The Springs Magazine • December 2023 • 2 In a heartwarming partnership with Pocket Community Theatre, The Springs Magazine is thrilled to present an exclusive cover photo for its December issue, featuring none other than the iconic duo, Santa and Elf, from the upcoming production of “Elf: The Musical.” Attendees of a recent fundraiser for Pocket Community Theatre were treated to a delightful sneak preview of “Elf.” The enchanting performance left us in high spirits, and we couldn’t resist the idea of capturing the magic for our readers. “Ho! Ho! Ho!” we chortled as we envisioned the possibility of Santa and Elf gracing the cover of our December issue. Much to our joy, the powers that be agreed, and Santa and Elf’s agents were on board to approve this exclusive cover photo. The cover, a visual treat, not only spreads festive cheer but also serves as an open invitation for our readers to embark on a magical sleigh ride to Ramble Street to experience the enchantment of “Elf: The Musical” for yourselves. Pocket Community Theatre has been a cornerstone of the arts scene in Hot Springs for over 30 years. Committed to delivering exceptional theatrical experiences, the theatre continues to be a hub for creativity, talent, and community engagement. As we end our 31st year, we’d like to say a heartfelt “Thank You” to all the fine folks on our team who contributed in so many ways to help us capture the essence of our vibrant community in all these years! About the Cover Photo . . . “Elf: The Musical” Photo by Charlie Devine • Layout by Richard Stephens
3 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 According to Buddy the Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” That’s exactly what The Pocket Community Theatre plans to do with their next production Elf: The Musical opening Thursday, November 30 with eight performances. This hilarious fish-out-of-water holiday comedy follows a very human Buddy on his quest to New York City to find his true identity apart from the elves he’s always known at Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole. Director Tami Kendall is excited to finally bring Elf: The Musical to the stage; it was originally scheduled for performance in December 2020. It’s one of her favorites because it always makes her laugh. “I want everyone to come and have fun and laugh,” she said. The mission at The Pocket Community Theatre is to stimulate, promote, educate, and develop interest in the dramatic arts. Many people in our community can truthfully say they have grown up at The Pocket. Elf: The Musical provides ample opportunity for young talent and seasoned veterans. “Nobody came close to Levi for the part of Buddy,” Tami declared. Levi Wilson has performed in several Pocket productions including The Music Man, Glass Menagerie, and Forever Plaid. “But the Ensemble is just as important. They are on stage nearly the whole time and carry the story forward with wonderful costumes and amazing dance numbers.” Tami and assisting choreographers Allison Callaway and Lilie Lim started dance workshops back in June before auditions. To order tickets, call 501-623-8585 or go online to pockettheatre.com. Performance dates are: Thursday: November 30 & December 7. Sunday: December 3 & 10 The Pocket Community Theatre has been a part of the Hot Springs, landscape for over 30 years, incorporating as a non-profit 501(c)(3) in 1996. In 2005, the Ramble Street Elementary School auditorium at 170 Ravine Street became their permanent home. Check them out on Facebook or online at pockettheatre.com. And remember, “Treat every day like Christmas”…it’s the code of the Elves! “Treat Every Day Like Christmas” The cast of “Elf: The Musical” puts on a delightful performance at Pocket Theatre.
The Springs Magazine • December 2023 • 4 Renowned artist John Faginkrantz is set to breathe new life into the historic district with the imminent opening of Vapor Valley Gallery & Studios at 121 Grove Street. Faginkrantz has completely renovated a historical inn that was once listed in the Historical Green Book of Hot Springs National Park. Faginkrantz's vision goes beyond the conventional gallery experience. Founder of the original Whittington Art Gallery, he has the experience and passion that turns neglected buildings into dynamic spaces dedicated to nurturing artistic talent. Vapor Valley Gallery & Studios is a testament to Faginkrantz's commitment to supporting artists. Taking ownership of the neglected "Rest a While Inn" building in the heart of Hot Springs, his vision has infused it with renewed energy, creating a hub for expression, creativity, and community engagement. Faginkrantz's passion for art and artists takes center stage as Vapor Valley Studios distinguishes itself from traditional galleries. The artist-friendly approach involves charging only a modest monthly fee, eschewing the standard commission model. This commitment to empowering artists aligns with Faginkrantz's belief that the focus should be on the artist's work, not the gallery's profits. The gallery is poised to open its doors by the end of the year, offering a refreshing perspective on the intersection of art and community in Downtown Hot Springs, inviting art enthusiasts and the local community alike, to witness the transformation and celebrate the launch of a space where creativity knows no bounds. For updates on gallery news, visit Facebook: Vapor Valley Gallery & Studios. Local Artist’s Vision For an Art Gallery Becomes a Reality Artist John Faginkrantz is one of 25 artists to exhibit at Valley Vapor Gallery & Studios. Win Prizes in the Ugly Holiday Top Contest The Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance (HSACA) is hosting an Ugly Holiday Top contest from 5 PM – 9 PM, during the December 1, Gallery Walk. Participants are invited to sport their ugliest Holiday-themed top to win a prize in one of two categories: the "Most Ugliest'' or the "Discernibly DIY Artistry." To enter the contest, stop by the HSACA tent located on Central Avenue in the city parking lot near 800 Central (across from The Vault); judges will score the entry, and pictures of each entry will be posted to the HSACA Facebook page; winners will be announced after all scores have been tallied. The "Most Ugliest" winner will receive a $50 gift certificate redeemable at one of several participating Hot Springs galleries. The "Discernibly DIY Artistry" winner will receive a one-of-a-kind ugly ornament hand-crafted by Hot Springs' artist Lori Arnold. When asked why it is a Holiday top contest, not a holiday sweater contest, HSACA Program Director Liz Colgrove said, "December in Arkansas does not guarantee sweater weather, and there is always a chance participants will need to decorate a raincoat. So, no matter what season shows up on December 1st, Gallery Walk will be the ugliest place to be." The Ugly Holiday Top contest is hosted by the Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance, a registered nonprofit, in collaboration with artist Lori Arnold, and participating local galleries. For a list of participating galleries, visit HotSpringsArts. org or Facebook: Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance. Show up with your Ugly Holiday Top for a chance to win $50 or THIS!
