WWelcome to 2025! As we embrace the chill of winter and the warmth of our community, our January issue offers a tapestry of stories that reflect the strength, creativity, and heart of the people around us.
We begin with Adam, a young boy whose resilience in the face of epilepsy is nothing short of miraculous. His story is one of hope, medical innovation, and the profound strength of family. Adam's story is a testament to what individuals can overcome with support, much like the Greenwood community has shown in the collaborative efforts to build an inclusive playground. This playground is not just a testament to their community's commitment, but also to its unity - showcasing what can be achieved when we come together for a common cause.
JANUARY 2025
FOUNDERPUBLISHER - EDITOR
Catherine Frederick
COPY EDITING
Charity Chambers
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors
PHOTOGRAPHY
In that same spirit of communal achievement, we also share the stories of local luminaries like Casie Dodd, founder of Belle Point Press in Fort Smith. Her lifelong passion for literature has culminated in a mission to elevate regional voices in the literary world. Just as Casie is making waves in literature, John Jumper, a Little Rock native, recently won a Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work in advancing global scientific discovery. John hopes that other kids from Arkansas will be inspired to dream big and aim high.
Our travel feature takes you across our beautiful state to explore serene landscapes and cozy retreats – perfect for your next getaway, whether you’re drawn to vibrant arts districts or peaceful mountain lodges. While our travels showcase the beauty of Arkansas, our Health and Wellness Guide focuses on inner beauty, offering resources to nurture both mind and body. As we care for our personal health, we also celebrate those who educate and inspire our youth. Our Profiles in Education highlight the diversity and innovation in our local schools and programs, proving that education is a cornerstone of our community.
Jade Graves Photography
CONTRIBUTING
WRITERS
Marla Cantrell
Catherine Frederick Dwain Hebda
Sara Putman
Bob Robinson
ADVERTISING
Catherine Frederick
479.782.1500
catherine@dosouthmagazine.com
JANUARY EVENTS
JANUARY 1, 7P / UAFS.UNIVERSITYTICKETS.COM
BECKY'S NEW CAR
Breedlove Auditorium, Fort Smith
JANUARY 16, 7:30P / AACLIVE.COM THOSE PRETTY WRONGS
801 Media Center, Fort Smith
JANUARY 18, 7P / SIMMONSBANKARENA.COM JUSTIN MOORE LIVE IN CONCERT
Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock
JANUARY 21, 8A / FORTSMITHCHAMBER.COM BUSINESS BREW SERIES (EVERY 3RD THURSDAY)
88 Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith
JANUARY 24, 7P / MAJESTICFORTSMITH.COM
BRAXTON KEITH LIVE ON TOUR Majestic, Fort Smith
JANUARY 25, 7P / SIMMONSBANKARENA.COM
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 2025 WORLD TOUR
Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock
JANUARY 28, 7P / UAFS.UNIVERSITYTICKETS.COM
UAFS MUSIC FACULTY SHOWCASE
Breedlove Auditorium, Fort Smith
Submit events online at dosouthmagazine.com or email catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
ARTS ON MAIN
– VAN BUREN
ARTSONMAINVB.COM
January 6: 2D Art Class, 5-7p
January 8: 3D Art Class, 5-7p
January 11: Elevated Comfort Foods, 10:30a-1p
January 11: Intro to Felting, 1-3:30p
January 18: Clean Plate Cooking, 11a-1p
January 25: Homemade Tamales with Salsa Verde, 10a-12p
BOOKISH – FORT SMITH
BOOKISHFS.COM
Storytime: Saturdays, 11a
January 2: Entrepreneur's Book Club, 12p
January 3: Fort City Slam, 6p
January 9: Romance Book Club, 6p
January 18: Local Author Showcase, Effie Joe Stock, 12:30-2p
January 30: Middle Grade Book Club, 4:30p (ages 9-12)
January 31: Mostly Fiction Book Club, 6p
FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM
FSRAM.ORG
RAM Saturdays: 12-3p (FREE)
Guided Tour Sundays: 2p (FREE)
To Jan. 19: Ed Pennebaker, Growth & Diminishment
Opening Reception: Friday, January 24, 5-7p (FREE)
Guided Tours: January 12 & 16, 1p (FREE)
THE BAKERY DISTRICT – FORT SMITH
BAKERYFS.COM
Trivia: Mondays, Mad Ox Bar, 6:30p
Bingo: Tuesday, Mad Ox Bar, 6:30p
Disc Golf: Tuesdays, Collection Room, 6p
Cornhole: Wednesdays, Collection Room, 6:30p
Karaoke night: Thursday’s, Mad Ox Bar, 8p
Story Time at Bookish: Saturdays, 11a
January 9: Jazz Jam, Collection Room, 6p
January 17: Bikes at the Bakery, 6p
January 18: Next Stop Comedy Show, Mad Ox Bar, 8p
ACHE
RESEARCH
INSTITUTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER – FORT SMITH
WELLNESSCENTERCLASSES.AS.ME RESEARCH
January 31 / February 1: Annual Research Symposium research.achehealth.edu/ research-symposium/
January 27: Homeschool Hangout Keepsake Jars for Kids, 9:30a
DANCE
classes ages 5+
classes ages 18+
January 29: Adult Wheel Class, 6:30p
Moving with Parkinson’s: Wed. 1p
January 14, 21, 28: Kids with danceAbilities, 5:30-6:30p Register: Melissaschoenfeld.com Ballet Classes & Info: Waballet.org
Jan. 30: Women’s and Men’s Basketball vs. Missouri Southern, 5:30p / 7:30p VIEW FUTURE EVENTS AT
January 19: Blues Jam, Patio, 1p
January 30: Segue, Cooler Room, 6:30p
UAFS ATHLETICS
UAFORTSMITHLIONS.COM
Jan. 8: Women’s and Men’s Basketball vs. Rogers State, 5:30p / 7:30p
Jan. 11: Women’s and Men’s Basketball vs. Univ. Central OK, 1p / 3p
Sip. Savor. Support. Grape Escapes 2025
words DO SOUTH®, BOST // images BOST
Over sixty-five years ago, Fort Smith pediatrician Roger B. Bost partnered with a small group of families who believed their loved ones with disabilities could achieve more than society expected at the time. Together, they envisioned a future where education and training could unlock independence and fulfillment. Today, Bost continues Dr. Bost’s mission, empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs to achieve their goals, enhance their health, and embrace independence.
Meeting the needs of those who rely on Bost—whether through innovative therapies, expanded art programs, transportation, technology upgrades, building renovations, or fair wages for employees—often requires resources beyond traditional funding. That’s why, over twenty years ago, the annual fundraiser, Grape Escapes, was born and remains a vital tradition.
Grab your tickets to Grape Escapes 2025, held Friday, March 7, at the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center, 1000 Fianna Way, Fort Smith. The night kicks off with the Casino Royale VIP Club from 6–9 p.m., a cocktail-style event featuring wine and beer from regional and global makers, delectable bites from local eateries, and a cigar bar. From 9–11 p.m., join the ArTy After Party, a kitschy Casino Royale Art Show & Sale featuring desserts, libations, and live music by GZR. One ticket grants access to both events!
Not only does Grape Escapes support Bost’s mission, but it’s also a chance to explore the finest food, wine, and beer offerings our community has to offer. Bookmark grapeescapes.org and save your event program—it’s a fantastic resource for planning your next gathering, featuring the incredible sponsors, caterers, breweries, and wineries who make this event possible.
Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at grapeescapes.org or by calling 479-6524553. All attendees must present valid ID for entry to the main event and after party. Dust off your best party attire and enjoy an unforgettable evening benefiting Bost!
Your support doesn’t have to end at Grape Escapes! Consider hiring individuals in Bost’s Work Development Program for open positions or recommend Bost to friends or family looking for employment. Together, we can support Bost while strengthening our community.
All proceeds from Grape Escapes stay local, funding critical services for individuals with disabilities. We can’t wait to see you at Grape Escapes, March 7, 2025!
The GOODS
images JADE GRAVES PHOTOGRAPHY AND COURTESY VENDORS
Eyewear by Krewe STILES EYE GROUP
479.452.2020
St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Amaro
Falso, Athletic Brewing Co. All Out Extra Dark, Smirnoff Zero Sugar Infusions Lemon & Elderflower, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Illuminate
SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS
479.783.8013
Collector's Edition American Eagle Bourbon Whiskey, Doc Holiday Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Tusk Pilsner IN GOOD SPIRITS
479.434.6604
Hearts On Fire Ellipse Diamond
Pendant Starting at .25ct, Available in 18kt Yellow, Rose and White Gold JOHN MAYS JEWELERS
479.452.2140
Peltor Sport Tactical Hearing and Ear Protection CENTER FOR HEARING AND BALANCE
479.785.3277
RECOMMENDED READING
words
SARA PUTMAN, BOOKISH
Enjoy these January recommendations from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas' only independently owned bookstore.
Rosarita
by Anita Desai
Rosarita is a masterful exploration of family, tradition, and the tension between duty and autonomy. At its heart is Bonita, who seeks to unravel the mystery of her mother’s departure to Mexico years earlier. After attending a life-changing lecture on the parallels between the Partition of India and the Mexican Revolution—Bonita speculates on her mother’s ancestral trauma, ultimately learning the reasons her mother chose to defy familial expectations and journey to Mexico to study art.
Years later, Bonita encounters a mysterious woman, nicknamed “the Trickster,” who claims knowledge of her mother’s life. Despite doubts, Bonita embarks on an emotional journey, visiting places her mother supposedly lived and studied. As the Trickster grows increasingly unreliable, the narrative weaves mystery with elements of fable and folklore, creating suspense.
