®
JOYFUL
March 2020 DoSouthMagazine.com
02
march
Contents 04 16 20 22
Publisher’s Letter Pet Adoption Shop Local Health: It Takes Heart
{COMMUNITY }
19
Nonprofit Spotlight:
Community Rescue Mission
24
The Star Attraction: United
States Marshals Museum
28
A New Sensation: The HUB
{ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT}
06 07 08
Fan Mail & Contest The Calendar: March
40 43
The Good Shepherd Shaky Shamrock
Arkansas River Valley
Lawn & Garden Show
10
Art is Life: Fort Smith
Regional Art Museum
18
Get Bookish: March
Recommendations
{PEOPLE}
12 32 36
{TASTE}
Family Ties: Bellamy Brothers Ode to Joy: Joyful Baking Co. Blocked: Stoney Stamper
{FICTION }
44
Lucky Me
{SPECIAL FEATURE }
48
Locally Owned Guide
OUR COVERS Image: Julia Sudnitskaya/ Shutterstock Image: FANDESIGN/ Shutterstock
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Letter from Catherine
MARCH 2020 OWNER - PUBLISHER - EDITOR Catherine Frederick COPY EDITING Charity Chambers
Goodbye Winter Dear Winter, This isn’t going to be easy and I am not sure where to begin. I’m afraid we have to break up. We don’t belong together right now. It sounds cliché, but it’s not you; it’s me. Turns out I’m not ready for a long-term commitment. I fell in love with your crispy leaves and frosty air. Your boots and flannels. Your snow-white flakes and twinkling lights. If I’m to be honest, I’m falling in love with another. I’m sure you must be wondering who it could be. It’s Spring. It’s just around the bend and it’s beckoning me with a force I can’t ignore. I feel myself being pulled to Spring like a moth to a flame. I simply must free myself from your cold, dreary, embrace. I’m sorry if you feel I am pushing you away. I hope you understand. I must make room in my life for the bright sun, fresh-cut green grass, and sunny daffodils. For the sounds of children playing in their yards and birds chirping early in the
GRAPHIC DESIGN Artifex 323 – Jessica Meadors ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Amy Adams CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Adams, Jade Graves, Dwain Hebda CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alicia Agent, Catherine Frederick, Dwain Hebda, Sarah Phillips-Burger, Sara Putnam, Liesel Schmidt, Stoney Stamper ADVERTISING INFORMATION Catherine Frederick I 479.782.1500 catherine@dosouthmagazine.com Amy Adams amy@dosouthmagazine.com
morning. But please don’t fall into despair, I’m quite certain in the months to come, before we know it, I’ll be wishing, no, longing for your return, and we will reunite once again under the Cold Moon. Until then, my love, send the rain. Love, Me
Catherine Frederick
Owner/Publisher/Editor
catherine@dosouthmagazine.com
FOLLOW US ©2020 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 to 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 mail check to 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110, Fort Smith, AR, 72903. Single issues are available upon request. Inquiries or address changes, call 479.782.1500.
To reserve this free space for your charitable nonprofit organization, email: catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
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FAN MAIL Send comments and suggestions to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
Great magazine with great writing!
~ Larry M. Great magazine for the Fort Smith area! ~ Arnie C. Just a great magazine, very informative and loaded with solid local information... Great pictures... ~ Glenn W.
UP NEXT Attention Medical Professionals! Share your expertise this April, in our special feature:
Medical
Specialties.
Contact
Catherine
Frederick,
479.650.3064,
catherine@dosouthmagazine.com, or Amy Adams, amy@dosouthmagazine.com for details, incentives and special promotions!
CONTEST (Deadline is March 12) Go to dosouthmagazine.com, click on “Contest” at the top of the page. All who enter will be subscribed to our mailing list. Please see rules and policies on our Contest page! ARKANSAS VEIN CLINIC AND SKINCARE
CALENDAR CALENDAR CALENDAR CALENDAR
calendar
Relieve stress on the go with Young Living’s Gentle Mist™ Personal Diffuser and Seedlings EO Calm Essential Oil! Enter to win this amazing set from our friends at Arkansas Vein Clinic and Skincare! CODE: CALM
CONGRATS Congrats to our contest winner from February! Kopper Kettle Candies Valentine Chocolates: Marilyn Kremer
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
THE THE THE THE
06
calendar
MARCH 2020
Fort Smith Library
Simmons Bank Arena
Fort Smith, AR
ACCA LIVE!
Visit DoSouthMagazine.com for a full
North Little Rock, AR March 1 Monster Jam
listing of March events
March 6-7 Professional Bull Riders
Fort Smith, AR March 19: Chris Smither Center for Art & Education Van Buren, AR March 11 Artist Talk with Barbara Care Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland Roland, OK March 7,14,21,28 $500,000 For the Love of Money March 2,9,16,22,29 Money Machine Madness March 8 Rise and Shine Coffee Promotion March 12 Marshall Charloff and the Purple
Xperience, 8PM
March 17 $2,500 St. Patrick’s Day Kiosk March 21 The Swon Brothers, 8PM Fort Smith Coffee Co. Fort Smith, AR March 1,8,15,22,29 Sunday Night Coffee & Trivia with Rham Fort Smith Convention Center Fort Smith, AR March 3,4 Trolls Live! March 7 Fort Smith Symphony:
The Sounds of Power
March 13,14 Junior League Fort Smith Spring Market March 21 Miss UAFS Pageant
2020 Bad Boy Mowdown
Fort Smith Museum
March 13 TobyMac Hits Deep Tour
of History
March 14 Cher Here We Go
Fort Smith, AR
Again Tour 2020
March 7 Local Color Radio Hour Live Subiaco Academy Fort Smith Regional Art
Subiaco, AR
Museum
March 7 Subiaco Spring Carnival
Fort Smith, AR Month of March
The Majestic
Dr. William E. Knight Porcelain Gallery
Fort Smith, AR
Expressions of a Creative by Nadia Lougin
March 5 Justin Townes Earle
Maximum Exposure: Group Photography Exhibit
March 14 Pub Crawl with The Juice,
The Touch Gallery
March 13 A Family Affair: Three Artists,
March 18 James McMurtry Solo
March 21 Arkansauce
Three Visions, One Family
Who Shot JR, Jon Dooly
March 14 Under the Big Top Annual
United States
Fundraising Gala
Marshals Museum
March 1-8 We are the Music Makers
Fort Smith, AR Kay Rodgers Park
March 2 Talks On Tap - Facing Ourselves:
Fort Smith, AR
March 5-7 Growing Kids Sale
March 24-26
March 20-22
Spring Break Day Camps
Arkansas River Valley Lawn & Garden Center
Discussions on Civil Discourse
Walton Arts Center Robinson Center
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
March 5 Socks in the Frying Pan
March 8 Festival of Laughs
March 6,7 Opera Fayetteville’s Glory Denied
March 9 The Temptations & The Four Tops
March 6 Trisha Yearwood
March 14 ASO - Tribute to the Queen
March 10-15 Anastasia
March 16 Bharatanatyam Dance Workshop
of Soul: Aretha Franklin
March 19 Travis Tritt
March 20 Marlo Guthrie
March 20 Ben Rector
March 21 Masterworks III: Mozart’s
March 26 Brett Young
March 28 The Play that Goes Wrong
March 21 Bonnie Bishop
Clarinet Concerto
Submit your events to catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
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entertainment
T h r o u g h t h e G a r d e n G at e
27th Annual Arkansas River Valley Lawn and Garden Show
words and IMAGEs courtesy Arkansas River Valley Lawn and Garden Show and Pat Robbins, Master Gardener
The 27th Annual Arkansas River Valley Lawn and Garden
Your First Garden, Curb Appeal for Residential Homeowners,
Show will be held March 20 through March 22 at Kay
Moles and Gophers, Berries, Herbs, and Caring for Your Turf.
Rodgers Park Expo Center. Since 1994 the River Valley
Several demonstrations will be presented, including Growing
Master Gardeners and the Cooperative Extension Service
Plants from Seed, Tomatoes, Fresh Flower Arranging,
of the University of Arkansas have sponsored this three-day
and Creating Cement Planters. Terri Hargrove, owner of
event as a garden exposition with an impressive line-up of
Yogaterrium, will return for the popular Yoga for Gardening
seminars, demonstrations and expert speakers discussing a
Health sessions as well.
wide variety of gardening topics. The theme for this year's Clyde Fenton, Sebastian County Extension Agent, will
show is “Through the Garden Gate.”
speak about berries. Clyde began to develop an interest in Vendors will showcase the newest and best garden products
berry production as a teenager in New York state where he
and plants along with many area nonprofit organizations.
harvested strawberries for his uncle on Fenton’s Berry Farm
Attendees will discover inspirational garden designs, plants
which was located on his grandparents’ farm. After college,
for sale, concessions, a silent auction, a children's area, door
Clyde became the farm manager and eventually, the owner.
prizes, and yoga demonstrations.
In 2002, Clyde relocated to North Central Arkansas and established Fenton’s Berry Farm in Harrison where his family
This year’s slate of speakers from across the state will cover an
has grown strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and
assortment of topics including Urban Farming, The Scientific
blueberries. As the County Extension Agent, Clyde shares
Evidence of Mental Health Benefits of Gardening, Starting
his knowledge and provides resources for the county, but is
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entertainment
always excited to talk with people about berries, his longest and greatest agricultural passion. Jeremy Prater, Urban Program Coordinator for the Sebastian County Conservation District, will speak on the topic of Urban Farming. Jeremy works with local groups to start or improve community gardens, pollinator habitat, and pocket prairies. He’s is a third-generation farmer in Crawford County, and formerly worked for the National Park Service.
2020 Arkansas River Valley Lawn and Garden Show Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith, Arkansas
Anje Nevala, retired Clinical Social Worker with over thirtythree years of experience in mental health services, will
Hours:
speak on the Scientific Evidence of Mental Health Benefits
Friday and Saturday, March 20-21: 10 am – 6 pm
of Gardening. Anje is an Advanced Master Gardener with
Sunday, March 22: 10 am – 4 pm
the University of Arkansas, Pulaski County Extension Service. She has had the pleasure of giving back to the community
Admission:
by providing horticulture therapy at local hospitals and
A 3-day ticket is $5.00 / Children 11 and younger – free
through her Master Gardener project at Baptist Health
Free Parking
Rehabilitation Hospital in Little Rock. Her primary objective in utilizing horticulture therapy is to provide an opportunity for participants to engage in “hands-on” activities that are
Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
10:30am
Growing Plants from Seed - Mary Ross
1:00pm
Starting Your First Garden - Berni Kurz
Specialist and the state coordinator of the Arkansas Master
2 - 4:00pm
Yoga for Gardening Health - Terri Hargrove
Gardener program, Mike Wilbanks, H. C. Varnadore, Mary
3:00pm
Urban Farming - Jeremy Prater
Evans and Jason McGaugh.