5 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 DECEMBER ART MATTERS • GALLERY WALK #412 Friday • DEC 1 • 5-9 PM • Visit HotSpringsArts.org for art news Gallery Walk, an arts community-sponsored event, takes place the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. Downtown galleries and businesses open their doors for an evening of art, music, fun, and refreshments. This December marks over 34 years (412 recordbreaking consecutive months!) the galleries have collaborated in hosting Gallery Walk. There is something for everyone at Gallery Walk, from paintings and sculptures to pottery and jewelry. Share your holiday cheer by visiting the galleries and enjoying the festivities. The Springs Magazine Team wishes you the very best of holidays and a Happy and healthy New Year! AMERICAN ART GALLERY 724 Central • 501-624-0550 Featured artists are Jimmy Leach, Susan H Washington, and Adam Hooker. Southwest Jewelry by Ernie Bolieu and SW jewelers. Virgil Barksdale, Daniel Zero to Infinity wood turnings, Valerie HanksGoetz horsetail pottery, & many Christmas hand-made items. 20% off Gourds by Rick Carter during Gallery Walk. Mon-Sat, 10-4 PM. ARTISTS’ WORKSHOP GALLERY 610A Central • 501-623-6401 • ArtistsWorkshopGallery.com Featured artists are Jerry Matusky and David Malcolm Rose. Miniature artists are Jennifer Wheeler-Peterson and Linda Fletcher. Jessieville is the featured high school. Charlie Mink will entertain at Gallery Walk. Open 10–5. Sun, 12–5. Closed Tues. COLLECTIVE ARTS GALLERY 620 Central Avenue, Ste 2B • Second Floor • 501-318-1600 60 artists form Collective Arts Gallery. Climb the beautiful spiral staircase to the 2nd floor & welcome the artists to their new home. Paintings, jewelry, sculptures, cards, glasswork, pottery, and more. Wed-Sat 10 AM-4 PM. Sun Noon-4 PM. DRYDEN ART POTTERY STUDIO/GALLERY 341 Whittington • 501-623-4201 • DrydenPottery.com Four generations of artistry! Since 1946 our in-house formulated glazes & custom-blended clay combine to create a finished quality that is easily recognizable as “Dryden.” M-Sat 10-3 PM. Daily free pottery wheel demos M-F, 10-11 AM. All day Sat. EMERGENT ARTS 341A Whittington • 501-655-0836 • emergentarts.org Winter Wonderland Tree Competition and Canned Food Drive. Join us at Gallery Walk from 5 PM – 8 PM for the opening reception for our annual Winter Wonderland art tree competition and canned food drive to benefit Project Hope Food Bank. The show will be open through December. Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat Noon – 5 PM. JUSTUS FINE ART GALLERY 827A Central • 501-321-2335 • JustusFineArt.com The Holiday Exhibit features work by Mark Blaney, Donnie Copeland, Randall Good, Robyn Horn, Dolores Justus, Dennis McCann, Linda Palmer, Tony Saladino, Sandra Sell, Gene Sparling, Michael Warrick, and Adrian Deckbar. Exhibit dates: Dec. 1 - 31. 10 AM–5 PM, Wed-Sat, & by appointment. TRADITIONAL ART GUILD [email protected] • FB: Traditional Art Guild Visit TAG’s Gallery at HS Airport. TAG is a place to network within the larger creative community. Attend their public meetings every 3rd Thursday. Facebook: Traditional Art Guild. Next meeting Dec. 21, 9:30 AM-Noon at GCLibrary. VAPOR VALLEY GALLERY & STUDIOS 121 Grove Street • FB: Vapor Valley Gallery & Studios Recently renovated by John Fagankrantz, Vapor Valley is the newest art gallery in downtown Hot Springs. Featuring 25 local artists, located in the Historical Rest a While Inn. Check Facebook for their opening date and hours then come enjoy the cozy atmosphere and impressive variety of art this gallery has to offer.
The Springs Magazine • December 2023 • 6 Maxwell Blade’s Theatre of Magic Magic & comedy for the whole family Robo World Coffee shop & arcade Justus Fine Art Gallery Established & emerging artists Run Stop Specialty running merchandise Deluca’s Pizzeria Napoletana Authentic NY brick oven pizza Rebecca Peterman Photography Portraits photography Next Generation Tye-Dyes & Apparel Cotton clothes & bedding Picante’s Mexican Grill Authentic Mexican dishes Brick House Grill Steaks, burgers, salads and much more Steinhaus Keller German food & biergarten Outdoor seating Mirror Mirror Salon Beauty, cosmetics & personal care Gary Morris Interiors Unique décor, lamps and gifts A Narrow Escape Brain-teaser escape room. Ages 8 & up Subway Submarine sandwich shop Small’s Barbershop & Shave Parlor Cafe Kahlo Mexican Breakfast & brunch Destiny’s Bake Shop Breakfast, lunch, desserts, cakes Will’s Cinnamon Shop Homemade cinnamon rolls Central Cabaret & Nightclub Music, entertainment, event venue Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden Deadhead-Brauhaus Culture. Gin Joint 801 Spencer’s Corner Bathhouse Row 400 Block Central Ave Fat Jack’s Oyster & Sports Bar Great food, music. Pets OK on patio Kollective Coffee & Tea Organic & local for breakfast & lunch The Colonial Pancake & Waffle House Breakfast & brunch. Kringles & Kones Christmas-themed sweet shop Dapper and Debonaire Men’s grooming goods Rings ‘n’ Things Fun fashion jewelry Freedom United Salon Highly trained staff. Progressive work. The Villa Boutique Apparel, bath & body, linens, jewelry Colonial Candy Corner Retro & nostalgic candy, ice cream Kringles in the Park Christmas, seasonal, collectibles & gifts Faith & Flair Boutique Women’s boutique clothing The Springs Hotel & Spa Casual hotel and spa with 139 rooms Mountain Valley Spring Company Visitor Center/Museum. Full line of MV Water merchandise. Rolando’s Restaurante Latin American fare. Full bar & patio Savory Pantry Gourmet gift baskets & edible essentials Pancake Shop Serving breakfast exclusively. 3AM Gallery & Gifts Art gallery & gift shop Silver Coconut Collegiate, boutique baby items, & more Bathhouse Row Winery AR wine selections. Tastings daily Hot Springs Hemp Company Hemp oils and accessories Snazzies, Inc. Young, contemporary, funky boutique Beef Jerky Outlet Wall to wall jerky. Popcorn, sauces YOUR CBD STORE Alternative health services Arlington Hotel Historic hotel, largest hotel in AR Starbucks Coffee (Arlington) Arlington Beauty Salon (Arlington) Arlington Bathhouse/Spa (Arlington) Downtown Record & CDs (Arlington) Mamoo’s Paradice Cream Homemade ice cream. Uptown Market & Spirits Essentials from sunscreen to spirits Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum Journey through its 7 Magic Worlds Maharaja Boutique Embroidered dresses, sterling, t-shirts Chill & Go Handcrafted Ice Cream Rolled ice cream 4D Adventure Amazing 4D simulation Kilwins Since 1947, chocolates, ice cream & more Earthbound Trading Company Unique apparel, accessories & home decor The Buffalo Clothing Co. High quality men’s clothing & accessories Tombstone Old Time Photos Wild West, gangster portraits Thai-Me Spa