June 2023

The Springs Magazine • June 2023 • 2 Our June cover came about because of an encounter with friends of friends who happened to have moved to Hot Springs and brought their Origami warehouse with them. The various papers are so vibrant and colorful and intricately made, I thought creating a collage with the paper would make an interesting cover for The Springs. After a ring-ring here and a ring-ring there, and a text to our genius photographer, Jeremy Rogers, we had a date set to meet at the warehouse. What I’d imagined would be a photo of hanging samples of origami, turned out to be an overhead shot and another ladder adventure for Jeremy. I heard a few mumbled “Honestly? JoAnn?’s” but then he bravely tackled the ladder and got to work on the photos. We had a lovely time with Beth, Carlo, and Rene, and all the exquisite papers. What you see is the result of several hours of adjusting, readjusting, shooting, and then onto Photoshop where Jeremy put his creativity to work. Richard Stephens added his technical and artistic skills to laying out the design and here you have it. Another Springs Cover for the history books! Thanks to Richard, Beth and Carlo for their time and a delicious lunch, and to Jeremy for his wicked eye for photography! Happy June, everyone! About the Cover Photo ... “Origami Wheel” by Jeremy Rodgers

3 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 For over a century, visitors from all over the world have flocked to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas to bathe in our thermal waters. But what happens when you take a bathtub and put it on wheels? The Stueart Pennington World Championship Running of the Tubs, that’s what happens! This chaotic celebration of Hot Springs’ spa history is a town favorite! Line up on Bathhouse Row Saturday, June 3, at 9 AM, to cheer on the racers. To celebrate Hot Springs’ classic motto “We Bathe the World” teams from all over get their best bathtubs all dolled up to bring to Hot Springs. But whose tub has the stuff? Four team members (the bath attendants) must push their bathtubs through the heart of the city, the Historic Bathhouse Row, while the team captain sits in the bathtub and steers. Throughout the course, teams will face various obstacles along the way, while dressed in elaborate costumes in hopes to become The World Champion Tub Runners - a sought-out title, obviously. The bathtub must be full of water at the start of the race and have at least 10 gallons of water left in the tub at the finish line. If that isn’t hard enough, each bath attendant must carry one of 4 items (bar of soap, bath mat, loofah mitt, and bath towel) throughout the entire race and present all items at the end of the race. Here’s a fun twist, the judges (sporting bathrobes and clipboards) are encouraged to make up new rules on the spot! Keeping everybody on their toes! But don’t worry, everybody gets to be a part of the fun. The crowd always comes prepared to spray competitors with water throughout the entire race, in hopes to slow down, distract, or just annoy racers. If that’s not convincing enough, just wait until you see the annual Battle of the Badge: Hot Springs Police Department vs. Hot Springs Fire Department. Trust us, they take this very seriously. You won’t want to miss witnessing and participating in this wild summer event... so don’t! For more information visit Facebook: Running of the Tubs, call 501-321- 2277, or email [email protected]. Hang out on Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs, Saturday, June 3, for the lively, chaotic, exciting Running of the Tubs. Join the Fun at the Battle of the Tubs on Bathhouse Row

The Springs Magazine • June 2023 • 4 By David Rose Up until recently I’d never been to church of my own volition. I’d attended a handful of weddings and a funeral or two, but that, and studying the Renaissance in art history, was the extent of my ecclesiastical experience. Art is a solitary pursuit and as a life-long hands-to-mouth artist my social skills were never highly developed. Even calling them skills at all would be generous. The isolation during the Time of Corona did not help, and I found myself nearing hermit status. Something needed to be done. During a prolonged cold snap in January, I screwed up my courage and walked through the doors of the Unitarian Universalist Church (UU) out on Spring Street here in Hot Springs. Everybody was welcoming but that was to be expected. The proof would come when the preacher stepped up the podium. I didn’t want to be shamed for my past transgressions, few though they may have been, or burdened with sins I’d committed before I was even born. I had enough negativity in my life as it was. As it turns out, the man who stepped to the podium was not a preacher. This branch of the UU church didn’t even have a preacher; here the members of the congregation take turns. I was liking the place already. The lay leader looked around and welcomed the members. “It sure was cold this week,” he observed. The congregation, in the typical call and response fashion, asked. “How cold was it?” “So cold that the politicians were putting their hands in their own pockets.” The congregation responded with “Hiyoooo,” ala Ed McMahon. These people weren’t channeling John the Baptist, they were channeling Johnny Carson. I haven’t missed a Sunday since. The UN-Church David Rose The Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival is one event you don't want to miss. From June 30-July 2, the Vapors theater will be showcasing an awe-inspiring lineup of films made by women from all around the world. The festival's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the film industry is an excellent example of how art can be used to give everyone a voice. The films that will be shown at the festival explore a wide range of issues, from social justice and environmental concerns to personal struggles and global politics. Attendees can participate in panel discussions and Q&A's with filmmakers where they can learn more about the filmmaking process, as well as the issues that the films explore. The festival provides an excellent opportunity to discover new voices, perspectives, and experiences. The films that will be shown are guaranteed to move and inspire audiences, as the festival highlights the power of female filmmakers in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated. In addition to the films, the festival provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect with each other. If you are passionate about film and equality, be sure to purchase your tickets for the Festival today. This event promises to be unforgettable, celebrating and elevating women in the film industry. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this fantastic celebration of female filmmakers. For tickets, information and to watch trailers of some of the films go to www.hotspringswomensfilmfestival.com. Women’s Film Fest Explores Broad Range of Issues Tickets are available now for the International Women’s Film Festival

