DECADENT - FEBRUARY 2022 by Do South Magazine

DECADENT

february 2022 DoSouthMagazine.com

february

Contents 04 08 16

Letter from Catherine Poem: Crossing February in the Garden

{COMMUNITY}

10 11 12 26 56

Our Community Cares: Bost Shop Local Project Zero Profile Series: Attorneys Special Feature: Wedding Guide

{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}

06 09 40

What’s New: February Events Book Review: Still Life The Art of the Matter

{PEOPLE}

18 22 32 36

A Man Apart

{TASTE}

44 46 48

Cheesy Cauliflower Potato Soup Tiny Misus Tickled Pink

{FICTION}

Written in the Stars

Stephanie’s Second Act The Boy in the Box Raising Spirits in the Delta

OUR COVER Image Credit:

{HEALTH}

Take Heart

{OUTDOORS}

Adventures on the Fly

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Foxys Forest Manufacture/ Shutterstock

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Letter from Catherine

LOV E

It’s February! Traditionally the month of love – and there is plenty of it packed into this beautiful issue. I’m excited

FEBRUARY 2022

to share these heartwarming stories that I hope will encourage and inspire you. Of course, I’ve also sprinkled in your monthly favorites, from incredible recipes like the one on our cover, to the great outdoors, as well as a few surprises along the way!

Our profile series continues as we focus on three local law firms, attorneys who set the bar for excellence and are committed to providing their clients the very best representation. I appreciate the passion they share for their profession and take comfort in knowing they are here when needed, ready to put their experience and expertise to work. As you make your way through this month of love, I hope you will give thought to what you are passionate about – what makes your heart happy – then do more of it! Love yourself first, then extend that love to family and friends, your best furry friend, and even perfect strangers. It’s a proven fact that helping others is beneficial to your mental and physical health! Speaking of love, if you or someone you know is planning a wedding, don’t miss

OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jade Graves, Dwain Hebda CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jenny Boulden, Scott Faldon, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sara Putman, Liesel Schmidt, Jim Warnock ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

our annual wedding guide, starting on page fifty-six! We’ve partnered with local experts who have the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure your special day is the one you’ve always dreamed of. In closing, I’d ask you to take note and show your support to the advertisers within our pages because they made this issue possible! They believe in Do South®, and I am grateful for each of them, and for you. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together. It truly is a labor of love! Be well, I’ll see you in March!

Catherine Frederick

©2022 Read Chair Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner. Opinions contained in Do South ® are exclusively those of the writers and do not represent those of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. as a whole or its affiliates. Any correspondence, including photography, becomes the property of Read Chair Publishing, LLC. Do South ® reserves the right to edit content and images. Printed in the U.S.A. | ISSN 2373-1893

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

Owner/Publisher/Editor — catherine@dosouthmagazine.com

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

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entertainment

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DOSOUTHMAG

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FEBRUARY EVENTS UAFS MENS & WOMENS BASKETBALL STUBBLEFIELD CENTER, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS VS. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY – COMMERCE: FEBRUARY 3 VS. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER: FEBRUARY 5 VS. ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY: FEBRUARY 17 VS. TEXAS PERMIAN BASIN: FEBRUARY 19

4TH ANNUAL CHILI BREWERY COOK-OFF FORT SMITH BREWING COMPANY, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS — FEBRUARY 5 Enjoy some of the best chili in the River Valley and find out who will win! There is a $10 entry fee to submit a chili and all types are accepted!

OH WATA NIGHT FOR NEON IN THE NINETIES HARDSCRABBLE GOLF COURSE, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS — FEBRUARY 5 Enjoy silent and live auctions and participate in games and raffles. All proceeds help sustain WATA's mission to make the game accessible to everyone in our community!

FORT SMITH HOME SHOW KAY RODGERS PARK, FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS — FEBRUARY 11-13 Searching for remodeling or home improvement ideas? Come by to see the best innovations and insight into building your dream home in the River Valley!

ETTA MAY ALMA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, ALMA, ARKANSAS — FEBRUARY 19 Etta May is best described as “Minnie Pearl with a migraine.” Her family-friendly material is sure to entertain the entire roost! Send comments, suggestions and advertising inquiries to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

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CROSSING

poem

LINES and IMAGE Jim Warnock

The raspy call of a kingfisher sometimes greets me at this crossing, but on this frozen morning, I hear only the soft murmur of icy rocks. It’s cold and swift. Should I cross? When I was younger, I followed your lead, later pulling hard against the threads that tied me to home and safety. Now, as a grown man walking this trail alone, you’re a saint who accompanies me. I feel your spirit at times of decision. Should I cross this stream? I wait to hear. More often than not you say, “Yes.”

Yes, cross it. Yes, climb it. Yes! Let the slick rock teach you its shape. Feel the life in the water press against you and be thankful. Trust your eyes and the strength in your legs. Step carefully. I pause in silent celebration at the other side. The stream is louder now with a thousand yeses pouring over ancient rocks. As I turn to continue this familiar trail, the chiseling call of a kingfisher echoes from downstream saying,

Yes, love all of this and those you know you’ll lose.

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entertainment

STI L L L I F E by Sarah Winman

WORDS Sara Putman, owner Bookish, visit bookishfs.com

A story within a story within a story,

decades that follow. They are bound

Winman gives us a work of historical

by art, yes, but they are also bound

fiction that is so character driven, you

by their own sense of optimism. It is

will think you’re sitting in a London

Ulysses’ idealism that colors Evelyn’s

pub with your newest friends. There

view of him and their profound

is no secret, we are reading about art

understanding of one another that

and culture, and in the shadow of the

fosters an immense love story that

poets, painters, and the novelist E.M.

binds them through war, natural

Forester, Winman offers up a delicacy

disasters, and lovers.

of love, lust, war, friendship, and family that spans decades.

If art is how we find ourselves, home is where we nurture ourselves. From the

Ulysses Temper is our heroic protagonist. Honest and

battlefields of Europe, Ulysses returns to London’s East End,

hardworking, we meet him while he is still a soldier in the

particularly to a shabby Georgian tavern called the Stoat and

war and find his loyalties pure and admirable. However,

Parrot, home to a preternaturally clever bird. “Ulysses pushed

the book begins and ends with Evelyn Skinner, the sixty-

open the door,” Winman writes, “and the fire to his right

four-year-old art historian who is tasked with identifying

gave off a ripe old smell, all sour and smarting bodies. The

masterpieces hidden in the Tuscan hills and to protect them

old ones were huddled around the hearth exactly as he’d left

from theft and destruction. This chance encounter between

them – same faces less teeth.” And here we meet our cast of

Evelyn and Ulysses sets the tone for the rest of the novel.

characters that readers will live with and love throughout the

When Ulysses questions her role in the war, Evelyn is more

novel. Each character is beautifully flawed, and their character

than ready for him. She quips, “Art versus humanity is not

arcs are drawn out in a way that makes them pertinent to the

the question. One does not exist without the other.”

narrative. Winman integrates historical threads throughout the decades to ground us to our place in history while showing us

Obviously, Skinner and Ulysses don’t think they will ever see

the magic that can happen when surrounded by people who

each other again, but their encounter is the impetus for the

love you. From London to Florence, home is where our family

rest of the novel. Even though we are in Italy, surrounded

is – whatever form that takes, and Winman’s portrait of such

by art, wine, and handsome British soldiers, the “love” story

a family offers comradery and light.

between the senior art historian and young British soldier is the driving force behind this rendezvous of a novel.

Still Life is a remedy for loneliness, a mirror reflecting art

Their encounter at the beginning of the book colors the

in our lives.

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18 10

community community

Our Community Cares words Catherine Frederick with Jeanne Hill, Director of Marketing & Fundraising

DS: How did Bost come to be?

The Bost School for Exceptional Children was created when parents of disabled children knew that their children could do MORE than what was expected of them. With the appropriate education and training they could lead full, independent lives. They approached Dr. Roger Bost, local pediatrician, who was of a like mind and created the school. DS: Who does Bost serve and in what ways?

Bost serves individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities with services customizable to the individual, depending on their personal goals and levels of independence. With Bost, there are opportunities for growth, learning, and greater independence throughout the individual’s life.

Bost was founded in 1959 by local pediatrician, Dr. Roger B. Bost.

DS: What are some of the new initiatives Bost has instituted to enrich the lives of those served?

Bost is like many other businesses who have pivoted, struggled, and looked for opportunities for innovation and growth, despite the uncertainties of a global pandemic.

We are a nonprofit organization

We continued to provide our services and support and have added things to enrich

providing services and support in

the lives of those we serve, such as ACTS, a therapeutic drama program, through a

Arkansas to nearly 1,000 individuals

partnership with the Arkansas College of Health Education and now we are excited

with intellectual and developmental

to bring dance through a partnership with the Western Arkansas Ballet! We are also

disabilities. By working together

growing our facilities to better meet the needs of our communities. We opened

with our community partners, we

new apartments in Rogers and are looking to use the same model in the future. The

can improve the overall health of the

“group living” dynamic allows those we serve to have greater independence in their

individual, promoting a higher level of

apartments by having staff assigned to the facility rather than to the person. Our

independence. Do South® reached out to Jeanne Hill, Director of Marketing & Fundraising, to learn more.

Dardanelle location is getting a new state-of-the-art facility to better serve adults and children that choose Bost for their day services. We look forward to the opportunities for growth and innovation that the new facility will allow. DS: How can our community support Bost and those served by Bost?

