Ouachita High Country Magazine - Fall 2014

the

Perfect

Cast

Fly Fishing the Ouachitas

Wild Game of Fall

The Whitewater Tribe Fall Inspired Recipes

Plus: Bonnie Montgomery Longhua Xu Oktoberfest is Near Ou a c hit a H ighCo u ntr y .com 1

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“Where High Country Meets Downtown”

Fine Jewelry, Crystals, Minerals, Fossils & More

“Kayaks Welcome” 801 Central, Hot Springs, AR 71901

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Contents

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What’s Inside

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The Perfect Cast

Fly Fishing the Ouachitas Knee Deep in the Waters of High Country

Fall Fun with Furry Friends

Responsible & Healthy Hiking Trips with Man’s Best Friend

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Ouachita Rides

Cycling and Biking the Region from Trails to Highways

The Whitewater Tribe

Long History, Unique Language, Customs and Ceremonial Dress Makes for Deep Group Ties

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ART

Creative Director Marisa Rodgers

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COPY

Chief Writer Jim G. Miller Copy Editor Carl Miller Contributing Writers Ciara Cerrato Jeremy Mackey Chris Summerville Michele Cole

P H OTO

Chief Photographer/Photo Editor Jeremy Rodgers

Departments New to the Ouachitas

Entertaining

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Ouachita Disc Golf A New Flight Path for a Classic Game

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Wild Game of Fall

Rod & Gun Club Welcomes Its First Hunting Season

Levi Hospital

Celebrating One Hundred Years of Healing

Fare

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18

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Kelly Bales Darlene Simpson

A Harvesttime Tablescape

Ouachita High Country is a production of Destination Design Initiative, pending 501c3 in partnership with Hot Springs Village.

Fall Inspired Recipes from Itz Gud Fud Create an Abundant Table to Gather Around this Season

Glance Back

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Steinhaus Keller Dwellers Unite for Hearty International Food & Bier

Haunting Springs

A Spooky Spa Town Excursion

A Voice & a Six-String

Listening to Arkansas’ Country Sweetheart Bonnie Montgomery

A Legacy of Art

Sculpting Mother Nature: The Legacy of Longhua Xu

O u ac h i ta Hi gh C ou nt r y

In Each Issue

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S A L ES

Rustic Tastes

Oktoberfest is Near

Music & Arts

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Contributing Photographers David Gillson

Letter from the Editors

Easing into Fall in the Ouachitas

Calendar of Events

What’s Happening This Fall

For advertising opportunities: ohcads@rendercreativegroup.com or call 501-620-4520 For editorial queries: Please write to: Render Creative Group attn: Ouachita High Country 801 Central Avenue, Suite 30 Hot Springs, AR 71901 or email info@rendercreativegroup.com To subscribe, please visit: ouachitahighcountry.com

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Easing into Fall in the Ouachitas

We have survived the Summer and luckily for us it was not really that difficult; in terms of the heat and humidity it’s been thankfully mild. Easing into the Fall season we are already reminded of how this area is among one of the best places to live in the Ouachita High Country.

As the leaves begin to change their colors the weather becomes perfect for hiking, camping, and all the outdoor recreational sports that both men and women enjoy taking part in. It’s certainly a fun time for individuals who enjoy the hunting and fishing opportunities to be had in the area. And, of course, there’s the outdoor music festivals, marathons, triathlons, and the aromatic flavors of fine Fall cuisine. Embarking on the adventures of Fall with family and friends in a unique downtown cityscape or retreating to a cozy bed and breakfast or a remote lodge or campsite in the wilderness can be a time of rejuvenation. For many it is their favorite time of the year.

We hope that you are able to enjoy it and make memories with us here in the Ouachita High Country and remember to be responsible and safe when enjoying the wonders of nature no matter what the season. Thanks for reading and plan to continue sharing with you the best of what this area has to offer.

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NE W TO T H E O U A C H I T A S

Ouachita Disc Golf

by Jeremy Mackey photography by Jeremy Rodgers

Arkansas has become known for its golf courses, especially central Arkansas and the High Country. Just in the Hot Springs area alone there are a number of courses featuring pristine greens, immaculate fairways, and rolling hills that will challenge and inspire golfers of all skill levels. But what if I told you that when a golf ball dreams, it dreams of being a frisbee.

wrapped with chains. The discs are your clubs. Drivers, midrange, and putters: the discs are designed and manufactured for different distances and flight paths all depending on the situation. You can find discs at nearly any outdoor recreation store or online. They are also available at Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters.

A professional quality disc costs less than $15 and it only takes one for basic play.

As the sport grows so does the need for developing more courses. The PDGA website has great resources for those interested in planning, proposing, designing, installing and promoting their own disc golf course. There are currently more than forty courses throughout Arkansas with certainly more to come as the growing interest in the activity develops.

The sport of disc golf is growing rapidly and offers competitive outdoor enthusiasts a unique take on a classic game. There is even a Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA). They have a great course listing on their website that shows nearly every disc golf course in the United States and abroad.

There are a number of courses in the High Country, each with a personality and difficulty all their own. Cedar Glades, Catherine’s Landing, Burns Park, and the newest edition at Lake DeGray Resort and State Park to name a few. You will also find courses on many college campuses around the country. The Wildcat Disc Golf Club is a great local resource for finding information on upcoming tournaments and even weekly outings.

Disc golf courses normally have nine to eighteen holes (baskets) depending on the area a nine hole course can be established on as little as five acres of land, however a championship caliber 18-hole course, like the one at Cedar Glades Park requires thirty to forty acres of land. The best courses provide a variety of wooded and open terrain with topographical changes similar to that found on a golf course

Disc golf is played similarly to regular golf. The holes are large metal baskets

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A New Flight Path for a Classic Game

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and a typical game usually only takes one to two hours.

Unlike traditional golf green fees are not required, there is no need for a cart and you also never get stuck with a bad tee time. Disc golf is a great game and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon hiking with friends and family all while enjoying a fun and competitive game.

The sport provides upper and lower body conditioning, aerobic exercise, and promotes the right combination of physical and mental abilities allowing very little risk of physical injury. Increasing concentration by mastering shots and negotiating obstacles it’s also an easy sport for those with limited fitness levels to gradually increase their level of play.

Another great aspect of disc golf is that you can play it pretty much 365 days out of the year. So, put down the clubs, grab a frisbee, and head out to your nearest disc golf course. You might find yourself dreaming about that first hole in one!

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NE W TO T H E O U A C H I T A S

Wild Game of Fall

Living in Arkansas it’s easy to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. The modern outdoors enthusiast and hunter corresponds and communicates with nature in a way that makes them feel more connected with the wilderness that waits.

Whether you are in a sports club like the Ouachita Rod and Gun Club or you are just out in nature among a group of friends, it’s important to familiarize yourself with what you are hunting, and when you can hunt it in specific areas in the Natural State.

Autumn time brings forth the beginning of the hunting season for a majority of those in Arkansas and many are not familiar with the fact that dove season actually kicks off the beginning of the fall hunting season.

Dove hunting is an easy and fun way to ease into the season. There are plenty of opportunities to hunt on privately

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owned land and occasionally farmers will also rent out their property for dove hunting. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also has some Wildlife Management Areas for helping to attract doves on opening day. The folks at Game and Fish are an excellent resource to consult with prior to venturing out as they can often direct you to specific areas and relate to you the details concerning the location and status of particular fields.

According to Arkansas Game and Fish Dove season opens September 6th and closes October 25th. Dove prefer open fields with forest edges and although they migrate here during the fall, they can still be found here year round. In Arkansas there are two types of dove, the Mourning Dove that derived its name from its sad sounding call, birders and hunters alike appreciate this species of dove because

Dove, Deer & Wild Game: Rod & Gun Club Welcomes Its First Hunting Season

by Jim G. Miller photography courtesy of Lone Oak Duck Lodge

of the music that it makes. Hunters appreciate them more so because they are prone to often-erratic flight making them a challenge to shoot.

The Eurasian Collared are gray in color and are easier to identify because they are larger and they have a black collar around their necks. The daily limit for bagging Mourning Dove is fifteen with a possession limit of forty-five. There is no limit for the Eurasian Collared dove. In fact, this species of dove are non-migratory and have become quite accustomed to living in urban areas. Their growing populations may result in an adverse affect on other existing dove species, according to biologists with the Arkansas Game and Fish.

Baiting of dove is not allowed, but individuals are allowed to grow certain crops in fields that may attract dove such

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as sunflower and specific grains like winter wheat. The crop may not be harvested and returned to the field but must remain in it’s natural state to attract the doves. You may harvest and allow animals to graze the fields, but only grain left behind from the harvest or grazing may be left to attract the dove. The Arkansas Game and Fish is very specific in regards to the rules and procedures of baiting, and the rules that apply for dove do not necessarily apply to hunting duck or waterfowl.

While waterfowl and duck season usually begins closer to winter, quail season begins in November and is statewide so you’re not limited to one particular region while hunting. When hunting quail it’s usually good to have a well-trained bird dog with you as well. The process of training bird dogs often requires using pen-raised quail and using blank ammunition that requires shoot-to-kill bird dog field training permits which are available from local wildlife officers.

