STEADY - August 2020

®

STEADY

AUGUST 2020 DoSouthMagazine.com

02

august

Contents 04 12 13

Publisher’s Letter Pet Adoption

11

Nonprofit Spotlight:

Shop Local

Methodist Senior Living

{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}

06 10

{COMMUNITY}

Fan Mail & Contest Get Bookish: August

Recommendations

14 30 40

A Fresh District Rises Homegrown and Homemade

{TASTE}

08 18 34 35

Eat Local Contest Eyes on the Board Poppin’ Pineapple Salsa Just Peachy

Spotlight on Chaffee Crossing

{FICTION} {PEOPLE}

22 26

36

The Unknown

Home Court Advantage A League of Their Own

OUR COVER Joel Ledbetter Sky Vantage Photography

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04

Letter from Catherine

T

TOGETHER

Typically, this time of year, I’d be writing about the waning of summer, the screeching sound of alarm clocks as the kids return to school, and the return of Friday night football.

Instead, at this moment, all those things remain up in the air. None of which bodes well for this control-freak-plan-everything-momma. As we venture into a vast ocean of uncertainty, I know one thing for sure – we are not alone. We are all in this together and need to do all we can to help one another stay afloat on what seems an endless raging sea.

I am proud to say that during this time of crisis, we are sticking together here at Do South®, continuing to print our magazine every month, knowing it brings happiness and good news during these trying times. We thank you, our amazing readers, and also our loyal family of advertisers who continue to support us – we couldn’t do it without you. So please, as you read this issue and all the issues to come, take note of the advertisers and visit them often, they are vital to our community and you are vital to their business as well.

This issue is jampacked! We’re introducing you to two local entrepreneurs, one with her eyes on the board, and another with his head in the real estate game. We’ll give you a look into the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith and connect you with some of the

AUGUST 2020 OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joel Ledbetter - Sky Vantage Photography, Jenny Boulden, Jennifer Burchett, Jade Graves, Dwain Hebda CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Boulden, Jennifer Burchett, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sarah Phillips-Burger, Sara Putman, Liesel Schmidt ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

businesses and developments at Chaffee Crossing. Don’t miss our heartwarming story of the Senior Women’s Olympic Basketball team and our story on Arkansas homegrown and

FOLLOW US

handmade products and where to find them. Of course, you’ll also find our recipes, pet adoption opportunities, nonprofit spotlight, book recommendations, another beautiful piece of fiction and a new Eat Local Contest!

Lastly, to all the parents, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, counselors, cafeteria staff, and so

©2020 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 to 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

many others, we are thinking of you and we thank you for everything you do, day in and out, for our children. We are all in this together! Choose kindness. Stay safe. I’ll see you in September!

Catherine Frederick

Owner/Publisher/Editor

catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

Annual subscriptions are $36 (12 months), within the contiguous United States. Subscribe at DoSouthMagazine.com or mail check to 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues are available upon request.

Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.

To reserve this free space for your charitable nonprofit organization, email: catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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fan mail

FAN MAIL Send comments and suggestions to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

Surprised What a nice surprise! I am so excited to win the subscription to Do South® Magazine… It can't be said often enough: Do South® is a delightful magazine! I look forward to each and every issue. The articles are always interesting and informative, full of eye-catching color photos on each page, enjoyable short stories and even the advertisements pique my interest. ~Janie D.

Wonderful Every month, I look for the latest edition of your magazine. It is such a wonderful break from the chaos around us. Thank you for everything you do. ~ Terry T.

CONTESTS (Deadline is August 19) Go to dosouthmagazine.com, click on “Contests” at the top of the page. All who enter will be subscribed to our mailing list. Please see rules and policies on our Contests page!

DO SOUTH® DELIVERED

Love Do South®? Here is your chance to have it delivered right to your door!

Two lucky readers will win a full, one-year subscription to Do South®!

CODE: DOSOUTH EAT LOCAL GIFT CARD CONTEST

$50 gift cards to Doe’s Eat Place Fort Smith, El Zarape, Taliano’s Italian Restaurant, and R. Landry's New Orleans Cafe are up for grabs in this month’s Eat Local Contest!

CODE: DOES I CODE: ELZARAPE | CODE: LANDRYS I CODE: TALIANOS

CONGRATS Congrats to our contest winners from July!

One-year subscription to Do South®: Sharla Cameron and Tonya Jones $50 gift card to El Zarape: Ashlea Ernst $50 gift card to Jeff’s Clubhouse: Kevin Smith $50 gift card to Pink Flamingo: Sonja Guillory $50 gift card to Uncork’d: Jessica Nease

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taste

PARTICIPATING AUGUST RESTAURANTS:

DOE’S EAT PLACE FORT SMITH EL ZARAPE R. LANDRY’S NEW ORLEANS CAFÉ

EAT LOCAL! Do South® has partnered with 4 amazing local restaurants, each providing a $50 gift card to their establishment! Leave the cooking to the pros and enter for your chance to win online at DoSouthMagazine.com/Contest.

#EATLOCAL #SHOWLOVE #FORTSMITHEATS

TALIANO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

DEADLINE TO ENTER IS AUGUST 19.

Want to be next month’s featured restaurant?

Call Catherine at 479.782.1500.

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18 10

community entertainment

Get BOOKISH August Recommendations courtesy Sara Putman, Bookish

Enjoy these five must-read books from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’s only independently-owned bookstore. Shop hours: Monday 11am-4pm, Tuesday - Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-4pm. Need curbside delivery?

Call 479.434.2917 or email orders@bookishfs.com.

Broken People

The Second Home

Rodham

A Burning

Migrations

by Sam Lansky

by Christina Clancy

by Curtis Sittenfeld

by Megha Majumdar

by Charlotte McConaghy

Lansky’s first novel is nothing short of compelling and honest.

The main character, Sam, meets with a shaman after moving to Los Angeles from New York.

We follow him throughout his transformation, and through Sam’s memories, our interaction with Sam the character and Sam the writer overlaps.

Lansky’s language is both dreamy and astute as we navigate with Sam through his memories. We - like the character - find that the stories we tell ourselves are often more powerful than any magic.

When their parents die suddenly, siblings Ann, Poppy, and their adopted brother Michael are forced to confront their delicate relationships.

Ann is the oldest and feels pressure to keep her childhood tragedy hidden from her family.

Poppy is a free spirit who searches for herself anywhere but home, and Michael feels he never truly fit into the family.

Complications among the three siblings culminate when Ann decides to sell the family’s Cape Cod home. Forced to face each other during the summer after their parents’ deaths, they struggle to find what they need to make the old house their second home.

What if Hillary Rodham never married Bill Clinton? Sittenfeld artfully weaves actual dialogue from interviews and news events into a reimagined history of the last forty years. Yes, Bill Clinton still plays an important role in Hillary’s life and American politics, but their relationship as lovers and rivals is enjoyable to watch unfold. The story itself is delightful, but Sittenfeld’s ability to make Hillary Rodham into a character who is sometimes charming, sometimes awkward, and always the smartest person in the room keeps the narrative compelling.

Majumdar’s novel is set in modern India, and through altering perspectives, exposes police corruption, social media commentary, social intolerance, the exploitation of the poor, and of course, greed.

Majumdar’s three main characters are flawed, but none of them to the point that they deserve the life that is handed to them. At a soaring pace, Majumdar combines the narratives of her three relatively normal characters, and through it we see the corruption that takes place all the way on the other side of the world...thankfully.

