny pincher, a real scrooge. I prefer the term

Gracee chimed in. “Daddy, I really want to go to Disney! Will

frugal. I feel like those earlier terms have some negative

you pleeeease take me? It will make me so happy!” Abby and

connotations. But, that could be exactly how my girls intend

Emma joined in with fluttering eyelashes and puppy dog faces.

them. I am the money manager in the house, and someone

I said, “Well, you know I can’t walk Disneyland. There’s just no

has to watch the treasury around this joint, right? Otherwise,

way my leg can do it.” And then I had stepped right into their

our house would be full of expensive makeup, unmanageable

well-laid trap. April said, “Well, I thought about that. But,

amounts of antique furniture, and enough name brand tennis

you know, Disney has cruises. And they’re just like Disneyland

shoes for an entire small town. Being the banker in the house

on a boat. They have all the Disney characters on board for

can sometimes make you unpopular. When these girls want

pictures, they have excellent restaurants, you can relax in our

something, they want it. And being told no isn’t well received.

deluxe stateroom anytime you need to rest. Gracee can go to the Oceaneers Club whenever she likes and stay there as long

You want to know what’s not well received by me? Traveling.

as she wants. We can go to Castaway Cay, which is Disney’s

Vacations. Getaways. If you read last month’s story, I traveled

very own island in the Bahamas, very clean, no tourists or

for fifteen years nonstop. I’ve been everywhere and I’ve seen

crazy crowds. I’ve already looked up pricing and everything.

all of this world that I really want to see. I am completely

We could fly out on August fourth and then come home on

satisfied spending my time away from work at my house. Plus,

the ninth. Four days, nothing crazy. Just a nice little getaway

it’s free! You see, my house is my kingdom. I don’t have to

before everyone starts back to school. It’s perfect.”

fight crowds, and I don’t have to be around people that annoy me, (except Emma when she wants me to watch a TikTok

The trap had been set and I had stepped in it with both feet.

video). Perhaps after reading that first paragraph, I really do

Then I asked the question. THE question. “How much is this

sound like a grumpy old man. But it’s true!

going to cost?” I am not sure what happened exactly after that, because I must have blacked out. Disney ain’t cheap, y’all.

So, when April came to me several weeks ago and said,

We’ve been on cruises before, and what I was expecting to

“We need to schedule a vacation, summer is almost over.”

hear, and what I heard were very far apart. “Are you kidding?”

I could feel my stomach begin to rumble. I felt the need for

“No,” April replied softly. Disney is a little more expensive, but

some Tums almost immediately. I slowly looked up at her and

all the research I’ve done, everyone that’s been on one says

responded, “Oh, yeah.” No enthusiasm at all.

they would never sail with anyone except Disney ever again.

On top of all of my “Bah-humbug” traits, I also have a left leg

What do these people do for a living? How can they afford to

that doesn’t work very well. I still have a lot of trouble from my

go on a vacation every year that costs this much? April said,

knee and hip from a car wreck, and the thought of anything

“We can afford it.” I said, “Yes, we can afford it. But that

that requires me to do a lot of walking makes me want to

doesn’t mean we should!” But the four sets of eyes looking

scream. But, she had her sales pitch ready. What’s more,

back at me told me that this was already a foregone conclusion.

she had our three daughters scripted and prepared, as well.

It was happening. With or without me. So, reluctantly, I said

“Stoney, since your wreck, the girls have had so much thrown

yes. And plans were set. The next few weeks consisted of

at them. All your surgeries, all your doctor’s appointments and

shopping for the upcoming trip, which just added more to the

stays in the hospital. They haven’t had a chance to have fun

tally I was keeping in my head. April began packing our bags

and be kids. Gracee is six. We are going to miss our window

two weeks before we left. Gracee counted down the days

of opportunity for her to be able to go to somewhere like,

with a crazy excitement. “Just two more days, Daddy!”

Disneyland, and really enjoy it and for it to still be magical.

The morning of our flight to Orlando we packed our bags

Something she will remember her whole life.”

and headed to Oklahoma City. Of course, we had to stop at WAIT A MINUTE. WHO SAID ANYTHING ABOUT DISNEY?!

Target on our way to the airport and buy a few more things.

The tally continued to grow. Finally, we were on our plane

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and headed for Florida. Gracee was almost too excited to stay in her seat. Her head phones were in while the plane was taking off and she was singing as loudly as she could, “Oh Lord won’t you buy me, a Mercedes-Benz…” It was adorable. She was the happiest little gal in the land. I will say, her excitement, and her sisters, were chipping away at my miserly attitude. I was almost having fun. Off the plane in Florida, onto the boat in Port Canaveral, and it was “Sails away!”

Even I was awestruck by the entryway to the boat. Extravagant, like something straight out of Beauty and the Beast, or Cinderella. We were welcomed onto the ship by name as we walked over the gangway and into the ballroom. The Disney Dream was just that. A dream. It was amazing. We got pictures with Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck,

this, ladies and gentlemen, is why Disney is a little extra. I

Captain Hook and Smee from Peter Pan. But then, it happened.

hadn’t known it at the time. I just thought it was because the

As if the clouds parted and God shined a spotlight right onto

word “Disney” was attached to it. But, no. To Gracee June,

her, before us stood Belle, from Beauty and the Beast. She

this was magic. She timidly walked up to Belle, and Belle said

was at the top of an ornate winding staircase, and even as a

“Hello there! That dress looks familiar, would I have seen it

forty-year-old man, I had trouble not being completely in awe.

before?” Gracee smiled and said quietly, “It’s yours.” Belle

Belle is Gracee’s favorite Disney princess. Gracee squealed in

then talked to her for a few minutes, then danced with her

absolute elation. April, being the overly prepared mama that

for a moment. She spun Gracee around the dance floor, and

she is, threw down her suitcase, which we had carried on

Belle said, “You’re pretty good at this. How do you know how

rather than having them checked, and pulled out Gracee’s

to dance?” With stars in her eyes, Gracee looked over at me

beautifully yellow Belle dress, and of course, her tiny little

and said, “My daddy dances with me.” I have never in my life

tiara. She threw it on over Gracee’s shoulders, fixed her hair

seen a happier face. Never. It was pure magic. And now, this

the best that she could on short notice, put the tiara on her

cheapskate, this miser, this penny pincher, I get it. And it was

head, and Gracee welcomed Belle to come meet her. And

worth every dad gum penny.

