GETAWAY - MAY 2023

Time is a funny thing. One day it seems like the minutes drag on forever while others seem to be over in a flash. Lately for me, it’s all flash, no drag. It’s a busy time for our family. Our oldest graduates medical school this month, then she and her husband are moving to Texas to begin her residency. Our middle child is expecting our first grandbaby in June – we can hardly wait! And then, our son graduates high school in June leaving an empty nest. Thankfully he won’t be far from home! We are thrilled that he chose UAFS to continue his academic and basketball career. See you all in the stands this fall – GO LIONS!

As the school year winds down, you may hear, WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO? Check out our 8th annual All About Kids Guide, filled with providers and businesses ready to keep your kids healthy, active, and entertained all summer long! It’s an excellent resource as you seek out specialized healthcare, educational opportunities, and financial information to best serve your family. Speaking of serving your family, don’t miss our profiles on local insurance agents on page 18!

Whether you want to stay active, need relaxation, or a unique getaway, we’ve got you covered with features on local biking trails, a hilltop retreat, and an elephant sanctuary where you’ll be up close with gentle giants! I’ll also introduce you to some amazing people, like local men and women who devoted decades to protecting life and property as volunteer firefighters and a Scotsman and an Arkansas girl whose lives are literally rooted in dirt.

Finally, I am extremely grateful to Liesel Schmidt, regular contributor to Do South® for allowing us to share her story of overcoming severe anorexia. I admire her bravery and I am proud to call this talented writer my friend.

Sit back and enjoy this issue, and don’t miss the delicious recipes – there’s even a special one you can make for mom. As always, please frequent the businesses that support Do South® – they need us so they can continue to make our community a great place to live and play!

MAY 2023

OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR

Catherine Frederick

COPY EDITING

Charity Chambers

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Jade Graves

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Lindsay Jordan, Liesel Schmidt, Sara Putman, Bob Robinson

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500

catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

FOLLOW US

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

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

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

MAY EVENTS

May 4

SIP + SHOP + SUPPORT

Hardscrabble Golf Course, Fort Smith

May 4-7

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS

FROZEN & ENCANTO

Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock

May 5

2023 BUSINESS EXPO & CAREER FAIR

Fort Smith Convention Center

May 5

STEEL HORSE RALLY

Downtown Fort Smith

May 5

FORT CITY SLAM OPEN MIC!

Bookish, Fort Smith

May 5

PARKER MCCOLLUM

Walmart AMP, Rogers

May 5-6

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY MOSTLY FICTION USED BOOK SALE

Fort Smith Public Library - Main

May 5-7

MATILDA JR

King Opera House, Van Buren

May 6

HOOKED ON FISHING DERBY

10000 Chad Colley Blvd, Fort Smith

May 7

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY MOSTLY

FICTION USED BOOK SALE - 1/2 PRICE

Fort Smith Public Library - Main

May 9

TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA

Botanical Gardens, Fayetteville

May 11

2023 SPRING LEVITT AMP MUSIC SERIES

Harry E. Kelly Park, Fort Smith

May 13

WESTERN ARKANSAS BALLET SPRING CONCERT

King Opera House, Van Buren

May 13-14 & 26

OLD TIMERS DAY

STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL

Old Town Van Buren, Van Buren

May 18

2023 OLD FORT DAYS

FUTURITY TRAILS RUN

Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith

May 19

THE EDWARD TWINS ULTIMATE VARIETY SHOW

King Opera House, Van Buren

May 20-21

HAUNTED ROOMS AMERICAN GHOST HUNT

King Opera House, Van Buren

May 20

LAVENDER & LACE MOTHER & DAUGHTER TEA

Clayton House, Fort Smith

May 20

FIREFIGHTER HOTFOOT 5K-10K

121 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith

May 20

BROOKS & DUNN REBOOT

2023 TOUR

Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock

May 23

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

Walmart Amp, Rogers

May 27

RUN FOR THE GIRLS 5K/10K

Hum Salon, Fort Smith

May 29

FORT SMITH CARS AND COFFEE

Sweet Bay Coffee, Fort Smith

May 29-31

2023 OLD FORT DAYS RODEO

Kay Rodgers Park, Fort Smith

THE BAKERY DISTRICT – FORT SMITH BAKERYFS.COM

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

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

Fort Smith Blues Jam every 3rd Sunday, 1pm

BOOKISH: AN INDIE SHOP FOR FOLKS WHO READ – FORT SMITH BOOKISHFS.COM

May 4: Bookish Author Event with Susan Parrott - Catch Me Or Kill Me: The Saga Of Charles Parrott-One Of America's Best Bank Robbers, 6pm

May 6: Bookish Story Time with Regional Author Melissa Cooper, Benny in the Garden, 11am

May 26: Bookish Book Club with Eli Cranor author of Ozark Dogs, 6pm

FORT SMITH REGIONAL ART MUSEUM

FSRAM.ORG

RAM Saturdays: Saturdays 12-4pm

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

Through Dec 31: Liz Whitney Quisgard Textile Works

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

TEMPLELIVE – FORT SMITH

FORTSMITH.TEMPLELIVE.COM

May 4: Kidd G

May 5: Logan Mize

May 6: Tech N9ne

May 12: Josh Wolf

May 13: Mark Wills

ARTS ON MAIN – VAN BUREN

ARTSONMAINVB.COM

May 2: Intro to Pottery Wheel

May 5-6: Whimsical Mobile Workshop

May 6: Sushi & Spring Rolls Class

May 11: P. Allen Smith’s Moss Mountain Farm – Day Tour

May 11: Spring Wreath Workshop

May 25: Farm to Table Monthly Meal Spotlight on Herbs

THE MAJESTIC – FORT SMITH

MAJESTICFORTSMITH.COM

May 4: Treaty Oak Revival

May 5: Alex Williams, Parker Ryan and Chris Canterbury

May 14: American Aquarium on Tour

May 19: Young Buck Can’t Lose Tour

May 26: Mike Ryan

THE WESTERN ARKANSAS TENNIS ASSOCIATION (WATA) is a nonprofit, community-based tennis association with a mission to create, develop, maintain, and promote the game of tennis. Tennis is a popular sport, rich in history and tradition. Although playing styles and techniques have evolved over the years, the benefits for maintaining health, fitness, strength, and agility are unchanged.

“Western Arkansas Tennis Association was formed in 1998 by local enthusiasts to promote tennis in our community. Twentyfive years later, WATA continues to work to make tennis one of the healthiest lifelong fitness activities available to our community,” says Jennifer Terry, Board President, WATA. The sport continues to grow in popularity nationwide and locally. WATA is here to provide quality tennis programming, including lessons, leagues, tournaments, and after-school camps, to continue fostering interest and participation. “Tennis is a sport I have enjoyed for over four decades in the River Valley. The life lessons learned on and off the court are invaluable to future generations. Investing in tennis is investing in our community’s future,” says Brian Pillar, Director of Tennis.

Supporting tennis through WATA is investing in the health and wellness of our community. As an affiliate of USTA, the largest tennis organization in the world, WATA is dedicated to growing the game and providing outstanding tennis programming to our community!

WATA’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPACT

- 2 College Scholarships to Local Junior Players

- Hosts 14 Junior Tournaments

- Hosts 6 Adult Tournaments

- Hosts Middle School Tennis Programs

- Hosts Tournaments to Benefit Local Nonprofits, Such as Project Compassion, Western Arkansas Ballet, Fort Smith Children’s Museum, and Ronald McDonald House

- Provides High Quality Used Tennis Racquets to Youth in Need

May is National Tennis Month and WATA is hosting its 20th annual “Oh WATA Night” event on Cinco de Mayo, Friday, May 5th, at The Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas. This incredible evening will feature a mariachi band during cocktail hour, delicious catering, a DJ, and lots of dancing! The platinum anniversary is Latin-themed, and everyone is encouraged to wear vibrant colors to the event. All proceeds will help to sustain WATA’s mission to make tennis available to everyone in our community!

For more information about WATA and their “Oh WATA Fiesta” event, call 479.782.5333, email wata@sbcglobal.net, find them on Facebook, or online at watatennis.net.

WORDS Jennifer Terry and Catherine Frederick IMAGES courtesy WATA

SPRING MUST-HAVES

Mi Campo Mango Mule Tequila Cocktail, Sandy Coconut Mango Mom Water, Absolut Wild Berry, Smirnoff Blue Raspberry Lemonade, Julie Passion Fruit Mom Water, Mi Campo Spicy Jalapeño Margarita Tequila Cocktail IN GOOD SPIRITS

479.434.6604

Hearts On Fire Tessa Diamond Navette Pendant, 18kt White, Yellow or Rose Gold, Available in .25ct or .50ct Total Weight JOHN MAYS JEWELERS

479.452.2140

Eyewear by Krewe STILES EYE GROUP

479.452.2020

Protect Their Hearing with Snug Earmuffs in a Variety of Designs CENTER FOR HEARING AND BALANCE

479.785.3277

Willow Tree Sculpture Figurines JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT BAPTIST HEALTH

479.441.4221

Cupcake Citrus Kissed Pinot Grigio, Screen Door Cellars Chardonnay, Lindemans Peche Lambic, Sunny D Vodka Seltzer, Simply Spiked Peach Lemonade Variety, Winosaurs Wine Gummies Moscato SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

479.783.8013

imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Ozark Dogs

by Eli Cranor

One of Arkansas’ own, Cranor’s sophomore crime novel is inspired by a grisly murder that occurred near Lake Dardanelle in the recent past. The story follows two Arkansas families as they grieve, but family loyalties can make grief look a lot of different ways. Cranor unravels the dark legacies that permeate the town while simultaneously giving Arkansas heroes we can root for. Sit back and watch, because we really believe that Mr. Cranor is going to be a household name in the book world.

Stone Blind

by Natalie Haynes

If you need another feminist retelling of ancient Greek myths, look no further than the newest by classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes. In her retelling of the Medusa myth, Haynes gives agency, not only to Medusa, but to the goddess who turned her into the monster. Bringing empathy and nuance to one of the earliest stories where a woman is injured by a powerful man, Haynes revitalizes the age-old story with passion and wit. This book is also on the longlist for Women’s Fiction this year!