5:00pm
Curb Appeal for Residential Homeowners
based in nature and that will positively influence their lives. Other speakers include Berni Kurz, Consumer Horticulture
- Mike Wilbanks
For more information, find the Arkansas River Valley Lawn and Garden show on Facebook or at fslawngardenshow.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
10:00am
Let’s Talk Tomatoes - Mary Smith
11:00am
Curb Appeal for Residential Homeowners
- Mike Wilbanks
12:15pm
Fresh Flower Arranging - Kay Schlaefli
1:00pm
From Soil to Soul - Anje Nevala
2:15pm
Cement Pots: DIY Project - Veronica Fenton
3:00pm
Berries, Berries, Berries - Clyde Fenton
4:15pm
Moles and Gophers - H.C. Varnadore
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
2:00pm
Herbs Through the Garden Gate
- Mary Russell-Evans
Caring for Your Turf - Jayson McGaugh
3:00pm
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entertainment
ART IS LIFE words Liesel Schmidt imageS courtesy Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
The importance of art in culture is undeniable, so uniquely does it represent the spirit of the people, the happenings in the world, the way that we feel. From colors and textures to movement and medium, each piece is something truly distinct, expressing sometimes far more than actual words can. And while we may not always personally understand the exact emotion or intent behind them, these works are invaluable to the fabric of life, often speaking to each viewer in a totally different way. For the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, imparting an appreciation of art is their very lifeblood, driving them to reach out to the community through various exhibits, educational programs, events, and cultural partnerships. Featuring nationally and internationally recognized traveling exhibitions and rotating the works of local and regional artists, the museum also offers
Maximum Exposure
engaging educational classes for both children and adults as well as lectures, opening receptions, children’s art camps, A Family Affair
galas, free Saturday programming, after school programs, and artist-led workshops. Originally, RAM was established in 1948 under the Arkansas Association of University Women. Three years later, the Associated Artists of Fort Smith began exhibiting art and offering classes throughout the area, later purchasing space for an art center and formally incorporating as the Fort Smith Art Center in 1968. Small though it might have been, the Art Center became an important resource for local and regional artists by offering them space to create and display their works for decades before the new museum opened in January of 2009. In 2013, the Art Center was fully re-branded as the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. Keeping interest in their exhibits high by keeping things fresh, RAM is constantly on the lookout for artists whose works truly showcase technique, talent, unique perspective, and— of course—local inspiration. Currently on display in the Main Gallery are works in an exhibit called Maximum Exposure. “This exciting contest exhibition began as a call for works primarily
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
entertainment
through local photographers who had expressed an interest
complete with old-fashioned carnival games, circus acts, live
in exhibiting at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum,” says
performers, and other curiosities that one would expect to
Marketing Coordinator Suzie Meluso. “Out of the hundreds
see under the big top.
of submissions, our contest features over seventy images, and the winner will receive bragging rights and their very
“Art and art education are important ways through which
own show next year.”
we develop an understanding and appreciation of the world around us,” says Suzie. “It promotes critical thinking
In mid-March, the museum will feature A Family Affair: Three
and problem-solving skills and exposes us to ideas and
Artists, Three Visions, One Family, which collectively shows
communication methods used by diverse cultures. Art can
the works of Dede Hutcheson and her daughters; and April
stimulate conversations and discussions that help weave the
will bring the Call for Works, Creative Forces: Honoring Heroes
cultural fabric of a community, and the universal language
Art by Former and Current Service Men and Women of the
of art unites us across the boundaries of race, religion,
South-Central United States. The exhibit will feature artwork
age, gender, and national origins.” And for the Fort Smith
by former and current service men and women from Arkansas,
Regional Art Museum, the language of art is one they hope
Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas. “Art offers a nonverbal outlet
to teach the world to speak.
of expression, and many service members find their art to be an extension of themselves and their thoughts,” explains
Boehm Porcelain
Suzie. “The aim of this exhibit is to raise awareness about PTSD, offer a potential solution to help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD, and give these service men and women a venue to tell their individual stories through their artwork.” All works will be for sale, and proceeds will benefit the participating artists and RAM’s Art4Healing Program. And highlighting the bright future of budding artists, the Student Gallery currently features the art of Nadia Lougin, a deeply artistic and passionate senior at Northside High School who plans to pursue a degree in Graphic Design after she graduates this year. Among the most popular mainstays of the museum is the Dr. W.E. Knight Porcelain Gallery on the lower level of the museum, where visitors can view one of the finest Boehm Porcelain collections in the state. “It’s my personal favorite exhibit,” says Suzie. For those who want to get more hands-on, the Touch Gallery allows visitors to handle works of art and learn more about various types of materials and artistic techniques through the sense of touch.
Get your tickets NOW for the museum’s annual gala, Under the Big Top, a whimsical recreation of a vintage circus, taking place March 14th! This festive evening will feature tasty appetizers from Truckin’ Delicious, circus performers, and Lion Dancers! $50 for members, $60 for not-yet members.
Naturally, museums depend on their patrons to keep their doors open and bring in new exhibits and new programs, and RAM makes fundraising a fun event not to be missed.
For a full list of exhibits currently on display, details on free classes and adult programs, visit fsram.org.
Held this year on March 14, their annual gala’s theme is Under the Big Top, featuring the oddities of a vintage circus,
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people
Family Ties
Bellamy Brothers Keep on Keepin’ On
WORDs Dwain Hebda images courtesy Bellamy Brothers and Derrek Kupish
Exactly three minutes
right there in front of you. The themes weren’t particularly complicated – love, life and a damn good time – and
into this interview,
Howard Bellamy begged the reporter’s indulgence. He’d answered the call on his iWatch and after a couple of furtive attempts to communicate Dick Tracy-style, apologetically asked for a call-back when he could speak on a phone he could hear.
that’s part of the charm. Mother Nature and Father Time complicated our lives enough, after all. “We grew up with music; it was always in our family,” Howard says. “Our father was a rancher, but he always had music. Every weekend his buddies would come over and they had a little band. They would show us a few chords, we’d sing along
Sometimes, old-school really does sound the best. “We came full circle,” Howard says to sum up the career he and brother David have crafted over the past four decades. “Dave and I the other day were talking about we were the outlaws of country when we first came in and now, we’ve somehow ended up some of the very few left of that era.” It’s often necessary to hold music up to the candle flame of interpretation, to divine an artist’s true meaning from mere poetry. With the Bellamy Brothers, it never came to that. Everything you needed to know about them was
as kids. And we sang in church very early as well.” In between these sessions, the boys were exposed early to a rich melting pot of cultural influences surrounding them in their native central Florida. “We owned a ranch and we had orange groves. The migrant workers from Jamaica used to come over and pick our fruit in the fall when it ripened,” Howard says. “Dave and I would get out and help pick and we’d hear them sing those island songs. “We also turned on to early rock and roll; we played almost all the old Jimmy Rogers songs. Jimmy Rogers was the
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people
Bellamy Brothers and Blake Shelton
foundation and we graduated up the ladder and got exposed
the slyly worded “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would
to everything, so all of it rubbed off on us. It is kind of a
You Hold It Against Me,” saw the duo return to form and
gumbo, but it’s our gumbo.”
unleashed a string of chart-toppers. The twosome had at least one number-one single for each of the next eight
The duo honed their musical chops playing college gigs and
years – in all, twenty number ones over their career – and
festivals early on but, Howard says, never got a hint that
regularly charted top-tens through 1990.
music would be a career move. That changed in the 1970s when David penned “Spiders and Snakes,” a goofy romp
The sustained success brought its own potential pitfalls,
that proved to be a big hit with more than three million units
Howard says, and he credits the brothers’ ability to survive
sold, for Jim Stafford.
intact to their upbringing.
“That kind of gave us the idea maybe we can do this
“We were living in L.A. when ‘Let Your Love Flow’ broke,”
ourselves,” Howard says. “That was one of the things that
he says. “That was during the early to mid-seventies when
prompted us to start our own career.”
all the craziness was going on and everybody was trying to kill themselves, just living hard. You get to those points in
Almost before they knew it the brothers had gone from
life and you realize I better reel this thing in.
guitar-plucking orange pickers to the rumored Next Big Thing in the music business. They relocated to California
“It goes back to the way you were raised and knowing
and fell into elite creative circles with the likes of Bob Dylan,
that we always had our little home place here in Florida
James Taylor and Van Morrison. In 1976, “Let Your Love
that we came back to. It really grounded us. We live here
Flow,” their first single as a duo, exploded onto the charts
now. It’s pretty down-to-earth; you get back here and you
worldwide, reaching the top spot in the U.S., Germany,
don’t feel like you ever left, even though we’ve played in
Canada and Switzerland. Though they didn’t write the tune
seventy-two countries.”
you couldn’t tell, so well did it capture the duo’s musical ethos: you could dance to it, you could drink to it, you could
The brothers never stopped recording, but the hits largely
make love to it.
stopped coming as the fickle music world turned its attention to the next Next Big Thing. Ironically, some of the top-selling
Entertainment history is littered with one-hit wonders, a tag
acts to follow did so in their oversized footprints as the Bellamy
the Bellamy Brothers avoided, though not immediately. Over
Brothers opened the door for the likes of genre-bending duos
their next ten singles, only two charted inside the top twenty
like The Judds, Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry and Big &
domestically and did virtually nothing abroad. Then in 1979,
Rich. Country superstar Blake Shelton unabashedly points to
DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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people
the Bellamy Brothers as a major influence and the two acts are
“You just have to repace and sometimes you have good days
currently sharing some tour dates.
and sometimes you just wonder what you’re trying to prove,” Howard says of getting older. “But, so far so good. Every
“Our family always had a sense of humor. As I grow older
now and then we have to clean our spark plugs. You learn
now, I realize in the golden years you really need a sense of
how to deal with it as you go.
humor,” Howard says of the duo’s staying power. “Our dad always told stories; back then there wasn’t but three channels
“We have a fairly new CD out called Over the Moon. We’re
on TV and we didn’t even have a TV to start with. So, we were
playing some songs in the show from that now and it’s doing
really family, which I think is something so important in our
really well around the world. We just recently wrote three
culture and something that’s disappearing.
songs and all three of them are about the best three songs written together in a long time.”
