DUNK - JUNE 2024

It’s decided. We’re in love and we’ll do everything we can to help support our grandbaby’s future. That starts with contributing to the 529 plan her parents already started, or even starting one of our own.

The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan helps education savings grow tax-deferred. And friends and family who contribute to the plan also get tax benefits.

Supporting her education is one of the best gifts we can give her.

Talk to your kids about planning for your grandchild’s future.

SSummer is almost here, and this month, we're spotlighting stories that span the spectrum from innovation to tradition.

First, we're introducing you to the exciting new app shopXchange. Founded by a local optometrist, the future is bright for this unique app, which offers a platform to buy and resell items safely in our community.

Next, we invite you to wander through the rows of a family-owned blackberry farm, where tradition meets innovation in every plump and juicy berry. Discover the passion and dedication behind this agricultural gem as we delve into the rich tapestry of farm life.

JUNE 2024

OWNERPUBLISHER - EDITOR

Catherine Frederick

COPY EDITING

Charity Chambers

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jade Graves Photography

From the fields to the stage, we focus on the vibrant world of community theatre. Step into the magic of creativity and collaboration as we showcase the talent and dedication that bring these local productions to life.

Shifting gears to matters of the heart and mind, we delve into the sensitive yet crucial topic of Alzheimer's disease. Through this personal story, we hope to shed light on this condition that touches the lives of millions worldwide.

Venturing into the realm of restoration and preservation, we invite you to witness the remarkable transformation of an old farmhouse. And, speaking of home, check out our annual House and Home Guide! It's filled with local experts ready to help you find the perfect place to call home or help transform your house into a haven.

Finally, don't miss our exploration of Blanchard Springs' breathtaking wonders. We descend into the depths of these ancient caverns, uncovering the awe-inspiring beauty and geological marvels hidden beneath the surface.

As we welcome June, I am grateful for your continued support. Here's to a summer filled with adventure, togetherness, and endless possibilities! Please share your summer stories with me, including your favorite local spots or ideas for future features. Your voice is what makes our community shine brighter – see you in July!

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS

Marla Cantrell

Catherine Frederick Dwain Hebda

Jaqueline Phillips

Sara Putman

Bob Robinson

ADVERTISING

Catherine Frederick

79.782.1500

catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

EXCELLENCE AT EVERY LEVEL

The Van Buren School District is committed to the success of its students and providing opportunities for the families who comprise Pointer Nation. IMPACT Meals, wellness trails, and summer feeding sites are among VBSD’s many offerings which benefit the community-at-large. The District also holds the Arkansas Council for Military Children’s prestigious Purple Star distinction, which recognizes VBSD’s dedication to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces.

JUNE EVENTS

JUNE 1 – LAST DAY / OLDFORTDAYSRODEO.COM OLD FORT DAYS RODEO

Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith

JUNE 1 / FACEBOOK

LAVACA BERRY FESTIVAL

311 Holly Street, Lavaca

JUNE 1-2 / KINGOPERAHOUSE.COM

YAG PRESENTS: THE NEVERENDING STORY

King Opera House, Van Buren

JUNE 1 – JUNE 8 / FSLT.ORG LIGHT UP THE SKY

Fort Smith Little Theatre, Fort Smith

JUNE 5-7 / KINGOPERAHOUSE.COM

YAG PRESENTS: THE LITTLE PRINCE

King Opera House, Van Buren

JUNE 8, 7P / KINGOPERAHOUSE.COM

WILLIAM LEE MARTIN KING OF COWTOWN COMEDY TOUR

King Opera House, Van Buren

JUNE 8, 7P / WALTONARTSCENTER.ORG DIERKS BENTLEY

Walmart AMP, Rogers

JUNE 10, 10A-6P / OLDTOWNVANBUREN.ORG SUMMER STREET EATS

FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Main Street, Van Buren

JUNE 14, 8P / SIMMONSBANKARENA.ORG AN EVENING WITH JAMES TAYLOR

Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock

Submit events online at dosouthmagazine.com or email catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

JUNE 15, 8A / CHAFFEECROSSING.COM

CHAFFEE CROSSING FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith

JUNE 19, 7P / WALTONARTSCENTER.ORG

STYX & FOREIGNER

Walmart AMP, Rogers

JUNE 21, 7:30A / TRUEGRITRIDE.COM

2024 TRUE GRIT RIDE & 5K

Chaffee Crossing Historic District, Fort Smith

JUNE 22, 10A-10P / GODOWNTOWNFS.ORG

FORT SMITH FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith

JUNE 22, 2P / KINGOPERAHOUSE.COM

MS. ARKANSAS SENIOR

AMERICA PAGEANT

King Opera House, Van Buren

JUNE 22, 7:30-9:30P / FORTSMITH.ORG

MONSTER TRUCK INSANITY TOUR

Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith

JUNE 23, 7A-1P / FORTSMITH.ORG

RIVER VALLEY RUMBLE

MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

Ben Geren Bike Trails, Fort Smith

JUNE 26, 7P / WALTONARTSCENTER.ORG

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Walmart AMP, Rogers

JUNE 27, 7P / WALTONARTSCENTER.ORG

BERT KREISCHER

Walmart AMP, Rogers

ARTS ON MAIN – VAN BUREN

ARTSONMAINVB.COM

June 8: Portrait Painting, 12-4p

June 10-14: Triple Threat Theatre Bootcamp, 10a-2p

June 10-14: Kids Cul inary Camp, 9a-12p

June 17-21: Teen Wheel Throwing Camp, 1-3p

June 22: Summer Fruits & Veggie Cul inary Workshop, 10:30a – 1:30p

June 24-28: Teens Culinary Camp, 9a-12p

June 28: Watercolor Workshop, 6-8p

June 29: Intro to Canning Workshop, 9a-12p

ACHE RIHWC – FORT SMITH

WELLNESSCENTERCLASSES.AS.ME

Barre: Mon., Wed. & Fri. 9:30a / Tues. & Thurs. 12p

Body Scul pting Boot Camp Mix: M on. & Thurs. 6p

Dance Cardio: Mon. & Thurs. 5:15p

Moving with Parkinson’s Disease: Wed. 1p

Strength & Tone: Wed. 5:30p, Sat. 9:30a

Yoga: M on., Wed. & Fri. 12p

June 4: Cookie Decorating, 2p

June 20: Gluten Free Baking, 5:30p

June 26: Eat the Rainbow (Ages 8-12), 11a CERAMIC CLASSES

June 5: Shoeprint Turtles (Ages 5-9), 2p

June 7: Date Night (Ages 18+), 6:30p

June 10: Texture Fish (Ages 5-9), 9a

June 12: Chip & Dip (Adults), 12p

June 13: Fishbowl Wall Hanging (A ges 8-14), 1p

June 17: Snail Planter (Ages 8-12), 9a

June 18: Adult Wheel (Ages 18+), 6-8p

June 19: Coil Bowls (Ages 8-14), 2p

June 25: Arkansas Magnet Decorating (A ges 3-8), 9a/10:30a

June 27: Adult Wheel (Ages 18+), 6-8p

June 29: Sunflower Bowls (Ages 8-14), 9a

BOOKISH – FORT SMITH

BOOKISHFS.COM

Storytime: Saturdays, 11a

June 1: Author Talk with Lisa Bel l Wilson, 3:30p

June 6: Entrepreneur's Book Club, 12p

June 7: Fort City Slam, 6p

June 13: Romance Book Club, 6p

June 20: Small Press Book Club, 6p

June 24-28: Kids Camp Fiction Writing

Work shop, ages 10-15, times vary

June 28: Mostly Fiction Book

Cl ub Bingo, 6p

THE BAKERY DISTRICT

– FORT SMITH

BAKERYFS.COM

Live Music on the Patio: Thursdays, 7p

June 6: Escape Tones

June 20: The Crumbs

June 27: Sonic Katz

Jazz Jam: 2nd Thursday, 6p

Blues Jam: 3rd Sunday, 1p

June 15: Patio Pop-Up

Trivia: Mondays, 6:30p

Yoga: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30p

Cornhole (Bags): Wednesdays, 6:30p

Movie Night: 3rd Thursday, 6:30p

Segue: Every Last Thursday, 6p

Bikes at the Bakery: 3rd Friday, 6p

FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM

FSRAM.ORG

RAM Saturdays: 12-4p (FREE)

Guided Tour Sundays: 2p (FREE)

To Dec. 31: Liz Whitney Quisgard

To July 21: Amy Scoggins: Reclaimed

To July 21: Landscapes of the Permanent Coll ection

To Aug. 18: Zoe Crook

To Aug. 25: Inclusive

COMMUNITY SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS – FORT SMITH

CSAFORTSMITH.ORG

June 10-14:Broadway Intensive

M usical Theatre Camp, 9a-3p

June 10-14: Rising Stars

M usical Theatre Camp, 3:30p-5:30p

June 17-21: Piano Olympics, grades 1-6, times vary

June 17-21: Visual Art Camp, grades K-6, times vary

June 17-29: Diary of a Wimpy

Kid The M usical, 9a-3p

June 24-28: Piano Discoveries, grades K-6, times vary

June 24-28: Drum Universe, grades K-12, times vary

FORT SMITH MARSHALS BASEBALL

June 6: vs Texarkana Rhinos: Thirsty Thursday, 7p

June 8: vs Texarkana Rhinos:

Sal ute to Arkansas Music Night, 7p

June 9: vs Texarkana Rhinos: Faith and Famil y Day

June 18: vs Piney Woods TimberHogs: Copa Night

June 19: vs Piney Woods TimberHogs: Juneteenth

June 20: vs Piney Woods TimberHogs: First Day of Summer

June 21: vs Piney Woods TimberHogs: Col lege Night

June 22: vs Piney Woods TimberHogs: M ilitary Appreciation

June 23: vs Abilene Flying Bison: Faith and Famil y Night

June 25: vs Abilene Joplin Outlaws: Bark in the Park II

LOCAL LIVE MUSIC

TEMPLELIVE – FORT SMITH

FORTSMITH.TEMPLELIVE.COM

June 7: Jim Breuer, 8p

June 11: Todd Rundgren, 8p

THE

MAJESTIC – FORT SMITH

MAJESTICFORTSMITH.COM

June 15: Josh Meloy, 7p

June 26: Velcro Pygmies, 7p

RIVERFRONT AMPITHEATRE – FORT SMITH

646DOWNTOWN.COM

June 6: Kings & Associates, 6p

JUNE FUN-RAISERS

June 8: The Artemis Project Inc. , committed to the rescue and rehab of all homeless animals in the River Valley, will host their 1st Annual Pedal for Paws Family Bike Ride at Harry E. Kelley River Park !

June 14 & 15: Fort Smith Round Table presents the Juneteenth Celebration at Riverfront Park! Enjoy music, vendors, family fun, and drinks! Admission is $1 with a non-perishable canned good. Food items will be donated to Antioch Youth and Family. Details on Facebook.