5 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 Traditional Art Guild of Hot Springs (TAG) has been celebrating art and supporting local artists since 1963. And they have been up to good things as of late. In December 2022, they opened up a new gallery space at the Hot Springs Airport and have had a great response from the community. This group is growing and glowing. Seven members entered the Malvern National Bank 2023 Art Show and 6 earned ribbons, including Wyatt Russell winning Best of Show for his beautiful portrait of his daughter. TAG is opening its first “Enrichment Gallery” at Good Sam’s in Hot Springs Village. Suz Kriesant, TAG president says, “Art makes life more rich. And we are about supporting our whole community, including the people who can’t get to our shows. The folks in residential settings really enjoy a hallway of beautiful art to meander down.” TAG is also growing in how it is supporting local artists. The group meets at the Garland County Library on the third Thursday of each month from 9:30 AM – Noon. There is always a call for art – one piece is chosen by the members to be the “Art of the Month” – and gets hung at Whittington Gallery the following month. TAG is also indexing art to aid in selection for various spaces. They are expanding into a new location as well as continuing to rotate in their current TAG Community Art Galleries. June 15 is their famous “swap meet.” Every long-term artist is going to have supplies that are good but just won’t get used. All of this is brought together and laid out on tables for members to pick through. If there is anything left over, it will be donated to support a local kids’ program. TAG has outfitted many a new artist with all the tools they need to make more art. Authentic support, experienced voices, and community. Check out Facebook: Traditional Art Guild for specifics and what’s coming up. Membership is $25 a year, scholarships are available. Traditional Art Guild is Up to Good Things At the May meeting of TAG, Marlene Gremillion demonstrated how she uses a polymer clay cane to construct a bowl. The annual free public Independence Day fireworks display on Lake Hamilton will be held Sunday, July 2, at dark. The fireworks will be shot from the middle of Lake Hamilton from barges located on the east side of Highway 7 at the first Highway 7 bridge opposite the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Visit Hot Springs will sponsor the free show. Those who want to watch the pyrotechnics display from the water are urged to keep a safe distance from the launching area and keep watch for fellow boaters. In case of rain, the fireworks will be rescheduled for the evening of Monday, July 3. For more information call 501-321-2277. Independence Day Fireworks on the Lake July 2

The Springs Magazine • June 2023 • 6 Pat Langewis and Kristi Ahlquist, both Hot Springs Village residents, are June’s Featured Artists at Artists’ Workshop Gallery during the month of June. Pat Langewis, an award-winning artist, has painted in several mediums throughout her career. She holds signature membership in four watercolor societies. Langewis is an accomplished silk painter, and she will premier her newest silk works stretched on canvas. Langewis has lived and traveled in Europe for many years, and her paintings are displayed internationally. She continues to travel and teach art classes for several cruise lines. Kristi Ahlquist is originally from Minnesota. Her art journey began in 2009 after a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Ahlquist learned to paint in oil and acrylic, her mediums of choice. She enjoys the realism of her popular pet portraits rendered in oil. She paints in acrylic and mixed media for her more abstract landscape paintings. Ahlquist can be found on the golf course or showing her beloved Cocker Spaniels at shows. Featured Miniature Artists are June Lamoureux and Dianne Morgan. Lake Hamilton High School Advanced Placement Art Students are also featured in June. Their teacher, Rana Ward, shares “It’s a joy to watch our students grow.” Charlie Mink will entertain with tunes on his dulcimer at Gallery Walk, June 2, 5–9 PM. Artists’ Workshop Gallery is located at 610A Central Avenue, Hot Springs. 501-623-6401. Open daily, 10–5. Sunday, 12–5. Closed Tuesday. For more information visit Facebook: Artists Workshop Gallery, or www. artistsworkshopgallery.com. Artists’ Workshop Features Work by Langewis and Ahlquist “Color My World” by Kristi Ahlquist, and “Sun Kissed Ozarks” by Pat Langweis, are works featured at Artists’ Workshop in June. Happy Father’s Day to All of Our Dads Preparations are underway for the 2023 Hot Springs Hope CARE Workshop to be held July 28, 2023, at the National Park College. The workshop is an annual event held in cities throughout the state through which the local nonprofit Alzheimer’s Arkansas provides FREE education, training, and support to those caring for a loved one with dementia. The workshop provides general information regarding Alzheimer’s disease and its progression, tools, knowledge, and techniques to improve caregiving skills. Through the support of local vendors and sponsors, the workshop is completely free for caregivers. In order to ensure the event is accessible for all caregivers, the organization is offering mini-grants to help offset some of the cost of care on the day of the event. Attendees can fill out a simple form and receive some respite care reimbursement shortly after the workshop. For more information, to register, or to inquire about the grant, contact Alzheimer’s Arkansas by calling 501-224-0021. To register for the workshop, visit https://secure.givelively.org/event/alzheimer-s-arkansas/hope-care-workshop2023-hot-springs. Sponsorships are still available. Alzheimer’s Caregiver Workshop in Hot Springs July 28