McConaghy’s words expose what it’s like to truly run from ourselves. Franny Stone spends her time wandering and eventually finds herself in Greenland following the migration of the Arctic terns. She convinces the captain of a fishing boat to let her come aboard, and the crew finds that Franny is probably running from something instead of running toward something. She has night sweats, and piles of letters to her husband, and while the story is quiet and often sad, McConaghy’s description of wildlife and perceptive characters will keep you searching even after you finish the last page.

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community

Nonprofit Spotlight words Catherine Frederick with Melissa Curry, CEO, Methodist Village Senior Living

DS: How did Methodist Village Senior Living come to be?

Our great heritage dates back to 1961. Since then, MVSL has been proud to be the only faith-based, nonprofit organization serving the River Valley.

Over the years our campus has grown and expanded services to include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Special Care, Long Term Care, and In/Out Patient Rehabilitation.

DS: Who does Methodist Village Senior Living serve and in what ways?

Teachers, coaches, veterans, business owners, professors, housewives, lawyers, engineers, musicians – and so many more fill the halls of MVSL. These individuals have given their time and talents to our current generations and we are so thankful to be able to provide them quality care in areas that may challenge them, such as ADL’s (activities of daily living). In addition, our residents receive delicious meals, and they have access to our rehab team. Residents can participate in a variety of activities, from clubs and committees to visiting with childhood friends and making new ones.

Methodist Village Senior Living’s mission is to provide wonderful life

DS: Tell us how Methodist Village Senior Living impacts our community.

experiences that enable residents and

It’s the promise of ‘Our Mission is You!’ that truly represents the impact

their families to lead full and enriching

MVSL has on our community. We help residents enjoy the quality of life and

lives and to exceed their expectations

peace of mind that abounds at MVSL. In addition, family members are secure

while inspiring hearts and minds. Do

in knowing that their loved ones are being cared for in a safe and loving

South® reached out to Melissa Curry,

environment. With a plan in place for the unknown down the line, residents

CEO, Methodist Village Senior Living,

feel secure knowing that their future health care needs will be met. At MVSL,

to learn more.

community engagement is an integral part of our business. We support local organizations through sponsorships, donations, attending events, volunteer work, and more.

7425 Euper Lane, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.1611

DS: How can our community get involved and show support?

methodistvillage.com

Our Life Plan Community is growing! MVSL continues to raise the bar when it comes to caring for our seniors. We want to provide a place where seniors are proud to live and proud to have family and friends visit. When you give, you join our Board of Directors, CEO, leadership team and staff as we take

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a nonprofit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

care of those who took care of us. You can make a meaningful impact with a gift of any size to the MVSL Foundation. We need your support more than ever and your contribution will be 100% tax-deductible. GIVE NOW at methodistvillage.com.

DS: Are there any upcoming events that our readers should know about?

MVSL is hosting our Inaugural Bubbles & Bow Ties New Year’s Eve Gala on December 31, 2020. The evening will consist of a silent and live auction, 21 West End catering, entertainment by Who Shot JR, a balloon-drop at midnight and a breakfast buffet. For sponsorship information, contact Carol Smith at csmith@methodistvillage.com.

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12

pets

Fur babies in need of their forever home M

M

M

Bolt

King M

F

Faith

Lark F

Rufus

Stella

Almost Home Shelter and Rescue 3390 Pointer Trail East - Van Buren, AR | Tom Hill 479.414.3781 | Almost Home Shelter and Rescue is a 501C-3 nonprofit all volunteer staffed facility. They work in partnership with Van Buren Animal Control to find loving, forever homes for the dogs in their care. All dogs will be spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccines when adopted. Please consider adopting or fostering one of their sweet pets.

Each month, Do SouthÂŽ donates this page to local and regional nonprofit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.

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shop

Shop Local. Support our Community!

Check out a few of our fantastic finds from some of our favorite shops. Be sure to tell them you saw them in Do South® !

words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Protect Your Hearing Instruments from Moisture and Humidity with PerfectDry Lux

Hearts On Fire Tessa Circle Diamond Pendant Available in 18kt Rose, Yellow and White Gold, Starting at .25cts. Total Weight

CENTER FOR HEARING 479.785.3277

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

Skinnies’ Cocktail Mixers, Tin City Hard Cider, Claffy’s Frozen Cocktails, Hanson of Sonoma Organic Vodkas, Preston Rose Ale, Del Mar Wine Seltzers, McQueen Gin

Adorable Metal Rooster Watering Can

BLACK BISON COMPANY 479.551.2880

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013

Maui Jim Sunglasses

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

Bentonville Brewing Co. Hills & Hollers Amber Lager, Core Brewing & Distilling Co. Dickson St. IPA, Lost Forty Blueberry Muffin Tart Fruited Ale

479.452.2020

IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604

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community

A FRESH DISTRICT RISES Words Dwain Hebda images K&W Properties

FORT SMITH’S DOWNTOWN

landscape got a

whole lot tastier this summer with completion of the initial phases of the Bakery District. The one-of-a-kind project, seamlessly combining the city’s past, present and future in one stylish mixed-use development, celebrated its Grand Opening in June.

“Downtown Fort Smith is a beautiful historic area that has a wonderful stock of historic buildings that are untapped and untouched,” says Tom Hanna, portfolio manager for K&W Properties, which owns and developed the site. “One thing that was really attractive was this idea of creating a new development while retrofitting an existing facility.

“The whole idea behind the Bakery District is we really wanted to create live, work and play aspects to it, while also promoting walkability throughout the neighborhood. That’s another reason to be located downtown.”

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community

The development, featuring roughly thirty-five thousand

So began a protracted negotiations process with the property’s

square feet of event and retail space and an additional

owner that took years to finalize, Tom says. But as it turned

twenty-five thousand square feet of open outdoor space, is

out, purchasing the plat was only the beginning.

unlike anything to be had in the downtown district. Gleaming white paint, exposed original brick and clean architectural

“It took us a few years to decide what we wanted to do with

lines offset striking murals on two antique silos, which were

it,” Tom says. “The facility itself was absolutely stunning. It

completed by Mexican muralist Hilda “Poni” Palafox through

had original brick walls and was the classic construction of the

The Unexpected art project.

1920s and ‘30s that you can’t find anymore. The quality of the workmanship is superior to anything built these days. So,

Two tenants, Fort Smith Coffee Co. and Bookish bookstore,

we knew we wanted to do something with it, we just weren’t

quickly snapped up spaces in the Bakery District. Tom says

sure what. It’s been an evolving process.”

negotiations with a third tenant, which he declined to name, were close to being finalized. “The additional tenant is going

The Hanna brothers may not have known precisely which

take up ten thousand square feet,” he says. “That’ll be the

tenants would ultimately fill the place (some of the original

final piece. Once we get those guys in here, we’ll be just about

ideas included a brewery and a pizza restaurant, both of

fully occupied.”

which fell through) but they knew exactly the kind of vibe they wanted to create. It was a vision crafted out of personal

Considering the long history of the property, its newest

experience growing up in Fort Smith.

chapter has happened with lightning speed. The Bakery District’s main structure was built in 1921 as the Shipley Baking Company which operated for seventy-five years before being acquired by Flowers Foods in 1996.

Flowers Foods operated it for a decade before shutting down in December 2006, only to reopen in February 2008, providing a glimmer of hope for the local economy and, more directly, nearly fifty full-time permanent workers. That hope was short-lived, however, as the operation closed for good in January 2009.