Community support is shown to us in many ways. Think of Bost when you have an 5812 Remington Circle Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.478.5600 bost.org

open position in your business that might be a good fit for one of our adults who have been training to work in the community. Think about BOST if you have a friend that is looking for employment. Think of Bost if you have some children’s books or gently used clothing you no longer need. Think of Bost when someone asks about the good things in our community or if you see an individual with disabilities in need of help. DS: Are there immediate needs or events our readers should know about?

The 20th Annual Grape Escapes, A Vine Affair will be held at the Wyndham Fort Smith Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy nonprofit in our area free of charge.

(formerly the Doubletree by Hilton) on March 4, from 6 to 9pm. We are excited to be back in the room for our cocktail style, signature fundraiser providing guests with the

We will accept requests for this free page

opportunity to sample wines from around the world and enjoy hors d’oeuvres from local

beginning in October, 2022. Send questions

restaurants and caterers. We will have live music, a lively auction, along with a fun photo

to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.

opportunity! Tickets can be purchased at grapeescapes.org or by calling 479.478.5600. All funds raised will be used LOCALLY to fund critical services and supports for individuals with disabilities served by Bost. Those we serve still need us, and we still need YOU!

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shop

We’re in Love! words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors

Local shops have our heart. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone you love, you can’t go wrong when you keep it local!

Hearts On Fire Charmed X Pendant, .11cts, Available in 18kt Yellow, Rose and White Gold

JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140

Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean and Sanitized with Audinell Cleaning Wipes

Mini Bottles of Freixenet Italian Rosé, Stella Rosa Rosso, Apothic Red Winemaker's Blend, Lamarca Prosecco, and Stella Rosa Pink

CENTER FOR HEARING

IN GOOD SPIRITS

479.785.3277

479.434.6604

Belle Glos Pinot Noir 2020 Balade, The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve, The Herb Garden Damask Rose & Juniper Gin

Eyewear by Krewe

SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS

DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY

479.783.8013

479.452.2020

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community

JACOBI AGE 3 Our buddy Jacobi is a very cute boy with some big challenges in his life. Jacobi suffered a serious brain injury and as a result he has a host of physical and developmental issues. He is blind and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. Jacobi also has developmental IMAGE courtesy Portraits by Chasity

delays, eating and digestion issues, and is not yet potty trained. He is receiving excellent care and therapies, however. He’s doing great in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. And despite his challenges, Jacobi is a super happy little boy! He loves music and enjoys dancing and bouncing around, especially on his trampoline. Jacobi is very affectionate, gives great hugs, and he’s a snuggler! His foster parents shared that he has an infectious laugh that always fills the room. Jacobi hasn’t let his issues define who he is and how he responds to the world. He is joyful, hopeful, and ready to be surrounded by a special family who understands his challenges and is ready to stand by him as he meets each one with that big smile and irresistible laugh of his. Jacobi will need a two-parent home who will be committed to maintaining his therapies. He’ll require consistent visits to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, and he may

benefit from attending Arkansas School for the Blind (also in Little Rock). His local schools will need to be able to work with him and his challenges in a supportive environment. Jacobi deserves every opportunity, and we know there’s a family out there who can be his forever!

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

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health

Take Heart!

WORDS Kendall Wagner, M.D., Chaffee Crossing Clinic images S_L and marina_ua/Shutterstock

We’ve moved beyond

the holidays and are diving

my patients that the movement should be strenuous enough

into the new year with fresh resolutions and firm resolve.

that they cannot carry on a conversation on a cellphone

Many of us made resolutions to improve our health and the

while exercising and aim for activity that elevates the heart

health of our families. February has long been recognized as

rate above one hundred beats per minute. It should not be so

the month when we focus on heart health and the good news

strenuous as to elicit chest pain or shortness of breath. Good

is that steps toward heart health are generally steps toward

examples include a power walk in the neighborhood, a few

good health in general! As an internal medicine-pediatrics

laps in a temperature-controlled pool, a bicycle ride on one

physician practicing primary care, I spend significant time

of our fantastic River Valley bike trails, or a friendly game of

educating families on healthy lifestyles. In my practice, I

tennis, pickleball, or racquetball.

focus on education in three key areas. Secondly, focus on food! I recommend increasing the amount First, focus on activity! For most individuals, kids and elders

of fresh, whole foods that families consume by shopping the

included, thirty to forty-five minutes of physical activity at

perimeter of the grocery store! This area usually contains

least three to four days per week is recommended. I encourage

fresh fruits and vegetables, followed by healthy lean

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health

meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish. Continuing along the perimeter leads to dairies such as 1-2% milk or milk alternatives (almond or oat milk) and yogurts followed by eggs, preferably organic/free-range. Also, bread and grains should be whole grains. Oatmeal can be a great source of heart-healthy morning protein! Nuts can add healthy fats and fiber with fresh fruit adding sweetness and flavor without added sugar. I also encourage my families to think of their plate as a geometric pie. One quarter of the plate should be lean meat or non-meat protein, one quarter can be a starchy vegetable (potatoes/ carrots) or whole grain bread/pasta, and then the remaining one half of the plate should include colorful vegetables. Additionally, I suggest reducing or eliminating fast food and soft drinks. Fast foods tend to have higher calorie of

in elevated heart rate and blood pressure leading to increased

unhealthy fats. At the same time, soft drinks are packed

strain on the heart over time. Stress reduction techniques may

with sugar and extra sodium that then must be eliminated

include prayer, meditation, yoga, or many of the hobbies that

by the body. Simple changes such as removing soft drinks

can be pursued in The Natural State!

concentrations

and

contain

higher

percentage

and limiting fast food can result in weight reduction and optimized cholesterol levels leading to improved health,

Recent research indicates that socialization protects against

especially heart health!

heart disease. This is likely a result of the release of hormones that counteract the harmful effects of cortisol, thus leading

Lastly, focus on adequate sleep, stress management, and

to decreased strain on the heart. We are built for community!

socialization to round out the prescription for a healthy

Being active in church, social clubs, or volunteering at a local

heart. Our bodies need sufficient sleep to restore and repair

food pantry, animal shelter, or community service event can

essential functions in the body. Sleep requirements will vary

provide that connection and purpose we need to thrive. So,

with age and health status. For pediatric patients, eleven to

take heart – your road to good health in 2022 is just three

twelve total hours of sleep per day would be preferred, while

steps away!

adolescents

and

teenagers

usually

need nine to ten hours per night. For most adults, at least seven to

Kendall Wagner, M.D. is a regular healthcare contributor to Do South® Magazine.

eight hours of sleep is needed. Uncontrolled

chronic

stress

increasingly recognized as a driver of heart disease. High cortisol levels, a stress-induced hormone, results

Chaffee Crossing Clinic 11300 Roberts Boulevard, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.5910 | chaffeecrossingclinic.com

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garden

Geshas/Shutterstock

February in the Garden Start seeds in: - Egg cartons or egg shells - Paper towel or toilet paper tubes - Avocado or citrus rinds - Used Keurig ® K-cups - Single-serve yogurt containers - Milk cartons (cut top off) Prepare garden space by: - Removing weeds and mixing in lots of compost - Covering soil with black plastic to keep it dry and warm Consider doing this: - Build raised beds now to garden with fewer weeds and quick drainage. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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people

Coach Merrill Mankin

A Man Apart WORDS Dwain Hebda IMAGES courtesy Glenn Gilley

Rickey Smith, head girls basketball coach at Fort Smith Northside, is one of the most successful coaches in Arkansas in any sport, a straight-ahead, no-nonsense kind of guy who enjoys the challenge of competition almost as much as the win itself. After all, as he’s the first to tell you, it’s those who

He treated all his players as if they were his own kid... He was hard on you, but he was also very empathetic. He could put you in your place, but then turn around and say something that makes you feel at ease and calm and know that he was right. It was just a matter of he expected so much out of you, he was going to tell you the straight-up.

push you to your limits who bring out your best. Merrill Mankin, former head coach of Fort Smith Southside, was just that sort of person. “We were fierce rivals, fierce competitors,” Rickey says. “Many, many times we were one and two in the conference. We even played each other for the state championship in 2001. We wanted to meet against each other. He wanted to beat us, we

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people

wanted to beat them, but we always had a mutual respect for one another off the court.” Rickey’s voice alternatingly sparked and shook talking about Merrill, who died unexpectedly on Thanksgiving Day at the age of sixty-eight. A few months haven’t been enough time to process what the two-time state champion and crosstown rival meant to him, especially over the past eight years as his assistant. Here and there emotion has leaked out – in postgame press conferences and at Merrill’s memorial service, packed with former players – but nowhere like it has on the

'17 NLB Camp

court, the place he loved most. In December, the Grizzlies funneled their grief into the Taco Bell Tournament of Champions, besting Greenwood for top honors in a bracket they dedicated to their fallen coach. “This was really big for us, especially considering we just lost Coach Mankin, and wanted to win this championship for him,” says senior Yonni Releford, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, in a post-game interview. “This means everything. We put dedication into our defense because he was our defensive coach. We took pride in our defense and wanted to do it for him." It was a bittersweet victory for the entire program, and as

Zoey Bershers and Coach Mankin

Northside continues to march toward defense of their 2021 state title – Merrill’s fourth overall and the second he and Rickey won together – the Grizzlies coach feels his friend closer than ever. “Coach was someone that after every game I would call,” he says. “After things calmed down, I’d call him and say, ‘Okay, what did you think? Good, bad, or indifferent? Okay, tomorrow what are we going to work on?’ I’m not going to lie to you. It’s been difficult. After every ball game, I still reach for that phone to call him.” Merrill was Fort Smith to the bone, born here, raised here, graduated Fort Smith Northside. After attending College of the Ozarks, he started his coaching career at Foreman, Arkansas, the first of a string of jobs in Texas and Arkansas. As the skipper of Southside girls, where he’d ultimately post a 261-82 record, he racked up numerous conference titles as well as state championships in 1996 and 1998. His team fell to Northside in