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

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

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After All These Years Bill and Erma Jetton words Liesel Schmidt imageS courtesy Simply SG Photography; bee photo courtesy Isaac Jetton

When you reach your golden years, it’s only natural to look back and think about all that has happened throughout the course of your life: the journeys you’ve

taken,

the

lessons

you’ve learned. The regrets and the triumphs, the failures and the accomplishments. And, of course, the loves you’ve had. For some, those loves are fleeting; but for the lucky ones—the blessed ones—those loves last a lifetime and stand by our sides no matter what trials come our way.

For Bill and Erma Jetton, that lifetime of love is a real thing, something that has stood the test of time and lasted more than sixty years. At eightyseven, Bill certainly has stories

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to tell, his age hardly an inhibition to his desire to stay active

So, is there a secret to their success? Naturally, it takes

and his young spirit. And keeping pace right alongside him is

patience to weather the years together, a deep understanding

Erma, whose support and love and strength have helped keep

that love and marriage is a commitment and a choice, every

their marriage—and their family—going strong throughout

day, to stay. As Bill and Erma look back over their marriage,

the years. The pair makes an indisputably perfectly-imperfect

they see the challenges they’re proud to have overcome, the

match, their individual strengths balancing out their individual

mistakes they’ve made and learned from, the joys and the

weaknesses, their oddities and quirks softened through the

sorrows. And all of them were experienced together.

filter of time to become endearing characteristics that make them comfortingly familiar to one another. They are what

“One of the most difficult times in our marriage came early

most couples strive to be when they meet and fall in love

on, when Erma began to struggle with depression,” Bill

and commit to a lifetime, achieving years of togetherness

recalls when asked about some of their greatest challenges

even when circumstances challenged their determination

as a couple. “Depression wasn’t something doctors knew

and could have torn them apart.

much about at the time, so we spent years trying to find a diagnosis. Depression was also not something that was

Their story starts off as an unexpected meeting that

openly talked about or really understood until more recently.

shouldn’t, by all logic, have ended up as love. And while

It left us feeling isolated.”

eighteen-year-old Erma might have been on his friend’s arm when Bill first clapped eyes on her at a party in 1949,

“The years that Bill was stationed overseas were also a

circumstances threw them together when the twenty-

struggle,” adds Erma. “I was taking care of his elderly

year-old airman started working for her father as a farmhand

mother while raising two kids in a town and state that was

while he was stationed at Fort Worth, and the two eventually

unfamiliar.” Keeping the home fires burning and shouldering

began dating. A year later, they made it official when they

the brunt of the responsibilities of everyday life at home,

walked down the aisle on August 1, 1952, at Elm Grove

Erma found a strength in herself that served her well as the

Baptist Church in the nearby town of Azle, Texas.

years went by. And, by extension, that strength fed into the strength of their family and their marriage.

Through the course of their marriage, they’ve watched the progression of time,

Balancing out the trials are, of course, the triumphs: building a home—“without the help of YouTube videos!”

been in the thick of it with the many changes

laughs Bill, who built their house with the help of their son,

that have shaped the world. During his

Billy; building a company once Bill’s military career came to

career in the Air Force, Bill served through the challenges of the Korean and Vietnam

an end in 1970. An avid aviator and skilled mechanic, he went on to build ultralight airplanes and opened his very own airport, establishing a solid business presence in the

wars, while Erma worked as an AT&T phone

Fort Smith area. And, of course, there was their shared

operator before leaving the workforce to

achievement of building a supportive, loving family that now

become a homemaker and take care of their

includes four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

two children, Billy and Cyndi. And through

They’ve also shared many adventures together—some

it all, each found their place of fulfillment,

big, some small. “Waking up next to her every morning

sharing their burdens and their blessings,

is certainly one!” Bill jokes, showing his sense of humor.

Fortunately, Bill and Erma seem united by the same passion

supportive of whatever needed to happen

for the open road, a fact clearly represented in their list of

for the good of their marriage and the family

what one might consider their greatest escapades. They’ve

they were working to create.

ridden motorcycles together through the coconut groves while stationed in Puerto Rico and taken family vacations

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each year to the Grand Canyon and California in the family

Seeing them together, it’s clear that they keep one another

station wagon, over the years upgrading first to a truck

young, as does their determination not to let the years slow

with a camper shell, then to an actual camper—all without

them down. For Bill, his love of animals helps keep him active

the benefit of GPS. Most of all, their greatest adventure has

and on the move, from keeping up with a new puppy and

been, in their estimation, “just getting old together.”

taking walks with the dog and cat to raising cattle for fun.

He also enjoys working on tractors and lawnmowers; getting

Even after all these years, the couple is still learning things

out and working in the garden; and beekeeping. Also, a lover

about one another, and they continue to surprise one

of the outdoors with a green thumb of her own, Erma loves

another. “One of the things that still surprises me is how

gardening, as well, though she also seems to be quite the

much she talks!” Bill says with a smile and a mischievous

social butterfly. “I love playing bingo at the senior center,

twinkle in his eye. “She was so quiet when we were dating,

listening to Alan Jackson’s Christian CD, playing dominos,

but since we got married, she hasn’t quit talking!”

and…shopping!” she says with a grin, looking younger than her years as she slips a knowing glance at her husband.

“I’m always surprised by how strong Bill was and still is,” Erma says, the warmth of her words reflective of how much

It’s that look of youth, that unmistakable love of life and

she respects her husband’s character. That respect is held

love for one another that make this couple so special. And

in equal measure, which is key to the longevity of their

as Bill and Erma Jetton look back over their marriage, they

relationship, though there are a few other things that come

can be proud of the legacy they’ve created and the example

into play, as well. “Keeping a marriage strong is always

they’ve set. Theirs is a story to aspire to, a story to learn

letting her buy what she wants!” Bill jokes. “But when we

from. Theirs is a story of the choice to love, a choice to

don’t see eye to eye, one of us goes for a drive.”

grow together rather than apart. And the story isn’t a fairy tale—which makes it so much better to tell.