June 22: Community Service Clearing House hosts the 14th Annual True Grit Ride , beginning at 7a. Ride 30, 45, or 62 miles through beautiful rural Arkansas scenery with rolling hills. True Grit 5K begins at 7:30a. csclearinghouse.org

good news

EMPOWERING DREAMS

Hope Campus has received a $2,500 donation from OG&E to put toward their Community Education Initiative.

Adventure Subaru has donated $81,500 to RMHC of Arkoma from their Subaru Share the Love event. Funds will be applied to program operations which include overnight bedrooms, bathrooms, daily meals, and laundry services to 25 families/night with children in the hospital. Adventure Subaru also donated $75,000 to Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA

WISH LIST

The Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Fort Smith needs meals for the month of June! Providers can come cook at the House, cater in, or cook at home and bring it in. Because of these meals, parents don't have to focus on grocery shopping or cooking and can have a hot meal ready for them while they care for their sick child. Sign up at https://rmhcofarkoma.org/sam-fort-smith/.

Hope Campus needs help stocking their kitchen with fresh fruits and veggies. You can drop off all donations at their main building, 301 S. E St. in Fort Smith, or email Phylis at phylis@riverviewhopecampus.org for more information.

Hamilton Center for Child Advocacy needs fidget items, specifically Nee Doh Nice Cubes, which can be purchased at Walmart for $4 each. Donations accepted at the Hamilton Center or contact them to arrange a pickup, 479.783.1002.

ACHE RIHWC will host their annual Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 3 from 9a-12p.

Fort Smith Symphony announces their 101st season schedule. Tickets are on sale now. September 7, Blockbusters; October 12, Nothin’ but the Blues; December 7, Holiday Cheer; March 1, Romantic Journeys; April 5, Symphony on the Green; April 26, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert.

Comprehensive Juvenile Services will host a pickleball tournament at The Hangout Fitness & Sports in Fort Smith, July 13-14, with proceeds to benefit the Clay Roper Western Arkansas Youth Shelter building campaign. cjsinc.org

more good news

ROUND OF APPLAUSE

Kevin Mays CGA, of John Mays Jewelers, has received the Young Titleholder of the Year Award from the American Gem Society and has been elected as Chair of the Education Committee.

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has recognized 70 employees with a combined 900 years of service. The faculty and staff event also recognized individual members with prizes for their excellent work: Tammy Brooks, Jim Wollscheid, Patti Conard, Jourdan Scoggins, Rachel Putman and Carol Hill

Exceptional students from 41 academic programs at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith were honored during an Academic Excellence Awards ceremony.

The UAFS Student Government Association presented awards to Dr. Jeremy Durchman and Kara Smith for their outstanding service to students.

Tzideny Romero , a Southside High School senior and local Taco Bell employee, was awarded a $25,000 Live Más Scholarship! Tzideny plans to use the $25,000 scholarship to pursue her passion of social justice with a focus on international or ethnic studies.

NEW FACES & PLACES

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith welcomed Dr. Toni Alexander as the new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Baptist Health – Fort Smith welcomes Erin Goss, APRN, to Baptist Health Adult Medicine Specialties – Fort Smith

Welcome UnWINEd, a new locally owned, members-only wine bar located in Chaffee Crossing. Membership is free. Enjoy a variety of grazing boards and desserts along with your favorite beverage.

The Institute for the Creative Arts, the first Performing & Visual Arts High School in Arkansas, has announced its Founding Board of Directors: Mrs. Jeannie Cole, Mr. David Cravens, Dr. Rick Foti, Ms. JoAnna Lever, and Ms. Kaylee Rainwater.

Alma School District introduced Mrs Jennifer Lyon as the new principal of Alma Intermediate School

JUNE RECOMMENDATIONS

WORDS Sara Putman, Bookish

Enjoy these recommendations from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’s only independently owned bookstore located in The Bakery District.

This New Dark

by Chase Dearinger

In This New Dark, Chase Dearinger plunges us into the troubled town of Seven Suns, Oklahoma, exposing the supernatural rot that has settled in its center and the horrors of poverty, abandonment, and the rough road leading to self-acceptance. As Randy, Wyatt, and Esther battle demons inherited, imaginary, and all-too-real, they must find ways to rise above their self-imposed limitations and painful pasts.

Like the works of Stephen King that Randy devours, Dearinger's narrative offers more than just heinous, original monsters and generous spatters of gore (though both are in these pages). It delves deep into the guarded hearts, outsized ambitions, and festering hurts of an entire community.

Dearinger will draw readers into Seven Suns's dingy bars and wild spaces. With this gritty debut, Dearinger holds his own in the contemporary horror genre.

True Grit meets Twin Peaks

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies

by Catherine Mack

Hold onto your sun hats for a rollercoaster of a summer read: Bestselling author Eleanor Dash is on an Italian book tour, hoping to kill off her character, Connor Smith. But when someone targets the real Connor Smith, Eleanor is enlisted to help solve the case, facing literary rivals, rabid fans, and an unexpected ex.

Lies and Weddings

by Kevin Kwan

Rufus faces his family's financial crisis. His mother's scheming has led him to a choice—marry for money or follow his heart. Amidst scandals rocking the family legacy, a buried tragedy threatens to unravel it all. Kwan's yarn intricately weaves love, money, and deception across the glamorous backdrop of the global elite.

The Cemetery of Untold Stories by

Julia Alvarez

In her latest novel, poet and icon Julia Alvarez crafts a luminous tale centered on Alma Cruz, a writer who transforms her Dominican homeland into a graveyard for unfinished tales. As her characters rebel and rewrite themselves, the novel explores whose stories are told and who is forgotten, celebrating the enduring power of storytelling.

At Choctaw Casino & Resort–Pocola, we do things a little differently. With intriguing promotions and surprises around every corner, your favorite games are just the beginning.

Q+A

with Good Samaritan Clinic

Good Samaritan Clinic is a nonprofit organization providing quality healthcare access to the uninsured and underserved in the Arkansas River Valley' regardless of their ability to pay. They bring together informed individuals who give their time' expertise' and financial support to ensure an expansive network of providers is available to those needing medical services. Good Samaritan Clinic's mission is to improve our region's health by providing access to compassionate' quality healthcare.

479.783.0233

615 North B Street

Fort Smith, Arkansas  goodsamaritanfs.org

DS: How did Good Samaritan Clinic come to be?

In 1988, a group of physicians and nurses from St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fort Smith began offering a "free clinic" at their church once a week. From there, the Good Samaritan Clinic was born. Under the direction of Dr. Kemal Kutait and Ramona Roberts, the clinic opened its doors at 615 N. B Street in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) charitable clinic.

DS: Who does the clinic serve, and in what way? We serve the uninsured and underserved in our community by providing quality, compassionate medical care to our neighbors in need.

DS: What is something people may not know about Good Samaritan Clinic?

In addition to providing basic primary care, we offer vision care, chiropractic care, and counseling services (in English and Spanish). We also train medical and nursing students during their clinical rotations.

DS: Is there a success story that illustrates the impact of the clinic you'd like to share?

A man called the clinic a few months ago to donate. Twenty years earlier, he was one of the clinic's first patients. He wasn't in a good place back then, but he said that we helped him get his life back on track. Now, he is healthy and thriving. He donates each month to help people just as we helped him years ago. Success stories like this are why we do what we do.

DS: Are there any exciting events coming up for the clinic?

Yes! We are relocating to 1400 Zero Street in Fort Smith this summer! Because our new building has many exam/procedure rooms and additional space for students, we can serve even more of our neighbors in need.

DS: Can you share an achievement or contribution you are most proud of?

For the fourth year in a row, we earned a Gold Rating from the NAFC (National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics) Quality Standards Program. We are very proud to offer such a high standard of care to our patients in the River Valley.

DS: What message would you like to share with our readers who are interested in learning mor e about Good Samaritan's mission?

Please help us spread the word! You may never need us, but you probably know someone who does. We receive no state or federal funding, and we rely on the generosity of donors and volunteers to help us serve those in our community who need us the most. For more information, go to www.goodsamaritanfs.com.

Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy nonprofit in our area free of charge. Requests for this free space accepted beginning October, 2024. Send inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com, or call

JAMES AND SKYLER

AGE 8 AND 10

Meet James and Skyler – a dynamic duo looking for a forever home! James, the younger of the two, is very lovable and friendly, and Skyler, the older, gets along well with others and makes friends quite easily. The boys love outdoor adventures, swimming, animals, and video games.

James and Skyler have their share of challenges. James sometimes struggles to behave; he can be aggressive and defiant and sometimes tries to run away. James is currently receiving intensive therapy and behavior management services to address these challenges.

Skyler is cognitively delayed and struggles with his brother’s behaviors toward him. He receives individual counseling to help address his challenges, and the boys plan to complete sibling therapy.

The boys would do best in a two-parent home. Would your family be the right fit for James and Skyler? To learn more, submit an inquiry at theprojectzero.org.

In partnership with Project Zero, each month Do South® features a waiting child, or sibling group, in foster care in Arkansas. To inquire about these incredible children, please visit theprojectzero.org.

IMAGE courtesy Jenny Stricklin

Quality early educators

Research tells us the most effective learning happens through play and positive interactions with adults and caregivers.

Better Beginnings trained early childhood educators prepare children for school with positive experiences, research-based curriculum, and learning through play.

Learning fun with family

Families can create learning opportunities any time they are together. Everyday activities such as singing in the car and naming colors help children develop language skills to communicate with others. Every experience is a learning experience. Family fun makes learning memorable.

Better Beginnings has tools to help families put fun and learning together. Visit the Better Beginnings’ Family Resource Library or Biblioteca de Recursos for learning tips and activities the whole family can enjoy.

Discover the benefits of play in Play is Learning or visit topics such as literacy and science. Our online

Summertime Learning: Focus on family fun

Written by Kelli Hilburn, Better Beginnings Program Administrator

resources are directed at learning through play for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Science activities range from playdough and moon sand to oil and water experiments. Math concepts are conveyed through sorting colors, making number shapes and playing games. Literacy includes activities to build vocabulary and brain development, and insights

Scan the code for free activities and tips for learning in our Family Resource Library and en español en Biblioteca de Recursos.

into how to raise a reader. There are also guides to outdoor play and kindergarten readiness.

Partnered with quality early childhood educators, families can help set their children on the path to lifelong learning while they play together.

Looking for your early education partner?

Click the orange banner at ARBetterBeginnings.com to find star-rated quality early educators who help children prepare for school through positive learning experiences.

Better Beginnings is administered by the Arkansas Department of Education.