The Ouachita Rod and Gun Club is beginning to plan fall events for those interested in duck hunting. Email vkittner@ hsvpoa.org with your preference of hunting amid rice fields or green timber. ORG will be holding a membership meeting and social event also on December 14th from 5pm to 8pm at the Coronado Center where they have also proposed a game tasting contest where members will have the opportunity to try cooked duck, venison, dove, wild boar or turkey and vote on the best dish.

If hunting dove or quail doesn’t get your blood pumping then don’t despair as bow season begins late September and lasts

until late February, and you are able to begin hunting deer with a muzzleloader as early as October with an open period of eight days beginning October 18th and lasting through the 26th. The unique aspect of hunting deer with a muzzleloader is of course the traditional method of loading and firing the weapon. Muzzleloader season begins early and lasts all throughout the modern gun season, which starts on November 8th.

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Bow season also begins in early fall.

Individuals typically participating in bow hunting deer must have a current Arkansas Game and Fish hunting license and an Arkansas Bow Hunter’s Association card. They will also need to complete the International Bowhunter Education Program. Individuals who complete this class will receive a lifetime Bowhunter Education Card. For more information go to www.arkansasbowhunters.org.

Bow hunters also must in some cases hunt from an elevated deer stand ten feet above the ground depending on the area that you are hunting in. All deer harvested must be checked at your nearest check in station and with the AR Game and Fish Commission by telecheck, internet, or smartphone. Many hunting organizations require also that your first deer bagged be donated to Arkansas Hunter’s Feeding the Hungry Program and it is the hunter’s responsibility to deliver deer to be processed.

For details about zoning and permit information contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission or visit their website at www.agfc.com.

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NE W S TO T H E O U A C H I T A S

Levi Hospital

The first patient was admitted to Levi Hospital on November 1, 1914. The Leo N. Levi Memorial Hospital was a charity hospital established at the base of West Mountain on historic Prospect Avenue in order to provide assistance to the influx of predominantly poor Jewish immigrants seeking the rejuvenating factors of the natural Hot Springs. Levi is, in fact, one of the only hospitals in the U.S. that has access to the use of the natural thermal water granted to them by the Federal Government. The Rabbi of Hot Springs at that time was F.L. Rosenthal, who has been credited for conceiving the idea of building the hospital. The first one thousand patients came from all over the world with a majority of them being from Russia, Germany, England, Romania and Poland.

At that time, it cost only an estimated figure of $1.00 per day to feed each patient and

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Celebrating One Hundred Years of Healing

by Jim G. Miller photography by Jeremy Rodgers

hospital stays were often longer during that period. Always maintaining the charitable basis that the institution was founded on, the hospital struggled financially for much of its early years. Still, their success rate for improving the lives of their patients was high and the upward mobility of the individuals who began seeking treatment at the facility started to become noticed.

It was often a grateful patient who would be the first to donate or give gifts to the hospital, especially when it was struggling through economic hardships.

This giving spirit and appreciation for Levi Hospital continues today within the Hot Springs Community. While the economy has drastically changed, and the science of medicine has developed dramatically, the foundation for Levi Hospital has remained true to its original core beliefs. Adapting to the ever-changing world of health care, they

have continued to provide services based on the needs of the surrounding community.

Levi Hospital President, Patrick McCabe, cites the continuing success of the non-profit hospital to the solid Board of Directors made up entirely of volunteers and community leaders. “We are a small organization where physicians, patients and hospital staff feel more like a family with each having an infinite amount of respect for each other and their positions,” says McCabe.

Levi Hospital is devoted to maintaining the focus on the original mission statement of the hospital by continuing to provide specialty care in a unique tradition of Jewish service heritage for the benefit of Hot Springs and the surrounding communities, serving all persons without regards to race, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability or economic

means. As a non-profit entity, Levi provides service within the resources of their organization, which is why they often look for the support of their community.

Throughout its rich history, Levi Hospital has been nationally praised for their tremendous efforts in medicine and improving the lives of their patients. On the 25th anniversary of the hospital, congratulatory messages were received from all over the country, including one from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was around this time that the hospital began a massive fund raising campaign to build a pool for physical therapy, which would allow the hospital to provide aquatic therapy. The hospital continued its care of those suffering from arthritis and with the cooperation of the Arkansas Department of Arthritic Children, a children’s ward was established. In addition to being a hospital devoted to treating arthritis, Levi also had a school for nursing with the last class graduating in 1952.

Levi provides Certified Athletic Trainers to local schools during athletic events to aid in injury prevention and treatment. The Outpatient Therapy department continues their long tradition of rehabilitation therapy in the Hot Springs National Park thermal water. They are the only facility to provide inpatient adult psychiatry in Garland County. As mental illness affects one in four people in the United States, Levi plays a crucial role in saving and transforming the lives of people in the community. They also provide transitional counseling, as well as an arthritis clinic, radiology services and laboratory services.

Healing the body and the mind now for 100 years, Levi Hospital will be celebrating their 23rd Annual Levi Hospital Benefit Gala with their 10th Annual Baron’s Ball Benefit on Saturday, November 8th, at the Hot Springs Convention Center’s Horner Hall.

This year’s Benefit Gala will be the Party of the Century and certainly one not to miss.

Serving patients regardless of their ability to pay, Levi Hospital could not operate without your contributions. To learn more about Levi Hospital and discover ways that you can give, visit their website at www. levihospital.com, or for reservations to this year’s gala, call 501-622-3498.

Pictures above, from left to right – John Downes, M.D., Medical Director of Psychiatry; Ross Bandy, M.D., Chief of Staff; and Pat McCabe, President & CE0

Benefit Gala S a t u r d a y, N o v. 8 , 2 0 1 4 6 O’C l o c k p . m .

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FARE

Oktoberfest is Near

Oktoberfest began with a horse race for the royal family of Munich in the late 1800s. The rich Bavarian holiday has grown and spread throughout America, a country thick with German ancestry.

A culturally significant tradition often associated with good strong beer (13.5 % or higher) and an abundance of superior food (sausages, cheeses, potatoes, bread, more beer), it is an especially festive time for those living in Hot Springs familiar with the Steinhaus Keller.

outdoor eating area, also known as the biergarten, really makes Steinhaus Keller one of the finer establishments in Hot Springs. Chef David McGuire exceeds time and time again in the kitchen by preparing delectable meals that retain a hearty German Austrian essence that is often missed in other culturally themed restaurants. McGuire definitely gives a nod to the traditional cuisine while infusing his own personality and modern flair into each dish that he prepares.

Found in the 100-year-old grotto of the Spencer’s Corner building, Steinhaus Keller literally is in a keller or cellar.

The great interior lighting adds to the ambiance of the incredibly large dining room where the rock walls and arches provide a comfortable and unique atmosphere for a romantic rendezvous or simply dining with friends and family. The

McGuire and co-owner Amanda Mitchell are aware of the significance regarding the tradition of Oktoberfest here in Arkansas and they strive to make it an even larger celebration for the community.

Carrying the largest selection of German bier in the state, Oktoberfest is often a successful time of year for the business.

Luckily, the crew at Steinhaus Keller

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Steinhaus Keller Dwellers Unite for Hearty International Food & Bier

by Jim G. Miller photography by Jeremy Rodgers

also wishes for it to be a fun and festive environment for everyone. Rolling out the lederhosen and their special Oktoberfest menu on October 1st, they will be honoring this year’s harvest celebration with a cornucopia of culinary delights. Tapping the beer firkin on Saturday, October 4th, Steinhaus Keller is definitely the place to go to celebrate this rich German tradition.

The pièce de résistance, or main entrée if you will, is going to be the hasenpfeffer; a traditional German stew prepared from marinated rabbit or hare and often braised with onions and marinated with wine and vinegar. Truly the hasenpfeffer is a rare dish for individuals in the area, but if rabbit is not to your sensibility they have an amazing selection of staple items on their menu.

Beginning with their select appetizers, the cabbage rolls and mushrooms are

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1-2pm a huge favorite. The cheese platter that comes with fruit and sausages is also very popular. If you’re a fanatic for side items you really cannot go wrong with the cucumber salad, red cabbage, sauerkraut or the German potato salad either.

Fair prices along with generous servings and quality food is standard at Steinhaus Keller and that same quality is mirrored by their marvelous selection of German beers. Each crafted German beer is carefully poured into the appropriate glass and they all pair well with each entrée on the Steinhaus Keller menu. The Jagerschnitzel with some Spaetzel and red cabbage goes wonderfully with any of the darker German draft beers. The Sauerbraten is also a popular entrée item on their permanent menu and there are several other stand out plates that can entertain your palette.

In addition to bartender Brett entertaining you behind the bar, Steinhaus Keller also

hosts live music on the weekends where you can catch the Itinerant Locals. Bret is a fixture behind the bar and is always quick to smile and say hello. A classic film buff, he enjoys discussing history in between pouring beer. Chances are you will spot him by the colorful Hawaiian shirts that he often wears. Above the bar hang steins from visiting patrons -- some who only visit Arkansas once or twice every year – but a good many of them belong to the regulars who are affectionately referred to as Keller Dwellers.

It would be strange to celebrate Oktoberfest without having dessert. While the streusel is fantastic, we would have to say that the German chocolate cake is probably the most irresistible. A modern flair on an old tradition of German and Austrian cooking, the atmosphere and the people at Steinhaus Keller do their best to provide great food and service in a fun environment.

Go by and say hello to them and enjoy the unique taste of German cuisine.

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MUSIC

AVoice & a Six-String

Bonnie Montgomery became a modernday country singer after first being a classically-trained opera singer.