For Erma, the secret to a strong marriage ultimately comes down to one word: “Prayer!” she laughs.

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A Counselor for Life

Words Dwain Hebda images Whitney Richmond with Yellow Roads Photography Like a lot of entrepreneurs, Ben Storie looks back today and admits that he should’ve opened his counseling practice, Relationship Solutions, long before it actually came to pass this June.

“My wife and I have had different side hustles here and there running conferences or workshops and doing different things,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming about doing my own business for a long time and I think I got kind of stuck in the dreaming category for a few years when I probably should have launched way before now.”

In fairness, it’s not like Ben’s been sitting still the whole time – the Oklahoma native and father of two has spent nearly twenty years in the field of counseling amassing the kind of

Ben Storie

professional and life experiences that today position him to take on all manner of clients.

“I started working in the field in 1998 when I graduated [from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla.] and I’ve worked in just about every capacity you can,” he says.

“I worked in day treatment, out-patient, in-patient, rehab.

I’ve worked with families and couples, adult individuals, kids.

Covered the whole spectrum.”

Also, during that period, Ben stepped out for three years to pursue a songwriting career in Nashville. He and his wife started a family, welcoming one daughter by natural means

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Lisa Brock, LPC LMFT, Christa Means, LPC LMFT, Ben Storie, PC (director, co-owner), Donna Morgan, LPC Registered Play Therapist, Carrie Craig, LPC LMFT

and another one by adoption. In between the family moved

Relationship Solutions is comprised of five counselors and

to Fort Smith to be closer to family, a move Ben called “the

covers a gamut of client segments among individuals, families

best decision we could have made.”

and couples. Ben says regardless of the specific situation, there are broad elements that all patients share to one degree

The second best, he said, was to finally take the plunge and

or another.

open Relationship Solutions.

“In the context of a secure connection, we can pretty much “I think most counselors, actually I’d probably say all

handle anything life throws at us. So, we’re really in the

counselors, everybody gets into this business for a reason,”

connection business,” he says. “Whether that’s working with

he says. “Maybe it’s because we’ve got our own baggage

couples or individuals making peace with themselves, so many

we’re trying to figure out how to deal with. Or, there’s a

of us have self-loathing.

pivotal moment in our life where we just really felt like at “We really see more value in talking to yourself like you

some point this is the thing.

would talk to somebody that you really love. If we can help

“Usually there’s a moment or a series of events that leads somebody to the field of counseling. No matter how much money you make, if there’s not purpose and passion involved in it, it’s just too draining. It’s really, really hard work.”

an individual with the connection they have with themselves, we’re setting people up to win. We’re setting them up to have more success in a variety of ways.”

Part of the challenge of providing effective counseling is people often wait far too long to seek help whether out of pride, ignorance or shame. Not unlike other health conditions, the longer one waits to address one’s view of themselves or their ability to function in a healthy relationship, the harder it is to make changes.

“On average, when a couple seeks out counseling, they have been struggling at a serious intensive-care level for six years or more,” he says. “By the time we get them, they’re on life support. So, we’ve got big work to do.

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“The reason why a lot of people don’t see a good return on

“There’s been decades-long research that sort of bears

counseling is they just don’t realize how bad things have

out this work that we do. It’s effective. It produces change

been for so long. So, when you’re trying to resuscitate things,

and there are results. If couples come and see us and are

it may take a while before we get that heart beating again.”

practicing this strategy, they’re going to improve.

If, however, people seek out help in a timely manner the

“If you are in the context of a safe, secure relationship,

results can be startling.

almost anything else that life hits you with you can manage.

There’s even research that talks about how in the context

“If we can get people through the doors before they have

of a secure connection you can manage pain better, like

gone to the life support stage, people flourish. It’s like

physical pain. So even though a lot of people come to us and

watering a flower. It just blossoms and grows,” Ben says. “If

they’re like, ‘Teach us communication skills, teach us how to

we can get to them before they’re in crisis it’s amazing what

cope,’ we actually go a level or two beneath that to focus on

we can accomplish.”

creating a secure connection. That’s the starting block that we are coming from.”

Ben says workshops are a good gateway mechanism for getting people to get a taste of what counseling can do,

Since opening its doors, the response to the new practice has

particularly if they have some sort of squeamishness over

been overwhelming, Ben says. While gratifying, it also attests

individual sessions.

to the level of need that exists within the community.

“We’re better than we’ve ever been with this whole stigma

“I would just encourage people that if you’re stuck or if

of mental health, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” he

you are caught in a self-destructive pattern or if you’re just

says. “Our primary clientele is always going to be women

hurting and you can’t make sense of it, sometimes we need

and wives; they’re the ones who are dragging their husbands

outside perspective,” he says. “We need somebody else to

to these things. Most guys assume we’re going to side with

take a look at our situation and begin to put pieces together

their wife and they need to talk about their feelings more.

and make sense of it.

So, we have to overcome some of these obstacles.

“That’s the lane that we really thrive in. That’s what I do all “A workshop is less of a time commitment, less of a long-

day long and that’s what my team does, too. We take lots

term commitment, and even if we can take care of their

of pieces of information and we piece them together and we

relationship just for a Friday night and all-day Saturday event,

make sense of your story.”

it just works wonders. Then we’re a little bit less intimidating, people understand more of what we do and some of them choose to follow up.”

Ben says something that sets the practice apart is its focus on a specific type of therapy that has a proven track record on improving relationships, a methodology practiced by all of Relationship Solution’s counselors.

Relationship Solutions 4019 Massard Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.3200 myrelationshipsolutions.com Find them on Facebook

“Every one of our counselors practices a specific model of therapy called emotionally focused therapy,” he said.

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entertainment

CHEFS in the GARDEN 2019 WORDS Catherine Frederick & Botanical Garden of the Ozarks IMAGES courtesy Cole Fennel Photography

One of the most anticipated culinary events of the year, Chefs in the Garden, will be held at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville on Tuesday, September 10. This annual celebration of food returns for its twelfth year, capturing the excitement of the harvest season by bringing the area's finest chefs together. Guests stroll through the garden, indulging in a diverse selection of sweet & savory culinary creations while sipping wine and beer.

