I Love Fort Smith
2016 TIMES R ECOR D PHOTO CONTEST
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$2.50 The sun rrises behind the Fort Smith River Park as seen Garrison from the Gar a ri ar riss Avenue Bridge. TIMES RECORD FILE PHOTO
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ort Smith is the blind date with someone that you thought would never work, but somehow turned into the love of your life — wonderfully surprising and rich with substance and promise for the future. I fell in love with Fort Smith because of the people: humble, understated and genuine. I love my daily talks with caring people who still take time to have thoughtful, thorough conversations that mean something. This isn’t a city of 140 characters or less. I find new characteristics to love daily. The quirky and bustling downtown with artwork around every corner and the fun amusement park right smack in the middle. Big semi trucks roaring through it all. A big river running through it all. Then industrial plants scattered all around my workplace. Creating. SellCRYSTAL COSTA, ing. Shipping. TIMES RECORD Hard-working people behind it all. PUBLISHER The exciting developments and promise at Fort burgeoning medical college Chafee, carving out new that makes me want to do characters and focus. A
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aith and Nikoli enjoy playing at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CINDY RAY
those years of my life all over again. I love the fact that everywhere you turn there is a reminder, through a street name or a historical marker, that Fort Smith has an important military history that will forever be part of America’s fight to become something grand. ‘Merica. Sometimes, in my head, I hear Bruce Springsteen singing “Born in the U.S.A.”
when I drive to work. Grit. Perseverance. I know none of this came easy. Nothing good does. And again, all the people who still talk to each other, and even the newcomers, about the hope of what’s to come. Yes, as a newcomer, I’m definitely still in the gushy romance phase, but I’ve been around enough to know this is one of those love affairs with substance to last.
YOU L OV E F O RT S M I T H , T O O We received more than 150 submissions for our 2016 I Love Fort Smith photo contest, proving once and for all that a lot of you love Fort Smith every bit as much as we do. That also made the job of judging all of those contest entries and picking just three winning photographs and 10 honorable mentions from all of the great moments captured by you, our readers, a very daunting task. But we stuck to our guns (We locked the judges in a room and didn't let them come out until they'd arrived at a concensus — not even for bathroom breaks.), and we came up with 13 names. Those judges have our sincere thanks, and they are Jamie Mitchell, Carrol Copeland and Rachel Rodemann. So what did those 13 people win? The photographer
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responsible for the first-place image will receive a Nikon D3300 camera package from Bedford Camera & Video. The second-place and third-place winners will receive $200 and $100 gift cards, respectively, to use at Bedford Camera & Video. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video. And all of our winners will have their photos displayed in either First National Bank branches or at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. So who won? Look no further than the pages of this magazine, which reprints dozens of the entries we received, including the 13 prize-winning photographs. We all love Fort Smith; here are just some of the reasons why.
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ort Smith is a wonderful place to raise a family. We have a number of high-quality educational options for our children to experience. Higher education in this region is focused on the education and development of both traditional and non-traditional students. From a business standpoint, we have access to
JUDY MCREYNOLDS, ARCBEST CHAIRWOMAN, PRESIDENT AND CEO
exceptional talent for our workforce. As a result, our workforce is
creative, intelligent, innovative, hardworking and dedicated. Fort Smith’s strong philanthropic tradition encourages the community to give back their talents, time and treasures. Our business and community leaders are focused on creating a great place to live and work. At ArcBest Corp., we are excited to grow our company in Fort Smith.
