Hot Springs Hot Spots Magazine - February 2015

hot springs

FEBRUARY 2015

SPA CITY SWEETHEARTS pg 18 BLISS CUPCAKE BOUTIQUE pg 23

COFFEE LOVE pg 6

VACANCY IN THE VALLEY OF THE VAPORS pg 28

THE UZURI PROJECT: A BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM pg 14

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

HOT SPRINGS HOT SPOTS EDITOR Jim G. Miller February has traditionally been my least favorite month of the year. However that was before I began writing for Hot Spots.

It’s an anniversary of sorts for me as I first started writing for the magazine two years ago this month. Working with the brilliant photographer Jeremy Rodgers and the awesome creative team here at Render Creative Group is a real privilege and it gives me, and I hope many others, something to look forward to every month.

February means a lot of things for the city of Hot Springs; it means that it’s almost springtime, which means spring break, another VOV; it’s a time for nature and the arts to begin their blossom. Cultivating opportunities and preparing for the next festival it’s an inspiring thing to be a resident of this city no matter what month you live in. In this issue we continue to discover more about the city we live in and the people who make it tick. We also reminisce about the annual sweethearts, a significant and empowering event that pays it forward to further artistic endeavors in the community. Other than the sweethearts we also get a taste of the sweet goods over at the Bliss Cupcake Boutique, the rumblings of local music, and the delicious happenings at Coffee Love, Hot Springs’ newest neighborhood coffee shop.

In this issue we also delve into a local non-profit called Phoebe the Uzuri Project that’s been recording the rich African American heritage of this once segregated city. We also take a look at a small town in the Ozarks called Eureka Springs and a little Mardi Gras Festival that they have there every year. Everyone here at HS Hot Spots hopes that you enjoy reading this issue and we thank you for reading.

CREATIVE/ART Marisa Rodgers PHOTOGRAPHY Jeremy Rodgers Madison Hurley Fuentez Jim G. Miller Chris Sale CONTRIBUTORS Amy Smiley Joshua James Annie Lemmons COPY EDITORS Kristal Mackey Josh Williams SALES Josh Williams To subscribe: Visit the ‘Shop’ tab at facebook.com/HSHotSpots For advertising opportunities: info@rendercreativegroup.com or call 501-620-4520 For editorial queries: Please write to: Hot Springs Hot Spots 801 Central Avenue, Suite 30 Hot Springs, AR 71901 or email info@hshotspots.com BE SOCIAL WITH US LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/HSHotSpots FOLLOW US ON TWITTER twitter.com/HSHotSpots

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EATS COFFEE LOVE

6

COFFEE, BOOKS & GREAT EATS

MUS I C

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ROOT SELLER A NEW BAND EMERGES

ART S JETT’S ART

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G IVI NG P. H. O. E. B. E.

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6 26

JOCKEY’S, PORTRAITS & ABSTRACTS

28

34

THE UZURI PROJECT

IMPAC T FAMILY MATTERS

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UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

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COFFEE LOVE

EATS

LOVING EVERY BITE: a cozy living room, a rotating library, and a gourmet barista kitchen all wrapped into one

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

Story by Jim G. Miller

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Hot Springs has long been in need of a laid back, colorful coffee shop-a place with character that appeals to the lackadaisical coffee junkie who wants to be as comfortable as they are sitting in their living room instead of the stuffy feel of a corporatized “java” shop that has low quality beans and lower quality atmosphere. Enter Coffee Love, owned

by Ellerson Pork and Cliff Burgess. This is their third coffee shop incarnation and they all follow the same comfortable and obviously successful formula. Like most individuals who stumble upon the city of Hot Springs, the owners fell in love with it and knew that they could fill the empty coffee niche.

Originally enamored with historic downtown, but ultimately charmed by the lake culture of Hot Springs, they decided on 4832 Central Avenue for their location.

The test of a true coffee shop of course is the roast. Coffee Love painstakingly seeks out beans that are roasted in house in

Saugatuck, Michigan. All of their beans are free trade Costa Rican, Columbian and other South American blends. They also carry a European espresso that is much stronger than what most people in the states are used to- meaning that it’s strong enough to sprout hair on your chest. You can also do your own French press or choose from a large list of specialty coffee drinks, frozen drinks, and baked goods.

The food at Coffee Love reflects the same attention to taste as the beans. Each luscious dish is emboldened and complimented by the exotic aroma of fresh coffee brewed in house.

They offer a large assortment of teas, pastries, sandwiches, salads, potato dishes and great breakfast items like bagels and muffins. The crew at Coffee Love also offers consistently friendly service, stemming from a belief in spreading the love, and they’re succeeding here in Hot Springs thanks to a comfortable ambiance, fabulous coffee, and an array of delicious menu items.

The coffee, delicious food, and quaint atmosphere is not all that Coffee Love has to offer. They also have a book trade program where you may leave a book and take a book or a magazine. Patrons giving something from their personal libraries means that the library at Coffee Love is constantly evolving, giving everyone the opportunity of discovering a rewarding piece of literature not found in any other coffee shop. Coffee Love also hosts Lattes & Lit on the last Saturday of each month at 7pm featuring guest speakers that include various authors, poets, and special visitors who have the opportunity to share their work and experiences with the Hot Springs community.