Coach Mankin and Jersey Wolfenbarger, '21 State Tournament

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people

the 2001 state title game in the opening years of the Grizzlies' current run of girls basketball dominance. Tara Treat, a member of Southside’s 1996 state championship squad, said Merrill was as impactful with his players off the floor as he was on it. “He treated all his players as if they were his own kid,” she says. “He was hard on you, but he was also very empathetic. He could put you in your place, but then turn around and say something that makes you feel at ease and calm and know that he was right. It was just a matter of he

Smith and Mankin, Northside v. Southside

expected so much out of you, he was going to tell you the straight-up.” Treat, who was all-everything as a senior and now coaches and teaches at Sheridan, had just seen her former mentor about a week before he died. Time had not dimmed the impact of her mentor’s influence on her life. “We were talking after the funeral, before we all had to go our separate ways, and talking to former players that had him years later, he always came back to the ‘96 team that won state, because we just had a lot of heart,” Tara says. “That’s one thing he and I talked about. I said, ‘I

Coach Mankin, State Semi-Finals

don’t remember you running us much.’ He said, ‘Yeah, I didn’t have to. Y’all just played so hard at practice. You practiced as if you were in a game. I didn’t have to run y’all.’ “If I take away anything from that year or all the years I played with him, it’s just everybody wanted to do one hundred percent what they could to please him, because they had that much respect for him. He was just great.” Merrill retired once, spending his time fishing, and taking full-time care of his mother Nina. But as his childhood home backed up to the Northside campus, Rickey would often catch sight of him

Smith and Mankin, '19 Semi-Finals

puttering around. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

“He’s in his yard right beside the parking lot, so one day I asked him, ‘Hey, Coach. Do you miss it?’ He said, ‘Yeah, I kind of do,’” Rickey says. “I said, ‘How’d you like to come back and help us?’ He cocked his head sideways and says, ‘Go from sitting on the Southside bench to sitting on the Northside bench?!’ I said, ‘Well, that’s your choice. We’d love to have you as a volunteer assistant.’ It wasn’t forty-eight hours and he was here. He was with me for eight straight years.” Rickey put Merrill in charge of the team’s defense and for good reason: It gave Rickey fits every time his Grizzlies took on Merrill’s Mavericks. Smith and Mankin, '09 State Playoffs

“I told him, ‘Look, man, we’ve always struggled to score against you guys. I think you do a phenomenal job defensively,’” Rickey says. “He thought a little differently

More immediately, a seat on the Grizzlies' bench remains

than I did and that’s why I think it was such a good fit. We did

empty, set aside by his friend and fiercest rival as a show of

the same drills. We used a lot of the same terminology. So, it

respect. Eventually, of course, someone else will sit in his place,

was not a significant difference, but he gave attention to detail

but no one can fill his shoes.

that was different than ours. “There was never a time it was awkward or uncomfortable “Won two state championships. He made the comment

coaching together, because of the level of respect we had,”

once, ‘I’m going to be the only coach in town that has a state

Rickey says. “One time, we lost a really, really critical game and

championship picture on the wall at Southside and a state

I’m sitting at the bleachers, just distraught. You can’t describe it

championship picture at Northside.’”

unless you’ve been there. And Coach Mankin walked by, patted me on the back and said, ‘Call me later.’

Merrill contributed off the court as well, dragging Rickey out onto the water to take up fishing. At first reluctant, Rickey

“When I finally left the gym and called him, he said, ‘Rickey,

found the activity refreshing, and the two entered many a bass

that’s why I’m not the head coach anymore, what you’re going

fishing tournament together.

through. When I go home now and take care of my mother, I worry about it, but it’s not the same pressure being the assistant

“We probably had more competitive discussions in fishing

to the head coach. That’s the role I want to be in.’”

tournaments about where we’re going to fish than we did on the bench,” Rickey says with a chuckle. “I’d think we would

A pause, as the tremor returns to his voice.

have a hot spot on one bank, and he would say it’s on the other bank. So, we’d kind of argue back and forth on what bank we

“It’s like losing your best friend. Coaching, fishing, just a good

were going to. As he deferred to me in the coaching realm over

person. I mean a really, really, good guy. He coached for the

here, I deferred to him on the fishing side of it.”

right reasons, he really did.”

Merrill’s lasting impact from decades of coaching is readily apparent; all you need to do is visit the tribute Facebook page laden with post after post from former players to see that. And, thanks to a memorial fishing tournament Rickey has in the

Read more tributes on Coach’s memorial Facebook page: Facebook.com/merrill.mankin.5

works, his memory will live on the water as well. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

Stephanie’s

SECOND ACT WORDS Dwain Hebda IMAGES courtesy Stephanie Rofkahr

LOOKING AT STEPHANIE ROFKAHR TODAY, you see a woman dedicated to the art and science of fitness, a driven competitor, and a successful businesswoman, founder of fit.four.five. Truth be told, her unwavering focus and long list of accomplishments are more than a little intimidating. Even her motto, “Don’t tell people your plans, show them your results,” speaks to her achievement-oriented attitude. But it wasn’t always that way. To know her a few years ago would have yielded a much different impression as a neartragedy in her family in 2015 set off events that left her depressed, medicated and in the worst shape of her life physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Yet it was from this dark place that the wife and mother of three saw the speck of light that led her to her second act, a journey harder than she bargained for, but personally enriching in ways she once never could have imagined. Stephanie’s story begins in Van Buren where her growing up was split between tomboyish early years in sports and girlier pursuits such as pageants and dance, fueled by regular workouts at the local gym, in high school. Each decade of her life brought new adventures, including marrying her high school sweetheart and welcoming kids. Throughout, she continued to exercise, even getting hooked on running in her thirties, which led her to complete marathons and warrior races until worn-out knees retired her by age forty. Stephanie Rofkahr

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people

Then, three years later, her then-five-year-old nearly drowned in

It’s sometimes the smallest of things that can change a life

the family’s swimming pool.

forever. For Stephanie it was a Halloween costume.

“I pulled him out of the water, and I passed out,” she says.

“My son wanted me to dress up as Cruella de Vil,” she says. “I

“My daughter, who was fourteen at the time, ended up doing

borrowed a dress from my stepmom, but I’d gained so much

everything, calling 911, dealing with everything.”

weight, I couldn’t even zip it up. I ended up having to get a jacket to cover the back.”

The shock of the accident led both mother and daughter to therapy, a process which opened unexpected doors for Stephanie.

“I told myself that next January 1st, I’m going to get back in the

She’d endured what can charitably be called a complicated

gym, I’m going to get back to what I know. I’m tired of being

relationship with her mother which led her to counseling

on anti-depressants. I didn’t even tell my husband; I just joined a

throughout her formative years. In the sessions following her

gym and did what I knew best.”

son’s near drowning, it quickly became clear that there was more to unpack from her childhood than she realized.

Stephanie put everything she had into her training and fought her way back into shape. Four years ago – just two years after

“When we started therapy, my daughter and I, the counselor

getting back to the gym – she also launched her online fitness

said that I had unfinished business that I needed to get out with

company, fit.four.five.

my mother,” Stephanie says. “We ended up going to counseling for six months and it was the best thing our family ever

“When I told my kids that I was going to start my own business

did.” Stephanie’s young son would make a full recovery, but in

online they said, ‘Oh, my gosh! Please don’t use your name. We

pouring herself into his care, Stephanie abandoned looking after

don’t want any of our friends following you. How embarrassing,’”

her own needs.

she says. “I always told my kids you just need forty-five minutes to get a good workout in and it takes about forty-five days to see

“I just quit on myself,” she says. “I’ve always been one to turn to

results. That’s where the name came from.”

exercise because I knew the benefits of it. But when I took care of my son, I quit taking care of myself. I gained thirty pounds

Early into her personal training business, Stephanie was training

in five months, and I went into, I’m talking a deep, deep, deep

a young woman who suggested she consider competing in

depression. I then ended up getting on anti-depressants and

bikini body building, a division of the sport that stresses lean

those ended up making me feel horrible.”

muscularity and poise over bulk.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

18 24

community people

The Rofkahrs

“I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh. I would never do something like that.’

“I was terrible with social media at first,” she says. “I said

That was in March,” she says. “A week later I thought, ‘I’m going

from Day One thank goodness I was in my forties starting this

to go for it,’ and I competed that June.” Body building of any

business and not in my twenties because I wouldn’t have lasted.

description requires next-level dedication, training and discipline

There are a lot of ugly, mean, jealous people out there, but I

and her event is no exception, even though having “bikini” in

just block them.”

the title makes most people think otherwise. But she also receives many comments from people who have “You have to be disciplined. You go to bed at a certain time.

thanked her for the inspiration to start their own second acts,

You wake up at a certain time. You eat at a certain time. You’re

who, like her, are moving past the trauma or abuse that wrecked

training, you’re practicing, you’re posing,” she says. “A lot of

their self-esteem. No matter how big fit.four.five gets, these will

competitors don’t have kids or aren’t married, and I can see why.

always be the ones that stand out and drive her in her work.

It totally takes over your life.” “My original goal was to reach moms because I’ve been a mom. “My daughters, the first time I announced it, were very upset.

