The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 2 Collaborating with Edmond Cooper on this cover for our November issue was delightful. He tapped into his photo files and came up with so many gorgeous photos, many photos taken by Aaron Brewer. We’d toss this one and that one for various reasons, then we’d come up with a favorite but, alas, no high-resolution version. So we’d swipe left on that one. Finally, we found our cover dancer. This charming performer is The Christmas Angel, dancer Chloe Powell. And it turned out to be one of Aaron Brewer’s magnificent photos. He dug up the hiresolution version and we sent the photo to Richard Stephens who put together the layout. A lot of local talent created this photo. Chloe with her beautiful pose, Edmond’s teaching skills, Aaron’s photography, and guess who created the beautiful costume? None other than Hannah Mills, seamstress extraordinaire! Be sure to stop in Hot Springy Dingy around Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day. Woohoo…She’s the queen of creating just the costume you need. . All this to thank everyone who had a hand in making our November cover happen. I guess we should begin with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky whose brilliance created The Nutcracker in the first place! Wishing everyone a Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving! About the Cover Photo . . . “The Christmas Angel” by Photographer Aaron Brewer Courtesy of Edmond Cooper
3 • The Springs Magazine • November 2023 Hot Springs is a unique place to visit, and with plenty of local restaurants, events, and shops, there is something for everyone here. The Springs Magazine is the perfect resource to find local shops, restaurants, and even local events, especially in the November and December issues. Small Business Saturday, November 25, is the perfect day for everyone to play a supporting role by giving back to all of the small business owners who support our local economy. While this is a good thing to do every day, Small Business Saturday distinguishes a day to shop local, helping drive in shopper traffic and bring in more retail to the small business owners. We encourage you to shop small by visiting the stores and businesses in this magazine and eat big, dine local, by grabbing a bite at a local eatery. Giving Tuesday, November 28, is held every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the Black Friday/ Cyber Monday craze. Giving Tuesday inspires people to collaborate and give back to their community and the charities they support. It unifies corporations, charities, and small businesses all around the world by showing people that the world gets what it gives. Hot Springs is home to more than thirty non-profit charities that would gladly accept your donations on #GivingTuesday. Great gift ideas are found throughout this issue. Enjoy reading about the small businesses and learn more about our community. And, please, give our merchants some holiday cheer for spending their advertising dollars small and local. Let them know you found them in The Springs Magazine. Happy Holidays from The Springs Magazine Team! Keeping It Local For The Holidays
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 4 October Haiku Contest Winners Justus Fine Art Gallery hosted a Haiku poetry contest during the month of October. The poems were to be based on the artwork on display that month and Howard Kilby graciously selected the following winners from the wonderful entries. Thank you to all who participated! First Place - Mary Zunick Poem inspired by Eli Vega’s photograph “Sunflower” Brilliant yellow light Sparks joy in the soul To me and to bees Second Place - Donna Casparian Poem inspired by Beverly Buys’ photograph “My Garden” Garden Rooster crows The morning heart awakens Broken like an egg Third Place - Janine Davis Poem inspired by Michael Ashley’s ceramic vessel “Ozark Landscape” From the earth we rise Our hearts beat in the mountains Breath one with the sky A long list of accolades makes up the curriculum vitae of Dr. Christopher M. Jones: MIT-educated rocket scientist, holder of four additional degrees including one in physics and another in math from Morehouse College, ordained minister, and first African American gubernatorial nominee by a major party in Arkansas. He also takes great pride in being the father of three daughters and the husband of emergency medicine physician and United States Air Force veteran, Dr. Jerrilyn Jones. To the list, the Pine Bluff native currently living in Little Rock has recently added “author” with his 30-day devotional, Quantum