®
TICK-TOCK
AUGUST 2016 DoSouthMagazine.com
CONTENTS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Catherine Frederick CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Scott Frederick MANAGING EDITOR Marla Cantrell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Marla Cantrell Sara Carter Mike Daugherty Catherine Frederick Claire Kolberg Megan Lankford Malynda Sayers Jessica Sowards Stoney Stamper Louise Turner Glenn Wigington GRAPHIC DESIGNER Artifex 323 - Jessica Mays
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PROOFREADER Charity Chambers PUBLISHER Read Chair Publishing, LLC
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INSIDE
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ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick - 479.782.1500
APPLE OF MY EYE
Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com
Don't send your kiddos back to school empty handed! We have a special treat they can take for their teachers that will get this school year off to a sweet start.
Scott Frederick - 479.459.6672
THE BATTLE FOR BECKHAM At four years of age, Beckham Prescott has already touched the lives of thousands. Find out how he's battling against a rare disease, and inspiring those who follow his journey.
CAKE, CONFIT, & CHEFS IN THE GARDEN Case Dighero, the honorary chair for the upcoming Chefs in the Garden, is sharing his recipe for Valencia Orange-Olive Oil Cake. You will love this irresistible pairing of sweet and savory!
OKC WEEKENDER You just thought you knew Oklahoma City! We'll show you what's new, what's making waves, and how to enjoy a weekend adventure in OKC. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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EDITORIAL INFORMATION Marla Cantrell - 479.831.9116 Marla@DoSouthMagazine.com ©2016 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions contained in Do South® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence to Do South® or Read Chair Publishing, LLC., 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 Cover Image: almaje/Shutterstock
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O
letter from the editor
On a recent afternoon, when a summer
this building to raise money for the Cancer
storm whipped through Fort Smith, taking
Support House. I looked up, my hand
my electrical power with it, I sat at my
shading my eyes, and wondered what it was
kitchen table and played a board game
like to see it go up way back in 1910.
called Wahoo! with my son. In those few hours, while crews worked to get the lights
At Savoy Tea Company, a dozen women
back on, I was forced to slow down. My
wearing big, loud hats, sat drinking tea and
reward was being unconnected from email
eating tiny cakes and laughing. At The Park
and breaking news alerts that typically
at West End, we rode the old Ferris wheel,
interrupt my day. I did not learn a thing
paying one dollar each for the joy of seeing
that afternoon, except that the storm was
the oldest part of the city from high up, just
over, the house was quiet, and my son was
as the stars started to appear. Nearby, a half
playing the same game I had at his age.
dozen kids played in the splash pad, their parents watching carefully as they ran through the water, making
A few nights later, when a cool breeze showed up out of
up stories, pretending to be superheroes. That night, I suspect,
nowhere, we headed to Garrison Avenue. I thought we'd grab a
every one of those kids slept well and dreamed big dreams.
bite to eat and then head home. But when we found a table on the patio at Bricktown Brewery and then heard Flash and Mark
At each of The Unexpected murals, people gathered for selfies.
Albertson playing their music, we stayed. By the time they sang
We watched as they admired this new art in this old town. We
one of our favorite Eric Clapton numbers, everyone on the patio
even stood on the stage at Garrison Commons Park that opens
was smiling. And outside the gated enclosure, a woman walking
this month, and we imagined what it would be like to sit a
down the street decided she couldn't stand one more minute
while and listen to the bands, or watch a movie, that will soon
without dancing. We all watched her, dancing like no one was
be playing there.
watching, although, of course, we all were. I guess you could say we spent an evening like our parents and Later, we decided to stroll the avenue. Another band played
grandparents might have done, but I have another name for it.
outside La Huerta and still another on the patio at Rib Room Beer
I call it localling. After several weekends away to watch our son
Garden. At each place, crowds gathered. Outside The Sound
play travelling basketball, we reconnected with our community,
Room, where it was just a bit too early to open, an impromptu
and with everything we love about being local. If you want to
trio with a guitar belted out a Garth Brooks number.
feel the same way, try spending an evening on Garrison Avenue. It could be one of the best nights of your summer.
As we continued our walk, we noticed the architecture of our old town. The buildings are beautiful, but driving by you never really notice the details. We stopped near First National Bank and looked up. In October, everyday citizens will rappel down
~Catherine
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To reserve this free space for your charitable non-profit organization, email: Editors@DoSouthMagazine.com
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poetry
LINEs Glenn Wigington
I must tell you about my mother, and the last time I saw her, the day she told me about chest pains and nitroglycerin pills and arrangements as if we were writing a grocery list. We talked of things as they used to be; rocking on the front porch on cool summer nights, the air soft and limp, snow ice cream and popcorn when blizzards struck and school closed, Sunday mornings waiting for company to arrive, the subdued sound of chicken frying, the aroma of fresh bread and apple pies. I remembered hiding when trouble came or fear aroused. She would find me, hoist me onto her soft lap, dry my wet eyes, tell me it would be all right. It would be all right.
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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL
&
UP CLOSE PERSONAL
JOHN JETER Music Director and Conductor, Fort Smith Symphony Fort Smith Symphony 479.452.7575 fortsmithsymphony.org
ABOUT THE FORT SMITH SYMPHONY The Fort Smith Symphony presents great concerts as well as educational and community programs for everyone. Most concerts are sold out and the support for the symphony is terrific. For people who have not attended, this is the season to come and hear us. Our greatest season ever — it's also my twentieth year with the Fort Smith Symphony!
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UPCLOSE&PERSONAL
WORDS TO LIVE BY:
THE FIRST RECORD I BOUGHT FOR MYSELF WAS
"Never take yourself too seriously."
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3.
3 PRODUCTS JOHN CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
IF I COULD THANK MY PARENTS FOR JUST ONE THING
French press coffee maker, Mac desktop computer, Converse high top sneakers
MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT I
soloed in an airplane at age 16 and have skydived about a dozen times.
it would be assuming I would always make the right choices.
If I could take a year off from my job, I'd read loads of history books.
MY BEST SUMMER VACATION WAS
conducting in Europe. MY SUPERPOWER IS
I can't live without my Mac desktop computer I'M INSPIRED BY
people who persevere despite tremendous odds against them. THE BEST THING ABOUT MY JOB IS
working for an overwhelmingly positive and successful organization. MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT FORT SMITH IS
the generosity of the community. MY FAVORITE STATE PARK IS
Moran State Park, Orcas Island, WA.
my quick wit (according to the Mrs.). THE WORST TROUBLE I WAS EVER IN AS A KID WAS WHEN I
was caught rummaging around for my duffle bag on a tour bus in England. The driver thought I was a thief; as it turned out, I had gotten back on the wrong bus!
MY WORST HABIT IS
putting kitchen utensils back in the wrong place. MY BEST HABIT IS
making time for my daughter’s activities. IF I COULD CHOOSE AN ACTOR TO PLAY MY LIFE, IT WOULD BE
The most unusual thing in my fridge is Ningxia Red Whole Body Nutrient Drink
MY FIRST JOB WAS
Spencer Tracy. MY LAST ROAD TRIP WAS TO
Indiana. THE LAST TIME I DID SOMETHING THAT SCARED ME WAS WHEN
working at a health food store next to the beach in Southern California.
I NEVER MET A
my parachute temporarily malfunctioned.
composer I didn't like.
MY FIRST CAR WAS A
IF I COULD BRING BACK ONE FASHION TREND, IT WOULD BE
I THINK RAP IS
Karman Ghia (VW).
WW2 leather flight jackets.
overrated.
IF CALORIES DIDN'T COUNT
WHEN I WAS A KID, I WANTED TO GROW UP TO BE A
I'd eat pasta every day.
test pilot (like Chuck Yeager). DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
THE BEST WAY TO STAY COOL DURING AN ARKANSAS SUMMER IS TO
never go outside!
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calendar
AUGUST
6
TH
Submit your events to editors@dosouthmagazine.com August 9-13 118th Annual Tontitown Grape Festival Tontitown tontitowngrapefestival.com The Tontitown Grape Festival has been an Arkansas tradition for more than 100 years! Homemade spaghetti, fried chicken, hot rolls, and tons of grapes are the hallmarks of this event. There are also arts and crafts, food vendors, carnival rides, and live music.
August 6 Fort Smith Boys Shelter Car Show & BBQ Fort Smith facebook.com/ boysshelterbenefit
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Petropolitan
August 12-14 Eureka Springs Multi-Sport Festival eurekasportsfestival.com Don't miss this three-day multi-sport event which includes a sprint-distance triathlon on Friday afternoon, road bike tour rides and racing on Saturday, and morning and running races on Sunday.
The Boys Shelter of Fort Smith is hosting its first car show & BBQ at the Fort Smith Pavilion. Cool cars, barbeque, raffles, and a silent auction.
9-13
12-14
TH
TH August 12 7th Annual Petropolitan Fundraiser Fort Smith 479.648.8000 Enjoy Mexican fiesta-themed food, margaritas, wine and beer. Live music, auctions, and tons of fun. Proceeds benefit Kitties and Kanines low-cost spay neuter clinic.
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13T H August 13 Blues Traveler Hot Springs magicsprings.com Blues Traveler, the band that started in New Jersey in 1987 and had hits like "Run-Around" and "Hook," will be playing at the Magic Springs Timberwood Amphitheatre.
calendar
THETOPTENTHETOPTEN 13-14 T H
August 13-14 Band Wars 2016 Russellville valleymusicfest.com The KCBS BBQ Cook-off, food vendors, and two days of great music. Listen to some of the area's best bands as they compete to win $5,000 and open for Marshall Tucker Band and Kentucky Headhunters!
August 18-20 Bluegrass Festival Eureka Springs theaud.org
Great bluegrass performers from across the country! On Thursday, there's a watermelon social at Basin Park, and then on Friday and Saturday, free live music from noon until 5. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there are ticketed shows at The Auditorium.