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

The Wager

by David Grann

The author of Killers of the Flower Moon is back with a deep dive into the extraordinary tale of a British warship. His Majesty’s Ship the Wager left England in 1740 on a secret mission during a war with Spain. It wrecked off the coast of Patagonia, and in January of 1742, a ramshackle vessel washed up near Brazil. Six months later, another decrepit raft was found near Chile – each telling very different stories. Grann pieces it all together like only he can do.

The Trackers

by Charles Frazier

Frazier’s newest novel is a cat-and-mouse game set during the Great Depression. When Val Welch is commissioned by the WPA to Dawes, Wyoming to paint a mural for the post office, he stays with a wealthy rancher and his wife, Eve. Eve has a colorful past and ends up leaving town with valuables in tow. Welch is tasked with finding her. Frazier’s jaunt through some of the seediest places in post-Depression America makes for a rollicking good time.

May Recommendations courtesy Sara Putman, Bookish

Do South ® Cares

words Abie Taylor Cox, Development Manager, Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund’s (ASPSF) mission is to provide a culture of support, equipping single parents to navigate their futures with confidence. Do South ® reached out to Abie Taylor Cox, Development Manager, to learn more.

What need does ASPSF serve in the community?

Single-parent families are more likely to live in poverty than two-parent families. Studies show that those with a college education earn more over a lifetime than those who only graduate high school, and though single parents are highly motivated to improve their skills and earning potential through education, they’re less likely to graduate than students without children. That's where ASPSF comes in. Our model creates a support system designed to help low-income, single parents stay in school, graduate with a degree or certificate, and start a professional career with higher wages. In turn, their achievement shapes the educational goals and career aspirations of the next generation, breaking the cycle of poverty.

How does ASPSF help single parents?

ASPSF awards flexible financial aid to eligible single parents pursuing skilled-trade certification, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. They can spend the funds to pay for expenses – such as gas, childcare, or internet – that removes a financial burden and helps them stay in school. The scholarship check is paired with additional resources, such as mentoring and workshops, to help single parents gain confidence and become prepared for the professional workforce.

5401 Rogers Avenue, Suite 204

Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.551.2133

aspsf.org

How does helping single parents end poverty in the Fort Smith area?

Investing in low-income single parents’ education means they’re more likely to graduate and find a profitable career that brings their family out of poverty. A degree or certification also offers better job stability, career satisfaction, and long-term financial gain.

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

Since ASPSF’s initial scholarships were awarded in 1990, our scholarship recipients have told us how their children’s grades have improved and how they and their children spend time studying together. The kids see the connection between a better education and a better life and start planning for their own education and future profession.

How can others help single parents in Fort Smith?

1. Spread the word! You may know a single parent, or you’ll meet someone who could benefit from an ASPSF scholarship.

2. Volunteer! We need both virtual and in-person volunteers to review scholarship applications, check in with students, and fundraise.

3. Donate! Every dollar you give goes toward scholarships and student support. You will put food on the table and buy coats for the kids. You'll provide school supplies and put gas in the car. You’ll make a difference in a single parent’s life.

BRANTLEE, AGE 9

Meet Brantlee – an outgoing young boy looking for a forever home! Brantlee enjoys swimming, being outside, playing with animals, and surfing on YouTube. He is now reading full sentences, eating full meals, and trying new foods. Brantlee’s forever home will need to be able to provide structure, patience, and encouragement. He does well with other children and would enjoy having siblings, but most importantly, he needs parents that will encourage him to try new things, especially new foods, and support him in his education journey. Could your family be the right fit for Brantlee? Submit an inquiry at theprojectzero.org to learn more.

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

IMAGE courtesy Jude Della Terra Photography

Ask the Experts Summer Shoe Advice

WWarmer weather often means more outdoor activities, and let’s be honest – cuter shoes!

But grabbing those cheap flip-flops the next time you head out the door could put you at risk for problems down the road. Podiatrists at Baptist Health tend to see more patients suffering from foot injuries and pain during the summer. Why?

Dr. Spencer Mortensen says that feet come in various shapes and sizes, meaning there’s no perfect sandal or shoe for everyone. “Flip-flops can be very convenient, but the inconvenience of the pain and problems they bring later isn’t always worth it.”

In addition to being a trip hazard to all ages, extended wear of flip-flops or any thin-soled, strappy sandal that causes you to grip with your toes can lead to strained or overextended tendons, shooting pains and plantar fasciitis.

“Sandals or open-toe shoes can also lead to excessive drying of the skin, callus formation and even fissures,” said Dr.

Mortensen. So, take advantage of the lotion and moisturizers this summer, Dr. Mortensen added. He also strongly urges his patients not to go barefoot, especially those with diabetes. Cuts, scrapes, and other wounds from stepping on things like glass, thorns, rocks, and other objects outdoors are also more common in the summer.

A Shoe that Fits YOU and Your Day

Feet come in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning there’s no perfect sandal or shoe for everyone, Dr. Mortensen says. It’s crucial to find a shoe that fits your summer lifestyle and your foot. That’s where places like True Grit Running Company in Fort Smith come in.

“We’ll take a look at your feet, how you move, and talk to you about what you want to do while wearing the shoes – whether that’s training for a 5K or going to Disney for a week,” said Melissa Vitale, owner of True Grit Running Co. “We will find something that will provide the appropriate support, fit well around the foot, and feel good while you’re using them.”

WORDS courtesy Baptist Health Fort Smith and True Grit Running Company Image courtesy Baptist Health Fort Smith

It’s important to choose a shoe that fits your activity for the day, such as sandals and shoes made for water, clogs for gardening, boots for hiking and athletic shoes specifically for sports like running. Dr. Mortensen also said “support” should be your main priority regardless of the activity you’re participating in.

“Look for a summer shoe or sandal with a good arch and stiffness through the sole,” he said. “Avoid shoes with excessive cushion or that are super flexible.”

If you can fold it in half, don’t wear it. Are flip-flops the worst choice? No. According to Dr. Mortensen, they’re OK for a quick trip to the mailbox or the beach but should not be the shoe you wear daily. “Use them sparingly, if you must,” he said.

Supportive Sandals

When it comes to sandals, Melissa recommends brands like Aetrex, Spenco, Chacos or Teva sandals.

“At least something with a supportive strap along the back of the foot and that holds the foot in place,” she said. “For lighter activities or to relax later, I would recommend OOFOS, HOKA, or Powerstep. They offer cushioning and/or arch support. When I go home, one of the first things I do is change into my OOFOS slides.”

Choosing a heel strap or heel counter shoe to provide rearfoot stability will also reduce your risk of injury and make activities more comfortable. In the summer, you can often find athletic shoes made with breathable materials like performance mesh or knit upper. Cotton canvas shoes are also breathable. “During hotter months, forego shoes made with leather or nylon,” explains Melissa.

True Grit Running Company's Top 3 Tips for Summer

1. Wear performance running socks. Cotton socks will only absorb moisture and hold it against your foot, which can lead to blisters. Even if the sock packaging says, “athletic,” check the contents to ensure there is no cotton.

with, you’ll be extremely uncomfortable at the end of the day. If shoes are too big or too long, you may trip over the toes or have too much movement inside the shoe, which causes friction and can lead to blisters.

3. Wear protection. Blister and chafing prevention products are very popular during the summer months. Blister Shield is a powdered wax you put into your sock and it melts with your body heat, forming a protective barrier around your foot. Sport Shield is an anti-chafe product, so if you have any “hot spots” on your feet or other places on your body, apply this to avoid pain later on. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, remove sweaty socks and shoes once you are at home. It will allow your feet to breathe and prevent fungus.

BAPTIST HEALTH FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC-FORT SMITH

Dr. Mortensen and Dr. Scott G. Bird are accepting new patients! They treat many conditions including foot and ankle fractures and sprains, ankle instability, tendinitis, neuromas, congenital deformities, ingrown nails, bunions, and hammertoe.

Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to a podiatrist, or call the clinic located at 5428 Ellsworth Road, at 479.573.7905.

TRUE GRIT RUNNING COMPANY

Locally owned and operated, True Grit was founded to promote a healthy and active lifestyle and they aim to create an exceptional retail experience by providing excellent customer care, product knowledge, and building strong relationships within our community.

2. Wear shoes that are the correct size. During activity, your feet swell. If you’re wearing shoes that are too small to start

BRENT LOVELL SHELTER INSURANCE ®

There are a lot of things that go into being a top-level insurance agent. A solid suite of insurance products, a caring compassionate attitude, and the willingness to stand by customers when they are needed most all add up to an agent you can count on, come what may.

Shelter Insurance® agent Brent Lovell is one such resource. An industry veteran with more than two decades of experience, he’s trusted by generations of clients insuring their home, life, auto, renters, boat, ATV, new commercial construction, RV, and farm.

But for as important as quality insurance products are, they pale in comparison to the personal attention and responsive customer service Brent delivers to every customer, in every situation, every time. “People count on me, and I want them to know that I will be there when they need it most,” he says. “If there’s one thing I’d want

someone to know about me in my work, it’s that I value relationships. That’s what it’s all about, relationships and service and doing right by the policyholder. That’s what I am here for and that’s what I love most about this business.”

Having lived his entire life in the area, Brent understands the needs of hard-working people who make their living and raise families in the River Valley. He takes the time to really get to know his clients, to better serve their insurance needs. And when he gains a new customer, he gains them for the best of times and the worst of times.

“My commitment to helping our customers does not stop when they sign their policies. I make sure they know they can contact me at any time,” he says. “I've served customers for many years and helped generations of families get the right coverage at the right price. But the most satisfying part of this business is always going to be helping people recover from what life throws at them.

“That’s not something you can just say, you have to show up and we continue to be successful in this market because we’ve shown up when our clients need us the most.”

ELIZABETH JOHNSON AGENCY

The phrase “What you don’t know CAN hurt you,” drives Elizabeth Johnson to always do better for her clients.