“We were the fortunate ones to have two great parents and they taught us how to work together and play together. And
Fort Smith audiences will get to see the duo in April when
if you didn’t do what they said, they had a thing called a
they perform a benefit concert for Good Samaritan Clinic,
switch back then and they weren’t afraid to use it.”
just one of about one hundred fifty dates the brothers still play annually. After all of these years, playing is still what
What’s perhaps most remarkable about the Bellamy
these two dancin’ cowboys do best and what they want their
Brothers’ story is that unlike the protagonist in their hit
legacy to be about.
“Old Hippie,” (“He’s an old hippie and he don’t know what to do/Should he hang on to the old, should he grab on to
“I see people passing on, huge celebrities, and they’ll get
the new?”) the Bellamys have transitioned gracefully and
two or three days of big news and then it just ends up being
astutely into other ventures.
gone and done. That’s kind of the way our life is,” Howard says. “A lot of times people have an image of you, you know?
In 2018, they published Let Your Love Flow: The Life and
Lord only knows what image they have of us. I have no idea,
Times of the Bellamy Brothers, a book detailing their careers
because we’ve done so many different kinds of things.
in the music business. That same year, they starred in Honky Tonk Ranch, their own reality TV series. The show became
“So, just being a better person and leaving the world a better
the highest-rated program on the Cowboy Channel and was
place is kind of the goal. That’s always a work in progress.”
recently picked up by the Circle Network, owned by Opryland, for another two seasons. And, as a quick peek on YouTube will tell you, the boys haven’t lost a step in the recording department, either. The voices are just as pure, the perspective wiser, more knowing. Time may have given them a few body blows, but even these the brothers find a way to turn into art.
Get your tickets now for Best Night of the Year: An Evening with The Bellamy Brothers, a fundraiser benefitting Good Samaritan Fort Smith. The event will be held April 24, 2020, at 7PM, at Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Tickets can be purchased by calling 479.783.0233 or visit goodsamaritanfs.com.
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pets
Lovable Pets Needing Love M
F
Fitz
F
Flower
M
F
Prince Charming
Mellie M
Sassy
Tux
3 Girls Animal Rescue is a foster-only rescue, so there is no facility. All animals are currently in foster homes being socialized and cared for by loving families. All animals are spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and heartworm negative. 3 Girls is run completely by volunteers and operates solely on public donations.
CONTACT: Angela Meek 479.883.2240 • Mitzi Burkhart 479.651.4445 www.facebook.com/3GirlsAnimalRescue • threegirlsanimalrescue@outlook.com Each month, Do South® donates this page to local and regional nonprofit animal shelters. If you work with a shelter and would like to reserve this space, please email editors@dosouthmagazine.com.
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entertainment
Get
BOOKISH Recommendations and image courtesy Bookish
Five must-read book recommendations from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’s only independently owned book store.
The Third Rainbow Girl
by Emma Copley Eisenberg At its simplest, this is a true crime book about the unsolved murders of Vicki Durian and Nancy Santomero. However, Eisenberg’s ability to uncover every stone, makes this story anything but simple. Evoking the community of Pocahontas County, “where misogyny is in the groundwater,” Eisenberg’s story is for every Rainbow Girl who ever sought adventure in an unknown land and was lucky enough to live to tell her story.
The Body
by Bill Bryson As Bryson does so wonderfully, he captures the essence of what it means to inhabit our bodies and explains the significance of each cell and system in a way that your high school physiology teacher never could. His wit carries you through – even the chapters about germs and blood – and his expansive research will leave you feeling a whole lot smarter and thankful for the parts of our bodies that work so wonderfully.
Morning Glory on the Vine
Uncanny Valley: A Memoir
Just a French Guy Cooking
by Joni Mitchell
by Anna Wiener
by Alexis Gabriel Aïnouz
In a 2000 inter view with Mitchell, she claims to “sing her sorrow and paint her joy.” All of that joy can be found in this book of poems and ar twork by Mitchell. It began as a series of Christmas gifts for her friends in the 70s and is now compiled into one beautiful book of ar t. If there are Joni Mitchell fans in your life, this book is necessary for their collection.
Wiener’s memoir is haunting in a way unlike anything before it. As a recent college graduate working in New York City’s publishing industry, Wiener was barely able to make ends meet. When she realizes she has nowhere to go in the industry, she moves to Silicon Valley and immediately sees a dramatic life change, but as she immerses herself in the tech world, the complexity of what goes on behind the screens begins to take shape. This memoir is what saved her, and ultimately could save us all.
Aïnouz is a Frenchman living in Paris, but he is also a YouTube sensation. In his first cookbook, he shares the one hundred favorite recipes, tips and tricks that will allow anyone to enjoy cooking. He lists alternative ingredients for several recipes, and the quiches are exquisite. If you’re a beginner or just too busy to think about what to make for dinner every night, Aïnouz will have something to offer.
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community
Nonprofit Spotlight
DS: How did Fort Smith Rescue Mission come to be?
words Catherine Frederick with Heather Sanders
in Van Buren, Arkansas. Bob was being led to find a place to start a mission
In 1980, Bob Miller had sold his natural gas drilling company and had the money to invest in a ministry to homeless people. Jon Grimm had sold his ambulance company and had the time to minister to the homeless. Both men had a calling to reach out to those they had met at the Gospel Rescue Mission when he found that the Westside Baptist Church located on North 3rd Street was for sale. He made a deal with the pastor and bought the property. With the location secured, he and Jon, along with Jon’s wife, Sam, officially opened the mission in 1981.
DS: Who does Fort Smith Rescue Mission serve and in what ways? Community Rescue Mission is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that provides safe shelter, meals, and needed support to help people get back on their feet as quickly as possible. When people come to their door, most are broken and in crisis with no place to call home. Community Rescue Mission is here to instill hope and empower lives while offering Christ-like hospitality and care since 1981. Do South® reached out to Heather Sanders, Executive Director,
We are a homeless shelter. In fact, we are the only homeless shelter in the area who can take full families and keep them together, and we are known for being the go-to place for single dads. We provide safe and secure shelter, free of drugs and alcohol. We provide individualized case management and life skills classes.
DS: Tell us how Fort Smith Rescue Mission impacts our community. We offer a safe, faith-based family friendly shelter for families struggling to get back on their feet. When a family follows our program guidelines, by the time they are able to move out into a home of their own, they should have a good amount of money saved, debts paid off, life skills learned, and connections to resources. We can serve up to seventy-two people in ten individual units and six dorm rooms. Most families stay with us an average of three months, but that
to learn more.
will vary from case to case.
310 N. F Street
DS: How can our community get involved and support Fort Smith Rescue Mission?
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
We are privately funded by donors and we are debt free. We depend on our
479.782.1443 | fscrm.org
amazing communities’ support through volunteers, financially and through in-kind donations. We provide our residents with all of their needs to include clothing, hygiene items, bedding and when they move out we try to provide them with small housewares. We are always in need of volunteers. Could you give just four hours once a month to help answer the phones, take in donations and greet
Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a nonprofit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
visitors? If so, we would love to have you come and take a tour.
DS: Are there any upcoming events our readers should know about? We are having a 90th birthday celebration for our founder Mr. Miller on April 4 at the convention center. We would love to have the community come out and support Mr. Miller. All proceeds will go to help fund the operations at Community Rescue Mission. Please give us a call if you are interested in purchasing tickets.
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shop
Lucky to Be LOCAL words Catherine Frederick imageS Jade Graves Photography and courtesy vendors
Enjoy a Good Night's Sleep with Custom Sleep Plugs from MicroSonic®
CENTER FOR HEARING 479.785.3277
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IN GOOD SPIRITS 479.434.6604
Tom Ford Sunglasses
DR. STEVEN B. STILES OPTOMETRY 479.452.2020
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In our community, we’re very lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing locally owned businesses who strive to deliver us the most unique and on-trend products and services. Be sure and support them each and every day as you shop and don’t forget to tell them Do South® sent you!
Cutwater Spirits Canned Cocktails, Three HH Henrys Rosé, 1800 Ultimate Pineapple Margarita, Skeptic® Curious Spirits Gin
SODIE’S WINE & SPIRITS 479.783.8013
Hearts On Fire Juliette Pear Halo Engagement Ring, Featured in 18kt Rose Gold, Available in Platinum, 18kt Rose, Yellow and White Gold. Starting with Center Stone Size .33ct. and Up
JOHN MAYS JEWELERS 479.452.2140
Adorable Children’s Apparel Perfect for Spring
JENNIFER’S GIFT SHOP BAPTIST HEALTH-FORT SMITH 479.441.4221
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health
IT TAKES HEART Baptist Health-Fort Smith Program Offers Therapy, Education for Cardiac Rehab Patients to Live Healthier Lifestyle
Burt and Phillis Kelly
WORds and image courtesy Alicia Agent, Manager Marketing Communications Baptist Health – Fort Smith
For Burt Kelly, living a life with purpose is important.
The program at Baptist Health-Fort Smith combines expert education and supervised exercise therapy in the
“I have to be purposeful about what I’m doing, and in this
comfort of Marvin Altman Fitness Center inside the Fort
case it’s a life or death purpose for me,” he said.
Smith hospital. Patients learn how to incorporate hearthealthy habits such as a proper diet, exercise and stress
Burt, seventy, has survived two heart attacks, a heart valve
management techniques that can lead to a better quality
replacement and coronary artery stent surgery. With a
of life. Education on prescriptions and over-the-counter
family history of heart disease, he knows how important
medications is also part of the program.
it is to live a healthy lifestyle. One way he’s doing that is by participating in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at
Over the last year, the capacity of the cardiac rehab
Baptist Health-Fort Smith.
program has doubled and new exercise equipment and heart monitors have been added.
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health
“The program is recommended for people who have open
While each program is tailored to the individual’s needs,
heart surgery, bypass surgery, heart attack or stents,” said
many activities are done in a group setting which allows
Melanie Catlett, RN. “It’s encouraged because statistics
patients to get to know each other and share their
show people who participate in the program live longer.
experiences. Burt has been able to maintain the friendships
It also helps get them into an exercise routine so they can
he made with other community members in the class.
get back to their normal lives with a new understanding of
The social aspect of the program serves to inspire and
their limitations and strengths.”
encourage participants.