Meanwhile, right across the street from the historic commercial bakery, sat Hanna Oil & Gas headquarters, which gave Tom

Fort Smith Coffee Co.

and his brother Griffin a front-row seat to the property’s later stages, including its shuttering and inevitable decline.

“This building sat vacant for a number of years,” Tom says.

“It got to a point where there were weeds growing out of the walls and it was really an eyesore. We officed across the street and, after seeing the facility decay over a matter of years, we decided to look into acquiring the property.”

“We kept an eye on it for a few years,” Griffin says. “Finally, Bill Hanna, our father and the president of Hanna Oil & Gas, said if they’re not going to keep up with cleaning the place and inhabiting the place, maybe there’s an opportunity to buy it.”

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Bookish

15

16

community

“As a Fort Smith native, I remember in high school there was

Bakery District strikes all the right notes with twenty-

nothing to do. There were no places to hang out for kids

somethings such as herself.

that age,” Tom says. “There’s always been a population of younger families and younger people within Fort Smith, but

“I’m a student at UA Fort Smith and I know a lot of young

real estate developers have not really catered to them. There’s

people who want to leave Fort Smith after they graduate,”

always been this gap in the development to where there’s

she says. “Whether they’re looking for a job or want to start

either bars or playgrounds. There’s really nothing for that

their own business, they don’t really see Fort Smith as a great

in-between age.”

place to do that.

Griffin says the project went through as many as ten different

“The Bakery District is attractive for young people and can

designs before settling on its current configuration. Along

put that possibility in their mind early on where they can see

the way, the developers solicited input from the city to help

themselves living downtown, owning their own business or

gather ideas of how the Bakery District could fill holes in the

working downtown. The Bakery District is going to spark that

downtown area.

interest and keep people here instead of losing them to larger cities around us like Fayetteville, Tulsa or Dallas.”

"Working with the city, we let them tell us what the space needed to be, as opposed to us being visionaries and trying

The Hannas aren’t finished with the neighborhood just

to do it all on our own,” he says. “Concept-wise, I would say

yet. Tom says next up is to add a taproom and after that,

we’re way out in front because I don’t think there’s many

refurbishing an adjoining building the company owns into

people in Fort Smith who have developed a space to this level.

apartments within the next eighteen months. All told, the

But by no means would we say we were visionaries or that we

projects will completely reimagine a slice of downtown once

invented the wheel.

thought destined for the rubble heap.

“This [type of development] is done in a lot of other

“Downtown Fort Smith, in recent years, has been a little down

communities and it’s done very successfully. It serves almost

and depressed. I’m really happy to be a part of something that

like a social gathering hub with the coffee shop community

provides a space for all ages,” Tom says. “We’re betting on

adding a really unique sense of culture to the space. It’s a

downtown Fort Smith. We foresee a great future ahead for

hangout where you don’t have to drink and that’s a unique

this area.”

communal space for Fort Smith. So, while I wouldn’t say this is a completely new idea, it’s fairly new for this community.”

Innovation always carries a certain amount of risk but Jordan Dart, K&W Properties marketing intern, says the

The Bakery District 63 South 6th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.522.3999 bakeryfs.com

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people

eyes on the

Board

words Liesel Schmidt IMAGEs Jade Graves Photography

Devan Engster

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people

WHEN IT COMES to the ultimate nosh, a charcuterie board is the perfect go-to, an assortment of edibles featuring meat and cheeses that instantly earns you street cred with the crowd. At first glance, one may consider it the deli platter we’re all familiar with, but Amazing Graze in Fort Smith, Arkansas has taken it to a whole new level.

All dressed up and ready to go somewhere fancy, charcuterie is a grown-up version that shows thought and creativity and deliberateness in a way that screams “foodie.” Put out a charcuterie board, and you’re sure to have satisfied palates marveling at the ingenuity in the assemblage and the wonderful meeting of flavors that play off one another so well. Naturally, with the wide acclaim these simple boards receive, they make a welcome appearance at almost any type of gathering—and they’re even a great way to satisfy a craving for something with a little panache.

Creating a truly complimentary board is an art, much like developing a great recipe. With so many different meats and widely diverse types of cheeses, the available selection is pretty much an endless one, but it still takes a bit of forethought and an understanding of which flavors work well together. And while some simply see a board filled with various victuals, Devan Engster, owner of Amazing Graze, sees the perfect way to spread her entrepreneurial wings.

Faith is something that she has shown much of in starting the business—most of all in opening the shop, as the endeavor

Like many of the greatest small business owners that our

hasn’t been one that has gone in the most traditional manner.

country boasts, Devan found her inspiration by accident. A

“It’s been so busy that we haven’t even had time for a grand

consummate hostess and bringer of cheeseboards, it was at

opening yet, and keeping up with demand for the boards has

the encouragement of her friends that the wife and mother of

been a huge challenge,” says Devan, who enjoys hunting,

two decided to start selling her tasty creations—and Facebook

fishing, and spending time at the lake with her family in her

agreed. Simply posting pictures on the social media site netted

spare time—despite the fact that she’s a girly girl who loves

her tremendous response and brought her a flood of customers,

a good pedicure and believes in retail therapy. “Because of

and soon enough she found herself in need of a storefront.

the rush, the shop is not quite completely furnished; and our cash register and website aren’t even up and running.

Having a business—not to mention a brick and mortar

Many of the things that business owners usually have in

store—meant that Devan needed a name, and her husband

place before they even open their doors haven’t had time to

Rob had the perfect idea. “I didn’t want the name to limit us

be done. We don’t even have signs at the store yet! Still, our

to cheeseboards, as I also wanted to do dessert boards and

customers have been so patient and have really extended a

themed grazing boards,” says Devan. “I was really hoping to

great deal of grace while we are getting things together.”

use the word ‘graze’ somewhere in the company name, and Rob suggested Amazing Graze. I immediately loved it because

Those things aside, Devan has the truly important details in

it not only indicates that we have an exceptional product but

place; and that is precisely what is making her successful—

also reflects my faith, which is very important to me.”

not to mention incredibly busy, as she’s filling a void in the

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people

to appeal to a different need. With “Buy a Board” the price includes the actual wooden board, and customers can then bring the board back repeatedly for “fills.” The second option, “Bring Your Own Board” costs less and allows the use of a customer-supplied cutting board or serving tray— even, in some cases, pie plates. Option three is their take-out boxes, which simply use a bakery box instead of a board.