“Insurance is often an afterthought, and the focus is frequently on saving money or getting the minimum required coverage,” she says. “As an agent, I couldn’t sleep knowing a client discovered they had too little coverage when it was too late. How devastating to find out after a tornado blows through their neighborhood or a pandemic takes away a loved one. That’s not happening to a client on my watch.”

Elizabeth has over fifteen years of insurance experience and has owned the Elizabeth Johnson Agency for six years. “I have the knowledge and experience to help people better understand their coverage options, whether that's auto, home, renters, life insurance, business insurance or one of the many other products I offer,” she says. “I ask questions and am thorough because it’s a big responsibility to be part of that process and these decisions.

“I am honored that people trust me to help them make the right decision for their family. I take this responsibility very seriously, and I try hard to help make insurance less overwhelming by listening and going at their pace.”

For Elizabeth, there is no such thing as a small incident when it comes to protecting her clients’ lives, businesses, and the things they value. “Big or small, they get our help, even after-hours and on the weekends,” she says. “We also have a network of trusted contractors and can connect them with clients quickly. I not only want to make insurance easy and understandable, but also give people over-the-top personalized service to show I care. Being trusted to help my clients in various ways is what we’ve built our reputation on, and it’s what we’re known for in the community.

“I chose to open an insurance agency because I’ve always been interested in insurance. Owning an insurance agency is my way to ‘be there’ and make sure my clients are protected. Being able to say ‘Yes, you’re covered,’ is a priceless feeling when a client needs some good news during a bad situation. I chose Farmers ® because of their outstanding claim handling reputation and the variety of products available. For example, one thing I’m surprised about is how few people know that Farmers offers life insurance, which is my specialty.”

Elizabeth is not only passionate about protecting people, but animals as well. She is a founding board member and Fundraising/Community Outreach Director of The Artemis Project, a local foster-based animal rescue in the River Valley.

“I’m proud to be in a position to help the people of Arkansas and Oklahoma for many years to come,” she says.

Answering the Call

WORDs Dwain Hebda images Jade Graves

Photography and Dale Sieter

Gary Lawrence

They say blood is thicker than water, but the connection that Dale Seiter and Gary Lawrence share goes beyond that well-worn idiom. The two men, both of whom are in their mid-fifties and live and work in the communities where they grew up, are not related except in a unique sense that goes well beyond genetics.

Dale and Gary both have devoted decades to their respective communities, protecting life and property as volunteer firefighters. “I’ve always been somebody who felt drawn to help people,” Dale says. “I was just raised to help people and be there and give one-hundred-percent effort in everything I do. My father and mother taught me if you do something, do it right and do it right the first time. If somebody asks for help, I’m going to be there.”

“My dad started our department here in 1970,” says Gary. “I was raised around it and just really enjoyed it, enjoyed the fire trucks, the lights, and the siren, all that good stuff. When I got old enough to officially join the department, I did, and I’ve stuck with it ever since. I still love it.”

The two men’s avocation continues a proud tradition that has saved countless lives and untold dollars' worth of property dating back to the earliest days of the United States. Per thefirehousepress.com, the first firefighting measures were made up of men, women and children within a settlement forming a bucket brigade. These tactics were called into service regularly as roofs constructed of thatch and open-flame heating and cooking made fire a constant hazard.

The earliest organized fire services were also of the volunteer variety, the first is credited to Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia in the mid 1730s. Franklin wasn’t the only Founding Father to have been associated with firefighting, as John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere all served in leadership roles in the volunteer fire service for their respective city.

Today, while the number of volunteer firefighters is down, they still represent the lion’s share of fire services in the country. Statistics released last year by the National Fire Protection Association state there are 677,000 volunteer firefighters in the U.S., down six percent, compared to 364,000 of the career variety, meaning full-time and paid, up two percent.

Volunteer fire departments are particularly critical to more sparsely populated areas. Of the roughly 29,500 fire departments open in the United States, only eighteen percent are entirely or predominantly staffed by career personnel, yet these operations protect seventy percent of the population. As these statistics clearly indicate, without the volunteer service of men and women on their own time, residents of small towns and rural populations would be left dangerously exposed.

For Gary and Dale, who began their careers in 1985 and 1989, respectively, much has changed from the days when they first cut their teeth at the local firehouse.

“We had very little equipment back then,” says Gary, assistant chief of the fifteen-member fire department in Huntington, Arkansas. “Most of it was government surplus-type equipment that we tried to make work. Seeing the changes and modernized equipment has been a big difference; we’ve really got some nice equipment now in this county and other locations I’ve been throughout the state. It’s really changed.

“I can remember back when our department had SCBAs [selfcontained breathing apparatuses] but wasn’t allowed to use

Dale Seiter, President & Fire Marshal White Bluff-Rye Hill VFD Gina Condren, Safety Officer White Bluff-Rye Hill VFD, President Sebastian County Rural Fire Association

Chief Mark Condren, Fire Chief White Bluff -Rye Hill VFD, Reserve Deputy Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office, Oversees Sebastian County Search

them because it cost to have them filled, and our little town simply didn’t have the money. So, we were told not to use them unless we just absolutely had to.”

The equipment isn’t the only thing that’s changed for the better over the years. Training has also evolved tremendously from Dale’s earliest years with the White Bluff-Rye Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

“Back then training was a lot less intense than it is now,” he said. “There are set requirements by the state of Arkansas, like most states. You must go through certain classes before you’re allowed to suit up and go into a burning structure. You must also complete certain classes before you’re supposed to be working on brush or wildland fires.

“I got my instructor certification through the Arkansas Fire Academy through Southern Arkansas University in Camden, Arkansas. I can now reteach classes that I’ve had through the Arkansas Fire Academy to other firefighters.”

Despite the critical role that volunteer fire departments play, many such operations have had difficulty recruiting new personnel to help provide emergency response. Gary said Huntington is holding its own, if getting older, while White Bluff-Rye Hill’s numbers have stayed steady by attracting women volunteers and establishing a junior firefighter program.

“We’ve got twenty-five firefighters right now, three of whom are women, and we’ve also got five auxiliary members,” says Dale, who’s the longtime president of the department. “The auxiliary is made up mostly of ladies or retired men that help at events or who show up on fire scenes and work the cooldown area.

“We’ve got two junior firefighters right now; you can’t legally be a firefighter until you’re eighteen in Arkansas, but through our junior program they can come to meetings, and they can participate in training. They can’t drive any vehicles and they cannot go into a burning structure, but they can help in what’s called the warm zone where the pumpers set up and help firefighters get their equipment on. And they can fight grass fires once they’ve been through wildland training.”

Firefighting is, obviously, a dangerous job and having done it for so long has given both Gary and Dale a long list of stories. Any firefighter, volunteer or career, who does the work as long as they have, has at least one near-miss story to tell.

“I fell through a floor and couldn’t get out,” Dale says. “Walking through, the floor changed directions on the floor joists. I fell through and everywhere I pushed, I kept falling through. My brother-in-law was inside the building at the same time, and he pulled me back up until I could get on some floor joists and crawl back out. By that time, the fire had come up all the way around me.”

“Probably twenty years ago, we dealt with one of the first meth labs that I’d ever been around,” Gary says. “We were called out to it and that was really a wake-up call. There were tanks of ether and everything else that they were using. I believe at the time it was the largest drug lab that had ever been found in the state of Arkansas.

“Later we were told with some of the stuff that was in there, it would have exploded if water had hit it. I’m not certain what all was in there, but it was a close call for a bunch of volunteers.” Gary adds that such hazards have contributed to fewer people being willing to sign up and answer the call to join the volunteer fire department. This fact led him to head the Arkansas Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association as president where he leads an organization striving to recruit more civic-minded individuals into departments all over the state.

“It’s worthwhile when you save a child or even just being there with a kid who’s upset because their parents have been injured, and you are there to reassure and console them,” he says. “Our fire chief has even helped deliver a baby – he’s helped save lives out of burning homes. I personally have helped with some accidents. There are a lot of things that have changed during my tenure of being on the fire department, but those are things that will always make it worthwhile.”

Putting Down Roots

Dirt . Rich, earthy, dark dirt .

It’s literally the foundation of Michael and Madalyn Farqhuar’s business, and the very thing in which their lives are rooted.

When the couple met in 2011, the two had a lot in common: they both loved nature, food, and people. Madalyn had a background in soil science and organic vegetable farming, while Michael had been involved in the food industry and studied permaculture garden design – especially edible gardens. Naturally, they talked about farming and gardening from Day One of their relationship – but the serious talks about creating a business together didn’t begin until 2019. Two years later, in 2021, they had a “one-off” plant sale idea that grew into a brand, and Pleasant Acres Garden was born. But there’s much more to their story.

“Michael and I were finally leaving San Francisco after about an eight-year stint in the city and were planning to move back to Michael's home country of Scotland later that year to start a larger farm business,” Madalyn explains. “I wanted to spend the summer in Arkansas with my family before making the move and thought we could do

words Liesel Schmidt images courtesy Pleasant Acres Garden

a brief trial run while we were there. We wanted to grow plant starts and sell them at local farmers markets. Little did we know we would still be here today, beginning our third growing season and constantly expanding what the business means to us and our community. That in and of itself is a testament to how much Arkansans want to support small businesses.”

If you’re wondering how a Scotsman and an Arkansan girl met, the tale has as many layers as an onion. “Michael and I met in Stirling, Scotland, in 2011 when I was studying environmental science during a semester abroad,” Madalyn says. “At the time, he owned a restaurant/bar that also doubled as an antique store – you could buy the chairs you were sitting in, the glass you drank from, even the art on the walls! It was a happening place, and when my friend began organizing an open mic event there, I visited one night. Michael and I saw each other, and the rest, as they say, is history. We had a long-distance love affair before he immigrated to the States, and we have been married for ten years now. We lived most of our first years in San Francisco and were able to do a lot of what we love the most – traveling! We traveled all over the United States, throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. Although our lifestyle doesn't allow much travel now, we still visit Scotland at least once a year to see family and friends. Our big wish is to start a family soon and share all the wonders of the natural world with our kids.”