We’re delighted to share a few recipes from 28 Springs Restaurant courtesy of Chef Kurt Plankenhorn, one of the featured chefs at this event. For tickets, please visit bgozarks.org.

Proceeds support the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks’ education programs and services teaching children and adults about science and nature. Tickets are $55 for members and $75 for non-members.

Tickets may be purchased at bgozarks.org or by calling 479.750.2620.

Featured Restaurants: 28 Springs Restaurant, B-Sides Café, Big Orange, Bonefish Grill, Bordinos, Café Rue Orleans, Eleven at Crystal Bridges, Fork & Crust Pie Co., The Hive, Komodo Modern Asian Cuisine, Local Flavor Café, Meiji Japanese Cuisine, Mockingbird Kitchen, Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante, Springdale Country Club, US Foods, Vetro 1925 Ristorante Chef Kurt Plankenhorn

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taste

WOOD GRILLED FLATBREAD

WITH CHARRED OKRA, PEACHES, CHERRY TOMATOES & GOAT CHEESE Recipe and Image courtesy Kurt Plankenhorn, 28 Springs Restaurant in Siloam Springs

FOR THE FLATBREAD

ingredients

method

•

2 ½ cups flour

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix

(makes 4 servings)

•

½ tsp. salt

until it forms a ball. Dough will be sticky, but do

•

1 Tbsp. dry yeast

not add any extra flour. Cover with a light cloth

•

1 cup warm water

•

1 Tbsp. Filippo Berio Olive Oil

FOR THE OLIVE OIL MIXTURE FOR THE TOPPINGS

and set aside, allowing it to rise and double in size.

Once risen, divide into four 5oz. balls. Allow to rise again before reshaping.

ingredients

method

•

1 Tbsp. garlic, chopped

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients, set aside.

•

1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped

•

¼ tsp. fresh ground pepper

•

3 Tbsp. Filippo Berio Olive Oil

ingredients

method

•

10-15 okra, quartered lengthwise

Start a charcoal fire, bring to medium-high

•

20 cherry tomatoes

temperature. Clean and season grill. Dip your

•

3 fresh peaches, cut in wedges

hands in the olive oil mixture and shape dough

•

8 oz. goat cheese

•

3 oz. parmesan, shaved

balls into flat rounds. Place on waxed paper and finish all pieces of dough. Make sure dough is well coated with oil mixture. Place on grill and cook 3-5 minutes and flip to grill-mark other side. Char okra in cast iron pan and set aside. Pull dough off grill and set on a sheet pan. Sprinkle parmesan over flatbread, arrange toppings (peaches, tomatoes, okra, and goat cheese) on top of flatbread. Heat in oven until cheese is melted. Allow to cool, cut into pieces. Tip: Pizza dough can be wrapped in plastic and frozen for later use.

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taste

OZARK BANANA JAM Recipe and Images courtesy Kurt Plankenhorn, 28 Springs Restaurant in Siloam Springs

ingredients (makes five 8oz. jars) •

4 cups granulated sugar

•

¼ cup lemon juice

•

¼ cup water

•

4 cups pawpaw fruit pulp

method Combine sugar, lemon juice and water in a saucepan, bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add pawpaw pulp to the mixture and boil once more.

Skim off any impurities from top of jam mixture and reduce heat, stirring constantly to avoid sticking or burning.

Cook for 3-5 minutes, when jam is slightly thick but still yellow in color.

Pour into jars and allow to cool before refrigeration.

Tip: Jam can be refrigerated up to three weeks but will keep frozen for up to one year.

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taste

OZARK BANANA JAM COOKIES Recipe and Image courtesy Kurt Plankenhorn, 28 Springs Restaurant in Siloam Springs

ingredients •

2 eggs (yolk only)

•

2 Tbsp. water

•

¾ lb. butter

•

¼ cup Filippo Berio Olive Oil

•

1 cup sugar

•

6 cups flour

•

chopped almonds

•

powdered sugar for dusting

•

Ozark Banana Jam (recipe on previous page)

method Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine egg yolks and water for the egg wash, set aside. In separate bowl, cream together butter, olive oil, and sugar, then stir in flour. Roll dough out to 1/8” thick, cut out cookies (any shape will do) and place on ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash & sprinkle with chopped almonds. Bake for 5-7 minutes, do not overcook. Once cooled, spread back side of cookie with jam and sandwich together. Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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taste

Blackberry D emure Recipe adapted Complete Cocktails image Shutterstock /Goskova Tatiana

ingredients

method

2 oz. bourbon

Combine all ingredients

¼ oz. blackberry cream liquor

in a cocktail shaker

¼ oz. Cointreau

filled with ice and shake

¾ oz. fresh lemon juice

vigorously. Strain into

¼ oz. simple syrup

glass over fresh ice.

blackberry - garnish

Garnish with a blackberry

rosemary sprig - garnish

and rosemary sprig.

• • • • • • •

Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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travel

LAKE FORT SMITH STATE PARK words and images courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

September is a wonderful time to visit Lake Fort Smith State Park. This scenic, well-maintained park in the Boston Mountain Valley of the Ozarks offers camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. For backpackers, it is the western terminus of the 240-mile Ozark Highlands Trail. The park offers thirty campsites (twenty Class AAA and ten Class B), ten cabins, a swimming pool, marina with boat rentals, pavilion, picnic sites, and group facilities including a dining hall and two group lodges with full-size kitchens. The visitor center houses a replica pioneer log cabin and covered wagon with exhibits and programs on the area’s early history. Looking for a fun family outing that provides wonderful teaching moments? Join park interpreters on Saturday, September 21st for The Great Arkansas Cleanup. Help pick up litter between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and be rewarded with free hot dogs and a tee shirt. Make sure to stick around until the end to see if you are one of the winners in the door prize drawing! For more information about Lake Fort Smith State Park and the other fifty-one state parks, visit arkansasstateparks.com.