Desai’s lyricism and incisive detail shine in this philosophical inquiry into identity, imagination, and the limits of understanding another’s life. At eighty-seven, Desai reaffirms literature’s power to illuminate the complexities of human experience.
Unravel the mysteries of memory, identity, and the fragile threads that connect us across generations.
Wintering
by Katherine May
This reflective work reimagines life’s hardships as opportunities for growth, blending personal narrative with lessons from nature, literature, and mythology. Inspired by winter’s quiet beauty, it explores resilience, acceptance, and cyclical change, offering a guiding philosophy to find joy, strength, and meaning in life’s challenging times.
What
the Chicken Knows by Sy
Montgomery
Welcome to the fascinating world of chickens. Blending personal anecdotes and science, Montgomery reveals their intelligence, individuality, and complex social lives. From recognizing over one hundred peers to anticipating the future, chickens astonish and inspire, making this a charming celebration of our feathered companions.
Confidential by Christina Lynch
A grumpy yet clever pony embarks on a daring quest to clear his former owner, Penny, of a murder he knows she didn’t commit. Through wit and determination, he uncovers human flaws and cruelty while proving the enduring bond between him and Penny in this heartwarming, humorous, and one-of-a-kind mystery.
Pony
3304 South M Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas
479.785.4677
kistlercenter.org
For nearly five decades, The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center has provided charitable therapeutic services for children with disabilities in our community. For parents, it’s crucial that their children have access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, regardless of their financial situation. To consistently provide charitable care year after year, the Kistler Center hosts several key fundraisers, the largest of which is "A Night in the Caribbean."
Gather your friends and family for a night that blends joy and purpose. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a first-time attendee, "A Night in the Caribbean" offers something special for everyone. It’s an evening where fun and purpose come together to create unforgettable memories and a brighter future for those in need.
SPOTLIGHT
The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center
words ERAN KIOUS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR, THE GREGORY KISTLER TREATMENT CENTER
The mission of The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center is to provide support and learning opportunities in the community for children and adults with developmental disabilities and to provide all individuals an opportunity for a full and productive life through therapy services.
On March 8, 2025, the Kistler Center will host its twenty-first annual "A Night in the Caribbean" at the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This award-winning event has become a highlight of the Fort Smith area. Guests will enjoy live music, open bars, games, auctions, and a delicious meal catered by 21 West End.
For this special evening, the U.S. Marshals Museum will be transformed into an island paradise. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite beach attire as they sip cocktails from multiple tiki bars or dance to the sensational music of the Even Keel Beach Band. This event will also feature both live and silent auctions, offering an array of unique and sought-after items.
Whether you’re bidding on diamond earrings, a vacation package, or a custom
suit, you’ll have the chance to take home something special while supporting a meaningful cause.
While the event promises plenty of fun, its purpose is at the heart of why we gather. "A Night in the Caribbean" directly supports Kistler’s Charitable Care program. Every ticket purchased, every auction bid, and every donation contributes to this vital mission of helping to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in our community. With the funds raised in 2024, the Gregory Kistler Center was able to provide over 1,000 therapy sessions for children in need.
We can’t wait to see you there! For tickets, please call 479-785-4677. Let’s make the twenty-first annual "A Night in the Caribbean" the best one yet!
Next month, we'll showcase another nonprofit in our area free of charge. Requests for this free feature will be accepted beginning October 2025. Email Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com for details or call 479.782.1500.
A Dietitian’s Take on Carbohydrates
words BAPTIST HEALTH
images RIMMA BONDARENKO/SHUTTERSTOCK
Have you ever heard that you should eliminate carbohydrates, or “carbs,” because society tells you they are unhealthy? Do you find cutting out an entire food group from your diet difficult? STOP HERE. Let’s consult with a registered dietitian.
Registered dietitians are a reliable source of nutrition advice, offering scientifically sound and up-to-date information. They can provide clarity on nutritional topics, including the role of carbs in a balanced diet.
Why Do We Need Carbohydrates Anyway?
Carbohydrates are essential for optimal bodily function and serve as the primary energy source for the brain. They are a macronutrient that needs to be consumed in greater amounts, alongside fats and protein. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose molecules, which are absorbed and transformed into energy by the body’s cells. Carbohydrates are present in most foods and are a fundamental food source for the brain, central nervous system, and muscles.
Functional carbohydrate choices include a variety of whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans and legumes, whole fruits, and dairy products. Whole grains encompass options like brown rice, bulgur, oats, oatmeal, polenta, popcorn, quinoa, stone-ground grits, as well as bread, pasta, and tortillas. Starchy vegetables add even more choices, including acorn and butternut squash, green peas, parsnips, plantains, potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, yams, and corn. Beans and legumes, such as black, kidney, pinto, and garbanzo beans, are also nutrient-rich options.
Additionally, whole fruits and dairy products round out this selection of functional carbohydrates, providing a broad range of nutritious options to support a balanced diet.
How Many Carbs Do You Need?
Carbohydrates are vital for energy and essential bodily functions. They should make up 45-60% of daily energy intake. Including a variety of carb sources, especially fiber-rich ones, promotes healthy digestion and provides long-lasting energy. So, go ahead and have a carbohydrate with your protein and non-starchy vegetables at each meal!
Low-fiber or zero-fiber carbs like white bread, sugar, and candies can be enjoyed in moderation. Pairing them with highprotein and high-fiber foods helps slow down digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Carbohydrates For Digestion
Eating natural food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates can provide dietary fiber, which promotes the development of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, improving gastrointestinal health and digestion. There are two types of dietary fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, found in fruit, beans, and oats, helps retain moisture in stool and slows digestion, while insoluble fiber, found in whole grains and wheat, helps increase stool volume.
Probiotics are becoming increasingly popular, but are you familiar with the term prebiotics? Foods high in carbohydrates, such as breads, root vegetables, oats, and some fruits, provide prebiotics which feed probiotics to keep gut microbiota balanced and healthy.
Hydration and Immune Function
In order to keep our organs and muscles hydrated and able to perform for longer periods of time without becoming tired, our bodies need carbohydrates. Consuming enough carbs also helps our bodies’ immune systems, which helps to keep us healthy and prevent illnesses.
Mood, Sleep and Appetite
Consuming carbohydrates is strongly connected to the brain’s release of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin plays a key role in mood enhancement, hunger regulation, and sleep/
wake cycles. Having adequate serotonin helps shield against sadness and bad mood. Additionally, it promotes restful sleep and increases alertness when you’re awake. It is possible to feel “satisfied” after a meal and stop eating when you are full since serotonin regulates our hunger and fullness signals. Ask yourself, how well do you recognize your hunger and fullness signals?
Myths About Carbohydrates
Some people think “low-carb diets” aid in weight loss, or that eating carbohydrates causes weight gain. These opinions are typically founded on pseudoscience with no real scientific study foundation or on nutrition science that has been toned down. While cutting back on carbohydrates will also cause you to shed some of the fluid that the organs and muscles are holding on to, you may initially lose weight quickly.
Low-carb diets also tend to reduce your total energy consumption. Studies have shown that cutting back on food can result in weight reduction during the first few months of the diet, but even if you follow the plan, the weight usually returns within a year.
Additionally, there is also a misconception that eating carbohydrates after dark can make you gain weight. There is no evidence to support this idea because the body metabolizes carbohydrates the same way at any time of day.
Negative Side Effects of Eating Too Few Carbs
A lack of carbohydrates can lead to several health and wellness issues, including decreased immunity and gastrointestinal distress, such as constipation, due to low fiber intake. It can also result in low energy levels, fatigue, mood fluctuations, difficulty focusing, and a generally gloomy or negative outlook. Poor sleep and inhibited sustainable weight loss efforts are also common outcomes associated with low carbohydrate intake.
In summary, eat carbohydrates! Carbohydrates are essential for overall health and should make up the majority of daily fuel intake. They provide energy for the body and brain to function efficiently. Combining carbs with protein and fats creates a balanced intake of macronutrients for optimal health!
For more health and wellness topics, visit the BHealthy Blog at BaptistHealth.com.
PROFILES IN EDUCATION
words CATHERINE FREDERICK // image AQUIR/SHUTTERSTOCK // SPONSORED CONTENT
Education is a cornerstone of our communities, shaping not only the minds of our youth but the future of society itself. Yet, as we look at the ever-evolving landscape of learning, one truth stands out: education is not one-size-fits-all. Each student is unique, with their own set of interests, aspirations, and challenges. That’s why school choice has become an essential conversation for families today, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit for each learner.
In today’s educational landscape, opportunities have expanded in incredible ways. From public and private institutions to charter schools, specialized academies, and homeschooling, families now have a wealth of options to consider. These choices allow parents and students alike to seek out an education that reflects their values, meets their needs, and inspires a lifelong love of learning. Whether a student thrives in a structured academic setting, needs the flexibility of virtual learning, or is driven by a focus on arts, STEM, or athletics, the right environment can ignite their potential.
But how do families determine the best choice for their child? It starts with understanding the student—what excites them, what challenges them, and what environment allows them to thrive. Education is about more than academics; it’s about fostering curiosity, resilience, and creativity. Schools that prioritize these elements help students develop into well-rounded individuals, equipped not only
to succeed in the classroom but to tackle life’s challenges with confidence.
Equally important is the role of schools and educators in recognizing and nurturing individual potential. Institutions that adapt to the needs of diverse learners create spaces where every student can shine. This means offering robust academic programs, extracurricular activities, and emotional support that cater to a wide range of interests and abilities. It also includes fostering inclusive and innovative learning environments that inspire collaboration and growth.
