REFRESHING - JUNE 2023

A house is made with walls and beams; a home is made with love and dreams. ~

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A HOME

In this issue of Do South® you’ll find our 9th annual House and Home Guide. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, make improvements, or finally install the pool of your dreams, you’ll discover local experts with the experience and professionalism needed to help make your house a home. You’ll also find our annual Financial Profiles which features local banks, financial advisors and wealth managers who are committed to helping their clients reach their financial goals and gain financial confidence.

There’s more to dive into! We caught up with Fort Smith native, and current NBA sharpshooter for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaiah Joe. And we’ll introduce you to Meredith Sanders, who recently made the record books as the youngest Arkansan to ever complete all six of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

We all know glass isn’t supposed to bend. Try telling that to Derrick Maxey, owner of Maxey Signs and Neon, who’s spent his career doing exactly that. Next is Patti Farris, a retired middle school science teacher and mother of six who can now add author to her title! Her first children’s book, Today I Choose Happy! is the first in a series of stories told through the voices of colorfully illustrated animal characters.

We’re also taking you inside the new Market by the Park, formerly Sweet Bay Coffee. It’s a foodie’s paradise - and yes, you can still order all your old favorite menu items!

Don’t forget, Father’s Day is June 18, ! I encourage you to visit our advertisers as you shop. Not only are they the reason you’re holding this issue in your hands, but they help make our community the incredible place that it is! Thank you for inviting us into your home and heart every month – see you in July!

JUNE 2023

OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR

Catherine Frederick

COPY EDITING

Charity Chambers

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jade Graves, Brandon Watts

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Marla Cantrell, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sara Putman, Bob Robinson

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500

catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

FOLLOW US

©2023 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner. Opinions contained in Do South® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence, including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

Catherine Frederick, Owner/Publisher/Editor catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

Annual subscriptions are $36 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or via mail, 4300 Rogers Avenue, Ste. 20, PMB 110, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903. Single issues available upon request. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

JUNE EVENTS

June 1-10

FSLT PRESENTS DEATHTRAP

Fort Smith Little Theatre, Fort Smith

June 1-2

OLD FORT DAYS RODEO

Harper Stadium, Fort Smith

June 1

LEVITT AMP SERIES: DUO DIVINAS

Riverfront Park, Fort Smith

Ju ne 2

FORT CITY SLAM OPEN MIC

Bookish, The Bakery District, Fort Smith

Ju ne 2

BOURBON RAIN

Neumeier’s Rib Room and Beer Garden, Fort Smith

Ju ne 2

SUPER PETS MOVIE IN THE PARK Creekmore Park, Fort Smith

Ju ne 2-3

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL

Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

Ju ne 3

FORT SMITH COMIC CON 2023

Fort Smith Convention Center

Ju ne 3

SIPPIN' ON 6TH STREET

Clayton House, Fort Smith

Ju ne 8

LEVITT AMP SERIES: SAVING ESCAPE

Riverfront Park, Fort Smith

June 8

SHAW REVOLVER LIVE

La Huerta on Garrison, Fort Smith

Ju ne 8

FLATLAND CAVALRY

TempleLive, Fort Smith

Ju ne 9

STRANGE WORLD MOVIE IN THE PARK

Tilles Park, Fort Smith

Ju ne 10

PAUL CAUTHEN

The Majestic, Fort Smith

Ju ne 10

SUMMER STREET EATS

FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Main Street, Van Buren

Ju ne 10

CHAFFEE CROSSING FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith

Ju ne 15

TIE DYE POP UP AND PLAY DAY

Creekmore Park, Fort Smith

Ju ne 16

TRUE GRIT RIDE & 5K

Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith

Ju ne 16

SOUL MOVIE IN THE PARK

Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Fort Smith

Ju ne 17

THE AVETT BROTHERS

Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

Ju ne 17

KANE BROWN DRUNK OR DREAMING TOUR

Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock

Ju ne 17

LARRY B SOUL EXPERIENCE BAND

King Opera House, Van Buren

Ju ne 17

32 ND RIVERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL

The Majestic, Fort Smith

Ju ne 22

BORED TEACHERS COMEDY TOUR

TempleLive, Fort Smith

Ju ne 23

MATCHBOX TWENTY

Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville

Ju ne 23

LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Creekmore Park, Fort Smith

Ju ne 24

UNCLE LUCIUS WITH NOLAN TAYLOR

The Majestic, Fort Smith

Ju ne 24

MONSTER TRUCK INSANITY TOUR

Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith

Ju ne 27-29

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Creekmore Community Center

Fort Smith, (pre-registration required)

Ju ne 29

WILLIE NELSON'S OUTLAW MUSIC FEST

Walmart AMP, Rogers

THE BAKERY DISTRICT – FORT SMITH

BAKERYFS.COM

Monday Night Trivia: Every Monday, 6:30pm

Cornhole (Bags at the Bakery) every Wednesday, 6:30pm

Movie Night: Every Thursday, 6:30pm

Fort Smith Jazz Jam every 3rd Thursday, 6:30pm

Bikes at The Bakery: Every 3rd Friday

Storytime at Bookish: Every Saturday, 11am

Fort Smith Blues Jam every 3rd Sunday, 1pm

ARTS ON MAIN – VAN BUREN

ARTSONMAINVB.COM

June 5-26: Pottery Handbuilding

June 6-29: Intro to Pottery Wheel

June 9-11: Watercolor Workshop with Richard Stephens

June 12-Jul y 31: Kids Summer Programs

June 14: My Dad Rocks Art Class

June 17: Exploring Color Art Class

June 21: Flower Crown Workshop

June 29: Ancient Drinks Meet

M odern Mixology Class

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FORT SMITH

UAFS.EDU/SUMMER-CAMPS

Band Camp: June 12-16 (Grades 6-12)

Acapella Fest: June 10 (Grades 8-12)

Jazz Workshop: June 20-23 (Grades 8-12)

UAFSBASKETBALLCAMPS.COM

Elite Camp I: June 3 (Grades 9-12)

Basketball Camp II: June 12-14 (Grades K-8)

Bask etball Camp III: June 26-June 29 (Grades K-8)

UAFSVOLLEYBALLCAMPS.COM

Volleyball Elite Camp: June 7-9 (Grades 7-12)

FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM

FSRAM.ORG

RAM Saturdays: Saturdays 12-4pm

May 5: Opening Reception RAM Annual Invitational Odyssey (through July 30)

Through Dec 31: Liz Whitney Quisgard Textile Works

Through July 9: Elizabeth Weber: Exploring the Woods Within, The Museum Project & Ayree Maner, Student Exhibition

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS – FORT SMITH

CSAFORTSMITH.ORG

June 5-July 24: String Ensemble for A dult & Nontraditional Students

June 9-July 28: Summer Strings (Grades 5-12)

June 12-16: Broadway Intensive (Grades 3-6)

June 12-16: Rising Stars (Grades K-2)

June 19-23: Preschool for the Arts (A ges 3-5)

June 19-23: Disney Piano Camp

Grades 1-3, 4-6)

June 19-23: Come Together with Col lage Art Camp (K-3, 4-6)

June 26-30: Dancing Through Life (Grades 3-6, 7-12)

June 26-30: Ul timate Drums Camps (Grades K-2, 3-6, 7-12)

June 26-30: Piano Discoveries

(beginners K-2, 3-6)

WESTERN ARKANSAS BALLET – FORT SMITH

WABALLET.ORG

June 6-7: The Joffrey Workshop

(A ges 9 & up)

June 12-16: Elevé Dance Workshop

(A ges 10 & up)

June 12-16: Cinderella (Ages 4-5)

June 12-16: Swan Lake (Ages 6-7)

June 19-22: Giselle (Ages 8-9)

Do South

Cares

words Jo Ellen Banhart, Board President, Almost Home Shelter & Rescue

Almost Home Shelter & Rescue (AHSR), an all-volunteer run 501c3 created in 2017, is dedicated to the love, care, and placement of dogs brought in by the city of Van Buren’s animal control division. Do South® reached out to learn more.