The GOODS

imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Tropical Passion, Honey Peach, and Smooth Black Berry Flavored Brandy from Stella Rosa IN GOOD SPIRITS

479.434.6604

Sunglass and Optical Eyewear by Tom Ford STILES EYE GROUP

479.452.2020

Hearts On Fire LU Droplet Bracelet, 6.40cts Available in 18kt Yellow, Rose or White Gold JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

479.452.2140

PerfectDry LUX Automatic Hearing Aid UV-C Disinfecting and Cleaning System by Audinell CENTER FOR HEARING AND BALANCE

479.785.3277

Happy Dad Death Row Records Grape, Mijenta Reposado Tequila, Prost Pinot Noir, Raeburn Russian River Valley Chardonnay, Gin & Juice, Boulevard Elusive Thunder SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

479.783.8013

US HELP WITH (CIVIL LEGAL ISSUES FOR LOW-INCOME ARKANSANS)

Consumer law: Student Loan Discharge, Wage Garnishment & Bankruptcy

Family law: Divorce, Custody, Adoptions, Guardianship, & Orders of Protection

Housing Law: Evictions, Rent-to-Own, Foreclosure, & Tax Sales

Public Benefits law: Unemployment, SSI/SSDI, SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, Powers of Attorney, & Beneficiary Deeds

Re-Entry Assistance: Arkansas Criminal Record Sealing

Veterans Assistance: Overpayment Issues, Discharge Upgrade Appeals, General Denials and Appeals

Caution – Summer Ahead!

WORDS Jacqueline Phillips, APRN, Phillips Medical Clinic Image LeManna/Shutterstock

As the summer graces us with its warmth, it's essential to be mindful of the potential health hazards of Arkansas summers. From heat-related illnesses to pesky bites and sunburns, the summer season can present health challenges. Education and awareness can help prevent illness, allowing summer-long fun.

HEAT STROKE AND EXHAUSTION

Heat-related illnesses can occur while working or participating in summer recreation. Heat stroke is the most severe. During a heat stroke, the body can no longer regulate body temperature, sweat, or cool down, resulting in a rapidly rising temperature – up to 106 degrees or higher in a medical emergency. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Without treatment, permanent brain damage or death can occur. Heat exhaustion presents with dizziness, increased thirst, nausea, weakness, and profuse sweating. Extended heat exposure increases the risk of heat stroke and exhaustion, particularly for the young and elderly.

One of the best ways to prevent heat-related illnesses is to hydrate. Drinking water and sports drinks is better than caffeinated drinks as caffeine is a natural diuretic. A good indication of your hydration status is your urine output. When your urine resembles clear water, you're effectively replenishing fluids.

Other ways to prevent heat-related illnesses: plan activities during cooler times of the day; take frequent breaks; stay in shaded areas; wear wide-brim hats/loose, light-colored, lightweight clothing; apply sunscreen.

SWIMMER'S EAR

Swimmer's ear symptoms can include sudden onset of ear pain, itching, fullness, drainage from the ear canal, and occasional hearing loss. Differentiating an inner ear infection from an outer ear infection involves applying pressure to the cartilage outside the ear canal or pulling on the upper outer ear to provoke pain. More than ninety percent of cases stem from bacterial sources. Therefore, a prescription, commonly antibiotic ear drops, may be needed. To prevent swimmer's ear, wear bath caps or earplugs, dry your ears after swimming, drain the water by tilting your head back and forth, or use a hair dryer to dry the canals.

CONTACT DERMATITIS

Enjoying nature increases your chances of encountering poison ivy and poison oak. These plants contain urushiol, an oily compound which can lead to allergic reactions, including skin irritation, itching, redness, swelling, and, in severe cases, blistering. Avoiding contact is critical, and contrary to many beliefs, rashes caused by these plants are not contagious or

transmissible. It is vital to remove the oil with soap and water from the skin, tools, clothing, and pets as soon as possible.

If a rash appears, topical soaks using cool tap water, oatmeal baths, emollients, zinc oxide, corticosteroids, and calamine lotions can provide relief. Over-the-counter antihistamines may also provide relief. If these measures do not control symptoms, seek medical care. These rashes can lead to secondary infections, which require medical treatment.

INSECT BITES

Bites from ticks, chiggers, and mosquitos are significant nuisances, and prevention can be challenging.

Ticks: Conduct a full body check after being outside and remove ticks within twenty-four hours of attachment to decrease the risk of tick-borne diseases. While it takes four to six hours to spread the infection, not all ticks carry disease. The most common tick-borne illness in Arkansas is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Symptoms of a tick-borne disease include the classic bull's eye rash associated with fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue, and should be treated by a medical professional.

Chiggers: Chiggers are tiny mites whose bites can cause itching. Bites can occur several days after exposure. These bites present as itchy red bumps with multiple bumps across an area and resemble pimples, blisters, or small hives. Washing after exposure with warm soap and water can remove chiggers and prevent intense itching.

Mosquitos: Mosquito bites cause raised, red, itchy bumps to appear after a bite. Topicals and antihistamines can provide symptom relief. Monitoring the bite for possible secondary infection is essential.

Strategies for prevention: wear loose-fitting long pants tucked into socks and long-sleeved shirts; apply DEET-based repellents to the skin; apply permethrin-containing insecticides to clothing and gear to repel ticks (note: do not apply directly to the skin, as it is a synthetic insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum plant).

SUNBURNS

Preventing sunburns requires more than just applying and reapplying sunscreen. Consider the following factors when selecting an appropriate SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Fair-skinned individuals may require higher SPF levels than those with darker skin tones. Extended time outdoors or activities with intense sun exposure require a higher SPF. SPF 30 is great for everyday use, but those with fair or sensitive skin or those spending prolonged time outdoors should consider SPF 50 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against UVA rays, which can contribute to skin aging and lead to skin cancer, as well as UVB rays. If swimming or sweating, use a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours. If you have specific concerns about sun protection or skin conditions, consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.

Preventing sunburns is crucial as damage can be long-lasting and lead to skin cancer. Cool baths and moisturizers such as aloe vera can help, and ibuprofen can help with inflammation. Stay hydrated and avoid popping blisters, which can increase the risk of infection.

Being prepared in advance will help you enjoy the season, but sometimes, our best attempts do not deter illness; seeking care from a primary care provider for the best outcomes is always advised.

OLD FORT WEALTH MANAGEMENT

When choosing a financial management professional to help create a plan for the future, two related elements are of primary importance: the advisor's expertise in creating a sound strategy and their experience in adapting and adjusting to changes in the market.

These elements and a dogged determination to provide best-in-class customer service are the founding principles of Old Fort Wealth Management, formerly Radcliff Financial Group.

"Our focus is our clients' financial future, personalized to meet their needs and goals," says Melanie Radcliff, a 25-year veteran in finance and accounting who founded the firm. "Since we opened, we have worked toward providing clients with a sense of security and financial clarity."

Old Fort Wealth Management takes a unique approach, combining proactive tax planning with wealth management and income planning services.

"Every move you make with your money affects your tax return," Melanie says. "As a CPA/PFS, I analyze everything to design wealth management strategies that are not only optimized for tax efficiency today but also seek to place clients in the lowest tax bracket for life."

Combining her long experience as a CPA with the tools at her disposal as a financial

planner, Melanie provides clients with the best of both worlds in designing a comprehensive financial plan.

"Baby boomers hold approximately half of the wealth in this country, nearly eighty trillion dollars, with a substantial amount of this wealth squirreled away in traditional IRAs," she says.

It's no coincidence that the greatest wealth transfer of our lifetimes is happening just about the time the IRS is getting some money in its budget to enforce the tax code and collect any uncollected taxes from years past.

"My experience tells me that many people will see higher taxes in the future as a result. Therefore, it is important for consumers to understand not only how they are affected in the present but also how it impacts money they are setting aside to fund their retirement."

Old Fort Wealth Management applies its expertise to help build wealth and protect it from undue taxation. Few other firms can match the skill set of Old Fort Wealth Management, which includes knowing the present and future tax implications of moving money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA or understanding what types of income are tax-advantaged.

"I consider it a tragedy when someone spends decades building a nest egg, only to unnecessarily forfeit much of it in taxes when they should be enjoying the fruits of their

labor," Melanie says. "While most financial advisors do not delve into the tax consequences of all these moving parts, that's our 'special sauce,' if you will, and what we bring to the arena that we consider unique."

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Melanie has always stood out. Her unique approach only highlights the differences in her services compared to others in the market. Her many satisfied clients attest to the effectiveness of her strategy.

"Our motivation stems from the belief that the client's success drives our success, not the other way around," Melanie says. "Building trust with clients with honesty and transparency allows us to embark on the journey together with mutual respect and confidence. We believe these values matter."

UNITED FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Expertise, time-honored experience, and attentive customer service are a recipe for success in any industry, and that especially goes for Brad Lewis, owner of United Financial Advisors. For two decades, Brad has served his clients with distinction, helping them plan for retirement and fund their dreams. Now, the firm is proud to announce its expansion and growth by adding an additional client relations professional and a second location in Conway, offering clients more access and convenience.

“As a comprehensive wealth management company, United Financial Advisors values its ability to meet all client needs in a timely manner,” Brad says. “I’ve always operated by the principles that while technology is great and can save people a lot of time, at the heart of what we do lies a commitment to knowing the client personally and working hard to meet their needs. That's why each location offers its own financial advisor and a large support staff, to maintain that contact with the customer.”

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

He earned his WMCP, Wealth Management Certified Professional, designation in 2022. He also earned his CRPC, Chartered Retirement Planning Course, in 2013. He holds General Securities Representative (Series 7), Investment Advisor Representative (Series 66), Municipal Securities Principal (Series 53), and General Securities Principal (Series 24) licenses in Arkansas, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida. In addition, he has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and financial institutions. Helping educators for the past twenty years has made him well-versed in Arkansas Teacher Retirement Systems.

While some segments of the world have become increasingly transactional, Lewis insists on doing things the personalized way. He says that no matter how wide a net he casts in his business, an important part of United Financial Advisors' strategy for success is keeping an individualized touch on every plan. Thus, he meets with each client at least annually to discuss their plan and the changing life events that affect it.

"Our motto is ‘Providing Financial Confidence and Dignity Through Every Stage of Life,’ and that doesn’t always happen between the hours of nine and five. It takes commitment on the part of a financial professional to be truly available to clients, something we take great pride in through our firm," he says. “We’ve always understood that we are in the relationship business. There’s nothing more personal to people than planning for their financial future, be it funding their retirement, preparing for the unexpected, or leaving a legacy to their family after they’re gone."

Brad also sets himself apart by hosting community presentations and educational lunches to keep both existing and prospective clients informed. He said people appreciate meeting in a casual setting and learning about the community and financial topics.

“We are determined to help clients feel confident in a strategy that will allow them to achieve their goals and live the life they’ve always dreamed of," Brad says. "It’s a real blessing to do that every day.”

A STROKE OF GENIUS

Ask Dr. Wanda Vaughn if she has a technical background or a general IT skillset, and the Fort Smith optometrist and mother of three breaks into a wide grin.