“I would still love to be an opera singer,” Montgomery says wistfully. “But the country music just started happening and I started making money at it.”

Born in Searcy, where her parents own Quattlebaum music, Montgomery’s father and grandfather were both farmers. She was raised with a strong appreciation for the golden era greats of country music and she’s never forgotten her roots, either in music or in life. Montgomery still occasionally splits her time between the family farm and the comforts of city life in Little Rock where her celebrity as a performer has begun to flourish.

Attending Ouachita Baptist University and

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the University of Missouri’s Conservatory of Music and Dance in Kansas City gave Montgomery a strong scholarly appreciation of music.

“My voice has always been my instrument,” Montgomery says, “But I was always more interested in the academics of singing and the research of studying, especially the medieval aspects of opera.”

But Montgomery isn’t just a scholar of music. She’s a strong performer and any musician will tell you that the road is the best place to cut your teeth and grow as a performing artist.

Montgomery started finding her niche in country music while playing shows at the V.F.W. with her friend and fellow musician, Mandy McBride. Montgomery also toured internationally with the band

Listening to Arkansas’ Country Sweetheart Bonnie Montgomery

by Jim G. Miller photo by Jason Masters

Gossip, and continues to enjoy playing all throughout the country. Recently, her music has been featured on National Public Radio’s Tales From the South, and throughout the state of Arkansas.

Currently touring with her new selftitled album released on Fast Weapons Record Label, Montgomery continues writing original country songs.

Montgomery’s sound may not be what you would consider straight up classic country, and it’s country with an edge to it. It’s not just the flourishes on electric guitar by Nathan Howdeshell, but it’s her range and her songwriting ability.

The background she has in opera lends itself to her songwriting style. The similarities between opera and country are apparent when it comes to the composition. Heartaches and tragedies are elements found in the best country

songs, as well as in the best operas. Still passionate about opera, Montgomery wrote the modern folk opera called Billy Blythe about the childhood of Bill Clinton, which received national recognition and has been performed in both Little Rock and New York. The writing style is a Southern-themed mash up of opera and folk that can be performed in any bar or honky tonk. “I hope that throughout my life that opera and country criss-cross.

I don’t want to leave one for the other,” says Montgomery.

“A lot of songs I haven’t gotten into the studio, but I’m starting to ruminate on what to do next,” says Montgomery. With new songs also in the works, she is excited about the direction that she’s going in.

Traveling around and sharing the bill with other great bands, the immediate success of the Americana movement has certainly helped Montgomery get her roots and her career as a country singer can only grow from this most recent album.

Montgomery’s collaboration with Howdeshell began a few years ago when the two were in New York City. “I sent him a message to see if he could play some gigs with me, and he said he’d love to get the opportunity to wear his bolo tie,” laughs Montgomery.

A self-admitted music geek, Montgomery finds the culture of music in the South fascinating. Dressing the part for her shows in boots and other western outlaw garb, Montgomery is versatile.

Playing from a large catalog of country legends, as well as her original songs, her genuine heartfelt melodies mingle well amid the Arkansas backdrop. Active and industrious regarding her career as a musician, she’s a pistol-charming sweetheart who is solid honky tonk with a hint of opera mixed in. Keep your eyes and your ears open for this stunning country artist as she continues traveling the world playing her well-composed Americana and using her voice as her instrument.

Check out her new album and see her schedule of touring dates at www. bonniemontgomerymusic.com.

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17

A R TS

A Legacy of Art

Of all the great creative minds that have made their home and their work in Hot Springs over the decades, perhaps none may be compared to the talent, breadth, and passion of Longhua Xu. Even without meeting him, every Hot Springs citizen has witnessed his works, which have become iconic figures throughout Hot Springs National Park.

Longhua’s most immediately recognizable piece is his marble sculpture, Mother Nature. Erected on Central Avenue in between the historic Arlington Hotel and the Medical Arts Building, it stands as a monument to the natural vitality of the city and its landscape. This fixture of downtown came to be after a flood in the early 1990s.

The city held a competition for sculptors from all over the world to submit a piece that would encapsulate the spirit of the Spa City. Out of all the international submissions,

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Sculpting Mother Nature: The Legacy of Longhua Xu

by Ciara Cerrato photograph by Jeremy Rodgers

Longhua’s Mother Nature was chosen. He wanted the water and nature of Hot Springs to be at the center of the piece. The mother figure represents the nurturing qualities of our landscape. She pours forth the lifegiving waters unto the children and animals in the piece. The children represent the people of Hot Springs who thrive because of the healing and nourishing qualities the city offers. The citizens of Hot Springs were so touched by the piece that former President Bill Clinton wrote Longhua a letter thanking him for his artistic testament to the city. Mother Nature is currently listed in the Smithsonian catalogue.

Much more of Longhua’s art is on display throughout Hot Springs, as well as throughout much of the world. His art is displayed in places such as China, Paris, Belgium, and Singapore among others.

Another competitive piece, which is also

catalogued by the Smithsonian, is his copper statue Peace, and it stands in front of the parking garage in downtown Hot Springs. He also has several breathtaking sculptures erected at such places as Mercy Hospital’s Cancer Center and the Oaklawn Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School.

These works are considered by Longhua as thanks for the services these institutions provide for Hot Springs, the city that he has grown to love and chosen to work and live in.

This accomplished artist and educator was born in Shanghai, China where his life as an artist began in childhood. He grew up in a creative family that encouraged his exploration of art and spurred his obvious talents. His mother, a craftsman in needlepoint, taught Longhua how to knit when he was a young boy. His love of nature was fostered by painting landscapes with his brother Binghui, starting early in his

well as carve meticulous and classically inspired sculptures. Versatility, purity, and sincerity seem to be at the heart of his creative output. He is constantly challenging his technical skills, for as he expounds, “If you stick to one style, you just keep repeating over and over. It’s like repeating life.”

life. With the encouragement of his family, his natural talents, and his determined work ethic, Longhua seems to have been born to create, and throughout his life he has taken great efforts and risks to live the life of an artist.

The story of Longhua’s artistic career takes an upturn at a time of great struggle in China. The years between 1966 and 1976 encompassed a rapidly shifting political era in China. It was marked by economic and social adversity, as well as political corruption and humanitarian crises, and it is referred to as the Cultural Revolution. This tumultuous upheaval led to the universities in China being closed. Despite these closings, the government understood the need for educated artists and craftsmen, so they set out to find the most talented students to continue their education in art.

The Arts and Crafts Company scouted for students all over China for this purpose. In Shanghai in 1971, Longhua was already a promising artist in high school. Out of the city’s 17 million population, only fifty students were to be chosen, and Longhua was one of them. After studying with the Arts and Crafts Company, he graduated from East China University of Technology. He then taught at Shanghai University until 1989 when he decided he wanted to travel to America.

Longhua wanted to come to the United States for the opportunity to connect with more artists and, therefore, expand his own knowledge and work. He first came to Rochester, New York as an exchange

professor, and the program eventually led him to Hot Springs, Arkansas. When he experienced Hot Springs, he knew he wanted to make his home here. Because of his artistic accomplishments in China, the government granted him a visa under the status Outstanding Artist, which is the highest status of emigration under which their visas are issued. He did, however, have to live in the U.S. without his family for a full year before he could apply for their emigration as well.

He endured this lonely separation from his family because he knew Hot Springs was special and eventually wanted to live a life with them in the town he had fallen in love with. He has now taught, worked, and lived here for twenty-five years “because of the atmosphere: the clean air, the pure water, and the nature. Even the people here are pure,” he explains. For Longhua, the motivation to make art comes purely from what moves him, and in Hot Springs, he has found no shortage of inspiration.

Art, as defined in the dictionary, is the “quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.” While the dictionary’s attempt to designate art seems generous enough, not quite satisfied, we still beg ourselves the question: What is art? For Longhua, it seems there exists no limitations in style, media, or subject matter. At once, he can paint a sweeping, impressionistic landscape, as

While his technical ability is stunning and his range of subject matter is impressive, a more compelling question for an artist such as Longhua would be--Why art? “To me, the artist’s inspiration comes from what moves him. Artists don’t just make things to sell, they create to get something inside of themselves out. My inspiration comes from nature and life experiences.” He compares the process of completing a piece to being a pregnant woman. He explains that when you create something sincere from within yourself, no matter how the piece turns out, it is a success because it means something to you. It’s like the pure love and happiness a mother has for a child she has made. Perhaps the reason why Longhua makes art is just as beautiful as the pieces themselves, and that reason seems always to be connected to an overwhelming sense of joy.

While it is clear Longhua is passionate about everything he makes, there is a certain brightness he exudes when he talks about his portraits. Many might find some of his portraits odd or unconventional because he paints anyone he finds beautiful, and for a man filled with such joy and beauty himself, he often finds it in unexpected places. He might paint anyone from friends and family to local shopkeepers or the homeless. He does not just study their physical forms, but he also studies their personalities in order to capture their essence. As he puts it, “The artist must talk to you and get to know you to draw you, not just take a picture…I love people the most. They are refreshing. Each person is one-of-a-kind and yet captures one symbolic aspect of humanity as a whole,” he explains warmly.

Hot Springs has surely been gifted with the arrival of Longhua Xu. His superior talent, determination and optimism, and the joy and beauty of his spirit, encapsulates the character of the city at its best, and it serves as an inspiration to build a more creative, joyful, and beautiful Hot Springs for the future.