In addition to the cheeseboards that were the launch point of the store, they’ve since added some retail and gift items as well as doing just what Devan had hoped when she started, branching out into making specialty grazing boards for special occasions and even sinfully delicious dessert boards. Regardless of what she’s making, however, it is the satisfaction of seeing a job well done that makes Devan feel truly accomplished. “My favorite part of all of market that people are obviously responding to. “To my

this has been seeing pleased customers,” she says. “I love it

knowledge, there is not another storefront in the River Valley

when a customer really enjoys something on their board and

that sells charcuterie boards,” she notes. “Even though our

comes back to purchase more of that item. When someone

selection isn’t enormous, I take pride in stocking items that

buys a board and returns for a fill nearly every week, I know

can’t be found just anywhere; and the boards we prepare are

we’re doing it right. I also love introducing customers to new

beautiful, almost like a work of art. I’ve heard many of our

products. Getting someone to try something new and having

customers say this, and it makes me incredibly proud. Each

them love it is a great feeling.”

board we prepare is definitely crafted with a great deal of thought; and while there isn’t really a wrong way to make

That feeling has been one that she has shared with her

a cheese board, my goal is for the boards I prepare to be as

sister, Holly Shotzman, who has been with her nearly every

eye appealing as they are tasty. I also think that the pairings

day since Amazing Graze opened its doors to the foodies

we do make the boards stand out.”

of Fort Smith. Clearly, the shop is one that has full family support; and with so much support on her side, she has high

Those pairings feature gourmet honey, meats, cheeses,

hopes for the future of her business. “I would really love to

jams, nuts, olives, pickles, veggies, fruits, sauces, and

offer a dine-in lunch and dinner here in the shop or in our

crackers that Devan curates from various suppliers and

courtyard, whether it’s an individual plate or a charcuterie

manufacturers as well as local sources. And while the

board to share,” she says. “I’d also like to offer beer and

offerings of the boards certainly warrant attention, so, too,

wine…Picture coming after work with several of your friends

do the boards themselves, as the company has recently

to enjoy a wine and cheese night. Who wouldn’t love that?”

partnered with local artisan Aaron Price, husband of Beth Price of Belle Starr Antiques in downtown Fort Smith, to sell

So many plans, so much vision. And if the past few months

his beautiful cutting boards in the shop.

have proven anything to Devan, it’s that anything is possible for those who dare to have faith and pursue their dreams.

The concept at Amazing Graze is a unique one, and likely the reason that it has been seeing so great a response since opening. In addition to preparing made-to-order grazing boards in different sizes, they also offer take-out boxes and individual “lunchboxes.” When it comes to the boards, customers have their choice of three options, each tailored

Amazing Graze is located at 115 North 10th Street, Suite A107, Fort Smith, Arkansas. For more information, visit Amazing Graze on Facebook.

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people

Josh Harmon

At twenty-seven-years-old, Josh Harmon is the youngest principal broker in the River Valley.

Together with his wife Hannah, Josh started Harmon Real Estate Company last November, establishing himself and his team in the region. Yet beneath all his success in the real estate business, it is his

Home Court Advantage Words Jennifer Burchett images Jennifer Burchett and courtesy Josh Harmon

ambition, entrepreneurship, and zeal for community development that sets him apart.

As a child growing up in Virginia, Josh’s ambition was carved from his athletic experiences on the basketball court. Sports were the mechanism by which he challenged himself to become better while never giving up. After all, with exceptional parents like his, he didn’t have time for anything else.

“Richmond

is

a

very

diverse

area,”

describes

Josh. “My mother, she is a very strong-willed and independent woman. And my dad, he always drilled the Bible in me. Together they instilled values and shaped me into who I am today.”

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people

Those values served Josh well when he left home on a college basketball scholarship. “I was always super competitive but wasn’t the best. I always had to work hard to get better,” says Josh. In time, those nights of practicing long after the other players had gone home would pay off in ways he

Put the client first, above all else, and proceed with dignity. The rest will work itself out.

didn’t imagine. selling their property for them. Not often, but sometimes, It was while working at a bank that former University of

they said yes. That’s all Josh needed to sink his teeth into the

Arkansas Assistant, Coach Justin Bailey, approached Josh

business. Eventually he forged the relationships he needed

about joining the Lion’s team. He was only twenty years old

to be successful.

at the time but took the opportunity as a chance to continue his ambitions on and off the court.

“It was tough,” Josh describes. Every day he would go to work with a world of responsibilities on his shoulders, not

“Coach Bailey and Coach Josh Newman were huge inspirations

least of which was knowing he was the only person who

in my life. I went from wanting to be the best athlete, to

looked like him, doing what he was doing. Even to this day,

wanting to leave school with something; knowledge, a degree,

Josh is the only black principal broker in the River Valley.

confidence. I left knowing where I was going.”

“I had to hold myself to a higher standard because I was Josh navigated the last quarter of his career in sports and

going to have people coming up behind me. If you don’t see

embraced the next game of his life with maturity. During

somebody who looks like you, doing what you do, it’s hard

his last year at UAFS he and Hannah prepared to become

to believe that you can do that as well. So, yes, I put a lot

a family of three. And just like that, those same ideals that

of pride, I hold a lot of responsibility, into helping people’s

supported and prompted him to always strive to be the best

dreams come true.” After the experiences he had as a young

were again placed at the forefront of his career, but this time

agent, Josh pledged to help others understand just what was

it wasn’t as an athlete. It was as a professional family man.

possible, and what they were capable of.

“I got into real estate because I wanted to be an entrepreneur

Slowly, he built his name, built his relationships, built his

and I wanted to be in a field that would allow me to utilize

portfolio, and built his family. At the same time that his

my skill set; sales, relationship building, and I’m very ambitious as well. Real estate gave me that...”

In March of 2016, Josh obtained his real estate’s license and hit the ground running. His game plan was simple, to play the odds. With an ambitious goal of making one hundred cold calls per day and five call contacts, Josh set the bar high.

As a new agent, he focused on

apartment

complexes.

He

reviewed tax records to find out who owned properties, and then called the owners to propose DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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24

people

career was quickly blossoming, his family was bursting at the

national dues for people of color. The two recipients of those

seams. Josh smiles when he talks about his children. “Being

scholarships, Chris Jacobs and Raneisha Lewis, are doing well

a family man helps me deal with people. I have three of the

and look forward to becoming licensed agents to serve the

toughest negotiators in my household. Tough investors are

River Valley. According to Hannah, the scholarship program is

nothing compared to three little kids!”

ongoing and Harmon Real Estate will continue the endeavor until “we don’t need to anymore; until we see a change.”

After being an agent for two years, Josh became a principal

It is through their ambition and accomplishments that they

broker and promptly started Harmon Real Estate Company

create a roadmap for future prosperity in our community.

on November 1, 2019, fulfilling the other half of his career goal: entrepreneurship. Immediately, the team built upon the

These days, Josh sells three or four apartment complexes

foundation that Josh had laid. But being a business owner

per month and due to the level of unsolicited business he

changed everything.

and the company receive, he only makes around five cold calls per day. Added to his repertoire are family homes. Since

As of today, the River Valley has fewer than ten black real

establishing Harmon Real Estate, Josh and his team have sold

estate agents. According to Josh, “We don’t need any more

over $10,000,000 in real estate.

hope at this point. What we need is opportunity.”

“Things are a lot different today than they were when I first Harmon Real Estate promptly established a scholarship

started,” he smiles. “There’s always a way, a strategy, to

program to fund the pre-licensing courses and state &

making dreams come true.”

Josh and Hannah Harmon

It’s no secret to anybody in the business that the roadmap to success isn’t always straightforward. With the plethora of nuances associated with the real estate, success is a labyrinth of opportunity. There’s location. Price point. Mortgage.

Square footage. Possible investors. Interest rates.

Family values have guided Josh throughout his childhood, during his stint as a college basketball player, and now as a young entrepreneur working to build a better community for all of us. The relationships he has built have sustained his transition from young adult to prime professional.

Even

former

UAFS

Basketball

Coach

Josh

Newman

remembers him well. “Josh has always been very focused, determined, and driven to be successful. His work ethic and values as a person were clear from day one. As well as Josh’s motivation and drive, I have always respected his character and warm heartedness.”