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Root Seller

MUSIC

A New Band Emerges From the Depths of Hot Springs

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

Story by Jim G. Miller

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Root Seller is made up of Amanda Avery on guitar and vocals, Will Lively on bass, and Evan Gottschling on drums. Lively and Gottschling met when they were both living in Austin. While in the scene there Lively played guitar for a psych band called “Old Salt” and Gottschling was with a surf rock group called Gauche. Avery, a Hot Springs local played with Ben Robbins in Stella’s Old Soul and has been a solo performing artist before meeting up with her band mates while working at Superior Brewery on Bathhouse Row. “We just decided to get together to play some music, and then when we started writing we had some incentive to keep going,” says Avery who had planned for a moment to leave Hot Springs.

Avery’s background has a smooth soulfulness to it. An excellent songwriter and rhythm guitarist her sound is perfectly complimented by the chemistry made up between Lively’s Bass and Gottschling’s percussion. Currently writing original songs, the band has shaped itself

around some of Avery’s originals. Will grew up in Hope Arkansas, the home of Bill Clinton and Klipsch speakers. Will and his wife, Jenny Lively, both have ample culinary experience as well, with Jenny offering her rejuvinating Kombucha at the Hot Springs Farmers Market, and Will providing his expertise in kitchens throughout town, further validating the group’s artistry.

Root Seller is recording their first EP in a DIY style home studio with plans on doing a short tour soon. Their first performance was on the stage at Maxine’s Live during New Year’s Eve with Ghost Bones and the band Not in the Face. As a three piece, they emit a sound similar to a hip eight piece party band because of Avery’s soulful vocals encouraged by the rock n roll bass and drums. The three are still building their chemistry on stage and in practice.

Creating original music Avery, Lively and Gottschling as a trio plan on expanding their

sound. Proving the old adage that opposites attract, this diverse trio has quickly become in sync both on stage and in person. Each of them have a laid back, quiet, shy way about them but once you get to know each of them that demeanor melts away just like it does on stage when they are performing.

It’s clear that they are at a comfort level and understanding of each other when it comes to their music.

Performing recently in Texarkana at the Silver Dollar they are getting their travel legs and becoming acquainted with the positive response that they are getting from both their audiences and other musicians.

If you want to see Root Seller perform at a venue near you check them out on their Facebook page. They do a live show that’s definitely worth checking out. We’re looking forward to seeing Root Seller grow and flourish as Hot Springs’ newest local band.

hot springs

ALBUMS ON REVIEW < HAMPTON TALIAFERRO Black Messiah

Soul Beautiful by Hampton Taliaferro is a 13-track alt-rock release not only featuring several catchy pop melodies, but also more than its fair share of experimental instrumentation. Several Hot Springs musicians, including Chuck Dodson and Muddy “Crawdad” Johnson, contributed to the album with keyboards, flutes, violins, saxophones and even a didgeridoo giving the record an eclectic character that is by turns fantastic and convoluted. The middle of the album is its strong point. The fourth track, “I’m Gonna Change” kicks off a four-song stretch of sonic excellence that massages the eardrums. A drummer by trade, Taliaferro’s melodic guitar strumming compliments his raspy voice. The more impressive work on track four comes from the saxophone and viola pieces, by local Lakeside High School Orchestra Direct, Brittany Osman. “Known,” track five, introduces cool Pixies-style distorted guitar licks, taking the tempo up a notch and sets the stage nicely for the sixth track, “What Grownups Do,” lyrically the best song on the album.

Many of Taliaferro’s lyrics are endeavors in existential pondering; this song pulls it off. The suggestion that adults spend their time “sitting around, wondering why you’re you,” is a keen remark. Ultimately, Taliaferro and producer Christopher Jones have released a solid album and I look forward to hearing more of their collaborations in the future.

< TEAR OUT THE HEARTs DEAD EVERYWHERE

Tear out the Heart’s second studio album and sophomore effort, Dead Everywhere, is a little too sophomoric and seems to represent itself as metal venturing into the realm of death metal. Early in track two, however, Tear out the Heart reveals they have no intention of playing anything that heavy. The St. Louis-based band formed in 2011 and launched their debut, Violence the following year. Their first effort received positive reviews by metal zines. Dead Everywhere does not meet the bar they set for themselves. The album opens with a spoken-word track; a poetry reading on the level of the emo kid in your Intro to Creative Writing class. It does give a glimpse into the inspiration behind the album title: “After all, we’re dead everywhere, not just dead inside.” And the double bass drum hits hard, accompanied by Tyler Konersman’s throaty growl, and heavily distorted power-chord guitar riffs grab your ears in a submission hold, forcing your head to violently rock to and fro. And then something else happens: Tear out the Heart suffers from an identity crisis. The hook gets toned so far down that it doesn’t seem to fit, and bass player, Isaac Etter, sings the chorus in what they refer to as “clean vocals.” They aren’t clean; they are whiney. There are some good elements to the album: mostly Konersman’s vocals, which are underused. Certainly talented, Tear out the Heart has potential but they need to tone down the ambition and just be a freaking metal band already.