This year’s Profiles in Education celebrates institutions dedicated to this mission. These schools and programs are more than places of learning—they are communities of support and innovation. From cutting-edge resources and personalized learning approaches to community engagement, they exemplify what it means to prioritize student success. Their stories, featured in the pages ahead, highlight the commitment of educators and the profound impact of finding the right educational fit.
As you read these profiles, reflect on the diversity of opportunities available to today’s learners. Whether you’re a parent searching for the perfect school or someone inspired by the transformative power of education, we invite you to explore, dream, and celebrate the endless possibilities education provides.
Fort Smith Public Schools
Built on a culture of excellence, Fort Smith Public Schools has long provided challenging academic instruction in a caring, safe, and nurturing environment, helping students reach their full intellectual and developmental potential.
At Fort Smith Public Schools, everyone is encouraged to believe in themselves, feel a sense of belonging, and become their best. This philosophy shapes every aspect of the district’s educational approach.
District staff and teachers foster environments where students thrive, grow, and achieve their goals. Ongoing professional development ensures that teachers stay at the forefront of educational best practices, enhancing instruction and fostering a culture of continuous growth.
The district is committed to excellence beyond the classroom, providing students with the resources they need to succeed in all areas of life. With the right guidance and support, students can reach their peak potential and soar to new heights.
Fort Smith Public Schools employs over 2,000 dedicated professionals who serve nearly 14,000 students across 27 campuses, including 2 high schools, 4 middle schools, and 18 elementary schools. The district also offers an alternative education center, an adult education center, and the Peak Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art facility focused on career readiness and technical education.
The district’s legacy of success is matched by its commitment to innovation. In 2023, the Continuous Improvement Plan was introduced to enhance educational outcomes and organizational efficiency.
The plan focuses on literacy and math achievement, expanding high school learning options, and fostering a safe and welcoming environment across the district.
Fort Smith Public Schools challenges students to think about their futures early and provides multiple pathways to achieve their goals.
Staff and students collaborate to customize educational experiences that prepare young people for continuing education, technical training, or entering the workforce. The Peak Innovation Center bridges academic excellence with realworld application through hands-on learning in a cuttingedge facility.
Students also have numerous opportunities to develop social and leadership skills through extracurricular activities, including band, theater, choir, Junior ROTC, orchestra, quiz bowl, athletics, and various clubs. These programs foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth while helping students connect with their peers and school community.
Extracurricular activities are essential to student development, offering unique opportunities to explore passions, develop critical skills, and create lasting memories. Through these experiences, students build leadership, resilience, and collaboration skills that enrich their school years and prepare them for future success.
The district also values community partnerships that strengthen student learning. Local businesses and organizations collaborate with schools to provide mentorship, internships, and volunteer opportunities. These connections create a supportive network that enriches educational experiences and prepares students for real-world challenges.
Whether in the classroom, on the field, on stage, or in the community, Fort Smith Public Schools strives to bring out the best in every student and develop responsible, engaged citizens. It isn't just a district; it's a destination for excellence.
Union Christian Academy
The mission of Union Christian Academy of Fort Smith is to provide an outstanding Christian education centered on a Biblical worldview that encourages all students to reach their highest God-given potential. The only fully accredited Pre-K through twelfth-grade private Christian school in the River Valley, Union offers students the highest academic rigor in a caring, supportive learning environment.
"Our vision is to be a nationally recognized, pacesetting leader in Christian education that honors the Lord Jesus Christ," says Dr. Justin Yates, director of development. "We are proud of our one hundred percent graduation rate, one hundred percent college acceptance rate — with ninety percent of our students offered college scholarships — and that our students test above state and national averages. More than that, we aim to develop our students' Christian character, instill a love of learning, and cultivate a desire for God."
Boasting a low ratio of fifteen students per teacher, Union Christian Academy ensures pupils in grades preschool through twelve are served according to their unique learning needs. The school balances a rigorous academic curriculum with a slate of activities and athletics to develop teamwork, leadership, and time management, creating bonds between children and their school.
Love of learning begins at the very earliest stage, through the academy's award-winning preschool. Three- and four-year-olds get a jump start on school life thanks to the program, accredited by the Department of Human Services and Better Beginnings. Featuring the Abeka curriculum to help students learn phonics and begin to master fine motor skills, and a loving, playful environment that stresses dynamic play and learning times, the school graduates young learners who love God, love others, and are kindergarten-ready.
In the elementary grades, teachers provide a dynamic, traditional learning environment in kindergarten through fifth grade. Using a wide range of teaching modalities, students master concepts according to various learning styles. Abeka, Bob Jones, Grapevine Studies, and Purposeful Design are all utilized at this level, enriched with intentional integration of daily Bible reading and weekly chapel time.
Students learn time management and responsibility during the critical sixth- through eighth-grade middle school years. Academy teachers challenge students to think creatively and critically as they dive into their curriculum from Bob Jones University, HMH History, and Larson Math. Hands-on science experiments, integration of classroom technology, and projectbased learning are all experienced by middle school students in a culture of high academics, discipleship, and encouragement.
Finally, the high school offers an academically challenging curriculum which encourages all students to reach their highest God-given potential.
The well-rounded course load includes standard, on-level courses, including English, math, history, and science, as well as competitive and enriching courses and activities. AP classes, band, art, and athletics are all offered to students, as are opportunities for eligible juniors and seniors to take concurrent college courses through an agreement with the University of Arkansas — Fort Smith.
The school's rich curriculum, many varied extracurricular activities, and reputation for academic excellence in a caring, Christforward setting come with a commitment by the administration to bring a Union Christian Academy education within the reach of as many families as possible. All of which has combined to grow the school's numbers substantially.
"Over these last six years, our school has grown as more families seek a high-quality, affordable, faith-based education that focuses on the whole child academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually," Justin says. "You can see the work of God in the halls of our school every day."
"Further, we infuse all our classes with a Christ-centered, Biblical perspective so that while our students may access the same content as a secular school, they are also provided a distinctly Christian worldview," says Superintendent Ricky Massengale. "We aim to graduate Christian leaders and thinkers who will impact their world with the light of Christ, wherever God leads them."
Union Christian Academy offers Christ-centered education to help students reach their God-given potential.
Van Buren School District
VBSD has a reputation as a leader in education. In addition to offering high-quality academics and award-winning arts and athletic programs, the district provides students with engaging learning opportunities and one-of-a-kind experiences inside and outside the classroom.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education is incorporated at all grade levels. Teachers integrate handson learning through agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship. Multiple campuses have thriving gardens and take part in FoodCorps, a national initiative aimed at connecting kids to healthy foods and practices. VBSD recently completed construction of a large greenhouse at Van Buren Freshman Academy, which serves as an extension of the classroom for VBSD’s agricultural program.
Van Buren High School (VBHS) students can learn business and design through involvement with the school’s spirit store, Pointer Place. The retail operation has physical locations on campus and at downtown’s Main Street Mercantile, as well as an online presence.
VBHS helps further ready students for college and career by offering a wide range of courses. Students can choose from numerous Advanced Placement and concurrent credit classes. Through strategic partnerships with regional universities, VBSD enables secondary students to earn college hours, complete technical certifications, and earn associate degrees before graduating high school. These are provided at little or no cost, saving families time and tuition dollars.
Students can tailor the curriculum by selecting a career pathway, which provides participants with extensive experience in industries such as engineering and medicine. On-the-job training and apprenticeships are also offered with local companies.
VBSD’s own River Valley Virtual Academy (RVVA) also offers a highly flexible learning option for students, while also giving them direct access to certified teachers at the RVVA campus.
The district also operates programs focused on wellness and sustainability. Launched in 2024, Pointer Greens Aquaponic Garden provides district cafeterias with organic lettuce, herbs,
and fresh fish. The state-of-the-art facility generates revenue through the sale of its harvests, benefitting VBSD’s free breakfast initiative, which is open to all students.
Multiple campuses and community spaces are equipped with walking trails and fitness stations. These have been made possible by JUA (Joint User Agreement) grants. To date, VBSD has received more than $670,000 in JUA grants to construct trails and erect equipment throughout the city. These are available to students and staff during the day and the community-atlarge during non-school hours.
Pointer Nation also benefits from strong community partnerships. The Van Buren Education Foundation has invested more than $1 million into the classroom through the awarding of grants for field trips, technology, and unique experiences such as Fifth Grade Camp. One of the highlights of elementary school, Fifth Grade Camp is a three-day adventure filled with outdoor activities, games, and more. The longtime VBSD tradition serves as a sort of culmination of the elementary school years and helps prepare students for the move to middle school.
PTAs, booster clubs, local businesses, and the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce also provide tremendous year-round support. VBSD assists its families in need through its IMPACT Meals initiative. Aimed at addressing food insecurity, IMPACT provides groceries to families each month and over extended holiday breaks. The district also partners with the Van Buren Police Department and the Crawford County Sheriff's Department to staff full-time School Resource Officers at every campus.
None of Van Buren’s impressive programs would be possible without dedicated educators. VBSD’s highly-qualified staff create supportive environments that are conducive to learning. The district greatly values its team members and has worked diligently to increase certified and classified pay over the past decade. Such efforts have positively impacted staff retention rates and positioned VBSD as one of Arkansas’ top paying districts.
VBSD is proud to take part in Arkansas School Choice and encourages families to learn more about Pointer Nation and how they can be part of our innovative district!
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
The Community School of the Arts serves the Fort Smith Community and surrounding region by providing high-quality instruction delivered by top professionals in music, theatre, dance, and visual art. Children, youth, and adults can participate in after-school, evening, and weekend classes and lessons.
With artistic excellence at the core of all they do, their programs and activities meet the needs and interests of all students.