Harmon Real Estate Company 911 S. May Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas harmonrealestatecompany.com 479.763.1288

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people

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

THWACK! A twenty-footer hits dead center, the ball snapping

the

heavy

cotton

net

with

its

distinctive sound. The whispy shooter scoots to the basket, snatches the ball and darts to the other side of the arc.

words Dwain Hebda IMAGEs courtesy Arkansas Diamonds

It’s two-thirty on an Arkansas summer afternoon and the gym is a brutal sauna. Another group just vacated the space a few minutes ago, their presence and movement having churned the soupy air even thicker. Just standing around, sweat seeps out the pores in streams.

THWACK! LaVerne Graves doesn’t stop moving and, somehow, never starts sweating. It’s been a long few months since she has been able to get into a gym and shoot a few baskets and danged if she Coach Billy Graves

isn’t going to soak up every single moment while she can. Her layup, free throw, jump shot and patented left-handed hook are a little rusty, but she’s quick as a cat and the joy of being back on the court is written all over her.

“I’ve always done my hour-long walk – every day, three miles – even in ninety-one-degree heat,” she says. “I’ve got to stay healthy, that’s my number-one goal. If I don’t do another thing all day, my health comes first.”

THWACK! LaVerne is soon joined by teammates Sharon Thornton and Jodie Moon, the trio who make up the starters for the Arkansas Diamonds senior women’s basketball team. The pals have played together for more than a decade in Senior Olympics competition and the sport has taken them all over the country for open tournaments and in alternating years, state and national championships.

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people

They’re not kids, but you’d never guess by looking at the

me if I would help them by coaching in that game. So, I

age bracket in which they compete: Seventy-five and up.

agreed, told them I’d try to help them. I did and lo and behold, about the next week I got a letter signed by all the

“I just love basketball,” Sharon said. “It’s just a lot of fun and

team members asking me to be their coach. I said well, OK,

a good way to get lots of exercise. I’m pretty competitive,

I’ll try. That was in, I believe, 2010. I’m still trying.”

I have to say. I guess I’m one of the most competitive ones on the team. That’s one of the things Coach always says, I

Senior Olympic basketball is played three-on-three, half-

always stir things up.”

court. Games are comprised of two fifteen-minute halves with two timeouts per half. Teams that place in the top

Both Sharon and LaVerne grew up in the sport and have

three in their age division at their respective state games,

been playing Senior Olympic ball since 1998. Sharon,

held in even years, advance to the national tournament, held

a Batesville product, is an original Diamond and one of

in odd years. LaVerne, age seventy-seven, has never missed

the Hot Springs team’s co-founders. LaVerne, a native of

qualifying for nationals since she started playing; Sharon’s

Jessieville, first played in New Mexico for the Albuquerque

played in every one since 2003 and Jodie since 2009.

Canyonettes during a forty-year absence from Arkansas.

Returning home, she joined the Diamonds in 2004. Jodie,

A retired accountant and former high school baller

a Mississippi native, is the relative newcomer, rounding

himself, Billy takes the team’s national pedigree seriously

things out thirteen years ago.

with a mild-mannered exterior that belies the ferocity of his practices. “Being friends with these ladies doesn’t mean

“I play point, so I call the plays,” Jodie says. “To be quite

I’m easy on them,” he said. “When they’re on the ball court, I

honest, some of us are not as mentally sharp as we used to

don’t differentiate amongst anyone. I treat them all the same

be and don’t hear as well as we used to, so it’s a little bit of

and expect the same of all of them and they know that. We’ll

a challenge. But Coach expects a lot out of me and he stays

hit the gymnasium at 4:30pm each Tuesday afternoon and

on me all the time. All the time.”

we’re in there till 7:00pm that evening. I put them through a lot of drills. They work hard. They are a very dedicated group.

“Coach” is Billy Graves, LaVerne’s husband, who took over as Diamond skipper after the previous fella passed away.

“I scold them when they need to be scolded. I don’t hold

What many might have seen as an omen, he took as a

back. I know they’re older ladies, but they still can learn.

welcome challenge. “I was at one of these ladies’ basketball

We approach it from the standpoint of trying to get better.

games. They had just lost their coach,” he said. “They asked

We’re trying to get the team better.”

Jodie Moon

Sharon Thornton

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LaVerne Graves

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Billy hammers home the value of an aggressive defense, a strategic tactic that’s worked consistently. The squad once won thirty-two straight games under him but even so, he leaves it up to the Diamonds to invite him back at the end of each season. And thus far, they always have.

“The other girls love him and he loves them. Oh yeah, this is his harem,” LaVerne said with a giggle. “The joke is that I’m sleeping with the coach. We are all family and he’s included.

We get along great.”

While it’s obvious how much fun the women are having, participation comes at a price. LaVerne fell over backwards in practice once, breaking her arm. Another time, she had

their nineties on other teams still competing and see no

to play an entire tournament on a sprained ankle. Jodie

reason why they can’t do the same. In fact, they’d love to

shows up to play in thick kneepads, the better to dive on

have some new blood join their ranks once they get back to

the floor after a loose ball, which even at age seventy-five

their normal routine from the Covid layoff.

she still does with abandon.

“At one time we had over fifty girls participating on different Ever the competitor, Sharon easily tops them both in the

age levels. We had girls in every age division, just about,”

injury department with stitches and jammed fingers only

Sharon said of the club. “But people move on, get tired,

a prelude. “I had a hip replacement when I was sixty and

get old and get hurt. One thing or another and they quit.”

I thought I wouldn’t be able to play anymore. In fact, they told me not to,” the seventy-five-year-old said. “But I was

The trio would also love to win a national title together,

back after three months and started playing again. Then, I

their best finish thus far having been fourth, in 2011 and

had the other hip replaced at the end of that year and went

2019. But even if they don’t, they will have given each

back to playing again. Then seven years ago, I had my left

other enough, in ways far beyond basketball.

knee replaced and I started back to playing after that.”

“LaVerne and Sharon and I are really tight,” Jodie said. “I’m Oh, and by the way, two years ago they discovered Sharon

widowed, so I’m by myself. They are couples, so we don’t

had a pretty serious heart condition which, she quickly

do things socially together, but they are like family to me. I

points out, only slows, but doesn’t stop her.

could go to them for anything.

“I can’t play as much as I did because [the heart condition]

“We are a team. We’re like, one for all and all for one. They’re

affects my lungs and I run out of air after about four or five

the reason I’m still in Hot Springs. I have no family here. My

minutes. I can’t breathe and I have to go sit down and let

husband’s been gone eight years. My children live in Memphis,

somebody else play,” she says nonchalantly. Then her voice

and my grandkids. I stay here because of them, my team. I’d

turns to a growl.

be back in Memphis if it were not for my gals.”

“Several of the girls on other teams have said, ‘I would rather anybody guard me than Sharon.’ I mean, I’m really tough on defense and at one time, I was pretty tough on offense, too.”

All of the women say the exercise and competitive outlet are compelling reasons to keep playing. They’ve seen women in

Players wanted!

Arkansas Diamonds 501.922.0596 or 501.209.1399 sportygal@suddenlink.net

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community

&

Homegrown & & Homemade words and images Jenny Boulden

T

There are only so many Amazon boxes you can take. Sooner or

that (minus the rest of my imaginary Hallmark movie) is

later, if you’re anything like me, you find yourself yearning for

exactly the dream. “I’m born and raised here in Arkansas,”

something authentic. Fresh. Local. Maybe handcrafted, even.

he says over the phone, his three young kids playing in the

Something grown from the earth. Something that supports

background. “I’m really proud of our state and the people in

communities, not billionaires.

it. Being able to highlight other Arkansans and be part of that community, I’m just kinda passionate about that.”