I know what it’s like and how it affects you in taking care of

They were thinking I was going to be dancing on a pole. Then

yourself,” she says. “I get these women, from moms my age or

they came to my second show, and they saw it and now they’re

their daughters, who are struggling with their weight or in the

my biggest supporters. When my husband turned fifty, we had a

closet eating and I help them reclaim that part of their lives.”

big cake and I said, ‘You know what? I’m throwing in the towel. I’m just going to have that piece of cake,’ and they all said,

“I wish I’d had someone to help me back then with the hormones,

‘Nooooo! Mom, don’t do it for a cake. You’ve got a show!’”

the depression and changing a lifestyle, from drinking enough water to getting out in the sun for natural vitamin D. All the

All of these individual milestones have augmented fit.four.five.

things that reflect on your health and mental well-being, I want

Today she coaches her own bikini body building team while

to teach women the importance of that. That’s my main thing.”

continuing to compete. She also does online training for the rank and file – something that blew up with the pandemic – and is beginning to branch into branded fitness products. Her face and training videos are all over social media, exposure she’s really had to learn how to deal with.

fitfourfive.co | stephaniefitfourfive@gmail.com Follow Stephanie at fit.four.five on

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

2022 ATTORNEY PROFILES SPECIAL FEATURE PRESENTED BY

WORDS Dwain Hebda and Catherine Frederick some interviews have been edited for length and clarity

Do South® recognizes the talents and contributions of select attorneys in our community. They set the bar for excellence and are committed to providing their clients the very best. Join us as we salute the passion they share for their profession!

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WILLIAM & ASHLEIGH BUCKLEY

Known for its attentive service, aggressive representation and

Attorneys at Law

attention to detail, The Buckley Firm tackles personal injury,

“Our family fighting for your family,” is an apt tagline for The

civil litigation and criminal defense cases. “We work aggressively

Buckley Firm. Not only are the founding partners married, but

to obtain the best outcome for our clients in the quickest manner

from the practice’s beginning in 2016, managing partners Ashleigh

possible,” William says. “When you’ve been injured, the last thing

and William Buckley have been dedicated to helping clients and

you want is to wait years while your case sits in limbo. That’s why

their families come through difficult situations.

we stay on top of the other side to ensure you are compensated

automobile wrecks, wrongful death, construction litigation, general

and have your medical bills paid as soon as possible.” “We wanted to create a small boutique-style law firm that provided clients with personal, attentive service. It's important to us to

Ashleigh says she and William are motivated in their work by the

always be accessible to our clients,” Ashleigh says. “William and

people they serve and the lives they get to put back together. “We

I love working together and have found that we are a good team

love going to court and fighting for people who often don’t have

because our litigation styles complement one another. Our firm

a voice in the system,” she says. “We aren’t afraid of a challenge;

provides us the opportunity to help others when they need it the

the best part of our job is taking on insurance companies and big

most,” says William. “It gives us a shared purpose and we are

corporations that treat people unfairly. In all honesty, we do our best

thankful for the opportunity to do it together. We treat all of our

work when it seems the deck is stacked against our client, because

clients like family and work hard for them, just like family.”

we are passionate about making things right.”

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KEITH BLYTHE Attorney at Law As impressive as it is to have been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers every year for a decade, and to have obtained the largest medical malpractice recovery in Arkansas history, Fort Smith attorney Keith Blythe is even more proud of the hundreds of clients he’s served over more than three decades in practice. “I’m honored when a client entrusts us after a family member has been hurt or killed because of medical malpractice, a car wreck or big truck accident. It’s a responsibility that I’ve never taken lightly,” he says. “Our firm works hard to help clients recover the compensation they are owed. We have recovered millions of dollars for the injured and families of people killed by negligence.” Keith’s expertise in the area of personal injury ranges from wrongful death and medical malpractice to nursing home abuse and big truck wrecks. His experience and dogged determination have not only proven successful in court, but he’s extremely adept at gaining financial accountability from at-fault corporations or balky insurance companies without ever going to trial. He has also assisted many clients with probate cases, real estate matters and general business issues. As well-known and respected as Keith has become, he’s never forgotten the personal attention and customer service that built his practice. For example, where many firms will assign clients to in-house paralegals, Keith still works with every client personally. “Growing up on a dairy farm, I learned very early that lasting success only comes from effort and accountability. I built my practice on the strength of hard work, referrals from satisfied clients and attention to detail,” he says. “Whether the client has a multi-million-dollar personal injury case or a simple will, each case receives my personal attention and full expertise. For more than thirty years, it’s been a winning formula, recovering millions for our clients.”

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A. Powell Sanders Attorney at Law Entering his twenty-fifth year in practice, Powell Sanders has crafted a sterling reputation for legal expertise and capable representation of his clients during times of the most difficult circumstances of their lives. “My stepfather, Sam Sexton, started practicing here in 1955,” says Powell Sanders, firm President and Owner. “I was around him from the time I was a young boy. He taught me at a young age, you don’t represent big corporations and insurance companies, you represent people.” “I have been doing this for twenty-five years, and I tell every client that it’s always my goal on the last day we work on their case together they leave my office with a big check in their pocket and big smile on their face.” Sexton & Sanders’ philosophy is simple – be creative in the manner they further each client's interest and provide individualized, personal attention to each case. Calls to the Fort Smithbased firm, which also operates offices in Rogers and Kansas City, are handled by a live, compassionate person and an answering service keeps the practice in touch twenty-four hours a day. “Clients don’t just get the talents and skills of a single legal professional, they get an entire team of lawyers and paralegals, highly skilled in the personal injury arena,” Powell says. “We stay sharp at what we do because we do it every day, day in and day out.” A native Arkansan, Powell has devoted his professional life to winning justice and compensation for individuals harmed by others’ carelessness in big truck wrecks, automobile collisions, wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability and falls. “Our firm has won millions of dollars in compensation for clients, helping them put their lives back together after serious injuries,” he says. “Our clients are honest, hard-working people, many with families to support, who are often being exploited by the insurance companies. We are the firm that knows what it takes to make those companies pay.” Sexton & Sanders’ track record over a quarter century has made it one of the premier legal firms in the region, a fact Powell is very proud of. But he’s even more gratified by the people who have been helped through the practice, serving the greater good along the way. “I love helping people, and I love to see the amazement on their face when they see the results that I produce,” he says. “But it’s also gratifying to know our work helps make the community a safer place by deterring people from acting negligently and recklessly in the future.” DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

The Boy in the Box WORDS Dwain Hebda images courtesy Joseph Wood

Caesar Johnson left his warm apartment, making his way into the cold Chicago night. The Korean War veteran was headed for his work shift, as supervisor at the Campbell’s Soup factory. The ice and snow outside were common this far north, even three months into the new year, but the eight-degree first breath he took outside stung nonetheless. Maybe it was that breath that caused him to look down, or maybe it was the snow that blew into his face that night. Whatever it was, it drew his eye to a package on the steps of the apartment building, wrapped in some sort of cloth. Caesar nudged the box with his shoe and when it nudged back, his breath again burned in his lungs, this time in shock. Under the thin fabric, an infant writhed against the cold in a shoebox. Dazed, Caesar looked up and down the silent street, but darkness and the falling snow revealed nothing. Whoever had left the child was long gone and, left out here much longer, the child would be, too. He quickly returned to the apartment, woke up his wife, woke up the neighbors, called the police. Chicago’s finest showed up a few hours later, made Joseph Wood

casual inquiries around the neighborhood. Nobody saw nothin’, was about as official as the reporting got. One of the officers tucked the box under his arm and out the door as his sidekick lent a parting word to the shaken Johnson family. “Thank you,” says the policeman. “You saved the kid’s life.” They pulled from the curb, squad car pointed to the local orphanage, March 20, 1965.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

*****

But there was something different about the teen of mysterious origin, named by orphanage-tending nuns. Blessed with

For a quarter century, Joseph Wood was well-recognized

exceptional leadership and organizational skills, Joseph poured

throughout Arkansas as a successful business executive, rising

his energy into his community, founding a youth club to provide

star in the Republican Party, Deputy Secretary of State and

himself and his peers a safe haven from drugs and gangs.

Washington County Judge. But as the saying goes, you never really know somebody and that applied to Wood himself.

“Teens Together, it was called,” he says. “I remember it

Adopted at age ten from what was then known as St. Vincent’s

grew so fast and so big because many parents in the Jeffery

Infant Asylum in downtown Chicago, he’d felt the hole of

Manor neighborhood were really trying to figure out where to

unknowing as a part of his self-image for years.

take their kids to keep them safe and keep them from doing something destructive. The church gave me keys to the big

“I grew up plagued with those thoughts,” Joseph says. “Those

fellowship hall and any time I needed to pull them together and

questions, especially in my teenage years, of why was I given

meet, that’s what we did.”

away? I’m thinking it’s something I did that caused them to give me away. Well, what did I do?”

“Next thing I know, I’m going to adult meetings as a teen liaison talking about what we’re seeing, what’s being heard out

“The teenage years were probably the toughest. Getting

in the street, what other things [adults] can do to help support

into high school, you’re hanging out with your buddies and

young people.”

all and you don’t look like your siblings or you don’t act like your siblings. Then, my brothers and sisters, being brothers and

Joseph’s questions over his origins didn’t fester any less for

sisters, we’d get into a fight, ‘Well, you’re not our real brother

all his activity, but in time he reached a sort of uneasy peace

anyway!’ That’s just what kids do.”

with them, allowing him to move forward instead of being consumed by the riddle of his backstory.

His agonizing hunger for identity apart from the brood of Loretta, a teacher, and Sylvester, a construction worker, was

“I spent a lot of time journaling and writing to God about it;

just one of the opportunities Joseph Wood had to become a

was she too young, was she too old, was she a prostitute, was

statistic. Another came when his parents split up and Joseph

she in an interracial relationship that wasn’t acceptable, and

faced the same challenges of many single-parent households

they had to give me away?” he says. “After a couple months I’d

where he was expected to shoulder responsibility ahead of

let go of one scenario only to have another one pop up. Finally,

his time while resisting the call and pitfalls of rough Chicago

the only way I could get through it is to get to a place where I’d

neighborhoods like Rosemont and Jeffery Manor.

say, ‘I guess it didn’t matter. She had me.’”