Participation in the arts can improve academic performance, develop skills like problem solving, team work and communication, build selfesteem, and more.
Founded in 2016, CSA recently moved into a new facility on the Fort Smith Riverfront. This facility, the Center for Creative Arts, houses CSA and a new arts high school, Institute for the Creative Arts. CSA’s Executive Director, Dr. Rosilee Russell, is the founder of this new charter high school. Both organizations aim to support local art students.
CSA currently offers private lessons in piano, violin, trumpet, drums and vocals. Spring programs are now open for registration with summer camps coming soon!
Follow them on social media @csafortsmith or visit their website at csafortsmith.org.
Creative Arts is a new riverfront facility in Fort Smith. Sitting behind the United States Marshals Museum on the Arkansas River, houses Community School of the Arts and the Institute for the Creative Arts. Both organizations focus on the arts. But what
The Center for the Creative Arts is a new riverfront facility in Fort Smith. Sitting behind the United States Marshals Museum on the Arkansas River, the new fine arts facility houses Community School of the Arts and the Institute for the Creative Arts. Both organizations focus on the arts. But what are their differences?
ICA, or the Institute for the Creative Arts, is the first Performing & Visual Arts immersive public charter high school in the state of Arkansas. Students can study tuition free as Arkansas residents. Half the school day is spent in arts instruction of the students’ choosing while the other is spent working on academic courses. School began in August with grades 9-11 and is open for enrollment year-round. Artist teachers from across the country instruct at ICA in a variety of disciplines, including musical theatre, dance, visual and digital arts, digital music technology, recording studio industry, and pop music ensembles. ICA specializes in preparing creative students to make a career in the arts.
charter high school. Students can study tuition free as Arkansas residents. Half of the school day is spent in arts while the other half is spent working toward graduating with their high school diploma. School began this fall with grades 9-11 enrollment year round. Graphic design, dance, theatre, music and more will be offered. Artist teachers have been hired from across the
ICA versus CSA: ICA students are housed daily from 8am-4pm in the new Center while CSA, Community School of the Arts, students attend the Center after school through the evening. The Center for the Creative Arts is a HUB for arts education for all ages from young children through high school and beyond!
community as an afterschool arts program by offering arts classes, lessons, and camps to all age groups during after school summer. Play an instrument, join a theatre production, paint, or attend a summer camp. Professional instructors meet the needs students, including adults. Both organizations offer public shows and performances throughout the year.
ICA is a fine arts public charter high school. Students can study tuition free as Arkansas residents. Half of the school day is spent in arts classes of their choosing while the other half is spent working toward graduating with their high school diploma. School began this fall with grades 9-11 and is open for enrollment year round. Graphic design, dance, theatre, music and more will be offered. Artist teachers have been hired from across the country.
“Artistic excellence is at the core of everything we do”, says Dr. Rosilee Russell, Founder of both CSA and ICA. “We offer programs and activities that meet the needs and interest of all students.”
CSA serves the community as an afterschool arts program by offering arts classes, lessons, and camps to all age groups during after school hours and in the summer. Play an instrument, join a theatre production, paint, or attend a summer camp. Professional instructors meet the needs and interests of all students, including adults. Both organizations offer public shows and performances throughout the year.
available to the public. Call today! on ICA: icafortsmith.org | 479-434-2114 on CSA: csafortsmith.org | 479-434-2020
Tours of this facility are available to the public. Call today!
For more information on ICA: icafortsmith.org | 479-434-2114
For more information on CSA: csafortsmith.org | 479-434-2020
Dedicated to developing the whole child — mind, body, and spirit — 1st Lutheran of Fort Smith sets the standard for a quality, faithbased education, placing Jesus Christ at the center of learning and character development.
"We understand that education involves the whole child," says Kristin Basham, director of community involvement. "From intentionally designing spiritual life opportunities to offering leadership roles, after-school clubs, arts programs, and more, we want children to have the chance to grow in every aspect of their lives."
Founded in 1853, 1st Lutheran serves children from two years of age through fifth grade. The school combines outstanding academics with arts and extracurricular activities while maintaining small class sizes to ensure individualized attention.
These features resonate with families who value a nurturing, Christcentered environment where their children can grow and thrive.
Despite its small size, the school offers a broad range of extracurricular activities. These include thriving art, vocal music, and band programs, as well as a unique majorette program, which hosts a majorette clinic open to kindergarten through fifth-grade students.
Affordability is another hallmark of the school. With one of the most reasonable tuition rates in the area, along with scholarships and tuition assistance, 1st Lutheran makes a faith-based education accessible to a wide range of families. This reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a community that feels like family.
"At 1st Lutheran, we recognize the importance of family in a child’s educational success, and we are here to support parents in that journey," says Principal Samuel Fishburn. "As a school family, we are here for one another — to be together, support each other, and enjoy one another. It’s not just something we say, it’s part of who we are. We are family-focused and Christ-centered."
FUTURE SCHOOL OF FORT SMITH
A tuition-free, public charter high school centered on a personalized approach to learning, Future School provides a unique structure to education. Through student-designed internships, tailored learning plans and one-on-one personal advising, students in grades nine through twelve are engaged to identify interests, cultivate in-demand skills, and graduate ready for the real world through partnerships with local K-12, higher education, and business/community organizations.
Established in 1995 as a Big Picture Learning School, Future School of Fort Smith was the first school of its kind in the state and operates on a mission of putting students directly at the center of their own learning.
“Future School of Fort Smith empowers every student to shape their future and community through engaging them in high quality, professional educational experiences,” says Boyd Logan, school director and co-founder. “We are the only public school in Arkansas to provide personalized, comprehensive advising
coupled with professional internships and tuition-free college experience for every student.”
Families and community partners have responded to the school’s approach as evidenced by the growth of the student body and its stakeholders in Fort Smith. From 2016 to 2019 enrollment tripled from 58 to 230. Students earn college credit while attending Future School and have their choice of more than 130 internship sites in Fort Smith.
All of this rests on a firm foundation of core values that seeks to shape the ethics and character of students to develop a mindset that treats each person with dignity and justice, practices healthy conflict resolution, and includes and respects the views of others.
“At Future School we engage in practices that promote a growth mindset,” Logan said. “We sincerely believe in the potential for each student to thrive and we are invested in the personal and professional growth of every person on our campus.”
Getting ready to start school
Families help their child prepare for school from birth. Daily interactions with family and other caregivers promote learning. Talking, reading, and playing may seem simple but are critical activities that help children’s minds and behaviors develop.
If your child or grandchild is starting kindergarten in Fall 2025, it’s time to focus on their readiness for school.
Kick off 2025 with your guide to kindergarten readiness
Better Beginnings provides hands-on kindergarten readiness activities for fun family learning.
The Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar guides families, week-by-week, with activities and suggested reading that help children learn literacy,
Better Beginnings is administered by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Written by Kelli Hilburn, Better Beginnings Program Administrator
science, and math basics. Creative projects help them develop the fine motor control needed to hold a pencil correctly and use scissors – essential skills for kindergarten. Activities in the calendar also encourage children to develop
self-help, problem-solving and social skills.
The Kindergarten Readiness Checklist helps families discover areas of development their child may need help with before starting school. All resources are free and available online for download.
We encourage families to partner with their child’s early educators to help their child start kindergarten with confidence.
Looking for your early education partner?
Click the orange banner at ARBetterBeginnings.com to find Better Beginnings star-rated quality early care and education providers who help children get ready for kindergarten through age-appropriate and positive learning experiences.
ADAM’S SECOND CHANCE
Eleven-year-old Adam Leach lives with his family on a sprawling piece of land in rural Crawford County, Arkansas. A pair of rocking chairs sits on the front porch, and white-tailed deer often lope across the yard on their way to the woods beyond. Adam loves the sight of their lithe bodies jumping fences as easily as if they were hopping from one stepping stone to the next.
The deer make the natural world look like a playground. It has not been the same for Adam, who for years lived with danger all around him. Diagnosed with epilepsy, even the simplest activities—walking or riding a bike, could be catastrophic if a seizure occurred. At the height of his illness, Adam had more
words MARLA CANTRELL // images KELLY LEACH
Adam Leach
than a thousand seizures a day, nearly every day. For context, in 2022, he had only nineteen seizure-free days and was in the hospital thirteen times. “He was always at the mercy of the next attack,” his mother, Kelly Leach, says. “If he was only having them every two to three minutes, that was a good day.”
Nights were especially fraught since that’s when the grand mal seizures were likely to appear, the worst of the five types Adam had. Sleeping was also when he experienced ESES epilepsy, which Kelly describes as an electrical storm in the brain. In his waking hours, he wore a specialized helmet in case a seizure knocked him out cold, causing him to fall.
Today, Adam, his blond hair catching the afternoon sun, strides across the porch, his steps sure. He is at that precious point in boyhood: long-limbed, immensely curious, energy that seems boundless. Adam finds a thousand delights in his day, simple things like donuts, Smokey Bear, and collecting uniform patches from police and fire departments. His world has blossomed, after a surgery Kelly calls a miracle.
To be fair, Kelly believes Adam’s entire life is a miracle. She and her husband, Cliff, already with five children in their family, but wanting more, decided to have Kelly’s tubal ligation reversed. When they learned they were pregnant, they were overjoyed. The pregnancy went well until the thirty-fourth week.
“He’d stopped moving,” Kelly says, reflexively laying her palm on her stomach. “He loved music, and he didn’t respond to the music at church. I started thinking; I couldn’t remember him moving the day before.”
An emergency delivery took place on July 21, 2013. “He was crying when they handed him to me, and he seemed to be okay at first, but that quickly changed.” There were abnormalities with the umbilical cord, which Kelly says affected Adam’s nutrition, oxygen, and blood flow. “The doctor said it was a miracle he was born alive.”