But still, there are layers to peel. Since starting Pleasant Acres, Michael and Madalyn have experienced a great deal of growth and change in their lives as well as in their business. Michael’s past life not only as a restaurateur but also as a fine artist and educator is one that has felt more natural to the shift, as Michael feels the similarities between art and farming in that both require juggling various activities including selfpromotion, creating, and teaching. He has also been able to tap into his experience as an entrepreneur. Madalyn, however, has faced a greater adjustment. Coming from her

work full-time in the urban forestry field as a tree inspector for the city of San Francisco she admits, “I wasn't used to being my own boss!

“I've learned a lot of self-discipline and other hard lessons from the experience. Also, Michael and I work very collaboratively on the business, which has been another big change from our previous situation. We have incredibly different brains, which means we also have differing workstyles and philosophies. After two years of working together, however, it's easier to see how that is actually a huge advantage as opposed to always working in lockstep with each other. We can tackle issues from different perspectives and come up with an integrated solution – which is much more innovative than if we agreed all the time! Being business partners has added a depth of understanding and strengthened our marriage in such beautiful ways.”

While Michael has taken on Pleasant Acres as his full-time work, Madalyn has stayed mostly part-time, along with various side jobs that she balances with her career in forestry.

“In the past two years, I've been a part-time community college instructor for an urban and community forestry course, a forest carbon technician, and now a transmission utility forester!” she says. “Both of us being full-time is the ultimate goal, but it's tough to come to terms with the

Madalyn Farqhuar

Michael Farqhuar

sacrifices needed to make that a reality. Still, if we could both do this full-time, we absolutely would.”

The couple has planted roots in Fort Smith as well as Rudy, Arkansas, growing the seeds of home and garden, respectively, in the two communities that have found a place in their hearts. “The garden is on my parents' land in Rudy, and we travel back and forth to maintain it,” Madalyn notes. “Our dream is to buy a house with more land someday and have our operation all in one spot: a true homestead! Land access is one of their main hurdles, but market gardening is an easier path, as it requires less space. At full capacity, we would still probably use less than three acres!”

Currently, the garden measures roughly an acre, including the composting areas as well as some fruit trees and the greenhouse. The actual planting space for row crops occupies only a portion of the garden, and Michael and Madalyn practice intensive crop spacing and often have more than one crop in a bed during any season to maximize their space. In that one acre, they grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and tons of plant starts. “We place a huge emphasis on heirloom tomatoes and rare pepper varieties,” Madalyn says. “We basically grow what we love to eat, and taste is a huge driver of the varieties we choose. We also love to grow lesser-known vegetables like sorrel, cucuzza gourds, and ground cherries. They are not only packed with nutrients, but they are also great conversation starters and educational items at the market.”

Naturally, all that goodness they’re growing needs to be sold, and Pleasant Acres Garden’s harvest can be found at various locations in the area. “We love to sell direct to our customers, either from the farm or at the Fort Smith Farmers Market in downtown Fort Smith,” says Madalyn. “That's our home market, so we’re there almost every week during the warmer months! We also attend the Chaffee Crossing Farmers and Artisans Market once a month at Fort Chaffee and sell produce through Farmers Market Direct in Fort Smith. In the spring, we do a few big plant sales. We've also recently partnered with Van Buren's Arts on Main to offer a series of classes titled Cottage Industries.”

As they grow their business, Michael and Madalyn are also growing their community of friends and family. “I can't count the number of amazing people we have met because of the garden,” Madalyn says. “I can honestly say we've met some lifelong friends there.” The seeds they’ve planted continue growing strong roots in that beautiful, rich dirt.

Follow Pleasant Acres Garden on Facebook and Instagram! You can purchase their items at the farm, Fort Smith Farmers Market, Chaffee Crossing Farmers and Artisans Market, and Farmers Market Direct (FarmersMarketDirect.com), in Fort Smith. To learn more about Michael and Madalyn’s Cottage Industries Classes and Workshops, visit artsonmainvb.com/garden.

The Girl wiTh The "Yellow " TaTToo

You’re skin and bones turned into something beautiful. — "Yellow" by Coldplay

I remember the first time I heard the song “Yellow” by Coldplay. I was twenty-two years old and riding shotgun in a truck bound for Cape Canaveral to watch the shuttle launch that didn’t happen, falling head over heels for the man driving. It’s a song that has held a special place in my heart for seventeen years, but that lyric became even more meaningful to me when I accomplished what I’m most proud of: I overcame severe anorexia.

We’re grateful to Liesel Schmidt, regular contributor to Do South® Magazine, for allowing us to share her story as previously published in Scarlett Magazine.

Eating disorders are, by and large, something that challenges doctors of every ilk, every specialty. Be they doctors of the physical body or the mind, none of them seem to be able to prevent or quite fully understand eating disorders. Which could be why they are so misunderstood by the world, seen as a lifestyle choice or a consequence of vanity, rather than what they are.

Anorexia. Bulimia. Binge eating . They are all sides of the same coin, all emotional and psychological disorders. They also have the highest mortality rate of any diagnosed mental disorder.

My anorexia began when I was fourteen, when I felt like my world was falling apart and I spun headlong into an emotional breakdown. As a result of all the noise in my brain, I’d spent that summer avoiding people, hiding out in my room unless

words Liesel Schmidt images courtesy Shanna Star Magnuson of Davista Photography

I absolutely had to go out. When I did go out, I couldn’t look anyone in the eye, couldn’t spare words to speak anything that might interrupt the words that I had to keep track of in my head, lest my tightly held grip on reality slip out of my grasp.

Restricting what I ate became a coping mechanism and a replacement for everything else that had me tied up in anxiety for months. It was the one thing I felt like I could control, one thing in my fourteen-year-old head I could track and make sense of. And so, I controlled it to the point that it became a full-time thought, one that consumed my mind and took so much mental energy it dictated all the other things in my life: where I went, who I saw, what I did during the day. If anything, or anyone threatened that one thing , I stayed away from it.

Each year, my eating disorder grew more and more intense. And the damage it caused became greater and greater – to me, and to my family. The ones closest to me and the people who cared the most about me suffered as they watched me waste away, knowing there wasn’t really any way to help. And I wasn’t ready to accept any help offered. As a result, family celebrations, gatherings, holidays – they all became intensely stressful for me because of the food, and stressful for my family because of the tension my problem caused everyone. It was like a heavy cloud over everything.

As my anorexa intensified, it began to rob me physically. I’d been an avid runner since the age of seventeen and a wellknown name and face in the local racing circuit. I was fast , and people noticed. But they also noticed something else. One day, I received a call from a close friend and training partner telling me I’d been banned from racing because the racing committee was concerned about my very marked weight loss. The next week, my mother got a call from the president of a local running association that I belonged to, a two-hour long call in which he berated her for not doing something about my alarmingly low weight and my eating disorder.

But there was nothing she could do. I was twenty-six by then.

At my mother’s insistence, I went to doctors and nutritionists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. But I was only doing it to assuage my parents, who were both at their wits’ end and had no idea how to help me. I didn’t want help. I didn’t think I needed help.

By the age of twenty-eight, I’d lost my social network, as it was tightly bound to my running community. I’d disappeared after being banned from racing, and no one reached out to see what was going on. People don’t know what to do in the face of an eating disorder, so they often either don’t do anything, or they overstep. And at times, I was on the receiving end of ridicule, rather than understanding. Consequently, I felt abandoned and alone.

My job as a freelance writer didn’t help – it kept me safely hidden behind my computer screen. At the time, I was still living at home to save money, and I had reached the point I was sure I was either going to be kicked out or forcibly committed by my parents. And so, when the man I’d been dating for a month proposed, I accepted.

We were married eight months. Eight months of constant verbal abuse and manipulation about my weight. While we’d been dating, he humiliated me by weighing me every time I went to his house to meet for a date. And if I didn’t make it to his house, he brought the scale with him.

I remember standing on the scale in the dark at an O’Charley’s in Pensacola, right in the parking lot while people walked by. He’d given me the ultimatum that I had to bring my weight up to at least ninety pounds by our wedding, and if I didn’t, he wouldn’t marry me. He even staged an intervention with my parents, sister, and brother-in-law. And when we left, I begged him to call off the wedding. To let me go.

He refused.

Behind closed doors, he would tell me that he liked his women skinny, “The skinnier, the better.” It was a mind game and completely contradictory to what he told my parents, and to the way he seemed to revile me after we married, when he would sneer at me and say, “ Do you think I’m attracted to this? ” while he gestured at my emaciated body.

Eventually our marriage ended. Over the next eight years, I lived on my own, getting further entrenched in the eating disorder that still felt like the only way to control things. As a selfemployed writer, I was constantly worried about my finances, and food was something I knew I could have a say in. Eating normally was something that, to me, was as threatening as a

loaded gun. Even though the logical portion of my brain knew I needed to eat far more than I was, I couldn’t . I was terrified to the point of literal nightmares.

Even a broken hip that required emergency surgery and two months of recovery in 2017 didn’t derail me. Nor did the words that my orthopedic surgeon spoke when he came into my room the night before surgery. He informed me that my right hip was both displaced and broken – merely from walking – as my bones had become so fragile that the impact of walking took them to their breaking point. My hip had to be repaired or replaced, and he wouldn’t know which was possible until he had opened me up. I listened numbly as he talked about what would happen, and that he had very little confidence I would live through surgery because of my weight and how much it was compromising my heart.

Most people associate heart disease with obesity, but being as life-threateningly underweight as I was put my heart just as at risk. My parents both cried as the surgeon advised them of the wisdom in telling me goodbye, but I didn’t hear the words. Even with the fleeting thought that the Chick-fil-A sandwich I had at eleven o’clock that night as the last thing I could eat before surgery might be the last thing I ever ate, I didn’t really allow the reality of how far I’d let this thing control me to sink in. As bad as it was at that point, never once did I think, “Screw this. This is killing me.”

