Hot Springs Hot Spots Magazine - March 2015 by Render Creative Group

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WORLDS SHORTEST PARADE pg 30

MID AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM pg 20 HSHotSpots.com

MARCH 2015

JAVA PRIMO pg 6

VALLEY OF THE VAPORS BONUS! OFFICIAL SCHEDULE TEAR-OUT pg 18

MARCH MADNESS PG 25 #hshotspots

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

HOT SPRINGS HOT SPOTS CREATIVE/ART Marisa Rodgers This month is so rich with music in Hot Springs we could barely do it justice. The Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival brings in talent from all over the nation, even the globe, and puts them on our main streets and in our favorite venues. Even St. Patty’s Day brings in another chance for music and party atmosphere, like catching the Irish bands at our own Irish Pub and the Swon Brothers on Bridge Street following our world famous parade.

For Hot Springs Hot Spots, March brings change. Our staff has changed and expanded, and we’ve begun the daunting task of reinvention, which we are excited to reveal in our April issue to come. Some things will stay the same, like our mission of covering the ‘where to go’ and ‘what to do’ of our fair city, our creative and eye-catching photography and our love of the city and everybody who strives to make it a place worth calling home. What is changing is our editorial approach. We will be diversifying our contributors and content and reaching out to our readers a lot more. We have plans for exciting contribution opportunities, monthly contests, many more events and community involvement in our decision-making and the magazine itself. We will host our second ever Pub Crawl in April, and hope that you will help us in making this one an even greater event. We want to make the walls of the these pubs buldge at capacity and these crawls become famous for all the fun that can be had. We will bring back our cash prize for participation, shake up the photo scavenger hunt and add tons of new giveaways, winning opportunities and games. Everyone here at Render Creative Group/Hot Springs Hot Spots hopes that you enjoy reading this issue, we thank you for reading and continuing to seek out our magazine, and we thank you for joining us on this journey to ‘make it’ in this small and competitive town. We promise to only get bigger and better from here.

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EDITOR Josh Williams PHOTOGRAPHY Jeremy Rodgers CONTRIBUTORS Joshua James Kristal Mackey COPY EDITORS Joshua James 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 JAVA PRIMO

CAFE AND MORE

MUS I C

WHITE MYSTERY BROTHER & SISTER DUO AT VOV

ART S A PERFECT UNION

G IVI NG PHILANTHROPIST 2.0

18 8

FE AT U RED

THE ART OF ROBYN HORN

18 20 IT’S SCIENCE

TOP TEN THINGS YOU’ll SEE AT VOV

BONUS! OFFICIAL SCHEDULE TEAR OUT MID AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM REOPENS AFTER RENOVATION

25 MARCH MADNESS 2015 30 SHORT & IRISH

WHY WORK WHEN THERE IS BASKETBALL TO BE WATCHED THE FAMOUS WORLD’S SHORTEST St. PATRICKS DAY PARADE

KYE MASINO & GIVING BACK

WO RT H T HE D R I V E SOUTH ON MAIN

MUSIC VENUE & SOUTHERN FARE

D O N’T M I S S LIVE SHOW LISTINGS

10 35 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MARCH

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JAVA PRIMO

EATS

DON’t LET JAVA IN THE NAME LIMIT YOUR IMPRESSION, THIS “café and MORE” OFFERS SO MUCH MORE ... A LOT MORE

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

Story by Kristal Mackey

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When they first opened in 2009, Java Primo Coffee House Café & More quickly established itselves as a premier coffee destination in Hot Springs. Their early hours and convenient location on Central Avenue brought in locals who sought more than the long lines and syrupy “coffee” concoctions offered at chain establishments. The freshly ground coffee, hand tamped espresso and artful lattes are what originally drew customers in. Those curious customers, however, quickly became regulars who’ve grown in numbers in the last six years. Now known for so much more than just a cup of joe, Java Primo offers an expansive menu of gourmet food, irresistible desserts, and the kind of warm homey atmosphere that only a local bistro can offer. Not only are Java Primo’s coffee beans custom roasted in Arkansas, many of their breakfast menu items are lauded as among the best in the state; customers rave about the eggs benedict, which is topped with a creamy and light in-house hollandaise sauce. Almost all of the breakfast items have several variations to chose from: the

breakfast panini offers choices of traditional italian, wholesome wheat, or nutty rye bread, the breakfast bagel offers several meat choices, and the steelcut oats can be topped with numerous toppings, including ripe blueberries, chunky walnuts, or plump raisins. Of course, no breakfast would be complete without fresh squeezed orange juice. For brunch, that fresh juice can be turned into a fresh mimosa or a bloody mary can accompany the quiche of the day with breakfast potatoes or fresh fruit. Lunch is the busiest time of day at Java Primo, and one taste of a panini, wrap, or salad makes it clear why. Although there are over a half dozen panini options, the turkey panini reigns supreme on crispy focaccia bread, topped with veggies, and completed with a zesty garlic mayonnaise. The award winning waterpine chicken salad is topped with candied walnuts and feta cheese, giving it spice and zest that are accented by Java Primo’s house salad dressing, which tastes like a honey mustard vinegairette that adds a vibrant and rich hint to every bite. The salads and

sandwiches are best paired with a flavored tea or iced latte to give you a mid-afternoon caffeine jolt. Although, Java Primo has long been known for its coffee and daytime entrees, owners Josh and Shelley Hughes are excited to be offering high end dinner options with the same attention to taste and quality that they’ve always strived to put out. Josh, who develops the menu himself, puts every potential entree through rigorous testing and changes before he allows anything to be served in their café. He also makes sure the employees are meticulously trained to make every dish. Because Java Primo is able to boast so many items made in-house, Hughes ensures that every dish that’s presented can withstand not only the public’s scrutiny, but also his own high standards. Many recipes have been passed down in both his and Shelley’s families, making their connection to what they offer even stronger. Their number one dinner entrée is the honey glazed salmon. The high quality 6 oz. skinless