Pearls: Finding Spiritual Wisdom in the Mundane Moments (Truth, 2023). Quantum Pearls are dense bits of wisdom and spiritual energy that can be found buried deep in the mundane moments of ordinary everyday life. Jones says the book “is written for those seeking valuable pearls . . . and . . . to build the skills necessary to uncover the pearls hidden in their own daily activities.” Each day’s devotional begins with a Bible passage and an anecdote. Then, readers are asked to become engaged writers through answering questions related to the anecdote or readers’ personal experiences. Searching for the pearls throughout the book leads one to the conclusion that is also the title of a chapter: “What you do matters!” If you are fortunate to have spent time with Dr. Jones, you’ll certainly feel his encouraging, upbeat nature throughout the book’s pages, as you seek and discover your own quantum pearls. Signed copies of Quantum Pearls are available at Wordsworth Books in Little Rock. 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). Quantum Pearls
5 • The Springs Magazine • November 2023 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 onsite. 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. Since 2007, metalsmiths Skip and Racheal Mathews, Copper Colorists, have returned to Christmas Showcase, becoming Guild members in 2012 when they moved to Mountain View from Missouri. Skip is known as the "Father of Flame Painting," since in 1981 he was the first to create and develop the skills to paint with flames on copper and bring out colorful patterns. The copper shapes become jewelry or home décor, some representational, and some abstract. Butterflies, hummingbirds, angels, or crosses could be worn as a pin or a necklace, mounted on a wall, or could be a centerpiece. In their Copper Colorists booth, three artists are represented: Skip, Racheal, and their son-in-law Phillip Cook. Phillip began his apprenticeship 15 years ago and spent 6 years learning flame-painting. He started Copper Colorists Legacy and works from Ozark, MO, demonstrating at Silver Dollar City. They have teamed up at Christmas Showcase and the Gatlinburg Craftsman's Fair for several years. This past year, Phillip joined Skip and Racheal at the Ozark Folk Center Craft Village, in Mountain View, demonstrating 2 days a week, selling alongside their gift items, which gave Skip and Racheal more time at home to create. Elijah, son of Phillip and his wife Marny, sometimes takes a turn on the torch, carrying on the legacy of this skill. The whole family pitches in at Christmas Showcase to help set up and take down, while learning the business. “I call myself a generational artist,” Phillip says, “To take a blank sheet of copper and turn it into something that someone loves enough to take home with them is extremely rewarding. I have a love for creating and working with my hands. And I have a love for the family that supports me, every step of the way.” 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, www. 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. Hummingbird Branch sculpture for table or wall $75 - 10”w x 7”h at coppercolorists.com. Arkansas Craft Guild Presents the 45th Annual Christmas Showcase
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 6 Emergent Arts is pleased to announce a new gallery on the second floor of 620 Central Avenue. The Collective Arts Gallery is the result of merging over 60 artists from the former Whittington Studio Gallery with Emergent Arts, and a partnership with the Historic Kress Building. The gallery opened to the public late in October and will hold a grand opening event on Friday, November 3 at 5:00 pm. “We are very excited to be able to provide a gallery to the nearly 60 artists who are losing display space at the Whittington Studio,” said Executive Director, Erin Holliday. We are looking forward to the visibility and reach that a location on Central Avenue will provide for the artists and Emergent Arts.” Kelly Carroll, gallery manager, will be continuing with Emergent Arts in the new space. "Whittington Gallery has been a gem to the local arts community for over 6 years, offering a welcoming and affordable place to sell artwork. We have established a supportive community amongst artists and patrons, so many were in shock at the news of its closing. “Emergent Arts has been our saving grace! The collective of artists is thrilled to collaborate with this organization in such a beautiful space, alongside many of the other downtown galleries." The Historic Kress Building, also known as Karicole Plaza, is under