Exercise plays a huge role in cardiovascular health. Proper
“When I come to the gym, I see these guys that are eighty
exercise becomes increasingly important as we age because
years old, active and healthy now, and I think ‘That’s what
it can help reduce dependence on medications and future
I want to be,’” Burt said.
hospitalizations. Melanie and the cardiac rehab team start by finding an exercise baseline for each patient in the cardiac
Burt has plenty of reasons to stay active so he can reach
rehab program based on their needs and abilities.
that goal, including his wife of forty-five years.“I have eight grandchildren that I love dearly and I want to be a
“The very first day they told me to do six minutes on the
part of their lives for as long as I can,” he said. “I want to
recumbent bike,” Burt said. “Two minutes in, I said, ‘I’m
be a positive part of my wife’s life, as well, so I’ve got to
not going to make it,’ and now I can do twenty minutes.”
take care of myself.”
A patient’s time in cardiac rehab could last between six
Both Melanie and Burt agree experiencing a life-changing
and twelve weeks, depending on his or her risk factors
event such as a heart attack can be scary, but with the
and condition.
help of trained professionals at Baptist Health patients can increase their strength, regain independence and
Burt says he was impressed to see how moderate exercise
boost their confidence.
increased his endurance and helped him feel better as the weeks went by. According to Melanie, one of the goals is for
“You realize you can do things you didn’t think you could
patients to be able to continue to exercise on their own after
do before,” Burt said. “We have a big yard and a garden
completing the program to make a lasting lifestyle change.
at home that I have the energy to take care of now. And it’s all because of my experience here.”
“I GOT TO WHERE I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO BEING HERE IN THE MORNING,” BURT SAID. “I KNEW I WAS GOING TO FEEL BETTER WHEN I WAS DONE WITH MY EXERCISE PROGRAM AND I FELT SAFE BECAUSE
If you’re interested in enrolling in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Baptist Health-Fort Smith, talk to your doctor or call 479.441.5220.
THEY MONITORED MY HEART RATE DURING THE ACTIVITY.”
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community
Of all the materials used to build the gleaming yet
The Star Attraction U.S. Marshals Museum reaches milestone, looks to future
understated United States Marshals Museum, perched hard against the banks of the rolling Arkansas River, the single most impactful piece doesn’t hold up anything, conjoin anything or serve any one of a hundred utilitarian purposes. It doesn’t soar like the awe-inspiring main space just beyond the front doors and it has no touch-screen wizardry like so many of the multi-media displays in this space do or will have when finished.
words Dwain Hebda IMAGEs Dwain Hebda and courtesy U.S. Marshals Museum
In fact, if you saw this component in any other setting, you’d rightly assume it was merely a throwaway piece
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community
of iron – industrial shrapnel bound for the smelter before re-emerging as something more useful than the nondescript hunk it is. But because it’s here, placed just so on a pedestal before a wall of honor comprised of plaques bearing the names of fallen civil servants touching four centuries, the wreckage takes on a new, almost sacred identity. One that every adult American, upon a mere first glance, understands. Patrick Weeks
“That must be,” you say, before the words dry up in your throat.
“Out of that, one hundred and twenty-two of them died “It is,” answers Patrick Weeks, the museum’s
in Oklahoma, with the majority of those riding out of Fort
president and CEO.
Smith during the frontier days. So, this is sacred ground for the marshal service.”
The iron artifact, a piece of the Twin Towers brought down by terrorists on 9/11, is a
Armed with this unwavering belief, Fort Smith bested
fitting diadem of gravitas for the museum, a
more than thirty other U.S. cities for the honor of building
53,000-square-foot, $50 million-plus endeavor
the museum; topping locales with more cache, perhaps,
that honors the nation’s historic and often-
but none more fitting. It’s been a long road in the thirteen
overlooked police force that dates back to the
years since, so when two of the elements of the place
American Revolution.
were dedicated last September – the Mary Carleton and Robert A. Young III Building and the Samuel M. Sicard Hall
Much of what you see here is of promise –
of Honor – it was cause for celebration.
work crews scuttle about large unfinished spaces
while
completed
nooks
like
the
Alice Alt, president of the United States Marshals Museum
forthcoming gift shop, staff offices and state-
Foundation, says that joyful moment was a well-deserved pat
of-the-art, climate-controlled artifact storage
on the back for the work done thus far. And while much
areas stand stark and empty. But the soul of
work remains, she’s resolute about the depth of commitment
the place is here, heavy and palpable.
the people behind the effort have to get it done.
In fact, as Patrick is quick to point out, the spirit of the U.S.
“I think it’s important to note as we talk about how this
Marshals has always been here in Fort Smith, more so than
building has become the amazing thing that it actually is,
any other spot in the country. It just never had such a shrine
it’s absolutely because of leadership that went before us,”
in which to encapsulate it.
she says. “It’s directors, it’s donors.”
“Step back and look at the history of the marshaling
According
service over one hundred and twenty years,” he says, his
individuals have contributed thirteen million dollars to date
hand sweeping across the sentinel memoriam plaques.
and nearly that much from corporate sources. Nine million
“The wall of honor has three hundred seventy-six names
dollars have come from state and local government monies
– marshals, deputy marshals, posse members, task force
but not a single penny, Alice notes with pride, from the feds.
to
officers, administrators, staff. DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
materials
supplied
by
the
Foundation,
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“The community has been unbelievable to this organization,”
which is powerful. The marshals through the years have
she says. “We’ve had anonymous donors give us six million
upheld the rule of law. Sometimes they’ve been on the right
dollars. We’ve had other million-dollar donors here locally.
side of history, and sometimes they’ve been on the wrong
I will tell you, while this is nationally scoped, the majority
side of history. But every time they’ve upheld the rule of law.
of the funding we’ve seen has come from Arkansas and the regional area.”
“It’s hard for us, as a country, to have a conversation that’s civil and that has discourse inside of it. So that’s something
Part of what will make the museum so special is not what it
we are absolutely mindful of and that’s the mission of the
archives, but what it inspires in future generations through its
United States Marshals Museum, touching and reaching the
extensive programming.
future of our country. Outside of that, it’s telling the storied history of the United States Marshals.”
“One of the first things that I had to say when I walked in the doors here, and one of the things that I sing from the
On a clear blue afternoon, a sharp wind whips the new
rooftops here, is that this museum is not about old things in
landscape plantings as the razor roofline slices into the sky.
boxes,” Patrick says. “We use artifacts to authenticate the
Large as it is, the building looks sleek and deceptively flat,
stories, but this museum is about storytelling. I will argue
its profile suggestive of a frontier marshal squinting to the
that any museum professional, at least a history museum
horizon against the western sun.
professional, that calls himself anything other than a storyteller is overstating what they do.
“You know, the key thing as you talk about dreams and whether they were pie in the sky is, well, isn’t that what
“We’re preserving history and the word ‘story’ is in that.
America is? Isn’t that why we love Fort Smith so much
The way you tell those stories has to be unique. It has to be
because it’s reckless and a little romantic?” Alice says.
innovative. It has to be immersive. It has to be interactive. It
“And in those dreams, did that not create the United States
has to really drive you from your mobile device to actually
of America? And were the marshals not the first federal
want to go down and see what it is that’s going on.”
law enforcement agency to police that dream? Given that, I think it’s absolutely perfect that it’s here in Arkansas.”
To that end, the museum will feature a number of cuttingedge technologies to bring the multimedia experience to
“Fort Smith deserves this,” adds Patrick. “I don’t look at
life. Visitors will be able to listen in on a digital campfire
Fort Smith and see a frontier town. I look at Fort Smith and
conversation among marshals of various eras, see a frontier
I see a city that has a frontier history, but that is one part
saloon come to life and experience modern marshals’ physical
of their history. We’re making history today, yesterday.
and intellectual skills testing.
We’ll be making history tomorrow across this city and across this state.”
Aside from the regular exhibits, which are still a year or so off from being fully funded and executed, Alice notes a broad range of educational programs for schoolchildren that further extends the legacy of the U.S. Marshals in classrooms
U.S. Marshals Museum
coast-to-coast.
789 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.242.1789 | usmmuseum.org
“The real key here is our mission, which is education. We are in over 500 classrooms in 24 states, reaching 13,000 children,” she says. “We currently exist as a museum without walls,
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A New Sensation THE HUB BRINGS REFRESHINGLY DIFFERENT CONCEPT TO FORT SMITH Words Dwain Hebda images courtesy The HUB
FORT CHAFFEE is one of the most historic spots
Today, a portion of the former Fort Chaffee is poised
in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Established in 1941 as Camp
to become an elite home address for a new generation,
Chaffee, the base has been home to German POWs,
thanks to the development of The HUB at Providence, a
Vietnamese and Cuban refugees and, of course, thousands
high-density,
of American soldiers.
and constructed by Ernest R. Coleman Building Company
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mixed-use
development
conceptualized
community
(ERC). Combining commercial, residential and recreational
feet of commercial and office space and another twenty-
amenities, The HUB represents an urban design unlike
five hundred square feet of restaurant space. There are also
anything else currently found in historic Fort Smith.
eleven townhomes ranging from just under sixteen hundred square feet to just over twenty-six hundred square feet and
“(The HUB) was something this community needed. It’s
twenty loft apartments ranging from around five hundred
very natural out here. We live in The Natural State and we
to seven hundred square feet in size.
are in a natural environment,” said Nicole Swanson, vice president of ERC’s Create Division. “We put this type of
“Currently we are one hundred percent built out in our
construction in the middle of the wonderful trail systems we
townhomes and apartments,” Nicole said. “We have the
have out here to be able to help people immerse themselves
shell of the building built out for the commercial lease
in nature or hiking activities, kayaking activities. Our goal
spaces which are located on the first floor of the two
was to create one location that filled all your needs.”
buildings that house apartments.”
Located within the Chaffee Crossing development, The
The community also has its first commercial tenants
HUB provides a number of residential, multi-family and
which includes ERC itself and REVEL, a new restaurant
commercial spaces. All told, the eight- to ten-million-dollar
owned by Chef Jason Haid, former owner of River City
development provides more than eight thousand square
Bistro, and fiancée Christen Roberts, which will open
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this spring. Nicole says interest in the area from a
Nicole said the growth and success of such developments
residential standpoint is already high, but the presence
nationwide are what inspired ERC’s leadership to bring
of the casually elegant restaurant as a magnet for other
the concept to Fort Smith. Locating it at Chaffee Crossing
businesses and services is a key factor in making the
dovetailed with the lifestyle amenities that already
neighborhood concept go.
existed there, said Kathy Coleman, director of singlefamily marketing and design.
“Chaffee is the fastest-growing area, because it’s basically the only area to be able to grow anymore in Fort Smith. As
“Chaffee was already a big bicycle riding area before
a result, residential has boomed out here,” she said.
people ever started building out there. To me, it’s just like a big park,” she said. “The HUB is the only
“We’re hoping to have small businesses, small bank
development connected by the internal trail system to
opportunities, salons or a fitness-type company that will
the Fort Chaffee trails.”
come out there. That’s why Jason is such a crucial piece of The HUB becoming a success.”