"I'm the most 'untech' person you'll ever meet," she says with a laugh. “If I have an issue with my phone, I hand it to one of my sons. I hate passwords. I have never had a Facebook page."

On the surface, Wanda's deep aversion to digital gadgets makes her an improbable candidate for developing a tech product. However, she's accomplished exactly that with the help of Lee, her husband, and her three business partners—her sons, Jake, Stone, and Reid. Not to mention, not insignificantly, the interference of COVID-19.

"During COVID, one of the things our family liked to do was watch [business pitch reality show] Shark Tank ," she says. "We have a very competitive family and were sitting around pitching ideas. I had this business idea and knew it was good."

The Vaughn Family

WORDs Dwain Hebda images courtesy Dr. Wanda Vaughn

Wanda's big idea was rooted in the family's transition to being empty nesters. As the couple's youngest son was preparing for college, Wanda forced herself to take stock of the things cluttering her closets and other storage spaces.

"I call myself a hoarder by default," she says. "What that means is that I organize my stuff from one closet, and it makes me feel better to reorganize it and shift it to another closet. Through that process, I've accumulated a lot of stuff over all these years.

"I also was saving things for my children thinking maybe they'll use this one day, and they looked at me like, 'No, Mom, get rid of it.'"

While she resolved to get rid of the excess items once and for all, Wanda was disappointed at the lack of options available to do so. Garage sales weren't her thing, and she was morally opposed to simply throwing things away. Moreover, existing options for selling items—be it live, online, or a combination of the two—also had their challenges.

"With e-commerce, we greatly compromise our privacy," she says. “It's unsafe; I don't want to meet a stranger in a

parking lot, and I don't want anybody to come to my house. Then, on some sites, you must box it up and ship it, which is time-consuming. I've used consignment stores in the past, but often, they ask you to organize your things, only accept seasonal items, or have other requirements."

Wanda envisioned an app prioritizing privacy and simplicity for selling and buying unwanted items. This vision materialized as shopXchange, ensuring safe and secure transactions. Users are encouraged not to disclose their real identities, and robust security measures safeguard all personal information.

However, the real point of differentiation is how items change hands. Instead of boxing and shipping merchandise or handing it over in person, shopXchange uses a new, unique approach: signing up existing brick-and-mortar business locations as drop-off and pickup locations, which Wanda refers to as "Xchange sites."

"When you post an item, there's a dropdown menu with a list of businesses within your community," Wanda says. "As the poster, you can select the Xchange sites you want to use. Most individuals will use sites near their homes or on their route to work or school. When you get a sale, you receive a notification, by email or text, letting you know the item sold and to drop it off at the Xchange site you've selected. When you get there, you will give them a D number, the drop-off number.

"Once you provide the D number at the Xchange site, the person who purchased your item receives a notification that the item was delivered and ready to be picked up. The seller and buyer never meet."

Wanda said the incentives for companies to agree to be an Xchange site include a portion of the sale and, equally important, increased foot traffic.

"Advertising is an expense for any small business," she says. "With us, they get highlighted on the platform and their foot traffic increases. Every time a seller or buyer comes in, they can say, 'Hey, thanks for using us as an Xchange site;’ and provide

them incentives if they choose to. For example, a coupon for thirty percent off the next time you come in."

The entrepreneurship and small business world was familiar to Wanda, who has owned and operated the Arkansas Vision Development Center in Fort Smith for the past nineteen years. However, bringing shopXchange to reality required a different, specialized skill set.

"We researched app development companies and selected Square 6 in Siloam Springs," Wanda says. “We have worked with them since June 2022 to develop the app and have hired them to manage it.

"I will always remember calling Square 6 and telling them I was interested in developing an app. We met with a panel of owners, and when we told them what we wanted, I think their mouths hit the floor. They assumed because of my background that I was going to ask for an app related to the eyes, vision, or medical field."

The app, which went live earlier this year, is available through the App Store (Apple) and Google Play. Wanda says she has big plans for the family business, launching into various markets in phases.

"I want readers to understand that it's not just about me building a second business. I truly want to service our community," she says. "When I look at our economy and where we're at in our state and country today, it’s important to recycle and take back every dollar you can. shopXchange is about giving hardworking families a better way to earn some passive income.

"That's big for us; we want to provide a service to families and, in some cases, help them make ends meet. So many parents today are working multiple jobs, and if they can recoup $50, $25, or even $100 or $200, that could put food on the table. Those are the things that matter."

To learn more about shopXchange as a seller, buyer, or potential Xchange site, visit the company website at shopXchange.com. Download the app via the App Store (Apple) and Google Play.

Fort Smith Xchange Sites

Arkansas Vision Development Center

Bookish

DejaVu & New

Fifth J

Grand Antiques & Collectibles

Grand Central Storage

Grunge House

Omni Tea

Rags (Van Buren)

River Valley Fitness and Training Center

The Fence Man

Through the Years Antique Mall

True Grit Running Company

Dr. Wanda Vaughn

Berry bliss at Linam Family Farm

The Linam Family Farm's first crop of blackberries has ripened, and Chris and Tiffany Linam couldn't be happier.

WORDs Marla Cantrell images courtesy Angela Miller Photography

Tiffany and Chris Linam

On a mild afternoon in early May, the Linam Family Farm in Alma, Arkansas, smelled of honeysuckle and newly sprung grass. Rain earlier in the week had turned the Linams' pastures into puddles, but the two acres of blackberries thrived on higher ground, their tender white flowers tiny moons against the green vines.

Chickens of varying colors moved in circles across the soggy ground, their tiny heads jutting before them as they stepped. Sheep stood in a group a few yards away, much too cool to be seen with a school of common poultry. Two guard dogs named Ranger and Bella barked. Soon, Ranger was at the gate, his head against the metal rungs, eager for attention. Bella, always the professional, stared at Ranger with disdain.

As Tiffany Linam walked from her nearby home, songbirds chirped as loud as windchimes. And those sheep in a huddle? They rushed toward her, making a "baa" noise that boomed like a cow's bellow.

Both she and her husband, Chris, work full-time jobs. Chris operates an automotive diagnostic business from his home office. Tiffany is a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Her routine goes like this. When she gets home, she changes

into farm clothes and rubber boots. With her long black hair secured in a high ponytail, she heads for her stash of feed. The chickens, turkeys, and sheep recognize a shift in the day and walk alongside her, eager but not pushy. Well, except for one brown sheep, who marches and nudges as if she expected dinner five minutes ago. "She may have been a bottle-fed baby," Tiffany said. "Those seem to be the only sheep that trust humans." Trust, demand, whatever. The girl knows how the game works. And Tiffany loves her.

Tiffany loves all the animals—so much that when she and Chris learned that their livestock guardian dog, Bella, an Anatolian Shepard they'd rescued from a Kentucky farm, had a significant quirk, they decided to keep her. It wasn't that Bella wouldn't guard the flock. She'd once jumped so high she snatched a prowling chicken hawk out of mid-air. She took excellent care of her chickens but couldn't resist their eggs.

"Eggs started going missing," Tiffany said, "so we put out a trail camera to watch. Bella would wait for a hen to cackle [signaling she'd just laid an egg] and go in to get it from her."

The Linams installed a diagonal crossbar in the chicken coop door, leaving enough room for the hens to come and go but far too little space for Bella to navigate.

Chris and Tiffany weren't hardcore farmers until they moved from Fort Smith to Alma in 2020. Chris, who'd grown up with gardens but no livestock, wanted land with a pond. Tiffany, who'd grown up with chickens, guineas, and goats, saw no harm, so she agreed.

The land, just off U.S. Highway 71, was heavily forested. A ton of dirt work was necessary for them to carve out a farm and build a house. But the two had never shied away from manual labor. They'd spent most of their adult lives working hard during the day and enjoyed running and bicycling afterward.

At the farm, their idea of a workout changed. Who needs a gym when wrangling sheep and stewarding a blackberry field? And fences? Don't get Tiffany started. "Building fences is a medicine of sorts," she said, channeling her Moment of Zen.

In 2020, while Tiffany and Chris were constructing their dark-gray, metal "barndominium"—Chris even built the custom cabinets throughout—they were also buying registered Dorper sheep. Today, they have other breeds as well, like the Hair sheep that sheds its coat once a year. In the pasture was a prime example: a girl who looked like she'd thrown on a fuzzy wrap that had slipped off one shoulder.

Learning on the fly was hard. Tiffany said, "We went about it wrong: fire, ready, aim. Chris broke his arm while we were building. He was hammering with a broken arm. Interest rates were rising, so we were trying to finish as fast as possible. And then we had chickens dying."

Buffalo gnats were to blame. Tiffany took to a farming group on social media for help. It turns out gnats hate vanilla. "For the next

year, my chicken coops were covered in vanilla-scented air freshers for cars."

They bought bees, thinking they knew what they were doing. They did not. One of their first lambs didn't make it. All but two of their first turkeys got picked off, one a night, and that's when the Linams brought home Ranger.

One day, the Linams' neighbor, Randy Arnold, came to call. Randy owns Arnold Family Farm Store and strawberry fields across the road. He and Chris discussed crops. When the talk was over, Chris knew he wanted to grow blackberries.

"They are a superfruit," Chris said. "Plus, Randy had a contact with the extension office at the University of Arkansas. He introduced me to Dr. Amanda McWhirt. I put thought into this because Amanda discussed what it would involve in detail. When we tested the soil, we found it had the correct pH for blackberries."

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension is a wonder regarding farming blackberries. They've developed forty-three thornless varieties, six of which Chris uses, and their genetic research is utilized around the globe. When Chris visited their farm, he marveled at the benefit of their expertise. "I had four doctors here for advice."

When Chris started, he chose a rotating cross-arm trellis, which means the vines are on a system that allows easier, vertical picking on the shady side of the plants. It simplifies pruning, more air circulates, and the trellises lie flat when frost comes, allowing the Linams to cover their tender crop.

Nearby, a weather station alerts him of the dirt's moisture content. Chris installed a well

after his water bills soared to $1,000 for a single month last summer. He also has an irrigation system that allows for automatic fertilizing and uses as few chemicals as possible.

In early June, the Linams will open their farm to the public for about a month, testing their "you pick" model for the first time. Chris estimated the plants could produce as much as 10,000 pounds of fruit in their inaugural year of harvest.

Life on the farm has changed these city dwellers. A glass door in their bedroom gives them a view of the livestock. "The first thing I do in the morning is look out to ensure everyone is okay," Tiffany said.

It might sound like a burden, like a tether to the land. After all, how do you leave a farm for even a weekend when so much depends on your presence? Tiffany sees it differently. "Living this way has helped me recognize how good nature is for mental health. Disconnecting from all the distractions.

Watching lambs being born, tending to blackberries, and seeing them change over time."