Incredibly, surgery was successful, and I was quickly sent home – still with the surgeon convinced I was going to die, and the hospital determined not to have my death in their books. I

never even received physical therapy, just instructions on how to use the walker they prescribed me and a few follow-up appointments over the next eight weeks.

As someone who was obsessed with having control over my own life and everything that went into my mouth, those eight weeks were torture. I couldn’t live on my own and could barely do anything for myself – most important of which was making my own meals. That task was taken on by my mother, who made whatever she made for herself and my father –both of whom are a healthy weight. I ate with them under protest, severely panicked as the calories I calculated were piling in and on me. And yet, I still lost weight that I didn’t have to lose. Even when I ate everything my mother fed me, it continued to melt away.

When I was finally cleared to move to my new apartment, closer to my family than the forty-five-minute drive I’d previously had, I made marginal attempts at keeping the “real food” going. But even with the introduction of some new foods that previously felt “unsafe,” I continued spiraling.

By the end of 2019, there was nothing left of me to lose. At thirty-six years old, I weighed as little as a kindergartener and was osteoporotic, with severe hair loss and a body that was almost constantly in pain. I’d lost two inches of height, and I hadn’t had a menstrual cycle since the age of fourteen. My skin was literally stretched over my skeleton, and you could count every rib, see every fiber of muscle. I could even run my fingers over my right hip and feel the heads of the screws and the plate where they’d put me back together.

Even my shadow was terrifying.

Once upon a time, I’d had a head full of curly hair and legs that got noticed. Now, I was a ghoul that people would walk by and whisper about, point at and laugh at. But they didn’t understand the prison I was in.

And then, God shattered my chains.

My mother has always told me I’m the strongest, most determined person she knows. She told me that often on the heels of talks when she voiced her fear over what I was doing to myself. “You have the strength to beat this, Liesel,” she’d say. “You ran a marathon on a broken ankle. You can do this. You just have to want to. ”

I can’t say I credit my recovery to that strength. Not solely, anyway. I wasn’t ready to change. But God was ready . God was ready for me to be more and to do more than what I had allowed myself.

And so, one month before the rest of the world darkened and shuttered itself under the shadow of COVID, I shut myself away from everyone and everything that could see what was happening to me.

What was happening was that I was finally, finally eating enough to sustain myself. More than enough, as I couldn’t seem to satisfy the need to eat. I ate entire boxes of Pop-Tarts and whole bags of chips. I ploughed through massive containers of cashews and anything else that looked good. And all the things that I had been so terrified of became my lifeline and my way back to health.

But it also horrified me because I felt out of control. I hadn’t consciously chosen this. My body had. My innate sense of survival had kicked in and taken over. But the changes I saw in the mirror were not ones I felt I could live with. It was everything I had been so afraid of, come to life in my reflection. Still, every day I would eat until I was satisfied, padding to the kitchen in my stockinged feet and thinking, “ Whatever. I’ll go back to normal tomorrow.”

As a result, I spent the entire year hiding from my family –and they lived a mile away. I kept them at bay, even when they came to drop off groceries. I didn’t want them to see me until I’d returned to my “normal.” None of them knew what I’d been going through, and no matter how many times my mother asked me what was going on, I couldn’t bring myself to say the words, “I’m gaining weight.”

As the holidays approached, I panicked. I’d broken my word to my mother that I’d see her at Thanksgiving, but as Christmas grew near, I knew I couldn’t stay away any longer. So, I kept my promise that I’d come home before Christmas.

I knocked on my parents’ door on December 23.

I was crying hysterically when my mom opened the door, ashamed of how I looked, and frightened at the reaction I would see in her eyes when she saw the change.

What I saw in her eyes was relief, disbelief, and absolute joy. Behind all the tears, of course.

“You’re beautiful!” she cried.

“No, I’m not!” I said, sobbing.

And I didn’t think I was. I believed the voices in my head that distorted reality. But I had come back to my family. Back . This person who had been dead for so long, this vibrant and alive person who had, once upon a time, been told that she sparkled. As unhappy as I was with what I saw in the mirror, I felt freed. Like someone who had been unshackled and given the world.

Still, I didn’t take it. Not yet. Until that May, I stayed hidden, going only from my apartment to my parents’ house, where I spent every afternoon reestablishing the relationship I’d lost with my parents, sister, and nieces and nephews. It was a gift.

But I didn’t.

What brought me out of hiding was the news of a friend’s death and the determination not to miss his memorial. And since I would need clothes to fit my newly restored body, I had to shop. I dreaded it, but I made myself go, and it showed me several things: that I looked completely normal and that no one gave me a second look, but also that it wasn’t that scary. I could go out in public and feel as though I belonged.

It wasn’t until two months later, in July of 2021, that the memorial finally happened. And what took place at that very casual gathering was something beyond the scope of my wildest imaginings. All the friends I had lost from my running community, all the people that had once been so much a part of my life, embraced me and welcomed me back warmly, rejoicing in the fact that I was healthy and finally free.

Free . Such a small word that holds so much.

Since then, I’ve reclaimed my life. I’m running again and have reunited with family and friends, established new friendships, and traveled anywhere and everywhere. Just because I can . To my great amazement, my curly hair has returned in full force. I feel sometimes like Mel Gibson’s character in the movie Forever Young , as though I’d been frozen for ten years and finally reawakened. I’ve lost that time because the world

moved on without me, while I stayed static, stuck in the prison of my eating disorder and all the psychological and physical damage it inflicted.

I still don’t know what the long-term effects will be. I don’t know if I can have children or if I’ll have any issues with my heart or kidneys. I can only pray that I stopped before it was too late to avoid permanent damage to my organs.

I’m thirty-nine now, on the cusp of forty. But I celebrate. I celebrate that I have reached this age when no one thought I would survive to live this long. I’m incredibly blessed, because I have a life, I thought was forever lost to me, and a tattoo on my arm, a lyric from the song "Yellow" – forever a reminder of just how far I’ve come – You’re skin and bones, turned into something beautiful.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline for support, resources, and treatment options.

Online Chat: Monday – Thursday 8am - 8pm ET, Friday 8am - 4pm ET

Helpline: 800.931.2237 / Monday – Thursday 10am - 8pm ET, Friday 10am - 4pm ET

Text: 800.931.2237 / Monday – Thursday 2pm -5pm ET, Friday 12pm - 4pm ET

Crisis Text Line: If you need help immediately, text “NEDA” to 741741 to be connected with a trained volunteer at Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 support to individuals who are struggling with mental health, including eating disorders, and are experiencing crisis situations.

Mums for Moms

words and images Catherine Frederick

MY MOM LOVED FLOWERS — especially yellow ones. Her love of flowers must be in my DNA because I truly believe they’re the perfect gift for any occasion, or just because. They instantly brighten a room.

What could be better than mums for moms this Mother’s Day? Cupcakes that look like mums, that’s what! The mom in your life will know you took the time to craft something delicious, just for her. I promise these mums won’t die, but they’re sure to disappear. Happy Mother’s Day!

Ingredients

8 cupcakes baked in paper liners (I used vanilla cake mix and green liners)

¼ cup each blue, white, yellow, purple, pink, and orange decorating sugars

1 bag (10.5 ounces) mini pastel-colored marshmallows

1 bag (10.5 ounces) mini white marshmallows

1 tub vanilla frosting

40 licorice pastels (purchased at Candy Craze)

Green licorice twists (purchased at Candy Craze)

Ziploc® sandwich baggies

Method

Pour colored sugars into separate Ziploc® baggies. Sort 22 like-colored marshmallows for each cupcake. To create the petals, cut the marshmallows in half diagonally. Place white marshmallows in the bags of purple, blue, white, and pink sugar. Place orange, yellow, and pink marshmallows in the bags of corresponding sugar color. Seal the bag and shake to coat.

Ice cupcakes with a thin layer of vanilla frosting. Starting at the outside edge of each cupcake, arrange the marshmallows, sugar side up and pointed edge out, sides touching. Continue for two additional rows, leaving room in the center for stamens (licorice pastel candies). Place 4 to 5 like-colored licorice pastels, vertically, in the center of each cupcake. Arrange the cupcakes on a platter or tray. Cut green twists in half lengthwise. Add the twists to look like stems, trimming to the desired length.

ingredients

(serves 4)

° 1 pound medium shrimp, cooked, chilled, peeled & deveined, reserve a few for garnish

° 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

° 1 cucumber, diced

° 1 jalapeño, seeded, minced

° ⅓ cup purple onion, chopped

° 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, chopped

° 1 bunch fresh cilantro, remove stems and roughly chop leaves, reserve more for garnish

° ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

° 1 ½ cups Clamato, chilled (spicy or regular)

° 1 cup ketchup, chilled

° ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

° 2 Tablespoons Valentina hot sauce

° 2 teaspoons Kosher salt

° 1-2 teaspoons ground black pepper

° lime wedges (garnish)

method

Prepare all ingredients and set aside. Combine onion and lime juice in a small bowl, set aside. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeño, salt, and pepper and toss gently. In a separate bowl, combine Clamato, ketchup, cilantro, Valentina, and Worcestershire, then add it to the shrimp mixture. Gently fold in avocados and onion mixture. Cover, then place in refrigerator for at least one hour. Pour into serving dishes, garnish with cilantro, shrimp, and a lime wedge.

The Matriarch

RECIPE adapted thespruceeats.com image Elena Veselova/Shutterstock

INGREDIENTS METHOD

° 1 ½ o unces reposado tequila

° 1 o unce plus 2 Tablespoons Grand Marnier

° ¾ o unce fresh lime juice

° ¼ o unce blue agave nectar

° ice

° mint , orange and lime wheels (garnish)

° mar garita salt (optional – we like Tajín)

Add ice, tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well combined. Rub the rim of the glass with a lime, then twist the glass rim in the Tajín /margarita salt (if using). Gently pour into prepared glass and garnish with a lime and mint spring. Enjoy!

ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY.NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.

Gentle Giants

In the Disney animated classic Dumbo , the song “Pink Elephants” tells the tale of having raised one too many glasses and afterward being visited by dancing visions of pastelcolored pachyderms.