A few months ago, following my Google maps app, I found myself heading from Little Rock on a quest for that sense of

The family business is packed with classic Arkansas charm.

fresh authenticity, to a small place in the outskirts of North

Visitors wander among rows of healthy, flowering plants. I see

Little Rock. Driving slowly around a bend on U.S. 70, there it

stands of fresh fruits and vegetables; shelves of breads, jams,

was, a sign with a bright red truck pointing towards a place I

spice rubs, sauces and baked goods; bins of fried pork skins;

wanted to be: Me & McGee Market.

coolers of farm-fresh eggs, cut herbs and bagged lettuces; and sundry bits of décor like hand-built birdcages and garden

Me & McGee is a year-round, family-run farmers market that,

art with more live plants filling in all the nooks and crannies.

honest-to-God, looks straight out of a Hallmark movie about, say, a big-city lawyer who visited her grandfather’s strawberry

I take pictures of everything. They’re all Instagram-worthy,

farm, fell in love and realized her dream was not tax law, but

and it’s exciting to be somewhere outside, and away from

selling local produce and handmade goods.

the house where my family, like everyone else’s, has been hunkered for months. It’s the experience I’ve been missing,

For Logan Duvall, whose family owns Me & McGee Market,

and the local products I didn’t know I needed.

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community

Arkansas Grown, Arkansas Made Among the shelves are signs and stickers indicating Arkansas Made or Arkansas Grown products. You’ve likely seen their logos in other businesses around the state. They’re eye-catching, by intent. Seeing them always makes me happy. It feels good to buy local.

“My grandparents started this place,” says owner Logan Duvall. “It happened by accident, really. They just put in a garden and people started stopping by on the side of the road. My mom suggested they put up a stand and just

Members who matter

offer what they had on site. Then my grandparents became members in the Arkansas Grown program about seven years

For all its appeal to me on that Wednesday afternoon, Me

ago … We don’t grow anything ourselves now, but we have

& McGee Market is just one among one hundred eleven

stayed in the program because we have a lot of farmers and

farmers markets in the state recognized by the Arkansas

others in the program who sell here.”

Farmers Markets Association, which works closely with the Department of Agriculture. The markets and their growers are

The Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made programs are

an increasingly cohesive community of local communities.

administered by the state’s Department of Agriculture.

Americans have long known to look for and take pride

Agriculture Program Director Karen Reynolds runs the Arkansas

in products with the official “Made in the USA” badge

Grown and Made programs. “If you’re a farmer or maker, the

on them. But here in Arkansas the notion of a branding

networking, the relationships formed through these programs

program that would enhance state pride and help promote

are really the best reasons to join,” she says in a phone interview

the state’s farmers and their wares has been around less

weeks later. “Our members support each other.”

than a decade.

The Grown and Made programs together have nine hundred The Department of Agriculture’s Arkansas Grown program

members, many of whom overlap. Reynolds says, “The

was established in 2012. Today the program and its sister

programs work hand-in-hand. There are a lot of farmers who

branches, Arkansas Made and Homegrown by Heroes,

have Arkansas-made products. They’re raising tomatoes and

collectively have nine hundred members. Arkansas Grown

have too many, or maybe they’re not attractive enough, so

members are farmers and ranchers, growers of agricultural

they make them into salsa. It all goes together.”

products. Arkansas Made members are makers of edibles and goods who sell their products directly or indirectly to the public. Homegrown by Heroes is a national program that encourages, honors and promotes U.S. armed forces veterans who have turned to farming. Also under this agriculture umbrella is the Arkansas Grown School Garden program which encourages the state’s youngest growers.

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Other examples: Rabbit Ridge Farms in Bee Branch sells its

Reynolds says that, like every other small business, the

organic beef, heritage pork and free-range chicken at farmers

members of Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made have had to

markets, online and to restaurants, but also makes products

adapt to the sudden changes of 2020.

like broth, sauces, bacon jam and dog chews sold in its online store. In Van Buren, M&M Farms are members of Arkansas

“During this COVID pandemic, our farmers have been very

Grown. They sell their grass-fed beef, sheep, lamb and eggs.

innovative,” she says. “Some of them have established drive-

In Logan County, the Benedictine monks at Subiaco Academy

throughs where you can order and pay online, then they can

are members of Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made. They

pull the orders together. You drive up, they put it in the trunk

grow their own habanero peppers, then cook them into

of your car and you drive off.”

their famous Monk Sauces, sold on their website along with other monk-crafted products ranging from peanut brittle to

Others, she says, have worked with restaurants to establish

calligraphy, wood carvings and even cremation urns.

pop-up markets where the patrons can shop for fresh local produce from the restaurant. Some have expanded local

Among the makers who don’t double as farmers are businesses

food networks. Quite a few have been establishing an online

like the famous Serenity Farm Bread baked in downtown Leslie,

presence for the first time.

its artisanal loaves shipped all over the country, or the handmade, all-natural soaps sold by Everberry Botanicals in Huntsville.

She says UpliftArkansas.com has free listings that users can claim or can create their own if their organization is not

Arkansans can search for any products or members at

already listed, then customize with their news. The site is

ArkansasGrown.org, the online hub of the programs. All

easy to use and the changes appear in real time, so the site is

members, who come from every part of the state no matter

always current.

how small the community, receive a free listing on the site.

The site allows users to search by program, county, type of

Logan Duvall says the Arkansas Grown and Made programs

product, even the types of places their products are sold. The

keep people connected, to each other, the land and often,

programs are free to join, but have incentivized membership

shared goals. “I love that there’s a government entity that’s

levels ranging from $30-$500 per year for member benefits

trying to push to help everyone in this industry. You’ve got

beyond the free listing.

to have members working together. That’s how this works.”

“It’s a useful tool for finding what products you want, or

Back home, browsing through ArkansasGrown.org, there are

discovering farmers in your region, whether you’re a consumer

so many tasty-sounding foods and intriguing products and

or someone looking to connect to others in your industry,”

gifts, I get lost in the possibilities. Clearly, I have a lot more

Reynolds says.

exploring Arkansas markets to do, online and off.

And I dare say, next time a delivery shows up to my door,

Keeping up (and uplifted) with 2020

there’s a higher than average chance it’s going to have an Arkansas postmark, not another Amazon swoosh.

Another free tool Reynolds wants everyone in the state to know about is UpliftArkansas.com. Started by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau as a central repository of local business, restaurant and nonprofit updates related to COVID-19 shutdowns and reopenings, the site has since incorporated farmers and businesses and organizations all

Find local vendors at ArkansasGrown.org.

For information on Me and McGee Market, visit MeandMcgeeMarket.com.

across the state.

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taste

Poppin'

Pineapple Salsa Recipe Catherine Frederick image VM2002/Shutterstock

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

•

2 cups grilled pineapple, diced

•

¼ cup mint, roughly chopped

•

1 ½ cups Roma tomatoes, diced

•

1 large lime, zest and juice

•

¼ cup red onion, finely diced

•

1 Tablespoon honey

•

1-2 serrano chilies, finely diced

•

sea salt

and seeded

Grill pineapple or cook in oven under broiler for 2-3 minutes, let cool. Dice, chop or zest ingredients. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, stir gently. Add sea salt to taste. Delicious over grilled chicken or fish or served with tortilla chips.