Tiffany suddenly remembered a story from her childhood in Texas. Their chickens were falling prey to an overnight predator, so her mother grabbed a lawn chair and her shotgun to stand guard for as long as it took. At the time, Tiffany complained that her mother loved the chickens more than her children. Now, Tiffany knows the lengths you'll go to protect God's creatures. It's the solemn, unsung oath of every good farmer.

She and Chris found their place in the world. There are no neighbors nearby, no elaborate shopping centers, and no nightlife to speak of. On this farm, they've made their home. It is more than enough.

Linam Family Farm | 7111 U.S. Highway 71, Alma, Arkansas 72921

Blackberry You Pick Days should begin around the first of June. For more information, follow the Linam Family Farm Facebook page or visit linamfarm.com.

WORDs Nancy Blochberger IMAGEs courtesy Fort Smith Little Theatre

A Behind the Curtain at Fort Smith Little Theatre

nyone studying the traffic pattern at North Sixth and D Streets in downtown Fort Smith will find it very predictable. That location is home to Fort Smith Little Theatre, commonly called FSLT.

During weekday hours, it's relatively quiet. Only a few cars come and go as volunteers stop by to handle administrative duties, unload lumber, or deliver altered costumes. But about 6:30 p.m., a steady stream of cars brings cast and crew members to evening rehearsals. Then come the weekend warriors—set construction volunteers who arrive to swing a hammer or sling a paintbrush.

This pattern lasts for about four weeks while a show is rehearsing. Then, it escalates to a human beehive of activity for two weeks of performances. After a show closes on a Saturday night, the cast and crew reunite again on Sunday to

clean the facility and tear down the set. Auditions are held for the next production the following Monday, and this cycle starts over again. All. Year. Long.

This pattern has been predictable and thriving since 1947. As the oldest community theatre in Arkansas, this non-profit group exemplifies the adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

So, who are all these people coming and going from this location? A newspaper article from the 1950s preserved in FSLT's extensive archives says it best: "The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker – they're all acting in the forthcoming Little Theatre production. Or if they aren't, a closely related occupation is represented."

Many years have passed since that story was published, but according to Tina Dale, FSLT board president, it could

easily be reprinted today. "Our organization seems to pull a very eclectic group of people. Thinking back over recent casts, I can name a physician, human resource trainer, choir director, waitress, retail salesperson, graphic artist, teacher, college professor, journalist, chef, lawyer, and many retirees. And that's just off the top of my head," she said.

Some are drawn to centerstage, looking for a place to showcase their talent. Others have no theatrical background but are willing to learn new skills and want to make new friends. Dr. Joanne Peterson fits that description. An anatomy professor at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine by day, she is a jack-of-all-trades at FSLT by night.

"I was looking for a way to meet people outside of work at the college. I showed up at FSLT auditions and asked if there

Cast on the set of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024

was anything I could do to help. Before I could blink twice, I was helping with set construction and operating the light board. Since then, I have performed on stage, served as board president, and recently directed  The Lost Boy I don't have any theatre training, but I've had the privilege to learn from those who do. I'm proud of the performances we produce and so grateful for the friends I've made here," Peterson said.

Over the years, there have been many instances where volunteering together results in more than friendship. "Romance seems to flourish when you spend time together and develop common interests. In the past few years alone, four couples have married after meeting at FSLT," Dale said.

Family involvement is quite common as well. FSLT volunteer Gary Cameron explains, "My wife's favorite task is collecting furniture and props for the shows. I enjoy taking care of the FSLT building and constructing sets. We both try to squeeze in a little stage time as well. A few years ago, my stepdaughter got involved. Now, my teenage grandchildren have found ways to participate. They have learned that while no one wears helmets or shoulder pads, theatre is a team sport. You can deliver a line on stage, but many others support you – putting the light on your face, handing you a prop, fitting your costume, and so much more."

While it's interesting that people from all walks of life come together at FSLT, it's downright remarkable when

you consider they are all volunteers. Everyone onstage and backstage is donating their time and talents so that others can enjoy good entertainment.

What's their motivation? To quote another newspaper article from the FSLT archives, "The Little Theatre has but two purposes—to provide entertainment to Fort Smith and to have a good time doing it."

"If you think about it, how FSLT operates doesn't sound like a solid business plan. After all, our organization requires many volunteer hours, loads of talent, loyal audience members, and support from generous donors and businesses. And yet, here we are, providing year-round entertainment for seventy-seven years," Dale said.

This unique theatre troupe began when members of the Young Ladies Guild of Sparks Hospital (now Baptist Health) met in 1947 and heard a presentation by Mrs. James W. Pattee, Jr. Having earned a degree in dramatics at Northwestern University, Florabell (Flo) Pattee had performed professionally in New York.

Living in Fort Smith while her husband, James, was stationed at Camp Chaffee during WWII, Pattee brought her theatrical experience to the table and proposed that the guild sponsor a Little Theatre. Seventy-five percent of proceeds from performances would fund the purchase of surgical equipment for Sparks Hospital, and the remainder would help launch the community theatre – the first of its kind in Arkansas. The project was approved, and the rest is history.

After the production of  Mr. and Mrs. North , the theatre's first performance, a separate board of directors was elected and would be shepherded by the hospital guild for several years.

In 1952, FSLT came of age. They performed their first independent production and bought a facility to

Gary Cameron, Reece Whitt building the carriage for Cinderella 2023

Allie Gooden, Shannon Stoddard in Cinderella 2023

Barbara Richardson, Micki Voelkel in Arsenic & Old Lace 2023

convert into a performance space. The building was an empty grocery store on North O Street. It had not the slightest resemblance to a theatre. Actors and set designers had to work around the support poles throughout the building—even on the stage. By the 1980s, with success well-established, the theatre had outgrown that location. So, in 1986, FSLT relocated to its present site.

"People always ask me, 'Don't you dream of a bigger facility?' My answer is no. We love our 200-seat auditorium. Patrons in the front row can literally reach out and touch the actors! Yes, it has challenges for some productions and requires a lot of creativity from set

designers, but you just can't beat the intimacy of our stage," Dale said.

More than 9,000 people annually come to downtown Fort Smith for FSLT performances, and those audiences are as diverse as the actors on stage. While some attendees may be theatre buffs, most are just looking for good entertainment—a date night or a girls' night out in a casual, comfortable setting.

"It's important to us to provide good entertainment, but we want to do so at an affordable price. Fortunately, our season ticket patrons, community donors, and volunteers help control our operating costs and rising prices for things like lumber, utilities, and insurance," Dale said.

So, what does the future hold for this organization? “We have a long and healthy road ahead, partly because there is an amazingly deep pool of talent in this area and also because children's theatres and school arts programs are nurturing a future generation who will appreciate live theatre. I hope those students will find their way to FSLT when they are ready to participate in theatre as adults," Dale said. “We'll be here, and we'll leave the light on!"

NEXT UP

Light Up the Sky | June 1-8

Hello, Dolly! | July 18-August 8 Visit fslt.org for tickets and details and follow along on social media.

Sadie Bagley, John Hall in The Lost Boy 2024

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness month. Melissa Curry, CEO of Methodist Village Senior Living in Fort Smith, shares her story.

On a Saturday morning when teenaged Melissa Curry was far too young to handle a crisis, she drove to her grandmother's house in Hartman, Arkansas. She'd come to take Grandma Laura to Piggly Wiggly, as she did every weekend. But when Melissa arrived, she found an imposter.

"Grandma opened the screen door. She was wearing orange polyester pants, a white button-down shirt, Mardi Gras beads," Melissa says. "She'd taken a box of orange Jello and rubbed the powder on her cheeks. Her white hair, always in a bun, was down."

Melissa's grandmother, a devout Pentecostal, didn't wear pants. She didn't wear make-up. She certainly didn't wear Mardi Gras beads.

There had been a few signs that her grandmother was having memory problems, but nothing that was cause for alarm, so Melissa didn't have reason to worry. She laughed when her grandmother opened the door, thinking the new look must be a joke. But when her grandmother spoke, this is what she said: "'I need you to take me down to Pluggies so I can fetch me a fella.'" Pluggies was a store where the men in town gathered to people-watch.

"I talked her into going to Piggly Wiggly instead. I'm seventeen, a young girl, so embarrassed. I remember pushing the cart, trying to get everything as fast as I could. Every man

WORDs Marla Cantrell IMAGEs courtesy Melissa Curry

Melissa Curry and Grandma Laura

we passed, she'd go up to. 'Hi, honey. How ya doin’?’” Grandma even flirted with the teen boy sacking groceries. Melissa was in tears on the way back. She unloaded the bags, trying to make sense of the morning. Her grandmother disappeared into the bathroom. When she returned, she had questions.

"She called me Baby Blue. She said, 'Baby Blue, why am I wearing these pants?'" Wanting to spare her grandmother's feelings, Melissa answered, "I think you were going to work in the garden." But even when she worked outdoors, she wore a skirt hitched up between her calves, secured – the hallmark of a religious farmwoman of a certain age.

"My grandmother looked at me and said, 'Oh yeah, that's right.' And I knew at that moment she didn't know why she had those pants on. I cried all the way home. I decided not to wait until Saturday to see her again. I told her I'd pick her up for church on Wednesday night. When I came to the door, her hair was up. She had a dress on. I said, 'Praise the Lord.' We got back home, and she said, 'You know what, Baby Blue, somebody's been breaking into my house. They're stealing stuff. Then they're coming back at night and putting it someplace else.'"

Melissa wiped away tears as she drove home. She called her mom to tell her something was very wrong. They made a doctor's appointment and learned that Grandma had dementia, which was likely Alzheimer's disease. At that time, Alzheimer's was a relatively new word. People would say Old Timer's disease or hardening of the arteries.

Melissa spent hours at the library researching dementia. She volunteered at the Johnson County Nursing Home, finding out all she could about the aging process.

Melissa's grandmother lived for eighteen more years in the care of her family, and two kind women the family hired to live with her. She died on a Christmas morning.

During those years, Melissa learned how to love someone who was fading away. When her grandmother saw a giant chicken in her house, Melissa would pretend to shoo it away. When her grandmother became agitated, Melissa would soothe her by redirecting her. She doesn't understand how she intuitively knew what to do except for this: "God was with me."

My best advice is, after the diagnosis, find a support group. Don't be embarrassed. Dementia is an organ disease, not a mental illness. Millions of others are going through the same thing as you.

In the years that followed, Melissa worked with the Alzheimer's Association. She trained Alzheimer's professionals in multiple states. Melissa has studied the disease for a quarter of a century, becoming one of only a handful of certified dementia care managers in the nation. As CEO of Methodist Village Senior Living in Fort Smith, she oversaw the multi-million-dollar expansion that included an Alzheimer's Special Care Unit.

Alzheimer's is an incurable brain disease that grows worse as time marches on. The brain shrinks, and brain cells die. Changes can be gradual. Forgotten conversations, losing things, repeating questions, changes in grooming and hygiene, problems with balance, and getting lost. At first, the person affected is aware that something's amiss, and it's frightening for them.