Prior to 2014, dogs picked up by Van Buren’s animal control were taken to the city pound and if not adopted by the fifth day, they were unfortunately euthanized. In late 2016, two women championed for change, and an agreement with the city was made. Almost Home Shelter and Rescue (AHSR) could use the shelter under the condition that only dogs picked up by the city’s animal control division would be allowed. In March 2017, nine dogs scheduled to be euthanized became the first Almost Home rescues. Since 2017, Almost Home Shelter & Rescue has saved over 1,700 dogs!

Almost Home Shelter and Rescue only exists through community support and city permission. “We are not an open rescue available to take in any dog; essentially, we are a shelter housed in a city facility under the city of Van Buren’s guidelines. We must follow the rules to be allowed to save the dogs,” explains Jo Ellen.

Today, the five-day rule has been abolished and all dogs brought in by the city’s animal control division are saved. As many as twenty-five volunteers rotate through the shelter twice daily, ensuring dogs have fresh food, water, toys, a blanket, bed, and a treat in a clean kennel. The dogs are walked, played with, trained, taken on field trips and, above all, they are loved.

479.414.3781

almosthomeshelter.org

While the city agreement determines which dogs are allowed at the shelter, AHSR has no restrictions on how many dogs they can help. A dog food pantry, microchip clinics, spay/ neuter vouchers, and transporting dogs are just a few of the ways the shelter supports the community. All that is needed to provide for more dogs is more people who care. Adopters, fosters, and volunteers are top priority! Dogs unable to come into the shelter can still be helped with fosters.

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy nonprofit in our area free of charge. Requests for this free page accepted beginning October, 2023. Send inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com, or call 479.782.1500.

Fostering is a crucial part of the rescue process. Fostering allows AHSR to free-up space inside the shelter and send dogs to other rescue groups in different states. By fostering you not only save at least two lives, but you help our dogs decompress from the shelter environment and prepare them for adoption. Fostering is incredibly rewarding! Although it can be hard to let go, our fosters will tell you that the experience is well worth the tiny heartbreak when your dog leaves.

There are many other ways you can help AHSR such as taking dogs to the vet, doing laundry, writing grants, helping at fundraising events, driving transports, and of course monetary donations, specifically the $3,500-$5,000 monthly vet bills are appreciated. AHSR dogs are fully vetted, receive monthly flea and heartworm preventatives and have any medical needs met – it’s all about the dogs!

3390 Pointer Trail East Van Buren, Arkansas

Adelaide

by Genevieve Wheeler

Wheeler’s debut novel follows the twenty-something Adelaide Williams in the pivotal moments leading up to her own self reckoning. It is heartfelt and full of heartbreak; the center of Adelaide’s journey is falling in and out of love. The atmosphere is perfect, as Adelaide is an American living in London, but it allows movement to remarkable places and profound insights throughout. Wheeler is one to watch as this debut is smart, extremely relevant, and insightful.

Pineapple Street

by Jenny Jackson

The Stockton family comes from old money, but when we meet the ladies of the family, we find there’s much more to life’s pleasures than meets the eye. Each woman must choose between her heart and her head. Yes, it’s indulgent, but Pineapple Street is a place to escape into a new world not too far from our own. The characters are loveable and far from perfect, so you’ll root for all of them, even though they don’t really need your approval.

Enjoy these four must-read books from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’s only independently owned bookstore.

Firekeeper’s Daughter

by Angeline Boulley

This is a Young Adult thriller for all ages. Woven together with a bit of romance – with a hockey player, no less! The story’s protagonist is Daunis, an eighteen-year-old who witnesses a murder. Her mother is French, and her father is Ojibwe, so she agrees to go undercover for the FBI using her knowledge of both cultures. Mystery, romance, intrigue, and diversity – this Young Adult novel has it all.

The Roof Over Our Heads

by Nicole Kronzer

This YA book from a professional-actor-turnedEnglish-teacher is such fun! A family of five, all theatre lovers, decides to put on a play with the help of friends and neighbors in hopes of keeping their precious historical home. Among mishaps, navigating love and friendship, and trying to get over stage fright, Finn must find what it takes to be successful, save his acting career, and his family home.

June Recommendations courtesy Sara Putman, Bookish

Hearts On Fire Lux Lorelei Floral 18kt White Gold Ring

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

479.452.2140

Svedka Strawberry Lemonade and Cherry Limeade Flavored Vodka, SunnyD Vodka Seltzer, Svedka Mango Pineapple and Citron Flavored Vodka IN GOOD SPIRITS

479.434.6604

Defend Your Hearing with Custom Earplugs from Westone CENTER FOR HEARING AND BALANCE

479.785.3277

Kanga 12-Pack Kase Mate, Dr. Squatch Men’s Natural Soap, C.O. Bigelow Elixir Black Cologne

BLACK BISON COMPANY

479.551.2880

Eyewear by Oliver Peoples STILES EYE GROUP

479.452.2020

Castle & Key Restoration Rye Whiskey, Garrison Brothers Bourbon Small Batch, Field Recordings

Super Gnario, Lost Forty Rooster Illusion Hazy

Imperial IPA, Brumate Liquor Canteen

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

479.783.8013

imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Measles, Rubella, Chickenpox... OH MY!

RRashes caused by viruses are quite common in children. While most of these rashes resolve without treatment and require only supportive care such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen to ease symptoms, they can cause parents anxiety and increase doctor visits. Childhood vaccinations have significantly reduced the occurrence of measles, rubella, and chickenpox; however, viral rashes continue to be prevalent with viral illness.

MEASLES

Measles, the most dangerous from a morbidity standpoint, is now the least occurring in children. A robust and long-standing vaccination program has significantly reduced the occurrence of measles in the U.S. population. Early symptoms of measles are consistent with conjunctivitis (redness of the whites of the eyes), fever, runny nose, and a persistent nighttime cough. The measles-associated rash begins at the neck's hairline and extends outward, evolving into a red, raised rash that merges into one continuous raised, red area. The infection causes the immune system to be temporarily impaired, which can lead to

bacterial complications such as ear infections and pneumonia. Unfortunately, the measles virus infection can also cause brain inflammation, which results in neurological symptoms.

RUBELLA

Rubella is another viral illness significantly reduced by vaccination. Like measles, early symptoms of rubella are headache and low-grade fever, followed by a raised, red rash which spreads from the neck down to the feet. Unlike measles, it does not merge. Enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of the neck, especially behind the ears and the back of the neck, are common. The most prominent complication of rubella is its effect on a developing fetus during pregnancy, leading to various conditions ranging from spontaneous pregnancy loss to congenital disabilities.

CHICKENPOX

Chickenpox is a viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. While the prevalence of chickenpox is greatly reduced by

WORDS Dr. Kendall Wagner, Chaffee Crossing Clinic Image svtdesign/Shutterstock

vaccination of infants and children entering school, a significant number of infections still occur in pockets of the population, especially where immunization rates are low. Chickenpox symptoms include fatigue and irritability followed by fever and an itchy rash on the face, body, underarms, and upper and lower extremities. The rash starts as red bumps that develop fluid-filled surfaces called vesicles. Complications may include the breakdown of muscles, effects on vision if the eyes are affected, and inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, known as encephalitis or meningitis.