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took my granddaughter to the Downtown Splash Pad. As we were leaving, she was intrigued with the three little girls statue there. The statues and splash pad make Fort Smith a fun place to live and play. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JUDITH HOGAN
This signing about the future Interstate 49 shows the vision of the future of Fort Smith. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LESLIE CRAMER
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he old soda shop at the Fort Smith Museum of History includes the soda fountain and the 20s/40s pharmacy. Approximately 40,000 artifacts relating to Fort Smith’s history are on display at the museum. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY T.E. WATTS
This photo by T.E. Watts was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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rother and sister Holden Cothran and Kila Dalton ride the train at Creekmore Park. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CATHY COTHRAN
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Fort Smith Railroad train crosses Arkansas 45 in Fort Smith.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LESLIE CRAMER
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onique pauses to admire the vegetables, herbs and flowers growing in the Officers’ Wives’ Garden at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. She was recently chosen as the Volunteer of the Quarter for all of her efforts in planting and maintaining this historic garden. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY PAT ROBBINS
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n early morning visit to Cisterna Plaza in April earned me a beautiful view of the fountain with the morning sun rising behind it. PHOTO
SUBMITTED BY NANCY RANEY
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his is one of the statues at River Front Park taken in mid August at sunset. “I like to power walk around the park,” said Valerie Kell. PHOTO SUBMITTED
BY VALERIE V. KELL
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love Fort Smith. I love this community for many reasons, so many that when my family had career opportunities to move to other cities, we chose to remain in this very special city. My No. 1 reason focuses on the people of this community. Some of the most caring people one can find, our residents freely donate their time and services in a multitude of ways seeking to improve the lives of others and to improve our community. If there is a need or an opportunity, the people of Fort Smith always step forward to help. Fort Smith has a private sector that is continually willing to provide events and activities that greatly improve our quality of place without using tax dollars. Just a few examples include
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FORT SMITH MAYOR SANDY SANDERS The Unexpected mural project, Fort Smith Symphony, Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, music festivals, Steel Horse Rally, the new Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, new medical clinics by Mercy and Sparks, the U.S. Marshals Museum and so many others. Other community assets include our growing trails and parks system, a convention center that attracts thousands
of visitors each year, a more vibrant downtown, and an outstanding array of public services. We have a fine school system, and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is a growing institution working in close concert with schools and businesses. This brings me back to my No. 1 reason for loving Fort Smith. All of these things have been created and led by residents. We have moved beyond the great recession and resulting loss of jobs. In just the past three years, more than 3,800 jobs have been created by new businesses and expansion of existing employers. Not only are Fort Smith people positive, they are resilient and they make a difference for others every day. I love Fort Smith.
itting on his horse with his tracking hound by his side, Bass Reeves heads for Indian territory to bring another criminal to justice, and I am sure the criminal element is getting nervous. The bronze statue sits at the base of the bridge connecting Arkansas ans Oklahoma. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MIKE HOLLOWAY
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ireworks light up the night during the Mayor’s Fourth of July celebration in 2014. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MEGAN RAYNOR
This photo by Megan Raynor was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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everal historic, old brick buildings line Garrison Avenue. PHOTO
SUBMITTED BY T.E. WATTS
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his image caught my attention as I was walking on Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith during the Mayor’s Fourth of July fireworks display by the Arkansas Riverfront. God Bless America! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TRACY FARRAR
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he Neumeier’s Rib Room is lit up at dusk next to one of the Unexpected Project murals.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ANNIE BODIFORD
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arley is enjoying Fort Smith by walking the new Greg Smith River Walk. Not just people love and can enjoy Fort Smith. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ERIN CRAIG
Erin Craig's photo was awarded the third-place position in the I Love Fort Smith photo contest. Erin will receive a $100 gift card to use at Bedford Camera & Video. Nice job, Erin!