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August 20 Teal Night in Tahiti Fort Smith rivervalleyoca.com Enjoy a night of great food, music and dancing. Jewelry drawings, games, silent auctions and more! Proceeds benefit the River Valley Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
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18-20 T H
August 20 Buckin' In The Ozarks Springdale rodeooftheozarks.org Buckin’ In The Ozarks, an event that showcases some of the most promising rising stars in bull riding, alongside rookies and veterans, all trying to stay on for eight seconds. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
August 27 Sparks Kids' Triathlon Fort Smith 479.785.4677 Sparks Kids' Triathlon is for kids up to 14 years of age who like to swim, bike, and run. The event begins at the Marvin Altman Fitness Center pool, with the Bike & Run course on Lexington Avenue.
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community
The Unexpected
When first planning The Unexpected, we were curious what
words Claire Kolberg images courtesy Mike Bell and Martin Herlacher
and global. Along with each artist who visits Fort Smith comes
S
role art could play in economic development and recasting the image of our city. The impact of The Unexpected is local their social media following in the thousands. Multiply that by seven artists, and it’s close to a million touches each time
September is almost here and with that brings The Unexpected
an artist posts about The Unexpected. During 2015’s project
curated by JustKids. For the second year in a row, global
our estimated international reach was two million, and we
eyes will be on Fort Smith, Arkansas for ten days as we bring
maintain an approximate reach of 15,000 + touches weekly
some of the most world-renowned artists to create innovative
via our own media. By creating an event that was public, we
works in downtown. Highlights for this year’s event, taking
removed any barriers to art to increase our impact. Anyone
place September 2-11, include a collaborative mural between
can enjoy The Unexpected at any time, and we provide an
Northside and Southside High Schools and art that will surprise
experience that allows both artist and spectator to interact,
in both location and execution.
creating a dynamic exchange.
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community
Research shows that investments in the arts boost a
lectured at UAFS providing an opportunity for both artist and
community’s quality of life, fostering education, innovation and
student alike to learn from each other. She completed her
more, and these are the cornerstones for recruiting, attracting
mural at Tenth and Rogers, bringing on UAFS art students as
and retaining people. The Unexpected is proud to partner with
her artist assistants. We also invited artist Li-Hill to complete an
area schools. For example, Spring Break 2016 saw the first-ever
immersive and interactive installation on the ground floor of
Future School of Fort Smith Spring Break App Academy where
the newly remodeled Friedman–Mincer building in downtown
local high school students created and designed the platform
Fort Smith. We are currently in planning for Spring 2017’s artist
on which The Unexpected mobile app is built.
residency program.
This past spring, The Unexpected expanded programming to
The continued activity downtown brings increased foot-
include an artist-in-residency program featuring Ana Maria, a
traffic for the avenue, restaurants, storefronts and more. In
returning artist from 2015. Our guiding question was simple:
2010, American’s for the Arts determined an individual in
how could our community inspire Ana Maria, and in turn, how
Arkansas spent approximately forty dollars on themselves per
could she inspire us? Ana Maria took a painting class and guest
art and culture event. This means each person who visits The
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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community
Claire Kolberg photo credit: Jacob Slaton
Unexpected contributes to the Fort Smith economy. The more a community supports and creates a place for arts and culture, the more the economy will support new revenue for the city,
Claire Kolberg is the project manager at 64.6 Downtown where
job creation and overall quality of life. A vibrant community is a
she leads initiatives focused on the intersection of art and
community that not only survives but thrives. The building walls
economic development. Bringing over a decade of experience in
are the canvas on which we are painting our future.
artist and arts management, Kolberg organizes The Unexpected, which brings some of the most world-renowned urban artists
Fort Smith is seeing renewed growth and vitality. Downtown
to create innovative works in Arkansas.
merchants have, in partnership with 64.6 Downtown, created a downtown merchants association, and there are several new storefronts on Garrison Avenue. The Unexpected is proud to be one of the catalysts propelling a vibrant and innovative creative economy.
For more information about this year’s artists please visit unexpectedfs.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at www.facebook.com/unexpectedFS and @UnexpectedFS or email us at info@646downtown.com.
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entertainment
GREENWOOD’S SEASON OF ENTERTAINMENT words Greenwood Public Schools with Malynda Sayers images courtesy Restless Heart and Maxwell Blade
Greenwood residents used to travel out of town to enjoy
Greenwood A&P Commission. The mission is to advance the
professional shows. But that was before the Performing Arts
Greenwood Public School’s role in the arts for education and
Center, which sits at the edge of the Greenwood High School
community entertainment.
campus, was constructed in 2004. Now, residents no longer need to leave town for entertainment. Also, those in the area
Assistant Superintendent Suzy Wilson says, “Our vision is to
are welcome to attend the performances, which is great for
recognize the Greenwood School District PAC as a venue for
everyone across the region!
a variety of educational, economical, and culturally diversified programs specifically for the community and Greenwood
The 2016-17 Season of Entertainment is supported by the
Public School students.”
Greenwood Public School Administration, Greenwood Education Foundation, Fine Arts Council of Educators (F.A.C.E.),
Malynda Sayers, third-grade teacher at East Pointe Elementary
Performing Arts Center Community Council (PACCC), and the
and PAC Season of Entertainment Coordinator, says, “We
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entertainment
want professional shows to come to Greenwood. We want to help our community economically. But, most importantly, we want our students to be exposed to different forms of performing arts. A 'For the Kids' Education Series will present educational shows by professional artists during the school day. Some of those artists are Maxwell Blade (magician), Stone Soup with the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre Tour, and Janet’s Planet!" The Season of Entertainment not only includes professional
shows,
but
also
showcases
“GHS
Presents” (with the high school’s band, choir, and drama departments), along with their renowned Veterans Day Assembly. Restless Heart kicks off the Season of Entertainment on Saturday, September 10 at 7pm. This American country band was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Their songs include “When She Cries,” “Bluest Eyes in Texas,” “Why Does It Have to Be (Wrong or Right),” and “I’ll Still Be Loving You.” Individual show tickets for Restless Heart will go on sale Tuesday, August 16. The 2016Restless Heart
17 Season also includes magician Maxwell Blade, and “GHS Presents”-The Little Mermaid, The Willis Clan, The Legend of Johnny Cash, and Shades of Buble’.
Maxwell Blade
The
Greenwood
developed
and
Performing constructed
Arts by
Center
was
Guest-Reddick
Architects and Beshears Construction, Inc. under the approval of the Greenwood Public School Board of Education and Kay Johnson, Ed.D, Superintendent, the
Greenwood
Performing
Arts
Center
was
completed in 2004. The venue seats 1,287 audience members and was built on the site of Arl McConnell's Greenwood home. It is dedicated to his memory.
For more information about tickets and to learn about the Season of Entertainment Package Deal, contact the Greenwood Administration building at 479.996.4142. Tickets can be purchased at greenwoodk12.com or etix.com.
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community
Over the Edge
words Marla Cantrell images courtesy Donald W Reynolds Cancer Support House and Marla Cantrell
s
Standing on the street across from First National Bank of
through treetops while tethered to harnesses. What she learned
Fort Smith, Arkansas, you have to crane your neck to see the
then was that doing something scary does all sorts of good
roofline of the eight-story, white brick building. This landmark
things for a person, and the sense of accomplishment lasts far
took a year to construct and has been in this spot on Garrison
longer than the actual experience does.
Avenue since 1910. As recognizable as the bank is, few have seen it from the rooftop. There is a record of a renowned tenor
Some time after, Susan came across Over the Edge, a special
singing there as a publicity stunt in September 1911, but other
events company founded in 2004 that goes into cities to
than that the roof's role has been largely utilitarian.
host rappelling events at high-rise buildings. Their goal when they began was to help non-profits raise 50 million dollars,
All that will change on October 15, as ninety people from the
something that could happen as soon as the end of this year.
community rappel down the face of First National. Before they step off the ledge, they will have raised at least one thousand
Once she'd checked out Over the Edge, she brought the idea
dollars each for the Donald W Reynolds Cancer Support House.
to the board, believing it would be the perfect addition to their twenty-fifth anniversary of the Survivors' Challenge Weekend
The idea surfaced as Susan Steffens, executive director for the
on October 14 and 15. "They probably thought I was crazy at
Cancer Support House, researched unique ways to raise funds
first," Susan says, and then laughs. But once they looked over
for the non-profit. She'd been part of Leadership Crawford
her proposal, they saw why she was excited about the prospect
County not long before, and they'd gone zip lining, scaling
of bringing something revolutionary to the city.
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
community
Already, there are people who've signed up to rappel First
Susan says you don't need any prior experience to do it, just an
National and who've started fundraising campaigns through
eye for adventure and a heart for giving. She also knows that
the Cancer Support House's website. Each week more apply,
when the day ends, she and all those working so hard to raise
and Susan encourages anyone who wants to be part of Over
money for the Cancer Support House will have done their best.
the Edge to get started now. (You can find details on how to set up your personal page at the Support House's website.)
"We've been serving the community for thirty-eight years, and we're excited this event is bringing attention to the patients
"Don't be intimidated by the fundraising," Susan says. "Most
and caregivers we serve at no cost, and to the city we love."
donations are around twenty-five dollars, and you have plenty of time to raise a thousand dollars. Use Facebook, email, make calls."