SHINGLES

Individuals previously infected by the chickenpox virus are also susceptible to a secondary complication known as shingles. Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus, hidden in the individual's nerve cells for several years, suddenly reactivates during sickness or stress. This reactivation causes a painful, red, often bumpy rash that appears in bands, commonly on the torso, but can occur anywhere on the body's surface. The pain associated with shingles may last for months to years in a condition known as post-herpetic neuropathy. A vaccine is available to adults infected by the chickenpox virus as children, which can prevent the reactivation of the hidden virus, thus preventing shingles.

FIFTH DISEASE

Fifth disease, also known as slap-cheek disease, is another common illness in children worldwide. This viral illness, caused by Parvovirus B19 leads to an infection, primarily in red blood cells. Symptoms often include marked redness of the cheeks and a lacy rash pattern with a hive-like appearance. The rash is a reaction of the body’s immune system against the virus. While the rash resolves without treatment in most patients, some may experience joint pain and anemia due to red blood cell damage caused by the virus. This viral illness generally requires no specific treatment, only supportive care.

ROSEOLA

Roseola, sometimes called three-day fever and sixth disease, is the most common viral illness in infants and young children. This viral rash is the body's immune response to human herpes virus type 6 or 7 (HHV-6/HHV-7). Symptoms begin with a high fever for three to five days, followed by a raised, red, bumpy rash that appears on the neck and body, which disappears over several hours. Febrile seizures are often present during the fever phase of the illness.

HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is another common pediatric illness caused by coxsackievirus or enterovirus. It is associated with painful sores in the mouth and painful, red bumps that occur primarily on the hands, feet, and buttocks. The illness begins with fever and sore throat, followed by the appearance of a rash within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Painful sores in the mouth can lead to dehydration, so care is taken to ensure patients are taking in enough fluids. The illness lasts, on average, seven days and is highly contagious, which can cause large outbreaks in daycare centers and preschools. This viral illness generally requires no specific treatment, only supportive care.

While rashes, especially in pediatric patients, can be very scary for parents and children alike, they usually resolve independently without needing medication. Your physician will likely identify the cause of the rash by observing its qualities and distribution. While vaccinations have significantly reduced these infections and most viral rashes are not a cause for alarm, early identification is essential, especially for measles and chickenpox, so spread can be limited and the virus contained as quickly as possible.

Photos of childhood rashes and many others can be found at babycenter.com; search visual guide to children's rashes and skin conditions.

2023 Financial PROFILES

special feature pRESENTED BY

Dwain Hebda and Catherine Frederick

ARVEST WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Planning for your retirement income can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. There are a few things to consider that will help you be better prepared for financial security after retirement. Inflation affects everyday items. At a 3% annual inflation rate, something that costs $100 today would cost $181 in 20 years. That means you may need a bigger retirement nest egg than you anticipated. Consider increasing your 401(k) contribution each year by at least enough to overcome the effects of inflation, until you hit your plan’s contribution limits.

Second, you may consider investing a portion of your retirement plan in investments that can help keep inflation from silently eating away at your savings’ purchasing power. Even if you consider yourself a conservative investor, remember that stocks have historically provided higher long-term total returns than cash alternatives or bonds, even though they also involve greater risk of volatility and potential loss.

Consider establishing an emergency fund to help you avoid needing to tap your retirement savings before you had planned to. Generally, if you withdraw money from a traditional retirement plan before you turn 59 ½, you’ll owe federal and state income tax on that money and likely a 10% federal penalty (and possibly a state penalty). Having a separate emergency fund can help you avoid an early distribution and allow your retirement money to stay invested.

If you have outstanding debt, you’ll need to weigh the benefits of saving for retirement versus paying off that debt as soon as possible. If you choose to focus on paying off debt by reducing your contribution amount to a workplace savings account, take into consideration if your employer matches your contributions. If you fall below the company match, you’ll be giving up what is essentially free money if you don’t at least contribute enough to get the employer match.

Arvest Wealth Management Client Advisors can review your unique goals and objectives and establish a plan that best fits your retirement income needs. Call (888) 916-2121 or visit online at arvest.com/retirement today.

NORTHERN STAR FINANCIAL GROUP

When it comes to financial matters, it’s good to have a trusted adviser, but it’s great to have a winning team in your corner. That’s exactly what Northern Star Financial Group clients discover in the dynamic duo of Crystal Bercher and Carol Ransom, CRPC ® . “The combined expertise that Crystal and I bring to the table is something our clients really appreciate,” Carol says. “We each have a unique perspective and skill sets, and we communicate very well in helping our customers reach their financial goals.”

Carol boasts nearly twenty years in the retirement and financial services space, providing clients with financial strategies for retirement, estate planning, and asset management. She holds her Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor certification and other security licenses.

A relatively new face in the financial planning marketplace, Crystal is a rising superstar helping people plan for the future and provide for their families. In the last ten years, she’s already developed a solid clientele addressing retirement, life insurance, health insurance, Medicare insurance, and estate planning, to name a few. “I studied financial planning at Northeastern State University, one of the few colleges in the country that offers a specialized degree in financial services,” Crystal says. “I truly loved my studies, and my professors were all exceptional in their field. I feel blessed to have been educated in this way, as it prepared me to serve each client to the utmost.”

The two professionals hold one important thing in common: an unwavering commitment to customer service, a business principle that underlines every client encounter and transaction. “One thing this business has taught me is people can go a lot of places for financial planning, so you have to stand out on service,” Carol says. “Being available when it suits the client, answering questions, and being ready to help are all essential to our success, and it’s something we never take for granted. When clients do business with us, they can rest assured we’ll be there when they need us.”

The duo’s servant approach helps them reach clients where they are in life, from estate planning to young families just starting out. “Young parents have so much that they’re juggling today that financial planning and insurance can sometimes feel like something they can address later, after the kids grow up or after they’re earning more,” Crystal says. “In fact, one of the most important, loving things parents can do is provide for their children’s future in the event they’re not around.

“We take the time to explain to all clients the importance of not putting off something as important as their family’s future. And then we work hard to match our quality financial products with their needs at a price they can afford.”

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF FORT SMITH

During her thirty-one-year career at First National Bank of Fort Smith, Jeannie Wakefield, Vice President CTFA, has helped many families, but in particular the families she has bonded with during her twenty-five years as a Trust Officer.

Jeannie’s diligence is legendary, and she prides herself on implementing the best plan for each family, especially in situations where a loved one is nearing end of life or has recently passed.

It is difficult to have conversations about death, but it can be more difficult to deal with the aftermath of the death when discussions have not occurred. Jeannie’s planning helps families navigate this universal moment. Her kind nature helps her bond with clients and create an individualized plan for them.

It’s not just the families Jeannie serves that sing her praises, but her coworkers do as well. Brian Schneider says, “I have been blessed to know Jeannie for thirty-one years. We have worked as colleagues for twenty-five of those in the Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma regions. Her role as a Trusts and Estates Advisor is a perfect fit. We have a saying in First National Bank Wealth Management, ‘Most often clients want to know how much you care and not as much about what you know.’ Jeannie’s 'families' and all her colleagues get the best of both through her thoughtful counsel.”

Jeannie feels blessed by her work at First National Bank and the opportunity she has been given. Her passion is to serve the customers and give back to our community.

Jeannie explains, “My trust career has allowed me to serve others in a capacity when no one else could speak for them. While I value all my customers, my passion has always been for seniors. The relationships I have formed over the past thirty years are irreplaceable.”

Jeannie Wakefield, Vice President, CTFA, Trust Services Manager, can be reached at 479.788.4353, or via email at jeanniewakefield@fnbfs.com.

UNITED FINANCIAL ADVISORS

While some segments of our world have grown more and more transactional, United Financial Advisors owner Brad Lewis has forged a nineteen-year reputation for expertise and a long list of satisfied clients doing things the personalized way.