hot springs salmon fillet is grilled to flaky perfection, then glazed with brown sugar and honey, accentuating the delicate fish with a sweet crust. It is then topped with seasoned almond slices that give every bite a mild nutty crunch. It is complemented nicely with the stone ground mustard that surrounds it. The feta and mushroom sirloin has also been a big hit. The 8 oz. sirloin is cooked perfectly and topped with tangy feta and earthy sautéed baby bella mushrooms and the spicy adobo sauce it is served with provides a smokey backdrop for the tender steak. The steamed asparagus, topped with the velvety hollandaise, is an excellent side dish, and every dinner is completed with a fresh side salad. For dinner, Java Primo offers a selection of cocktails and wines, including the lemon drop which, according to Josh, is “almost all alcohol” and has a tart citrus flavor that is a terrific complement to the salmon. They’ve also begun rolling out an appetizer menu that has been doing progressively better and better. Josh has over a dozen ideas to continue to incorporate into the menu, but so far the appetizer star is the bruschetta, served with Josh’s own tomato recipe, toasted bread and a smooth goat cheese. Of course, no dinner would be complete without dessert. Several desserts on the menu are family recipes and most of them are baked in house. With over a half dozen pie and cake options, including peanut butter pie or molasses pecan pie by the slice, whole coconut cream pies, and carrot and mocha chocolate cakes that have been passed down from Josh and Shelley’s families, no dessert would be a misstep. The chocolate panini, however, is the most decadent and luscious dessert menu option. Creamy chocolate and hazelnut are sandwiched between buttered italian bread and grilled before being sprinkled with powdered sugar then drizzled in chocolate and surrounded by a rich mouthwatering hazelnut cream sauce that will leave you wishing it was at all socially acceptable to lick the remaining sauce off the plate. Josh and Shelley were pleased to be able to purchase a building for a second location in Arkadelphia, which opened in 2013. The building was actually derelict when it was purchased

and is the oldest in the county. In addition to the challenges of renovating the historic space, the Hughes faced the challenge of fitting their café into a space that is only 16 feet wide. Space notwithstanding, the Arkadelphia community has been as welcoming as the Hot Springs crowd and continues to enjoy all that Java Primo has to offer. Although known primarily for their coffee and culinary presence, Java Primo is also knows for the friendliness of it’s staff and the quaint homey feel of its interior. No sooner does the door open than someone is wishing you a “good morning” or “good afternoon” and you’ll never leave without being told to “have a good one.” Java Primo also showcases a wide selection of gifts, including soaps, jewelry, coffee paraphernalia, and a special focus on collegiate gifts. Throughout the day, one might see a college student working on a paper at the bar, a business meeting at a cluster of tables, a luncheon between friends on the open air patio or the casual in-and-out customer who’s just popped in for their usual cup of coffee before work. The Hughes, while passionate about finally working for themselves after a decade of commuting from Little Rock, are most excited to be able to have created job opportunities in their local community. Their full time team members receive a variety of benefits, including insurance, and their part-time staff have an opportunity to build their resume and earn much needed income while working in a friendly environment. The Hughes are also excited about the possibility of a third location, something they’ve been considering for quite some time. Although Shelley, who takes care of all the accounting and office work, was reluctant to spill the beans on the exact location, she did say that it’s almost a certainty that they’ll be expanding sometime in the near future. Whether you’re in Hot Springs or Arkadelphia, Java Primo is an excellent place to stop in for a cup of fresh brewed coffee, handmade latte, or to meet a friend for lunch. Try some of their new dinner options or a cocktail to end a long day at school or work. Whether you’re staying for a meal or just in for a quick gift or drink, you’re sure to leave feeling like you’ve just made new friends and found your new favorite local cafe. #hshotspots

WHITE MYSTERY

MUSIC

brother & Sister duo grace the stage at the Valley of the vapors independent music festival

Photography courtesy of White Mystery

Story by Joshua James

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Chicago-based brother-sister garage rock duo, White Mystery, are set to play at the 2015 Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival on Tuesday, March 24, the final day of the festival. Their most recent release, “Dubble Dragon” is a tasty experimental psychedelic punk indie rock soup, the broth of which should be slurped straight from the bowl and allowed to dribble down the chin. The title itself is awesome in that it shares its name with one the best video games with eight bit graphics ever released. The title track opens the album and showcases lead singer and guitarist Alex White’s sometimes smooth, sometimes unrefined vocals. She, by turns, sounds like Kim Gordon, Patti Smith and sometimes even Stevie Nicks. Speaking of Kim Gordon, much of Dubble Dragon lives in that noisy, experimental place Sonic Youth’s records live in; White Mystery, however, is usually much heavier. White’s lyrics drip with angst and

sarcasm whether she’s telling the story of a powerful sorcerer on “Klaymor the Wizard,” or chanting simple negatives on “NO!” The fourth track, “Yea You’re Welcome,” (I think she means it ironically) is probably the best example; you can practically hear the middle finger rising from her tonsils, while the fifth track, “About Luv” contains the most insightful lyrics of the album. The guitar licks on the opener feature that up stroke power chord in the old Pixies style, but as the album progresses, the super fuzzy distortion becomes the identifying attribute in White’s guitar arsenal. She does not shy away from heavy, not for long. Her brother is Francis Scott Key White, he plays drums and penned the Star Spangled Banner (unless Wikipedia has failed to be a reliable source). The red headed siblings are as ginger as ginger can be, ginger before ginger was sexy. They also happen to model jeans for Levi.

They have played in 44 states and in 20 countries, but this will be their second time playing in Arkansas and their first VOV. “We’re very excited about it,” Alex White said. “It looks so amazing and cool.” They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Weezer and Garbage. White said their biggest influences are The Who, The Cramps and The Stooges, who they actually got a chance to play with when Iggy Pop joined the band that made him famous for a reunion a few years ago. White said they are a totally independent band. Oh, and they have little in common with a cer tain rock duo with a similar name, although, White said, “we actually stayed with Meg White once.”

Dubble Dragon is available on vinyl and digital download at whitemysteryband.com/ music. A new White Mystery album will be available April 20, 2015.