7 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 JUNE ART MATTERS • GALLERY WALK #406 Friday • JUNE 2 • 5-9 PM • Visit HotSpringsArts.org for art news School’s out for summer! And Hot Springs has an abundance of fun activities to fill our summer vacations. Start with Gallery Walk – June 2 and shop for Father’s Day at the galleries in our historic downtown district. “Meet and greet” artists and enjoy entertainment, refreshments, a huge selection of paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and much more! Have fun at the Running of the Tubs, Pocket Theatre, and Bridge Street Live. Happy Summer! AMERICAN ART GALLERY 724 Central • 501-624-0550 Featuring work by Erselle Hiemstra, Jimmy Leach, Adam Hooker, and Virgil Barksdale. Horsetail pottery and pine needle baskets by Valerie Hanks-Goetz. Southwest Jewelry by Ernie Bolieu, who will be present to discuss the design and tradition of the jewelry. Featuring wall art by various artists Mon-Sat, 10-5 PM. ARTISTS’ WORKSHOP GALLERY 610A Central • 501-623-6401 • ArtistsWorkshopGallery.com Pat Langewis and Kristi Ahlquist are June’s Featured Artists. Langewis is an accomplished silk painter and will premier her newest silk works stretched on canvas. Ahlquist enjoys the realism of her popular pet portraits rendered in oil. She paints in acrylic and mixed media for her more abstract landscape paintings. Featured Miniature Artists are June Lamoureux and Dianne Morgan. Lake Hamilton High School Advanced Placement Art Students are featured in June. Charlie Mink on dulcimer during Gallery Walk. Open daily, 10–5. Sunday, 12–5. Closed Tuesday. DESOTO ROCK & GIFT SHOP 626 Central Avenue You will find much more than rocks at DeSoto Rock & Gift Shop! Art, decor, jewelry, as well as, an expansive collection of gems and minerals from all over the world wait to greet you at Gallery Walk! Open 7 days. 10 AM-6 PM. EMERGENT ARTS 341A Whittington • 501-655-0836 • emergentarts.org Rainbow: A Celebration of Color. Join us for an exhibition of 2D and 3D work that celebrates color during the Pride month of June. Opening on June 2, Gallery Walk, 5-8 PM. The exhibition will close at the end of June. Weekly gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 12-5 PM. JUSTUS FINE ART GALLERY 827A Central • 501-321-2335 • JustusFineArt.com Featuring a selection of work by Robyn Horn, Dolores Justus, Linda Williams Palmer, Sammy Peters, Stephen Schneider, Sandra Sell, Gene Sparling, Michael Warrick, Elizabeth Weber, and others, along with sculpture by Robyn Horn, Sandra Sell, Gene Sparling, and Michael Warrick. Reception at Gallery Walk 6/2. 10 AM–5 PM, Wed-Sat, & by appointment. LOCAL ART ENTITY The Club House • 118 Arbor Street • theclubhouseHS.com Presenting SUMMER POETRY NIGHTS from 5-9 PM every first Friday of the month during their Gallery Walk Art Markets. JUNE 2, JULY 7, and AUG 4. The art market also features a family crafting area with a DREAM CATCHER WORKSHOP from 5-7 PM. Register for Summer programs, workshops, art markets, and more at www.thelocalartentity.com. WHITTINGTON GALLERY 307 Whittington Ave • 501-607-0214 Open for Gallery Walk 4–8 PM. Featuring over 50 local artists and The Traditional Art Guild’s Art of the Month.” Enjoy refreshments on the patio facing Hot Springs Creek and West Mountain. Closed MonTues-Wed. Open Thur–Sat: 10 AM-4 PM. Sun: Noon–4 PM. TRADITIONAL ART GUILD [email protected] Check out TAG’s Gallery at Hot Springs Airport. TAG is a place to network within the larger creative community. They are looking for artists who enjoy being part of a creative community. Attend their public meetings every 3rd Thursday. Facebook: Traditional Art Guild. Next meeting June 15, 9:30 AM-Noon at GCLibrary.