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travel

The Trails Provide words and images Jim Warnock

“Oh my!” Kathy yelled with a panicked crack in her voice.

that day forward, I began to notice that what we need is

Scott and Kathy were part of a group at mile sixty-four of

often found on the trails we walk.

the Ozark Highlands Trail when the unthinkable happened.

The left sole of Kathy’s shoe came apart, bringing her to an

While walking in Missouri’s Devil’s Backbone Wilderness

abrupt halt. We huddled around like paramedics taping a

Area during a dry fall, I was running low on water. Just as

wound but with duct tape. About one mile later, the sole

I was reaching the point of great concern, my dog located

once again flapped annoyingly, putting the success of the

a small seep at the base of a rocky bluff. As I filtered the

three-day backpacking trip in doubt.

murky water, I penciled “Devil’s Seep” onto my map where the trail provided just what I needed, when I needed it.

Shortly, we came to where the trail crossed a dirt road.

Hanging from a barbed wire fence was a dust-covered hiking

On an Ozark Highlands Trail backpacking trip, my only

shoe. Kathy leaned forward, staring at the suspended shoe.

eating utensil broke while I was cooking. I wouldn’t

A slight smile formed as she saw that it was the same model

starve but did not look forward to eating with my fingers.

and size as the now soleless shoe on her left foot. She

While making camp that same evening, a buddy noticed

continued down the trail with two perfectly good different

a piece of silver metal sticking out of the sand next to

color hiking shoes and completed the three-day trip. From

Lynn Hollow Creek. It was the handle of a spoon probably

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dropped there by a hiker or hunter years before. Yes, the

moss-covered rock formations framing Briar Branch. We’d

trails provide.

never walked this trail together, but every scene brought memories to mind from earlier trips.

In 2001, Hyper-Feet, his trail name because of his fast pace, invited me to join a group of six for a backpacking trip

Hyper-Feet, now walking a slower pace, would occasionally

to the Grand Canyon. Thus began an expanding circle of

pause and say, “This is great, so beautiful! Thank you for

friendships that still endures. We learned that slow and

this!” He’d hesitate as if unable to describe the awe-inspiring

steady is best for Grand Canyon hiking. Hyper-Feet spent

scenes or what he was feeling. We smiled and followed his

several hours recovering from heat exhaustion before finally

eyes high into the swaying tree canopy, rich with fall colors.

climbing out on Bright Angel Trail with his new trail name.

After surviving the heat of that June trip, we revisited the

On our walk that day in the Marinoni, we found hope for our

Canyon in winter. Later, we sought out trails in Colorado,

friend as he sought to improve his health and we renewed

New Mexico, and California.

friendships formed on trails over time. While sharing stories of shoe soles, spoons, and water found at just the right

Hyper-Feet has had health challenges over the last few

time, we realized the most precious and lasting things our

years, making it difficult for him to walk the trails. His wife

trails provide are friendships.

contacted me and asked if I could help him experience hiking again since he was gaining some strength. I

Fall is a great time to step onto the trails right here in the

contacted another mutual friend (trail name, Wishbone)

Ozarks and build friendships as you walk. The bonds you

from those early trips and learned that neither of them had

form will be strong, and the trails will provide exactly what

visited the Marinoni Scenic Area west of the little town of

you need.

Cass in the Ozarks. Wishbone got his name because on one

of his first hiking trips, he carried a whole roasted chicken for lunch and had to tote the leftover bones in his pack for

Recommended Trails in

the remainder of the day.

Our Region

Marinoni Scenic Area

Shepherd Spring Loop at Lake Fort Smith State Park Devil’s Den Yellow Rock Loop Marinoni Scenic Area Lake Alma Trail to the waterfall and back

Though we hadn’t seen each other in months, we were best buddies the instant our feet hit the trail. We talked about previous trips while oohing and aahing at beautiful

For descriptions and maps of these trails and many more, pick up a copy of Jim Warnock’s trail guidebook, Five Star Trails: The Ozarks , available at Bookish and The Woodsman in Fort Smith and Chapters on Main in Van Buren. Follow along on Jim’s adventures at OzarkMountainHiker.com.

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entertainment

FCA OUTDOOR EXPO words Laura Keep imageS courtesy FCA Outdoor Expo

Outdoor enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the Second Annual Dan Burton FCA Outdoor Expo, a don’t-miss event for anyone who likes to hunt, fish, camp or just enjoy the great outdoors – and it’s free! The Second Annual Dan Burton FCA Outdoor Expo is set for Friday, September 13th from 1pm to 6pm Adrian Branch

and Saturday, September 14th from 9am-6pm at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith. Attendees will have a chance to wander through more than one hundred vendor booths featuring goods and services geared toward outdoor enthusiasts. There will also be interactive displays like archery with Morrell Targets, Urban Forest Axe House Axe Throwing, PlayRekt will be hosting an inflatable nerf gun shooting range for nerf wars, kids and adults can test their log rolling skills with Key Log Rolling, and a Daisy BB Gun shooting range will be set up for kids.

Apache Chief

Two fun shows will entertain outdoor lovers of all ages throughout the weekend. These include the popular Gator Country Show featuring alligators, crocodiles, tortoises, lizards and all kinds of snakes. It’s an entertaining show with personal interaction in a safe environment. There’s also the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show where you can see many of the world’s top lumberjacks compete in axe throwing, crosscut sawing, log rolling, chainsaw racing, chopping and more. There’s lots of audience participation in this show too.

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entertainment

On Saturday morning there’s a pre-expo pancake breakfast from 7:30am-9am. It will feature two guest speakers including NBA World Champion and ESPN Analyst Adrian Branch along with Apache Chief Reynard Faber. Tickets to this event are $10 per person or $25 per family and can be purchased online at fcaoutdoorexpo.com.

Also, on Saturday at 10am, bikers are invited to the Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride starting at Kay Rodgers Park and going on a 102-mile loop through Evansville, Stilwell and Sallisaw.

Tickets are $10 per person or you can sponsor a rider.

Registration info is available at fcaoutdoorexpo.com.

This family-friendly event is a fundraiser for the River Valley Fellowship of Christian Athletes in memory of Dan Burton.