On the fourth day in the NICU, Adam had a seizure. Further testing showed a Grade IV bleed on the right side of his brain. The experts warned of possible future complications, including loss of vision, intellectual impairment, or cerebral palsy.
“Sixteen days later, we brought him home, and he seemed like a typical baby, only smaller. For three months, he barely slept. I slept three hours a day for the first three months. Looking back, we know that he probably had things going on that we were not aware of.”
Already, Adam had a neurologist, and he seemed to stabilize. For years, there were no seizures. But on September 15, 2018, when Adam was five years old, that changed.
It was a sweltering day, and Adam had been playing outside with his older sister, Bryleigh. At two o’clock, the family drove to town for a late lunch, and on the way, Adam fell asleep, and Kelly had to wake him.
“He walked into the restaurant. We got in there, and he started tapping on the table with a fork, rhythmically. I took the fork away, and he continued with his fingers. He was looking at us but not talking. Just a dead stare. I took him outside to talk to
him, and his head started jerking to one side. Then I knew; he was having a seizure.”
That seizure lasted forty-five minutes and changed the trajectory of the family’s life. A trip to a local hospital was the starting point. From there, Adam was examined at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
About two weeks later, Adam had another forty-five-minute seizure. “That was the beginning of a horrific roller coaster.” Some of his seizures caused Adam to stop, stare, and flutter his eyelids. This lasted only seconds but happened all day long. Others were more severe.
“They told us he would likely outgrow it.” But that didn’t happen, and over the next four and a half years, Adam tried fourteen medications, none of which worked long-term.
For a long time, the phone rang regularly, with those who knew the family checking in. But the news was always the same. Adam wasn’t getting better. Kelly takes a breath and says, “People stopped calling.” Her voice wavers. “You become isolated... When people don’t know what to say or do, they stay away.
called stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG), is minimally invasive and places tiny electrodes in the brain to collect critical information. The patient is then monitored for several days, and the information from the electrodes creates a map for the neurosurgeon to follow.
On February 23, 2023, Adam’s team, headed by Neurosurgeon Dr. Nir Shimony and Neurologist Dr. Sarah Weatherspoon, was ready to go. By then, Adam was using a sippy cup and a wheelchair. Dr. Shimony removed a cutie-orange-sized area of tissue from Adam’s brain. Oddly enough, it was located beneath a dark birthmark on the side of his skull, where his otherwise blond hair came in brown. It was as if Adam’s body was marking the spot where the trouble lay.
“We’ve had grown construction men up here working who left in tears. Adam would have drop attacks, where his body would just pull him down, and he would fall like a tree. We still counted our blessings. At the end of the day, Adam was still with us, and he was safe for another day.”
In Kelly’s hands, she holds a binder stuffed with notes and medical records, a testament to her quest to help Adam. She’d heard of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, and in October 2022, decided to seek their advice.
Le Bonheur has a ROSA One Brain robot that helps neurosurgeons pinpoint where a child’s seizures are located and what areas of the brain to avoid during surgery. The technology,
The surgery was a bigger success than anyone could have hoped for. His seizures didn’t lessen, they vanished. His cognition continues to improve. When they tested his eyes two months ago, his vision had gotten better, not worse.
It’s been twenty-two months since Adam’s family prayed for him to sail through surgery. Twenty-two months of wonderfully ordinary days. Every six months, he returns to Le Bonheur for testing.
Adam listens to his mother as she describes how much joy he brings to her life. He smiles that golden smile. He says he wants to be a police officer one day or maybe a firefighter, to help people in their time of trouble.
He looks across the yard for signs of deer with his sister, Bryleigh, beside him. Kelly smiles at her two children and sighs. The Lord is good, she says. She’s seen His work. His perfect work done in His perfect time. She has witnessed His miracle. A miracle named Adam.
3.4 million Americans are affected by epilepsy. For more information, visit the Epilepsy Foundation of America at epilepsy.com.
Enjoy incredible student performances this spring! Reserve your seat at uafs.universitytickets.com.
Music Faculty Showcase
7 p.m. • Tuesday, Jan. 28
One Man, Two Guvnors
7 p.m. shows March 13-15
Wind Ensemble
7 p.m. • Tuesday, April 8
Jazz Catz
7 p.m. • Tuesday, April 15
Jazz Band
7 p.m. • Thursday, April 17
Grand Night for Singing
7 p.m. • Tuesday, April 22
Orchestra 7 p.m. • Monday, April 28
For showtimes and ticket information, scan the QR code or visit uafs.edu/season
UAFS athletics
Women and Men’s Basketball
Jan. 8 • 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. vs Rogers State
Jan. 11 • 1 and 3 p.m. vs Central Oklahoma
Jan. 30 • 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. vs Missouri Southern
uafslions.com
A Playground of Possibilities
Inclusive Playground Coming to Greenwood
TThe city of Greenwood will begin construction on a new inclusive playground during the first quarter of 2025. Currently, families in Greenwood and other Sebastian County communities must drive to Fort Smith to access playgrounds designed for children with disabilities.
The idea for the playground originated from a question Greenwood Parks Director Casey Craig posed on the City’s Parks and Recreation Facebook page in May 2022. His department had been allocated land in the Heartsill Meadow area, and he sought input on how best to use the property. He asked, “Where is the park falling short in meeting your needs?” The overwhelming response was the absence of an inclusive playground.
Casey was surprised by the volume of feedback and took it as a mandate to build an inclusive playground for Greenwood. He began researching the requirements for such a project but quickly realized the scope was too large for him and the Parks
Department to tackle alone. He reached out to those who had suggested the playground and invited them to join a committee to help make the dream a reality.
The resulting team brought together a diverse array of expertise, including occupational therapists, paraprofessionals, marketing specialists, bus drivers, and teachers. Casey felt the committee represented the community well.
Several committee members had children with special needs and understood firsthand the importance of inclusive play. They recognized that activities like swinging, sliding, and climbing are essential for physical, emotional, mental, and social development for all children, especially those with disabilities. Play is therapy— both physical and emotional.
Angela Carpenter Remier took on the role of committee moderator. With sixteen years of experience as a special education
words BOB ROBINSON // images CASEY CRAIG, PARKS DIRECTOR, CITY OF GREENWOOD
teacher, she was well-suited for the position. She was driven to create not just an inclusive playground for Greenwood, but “a destination where Sebastian County parents can bring all their kids to play together.”
The project gained significant momentum when Casey partnered with Unlimited Play (UP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in designing and building fully accessible playgrounds. Since its founding in 2003, Unlimited Play has developed nearly ninety inclusive playgrounds across the country.
Natalie Mackay, the founder of Unlimited Play, has a personal connection to the cause. Her son’s disabilities confined him to a wheelchair, and she knew the pain of watching him sit on the sidelines while other children played. When she finally found an inclusive playground for him, she saw how transformative it was for his ability to interact and socialize with peers.
MAKING THE DREAM A REALITY
French playwright Molière once wrote, “It is a long road from conception to completion.” Casey Craig would likely agree. But thanks to the committee’s hard work, progress is evident. By mid-2023, the Greenwood Adaptive Playground Project (GAPP) had a detailed plan and active fundraising campaigns.
The Greenwood community has rallied around the project. Farmers Bank made a substantial $100,000 donation, contributing to the estimated $975,139 cost for the playground—or $1.2 million with bathrooms and pavilions included. Other donors, including Prime Acres, Premier Pediatrics, and the Fort Smith Elks Club, have also stepped up. Geno’s Pizza has regularly donated a portion of its sales on designated days. GAPP has organized outdoor fundraising events, complete with attractions like the Title Town Dunk Tank, where participants could dunk Mayor Doug Kinslow and other community members.
Support hasn’t only come in the form of money. Steve Beam Construction Company has donated materials and labor for the concrete work, while other local businesses have pledged resources for stump removal and ground excavation.
Unlimited Play’s involvement has been pivotal. Their expertise ensured the park would go beyond meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, which often fall short of true inclusivity. Unlimited Play designs playgrounds where all children, regardless of ability, can interact and play together.
Take the Roller Slide, for example. This open chute slide is made of cylindrical rollers that provide a unique tactile experience, particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing issues. Another standout feature is the Mirage Seat, which includes a supportive backrest and a four-point harness, allowing children to play safely and confidently.
The collaboration between GAPP, Greenwood Parks, and Unlimited Play has resulted in a park that will accommodate children and adults with disabilities. Its inclusive design could serve as a model for other communities.
Although the park’s completion is on the horizon, more work remains. Donations can be made at unlimitedplay.org. Contributions over $1,000 or sponsorship of playground equipment will be recognized on a donor plaque at the park’s entrance. As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In this case, the Greenwood community is creating a space where all children can play and grow together.
For updates on progress and fundraising events, follow the Greenwood Adaptive Playground Project on Facebook and learn more at unlimitedplay.org/playground/greenwood-inclusive-playground.
words MARLA CANTRELL // images BLACKRIM CREATIVE, CASIE DODD
The Dodd Family
Casie Dodd, founder and publisher of Belle Point Press in Fort Smith, sits at a table inside Chapters on Main Bookstore in Van Buren. Her long dark hair is in a ponytail. Beneath her jacket, you can just make out the logo on her T-shirt. It is from Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville.
Casie’s back is to a wall of novels, and she turns to check out a few titles. She is at home here, or so her body says. She leans back in her chair, forearms resting on the table. It’s as if all the tension of the day has vanished. She is, after all, in the presence of thousands of books.