Teens Together

St. Vincent's Hospital and Infant Asylum 1930-1972

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people

***** Joseph graduated from Iowa State University and came home to constant frustration at the stagnant state of neighborhoods of color. “When I got out of college my mouth just hit the floor. I was really taken aback that so much of what I grew up in in Chicago was still happening with gangs and drugs,” he says. “I was so frustrated, I got involved in local school council, board elections. I mean, I got involved.” Joseph and wife, June

In 1997, Joseph left for Arkansas and a job with Walmart where he’d ultimately retire in 2008 as head of international recruiting and staffing. From there, he went into full-blown public service

It’s funny how you find things when you’re not looking for

as part of Secretary of State Mark Martin’s staff, overseeing

them. Even as Joseph resigned the fact he will likely never know

ways for startup businesses to get off the ground more easily.

his birth parents, he now revels in new relationships. Caesar’s

He was also married and a father to two daughters by whom he

family refers to him as their little brother. As guest speaker at

felt the bonds of blood for the first time. But the old, nagging

a gathering of orphanage alumni, a woman emerged from the

questions about his past, long dormant, would never fully settle.

audience and introduced herself as the former nun who named him. A woman calls from the West Coast, a former care worker

“The laws changed in Illinois about eleven years ago saying if

at the orphanage. “You used to light up when you saw me and

you were adopted, you can get your original birth certificate,”

say, ‘There’s Mommy,’” she tells him.

Joseph says. “I said, ‘Wow. If I get my original birth certificate, I can find out who my birth parents are. Then whatever happens,

As a public figure, first as Washington County Judge and now

happens; I’m OK.’”

as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, his story gets around, generating more calls from more people who fill in more gaps

“When they finally sent mine to me, it was a foundling birth

of his past. There’s talk of a screenplay about his life. The tale

certificate. I never knew what that was. Never heard that

has even hopped oceans; as he was stunned to learn on an

term. I looked it up and it meant you were found, you were

official visit to Africa.

abandoned. Whoa! Just like that. It said you were found on this day, the day I celebrated my birthday, but no, that’s just the

“They threw me a birthday party,” he says. “They said on the

day I was found.”

continent of Africa, and in India, foundling is very prevalent. Most of them end up dying because they are left out to survive

Joseph may have been no closer to the motivations of his birth

and many of them don’t. Those that do, many of them commit

parents, but the discovery did reveal elements of his story

suicide by the time they are teenagers.”

previously unknown to him. The documents led him to Caesar Johnson, the man going to work through the snow of four

“They told me, ‘For you to be where you are, we celebrate,

decades past. Joseph made contact.

because you are one of us.’ I just bawled; clearly this story resonates around the world. They see this all the time and to

“Caesar was eighty years old then and he was flabbergasted,

see one who made it through is worth celebrating. Because

stunned. He was like, ‘Wow! You’re alive?’” Joseph says. “I’m

there is hope out there.”

bawling as I’m talking to him, I mean full-on, because this is the first time in forty-five years that I got any type of connection to where I came from. All I knew was I was adopted, that was it. Everything else was sealed to me.”

Judge Joseph Wood 479.444.1700 | washingtoncountyar.gov

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people

RAISING SPIRITS in the

DELTA

WORDs and images Jenny Boulden

Thomas and Harvey Williams

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people

The first bottles of Delta Dirt Sweet Blend, a sweet potato vodka made in Helena-West Helena by Harvey and Donna Williams, were ready for private sale just before Christmas, 2020. The Delta Dirt distillery opened to the public in historic downtown Helena in April, and the new company only began distribution to Arkansas liquor stores last November. As it’s only made at three other distilleries in the United States, few people have tried sweet potato vodka. But that’s about to change. Harvey Williams is the focused dreamer who thought up the venture. Aided by Donna’s pragmatism, faith, and their entire family, Harvey translated his crazy idea into case after case of sleek, beautifully branded bottles of vodka that’s hand-crafted from sweet potatoes grown on the Lee County land his family has farmed for four generations. “I think one of the things Donna and I didn’t realize early on was how powerful or how our story resonated with so many people here, and resonated with the area,” Harvey says. Harvey and Donna are Black entrepreneurs, and the family farm Harvey was a local Marianna farm boy who married Donna, his

was started by Harvey’s great-grandfather, who sharecropped

high school sweetheart, then got an agricultural engineering

his eighty-six acres of cotton for a white landowner. “He only

degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

sharecropped the land, making just enough to get by, but his

(Donna’s was in information technology). While Donna

son, my granddad, was finally able to purchase it.”

worked jobs in IT, banking and health care management, Harvey worked his way up through the ranks of Cargill, Sara

Harvey says, “Donna and I were already in the process of doing

Lee and Tyson, working jobs in agricultural engineering,

this business, and my dad one day comes out with this big jug.

manufacturing, and management in major metro areas like

Dad says, ‘Hey, you didn’t know this, but your grandad used to

Cincinnati and Chicago. He was managing a Tyson plant near

moonshine on this land.’” Turns out, the proceeds of moonshine

Dallas when in 2016 the couple decided it was time to move

and cotton sales helped his grandfather finally purchase the

back home to be nearer their parents and families.

farm, making him a first-generation Black landowner. They were floored by that revelation.

FIVE GENERATIONS

Today that chocolate brown five-gallon moonshine jug sits

If you look closely through the clear liquid to the back of

next to a framed black-and-white photo of “Papa D” and

the label, you’ll see a subtle graphic representation of the

holds cotton sprigs on a table in the front corner of the

legendarily farmable “Delta Dirt,” light grey specs scattered

distillery, part of a display that tells the history. Harvey’s father

on the label’s backside. The roots of the Williams’ family and

and brother still maintain the family farm, raising acres of sweet

their new business stretch far and deep into that storied, hard-

potatoes, squash, purple hulls, and other vegetables. Their hard

worked alluvial soil.

work and expertise are distilled into each bottle.

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

Donna and Harvey Williams

The distillery is the newest chapter in that history. Five years

A SPACE FOR ALL

ago, an off-hand comment by Harvey’s brother, Kennard,

“This doesn’t feel like I’m in Helena, anymore,” is something

hooked Harvey’s imagination. “He had just come back from

Donna says they hear a lot from first-time visitors to the

a farming conference and was talking about all the exciting

distillery. The space is a comfortable mix of big-city-

things they did in North Carolina with sweet potatoes. He

sophistication and down-home charm, which Donna says is

haphazardly mentioned there was a booth selling sweet potato

exactly what they wanted. “We wanted this to be a place

vodka,” Harvey says. It was a “Wait. What?” moment for

where everyone could feel comfortable and at home, whether

Harvey. “I started thinking, ‘Hey, we could do that!’ From there

they’re old or young, Black or white, from here or just visiting,”

we started researching how.”

she says. “Everyone.”

The Williamses knew they would need help with the business,

Anchored by a large, U-shaped walnut bar locally built of

but they didn’t look far. Their youngest son, Thomas, had just

nearby repurposed wood, the large room has high, exposed

graduated from UA Fayetteville and was considering medical

ceilings and ample floor space for groups to spread out.

school. His parents asked if he’d be interested in a different

Warm leather bar stools with comfortable backs surround the

kind of science: being the brand’s official Master Distiller. He

bar, and cushy furniture creates two cozy sitting areas in the

decided to give it a try.

middle of the room. The back wall is sheer plexiglass, allowing customers to witness the distillery at work. The big copper still

After completing an immersive professional education in

and huge steam towers with fixtures reminiscent of a giant

distilling in Louisville, Kentucky, Thomas returned home and

copper clarinet add a sort of working steampunk beauty to

began helping his parents perfect their recipe. He rejected

the industrial area.

many batches before finding the exact mix bottled today. A shiny black grand piano in the corner, and a marble-topped Another son, Donovan, now works in the distillery, and their

island offering a suitable spot for catered food make for an

daughter, Tahara, who serves in the Navy, helped plan the

ideal private event space. They’ve already hosted many events

distillery's savvy cocktail menu. They say so far, Delta Dirt is

— another way to make the space profitable. Harvey says

proving the banks wrong. The Williamses had to self-finance

the one that raised his eyebrows was when a son booked the

the bold venture, as every bank approached saw it as too

distillery for the traditional repass after his mother’s funeral,

risky. “I think it was just too new a concept for them to wrap

a time for mourners to gather and reminisce. “I said to him,

their heads around,” Harvey says. “They were too unfamiliar.

‘You do know this is a distillery, don’t you?’” Harvey says. “He

There are less than a handful of distilleries in the whole state,

laughed and said, ‘You’d have to know my mom. She would

and this is the Delta. They couldn’t understand how we would

have loved this place.’”

make money here.” DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

people

MAKING SWEET POTATO VODKA WORTH DISTILLING

spot. This year the company has plans to increase distribution

The reason only four places make sweet potato vodka becomes

to Mississippi and maybe Tennessee, Harvey says.

clear on a tour of the distillery. Sweet potato vodka takes three times the work.

And the couple isn’t done innovating.