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ALBUMS ON REVIEW < MUTTS OBJECT PERMENENCE

Mutts is a Chicago-based trio who play a sweet and lowdown brand of bluesy rock – they call it “grounge” – that belongs in every piano lounge – and independent music festival – across the U.S. Mike Maimone and Bob Buckstaff formed the band in Gainsevill, Fla. in 2009 and eventually relocated to the Windy City. They went through some drummers before finally adding Chris Pagnani in early 2012. Object Permenence is Mutts’ fifth release and second full-length album. They’re a completely independent band who funded their establishment through Kickstarter. The 2014 release begins with Mutts’ not-so-serious approach to piano rock. “No one Left” is about being a guy or band or guy in a band with no one left around to care, so they plan to burn it down, “with your permission, of course.” The second song, “No Loot” continues the theme, celebrating the fact that you don’t have to worry about being mugged if you got no loot. It’s fun and hilarious. The album gets a little more somber and profound as it progresses. It begins and progresses much like a Tom Waits album. Actually, a lot of what Mutts does is like a Tom Waits album. Maimone’s vocal range and raspy, throaty voice are nearly identical to those of Tom Waits. I write that with the utmost admiration. Tom Waits is awesome. Mutts is awesome. Just don’t expect a totally original act here. They’re original compositions, of course, and they lyrically cover all the bases. “Prizefighter,” the fifth track, is a gloomy relationship blues song. The following tracks present a similar tone. Object Permanence is a great album, but would’ve benefited from a slightly different arrangement. It begins upbeat, then gets sad and stays sad. Perhaps the third track, “Pickpocket,” belongs at the end, but hey, maybe I’m nitpicking. Mutts will play on St. Patrick’s Day at Maxine’s Live and will grace the stage at the VOV on Sunday March 22. Check out Object Permanence on their website muttsmusic.com.

< NOTS WE ARE NOTS

Since 2012, NOTS has imposed themselves upon the Memphis rock scene. The foursome is an all-female outfit who makes Blondie look and sound like Josie and the Pussycats and makes Josie and the Pussycats look like pussies. Guitarist Natalie Hoffman and drummer Charlotte Watson formed NOTS nearly three years ago and along the way to recording their first album added Madison Farmer on bass and Alexandra Eastburn on keyboard. We Are NOTS kicks off hard with “Insect Eyes” and never slows down, not for a second. Literally. NOTS is old school no shit hardcore punk rock in the vein of the Germs and G.G. Allin. Don’t mistake “old school” for “prototypical.” NOTS breaks the mold in a couple ways. Most obviously, they’re women. Attractive women. But also, Eastburn’s keyboard synthesizer adds an experimental electronic element that wasn’t present in the West coast hardcore movement. Hoffman provides most of the vocalization but all four members harmonize, so to speak, on several tracks. Watson hits the drums hard, being sure to crash a cymbal when it’s appropriate and the guitar holds true to the punk rock power chord recipe, down stroke only. The song titles, from “Insect Eyes” to “Black Mold” to “Televangelist” give the listener a glimpse into angst and rage that fuel that album. NOTS makes frequent use of the every-member-of-the-band chant chorus on nearly every track, and most effectively on the third track, “Reactor.” The lyrics are as livid and sardonic as the track titles. NOTS is a pure punk band who restores authenticity to the movement. There is no gimmick in their style, neither musically nor physically. They neither rely upon nor play down their physical beauty and they treat their music with a similar philosophy. We are NOTS is a fast paced display of NOTS’s self-glossed “weird punk” and is available on vinyl from Goner Records and on Sound Cloud. They will rock the VOV on Sunday, March 22.

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Reviews by Joshua James #hshotspots

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SHANE SIMANTON (AR) Blues, Classic Rock ATM JAZZ (AR) Jazz THE SMITTLE BAND (AR) Rock, Trans Sonic BRIAN MARTIN (AR) Roots, Folk, Soul CHUCK DODSON & JOE V. MCMAHAN (AR/TN) Jazz THE REEL BAND (AR) Irish; KILBURN HIGHROAD (AR) Irish THE REEL BAND (AR) Irish; KILBURN HIGHROAD (AR) Irish JACOB FURR (TX) Rock JUSTIN WALKER COUNTRY (AR) Country ANNA MAE (MN) Folk STEPHEN NEEPER & THE WILDHEARTS (AR) Country

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LIVE SHOW LISTINGS

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A PERFECT UNION

arts

GEOMETRIC WOOD SCULPTURES & MIXED MEDIA MAKE BEAUTIFUL SYMMETRY

Story by Josh Williams

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Delores Justus owns an ar t gallery that has been a staple in downtown Hot Springs for more than a decade. It has always represented the outstanding work of established and emerging ar tists alike. Exhibiting a wide range of mediums and styles, there is always something new and intriguing to experience at Justus. The next ar tist to be featured at the gallery fits right in with its mission of perpetually providing both interesting and beautiful displays. Justus Fine Ar t Gallery will feature a solo exhibition of Robyn Horn’s geometric wood sculptures and mixed media paintings during the month of March this year. The show will open with a reception from 5-9 p.m., on Friday, March 6 in conjunction with the monthly Hot Springs Gallery Walk. Robyn will be giving a brief gallery talk at 6:30 p.m. during the show’s opening. The exhibit will be on display from March 6-31, 2015. Robyn’s unique style of accentuating the

union of positive and negative spaces in natural materials and the hard lines of geometry is quite a sight to behold. “I am drawn to abstract, geometric sculpture, the volume of it, the form, the textures, the negative spaces.” states Robyn. “I am obsessed with tension and movement, the gestural qualities of sculpture. I believe that the individual character of the material can be preserved by the inspiration of the ar tist, that they can both exist by the combining of the curving lines of nature, together with the angular lines of geometry, resulting in a gentle merging of the two entities, one working with the other in a union of souls. I am influenced by the nature of the material and its resistance to being changed. I think in terms of wood and stone, of the things of which nature is made, of the ease with which nature develops into shapes and forms, created throughout centuries

of accumulated time. I persist in seeing sculpture in a purely visceral way, line and mass, the interplay of angles and planes to create effects of light and shadow, with a strong emphasis on visual grace, and a sense of structural strength and unity.” Robyn Horn’s work has been collected and exhibited by museums and galleries throughout the nation and abroad. Public collections include: The National Museum of American Art, Renwick Gallery, Washington D.C.; Museum of Arts and Design, New York, N.Y.; Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Mass.; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Tx.; White House Collection of American Crafts, Clinton Library, Little Rock, Ark.; Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, Ark.; Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, Mass.; Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz.; Long Beach Museum of Art, Long Beach, Calif.; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, Calif.;