Susan encourages everyone to get involved. Sign up to go Over the Edge or for the Survivors' Challenge 10K Grand Prix, 10K
Even if you don't have the nerve to rappel, there's a way to
Grand Prix, 5K Run/Walk, Celebration Walk and wheelchair race.
participate in an initiative called Toss Your Boss. Co-workers raise fifteen-hundred dollars and nominate their boss to rappel
Finally, if you aren't rappelling, you can show up downtown and
down 108 feet from the top of First National. There is an out,
cheer the "edgers" on. You'll be seeing history unfold on Garrison
though. Bosses may elect to buy their way out by paying five
Avenue, at one of the city's best-known landmarks. What a great
hundred dollars and assigning someone else to go Over the
way to spend a day in October. What an exciting way to support
Edge in their place.
our friends and families and neighbors who are dealing with cancer, who are much braver than any of us, even those who step
Susan is hoping to raise five thousand dollars for her turn at
off the ledge of First National, 108 feet above the ground, and
scaling the building. Even though the thought makes her heart
work their way down, step by step, to solid ground below.
race, she knows it's going to be a memory she'll treasure. Sam T. Sicard, the president and CEO of First National, is also going to harness up and take his turn. On a recent day, the fifthgeneration banker went to the rooftop to see what he was up against. It's been a long time since he rappelled, and that was on White Rock Mountain in Mulberry when he was a teen. Susan says it should only take ten minutes for an "edger" to rappel down First National. Over the Edge technicians will be there, buckling everyone into full-body harnesses and giving instructions. The Fort Smith Fire Department will be on site all day on October 15, manning the ropes. And the Fort Smith Police Department will volunteer, along with many from the community. The first to rappel will start at nine in the morning, and Susan expects crowds of onlookers to gather along Garrison Avenue to watch. "We're going to have a big screen TV and announcers that will call out who's rappelling down the building as it happens. We're going to have a street festival with great food and music. It's going to be so much fun." Susan laughs. "We may have to use a split screen on that TV so we can also watch the Razorback game."
Over the Edge takes place on October 15. Register to participate, or nominate your boss for Toss Your Boss, at ReynoldsCancerSupportHouse.org or by calling 479.424.1812. Volunteers are also needed, so if you can't participate in the events, consider donating your time!
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pets
You Can’t Buy Love. Adopt It! F
F
Bree M
F
Sydney
Summer
M
Tommy
M
Vaugn
Brindle
Sebastian County Humane Society 3800 Kelley Hwy, Fort Smith | 479.783.4395 |
| SebastianCountyHumaneSociety.org
Each month, Do South® donates this page to local and regional non-profit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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entertainment
When Breath Becomes Air By Paul Kalanithi | Random House | 208 pages | $25
review Louise Turner images courtesy Norbert von der Groeben, Gale Gettinger, Lucy Goddard Kalanithi, Team Draft (Chris Draft)
Of all the books I have read in
were married in 2006. Finally, it was
the past year or so, the one that
back to Stanford to do his residency
has touched me most deeply is
in neurosurgery and postdoctoral
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul
work in neuroscience.
Kalanithi. When I finished it the first time I immediately turned back to
He was thirty-six years old and
the first page and began reading
about
it again. It is the book I want all
his residency when he, who had
my friends to read, so we can talk
never smoked, was diagnosed with
about it. Hardly a day goes by that
Stage IV metastatic lung cancer.
I don’t think of it in some way. It is
He had already earned awards for
just that good.
research
a
year
from
projects,
completing
including
the
Academy of Neurological Surgery’s The author, the son of immigrants
highest award. He was known as a
from India, grew up in Kingman,
surgeon with exceptional skills and
Arizona. Although his father was a cardiologist and an older
dedication, as well as a compassionate heart. It was clear that
brother a neurosurgeon, he resisted the idea of becoming a
upon graduation he could just about take his pick of job offerings,
doctor himself and, because he loved literature, decided he would
including a professorship at Stanford. Now the future that had
become a writer. Later, while studying biology and literature at
been stretching out so brightly before him was condensed into a
Stanford, he realized he loved science just as much as literature
few months or, if he was lucky, a few years.
and began to consider becoming a neurosurgeon as the way he could best use his interests and skills in service to others. His
When he asked his oncologist how much time he had left, she
writing career could wait until he retired.
would give him no answer. Instead, she encouraged him to make the best use of his time by doing the things that mattered
After getting a degree at Stanford, he did post-graduate work at
most to him for as long as he was physically able. This was good
Cambridge studying history and philosophy of medicine. Then it
advice, although he writes: “The tricky part of illness is that, as
was on to Yale to study neurosurgery. At Yale, he met and fell in
you go through it, your values are constantly changing. You try
love with Lucy Goddard, who was also a medical student. They
to figure out what matters to you, and then you keep figuring it
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
entertainment
out. ..You may decide you want to spend your time working as
concerned about Lucy having to raise their child by herself. Yet
a neurosurgeon, but two months later you may feel differently.
they had a loving support group of family and friends and it
Two months after that, you may want to learn the saxophone or
finally was their decision to go ahead. Elizabeth Acadia “Cady”
devote yourself to the church. Death may be a one-time event,
Kalanithi was born on July 4, 2014, several months before her
but living with terminal illness is a process.”
father would die on March 9, 2015. When Breath Becomes Air was partially written so that Cady could get to know more about her father. Paul Kalanithi ends his book with these words for her to read someday: “When you come to one of the many moments in life where you must give an account of yourself, provide a ledger of what you have been, and done, and meant to the world, do not, I pray, discount that you filled a dying man’s days with a sated joy, a joy unknown to me in all my prior years, a joy that does not hunger for more and more but rests, satisfied. In this time, right now, that is an enormous thing.” His wife, Lucy, provides an epilogue. She is herself an eloquent writer as well as a clinical instructor in medicine at Stanford. She, too, has words for Cady: “When someone dies, people tend to say great things about him. Please know that all the
There would be no retirement years to dedicate to writing, so
wonderful things people are saying now about your dad are
in the months that followed he began When Breath Becomes
true. He really was that good and that brave.” And she ends
Air in which he speaks frankly about death and dying, offering
with these words to the reader: “Paul’s decision to look death
the unique perspective of one who is both a terminally ill
in the eye was a testament not just to who he was in the final
patient and a doctor. Yet it isn’t his account of death and
hours of his life but who he had always been. For much of his
dying that made his book so special to me, that inspired and
life, Paul wondered about death—and whether he could face
touched me most; it is the living that he did during the short
it with integrity. In the end, the answer was yes. I was his wife
time left to him.
and a witness.”
Because he was passionate about neurosurgery and saw it as his
I felt I had lost a friend when Paul Kalanithi died. I mourned
calling, completing his residency and graduating became one
for his family, I mourned for all the patients who would not
of his goals. The hours were long and grueling even for a healthy person, let alone one whose body was failing him, and sometimes his pain was so great that he would secretly lie on the floor and cry. These words of Samuel Beckett became his mantra: “I can’t go on. I’ll go on.” He did graduate, although on graduation day he was too sick to attend the ceremony. More importantly, he and Lucy had a child. It had always been their plan to start their family when he had finished his residency. Now that seemed an impossibility because he was DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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entertainment
receive
his
skilled
and
compassionate care, and, selfishly, I mourned that he would not write another book. But he will live on through this one book. And, oh my, what a lot of living he packed into his
thirty-eight
years.
This is the lesson I, who inexplicably
have
been
given so many more years than he, take away from his book: each morning when I wake up I am reminded of what a precious gift of life I have been given. I thank God for this gift and I ask that He will help me use it to bring honor and glory to Him and show me ways to use it in service to others. That’s the way Paul Kalanithi lived his life. I want to be like him.
About Book Lover, Louise Turner "I was born and raised in Fort Smith, and although I’ve enjoyed living other places from time to time, this is home. I feel I was born loving books and reading, but, of course that isn’t quite true. Miss Irmgard Koch, my wonderful teacher during second and third grades at First Lutheran School, gets a great deal of the credit for that. Not only did she teach the necessary reading skills, but also shared her own passion for reading with us. Miss Koch was also the one who took our class to the public library and saw that we each got a library card. Little did I know back then that one day I would be a librarian myself, inviting children to enjoy all the riches the Fort Smith Public Library offered them, just as I was once welcomed. It was my joy to serve as children’s librarian for thirty-eight years before retiring in 2007. I am very grateful that I didn’t have to give up all the fun of being a children’s librarian when I retired, but still get to do story times at our Windsor Branch Library every Monday morning. I am blessed!" ~Louise
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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diy
APPLE
OF MY EYE words and images Catherine Frederick adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
diy
An apple a day keeps the homework
METHOD
away. OK, that’s supposed to be “keeps the doctor away,” but why not gift a little sweetness and try it with teachers? It’s almost that time of year again, and before we know it, our kiddos will be back in school. Let their teachers know from Day 1 just how
In medium pan, melt sugar over medium heat, swirling the pot frequently but don’t stir. Be patient, the sugar will melt! Swirl pot frequently so as not to burn.
much we appreciate them and all they do by gifting them this delicious treat of homemade salted caramel sauce, with apples for dipping!
MATERIALS •
Mason Jars
•
Ribbon
•
Gift Wrap
•
Apples (Red Delicious and Granny Smith)
•
Gift tag (optional)
INGREDIENTS
As soon as the sugar melts into a deep amber-colored liquid, add the butter. (CAUTION – mixture will bubble when butter is added.) Whisk like crazy until all butter has melted.
Remove from heat. Slowly add cream. (CAUTION – mixture will bubble and rise when cream is added.) Whisk like crazy again!
(makes 2 cups) •
2 cups sugar
•
12 Tablespoons unsalted butter,
cubed and room temperature •
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
•
1 teaspoon sea salt
Once cream is combined, whisk in sea salt. Mixture will be thin! Set aside for 10 -15 minutes before pouring into jars. Pour into mason jars and let cool. Add gift tag or ribbon if using. Sauce will keep in refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Tips: Make sure your butter and cream are at room temperature! Whisk in the sea salt immediately after the cream or it may not completely dissolve. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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shop
Be Cool -Shop Local! words Catherine Frederick imageS Catherine Frederick and vendors
King Hickory Carlsbad Chair, La-z-boy Bistro Patio Dining Set
H3 HOME + DÉCOR 479.434.4920
Belvedere Peach Nectar Vodka, Tommyknocker Blood Orange IPA, EnRoute 2013 Russian River Valley Les Pommiers Pinot Noir
SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013
Aerial Triple Diamond Pendant, 18kt. Rose Gold, .46cts. Oliver Peoples Sunglasses
JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140
DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY 479.452.2020
SkinMedica Essential Serum and HA5 Skin Care
FORT SMITH MEDICAL CENTER & BEINEMAN AESTHETICS
The Secret Life of Pets Ty® Plush Characters - Buddy, Gidget, Chloe, Max
JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP AT SPARKS HEALTH
479.434.3131
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
479.441.4221
shop
Cool deals can be found all around town this month! Be sure to stop by these local shops and see what’s new. We’re featuring just a few of our favorites to get you started! Remember, shop small and keep it local!