“At first, we tried distilling from pure sweet potatoes, which

Soon Delta Dirt’s sweet potato vodka will have two companions,

is what one of the other distilleries does,” Harvey says. “The

Delta Dirt Gin and Bourbon. The gin (ninety-two proof in honor

problem with that was it did not taste good.”

of Donovan’s birth year) and the bourbon (ninety-four proof in honor of Thomas’) also will be distilled from crops grown

So, they began experimenting with different grains to balance

on the family farm. The gin has a sunny, bright piquancy with

the sweet potatoes. Eventually Thomas settled on a mix of

signature juniper notes that come through at the end. It is not

sweet potatoes and corn, both raised on their family farm.

yet available for sale.

The sweet potato distillation is followed by the corn distillation before the two alcohols are blended and go through a third

And Donna and Harvey’s purchase of the distillery’s corner

run through the equipment. “That’s why the label says, ‘Sweet

building on Cherry Street also included the two buildings

Blend,’” Harvey explains. In season, the whole process from

next door. They have plans to improve those, too. Next

harvesting the sweet potatoes and corn to bottling the vodka

project: opening an adjacent brick-oven pizza restaurant with

takes only a week.

a connecting passage between the businesses. Donna says real estate in the once-booming Delta city is “much, much”

Unlike novelty flavored vodkas that have strong artificial flavors

less expensive than in larger cities. And they love that they’ve

like pineapple or whipped cream, the sweet potato vodka does

infused some entrepreneurial energy into the area on top of

not have a pervasive sweet potato flavoring some might expect.

offering Delta residents another place to relax and a focal point

Yet take a sip, and it’s subtly apparent. It’s a complex taste

of pride.

with a soft, mellow earthiness that wraps around your tongue “Downtown Helena is a brilliant place to open a business,”

before its sweet finish. It’s fabulous.

Harvey says. “I remember growing up around here and we It’s also strong. While almost all vodka produced in the U.S. is

would go to downtown Helena to buy our school shoes and

eighty proof, the Delta Dirt rings in at eighty-six proof. Besides

things. … You don’t see a whole lot of good news coming out

taste, there are symbolic reasons for that. “The original farm my

of the Delta. We wanted to try doing something that people

great-grandfather sharecropped was eighty-six acres,” Harvey

here would be proud of. We weren’t sure what to expect, how

explains. “So, it’s a way for us to honor that history.” And, he

the whole concept would be received in this area, but people

adds with a smile, ‘86 is also the year he and Donna graduated

have been so welcoming and excited.”

high school together. “It’s our number!” Donna proclaims. It turns out the new brand’s tagline, “Raising Spirits in the Delta,” is right on the money. Because the strongest flavor running

A BRIGHT FUTURE

through each spirit the family bottles? 100%-proof hope.

Thomas reports that as of early January, there are more than 200 locations in Arkansas now selling the bottled vodka, which runs around twenty-nine dollars in stores (though only twentyfive dollars at the distillery). Thomas says that the tastings held so far in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas liquor stores have

870.662.5709 | deltadirtdistillery.com | Find them on 430 Cherry Street, Helena, Arkansas

a fifty percent batting average — if he can get customers to try it, they have a fifty percent likelihood of buying a bottle on the

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

arts & entertainment

Jonathan Burchett and Melody Smith

The Art of the Matter

WORDs Liesel Schmidt images courtesy Jennifer Burchett, David Gomez, and Kel Kitch

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

arts & entertainment

DESPITE THE RISKS of starting a business in the middle of

ask, ‘How will you support yourself? How will you make any

a worldwide pandemic, Melody Smith took a leap of faith and

money?’” Jonathan recalls. “Eventually I listened, doubted

opened Gallery on Garrison in 2020, bringing local and regional

myself, and changed majors. I wanted to support a family in

artists to the attention of the community, and giving them a

the future, so I graduated from college, got an office job, and

place to shine.

joined the rat race. I regrettably didn't pick up a paint brush again for twenty years.”

Among the artists represented at the Gallery on Garrison are Jonathan Burchett and David Gomez, two talented individuals

It wasn’t until the uncertainty of the pandemic, in fact, that

whose unique styles strike just the right balance between art

Jonathan realized the importance of following his dream. “Life

and statement, speaking a message that uses colors, shapes, and

as I knew it was uncertain. The world had changed,” he says.

shadow to convey. “I noticed Jonathan’s work on the official

“This was a moment of deep awakening. Life is too short to

promotional stuff for the River Valley Film Festival and loved it,”

not pursue your dreams. If I can fail, or be laid off from my job,

recalls Melody of how she came to represent his work. “I displayed

or possibly get a virus and die, then why shouldn't I do what I

two of his amazing paintings in the gallery, selling one to a

love? It became clear that our time on Earth is not certain, so

wonderful local collector of fine art. Later, someone mentioned

I’d better spend it wisely. It was this moment that I found the

David to me, so I looked him up and fell in love with his work.”

courage to pursue my dreams of being a professional artist. And I haven't been happier.”

Artistic since childhood, Jonathan recalls drawing everything that he saw when he was younger. “I spent countless hours in

Since then, Jonathan has been painting pieces whose style

my room listening to 90's alternative rock and drawing from

is inspired by pop culture and deeply influenced by street

any how-to-draw book I could get my hands on,” he says.

art, graffiti, and comics. “I love watching movies, and I'm influenced by the film industry and comics,” says the native

Despite his long-held dream of becoming a professional artist,

Texan, who moved to Fort Smith for work with an engineering

Jonathan bowed to the pressures of responsibility and changed

and manufacturing firm. “I also am deeply in love with the

his major from fine art to one that would pay the bills. “When

vintage and retro style of the 1950s. I love the cars, hair styles,

I spoke to my peers about being an artist, they would always

tattoos, and pinup girls from the 1940s through the 1950s.”

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arts & entertainment

Among his greatest artistic influences are Shepard Fairey,

Luckily for David, his passion was supported. In fact, he was

Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. “My biggest influence

encouraged to pursue art as a career and went after it in college.

is Shepard Fairey,” Jonathan notes. “I love his street art and

In 2019, it became his full-time profession, during which time

illustration style. He is a master of design.” In creating his

he moved to Northwest Arkansas after meeting difficulty with

pieces, Jonathan’s greatest challenge is knowing when enough

the art market in Little Rock. “I was very happy to know the

is enough. “I'm a perfectionist and have to make every detail as

importance that this region—from Fort Smith to Bentonville—

perfect as the painting I created in my imagination,” he admits.

gives to the arts,” he says.

“I had to learn when to stop on a piece, or my perfectionism could ruin it. After I’ve forced myself to stop working on a piece

Using largely acrylic paint, ink, or spray paint, David is known

and I look at it several months later, I notice that I have really

for his unique abstract style. “My work is full of movement

grown to love the little imperfections in my work. It's what

and direction,” he says. “I use ubiquitous symbols through my

makes the painting human, unique, and original.”

compositions. It could be arrows to indicate direction or even exclamation marks to indicate importance or urgency, or it

Naturally, the meaning of his paintings is personal to him, but

could be stars to indicate excitement.

Jonathan allows them to be subjective. “What I love about art is that what the painting may convey to me might not be the

"Most of my work shares a message of beauty,” he goes on. “Not

same to somebody else,” he says. “Everyone sees the world a

because of the aesthetics but because I want to share the beauty

little bit differently, and I love that. I love that everyone takes

we may take for granted, or the kind that we may reject and call

something different from my work.”

it awful. I believe that there is beauty in brokenness, in failure, in scars, and even when bad things happen. It's a humbling thought

“Jonathan's work is unique because of his use of color and his

because my ‘beauty’ may be a tough experience I would have

familiar—yet completely original—subject matter,” says Melody,

avoided if I could. Therefore, my message is to inspire others to

explaining what she loves about his work. “His use of bold lines

see the beauty of where they are.”

and the way he only uses a few colors in each of his pieces really catches the eye. My favorite piece of his is his impressionistic

Among the artists that have most influenced his career are

painting of Samuel L. Jackson called Righteous Man.”

Basquiat, Picasso, van Gogh, O'Keef, Joan Miro, and Pollock, though his style is clearly not referential to his icons. Still, his

Jonathan’s work can also be seen in mural form at Jen’s Kitty

reverence for art shows in every piece. “I believe that art is the

Rehab as well as in the logo for 2021’s Fall for Art Festival,

one thing that can unify the past, the present, and the future,”

hosted by the Old Town Merchants of Van Buren.

he says. “I paint from my personal interest in human experience. It ties my consciousness to what everyone else is experiencing,

Much like Jonathan, David Gomez found that he was drawn to

and I feel like what I paint helps articulate other people's ideas. It

art at an early age. “My earliest memories of drawing are from

at least helps me clear my mind and I hope that it does the same

when I was three or four years old, and I did my first mural

for others.”

at one of my parents' friend’s homes,” says the Mexican-born artist. “They gave their child and me coloring books and left

“David's work is striking because of his obvious use of

us in a room. When they came back, I had sketched a story on

mathematics and geometric shapes,” says Melody of David’s

the wall of the room. Then, in kindergarten, I won an award

particular draw and the reason she chose to represent him. “I’m

painting in watercolors in a national competition in Mexico

blown away by the storytelling he does with his artwork. Some

called El Nino y La Mar,—The Child and the Sea. I painted all

pieces seem frenetic, but in an almost organized way. David

throughout my childhood, and while I was in high school, I

uses more than one medium in some of his pieces, and

really embraced this passion.”

somehow, he makes it all come together like it was just meant to be. One of my favorites is called ‘Urban Zenith.’ Its chaotic order is really striking for me.”

DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

arts & entertainment

David Gomez

For art lovers in Fort Smith, Gallery on Garrison is offering a chance to see the next generation of great artists, to experience the world from their perspective. To hear the message that they are speaking and feel it in every brush stroke.