Massage, nail, body, & skin services Argentinian Coffee & Wine Bar Argentinian delicacies, bar experience! Oxy-Zen Oxygen bar to restore, relax & revive! Hot Springs Hat Co. Hats for men and women Spa Souvenirs & Gifts Unique & locally made/designed items. The Ohio Club Oldest bar in AR. Great food & music The Avenue Upscale restaurant & bar in Waters Hotel The Waters Hotel Historic, boutique hotel, 62 rooms Gallery Central Gifts, clothing, & art Toy Chest Specialty toys, books, science kits, etc. It’s All About Rocks Rocks & unique merchandise EVILO Oils & Vinegars Delectable oils & vinegars, tastings daily Granny’s Kitchen Southern breakfast, lunch and dinner Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium Handcrafted locally-soap & bath luxuries National Park Gifts & Souvenirs HS best selection of souvenirs & gifts Villianess Alchemy Bath & beauty apotheclasses Superior Bathhouse Brewery Thermal springs brewery, restaurant & special event venue Hotel Hale Boutique hotel and restaurant Fordyce Bathhouse Nat’l Park Visitor Center & museum Quapaw Baths & Spa Thermal pools & baths, spa services Ozark Bathhouse Cultural center, open on weekends Buckstaff Baths Our only remaining traditional thermal bathing facility Lamar Bathhouse Bathhouse Row Emporium Lauray’s Jewelers Bridal, custom designs, & repairs Spa City Market Convenience store Wrapped Gift Boutique A gift for every occasion BubbaLu’s Bodacious Burgers Burgers, hot dogs & ice cream Stella Mae’s…Out of the Ordinary Retro inspired clothing JoJo and Jess Home, fashion & personal accessories Ginger’s Popcorn The best darn popcorn in the South! All Things Natural Bring home the wonder & beauty of nature National Park Duck Tours Land & water tours on Lake Hamilton The Glitzy Girls by Bear Necessities Upscale women’s boutique Renee’s Women’s apparel, jewelry & home décor Hot Springs Haunted Tours Facts, myths & legends of Hot Springs Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe As seen on CUPCAKE WARS! MacKenzie’s Extraordinary Gift Shoppe Unique boutique gifts & plush animals Pour Some Sugar on Me Sweet Shoppe Candy & delectable delights. Gangster Museum of America Guided tour of the HS gangster world Historic District Antiques Estate jewelry, lighting, glass, & furniture Petals, Purses, Etc. Handbags, women’s & children’s clothing Trail Mix Outdoor apparel & trail gear The Gift Gallery Unique gifts, home decor, & apparel Diablos Tacos and Mescal Urban tacos, tapas, drinks. Patio dining Hot Springs Internal Medicine Clinic Family internal medical clinic Artists’ Workshop Gallery Cooperative gallery with 30 local artists All Things Arkansas Products made in AR & relating to AR JubiTea Hot Springs Bubble tea, milk tea, smoothies US Post Office Beverly’s Casual Shop Women’s boutique DeSoto Rock & Gift Shop Locally crafted jewelry & minerals Hot Springs Visitor Center Tourist information center Maxine’s Live Live music, food, craft beer & drinks Hot Springs Trolley Tours Trolley tours. Special events. The Porterhouse Steak and Seafood Prime-only steaks and seafood cuisine Copper Penny Pub Irish pub, food, beer, big screen TVs Vault 723 Timeless Vault Dining Downtowner Marketplace Vendors in one location with home decor, boutiques and artisans Rocket Fizz Soda pop & candy shop American Art Gallery & Gifts Local, regional, national & int’l artists Joanna A. Boutique Women’s fashions & accessories The Humidor Cigar Lounge Capone’s Loft Vacation Rental Legacy Fine Art Gallery Artwork by local & int’l artists 500 Block Central Ave 600 Block Central Ave 700 Block Central Ave 800 Block Central Ave 100 Block Exchange CENTRAL CABARET-NIGHTCLUB 200 Block Central Ave 300 Block Central Ave BUBBALU’S BURGERS & DOGS 1000 Block Central Ave FREE PARKING 128 Exchange St Parking Deck PAI D PARKING 2 HR Meters on Central Ave STEINHAUS KELLER 100 Block Central Ave DOWNTOWNER JUSTUS ART GALLERY 900 Block Central Ave HOTEL HALE
7 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 Lazyone of Hot Springs is a new locally owned and operated pajama store. Lance and Kathy Merriott recently relocated to Hot Springs to open a pajama store that is all about better sleep and being environmentally conscious. When you wear high-quality, well-made pajamas, did you know it can improve your sleep? “We believe that pj's and matching family pajamas and sets should be as fun to wear as they are to sleep in. Whether you're looking for pj's, soft cloud robes, sink-into slippers, or anything seasonal, we got you covered,” stated co-owner Kathy Merriott. Their goal is to bring smiles and laughter to everyone. Lazyone not only carries pajamas but also has many other sleep items that are mood and personality-inspired, including soft collection blankets, long johns, flapjacks, drinkware, aprons, books, and stuffed animals for the kiddos. They also offer photo ops for Christmas and memorable vacation pictures. Come in soon and Lance and Kathy will help you find the perfect Christmas gift for your family, friends, and four-legged family members. Lazyone is located at 911 Central Avenue in Historic Downtown Hot Springs. Open Monday-Thursday, 10 AM-6 PM, Friday-Saturday, 9 AM-7 PM, Sunday, 11 AM-5 PM. For more information, visit Facebook: Lazyone of Hot Springs, or call 501-538-9080. Lazyone Carries Sleep Items for All Seasons You’ll find an extensive line of sleep items for any occasion at Lazyone. This holiday season the Hot Springs communities will have the opportunity of a rare treat. Two classical ballet stars will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company’s (HSCDTC) eleventh annual presentation of The Nutcracker. Deanna Karlheim Stanton will perform at LakePointe Church on November 24 and 25, and Alayna Wong will dance in the Woodlands Auditorium, in Hot Springs Village on December 1. Stanton has performed the leading role in the production many times since 2015. Wong is a more recent addition to the HSCDTC list of guest artists. Both artists are accomplished performers and bring their own grace and skills to the role. Deanna Stanton is currently in her eleventh season with Ballet Arkansas where she has danced in several principal roles. Alayna Wong is from Southern California. Wong danced with Oklahoma City Ballet for their 2018-2019 season and performed in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in Wonderland) and Robert Mills’ The Nutcracker. Tickets to The Nutcracker are $35 for preferred adult seating and $20 for preferred student seating (the first 4 rows of the theatre). General seating tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students, and $5 for children under 5 years of age. Tickets can be purchased at www.hscdtc.org. Children’s Dance Theatre Performs “The Nutcracker” Two classical ballet stars, (l) Deanna