The Springs Magazine • June 2023 • 8 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 rentalNorth 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

9 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 By Erin Baber The Garland County Library is excited to announce its annual Summer Reading Program (SRP), which will run from June 1 to July 31, 2023. The program is open to all ages and encourages participants to read or listen to books for fun during the summer months. Kids and teens who participate in the SRP earn prizes by tracking hours spent reading and listening to audiobooks. Prizes are earned as readers log 5 (candy), 10 (solar dancer), 15 (pick-a-book), 25 (SRP hat), 40 (air plant), 50 (SRP t-shirt), 75 (food or destination coupon), and 100 hours which earns entries to extra prizes and an invitation to the 100-Hour Reader Party. Adults submit a form online for each title completed over the summer and choose which prize drawing to enter. Prizes for adults include an acoustic guitar, Nintendo Switch, Pale Horse Tattoo gift certificate, Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Co e-bike tour, SQZBX gift certificate, Escape Hot Springs voucher, and much more. Enter the SRP online at www. gclibrary.com/srp beginning June 1, 2023. The following events are free and do not require advance registration or a library card to attend: • What: Survival Eats with DeGray Lake Resort State Park | June 8 | 10:30 AM • Community Garden Grand Opening | June 10 | 10 AM • All About Animals with the Museum of Discovery | June 16 | 10:30 AM • Movie Night: The Borrowers | June 24 | 6:30 PM • Protecting Our Recharge with Hot Springs National Park | July 1 | 2 PM • Aquatic Ecosystems with Arkansas Game & Fish Commission | July 7 | 4 PM • Find Your Own Way with Lake Ouachita State Park | July 12 | 10:30 AM • Scott Davis Magic Show | July 17 | 10:30 AM • And favorite programs like storytimes, crafts, book clubs, and more For more information about the library’s services and offerings, visit www. gclibrary.com, call 501-623-4161, or visit the library at 1427 Malvern Avenue. County-Wide Summer Reading Programs Begins June 1 Garland County Library’s Community Garden and Park features native fruits, trees, and wildflowers with garden plots that will be available to ‘check out’ to patrons. Photo Jessamyn Carter. Bridge St. LIVE! is back for 2023! This FREE 5-night, block party-style music series in Hot Springs, will be held every Thursday in June on Bridge Street. Live music, food, drinks, and vendors. The Entertainment district opens at 5 PM and live music starts at 7 PM. Here are a few tips on things you should know about Bridge St. LIVE! before you go. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Lawn chairs are allowed - Bring your own. Vendors will be on hand with all kinds of merchandise. Some of Hot Springs’s best restaurants will be set up in the district cooking up tasty specials. Beer, wine, & spirits for sale on site. Please leave your coolers at home. Great bands and celebrity DJs. Opens at 5 PM. Music begins at 7 PM. For more info, follow Facebook: Bridge Street Live, or www.hotsprings.org. Bridge Street Goes Live in June

11 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 The Aesthetics & Logic Behind Art The Arkansas Arts Council invites artists to join professor and professional artist Robert Bean in a discussion about why judges and panelists aren’t selecting your oil or acrylic paintings. The online event takes place from 10 AM to Noon, Thursday, June 1, and the cost is free. Learn the top mistakes visual artists make in their paintings and what artwork (often) needs to catch the eye of a judge or panelist. Bean will address questions like: What are some ways to stand out among competitors? What is composition and why does it matter? What is the structure, craftsmanship, and challenge of selected pieces and how can a judge tell? How do the best visual artists think about the quality of the view experience? What is plagiarism? How does color impact decisions, and how can creativity be infused into paintings, even when it’s realism? About Robert Bean Robert Bean has been slinging his own unique brand of visual stories on canvas and paper since the late 1990s. A graduate of the School of Visual Art at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Bean serves as the Department Chair of Painting and Drawing at the Museum School of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and is an adjunct instructor of figure drawing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He is also a recipient of a 2022 Individual Artist Fellowship Award for graphic novel. How to Pitch a Movie Have a great idea for a feature film? Not sure where to start? Join playwright and screenwriter Rachel Lynett for a business workshop on getting your screenwriting idea from idea to production. Learn what TV and film studios want to see in a pitch, how to best represent your ideas, and how to adapt an existing story. Discover how to captivate and garner the attention your work deserves while making connections and building a screenwriting career. About Rachel Lynett Rachel Lynett (she/they) is a queer Afro-Latine playwright, producer, and teaching artist. Their plays have been produced all over the country including Orlando Shakes Theatre, Barrington Stage Co., and Florida Studio Theatre. Lynett is also the 2021 recipient of the Yale Drama Prize for their play, Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You Too August Wilson). Lynett was the 2021 recipient of the National Latinx Playwriting Award and the runner-up for the 2022 Miranda Family Voces Latinx Playwriting Competition for their play, Black Mexican. Their play, White People by the Lake, was also a 2022 Blue Ink Award finalist. They have previously taught at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; the University of Wisconsin, Madison; and Alfred University. Lynett was recently a staff writer for a Netflix series, a staff writer for The Winchesters, and is working on an upcoming feature with 30K FT Productions. Lynett has pitched TV shows and features to Hulu, FX, and Gunpowder & Sky. For more information about the series and to register, visit GetSmart Learning Series. Arts Council Offers June Online Workshops for Artists and Filmmakers