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F A L L E V ENT C A L END A R

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September

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Rock Porch Session featuring Brian Martin Free | Grove Park, HSV

Junk in My Trunk Garage Sale for Balboa Beach Project Village Plaza, HSV

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9-12

8-13

12-14

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17th Annual Terry Paul Thode Lupus Memorial Golf Tournament Diamondhead Country Club

Drive-in Movie: Animal House Magellan Golf Course, HSV

13-14

Grandparents in the Garden Noon-3:30pm | Hot Springs Community Gardens, 124 N. Palm

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Hot Springs Motorcycle Open Rally Hot Springs Convention Center

13-19

The Muses present The Four Seasons in Art & Song - Fall Muses Cultural Arts Center The Muses Project Opera Gala Week The Muses Cultural Arts Center

Chiefs’ Challenge Golf Classic 11am | Hot Springs Country Club

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Garland County Leadership Prayer Breakfast Hot Springs Convention Center

Smokey Joe’s Café HSV Concert Association Woodlands Auditorium

Ouachita Speaker Series featuring Chuck Dovish Ponce de Leon Center

Garland County Fair Garland County Fairgrounds, 4831 Malvern Rd.

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“Women to Women” Luncheon 11:30am | Casa Bella, 325 Broadway

3rd Annual Paws on Pinnacle West Summit, Pinnacle Mtn.

The Arkansas Canoe Club Rendezvous Lake Catherine

Fun City Barbershop Chorus: Give My Regards to Broadway Hot Springs Convention Center

Inaugural Little Rock Bacon Fest Arkansas State Fairgrounds

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18-20

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Fiber Arts Extravaganza Hot Springs Convention Center Weekend of Wonder!!

Various Venues around Hot Springs

Artisan Market Free | Grove Park, HSV

Ouachita High Country Casting Demo & Fly Fishing Expo Cortez Pavillion, HSV

Tuff E Nuff in Concert Balboa Club, HSV

Arkansas Paranormal Expo MacArthur Museum, Little Rock

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5th Annual Family Fun Fest Dickey-Stephens Park, NLR

27th Annual Bryant Fall Fest The Center at Bishop, Bryant

CompACT Run for Family 5K 7am | Garvan Woodland Gardens

Hillcrest Harvest Festival 3-6pm | 2325 Malvern Avenue

10th Annual Corn Maze Opens Schaefers Farm, Mayflower

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Kenny Rogers in Concert Oaklawn’s Finish Line Theatre Kennel Club Dog Show Hot Springs Convention Center

An “Unforgettable” Bridal Show & Special Events Expo 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center

Stardust Big Band Arlington Hotel Crystal Ballroom

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State Volleyball 1 Championship

8

Hot Springs Convention Center

The Baron’s Ball “Party of the Century” Hot Springs Convention Center

Fall Foliage Lake Cruise Jolly Roger’s Marina, Little Rock

The Our Promise 4th Annual Tailgate 510 Ouachita Ave.

Race the Base 4M Trail Run Pinnacle Mtn.

O u ac h i t a Hi gh C ount r y

23rd Annual Jazz Fest Various Locations in Hot Springs

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November

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1-30

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November Art Exhibit: Mary ‘ Jayne White Photography 9am-6pm daily Garvan Woodland Gardens

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Mrs. Garvan’s Tea Garvan Woodland Gardens Jazz Society’s America’s Art Form Series 6pm | 1427 Malvern Ave

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October

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October Art Exhibit: Works of Bob Crane Garvan Woodland Gardens

46th Annual Hot Springs Arts & Craft Fair Garland County Fair Grounds

4th Annual Hot Water Hills Festival Hill Wheatley Plaza

Hot Springs Wine & Foodfest to Benefit Project Hope Food Bank Central Park Fusion, 200 Park

1st Annual AR Honor Ride & Operation Promise Kept Military Tribute Hot Springs Memorial Airfield

Rock Porch Session featuring Unseen Eye Free | Grove Park, HSV

8th Annual Swinging with the Angels Golf Tournament 1pm | Diamondhead Golf Course

Big Rock Mountain Bike Festival Boyle Park, Little Rock

Jazz Society’s America’s Art Form Series 6pm | Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave

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38 Special in Concert Oaklawn’s Finish Line Theatre

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ASMSA Golf 10 Tournament

10-12

Hot Springs Country Club

27th Annual World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig Mt. Ida

23rd Annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Arlington Hotel

Garland County Master Gardeners Gardening EXPO 10am-2pm | Corner Hwy 270 & Central Ave.

Mrs. Arkansas Pageant Hot Springs Convention Center

“Magic Screams” Weekends | Magic Springs & Crystal Falls

10-19

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11-31

12-18

14-17

15-19

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Golf Week Hot Springs Village DePue Brothers Woodlands Auditorium Changing of the Colors Rally Iron Mtn., Mena Oktoberfest Coronado Community Center, HSV Chef Series Coronado Center Patio, HSV

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Ouachita Speaker Series

featuring Duke Cunningham

Ponce de Leon Center

23-26

2nd Annual Horror Film Festival

Central Theatre,

1008 Central Ave.

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Comedian Rex Havens Woodlands Auditorium Children’s Halloween Carnival Ponce de Leon Center 11th Annual Bryant Monster Madness at Mills Mills Park, Bryant Halloween Fun at Petit Jean Petit Jean State Park 18th Annual Autumn Haiku Conference Arlington Hotel

December Mark Your Calendar!

Bonamassa U.S. Tour 11 Joe Verixon Arena Peter Peterkin 11-14

Woodlands Auditorium GAC Volleyball 13-15 Tournament

15 18

Summit Arena Arts & Crafts Fair Coronado Community Center, HSV Ouachita Speaker Series featuring Rosalie Gould Ponce de Leon Center

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26-30

28-30

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Taste of the Holidays 6-9pm | Arlington Hotel Casey Abrams Woodlands Auditorium Attila the Hun Festival Cedar Glades Park Thanksgiving Getaway DeGray Lake Resort State Park 17th Mountain Rendezvous Petit Jean State Park The Witness Woodlands Auditorium

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The Pocket Theater presents “The Prince and the Pauper” 170 Ravine St. LoVit Trail Marathon Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, Shangri La Drive, Mount Ida

15

Ice on Ice Soiree 6:30-9:30pm | Arlington Hotel

Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Little Big Band Woodlands Auditorium

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FLY FISHING

The Perfect Cast Fly Fishing the Ouachitas: Refine Your Technique Knee-Deep in the Waters of High Country This Fall

by Jeremy Mackey and Chris Summerville • photography by Jeremy Rodgers

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“...In the half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories...the sounds of the river and a four count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over the rocks from the basement of time”

For a lot of fly fishermen, these words will bring back the final image of the 1992 film, A River Runs Through It. A lone angler standing at the water’s edge, the Lewis Range of Montana in the background, and an artful cast into a pristine river. While not necessarily a movie about fly fishing, Robert Redford captured perfectly the essence of fly fishing in those final 2 minutes of the film. Henry David Thoreau said that “Men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish that they are after.” Fly fishermen know this all too well and it is that part of the sport that becomes so addictive.

There is art in the process. Fly casting is beautiful to watch, but the feel of a fly rod in your hand is something very special.

It seems like you can just feel the energy and vibration waiting to be let loose in a fly rod. You’re making art with every cast. No one has ever stood in exactly

the same spot, at the same water level, during the same time of year, casting to the same rising fish, with exactly the same fly. Catching that fish is often just a bonus. The angle and arc of each loop and fly trajectory is never quite the same. But casting itself is only part of the process as creating and designing your own flies is also very artful. There are a myriad of shapes, colors, sizes, and materials to choose from. Thinking about what flies, bugs, and small fish in the river to imitate as you’re tying flies late into the evening is merely preparing the canvas for the next day’s adventure. Learning traditional patterns and then putting your own spin on them and even designing new flies rewards you with the deep feeling of satisfaction that comes from growing more skilled.

And when the water droplets spray off a perfect loop on your line and your fly sails through the evening halflight to find a hungry fish at the other

end, is when it all comes together in a moment that is all too brief. There is art in the process.

It takes a lot of time to become proficient in all aspects of fly fishing. Even if you don’t tie your own flies, just learning to cast and properly rig your rod takes time. Throw in some entomology homework and you’ll find your free time mostly taken up, possibly to the chagrin of your friends and family unless they happen to share the same allencompassing illness as you. The many facets of the sport can be intimidating to a newcomer, but it’s also what makes the sport so enjoyable. Rigging a rod, tying on the right size leader, noticing what insects are hatching or what the fish are chasing, forces you to slow down and be in the moment. And that is exactly the medicine many of us need in our fast-paced world where time seems to only accelerate.

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FLY FISHING

But, as long as you have the time, Arkansas provides plenty of opportunity to practice the art of fly fishing. Fly fishing is normally associated with trout fishing and the High Country is no exception. Arkansas is home to 3 world class trout fisheries--the Little Red River, the White River, and the Little Missouri River. Trout are not a native species to Arkansas streams. Large scale stocking for sport and food began in the 1940s and soon thereafter fly fishermen were wading into those waters in the hopes of fooling a fish onto the end of their lines. Trout fishing in the Ouachitas is very seasonal and usually revolves around the Arkansas Game and Fish stocking schedule in the tail waters below several dams. Namely, Narrows Dam below Lake Greeson, Blakely Dam below Lake Ouachita, and Carpenter Dam below Lake Hamilton. More and more, however, anglers are discovering that fly fishing for native fish species is both challenging and rewarding.