the new ownership of Mary and Robert Zunick, longtime supporters of the arts. The building is best known as the location of the downtown branch of the post office. To learn more, visit www.EmergentArts.org, or call 501-655-0836. Collective Arts Gallery Finds New Home for 60 Artists Local artists are setting up downtown’s newest art gallery. By Aithne Emmons As we move into the colder months of the year, it can be harder to find the time or energy to get out of the house and visit the library. Fortunately, the Garland County Library (GCL) offers several online resources to provide patrons with access to ebooks, audiobooks, movies, research information, and educational materials all from the comfort of home. You can access these resources from the library’s web page gclibrary.com or through the Garland County Library app. All you need is a library card, and if you don’t have one you can sign up for an ecard at our website. The Libby and Hoopla apps give access to a variety of ebooks and audiobooks. Titles can be downloaded to your device and are a perfect way to bring your favorite books along with you wherever you go. Hoopla also offers a selection of movies, music, and magazines for online checkout. If reading isn’t your forté, CreativeBug offers video tutorials for all sorts of fiber arts, crafting, and cooking. We also offer online platforms for research and learning. Mango Languages offers grammar and speech lessons in over 70 languages for free. Over a ten-chapter lesson plan, users will learn basic conversational skills in the language, along with basic language relating to food, culture, and how to ask questions. We also provide access to research databases such as ProQuest, which has information on an assortment of scientific, historical, and other topics. Learn all about the library’s services and offerings at gclibrary.com, 501- 623-4161, or visit us at 1427 Malvern Avenue. Aithne Emmons serves as GC Library Public Services Coordinator. Online Offerings at the Library This little card is your ticket to a wealth of information.
NOVEMBER ART MATTERS • GALLERY WALK #411 Friday • NOV 3 • 5-9 PM • Visit HotSpringsArts.org for art news Gallery Walk is extra special this month! We are welcoming Collective Arts Gallery to our family of galleries! Emergent Arts and Whittington Gallery artists have merged to create a beautiful new space above the Post Office. We’re also celebrating our Veteran Artists this month with a feature in The Springs and a special exhibit in collaboration with Artists’ Workshop Gallery. THANK YOU! We hope you’ll take the time to come out and salute ALL of our artists. Happy Thanksgiving, ya’ll! AMERICAN ART GALLERY 724 Central • 501-624-0550 Featuring the Gulpha Bridge by Jamie Carter and Jimmy Leach. Wood turnings by Virgil Barksdale, and Daniel Zero Two Infinity. Pine needle baskets and horsetail pottery by Valerie Hanks-Goetz. Southwest Jewelry by Ernie Bolieu who will be on hand to discuss design and stones. Mon-Sat, 10-4 PM. ARTISTS’ WORKSHOP GALLERY 610A Central • 501-623-6401 • ArtistsWorkshopGallery.com Joanne Kunath and Petr Bednarik are November’s featured artists, as well as Jessieville High School art students. Featured Miniature artists are Linda Shearer and Pati Trippel. Charlie Mink will entertain during Gallery Walk. Open 10–5. Sun, 12–5. Closed Tues. COLLECTIVE ARTS GALLERY 620 Central Avenue • Second Floor • 501-655-0836 GRAND OPENING! The public is invited to attend a reception during Gallery Walk to welcome the newest gallery to downtown. Emergent Arts & Whittington Gallery Studio have merged with 60 artists to form Collective Arts Gallery. Climb the beautiful spiral staircase to the 2nd floor & welcome the artists to their new home. 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.” Dryden family of artists pushes the limits of what can be done with pottery. 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 Día de Los Muertos Community Altar and Exhibition.Emergent Arts’ Día de Los Muertos community altar and exhibition is their annual tradition. Join them for the closing exhibition of artwork inspired by The Day of the Dead on Nov. 3, Gallery Walk, 5-8 PM. Tues-Sat: Noon-5 PM. JUSTUS FINE ART GALLERY 827A Central • 501-321-2335 • JustusFineArt.com The November show features mixed media wall-hanging sculptures by Mark Blaney, and a selection of Matthew Hasty’s paintings of the Southern Delta, Dolores Justus’ loosely rendered landscape paintings, and Robyn Horn, John Lasater, Sammy Peters, Sandra Sell, Gene Sparling, Michael Warrick. Opening reception is from 5-9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 3. 10 AM–5 PM, Wed-Sat, & by appointment. LOCAL ART ENTITY The Club House • 118 Arbor Street • theclubhouseHS.com Presenting “Artist Talks” from 5-9 PM at the Fall Gallery Walk Art Market, NOV 3. The market features a Family Sip and Paint area, complimentary refreshments, as well as a Beer and Wine bar. 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 Nov. 16, 9:30 AM-Noon at GCLibrary. 7 • The Springs Magazine • November 2023