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Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, Ala.; Wood Turning Center, Philadelphia, Pa.; Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn.; Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans, La.; North Carolina State University, Gregg Museum of Art & Design, Raleigh, N.C.; Mint Museum of Craft & Design, Charlotte, N.C.; Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit, Mich.; Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Gatlinburg,Tenn.; and many others. Horn has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the ar t world and founded the group, Collectors of Wood Ar t, where she now serves as President of the Board. She is also a member of the Advisory Committee for the

San Francisco Museum of Craft & Design, San Francisco, Calif.; and of the Whar ton Esherick Museum in Paoli, Pa. And, her awards are resounding and plentiful. Robyn is a native of For t Smith, Ark. She earned her B.A. from Hendrix College in Conway, and currently resides with her husband, John, in Little Rock. The opening reception is held in conjunction with the Hot Springs Gallery Walk, which takes place from 5-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month in downtown Hot Springs. Her work will be displayed the remonainder of the month, for gallery hours call 501-321-2335 or visit online at www.justusfinear t.com

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SUBMIT YOUR CREATIVE WRITING, EDITORIAL IDEAS or Photography! BEGINNING IN APRIL, WE WILL BE ADDING SEVERAL NEW COLUMNS, a Creative writing section from our readers and A MONTHLY PHOTO SUBMISSION CONTEST. FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE /HSHotSpots AND LOOK OUT FOR OUR COMMUNITY PLANNING SESSIONS! 13 #hshotspots

PHILANTHROPIST 2.0

GIVING

THe New Version of a Helping Hand is Younger Than You

Story by Josh Williams

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Giving back to your community is one thing, but giving back to the whole planet is something else entirely. It is even more impressive when the one doing the giving is only 16 years old. 16. What does a 16-yearold have to offer, besides an acne laden face and a bad attitude? How about $500,000 given to dozens of youth charities and countless hours of volunteer work in the past five years. Hard to believe? That’s exactly what Kye Masino has done. Kye Masino seems like a normal teenager from Hot Springs at first glance. He has dogs, reads the Lord of the Rings series, practices Jujitsu, and is a bit awkward with personal questions. But when you dig a little deeper, you find out he is anything but typical. He’s quite extraordinary, in fact. He is a high school student enrolled in advanced studies through Johns Hopkins and Cambridge universities, and he has done more at 16 than most people do in a lifetime.

In 2008, at the ripe old age of nine, Kye founded KYE-YAC International, a nonprofit organization which does most of its work through the non-profit sector. It also gets contributions from business and government leaders. The organization sponsors mentoring programs for the youth in the Hot Springs area. Kye’s personal contributions include being a child advocate and grief therapist, and he has been recognized on a national level for these accomplishments. Governor Beebe declared Kye Masino to be a “Cultural ambassador to the world. Kye represents the best of our young people, if you think about what he’s done, it’s really phenomenal.” Last month, Kye was appointed to the 2015 National Youth Leadership Council board. The NYLC serves the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots program. This is the institute’s global environmental and humanitarian youth

program, which connects youth of all ages who share a desire to create a better world. Over 10,000 members representing more than 130 countries across the globe are part of the group, and Kye is the only board member from Arkansas. With this honorable appointment, Kye has an opportunity to do even more for his community and moreover, the entire planet. While sitting down with Kye, I asked him who his inspiration was. He replied with, “I would probably say my grandmother. She was such a kind and giving person, she taught me the way to treat people, and she also taught me that I have to give back to the community if I really want to make a difference.” His grandma isn’t his only inspiration. He said, “From a public standpoint, I think that Martin Luther King, Jr. is probably my next biggest influence. He changed the world, and the opinions of many people. He was probably one of the greatest leaders our world has ever seen.”

hot springs Kye also dabbles in the arts. He filmed a documentary for the C-Span Student Cam contest three years ago at the age of thirteen entitled, “Government Wa$te.” It documented how the federal government mis-appropriates funds, and what role we the people can play in rectifying the situation. If the public gets more involved with voting and pays more attention to civic activities, then the people have a stronger voice. He’s right. There is safety in numbers. He took third place in the contest. Not bad for someone who is barely old enough to drive.

She will be discussing her new book, and will give NYLC an opportunity for a Q and A session afterwards.

It is really refreshing to see the younger generation take charge on important issues. To see what Kye has done in the few years he has been on this planet is truly impressive. In April, Kye, along with the rest of the NYLC, is going to Washington D.C. to attend a lecture from none other than Jane Goodall herself.

On April 4th, KYE-YAC International will be hosting its next event, the Journey to Japan 5K Fun Run. The race will take place at Whittington Park, starting at 7:30 a.m. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the price is $30 the day of the race. Pre-race registration is $20 for students and $25 for

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Toward the end of my interview with Kye, I asked him the one thing that he would like to see more of in our community. He said, “Really, I just want to see a more philanthropic approach and steadiness. I want to see more people and businesses giving back to the community. I want to see more of an impact than what is happening right now. I want to see more positive change from everybody.”

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adults. This event is a fundraiser that will benefit the Hannamaki Sister City Foundation student scholarship. These kids who get the opportunity to go visit our sister city halfway around the globe are trying to get there with funds that they raise themselves, and having a 5K is a great way to do it. Kye is already teaching kids how to be a productive member of society, and that it takes hard work and dedication to make a real difference in our community. It sure was enjoyable sitting down and meeting this kid. If our society churns out more like Kye, we might not end up destroying ourselves. For more information on Kye, the National Youth Leadership Council, or the Journey to Japan 5K Fun Run, go to http://www. janegoodall.org/2015-council or call 501467-1353.