Back-to-School Cookie Cakes
GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES
Faith/Cross Home Décor, Crossroads Original Designs Candles
479.452.9999
SUNSHINE SHOP AT MERCY FORT SMITH 479.314.6079
Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider, Illusive Traveler Grapefruit Shandy, New Belgium Heavy Melon Watermelon Lime Ale
Brighton Woodstock Bracelets ®
GALLIVANTING LADIES APPAREL
IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604
479.646.7555
Primo® Cast Iron Griddle and Sunray Bahama Blue Pool Float
LUTHER STEM POOLS & SPAS
SOCI Copper Kitchen Sink and Metal Rustic Tile
479.646.7772
D&D FLOOR COVERING 479.474.0533
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people
THE BATTLE FOR Beckham words Marla Cantrell Images courtesy Natalie Prescott
Natalie has found solace in her family's struggle, something incredible to consider. "This isn't the life I had planned for myself or for my kids, and it wouldn't be the life I would have chosen for Beckham. But you can either let it get the best of you, or you can make the best of it. And that's what we do."
S
Something was wrong. That was the thought that troubled Natalie
Arkansas. Beckham seemed to sleep a lot more than her older son,
Prescott in 2012, in the days and weeks and months that followed
Hudson, had at the same age. It also seemed as if Beckham wasn't
the birth of her second son, Beckham. There had been problems
interacting as much as she thought he should.
during his delivery, and he'd stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit for more than a week. At two months of age, he was
Babies develop at their own pace, and Beckham had the
diagnosed with clubfoot, a condition that causes the foot to turn at
disadvantage of spending more than a month in casts that covered
an awkward angle.
his feet and legs. That might have explained what Natalie was seeing, and she says that was the consensus, but she couldn't get
Beckham was fitted with casts and wore them for six weeks.
rid of the feeling that there was more going on.
Natalie remembers standing by his bed at their home in Fort Smith, DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
people
At nine months, he was not yet sitting up on his own. He was
"For whatever reason."
crawling, but Army-style, pulling himself with his right arm and
Those three words, for
tucking his left arm underneath his small chest. Concern enveloped
whatever reason, seem
Natalie and Beckham's dad, Jason, at that point. Still, there was
to take something out of
no definitive diagnosis. For a while, it seemed as if Beckham
her, although she recovers
might have cerebral palsy since he exhibited many of the signs.
quickly. "He's a little
He started going to physical therapy at eleven months, and Natalie
fighter, and people say
says his results were puzzling. Some days, he seemed to be making
I'm stubborn, but he's
progress and then he'd digress, which was not typical of cerebral
really stubborn!" she says.
palsy. "He might take several steps at one session, and then the
"He works so hard to try to
next time, he'd only be able to take one or two," Natalie says.
do the things his brother and older sister do."
This sent her looking for answers. "I'd stay up until three in the
Beckham & Corbin McCarthy
morning almost every night, researching, trying to figure out what
She is telling her story from
was going on."
the
Ronald
McDonald
House in Durham, North Carolina. Her parents, along with Jason, During those sleepless nights, Natalie had come across websites
and Beckham's sister Avery have come for a visit, and Natalie is happy
about a rare genetic disorder called Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease
to have them nearby. Nearly one hundred days before, Beckham
(PMD), and she wondered if Beckham might have it. PMD belongs
underwent stem cell therapy at Duke Children's Hospital after eight
to a group of genetic disorders called leukodystrophies and leads
days of chemo. In the wake of the treatment, he had to have blood
to aberration and damage in the white matter of the brain and
transfusions, which is not uncommon, but frightening none the less.
spinal cord. It shows up in only one in 500,000, and right now there's not a cure. In most cases, symptoms begin in the first year
Beckham is doing incredibly well, Natalie says, and he is being
of life with diminished muscle tone, poor coordination, involuntary
monitored closely. If all goes as planned, Natalie adds, the stem cells
eye movements, and delayed motor development.
could stabilize the disease and prevent further damage.
At Arkansas Children's Hospital in July 2015, test results confirmed
Back at home those who love Beckham, along with those who've
her suspicion. "For a long time we were afraid we'd never get a
only heard his story, have been donating money and attending
diagnosis, so it was kind of a relief, but it was heartbreaking.
fundraisers, something that is essential due to the costs the family has incurred and will continue to incur.
"They told us this happens at conception and that there's absolutely nothing we could have done to cause this. I had been worrying,
On this day, nearly 17,000 people are watching Beckham's progress
wondering if I'd taken something I shouldn't have when I was
on his Facebook page, Join Team Beckham. Recently, Natalie posted
pregnant. I was thinking, Did I take something for my sinuses?
a video of him walking down the hall of the hospital. His immune
Could that be it? When they named the disease, that mother's
system is still weak, so he's wearing a mask over his mouth and
guilt went away, but my heart was broken.
nose. His gait is a bit unstable, but he's moving fast, holding his small hands together. He looks like he's on a mission.
Natalie says she underwent testing to see if she was a carrier of PMD. The tests came back negative. Her understanding is that the
"Beckham wants to play football one day," Natalie says, "and I
disease just spontaneously started with Beckham, in their family line.
know he will," Natalie says. That dream has gotten even bigger since
After she says this, she pauses for a few seconds. And then she says,
he's been In North Carolina. Two Duke University football players,
Stay up to date with Beckham on Facebook at Join Team Beckham. To make a donation, go to cota.donorpages.com/PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforTeamBeckhamP. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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people
Corbin McCarthy and Ben Humphries, have
and tugging on the shorts with the other. Tears
taken Beckham and Hudson under their wings.
were rolling down my face. I realized how
The boys can attend games and go out on the
much I used to take for granted.
field with the team before play begins. "There are days," she says, "when I'm not Natalie talks about what a blessing the two
happy-go-lucky. Sometimes reality just slaps
young men have been. And then she says,
me in the face. It gets hard sometimes to watch
"I want Beckham to have a long and happy
your kid not be able to do things that should
life, and I believe he will. From the beginning,
be easy. Hudson just turned six. God knew
we've let him do what he can for himself, and
what He was doing making him Beckham's
we've let him try to do things he can't. When
older brother. Hudson is amazing with him.
he needs my help, I'm right there for him, but
And it doesn't bother him that he missed
I've never treated him like he has a disability.
out on T-ball this year. He missed out on a
I stay positive about ninety-nine percent of
lot of things. They both have. But he doesn't
the time. There's nothing I won't do for him.
complain. I've asked Hudson if he wants to go
If there's somewhere I can take him that will
home so he can see his friends and play ball
help, I'll take him."
and he says, 'No, I'm not leaving my bubba.'"
That determination took her to Florida last fall
Natalie pauses again, overcome by the bond
where he underwent an intensive three-week
between her young sons.
round of physical therapy. He even wore a device whose concept came from the suits
"I'm so grateful to our family and friends and
astronauts wore when they came back from
to the community for all they're doing for
outer space and needed to learn to walk on
Beckham. We've been watching videos of
Earth again. It helped so much, she hopes to
the fundraising that has been going on. (In
take him back yearly.
July, there was a fundraiser at Crawpappy's in
She's been to Utah, where she met with a
Beckham & Hudson
Alma called Battle for Beckham.) It just melts my heart to know how people are coming together. I can't put it into words how I feel.
neurologist studying white matter diseases.
There are some families here who don't have
"He told me that right now they didn't have anything available to help PMD kids, but that two years from now
that support system, and it's tough. Our pastor from Butterfield
we could be having a very different conversation."
Assembly of God in Van Buren even flew here on the day Beckham was admitted. We feel so very blessed."
That hope is one of the things that keep her going. On his Facebook page, pictures show him with his mom and dad. With
Natalie has found solace in her family's struggle, something
his sister and brother. With his grandparents. His eyes are dark
incredible to consider. "This isn't the life I had planned for myself
pools of joy. His smile shines like the sun. He is a bright and quick
or for my kids, and it wouldn't be the life I would have chosen for
and curious little boy.
Beckham. But you can either let it get the best of you, or you can make the best of it. And that's what we do. We've met amazing
That smile is one of Natalie's favorite things about him. And then
people. In four years, Beckham has taught me more than I've ever
there's his tenacity. "One day, I watched him put his shorts on, and
learned in my entire life. He changed my perspective, and he's taught
it took him maybe fifteen minutes, and when he finished, they were
me how to live. He works hard, and he doesn't give up. When you
on backwards but I didn't care. I let him wear them like that all day.
go through something like this, you look back at things you thought
He was not going to stop until he got them on. He was huffing
were a big deal before and things you might have fought about,
and puffing and holding his balance against a chair with one hand
and you realize those things are minor, and not worth it.
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people
"I still make mistakes daily. I'm by far not a perfect person, but I'm a better person than I used to be, and I'm a better mom because of what I've learned. I thank God every day for blessing me with my kids and my family, and having a strong group of friends and church family. Sometimes, if I'm wondering if God's forgotten me, He'll do something to show me he hasn't.
In four years, Beckham has taught me more than I've ever learned in my entire life. He changed my perspective, and he's taught me how to live. He works hard, and he doesn't give up. When you go through something like this, you look back at things you thought were a big deal before and things you might have fought about, and you realize those things are minor, and not worth it. "I know people are praying for Beckham, and we're so
Beckham & Natalie
thankful for that, and we believe prayer works. But if they could pray for all the other kiddos here, I would appreciate that. Before this happened with Beckham, I knew there were kids who were sick and families who were hurting. But you don't always realize until you're here, and you actually see it, what it's like. Just pray for those who've lost kids, and for the kids who are still fighting for their lives."
On August 2, from 5-8, Bites for Beckham, sponsored by the Fort Smith Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 39, will take place at the Fort Smith Convention Center.