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 8 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
9 • The Springs Magazine • November 2023 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. At 5’11’ Stanton offers a stately interpretation and strength to the role while Wong’s interpretation is spritely and impish. Both versions are a joy to experience and the ballet enthusiast will appreciate seeing them firsthand on the consecutive weekends. 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. In high school, she trained under Stephanie Saland and Le Yin and spent summers with American Ballet Theatre, Oklahoma City Ballet, and Ballet Austin. Tickets to The Nutcracker are; Preferred Seating: $35-adults, $20 students (the first 4 rows of the theatre). General seating tickets are $25-adults, $15-students, and $5-children under 5 years of age. Tickets can be purchased at www.hscdtc.org. Special Treat Planned for This Year’s Nutcracker Audiences Two classical ballet stars, (l) Deanna Stanton and (r) Alayna Wong. The 27th Haiku Society of America’s South Regional Conference will be held Fri. – Sat., Nov. 10 – 11, at the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, 9 AM – Noon and 2 PM – 5 PM, both days. The Arkansas Haiku Society provides this free event to encourage appreciation for this centuries-old Japanese poetic tradition often now with American influences. These impressions about nature and human nature catch beauty, feelings, quirks, etc. with the fewest words necessary. “We are particularly fortunate this year that many distinguished poets will be attending,” stated Howard Lee Kilby, President of the Arkansas Haiku Society. Charlotte Digregorio: Author of seven books. Suzanne Underwood Rhodes: Arkansas Poet Laureate Dr. John J. Han: Haiku Author, MO Baptist U., Chair of Humanities Dr. John McPherson: President of Poets’ Roundtable of Arkansas Dr. John Zheng: Mississippi Valley State University Kai Coggin: Hot Springs Poet Laureate, Wednesday Night Poetry Maxine Dickerson: Teacher of Origami June Rose Dowis: South Regional Coordinator Dr. Judy Michaels: Arkansas Haiku Ambassador Stacy Pendergrast: Haiku Poet and Film Maker Howard Lee Kilby: President, Arkansas Haiku Society Janine Davis: VP for Membership of the HS Haiku Club “Capt. Billy Bones”: Entertainer, Fiction Author, and Haiku Poet Beginners are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Howard Lee Kilby: email [email protected] [use HAIKU CONFERENCE in subject line] or phone 501-767-6096…OR just come…hotel front desk will direct you to the location of the gathering. Join the 27th Haiku Conference Author Charlotte Digregorio
The Springs Magazine • November 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 • November 2023 Settle Inn is an ideal place for visitors seeking a uniquely personalized experience while exploring Hot Springs National Park. This family-owned motor court was meticulously restored into a collection of eight personalized upscale boutique cottages. “The restoration process took nearly two years to complete,” said owner Melissa Hoffman. “We finished the décor of our last cottage in June 2023. We take pride in offering a personalized touch and unforgettable experience to help you make the most of your visit to Hot Springs.” Each cottage is unique, with distinct layouts and décor. Equipped with full kitchens and modern amenities, the cottages are suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small families. Larger groups can reserve the entire property, accommodating up to 25 guests. Located at 903 Park Avenue in historic Uptown Hot Springs, Settle Inn is a stone’s throw away from Bathhouse Row, Oaklawn, Lake Hamilton, Northwoods Trail, and Magic Springs. Enjoy the cottages during racing season, a motherdaughter weekend, anniversaries, or when honeymooning. Less than 20 miles away you’ll find Lake Ouachita, which offers all its water activities, and Hot Springs Village, home to 8 golf courses. When you want to check a national park off your bucket list, attend a business convention, compete in a mountain bike race, fishing or baseball tournament, or