“We’ve always understood that we are in the relationship business,” Brad says. “There’s nothing more personal to people than planning for their financial future, be it funding their retirement, preparing for the unexpected, or leaving a legacy to their family after they’re gone.

“I’ve always operated by the principles that while technology is great and can save people a lot of time, at the heart of what we do lies a commitment to knowing the client personally and working hard to meet their needs.”

Brad learned the value of customer service and hard work at the elbow of his father, Jim Lewis, who owned Lewis' Cafeteria in Fort Smith for twenty years. He refined his desire to serve others by enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Gulf War and demonstrated his leadership and commitment to a job well done by earning the Navy Achievement Medal.

Initially following in his father’s footsteps into the restaurant business, Brad also learned the ins and outs faced by all small businesses and works closely with small business owners today. He brought that firsthand knowledge with him into financial services, where he holds General Securities Representative (Series 7), Investment Advisor Representative (Series 66), Municipal Securities Principal (Series 53) and General Securities Principal (Series 24) licenses in Arkansas, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma.

Brad earned his WMCP, Wealth Management Certified Professional, designation in 2022. He also earned his CRPC, Chartered Retirement Planning Course, in 2013 and has an ASPA Certificate for the Tax Exempt & Government Plan Admin Course. In addition, he has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and financial institutions and is well-versed in Arkansas Teacher Retirement Systems.

All of this adds up to a well-rounded, community-minded professional who is an expert at serving clients’ needs in financial planning, wealth management, estate planning, insurance, and qualified plans. Brad has also been named Best of the River Valley Wealth Management for two years in a row.

“Our motto is ‘Providing Financial Confidence and Dignity Through Every Stage of Life,’” says Brad. “That doesn’t always happen between nine and five. It takes commitment on the part of a financial professional to be truly available to clients, something we take great pride in through our firm. We exist to help clients feel confident in a strategy that will allow them to achieve their goals and live the life they’ve always dreamed of. It’s a real blessing to do that every day.”

Mc MILLAN FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

Striving to provide clients with quality, customized solutions to meet their financial planning needs, McMillan Financial Services provides a team approach of expertise and customer service that’s been the hallmark of the firm for four decades. And while much has changed in that time, the company’s commitment to its clients is as genuine and deeply rooted today as when the doors first opened in 1983. “We are a family business that strives to understand our clients' unique circumstances,” says Brett McMillan, vice president. “No two situations are alike, and every situation deserves care and understanding. We want to do what is right for our clients.

“We believe that an ongoing relationship and excellent service are key to the client’s success and ours. Communication and trust are important to us. We are confident that we can provide a valuable service to help clients work towards meeting their financial goals.” Brett says one of the key differences between McMillan Financial

Services and other companies is holistic financial planning, which can encompass investments, life insurance planning, estate planning, retirement planning and longevity planning.

“Over the years, we have found that a team approach can be an effective method to help clients who have a wide variety of needs. I am happy to collaborate with attorneys and CPAs to make sure we are all on the same page to best take care of our clients,” he says. “We take a proactive approach to helping develop a strategy to address clients’ financial goals and objectives. Our affiliation with Securities America, Inc. and Advisor Group provides us a vast network of professionals, tools, and resources to serve our clients’ financial needs. We are blessed to help individuals, families, business owners and professionals here in the River Valley and abroad. We are thankful to our loyal clients who refer the people they love so we can help them as well.”

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. McMillan Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated with Securities America.

Joe Knows

words Dwain Hebda images courtesy Isaiah Joe, Zach Beeker/ NBAE/ Getty Images, Arkansas Athletics, Brandon Watts Photography

Arkansas Hawks - 8th Grade

At the start of the 2022-2023 NBA season, the basketball world expected little from either Fort Smith native Isaiah Joe or the Oklahoma City Thunder, which picked the guard out of free agency after two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers.

No one, that is, except Isaiah and his fellow Thunder players, the youngest roster in the league. Yet there they were, in the NBA’s play-in mini tournament, where they’d fall just one game short of advancing. Not bad for a team many thought would be lucky to win twenty-five out of the eighty-two games that comprise an NBA regular season.

In the middle of this improbable run was Isaiah, whose contributions off the bench was key throughout the season. He played in seventy-three games, averaging just over nineteen minutes per, and scored fifteen points or more fourteen times. His high-water mark was a thirty-three-point explosion against the Charlotte Hornets, en route to averaging just under ten points per game for the year and forty-one percent accuracy from behind the arc.

But ask the soft-spoken sharpshooter about his recent rise, and he’s likely to describe his current success as the outcome of habits and mental toughness forged decades ago as just another undersized kid with a dream.

“I definitely had to work for the skill set I have now,” he says. “I wasn’t one of those kids born with God-gifted athleticism or extreme height, extreme size. Over the years, I had to work and build my skill and IQ. Everything I have now definitely wasn’t handed to me. I put in the hard work; the results are what they are.”

Isaiah has been an athlete for as long as he can remember, initially dividing his time among soccer, golf, and basketball. Growing up, he was coached by his father, Derrick, who guided his young son to play to his strengths and minimize the fact that for several years, he was the shortest player on his travel basketball team, the Arkansas Hawks.

“I’ve always been able to shoot the ball, but being undersized as a kid, I had to find a way to be effective on defense,” he says. “I had to focus on using my IQ and using [his opponent’s] strength and speed against them. I soon realized making shots isn’t always going to happen, so you better play both ends.”

Heeding this advice, Isaiah grew into one of the most celebrated ballers in recent Fort Smith memory. As a sophomore at Northside High School, his forty-one percent shooting percentage from three-point range caught the eye of several college coaches. He committed to the University of Arkansas heading into his junior year, a season where he’d lead the Grizzlies to the 7A state championship and land firstteam All-State honors. As a senior, he was named Gatorade Arkansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year and State Player of the Year by USA Today

The accolades continued on The Hill, where he was named to the SEC All-Freshman team and broke the Arkansas record for made three-pointers (113) previously held by Scotty Thurman, as well as tying the record for an SEC freshman and leading the conference in three-point percentage. As a sophomore, he was named preseason All-SEC and placed on the Jerry West Award watchlist. Then, Isaiah entered the NBA draft.

He was selected forty-ninth overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played for two seasons. In October 2022, he signed a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Isaiah’s success has been predicated by a hallmark work ethic and toughness, which continues today. During countless

hours of extra gym time, he’s been known to shoot as many as a thousand shots a day. On defense, he’s known for taking charges; a skill for which he was ranked seventh in the NBA this season for number of charges taken.

Isaiah is quick to credit his early days in the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, Arkansas Hawks, and Northside High School programs for these traits, and especially his father. “I had help from others, but my dad was the guy that was getting me into the gym at a young age, helping me develop my shot,” he said. “A lot of people praise my shot nowadays, but he was the guy that kind of built that. He got me started, and he’s the guy I still look to for help whenever I need it.”

Shooters, the old saying goes, have to have bad memories, meaning they must quickly put a miss out of their mind and

maintain their confidence that the next one will go in. Isaiah credits an unusual source for strengthening his mind to move him past a negative outcome in anticipation of the next positive opportunity.

“The mental part is probably the biggest key to success. You can have the skill, but you must have the mental capacity to go through the ups and downs, especially the downs,” he says. “One thing that helped me a lot growing up is being a golfer, because being out on the golf course, you can’t let one bad shot or one bad hole ruin your entire day. Golf helped me build the mental strength to move on to the next swing, the next shot. I carried that over to basketball. Now, whenever I miss a few, I will still shoot the next one. I can go zero for ten and shoot number eleven with extreme confidence that it’s going in.”

The true benefit of such mental stamina was on full display during his first year with the Thunder. Not only was Oklahoma City a lot closer to Arkansas – meaning friends and family could more regularly attend games – but the move reunited him with Jaylin Williams, a friend and teammate dating back to when they were kids and who’ve played together in high school and college.