The Springs Magazine • June 2023 • 12 Editor’s Note: The stunning paper in our cover photo is from the Aitoh Company warehouse in Hot Springs. Paper is ubiquitous in our society, generally white and not very interesting. There are many cultures that have a history and tradition of papermaking that takes the humble sheet of paper and elevates it to art. In Japan, paper and papermaking is a long and beautiful tradition. To quote Beth Wild from Aitoh Company, “I love paper, it combines color and texture into the most amazing art supply!” Wild’s business, Aitoh Company, (pronounced I-toe) has a warehouse in Hot Springs/Mountain Pine, that holds hundreds of different papers from Japan and Nepal (and soon also from India). Aitoh also has more than 200 styles of origami paper (the Japanese art of paper folding, but also great for collage, card making, and other paper crafts,) a good selection of sumi supplies (the Japanese art of painting and lettering with jet black ink) as well as other fun items. Aitoh sells to retailers around the globe but has been known to sell to local artists and schools to spread the love of paper. In fact, they provided the paper for the Under Pressure Steam Roller event at the Arts in the Park celebration. There are many papers that are truly works of art. Small studios in Japan create Yuzenshi - multicolored, graphic sheets, one at a time. At Aitoh they have one of the largest selections of Yuzenshi paper in the country. Yuzenshi is a favorite paper for bookmakers, and collage artists, but can also be used for decoupage and other paper arts. Wild also carries some “plain” Japanese paper, as well as Kozo, a more specialized paper favored by printmakers. “We are so thrilled to be working with a paper maker in Hanamaki (Hot Springs’ Sister City). The Kozo made in Hanamaki is unique, and the owner of that company, Narashima Washi, creates an amazing, handmade paper. Our customers are so thrilled we can offer this amazing paper.” Aitoh Company is located at 2720 Mountain Pine Road, Hot Springs. If you are interested in stopping by, they request you call 800-681-5533 to schedule an appointment. Hours are M-F from 10 to 5. Visit www.aitoh.com, or Facebook Aitoh Origami for more information. Editor’s Note: Nov. 11, 2023, is National Origami Day. Your class or club can plan an event around creating beautiful Origami pieces of art. Start practicing now to build your skills. To learn more about this special occasion, visit National Origami Day. When It Comes to Origami Paper, Hot Springs Hit the Jackpot Join the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas for its first slam poetry competition, Spill the Ink, hosted by Tru Poet. The community is invited to participate in the poetry slam to win CASH PRIZES, or to simply attend and enjoy the art of spoken word. Spill the Ink: Poetry Slam will take place Saturday, June 17, from 6-9:30 PM, at Catherine M. Bellamy Theater, 701 S. Main Street, in Pine Bluff. Compete to win cash prizes. First-place prize is $500, second place is $300, and third place is $100. Registration fee (for competitors): $25 ASC members; $30 nonmembers. Admission (for audience): $10 ASC members; $15 nonmembers. Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase. Participants must be 16 years or older to participate in the competition, and advanced registration is required. Spill the Ink: Poetry Slam is a competitive poetry performance judged by professional poets and randomly selected audience members. Poets will battle for three rounds until only one competitor is left standing to win the cash prizes and bragging rights. Poets are encouraged (not required) to prepare a different poem for each round. For more information, visit www.asc701.org/spill-the-ink. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts “Spill the Ink: Poetry Slam” A First for Arts & Science Center in Pine Bluff Tru Poet will host “Spill the Ink: Poetry Slam.” National Trails Day on the first Saturday in June (June 3, 2023) recognizes all the incredible benefits federal, state, and local trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature. Events held throughout the United States help promote awareness of the wide variety of services the trails systems offer. The day encourages people to discover their local trials, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors. While hiking may be the first activity to come to mind, trails offer so much more! Trails provide access to waterways for canoeing and paddle trips. Birders find excellent opportunities for birdwatching and those seeking to test their abilities to observe and study geolocation enjoy geocaching. Others learn land navigation or use the trails for biking. Each of the pursuits creates an opportunity to spend time outdoors and generate an excellent cardiovascular workout. National Trails Day is also an opportunity to thank the many volunteers, land agencies, trail developers, park employees, and rangers for their help in developing and maintaining the trails. HOW TO OBSERVE National Trails Day Visit your local trails. When possible, take a friend and try something new. Try a new trail, an activity, or introduce someone new to an activity you are skilled in to pass on the experience to. Why keep it to yourself? Also, if you pack it in, pack it out. Show your appreciation to those who make the trail system possible. Use #NationalTrailsDay to post on social media. To learn more visit NationaldDaycCalendar.com/national-trails-day-firstsaturday-in-june/. In the meantime, check out our very own lovely Hot Springs National Park trails and the Hot Springs Northwoods Trails. National Trails Day June 3 These adorable felted critters are mascots of a sort at Aitoh Company. An elephant being coy, a dog that they swear is a sheep, a penguin (asleep maybe?), and a wise ole green owl. Not what one would expect to see at an Origami warehouse. Each has its own personality, but they all agree the article in The Springs is wonderful, but really ...it should have been about THEM!