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ather John and Matushka Debra Maxwell celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in Saints George and Alexandra Orthodox Church at Fort Chaffee. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LARISSA SMITHSON
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y nephew, Conner, at the McClure Amphitheater at 7201 Massard Road. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TERESA HESSELBERTH
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he Clayton House sits in the historic Belle Grove district of Fort Smith. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY T.E. WATTS
This photo by T.E. Watts was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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dding an umbrella to Momma Blue’s House in hopes of making her cooler while she is sitting on her eggs makes me happy!!! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SHERRY MARSHALL
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aith and Nikoli sit on the trail down by the Arkansas River in Fort Smith. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CINDY RAY
This photo by Cindy Ray was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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child sits on a pile of corn at the Farmers Market in Downtown Fort Smith. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LARISSA SMITHSON
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arold Eugene cools off at his Fort Smith home during a hot July day. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BREANNE GOODRUM
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had the honor to do this gorgeous couple’s (Lauren Skrepp and Austin Jumper) engagement photos in Downtown Fort Smith at one of my favorite places, The Park at West End. I love the carousel and the lights and thought it was the perfect backdrop for this fun and unique couple! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ERIKA LINDSAY
This photo by Erika Lindsay was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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y wife and I were out for a walk one evening, before dinner, and saw this beautiful sky over Fort Smith. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CHRISTOPHER BARKER
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y daughters, Caroline and Leah Schwinn, enjoy the artistic murals around Downtown Fort Smith. PHOTO SUBMITTED
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he River Valley Master Gardeners host an event at the Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY PAT ROBBINS
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aster Gardener Mary Watts tends the pansies in front of the Miss Laura’s Visitor Center. This is one of the many sanctioned projects of the River Valley Master Gardeners, and Mary is the project chairperson. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY PAT ROBBINS
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CITY, FIRST NATIONAL SHARE SYMBIOSIS By Tina Dale Special to the Times Record
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ince the beginning, Fort Smith and First National Bank of Fort Smith have been intertwined. What is good for one is and has been good for the other. Though FNB didn’t get its start until 55 years after Fort Smith was founded, the beginning of the bank led to the beginning of Fort Smith’s commercial identity. When one prospered, so did the other. “We have always believed what is good for Fort Smith is good for our business,” said Sam T. Sicard, president and chief executive officer. “We feel like we have a financial partnership. That we are able to grow or support the community through industry loans to customers, helping businesses help expand manufacturing, help the community. And it is a mutually beneficial partnership,” he added. “Our growth and success is dependent on the growth and success of our city, our area.” With numerous locations throughout the
Fort Smith area, eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas, FNB is committed to its customers and communities. “In a time when there are banks that are failing, we are growing. We saw a need and added a location at Chaffee Crossing. We are reinvesting in our other locations. We will working on our main bank (located on Garrison Avenue) next year, remodeling, reinvesting, preserving our history with a modern flair. We wouldn’t do this if we didn’t believe in the community of Fort Smith,” Sicard said, adding that Fort Smith also needs to reinvest in itself, in its appearance, education and events. In order to better support and serve the community, FNB is adding new services — mobile check deposit, mobile banking platform, Apple Pay, EMV cards with microchips and better security. It’s these things that bring Sicard pride. His family has led FNB for five generations, supporting other multigenerational businesses as well as new and upcoming ones. “I’m proud of our commitment to our community. We believe a good
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e and my friend, Tanya, on the way to the Fort Smith Public Library Main Branch, ready to absorb immense knowledge. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LARISSA SMITHSON
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partnership will exist as long as our community values us,” Sicard said. “Commitment to our community is a core value, not just of me but of all our team members. We — they — have a commitment to serve, be it directly to taking care of our customers or volunteering and supporting our community.” The bank strives toward community leadership, working to make a difference, and has proven through the years that it is here to help the community and the people in it. “Longevity — 144 years of serving and continue to grow through tremendous change and competition — that is something to be proud of, but it is not just our longevity. It’s the longevity of our people— our team members and customers.” The reward is seeing FNB team members share the passion for the community, Sicard said, as well as having the support of the community. “Fort Smith has been incredibly good to our bank and to my family. It is an honor to be part of such a great community,” he added.
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rynlee-Ann enjoys a treasure chest of water in the nice sunshine at Parrot Island Waterpark. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LEE RECTOR
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t’s a shot of a scene in town that looks nice, and is an attractive entry point to our downtown area. The General Darby statue appears to be extending a welcoming hand to visitors and residents. PHOTO SUBMIT-
TED BY NANCY RANEY
This photo by Nancy Raney was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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he angel statue in the Sparks Healing Garden sits amidst flowing fountains and blooming roses. Visitors and staff at the hospital may stop by for a few quiet moments to soak up the serene atmosphere. The garden was designed by Ralph Irwin and is now maintained by River Valley Master Gardeners. The white roses on the fence are heirloom Silver Moon roses donated by Nancy Orr. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY PAT ROBBINS
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he St. Scholastica Monastery sisters are counselors, religious educators, advocates for various social justice issues and partakers in prayer ministry. A two-volume history of the monastery was written by one of the sisters. The second volume was debuted for the 125th anniversary in 2005.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY T.E. WATTS
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he Fort Smith National Historic Site in Downtown Fort Smith attracts a number of people to the city. PHOTO
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This image by Tommy Davis was selected the second-place prize winner in the I Love Fort Smith photo contest. Tommy will receive a $200 gift card to use at Bedford Camera & Video. Congratulations, Tommy!