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VOV MUSIC FESTIVAL

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A c o n v e r s at i o n w i t h f e s t i va l organizer Bill Solleder Story by Joshua James

Volunteers “The entire festival is run by volunteers,” Bill Solleder, festival organizer said. “They’re amazing and it creates this great sense of family.” Among them are loyal, key participants like Bethannie Newsom Steelman who publishes the “VOV Fanzine” and donates commemorative paintings for the silent auction and Sallie Culbreth, the volunteer coordinator. One thing you won’t see at the VOV is Chris Seidl, who volunteered at the festival every previous year. “Chris is working in Australia this year,” Solleder said. “It sucks he can’t be here.”

Peelander Z A Japanese action comic punk band who put on quite a show. This will be their third VOV, and they’ll close out the festival on the final night. “They look like Power Rangers,” Solleder said. “And by the end of the show they won’t have their instruments because they’ll have given them to people in the audience.”

3 4

Pallbearer This Arkansas metal band is quickly making a name for themselves. There aren’t many Arkansas bands on the festival schedule this year, so make sure you don’t miss these guys.

Blood, Sweat and Tears The shows at the VOV are notorious for performer-audience intimacy (not that kind of intimacy, pervis). “There aren’t many festivals out there where a barrier doesn’t keep you 20 feet from the stage,” Solleder said. “There’s no barrier at the VOV.”

Underground films Each night at 8 a documentary film will be screened at DeLuca’s Pizzeria. Checkout “A Band Called Death” about three teenage African-American brothers who formed a punk band in their family’s spare bedroom, before anyone had ever heard of a punk band.

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

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The skinn y-jeans and facial hair fashion combo Oh, come on, have a sense of humor. And really, you’ll see a lot of this.

Trail Shows Every day at noon a different artist will host a free unplugged show at a city park. Solleder said they’re all going to be great, but the one not to miss is Ryan Cassata, a transgendered man who has been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. He has delivered his message on Larry King Live and the Tyra Banks show to name a couple platforms. He’ll be at Hollywood Park on Tuesday, March 24.

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Secret Shows Every night at 6 is a different performer, the location of which won’t be revealed until the day of the show. Solleder highly recommends The Shivas, a Portlandbased band who will play on Sunday, March 22. Alumni A festival that prides itself on the relationship the organizers have built with the artists is bound to have some repeat performers: Jamaican Queens, My Gold Mask, Waterliars, Two-Cow Garage, Bruiser Queen, Blacklist Royals, Schwervon! Peelander Z and I can’t promise I haven’t missed anyone.

Workshops Every day at 3 p.m. an artist will host a workshop to help others with their craft. J.D. Wilkes will host two actually. “Wilkes is a banjo and harmonica player and a comics artist,” Solleder said. “The banjo and harmonica workshop is Saturday and the comics is Sunday.”

After partys! I wasn’t supposed to mention this one, so technically it doesn’t count.

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SCIENCE MUSEUM

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It’s Science O n e P l a c e i n Ga r l a n d C o u n t y i s F i g h t i n g A g a i n s t t h e Wa r o n S c i e n c e Story by Josh Williams

“It’s Science.” The famous statement from Ron Burgundy about the immense size and power of the adult male brain was the first thing that came to mind when we walked into 500 Mid America Boulevard. It was the first thing that came to my mind, anyway. But not from Ron’s boorish, chauvinistic point of view. More from the “Good lands, that’s a lot of science!” point of view. I had experienced the Museum previously, but never like this. The recently renovated Mid America Science Museum has undergone some major reconstructive surgery, and it looks better than Suzanne Somers ever did, even in her “Three’s Company” days. While probably spending less. We’ll get to that. But first a little history lesson...quit your whining. Those who don’t recognize the past, are doomed to repeat it. Mid-America Science Museum was designed as the first interactive, informal learning environment in Arkansas when the Arkansas Museum and Cultural Commission was established in 1971. It was in 1974 when the State Commission, who governed the museum, opened its first offices in the Medical Arts Building in downtown Hot Springs National Park. This location fostered the development of the original exhibit designs, some time passes and…BANG! Science and art had a baby. The Museum opened to the public on January 20th, 1979. On April 22nd of the same year, Hot Spring’s mayor proclaimed it Mid America Day, and then Governor

Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

Clinton dedicated the museum in a grand opening ceremony. Since its inception, the museum has been held in very high regard. It has won numerous awards and received many honors throughout its history. It was featured in the January 1980 issue of Southern Living; it received the Henry Award from the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in 1982; it won the Parent’s Choice award for the Best Museum for Families in 1995; NASA selected it as Arkansas’ official Star Station One site(an educational program dedicated to the International Space Station); and I could go on. The museum’s highest honor, though, came in November of 2001. It became only the 19th museum in the United States to be selected as a Smithsonian Affiliate, and the first institution from Arkansas. Receiving this prestigious honor could have been the result of The Arkansas Depar tment of Parks and Tourism, who owned the museum, handing over the reins to the Hot Springs Adver tising and Promotion Commission earlier that June. In 2003, the Museum par tnered with The Donald W. Reynolds foundation and its subsidiary, the Arkansas Children’s Museums Discovery Network. In late 2004, the Museum began effor ts to reassemble as a private 501c(3) non-profit organization, and operates today with an independent board of directors. #hshotspots

SCIENCE MUSEUM

Now, I want to get back to this $7.8 million grant that the museum received from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. $7.8 million. That is equal to Kendall J. Powellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salary last year. The CEO of General Mills. Big bucks. That means a revamp of epic proportions, for those who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t familiar with the museum already. That means state-of-the-art exhibits unique to Mid-America. Like a phoenix from the ashes, this revitalized version of the museum will offer stronger bonds between itself and its visitors, becoming more relevant to their everyday lives. Teachers will have better tools. The appeal to the children will increase dramatically. This is a heavy and worthwhile investment. After all, the Museum has a reputation to uphold. Along with its fresh educational vision, Mid-America has also updated its standing as a strong family tourist destination. Together, the renovation of the interior and major new outdoor experiences will create a more distinctive and memorable getaway for visitors. And how memorable a visit will be. The fascinating new exhibits are grouped into different categories such as Marvelous Motion, Light Bridge, The Bob Wheeler Skywalk and Arkansas Underfoot to name a few. All of these categories provide a unique experience on their own, let alone jammed together in a smorgasbord of stimuli. Listen to just a few of these new treasures the Mid-America will have on display for your intellectual pleasure:

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Marvelous Motion

Peanut Fountain: Packing peanuts descend like snowfall on a giant fabric funnel. Vertical Wave Machine: Operators can send torsional waves up and down a 21 foot tall set of parallel rods. Spindrift: Shiny metal disks are sent spinning and flopping into erratic and nearly incoherent behavior in a shallow acrylic bowl. Do/Undo: Visitors perform movements in a space and can immediately playback their movements forwards or backwards. Spinning Patterns: Visitors run their fingers and other tools through the sand atop a slowly rotating disk to create a variety of interesting relief patterns.