Dan died of cancer in 2010. He was an avid hunter and proud supporter of FCA and its mission to challenge coaches and athletes to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

“My dad had a deep love for the Lord which led him to serve Him in many ways in ministry,” said Dan’s daughter, Rebekah Moore. “He had a heart for the lost. FCA became a big ministry for him. Because of us four kids, he got involved with the Greenwood FCA school huddle. He would invite busloads of kids out to our ranch. He would prepare food for hundreds of kids and became pretty famous for his cowboy

Kay Rodgers Park 4317 N. 50th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas September 13, 1pm-6pm September 14, 9am-6pm (Images on left) ADRIAN BRANCH Guest Speaker, Adrian Branch, NBA World Champion and ESPN Analyst will be at the Pancake Breakfast Saturday, Sept. 13 7:30am-9am.

APACHE CHIEF Apache Chief, Reynard Faber, will be speaking at the Pancake Breakfast.

LOG ROLLING Kids and adults can try out log rolling with Key Log Rolling’s interactive log rolls.

PAUL BUNYAN LUMBERJACK SHOW AND PAUL BUNYAN LUMBERJACK SHOW 2 The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show will feature the world’s top lumberjacks competing in events like log rolling and chopping.

beans. When the buses arrived, he would serve the kids, then he would have games, but the most important part would be when he presented the gospel. It was such a joy to see him serve the Lord!”

GATOR COUNTRY SHOW The popular Gator Country Show from Beaumont, Texas will run both days of the expo and feature alligators, crocodiles, tortoises, pythons & more.

Anyone can support the cause by participating in the FCA Outdoor Expo raffle. It includes more than $50,000 in prizes.

A $10 raffle ticket will get you a chance to win a GC1K Intimidator All-Terrain Vehicle, an African safari hunt, or a fourperson hot tub. A $5 raffle ticket puts you in the mix for a Flint Kayak, Big Green Egg Grill, a rifle package, a shotgun package, or a bow package. Raffle tickets can be purchased online at fcaoutdoorexpo.com. You do not have to be present to win.

More than 7,000 people enjoyed last year’s inaugural Dan Burton FCA Outdoor Expo. This year promises to deliver even

URBAN FOREST AXE HOUSE & PLAYREKT Urban Forest Axe House from Northwest Arkansas will allow attendees to try their hand at the art of axe throwing while nerf gun wars will be hosted by PlayRekt.

ONLINE RAFFLE – GC1K INTIMIDATOR The online raffle offers everyone an opportunity to support the River Valley FCA with great prizes like the GC1K Intimidator.

more fun and excitement at this FREE event. Don’t miss it!

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travel

TRAVELS

Fall is in the air – somewhere up north…

ARKIE

48

Here in The Natural State, we're still baking as summer lingers, but we know cooler temps are coming. As the days start getting shorter and the leaves start to change, it's time to plan a trip to one of our favorite destinations, Hot Springs.

This national park is known for its thermal waters and horse racing, but we’ve discovered that some of our favorite things to do are outside of the city. So, roll the windows down, turn the radio up and cruise on over to the Spa City!

If you're coming to Hot Springs from the Little Rock area, plan on leaving at the crack of dawn so you can stop by Dan's I-30 Diner in Benton for breakfast. It's one of those classic diners where the parking lot is always packed and for good reason! Chocolate gravy, enormous omelettes and fluffy stacks of pancakes – delicious!

One of the most magical places in our state is Garvan Woodland Gardens. A showpiece all year-round, late summer activities include yoga in the gardens, a digital photography class and group health walks where you're allowed to bring your pet. If you have kiddos, you won't want to miss the tree house. Part of a one-and-a-half-acre adventure garden, the teaching treehouse looks as if it grew in that very spot and encourages kids and adults alike to get back to the woods.

On your way out, take time to stop and enjoy the peace and quiet of The Anthony Chapel just outside the main entrance of the gardens. It's one of three glass chapels in Arkansas designed by E. Fay Jones and is a favorite for weddings. Also,

Hot Springs, Arkansas

make plans now to come back and see Garvan Gardens at Christmas. The light display is spectacular, grows every year, and is second to none!

You should be about ready for lunch and luckily, the Red Oak Filling Station is here to serve. Just a hop, skip and a jump

words Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels images courtesy Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels and the venues

from Garvan Gardens, the Red Oak offers southern cooked meals, from catfish to chicken fried steak to bar-b-que and everything in between. Don't miss the brisket mac & cheese – it's our favorite!

You'll want to walk off some of that lunch and we have just the place to do it! Take the scenic route down Highway 290 and enjoy an easy drive to Lake Catherine, the perfect

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Garvan Gardens Treehouse

Red Oak Filling Station

Anthony Chapel

Lake Catherine

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location to enjoy the outdoors close to home. Don't forget your tennis shoes so you can take the easy hike along the

Dame's Cottages

lake to Fall Creek Falls.

Catherine’s Landing also has kayak rentals and a splash pad for those lingering summer days. If you're feeling daring, take a trip through the trees with zip-lining or test your skill on the sixteen-element ropes course at Adventure Works.

Looking to extend your stay? Check out the yurts at Catherine's Landing or go downtown to Bathhouse Row and stay at Dame Fortune's Cottage Court. Recognized by the National Register of Historical Places as being culturally and historically significant, Cottage Court is one of the few remaining motor courts that tourists used to frequent in downtown Hot Springs. But don't worry, they've overhauled

and has been frequented by Al Capone, Babe Ruth and Mae

all the rooms and given them each a unique, modern theme.

West, just to name a few.

Cottage Court is located right in the middle of more than one hundred shops, eateries and art galleries, so you won't

There are so many incredible things to do in Hot Springs, but

be lacking in entertainment. Make plans now to attend the

these are just a few of our favorites. Have a wonderful trip

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, October 18th-26th, it’s

and don't forget to tag us in your pictures, so we can follow

the longest running all-documentary film festival in North

along with your adventure!

America, and one of only thirty-eight festivals world-wide that has been designated as an Oscar qualifier.

Close out your night and take in some live music at The Ohio Club. Since 1905, it holds the title as Arkansas' oldest bar

We love exploring The Natural State and want to encourage you to too! We eat local, shop local and stay local and we're proud to support Arkansas businesses. For more information on our travels and routes we've designed all over our home state, follow us on socials @ArkieTravels or visit our website at www.arkietravels.com.