13 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 Free Mobile Arkansas Craft Beverage Pass Happy hour just got happier with Arkansas Tourism’s new Arkansas Craft Beverage Pass. The free pass has been created for mobile devices and features a collection of Arkansas breweries, wineries, and distilleries offering deals and discounts to redeem during your visit. There are no apps to download to get started. When you sign up, the pass is instantly delivered via text and email and is ready to use immediately. When visiting a participating location, hit the check-in button at the bottom of the venue’s listing to earn points. Some locations offer special discounts that can earn additional points. Each month Arkansas Tourism will host a monthly drawing for a $100 digital Visa gift card. Further perks include redeeming points for Arkansas Tourism swag. The pass can be saved to a phone home screen for easy one-tap access. When visiting a participating business, present your phone to a staff member at the business to redeem the available discounts. More details about the Arkansas Craft Beverage Pass and sign-up information can be found at https://www.arkansas.com/craft-beverage-passport. A list of participating Arkansas breweries, wineries, and distilleries can be found online in the pass by clicking “Learn More.” Hot Springs Bike Fest is back for another great weekend of fun and scenic motorcycle rides! The Bike Fest will take place June 8 – 10, in downtown Hot Springs. After riding, come down to the Entertainment District to check out the vendors, food, and cold beverages while you listen to live music! The Ives Brothers make their first Bike Fest appearance with their Globe of Death and Wall of Death. This year the fun and excitement will not disappoint. Accept the challenge! Put your motorcycle and skills to the test at the All-Out Dyno Drags. Visit Hot Springs Bike Fest for complete details, or call 501-276-1452, or email [email protected]. Polish Up Your Bikes for Hot Springs Bike Fest

The Springs Magazine • June 2023 • 14 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 PARKI N G 128 Exchange St Parking Deck PAI D PARKI N G 2 HR Meters on Central Ave STEINHAUS KELLER 100 Block Central Ave DOWNTOWNER JUSTUS ART GALLERY 900 Block Central Ave HOTEL HALE

15 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 Master Gardeners: A Visit to Seaside, Oregon By Shelly Germany While I was visiting the northwest coast, I had the opportunity to go to Seaside, OR. The town offers fun, food, and flowers! Pam, a Master Gardener, has changed Broadway Streets cement areas into charming pocket gardens. Check out Pam's tour on www.seasideor.com. Pocket Garden Walkway Tour. My favorite is the Seaview Garden located by the ocean at the turnabout, at the Lewis and Clark End of Trail statue. The plants here have natural resistance to salt air and wind. This garden is so inspiring and bursting with color and beauty. There are eight pocket gardens from Broadway Street down to the Visitors Bureau to enjoy. The beds are designed to relate to the theme and colors of the business by them, ranging from Chocolate, Edible, Maroon, Asian, Apothecary, and a Tavern pocket garden. My words to describe these gardens are beautiful, charming, clever, fun, colorful, and inspirational. There is a walkway along the Necanicum River lined with beautiful trees and little nook areas to sit, rest and enjoy. Plus, throughout town, there are Pergolas to sit and relax. I have been to Seaside a few times and no matter what time of year you visit something is always blooming. I was inspired by all I got to experience. I'm so glad to share with other Master Gardeners back home. I plan on using what I have learned and to use my fresh new ideas to plant some Pocket Gardens. Shelly Germany, 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, call 501-623-6841 or email [email protected]. No matter what time of year you visit Seaside, Oregon, something is always blooming. Mid-America Science Museum (MASM) will host the opening of its newest traveling exhibit, Toytopia, on Saturday, June 10. Created by Stage Nine Exhibitions, Toytopia provides an immersive and interactive experience exploring the history of some of the most popular toys of the past and present. The exhibit is located in the museum’s Hall of Wonder and is included with general admission. “I’m thrilled that we were able to partner with Stage Nine and bring this unique and exciting exhibit to Mid-America,” said Diane LaFollette, Mid-America Science Museum’s CEO. “We all have memories of our favorite toy or game and this exhibit allows our adult visitors to rekindle that sense of wonder and share it with the next generation. Toytopia also provides an opportunity to encourage learning through play and help inspire the curiosity of our young minds.” Running through Sunday, September 3, Toytopia showcases a wide array of some of the biggest names in toymaking, such as Hasbro®, Duncan Yo-Yo®, Schleich®, Breyer®, Crayola®, KNEX® (Lincoln Logs®), and many more. The exhibit also features the world's largest Etch-A-Sketch, a retro 80s arcade area with working classic games, a life-size doll house, a LEGO® play area, and a lifesize Monopoly car and game board. Named the 2022 winner of “Best Museum” in the Sentinel-Record's Reader’s Choice Awards, Mid-America Science Museum is located at 500 Mid America Blvd in Hot Springs. General admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12 and seniors aged 65 and older, and $11 for teachers and military. The museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays, 1 to 5 PM. To learn more, visit www.midamericamuseum.org, or call 501-767-3461. The world’s largest Etch-A-Sketch and life-size Monopoly car and game board are just part of the fun at the Science Museum’s newest exhibit, opening June 10. Toytopia Exhibit Opens June 10 at Mid-America Museum