“Jaylin Williams and I, we’ve known each other for a large majority of our lives,” Isaiah says. “He played with me, played with my younger brother. Just the rarity of us being on the same NBA team is crazy to think about.”

Now in what he considers an ideal situation, Isaiah is free to relax and let the game come to him. As a result, he insists he doesn’t get nervous because he doesn’t let his mind freak out over playing in the pros as he’d always dreamed. His mental toughness also prevents him from getting intimidated, even as he respects the talent he’s up against night after night.

“I never really got starstruck when I got to the league,” he says. “Hey, I’m here playing the same game they’re playing, right? If I had to single out somebody, though, I’d probably say [Golden State’s] Steph Curry. They always talk about how much he moves without the ball in his hands and how hard he is to guard once he gives the ball up. It’s true; just seeing that was like, OK, what everybody’s saying is true. He’s a handful.”

The Joe Family Isaiah and Blu

Another aspect of his life that he’s constantly aware of and takes very seriously is his status as a role model for youth who idolize him as he once idolized the Arkansas Razorbacks, and later, the late Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.

“I love giving back to the youth because I was once one of those kids looking up to somebody trying to figure out who I wanted to be,” he says. “What I would tell all the young guys out there is to be the best version of yourself. I think a lot of people can get caught up trying to be somebody else, something they’re not, and they lose focus on what they need to do to make it to the next level. Focusing on being your best self can take you a long way."

Isaiah doesn’t just preach that message; he lives it every day in his training and drive to improve. Staying focused has meant limiting his off-court distractions to video games, an occasional round of golf, and Blu, his new puppy, all of which

is a major sacrifice to most people his age. But it’s also part of the journey to the strata he wants to one day occupy among the greats of the game.

“When people see me, they’re like, ‘Dude, you made it; your dream has come true,’” he says. “I look at them like, I just got my foot in the door. This is just the beginning. I have so many more barriers I want to break through. Some of them are mountains I want to climb to see how great of a person and how great of a player I can be. I’m still dream chasing, you know?

“I want to be a well-established player in this league and look back and have great memories that were created throughout my career. I want to be known as one of the greatest. I'm sure every other player wants that too, but I will put the work in to make it happen, build a legacy, and build generational wealth while doing it.

"This is technically my job, but I've been playing basketball all my life. This is what I love. I'm doing this for fun because I want to. If I go through my career and have fun while doing this, that's success.”

Run, Meredith, Run!

MMeredith Sanders should not have been able to accomplish what she’s done in running, namely, complete all six of the most prestigious marathons in the world. The thirty-twoyear-old holds medals from marathons in Boston, New York, London, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo, a challenge she completed in just four years between 2019 and 2023. If you’re wondering if that’s a big deal, consider she’s not only one of just a handful of runners in the state who have pulled it off, she’s the youngest Arkansan ever to do it.

While the accomplishments are impressive, the most incredible part is the regard she’d traditionally held for the very sport by which she is now enshrined in infamy.

“I absolutely detested running,” she says. “I was in sports in high school mostly because it was a small town and they kinda had to take me. I am not coordinated, I’m not graceful, I didn’t play very much.

“Back in high school you couldn’t pay me to run a mile. I would almost get to the point where I would make myself sick to avoid running. I just didn’t like it at all.”

Meredith would have been perfectly happy to live out her days avoiding athletic activity, especially running – and she did, at least until she graduated college and landed at her first job with Goodyear in Houston. Which is where our story begins.

“After I moved to Houston, I saw a number on my scale that really freaked me out. That’s what did it,” she says. “I knew I had to do something, and I knew that diet would only get me so far because I love chocolate, so I needed more help. I went online and found a personal trainer.” That trainer, Catherine Turley, was an avid runner whose ears perked right up during initial discussions of Meredith’s fitness goals.

“First meeting, I was talking about weight loss, and I just happened to mention, ‘Well, one of my short-term goals is

words Dwain Hebda images courtesy Meredith Sanders

to run a 5K without stopping,’ which I thought was pretty ambitious for me,” Meredith says. “When we talked long-term, I threw out how I would love to do the Disney Princess halfmarathon. And Catherine’s eyes lit up.”

As anyone who’s ever tried knows, the simple act of running for exercise is at once one of the most fundamental yet most challenging forms of physical exercise there is. Many people have gone on an initial run only to never return for a second, unable to fathom how the intense burning of the lungs and legs could ever become tolerable, even familiar.

Meredith, committed to losing weight, dutifully complied with the training Catherine prescribed, which was heavy on running. It was no easy feat, considering Meredith’s loathing of the activity made her a prime candidate for the one-runand-done club.

“It was definitely a challenge when I first started because, after the first week, my apartment building’s treadmill was broken or unavailable,” she says. “We’re talking Houston heat; it was almost always hot and humid. And this was before I knew about the wonders of body glide [lubricant applied to prevent chafing]. So, I was the heaviest I ever was out there in the heat without body glide.”

Despite it all, and the fact she was assigned to complete the runs on her own – a neon flashing QUIT sign for many of the run-averse – Meredith hung in there. About ninety days later, she entered her first 5K, and true to her goal, she finished the three-point-one-mile course without stopping.

“It wasn’t a fast time by any means, but I was really proud of it,” she says.

It would be easy to say the accomplishment lit a long-dormant competitive fire that propelled her to compete most weekends and ascend in distance from there, but that’s not entirely true.

of

engaged,

looking to lose weight for the wedding,” she said. “I got married in 2014, and then I thought, ‘Well, I’m off the hook.’ I had lost about eighty pounds, and I gained all but about five of that back. I was like, ‘OK, well, I guess I’ve got to begin again.’”

Meredith returned to running, this time determined to reach her second goal of the Disney half-marathon. By 2017, three years after she moved to Fort Smith, she ran her first 10K (six-point-two miles) and, in early 2018, completed the Fairy Tale Challenge at Disney World comprised of a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon (thirteen-point-one miles) on successive days.

Over time, her runs got longer, and her times fell as running became more and more a part of her daily routine. Today, maintenance runs equal two or three miles a few times a week with training tailored for the demands of longer races.

“Part

my weight loss goal was because I was

so I was

“I was seeing my friends graduating to full marathons, and I thought, ‘You know, that’s the logical next step. I think I could do that,’” she says. “I wanted my first marathon to be special to motivate me. You only run your first full marathon once. I narrowed it down to London or Chicago for my first full marathon. I’d studied abroad in London during college and fell in love with the city. And so off I went, and I ran London in April 2019.”

It was while researching the London race that Meredith discovered the six “marathon majors” and completing them became her new goal in the sport. One by one, she tracked down the remaining five prestigious medals, twenty-sixpoint-two miles at a time. After London, she ran the New York Marathon in fall 2019 before the world shut down under COVID. She returned in 2021 to complete Berlin, then ran Boston and Chicago last year. She finished her quest earlier this year in Tokyo, where she was part of a Guinness Book record for the number of six-star finishers among the runners.

Along the way, she discovered each race has its own personality and presented unique challenges. Most she took in stride –running in costume, no less, which became her trademark. Of

the six, she says Boston was the most stressful while Berlin was the most difficult. “Running is eighty percent mental and forty percent physical,” she says with a droll chuckle. “That’s exactly what running is. It’s almost entirely mental, especially for the marathons. Anything can happen; you can train for it and be as prepared as you can be, and then you show up, and it’s not your day. Boston was huge for me because it was the oldest marathon, and I’m a back-of-the-packer. I’m not fast, and their time limits were the strictest I’d faced.