Fall Creek Falls

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fiction

LOVE IS PATIENT Fiction Sarah Phillips image Shutterstock / Alena Ozerova

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fiction

He got his name in an incidental kind of way ,

Laura opened her eyes and looked at her watch. It was 3:20

led primarily by her desire to meet his needs. In the

pm; Willa should be coming in any minute. Her now teenage

mornings he would sit by the door and meow. “Yes, Boss,”

granddaughter always stopped by after school, unless she

she replied, sliding the glass door to let him outside. Later,

had band practice. Laura loved it when she visited, her

after asking him if he would like his dinner, his reply was

energy from the day still with her, eager to talk about

another meow and whiskers that grazed her calf in his lazy

everything that happened during school with her and her

evening attempt at affection. “Okay, Boss.”

friends. She knew that one day this would end when Willa graduated, and that made her appreciate it even more. As

When Laura picked him out at the shelter twelve years ago,

if on cue, Boss raised his head in anticipation and the front

the name on his certificate read “Smokey,” but that never

door opened.

really stuck. The small, black feline that was more bushy tail than anything else, didn’t answer to it, but always let her

Willa entered, dropped her bookbag by the door and made

know exactly what he wanted, and when.

her way to the living room. “Hey, Gram,” she said, leaning down for a peck on the cheek. Her hair blanketed them

She sat in her large recliner, gently rocking while she

both before she stood straight again.

watched him lay in the bay window, bathing in the sun as though that was the sun’s job until further notice. Looking

“Hi, baby. I made you brownies today, if you’d like some.

at him now, still bushy tailed but a bit overweight, she

They should still be warm.” Boss meowed but doesn’t move,

couldn’t believe it had been over a decade with him by her

summoning Willa.

side. Boss had been with Laura through the death of her husband and then her move to be closer to her daughter

“Maybe later,” Willa said before obeying his command and

and only grandchild.

taking her place in the window beside him, followed by, “hello, Boss.” Slowly, she ran her hand from his ears, down

He was fiercely loyal, showing affection only to her, fleeing

the length of his spine and finally his tail before she let out

for cover whenever anyone else stopped by to visit. That

a long sigh.

was, until her granddaughter, Willa. Nowadays, it was hard for her to think of Boss without thinking of Willa, and vice

“How was school today?”

versa. She watched them grow up together, learning about the world around them and relishing in each new delight

Leaning back on the cushions, Willa tucked her knees under

they found with each other.

her chin, her pink Converse perched on the edge of her seat, and shrugged, “I just don’t get people sometimes.”

Closing her eyes, Laura pictured them chasing butterflies

Bracing herself for teenage drama, Laura tucked her own

by the pear tree in the back yard, Willa’s long, brown curls

legs in beside her before asking Willa what happened.

bouncing around with every landing of her foot, laughing

“Some guys at school were saying mean things to my friend

as Boss leapt high in the air in his vain attempt to capture

Chris, calling him names and stuff.”

his prey. She could see the two of them curled up together in the guest bedroom, Boss sleeping in the crook of Willa’s

Willa turned to look at the cat, her hand gently rubbing his

bent legs, the both of them soundless and resting after a

belly. “People can be jerks sometimes,” Laura said, shaking

long day. She even witnessed moments between them that

her head. “So, what’d you do?”

seemed private, in a way, like when Willa blew dandelions, making her little girl wishes. A couple of those wishes

“I told them off, of course,” Willa said, rolling her eyes.

stuck to Boss’s nose which made him sneeze. Or when she

“I guess I just don’t understand why people think the way

would lie in the bay window, reading a book aloud with him

they do,” her voice rose in frustration. “You can tell them

perched beside her head, seeming to listen to every word.

till you’re blue in the face that they should accept people

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for who they are, that ‘love is love’ and all of that, but they

“I think I remember that a little,” Willa said while rubbing

just don’t seem to get it.” Boss’s head jerked up to see

her hand.

what was the matter.

“And now look at the two of you.”

Laura breathed deep, trying to find the right thing to say; how to explain something that she, herself, didn’t really

Willa smiled and looked at Boss.

understand. Lately, it had been more and more difficult for her to wrap her head around all of the cracks that divided people. No matter the issue, there seemed fewer routes to agreement and more people left screaming at each other with the gap only growing deeper and wider.

She looked at her granddaughter, whose face was again turned away, hiding tears of disappointment while she rubbed Boss’s ears, soothing him and herself. “When you were little, Boss wanted nothing to do with you. Do you remember that?”

“Not really,” Willa shrugged.

“As soon as you came in the door, he would take off running for the bedroom. I found you so many times, crouched down beside the bed trying to explain to him that you just wanted to say hello and maybe pet him if it was okay. You really thought that you could convince him.” The memory tickled her a bit and she heard Willa giggle, too.

“But he wouldn’t come out, so you gave up. Every day after that, when you dropped by, you said hello to him and then left him alone. You didn’t chase him or try to coax him. You just let him be.” Willa looked up, wiping her face.

“It took him a year, but he finally learned to trust you. One day, we were out back planting flowers, and he came up, trying to see what you were doing. I think we were planting

“Unfortunately, not everyone is going to see this world the way that you do, baby. But you just keep doing you; do what you think is right and fair. Maybe your example will change somebody’s mind, maybe it won’t.

But in the end, you will be able to look back and be proud of yourself and the friend that you were.”

Willa looked at her and nodded. Boss stood and arched his back, stretching everything from his yawning mouth down to the very tip of his tail. He allowed Willa one more scratch behind his ear before jumping down and heading toward the kitchen.

“Gram, can I have a brownie now?”

“That’s a great idea.”

Boss meowed in agreement.

daisies that day. You held each different color up to his nose so that he could smell them. Then, when we were done you sat on the porch eating an ice cream cone. Half of it melted and ran down your hand, so you let him lick it off.”

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GO DOWNTOWN - FORT SMITH

Go Downtown FORT SMITH Downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas is bustling!