The Springs Magazine • June 2023 • 16 By Alison Crane Summer is here and with it picnic season, a time to enjoy favorite summer dishes in the great outdoors. When you are relaxing with family and friends, it is easy to get caught up in the fun and accidentally forget food safety best practices. Did you know food-borne illness symptoms range from mild to severe and can even cause death? The very young and older adults along with those with compromised immune symptoms are the most vulnerable to severe or lifethreatening complications from food-borne illness. One small error can sicken your whole crew, making you an unpopular host! Reduce the odds of foodborne illness by avoiding common picnic food slip-ups. • Wash your hands before cooking, after handling raw meat, and before eating or serving food. Bring hand sanitizer if there is no running water at your picnic site, and rub it all over your hands, including between fingers and around nails. • If you’re not careful, juices from raw meat and poultry can drip into your cooler, creating a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Sanitize your cooler, and wash reusable bags you’ll use to transport food. Pack food in tightly sealed containers. • Pack your cooler about three-quarters of the way full of food, reserving onequarter of the space for ice packs or loose ice. If possible, chill or freeze foods before packing them in your cooler. Pack cold and hot food separately. • If you won’t be able to wash plates, tongs, and serving utensils at the picnic site, bring two sets: one for handling raw meats and one for serving cooked foods. Keep ready-to-eat foods away from anything that touches raw meats, poultry, or fish, and don’t reuse marinades used on raw foods. • Pack ice for beverages in a separate sealed bag. Loose ice-covering foods could have picked up odorless, invisible bacteria from items in the cooler. • Pack food in a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice or ice packs to keep the temperature below 40°F. Transport the cooler in the back seat of your airconditioned car instead of in your hot trunk. Remove from the cooler only the amount of raw meat that will fit on the grill. • Don’t let food sit out for more than two hours. If the temperature outside is 90°F or above, food should only sit out for an hour at most. Keeping food safe keeps you and others safe! You can learn more about cookout food safety or suggestions for how to make your picnic food healthy and tasty through the Garland County Extension Service. Call 501-623-6841 or email [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook @GarlandCountyExtension-UADA. Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Don’t Let Common Slip-ups Ruin Your Picnic Enjoy your summer outings while practicing picnic safety.

17 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 Get ready for an extraordinary weekend filled with wellness, music, and cultural delights as the Arkansas Lavender Festival (ALF) returns to Hot Springs on June 23 and 24, 2023. This highly anticipated event goes beyond a typical festival, focusing on local initiatives, promoting wellness, and fostering a conscious lifestyle within the community. Partnering with various local organizations, the Arkansas Lavender Festival is dedicated to creating a holistic experience that encompasses nutrition, body movement, longevity, and music. Festivalgoers can expect an immersive journey where they can participate in wellness programming and workshops, indulge in local gastronomy, enjoy Christian musical performances, and engage in thought-provoking panels and discussions on nutrition and well-being. The festival is designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit, offering a range of activities that will leave attendees feeling invigorated and inspired. Set in the stunning Veterans Park in Downtown Hot Springs, this weekend promises an unforgettable experience that shouldn't be missed. The ALF aims to bring together the community, showcasing the beauty of lavender and promoting a more conscious lifestyle. By embracing these four pillars - nutrition, body movement, longevity, and music - the festival encourages attendees to explore their own wellness journey and discover new ways to enhance their overall well-being. In addition to the enriching wellness experiences, the festival provides a platform for local artisans, vendors, and musicians to showcase their talent and craftsmanship. From handcrafted goods to tantalizing culinary creations, the festival offers a delightful array of local products for attendees to explore and enjoy. "The Arkansas Lavender Festival is a celebration of local culture, wellness, and the beauty of lavender," observes Denny Nooner, owner of the farm. "We are thrilled to bring this remarkable event back to Hot Springs and create an immersive experience that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you are seeking wellness inspiration, a love for local art, or simply looking to enjoy a weekend of music and cultural delights, the Arkansas Lavender Festival has something for everyone." As the festival approaches, anticipation continues to grow. Visitors can expect a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that celebrates community, nurtures well-being, and promotes a conscious lifestyle. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, discover new passions, and immerse oneself in the beauty of Hot Springs. “Mark your calendars and join us at the Arkansas Lavender Festival on June 23 and 24,” Nooner adds. “Experience a weekend filled with wellness, music, and cultural treasures in the heart of Hot Springs.” For more information, visit www. arkansaslavenderfestival.com and Facebook: Arkansas Lavender Festival, and be prepared to embark on a remarkable journey of mind, body, and spirit. Arkansas Lavender Festival Returns to Hot Springs, Promising a Spectacular Experience Visitors to Lake Banoe Lavender Farm located in Glenwood, AR, will find the farm also provides a picturesque event venue.