The Natural State is home to 20% of all fish species found in North America and boasts 197 native species. Obviously not all are game species and some are both endemic and protected, but fly fishermen in Arkansas can find a vast array of quarry. Small mouth and large mouth bass, crappie, walleye, bream, and longear sunfish can all be found in local lakes and streams. The art is finding them and like most endeavors, what you find along the way is far more valuable.

While it may take a long time to master learning the basics, fly fishing isn’t that hard and you don’t have to do it alone. On Saturday, September 20th, the Ouachita Rod and Gun Club, along with Basecamp and Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters, will be hosting a Fly Casting Clinic and Fly Fishing Expo at Lake Cortez Pavilion in Hot Springs Village from 10 am to 3 pm.

Manufacturer representative and fly fishing expert Banning Collins will be on hand with products from RL Winston, Temple Fork Outfitters, and Umpqua that will be available for demo and purchase. The Ouachita Rod and Gun Club is also hosting a trout fishing trip on the White River the following weekend, September 26th through the 28th. For more information on these events, contact Stephanie Heffer at sheffer@hsvpoa.org.

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HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL

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O u ac h i t a Hi gh C ount r y

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Fall Fun with Furry Friends A Guide to Responsible & Healthy Hiking Trips with Man’s Best Friend

by Jim G. Miller

Summer is coming to an end and as our term of suffering is abated by cooling temperatures, we can put on our light jackets and marvel at the change of seasons. The color of nature begins awakening in the Fall leaves as they shape the yellow and orange of hickories and maples, the reds and purples of white oaks and sweetgums. Only the stoic evergreens resist Mother Nature’s wardrobe change.

The humidity breaks and the squirrels seem to become more active as the newness of the season colludes with the beauty of the rich Ouachita High Country to inspire us to get back out into the wild bounty of the Natural State. Camping activity is afoot along with the hustle and bustle of hunters preparing for the season. Wildlife enthusiasts run amok in these rich woods that surround our scenic highways and quaint cityscapes.

Getting out and about is not difficult this time of year, the break in the climate has allowed us to embark on more journeys and adventures in the Ouachita High Country, and if you own a dog, there is no better companion to go exploring with. There are keys however to being a responsible dog owner while bonding and exercising with your pet in the outdoors.

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O U TDOO R S W I T H P ETS

for ferreting out criminals and narcotics, as well as helping to find missing persons.

Forte said Saki is also very friendly and is excellent with young children. “It doesn’t get much better than this as a law enforcement officer with a National Park,” says Forte.

Working in the Hot Springs National Park system and having experience with dogs, both professionally and personally, gives plenty of perspective about the responsibilities humans have when it comes to dogs and outside spaces. Hot Springs National Park service is very pet friendly, but it is required that pets be on a maximum six foot leash and that they never be left unsupervised.

Clinton Forte, a law enforcement officer with Hot Springs National Park, not only gets to enjoy the great outdoors as part of his job, but he also gets to spend it in the company of his four-legged partner named Saki. Saki is a Hungarian trained German Shepherd who serves with the Law Enforcement Ranger Division of Hot Springs National Park and is responsible

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It’s important to also understand that diseases and viruses left behind in the fecal matter from dogs have had an adverse and negative effect to the local ecosystem.

Waste from dogs may also cause pathogens, disease and other bacteria to seep into fresh water supplies. Aside from all of these terrible factors, it also just stinks and makes our parks look bad. According the Environmental Protection Agency, dog poop is as toxic to the environment as chemical and oil spills and is ranked as

the third largest contaminate of fresh water.

The lesson in this of course is to always pick up after your pet, even when no one is looking. The beauty of Arkansas and its natural resources are here for everyone to enjoy, so always remember to be a responsible pet owner while out hiking and bring plenty of plastic bags in addition to some water, treats and dog toys.

There is not a shortage of dog friendly trails in Arkansas and a great many of them are right here in the Ouachita High Country. Bringfido.com lists the Hot Springs Creek Greenway, Hot Springs National Park, Garvan Woodland Gardens, and Feaster Trail in Arkadelphia as among the top ten trails in the state for taking the dog out walking or hiking. Just remember to always keep your pet on a leash. Also, make sure to keep the pet on the trail in order to protect nearby flora and fauna.

Even if your pet is the most well behaved dog in the world, there is always the risk of an altercation occurring with a wild animal or another person’s pet. It is also a courteous thing to do for the sake of others enjoying the trail. Typically, when hiking with your dog, you should always

give other hikers the right-of-way. If you are in an area where your dog can be unleashed, make sure that they are trained to obey your commands. This can be accomplished through taking your dog to obedience training classes.

Aside from the above parks mentioned, there are also numerous Arkansas State Parks that allow great opportunities for fun hiking with your dog. Depending on the size of your pooch, be sure to keep him/ her well hydrated. Chances are if you have been hiking for a while and you are thirsty, your pooch is too. Make sure to bring extra water and a bowl for your pet to drink out of when hiking. Another factor to take into consideration is the intensity of the hike.

If you’re doing a trail that requires a high amount of exertion then it’s important to make sure you and your furry friend are in peak condition to handle it. Always be sure to get regular checkups at the vet for your dog to avoid possible sickness or future health concerns. Also, be wary of taking a

dog that’s still growing on a long hiking trip or cross country run as their bone structure is often still developing. Most breeds are fine after ten to twelve months.

While traveling with your dog, also make sure he/she is safely secured in the vehicle through a special seatbelt harness or make sure the existing harness is safely attached somewhere to the vehicle. This is merely to avoid the possibility of your pet getting injured in an accident. When hiking with your pet be sure he/she has some form of identification on the collar in case you are somehow separated.

The positive effects on mental health are apparent when enjoying nature with your dog. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing your pet anxiously sniff and survey the scenery with super-doggie senses. On top of all those benefits making sure your pet receives the right amount of outdoor stimulation can help to avoid unhealthy tendencies.

Although it’s easy to find miles and miles of trails to walk and hike with your pet, it can sometimes be difficult to find pet friendly hotels when traveling. Luckily, for those of us who are inseparable from our pets, there are plenty of options in the Ouachita High Country to choose from when looking for a place to stay with your dog in tow.

If you’re not interested in taking your dog out on the trail then there are some great dog parks in the region that are worth visiting, such as the Murray Off- Leash Park in Little Rock, the Hot Springs Bark Park and for individuals who have their pets registered with the Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association there is the DeSoto Dog Park. A key payoff to going outdoors with your pet is the much needed exercise that you and your pet are benefiting from while breathing in that fresh Arkansas air. Arkansans love their dogs. A key hiking community gridded with trails ranging from easy to difficult, there is nothing like enjoying cool weather outdoors with your furry four-legged friend.

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G O R I DE

Ouachita Rides Cycling and Biking the Region from Trails to Highways

by Jim G. Miller • photography by Jeremy Rodgers

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“Get on your bike and ride,” is a modest enough directive that most bike enthusiasts here in Arkansas wouldn’t have a problem following, especially when the scenic advantages of the state show their full colors during the autumn season. The highways and trails offer an abundant treat and bikers faithfully attend Mother Nature’s amenities, often touring far from their homes for a visit. When we use the term “biker” we are, of course, using it in a sense that encompasses motorcyclists, mountain bikers, and cyclists who enjoy the challenge of the alternating Arkansas terrain. Those same hills and valleys that gawkers melt over when riding through provide great opportunities for sports junkies looking for a thrill. Whether you’re a gearhead biker revving along the big slab or a serious cyclist going full tuck down a hill, you’ll find the unique experience in the Natural State will fill you with all the joy you can handle.

But no one gets out on two wheels just because they enjoy looking at the countryside. Bikers love the freedom of the wind blowing in their faces and the adrenaline rush of leaning into a curve.

Mountain bikers get the same feeling when riding through a particularly exhilarating trail. Counting the close calls

on treacherous climbs, weaving down a sharp descent or landing just right after a jump gives you a release like none other.

Cyclists also have a lot of fun in the challenge and complexity of cycling in the Ouachita High Country. Parkside Cycle on historic Whittington Avenue sponsors a meet-up for long distance rides with members of the community and they will often ride from Hot Springs to Hot Springs Village. That’s a 60 mile trip they’ll take like it was a walk, or at least a ride, in the park.

Motorcyclists of course travel thousands of miles on their bikes and have thoroughly mapped out the finest scenic highways and byways interconnecting small towns and cities throughout the entire state.

These ports of call for motorcyclists, cyclists, and mountain bikers are often home to fine restaurants, hotels, spas, parks, and other amusements because activity of any kind that requires just two wheels is hard work. These road and trail-riding warriors are weary from their adventures and often look forward to the vital rest and relaxation many areas in the region provide.

The Hot Springs area has been home to at least one or more motorcycle rallies every year. It helps that no matter which

direction you drive you will behold at least 100 miles of beautiful country.

Cyclists can relate as well. Depending on whether you’re a leisure rider or a serious competitive cyclist, you will want to make sure that your gear is well maintained.