Stanton and (r) Alayna Wong, will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Springs Magazine • December 2023 • 8 Low Key Arts is pleased to announce the 17th annual Arkansas Shorts: A Weekend of Short Films, taking place Friday-Sunday January 5-7, 2024 at the Malco Theatre in Hot Springs. Now expanded to 3 days, the festival features short films from around the U.S. and beyond as well as panels with filmmakers, workshops, and afterparties. Rumor has it a special featurelength film may even have a secret premiere this January but that can’t be confirmed or denied until the next issue of The Springs! Everyone’s favorite way to start the new year, Arkansas Shorts as usual includes hand-picked selections from the many hundreds of entries it receives each year. It also acts as a showcase for Inception to Projection, Low Key Arts’ own yearround filmmaking program which happens right here in downtown Hot Springs.In 2023, it has produced more than 3 dozen short films and, in collaboration with Visit Hot Springs, a further eight commercials! Additionally, alumni of the program have been accepted into USC film school, screened at Cannes Developing Filmmakers Showcase in France, and at literally dozens of other festivals all over the world. Students unanimously credit Low Key Arts Film Program Director and Inception instructor, Jen Gerber, with being a mentor unlike any other. The successful completion and screening of a finished film by every student who has ever taken the class speaks for itself. The complete lineup of Arkansas Shorts: A Weekend of Short Films will be announced in December. For further information please see lowkeyarts.org. Arkansas Shorts 17th Season Screens at Malco Theatre Films, filmmakers, workshops, and after-parties are all part of the excitement of Arkansas Shorts. The Arkansas Arts Council has opened nominations to two different programs that might be of interest to local artists. The first, Arts Across Arkansas, is a pilot program intended to encourage, enhance, and expand student’s original thoughts, processes, personal experiences, and artistic abilities. With the Arts Across Arkansas program, teachers can nominate their students to enter a preliminary work for submission. Multiple students from one school may submit for the preliminary round in their selected medium of music composition, dance choreography, literary arts, visual arts, photography, and film. Students can submit to multiple mediums. There is a comprehensive selection process that includes mentoring and culminates in a state finals event to be held Saturday, March 30, 2024, when a cash prize will be awarded. Nominations for Arts Across Arkansas close Jan. 2, 2024. The second program is The Arkansas Living Treasure Award which annually recognizes, honors, and celebrates masters of traditional crafts and/ or folk arts in Arkansas with the goal of highlighting and preserving Arkansas’s unique heritage, identity, culture, and history. The award recognizes the lifetime achievements and contributions to heritage arts and crafts of Arkansas. The chosen individual is worthy of statewide recognition because of their mastery and dedication to perpetuating their chosen traditional craft or folk art. Nominations for Arkansas Living Treasure close Friday, January 26, 2024. For details and to nominate your favorite artists, visit AAC Programs/Arts Across Arkansas or AAC Program/Arkansas Living Treasure Award. Two Categories Open to Nominate Your Favorite Artist
9 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 Cutwell 4 Kids (C4K) is hosting its tenth annual art sale/fundraiser, The Birth of an Artist at Whittington Place, 301 Whittington Ave., in Hot Springs. The event will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. In addition to the exciting artwork from our community of emerging artists, the event will also feature musical talent in the areas of jazz and R&B. Light appetizers will be served. Cutwell 4 Kids was founded in 2014 by Anthony Tidwell to encourage children to develop an understanding of themselves and the world around them, to nurture their confidence and self-expression - while developing art skills. Free art classes are offered through C4K’s Birth of an Artist Summer program, exploring concepts, ideas, social and cultural issues - even opinions - while engaged in art activities. Cutwell 4 Kids is essential in our community for providing a safe space to explore and develop critical thinking skills. At the end of each Summer program, C4K hosts the Birth of an Artist Art Sale & Fundraiser to showcase and sell artwork created by C4K artists and to raise much-needed funds for next year’s program. If you would like to partner with C4K in funding next year’s program, please visit https://cutwell4kids.org/donations-support/ to make an online donation, or send a check to Cutwell 4 Kids, 247 Silver Street, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Follow C4K on Facebook: Cutwell4kid. Save the Date: “Birth of an Artist” Celebrates 10 years in January The C4K fundraiser benefits the artists as well as the program. By Erin Baber The Garland County Library will collect items for a “Warm and Well Donation Drive” from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. Donations will be delivered to local organizations to distribute as they see fit. Items focusing on warmth and wellness, especially, are sought for this drive. Warm items include blankets, coats, gloves, hats, scarves, sleeping bags, tents, and similar items. Wellness items include toothpaste, soaps, shampoo, mouthwash, deodorant, chapstick, and more. Adult Services Specialist Paul Kagebein said, “Last year, thanks to the generosity of the patrons who make up our community, we collected about 750 donations (and probably more than that since that figure includes some bulk and bundled wellness items). We were able to distribute all of them to local nonprofits as well as directly to some of our patrons. “This year, we are accepting donations in both December and January. I believe continuing the drive into the new year is important because - and I have been guilty of this myself - charitability tends to take a break for a little bit after the holidays have ended. However, it's important to remember that in Arkansas our coldest days and weeks each year are usually after the new year has started and so the community’s needs carry on." Learn all about the library’s services and offerings at www.gclibrary.com, call 501-623-4161, or visit the library at 1427 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs. Erin Baber is Library Marketing Manager at the Garland County Library. Share Warmth and Wellness this Winter Paul Kagebein and Romeo Lopez delivered donations from the community in last year’s drive.