Words are the thread that runs through Casie’s life, or maybe more accurately, a typewriter ribbon. She grew up in a suburb of Tulsa. Her maternal grandmother was a writer who studied journalism and penned the family’s history. Casie’s mother was a school librarian.
By middle school, Casie considered herself a bookish kid. She was reading a lot and writing poetry. “My grandma really nurtured that interest,” Casie says. “She would get me lots of books about writing and talk to me about writing. And for every family member’s birthday, she would write them a new poem. We collected those.”
In the year between finishing college and starting grad school, Casie served as a volunteer in Chicago, working at a soup kitchen run by a Franciscan organization. “I was increasingly drawn to the Catholic tradition through that experience,” she says.
When her year was up, she returned to Oklahoma for grad school. “I had a professor who was Catholic, and I’d talk to him because I was still trying to figure things out. He said, ‘There’s a new student who’s coming in that you need to meet. He likes the same things you do.’”
Casie spent time meeting authors and going to book signings. As for her own writing, she says, “I was interested in working with language within a structure. And I was interested in formal poetry, probably more than most people are today. I like being part of that longer literary tradition. Being part of the community in that way has always appealed to me.”
When she was a teenager, her uncle introduced her to the stories of the great southern author Flannery O’Connor, a devout Roman Catholic. “I was struck by something I didn’t understand yet. But as I got older, I realized I was being drawn toward something different. I was reading other Catholic authors, like Walker Percy.”
In college at a Baptist school, Casie took a course in the Catholic novel. Her author list grew to include Catholic writer Toni Morrison, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Beloved, Scottish novelist Muriel Spark, and English novelist Graham Greene.
The student’s name was Michael Dodd, and after dating for a couple of years, Casie married him. He was from Sallisaw, Oklahoma, less than twenty-five miles from Fort Smith. But the couple didn’t move there, at least not initially. Instead, they landed in Chicago, where Michael found a job as the production manager for a publishing company. Eventually, they started their family, which now consists of a son named Tom, who’s five years old, and a daughter named Kate, who’s four.
When the COVID-19 pandemic came to call in 2020, Michael was sent home to work, which gave him the chance to prove he could do his job remotely. By then, both he and Casie wanted to move to be closer to family, and they picked Fort Smith as their perfect place.
Michael kept his Chicago job since he could work from anywhere. For a time, Casie, whose work has been published in revered publications like the Oxford American, focused on her own writing. “I tend to write about times that are isolating and lonely,” she says. “Being able to share those with others who are having the same experience, I find that worthwhile.”
Gradually, she realized she’d be happier if she also helped other writers find success. Michael, with experience in the publishing world, knew he and Casie would be a great book-making team.
“I don’t remember exactly when we decided to start Belle Point Press,” Casie says as she adjusts her glasses. “Michael came up with the name, but we never had a formal, sit-down meeting. We both really care about being connected to our local community
and being loyal to our roots. Our time in Chicago was valuable but alienating in some ways. It’s not where we’re from. It’s not our people.
“When you become parents, you start to think about your history and how it’s been shaped. Because those values were important to us as people and as a family, it made sense to us to align those kinds of values with the books and writers we wanted to be part of.
“We wanted poets and writers from the mid-South who were really committed to their local places and felt a loyalty to those communities. It seems like in our current culture, there’s a belief that you have to be in a big city to get real culture. My family and my husband’s family have stretched through this whole region for so long. I really value the places here and have been shaped by them. I’ve never doubted that quality writing could exist here in these places.
“From the beginning, we didn’t want writers that were just at the universities. I recognize in literary writing there is a tendency to kind of professionalize it in a way. I didn’t want to only publish MFA poets. We’re interested in finding the people who are authentically connected to this region and see it as valuable.”
In the fall of 2021, Belle Point Press was born. Casie put out a call for submissions in February 2022 for their Mid/South Anthology When the book came out, it featured forty regional writers, half of whom were from Arkansas. Even Russellville writer Eli Cranor, rising star and author of Ozark Dogs, You Don’t Know Tough, and the new Broiler, had a story in the collection. “There were three Poets Laureates, including Suzanne Underwood Rhodes of Arkansas,” Casie adds.
“Our first event was at Bookish in Fort Smith with Eli, Heather Dobbins, and Christian Anton Gerard. Sara Putman [owner of Bookish] has been good to us from the beginning.”
The anthology took off, and today, Belle Point Press has published thirty-nine books. Already, they have sixteen slated for 2025, and they’re just getting started.
Casie sips her coffee. The hour is growing late, and the sun has gone down. She will leave soon, headed back to her family, to bedtime stories, and then more work on Belle Point Press. When she speaks next, Casie says, “I know a lot of people love books, but it’s always funny when people are surprised at how central they are to my life and my husband’s life.”
She returns to the topic of faith, to the novels by Catholic writers that showed not only theology but examples of divine grace. When she tells the story of her decades-long decision to become a Catholic, it is not an ordinary one. There is no priest involved, no Sunday Mass. No rosary. Just words on a page.
“Long before I had any connection to actual, living Catholic human beings,” Casie says, “I was very connected to the writers and characters in the book.” Anyone who has found pieces of themselves in a novel understands. Anyone who has felt unmoored before reading a stunning novel and after felt centered knows the magic of the written word.
Now, Casie is at the helm of a press with lofty aspirations. More than anyone, she understands that the right book in the right hands can be a lifeline, a dream come true, or even a subtle lesson in faith.
Casie and Eli Cranor
Real Genius
Little Rock Native Wins Nobel Prize
words DWAIN HEBDA // images GOOGLE DEEPMIND
John Jumper has no trouble explaining topics that leave most people bewildered. A 2003 graduate of Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, he discusses advanced technological concepts with a natural ease that makes them feel approachable.
The only thing the computational biologist and Google DeepMind AI project director struggles to put into words is the emotion he feels as a newly minted Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry.
John Jumper
The accomplishment, announced in October, is a milestone his teenage self could hardly have envisioned while growing up in Little Rock.
"When I was in high school, I kind of knew about [the Nobel Prize], but it almost didn't register. It was so far off," he says. "I do remember, though, that I loved science, especially physics, which I ended up studying in college. I would read about those incredible periods of discovery in physics, relativity and quantum mechanics, where groundbreaking ideas were worked out within something like a decade.
"I always kind of romanticized those moments and thought, wouldn't it be great if I could make some contribution to a moment like that? And it feels like that now, making some contribution to a different moment in a different science."
John received the award for his groundbreaking work in creating an artificial intelligence model capable of predicting the structure of virtually all identified proteins. He shares the honor with David Baker of the University of Washington in Seattle, who was recognized 'for computational protein design,' while the other Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, 'for protein structure prediction,' according to a news release by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which presents the award.
Google DeepMind's breakthrough four years ago, AlphaFold2, revolutionized protein research by enabling scientists to predict the structures of nearly 200 million known proteins. This advancement has not only accelerated biological research but also sparked innovations in fields such as drug discovery, agriculture, and environmental science.
Since AlphaFold2's groundbreaking breakthrough, the scientific community has been abuzz with its numerous applications.
The technology has been utilized by over 2 million people across 190 countries to gain deeper insights into proteins—essential building blocks of life that also regulate and drive chemical reactions. For example, researchers have used AlphaFold2 to develop new antibiotics, study crop diseases, and investigate solutions for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
"What absolutely blew my mind is we released this, now three or four years ago, and we made it available to everyone. There's been something like 30,000 different scientific papers that have cited AlphaFold in that time," he says.
"About half of those papers just say, 'AI has been great,' and cite AlphaFold in a list of source material. The other half are papers that did some bit of science—they're studying a plan, investigating certain things in bumblebees, or trying to figure out crop diseases and how they work. There are a hundred thousand things I could never do, things that take a lifetime of study just to ask the right questions. They're using our tool to gain insights that advance their research. The extent to which it's enabling others to make scientific discoveries is incredibly meaningful to me.”
John's professional journey began in high school, where he had an overachieving academic mind, balanced by clubs and organizations, and was on the school soccer team. He earned degrees from some of the best universities on earth, earning his bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, a master's degree from the University of Cambridge in England, and a doctorate from the University of Chicago.
Now living in London, England, he reflects that the process of scientific discovery is often far from straightforward. "It's intuition at times," he says. "We imagine scientists—or at least I used to—as deeply thinking, writing out the correct equations, and then going on. But it's really more intuitive. It's like, 'OK, we're here. What ideas might work?' Then you try ten things, and if nine out of ten fails, that's probably the most successful machine learner I know." By comparing this process to machine learning—an AI method of testing and refining ideas—Jumper highlights how both rely on iteration and learning from failure.
"You try to come up with ideas based on what you've done— what's failed and what's succeeded. Then you think, 'Here are some reasonable ideas,' and when one shows promise, you ask,
'Can I make it better? Can I build on it?' You're constantly pulling on a thread, looking for the next one to tug on. That's really how it works."
The award is the ultimate accolade in the sciences, but John notes a counterintuitive aspect to achieving such a pinnacle so early in one's career. While it brings increased demand for speeches and lectures, its immense prestige can sometimes overshadow or even hinder future innovation.
"The Nobel Prize actually cuts both ways on this," he says. "There's something called the Nobel Prize Effect, or Nobelitis. You're suddenly a Nobel Prize winner, and your views are suddenly more valid than they deserve; nobody tells you no, and then you do some incredibly ill-advised research project and do nothing significant for the rest of your career.
“There was a beautiful phrase from an article that said some scientists figure they can only do the big things. That they can never do small that becomes something significant later. For me, [the award] opens a lot of doors in terms of recognition and science policy—things like that. But more than anything, I think more than anything, big or small, I have to focus on doing the right things.”