The Springs Magazine • June 2023 • 18 Tarot: Gemini & The Lovers By Michelle Crandell When your astrological sign is Gemini, the Tarot Major Arcana card, The Lovers, provides guidance regarding your natural gifts; qualities you can develop to help actualize your life’s purpose. The Lovers journey: to experience the power of love, the art and craft of relationship, the reconciliation of opposites, and the path to becoming a loving individual. Born under the influence of The Lovers, Geminis need to seek relationships that are special and equal and people who are good to them and good for them. They enjoy looking for win-win solutions to conflict and collaborating on projects. They are interested in similarities and differences among people and communication between people. They are motivated to understand relationships between things and recognize the power of choice. They enjoy working with people of all ages. The Lovers card indicates challenges; such as miscommunications, infidelities, pursuing ideal love, and obsessive attachments. Focusing on relationships and neglecting other aspects of life or confusing love with power are also concerns. Becoming “addicted” to falling in love can prevent Geminis from learning how to deepen their character through loving experiences. Archetypes representing The Lovers include Adam and Eve, yin/yang, Apollo/Artemis, anima/animus, and the Twilight characters. Shadow archetypes include Romeo and Juliet, Zeus and Hera, Anthony and Cleopatra, and Hamlet and Ophelia. 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 Gemini is The Lovers. Yoga: Benefits of Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose A By Karen Watson Reeves In looking back over the list* of poses I have written about in this space (yes, I am definitely a list-maker), I was surprised that Supta Padangusthasana A (yep, that is a mouthful, but so is the English translation, Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose A) was not on the list, as it is one of my favorite and most beneficial poses. Because most of our days are filled with activity and busyness, any of the reclined poses tend to feel good to me, whether first thing in the morning preparing for the busy day ahead or in the evening getting a nice stretch moving into a restful night. One of the primary physical benefits of this pose is that it is a great stretch for tight hamstrings, which most of us tend to have. Tight hamstrings can cause low back pain and discomfort and just general feelings of inflexibility. This pose gives those muscles a nice gentle stretch and can be modified to be even more gentle by using a strap around the foot. It is most beneficial to stay in the pose for at least ten slow, deep breaths. The spine is supported by the floor, making it feel more relaxing. The supine position also provides relief for the lower back. The leg extended on the floor tightens the quadriceps and brings body awareness to both legs at the same time. Because athletes tend to have strong hamstrings and quadriceps, the pose can be helpful to practice before and after workouts/sporting events. Sciatic pain can be reduced because of the increased blood flowing toward the hip and thigh of the raised leg. Also, the nerves around the hamstrings and hips are stretched. While most of the attention is on the legs in this posture, it is also a good stretch to the arm and shoulder holding the leg up. The astute reader may have wondered about the “A” at the end of the posture’s name. Yes, there are variations B and C as well, which I equally love, so stay tuned to future articles to learn more about Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose. And definitely give version A a try! *In looking back over the list of poses, I discovered this is pose #61 that I have written for The Springs Magazine, going into six years! I am so grateful to share this space with readers for so many months. Pose #61 is brought to you by the numbers 4, 2, and 0. (hint: that is a clue to where I am, and the first correct response gets the reader a free class!) 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. She is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff and is an adjunct instructor at National Park College. 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. Karen Reeves demonstrates Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose A. Be the first to text her location and receive a free yoga class. 501-681-0566. Photo: Fred Padilla

19 • The Springs Magazine • June 2023 By Erin Wood “Our brains are wired to avoid risks and first steps in new projects,” Benton author and motivational speaker Cara Brookins shares. “But Unstuck provides a proven system to work with our brains to overcome this avoidance and get big things done.” In her new guide to overcoming procrastination and reshaping the way readers think about productivity, Brookins shares how to reach goals that once seemed impossible. Released in April, Unstuck: End Procrastination Using the Ancient Psychology Behind How-To Videos combines ancient principles and modern neuroscience with true stories from ordinary people around the world who achieved extraordinary things. The result is a guide to getting things done against all odds. From the man who carved through a mountain to the eight-year-old who drove himself on an important mission to the woman who had a billiondollar idea and the man who electrified a remote village, humans have proven time and time again that no obstacle or disadvantage is too big. Brookins should know about reaching seemingly impossible goals. After escaping an abusive marriage, she had four children to provide for and no one to turn to but herself. Needing a home but without the means to buy one, she and her kids built their own home from the foundation up equipped only with YouTube tutorials, a small loan, and sheer determination. She shared the story in Rise: How a House Built a Family (St. Martin’s, 2017). Now, in Unstuck, Brookins is a partner in making sure we live up to our greatest potential. Find her at carabrookins.com. Unstuck is available wherever books are sold. 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). “Unstuck” by Cara Brookins Applications Open For Lloyd’s Second Chance Scholarship National Park College (NPC) announced that applications are now open for the Lloyd’s Second Chance Scholarship. NPC and Lloyd’s Auto Sales partnered to offer the scholarship in 2019. This will be the fifth year for the scholarship award. The Lloyd's Second Chance Scholarship is available to students who need a second chance at earning an education. One scholarship for full tuition and fees will be awarded for the fall semester. Applicants must be out of high school for at least one year. Applicants may also be considered for the non-traditional student scholarship of up to $1000. Applications opened April 1 with a priority deadline of June 15. Scholarship requirements and application information can be found at np.edu/secondchance.