Then Natalie says, "Beckham has already touched more lives than you and I ever will. The statement is true and pure. She thinks a lot about what life will be like as he grows older. When she sees his future, she sees him run onto the football field, the happiest kid on the team. She has no doubt that it will happen. And when it does, she'll be cheering louder than anyone else, this mom who would do anything in the world for her precious little boy.
On August 11 -13, at Bargains Galore on 64, you can support Beckham by shopping at their station at the Community Center in Dyer. You can also pre-order smoked ribs and pulled pork that you can pick up on Saturday, August 13. To order, visit https://form.jotform.com/61946783815166. For more on both these events, and to keep track of Beckham's journey, visit Join Team Beckham on Facebook.
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people
Where
I'm
From words Jessica Sowards images Jeremiah Sowards
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
I A
people
A million years ago, or maybe only thirteen,
tracks, I figured out that most people do not have an inner dialogue
I sat in a senior high school class with a
describing life around them in flowery, poetic phrases.
teacher who taught creative writing. She was challenging, young, and a bit dry in the humor
I don’t have a copy of anything I wrote in that class. I don’t even
department. She taught about storytelling,
remember the teacher's name, as I only went to the school for a
and I learned from her. I soaked up what she
semester before I asked my parents if I could come home and face
said about painting word pictures.
the life I’d run from. I didn’t really realize at the time, how influential she had actually been, but now, I am a writer. I am a storyteller. And
I had moved to a new town for my last year of
though I can look at a long line of teachers and family and friends
high school, out of my parents’ house and in
who encouraged the gift in me, that nameless teacher was the one
with family 120 miles away from home. I had
pouring into me when I realized, “This is not to be wasted.”
no interest in building a grand social calendar. I was largely running away and largely hiding,
I honestly had forgotten about her, the teacher. I’d forgotten
but, without meaning to, I was also finding
about the assignment and about the way the train tracks moved
myself. I was learning to see the fingerprints
me to realization. Then a few weeks ago, I woke up very early
of God on my life. As I look back, I remember
on a Saturday. The world outside my window was still dark, and
sitting at a desk in the back of that teacher’s
everyone in the house was still dreaming. My arm hurt. It was
class and waking up to who He had made me
covered in ointment and the start of a new tattoo that spans from
to be, however rudimentary the knowledge
wrist to shoulder. I do not like sudden change and the tattoo, as
was at eighteen years old.
much as I love it, was a very sudden change. I felt a little unsettled and a lot tired, so I started to pray. And in that deep-down
Every morning, I would drive to my uncle’s
somewhere, the hidden place called my spirit where God speaks
house and ride to school with my cousins. As
in a whisper, a question rose. Who are you?
I passed over the train tracks that stood just before their street, the commentary in my
I’m thirty. Young, really. Young enough to remember clearly when
mind would say, “Her silver car, shining in
thirty seemed old but old enough to forget things that once changed
the morning light, lumbered over the retired
me. But on that early Saturday morning, praying in the dark with my
tracks, knocking loose the sleep in her eyes
arm throbbing, I felt an assignment from The Teacher. As I lay there
and jostling her to attention." Those tracks
pondering the question, I suddenly remembered that lesson from so
would speak, like a mother waking up a child
long ago. I began, again, to collect the I-Am-Froms, thinking I would
with their soft Clang-Clunk, “It’s time to wake
just write them for myself and for God, for He and I alone to have.
up, girl. It’s time to turn on the smile.” A lot of the things I share were originally written for God and I remember that little excerpt and the way it
myself. That’s just how it works sometimes. This is a little different,
would roll through my whirring mind every
though. I’m not just sharing this for the sake of sharing. I’m here
single morning until one day, prompted by the
to give you an assignment.
storytelling teacher, I wrote it down. Around the same time, she gave an assignment entitled
I don’t know where you'll come across this article, perhaps on a
“Where I’m From,” and she told us to develop
computer screen in your busy living room, in Do South Magazine
the main character of our own story. “You,”
in a waiting room, or on your phone while you stand in line at the
she said, “I want you to tell me who you are by
grocery store. But wherever you are, it is a classroom. Because really,
telling me what you came from.”
life is always a classroom if we will look at it as such. And whoever you are, I’d like to challenge you to this assignment. Tell me who you
As I worked on the I-Am-From assignment and
are by telling what you are from.
simultaneously began to collect clips about train DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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people
I’ll go first. Then you go. Find a paper and a pencil and write it
that collect dust under the bed. I am from a viral blog post and a
down. Because even if your brain isn’t whirring with a constant,
magazine called Do South that said, “We like your voice.”
poetic commentary, you can still write your own story. You don’t have to be a writer to tell who you are, because only you really
I am from dancing in the kitchen and singing to Jesus at the top
know. Only you can really say what you are from.
of my lungs. I am from not believing in coincidence. I am from the fingerprints of God. I am from pain made lovely by the big picture. I
Me? I am from small-town Arkansas and from big-world dreams. I
am from redemption. I am from a wildly beautiful life.
am from a broken family covered by grace. I am from a childhood And you? What about you? Would you take this assignment
diagnosis and a miraculous healing.
and let it change you? Maybe it’s just for you. Maybe it’s for I am from a farm that I prayed for and chickens in the yard. I am
God. But maybe it’s to share, to ask someone else the question,
from a kitchen full of cast iron and fried chicken and greens. I am
“Who are you?” Because if you’ll ponder the question, you will
from a big, wild garden with tall corn stalks and overtaking weeds.
wonder the answer.
I am from fear taught to hope and anxiety taught to be still. And if you figure out what and where you come from, you will be I am from remarriage and loving again. I am from an extended
able to say, “This is who I am.”
family so loud they make the earth shake at Thanksgiving. I am from a little brother who grew up to make tattoos and a sister who has the world’s coolest dog. I am from a mother who throws her head back when she laughs. I am from a father who was the first to tell me I could be a writer if I wanted to. I am from the altar of God. I am from intimacy with King Jesus. I am from Scripture that sings over me. I am from a camera on my bedside table. I am from the birth room, where I learned to photograph the first moments of life. I am from running away and then going home again. I am from being poor and learning to be content. I am from learning about The Provider and from always having enough. I am from obedience. I am from following Him. I am from leading the way. I am from adventures, from plane trips and ministering in places I never dreamed of being. I am from always being ready to go home. I am from motherhood that started early. I am from my five sons and my one daughter. I am from tiny hands and sweet smiles that wake me up every morning. I am from tremendous love. I am from the classroom of life, from finding lessons in the morning
Follow Jessica on her blog
moments spent awake in the dark. I am from an open laptop and
@thehodgepodgedarling.blogspot.com
the collecting of lovely words. I am from a giant box of journals DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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garden
BGO Gardener April Price assists a BGO Garden Bud with harvesting potatoes.
Just one of the BGO Vegetable and Herb Garden’s raised beds during the summer!
August in the Garden words Megan Lankford, Lead Gardener, Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks images courtesy Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks
THE DIRT:
By this time of year your garden should be a veritable cornucopia. Vine ripened tomatoes languidly dangling on the vine, peppers as sweet as the flowers they grew from, and so much corn that it’s coming out your ears! This superabundance doesn’t have to end, as August is your last chance to get fall vegetables started.
TIPS:
August doesn’t seem like the right time to sow seeds for your fall/winter garden, but it is! Not only can you get one last round of corn, beans, squash, and melons planted, but you can also get the last of your cool season vegetables started. Vegetables such as quickly maturing cabbage, bok choi, lettuce, and arugula can all be sown in flats in dappled shade. The shade helps keep the seeds cool enough to germinate, and the seedlings from bolting.
YOU CAN PLANT: beans
carrots
cucumbers
peas
spinach
squash
bok choy
cabbage
pac choi
cover crop of peas and oats
beets
kale
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
over-wintering onions
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lifestyle
Get the Facts on
Going Greek
words Sara Carter, UAFS Alum images courtesy Rachel Putman, UAFS Photographer and Shannon Garcia, Greek Life and Leadership Programs Coordinator
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
lifestyle
In 2006, Greek Life came to University of Arkansas Fort Smith
Members must also complete study hours, maintain a grade
(UAFS) and is still going strong today. Greek Life at UAFS is
point average (GPA) that maintains their status of good
full of capable, intelligent, and compassionate students who
standing, attend meetings, and participate in their community.
strive to positively impact their community, campus, and each
The academic expectation standard set forth by the University
other. When those students graduate, they take what they
is a 2.30. Currently, all fraternity and sorority members at
learned from their time in Greek Life with them and maintain
UAFS are in good academic standing with the University and
the friendships they made. Members of Greek Life refer to
their respective councils. The cumulative Greek GPA this past
their fellow members as their “brothers” or “sisters” and for
term was a 3.01.
many, their organization becomes their second family. Greek Life provides a place where students can not only be social but
There are three Panhellenic sororities, four Interfraternal Council
also push themselves to become better people, all while being
(IFC) fraternities, and one Multicultural sorority at UAFS. The
accepted and supported by those around them.
Panhellenic sororities are Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Gamma, and Gamma Phi Beta. The reason these sororities are referred
Often, sorority and fraternity membership are characterized
to this way is that while they are separate from each other,
as exclusive, but at UAFS and campuses nationwide, Greek
the Panhellenic Council represents all of these sororities and
Life is open to all students, regardless of their race, religious
provides unity among them. The sororities and fraternities at
background, or socioeconomic background. Hazing and
UAFS and other college campuses are called “chapters” because
underage drinking are also concerns for potential members and
each of them is part of an encompassing Greek organization,
their parents. Parents’ and incoming students’ minds can be
much like chapters are part of a larger book.
put at ease, though, because these actions are not tolerated at UAFS. If an organization, Greek or otherwise, is hazing its
If you are interested in learning more about Greek Life at the
members, they will face serious consequences, no matter if they
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, you may visit the campus
were on or off campus. They are not allowed to serve alcohol
website, or may go to the official websites of each sorority and
at their official functions and could be penalized if drinking
fraternity on campus. Sorority Recruitment will take place on the
occurs. These rules encompass all organizations on campus and
UAFS campus from September 1-4, and Fraternity Recruitment
are not limited to Greek Life. It's important to these sororities
will be from September 12-17.
and fraternities that their members enjoy themselves and build relationships with each other, and are safe while doing so. Recruitment itself is also something of a mystery to potential new members. Recruitment is a time when potential new members meet current collegiate members of each Greek organization, learn about Greek Life, and make a decision about where they best fit. A potential new member may choose not to join a sorority or fraternity without negative consequences. Additionally, if a student decides to join a chapter, there is a period when they are considered a “new member,” before initiation when they may decide that they do not want to officially join the organization, and are not penalized for that decision. Members of a sorority or fraternity are members for life unless they choose to withdraw from the organization after they are initiated. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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lifestyle
The sororities on campus are Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Gamma,
The fraternities on campus are Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, Pi
Gamma Phi Beta, and Gamma Eta Sorority.