While there are numerous motorcycle repair shops in the area, there are only a couple in the Ouachita region vicinity, those being Parkside Cycle in Hot Springs and Riders Ready in Bryant. There are also a handful of bicycle shops in Little Rock. The majority of these shops, of course, deal bikes that are made for either riding on the road or on a mountain trail. There are also hybrid bikes that can do both, though most cyclists will suggest you use one or the other.

In terms of mountain biking, the Ouachita region is now home to two Epic trails as rated by the International Mountain Biking Association and individuals travel from around the world to visit and ride these trails. The Womble Trail, an existing 37 mile trail, has long been established now as an EPIC ride, but more recently it was announced that the Ouachita Vista Trail will also be given the status. This gives the Ouachita region two major reasons for mountain biking enthusiasts to come visit Arkansas from all over the world.

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G O R I DE

Cyclists who like to test their mettle on the blacktop have just as much room to ride and, in some cases, it can be for a good cause. The MS-150 Rock’n Hot Ride 2014 takes place on September 6th and 7th. The first day’s ride goes from North Little Rock to Hot Springs Village with a return trip on the second day. This two-day journey provides a great opportunity to see a part of central Arkansas in a way that you may have never seen before. It’s also a benefit for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to help aid in research and support programs and services.

If you are seriously into cycling, there are definitely a few highlights to check out, the first one being the Wheel A’ Mena Bicycle

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Tour of the Ouachita Mountains and the Talimena Scenic Drive on September 20th. This area of the Ouachita region is also very popular among motorcyclists and is referred to as the Talimena National Scenic Byway. For those participating in the bicycle tour, there are two separate routes available, depending on your ability level, with a 30 mile and 70 mile tour both taking you through Queen Wilhelmina State Park to the top of Rich Mountain.

Many consider this an excellent tune-up ride for the Big Dam Bridge 100 mile ride on September 27th.

For those mountain bikers out there, the Hot Springs Bicycling Association hosts Attila the Hun Fest every November.

This year’s Cyclocross Race will be

November 22nd with a Mountain Bike Race on the 23rd. Participants are encouraged to come and spend the whole weekend at Cedar Glades Park.

For more information about the races, contact Parkside Cycle.

What is cyclocross? Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing that combines mountain bike and cross-country racing.

The courses are usually shorter and they typically feature pavement, grass, steep hills and obstacles that require the riders to sometimes dismount and carry their bikes. Bikes used for cyclocross racing are typically lighter for this reason.

Motorcyclists traveling through the Ouachita High Country should also,

of course, check out the Hot Springs Loop, a 51-mile loop jutting through Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita Mountains. The Diamond Run is also worth your while if you want to catch some good scenery and see some history. It also routes through to Murfreesboro where you can hop off your bike and go digging at the Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Motorcycle touring enthusiasts may visit www.arkansas.com/motorcycling/ to learn more about the trails mentioned and to get information about other trails throughout Arkansas.

Also, always make sure to ride safely and responsibly while out enjoying the roads and trails.

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The Whitewater Tribe

by Jeremy Mackey

|

photography by Jeremy Rodgers and David Gillson (pg 36-37)

Ou a c hit a H ighCo u nt ry.com

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W H I TE W A TE R

Tribe (noun) 1: a group of people that includes many families and relatives who have the same language, customs, and beliefs; 2: a large family There is an old Caddo Indian legend about sacred healing water: The favor of the Great Spirit rested on the abundant forest, flowers, songbirds, and small animals of these quiet hills.

Then a fierce dragon devastated the land, bringing disease and hunger on the people.

The Indian Nations pleaded with the Great Spirit to subdue the dragon, and the might of all the heavenly forces contrived to bury it deep under the mountain, where it shakes the Earth even today.

Once the Great Spirit had reclaimed his beautiful resting spot, he caused pure water to gush from the Earth, and asked that his favorite place be held neutral ground, so all can share in the healing waters.

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For those of us who know the history behind Hot Springs, the Valley of the Vapors was considered neutral ground and a place of healing for all tribes of the Ouachita High Country. I’m inclined to believe this legend from the most prominent native tribe of our region is referring to the place most of us now call home. Like the Caddo Tribe and the Great Spirit before them, there is now another tribe who have found their favorite place in the High Country and experience its sacred waters in a new way, the Whitewater Tribe. And like the Caddo, they have a long history, their own language, customs, and ceremonial dress.

This is a tribe that, until recently, has been hiding in plain sight. They are your coworkers and neighbors; your friends and family, a group of people

inextricably linked through their passion for rivers. They will chase water as it falls from the sky, following it downstream as it twists, turns, drops, and changes not only the landscape, but themselves. This is the tie that binds: water. Despite race, religion, gender, or political affiliation, the members of this tribe are family and water is thicker than blood.

Whitewater paddling is not a new sport.

It’s been around since the 1950s when adventurous souls would attempt rivers in ‘Fol Boats’, boats that somewhat resembled kayaks made of a wooden frame with a canvas skin. As boat technology improved, so did the skills of paddlers and the overall safety of the sport. In Arkansas, whitewater became popular in the 1970s and the tribe was very race oriented. Navigating gates, hung from poles, in homemade

fiberglass kayaks and canoes through rapids, racing against the clock, these same paddlers would also pioneer many of the High Country’s classic whitewater rivers like the Cossatot and Little Missouri. Again, a major shift in technology would lead to tribal expansion. The advent of plastic boats manufactured on a larger scale allowed more people to experience the thrill of whitewater. But even as the sport of paddling was growing by leaps and bounds nationally, the nature of the High Country and its sacred waters kept the tribe small and very close knit.

With the exception of a few dam released tail-waters, all the whitewater in Arkansas is rain dependent. What this means for the paddlers is a lot of waiting and watching the sky.

It’s 4:00 am. Bleary eyed, he reaches for his phone. Four missed texts, but those can wait. The screen is so bright it takes a moment for the radar to come into focus. A mixture of red and green

blobs move slowly across the digital landscape. Today’s the day. Now fully awake with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy, he hops out of bed careful not to step on the dog.

While not normally a multi-tasker, he now has the innate ability to brush his teeth, answer texts, place phone calls, make coffee, get dressed, and make his way to the garage all in the blink of an eye. Now in the truck, boats and gear loaded, windshield wipers full blast...he continues to make phone calls as plans for the day become more clear. Finally at his destination he is surrounded by familiar faces on the bank of a river now full from the rain.

The tribe has gathered. And like the native tribes before them, they look out for one another. They share in each other’s joys and hardships, trials and celebrations. They are the stewards of our rivers, protecting our wild and scenic waters for future generations.

But more than all of that, they are family.

What brings them together is their

respect for these rivers, these sacred and healing waters of the High Country.

People choose to paddle whitewater for a number of reasons. For some, it’s the adrenaline rush and the feeling of being in control when everything else around you is utterly chaotic. For others, it’s a means of exploration-seeing wild places from a vantage point that so few will ever experience.

For those uninitiated in the tribe, what we do might seem ‘crazy’, ‘scary’, and ‘extreme’, but it’s precisely the opposite.

Years and even lifetimes are dedicated to this passion. Formal training in fundamentals, rescue, and wilderness first aid are common practice.

In Arkansas these resources are easy to find. The Arkansas Canoe Club offers classes on kayaking, rescue, and first aid throughout the state. And on September 12-14 at Camp Couchdale, on Lake Catherine, the ACC will host its Rendezvous--the yearly gathering of the Whitewater Tribe.

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R E C I P ES

Rustic Tastes Fall Inspired Recipes from Itz Gud Fud photography by Jeremy Rodgers

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Fall Galette Don’t fear! This rustic tart is not meant to be a work of perfection, but rather an experience to savor from start to finish.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Serves 6 to 8.

Ingredients Crust:

1 ¼ cup all-purpose gluten free flour organic/non-GMO preferred (Glutino, Cup 4 Cup, Arrowhead, or another personal favorite; the coconut/ tapioca/rice blend flours work best) ¼ cup chopped farmers market pecans 3 tablespoons organic Turbinado sugar ½ tsp sea salt 8 tablespoons very cold unsalted organic butter, cut into small pieces; freezing the butter pieces beforehand works well 1 to 4 tablespoons ice cold Hot Springs water

Filling:

Directions Crust

In a food processor, combine the flour with the sugar, salt and pecans; blend until the nuts are finely ground. Add the very cold butter and process for about 15 to 30 seconds until pea sized dough begins to form; the flour should look like a coarse meal. Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time and process until the pastry just begins to come together, about 10 to 30 seconds; do not over work, you should still be able to see small pieces of butter in the dough.

Transfer the pastry to a lightly floured work surface, gather it together and pat into a disk. Wrap the pastry in plastic and refrigerate until chilled – a minimum of one hour and a maximum of overnight – before rolling. Work on the caramel sauce and filling while pastry is chilling.

Filling

Cream together first eleven ingredients. Taste to see if mixture is desired sweetness and spiciness, adjust to taste. In a separate bowl, mix together lemon juice and two tablespoons of Turbinado sugar. Peel, quarter and core the apples. Slice into thin segments. Soak apple slices in the lemon juice and sugar, stir to make sure the apples are evenly coated.