< SISTER SIN BLACK LOTUS

Hailing from Stockholm, Swedish metal band Sister Sin released their newest album, Black Lotus on Victory Records in October. The Scandinavian foursome is a living homage to 80s thrash metal – that’s the Iron Maiden kind, not the Motley Crue butt rock kind. Speaking of maidens made of metal, the group’s front man is no man at all; she’s a hardcore heavy metal Valkyrie by the name of Liv Jagrell. Black Lotus is the band’s fourth full-length album. Sister Sin establishes the new album’s heavy and fast tone early with the first track, “Food for Worms.” A heavily distorted guitar riff trading places with a machine gun-style double bass drum part introduces Jagrell’s wailing voice.

It also establishes a lyrical theme that recurs throughout the album. Jagrell spits out metal-laced rhyming couplets full of the tonguein-cheek, and often satirical, fantasies of grandeur that characterize so many Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath songs. They do turn the tempo down just a touch for “Desert Queen,” a melodic, hardcore song that both lyrically and musically conjures memories of some of the early Danzig songs. It’s one of the best songs on the album, trailing only the eighth track, “Ruled by None.” Unfortunately, there is another lyrical theme running through the nine-track release: cheesy clichés combined with disjointed nonsensical verses. Considering English isn’t the band members’ primary language, I should cut them some slack.

Do you agree with our Reviews? Leave your feedback on our reviews at hshotspots.com. Submit your own Reviews!

Send your new release album, video or movie reviews to info@hshotspots.com.

Reviews by Joshua James #hshotspots

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JETTS ART

arts

JOCKEY’S ON HORSEBACK, PORTRAITS & THE ABSTRACT

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

Story by Jim G. Miller

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Art is often a product of the unexpected. For Jett Johnson, his journey as a painter came after the disappointment of losing what he thought was his dream job at Intel. Now living in Hot Springs, he’s pursuing a career as a full-time painter. “It’s intense being a full time artist,” says Jett who can spend weeks or months working on a single painting.

and learned a great deal regarding color scheme and light. His close friend Alex Kent also let him borrow some art education books and a book on Munsell’s color theory that helped him to establish many of his earlier paintings.

There is a cer tain emotion to understanding ar t and the rest is subconscious, you just have to keep producing. An ar tist who makes ends meet through the periodic commission and bar tending at the Back Porch Grill, his ar twork may be seen on the walls of homes and businesses throughout Hot Springs.

There is a raw definition to Jett’s work that sets it aside from the norm. Standing in his studio, I looked at a work in progress of a full-length jockey and thoroughbred painting where he had used some paper from a one hundred year old Swedish dictionary as a substitute for the dirt, adding a brilliant texture as well as a sense of motion to the form on the canvas. “When I stop trying to have fun it just gets flat,” says Jett.

Continuing to learn and experiment with painting, aside from a first year drawing class with artist Gary Simmons, Jett is primarily self-trained in the art of painting. Drawing since the age of six, he has experimented

A fan of Gonzo artist Ralph Steadman and his sense of controlled chaos, Jett enjoys a more abstract style of painting, but it is his ability to create lifelike portraits have garnered him the most exposure. A

Hot Springs native, Jett imprints a subtle touch of his own nuance into many of his portraits. Connected to his surroundings, he paints what he knows but he also constantly pushes the limits of his natural talent. Jett is available for commissions and he sells prints and has a portfolio that’s available to view upon request. Other commissioned paintings include one of Johnny Cash, for Cash’s nephew, and paintings of other cultural icons like Bob Marley, Hunter S. Thompson, Mos Def and Thom Yorke.

Among the first artists to establish his studio at Emergent Arts, he volunteered with many others to help sheetrock and frame the interior space, located at 341 A Whittington Avenue. As a native and someone who loves this city, he looks forward to being a part of the rejuvenation of the downtown art scene.

Check out his extraordinary work at Jetts art on Facebook or visit his website at https:// jettsart.wordpress.com.

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P. H. O. E. B. E.

GIVING

People Helping Others By Example: The Uzuri Project a Black History Program

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

Story by Jim G. Miller

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The Uzuri Project was founded in 1997 and began as a temporary Black History project about African Americans in the Hot Springs Community. Established by six native citizens to accumulate photographs and oral histories documenting the impor tance of black heritage in Hot Springs, they’ve focused on educating the community on not just the past, but the present in their pursuit to celebrate Black awareness.

As a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, their mission has lead them in the pursuit of identifying, collecting, documenting, recording, interpreting, displaying, researching and preserving the cultural and historic resources that are relevant to the local African American experience.

Uzuri is a Swahili word for good, beauty, goodness or brilliance. The non-profit also has a publishing component, which has printed several books regarding significant historical figures in the Hot Springs African American

community like John Lee Webb, and Dr. Edith Irby Jones, the first female African American doctor in Hot Springs who graduated from the University of Arkansas Medical School.

The black community of Hot Springs experienced the greatest growth during the 1920’s when Black businesses lined Malvern Avenue and filled the Historic Woodmen of Union office building, also known as the National Baptist Hotel and Bathhouse.

Currently known as Home Harbor, this location was a hub of activity for residents and visitors alike where artists like Count Bassie and his Orchestra, Peg Leg Bates, Bill “Bojangle” Robinson, Louis Jordan, and Ike & Tina Turner had performed. The building was a part of what was known as the Chitlin’ Circuit, the collective name given to the string of performance venues throughout the country where it was safe and acceptable for African American entertainers to perform, often leading to their big break.