Kappa Phi, and Sigma Nu.
Upsilon Beta chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi
Kappa Alpha
• Symbol: The Général Jacqueminot Rose
• Core Values: Reverence, Gentility, Service, Leadership,
• Color: Cardinal Red
Knowledge, Perseverance, and Excellence
• Core Values: Simplicity, Integrity, Tolerance, Generosity,
• National Philanthropy: Muscular Dystrophy Association
Personal Dignity, and Love
• Local Philanthropy: Highway Cleanup and Children’s Shelter
• Motto: “Unity and Balance”
• Philanthropy Event: Children’s Shelter Egg Hunt
• Mission: “Women Enriched through Lifelong Friendship” • National Philanthropy: The Arthritis Foundation
Kappa Sigma
• Local Philanthropy: Project Compassion
• Core Values: Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service
• Philanthropy Event: Strike Out Arthritis
• National Philanthropy: Military Heroes Campaign • Local Philanthropy: Bost
The Eta Omicron Chapter of Delta Gamma
• Philanthropy Event: Polar Bear Plunge
• Symbol: The Hannah Doll and the Anchor • Colors: Bronze, Pink, and Blue
Pi Kappa Phi
• Core Values: Sisterhood, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service
• Core Values: Character, Leadership, Achievement,
• Motto: “Do Good”
Scholarship, and Service
• Mission: “For Hope, For Strength, For Life”
• National Philanthropy: The Ability Experience
• National Philanthropy: Service for Sight
• Local Philanthropy: Special Olympics
• Local Philanthropy: Joining Forces
• Philanthropy Events: Push Week and Push Fair
• Philanthropy Event: Anchor Slam and Anchor Splash Sigma Nu The Zeta Phi Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta
• Core Values
• Symbol: Crescent Moon
- To develop ethical leaders inspired by the principles of
• Colors: Brown, Light Brown, Pink
Love, Honor, and Truth
• Core Values: “Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty”
- To foster the personal growth of each man’s mind,
• Motto: “Founded Upon a Rock”
heart, and character
• Mission: “To Inspire the Highest Type of Womanhood.”
- To perpetuate lifelong friendships and commitment
• National Philanthropy: Campfire USA and Girls on the Run
to the fraternity
• Local Philanthropy: Girls, Inc.
• National Philanthropy: St. Jude Children Research Hospital
• Philanthropy Event: Crescent Classic
• Local Philanthropy: Women’s Crisis Center of Fort Smith • Philanthropy Event: Sigma Nu St. Jude Breakaway 5K
Gamma Eta Sorority Inc. • The first Multicultural Greek Organization at UAFS. • Motto: “Hoy y Siempre” (Today and Always) • Philanthropy: The Prevention of Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Abuse Against Women. • Symbols: Sun, Sunflower, and Fleur de Lis • Colors: Purple and Teal
Information about sorority and fraternity chapters accessed at campuslife.uafs.edu. Information concerning alcohol, hazing, chapter sizes and academic expectations provided by Shannon Garcia, UAFS Greek Life and Leadership Programs Coordinator.
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people
A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME words Stoney Stamper images courtesy April Stamper
...to me, it was perfect. My safe place. My happy place. And still to this day, when I think about my home, I think of that little brick house on Murphy Road.
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people
Let me back up a little bit. I grew up in a great home. We were your normal little happy family of five from middle America. We had a three bedroom, two bath house just across the pasture from both sets of grandparents. Aunts, uncles, and cousins lined both sides of Murphy Road in both directions. We were a close family, and Murphy, Oklahoma was our home. A great home. It’s funny the things that we remember from our childhood. When I think of that little house, even though I haven’t lived there in twenty years, I can still hear the screech of the woodstove doors as my dad loaded it up with firewood before we all went to bed. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I’d hear my mom try to open the stove quietly so she could add more firewood without waking anyone up. And if you went into the bedroom that I shared with my brother, you could look at the trim around the door frame and see how tall I was every year since I was six years old. Nearly every good memory I have as a child is in that house. No, in that home. My parents worked very hard to give me, my sister, and my brother a happy home. And they nailed it. Looking back on it now, it wasn’t the nicest house I'd ever been in. It had its quirks. It had this ugly blue linoleum in the kitchen and dining room for years. The toilet made some really funny sounds. And we didn’t finish the back patio for a long time, so it had concrete blocks stacked up to the backdoor doubling as steps. The funny thing is, I didn’t notice any of those things as a kid. I only notice them now, looking back. It never crossed my mind that it wasn’t the nicest home in town, because, to me, it was perfect. My safe place. My happy place. And still to this day, when I think about home, I think of that little brick house on Murphy Road. In 1997, I left for college, and I never really came back. I began my
S
own journey and lived on my own. In college, I lived in dorms. And
Several years ago, April bought me a small sign for my office that
then upgraded to a nicer duplex on a golf course where I split the
said, “Never be so busy making a living, that you forget to make a
rent with three others. It wasn’t a mansion, but for a nineteen-
life.” I can’t imagine a more fitting adage for yours truly. I spent a
year-old kid trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his
dozen years doing precisely what that small wooden sign told me
life, 125 West Golf Drive in Stillwater, Oklahoma, seemed like a
not to. I spent all of my time, all of my life, chasing the almighty
pretty damn good start. From there, I moved to an apartment on
dollar. I was so consumed with becoming successful, that I never
the lake in Cleveland, and then finally, I bought my first house.
even realized my life was passing me by. But thankfully, one day
It was a small farm just around the corner from my parents and
April came along, dragging two little girls behind her, and they
grandparents. It was a cute little house, and I was proud of it. That
changed my world. They changed everything I thought I knew
year, I also took a new job that required me to travel. And I traveled
about life. And they also introduced me to what would become
a lot. It was not uncommon for me to be gone 250+ days per year.
my favorite simple pleasure. Coming home.
That is not very conducive to any kind of home life. My “life” was DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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people
spent in airports, hotels, and the driver's seat of rental cars. During that time, I moved often. I moved to Florida and had a beautiful condo on the beach. It had three balconies overlooking the Gulf Coast. I was single then. My only companion my old Australian Shepherd named Doc. From there, I moved to Richmond, Virginia, and still I traveled the country—on the road seven days out of ten. I bought a beautiful house in a little town outside of Richmond named Midlothian. It was in a great neighborhood with good people all around. The house was beautiful. But as I'm oft to do, after about five years there, I packed up and headed back to Oklahoma, only to buy another house there. Another beautiful house. Again, I was fairly proud of it, but as with all the others, there was something missing. They were all beautiful houses. I made many improvements on them, built new decks and patios, put in new tile floors. I liked the houses, but I never had the feeling that I had when I was in that little brick house on Murphy Road. This is the point in this story when April and the girls come in. April and I had known each other since childhood, had reconnected, started dating and then later, decided to get married. April had two daughters, Abby and Emma, so I was now going to be a family man. And a good family man can’t travel 250+ days per year. So I took a job in Texas that wouldn’t require me to travel anymore. Yes, it was a terribly difficult decision to move our family, but ultimately, we felt it was best for us. When we decided to buy a new house, finding one with land and
pretty nice. At the very least, I’m no longer embarrassed to have
a barn for the horses was pretty sparse. But April found one. It
company over. But most important, this house has the one thing I
had seven good acres, a four-stall barn with a tack room, and a
had been looking for, for more than twenty years. When I walk in
nice sized arena built out of solid pipe. That sounds great, huh?
that door at the end of a long workday, I set my briefcase down.
Well, yes and no. The house was a fixer-upper. Fences needed
Our youngest daughter Gracee runs to me with her arms open
to be built, and the barn needed new siding. It was a project.
wide, Abby and Emma tell me funny stories about their day, and
But once we were done with it, the value of the property would
April stands at the end of the line, waiting to give me a kiss and
double, at least. To us, it was worth the sacrifice. We went for it,
welcome me home. Man, there's no better feeling on this earth.
and for two years now, we have worked. We have tried to put as
And yes, that’s right. I said home. A house is not necessarily a
much sweat equity as we could into this house, and it’s turned out
home. I have had lots of houses. But this is my home.
Stoney Stamper is the author of the popular parenting blog, The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife April have three daughters: Abby, Emma and Gracee. Originally from northeast Oklahoma, the Stampers now live in Tyler, Texas. For your daily dose of The Daddy Diaries, visit Stoney on Facebook or on his website, thedaddydiaries.net.
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taste
Cake, Confit, and Chefs in the Garden Words Catherine Frederick recipe courtesy Case Dighero, Honorary Chair, BGO 2016 Chefs in the Garden images Cole Fennel Photography
N Not
one,
but
two
delicious
recipes
this month, courtesy of Case Dighero, Honorary Chair for the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Chefs in the Garden 2016, in Fayetteville, Arkansas! First up is a Valencia Orange - Olive Oil Cake. This citrus, olive oil, rosemary combination of sweet and savory will make your taste buds go wild! And, for those of us who love garlic, the
2015 Chefs in the Garden: Guests enjoying the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, great food, drinks, music and great company at the 2015 Chefs in the Garden.
next recipe, Ozark Garlic Confit will add flavor to lots of dishes. It's also perfect on a toasted baguette! Finally, mark your calendars for the 2016 Chefs in the Garden event at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on September 13 from 6:00-8:30pm. Stroll through the gorgeous gardens while watching some of the area's finest chefs demonstrate their cooking techniques, then sample their scrumptious creations while sipping premium drinks. Ticket sales close on Sunday, September 11 at midnight, so get yours early! Visit bgozarks.org for pricing and details. The 2016 Chefs in the Garden Honorary Chair, Case Dighero.