Thinking one is seeing a herd of elephants roaming the plains of Oklahoma may suggest a similar hallucinogenic effect has been induced. Or it might just be a trip to the Endangered Ark Foundation, one of the most unique animal attractions in the country.

“They are very social creatures,” says Executive Director Karyn Olmos of the foundation’s regal main attractions. “They are

a matriarchal society, so women and young elephants live together. The older mature elephants are separated.

“Just like us, they all have different personalities that mesh with other personalities. You can parallel them to your average human family; there’s days where you absolutely love your family and you will fight to the death for your family, but there’s some days personalities clash.”

In all, the foundation’s two hundred acres are home to sixteen Asian elephants, a quarter of which were born here, the rest are retired from circus life. These adult creatures range in size from seven thousand to eight thousand pounds on up to the

WORDS Dwain Hebda IMAGES courtesy Endangered Ark Foundation

largest female and male specimens at ten thousand and fourteen thousand pounds, respectively.

The animals are cared for by a full-time staff of eleven and viewed by about fifty thousand visitors to the park and its programs every year.

“We have our public and private tours. Our private tours are a little more geared towards just you as the guest with the animals. We’re doing a lot of education there,” says Karyn. “Almost always, people can feed and get up close to the elephants. It’s very safe. They’re very enticed by food! Elephants eat almost all day long, so they enjoy getting special treats like vegetables from our guests.

“We also have our cabin experiences where guests stay onsite, and the elephants come up to your cabin in the morning and visit. It’s a very special moment. Guests get to feed and interact with an elephant at that time.”

The foundation also supports various special programs that aim directly at educating the public on the challenges faced by the majestic creatures in the wild. “We have a summer camp for youth ages nine to fourteen,” Karyn says. “It is an overnight camp where they learn all about the endangered Asian elephant. It’s about conservation and leadership and they learn so much during camp.

“Then we also have special events such as elephant bathing. We have a special spa experience where guests get to bathe the elephants, which they really love. It’s a very gentle scrubbing, not like the typical bathing that our crew does. It’s kind of a spa day for them.”

The foundation was created by circus operators D.R. and Isla Miller in 1993 as a way to help educate the public on the need to preserve the endangered Asian elephant. Per the organization, there are only about 35,000 to 45,000 Asian elephants left on Earth. Of these, a mere handful reside in North America, yet the plight of the Asian variety tends to be overshadowed by their big-eared cousins.

“When it comes to elephants, people tend to definitely focus on the big African elephants,” Karyn says. “Most people think about endangered elephants as it relates to ivory. For African elephants, the issue is poaching, and it’s been horrible. The African government has come in and done a lot of things to really crack down on poachers.

“For Asian elephants, the issue is deforestation, it’s habitat loss. People are infringing on where they live. They don’t have places to get water and food, they’re migrating and they’re starving.”

The foundation is ready and willing to take in additional elephants, but such is not likely because in the United States elephants are already in good hands, Karyn says. That, plus a ban on the import and export of the species – a byproduct of their being endangered – means the herd must grow the old-fashioned way.

“The main difference between breeding here and breeding in the wild is that it is a more controlled environment,” Karyn says. “It’s consciously done, starting with drawing bloodwork to see when they’re cycling. They have very small windows for when that happens. Having babies is not necessarily harder. There’s a smaller pool of elephants so anytime it happens it’s kind of a miracle and something wonderful.”

As for any big bundles of joy on the way right now, Karyn shrugs and smiles. “Not that we know of,” she says. “But it is a twenty-two-month gestation, so we’ll see.”

One thing that’s not in doubt is the time and resources it takes to maintain an elephant throughout its lifetime. “Roughly, one elephant is pretty much the cost of about a family of four for a year. That’s food, care, nothing too extreme,” Karyn says. “People are usually surprised at the life expectancy of an elephant, which is a very long life. They can live into their seventies with the highest record-breakers in their later eighties.

“Obviously, there are elephants that need special treatment and care, especially as they get older. And as inflation rises, obviously, prices increase, and costs go up.” That reality keeps the foundation on its toes to come up with new ways to educate the public about their elephants and inspire contributions for their care and upkeep. A few sponsorship opportunities are available through the foundation’s website including the chance to “adopt” one or more members of the herd.

“A lot of these things we’ve been doing for a while, the difference is that it’s now on a bigger scale,” Karyn says. “We also have more holiday events. During our holiday festival, for instance, you can have your photo taken with Santa and the elephants and you can feed them and visit Holiday Land. That festival is something that has grown over the years.

“It’s all about enhancing our guest’s experience. Our average visitor is driving from at least two hours away, so it’s not just

about coming and staying here, but also making sure that they’re able to do a lot of other things. It's about attracting kids, making sure that there’s lots of fun things for them to do besides coming just to see the elephants.”

Karyn, who’s worked for the foundation for a decade, has a long-range view for the animals which she shares with the bulk of full-time staff. “Everyone that’s associated with the foundation is very passionate and puts in a lot of time and extra hours to be able to do these events for our guests in order to raise funds so that we can continue to take care of them,” she says. “It’s not just about right now, it’s the fact that the youngest member of the herd is two years old, and our matriarch is over seventy years old. You’re talking about a very, very long commitment and we want to ensure that we have funds to be able to take care of them long into the future.

“We hear a lot of, ‘I never knew you were here,’ but once they find us, they’re amazed at how sweet the elephants are, how cool it is, how fun it is, how big they are, how fascinating they are. I think people enjoy our staff and how much knowledge we have about the elephants. I also think sometimes people think we’re talking about other human beings the way we talk about them, how they have different tastes, how they are very spoiled and how each has their own personality! We’re definitely here because of them.”

To see a full list of activities, plan a trip, or view sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Endangered Ark Foundation online at endangeredarkfoundation.org, or call 580.317.8470.

Endangered Ark is located at 2657 East 2070 Road in Hugo, Oklahoma.

Biking the Trails

There are a lot of vehicles driving around town these days with knobby tire bicycles mounted in the back. They range from a pickup with four bicycles lined up across the tailgate to a rack attached to a minivan with bikes of all sizes dangling from it. Many people are opting for dirt trails as their outdoor activity of choice. From cyclists seeking a safe trail for a casual family outing to those seeking more of a challenge, the River Valley area has trails to satisfy all your needs.

BEN GEREN PARK, FORT SMITH

Ben Geren Park offers fifteen miles of singletrack that cover the gambit of skill levels. There are three different trailhead parking locations to begin your ride, and each has a map of the trails

posted. Those unfamiliar with the trails should take a picture of the map with their phone as a reference. If you are looking for a short ride, minus climbs or technical features, begin your ride at the disc golf parking lot, located just past the ball fields. Head out on Beaver Dam Trail, then make it a loop ride via Wild Hog Tracks Trail.

Another parking area is located at the crest of McClure Amphitheater, next to the ArcBest building. Warm up your legs on Gravity Fed Trail, a fast, flowy downhill with several jumps sprinkled in. It is an easy transition ride back to the top for fun repeats, or you can link up with the other sections of trails using Zippidee Doo Dah Trail. There are regularly scheduled group rides open to the public that begin at this trailhead every Tuesday evening at 6pm.

WORDS and IMAGES Bob Robinson

Lake Alma

The third trailhead is located where the paved bike trail crosses Massard Road. Your trail options from here are unlimited. Drop into the GP Trail for a gradual flowy descent that includes a couple of jumps, then link up with Elvis Trail. Riders can also leave the parking lot to jump onto Roller Coaster Trail for a steeper descent that ties into Wild Hog Tracks Trail. Or, if you’re up for an adrenaline surge, make a fast trek down Hobo Hill Trail – the park’s only professionally constructed trail. Rogue Trails, a company committed to designing, building, and sustaining world-class trail systems, built this downhill funfest packed with jumps, high-banked turns, and fast lines that satisfy your need for speed.

Keep up with events and activities by joining Ben Geren Trail Conditions (FOORC) on Facebook. Frontier Ozark Off-Road Cyclists (FOORC) is a branch of an Arkansas mountain bike club, which is part of IMBA, a national mountain bike organization.

I-49. Once complete, the trail will route riders under the bridge for more miles of riding enjoyment.

Follow events and activities on the Springhill Park Trail

Conditions Facebook page

LAKE ALMA

SPRINGHILL PARK, BARLING

Just down the highway is another trail at Springhill Park in Barling. With little elevation gain or technical features, this nine-mile trail system is a favorite for recreational riders. With tight turns weaving through dense trees, this network of trails is just plain fun to ride and is a great trail for the entire family. It includes a bike park at the trailhead to fine-tune your riding skills. The western end trail network has been a popular location for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) to host races for young riders. Currently, the trails on the eastern end of Springhill are somewhat disrupted by construction for

Mountain bikers in the River Valley have a new trail at Lake Alma. Rogue Trails completed Phase I of this trail system in 2022. This includes just under five miles of beginner-friendly trails that circle the lake. Although rated beginner, as all mountain bikers know, everything becomes technical given enough speed, and these smooth, flowy downhill trails can feed most cyclists’ hunger for speed. This is also a very scenic ride offering views of the lake and beautiful McWaters Falls. Rogue Trails constructed several wooden bridges across potential wet crossings, but one such wet crossing remains. Phase II includes a bridge over this final creek along with an additional twelve miles of trail. The new trails will be designed for intermediate and advanced skill levels. The target date to begin construction of the new trails is early 2024.

Follow activities on the Lake Alma Trail Facebook page.

COLLEY PARK, VAN BUREN

There is another bike trail located off I-40 in Van Buren. Rogue Trails were able to pack almost five miles of fun bike trails in the sixty acres at Colley Park. This neighborhood trail system

Lake Alma Greenwood Lake

Springhill Park

includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. The advanced trail even offers a challenging gap jump. Parking for the trails is located on Forest Oaks Drive in Van Buren.

While some may consider the Greenwood Lake trails short on mileage, you can always double up by riding them in both directions. A trail is totally different riding from the opposite direction.