Other symptoms might be changes in behavior and personality, such as Melissa's grandmother's experience. Reasoning and decision-making can become difficult. And the person's perception of money can change dramatically. "They might go in a highdollar store and buy a sweater for $900, thinking that's normal."

Early testing is essential. Other causes of memory loss include interactions with medicines or supplements. Even urinary tract

infections, particularly in women, can cause confusion because they increase ammonia in the brain.

In the United States, there are approximately 7 million people older than sixty-five with Alzheimer's disease. More than seventy percent of that group are over seventy-five. In Arkansas, as of 2020, the number was 60,400, or eleven percent of residents older than sixty-five.

The number of caregivers in the state is 155,000—11 million nationwide—most of whom are family members. Nearly seventythree percent of them have chronic health conditions, with thirtyeight percent reporting bouts of depression.

Melissa cited an even more startling statistic. "Sixty-seven percent of caregivers die first. It's so mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining.

"My best advice is, after the diagnosis, find a support group. Don't be embarrassed. Dementia is an organ disease, not a mental illness. Millions of others are going through the same thing as you."

Years ago, Melissa met a woman who was caring for her husband. She slept in a recliner pushed against the front door, so she'd wake in case he tried to wander off at night. The back door was nailed shut; it was a dangerous situation. She even bathed with the bathroom door open to keep an eye on him. He wanted to go home, not realizing he was already there. In his recollection, he was a much younger person living in an entirely different house.

"When I did support groups, I knew which ones weren't taking care of themselves. These ladies would come in with roots showing. They didn't have time to dye their hair, not even when they did it themselves."

The subject hits even closer to home these days. Melissa's father, the strong, brilliant head of their household, is coping with the disease. He's at home with Melissa's mom, doing well, considering. Her mother loves having him close. The family helps, and Melissa keeps a close eye, looking for any sign that her mom is overwhelmed.

"My dad and I are so much alike. We're driven. Sometimes, it feels like I'm waiting on the inevitable. I'll forget a word during a conversation and wonder. But just because my dad and grandmother had the disease, it doesn't mean I will. Even if I got genetic testing that was positive, it would only mean I had a greater chance."

The grand hope is for a cure. Until then, some treatments can temporarily improve symptoms, with even more in development. Research shows that exercising and eating a heart-healthy diet may help prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease.

Melissa was far too young when she found her grandmother at the screen door, so unfamiliar she could have been a stranger. Melissa could have run away, called her mother, gone for a drive to clear her head. But that troublesome Saturday, in the aisles of Piggly Wiggly, Melissa felt something elemental shift. She believes God allowed the experience to open her eyes. There were people she could help, people whose fate she understood. Sometimes, you find your calling after a long and winding search. But sometimes, your calling finds you.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS

Methodist Village Senior Living 1st Tuesday, 10:30a

4th Thursday, 5:30p

7425 Euper Lane, Fort Smith

Fort Smith Alzheimer's Support Group

2nd Thursday, 4p

Blue Cross, Blue Shield

3501 Old Greenwood Rd., Fort Smith

Van Buren Alzheimer's Support Group

2nd Wednesday, 6p

Legacy Heights

1012 Fayetteville Rd., Van Buren

Alzheimer's national hotline, 800.272.3900, available 24/7.

More information is available at alz.org.

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This Old House

WORDs Marla Cantrell images courtesy Jeannie Wester, Richard and Heath Weindel and BN Focus Productions

I'm sorry to tell you that you'll never have the pleasure of meeting Joseph Robert (Bob) Ebbing and his wife, Colyne Williams Ebbing. Bob, born in 1931, died in 2015. His wife, born in 1936, passed away three years later. Both worked at Dixie Cup in Fort Smith, Arkansas, but they lived in Barling on a farm that covered fifty-nine acres. The Ebbings adored their life. Even in death, they sent that message. Their double headstone at Saint Mary's Cemetery shows a tractor, a barn, and a set of wedding bands – their wedding date engraved into the stone: May 4, 1956.

BY 1956,

Bob and Colyne Ebbing had a plan. They'd buy an old farmhouse and fill it with their children. They'd work the land. When there was a chance, they'd go camping or take a trip to the lake.

In 1957, they bought their piece of paradise, set on the highest point in Barling, with a green, two-story house built between 1901 and 1903. They planted peas and sweet potatoes—massive amounts of the latter. They bought Black Angus cattle. Bob grew to cherish those cows, even when one injured him enough to cost him a stay in the hospital. When he came home, he only bought more.

They tried for a family, waiting for their babies to arrive, but none ever did. The two weathered their disappointment. When their nieces and nephews visited, the Ebbings covered them with love. And when it was harvesttime on the farm, those same kids and their families showed up to help.

One of the nephews is Richard Weindel, who's now on the fading side of middle age. He stands in the old Ebbing house, marveling at the restored long-grain pine floors. When they were refurbished, a piece of the flooring had to be replaced, which could have caused a hardship. Developer Steve Gann, a partner in Barling Place, LLC, says they don't make floors like that anymore. Luckily, their carpenter happened to have one lonely piece of long-grain pine in his barn and offered it up like a prize.

It was one of the many tense moments during the remaking of the Ebbing farmhouse. Steve talks about missed deadlines and a reasonable budget that blossomed into a weedy field. He throws around words about the old house: knob-and-tube wiring, plaster walls, and—the best surprise— craftsman-like framing that fit together like a Lincoln Log set.

Today, the house on its remaining half-acre is a reimagining of the old—the 120-year-old framing remains, as do some of the original floors and stairs, a water well in the garage, a tiny rock house where farm workers used to stay, and a stone basement that once held the family's sweet potato harvest.

The rest is a shiny new farmhouse that looks like something out of a Restoration Hardware catalog. If designer Joanna Gaines stepped out on the porch with a smudge of paint on her cheek from her latest renovation project, you wouldn't be surprised.

Richard taps a rectangle of darker wood on the living room floor with his toe. It's a section where carpenters removed a wall to enlarge the space. Richard says, "I can still see how it used to be. This house was in my backyard growing up."

He points. "Uncle Bob and Aunt Colyne's farm adjoined my grandpa's (Mom and Uncle Bob's dad's) farm. There used to be three tractors here. I took them home to my house." Richard had been riding one of those tractors since he was five.

Richard tries to explain what life was like then, at a time when Barling seemed a great distance from Fort Smith. He remembers the drive to the now-closed St. Anne's Catholic High School in the

1970s, where he was a student. "We called it 'crossing the prairie,'" Richard says, tugging his ball cap's brim. The bigger city seemed eons away.

Richard learned how to make do with what you had. "When something breaks on a farm, you fix it. You don't call a plumber or an electrician. Uncle Bob was the same way. He fixed things. He built his first stock trailer. He built a flatbed trailer."

Richard's son Heath, a mechanical engineer, is standing beside his dad. "My friends joke about me. I'm always fixing something. But that's what I know." Physical labor was only part of it. "My best memory is watching fireworks. We

determined this was the highest point in Barling. You could watch the [Fourth of July] fireworks from Fort Smith, Greenwood, everywhere. The F16s [from the 188 Air National Guard] used to fly right over this area. In the summers, when we'd be working on the farm, we'd see them fly over."

Heath has a hundred stories about his Uncle Bob and Aunt Colyne. "She was my favorite aunt," he says. Many of those stories end with Uncle Bob, a Korean War veteran with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, saying, "Don't tell Colyne." Like the time Heath was helping him roof the tiny rock house and ran out of green shingles. On the side farthest from the main house's window,

Bob and Colyne Ebbing

Uncle Bob pulled out some old leftover black shingles that didn't match at all. With his mouth set just so, he said to Heath, "Let's not tell Colyne." Richard agrees, shakes his head, and smiles.

After Bob and Colyne passed, the farm was left to their nieces and nephews. There was no easy way to divide the land, so the group decided to sell. When Barling Place, LLC bought the property, they planned a neighborhood. A street would run through where the house stood. But Steve Gann's wife, Rebecca, wasn't having it. She could see a new story ready to be written. After a convincing argument, the street was

rerouted, saving the Ebbing farmhouse from demolition.

Rebecca designed the interior with a new chapter in mind, choosing things like a new brick floor in the kitchen, hoping the right buyers would walk in and say "home."

Steve wants the buyer to hear the story of how they found 2,000 bushel baskets in the basement. He wants them to know that the original framing studs were carved into planks of wood that stood two stories high. He wants them to see the original well in the garage, which is untapped but ready to provide

water again, and the stone basement that nearly vibrates with memories of life on an Arkansas farm. "They just don't make 'em like that anymore," Steve said. They really don't.

All old things become new again, given enough care. The Ebbing house is an example. The old red oak standing in the front yard bears witness. There was a farm in Barling. Now, there's this house filled with memories, restored and ready for a new family. I wish we could have met Uncle Bob and Aunt Colyne. At least now, we know what kind of people they were—they were the best of how it used to be.

WITH ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S PULMONOLOGY

There’s nothing more important than your child breathing easily. Arkansas Children’s Pulmonary Clinic provides expert care to infants and children with complete diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic lung disease. We are experts in treating pediatric asthma, with over 25 nationally certified asthma educators throughout A rkansas Children’s health s ystem. Our sleep disorders lab helps children suffering from sleep apnea and other sleep-related conditions.

We provide pediatric care for a variety of other conditions, learn more at archildrens.org/pulmcare.

Summer

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 24)

FOR THE CUPCAKES

• 2 cups flour, all-purpose

• ¾ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• cup butter, softened

• 1 ¼ cups sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup milk

• ¼ cup rum

• 1 cup toasted coconut

• 1 lime, zested, plus more for garnish

FOR THE FROSTING

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 5 cups powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 Tablespoons white rum

• 2-4 Tablespoons half and half

FOR THE PUR É E

• 1lb fresh strawberries, washed and hulled, plus more for garnish

• 1 Tablespoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice, fresh

METHOD

FOR THE CUPCAKES

Preheat oven to 350 ˚ F. Line muffin tins with paper liners, set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir, set aside. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat butter until softened, then add sugar and vanilla. Mix until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, milk, and rum. Alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream mixture to the creamed butter, mixing after each until combined. Fold in coconut and lime zest, then add batter to the liners. Bake 12-15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then remove cupcakes from the tin and let cool completely on a wire rack.

FOR THE FROSTING

In a medium bowl, beat the butter until light and creamy. Add salt, and 1 cup of sugar at a time, beating between each cup until combined. Add rum and a bit of half and half until preferred consistency is achieved. Frost cupcakes as desired.

FOR THE STRAWBERRY PUR É E

Add hulled strawberries, sugar and lemon juice to a blender and puree. Place mixture into a pan and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Stir constantly, mixture will thicken. Reduce heat to low, simmer 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat, pour into a bowl or jar, let cool.