Light Bridge

Time Lapse Viewer: Watch the construction of the Skywalk across the span of a year. Invisible Stained Glass: Polarizing film and a plastic sheet are placed in front of a window. A remote viewer brings colors to life. Multiple Lens Wall: A grid of Fresnel lenses creates an array of upside down worlds on a sheet of frosted acrylic.

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The Bob Wheeler Skywalk

These are only about half of the exhibits you find on display at the new Museum. I almost forgot to mention the brand new, 50-seat Oaklawn Foundation Digital Dome Theatre that is a true planetarium theatre, and will be a key component in promoting the continued study of the universe. There are also demonstration stations that provide an area for visitors to interact with live exhibits, there is a model steam engine, a thermal camera, an oversized functional music box that can be tuned, an interactive two-story water sculpture, an animation station where visitors can make their own cartoons, a magnetic labyrinth, an electric drum set, the biggest Tesla coil in the world…..you get the idea.

Arkansas Underfoot

I caught up with Jim Miller, Director of Marketing for the Museum, on our visit. He said that it had been a long time coming for the Museum, and the renovation was definitely a needed investment. “I’m proud to be a part of it. It has been a real collaborative effort. From the expertise and generous donations of the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission and the grants from the Reynolds Foundation, to the contributions from Global Studios at the Exploratorium-San Francisco, from Nabholz Construction handling the in-house maintenance to SkySkn installing all the digital software for the digital zone…I’m extremely proud of what the Museum has become, and it wouldn’t be possible without the help and contributions of these wonderful people and organizations. I just want the community to get more involved. I want the museum to reach out to businesses, I want to get the college (National Park Community College) students in here, this place isn’t just for kids. It’s for everybody.”

Cloud Gate: Water is pumped at high pressure through nozzles lining the walkway and shrouds participants in mist. Musical Bench: Visitors sit side by side on a bench with their outside hands resting on copper plates. When the visitors touch their inside hands together, it completes an electrical circuit and music emanates. People-Watching Bench: Graphics on the bench invite visitors to observe the characteristics exhibited by other visitors as they experience the museum. “Teleidoscope”: Visitors look out at their surroundings through mirrored tubes that create a beautiful kaleidoscope effect of the natural surroundings.

Mastodon: This classic makes its way back to the exhibit floor, now in a new location. This complete fossil is one of the highlights. Rock Smasher: Visitors lift a heavy weight, then let it crash onto a pile of rocks. Over time, the rocks are turned to sand. Microfossil Scope: A high resolution video microscope allows visitors to look deeply at a variety of micro-fossil bits, sor ting them into categories or comparing samples. AR Sandbox: A “Kinect” camera and projector make a simple sandbox into an intriguing interface for learning about land formations and watersheds. Energy from Death: A terrarium offers visitors the chance to see the step-bystep process of decay in the form of a rat’s skeleton picked clean by Dermestid beetles over the course of weeks.

The new Museum is pretty awesome. I suggest you visit. It’s nice to see that a major player in our community is embracing and promoting the essential role that science plays in our lives. The Museum is engaging families at their own levels of interest, and trying to guide them to a deeper level of understanding of the world around us. Smart move, Mid-America. Smart move. #hshotspots

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March Madness 2015 T o p T e n E x c u s e s f o r Ca l l i n g I n t o W o r k D u r i n g t h e T o u r n a m e n t , a n d W h e r e t o Ca t c h A l l t h e A c t i o n

Story by Josh Williams Photography by Jeremy Rodgers #hshotspots

MARCH MADNESS T his is a great time of year . E verything comes back to life . W arm weather is on the horizon and we all still have time to make good on our resolutions. G o enjoy the tournament, support the H ogs, and E N J OY T H E V E N U E S O F H OT S P R I N G S

The month of March brings with it many different things. Springtime is one thing that March ushers in. Warmer weather is usually welcome after the Februarys that we get. Nature comes out of hibernation and gives us reason to get back up and become productive members of society. Our town’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is always interesting, but that’s only one night of drinking and debauchery. The VOV is totally rad in every way, but it only lasts five days. The NCAA basketball tournament, however, lasts the entire month. Now, with 68 teams vying for the college basketball championship trophy, there are a total of 67 games in “the big dance.” 67 games between March 17th and April 6th. That’s 3 weeks. 21 days. With an average of 3 games a day, that means our eyes are glued to the TV for about six hours every day in that span….Work? Work? Ain’t nobody got time for that. With that being said, here is a list of the top ten excuses used when calling into work, and where you can go enjoy your “Marchcation” in Hot Springs…

“I’m sick”—Classic. This usually works, especially if you can produce a real scratchy voice and a disgusting, phlegm filled cough. Be careful, though. Keep track of the last time you used this one, and make sure you haven’t caught the flu twice in the last month. Remedy: Deluca’s Pizzeria—They have a flatscreen TV, and definitely some of the sickest pizza in town.