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taste
valencia orange - olive oil cake INGREDIENTS
METHOD
FOR TOPPING
1. Heat oven to 350°.
° 1/4 cup butter
2. Place butter in the center of a 9-inch cast iron skillet or cake pan and set in the
° 2/3 cup light brown sugar
oven. Leave the skillet or pan in the oven for a few minutes, and remove it as soon
° 1 Valencia orange (sliced thin)
as the butter melts. Manipulate the pan so that the butter coats the entire
bottom of the pan.
FOR CAKE
3. Sprinkle light brown sugar over the top of the melted butter, breaking up any large
° zest of 2 large Valencia oranges
° 1 cup granulated sugar
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine orange zest and sugar and rub with your fingers
° 1/2 cup buttermilk
until it looks like wet sand. Whisk in buttermilk, orange juice, and eggs until
° 3 Tablespoons orange juice
evenly combined.
° 3 eggs
5. In a second bowl, combine flour, minced rosemary, baking powder, baking
° 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
° 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two increments, stirring between
° 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
° 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
7. Pour batter over orange slices in prepared skillet or pan.
° 1/4 teaspoon salt
8. Bake until center is set, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cake cool at room temperature
° 2/3 cup Filippo Berio extra-virgin olive oil
before inverting the pan over a plate or cutting board. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
pieces with your fingers. Place orange slices in a single layer over the brown sugar.
soda, and salt.
each addition. Add oil and whisk to combine.
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taste
ozark garlic confit INGREDIENTS
METHOD
° 1/4 cup Filippo Berio olive oil
1. Place olive oil and rendered duck fat into small saucepan.
° 1/4 cup rendered duck fat
2. Add whole garlic cloves.
(check your local grocery, or purchase at Williams-
3. Let simmer, covered, approx. 1 hour or until garlic becomes browned.
Sonoma.com or farmfreshduck.com)
4. Add salt and pepper to taste just before serving.
° 1 cup garlic cloves
5. Serve alongside toasted baguette that has been brushed with reserve duck fat
and olive oil.
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taste
Just Peachy image Catherine Frederick adapted from bakerbynature.com
Ingredients
Method
- 2 ripe peaches, reserve 1 wedge for garnish - 1 large orange, juiced (about a 1/4 cup) - 3 teaspoons agave nectar - 1/8 cup tequila - 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice (or bottled, not from concentrate) - 1/8 cup triple sec - 1 lime, cut into wedges (for garnish)
Peel and pit peaches, then puree with hand mixer or blender. Add orange juice and agave. Blend until smooth. Add peach mixture, tequila, lime juice and triple sec to a cocktail shaker and shake to combine. Pour mixture over ice and garnish with lime and peach wedge. Always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.
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travel
The Beaches of
ARKANSAS Words and images courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
When planning a beach vacation, land-
Lake Sylvia
locked Arkansas rarely jumps to the top of the potential destination list. It's surprising to most that Arkansas indeed does have lake and river beaches—with no jellyfish, crabs or sharks! Instead we have crystal clear waters surrounded by beautiful forested scenery.
Bull Shoals Lake Sunset Houseboats
We have huge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes and U.S.D.A. Forest Service lakes. Several state parks are located on lakes or rivers. There are city parks, and we have privately owned lakes. As you can see, Arkansas has plenty to choose from — some are fully developed while others are more rustic. So pack your swimsuit, inner tubes, floatable toys, and a
Greers Ferry Lake including Sugarloaf Mountain
picnic lunch, and come splash the summer away on an Arkansas beach!
Visit
Arkansas.com
for
detailed
information on each location, including phone numbers, maps, images and user fees (if applicable). DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
Norfork Lake Camping
travel
CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEACHES Beaverfork Lake Lake Bennett, Woolly Hollow State Park Lake Sylvia Beaver Lake Paddle Boarding
NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS BEACHES Bull Shoals Lake Greers Ferry Lake Norfork Lake Eureka Springs Beaver Lake
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS BEACHES Beaver Lake Blue Mountain Lake Cove Lake Lake Dardanelle
Sailboat at Lake Dardnelle
Lake Leatherwood Lake Wedington Long Pool Recreation Area Shores Lake Spring Lake Table Rock Lake
Lake Leatherwood
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SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS BEACHES Albert Pike Recreation Area Charlton Recreation Area DeGray Lake Lake Greeson Jack Creek Recreation Area
DeGray Lake
Knoppers Ford Recreation Area Lake Catherine State Park Lake Hamilton Lake Ouachita Shady Lake
UPPER DELTA BEACHES
Lake Greeson
Jacksonport State Park, White River Lake Austell, Village Creek State Park Lake Charles State Park Lake Ponder, Crowley's Ridge State Park
LOWER DELTA BEACHES
Lake Catherine Campfire
Bear Creek Lake Storm Creek Lake
Lake Ouachita
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ANY POOL. ANY SIZE. ANY STYLE. SEE HOW BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE YOUR BACKYARD CAN BE. The only mesh safety pool cover proven tough enough to support an elephant.
5011 Old Greenwood, Fort Smith Mon. – Fri. 8 – 6 | Sat. 9 – 5 479.646.7772 LutherStem.com
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travel
Words Mike Daugherty images Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce
Two generations ago, Oklahoma City was a nice place to go for a quick weekend trip. You could see most attractions in a day or two. There was the Oklahoma City Zoo, Remington Park, what was then the Omniplex Science Museum and the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and maybe there was time for Frontier City. But that was about it. Still, as the father of then-young children living two hours south in Texas, the Oklahoma capital city presented a quick and easy getaway without the nerve-shattering traffic and higher prices encountered in the better-known destinations of Fort Worth and Dallas. Flash forward to 2016 and…where do you start? The city has developed such an array of things to do and places to visit, especially in Bricktown and nearby Midtown, that it’s a matter of getting to everything you have scheduled instead of finding enough to explore. Here are just a few of the attractions you won’t want to miss on your next trip to OKC.
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southern fiction
When the Lights Go On Again All over the World FICTION Marla Cantrell
W
We are lying belly down on the fishing dock at Cedar Lake, our
"That woman was a harbinger of death," I say, and Otis hits the
arms hanging over the edge, the tip ends of our fingers rippling
water with his heel of his hand. “She surely was not. If you'd of
the water. I'm wearing a red bikini, and my hair is up in a messy
watched the show, you'd know that."
bun I worked on for an hour, not that Otis seems to notice. He'd been watching a TV show about a Canadian woman who
“I don’t see how ten boys dying has one lick of hope in it.”
got engaged ten times during World War II, before he called me and asked me spend the day with him. Every soldier the
Otis rolls onto his back, pushes the air out of his lungs, and then
Canadian promised to marry died in the war. Otis says, "That
puts his big ole hands beneath his head. I sit up beside him. I can
woman was steeped in hope."
smell the lake water, below us, and on my hands, and in the air around us. Otis says, “Think what those last days would have been like if they hadn’t had her letters.”
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southern fiction
"You never once wrote me a letter, and we've been going out
"Those were different times," I say.
for nearly a year." "Every one of the guys asked for her picture. They trimmed the "Nola," Otis says, "what would I say that I can't tell you
photos down and carried them in their cigarette cases. They
straight on?"
carried the cases in the pocket closest to their hearts."
I squint my eyes like I do when I don't want to see the world the way
"Was she beautiful?"
it is. The edges of everything go hazy, and then I say, "You amaze "She looked a lot like my Aunt Edna used to. Dark wavy hair.
me, Otis, you really do, but not in a good way."
Green eyes a little too close together. But she had this smile that Cedar Lake is in a valley that catches every bit of cool air and holds
seemed like it covered the universe."
it captive. Up on the ridge where I live, it's scalding already. Otis brought a cooler with him and inside are a dozen Pabst Blue Ribbon
We stop at Sonic and get a couple of corndogs and a tub of tater
beers. I take one out, pop the top, take a swig.
tots. I drink another beer, the can icy in my hand. We're in a dry county in the middle of the afternoon, but what the hell. The carhop gives me a look, and I tip the can at her, like a salute. "Give her an
"I don't know why we argue," Otis says.
extra dollar," I say to Otis, and he does it and then laughs. The boards on the dock are old and worn smooth and feel like cotton sheets straight from the clothesline. I set the beer down and
Otis eats the tater tots two at a time. "Most of the letters
lie down beside him. "Maybe we don't like each other very much."
were sweet," he says. "The soldiers told her she was swell, or that they'd gotten a radio and were listening to Bob Hope but
Otis pulls me to him. "I like you just fine," he says, and he takes off
thinking about her. But then, later, as they got closer to the end,
my sunglasses and kisses me until some old woman fishing out on
they'd tell her things that gut-punched you. This one sergeant
the lake, calls from her boat, "For land's sake, it's broad daylight!"
told her he dwelled in a world of death, and then he went on to describe it." Otis shudders. " He said he didn't know how he'd
On the way out, I sit beside Otis in his old Ford truck, so close our
live anymore with regular humanity, even if he did make it home.
thighs touch. I'm thirty-five now, and I've been sidled up like this to "She wrote him back, and she told him that he would come
one guy or another for nearly half my life.
home. She said she sat on her porch every evening, and she The pickup windows are down, and the air in the valley smells like
looked at the moon. She swore she could see the future in it.
sour apple gum. I've driven as far away as Abilene, and I've never
She said, 'And there we are, around the kitchen table. You've
found this smell anywhere else. I lay my head on Otis's shoulder,
gained twenty pounds since you came home. There's a highchair
and he wraps his arm around me.
beside you with the cutest little baby sitting in it. Looks just like you. Outside, the mailman is walking down the street, and he's
"When the Canadian lady wrote to her soldiers, she always started
whistling because he doesn't have one letter in his bag with bad
the letters with 'My Dearest Someone.'" Otis has the words 'heat
news in it. And on the radio, Vera Lynn is singing “When the
lightning' tattooed on his arm, the block letters following the bone
Lights Go On Again All over the World."
from elbow to wrist. There was a local band named Heat Lightning he used to follow, and one night he got knee-walking drunk and
Otis drips a packet of mustard on his corndog. "My granddaddy was
went over to Ziggy's Ink Palace. Heat Lightning hasn't played in
in that war. My granddaddy near about raised me, what with Daddy
more than ten years. The lead singer preaches now at one of those
taking off over the years, going to and fro, who knows where. If
churches without a denomination tied to it. It's called Streets of
Granddaddy would've got killed, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't
Gold, or Highway to Heaven. Something like that.
of known the best man I ever met."