Kathy, who’s the wife of ERC Holdings CEO Rod Coleman and mother of ERC President and CEO Rob Coleman, called
Mixed-use buildings and developments have risen to recent prominence, but are one of the oldest community designs known to mankind,
according
to
the thinking behind The HUB “creative genius” noting the company has had a penchant for visionary thinking during its long history.
Urban-Hub.com.
“This isn’t the first time ERC has gone out on a limb like
That site reports the oldest communities
this,” she said. “Way back, we did the Trace at the bottom
developed in mixed-use patterns where
of Fianna Hills. We did Hardscrabble Way. Both of those things were new to Fort Smith.”
inhabitants lived and worked in a central area. Market squares in ancient Rome, for instance, would contain shops, apartments, administrative offices and often a library, archaeologists have discovered.
As if all of this were not groundbreaking enough, the company has also designated various artistic projects as top priority throughout The HUB. Kat Wilson, creative director, was hired in part to curate a visual arts program throughout the development, creating multi-dimensional spaces that encourage people to connect.
This community pattern was disrupted during the Industrial Revolution, where stricter zoning laws created sharper separation between residential and work zones. Over time, these changes would accelerate with improved transportation that made commuting possible and spurred the growth of residential neighborhoods far removed from industrial and commercial areas, Urban-Hub.com reports. Recent years have seen a return to the mixed-use model for several reasons, say experts. Led by the preferences of the Millennial generation and advancing technology, there’s less desire for automobile commuting and thus far more favor for neighborhoods where everything can be had within walking or cycling distance from home.
Kat, in turn, invited several Northwest Arkansas-based artists to create pieces examining the history of the region and invite people to engage deeply with spaces they typically only move through. Each artist will be paired with a filmmaker who will direct a short film aimed at helping patrons of The HUB find a deeper connection to the art and artists. “Matt Miller, our first mural artist who did two indoor murals right now and will do a third outside, really spoke to Rob (Coleman’s) mission for the arts,” Kat said. “He wants to create a place that people see deeper than just walls. We also worked with a sound artist named Amos Cochran who’s a Fort Smith artist. He just recently had
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community
some work in a show called Color Fields at
Chef Jason Haid, REVEL
Crystal Bridges (Museum of American Art). “We teamed each artist with a videographer so when people move in, they’re not just living with art, they understand the art. We want everybody to feel connected to The HUB.” ERC
has
expectations
for
substantial
growth: only about seventy percent of the footprint is built out, Nicole said, and there’s lots more ground for growth where that came from. “We are currently built out on only three and a half of that five acres,” she said. “We do have plans for an additional section of townhomes for Phase II at a later date. We also have surrounding parcels that will allow us to spiral out. The HUB is the center of our community and we will just be extending that out where we own approximately forty-five more acres directly around The HUB.” Kathy speaks discernable pride about the development, not just for the family legacy it perpetuates but because of a personal connection she has with the neighborhood. “I worked at Fort Chaffee when I was coming here after high school to visit my sister. We went to work at Fort Chaffee during the time of the Vietnamese refugees,” she said. “To see it now and how this is coming together is just very exciting.”
The HUB Wells Lake Road & R.A. Young Jr. Drive Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.478.5103 thehuberc.com
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Ode to Joy DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
WORDs Liesel Schmidt images courtesy Joyful Baking Co.
people
With the soft , chewy texture of their shells offset by the luscious flavor of their fillings, it’s little wonder that macarons are so revered in the world of pastry. Cheery color pallets aside, these delicate little confections are deceptively tricky and can be quite problematic…Too little air in the meringue mixture for the shells, and you may end up with a flat cookie. Not enough time drying out, and the signature foot may not form in the oven. Even amongst seasoned pastry chefs, the macaron is something that must often be mastered through years of training; so, when Kaytlin Robinson wandered into her kitchen one day in 2016 and began making them on a whim, she certainly wasn’t expecting to meet with success. A self-proclaimed wreck in the kitchen—“I can't even make a good chocolate chip cookie!”—Kaytlin usually left such tasks to her husband, a well-known local chef. But after receiving the devastating news that their shared dream of having children was going to be challenging—if not impossible—the thirty-something felt the need to do something that would take her mind off of her grief and help her find joy. And the answer to that was found in the last place she would have ever imagined—her very own kitchen. “I was craving a French macaron and just decided to play around in the kitchen,” Kaytlin says. “I had no expectation that they would even turn out, but to my surprise, when I took my first batch out of the oven, they had actually worked! Naturally, I did what any millennial does and made a quick post on Instagram and tagged it #IActuallyBakedSomething and went to bed—after eating a couple of them, of course! I woke up the next day to a flood of messages from friends and family, placing orders.” Those first orders were just the beginning, and what came after that was exactly what Kaytlin had been craving: joy. Begun almost as a hobby, the macarons soon became a full-fledged business, with orders for thousands of macarons per week and a demand that at times can be difficult to keep up with. And that joy she’d found? It inspired the name for her newly established business, a venture successful enough to allow her to give back. “I was having a hard time finding JOY in the journey but making these macarons for others and being able to donate a portion of our proceeds back to kids in need really started to bring me true joy and a purpose,” Kaytlin recalls. “So, I decided to name the business Joyful Baking Company, because that's exactly how it made me feel!” Joy. That’s exactly how her product looks, with their springy, pastel pops of color. Add to that the delicious fillings that she pairs with her perfectly-baked macaron shells, and you know without a doubt that this—THIS—is what joy tastes like. “A lot of people who don't usually like macarons tell me that they love ours,” Kaytlin says with just the right amount of pride. “I’ve studied the art of making them because I'm OCD and a perfectionist, so the texture of our macarons is a big part of what makes first-time customers turn into repeat customers. They aren't too hard with the initial first bite, and then by the time your teeth have DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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Kaytlin
sunk all the way into the cookie, it starts to dissolve. We
holding her future in His hands. “I love how God has used
use a very special technique to achieve the ultimate Joyful
me to build this company from the ground up,” she says. “It
macaron experience, and pairing that perfect texture with
started with just me in my kitchen, depressed and needing
our over-the-top, rich flavors are what turn our customers
some joy in my life, praying that God would take some of the
into macaron addicts.” Among the top sellers are JOY, the
pain away. And now, three years later, my husband has been
signature flavor that Kaytlin bills as “blueberry cheesecake
able to quit his job and come on with me full time, and now
in the form of a macaron;” Birthday Cake; and Strawberry
we get to do something with love together, all because we
Cream, though Kaytlin’s personal favorite is JOY.
listened to God and His plan for our lives. It's sometimes scary to listen to that voice, but when you do and realize that it is
Busy though she might be with baking, Kaytlin’s aren’t the
all a part of His perfect plan…” she trails off. “It makes me so
only hands at work creating the macarons. Over the past
proud and thankful to just be chosen for this journey.”
three years, she has taken the business to new heights and even gone mobile, purchasing a food truck and painting it
As for the future, Kaytlin would love to see more Joyrides
pink, calling it the “Joyride” and creating a team of very
in various areas of the country, with Seaside, Florida, and
special people to help her meet demand. “The whole Joyful
Disney Springs among them. More immediate, however,
team is my family: Momma Joyful, my mom, quit her job in
she dreams of taking the truck all over the state. “I’d love
2017 and came on full time and is the lead filling maker. My
to not limit myself just to one town,” she says.
nana, Nana Joyful, came out of retirement and sifts hundreds of pounds of almond flour and powdered sugar for us each
Listening to Kaytlin, it’s clear that she’s found her joy,
week. My grandfather, Papaw Joyful, also came out of
rediscovering a happiness in herself and her life that she might
retirement and is our lead dishwasher in the Joyful kitchen.
once have thought lost forever. “Ben and I are still waiting
Daddy Joyful, my dad, still has a ‘real job,’ as we call it, but
and praying for our bundle of joy, but we know that God is
he always helps at big events and is our lead cashier.”
faithful and has a plan for our life. When the time is right, He will bless us with our baby." Until then, she takes great pride
Not to be left out of the gathering of joyful souls is one very
in giving her customers a taste of joy, one bite at a time.
important person who has been by her side through the entire journey and has been an incredible source of support and love, her husband, Ben, who was recently able to leave his job and join the team full time. For Kaytlin, reaching such a place has been a point of pride, a source of hope, and, of course, a wellspring of joy. Not to mention a reminder that God is
Follow Joyful Baking Co. at joyfulbakingco.com. Find them on Facebook (@joyfulmacarons) and Instagram (joyfulbakingco).
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words Stoney Stamper IMAGEs April Stamper
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people I sit and stare blankly at the blinking cursor on the
will stick. I’ve always been a stream of consciousness
page. It’s patiently waiting for me to begin, to type out
writer, and many times, my brain will be going faster than
some hilarious, sad, or touching words about my family,
my hands can type. So here I am, with my deadline already
or some of our animals, or perhaps something sweet and
passed, feeling like I am writing nonsense and hoping a
insightful. I’m usually full of words. When I was a little
story begins to form. Lucky for you, I’ve had to delete most
boy just learning to talk, my loud yet deep voice could be
of my words, because they either didn’t make sense or I
heard all over the house, yapping non-stop. Forty years
didn’t feel them worth reading. And some of it probably
later, and that is one thing that hasn’t changed.
wasn’t appropriate, because my head, when unbridled, is a weird place to be.