There’s a saying that when an old man dies, a library burns. It does not matter how much you think you know there is still more to discover and understand about the heritage of our past. Through digging into the history of the nearby area, PHOEBE has collected nearly one hundred oral histories. “When we approach these senior citizens to collect their stories we are honoring them,” says Cheryl Batts, President and Founder of PHOEBE. “They get dressed up, put their Sunday hats on or coveralls and take time out of their day to share their stories with us,” Batts elaborates. While many of these people are gone, their stories live on thanks to the work that PHOEBE does.

Batts began PHOEBE when she returned from Chicago and was looking around her old neighborhood, only to find that it was an empty representation of what she remembered.

“It just kind of brought me into a sharp reality, while I was living in Chicago much had

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happened to my old community that I had not anticipated,” says Batts, who recalls climbing up the segregated entrance of the Malco Theatre as a young child and looking down over the banister at the people below.

In researching the history of her old neighborhood she determined that integration had a lot to do with it’s demise.

Although there were both negative and positive outcomes, it ultimately led to the destruction of the community network that was made up of independent entrepreneurs and mom & pop shops.

The future of this organization is invested in the youth of the community, which is why PHOEBE has incorporated video interviews with many of the individuals that they approach for their

stories. Seeing the expressions on their faces as they recall the stories of their past creates even more of an impact and it also garners more outside interest.

The UZURI Project Youth Leadership Institute is composed of teenagers between the ages of twelve and eighteen who actively practice Dr. Martin Luther King’s principles of non-violence.

“We want to reach out into the community and develop the young people and introduce them to writers, photographers, journalists and civic community members, to empower them and get them on the track to going to college and getting an enriched education.” PHOEBE works with local videographer Michael Muller and photographers like David Corbell to create videos and duplicate photos from the early 1900s and 1920s to complete a finished

project. PHOEBE has also worked with younger children who are interested in pursuing projects that are aligned with their mission.

“As a part of PHOEBE I look forward to seeing it grow and bring more kids into the community so that we can become something more,” says Shauniece Davis. The next step for PHOEBE is to find a home for them to store their 1500 donated photos, artifacts and documents that make up the memories of a community of colorful people, places and events.

If you are interested in hosting an exhibit or traveling exhibit contact them, you may also become a member and help contribute to their mission. Visit them online at www. theuzuirproject.org, call (501)624-9400 or email info@theuzuriproject.org.

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15

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SWEETHEART SHOW

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F i v e Y e a r s o f A r ka n s a s ’ F i n e s t C la s s i c B u r l e s q u e Story by Jim G. Miller

It’s February and that can only mean one thing...Valentine’s Day? No, it means that it’s another year for the Spa City Sweethearts...The fifth year to be exact!

This annual burlesque revue is the heaviest fundraiser for the annual Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival. In fact, each year the event is such a huge success that they are able to pay for all of the performing bands at the Valley of the Vapors. It’s definitely an exciting precursor to that time of year when everyone is feeling electric about the buzz of the approaching bands of spring.

To discuss this year’s show, we thought it would be best to reflect on the very first sweethearts show and how it came to be.

“I remember Shea and I brought a burlesque troupe here to Hot Springs called the Fluff Girls, they were from Canada,” says Bill Solleder, Executive Director of Low Key Ar ts and Founder of the VOV. They performed at Jester’s because the previous owner of Maxine’s wouldn’t allow it, despite the fact that in Hot Springs’ hay day, the bars and clubs had been a breeding ground for burlesque and vaudeville. “I think what really got Sarah going was a variety show Julia Parr had organized called Miss Julia’s Fantasy Fair and Freakshow back in 2010,” says Solleder. Four months before the very first Sweethear ts show, a young Hot Springs lady by the name of Jeni Emerson Thornton performed a burlesque show and Solleder thinks it sparked the idea among many of the women in the audience that they could also do it.

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers & Madison Hurley Fuentez

“I’ve loved watching burlesque step out of the past and find it’s place in Arkansas as a part of the performing arts. I never imagined how quickly the scene would blossom after teaching an Introduction to Burlesque class and then performing at Miss Julia’s Freak Show. It’s refreshing to see a community thrive that celebrates strong women of all shapes, sizes, and ages in a society that puts so much shame on our bodies and sexuality. For me, burlesque celebrates the limitless joy in everyone’s uniqueness,” says Thornton.

Not limited to just burlesque, the Sweethearts Show tosses in an astonishing variety of acts that include belly dancing, fire dancing, and hula hooping, as well as some wry humor by Vinny Vadge and Ace Wildman. With the retirement of their original catwalk, this year will also host many firsts including a new entrance constructed by Foul Play Cabaret’s very own carpenter and professional mouthpiece, Vinny Vadge.

These dames of Hot Springs really bring their “A” game every year when it comes to preparation for these two to three minute performances. With the incorporation of new acts comes an intense amount of work that includes wardrobe design, beading, bedazzling, and choreography. The ladies spend an estimated hundreds of hours for just one evening of performance. Costumiers of classiness, FPC and many of the returning sweethearts have evolved their craft and display a joyful bravado that has been developed through time entertaining on stage. #hshotspots

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SWEETHEART SHOW

Whether or not you love or hate burlesque, the ladies demand respect for the amount of work and brass that it takes to get up on the stage. “There was an electricity in the air that first night the room was charged, everyone on the stage was a first timer,” says Solleder.