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ort Smith has always had an entrepreneurial feeling. Look back on our history and you can find example after example of individuals pulling up their bootstraps and creating something from nothing. Although I recognized that when my wife and I chose to move to Fort Smith five years ago, I’m only just now coming to fully appreciate it. As medium to large cities go, Fort Smith is a bit of an eclectic mix. Legacy companies that have stood the test of time, upstart businesses proving that it makes no difference where you are located to be successful, and a welcoming environment that makes any potential company looking in from the outside interested in why they should be here.
TIM ALLEN, FORT SMITH REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT AND CEO Even as the state’s second-largest city, Fort Smith has a strong small town image with a good dose of sophistication. It’s got a Main Street (aka Garrison Avenue), with historical storefronts and a growing sense of “modern meets turn-of-the-century.” It’s got resources for growth for years to come, a strong education system, an
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amazing health-care system, a robust infrastructure that’s constantly being updated and refurbished, and a vibrant and smart workforce that’s proved time and time again that it can adapt to any change that comes its way. I believe that living in a city the size of Fort Smith has the effect of making you a better person. The truth is, it’s hard to be anonymous, to not be connected, and to not be accountable for your actions (i.e., you’re less likely to honk at the driver in front of you when it could, in fact, be your daughter’s kindergarten teacher or the man who pours your latte every morning). For me, Fort Smith is a blend of small town friendliness, big city sophistication and easy access to some of the best nature has to offer.
owntown Fort Smith can be seen at nearly 6:30 p.m. March 11, 2016, looking northwest toward Oklahoma from the top of the tallest building in the city, the Ward-Garrison building. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ROB NUGENT
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his was taken at Peacemaker Music Festival in 2015. Corey Smith put on a great show, and I was able to get this shot during his amazing set. PHOTO
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he sun setting on the Arkansas River paints a lovely scene. PHOTO
SUBMITTED BY SARA HUTCHINS
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rooke Wood and Jason Bland love finding the new murals downtown! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BROOKE WOOD
This photo by Brooke Wood was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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I L OV E F ORT SM I T H SAM SICARD, FIRST NATIONAL BANK PRESIDENT AND CEO
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love Fort Smith for the passion and commitment that our people have to serving one another, for the resiliency of our people throughout numerous adversities, and for the heartfelt desire and determination of so many of our people to continuously improve our community.
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est friends Cleo and Addisen are ready to watch a performance of “Singing in The Rain” at the Fort Smith Little Theater. We loved it!! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DEBI SLOAN
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raxton is ringing the trolley bell while enjoying a morning ride! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LEE RECTOR
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took my daughter, Cheyenne, her friend, Chasity, my nephews, Alex and Eric, and my son, Joey, to the Fort Smith National Historic Site, and we were walking the trails by the Arkansas River when the kids decided to go down to the edge and sit by the water. I caught this picture with the sun sparkling on the river. It’s a beautiful trail, and it was a beautiful day. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY MICHELLE
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This photo by Michelle Leonard was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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riends Cleo and Addisen just ran the second annual River Valley Youth Move Color Run 2016 in Greenwood. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DEBI SLOAN
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he Fort Smith Trolley runs along Garrison Avenue as seen from the Ferris wheel at the Park at West End.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CINDY RAY
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he Old Schoolhouse Apartments building is in the historic Belle Grove district, just across the street from the Clayton House.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY T.E. WATTS
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sabella Smith is riding the Ferris wheel in downtown Fort Smith with her dad, Forrest Smith. She loves this and hollers to go on a daily basis. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY COURTNEY SMITH
This photo by Courtney Smith was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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he carousel is a popular attraction at the Park at West End in Downtown Fort Smith.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TOMMY DAVIS
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o Lewis and her dog, Sissy, have a lovely walk along the Arkansas River at the Fort Smith National Historic Site Park. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY VALERIE LEWIS
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ur 4-year-old son, Solomon, loves Parrot Island Waterpark! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ANGELA HENRY
This photo by Angela Henry was one of 10 images selected honorable mention winners. Each honorable mention winner will receive a $40 print card for use at Bedford Camera & Video.