I love words. I even have favorite words that I do my best to use in regular conversation, like verisimilitude, superfluous,
I once wrote a story about a gorilla named Kerchak that
and magnanimous. It’s especially satisfying if the other
lived in the headboard of my bed. In one of my common
participant in the conversation doesn’t understand them.
fits of insomnia, I was lying in bed and looking at the
Maybe it gives me a slight feeling of superiority. In my
headboard. When studying the grain of the wood, I saw
head I am shouting, “I know so many words! I know more
the outline of the face of a gorilla, but with only one eye.
words than you!” So, as you can see, becoming a writer
I wrote a long, sordid story of Kerchak’s life, complete
wasn’t that much of a stretch for me. My love of words
with his love life, his children, jealousy of some of the
led me straight to books, the printed page. I loved how
younger, stronger, more handsome gorillas. I wrote that
authors like Hemingway, Poe, or Rand, could take a dozen
entire convoluted story for no particular reason at all. Just
words, give or take, and when arranged in just the right
because I saw the faintest outline of a gorilla’s face in my
way, create the most beautiful masterpiece. We may all
headboard. That’s not weird at all, right?
have the same words to work with, but like clay in the hands of a master, the world is gifted stories such as The
Another time, I wrote a story about an empty box that was
Old Man and The Sea, or The Fountainhead.
blowing around in the bed of my truck. It blew in circles all around the bed of my truck for over an hour, while driving
Now, I’m not comparing myself to any of those famous
home from Shreveport, Louisiana. It just wouldn’t blow
writers. But I do share one common trait with them. In
out! I found myself rooting for the box, all the way home. It
fact, I share this common trait with most anyone who has
would get so close to blowing out but would somehow stay.
ever tried to write a novel, or a feature for a magazine, or
It was like watching Rudy. The underdog, that just wouldn’t
even a term paper in high school. It’s writer’s block. And
give up. Would you believe a story about a cardboard box
oooooh, we all hate writer’s block. For someone whose
would eventually become one that thousands of people
always had the words, always had the stories, there is
would read on my website? A story about an empty box.
absolutely nothing more infuriating than staring at this
I’m not sure what that says about me, but I’m also not sure
blinking cursor, waiting for inspiration to strike. Over the
what that says about the thousands of people that took the
years, I have written more stories than I can count. You
time to read it. Either way, there are a lot of weirdos out
would think it would be easy, right? But there comes a
there reading nonsense. But hey, it’s my nonsense, so that
point, when you feel like you’ve told all of your stories.
makes it totally appropriate.
This story sounds the exact same as that story, this title is too similar to a title from a story from four years ago.
If a writer ever tells you that they’ve never suffered from this affliction, then I’d argue that they haven’t written very
So, I stop. I take a breath. Walk away from the screen
much. Every famous writer, and every writer that wants
for a moment and tell myself to return to my training,
to be famous, has done what I’m doing now. Staring at
to my roots. The theory is, if you just start writing, or
a blank white page, curser blinking, hoping a story will
typing, anything and everything that comes to mind, you’ll
somehow form, bringing joy and jubilance to all who read
eventually land on something worth writing. Something
it. But so far, nothing quite so triumphant has come to
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people
mind. So, I suppose that my Great Expectations, or The
the top, they’re still a little piece of my odd mind, saved
Catcher in the Rye will have to wait for another time.
and recorded forever. Can you imagine my great grandkids going through my things in the year 2070, reading some
In my despair, I remember this: not every story a writer puts
crazy story about grandpa’s headboard gorilla? They’ll think
to paper will be an instant classic. As a matter of fact, I’d say
I was completely insane. And I’m absolutely fine with that.
about ninety-five percent of everything we write, no one will
Hopefully they’ll tell stories about their crazy grandpa Stoney,
ever read. But to me, that five percent is no more important
who they loved more than life, and my legend will live on.
than the other ninety-five percent that no one reads. Even if they aren’t the greatest pieces of literature ever written,
Oh, and will you look at that? Turns out, I found something
they’re still mine. And even if they’re a bit goofy, or over
to write about after all.
Stoney Stamper Stoney Stamper is the best-selling author of My First Rodeo: How Three
Daughters, One Wife, and a Herd of Others Are Making Me a Better Dad (WaterBrook) and author of the popular parenting blog The Daddy Diaries. He and his wife, April, have three daughters and live in Oklahoma, where they are heavily involved in agriculture and raise and show a variety of animals.
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taste
THE GOOD SHEPHERD Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie
Recipe Adapted grilledcheesesocial.com image Anna Shepulova/Shutterstock
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taste
Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie The crowning glory in shepherd’s pie is normally mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are high in carbs so in this version we replace them with creamy cauliflower, a low-carb and equally delicious alternative!
INGREDIENTS
M ET H O D
° 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
Preheat oven to 400°.
° 1 cup goat cheese ° 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded °
1
⁄4 cup whole milk
° kosher salt, to taste ° black pepper, to taste ° 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ° 1 large onion, chopped
Add cauliflower to large pot of boiling water, cook until tender (about 10 minutes). Drain cauliflower, pressing out excess water with paper towels or clean towel – remove as much water as possible. Place drained cauliflower back in the pot and mash with a potato masher until no chunks remain. Add goat cheese and milk, season with salt and pepper and stir until creamy. Set aside. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion,
° 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
carrots and garlic, cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
° 2 cloves garlic, minced
Add thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire, and ground beef or
° 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
turkey. Cook until meat is no longer pink, drain any fat. Add flour to meat, stir to coat. Add peas and corn, cook until
°
1
⁄2 tsp. thyme
heated through. Add broth, stirring until thickened (about 5
°
1
⁄4 tsp. rosemary
minutes). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
° 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire
Place beef mixture in baking dish and top with cauliflower
° 1 cup sweet peas, drained
mixture, making sure the cauliflower mixture touches the
° 1 cup corn, drained
side of the baking dish to seal in the goodness underneath.
° 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour °
2
⁄3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Top with parmesan cheese. Bake 20 minutes – until most of the liquid is absorbed and cauliflower and the parmesan cheese is golden brown. Serve hot! Tip: This dish can be prepared and baked in a cast iron skillet.
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taste
Y K A SH K C O R M A SH Recipe adapted The Blonde Cook image Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
ingredients ° 2 oz. vanilla vodka ° 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream ° 2 oz. Crème de Menthe (use green version if possible) ° 6 cups vanilla ice cream ° 1 oz. milk ° green food coloring if needed for more color ° Garnish options: whipping cream, maraschino cherries, sprinkles
method In a blender, add vodka, Baileys Irish Cream, Crème de Menthe, milk, and food coloring (if using), pulse to combine. Add ice cream and pulse until consistency of choice. Pour into glass, add a scoop of ice cream and garnish as desired.
Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.
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fiction
Lucky Me words Sarah Phillips-Burger image Africa Studio/Shutterstock
K
Kelly woke that morning, as she did most days, to the quiet
brew. The aroma already filled the air and she ate a banana
chime of the alarm on her phone, which she kept tucked
nut muffin with her first cup. She filled a travel mug and
under her pillow. She always rose before her husband,
grabbed her purse, whispering “I love you� in the general
Mark, and in an attempt to not wake him, she tried to stay
direction of her family before heading out the door.
as quiet as possible. She stood, her feet aching in protest, and made her way to the bathroom. After showering, she
It was early, only 6 a.m. Most of the neighborhood was
put on her mauve scrubs and Nikes and applied a little
probably still in bed. Kelly loved this time of the morning.
mascara before twisting her long brown hair into a bun.
The dark, deserted streets made the drive peaceful and
She gave herself one more glance before pinning on her
helped set the tone for her day. Plus, she was off in the
badge and turning off the light.
afternoons which allowed her to pick her girls up from school and help them with their homework, which was
In the kitchen, she silently thanked her husband again for
important to her. As she turned off her street, she took a
their new coffee maker. Not since Christmas had she come
sip of her coffee and turned on the radio.
downstairs and had to impatiently wait for the coffee to
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fiction
“One of the biggest lottery jackpots in history could go
After a trip to the bathroom, she helped Beatrice brush
to a lucky winner tonight. Over 750 million dollars are up
her teeth and hair, and then change into her day outfit,
for grabs, folks! What would you do if you won that kind
taking special care to move slowly with the woman’s frail
of money?”
body. “Would you like to eat breakfast in the dining hall this morning, or would you rather I bring your tray in here
Kelly changed the stations a few times, not finding anything
for you? I think they have oatmeal and bacon. Those are
she wanted to listen to before turning it off again. Light
your favorites.”
after light was green, and she arrived at the nursing home a few minutes before she was expected, so she took the
Beatrice took her time contemplating this and ultimately
extra time to text her husband.
decided to walk to the dining room. After placing her meal in front of her, Kelly headed off to another patient’s suite.
I love you. Have a wonderful day. Dinner and a movie
This ritual was completed three more times, with more or
tonight! So glad it’s Friday. xo
less the same result.
Kelly entered the red brick building and scanned her badge
There, among the clinks of silverware, the scooting of
at the check-in station. “Morning,” she said to Melissa,
chairs and the quiet shuffles of slow feet, she overheard
her fellow caregiver.
morning TV show hosts talking about the lottery, which seemed to be the biggest news of the day. “If I win, you’ll
“Hey, girl! How did it go last night?” asked the woman in
know it because I won’t be here tomorrow,” one host said
between bites of a chocolate donut.
with a laugh.
“Actually, it wasn’t bad for a high school concert.
Kelly continued with her work, cleaning the suites and
Savannah said that her clarinet squeaked, but I didn’t
making the beds. By the time she was done, it was
notice anything,” she replied after putting her purse in
lunchtime and the ritual started again. She looked at the
her cubby. “How were things here?”
charts and noticed that Mr. Giles did not eat his breakfast, so she took his meal to him last. Ham, mashed potatoes
“Quiet. Mr. Henderson got up a few times, as usual. But I
with gravy and cornbread filled his plate along with her
think everyone else slept okay.”
turkey sandwich. She sat next to him, feeding him bite after bite in between mouthfuls of her own lunch while
Kelly checked the last notations made in each chart and
Gunsmoke played quietly on the TV above them. They
then headed off to start the day. “Let Margaret know,
talked about the show and the food, him calling her by his
when she gets in, that I’ll be in with Miss Beatrice.”
daughter’s name throughout the conversation.
She opened the door labeled ‘B. Sims’ and turned on the
She made a few notes in the charts for the weekend staff
small bedside lamp. She erased Melissa’s name from the
and said her goodbyes. But before she left, she popped
whiteboard by the TV and wrote her own.
her head into Beatrice’s room and found her sitting in a chair, rubbing her hands together, the soft rustling of her
“Miss Bea,” she said, as she stroked the old woman’s arm.
dry skin sliding back and forth, the repetitive motion a
“Good morning, Miss Bea.” The old woman’s eyelids parted,
sign of anxiety. Kelly knelt in front of her with a bottle of
the wrinkly skin folding and creasing multiple times, revealing
lotion, making eye contact. “Hi, Miss Bea. Would you like
eyes the color of a lagoon. The look she gave Kelly was always
some lotion on your hands?”
one of confusion, sprinkled with curiosity. It was the same look all of the patients at the memory center gave her. Soon
Blue eyes watched cautiously as Kelly took the fragile hands
enough, her mind resigned to trust Kelly, and with the most
into hers and began to gently massage the lotion into her
subtle blink of agreement, Beatrice sat up in her bed.
dry skin, taking special care around the purple blotches
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fiction
and tight knuckles. Beatrice’s breathing slowed and she
cradling the other toppings. They ate piece after piece
began to look a bit drowsy with relief; Kelly knew the fear
standing around the island in the kitchen. Maddie chatted
had subsided. She felt a gentle squeeze to her own hand
away as usual as she reeled in long strings of cheese to
that said, “Thank you, I’m okay now,” but when she gazed
her mouth like a fishing line. Savannah took pictures of
again into the woman’s eyes, there was no response.
the pizza and texted, but must have been paying attention to the conversations around her because her eyes rolled at
Later, on the way to the elementary school, she stopped to
every one of her dad’s jokes.
buy gas, standing in line with two others, both of whom were buying lottery tickets. She handed the cashier a
It was Maddie’s turn to pick out the movie, and for the
twenty-dollar bill. “Pump 7, please.”
next couple of hours they sat on their giant sofa, bowls of popcorn between them as they watched WALL-E and EVE
“No lottery ticket?” the man asked with a grin.
fall in love. Kelly noticed halfway through that Savannah had put down her phone and was just as engrossed in
Kelly shook her head, “Just gas today, thanks.”
the story as her sister, who laughed as though she hadn’t watched the movie a hundred times before.