“I remember Ashley (Doris Night) coming out to Minnie the Moocher and everyone in the crowd shouting back, it was so crowded right then I knew it had staying power.”

After the first year, everyone interested in pursuing burlesque gathered around Ruby Lead’s kitchen table and began hashing out the details about where to head next. Although the troupe, now familiar to us as the Foul Play Cabaret, have performed throughout the state and throughout the country, they most look forward to continuing to do fundraisers like car washes, junk drives, bake sales to give back to their local community.

“We’re such an art driven community, and those other artists are the ones who largely support our shows so why not give back,” says Violet D’Vine, a member of FPC. The ladies are now teaching workshops and also hosting a monthly revue at Maxine’s Live on the third Saturday of every month.

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This year, there are more than thir ty women performing up on stage and the locals will be joined by performers from all over the state, like True Grit and Grind Burlesque from For t Smith, Skarlette Noir, Ginger Roze, Anita Nightingale, Marigny Laveaux, Phoebe Magnifque, and Beatnic Betty, Scandi Lust and many others. There will also be one gentleman performer joining the ladies, as well.

As the number of performers grows every year, FPC enjoys mentoring the ladies who are new to burlesque. Whether experiencing the jitters of their first stage performance or anticipating the energy of a well-rehearsed show, they all revel in the ar t of enter taining and spreading the gospel that is burlesque all throughout the land.

As the biggest burlesque show in Arkansas, the Sweethearts Show draws people from not just the community, but also from Texas and other surrounding states. Be sure to check out this year’s great performances with a finale by Ruby Lead, Doris Night, Jezebelle Jax, Rosalee Bloom, and Violet D’Vine at this year’s 5th Annual Spa City Sweethearts at Low Key Arts.

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B l i s s C u p c a k e B o u t i q u e P u t s t h e Ic i n g o n t h e C a k e

Story by Jim G. Miller

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

#hshotspots

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BLISS

Hot Springs is sprinkled with some yummy patisseries, bakeries, and cupcake shops but none of them hold a piping bag to Bliss Cupcake Boutique. Owned by Elescha Enloe and open for two and half years, all of their specialty cupcakes and made-to-order custom cakes are created entirely from scratch. Walking into their shop, located at 2836 Malvern Avenue, you’re instantly greeted by a medley of sweet fragrances that make you salivate for one of their delectable cupcakes.

Enloe’s adventure with making cupcakes began at the Harrison Crawfish Boil where she would annually prepare her Italian Crème Cake. Because of it’s popular demand she decided to conver t her cake recipe to make cupcakes instead...and the rest has gone down in desser t history.

Because they are located near the Lakeside School campus, the shop has become a meeting place for students, parents and other locals who meet for coffee and something sweet to compliment their day. With a homegrown feel that has a little love tossed in, Bliss meticulously focuses on the details without mass-producing any of their products so everything is always fresh. “I cook for everybody, the locals, not just tourists,” says Enloe. To give back to the local community that has suppor ted and built it, Bliss par ticipates in the Taste of the Holidays event for the Mid-America Science Museum, and the annual Chocolate Festival benefiting the Christian Medical Clinic.

Believing not just in providing a good product, Bliss strives to build relationships with their customers. “I know immediately that when one of our customers comes in that he’s buying cupcakes for everyone in his office because that’s just his way of saying sorry to his employees if they have a bad day,” says Enloe. Knowing the person who bakes your cakes just makes everything taste sweeter. “I know that if I give you a bad cupcake, that I might have to see you the next day,” says Enloe, and that is why they don’t make mistakes.

Using premium ingredients and taking what they do seriously, Bliss also knows that it’s impor tant to have fun as they continue to be innovative in the execution of each cupcake and cake. Bliss extends their selections to include Vegan friendly and gluten free cupcakes, by special order, and there is not a cupcake they offer that you won’t find irresistible.

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Since 2013, Bliss has been a diamond in the rough as far as cupcake boutiques go, and now they are fabricating some amazing cakes thanks to baker Jenny Rhoades, who has had years of experience creating and decorating cakes for every occasion. “I get just as excited as the customer does when discussing ideas for a cake,” says Rhoades. Making some pretty unusual and inventive cakes Rhoades scrolls through the photo gallery on her phone showing us some of her favorite creations. “It really becomes my cake once I’ve worked on it for so long I actually get a little sad when it leaves the shop,” says Rhoades.

Be sure to ask about their cupcake of the day and check out their extensive list of rotating specialty cupcakes and unique gift items carried in their boutique. Also do not forget to order your special chocolate covered strawberries from them for Valentines Day. Visit them and like their page on Facebook or visit their website at www.blisscupcakeboutique.net. From Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5pm and on Saturday from 10:30 am to 4 pm, Bliss spreads happiness and provides people with the type of contentedness that you can only get from a delicious, fluffy, moist cupcake. Go by and try this local independent cupcake and cake shop. #hshotspots

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PETS

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hot springs

A SHORT RE M IN D ER O F THE RESPONSI B ILIT Y O F PET O W NERSHIP THAT Y OUR p e t s w o u l d l o v e f o r y o u t o h e a r Story by Annie Lemmons Even the best pet owners have a tendency to take advantage of the joy and lifeenhancing meaning of having that little door greeter or lap cuddler in our lives at the end of each and every day. Thinking that feeding, grooming and cleaning up after our pet is enough work to classify us as the ideal pet owner and take away the guilt of leaving them alone each and every day when we go about the daily grind.