The Springs Magazine • December 2023 • 10 Park Avenue Fire Station Golden Raised Donuts Donuts and breakfast pastries Arkansas Tower Motel Short-Dodson House/Tower Motel E-Z Mart Fast stop The Gold Inn Quaint Uptown motel David F. Watkins Memorial Park Community Park & Amphitheater 1884 Wildwood Bed & Breakfast Bed and breakfast Parkway Court Daily, weekly, monthly Bower Motel Epic Cabinets & Design Countertops, cabinets & accessories Spa City Cycling Sales & Service Bike service, repair, and parts Budget Inn/Relax Inn Lynwood Motel Shell Gas Station Family Dollar Neighborhood shopping Coffee House 2 Blocks Craft Coffee Roastery Northwoods Trail Connector Pullman Avenue short cut to Northwoods Urban Forest Trail Settle Inn Upscale modern vacation rental cottages. Newly renovated. Full kitchens. Red Light Roastery Coffee House Small batch, craft coffee roastery Larkmartin Soaps Handmade soaps and lotions 1010 Liquor Wine, beer & spirits 700 Block Park Ave 800 Block Park Ave 900 Block Park Ave 1000 Block Park Ave RED LIGHT ROASTERY Majestic Lawn Historic landmark Vapors Live Event & live music venue Air-FX Heating & air conditioning The Hot Springy Dingy Gifts, jewelry, costume rental North Star Liquor/Big A’s Liquor Wine, beer & spirits Bailey’s Dairy Treat One of three drive-ins in town Simple but Effective Cutz Barbershop Park Haven Community Garden Community vegetable garden Haven United Methodist Thrift Store Bargains galore Dame Fortune’s Cottage Court Historic boutique motel. Modern amenities. Vintage-inspired design August and Company Resale shop Emma Lee’s Soul Food restaurant The Arrangement Florist 400 Block Park Ave 500 Block Park Ave 600 Block Park Ave 100 Block Park Ave HOT SPRINGY DINGY 300 Block Park Ave SETTLE INN Cottage Court Vapors Live northwoods trail Anchor High-end body piercing studio Just Swanky Consignment Boutique Upscale resale shop Mariposa Design Vintage decor, design M&M Travel Consultants Vacations & adventures Big Axe Battleground Axe throwing Garland County Courthouse Government Offices Hamp Williams Building Event venue Surfas Culinary District Quality cookware & equipment Taco Mama Side Town Mexican restaurant Galaxy Connection Superhero store & Star Wars Museum Statements for the Home Interior Design 3B’s Bar & Grill Dive bar, pool tables Best Court Cottages Boutique cottages Best Cafe Gormet menu Garland Cty Election Commission HS Chamber of Commerce The Electric Strawberry Wellness bar & soul repair shop Grand Avenue Habitat Restore Thrift store St John’s Catholic Church The Clearspring Senior living community Kids Source Speech & Development therapy Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Ice cream and burgers Riley Art Glass Studio Glass blowing, gallery & demos Leo’s Auto Service Automotive repair Forever Beautiful Permanent cosmetics Superior Senior Care In-home care services Grand Lagniappe Shoppe Women’s apparel & Tea Room Grand Ave United Methodist Church Hideaway Cafe Quaint & friendly coffee house 700 Block West Grand Ave 800 Block West Grand Ave Lender’s Title Company Largest independent title & escrow agency in AR & LA Landmark Building Something Bleu Bridal boutique Lavish Boutique Stylish & trendy women’s boutique SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint Lunch & dinner; entertainment KUHS 102.5 Hot Springs Solar Powered Community Radio Mountain Valley Armory Bank OZK Home Instead Senior Care In-home care for Seniors The Courthouse Chapel/Get Hitched Hot Springs Wedding planning venue Barrels Unlimited Winemaking kits and lessons SixtyOne Celsius Full-service communication firm The Retro Fit Women’s, men’s, kids-retro Hairapy Beauty salon & barber shop. Stroope Tire, Inc. Tire dealer & repair shop Farmers Insurance Darryl Wiltshire Agency Ouachita Investment Group White Stone Real estate agency Chrysalis Day Spa Day spa and Med spa Splash Wine Bar Wine, beer, appetizers & entertainment Colorado Grill Southwest restaurant The Parlour Metaphysical shop 200 Block Ouachita Ave 400 Block Ouachita Ave 500 Block Ouachita Ave 100 Block Ouachita Ave 600 Block Ouachita Ave GRAND LAGNIAPPE SHOPPE 300 Block Ouachita Ave 600 Block West Grand Ave JUST SWANKY THERETRO FIT 200 Block Woodbine Street 500 Block West Grand Ave
11 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 By Alana Merritt Mahaffey Roman passed away peacefully at the robust age of 16. In early years he’d been a hulking but quiet presence—one happy at home or out and about. When cancer struck at age 13 and his life expectancy was grim, the prognosis compelled us to take him out more to enjoy his last months by soaking up sidewalk smiles and scratches from strangers. It was during these months that our family learned the unique hospitality shown to the dog-owning community. It is rare to go into a city, even a tourist-driven one, and find so many hotels, restaurants, and retailers open to dogs. Hot Springs, known for the track, the casino, the concerts, and the history, has more recently garnered a well-deserved reputation among dog lovers more apt to vacation where Fido is welcome. I set out to cover the entire downtown area listing dog-friendly businesses, and found that building a comprehensive list would take pages. So I began at Sidetown (the flourishing district from Lagniappe’s on Grand to COMO square). In the mornings before businesses open, the dogs and their walkers can be spotted up and down Ouachita Avenue, sniffing the morning news at each magnolia tree and sometimes stopping in the 300 block for a sip of water from a bowl left out by a business owner. Above the bowl reads “Pets welcome.” In visiting with various businesses, a theme emerged. The owners and employees are like their customers: wary of leaving their pets behind and anxious to have them by their side. Among these business owners is the Mountain Valley Armory whose white Pyrenees Lilly frequents the sunlight areas. Her furry counterpart, Gabby the Golden Retriever, prefers the nooks near the Machine Gun Firing Range downstairs. Their owners, Tanya and Jason Spavins, volunteer with Hot Springs Animal Services as fosters. A few doors down dogs can visit RetroFit for free treats and a turn at the store’s yellow tennis ball or lounge on the shady patio at Splash Wine Bar. Another popular patio for pups is at the pizzeria SQZBX (pronounced “squeezebox”) whose vine-and-brick line patio makes creature comforts easy. Dogs can nap under wrought-iron chairs while patrons sip beer brewed on-site. Though small in square footage, the Parlour Hot Springs has ample room for all the “good” dogs. The cozy, quiet atmosphere is perfect for a drowsy pet to nap while owners browse shelves of curiosities. Even businesses invite clients to bring their furry counterparts. At SixtyOne Celsius, dogs can spread out while their owners talk advertising options with staff. Perhaps one of the most spacious and dog-friendliest establishments is Central Cabaret Theater. Owner and local real estate agent Chris Rix boasts an open-door policy, contingent upon the event of course. “We welcome well-mannered dogs, and sometimes those dogs are more well-behaved than humans,” he jokes. With this just listing a fraction of businesses offering an open door to people and their pooches, we invite downtown business owners on Central Avenue to reach out for an upcoming article on the area’s most dog-friendly businesses. Email us at [email protected] with details about your business and pet-friendly options. Woofs on Ouachita: Spa City Makes Room for Canine Visitors Looking for a pooch-friendly business in Sidetown, Hot Springs?