½ cup canned organic pure pumpkin or bake and puree’ a small, fresh farmers market sugar pumpkin 3 tablespoons crème fraiche or organic sour cream 2 – 4 tablespoons of Turbinado sugar (sweeten the pumpkin mixture to taste) 1 large farm fresh egg yolk 1 teaspoon gluten free all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon gluten free natural vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon ground Vietnamese cinnamon* ¼ teaspoon ground ginger* ¼ teaspoon nutmeg* Pinch of ground cloves* Pinch of sea salt 2 - 3 crisp organic Arkansas apples from your local farmers market (Arkansas Black or another crisp variety are good) 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons Turbinado sugar ¼ cup organic apple juice infused dried cranberries and/or fresh figs cut into halves 1 tablespoon unsalted organic butter, cut into small pieces Additional ¼ cup pecans finely ground for the filling 1 farm fresh egg, beaten for brushing the crust edges Turbinado sugar for sprinkling the crust edges

Grind the ¼ cup of pecans into a fine mix

Topping

Caramel sauce Vanilla crème fraiche, organic vanilla whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream

Place parchment paper and galette on a cookie sheet. Bake on the lower middle rack in the oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes on the lower middle oven rack, until crust is golden/dark brown. Flaky, not soft.

* Organic spices can be purchased in the desired quantity from the bulk bins at the Old Country Store, Hot Springs or Whole Foods, Little Rock.

When crust is a deep golden brown, remove the tart and let cool. Slice into wedges. Serve warm or room temperature.

Drizzle with caramel and vanilla topping of choice.

Directions for Assembling

Lightly flour a cookie sheet size of parchment paper. Remove dough from refrigerator and let warm slightly. Roll out flour into a 12 to 14 inch round disc. If the crust begins to tear on the edges it is ok, this is a rustic tart – perfection is not the goal! If the center crust tears, lightly sprinkle your hands with very cold water and work with fingers to repair the tear. Continue rolling out the dough. If it becomes sticky, lightly flour the surface with your gluten free flour.

After the dough is rolled into the disc, sprinkle the ground pecans, covering an interior 10 inch circle. Be sure to leave a two inch margin all the way around the filling area. Next, spread the pumpkin filling over the nut mixture. Remove the apple slices from the lemon juice mixture and arrange the slices in concentric circles. Top with infused cranberries or fig halves (or both if you are decadent).

Begin to ‘ruffle’ the two inch crust margin over the edge of the filling. If the crust edges tear, it adds character! Dot the filling with cold butter. Brush the crust edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with Turbinado sugar.

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R E C I P ES

Pork Loin with Mustard Cream Sauce This one recipe is very easy and quite tasty. You can find high quality, chemical free, pasture raised, locally grown pork at JV Farms who sell their wares at the weekly Green Market in Hot Springs Village and the Hot Springs Farmers Market.

Ingredients

1 ½ pound pork loin

Mustard Cream Sauce:

3/4 cup dry white wine 1 tbsp. minced shallot 1 cup organic heavy cream 3 tbsp. stone ground mustard – coarse ground Freshly ground white pepper to taste In a small heavy saucepan boil the wine with the shallot until it is reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Add the cream. Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes, or until it is thickened slightly. Do not boil.

Strain the sauce through a fine sieve into a bowl and whisk in the mustard, the white pepper, and salt to taste.

Cut the pork diagonally into 1/2-inch slices and serve warm with the warm mustard cream sauce.

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Marinade:

2 tablespoons non-GMO coconut/canola oil blend 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard – coarse ground 2 tablespoons dry white wine ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper ¼ cup dry white wine for basting Mix together first five ingredients. Rub mixture over the pork loin and place into a plastic bag. Marinate eight hours or overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 450. Place the pork loin in a roasting pan, on a greased rack. Baste with white wine and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400 and continue roasting and basting with the white wine until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion reads 155 degrees. Remove from the oven and let the roast rest five to seven minutes before carving.

Roasted Vegetable Salad It goes without saying – grab your veggies from the local farmers market, Arkansas Natural Produce or another responsible local grower.

Ingredients

2 cups diced beets; ½ inch cubes 2 cups diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash, ½ inch cubes 1 red bell pepper; ½ inch cubes 1 yellow bell pepper; ½ inch cubes ½ pound green beans or asparagus 2 tablespoons olive oil ¾ teaspoon herbes de Provence ¾ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon finely ground black pepper 10 ounces washed and drained spinach, arugula, spicy lettuce mix, or spring lettuce mix

Dressing:

1 teaspoon organic orange zest 1/3 cup fresh organic orange juice 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 3 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil ¼ teaspoon organic ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

Mix all dressing ingredients together in a jar. Shake well and refrigerate.

Peel and dice the beets, then wrap and seal in a foil packet. Prepare the remaining vegetables; drizzle or spray with olive oil, toss with herbs, salt and pepper. Place all vegetables (including the beet packet) in a grilling basket on a grill or on a cookie sheet in the oven at 400 degrees. Roast for 50 minutes or until the sweet potatoes begin to deeply brown.

Remove to a bowl and add the beets. Toss vegetables with desired amount of Maple Orange Cinnamon Dressing. Top each bed of greens with a portion of the roasted vegetables and serve!

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O u ac h i t a Hi gh C ount r y

PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH

3633 Central Avenue, Suite 1 Hot Springs, AR 71913 501-620-4449

A Harvesttime Tablescape

by Tara Norwood photography by Jeremy Rodgers

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ENTE R T A I N I N G

“Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life...a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the bounty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year and the deep, deep connection of all these spiritually.”

- Ray Stannard Baker The cornucopia has long been a symbol of abundance and nourishment and is a common and prominent image this time of year. However, the importance of this symbolism lies within the horn itself, and taken away, the natural bounty of items plucked directly from the Earth is what fills our souls (and our appetites) each and every Holiday season.

Go Antiquing

There is no better time of year to pull out grandma’s china, polish that handed down silver or introduce items to your table that may not have seen light for many years. But, if you still have holes you’d like to fill, the heart of the Ouachitas has some wonderful antique shopping

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Fill your dining table this season with items that fill your heart with a sense of joy. Nostalgia can be the purest form — when items that have been a part of your family for centuries can be repurposed to fill your present-day table — interspersed with new modern trickets, fantastic vintage discoveries and farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and grains.

There are so many amazing shopping opportunities in Downtown Hot Springs; so, I challenged myself to create this tablescape by shopping these historic district locales. The charms of these amazing small businesses accent the meaning of this season. Shop small, buy local, and give thanks for an abundant table to gather around this season.

desitnations where true treasures can be found. Try Tillman’s Antiques, The Vintage Emporium, or Historic District Antiques and share with them what your table might be missing. This beautiful table can be found just south at Casa Bella, but you will have to hurry, it won’t last long.

Throw the old rules out, no one says you have to own twelve matching place settings to feed all your guests any longer.

Mix and match complimenting old and new tableware, glassware, serving dishes, and linens. It will take the pressure off the pocketbook and adds instant charm.

Mix it Up

Edible Art

Add color, design and the tastiest of decor to your table by visiting your local Farmers Market. Find the most delicious accompaniments to your meal by visiting stores like The Savory Pantry, Evil-O or The Old Country Store.

Give the Gift of Entertaining

If you’re the guest this year, be sure to give your host a ‘thank you’ for taking over the duties this Holiday. Compile a sampling of tasty treats and adorable knick-knacks, like this one from Surfas at The Culinary District.

Tara Norwood has been a professional

party and event planner — from small soirees to large corporate functions — for the last fifteen years. If you’d like to give your guests a true treat, call Tara and her team at Magnolia Event Co. today, 501802-1755.

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GLANCE BACK

Haunting Springs

As the first breath of All Hallows’ Eve blows into Hot Springs Historic District, whispered tales of madness and murder begin to slip across the tongues of the souls who survive here. Stories start to surface of disembodied spirits who can summon the power to move objects across rooms or bang on doors and even sometimes muster the strength to appear as indistinct orbs of light in photographs and videos.

It is on this wave that I wander through town seeking stories of personal spirit sightings and experiences. I stop first at the DeSoto Rock Shop which is nearly splitting with stories of supernatural trespass. As I sit there speaking with this ethereally beautiful woman who prefers to be nameless, I am swept into her sea of show and tell. I hear her stories of the fourteen FBI agents who were all decapitated while waiting for Al Capone to reveal a secret

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that would secure his future in a federal penitentiary. This story was told to her by the 96-year-old former bellhop who broke the silence purchased with one thousand of Capone’s dollars. So, yes, fourteen men are in a state of perpetual unrest on the roof of the DeSoto Rock Shop, formerly the DeSoto Hotel, formerly the Howe Hotel, and permanently the last home of of the souls of those law-abiding men who strove to rid the world of the likes of Al Capone.

After a mad dash back to sacrifice the last of my nickels to a ravenous parking meter, I walked up the street to Rolando’s Speakeasy where I was greeted by Tom and Jared. Tom invited me to walk up the stairs to the second floor, straight into the newly remodeled 80-seat dining area that had once served as the dressing room and staging area of the formerly adjacent and never resurrected, Hot

A Spooky Spa Town Excursion

by Michele Cole photography courtesy of Garland County Historical Society

Springs Opera House. The ghost of a building had long ago lost its life to fire and was torn down in 1961. Famous as the birthplace of the Assemblies of God, now the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world, the former presence of the opera house has since been possessed by a multi-level parking lot. Useless without the opera house, this former dressing/staging area at the top of the stairs evolved into a brothel that the most recent modelers, being mindful of history, had lovingly manipulated into a clever arrangement of tables beyond a glamorous bar and musician’s cove. As we stood there in a space that seemed to exist in three overlapping time zones, I was absorbed by the tales that Tom and Jared related of knocks at the outside of windows high above the street heard by employees early on in the renovation process. (And a bartender there swears

enjoys a good leg-pulling story, I can tell you that he was completely serious as he related the story of a very early morning, just after closing. As he spoke to me, he reenacted the way he leaned over the table that is just to the right of the door (as you exit) in order to turn out the light. On the morning in question, as he reached to flip the light switch, the chair to the right of his legs moved across the floor as if to get out of the way of his body. Now, if you know Mike Pettey, then you know he is a natural-born skeptic (I know because he told me). To put to rest the feeling that something unnatural might be going on, he attempted to recreate the event. He mimicked his moments-earlier move to turn out the light, just to see if his leg would have moved the chair as he leaned. The chair didn’t move. It was then he realized that the chair had made no noise as it had moved across the floor the first time.