Once in the back seat, her younger daughter, Maddie, talked nonstop about her day, flooding the car with details
She then looked at Mark, his face lit up by the TV, the
of what she ate, what she did on the playground, which
grey hairs at his temples framing his gorgeous, familiar
boy liked which girl, the book she picked out at the library.
eyes. She ran her hand down his arm and laced her fingers
Savannah was huddled in a group of her friends when they
through his before resting her head on his shoulder.
arrived at the high school, turning and waving goodbye to them as she got in the passenger seat. “How was your
“Your mom squeezed my hand today,” Kelly told Mark
day?” Kelly asked.
later as she climbed into bed. “She hasn’t done that in a long time.”
“Good,” Savannah replied before putting in her earbuds and taking another selfie. Kelly pulled away, smiling
“I’m so glad she has you,” Mark replied. “Thank you for
and shaking her head at the contrast between her two
looking after her like you do.”
daughters, before she noticed a man standing on the corner, holding a sign indicating that he would work for
They lay next to each other while the news recounted the
food. She saw someone at that particular intersection
day’s events.
most days, rain or shine, and they always reminded her to be grateful for what she had.
“Next up, we will have tonight’s drawing for the Mega Millions Jackpot, so get your numbers ready,” the
She turned the radio channel again as she drove towards
co-anchor announced with a smile.
home, landing on Fleetwood Mac’s Gypsy, one of her favorites. “Can you turn it up?” Savannah asked, removing
Kelly brought up the remote and pressed the off button,
her earbuds.
leaving the room in complete darkness.
She did and the music filled her car, the notes dancing
“You don’t want to find out if you’ve hit the jackpot?”
around them as Savannah started to sing with her mother.
Mark teased with a squeeze of her waist.
Maddie joined them while she gazed out the window, her voice louder during the chorus, which she knew best.
Kelly thought briefly about her day and about those around
Lightning strikes, maybe once, maybe twice, they all sang
her that she loved so much. She nestled even closer to her
as Kelly beamed with joy, loving her two young gypsies.
husband. “I believe I already have.”
That evening Mark made pizza, the gooey mozzarella DOSOUTHMAGAZINE.COM
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LOCALLY OWNED GUIDE
Live. Love. Local. Welcome to our 5th Annual Locally Owned Guide! On the pages that follow, we’ll introduce you to locally owned businesses right here at home. These business owners are our neighbors, our friends, who are committed to our community
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and work tirelessly to make it an even better place to live. We encourage you to learn more about what they have to offer and their connection to our community. At Do South ® we strive to keep you connected the people and places that make our community so great. Thank you for shopping local, it means so much to the families that own these businesses, our local economy, and the community we all cherish.
Choose 4 Corks, Fort Smith's newest stop for spirits, vino and brew, for all your entertaining and gift giving needs. We offer a large selection of wines in all price ranges and welcome everyone to browse the area's best wine cellar featuring wines from around the world. We also carry a vast variety of ever-popular craft beers along with all the popular beer brands. You’ll also find your liquors, liqueurs and brandies. Enjoy the experience for yourself at 4 Corks, Fort Smith's newest and finest liquor store!
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8000 S. Zero St, Fort Smith, Arkansas Find us on Facebook 479.310.8444
7101 US-271, Fort Smith, Arkansas allisonsalesonline.com 479.649.9989 Allison Sales Flooring and Glass has been operating in Fort Smith since 1925. Owner Vincent Allison is third generation and the manager, Chase Allison, is fourth generation! Allison Sales is a full-service flooring company that can handle floor removal, design, installation, residential, and commercial. We import the majority of our tile from Italy and Spain, for one-of-a-kind, unique styles. Our in-stock selections include dozens of vinyl, carpet, and mosaic options. The showroom is open 8-5 Monday thru Friday and Saturday 9-noon. Come see us at 7101 Highway 271 South, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. We can’t wait to serve you!
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LOCALLY OWNED GUIDE
ARKANSAS GLASS & MIRROR CO.
1316 South Zero, Fort Smith, Arkansas arkansasglassandmirror.com 479.646.4300
8101 McClure Drive #101, Fort Smith, Arkansas arveinandskincare.com 479.484.7100 Dr. Norma Basinger Smith has been serving the Fort Smith
We've been serving the glass and glazing needs of our
community for over twenty years, practicing obstetrics and
community since 1964. Our quality workmanship and
gynecology from 1998 to 2012 and Phlebology (venous
attention to detail is second to none and keeps our
and lymphatic medicine) since 2006. Dr. Smith treats
customers coming back for value they can trust. We
patients suffering from varicose vein disease and venous
offer advanced glass, mirror and glazing products. We
ulcers, creating individualized treatment plans based on
also service aluminum doors, provide hinges, locks, door
ultrasound studies performed by her specially trained and
closers and handles. Commercially, we specialize in glass
licensed staff who are accredited by IAC as a peripheral
installation and repair, including hardware, storefronts,
vascular lab. Treatments include laser ablation, chemical
curtain walls, and much more. Residentially, we can
ablation, sclerotherapy and phlebectomy. Supporting this
make your home stand out with custom shower and tub
care is Therese Jenkins, PA-C. Dr. Smith’s aesthetic practice
enclosures, glass walls, mirrors and windows. We look
features Janet Newman, RN and Therese Jenkins, PA-C.
forward to serving you!
Services include Botox, dermal fillers, light and laser skin
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care and intimate wellness procedures diVa and O-shot.
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3215 S. 74th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas theshopsatbrickcity.com 479.434.5858 The Shops at BrickCity now has authentic, high-quality
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vintage businesses in its shopping center! You can now find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, curated vintage clothing, period furniture, and refurbished vintage furniture in the City. Your one-stop-shop for small businesses can now be your vintage destination as well! Stop by and experience these specialty vintage shops located inside BrickCity: Arkie Vintage Boutique: One-of-a-kind vintage for the romantic soul, Just Simply Vintage: For the vintage-inspired lifestyle, and Theo Nouveau Vintage: Eclectic Maximalism. Sustainable Style. Find us on Instagram and Facebook! Keep shopping small in a BIG way!
6121 South Zero, Fort Smith, Arkansas 725 South 48th Street, Springdale, Arkansas burtonpools.com 479.648.3483 / 479.756.5511 What other product can bring a family together, turn special moments into lasting memories, offer good, clean fun for years to come, and improve your health, all without leaving the comfort of your own backyard? We all know the family that spends thousands of dollars on family vacations that require months of planning, but then they are over in the blink of an eye. Invest in a swimming pool to provide those moments of family fun, and you'll never need to go anywhere else. Call Burton Pools and Spas today – we are your source for backyard fun!
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2401 S. 56th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas calicocounty.net 479.452.3299
4300 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas centerforhearing.net 479.785.3277
We serve traditional American food at affordable prices in an atmosphere full of American memories! Calico County was
My name is Dr. Kelly Linton, and to me, local ownership
built on the concept that traditional American foods never
of a private practice clinic ensures that I have control over
go out of style and we serve cooked-from-scratch recipes
important decisions that directly affect my employees and
in ample portions, so you won’t have to ask for a second
our patients. For our patients, it allows us to choose only
helping! We offer catering for your outdoor gatherings as
cutting-edge technology in the hearing industry based on
well as catering for your holiday dinners. You can even give
the person's specific needs, not based on a national sales
the gift of home cookin’ with our Calico County gift cards.
average. For my employees, it allows us to sit together,
We are proud to say we've been serving you breakfast,
pray together and resolve problems with collaborative input
lunch and dinner since 1984, and we look forward to many
where everyone feels valued.
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more years to come!
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12100 Highway 71 South, Fort Smith, Arkansas ingoodspiritsfs.com 479.434.6604
For over forty years we’ve offered local sales and service with
Let the good times flow with In Good Spirits! Since opening
a hometown smile! We specialize in top of the line sewing,
in 2008, we have redefined the standard for liquor stores
embroidery, serger and quilting machines at competitive
in Fort Smith and throughout the Arkansas area. We are
prices. An authorized dealer for brands such as Husqvarna-
the only store in Arkansas that features a climate-controlled
Viking, Brother and Singer, we also sell sewing cabinets and
wine cellar to keep our premium wines at the perfect
tables! Looking for that hard to find part? Come see us! We
temperature! We also offer exclusive tastings for new
carry previously owned machines, various parts, and notions
products and a large selection of fine cigars. Looking for a
to optimize your projects. We have experienced repair
premium spirit? We have those too. At In Good Spirits, if we
technicians and provide a 1-Year "In-House" labor warranty,
don't have what you're looking for in stock, we’ll order it!
FREE cleaning within the first year and FREE lessons when you
When you need the best, you need In Good Spirits!
purchase from us! THAT is the service that sets us apart – we look forward to serving all of your creative needs!
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1401 South Waldron Road Ste. 104, Fort Smith, Arkansas sewtown.com/central-sewing-center 479.452.3256
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My goal with every session is to capture the beauty and wonder in life. I’m waiting for mom to forget about the kids’ hair and sink back into the moment or for dad to break his “smolder” and really smile. I’m watching for the breathlessness of newlyweds rushing up the aisle and into their future or the look of pure love on big sister’s face when she holds “her” baby for the first time. I want to capture the intimate glance exchanged by a couple in love and the sweet glow that radiates from expectant parents. My hope is that every client can look at the moments I've captured and cherish them for generations to come.