attend a festival, fair, or holiday show, Settle Inn has the perfect accommodations for your visit. Here’s an idea! Reserve a cottage now for a hot seat for the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. Find Settle Inn on Facebook: Settle Inn Hot Springs. For inquiries or reservations, visit www.SettleInnHotSprings.com, or call 858-335-4546, and start creating lasting memories in historic Uptown Hot Springs. Settle Inn’s Boutique Cottages are Upscale and Uptown Immerse yourself in the history and charm of the area. By David Rose Thanksgiving got outflanked by Christmas. The Yuletide armies raced across the open ground between Thanksgiving and Halloween like Mongol hordes across the Asian steppes. Christmas is now laying siege to Halloween which is hunkered down behind ramparts of rotting pumpkins and moldering hay bales reinforced with the bones of plastic skeletons. Thanksgiving has been left behind the lines, struggling to hold onto its lonely outpost like Gordan at Khartoum. We at the Unitarian Universalist Church out on 1701 Spring Street strive to be more thankful and less commercial. Toward that end we will be having a leftover potluck lunch after the service on Sunday, the 26th of November. Perhaps we can extend Thanksgiving an extra day. Please come and join us for both the service – at 10:30 – and the lunch afterward. Bring your viable leftovers if you like. PS – I’m not really fond of those molded Jell-O dishes. You know the ones I’m talking about, the ones with vegetables imbedded in the Jell-O and marshmallows on the top. They’re just so non-committal. Are they a vegetable side dish or a dessert? Pick a lane. Also, everything on your primary Thanksgiving plate should be gravy-friendly and Jell-O certainly is not. Leftover Sunday Is this a vegetable side dish or dessert?
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 12 Taste of the Holidays returns to the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs, on Thursday, November 16. The annual holiday fundraiser for the museum runs from 6 to 9 PM and features food and drinks from more than 20 of Hot Springs’ restaurants, breweries, bakeries, distilleries, and caterers. The event also showcases a silent auction of destination experiences, gift cards, merchandise, and more. Event tickets can be purchased now at Mid-America's website. Presented by Alexander Thompson Arnold CPAs + Advisors, PLLC, with additional sponsorship from Oaklawn, all proceeds from this event go toward supporting the Mid-America Science Museum’s educational programming and furthering its mission to stimulate interest in science, promote public understanding of the sciences, and encourage life-long science education through interactive exhibits and programs. Some of the vendors for this year’s event include Mueller’s Bakery, Longhorn Steakhouse, O’Connor Distributing, Destiny’s Bake Shop, The Vault, Don Juan Mexican Bar and Grill, Sugar & Spice Frozen Fruit Bar, the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, Oaklawn’s Mainline Sports Bar, Beehive Neighborhood Hangout, Tri-Lakes Liquor Store, Crystal Ridge Distillery, the Porterhouse, Higdon Square Café, and Bleu Monkey Bar and Grill. “Taste of the Holidays is always an exciting event for Mid-America because it gives us the opportunity to showcase our facilities, exhibits, and handson educational activities to our community, especially those who may not be familiar with the museum and our mission,” said Diane LaFollette, CEO of the Mid-America Science Museum. Through the support of charitable giving, Mid-America has expanded its educational outreach by incorporating teacher development opportunities to enhance science curricula in Garland County’s classrooms. The museum also entered strategic partnerships with local school districts to offer discounted admission and school memberships to support science education for area students. “Mid-America attracts over 120,000 visitors each year, with more than 15,000 of those being local students participating in our educational programs. Through the support of giving at Taste of the Holidays, we’ve been able to grow our facilities and the reach of our programming by bringing new traveling exhibits to the area as well as updating some of our permanent ones,” said LaFollette. General admission tickets for Taste of the Holidays are $100, and tables seating six guests can be purchased for $800. Tickets to the event are limited and can be purchased online at midamericamuseum.org or by calling (501) 767-3461. For more information or inquiries about becoming a vendor, sponsor, or contributing to the silent auction, please contact Mid-America Science Museum COO, Noreen Killen, at [email protected] or call (501) 767-3461. Named the 2023 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, AR. With over 100 interactive exhibits throughout its 73,500-square-foot Museum and the surrounding 21 wooded acres, Mid-America has provided hands-on scientific activities for guests of all ages since its opening in 1979. It’s Time to Taste at Mid-America Museum