“My biggest struggle came in Berlin; I don’t know if it was jet lag, it was warmer and humid, or I went out too fast. But it was just a pounding, a struggle from about the half-marathon point on. All I could think was, ‘I just want this to be over. I’m never doing this again. Not a marathon; I’m not even doing a 5K. I’m done with this whole running thing.’ It was just pure misery.”

Having completed in four short years what many lifelong runners never even approach, Meredith has made peace with the activity she once avoided at all costs. Even if that peace is an uneasy one at times.

“There are still lots of days where I dread going for a run, because I just don’t feel like it,” she said. “But after I go, I feel so good it makes it all worth it.”

As for future goals, Meredith has some exciting things up her sleeve. “My next goal is to go after an individual Guinness Book record which I was hoping to set back in Berlin,” she says. “It’s the fastest marathon wearing a dirndl, a classic German beer maiden-looking dress. I’m taking it down from the full to the half-marathon, and I’m hoping to do it at the River Valley Run in November, where I ran my first 10K.

“I’m also looking to run a half marathon or more in all fifty states and that one will take me multiple, multiple years ‘cause I’m not even to ten states yet. That’s a long-term goal. And I’ve journaled and written a lot of my experiences down, so maybe I’ll write a book. It seems like something people can relate to or at least want to get inside my mind to see, am I really that crazy?”

Meredith’s Tips for Beginners

GET FITTED

Visit a local running store for properly fitted shoes to cushion the run, reduce soreness in the joints, and avoid blisters which can interrupt training and kill your motivation.

START SLOWLY

Set realistic goals and modify workouts at the start to include a combination of running, walking, and jogging to help you stick with it as you build endurance.

ENJOY THE RIDE

Pay attention to your improvement and forget about what everyone else is doing. Don’t compare yourself to others, focus on your progress and enjoyment.

REWARD YOURSELF

Give yourself credit for small wins as motivation to keep going. Running three days in a row or a certain distance without stopping are signs of progress to be rewarded.

Bending Glass

When Derrick Maxey, owner of Maxey Signs & Neon in Fort Smith, was four years old, he drew a picture of a telephone. The likeness was so good it stayed on his parents’ refrigerator and was a point of pride in his household for years to come.

“That had to be the early 1980s,” Derrick said. “Maybe my parents were just pumping me up, but I do remember drawing this banana-looking rotary phone. That always stuck with me. In school, I did a lot more daydreaming and doodling than I did schoolwork. School just couldn’t hold my interest.”

Derrick said this as he was sitting in front of his glass-bending table for neon signs, a specialty of his. A wisp of fire visible behind him, its flickering flame part of the process that utilizes the same components it did one hundred years ago.

WORDs Marla Cantrell images Jade Graves Photography

I know I’ve left a mark, and I’m so humbled by it. None of that would have happened without customers willing to let me do what I do.

~Derrick Maxey

“I was a D student,” he said. “But I did like art, especially commercial art classes, and drafting, and something happened when I was in grade school in Fort Smith that never left me.”

That “something” was an economics fair that showed students how to buy a product, market it, then resell it for profit. “Buy low, sell high, that’s what I remember. That lesson changed my life. That, and later, realizing every business needs a sign.”

In high school – Derrick attended both Northside and Southside – he remembers itching to get on with his life. Which led him to Trophy Sportswear and Screen Print, after he graduated in 1993, where Derrick began learning everything he could about screen printing.

“The back of Landmark Signs, which was on Tenth Street, was what I saw every day when I left work for lunch. I’d walk out, see all this neon, and at some point, I realized I wasn’t going to college. But I wanted to be artistic.”

“By that time, computers and vinyl graphics were taking over, but I wanted to do the old stuff." Derrick knew of a sign shop that also did hand lettering which intrigued him. "One guy brought me in for an interview. I still had earrings and a ponytail, and I never heard back.” But in the summer of 1995, Derrick’s luck changed. Barney Hector, owner of Landmark Signs, took a chance.

“In this business, most people either move on to a new job or start their own company. I was scared I wouldn’t get the job, but someone I knew said, ‘Tell ‘em you’re gonna be there forever.’ So, I walked over and said, ’I want to learn this, and I’ll be here forever. Like, I’m not going anywhere!’”

Derrick was hired on the spot. Which was good and bad. Because the summer of 1995 was a blistering one, and Derrick, slight of build, conveniently fit inside the still-underconstruction neon sign for downtown’s Varsity Sports Grill. “The Varsity sign was on a trailer, and I climbed inside of it. It was hot, hot, hot. We had these housings where the neon pokes into the wall. And the guy on the outside would stick his fingers through, and I’d know which ones to wire.”

That giant of neon, Barney Hector, is gone now, and Derrick has worked for himself since 2003. After Barney passed on, his

widow, Patty, gave Derrick some of his equipment. He even has the old neon Landmark sign that Barney made in 1991.

Derrick doesn’t know where he’d be without Barney, who took a chance on a long-haired kid and gave him the job of a lifetime. At times, he sees his life following Barney’s lead. After Barney married Patty, he turned his attention to other art forms, like sculpting and painting. Derrick has fifty to sixty art ideas saved on his smartphone and he has an artist girlfriend, Tina Parker, who’s started helping him in his business, and introduced him to stained glass. He calls her a talented driving force, a woman he adores. Of course, the project he’s working on now involves neon and stained glass, but who can blame him? Derrick says he’s the only professional glass bender in town.

“I didn’t start bending glass until 2007.” (A glass bender heats and bends a straight stick of glass tubing, one meticulous bend at a time, to form words and shapes.) “It was actually Barney who called to tell me about a complete neon plant that was for sale in Oregon."

Derrick flew to Oregon, bought the neon plant’s equipment, got it ready to ship, and came home. He also had a mentor, Jim Matchen, a glass bender in Tulsa, who made a world of difference in Derrick’s quest to learn. “Jim passed away at eighty-one, and bent glass until his dying day.”

Derrick stopped and said, “I love what I do, and I don’t feel like I’ve worked since I was nineteen. But I don’t live an artist’s life. I never had a formal art class. My therapist of thirteen years looked at me one day and said, ‘Do you feel artistic?’ And I was like, ’Well, yeah.’ ‘Do you realize the work you do is artistic?’ I said, ‘I guess.’ And he said, ‘People come to you because you do artistic work, and they respect what you do. It’s okay to say you’re an artist.’”

Arkansas artist Kat Wilson would agree. Derrick produced two “selfie chairs” with her. In Bentonville’s Art District, Derrick helped artist Dayton Castleman with an art installation of a neon arrow called The Three Feathers, seventy-feet tall. They used Milford Crane Service to get the massive arrow up. And then there’s the Bakery District at 70 South Seventh Street in Fort Smith, where Maxey Signs has installed many of the hand-lettered and neon signs, like the stunner at The Mill & Exchange. That sign was built the same way, with the same supports as it would have been in the 1940s. He’s also fond of Votaw Law’s neon, a sign Derrick can see from the sidewalk in front of Maxey Signs & Neon.

For someone who doesn’t live an artist's life, Derrick is firmly planted and well respected in the local art community. He mentions the influx of art, the Fort Smith murals installed by The Unexpected Project, the artful towers his company was hired to re-touch in the Bakery District, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, The Gallery on Garrison, and across the bridge, Arts on Main in Van Buren. And finally, the great work of 64.6 Downtown, a nonprofit committed to creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith. So many visionaries have looked at Fort Smith and seen its potential, Derrick said, including the Hannah and Griffin families, John McIntosh, and another of Derrick’s friends, Steve Clark. “Steve has a saying, ‘The Calvary’s not coming to save you.’” A bolder take on being the change you want to see in the world.