Pettey was then reminded of the Blue Curacao Incident. One very busy evening a bottle of Blue Curacao flew, without aid of wires or hands, off the bar and crashed to the floor. They cleaned it up as they had time throughout the evening (Pettey said it was like sticky blue pancake syrup) and as they cleaned they moved all of the adjacent bottles over so as to fill up empty spaces on the bottle display. Near the end of the night they put out a brand new bottle of Blue Curacao. As soon as they turned around the bottle exploded. “It literally exploded,” Pettey said. No one knows who, what or why—they all just know that it happened.

she can feel ghostly fingers grabbing at her ankles as she works.)

I was welcomed into Earthbound Trading Co. and spent a bit of time there learning that the deathly smoke of a fire that razed the hotel next to it smothered the building that it currently inhabits. Staff member Chrystal was surprised that with the heavy history in the bones of the building that the only paranormal experience she has had is hearing the very loud and insistent meowing of a cat that just doesn’t know

that he’s dead. Most of the employees there hear the cat’s cries, including the manager, Robert, who also told the story of witnessing a video being shot that showed a stove burning with a fire that could only be seen through the camera—it didn’t exist to the naked eye.

The Ohio Club was next on my transcendent time trip. As one might expect, the ever-mysterious and intensely creative owner, Mike Pettey, told a trippy tale of his own. And while Mr. Pettey

I nodded to Al Capone’s lifeless doppelganger as I stepped back into the sunshine and strolled up the sidewalk and down to National Park Gifts where James was all atwitter with stories of things that go bump in the night or rather things that sound like the click of high heels on pavement. Years ago when he was young, he said he spent many a night above the store in the living quarters that used to be up there. He said he often heard the clickclick-click of high heels on the floor and even once saw the silhouette of a smallstatured high-heeled woman. “Now that,” he said, “made me run.”

In this ever-evolving city that was built and rebuilt atop the ashes and silt of the fires and floods that might have destroyed it, there will always be an undercurrent of unrest carried by the tales of the experience and imagination of the souls who live here.

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I N Y O U R W O R DS

The Old Apple Tree

by Becky Furr Hughes, Arkadelphia, Ark.

The old apple tree that stood in Grandma’s back yard held many secrets. A large limb fell and Uncle Alvin made all the women folk a wooden spoon out of that tree limb. When Aunt Biddy miscarried her first baby, she buried it under that old apple tree. The big old knot hole in the apple tree hid secrets. When the grown-ups hid the eggs on Easter Sunday, the prize egg was usually placed in the knot hole. When little Becky got to the tree first, mean old Dennis told her if she put her hand in the knot hole she would get bit by a snake.

Becky is grown now but won’t go near that tree. Uncle Ben used some of the wood from a fallen limb to smoke some meat for Christmas dinner. That apple wood added a lot of flavor to that meat.

The knot hole in that old apple tree was a secret place to hide love notes between Uncle Billy and Aunt Betsy before they got married. When a note was left, they would place one of the large leaves stuck with a piece of bubble gum above the hole. Grandpa intercepted one of the notes, and met Billy down by the river and told him if he wanted to spark his daughter he could come to the front door like anyone else. When the old apple tree was split in half by lightnin, and one of Grandpa’s sisters needed a new rocking chair, the wood that was on the ground came in handy. When a limb fell or lightnin struck, it was like God giving a gift from Mother Nature to help us here on earth.

During the winter, Grandma used to fix fried apple pies. Everyone in our small community would beg for one of her fried pies. During the spring when the apple tree bore fruit, Grandma would recruit some of us kids to pick the apples off the tree and off the ground.

Then Grandma would sit on the back porch in her high back chair with the bushel baskets overflowing with apples at her feet, and peel them. No one could peel those apples like my grandma. She would pick up an apple and with her very sharp knife start to peel and her knife would never leave the apple and one long curl would land on the floor. Us kids would have to pick the peel up but we loved her pies so much, we didn’t care. Her fried pies were so big you had to hold them in two hands. Next before she could make the pies, she had us young’uns fetch the wood work horses out of the shed. We placed tin on the work horses.

Old soft table cloths went on top of the tin. Then the sliced apples were very lovingly placed on the table cloths. The apple slices dried in the sun all day. Right before the sun went down, we would gather the apples and place them in freezer bags to be frozen. Then in the winter or whatever the season, Grandma would make up a batch of her famous fried apple pies.

Grandpa would study the farmer’s almanac to make sure it didn’t rain on the day the apples were drying. It could mess up a whole season of apple pies if they got wet.

In Awe of Autumn

by Melissa H. Sonnen Hot Springs Village, Ark.

I sit in awe – of blushing dawnbeams breaking through the cloud.

With colors from the nurs’ry they bespeak the gentle nature of our God. I sit in awe – of mighty torrents voicing power out loud.

They lick the creek bed tasting all the goodness there in rock and moss and sod.

I sit in awe – as verdant meadows wait for snow fall’s shroud.

Displaying patience, they accept their death and softly bend their heads and nod.

I sit in awe – as rustling treetops shake their heads so proud, and loose their hair onto the path where deer and angels have forever trod.

I sit in awe – as life renews our wondrous gifts endowed.

My thanks rise up and join with they who soar and they, like I, who only plod.

On the fourth Sunday in May every year, the family would travel to the old cemetery to visit the dead folks. And of course Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma were buried under an old apple tree. Their graves were covered in apples but we didn’t never pick them up because they were dead. An old fence was stretched sideways between trees and this was our table.

Everyone brung potluck. And everyone would be in line to get one of Grandma’s fried apple pies. A fight broke out over the last pie on the platter. And you guessed it right. I won.

When the harsh weather of winter begins to chill deep to the bone, the indoors, a fire on the hearth and cocoa warming your hands can set the scene for memories that never fade.

Submit your most memorable Winter story or creative writing piece, we would love to feature it in our next issue.

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Send your writing submissions to: Render Creative Group attn: Ouachita High Country 801 Central Avenue, Suite 30 Hot Springs, AR 71901 or email info@rendercreativegroup.com

Upcoming Membership Events Ouachita High Country Casting Demo & Fly Fishing Expo

Saturday, September 20, 2014

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Cortez Pavilion

Hosted by the Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters in coordination with Basecamp and the Ouachita Rod & Gun Club.

Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters will have vendors, representatives, instructors and products to demonstrate from casting, rods, weights, fly lines and more. Your HSV mini fly shop at Lake Cortez! The event is FREE to attend. Basecamp will have paddleboards and kayaks to rent and/or try onsite to add to the outdoor fun!

ORG Club Members will receive a 10% discount on any merchandise purchased during the event from the Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters. Cash, credit cards and checks will be accepted.

Membership Meeting & Social Event

Sunday, December 14, 2014

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Coronado Center Presented by Hot Springs Village Real Estate.

Tickets are available at HSVTicketSales.com.

Meal will be prepared by Fat Buoy’s Food Truck: Turkey Sandwich with Swiss, tomato, lettuce; tater twists, tea and pumpkin pie for $9.00

Enjoy a Game Tasting Contest! Please email us if you are interested in participating in the Contest. Cook duck, venison, dove, wild boar or wild turkey for 150 members to taste, (just a spoonful / forkful per member). Members will vote on the best dishes; prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. To enter your wild game dish in the contest please email vkittner@hsvpoa.org and note your game of choice to prepare and serve during the contest; up to (4) four contestants per game choice on a first come first serve basis, so sign up today!

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PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

801 Central Avenue, Suite 30 Hot Springs, AR 71901

PAID S1G

tlines dated. go includes Ou need to be up Files of this Lo ne width will tli ng ou ki , or es W fil : TE ng NO worki size is made to If a change in

Hot Springs Village Basecamp is your launching point to outdoor adventure. Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, the Ouachita Mountains and numerous lakes, rivers and streams, we have easy access to some of the best mountain trails, wilderness areas and waterways in the state.

Let us be your local experts for outdoor sports. We can help you pick out a wilderness trail, connect you with recreation-specific clubs and venues and recommend an outfitter to get you geared up. If you enjoy life outside, you’ll want to be part of Basecamp. Grab your gear and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!

• Kayaking • Rock Climbing

• Snorkeling

• Geocaching

• Paddle Boarding

• Hiking

• Water Sports • Mining

• Mountain Biking

• ATV/Off-Roading

Rental Rates: Kayaks

$40/day or $20/½ day

Paddle Boards $40/day or $20/½ day Snorkeling Sets $10/day or $5/½ day or $50/week (7 days)

Call

501.922.1230 to reserve your fun gear today!

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BasecampAR.com

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