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jadegravesphotography.com 479.996.5199
1719 S. Greenwood Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas jowaite.com 479.262.6232 Celebrating seventeen years in business! From humble beginnings to a fully innovative design firm and construction company, we are truly grateful to serve our clients and businesses. I am deeply passionate about design and creating spaces that provide my clients the atmosphere to live their best lives. We offer a unique home & gift store as well as a design studio featuring one-of-a-kind gifts, unique décor, lighting, wallpaper, upholstery and designer fabrics. There have been many trials and triumphs, and many laughs too, along our journey and we are looking forward to all the future has to offer as we evolve and change to bring the latest design elements to our area!
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Kuk Sool Won of the River Valley has been providing River
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5622 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas johnmaysjewelers.com 479.452.2140
3112 Cavanaugh Rd, Fort Smith, Arkansas kswoftherivervalley.com 479.649.3542 Valley families with high quality martial arts instruction for over fifteen years! Our age specific programs allow for
Spring is here, and love is in the air! Now is a great time
an optimal learning environment for men, women, and
to get your jewelry cleaned and checked so it sparkles for
children. Look great and feel great with our adult combative
all your upcoming events. It's also a great time to get those
fitness training program! Gain confidence, strength, and
timepieces checked to make sure they are good to go for your
cardiovascular endurance all while learning practical self-
spring break adventure, and you don't wake up with a foggy
defense skills. With over sixty years of teaching experience,
watch crystal. Be sure to pay attention to upcoming ads in Do
our instructors are trained to ensure that students get the
South® as we have some fun events and shows coming up
most out of their martial arts training. Our 10,000 square
that you won't want to miss!
foot climate-controlled facility is another of the many reasons we were voted the River Valley’s top martial arts school two years in a row!
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TOP 10 REASONS TO BE LOYAL TO LOCAL It Strengthens Local Economy Keeps Jobs Local Invests in Our Community Let's You Buy What You Need, Not the Hype Puts Your Taxes to Good Use Encourages Local Prosperity Promotes Local Products Raises Hometown Pride Helps Social Connections Boosts Entrepreneurship
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2308 Fayetteville Road, Van Buren, Arkansas Find them on Facebook 479.670.4730
416 N. 10th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas martinshvac.com 479.785.4444
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Martin’s Heating & Air was established in 2005 by Buford Lil’ Bit of Sass Boutique was established in 2018 by Karen
and Kim Martin. We provide quality heating & air products
White. Karen's ultimate goal in opening her business was to
with “Out of this World” customer service at the best value
offer quality boutique style clothing at a fraction of boutique
for your money. Our mission is to provide a comfortable,
prices. Here at Lil’ Bit of Sass you are sure to get personal
safe, and healthy home for your family. We are committed
attention from either Mrs. Karen, Michaela or Shelly! Some
to our local community by participating in several events
of the best benefits of shopping local is that our staff knows
throughout the year. We have given away new systems to
you by name and that they want to know how the ballgame,
well-deserved families through our “Love is in the Air” and
pageant or last vacation went. Shopping in our store will also
“Feel the Love” campaigns. In 2019, we donated to three
help you get just the right fit in the perfect style for your
local charities through our “Out of this World” Kindness
child or grandchild. So, stop by and see us soon, we'd love
campaign. We were voted the 2019 Best of the Best Heating
to meet you!
& Air Company. Thank you, Fort Smith!
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3700 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas the-mower-shop-inc.com 479.646.5102 The Mower Shop was established in 1986 on Towson Avenue
1300 Knoxville St., Ste. 2, Fort Smith, Arkansas mrrooter.com/greater-fort-smith 479.262.6261
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in Fort Smith. And today, we continue to be a full-service outdoor power equipment dealer with parts and factory-
We are proud to be Veteran-owned and have been local
trained service on site. In 1999, we went online to provide
and family-operated since 2008 in Fort Smith. We offer
Grasshopper owners nationwide, a fast, reliable source of
drain cleaning services, as well as a wide variety of skilled
O.E.M. parts shipped right to their door. Our annual open
plumbing repairs by licensed technicians. We know that you
house is our only sale of the year with huge savings on
need to be able to trust the person that you welcome into
Grasshopper Zero Turns, Stihl, and Honda Power Equipment.
your home. That’s why we send a text with a photo of your
Landscapers and homeowners alike take advantage of
en-route technician so that you know who’s on the way. We
discounts on parts, oil, trimmer line and all accessories. Save
also background check and drug test all of our technicians.
money and experience the difference of purchasing your
We are proud to stand behind our work with a “No Quibble”
lawn equipment from a real servicing dealer!
guarantee. No job is too big, too small or too stinky for us!
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424 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas ribroom.com 479.494.RIBS (7427) Neumeier’s Rib Room and Beer Garden is Downtown Fort Smith's original rock ‘n roll rib joint! We’ve been voted attention to each plate that leaves our kitchen. All of our sides are homemade and are prepared daily in small batches to guarantee freshness. Come try our award-winning ribs, chicken, pulled pork and brisket. You can get it wet, dry, muddy, dirty or plain. Your server can tell you all about it. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday with live music on the patio (weather permitting). Call today and ask about catering and private parties.
Cosmetic procedures and affordable, high-quality skin care products can provide you the confidence boost you need to face life's challenges and changes. With affordable pricing and the expertise of Dr. Ann Passmore, you'll be ready to confront the job market, your next blind date, or whatever is on your horizon. Call for an appointment and learn about surgical and nonsurgical options for every face, body, and budget.
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best ribs in Fort Smith several years in a row. We pay great
Ann K. Passmore, M.D. / F.A.C.S. 2717 South 74th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas passmoreplasticsurgery.com 479.573.3799
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LOCALLY OWNED GUIDE
LOCALLY OWNED GUIDE
508 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas papaspub.com 479.783.9941 Thanks to our loyal fans, Papa’s Pub continues to win awards serving up good times and the best darn pizza this area has ever had! Located in the heart of Downtown Fort Smith, we’ve been servin’ it up “Papa’s Style” since 1996. Papa’s is the perfect place to watch the game, relax on the patio, or play billiards and shuffleboard. Come see us for daily happy hour food and drink specials. Come hang out and see why we say, “A great pub and a great pie...what else do you need?”
Whether it’s a routine checkup or an after-hours injury or illness, Dr. Josh Wilkinson has designed Premier Pediatrics to meet the needs of pediatric patients in the River Valley. The approximately six thousand square foot clinic includes separate waiting rooms for urgent care and primary care, thirteen exam rooms, and in-office lab and x-ray. It’s uniquely designed to be a fun and welcoming environment for infants, children and teens. Dr. Wilkinson has been practicing in Fort Smith since 2009. He opened Premier Pediatrics in July 2019 and welcomes both new and existing patients to Premier Pediatrics Primary Care. There is also urgent care available for any pediatric patient who needs it on nights and weekends.
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for Fort Smith's Best Pizza and Bar! We are dedicated to
5901B Riley Park Drive, Fort Smith, Arkansas premierpediatricsfs.com 479.763.3050
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at Chaffee Crossing
2801 Old Greenwood Rd., Ste.2 Fort Smith, Arkansas 479.434.5680 Raw Beauty Salon and Spa was established in 2019 by Madison Casteel. Mady’s ultimate goal in opening her business was to provide a non-toxic organic experience for her clients and for our environment. Because we absorb up to sixty percent of the substances we apply to our skin, Raw Beauty strives to offer skincare products that are safe and natural, rather than those containing harsh chemicals. Our services include brows, lashes, brow lamination, lash lift and tint, facials, sugaring, spray tans, waxing, hair care and makeup. Schedule your appointment with us so that we can pamper you and help you indulge in healthier
9505 Chad Colley Blvd, Fort Smith, Arkansas meadows.properties 479.222.6322
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THERESERVE
Phase IV coming soon! The Reserve at Chaffee Crossing will be adding townhomes in Phase IV. Our townhomes will offer one and two-bedroom floorplans with single car garages, all in close proximity to bike and walking trails, Janet Huckabee Nature Center, Wells Lake, the airport, restaurants and shopping! Townhome residents will be able to enjoy all of the amenities offered at The Reserve including a fitness center, movie theater, and storage units with 24-hour security gate access. We are looking forward to the new addition on our property with completion set tentatively for early 2021. Follow our progress on Facebook at thereserveatchaffeecrossing and call today to schedule a tour of our amazing properties!
options of self-care!
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314 Lexington Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas salonelements.com 479.649.3435 My name is Marcie Comstock and I am passionate about what I do at Salon Elements! Our goal is to have every person who sits in our chairs not only look great, but also feel great about themselves! Certified in top-quality extensions and hair replacement options, Salon Elements is a regional support salon for Wigs for Kids, and we stand ready to help those affected by alopecia, cancer, and Trichotillomania. We offer a variety of solutions designed to instill confidence in both children and adults – before, during and after some of the most difficult times of their life. Everyone has a different story and wants a different look. We are honored to help
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them accomplish their dream!
timmayshomebuilder.com 479.629.6565 Dedicated to building fine, quality homes in the Fort Smith area for more than sixty years, Mays construction company was founded in 1958 by J.L. Mays and Larry Mays, Tim's grandfather and father. Tim has built over three hundred homes ranging from $130K to over $900K since taking over the business in 2002. Tim’s oldest son, Colten, joined the business and Tim is excited that this family business will continue on through a fourth generation. The excellent reputation of the Mays family is proof that hard work and pride are present in every home they build. If you’re looking for a quality house that you and your family can call home, call Tim Mays Homebuilder!
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LOCALLY OWNED GUIDE
2101 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 808 South Broadway, Poteau, Oklahoma udoujorthodontics.com 479.782.3021 / 918.647.7272 We love our hometown and have for generations. The Udouj family is rooted in Fort Smith! Our patients love that we have often treated their parents and even their grandparents, so we've established trusting relationships. As a locally owned business, we are deeply involved in the success of our community, and we strive to offer our time, treasure and talents to see that “Life IS worth living in Fort Smith, Arkansas!”
5501 Phoenix Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas uncorkthefort.com 479.434.5000 Uncork’d embodies a unique, local restaurant/bar concept unlike any other in our region! Featuring stunning wood décor, an enormous wine barrel ceiling, forty craft beer taps, a wall of self-serve wine machines, a bourbon tap, outdoor patio, cigar room, live music, and delicious entrées & desserts, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. From casual evenings on the patio relaxing by the fire, to date nights, or watching your favorite sports teams, the atmosphere is always far from ordinary. Uncork’d is also the place for birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, bridal showers, reunions and wedding receptions. Follow us on Facebook to learn about our wine dinners, bourbon
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tastings, and Saturday brunch.
Read Chair Publishing, LLC 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 20-110 Fort Smith, AR 72903