A few years ago, Derrick worked with an intern from artist Don Lee’s class at UA Fort Smith. Tien Pham wanted to create

art using three-dimensional neon boxes, and the project was such a success they still stay in touch. Derrick often talks to a glass bender in Northwest Arkansas who’s just getting started and needs a place to bounce ideas. And he’s working on a weekend class for those who want a crash course in neon. There aren’t very many glass benders around, and Derrick wants the tradition to continue.

Derrick has figured out a lot about life, partly from living and partly from more than a decade with a therapist, someone he thinks every living, breathing person needs. “I don’t take my family and friends for granted. My job is to take care of my daughter, Madelyn, nurture my relationship with Tina, and take the reins of my life, enjoying how I make a living, enjoying the process of the work I do.”

When asked if it’s exhilarating to see his neon signs lit up across the night sky, signs of his accomplishments, signs of his good work, Derrick only shrugged. “This part of town would be pretty dark without me,” he said, a slow smile starting.

He then turned the conversation back to Barney, a man he repeatedly tried to thank for the life he helped him build, but Barney would always change the subject. It seems these giants of neon are as good at deflecting compliments as they are at radiating so much brilliant light.

Today I Choose Happy!

Today I Choose Happy! , a new children’s book written by selfproclaimed “zany, life-outside-the-box” author Patti Farris of Mountainburg, is the first book in a series of stories told through the voices of colorfully illustrated animal characters. As in real life, none of the characters are perfect, and some days can be quite rotten. But, as Patti puts it, “Smiling by choice makes the bad soon forgotten.”

Today I Choose Happy! follows the daily activities of a pig named Petunia Pickle. Petunia and her forest friends educate young readers about an amazing superpower that can turn

what could have been a very bad day into the best day ever using the superpower of choice. Petunia Pickle is one happy pig. Patti Farris is one happy storyteller. They share the same high-energy, positive thinking, and can-do determination to make the most out of each and every day.

A middle school science teacher and mother of six, Patti spent several years planning and writing a series of children’s books. After retiring from twenty-eight years as a full-time teacher in Fort Smith Public Schools and becoming a substitute at the beginning of 2020, she began to think about moving forward with publishing her first book in the series. Each story shares a

WORDs Bob Robinson images courtesy Patti Farris

Laura Altes and Patti Farris

common theme of “Today I Choose.” The first book is fortyeight pages long and includes a companion curriculum to help bring the messages to life.

Since publishing Today I Choose Happy! Patti has been making the rounds to schools, libraries, and bookstores, sharing the story with young audiences.

PETUNIA PICKLE

It’s story time, and Patti enters a room filled with children, beaming her friendly smile, her arms filled with interesting props to engage inquisitive minds. Promptly, she gathers her new friends around her in a circle on the floor. As an icebreaker to get everyone involved, she begins with a fun game. Next it’s time to introduce Petunia Pickle, a star in her own mind. This leads to the story of the lively character’s fun-filled day of activities.

Throughout the reading, Patti pauses to interact with the children. She asks their opinions about a particular comment Petunia Pickle makes or whether any of them enjoy the same activities as Petunia. When introducing the cast of Petunia’s friends, she asks the group which of the characters share their own interests or personalities. The children’s contributions make for a joyful and thoughtful story time.

At the conclusion of the reading, Patti sends the children on a treasure hunt. Can they locate a particular item within the story? Those who find it are rewarded with a treat. As a final activity, she helps the children craft a special toy to take home. "This toy serves as reinforcement to remind them of just how amazing each one of them is", says Patti.

Patti is in her element when working with kids she calls “young humans” of any shape or size. Petunia Pickle could be channeling Patti herself as she exclaims:

“I have friends that are skinny, spotted, and tall. Friends that are furry, winged, and colorful –I love them all!”

Ever a teacher, Patti has also included an appendix at the end of the book which provides tools for parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers to use when reading Petunia Pickle’s story to children. The appendix includes questions to ask about the story and suggests items children might seek during the treasure hunt.

With the goal to share her positive messages with as many children as possible, Patti has created a “Teach the Teachers” program where she trains teachers to conduct readings with their own students. She also provides a “crafts to go” package that includes everything the child needs to create their own personal toy, just like she does during her story time readings. The book and program have been such a success that local Head Start affiliates in both Crawford and Washington Counties have ordered Petunia-related materials in bulk to use in classrooms.

A LIFETIME IN THE MAKING

When asked what led Patti to venture into the world of writing books, she explains it was her childhood experiences and her desire to educate children about keys to happiness.

Rosett and Beckett Franklin Elijah Wingfield

Growing up in a home with an alcoholic father, Patti discovered a magical portal to escape to a happy place: her imagination. She learned she could create fantasy worlds, complete with whimsical friends and fascinating locations. These imaginary worlds helped to insulate her from the brokenness of her home. These early mental forays stimulated what became a highly developed creativity.

When Patti entered elementary school, she was diagnosed with visual perception issues that caused her difficulties computing and gauging distances, at times making her awkward and uncoordinated. Being different from others can be a real challenge for anyone, especially for a child, but she explained those experiences and how she learned to deal with them proved helpful when she began writing for children with issues of their own. The life lessons Patti learned to overcome prepared her to help others manage unexpected challenges.

To overcome her visual impairment, she was instructed to practice walking on a balance beam. Through self-discipline and hard work, she mastered her physical awkwardness and went on to excel in athletics, earning a scholarship in gymnastics at Texas A&M. Her childhood, she says, taught her the importance of taking ownership of a problem and not allowing it to control you.

After college, Patti learned many other lessons while raising her children and through nearly three decades of teaching middle school science. Eventually, she began funneling her creative imagination onto paper. Her childhood imaginary adventures transitioned into the written word. Often, Patti incorporates her life’s lessons into the stories, so the messages would be memorable.

Another major influence in Patti’s life was meeting and marrying Tommy Farris. “It was like Super Girl meeting Jungle Boy,” Patti laughs. Tommy is the yin to her yang and both are very outdoorsy people. They fill their days hiking, biking, kayaking, along with other activities – both determined to confront all of life’s obstacles as challenges.

CONSCIOUS CHOICE

Patti’s book series seeks to educate young readers about the many choices they confront each day. The value of making decisions consciously, knowing that how they respond provides a road map for their lives and how making the right choices will lead to their desired destinations.

Patti understands how emotions can override the brain’s capacity for making helpful decisions, resulting in an instinctive “fight or flight” reaction. However, she says, with training and discipline a person can override those instincts. We can learn to direct the brain to use the frontal lobe where complex, conscious decisions are made.

Patti hopes that reading and listening to her stories will help kids understand the power of conscious decision making so they’ll work at it, and with practice that it becomes second nature for children.

Recently, Patti added master seamstress Laura Altes to her team to create Petunia Pickle “stuffie” dolls. These nine-inchtall, pink, stuffed figures quickly became a hit with children, especially since they are dressed in adorable rompers of the child’s choice, such as Razorback cheerleader uniforms.

Inspired by life's influences, her imaginative students, loyal friends and family, Patti has developed a uniquely energizing writing style that creates a humorous, yet sensitive, approach for dealing with setbacks. She hopes that young readers will find the carefree adventures of the characters a fun read, while the subtle messages integrated within the tales inspire inner strength and a sense of self-worth, helping them cope with an often-chaotic world.

On the Mark (et)!

words Marla Cantrell images Jade Graves Photography

If you’ve been in the former Sweet Bay Coffee by Creekmore Park in Fort Smith lately, you’ve noticed some changes. For one, it has a new name – The Market by the Park. The things you love are solidly in place. You’re still greeted warmly when you walk in. The food and drinks are still extraordinary, and the line for the drive-through is bustling.

But in two of the areas where there used to be only tables, there is now a specialty market containing a foodie’s paradise. You’ll find regional products from Kyya Chocolates, Wicked Mix, Ozark Candy, and Lambrecht Gourmet Candy, as well as customer favorites from Stonewall Kitchen, To Market-To Market, and Rustic Bakery, just to name a few.