Offering a multitude of delicious places to dine, arts and entertainment options galore, special events, and even a family who’ve been in business more than ninety years, we’re featuring some of the best Downtown has to offer. Read on and discover what they have in store for you

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as you Go Downtown, Fort Smith!

In the past few years, Fort Smith, Arkansas has seen a boom in

Home is where the heart is, and we are proud to be located

its art community, a rise that fostered the beginnings of Bastion

in the heart of Fort Smith. Fort Smith's most unique antiques,

Gallery, an artist-run gallery on Garrison Avenue. The space

we feature a variety of dealers and treasures. From one of a

displays monthly exhibitions, events such as poetry readings and

kind antiques to Mid Century kitsch, come see us and peruse

occasional workshops: all to promote local and regional artists

over 90 vendors and 9,000 square feet of inventory. We're

and further the arts in the area. While Bastion sports a team

here 7 days a week for all your thrifting needs, or shop by

of volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of

following our Instagram and Facebook accounts! We love

64.6 Downtown, a non-profit organization founded in 2015

being a part of your local flavor in downtown Fort Smith and

by Arkansas businessman and entrepreneur, Steve Clark.

love to help you shop sustainably, curating your own flavor

64.6 Downtown enhances our community with activities and

for your home. Thank you for keeping us in business 9 years

developments that improve quality of life, create opportunities,

strong in downtown Fort Smith!

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914 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 646downtown.com

410 North B Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.226.3131 bellestarrantiques.com

and maintain a sense of place.

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318 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.7854 bonnevillehouse.com

Financial Advisor: Libby R. Meyer 106 North 9th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.494.7119 edwardjones.com Edward Jones is a financial services firm dedicated to serving the needs of individual investors. Member SIPC. I have a desire to

Historic District of Fort Smith. We host several events annually

help others plan for what is important. I believe it is important

to raise money to continue our mission of preserving and

to help you understand your financial situation in order to set a

maintaining this historic home to keep it a part of Fort Smith’s

plan to achieve your realistic dreams and goals. The opportunity

history. We also function as a special events venue for public

I have as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones allows me to be

use. We offer a variety of services and amenities. We are an

dedicated to finding out what is important to you. We will use

ideal venue for photography, weddings, receptions, rehearsal

an established process to build personalized strategies to help

dinners, showers, birthdays, anniversaries, memorials and

you reach your goals and partner together throughout your life

fundraisers. We invite the community to attend our events, join

to help keep you on track. I specialize in investment services and

our membership and sign-up to volunteer for our community

retirement consultation, and invite you to call, stop by, or visit

outreach programs. Your involvement will help us achieve our

edwardjones.com for more information.

mission of historical preservation.

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The Bonneville House is a non-profit organization located in the

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401 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.2966 fslt.org Come downtown for year-round entertainment featuring comedies to dramas and musicals to mysteries. The Fort Smith Little Theatre’s casual, comfortable setting is perfect for date night, a matinee with mother, or girl’s night out.

Looking for friendship and a chance to learn new skills?

Join the fun as a volunteer. Building sets, ushering, making coffee, acting—there are plenty of jobs to do and friends to be made at FSLT, your all-volunteer community theatre since 1947. And remember, a 2020 Season Pass would make a great Christmas gift. Learn more at fslt.org or find us on Facebook. Next Up: Born Yesterday, Sept. 19-28!

Presented by: bonnevillehouse.com / 479.782.7854 claytonhouse.com / 479.783.3000 fortsmithmuseum.org / 479.783.7841 The Bonneville House, a historic mansion & special events venue, offers scheduled group tours Tuesday – Friday, 9am-12pm. Upcoming Event: Frozen Tea Party – October 19th.

The Clayton House, a historic house museum & special events venue, is open Tuesday – Saturday 12pm-4pm and Sunday 1pm-4pm. Upcoming Event: Fall Festival & Judge Clayton’s Birthday Party September 28th.

The Fort Smith Museum of History explores the city's history via exhibitions & programs. Self-guided tours Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm. Upcoming Event: The Boston Store Tea Luncheon

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& Vintage Fashion Show – September 14th.

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Neumeier’s Rib Room and Beer Garden is Downtown Fort Smith's original rock ‘n roll rib joint! We’ve been voted best ribs in Fort Smith several years in a row. We pay great attention to each plate that leaves our kitchen. All of our sides are homemade and are prepared daily in small batches to guarantee freshness. Come try our award-winning ribs, chicken, pulled pork and brisket. You can get it wet, dry, muddy, dirty or plain. Your server can tell you all about it.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday with live music on the patio on the weekends. Call today and ask about catering and private parties.

508 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.9941 papaspub.com

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424 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas ribroom.com 479.494.RIBS (7427)

Thanks to our loyal fans, Papa’s Pub continues to win the best of the best award for Fort Smith's Best Pizza and Bar! We are dedicated to serving up good times and the best darn pizza this area's ever seen! Located in the heart of Downtown Fort Smith, we’ve been servin’ it up “Papa’s Style” since 1996. Papa’s is the perfect place to watch the game, relax on the patio, or play billiards and shuffleboard. Come see us for daily happy hour food and drink specials. Come hang out and see why we say, “A great pub and a great pie – what else do you need?”

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1000 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.783.2505 Find them on Facebook Come let us cook you up a little something – Cajun style at R. Landry’s New Orleans Café. From Cajun favorites like crawfish etouffee and blackened rib eyes to our boiler plates featuring crab legs, crawfish and shrimp, R. Landry’s is food with enthusiasm! We feature live music on the weekends and while you’re here, check out one of the area’s largest selections of beers at our full bar. Call today to book your catering event or even your holiday parties. We open at 3:00pm, Monday

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through Saturday. Come for the food and stay for the party!

122 Towson Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.8256 wightoffice.com Wight Office Machines has done business in Fort Smith since 1929 and has been in the business community with the same family ownership for over 50 years. This year, we are grateful to be celebrating our 90th anniversary! We currently provide service to customers within a 100-mile radius of both Fort Smith and Russellville, and we’re the area’s authorized dealer for Kyocera Document Solutions America.

Our mission is to establish long-term business relationships with our customers through our knowledgeable sales representatives and highly trained and experienced service technicians. Our company was built upon the foundation of excellent service and dependability!

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