“My _______ died”. Don’t scoff. You know you’ve used this one before. I know you’ve used this before. I’ve used this one before. Take caution again , of course. The inter vals between the “death in the family excuse” should be much longer than a month; I suggest a year at minimum. Visitation: Chili’s—Recent renovations and a pretty good menu make this a definite spot to “pay your respects”

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“I’m waiting on________ to get here.” Now, whether it’s the plumber, cable guy or the electrician, make sure you state that “I have to be here when they show up, or I have to reschedule.” Just be prepared, some bosses may ask you to produce a receipt, and that could be disastrous. Appointment: Classics Bar & Grill—An old faithful in Hot Springs for “classic” bar food & a room full of TVs, including a projector big screen, it’s a great place to run to because after your lame excuse, you might really have to leave the country. “My kid’s out of school and I can’t find a babysitter.” This is usually a fail-safe, and problems normally don’t arise from this one. You should be ashamed, though, using your flesh and blood as an excuse for your laziness… Day Care: Bleu Monkey Grill--With National Trivia Network, several TVs and a diversified menu, the hours will fly by as you are taken care of….of course, make sure you are a parent to begin with, or this one just won’t make sense. “I have jury duty.” This one is pretty viable, too. We all have our civic duty to perform, and it’s pretty hard to break the law and put yourself in the crosshairs of the state; your boss should understand. Selection Process: Buffalo Wild Wings—with about 60 TVs and almost two dozen flavors of wings, this place is a no-brainer. Just make sure you have a few hours to devote as this place operates at a fairly slow pace.

“I can’t move.” Whether you’ve thrown your back out, have ver tigo, or a sprained knee, being immobile is usually a good reason to skip work. Just be prepared for those bosses that want you to “work from home” and want to “bring some paperwork to your house.” Hiding out: Steinhaus Keller—With a fantastic selection of craft beers, exotic German fare, and a nice place to “hideout underground”, this place makes is an easy choice.

“I’m incarcerated.” Not much else to say here. With caller ID being a standard feature on phones today though, you might actually want to go down to the jail and ask to use their phone. Don’t call your boss saying “I’m in jail”, from your cell phone. Breakout: 3B’s—With TVs, affordable drinks and food items, and several pool tables, this speakeasy is definitely a place where you could end up staying quite a while. “The roads are iced over.” Now, you can usually get away with this after a winter weather event. It’s kind of hard to deny it, actually. Just don’t push it. You could have an over-zealous boss who is already at work and will offer to come pick you up at home. Not good. Hitch a Ride: Copper Penny—With a dozen TVs and Irish themed fare, this place offers a more than suitable option, even if you’re not pulling for Notre Dame. “I have a personal matter to attend to.” This one works if you have a good relationship with your boss. Don’t take advantage of this one, though. You could lose your job and a confidant if you’re not careful. Tell a Secret: Hawgs Pizza—With a fresh revamp, TVs, lots of room, poker tables and great pizza, this place is pretty tough to beat. “But it’s the Hogs!!!” As of press time, the Razorbacks were 22-5 and in the top 20 in the country. This is the first time in almost a decade that they will be selected to take par t in the tournament. Just be honest with your boss, and make sure to invite them along with you. You’d be surprised what a little honesty will get ya these days… WPS!!!: Razorback Pizza HS is the go to place for all your March Madness needs this year. Newly added craft beers, nice HDTVs and just about the best food value in town make this establishment number one on this list. #hshotspots

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SHORTEST PARADE

Short & Irish The First Ever 12th Annual World’s Shortest S t . Pa t r i c k ’ s Day Pa r a d e a n d W h a t i t M e a n s for the Rest of the Universe

Story by Josh Williams

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Photography by Jeremy Rodgers

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Every St. Patrick’s Day, the denizens of Hot Springs converge on Bridge street like Patricius on a shamrock. More than 30,000 people line the streets of downtown Hot Springs near Spencer’s Corner every March 17, and experiment with more compounds than Robert Boyle in a chemistry lab. Seriously. It’s crazy. But you already know that…or do you? We apparently are seasoned vets when it comes to leaving, in our wake, a mass of green Mardi Gras beads, bright orange wristbands and crushed plastic cups on Central Avenue during late winter every year, but it hasn’t been that long since our version didn’t even exist. It was only 2004 when the First Ever First Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in Hot Springs. It was the brain-child of an Arkansan of Irish descent, with a few pints of Guinness in him, and few of his close friends. They were sitting in a bar on Spencer’s Corner in 2003, situated next to 98-foot-long Bridge street, the world’s shortest functional street, when they came up with the the town’s next big tourist attraction. The parade caught national attention, and also contention from a couple other groups in the country, saying theirs was shorter. Whatever, other groups. Bridge street is 98 feet. That’s like running to first base after hitting a baseball. There is no way your street is shorter than ours. Come at me, bro. After a little research, it was revealed that one of the challengers’ events was not so much a parade as a bunch of people wandering around in a city park, like grazing cattle. The Hot Springs Parade organizers notified the second challenger that the title would remain in Hot Springs even if that meant marching in place, or better yet, backwards. The challenger has yet to reply after numerous inquiries. Since securing its current designation, our parade has done nothing but grow stronger every year. And our part of the globe takes notice. Celebrities nationwide join the festivities every year. Well, I wouldn’t call Pauly Shore a celebrity, but hey, Mike Rowe is on the Discovery Channel. And Tim Matheson was one of the founders of National Lampoon. And John Corbett was pretty good on Northern Exposure. And, well, I’m not allowed to say what I want to say about the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. So, yeah. Our St. Patty’s Day celebration is climbing up the ranks rather quickly. This year, NASCAR legend Mark Martin will be at the helm for the parade. Just like every year, the grand marshal will be accompanied by a combination of 40 marching units,