GARNISH CUPCAKES

Using a teaspoon, place a small amount of puree on the top of each cupcake and garnish with a fresh strawberry slice, thin lime wedge and a straw. Enjoy!

Taste of the Tropics

Pina Colada Margarita

RECIPe adapted burratandbubbles.com Image Oksana Mizina/Shutterstock

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ounces tequila, preferably reposado

• 2 ounces pineapple juice

• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

• 1 ounce cream of coconut

• 1 ounce Cointreau

• sugar or coconut for rimming glass, optional

METHOD

Rim glass with coconut or sugar; set aside. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, pineapple and lime juice, cream of coconut (not coconut milk), and Cointreau. Shake well. Add ice to prepared glass, strain in mixture. Garnish as desired. Enjoy!

Always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

APARTMENTS ON GOLF COURSE

N UNDERWORLD let's go on an

othing says adventure like exploring the surreal landscape within the depths of a secretive underworld. We are fortunate to have such an attraction in the Natural State—Blanchard Springs Caverns, located in Stone County, near Mountain View. Blanchard Springs Caverns is a world-renowned attraction. During its first season of operation in 1973, it welcomed visitors from forty-eight states and twenty-nine foreign countries!

Blanchard Springs Caverns is a remarkable cave system meticulously maintained for visitors' enjoyment. Inside, you'll find a dynamic environment where formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones continue to evolve due to mineral deposition from dripping water. The caverns have a constant year-round temperature of 58°F and nearly 100% relative humidity, with paved trails that tend to be wet. A lightweight jacket and low-heeled, nonslip shoes are recommended.

ADVENTURE

The adventure begins at the Visitor Information Center. Learning about the caverns' history and the ecological occurrences that contributed to their creation enhances your tour. Explore the exhibits that tell the stories of plants and animals that call the caverns home. Then, relax in the exhibit hall and watch a colorful preview of the adventure that awaits you. The "The Amazing World Below" video explains in layman's terms how the caverns formed.

During the pathway construction and installation of the lowlevel lighting and air-lock system, crews took great care to protect the delicate underground environment. After thirty years of tours, these measures have helped maintain Blanchard Springs as a 'living' cave, a testament to the Forest Service's commitment to preserve its natural beauty.

WORDs Bob Robinson images courtesy Arkansas.com and named photographers

The caverns have three levels, two of which are currently available for guided tours. Unlike early explorers, who had to descend a seventy-foot natural shaft using a rope ladder, today's visitors start their spelunking adventure with relative ease. A quick elevator ride delivers you to the start of the tour, some 216 feet below the surface. Expert guides from the Forest Service lead the tours, ensuring an informative experience as visitors explore well-lit paved walking paths with handrails for easy navigation.

DRIPSTONE TRAIL TOUR

The Dripstone Trail is the first tour after exiting the elevator and is available year-round. Immediately, a lighted, breathtaking view of the enormous gallery of geological formations is on display. The half-mile-long chamber takes about ten hours to experience and is the most decorated area in the caverns. All stairs can be avoided, making it accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. As the trail courses through the Cathedral Room, over three football fields long, visitors are amazed by the multitude of fragile crystalline stalactites and soda straw formations.

Original cavern entrance photo by Bailey Green

The array of colors highlighting these speleothems is made possible by impurities absorbed by the water after flowing through the mountain's crystal calcite. The yellow, brown, or orange colors result from iron ore, while the black, blue-gray, and pastel blue colors are from manganese compounds. Nestled within this region lies a captivating sight crafted over centuries. Persistent moisture droplets have etched a remarkable formation resembling a battleship upon the cavern wall.

THE DISCOVERY TOUR

After the Dripstone Tour, visitors can exit the cavern and board a bus to return to the Visitor Center or continue to the Discovery Tour. The Discovery Tour is the most significant section of the cavern, covering about 1.2 miles and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. With over 700 stair steps along the tour, it is not recommended for those with health issues or who need help walking.

Although not as ornate with dripstones, it does include the Ghost Room and the Giant Flowstone. At 164 feet long, thirtythree feet wide, and thirty feet thick, it is one of the most extensive flowstone formations in the U.S. Its shimmering, sheetlike white curtains cover the cave's walls, creating a somewhat ghostly yet beautiful, ethereal ambiance.

Visitors also witness the first sighting of the stream that created the caverns. As the shallow, crystal-clear waters flow across the cavern floor, the calcite deposits create thin walls known as Rimstone Dams—these interconnected pools of water form delicate, elaborate cellular designs.

Ghost Room photo by Dave Bunnell

Giant Flowstone photo by Eric Hunt

The tour follows in the footsteps of earlier explorers, who entered using the rope ladder through the natural opening. Guides point out campsites occupied by those explorers, allowing visitors to envision their experience.

THE WILD CAVE TOUR

The Wild Cave Tour has been closed but may reopen later this year. This is the tour for adventurous spelunkers who seek a more challenging underworld experience as it explores the undeveloped sections of the mid-level caverns. The three-tofour-hour experience entails crawling on your hands and knees up steep slopes, wedging under low ceilings, and scaling large boulders—much like the original explorers.

BLANCHARD SPRINGS

This area of the Natural State isn't just about what lies beneath the surface; it's a treasure trove surrounded by the stunning sights of the Ozark National Forest. At its heart is Blanchard Springs, a year-round spring nestled at the mountain's base, lending its name to the caverns. From its source

flows Mill Creek, forming the picturesque Mirror Lake with the aid of underground springs. Cascading over a man-made dam, it creates a mesmerizing waterfall before joining Sylamore Creek, weaving its way through Blanchard Springs Campground.

Such natural wonders, so close together, offer an unparalleled Ozark experience. It's a place where beauty and awe converge, beckoning all to explore its marvels.

House and Home

Home is where the heart is! Where you live and how you maintain the place you call home are big decisions and can quickly become overwhelming. Do South® has partnered with local experts with the experience and professionalism needed to help you get the job done right! When you utilize these local businesses, you give back to our community, making it an even better place to call home!

2001 Old Greenwood Rd., Fort Smith

479.782.7974

brick.com/fortsmith

Acme Brick is the best thing to have around your house! Founded in 1891, Acme Brick Company celebrated 133 years in business on April 17th, 2024. Acme has 15 brick plants and 50 company sales offices across 13 states, one of which is in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Acme Brick Company makes bricks for every type of home and on every budget. A 100-year limited guarantee backs all residential bricks made by Acme Brick Company, but bricks are only the beginning. At our Fort Smith location, we also sell tile, luxury waterproof vinyl, engineered and hardwood flooring, stone, metal siding, and outdoor grills. We invite you to explore our showroom – you’ll be amazed!

6934 Alianna Way, Fort Smith

Contact: Nicole Swanson

479.650.0102 / nswanson@erc.com

Alianna redefines the experience of homeownership in the River Valley. Immerse yourself in a relaxed city lifestyle intertwined with nature, which makes Alianna unique. The Chaffee Crossing area is the center of growth in Fort Smith, and Alianna is the community you want to be in to experience that growth. Alianna amenities include a 100% gated community; Community pool and hammock park; Backyard connection to a 20+ mile trail system; 5–10-minute walk or drive to Restaurants; Hair Salon; High-End Bottle Shop; River Valley Nature Center; Kayaking/Canoeing; Multi-Use Trails; Cycling; Fishing; Soccer; Golf; Pickleball Courts.

7101 US 271, Fort Smith 479.344.3976 allisonsalesonline.com

Allison Sales Co. is your number-one source for all things floors! Locally owned and family-operated, we provide a wide selection of the best products. We are particularly passionate about glass, custom mirrors, framing, carpet, luxury vinyl, hardwood, laminate, and tile flooring. Our design experts can help determine your next steps in the selection and purchasing experience! From high-end to budget-conscious buyers, we have products to help meet all your needs. We pride ourselves on taking excellent care of our customers and offering sameday appointments in our showroom. Contact us today for a consultation or a free estimate and let us help you turn your house into a home!

115 N. 12th St., Fort Smith 479.784.2000 aogc.com

We’re proud to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy. Natural gas provides comfort and support for our daily lives and plays a key role in today’s energy mix, serving as a reliable bridge towards a more diversified and sustainable energy future. It provides the best overall energy value to heat your home or business, with gas furnaces and boilers up to 97% efficient. Besides keeping you warm and cozy, you can use natural gas for more efficient water heating, faster clothes drying, and more control when you cook. You can even enjoy a relaxing evening by a beautiful gas fireplace, and you’ll never run out of gas for your grill. Natural gas – energy for life!

6121 S. Zero, Fort Smith

725 S. 48th St., Springdale 479.648.3483 / 479.756.5511 burtonpools.com

Why wait for a vacation when paradise can be just steps away? With a swimming pool in your backyard, you'll enjoy endless hours of relaxation, exercise, and family fun without the hassle of travel. Create cherished memories with loved ones right at home whenever you desire. Burton Pools & Spas is a trusted company creating backyard vacations for 46 years. Call Burton Pools & Spas today—they don't just build swimming pools; they build long-term relationships!

Transform your living space into a sanctuary with DD Floor Covering. Discover an unparalleled selection of flooring, area rugs, shutters, and custom drapes, that harmonize style with durability. Whether you envision the warmth of hardwood, the luxury of carpet, or the versatility of vinyl, we offer quality products, professional installation, and excellent customer service. From cozy bedrooms to bustling kitchens, we ensure every corner of your home reflects your personality. We buy a great deal of our products from an Arkansas distributer, and support USA products every way we can. Trust our expertise to transform your vision into reality, with expert advice and professional installation services. Visit with one of our friendly designers today!

Chaffee Crossing Branch

9100 Maysview Lane, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.651.2092

chuckfawcettrealty.com

Chuck Fawcett Realty, Inc. is a trusted name in home, commercial, and land sales in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. Where you live has such a significant influence on your happiness. Let us show you The Meadows of Chaffee, where you can enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of all Chaffee Crossing offers. A high-efficiency, beautiful home with high-quality detail is ready for you to enjoy! Call today for more information.

Buddy 479.806.3996 / Kasey 479.650.0704 eastvillagegreenwood.com / Facebook

Discover the beauty of East Village Greenwood - homes available now in the all-new subdivision on the east side of the family-friendly City of Greenwood, Arkansas! Located only fifteen minutes from Fort Smith, Greenwood is known for its safety and fire protection, and it is one of the best school systems boasting academics, athletics, clubs, and activities. Be sure to visit with "Buddy the Builder" to discuss the extra benefits you receive when purchasing a home from L 6: L Development. Call Buddy at 479.806.3996 or Kasey with McGraw Realtors at 479.650.0704. Check us out at www. eastvillagegreenwood.com, on Facebook at L&L Development, or houzz.com. Greenwood – it just feels like home!