During February, the nation recognizes Responsible Pet Owner month to remind, even the best of us, the importance of thinking about all aspects of the life we are offering our furriest companions. As if you haven’t heard a hundred times already, being a pet owner is a dedication you cannot attempt to take lightly. If you cannot commit to the responsibility of taking care of a pet for the duration of his or her life, then don’t do it.

Does your pet have a healthy diet? Is your house pet-proofed? Does your pet have an ID tag? Do they get enough exercise? Are they well socialized with other animals and with smaller children? Are they trained? Some of these questions might seem like we are asking you to turn into an over-protective, over-paranoid animal obsessive, but that’s just not the case.

Your dog or cat’s diet can increase or decrease its lifespan in the same way your own diet can. Accidental exposure to toxins around your home, or other careless dangers, could be tramatizing to your family and completely unintentional. If your dog accidentaly gets loose, can someone get him back to you? Does their tag clear away any concerns if the dog gets defensive and attacks someone or something?

The main reason dogs end up in shelters is behavior problems. By training and socializing your dog you greatly reduce the chances of your dog ever getting lost or ending up in a shelter.

The ASPCA estimates that five to seven million animals enter shelters nationwide each year. The hard facts are that this problem is the responsibility of the irresponsible. The main purpose of this month isn’t only to remind you to think twice about the life you share with your pet. It’s also about knowing, recognizing and encouraging others to properly spay and neuter pets. It is quite simply one of the most important things you can do to keep your pet happy and healthy. Making sure they are spayed and neutered ensures fewer stray dogs, and limits the contribution

to the overpopulation problem. It also keeps your pet closer to home, and greatly diminishes their need or desire to “run free”, or “sew their puppy oats”, if you will.

Keeping your pet up to date with shots and a preventative medicine regimen, such as heartworm treatments, is another way to be a responsible pet owner. That helps improve not only the quality of your pet’s life, but the quality of your life, as well.

There are so many wonderful veteranarians in are area, any many will work with you regarding the high costs normally associated with pet ownership. Work with your vet, your animal will be eternally grateful.

Do you live in a small apartment or a house with little to no yard? Hot Springs Bark Park (at the corner of Shady Grove Rd. and Hollywood Ave.), is an off-leash dog park where your four-legged friend can run free. Take advantage of this free resource so that your dog stays happy, healthy and socialized. Be sure to allow your pet with other animals, and also other humans besides yourself every chance you get so that their habits and disposition is well-prepared for all that their short little pet life will throw at them.

Dog Parks or long leash walks with your dog offer a terrific chance to exercise (yourself included) and socialize your dogs safely. It is also a great way to work on obedience training and behavioral problems you might have noted in your own home.

Make sure your pet feels like he or she is an important part of your family and knows who their owner is. They will be more obedient if they feel wanted by you and if they know you are glad they are around. Their entire life is spent trying to love you, protect you, and make you happy.

On February 20th, which is National “Love Your Pet Day,” be sure to show your pet extra love and get them one of their favorite toys, or a treat. Take your pet to their favorite park, or make an extra special play hour. They may not recognize the holiday, but they will appreciate the extra love and attention, and who doesn’t love a new toy.

We have heard it time and time again, and we believe it whole heartedly. There are no bad pet breeds. Only bad owners. So use this month to reflect on how responsible you are and advocate for our little, furry friends. It’s the only responsible thing to do. Your pets love you, unconditionally...return the favor. #hshotspots

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ONE YEAR AGO

Vacancy in the

Valley of the Vapors Story by Jim G. Miller Photography by Chris Sale

Majestic Remnants in Peril

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February 27th marks a year since the flames that brought down The Majestic Hotel lit up the afternoon sky. Natives mourned the loss of the historic landmark, a large por tion of which still stands erect surrounded by giant piles of red and yellow brick left over from the destruction raged by the fire and subsequent demolition. In 1903, The Majestic was one of the first brick buildings ever constructed in Hot Springs and this original por tion was, unfor tunately, already on its way to being condemned when it became a blazing inferno.

It was recently repor ted that Gary Hassenflu, owner of The Majestic, has agreed to a plea bargain, which leads to the greater question of what happens now?

Some progress, if any, is good news, as local citizens grow tired of the eyesore and embarrassment left behind by this tragic and questionable event. While no lives were lost in the fire, there was cer tainly a par t of the essence of Hot Springs that was extinguished in the flames that destroyed this historic hotel.

With Hasenflu seeking a plea bargain, he is essentially handing the proper ty over to the city and from many practical aspects, it is questionable whether

they will seek to revitalize the remaining structure. Although plans have been supposedly drawn up and there have been several great suggestions about what to do in the current location, the fact is that it would take strong capital investment in downtown Hot Springs for that scale of a project. The good news is that Hassenflu is working with the Arkansas Depar tment of Environmental Quality to clean up the destruction. The bad news is that the remaining structure has a leaky roof and holes in its floors, meaning that the building is unsafe and essentially gives cause for its condemnation. As itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken Hassenflu this long to work with the ADEQ and also be required to pay fines, it becomes increasingly doubtful that the existing por tion will be brought back to code.