The Springs Magazine • December 2023 • 12
13 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 Get out your Santa hat, invite your friends, and join the Village Strings and the folks at McAuley Center on Monday, December 11, for a magical afternoon that will entertain and leave you with the spirit of Christmas that will carry you through the holiday season. The program begins at 11:45 AM and showcases contemporary interpretations of Yuletide favorites arranged by Chip Davis for Mannheim Steamroller. “White Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” and other pop favorites evoke the essence of chestnuts roasting and favorite childhood memories. Lunch begins at 11:30 AM and the suggested donation is $3.50 for people over 60. For others, the cost is $5. McAuley Center is located at 5010 Hwy 7 North, Hot Springs Village. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to enjoy lunch with friends while the Strings bring back memories of Christmas past, most importantly you’ll be supporting Meals on Wheels, a much-needed organization. Funded by the Older Americans Act, Meals on Wheels provides 400 meals each day to area residents. Donations to the program are crucial. More than 50 volunteers from Hot Springs Village and Older Worker Programs serve the Village and the city of Hot Springs. For more information or to volunteer contact McAuley Center at 501-984-5594. Directed by the multi-talented Maestro Phillip (Papa) Wilson, the allvolunteer string orchestra has been captivating audiences in Hot Springs Village and adjoining communities since 1990 with an extensive repertoire including classical, pop, and rock selections. For information visit Facebook: Hot Springs Village Strings, email [email protected], or call 501-922-9245. Village Strings to Ring in Christmas at McAuley Center The Village Strings will perform “White Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” and other pop favorites. Art Moves Submissions Open Dec. 1 The Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance has issued a call for artists for the 5th Annual Art Moves outdoor art exhibition, themed “Celebrate Imagination.” Submitted works should focus on cleverness, originality, ingenuity, and the limitlessness of the mind. Submissions open on December 1, 2023, and close on January 15, 2024. Art Moves sits along the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail adjacent to the Majestic Ballpark and Hollywood Park and unveils its newest installment each spring as the kickoff event to the 10-day Arts & The Park festival. Art Moves is free and open to the public yearround. The Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance, the City of Hot Springs Art Advisory Committee, and Hot Springs Parks and Trails collectively produce the annual exhibition. A panel of jurors will select up to 20 works of art from the submissions; selected works are then reproduced onto 30” x 40” metal sheets and displayed along the trail. Each piece also has a QR code affixed to the frame that links to information about the artist, artwork, and exhibition. Artists should submit works that reflect the theme and let their creativity soar so visitors to the exhibition travel down an excitingly imaginative path. Visit the Call for Artists page at HotSpringsArts.org for complete details. Artist Roxane Lee with her granddaughter and inspiration for her work titled “Angel Alayna.”
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 14 The 45th Annual Christmas Showcase of the Arkansas Craft Guild featuring fine handmade arts and crafts will be held Dec. 1-3, 2023 at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry, 2600 Howard Street, Little Rock. Hours are Friday 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM. There is free gated parking and casual dining on-site. Admission is $5 per person, but mention this ad at the door and two people get in for the price of one. There's free admission during 'Art After Dark' Friday, from 5-6 pm, and 'Early Bird Shopping' Saturday, from 9-10 AM. Returning artists attract loyal customers every year in several categories of craft: photography, jewelry, glass, pottery, wood, sculpture, collage, fabric, rugs, candles, honey, gourmet food, and soaps. Real-time coverage on Facebook/ChristmasShowcase and Instagram/ arkansascraftguild will feature photos of current works of every participating vendor. Browse the history of who and what one might expect to find at this Arkansas holiday shopping tradition. Or take a photo tour at the website, arkansascraftguild. org/christmas-showcase. Year-round, the Arkansas Craft Guild cooperatively operates the Arkansas Craft Gallery where many Showcase artists sell their work. Located at 104 E. Main, Mountain View, the gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM. AR Craft Guild Presents the 45th Annual Christmas Showcase The Hot Springs Haiku Club is meeting at the Garland County Library the first Friday of every month from 2-4 PM, immediately before Gallery Walk. This is a small group of haiku poets who enjoy sharing ideas and composing short poems. The club was founded by the late Michael Murray following the 25th South Region Conference of the Haiku Society of America held at the Arlington Resort and Spa in the autumn of 2021. Howard Lee Kilby, president of the Arkansas Haiku Society, is serving until a new president is installed. Visitors are welcome. For information about the club, email [email protected] or call 501-767-6096. Visit www.hsa-haiku.org. Haiku Meets at GC Library By Alana Merritt Mahaffey Look closely at the crosswalks downtown and you may see one…two…or thirty women dressed in retro caftans and curly wigs, pub crawling their way across Hot Springs. Arkansas recently joined the International Order of Mrs. Ropers (named for the unforgettable landlord and wife in the late ‘70s sitcom “Three’s Company”) with three chapters, the most recent, the “Hot Springs Helens” aka the Spa City Chapter. It's a national (and now international) trend that began as a wonky idea roughly ten years ago in New Orleans when a fan of the sitcom, Bud Moore, proposed a gathering of pub-goers dressed as caftan-clad Helens who would meet now and again to Regal Beagle their way from pub to pub. Locally, Alana Piece saw an opportunity to bring complete strangers together, bonded solely by their love for the show, and fellowship in the name of Helen. “It’s something different—we are an older crowd all dressed similarly and with no real need to impress each other. We are all (for a few hours) this loveable, goofy woman.” Pierce notes that within a week of forming the Facebook group over 100 women joined. Three weeks later, at the first gathering, over 25 women and their “Stanleys” (aka partners) attended. That night the Helens hosted a Meet and Greet at Splash Wine Bar, played Bingo at Maxwell Blade’s Theater, and had a Caftan Contest hosted by Chris Rix at his Central Cabaret Theatre. The group is looking to the spring to host a retro karaoke night, a sitcom-related trivia night, and a collaboration with other Arkansas chapters who hope to bring “100 Helens” in green caftans to the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Hot Springs Helens are sponsored by The Retro Fit, 315 Ouachita, is free to join, and is always looking for new friends! Find the group on Facebook: International Order of Mrs. Ropers - Hot Springs Helens “Come and Knock on Our Door!” Hot Springs Helens romp their way downtown.