GREENWOOD LAKE

To the south of the River Valley, there is yet another mountain biking trail at Greenwood Lake. This five-mile collection of trails is truly a community effort. Local riders, city park employees and the boy scouts contributed to building this trail system. One such leader was Michael LeJong, who sadly passed in 2021 and is very much missed. The city plans to dedicate the trail system in his honor in the future.

Greenwood Lake has bike trails north and south of the parking area. The south trail entrance is located to the left of the boat ramp. This starts as a nice easy ride that follows the lakeshore before curving up a small hill. There is a metal bench at the top of the climb, along with several other benches throughout the trails that offer a nice view of the lake. As the trail heads downhill, the rocks can be a little challenging. Eventually, the trail circles back to parallel Mount Harmony Road and returns to the parking lot.

Riders reach the beginning of the north trails by pedaling over a bridge relocated here from Hope, Arkansas. This historic pony truss bridge was constructed in 1931. Once across the bridge, the trail inches its way up a slight grade to a series of wooden bridges constructed by Greenwood’s Boy Scout Troop 54. Troop 54 also built a large portion of the trails and will continue extending the trail another two miles to a proposed parking area on Marymount Drive.

Follow activities on the Greenwood Lake – Trail Conditions Facebook page.

BEST PRACTICES

A lot of work has gone into developing mountain bike trails in the River Valley. Even if you were not involved with constructing the trails, you can help preserve them by following these simple best practices:

1. When riding a trail, if the ground is wet enough for your bike to leave tracks, do not ride the trail.

2. The trails mentioned are located on park property. No changes or modifications to the trails are permitted without the approval of the park.

3. Join scheduled rides and work outings posted on a trail’s Facebook page.

4. Respect posted trail closings. They are closed for a reason.

5. Ride only the established trail system. Do not shortcut turns.

Note: NICA is an organization with a mission to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. If you have an area student-athlete who would like to become involved, contact the River Valley Marshals, rvmarshals.nica@gmail.com.

FUTURE RIVER VALLEY TRAILS

Thirty miles south of Fort Smith, Sebastian County Parks plan to construct a professionally designed trail system at Bob Boyer Park. Progress Trail Design has already compiled a master plan that includes mountain bike trails, and ARDOT has approved a Recreational Trails Program grant to begin construction of Phase I. The rugged terrain of this location has amazing potential for developing a trail system for all skill levels.

Hobo Hill, Ben Geren NICA Race

High on the Hill Top

Nestled amidst the stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains, Hill Top Lodging offers an unparalleled getaway experience for those searching for peace. The property is a perfect fusion of natural splendor and modern amenities, making it an ideal retreat for a romantic excursion, family vacation, or a rejuvenating break in nature’s beauty. Here you’ll find the accommodations are designed to cater to every need, with a spacious lodge for up to twelve guests, a cozy cabin for four, and ample space for primitive camping.

What sets apart Hill Top Lodging is its one-of-a-kind story. Brenda Harding, after experiencing a life-changing event at the age of fifty-seven, embarked on a cross-country journey to find herself and discover her purpose. Along the way, she stumbled upon an abandoned property in the Ouachita National Forest mountain area, on the James Fork River. With a vision to create a peaceful sanctuary for women in need of peace, she purchased the property and began restoration of the cabin and the surrounding land. “As I healed the property, I healed myself,” Brenda explains. Hill Top Lodging is a testament to her journey and commitment to helping others find calm and solace in a safe and healthy environment.

With a dream of providing a safe space for people to heal, Brenda knew she couldn’t do it alone, so she reached out to her cousin, Sabrina Cochran, for support. Sabrina, a life coach in Ohio with an eye for design, was eager to help women with their traumas and was inspired by Brenda’s vision. It’s Sabrina whom she credits with helping her regain her power. “I would’ve never made it through it without the support of Sabrina,” she explains. After witnessing the magic Brenda was creating, she relocated to Arkansas to partner with her on this venture. Recognizing the therapeutic effects of nature, they

WORDS Lindsay Jordan for Arkie Travels

Brittany Kelly Photography

Premier Photography

poured their hearts and souls into revamping the property, creating a tranquil setting where guests can disconnect from the stresses of life, reconnect with themselves, and rediscover their sense of purpose.

Having a shared grand vision for the property, Brenda and Sabrina discovered a passion for creating a space where people could come together during difficult times and moments of happiness to find solace and relaxation. To achieve this, they focused on renovating the lodge which they adorned with custom furniture and exquisite handmade curtains. “Brenda can make anything!” Sabrina says. They were determined to allow the property to reveal its potential and worked tirelessly to bring it to life. It's due to this unwavering dedication to the vision that the cabin was fully booked within weeks of its opening in October 2020.

With its offering of a serene break away from the chaos of daily life, providing an ideal space to rejuvenate and the chance to reconnect with yourself, your partner, or your loved ones, Hill Top Lodging has everything. The charming cabin boasts a rustic and cozy ambiance that’s clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The living room sofas easily transform into twin beds, and the loft bedroom with its plush king-sized bed, ensures an intimate and comfortable stay. The fully equipped kitchen has everything you need to create delicious meals, while the private deck with a grill and hot tub provides a great romantic or family hangout spot. The cabin comes stocked with two fluffy robes, complimentary Wi-Fi, heating, air conditioning, and a hot tub to keep you entertained throughout your stay. From the front porch, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the idyllic Ouachita Mountains and find a wonderful refuge to indulge in the simple pleasures of life and experience the finest in cozy mountain living.

If you’re in need of group space, you’ll find the lodge is ideal with its comfort and class, as a picture-perfect retreat for families seeking a memorable gathering place, corporate teams looking for a unique venue for team building and events, or couples searching for an extraordinary location for their dream wedding. It features four beautifully decorated suites and can accommodate up to twelve guests. The lavish suites boast a private bathroom and share access to the deck, well equipped kitchen, grill, fire pit, and a billiards room, offering an elevated combination of private and shared spaces for a remarkable

experience. The Birds Nest suite is great for families with its two queen-sized beds and one twin bed, while the Rock Hollow suite is handicap accessible and offers a queen-sized bed for added comfort. The River Ridge suite is the epitome of luxury with its king-sized bed and private fireplace, and the Treehouse suite provides the ultimate bridal suite with its king-sized bed, private dressing/sitting room, and an additional private room with a cozy queen bed. It’s a wonderful location for creating lifelong memories.

Brenda Harding and Sabrina Cochran

Breehanan Photography

Premier Photography

Looking for an intimate and unforgettable elopement experience? Look no further! Hill Top Lodging offers a personalized elopement package that can be tailored to fit your unique vision, ensuring a truly enchanting occasion. This package includes an overnight stay in the Honeymoon Cabin, an officiant for the ceremony, a stunning bridal bouquet, a delectable designer round cake, a celebratory champagne toast, and a romantic breakfast for two. They also offer a range of add-ons, including the option to book the lodge for up to twelve guests, making it an excellent venue for an all-inclusive destination elopement. Brenda and Sabrina will work with you to make certain that every detail is taken care of.

While the beauty of the mountains and the ability to leave the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life behind are wonderful, Hill Top Lodging is so much more than that. With plenty of activities to keep guests entertained, including hiking, fishing, bird watching, picnicking by the river, and exploring nature trails, there’s something for everyone and every moment. If it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, you’ll find yoga, reiki, and massage services are available upon request. Guests can disconnect and unwind in this peaceful haven. These ladies go the extra mile to create unforgettable experiences for visitors such as s’mores by the fire, and an outdoor movie experience under the stars.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family retreat, Hill Top Lodging is the perfect destination for those in search of something more. The comfortable lodgings blend modern amenities with natural beauty, providing just the right balance of rustic charm and convenience. You’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Premier Photography

The Candid Collective

The Candid Collective

ALL ABOUT KIDS

School is almost out for the summer, and you know what that means…soon, you'll hear WHAT ARE WE GONNA DOOOOO? Never fear, Do South® is here with our 8th annual All About Kids Guide!

We are proud to partner with the best providers, businesses, and organizations in our community that strive to keep our kids active, healthy, and entertained all year long. We hope that our guide also serves as a resource as you seek out specialized healthcare, educational opportunities, and financial information to best serve your family.

415 Main Street, Van Buren, Arkansas

479.474.7767

artsonmainvb.com

Arts On Main offers enriching art experiences for families during the summer. Our program for ages 3-15 includes interactive STEM workshops, Saturday art classes, pottery classes, culinary workshops, a children’s theatre program, and birthday parties as well as off-campus art camps to keep your kids engaged all summer long. Adult programs include paint parties, art classes and workshops, culinary events, and more. We are so excited to get you connected to all of the arts activities that we offer. For information, visit artsonmainvb.com or call AOM at 479-4747767. Keep up to date with classes, events, and more by subscribing to our newsletter.

1500 Dodson Avenue, Suite 260-A, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.709.7337

baptist-health.com

Whether your children need newborn care, back-to-school vaccinations, or physicals, Baptist Health Pediatric Clinic located at 1500 Dodson Avenue, Suite 260-A, in Fort Smith has you covered. Dr. Raelene Mapes and her team also treat illnesses and injuries for children of all ages. For Dr. Mapes, the most rewarding part of her career is getting the opportunity to watch her patients grow up. By having a long-term history with a pediatrician, you’ll get insight into your children’s development and will be able to better detect emerging problems, such as changes in academic or emotional status. For more about Dr. Mapes and the services she provides, call 479-709-7337 or visit baptist-health.com.

866.952.9523 arvest.com/savings

When it comes to developing healthy habits, it’s important to learn them early in life. The same is true for healthy financial habits. Opening a savings account for kids is a great way for them to learn about money. A savings account is a useful tool to teach the importance of setting financial goals and budgeting so that they develop good savings and spending habits. Arvest’s Cool Blue Savings account is designed specifically for children under age 18, with no monthly service fee and other great advantages. Help your child get on the road to financial responsibility sooner with a Cool Blue Savings account. Learn more at arvest.com/savings, visit a local branch or call (866) 952-9523.