13 • The Springs Magazine • November 2023 A native of Hot Springs, Richard Stephens earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from UCA in 1969. After serving in the Army as an Illustrator, Stephens began his professional career in 1971 with a design firm in Little Rock. Having been introduced to the medium in college, Stephens rediscovered transparent watercolor in the early ‘90s. A retired army veteran, served in the Army Medical Specialist Corp as an occupational therapist for eight years. Pennucci lives in Little Rock and devotes much of her time to the arts. She primarily focuses on painting with water media but also has worked in pottery, sculpture, and other craft media. Pennucci is a member of Artists’ Workshop Gallery in Hot Springs, Arkansas. John Faginkrantz, a navy man, is a self-taught artist who creates whimsical, colorful towns called Vapor Valleys. His work can be seen at Riser Ford, Riser Dodge, and Diablos. He will be opening Vapor Valley Gallery soon. 501-607-2685 I dropped out of high school in 1968 and, having no political connection, college prospects or bone spurs, was drafted into the U.S. Army. While at the Fort Dix reception station I convinced the higher-ups that my extensive art background made me uniquely qualified to finish the mural that some departed conscript had started. My art background was a fabrication, but my predecessor had not set the bar very high. Angelina Hardin’s mother noticed her artist ability at the age of nine. It all started with a pegus from a story book. She is the mother of twin daughters, Taylor and Tyler. Her husband, the girls father, passed away from cancer. He was also a veteran, Navy. Angelina usually paints with oils or watercolors with subjects of animals or people. Jean Pennucci David Rose Don Watson Richard Stephens John Faginkrantz Joe Mangione Angelina Hardin Don Watson is a native of Glenwood, AR. He started painting in Virginia Beach in 2001. After retiring from the Navy in 2006 he became a full-time artist in residence at The Artist Gallery in Virginia Beach, VA. In March of 2010, he moved back home to Arkansas and has a studio in Glenwood. In 2007 he opened his studio (Don Watson Studio Gallery), located at 439 Gilmer Avenue in Glenwood. 870-681-0563 Steve Johnson Steve Johnson has always been an artist and enjoyed art class while attending school. He took ceramics and other art courses while serving in the US Navy. Johnson has been a part of the artistic community in the Hot Springs area since 2010. EMANUEL ALVAREZ VALENCIA Emanuel Alvarez Valencia was born in Michoacan, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States in 1984. He joined the Army after 9/11/2001. He became a highly decorated non-commissioned officer. Following his retirement from the military, Emanuel discovered his passion for fine art and now dedicates himself to creating awe-inspiring masterpieces. Joe Mangione was an Army paratrooper turned baker. His life-long dream to paint was put off until retirement when he happily sat for hours creating silly art for his family. In the intervening years his icing bag had served as his paint brush and the undecorated cake was his canvas. Chuck Smith Chuck Smith is a talented artist of few words who can often be found with a paint brush in hand. The Springs Magazine would like to honor artists who have served our country by showcasing their work in this issue with a special feature - "Arts in Service: Honoring Veteran Artists." We recognize that veterans possess immense talent and creativity that often goes unrecognized. This is why we aim to bridge the gap by providing an inclusive opportunity for veterans to display their artistic skills and share their stories. Partnering with us is the Artists' Workshop Gallery, 610A Central Avenue. The gallery has dedicated a section for our Veteran artists and will be exhibiting their work with an opening reception at Gallery Walk on Friday, November 3rd, and throughout the month of November. Please stop in to learn more about the artists and enjoy their work in person. Together, let us honor those who have served our country and provide them with the recognition they truly deserve. Arts in Service: Honoring Veteran Artists