15 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 Members of the Unitarian Universalist Church prepare for their annual Winter Solstice Service on December 17th. Come join them at 1701 Spring Street here in Hot Springs. By Erin Wood Conway resident and UCA Creative Writing professor Jennifer Case’s book We Are Animals: Essays on the Nature and Politics of Motherhood will be published in September 2024 with Trinity University Press. We Are Animals examines key moments in Case’s life where the conflicts between her identities of being a child-bearing mammal and a woman in twenty-first-century America (with one of the highest maternal death rates among developed countries in which one in every five women develops a mental health issue as a result of pregnancy) are brought into sharp relief. From the salve of parasocial interactions on baby forums to the intertwined history of industrial dairy farming and wearable breast pumps, Case explores an array of realities that give historical and cultural context to the experience of motherhood. Case shares, “I want the essays to reach mothers like me, who have struggled in silence, but also anyone willing to look calmly, creatively, and critically at uncomfortable truths and problematic myths. It is less a motherhood memoir and more an exploration of reproductive justice and what it means to be a member of the human species. The challenges and injustices that contemporary mothers face will never be solved if only mothers are aware of them. To truly address the sexism and misogyny that can isolate today’s mothers and force them to internalize unrealistic expectations, we need to recognize these as social problems that affect us all.” To join the preorder mailing list, visit jenniferlcase.com. Hot Springs native, Erin Wood is a writer, editor, and publisher in Little Rock. She owns and runs www.etaliapress.com. Wood is author of “Women Make Arkansas: Conversations With 50 Creatives” (April 2019) and editor of and a contributor to “Scars: An Anthology” (2015). We Are Animals: Essays on the Nature and Politics of Motherhood The Oaklawn Rotary 2023 Christmas Parade will start at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, in downtown Hot Springs. The theme of this year's parade is "Hollywood in Hot Springs." Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Proceeds from the Oaklawn Rotary Christmas Parade help fund scholarships for local youth. Trophies will be awarded for Best Decorated Float, Best Use of Theme, Best Use of Special Effects, Best Choreographed, and Most Decorated Non-Float. The fee is $80 per entry and $30 for pageant winners. All entries will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration and parade rules are available online at https://tinyurl.com/ mua364vt. Sponsorship includes a free float entry and publicity leading up to the parade. For additional information or inquiries, or to reserve a sponsorship, please contact Stephanie Highfill at [email protected] or call/text 501-259-2400. For more information about Oaklawn Rotary visit www.oaklawnrotary.com. “Hollywood in Hot Springs” is the Theme of Christmas Parade The Quapaw-Prospect Area Preservation (QPAP) luminary tradition continues Sat., Dec. 9. (No rain date.) Over five thousand luminaries will line the streets in the historic Quapaw-Prospect neighborhood to illuminate the night with twinkling lights, weather permitting. The Quapaw-Prospect luminary display has been one of Hot Springs’ most popular outdoor holiday traditions since it began. The annual event draws hundreds of local and out of town visitors who either drive through or stroll the historic neighborhood to view the streets lined with glowing luminaries. The public is invited to join in making this year’s celebration the best event ever. Volunteers will be placing luminaries at the curbside of every home and lighting the candles at dusk. Interested in helping out with preparations? For questions or to volunteer, visit Facebook: Quapaw/Prospect Historic Neighborhood. Luminary Tradition Continues in Quapaw-Prospect District Downtown’s luminaries draw enthusiastic holiday crowds.
The Springs Magazine • December 2023 • 16 Tarot: Capricorn & XV Devil By Michelle Crandell THE DEVIL: Tarot’s Major Arcana card corresponding to the zodiac sign, Capricorn. The natural gifts available to Capricorns are reflected by this card. Mirth combined with stability; facing bedevilments with tenacity; sure-footedness and doing life step by step are personal qualities Capricorns can utilize to actualize their potential. They are vital, joyful, and grounded. A healthy Devil enjoys their sensuality without becoming addicted. They are productive and skilled at knowing how to bring their creative energies into the material world. They are willing to work and rework a solution slowly over time. Challenges: Professional and personal relationships. People like to be around The Devil. Earthiness, sensual appeal, productivity, and a sense of humor make a magnetic personality. Likewise, Capricorns see others as creative resources and invaluable teachers. However, The Devil’s tendency to take things too seriously and to be hard on others can limit relationship possibilities. Laughing at humanness brings The Devil back to balance; laughing at other people harms relationships. Becoming suspicious when things are going well makes The Devil unsafe. The Devil card teaches that spirituality can prevail over base human nature. Avoid indulgence in the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, greed, wrath, sloth, envy, gluttony, and lust. They are choices. So are the Seven Heavenly Virtues: love, justice, prudence, temperance, courage, faith, and hope. Archetypes: The Devil, Pan, goats, Bacchus, Dionysus, Westen dragons, Ra, Tantra. Michelle Crandell provides individual Tarot readings for a fee. Once a year, she teaches LEARN TO READ TAROT. Call if interested in her next class. To learn more, email [email protected], or call 501-655-6242. The Major Arcana Tarot card associated with Capricorn is XV Devil.
17 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 Yoga: Benefits of Puppy Pose By Karen Watson Reeves As we turn to the last page of our 2023 calendar and I reflect over the past eleven months, the word that comes to mind is humility. The word comes from the Latin root word “hum,” meaning “ground.” And it has certainly been a year where I needed to feel grounded. My mother’s death in early January changed my life, my perspective, and my groundedness in ways I never imagined. She lived a long and good and mostly very healthy life. It was time to leave her earthly body. But it felt like the ground was no longer steady under my feet. I no longer had my greatest supporter and biggest cheerleader just a phone call or text away. And the literal ground, the house and five acres where I grew up in Mount Holly, Arkansas, the place I could run to and feel safe and sheltered and loved no matter what passed on to another family (for which I am so grateful, by the way). As I have done a lot of praying, meditating, soul searching, and crying during these months, I have felt so humbled to have grown up where I did with the people I did. The ground in south Arkansas is sacred to me as the property I inherited supports me financially, and my extended family there continues to support me emotionally. My yoga practice and teaching also ground/humble me and help me feel more joyful. Teaching others this practice has been so beneficial to me. We learn to let go of the ego, knowing we will stumble and fall and misalign. Yet we find the humility to get up and try again, and we remember this lesson as we get off the mat and move into our daily routines. So what does Puppy Pose, sometimes called Melting Heart Pose, have to do with humility? It is one of the more grounding of all the yoga postures, as we lower the fronts of our bodies (that vulnerable space) so near to the earth under us, our hearts melting down in gratitude and humility. There are several physical benefits of Puppy Pose, but as I practice this pose today, I just want to focus on the release in my hips and shoulders (where a lot of tension and grief are held and stored). I want to release my heart, my love, as close as possible to the earth where I grew up and to the home in the background and the people there who molded me, who sustained me, who loved me unconditionally. And if that is not humbling!! Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. Owner of The Yoga Place, at 301 Whittington Avenue, she became a registered yoga/ children’s yoga teacher in 2011. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle. For more information about her studio and her schedule of classes, visit www.theyogaplacehs.com. In this photo, Karen demonstrates Puppy Pose. Photo by Fred Padilla.