South Zero, Fort Smith, Arkansas

What other product can bring a family together, turn special moments into lasting memories, and improve your health, all without leaving the comfort of your own backyard? We all know the family that spends thousands of dollars on family vacations that require months of planning, but then they’re over in the blink of an eye. Invest in a swimming pool to provide those moments of family fun, and you’ll find you never need to go anywhere else. Call Burton Pools & Spas today – at Burton, we don't just build swimming pools, we build long-term relationships!

201 North 19th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.434.2020

csafortsmith.org

Community School of the Arts is excited to announce the lineup of camps and classes for Summer 2023! Camps and activities are available in music, theatre, dance, and visual art for preschoolers to adults. Pop, Rock, & All That Jazz, an instrumental and vocal jazz camp for students entering grades 7-12 is FREE of charge! Summer music camps include Piano Camp, Ultimate Drums Camp, and Summer Strings for violin, viola, cello, and bass, as well as a String Ensemble for adult and nontraditional students. Register now for our youth theatre production of Godspell the Musical! Private lessons are offered year-round, jump in any time! Preschool for the Creative Arts is now enrolling for Summer and Fall semesters.

344 Fayetteville Avenue, Alma, Arkansas

479.632.4600

almareferrals@pediatricsplus.com

2805 Alma Highway, Van Buren, Arkansas

479.471.9600

vanburenreferrals@pediatricsplus.com

Pediatrics Plus is NOW ENROLLING for PRESCHOOL students at both our Alma and Van Buren locations. To enroll your child today, please contact us by using the location information above. Our preschool offers therapy services throughout the day including applied behavior analysis, occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Learn more about how we can serve your family and help your child achieve their goals at PediatricsPlus.com.

fnbfs.com

The importance of saving early means kids and teens can take advantage of compound interest. Spending is easy, but saving is hard, even for adults. The earlier kids start learning to save, the more it will become part of their system and habit pattern. Financial literacy is extremely important for the future of our youth. In partnership with various public and private schools across Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, FNB provides a financial education program to children, with an emphasis on savings. Open your child a First Savers account today with First National Bank of Fort Smith to allow their savings to GROW with them!

622 North 7th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.431.8695

fsfuture.org

Future School of Fort Smith (Future School) envisions a future where each student graduates equipped with the tools to succeed and enthusiastic about their future due to their time spent at the school. We prioritize a learning environment that is open, inclusive, relationship-centered, and focused on student success. With a small advisor-to-student ratio, our educator-mentors guide students through the process of identifying interests, connecting with potential internships, and envisioning their plans upon graduation. Future School strives to earn its reputation as an innovative and impactful leader in education in Arkansas through its combination of personalized learning plans, internship network, concurrent college credit program, and robust partnerships with area businesses and the Fort Smith community.

Immaculate Conception icschoolfs.org

Christ the King ctkschoolfs.com

Trinity Catholic thinktrinity.org

The three Fort Smith Catholic schools have a rich history of quality education in the River Valley. These three schools represent almost 200 years of educational excellence. Fort Smith Catholic schools provide a safe environment and quality education in a faith-based setting. Our schools each have a distinctive culture, dynamic student population, and a deep sense of tradition and legacy. Enroll your children now and let us provide the necessary framework for building a brighter future. Immaculate Conception: 18 months – 5th Grade www.icschoolfs.org; Christ the King: 18 months –5th Grade www.ctkschoolfs.com; Trinity Catholic: 6th – 8th Grade www.thinktrinity.org.

1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.784.2787

fsram.org/education

Worlds of fun at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum this summer! We will explore new – and old – worlds with dinosaur and space-themed Summer Art Camp classes, as well as an art installation class, geared to three different age levels. Our regular programming will continue with our family-friendly RAM Saturdays classes and our online RAM Sketch on Tuesday evenings – great for kids 10 and older. Drop In and Draw on Thursday afternoons is a place for artists to sketch with a live model. All three of these classes are free! We will also continue our summer art programs with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Smith. Visit fsram.org/education for more information.

1109 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren 815 Fort Street, Barling 479.474.6444

insynctherapy.com

In-Sync provides professional therapy services to children with special needs throughout the River Valley and Eastern Oklahoma. We offer various specialized therapy services to support the unique needs of every child. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, family-centered, multi-disciplinary care where children can learn to safely live fulfilling lives. We support patients from birth to age 21 and serve patients with a variety of diagnoses. Our team of pediatric specialists includes BoardCertified Behavior Analysts, and Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists who work together to create individualized treatment plans. Therapy is carried out in a creative and fun atmosphere where every child can be successful.

3205 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.2501 fortsmithschools.org

Through the new “Emerging Art & Design” program, PEAK art students will employ artistic ideas that integrate realworld scenarios using industry-standard technology and equipment. Students will develop a portfolio demonstrating 21st-Century skills, present in gallery exhibitions to peers and community partners, and gain the skills necessary to earn technical certifications in industry-recognized digital software. The PEAK Emerging Art & Design pathway is available exclusively to Fort Smith Public School students and incorporates three areas of study: Media Arts, Art History, and Studio Art. Students completing the program will graduate with a portfolio of work, gallery exhibition experience, and a network of future employers. Classes forming now for 2023-24 and seats are limited, contact us today!

2101 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

808 South Broadway Street, Poteau, Oklahoma

479.782.3021 / 918.647.7272

udoujorthodontics.com

Udouj Orthodontics has provided orthodontic excellence in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere since 1972! Our staff takes the time to get to know each patient and makes appointments fun! Utilizing the latest technological advances to ensure you receive the most effective care possible, we offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults, including early interceptive and growth modification treatment, as well as treatment with fixed braces. From traditional metal brackets and wires to toothcolored appliances, we design your orthodontic treatment to suit your lifestyle and preferences, and also offer ceramic braces and clear aligners. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you create a beautiful, healthy smile!

Help. Hope. Support. Will your child be ready for public school? At Stepping Stone, each child is challenged by our professional team in a fun, stimulating, and structured environment. Children with developmental delays, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, autism or medically fragile participate in pre-academics, language communication skills, motor development and socialization. Services provided: Free Developmental Screenings, Therapeutic Preschool, Early Interventions, ABA / Applied Behavioral Analysis, Individualized Care Plans, Transportation, Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies and an array of Nursing Services. The earlier you recognize your child’s special needs and request help, the better the possibilities to improve or overcome developmental challenges. Call for your free developmental assessment and a partner in your child’s potential.

5912 South 28th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.646.1616

flamefs.com

Founded in 1985 Flame Gymnastics Academy has been owned and operated by the Beam family since 1995. Emphasis is on maintaining a fun and supportive atmosphere for all their students regardless of age or skill level. Flame’s professional staff have over 300 years of combined gymnastics teaching experience and are recognized for producing gymnasts competitive on a state and regional level through the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Program. Flame has been voted “Best of the Best” for gymnastics in the River Valley for six straight years. Classes in gymnastics and tumbling are offered year-round and swim lessons for ages 9 months through 12 years are offered during the months of June and July. Contact us today!

200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.782.5068

fsfumc.org

At First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith, we care about kids! We have a full program of children's ministries to develop your child’s spiritual life including Sunday School, Wednesday Program, Holiday Celebrations, Choir, and Handbells. We also have three excellent weekday childcare programs: Child Enrichment Center, Weekday School, and Children's Day Out. We host community events several times a year that are open to any child and their family. If you want to find out more, visit our website, fsfumc.org, call the church office at 479-782-5068, or email our Children's Minister, Ashley McNeal, at amcneal@fsfumc.org. At First United Methodist Church, your child will be loved, supported, and encouraged!

7300 Ellis Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas

479.452.4554

chaffeecrossingfam.com

The Chaffee Crossing Farmers & Artisans Market (CCFAM) is an outdoor, festival-style market held on second Saturdays, May through October in the peaceful Chaffee Crossing Historic and Entertainment District! Local farmers, artists, artisans, and craftsmen selling homegrown, homemade, and handmade products line the street and parking lots. Food and beverage vendors, local musicians and entertainers enrich the vibe with sights, sounds, and smells. Monthly themed activities include contests and demonstrations. Making new friends, bumping into old friends, and an inviting atmosphere keep all ages coming back for more. CCFAM 2023 season schedule: May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14, 8:00 am until 2:00 pm.

3324 South M Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.782.6302

reynoldscancersupporthouse.org

Our Kids Kicking Cancer group, facilitated by a licensed therapeutic professional, is specifically for adolescents affected by cancer, whether they are fighting cancer, are a survivor, or have a family member with cancer. The group meets bi-monthly for arts and crafts, games, and special events. They can share and normalize their feelings in a safe, fun environment as they deal with a range of emotions and challenges while receiving education and support. Parents meet simultaneously for support to empower them to cope. We serve thousands of people in our region battling or surviving a cancer diagnosis and are committed to helping patients and families regardless of age, gender, or type of cancer diagnosis, all at no cost.

2221 Pointer Trail East, Van Buren, Arkansas 479.474.7942

vbsd.us

The school year may be winding down, but the fun doesn't stop when the last bell rings! VBSD is gearing up for an exciting summer, filled with opportunities to engage students. Our District is offering a wide range of art and sports camps, as well as ACT test prep courses designed to help students succeed on their entrance exam. We are also helping feed families, by serving FREE breakfast and lunch at a variety of convenient locations throughout the city. These programs demonstrate VBSD's commitment to excellence at every level – all year long. Follow @VBSDPointers on social media or visit our District website to stay up-to-date on summer activities and more! #PointerPride

4701 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.785.0152

waballet.org

Western Arkansas Ballet Academy offers classes in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop for ages 3 through adult. Committed to creating a community dedicated to the Fine Arts through quality dance education, training, and performance, Western Arkansas Ballet Academy is proud to provide three performance opportunities each season to local dancers. The 2023-2024 season includes the 38th Annual production of The Nutcracker December 16 & 17, 2023 at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center in downtown Fort Smith. Summer dance camp and workshop registration is open now and our 2023-2024 Academy registration opens June 15, 2023. You can learn more and register online at waballet.org.