decorated floats, dancing troupes, bands and other performance artists. Throw in the Arkansas Blarney Stone kissing contest, giant leprechauns, a pack of marching Irish Wolfhounds and the International Order of the Marching Irish Elvi (that’s right, Elvis in the plural form), and you’ve got yourself one hell of a parade. I can’t explain it. You just have to see it for yourself. The conclusion of the parade is usually one of the best after parties in the country. There are so many great food and beverage vendors in the area encompassing Bridge street and the surrounding block of Spencer’s Corner. That’s good because you will work up an appetite. Brick House Grill provides your standard Americana cuisine, Steinhaus Keller will satisfy your German appetite, Picante’s Mexican fare is a fine option, and this year, The Copper Penny Pub is your stop if you want to stand with tradition and go Irish. I recommend the latter. C’mon, it’s St. Patty’s Day. Plus, a Reuben and some Guinness infused Irish stew from Copper Penny Pub is hard to beat. After, or during, your replenishment, make your way to the intersection of Bridge and Malvern to catch this years featured band, the Swon Brothers, who are taking the country music world by storm. Zachary and Colton Swon ascended the country music charts last September with their hit single “Later On.” The Oklahoma natives and favorites from season 4 of NBC’s “The Voice” grew up right down the road from Carrie Underwood, and they are really excited to be headlining this year’s parade. Having all the celebrities descend on Hot Springs to galavant with us downtown every March 17 is pretty cool. It’s just more publicity for our great community. But, like any other event in Hot Springs, this parade is organic. This parade isn’t held because celebrities are present. Celebrities are present because we hold this parade. Events take place because of the kinship and solidarity the people of Hot Springs share with each other. We want to show the world that this is a very unique place. We support each other. We want to prove that teamwork, dedication and a flare for the dramatic can make quite a statement to the rest of the world. We, as a collective, are one of the most interesting groups of people on the planet. Our community of 40,000 strong produces some amazing things. This parade is no exception. The rest of the world is starting to realize that. Now, if we can just figure out how to travel at light speed, we can start telling the rest of the galaxy. #hshotspots

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SOUTH ON MAIN

WORTH THE DRIVE

LITTLE ROCK VENUE BRINGS THE MUSIC, THE FARE, AND EVEN HOT SPRINGS’ OWN

Story by Josh Williams

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You are probably familiar with our “Worth the Drive” installment, in which we showcase a certain business that we think you should visit, even if you have to travel a bit to get there. This next establishment fits the theme like a glove. I’m referring to a certain eatery in Little Rock that is revolutionizing the way we enjoy ourselves. I know an hour jaunt down I-30 doesn’t seem like that long of a journey, but with gas prices back on the rise, it qualifies. I’m mean, I’m just trying to make a livin’ and doin’ the best I can. South on Main, located at 1304 South Main in Little Rock, is a chic performance venue disguised as a sophisticated, yet unpretentious, eating place…with a full bar. This spacious bistro provides a revolutionary cultural and culinary experience that focuses on the best of what the American South has to offer. Picture a fairly large, freshly refinished stage with new LED lights and a fantastic sound system that provides a platform, for artists of all makes and models, to present their craft, while its visitors sample an array of

delectable and affordable menu offerings created by Chef Matthew Bell. On a personal note, I recommend the Spicy Breaded Chicken Sandwich. Chick-Fil-A doesn’t hold a candle. It comes with a fresh cabbage and red bell pepper slaw. And make sure you get an order of THE best French fries in the state. According to their website, \southonmain.com, the venue “presents programming related to the content of the Oxford American magazine, including musical performances, literary readings and film screenings, making it the place where the Oxford American goes ‘from the page to the stage.’ The venue’s multi-discipline programming provides a forum for established and unknown artists to perform in front of an appreciative audience, providing a full culinary, artistic and educational immersion in Southern culture.” This place would do extremely well in our re-emerging community. Speaking of our community, one of Hot Springs’ own, and best musicians, is getting the opportunity to perform at this tantalizing venue.

Chuck Dodson and Joe McMahan will be performing together on the stage at South on Main on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. These gentlemen are multi-instrument artists and Hot Springs legends in their own right, and together they could write their own piece of history. Chuck says “Joe and I are playing music that sounds about a hundred years old. When blues and jazz were rough and raw and rock-n-roll was like a newborn horse trying to get up on its legs… It’s been hard work, following the style of some of the best piano players who ever lived. It’s not the easiest thing writing original music that sounds a hundred years old. Our show is funny, gritty, it’s got soul, blues, jazz, gospel, rock-n-roll. We play barrel house, gut bucket, low down, rocking, side-stepping, bend-over-backwards-and-touchthe-floor music. Not many people are doing this.” Make sure you plan a trip to South on Main on March 11. You just may have the chance to be a part of revolutionary history., with great music and awesome food in a killer atmosphere.

hot springs

MARCH

EVENT CALENDAR 6 Gallery Walk

at Historic Downtown Hot Springs

14 Casa Bella hosts local

21-22 JAMfest

at Casa Bella, 325 Broadway

22 Arkansas

novelist K. Chrisbacher

6-31 Robyn Horn Exhibition at 15 Stardust Big Band Justus Fine Art Gallery at Justus Fine Art Gallery, 827a Central

at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa

7 REOPENING of the

Beauty and the Bride, 2015 Hot Springs Bridal Expo

Mid-America Science Museum

at Mid-America Science Museum

SPA CITY MOUNTAIN BIKE MARATHON at Cedar Glades Park

11 BEGinning Jewelry Making at Garvan Woodland Gardens

12-14 Arkansas High School State Basketball Finals

at Bank of the Ozarks Arena

13-15 The Muses Project presents “Celtic Spring”

at The Muses Cultural Center/ Garvan Woodland Gardens

at Hot Springs Country Club

17 First Ever

at Bank of the Ozarks Arena

Symphony Orchestra at Garvan Gardens at Garvan Woodland Gardens

27-28 Archery Shooting Sports Tournament

at Hot Springs Convention Center

12th Annual World’s Shortest Eggscellent Easter! St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Garvan Woodland Gardens

at Downtown Hot Springs

20-24 11th Ann. APR 3 Gallery Walk Valley of the Vapors Independent Music APR 4 ROCK PORCH SESSIONS Festival at Historic Downtown Hot Springs

at Various Venues in Downtown Hot Springs

21 BREAKING THE CHAINS

CAR & BIKE SHOW

at Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport

FEATURING MIDNIGHT PARADE

at Grove Park, Hot Springs Village

KYE-YAC INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL JOURNEY TO JAPAN 5K FUN RUN at Whittington Park #hshotspots

Proceeds to Benefit Sister City

Foundation Student Scholarship

5k Run/Walk

April 4, 2015

Race begins at 7:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

Whittington Park

Registration prior to the Event - $25 Adult, $20 Students Registration on Race Day - $30

All checks should be made payable to Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation and mailed to: HS Sister City Program, 134 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs, AR 71`901 and received prior to April 1. hshotspots.com

For more information, call 501-467-1353.