There are many citizens in Hot Springs who feel a nostalgic bond with the historic buildings of our fair city and who wish to see them revitalized. Buildings like the Wade, the Medical Ar ts, the Malco or the Federal Building all fall under the list of endangered Hot Springs buildings. Are they also a match head away from being eradicated? Holders on of history want to clutch on to these structures as if #hshotspots

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ONE YEAR AGO

they were loved ones, but if the city is forced to step in will they see it through rose colored eye glasses or with the brass business knowledge that promotes caution and an understanding of the current Hot Springs culture. While positive things are occurring all over downtown, it’s definitely a slow and gradual crawl and not the type of boom that results in the renovation of skyscrapers or large motel buildings. People in Hot Springs need to choose their battles wisely when it comes to which building they are going to quibble over and it will take more than a fire and a Facebook page to really make change happen for Hot Springs.

The loss of an historic building is a loss for the city of Hot Springs, which prides itself on its history, but it’s also a blow for the entire state of Arkansas. This is what Rex Nelson references to anytime he shines a light on Hot Springs as being a crowning jewel of the state; Unfortunately that jewel currently looks tarnished due to the condition of some of its historic buildings. It’s not the small structures of course that are the problem but it’s the large properties downtown. For instance, immediately next door to the rubble that was once the Majestic there is another antiquated hotel, The Velda Rose, which is also in a state of limbo. When it was still open it was rated as one of the top fifty worst hotels in the United States, making

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it no surprise that it closed. However, it is still a valid concern for business owners, residents and the city of Hot Springs. These vacant buildings need people to fill them up again and investors have to believe in an “if you build it they will come mentality”, which isn’t too hard of a thing to imagine in the Valley of the Vapors.

It will perhaps just take some hope and someone ingenious enough to find the capital investment or opportunity to make Hot Springs revive it’s history through these vacant buildings that so many of us admire This time next year I hope that we are writing about a new water park or performance ar t space being built in the location of where the Majestic now rests or perhaps even a new parking deck for those who complain about the lack of convenient parking. Let’s be passionate about the places that are still possible to save and let go of the things that are, perhaps, too far beyond anyone’s grasp to heal. With the new Thermal Basin Fire District code compliance there may be many more historic buildings that are under the city’s microscope in the near future. At a time when there seems to be more buildings than buyers, this could change the entire landscape of Hot Springs-for better or for worse, for history or for progress.

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Family matters

impact

A Home Schooling HOt Springs Family Gets Put Under the Microscope

Photography by Jim G. Miller

Story by Amy Smiley

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A search warrant was executed on the Treasure Isle Road home of Hal and Michelle Stanley on January 12, by the Garland County Sherriff’s Office, accompanied by the Arkansas State Police and the Depar tment of Human Services.

The warrant, granted by Judge Lynn Williams, was applied for by Sgt Mike Wright of the Criminal Investigation Division pursuant to a report made through the Child Abuse Hotline by individual(s) familier with the family and regarding the welfare of the Stanley’s seven children (the DHS had made a prior visit to the home last month on a separate welfare complaint). The warrant stated that probable cause existed for the property to be searched not only for Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) and any other chemical that could endanger a child’s welfare, but also any other evidence related to the crime of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor that would violate Arkansas State Statute 5-27-205.

It is impor tant to note that while the MMS, a legal water purifier, was specified in the warrant, it was just one of several factors being investigated per the repor ts made to investigators. As standard, the details of the allegations are confidential, as well as the identity of the persons who made the repor t. The public will not have access to this information, even as the case moves through cour t.

Investigators from the multiple agencies questioned the children on the night of the 12th apart from the parents, physically examined them, and searched the home. The investigators determined from evidence collected on site that the children were at risk for serious harm and placed them in custody of the DHS under a 72 hour hold, which allowed the DHS 72 hours to present the judge their findings of probable cause to keep the children until a hearing could be scheduled within the standard five days allowed to the court and family.

This protocol was followed, and the Stanley’s probable cause hearing was held January 21, at 1:30 and resumed the following morning at 9:00, with Q Byrum Hurst representing there parents, while an attorney ad litem was appointed for the children.

Supporters of the Stanley family, some holding signs, protested the law enforcement decision to remove the children by gathering on the lawn of the Garland County Juvenile Courthouse as Judge Wade Naramore heard arguments in Department of Human Services Vs. Hal and Michelle Stanley. After hours of testimony, he found probable cause was evident to keep the children in DHS custody.

He set the next hearing for February 12 and 13. All present were instructed not to speak about the closed hearing.

The Stanley case has garnered national media attention and sharp criticism from various rights groups and organizations.

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Witch-hunt style accusations against the investigating agencies are based par tly on the Stanley’s personal lifestyle choices, and range from medical kidnapping and religious persecution to governmental overreach and an attack on homeschoolers.

It has been speculated that some of the allegations stemmed from a disgruntled teenager living in the home. The case has placed the Stanley family and home under public scrutiny. How much of this is actually the public’s business, and how are they to respond to aspects of the case that could suggest the Stanleys are being targeted?

One must first understand that cases involving juveniles are not public record

for the protection of the minor’s interests.

Often, these types of cases generate large amounts of misinformation since many key factors and any determining evidence cannot and will not be publicly released.

This lack of critical information can lead the general public to circulate rumors, cry foul, assume a cover-up, and try the case in the cour t of social media– behaviors which can hinder, more than they help.