The Springs Magazine • December 2023 • 18 By Dayna Carter As the crisp autumn breeze dances through the trees and leaves blanket the ground with their vibrant jewel colors, there’s one little fruit that is almost ready to harvest: the wild persimmon. These tiny coral-colored orbs of deliciousness far exceed their fancy cousins in the local produce aisle. Foraging these little gems is going to feel more like a hunt than a harvest. Just as you spot a perfect, plumb persimmon, it’s almost as if the tree is playing a game of hideand-seek, taunting you with its elusive branches. One moment you’re eyeing a cluster, the next you are battling a tangle of twigs, all the while muttering about how these fruits must have been trained by a SWAT team. Finally, the day comes, and you are able to reach the fruit and shake a few off a branch. But before you proceed examine those few fallen gems. They must be soft and ripe. If you think you can boil, or broil persimmons to force them into ripening because you have attention-deficit disorder and are tired of waiting, you are mistaken. These little treats need to ripen on the vine. The general rule is waiting until after your first frost. If you ignore this advice and bite into an unripe persimmon your lips will pucker like an angel fish, and it could prove permanent (like your mom’s warning when you crossed your eyes). Now onto the baking. These wild beauties taste like a cross between a peach and a plum. They are delicious as a bread and a jam. So, raise your mixing bowls and toast to the wild persimmon- the little troublemakers of the fall harvest that teach us the virtues of patience, reward us with the sweetness of victory, and sprinkle a little magic into our culinary escapades. Because sometimes, the best things in life come in the most mischievous packages. Dayna Carter, a Garland County Master Gardener, volunteers with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, 501-623-6841 or [email protected]. Master Gardeners: ~ The Wild Persimmon ~ The Mischievous Little Fruit Loves to Tease Fall Forager The Mighty Persimmon. These little treats need to ripen on the vine. The general rule is waiting until after your first frost. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is raising awareness about the positive impact healthful eating habits can have on individuals with Type 2 diabetes, as well as those at risk of developing the chronic disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, more than 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and 20% are unaware they have it. In addition, 96 million adults have prediabetes, with more than 80% unaware they have it. Suggested healthful eating tips: Enjoy a Variety of Foods: Planning meals and snacks to include complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and legumes along with a lean protein food or healthful fat provides sustained energy while minimizing blood sugar spikes. Include Foods with Fiber: Whole-grain foods, such as brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat breads, and whole-grain cereals, are digested more slowly which may help to control blood sugar and support heart health. Fruits and vegetables also provide dietary fiber, along with essential vitamins and minerals. Plan for Portion Control: Eating appropriate portion sizes and a consistent amount of carbohydrates is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Eat meals and healthy snacks throughout the day to minimize blood sugar swings. Choose Healthful Fats: Substituting unsaturated fats, such as those found in oils, for solid fats can help reduce sources of saturated fat. Switching to low-fat or fat-free dairy and choosing lean meats, skinless poultry, and fatty fish can also help to limit saturated fat intake. Focus on Fruits and Vegetables: Whole fruits can provide a healthful and satisfying option to foods with added sugars. Include a variety of non-starchy vegetables in your daily meals such as leafy greens, asparagus, carrots, and broccoli. Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org. Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics: Nutrition Plays Vital Role in Managing Diabetes Planning meals and snacks to include complex carbohydrates provides sustained energy while minimizing blood sugar spikes.
19 • The Springs Magazine • December 2023 By Peggy Lindsey The holiday season ushers in a time of bustling activity as we dive into our preparations for this festive time of year. Soon parties with family and friends, coworkers, and clients will fill the calendar as we make merry with those who mean so much to us. Preparing for these gatherings can often distract us with the decorations and gift buying, losing sight of what is truly important. Although it is wonderful to receive the packages dressed in pretty paper, there is one present that means most of all . . . the gift of your presence. These precious opportunities with our dear ones implore us to set aside our cell phones, pull up a chair, and engage in these marvelous times . . . listen to the stories, sing carols, drink eggnog, and create memories you will never forget! The gift of presence is for you, too, inviting you to experience the magic of the season. Instead of rushing from one activity to the next, savor each beloved minute . . . gaze upon the Christmas tree with wonder . . . hear the crackling of the fire with its logs ablaze . . . smell the roasting turkey that will be your holiday feast . . . taste the cinnamon and nutmeg as you sip your mulled cider . . . feel the soft velvet stockings as you place surprises within them. Bake cookies! Sing Silent Night! Build a snowman! Don’t waste time on anxious thoughts . . . instead, be peacefully present. Relish in moments that delight and comfort you. Fill your heart with immense joy! Truly, a gift you will treasure forever. Peggy Lindsey is a Professional Life Coach, Master Teacher of Arcing Light Energy Healing, and a Spiritual Mentor. Her passion is assisting women on their journey toward happy, healthy lives by empowering them to live more joyfully and consciously. She created her business, On Angels’ Wings Healing and Coaching, in 2012 and currently practices in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She can be reached at 928-273-8447. For more info, visit https://onangelswingshealing.abmp.com/. The Gift of Presence By Michael Ranft Alpha-gal syndrome is a food allergy caused by a bite from a Lone Star tick. It can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, stomach pain, and diarrhea. There is no Western medical treatment as yet for this syndrome, but it can be managed by avoiding red meat and other products made from mammals. In serious cases it can cause anaphylaxis and a visit to the emergency room. There is growing evidence that acupuncture can be effective in treating alphagal syndrome. One study published in the Medical Acupuncture Journal found that 94.8% of patients with alpha-gal syndrome who underwent auricular acupuncture (a type of acupuncture that involves inserting needles on the ear) experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms. The study also found that the improvement was sustained for at least 9 months after treatment (the length of time of the study). Usually only one treatment is needed, while a few require two. Patients find they can once again eat beef, milk, and milk products, etc. without difficulty. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for alpha-gal syndrome. It has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and improving quality of life. If you are considering acupuncture for alpha-gal syndrome, it is important to find a licensed acupuncturist who is certified by the NCCAOM and is experienced in treating this condition. Treatment for Alpha-Gal Syndrome Color plays an enormous part in eye appeal. By Eve Victory Eating is a multisensory experience. Even before we get to taste, we are wooed by presentation, smells, and sounds. All of our senses build anticipation even before that lovely bite reaches our lips. You don’t need artisan skills to make your plates prettier. Just Google your favorite dishes to get ideas and keep the following in mind: • Composition – Build your idea around the main ingredient, but consider the companion ingredients’ sizes and shapes, and any sauces to be used. • Color and contrast – Color plays an enormous part in eye appeal. Vibrant hues of mixed bell peppers pack a big punch against the more subdued colors of chicken and fish. • Texture -- Add depth to your presentation by pairing different textures. Think creamy with crunchy or hearty with smooth, such as roasted crispy salmon with creamy dill sauce. • White Space - Overcrowding can confuse and dull the reaction to a plate. Too much of a good thing will detract not only from presentation but even the taste of food. • Garnish – Never mere decorations, garnishes are meant to enhance flavor and serve as a complementary element. If you’re stumped for choices, herbs, and edible flowers work with almost everything. Make more memories this holiday season with meals that not only tantalize tastebuds but also capture attention. Think of your plate as a canvas of colors, textures, and flavors, and create something beautiful. Working for years as an event and tradeshow planner and personal chef, Eve Victory is the Hospitality and Tourism Management professor at National Park College. For more information, contact Eve at [email protected]. Flavor 101: Make your holidays a work of art
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