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taste

Just Peachy Recipe adapted Creative Culinary image Sunny Forest/Shutterstock

INGREDIENTS

(makes 2)

METHOD

° 2 ripe peaches, washed and sliced (1 for cocktail, 1 for garnish)

Place slices from one peach in a mixing tin and

° 2 oz. peach vodka

muddle until soft. Add remaining ingredients along with some ice – shake well. Pour (strain if

° 5 oz. Simply Lemonade ° 1 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water – boiled until sugar dissolves) ° 1 oz. Kentucky bourbon whiskey ° Mint sprigs and peach slices (garnish)

you don’t like pieces of fruit in your glass) over ice in lowball glasses and garnish with fresh peach slice and mint sprig.

Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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fiction

The Unknown words Sarah Phillips-Burger image Ronnie Chua/Shutterstock

G

“Good morning, Cayden,” Andrew cooed at his little boy

“Great choice. Now, let’s get you dressed and then we can

as he stroked his dark hair. “Time to wake up, it’s your

go eat, okay?”

first day of school.” The little body, balled up and snug beneath a comforter embroidered with blue and green

Cayden followed his father into the bathroom where they

dinosaurs, began to straighten. His arms poked out,

washed the sleep out of his eyes, brushed his teeth and

stretching above him before his fists sought out his heavy

combed the tangles from his hair. After, they returned to

eyes, turning in clockwise and counterclockwise motions.

his bedroom and found the outfit he would wear, picked

His mouth opened in a yawn, revealing his tiny baby teeth

out by his mother, on a white chair in the corner of his

before closing in a smile as his big brown eyes landed on

room. Little hands gripped Andrew’s tan forearms while

his father.

one foot, then two stepped into khaki shorts. Cayden lifted his arms up, welcoming the soft feel of the red Polo shirt.

“It’s a big day, my little man. What would you like for breakfast?”

When his head popped through the neck hole, the little boy giggled, “Boo!” His father feigned surprise and

Cayden rubbed the side of his face, then pushed his long

laughed before he fastened one of the white buttons and

hair out of his eyes. “Cheerios!”

smoothed down the boy’s dark hair once more.

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fiction

Cayden sat on the floor, wiggling his toes as if trying

began to devour his Cheerios while he played with one

to give them one last bit of freedom before socks were

of the dinosaurs that were always scattered around the

slipped on. “I can do it!” he announced as he grabbed

house, this one a Triceratops.

his red Converse slip-ons and shoved his foot in, his tiny fingers guiding the back of the shoe up his heel. He did

As he finished his coffee, Andrew knew with absolute

the same with the other foot and then stood up with a

certainty that Lauren was bawling her eyes out right then.

bounce and a grin that said, “See?”

Even when they went to pick out his backpack and school supplies she had cried. “It’s all going by too fast,” she said

“Good job, buddy.” Andrew said as he followed his little

in the aisle at Walmart, her hands gripping the cart. “He

boy running into the kitchen.

is still so little.”

“Mommy!” Cayden yelled as he flung his arms around his

She could have come with them this morning to drop him

mother’s legs, smushing his face into her light blue scrubs.

off at school, but she was afraid that she would cry the

Lauren bent down on one knee, peeling him from her leg

whole time. “I don’t want to upset him. I want it to be a

and looked at her son. “Well, don’t you look smart,” she

happy day,” she had insisted.

smiled. “Are you excited for your first day?”

“I’m gonna go potty,” Cayden said as he climbed down “Yesssssss” Cayden said, jumping up and down.

the stool, shaking Andrew back into the moment.

“Before you eat, I’m going to take your picture so that we

As he cleared away the dishes, his eyes caught the

can always remember this day, okay?”

television, which was on mute. The morning news was on, and he read the headlines scrolling across the bottom of

She led him to the front door where she picked up a small

the screen, none of them good. There were so many things

chalkboard that read, “First day at Pre-K! 2020.” Cayden

to face now, so many challenges ahead for everyone, so

stood on their front steps, holding the sign under his

many things to fear, and so many unknowns. The thought

chin and grinning from ear to ear while his mother took

of handing this world over to his little boy one day made

pictures with her phone. “You are so handsome!” Lauren

his heart ache.

said as she led him back inside.

Andrew found Cayden playing on the floor of his room.

At the bar, Andrew sipped his coffee and watched the pair say goodbye. His wife bent down one last time and

“Aaaarrggghhh” said the T-Rex as it took a make-believe

brushed the hair from Cayden’s eyes. “Mommy’s got to

bite out of a Velociraptor.

go to work now. Have a great day, okay baby? And, don’t forget, Aunt Makayla will pick you up this afternoon.”

“Time to go, little man. Grab your backpack for me.”

“And, I can play with the puppies?”

After buckling Cayden into his car seat, he climbed behind the wheel and began the short drive to the elementary

“Yes, you can play with her puppies.” She hugged him

school. Over the radio, “Happy” played quietly. Andrew

tight, and his hands gripped tightly around her neck as she

glanced in the rear-view mirror to see his son’s head

leaned over. “I love you.”

dancing along, so he turned it up. He then joined in, singing loudly, “Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth,” to Cayden’s delight. He squealed, clapping his

“Love you too, Mommy.”

hands. Andrew decided to take the long way to the school Andrew saw a tear fall down her face as she waved to him

so he could savor this moment a little longer.

going out the door. Cayden climbed up the bar stool and DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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fiction

Soon enough, the song ended and when he looked in the

Andrew could see the smile in her eyes.

mirror again, his son was calm, almost contemplative.

Cayden watched as the trees and cars zipped by his window.

“He will be in the second classroom on the right. Have a

The sun funneled its way through the clouds and onto

great first day!” she said as she waved them off.

his face, causing his lashes to sparkle like glitter. Cayden smiled to himself before meeting his father’s gaze in the

The room they entered was filled with every color of the

mirror just as they pulled into the parking lot of the school.

rainbow. Children were already playing with toys from the various bins or coloring at the square table. One little girl

Andrew got out and smoothed the wrinkles from his

sat on a large rug turning the pages in a book. Mrs. Lewis

pants. His eye caught the side door of the school that

came right over.

was reserved for the Pre-K students, and he took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He opened

“This is Cayden,” Andrew proudly announced.

the back door of the car and was met with an eager smile.

“It is so nice to meet you. Would you like to join the other “You’re going to have a great day,” he said as he

kids? You can pick out any activity you would like to do

unbuckled the car seat. Cayden leapt from the seat and

this morning while we get settled.”

had started to climb down out of the vehicle until Andrew stopped him.

Cayden ran and sat with two other little boys wearing masks and played with the large blocks while Andrew

“Don’t forget your backpack.”

watched. The bell rang and once again Cayden’s big brown eyes looked up at his father who waved to signal he was

He held it up and Cayden pushed his arms through the straps.

leaving and received a wave goodbye in return.

“And your mask,” Andrew said, pulling a child-sized, light

Back in the car, Andrew paused, noting every detail of

blue mask from his pocket.

that moment and then FaceTimed his wife. The moment she answered, tears poured down his cheeks and onto his

He looped it over his son’s tiny ears and pulled it down

mask that he forgot to remove.

under his chin to ensure a good fit, just how his wife had instructed. Then he pulled his own mask from his other

“He was so brave. So brave. He didn’t even cry. He just

pocket and put it on, too. “I think we’re ready,” he said as

waved goodbye and that was it.”

he helped Cayden out of the car.