John says he wants AlphaFold2 to show the world the beneficial uses of artificial intelligence — a revolutionary technology that has faced an image problem in recent years.
"I'll first draw one type of distinction that's important on the type of AI work we're doing, and that's AI working for science to address problems humans can't," he says. "It's not about whether we can write an article as well as a human could write an article. It's about whether we can predict something, things that take scientists and PhD student scientists years to do. We're compressing years of their time into about five minutes.
the next experiments and then write their paper. AlphaFold2 is really a partner in discovery for scientists. It's so very difficult to do science anyway, that anything that makes it easier is generally a good thing."
Ultimately, John says he hopes being an Arkansan inspires other kids in the Natural State to dream big and aim high, especially in the science fields.
"I truly hope it encourages the talented kids in the state to think outward. Not necessarily geographically, but in the problems they work on," he says. "I've traveled the world for science, but it's also the case, especially post-pandemic, where it is getting more and more feasible to do great high-tech work from everywhere, including Arkansas.
"I also hope people gain a new appreciation for how science is actually done. Many imagine it as effortless for great scientists, but that's far from the truth. It's really about struggle, challenge, and, yes, fun too. Maybe one of the best predictors of success in science is to be able to persevere through uncertainty and challenges. I hope people come to see it as something achievable."
"Scientists don't just do one experiment, you know, that's not their whole job. They're doing this experiment to get the insight to do Learn more about the Nobel Prize at nobelprize.org.
· 2/3 cup orange juice, freshsqueezed or store-bought
· 4 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 Tablespoons almond butter
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground clove (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Method
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil, spraying it with nonstick spray. Dice sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces (skin on), place them on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat, then roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until browned and tender. Let cool.
For the protein, cook chicken tenders on the stovetop with salt and pepper and chop into bite-sized pieces, or use rotisserie, leftover chicken, or any preferred protein.
Prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake until emulsified, then adjust seasoning to taste. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if using fresh orange juice; otherwise, follow the container's expiration date.
Roughly chop the salad greens if needed, then dice the apple. In a large bowl, combine the greens, protein, roasted sweet potatoes, and other desired ingredients. Drizzle dressing and serve.
Grapefruit SpritzRosemary
recipe DO SOUTH® // image MAGIC CINEMA/SHUTTERSTOCK
Ingredients
(makes 1)
• 1 cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary, more for garnish
• 1-2 teaspoons honey or agave syrup
• sparkling water or club soda
• ice
• 1 ½ ounces gin or vodka (leave out for a mocktail)
Method
Prepare the rosemary syrup by warming honey or agave with 1-2 teaspoons of water and a rosemary sprig, let it cool. Mix fresh grapefruit juice and a teaspoon of the syrup in a glass. Add gin or vodka for a cocktail or skip for a mocktail. Fill with ice, top with sparkling water or club soda, and garnish with a rosemary sprig and grapefruit slice.
Always drink responsibly. Never drink Then drive.
Arkansas’ Winter Getaways
words DO SOUTH® // images ARKANSAS.COM
Winter in Arkansas is a season of serene landscapes and cozy retreats, perfect for adventure or relaxation. From historic charm, to breathtaking mountain towns and tranquil lakeside lodges, the Natural State offers endless opportunities to unwind and explore.
BENTONVILLE
bentonvillear.com
Explore vibrant Bentonville, Arkansas, where art and nature converge. Stay at the 21c Museum Hotel, blending contemporary art with boutique lodging. Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and don’t miss your chance to savor the bustling local food scene. A perfect blend of culture and relaxation awaits.
DEVIL'S DEN
arkansasstateparks.com
Known for its picturesque landscapes, Devil's Den offers rustic cabins nestled in the woods. Explore the park's scenic trails and embrace the tranquility of the winter forest.
EUREKA SPRINGS
visiteurekasprings.com
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs boasts Victorian architecture and winding streets. Stay at the historic 1905 Basin Park Hotel for easy access to downtown's unique shops and eateries, or choose Tall Pines, featuring original log cabins built in 1947, for a rustic yet comfortable experience amidst the Ozark scenery.
MOUNT MAGAZINE
arkansasstateparks.com
Arkansas' highest peak, this park provides breathtaking vistas and cozy accommodations at The Lodge at Mount Magazine. Spend your day hiking and your evening warming up by the fire.
HOT SPRINGS hotsprings.org
Famous for its thermal baths, Hot Springs offers a unique winter retreat. Stay at The Reserve, a luxury hotel housed in a Gilded Age mansion, just steps from Bathhouse Row. Explore the historic downtown filled with unique shops and restaurants and hike the Sunset Trail for panoramic views and serene woodlands.
DEGRAY LAKE
arkansasstateparks.com
Located in the Ouachita Mountains, this park features a 94-room lodge with stunning lake views. Engage in activities like hiking, golfing, or unwinding by the lodge's fireplace.
MOUNTAIN HARBOR
mountainharborresort.com
Situated on the shores of Lake Ouachita, Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa features luxury cabins, the full-service awardwinning Turtle Cove spa, and an array of outdoor activities. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings, the serene beauty of the lake’s glassy winter surface, and exceptional service at this premier, familyfriendly Hot Springs retreat.
PETIT JEAN
arkansasstateparks.com
Arkansas' first state park is a mix of history and natural beauty. Stay in a historic lodge room or cabin, and don't miss Cedar Falls, where winter's chill enhances the waterfall's dramatic appeal.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS GUIDE
New Year, New You! Kickstart 2025 with a focus on health and wellness. In this guide, you’ll meet trusted professionals in our community who are dedicated to helping you achieve your best self—inside and out. From fitness and beauty to therapies and medical expertise, discover the resources to help you thrive this year and beyond!
Whether you’re starting a new exercise routine or just looking for a comfortable environment to continue your health journey, Marvin Altman Fitness Center has something for all ages and fitness levels. From our indoor track and swimming pool to our array of quality exercise equipment and free weights, you can enjoy leading a healthier lifestyle in comfort. If the fitness floor isn’t your thing, check out a class. We offer everything from cardio dance to yoga! The fitness center also features a range of desirable amenities, including locker rooms stocked with towels, soap, conditioner, and hair dryers, as well as a sauna and a whirlpool. Call 479-441-5469 today for more information!
Feel confident and vibrant in the New Year! At Aspire, beauty and wellness go hand in hand as we combine cutting-edge skincare, hormone optimization, and body contouring with InMode Technology to help you look and feel your best. Under the expert care of Dr. Kendall D. Wagner, a Board-Certified Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Physician with advanced training in aesthetics and women’s health, Aspire offers InMode Quantum RF, the latest in body contouring for stubborn areas not responding to diet and exercise. We also provide Female Health Rejuvenation with Empower RF and Hormone Optimization using Evexipel Method Hormone Pellet Therapy. Refresh your skin with our Medical Hydrafacial, to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate with medical-grade boosters for a healthy glow.
Holistic Aesthetics at Aspire Medical Aesthetics
We believe in a holistic approach to beauty—enhancing your natural radiance and improving overall well-being. Under the guidance of Dr. Kendall D. Wagner, MD—boardcertified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, with advanced training in aesthetics and hormone replacement— we blend cutting-edge technology with personalized care.
MEDICAL-GRADE SKINCARE PRODUCTS & FACIALS
Premium products: ZO Skin Health, Alastin, Hydrinity
Hydrafacial: Deep cleansing, exfoliation, and instant glow
Keravive Scalp Treatment: Improve scalp health and encourage hair growth
Neuromodulators & Fillers: Smooth lines and restore volume
Restore balance, boost energy, and support overall vitality
BODY CONTOURING
QuantumRF and Evolve: Skin tightening, especially postweight loss—no downtime
Embrace a more vibrant, youthful you. In 2025, let Aspire Medical Aesthetics partner with you to achieve the life and look you desire—naturally and beautifully.
479.782.1444
311 Lexington Ave., Fort Smith lpgkids.com
Learn, Play, Grow Children’s Therapy Services is an outpatient pediatric therapy provider that specializes in working with children of all ages and abilities. We offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy services in a relaxed, patient-focused and family-centered setting. LPG offers both ongoing and shortterm therapy programs provided by therapists who have a passion for working with children. We accept most forms of insurance and payment, including Arkansas Medicaid, Oklahoma SoonerCare, TRICARE, BCBS, United Healthcare, and private pay. We also host monthly support groups for parents of children with spina bifida and Down syndrome. LPG loves helping the kids of our community, and we are here to support you! Call to schedule your appointment today!
479.974.9403
4701 Phoenix Ave., Fort Smith fortsmithhospital.com
Physician owned and operated, Fort Smith ER & Hospital delivers concierge-level emergency and inpatient care 24/7, 365 days a year. Conveniently located with four inpatient beds and eight ER beds, the 18,000-square-foot facility is equipped to provide personalized, state-of-the-art medical services without the wait. In addition to Emergency Medical Services, the hospital also provides pediatric care and laboratory and imaging services, including CT, MRIs, Ultrasound, and X-Ray with a compassionate, patient-first approach. A calm, welcoming atmosphere and short wait times ensure our patients have a better healthcare experience. Offering clinical, pediatric, emergency, and imaging services, Fort Smith ER & Hospital is raising the standard for care in the River Valley.