Gallery on Garrison, 914 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith 479.926.6014 / visit thegalleryongarrison.com jkburchett.com / davidgomezpeaceoftheheart.com

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taste

Cheesy Cauliflower

Potato Soup Recipe adapted budgetbytes.com image Facinadora/Shutterstock

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taste

ingredients ° 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (more if needed)

° 2 slices bacon, chopped ° ½ onion, diced

° 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

° 2 cloves garlic, minced ° 2 cups chicken broth

° parsley, for garnish

° 2 cups whole milk ° 1 pound baking potatoes (about 2 cups peeled and diced)

° kosher salt to taste ° black pepper to taste

° 2 cups cauliflower florets, washed and dried

method

In a medium pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, let fat remain. Add onions to the pan and cook until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Add milk, chicken broth, cauliflower, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered until cauliflower and potatoes are fork tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove 1 cup of vegetables, roughly chop, and set aside. Using a hand mixer, blend soup and return to a boil. To thicken soup, combine 1 Tablespoon cornstarch with 1 Tablespoon water and stir into pot to thicken. Add more if needed. Remove soup from heat, stir in chopped vegetables and shredded cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste, and top with crispy bacon and parsley. TIP: Prefer a chunkier soup? Remove and chop more of the cauliflowers and potatoes before blending. Prefer a smoother consistency? Do not remove any of the vegetables and puree the mixture until smooth.

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taste

Tiny

Misus Recipe adapted foodnetwork.com image Foxys Forest Manufacture/Shutterstock

ingredients

makes 6 servings ° 15 ladyfingers ° 1 cup espresso, prepared ° 4 egg yolks ° ½ cup sugar ° 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ° 2 teaspoons dark rum ° 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream ° 1 cup mascarpone ° cocoa powder, for dusting ° raspberries, optional garnish ° mint leaves, optional garnish

method

Place ladyfingers in a 9x13 baking dish. Pour espresso evenly over the top and let soak. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, egg yolks, rum, vanilla, and 2 Tablespoons of heavy cream, stir to combine. Whisk constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens (it should coat the back of a spoon). Remove from heat and empty it out to a large mixing bowl. Let cool completely. In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Combine cooled mascarpone with the egg mixture and stir until smooth. Fold in whipped cream until combined, do not overmix. Transfer filling to a large piping bag or Ziploc. Place a soaked ladyfinger in each serving dish, cut to fit. Pipe a layer of filling over each ladyfinger and continue layering soaked ladyfingers and filling until the dish is filled to the top, ending with a layer of filling. Level the top with a knife and dust the tops with cocoa powder. Garnish with raspberries and mint leaves. Refrigerate until ready to serve. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM

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taste

Tickled Pink Recipe adapted pizzazzerie.com image 5PH/Shutterstock

ingredients ° 1 ½ oz. vodka ° ½ oz. Triple Sec ° ½ oz. pomegranate juice ° ½ oz. lemon juice, fresh ° ½ oz. simple syrup ° fruit of choice for garnish

method Add all ingredients except garnish to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, then pour into glass filled with ice. Garnish with cherries and blueberries or other fruit of choice.

Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

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outdoors

ADVENTURES

ON THE FLY words and images Scott Faldon

Most people think of the White River and Cotter, Arkansas when you mention trout fishing in our area. And while that area is certainly ripe with trout, this means other great trout water often gets overlooked. There’s the White River below Beaver Dam outside of Eureka Springs, the Lower Illinois below Tenkiller Dam near Gore, Oklahoma, Roaring River State Park in Missouri and the Lower Mountain Fork River near Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Most recently, we explored the Lower Mountain Fork River (LMF) and were impressed with the area. Lower Mountain Fork River flows through Beavers Bend State Park. Two dams release water from Broken Bow Lake into the LMF. The first creates the river, while the second generates hydroelectricity. The hydroelectric dam is located about eleven miles downstream from the cold-water release. This means as long as you’re upstream from the hydroelectric dam, your fishing won’t be affected if they begin generating water. This isn’t much of a consideration in the winter, but it is in the hot summer months. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife stocks the LMF with rainbow trout all year and this year added 12,000 brown trout. Thanks to the stocking efforts, there are now reproducing populations of browns and rainbows in the river. That eleven-mile stretch inside the state park is divided in Blue and Red Zones with different regulations for each. Check with the park and pick up a map so you’ll know the different regs as you move from spot to spot. Being just three hours from Dallas-Fort Worth means Beavers Bend’s parking lots fill with vehicles with Texas license plates on the weekends. But if you can sneak down there during the week, you’ll usually have large sections of the river to yourself.

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outdoors

While it’s possible to keep your feet dry and fish from the numerous trails along the water’s edge, the best option is donning waders and easing into the river. This cuts down the distance you’ve got to cast, which means you’ll be more accurate. A good 4-weight fly rod from Temple Fork Outfitters, Orvis, Sage or Scott is a great selection for the LMF. Waders and boots from Simms and Orvis will keep you dry and – most importantly on the algae-covered rocks – sure-footed. During our trip we found the best method for catching trout was with a two-fly rig. First, tie a Girdle Bug to the end of your leader. Next, tie an 18-inch section of tippet onto the bend of the Girdle Bug’s hook using a clinch knot or Orvis knot. Then add a Manhattan Midge. An Airlock Strike Indicator then goes above the Girdle Bug – with the location on the line being dependent on how deep you’re wanting to fish. All the usual suspect flies (Wooly Buggers, San Juan Worms and Eggs) came into play as well. But on that day, the Manhattan Midge did most of the work. A common tactic at LMF is to begin at the spillway just below the dam and fish your way downstream. An abundance of parking lots, bridges and walking paths make this easy to do. Once you’ve bounced around a few times, head back to where you’ve had the most bites or where you ran into the biggest fish to end the day. For us, that meant circling back to a section of the river called Evening Hole. With a large parking area and a huge scree field between a bend in the river, it’s a popular spot with families, casual anglers and flyheads. The river makes a hard right as it hits the base of a sheer bluff and deepens – which means bigger fish often stake out that location to catch an easy meal. A nice brown hit on a midge but managed to throw the hook before it was netted. When handling your catch, keep the fish in the wet. This means holding it in the water in your net while you are unhooking the fly and your fishing partner is getting their phone ready for the photos. Return it to the water as soon as possible to ensure it remains healthy. Hochatown, located just outside the state park, has exploded in the past decade with hundreds of rental cabins being built. Of course, Beavers Bend State Park also has a lodge, cabins, RV hookups and primitive camp sites available to rent as well.

Restaurant options are plentiful and the region has seen a major influx of tourists over the years. Whether you're new to fly fishing or an experienced angler, we’d love to visit and help plan your next adventure. Visit The Woodsman Company in Fort Smith, Arkansas for all your outdoor needs!

The Woodsman Company 5609 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.3559 | thewoodsmancompany.com

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fiction

Written in the Stars words Liesel Schmidt image Vasyl Nagernyak/Shutterstock

Thirty-five thousand feet in the air, I realized I loved him. But not the him I’d been in a relationship with for the past six months. Yes, I loved him, too. But this was the him that had left more than a decade ago, only to come back like a ghost that was haunting me. I’d been twenty-seven the last time I’d seen him, he thirty-nine. And we’d been worlds apart, in those years. But I’d loved him then. And I still loved him now, even after all these years. *************

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fiction “Fee, what’s the face?” Emma asked, her eyes narrowed as she

“Yes,” Emma nodded, looking at me like she was waiting for a

studied me, lips pursed.

punch line. “I know you do. We’ve established this, I thought. I mean, you two say it to each other all the time.” She paused

I shrugged, not wanting to spill the details of what was on

and wrinkled her nose. “No offense, but it can be sickening

my mind.

sometimes. Not all of us are happily ensconced in a relationship bubble, you know.”

She shook her head. “I’m not letting you off that easy. Give,” she commanded.

I arched an eyebrow at her. “Relationship bubble?”

“If you concentrate on the road, I’ll tell you,” I conceded. “I

Emma nodded again, her face serious. “You look at each other

appreciate you picking me up from the airport, Em, but I’d like to

sometimes, and it’s like no one else is in the room. I love that for

make it home in one piece.”

you, but you’ve kind of forgotten about some of your friends, Fee.” She pointed at herself as she spoke.

Emma rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the traffic “I have? I’m so sorry, Em,” I said, feeling horrible that my best

in front of us. “Okay, go.”

friend felt neglected. I hadn’t realized. And I hadn’t realized that I stared straight ahead, wondering where to start. “Have you ever

Quinn and I looked at each other like that.

just been so confused about what to do that you feel paralyzed?” I asked, knowing that there was no turning back now.

“You don’t have to apologize, sweetie. Really,” Emma said, her mouth tipped up at the corners in an understanding smile. “Just

Emma tilted her head as she considered, then looked back at

buy me something pretty.”

me. An errant lock of red hair escaped from the messy bun piled on top of her head, held there only by happy thoughts and Jedi

Emma’s deadpan humor could sometimes come like a bolt of

mind tricks. “Sounds like you’re facing an important decision,

lightning out of the blue—unexpected and often shocking. It

Fee,” she said, nodding as she leaned into her philosophical

was one of the things I loved about her. I smiled back. “Deal,”

theorizing. The bun on her head threatened to undo itself but

I said.

somehow managed to stay put. “Really, though, Fee. What’s the problem?” she asked, eyes back “Probably,” I conceded, still not sure I wanted to give her any

on the road. “You love Quinn. And?”

more than I absolutely had to. I knew what she would say. But it wasn’t that easy. There were too many feelings swirling around

“And I love Luke,” I said in a rush, the words coming out in a

inside me. Feelings for two men, both of them completely

whoosh. I clenched my eyes shut, waiting for her response.

different to one another. And I didn’t know what to do about it. I heard nothing for a moment. The only noise was the sound of “So, spill, Fee,” she said, motioning with her hands to get on

the cars driving past, the hum of the car’s engine, and the blood

with it.

thumping in my ears.