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he sun sets on Wells Lake in Chaffee Crossing. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SHARLA DERRY
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e celebrated our first Fourth of July living in Fort Smith. By chance we had the perfect spot to see the fireworks light up over a Fort Smith sign. It was beautiful! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SHARLETTE RAGAN
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he Fort Smith Trolley prepares to depart after a stop at the Bass Reeves statue in downtown Fort Smith. PHOTO
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This photo, submitted by Pat Robbins, was selected by our panel of judges to be the winner of the 2016 I Love Fort Smith photo contest. Pat has won a Nikon D3300 camera package from Bedford Camera & Video. Congratulations, Pat!
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had my granddaughters down at the Splash Pad in Downtown Fort Smith. I just happened to get a beautiful backdrop of the Ferris wheel and the Park at West End! We love downtown Fort Smith!! PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SHARLA ZGLOMBICKI
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I L OV E F ORT SM I T H
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n Fort Smith, there are so many things to love, because Fort Smith is home! From great schools, pretty parks, spectacular symphony, fabulous food, to bankers, realtors, entrepreneurs, professors, doctors, nurses, teachers, firemen, police officers and bakers: Simply put, it’s the people. In Fort Smith, we find great people, caring people, leaders who step up and make a difference in a community. There is the desire to be better,
JEFF BEAUCHAMP, BEDFORD CAMERA & VIDEO PRESIDENT smarter, healthier and friendlier. Fort Smith is a melting pot of our friends from many smaller cities and diverse communities all around us. Our Western heritage is important, and
our history is relevant. We live in the present, but we push a vision for a greater future. With our highways, railways, airways and rivers, the Fort Smith community has much to offer, and I expect even better days ahead. Thank you John, Fred, Ray and Polly for history, and now thank you to Richard, Sam, Kyle, Benny, Judy, John T., Robert Y., Steve, Bill, Judith, Sandi, Wayne and thousands of others who make life worth living every day in Fort Smith!
Bedford a full-service camera store, more By Tina Dale Special to the Times Record
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ince 1974, Bedford Camera & Video has provided the best selection of photography equipment and printing services to the Fort Smith area. Starting with one small store in Springdale, Bedford’s now has seven locations in three states as well as an estore at bedfords.com for added customer conveinence. “Bedford Camera & Video was built on offering great customer service, at competitive prices, and proper training on how to use your new equipment,” said Jeff Beauchamp, president of Bedford Camera & Video. Bedford’s offers the latest from Canon, Nikon, Fuji and Sony — just a few of the products in their cameras and lenses; consumer to pro video cameras; professional mics; glide gear; and video drones. Just as important, Bedford’s is committed to customer service and
competitive prices. “We will meet prices,” Beauchamp said. “If you can find something from a credible dealer someplace in New York for cheaper, tell us. We’ll meet that price.” And with Bedford’s, you get expertise, selection, classes and instruction — not to mention frontdoor parking. “Camera stores are closing across the country. Memphis doesn’t have one. Orlando has one, Atlanta has one … But we have seven. In the past five years, we’ve opened three stores and remodeled others. We are looking at opening additional stores,” Beauchamp said. Prints, enlargements, metal prints, canvas prints, video transfers and camera repair are all available at Bedford’s. Xerox printing is now a standard service offered, including invitations, business cards, photo books, graphic design, posters and menus to mention a few. Classes are held weekly and offered in various levels to help the
beginner to the advanced photographer learn to take better photos. “I am very bullish about our stores. I’m bullish about Fort Smith,” Beauchamp said. “Fort Smith is a special community. There are a lot of good things coming to Fort Smith.” It is the greatness of the community and the people in it that Beauchamp laudes the most. “I have a passion for Fort Smith. It’s all about the people, the employees, the customers — the greatest customers. It’s about service to the community. It’s about classes for kids and field trips for the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. It’s about the big signage at Central Mall for the symphony. It’s about helping our community,” Beauchamp said. With stores in Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Rogers and Little Rock, Tulsa and Oklahoma City and the newest addition in Springfield, Mo., there is a Bedford’s nearby and ready to serve everyone, and they are just waiting for the next customer they can help leave with a smile.
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