He pulled the mask from his face and used it to wipe the tears “Welcome! Welcome!” waved a woman in a blue denim

from his eyes before looking at his phone screen. He was met

dress standing at the door. “Who do we have here?”

with his wife’s tear-soaked face, but also a proud smile.

“This is Cayden. He’s in Mrs. Lewis’s class.”

“Well, one of us needs to be brave,” she said. “It might as well be him.”

The woman bent down, at eye level with the boy, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders. “We are so happy to have you here today, Cayden!” she said through her mask.

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CHAFFEE CROSSING

Spotlight on

CHAFFEE CROSSING FEW PLACES IN ARKANSAS exude military history like Fort Smith, from the city’s namesake frontier post to the stately National Cemetery downtown, to Fort Chaffee, an Army installation built as the nation teetered on the brink of World War II. During its active duty, Fort Chaffee served many functions training U.S. soldiers, housing POWs and processing refugees. And, for three days in 1958, it famously hosted one Elvis Aron Presley, soon to be known as “Seargent.” And now, almost eighty years after it was established as Camp Chaffee, the hallowed ground is again front and center, leading the city into a new era of live-work-play as Chaffee Crossing, the first development of its kind in Fort Smith history. We invite you to discover a few of the businesses

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and developments creating a little history of their own at Chaffee Crossing.

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The Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) is located on 430 acres in the beautiful Chaffee Crossing area of Fort Smith. The campus features the 102,000-square-foot, award-winning facility that houses the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM) and our Master of Science in Biomedicine program. Our second building, the 66,000-square-foot College of Health Sciences is the home to future programs: School of Physical Therapy, School of Occupational Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies.

Opening soon at the Village at Heritage are restaurants and retail businesses. Future plans include a Celebration Garden & Wellness Park which will include a playground, walking trails, lake, and entertainment facilities.

8101 McClure Dr., Ste. 101 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.484.7100, option 3 arveinandskincare.com

CHAFFEE CROSSING

7000 Chad Colley Blvd., Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.308.2243 acheedu.org

Dr. Norma Smith, Therese Jenkins PA, Janet Newman RN and our entire staff continue to provide varicose vein and venous ulcer care to the people of our region. We take confidence in the environment that we provide.

Daily screening of staff and patients as well as cleaning precautions between patients and no time spent in a waiting room are safety strategies our patients can rely on. We look forward to continuing our relationships with our patients throughout this time of extra precautions and look forward to the improvement in health that it brings.

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CHAFFEE CROSSING

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5812 Remington Circle, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.478.5600 bost.org 9100 Massard Rd, Fort Smith, Arkansas arvest.com Arvest Bank is pleased to have an ATM located at Chaffee The ATM allows customers to perform many routine banking

transactions,

including

cash

withdrawals,

deposits, fund transfers and balance checks. Visit our ATM whenever convenient!

purpose of providing education to school age children, to our current multitude of services and programs for individuals of all ages, with a wide range of disabilities and mental health needs. From getting children ready for school, to assisting adults with becoming more independent, Bost is here when you need us. Services are customizable to meet the evergrowing needs of those in our care. All Bost facilities are following guidelines and recommendations to ensure the health and well-being of those we serve. We are excited to welcome adults and children back into our day programs and grateful to our heroic Bost staff!

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Crossing, a vibrant, growing part of our community.

Bost has evolved tremendously since the original Bost School’s

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CHAFFEE CROSSING

If you need a break from being indoors, you don’t have to go far to enjoy outdoor activities in Chaffee Crossing. Millions of dollars are being invested in trails and amenities for everyone to enjoy and now is the perfect time to discover all kinds of fun. More than 25 miles of trails in Chaffee Crossing and Ben Geren Park invite mountain bikers, walkers, runners, and cyclists.

The Huckabee Nature Center, McClure Amphitheater, Wells Lake, and Torraine Lake offer a variety of activities.

Chaffee Barbershop Museum, Deer Trails Golf Course and Chaffee Crossing Pickleball Complex are all open to the public. Practice safe social distancing and start exploring these fantastic trails and amenities today.

CHAFFEE CROSSING

Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority 7020 Taylor Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.4554 chaffeecrossing.com

Corner of Wells Lake Road R.A. Young Jr. Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.739.6308 thehuberc.com Luxury townhomes and lofts available. The HUB is centered on YOU! This new, vibrant and modern community features contemporary townhomes, luxurious apartments. Our homes are built to be lived in, loved and last. With tree-lined streets, friendly faces, and plentiful green spaces discover treasured friendships and neighborly traditions. There’s no one formula for success, but there’s an address for it! Schedule your private tour today! Call Kathy Coleman at 479.739.6308 or visit www.thehuberc.com.

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Between Wells Lake Rd. & Veterans Ave. Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.651.2092 timmayshomebuilder.com/lakeside

11707 Custer Blvd., Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.226.3126 linksbbq.com

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Owners, Terry Flanagan and Brian Barham, brought their Located across from Wells Lake and the Arkansas River

Competition BBQ experience to Chaffee Crossing! We

Valley Nature Center, Lakeside Crossing is the place to be!

opened our doors in November of 2018, and we have

Tim Mays is the exclusive builder of the beautiful homes

been going strong every day since. Located in the perfect

ranging from 1,650-2,500 square feet. Lakeside hosts

setting overlooking Deer Trails Golf Course, we offer a

immediate proximity to fishing, trails, golf, kayaking,

full lunch and dinner menu, as well as catering options

and canoeing on Nature Center property directly across

and bulk meats! We prepare our meats each day by

the street. It also has direct access to multi-use and

adding a bold blend of spices and slow smoking them

mountain biking trails as well as close proximity to Parrot

to perfection. We invite you to taste our smoked artistry,

Island Waterpark and Ben Geren Park. Information about

carry out, delivery, and plenty of outdoor space on our

the availability of lots and home designs can be obtained

patio, Tuesday - Saturday, 11am–8pm and Sunday,

through Becky Ivey of Chuck Fawcett Realty, 479.651.2092.

11am–7pm. It’s time to Get Link’d Up!

CHAFFEE CROSSING

Chaffee crossing LIVE. WORK. PLAY.

Chaffee Crossing

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CHAFFEE CROSSING

8801 Wells Lake Rd., Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.668.2828 stonehousecc.com

Providence Way Road + R.A. Young Jr. Drive Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.739.6308 providenceerc.com

Located at the edge of Fort Smith in Chaffee Crossing,

New homes and lots now available at Providence in Chaffee

interpretation of an American steakhouse. We feature

Crossing! Surrounded by tranquility, this luxury community

classic cuts of beef, such as the Rib-Eye, Flat Iron and

located in the Chaffee Crossing area perfectly blends elegance

Filet Mignon, but our steaks and chops aren’t the only

and nature. Walking trails and excellent schools all in close

dishes we serve up. Seasonal seafood, chef inspired

proximity to shopping and dining. Elegant homes from the

dishes and delectable desserts are some of the tempting

high 300’s to the mid 500’s plus homesites from the mid

offerings. Of course, no meal would be complete without

60’s to mid 70’s. Schedule your private tour today! Call Kathy

that perfectly paired wine and we present one of the

Coleman at 479.739.6308 or visit www.providenceerc.com.

largest wine selections in Fort Smith. When the time

StoneHouse introduces a chef inspired menu, a modern

comes to impress, we are ready for you and your guests.

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Reservations recommended.

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Read Chair Publishing, LLC 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110 Fort Smith, AR 72903