With over 4,000 Arkansas children in foster care, and only roughly 1,000 foster homes, removing a child from their home is a decision the DHS cannot take lightly.

They are bound to verify the validity of repor ts made to them, and investigate

the circumstances. Evidence to suppor t a removal decision must be substantial, and also deemed as such by the cour t. Penalties can exist for those found knowingly making false repor ts.

It IS the duty of citizens to stay abreast of matters and respond appropriately when their elected officials have failed to serve them, or acted outside of the law; and, channels exist that they may do so. But, the due process of the law must be followed in order to ensure a thorough investigation that will reveal factual circumstances and any fault– either of the accused, or those entrusted to carry out the investigationand this simply takes time.

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EUREKA GRAS

WORTH THE DRIVE

Celebrating 10 Years WITH “CARNIVAL AROUND THE WORLD”

Photography courtesy of the City of Eureka Springs

Story by Jim G. Miller

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The throwing of beads, the dazzle and array of purple, green, and gold with an excess of drinking, eating, and dance to celebrate a classic Creole holiday that falls on the brink of springtimeyes, February is a zesty time of the year for many cities with Creole roots and heritage. If you are in the states and not able to make the pilgrimage to New Orleans to experience the birthplace of Mardi Gras, then Eureka Springs is the next best thing, especially if you’re in the Natural State.

Known for it’s progressive vibe and chic Ozark freak appeal, Eureka Springs has a great downtown area, which is where their New Orleans Mardi Gras Festival takes place. With it’s particularly young and energetic spirit, the small mountain town makes for a no- brainer festival destination. Dan Ellis and Al Hooks, New Orleans natives, established the Arkansas Mardi Gras in 2006 and the spirit has certainly taken root in the quaint Ozark town.

With the theme being “Carnival Around the World” the krewe of KRAZO (Ozark spelled backwards)

will, as always, present this years event. The Greek translation of the word “krazo” means to cry aloud or vociferate and a krew or “mardi gras society” were traditionally made up of prominent society types or wealthy businessmen who acted as performance leaders.

A major highlight of Eureka Gras is the Mayor’s Ball, open to the public and sponsored by the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. Both residents and visitors are welcome. This year Joe Giles and the Homewreckers will provide live music and the event takes place at the Basin Park Hotel.

Fun loving parade followers are of course asked to don Mardi Gras costumery when participating with the fun, especially during the Black Light Ball on Saturday February 7th, a public ball that incorporates black light paint, models, music and other fun, artistic amusements. If you’d like to get tickets early visit this link https://www.reserveeureka.com/ buy-tickets/?af=1&attractionid=1039

While there are private balls and events that take place throughout the period between January 10th and Fat Tuesday, the majority of the festival is open to the public. The Hookers/ Jokers Ball on Thursday, February 12th and the Coronation Ball on the following day are all private events, but the Jazz Brunch at the Crescent Hotel on Sunday, February 15th is open to the public and definitely a highlight event. The final event culminates on February 17th with the St. Liz Cajun King Cake Ball at Parish Hall. Tickets are $40 per person.

Sponsored in part by the participating event destinations like the Crescent Hotel, the Basin Park Hotel, and the Rowdy Beaver Restaurant, they also have the support of the area banking community with Arvest, Community First, and Cornerstone Banking stepping in to help kick off the pageantry that is Eureka Gras,beginning on Kings Day January 10th the event lasts through FAT Tuesday which is on February 17th.

hot springs

FEBRUARY

EVENT CALENDAR

3-7 Rhea lana’s children’s consignment sale

at Hot Springs Convention Center

6 Gallery Walk 6-8, 13-15 THE POCKET at Historic Downtown Hot Springs

12 Sweethearts Dinner at Garvan 17 3rd Annual Bourbon Street Bash 13-14 5th annual spa city 20-21 BATTLEFEST at ORV sweethearts at Garvan Woodland Gardens

at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming

burlesque review at Low Key Arts, 118 Arbor

THEATER PRESENTS “BAGGAGE”

at The Pocket Theater, 170 Ravine

13-14 The Five Star Dinner

7 jazz society’s 3rd annual mardi

Theatre presents “On Golden Pond”

at The Austin Hotel

at Garvan Woodland Gardens, Magnolia Room

gras costume ball

Culinary Series: Ambrosia!

Cupid’s Treats for a Truly Enchanted Evening at Garvan Woodland Gardens, Magnolia Room

Superlift Hot Springs

at Hot Springs ORV Park, 2100 MillCreek Road

22 Band Blast 2015

at Hot Springs Convention Center

24 Off to the Races Reel

Tournament Final at Oaklawn

14 American Heart Association,

at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming

at Hot Springs Convention Center

Healthier YOU Health Fair

The Van Davis Memorial 5K walk/run

at National Park Medical Center

Heart Ball

26 Education can Make a

27-Mar 1 Hot Springs 8-9 Auditions for “Harvey” Boat, Tackle and RV Show 15 Stardust Big Band 11 Jazz Society’s America’s Art Mar 7 REOPENING of the Form Series 16 President’s Day at Oaklawn Mid-America Science Museum at The Pocket Theater, 170 Ravine

at Whittington Park

at Hot Springs Convention Center

at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa

at Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave.

at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming

at Mid-America Science Museum

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