In addition to unique regional products, there are also grabit-and-go delights including soups, chicken salad, and fresh eggs from Farmers Market Direct, selections from Art’s BBQ and Joe’s Cantina, classic Italian specialties from Taliano’s

restaurant, and bread and baked goods from Harvest Moon Bakery. And that’s just the start.

The spacious sunroom area has been upgraded and climatecontrolled to ensure plenty of seating for those who want to dine in to enjoy their longtime favorites from the original Sweet Bay menu, or new menu items like Smoothie Whips and Smoothie Bowls. New tables and chairs fill the space, a sleek look for this local hot spot that’s been around since 1996.

The changes are all part of a comprehensive plan by new owners, Carey Thompson and Josh Palmer, who also own Black Bison Coffee Company. Joining them in this venture is Mike Hill, who’s spent thirty-one years in the restaurant business, including seven years as director of operations for Sweet Bay Coffee Company.

The idea to add a gourmet-to-go market to the coffee shop came when Carey and Josh, on vacation, visited a small market that had a bakery in the back.

When asked why they were brave enough to try the concept back home, Josh said, “We wanted to bring products to Fort Smith that customers hadn’t seen before and we wanted to support other local businesses and offer their products to further support that community.” Josh smiled. “Plus, we’re just that crazy.”

Mike laughed. “If you’re asking if there was proof of concept, then no. We just jumped in.” But what they did was neither crazy nor impulsive. They were playing the odds when they bought Sweet Bay on March 1, and the sure bet was on Fort Smith. “I call Fort Smith a big, small town,” Carey said. “It’s big enough to have what you need, but it feels smaller, more

connected. Both Josh and I were born and raised here.” So was Mike’s wife, Ann.

Josh broke in. “It’s a place where I know my banker personally. Not many people in bigger cities can say that.” Carey continued. “Mike’s wife Ann taught my children and Josh’s children. I know Ann’s sisters well. We went to school together.”

Mike added, “I came from Little Rock, and we moved back to the area after I married. It’s just been the town I’ve always wanted.”

A belief in Fort Smith steadied them. Longtime friends, extended family, knowing where every road led. All of it made them believe they were onto something big.

Which brings us to the question of coffee. Josh and Carey already owned a coffee line, Black Bison. Now they had two coffee shops/eateries. The second, smaller, eastside location is The Market Eastside at 7908 Rogers Avenue which offers graband-go snack options to serve that area of town. So, whose brew would they serve? The answer came from Oklahoma, where they found an American-made industrial coffee roaster. The coffee Sweet Bay had been roasting came from Eureka Springs and was shipped to Fort Smith. But with the new roaster, they could set up a roastery in town, hire a coffee expert to roast it, and keep the same blends Sweet Bay was known for, while adding even more from Black Bison Coffee Company line.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Patrons can drive through or order all their old favorites inside, take it to-go and even pick up specialty dishes from local restaurants. But that’s only the beginning. At The Market by the Park, you’ll also find specialty olive oils and vinegars by Olivelle, a mother/ daughter company out of Bozeman, Montana.

A large area of The Market is dedicated to their products, with vats of specialty olive oil lining the wall. Flavors like Caramelized Garlic-Infused Olive Oil, Sicilian Lemon-Infused Olive Oil, and Hatch Chili-Infused Olive Oil, just to name a few. They even offer reusable bottles, so customers can return with an empty bottle, fill it again, and save a dollar (and help save the planet).

“Olivelle started out really small and saw a need in their community for these oils, and then people started telling them they should branch out,” Carey said. “So, they grew their business with their community first and then started getting bigger. We love that.”

If you think olive oil is just for cooking, think again. “We put the Summer Peach Olive Oil on vanilla ice cream,” Carey said. “You can also put it in yogurt, oatmeal. You can flavor anything with these oils, and they’re healthy for you! What I’m really excited about is that instead of sugars or something bad for you, these oils really are a healthy option.

“They also have these awesome recipe cards, and every item that’s from Olivelle is listed in bold, and we have it. And not only do we have the balsamics, the oils and vinegars, but we have rubs and seasoning, dips, infused salts, and dried herbs.”

The Olivelle line is so popular, they’re planning to host Girls’ Night Out in the future, where ladies can get together, sample

the products, along with fresh bread, and head home with new and exciting recipe cards and products. Tastings on Saturdays and other fun events are also in the works.

Olivelle is just one example of the kind of experience Carey, Josh and Mike want to deliver. They hope customers will get excited about healthier options, take home local food, or challenge themselves to cook more and try different recipes. They see The Market by the Park as a kind of wonderland filled with unexpected products that are sure to become favorites. And they imagine interacting with folks thrilled to see local, statewide, Oklahoma, and Montana offerings that open their palates and their world.

The team is also working on expanding the drive-through to speed up the wait time for that perfect cup of coffee. Because, let’s face it, you can never get your favorite brew soon enough. Especially on those hectic mornings when you need that cup of joe to keep you going. Whether you’re looking for unique specialty foods, delicious grab-it-and-go items, or just want an inviting place to visit with friends, spend time studying or work remotely, The Market by the Park welcomes you.

Mike and Ann Hill, Carey Thompson, Josh Palmer

smokey Sweet &

ingredients

(makes 4)

° 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef

° 1 Tablespoon salted butter

° 8 ounces of bacon

° 2 small yellow onions

° smoked gouda, pre-sliced

° Wickles™ Wicked Pickle Chips

° 4 ounces Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue sauce

° buns (I prefer brioche)

° ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt

° 1 teaspoon garlic powder

° 1 teaspoon onion powder

° 1 teaspoon paprika

° lettuce, tomato (optional)

method

FOR THE ONION JAM

Peel and thinly slice onions. Mince some of the slices until you have four Tablespoons (set minced onion aside). In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the onion slices. Cook until softened and slightly browned, if the onions begin to burn, add a splash of water. To that pan, add half of the BBQ sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, remove from heat.

In a separate skillet (I like cast iron for this), cook bacon until crispy then remove. Discard all but a little of the grease (you’ll use this to cook the burgers). NOTE: Microwave bacon works too, and you can grill your burgers if you prefer.

FOR THE BURGERS

In a bowl, combine minced onions, ground beef, Himalayan salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Form mixture into four patties. Heat the skillet used to cook the bacon over medium-high heat, add patties and cook for 3-5 minutes per side – depending on how you like your burgers cooked. Add a slice of smoked gouda to the patties near the end of cook time, cover the skillet. While the cheese is melting, spread remaining BBQ sauce on the inside of the buns (I like mine toasted), then remove patties from heat. Assemble burger and garnish as desired with onion jam, bacon, pickles, lettuce and tomato. Enjoy!

Sunshine Shandy

INGREDIENTS

° 1 o unce fresh-squeezed lemon juice

° 1 ounce simple syrup

° 4 o unces Spindrift lemon soda (c an use soda water)

° 6 o unces craft wheat (or light) beer

° lemon whe el (garnish)

METHOD

Combine simple syrup and fresh lemon juice in the bottom of a cold beer glass. Add beer and lemon soda and gently stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY. NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.

Fresh Squeezed

RECIPE adapted simplyrecipes.com image Charles Brutlag/Shutterstock

(makes 8, 8oz. servings)

° 6 C ups water, divided

° 1 C up granulated sugar

° 1 C up fresh-squeezed lemon juice (seeds removed)

INGREDIENTS METHOD

Create a simple syrup by combining one cup of water and one cup sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Place one cup of freshsqueezed lemon juice into a pitcher. Add the simple syrup and 5 cups of water, stir to combine. Pour over ice filled glasses or chill before serving.

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