5111 Rogers Ave., Ste. 531, Fort Smith 479.452.6213

The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders, established in 1955, is a professional organization that promotes quality housing for our community. We strive to increase public awareness of our member's products and services and advocate industry standards. Today, the Association is proud to have over 200 local firms on its membership roll. Our councils and committees oversee projects such as the annual Home Show, Parade of Homes, Showcase Home, and Scholarship Golf Tournament. The GFSHBA is not only for builders—many types of businesses also enjoy membership benefits. Call today to see how your business could utilize what the GFSHBA offers!

4915 Zero St., Fort Smith 479.649.4902

info@greathousefixtures.com

For almost 50 years, GreatHouse Fixtures (by J&B Supply) has offered top-tier wholesale plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning products across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. Our extensive range of fixtures caters to every style, taste, and aesthetic, ensuring a perfect fit for every room in your home - from the cozy living room to the luxurious bathroom, the bustling kitchen to the elegant dining room, and even outdoor spaces like your deck! Do you have a vision in mind? Let us bring it to life. Our dedicated team will assist you in selecting the ideal pieces to seamlessly integrate them with the rest of your space and home decor. Walk-in or schedule a consultation with our in-house experts today!

Jeannie Wester, Realtor

4720 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith

479.459.2394

jeannie.wester@gmail.com

Are you buying or selling a property? If so, let's work together! The process can be stressful without the right real estate agent. With experience and knowledge of the area and market, you can rely on us for the best result. Interested in building your dream home? Magnolias at The Ranch is one of the newest subdivisions near Chaffee Crossing! Less than 10 minutes from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, it features walking/biking trails, shopping, the Arkansas River, Janet Huckabee Nature Center, Wells Lake, and Mercy Hospital. As a multimillion-dollar producer licensed in Arkansas and Oklahoma, I specialize in making my clients feel at home! Whether you are buying or selling, I'd love to help you!

Our dedicated team offers expert foundation repair services tailored to your needs. With over thirty years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, we diagnose and address foundation issues efficiently and effectively. From minor cracks to major structural problems, we provide thorough assessments and reliable solutions to protect your property's integrity. We prioritize customer satisfaction, ensuring transparent communication and exceptional service every step of the way. Don't let foundation concerns compromise the safety and stability of your home or business. Trust us to deliver reliable repairs and lasting results. Contact us today for a consultation and experience the difference firsthand. We put integrity back in your home’s foundation!

Barbie Johnson: 479.459.5675

Abby Scott: 479.459.5678 johnsonrealtygroup.kw.com

Johnson Realty Group lives in and serves the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas. With a combined 20+ years of experience, this mother/daughter team gives fun and friendly service in helping folks to buy, sell, or invest in Real Estate. We realize a home purchase is most likely the largest purchase most folks make, and our goal is to make it enjoyable throughout the process and help you get to your end goal, whether that be downsizing, upsizing, creating a homestead, investing, or moving into our area. In the River Valley, call Barbie Johnson for any of your Real Estate needs at 479-459-5675. In Northwest Arkansas, Abby Scott would love the opportunity to assist you with all your real estate needs! You can reach her at 479-459-5678.

3407 Industrial Park Rd., Van Buren

479.474.4444

lumberone.org

Lumber One has been and remains the area’s only locally owned and operated full-service lumber yard since opening in May 2002. Lumber One is here to provide a level of service that sets us apart as the best in the marketplace against our competitors. We can supply you with the materials to tackle your projects whether you’re a professional home builder, commercial contractor, or do-it-yourselfer. Lumber One is part of the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders. Let our experts give you the assistance you need and the materials to get the job done right!

508 West Ray Fine Blvd., Roland 479.461.3796

luxedoorco.com

Luxe Door Co. has a new, inviting showroom! Locally owned and operated, Luxe Door Co. proudly provides innovative door, glass wall, and window systems to the market. Backed by 16 years of experience in the construction industry as a general contractor, they have the expertise and understanding required to offer something unique to our community. They specialize in new construction, removal, and replacement of entry doors, sliding glass walls, and European tilt-turn windows. Their products are aesthetically pleasing and affordable and fill the needs of homeowners, interior designers, and contractors looking for a fully integrated, customizable, high-quality system. Call today and let Luxe help you create the home of your dreams.

Meregold Home & Décor

Facebook / Instagram

What a great time to transform your house into a warm and welcoming Meregold home! Whether it is a new home, or you want to add a new look to your existing home, Meregold has one of the largest selections of unique and creative home décor pieces in the River Valley. We strive to provide a fun and relaxed shopping experience as you browse our curated collection of home, pool, and patio accents. We have so many great gift ideas for every occasion, including Father’s Day! We also feature hand-poured candles in distinctive wood and beaded bowls, the latest trends in jewelry and accessories, and gift certificates. Come visit our store – you will have a great time!

Are you delaying the sale of your home for various reasons? You may be waiting until the kids are settled in school, for the arrival of spring, for the holiday season to pass, for interest rates to drop, or waiting for the Hogs to win their conference… okay, we’re all waiting for that, but when selling your home, there might be better strategies than waiting. Instead of putting off the inevitable, consider this: the perfect time to sell might be now. And if that's the case for you, Fort Smith Realtors Nick and Ellie Glidewell are here to assist you every step of the way. With eager buyers in the market, don't miss out on finding the right one for your home!

Rosalba DeMondesert

1301 S. Waldron Rd., Fort Smith 479.629.3570

rosalba@warnockrealestate.com

I am honored to call Fort Smith home for the past 29 years!

Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, I am fluent in Spanish and English. I chose Warnock because of its reputable agents, known for their professionalism, talent, work ethic, and years of experience. My coworkers have provided me with a strong support system dedicated to helping you with all your real estate needs. I am committed to working to the best of my abilities for you and providing the best assistance possible in all real estate matters. Call me and let me show you how diligently I will work for you!

Step into The Potting Shed, a charming gift shop in downtown Alma! Nestled inside, you’ll discover an assortment of devotionals and everyday worship books that nourish the soul. The air is filled with the delightful fragrances of Tyler Candle products and the Capri Blue fragrance line, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Explore thoughtful selections ranging from precious baby gifts to fun jewelry, pampering skincare items, and tasteful home decor. You’ll also find a curated collection of gourmet food items, ensuring there is something for everyone at The Potting Shed! Stop by and see us, we have new items arriving weekly!

OUR SERVICES

RETAIL

Elevate your space with Superior Shutters in Northwest Arkansas. Timeless shutters, shades, and blinds tailored to your style.

REPAIR

Superior Shutters NW Arkansas: Expert repair services for your window treatments. Restore functionality and beauty with us.

INSTALLATION

Elevate your space with Superior Shutters' expert window installations, blending sophistication and functionality in Northwest Arkansas.

ABOUT US

Superior Shutters started as a small business over 30 years ago. At the time, the business specialized in cleaning blinds only. With a demand for a good retailer in the area, it became evident that the business needed to evolve, and so it did! We want to serve every one of our clients the exact same way, no matter the factors that make the job, such as, size, price, etc. We strive to be professional and friendly, and we hope to exceed any expectations you may have! Our vision is to provide all window covering in our serviced area. This means we want to meet all demands and price points. We believe we are the best, and we want everyone to be able to experience that!

Discover the art of window styling with Superior Shutters, your premier destination for exquisite shutters, shades, and blinds. We provide countless design possibilities that cater to your unique taste and lifestyle. From the classic charm of shutters to the versatile allure of shades and the modern functionality of blinds, we curate a selection that embodies elegance and practicality. Our dedicated and experienced team can guide you through the world of window fashions and help you choose the perfect solution to enhance your space. At Superior Shutters, we blend creativity with quality, ensuring that every window becomes a canvas for self-expression and style. If you’re considering purchasing shutters, shades, or blinds, call us today!

Why choose Westark Plumbing? We are locally owned, and we have kept the River Valley flowing since 1993! We stand behind our work, and our vendors stand behind us with their products. We are organized and productive, honest, and available, and have excellent work ethic with the licensing and the right equipment to get the job done. Water, sewer, gas, and grease, we take care of your needs, and trust is our main asset. Please depend on our team for all your plumbing installations, repairs, and replacement needs! We are very thankful for your continued trust!

Acme Brick

2001 Old Greenwood Rd., Fort Smith

479.782.7974

brick.com/fortsmith

Alianna at The Hub

6934 Alianna Way, Fort Smith

Contact: Nicole Swanson

479.650.0102 / nswanson@erc.com

Allison Sales Co.

7101 US 271, Fort Smith

479.344.3976 allisonsalesonline.com

Arkansas Oklahoma Gas

115 N. 12th St., Fort Smith

479.784.2000

aogc.com

Burton Pools & Spas

6121 S. Zero, Fort Smith

725 S. 48th St., Springdale

479.648.3483 / 479.756.5511 burtonpools.com

Chuck Fawcett Realty, Inc.

9026 Mayswood Place, Fort Smith

479.651.2092

chuckfawcettrealty.com

CMC Asset Management

7411 Ellis St., Ste. 200, Fort Smith

479.242.1267

cmcassetmanagement.com

D&D Floor Covering

1323 Main St., Van Buren

479.474.0533

ddfloorcovering.com

East Village Subdivision

Greenwood, Arkansas

Buddy 479.806.3996 / Kasey 479.650.0704 eastvillagegreenwood.com

Elite Roofing

3407 Industrial Park Rd., Van Buren

479.478.8668

eliteroofingllc@aol.com

Fort Smith Home Builders Association

5111 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith

479.452.6213 fortsmithhomebuilders.com

Great House Fixtures

4915 Zero St., Fort Smith

479.649.4902

greathousefixtures.com

Integrity Foundation Repair

211 Industrial Ave., Arkoma, OK

479.522.1282 / 844.758.3060

integrityfoundationrepair.net

Jeannie Wester, Realtor

Chuck Fawcett Realty

4720 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith

479.459.2394

jeannie.wester@gmail.com

Johnson Realty Group

Keller Williams Platinum Realty

Barbie Johnson: 479.459.5675

Abby Scott: 479.459.5678 johnsonrealtygroup.kw.com

Lumber One

3335 Industrial Park Rd., Van Buren

479.474.4444

lumberone.org

Luxe Door Co.

508 West Ray Fine Blvd., Roland

479.461.3796 luxedoorco.com

Meregold Home & Decor

8819 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith

479.769.2991

Facebook / Instagram

Nick and Ellie Glidewell

3101 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith

479.739.2333 nickandellie.com

Rosalba DeMondesert, Realtor Warnock Realty

1301 S. Waldron Rd., Fort Smith

479.629.3570

The Potting Shed 614 Fayetteville Rd., Alma 479.353.2360

thepottingshedofalma.com

Superior Shutters

kody@superiorshutter.com 479.646.6339 superiorshutter.com

Westark Plumbing

3117 Waco St., Fort Smith

479.646.5151

westarkplumbing.com

Oaklawn