I chewed my lip, weighing the pros and cons of downloading my

As I opened one eye to look at her, I could see Emma staring

dilemma on her.

at me, eyebrows raised. “Luke? Luke, as in, Luke who left you with all sorts of unresolved feelings because he made you hope there was something there and then never followed through?

“Fiona.” Emma’s voice was firmer now.

That Luke?” “Fi-nuh,” I growled, realizing I sounded like a petulant teenager. I took a deep breath and sighed. “I love Quinn,” I said.

I nodded. Both eyes were open now. “That Luke,” I said flatly.

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fiction

“Why is this coming up now? It’s been, what—ten years? More?

Emma sat quietly contemplating as she put the car in park and

I thought you’d moved on,” Emma said, distress creeping into

unbuckled her seatbelt before turning to look me full in the

her voice. “I know it took a while, but I thought you had. You’re

face. Her mouth was drawn into a straight line, her eyebrows

with Quinn. You love Quinn.”

furrowed. “Fee, you need to think about this long and hard before you do anything you can’t take back,” she said at last,

“I do love Quinn,” I agreed. “But I still love Luke. And it’s coming

her voice low.

up now because I saw him. He moved back.” I nodded. “I know. Quinn has been good for me. But Luke…Luke I looked out my passenger side window at the buildings rushing

has always been there, holding a piece of my heart that I can’t

past as we drove. The landscape was changing from commercial

take back. What if there’s a reason for that, like it’s meant to

to residential as we reached the outskirts of town. “Before I left

be? And Quinn will never be able to have that part. Is that going

on my trip, I ran into him one day when I was coming out of the

to be good enough for him? Is that even fair to him?” I asked,

post office,” I said, still staring out the window.

feeling tears sting my eyes.

“Clearly he wasn’t fat and bald,” Emma replied. “What did he

“Sweetie, we lose a little bit of our hearts with everyone we love.

say? What did you say?”

You know that,” she said, taking my hand and squeezing it. “But there’s something you have to remember here. Luke knew you

“No, definitely not fat and bald. He looked like him. A little older,

when you were twenty-seven-year-old you. You’ve changed so

yeah, but still him. Still Luke.” I took a deep breath and turned

much since then, matured so much since then. You’ve lived a

to look at her. “He said it was good to see me. We talked for a

thousand lifetimes since then. Neither of you is the same, Fee.

few minutes and then went for coffee and talked more. It was

And life isn’t like that. There isn’t this love that’s written in the

really nice.”

stars, that transcends time and space. It isn’t real. But Quinn is real. Quinn loves you. He loves this you.” She paused and gave

“Wait, wait, wait,” Emma said. “Back the truck up. You had

me a small smirk. “Even as annoying as you can be sometimes.”

coffee? Why is this the first I’m hearing about this? I’m your best friend.”

I laughed, despite the tears that were pooling in my eyes and starting to roll down my face. “I know he does. He’s a good

I looked sheepishly at her. “I don’t know. I was still processing,

man,” I replied, swiping at my cheeks. I smiled at my best friend.

I guess.”

“Thanks for picking me up. And for listening to my craziness.”

“I’m supposed to help you process things like this, Fee.” Her

Emma leaned in for a hug and held me tight. “Anytime, Fee.”

eyebrows knitted together in a scowl. “And does Quinn know about coffee?”

I ambled out of the car and gathered my carryon, then rode the elevator up five flights to my apartment. Opening the door, I was

I shook my head. “No. I can’t tell him about this.”

greeted by the smell of clean apartment, with a hint of vanilla. I breathed in deep. I loved that smell.

“I guess not,” she retorted. “Not if coffee rehashed all those old feelings.”

I tossed my keys in the dish on the table by the door and rounded the corner to put my bag in the bedroom. Flicking on the light,

I looked down at my hands in my lap and laced my fingers. “It

I saw a room filled with hundreds of cut paper stars hanging

felt like he never left,” I said quietly. “It was so easy. And every

from the ceiling on monofilaments. There was a note on the bed,

time he looked at me, Em…I felt like I couldn’t breathe.”

written in Quinn’s messy scrawl. “I love you more than all the stars in the sky. Welcome home.”

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WEDDING GUIDE

2022

Wedding Guide You’ve said, “Yes,” and now the adventure

truly begins! Figuring out where to start can

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be overwhelming, but relax, the Do South® Wedding Guide is here. We’ve partnered with some of the best local vendors, dedicated to making all your wedding dreams come true!

WEDDING GUIDE

8000 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.310.8444 Find us on Facebook Choose 4 Corks for all your event, entertaining and giftgiving needs! We have everything you need to make your Smith’s one-stop shop for spirits, vino, and brew, we offer a large selection of wines, in all price ranges, and welcome you to browse the area’s best wine cellar featuring wines from all around the world! We also carry a vast variety of every popular craft beer, along with all the popular beer brands. You’ll also find your favorite liquors, liqueurs, brandies – even cigars! Enjoy the experience for yourself at 4 Corks Wine and Spirits!

The Barn by Two Brothers venue is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas and is the perfect setting for any occasion. We offer hourly rates, daily rates, and two-day rentals. All our packages include an onsite coordinator who will set up and take down tables and chairs for you — we even handle the cleaning for you! The barn is an original hay barn built in 1910, it is climate controlled and handicap accessible. Let the Barn by Two Brothers be the beginning of your happily ever after!

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Valentine’s Day, wedding day, or any day special. As Fort

3720 South 87th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.926.6083 Find them on Facebook

WEDDING GUIDE

Black Bison Company 3716 South 87th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.551.2880 Find them on Facebook Inside our 110-year-old barn, originally the Ozark Mountain Smoke House, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items including

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Arkansas-made products, apparel, fine art, jewelry, baby items, and even gourmet foods! We’re also a small-batch coffee roaster, selling our whole beans by the pound – enjoy a free cup of coffee while you shop. Our unique gifts are perfect for weddings, Valentine’s Day, holidays, special occasions, birthdays, or just for you. We offer custom gift baskets and gift wrapping is free! Shop Black Bison for the very best – we hope to see you soon!

jadegravesphotography.com I am a River Valley-based photographer specializing in wedding photography and lifestyle portraits. I love clean, timeless styles, and while I appreciate a flattering pose, I cherish the moments captured when everyone forgets the camera is near. I promise to value your family, your memories, and your time. I’ve captured hundreds of weddings and thousands of lifestyle portraits and I take pride in providing my affordable, high-quality products. Message me at jadegravesphotography@hotmail.com, or on Facebook, or Instagram for details!

WEDDING GUIDE

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WEDDING GUIDE

994 Mountain Harbor Road, Mt. Ida, Arkansas 870.867.2191 / 800.832.2276 mountainharborresort.com

Roses are red. Violets are blue. We love diamonds, and so

Mountain Harbor's striking lakeside facilities are among the

should you! It’s time to show appreciation to that special

only offered on Lake Ouachita. There are a variety of beautiful

someone in your life who means the most to you. Whether

and unique wedding venues, as well as on-site catering, and

you are celebrating your first Valentine’s Day together, or

lodging for all your guests right here on property. For over

like our founders, John and Katherine, your 55th Valentine’s

sixty years, our staff have assisted guests in creating beautiful

Day together, we invite you to come see our gorgeous

memories! Each space offers intimate views of Lake Ouachita.

new pieces in store. If you’re looking for a beautiful Jay

Included in our prices for each facility is all table and chair

Strongwater frame to accent a special picture, or if this is

setup, as well as the use of crisp, clean linens. The gorgeous

the year you get down on one knee and profess your love

scenery is the perfect setting for stunning wedding photos.

with a gorgeous Hearts On Fire diamond engagement ring,

For information about hosting your wedding at Mountain

we have you covered!

Harbor or to schedule a tour, please contact Ashley Dees at

WEDDING GUIDE

5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.452.2140 johnmaysjewelers.com

870.867.2191 or ashleydees@mountainharborresort.com.

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WEDDING GUIDE

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WEDDING GUIDE

5401 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.926.2YOU wedeliver@Sodies2you.com Sodie’s 2 You is the first mobile bartending and beverage catering service in the River Valley, making it easier for you to host amazing parties anywhere! Let us know about your event and we’ll help you arrange what you need. We pick up your prepaid liquor from the store of your choice and bring it to your event. We can even arrange for licensed bartenders to serve your guests. Our Custom Bartending Trailer is also available, featuring a dual-top margarita machine, two cocktail stations, wine refrigerator, taps for kegs, and iced beer bins.

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479.462.7672 jr@whoshotjrband.com whoshotjrband.com Who Shot JR is an energetic party band from Fort Smith that knows how to make your day fun without anyone forgetting it's YOUR day. Whether your crowd is ready for “Love Shack” or the “Wobble,” we have the perfect songs to keep the whole crew dancing all night! Scan the QR code on our ad for a direct link to our wedding page.

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

479.452.2140 | 5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith johnmaysjewelers.com

DECADENT - FEBRUARY 2022

Articles inside

Special Feature: Wedding Guide

Adventures on the Fly

Written in the Stars

Raising Spirits in the Delta

The Art of the Matter

The Boy in the Box

February in the Garden

Book Review: Still Life

Stephanie’s Second Act

What’s New: February Events

Shop Local

Take Heart

A Man Apart

Our Community Cares: Bost