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southern fiction
This may be the saddest date I've ever been on. I quit holding
I squeeze his knee. "I get it now."
my stomach in. I reach behind the seat where I put my bag, and I slip on my T-shirt from Carrie Underwood's last concert tour
"What?"
over my bikini. "The Canadian." "My grandpa was in World War II," I say, and suddenly I can see the photos of him. He weighed one hundred and two pounds when he
"Good," Otis says and touches my cheek.
enlisted. He was seventeen. He ended up in Okinawa. I don't know what he was like before, but life after was its own battleground.
"What do we do now?" I ask, and Otis seems to know what I mean.
"The world today," Otis says, and then he stops. He dumps the
"I'll show you."
corndog in the Sonic sack and I finish off my beer. Otis takes the can and crushes it like it's nothing.
There's a couple, maybe pushing sixty, sitting at the concrete table where pedestrians eat, sharing a kids’ meal. They look like
I look out the window at the advertisements that are up
trouble's ridden on their backs for years. They have a dog with
everywhere. Sonic is having a half-price shake special every
them, the kind of mutt you see in every shelter ad that's ever been
evening after eight. A shake sounds good, like all that ice cream
made. The dog, the man, the woman, look worn out. The woman
might fill the cavern that just opened up inside me. "Mama says
slips the dog a french fry and rubs its ugly head.
she remembers when ISIS was just a kids show about an Egyptian super-hero. She'd watch her on Saturday mornings, a beautiful
Otis motions the carhop over. The girl has black hair and black nail
woman in a costume, doing what she could to save mankind."
polish and black eyeliner that rings her dark eyes. He pulls out the hundred dollar bill he keeps hidden behind his fishing license in his
"I remember when you could go to the picture show without
wallet, and he hands it over. It's his emergency money. His safety
fearing a gunman might come in behind you."
net. He points. "Give this to that couple there," he says, just don't say who it come from."
"Why do you think the Canadian kept promising her future to the doomed?"
The girl looks at the couple and then she turns back and looks at us. "Why?" she asks. And Otis says, "We're passing out hope today."
Otis taps his fingers on the driver's doorframe. "World War II was everybody's war. I think she was fighting it the best way
"You meet all kinds," The carhop says, as if Otis is crazy.
she knew how." We watch as she takes the money to the table, holds it out like an "Did she ever marry."
offering. The couple look at one another, and then they lean in, asking questions, I'm sure, but the carhop just shakes her head,
Otis shakes his head no. "She ran a daycare. And wrote letters
shrugs her shoulders. When the man takes the hundred-dollar bill,
to the editor of the newspaper, asking people to be kind to
he pats the carhop's shoulder. The dog gets up, struggling on shaky
one another."
legs, and starts to circle the trio, its sorry tail wagging.
The world is at a tipping point. Both me and Otis know it. We
Otis starts the engine. The motor races and then settles down. Otis
watch the news together when I spend the night, the overly tan
reaches for the gearshift but stops. He takes my hand in his, and we
newswoman grim as she waits for the video to roll. In the last
sit, here in this valley of hope. Outside, on the fringes of this place,
weeks, we've seen death come in waves, here at home and as far
sorrow waits, and trouble so big it can bust you apart. We all know
away as Turkey, and we've not even left Otis's living room.
it's there, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to stop it.
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Back to School
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This is the time of year when we get to start over. We head out to buy school clothes and supplies. We start setting our alarms to get ready for those early mornings, and we gather all the information we need to make sure our children have the best school year yet.
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Our Do South experts have done a lot of the work for you! In this section, they'll tell you about educational opportunities, facilities designed to help your kids when they need it most, a church you may soon call home, great ways to stay in shape and learn new skills, and where to go for your children's health care and dental needs.
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Serving our community since 1853 We provide a Christ-centered, excellent academic education
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biblically-based religion classes and chapel services, emphasizing a Christian worldview for our families and students.
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fsfumc.org
479.646.1616
Serving our community since 1887
Serving our community since 1985
Our Children’s Ministry offers Sunday school classes, licensed
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and Quality Approved Weekday School, Children’s Day Out, and Child Enrichment Center programs. Christian education is central to our Children’s Ministry. The Youth (7th-12th grades) meet every Sunday morning for Sunday school as well as on Sunday nights for a time of fellowship, worship, and small group teachings. We offer three worship opportunities on Sundays: An early worship service at 8:30am, an 11am Sanctuary service (traditional style) and an 11am Connexion service (contemporary style).
Flame offers recreational Gymnastics, USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic competitive teams (Levels 3 - 10), and Tiny Tot and Preschool gymnastics classes. There’s also Mom 'N Tot gymnastics classes—loved by moms and kiddos alike, tumbling classes, and even Urban Gymnastic classes! During the summer, kids nine months old to twelve years old can learn to swim (beginners, advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced swimmers)! We also offer amazing birthday party packages. If your child is ages four through twelve, plan their next birthday party with us, for a party they’ll never forget!
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WE OFFER: Urban Gymnastics Classes Girls & Boys Recreational Gymnastics USAG Level 3-10 Competitive Girls Teams USAG Level 4-10 Competitive Boys Teams Mom ’N Tot, Preschool & Tiny Tot Gymnastics Swim Lessons with Jayne Jacobson and Daniel Beam Birthday & Splash Bash Swim Parties
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Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Tumbling Classes Gym Hours Monday - Thursday: 10a - 7:30p Friday: 10a-6:30p Saturday: 10a – 12p
Office Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9a-8p Wednesday: 9a-7:30p Friday: 9a - 6:30p
FLAME GYMNASTICS ACADEMY 5912 South 28th Street, Fort Smith 479.646.1616 | flamefs.com |
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thefriddlesmile.com
Serving our community since 1976 At Friddle Dentistry, we provide a laid back, family-oriented atmosphere that is conducive to treating children. We begin
Serving our community since 1995
provide cleanings and other preventive services as well as
The John Brown University Fort Smith Center offers bachelor’s
restorative work as needed. Our digital radiographs emit the
degree completion programs in business, liberal arts, and
lowest possible radiation to patients, and we are a metal-free
psychology, as well as master’s degrees in business, counseling,
office, only providing composite or porcelain tooth-colored
and education. Programs are designed for working adults, with
restorations. We also provide orthodontic treatment and
classes held online or in the evening. Additionally, the JBU CARE
mouth guards needed for sports activities.
Clinic provides low-cost counseling services to the community.
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seeing children as soon as they get their first teeth, and can
jbu.edu/fortsmith
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johnsondermatology.com
SparksPhysicians.com
Serving our community since 2006
Serving our community since 1887
As dermatologists, we see patients of all ages. Dr. Sandy Johnson
When your children need back-to-school vaccinations, or
worked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for four years. Most of
school or sports physicals, we’ve got you covered. We’re also
the team at Johnson Dermatology have children and understand
here to treat illnesses and injuries for your whole family. Our
their unique needs and wants. We have a few clinical trials for
convenient clinic locations are staffed by kid-friendly physicians.
children in order to provide the latest care, often at no cost to the
By having a long-term history with a primary care physician,
patient. As a clinic, we support many of the schools financially,
you’ll get insight into your children’s development and our
as Partners in Education or in a variety of other ways.
physicians will be able to better detect emerging problems,
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such as changes in academic or emotional status.
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Trinitycatholicjh.org
Serving our community since 1986
479.782.3021
Purpose and Mission: Trinity Junior High exists to provide a
Serving our community since 1972
superior, Catholic faith-based academic environment with a full range of extracurricular and leadership opportunities for grades
Udouj Orthodontics is not only committed to creating
seven through nine. All religious denominations are welcome. We
beautiful smiles for our patients, we are also committed to our
believe that an exemplary education can only be fostered in a safe
community. We are avid supporters of our area schools, sports
environment that affirms individual worth and mutual respect.
teams, and civic organizations. We hope to not only improve
We encourage students to partner with the community through
our patients' smiles but also the communities where they live!
stewardship and service. With parents as partners, our faculty and staff provide an exceptional academic experience focused on
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spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and social development.
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uafs.edu
479.494.5700
Serving our community since 1928
“We’re Ready To Listen and Help.”
Students who choose the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
We are a leading provider of world-class, specialized mental
come from all walks of life, but they all have one thing in
health treatment for all ages. We offer inpatient care, intensive
common: they know the value of a solid education. When
outpatient programs, and individualized treatment so that you
you earn your college degree from UAFS, your education
can focus on healing and gaining the skills and knowledge
goes far beyond the hours spent in class. At UAFS you will
to live a happier, healthier life. We also have a Therapeutic
study a curriculum based on the strongest academic principles,
Day Treatment for those between the ages of 5 and 18 that
prepare for your future using the latest methods in your
provides a combination of education and mental health services
chosen field, and connect with employers through internships
in a therapeutic environment. An Outpatient Clinic is available
and cooperative learning programs.
for those who benefit from a more traditional approach to treatment by meeting with a counselor in an outpatient setting
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on an ongoing basis.
Read Chair Publishing, LLC 7030 Taylor Avenue, Suite 5 Fort Smith, AR 72916