EXPERIENCE THE CARE
YOU DESERVE
At Fort Smith ER & Hospital, your health is our top priority. We offer convenient emergency care in a comfortable and welcoming environment, featuring short wait times and ample one-on-one time with our dedicated physicians. No matter the injury or illness, we’re here to help you feel better — open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Expert-Level Emergency Physicians
CT Scan, MRI, X-Ray, and Ultrasound
Little To No Wait time
Adult and Pediatric Care
Full Clinical Laboratory
AMBER
DAWN
TASHA
BEKAH
KAITLYN
MIDAS
CHEYENNE
KRISTAN SHAWNDA MOLLY AUDRA
479.323.2424
2408 S. 51st Ct., Ste. G, Fort Smith fortsmiththerapy.com
Fort Smith Therapy is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. With a multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals, including LPCs, LCSWs, and MFTs, we offer personalized support to individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents. Our services include individual therapy for anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as couples and family therapy to enhance relationships and resolve conflicts. Specialized counseling for children, group therapy on topics like stress and grief, and accessible teletherapy ensure comprehensive care for diverse needs. Fort Smith Therapy also hosts workshops on mindfulness and mental health, fostering growth and healing in a nurturing environment! Our mission is to help clients achieve well-being and lead fulfilling lives.
479.582.7330
3344 N. Futrall, Fayetteville mana.md
At MANA's Endocrinology Clinic, Dr. Jason Daily and Nurse Practitioner Amanda McClure are experts at diagnosing and treating endocrine disorders ranging from diabetes to thyroid disorders and cancer. Working with your primary care doctor and our team of medical specialists, we provide personalized care to fit your needs and improve quality of life. The endocrine system produces, regulates, and responds to hormones, and a dysfunction in the endocrine system can have widespread effects on the body. Our team treats adults with common endocrine disorders, such as Personalized Diabetes Management, Thyroid disorders, Pituitary problems, Adrenal disorders, Cholesterol problems, Osteoporosis and other bone disorders. Most insurances require a referral from your primary physician. Call or visit online for more information!
CARRISA PATRICK APRN, FNP-C
AMANDA DAY APRN, FNP-C
479.242.9355
6108 S. 31st St., Fort Smith fortsmithelite.com
Elite Wellness & Aesthetics offers a comprehensive approach to health care! Amanda Day, APRN, and Carrisa Patrick, APRN, are dedicated healthcare professionals passionate about helping patients achieve their health goals. Together, they’ve launched Elite Wellness and Aesthetics, a family practice clinic that provides complete primary care alongside aesthetic services, hormone replacement therapy, weight management, and a holistic approach to healthcare. Elite Wellness and Aesthetics offers a wide range of services, from acute and chronic care to advanced diagnostics and in-house laboratory testing, ensuring timely and precise medical decision-making. Patients can trust Amanda and Carrisa to deliver personalized care that supports their overall health and wellbeing. Conveniently located in Fort Smith, Elite accepts most insurance plans and welcomes new patients.
Josh Wilkinson, MD
479.763.3050
5901B Riley Park Dr., Fort Smith premierpediatricsfs.com
‘Tis the season for sniffles, scrapes, and unexpected illnesses. We provide urgent care tailored specifically for children, ensuring they get the expert attention they need when it matters most. Our facility is equipped with in-office x-ray, lab services, splinting, laceration repair, oxygen, and nebulized therapy to handle a wide range of urgent health concerns. From asthma and colds to minor fractures and cuts, our experienced team is here to deliver compassionate care in a childfriendly environment. No matter if your child is battling the flu, ear infections, rashes, or abdominal pain, we’re committed to their comfort and recovery. Schedule an online urgent care appointment at premierpediatricsfs.com. Limited walk-in availability. Call or text 479.763.3050 to check walk-in status.
5901B Riley Park Drive | Fort Smith, AR Call or Text 479.763.3050 Book online at premierpediatricsfs.com
Sarah Anderson, APRN
Madison Stewart, DNP
Corey Arnold, APRN
Josh Wilkinson, MD
Emily Scheibel, APRN
At Price Insurance, we take pride in guiding our clients through their health insurance needs, including when they become eligible for Medicare. Our mission is to present you with the best plan for your individual needs.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
HOME HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS
SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE PLANS
DENTAL AND VISION PLANS
MEDICARE PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS
LIFE INSURANCE
In 2023, we merged with Medicare Specialist of Arkansas to provide even more Medicare expertise and personal attention and double our years of experience and resources!
479.431.5632
3104 S. 70th St, Ste. 104, Fort Smith medicarespecialistofar.com
Price Insurance Services has merged with Medicare Specialist of Arkansas to provide even more Medicare expertise, personal attention, and doubled our years of experience and resources. Medicare gives us many options. Make sure you talk in person with a local, trusted agent who will be available throughout your Medicare years. We always focus on education but also on your family, so they feel confident during times of crisis. Let us be your mentor in finding the right solution for you! We are here when you sign up, need to review your choices or have any issues. More than a voice on the other end of the line, we're local and here to help. Call 479.431.5632 or visit us online at medicarespecialistofar.com.
479.452.2020 (call or text) 2401 S. Waldron Rd., Fort Smith stileseyegroup.com
Experience personalized eyecare at Stiles Eye Group! We don’t follow the one-size-fits-all approach. We recognize your eyes are distinct with unique needs and characteristics. Through advanced technologies like digital imaging, Dr. Stiles and Dr. Friday can customize treatment plans and prescriptions. They can also address specific issues such as refractive errors, diabetic eye issues, dry eyes, and age-related concerns, ensuring optimal vision and comfort. Our caring approach starts by understanding your lifestyle, habits, and family history, so we can offer preventive measures and early interventions, promoting long-term eye health. Our patient-centered approach not only enhances vision but also fosters a deeper connection with our valued patients, for a more holistic and valued eyecare experience. Call today!
FOCUSED ON YOU
Your eyes are as unique as your lifestyle. At Stiles Eye Group, we provide compassionate eye care using the latest imaging technology. Our patient-centered approach fosters strong connections, ensuring a more holistic and valued healthcare experience.
YOU’LL LOVE HOW YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LOVE HOW YOU LOOK.
If your body is showing the effects of aging, childbirth, or weight loss – perhaps it’s time to do something about it.
Body contouring performed by the skilled hands of Dr. Ann Passmore can lift, enhance, and reshape those areas that could use a little more or a little less. Procedures such as breast enhancement, breast lift, liposuction, or tummy tuck can boost your confidence and help you once again, love how you look.
To redefine your curves with surgical or non-surgical procedures, call for a consultation today. Certified, American Board of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
> Services customized for you & your budget
> More than 25 years experience
> Surgical and non-surgical procedures
> Injectables, fillers, high-quality products
> Frequent winner Community Choice and Best of the River Valley awards
Ann K. Passmore, M.D., F.A.C.S.
479.242.2442
7805 Phoenix Ave., Fort Smith passmoreplasticsurgery.com
Ready for a new you in the new year? Now is the perfect time to make the changes you’ve been dreaming of! Do you want to maintain your youthful appearance or turn back the hands of time? Perhaps you long to tighten and lift parts of your body affected by aging, childbirth, or weight loss. Whatever your goal, Dr. Ann Passmore can customize procedures and products for your body, your skin, and your budget. You’ll love how you feel when you love how you look. Schedule online or call for a consultation today.
At The Dermatology Center, our expert providers specialize in personalized skincare and aesthetic services designed to help you look and feel your best. From advanced treatments that reverse the signs of aging to procedures that enhance your skin’s natural beauty, we offer comprehensive care for every skin type. Schedule a cosmetic consultation today and discover your skin’s potential! Visit our Aesthetics Center for a curated selection of premium skincare products, including Epionce, Skin Therapeutic, EltaMD, Glytone, and Avene. Whether you’re looking to protect, rejuvenate, or enhance your skin, we have everything you need to achieve radiant, healthy skin.
Reveal Your Radiance
Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy
479.719.7255
6301 State Hwy. 45, Ste. B, Fort Smith rayofsunshinetherapy.com
Ray of Sunshine Pediatric Therapy offers occupational, physical, and speech therapy for children from birth to age 21 in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Founded by Heather Ray, the practice emphasizes individualized, child-led therapy in a caring, supportive environment. Their mobile, community-based model provides therapy in homes, daycares, preschools, and other convenient locations to ensure accessibility for families. The team specializes in autism, sensory integration, feeding therapy, pediatric kinesiology, and hippotherapy, addressing a range of developmental needs. Services aim to foster functional independence and growth in areas such as speech, motor skills, and daily activities. Parents are encouraged to seek evaluations for delays like speech issues or motor challenges, with free screenings available to support children’s learning and development.
Healing Hands,
479.242.8300
8101 McClure Dr., Fort Smith
Dr. James E. Kelly III is a leading specialist in hand surgery, dedicated to restoring function and improving the quality of life for patients affected by injuries, illnesses, or congenital conditions. With extensive training and decades of experience, Dr. Kelly combines technical precision with an understanding of the hand’s complex anatomy to deliver exceptional outcomes. His expertise extends beyond functionality, as he carefully balances the intricate mechanics of the hand with aesthetic considerations. His distinguished career includes a medical degree from Queen’s University, surgical residencies at McMaster University, and dual board certifications in plastic and hand surgery. Through his practice, Dr. Kelly has helped thousands of patients regain mobility, independence, and confidence, providing life-changing results tailored to their unique needs.
RESTORING LIVES
Since 1996, Dr. James E. Kelly Ill has been a leading physician and independent surgeon specializing in plastic, hand, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery. Board-certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Kelly helps patients regain mobility, self-esteem, and confidence.
GUIDE
Are you a mental health professional dedicated to improving lives? Showcase your compassion, expertise, and commitment to wellness in our annual Mental Health Guide.
CATHERINE FREDERICK / 479.782.1500 / CATHERINE@DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM Do South® Paid Promotions
FINANCIAL FRONT-RUNNERS
Are you a financial expert helping others achieve their goals? Showcase your leadership and insights in our annual Financial Front-Runners profiles!