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 14
HANAMAKI & HOT SPRINGS 30 YEARS OF SISTER CITY FRIENDSHIP This was my first trip to Japan, and I'm so glad that it was with the Hanamaki Sister City Program. I went with an open mind hoping to bring back some Hanamaki culinary culture. Mission accomplished! I have plans in 2024 to introduce some products made in Hanamaki. Language and cultural barriers were only small obstacles to being able to have an incredible experience. MATT FULLER The parade was really fun; the first night I was one of the drummers behind one of the floats and the drum leader kept telling Robbie and me to hit the drums harder and when we did we started breaking the sticks so I’m not sure he was prepared for that. Then when I carried the Mikoshi the next night with Robbie, Erin, and Katrina, I was shocked at just how heavy the shrine was. I’m only a little under 6’1” and was still the tallest in the group and it was too much for me. I had to give up about 2/3 of the way in because my shoulders were both bruised from the weight. BEN VAN WAGNER The water’s boiling from beneath the ground's surface Arigato, Springs Gorge was most stunning And a beautiful song too What a memory Stone eyes watch over Waters cut a million years Ancient echoed song Home among the cliffs Heavy darkness draws itself Purple flower spring The boat builders shed Holding impatient vessels Anticipating water I wish I’d been warned Before I hit the button Japanese bidets karate sumo Sake Hanamaki Hai That is all I know Accumulation of a beautiful culture Hanamaki brings me joy Do me a solid: Turn on the A/C before I become liquid. Heavenly blue sky And Vibrant tall green trees Love Calming reflective water In the Spring she sings Her little song of life and love for Happiness it brings I cannot outrun a bear but I can outrun a Ben so all good - Robert Slowly drift down stream Melody in the air now Peace and happiness Merican ego Puts ME above the whole group Wa is the way here To hike near bears tomorrow morning I will go May run leaving you for dead - Ben Hot Springs, hot air too My body sweats, I’m alive My Hanamaki! Hot Springs in Hanamaki, Nature's warm embrace, Healing waters soothe the soul. This was my 12th trip with delegations traveling to our sister city. Each group has been made up of different ages of travelers – from teenagers to over 80, each with different reasons to travel to Japan. Travelers from a variety of demographics with their own unique personalities and life experiences. The result is always the same. The delegates are in awe of the beauty, history, and culture but more than anything they are profoundly touched by the warm hospitality of the people of Hanamaki. It was an honor to travel with the 30th Anniversary delegation and know that they left with not just great memories of the trip of a lifetime, but they also have friends they will stay connected to for years to come. MARY ZUNICK In early September, a 19-member delegation traveled to Hot Springs’ sister city, Hanamaki, Japan, to celebrate 30 years of sister city friendship. Some of the delegation members shared their impressions of this trip of a lifetime. 2023
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 16 Tarot: Scorpio and Death By Michelle Crandell The astrological sign, Scorpio is associated with the Major Arcana card Death/Rebirth. For those influenced by this Tarot card, commitment to the process of transformation and change provides meaning and purpose. This commitment takes many forms. Some Scorpios reinvent themselves numerous times. Others help people in transition find their way from an ending to a new beginning. Others pursue a spiritual path that emphasizes release and detachment. Some become fascinated by the mysteries of birth and death and rebirth. Death/Rebirth Wisdoms: “What has a beginning has an end.” “Change is the natural order of things.” “Attachment is the cause of much suffering.” “All relationships end.” “Practice loving detachment.” “Turning away from closed doors allows you to find the open ones.” Want to let go of an incomplete project, a bad habit, a destructive relationship, an identity that no longer fits, a lifestyle that’s not right for you, a situation that has outworn its usefulness, memories that bring you sorrow? Seek guidance from the Death/Rebirth card..or a Scorpio counselor. Notice a new beginning awaits. Challenges: getting stuck in some aspect of the grief process, attaching to the suffering involved in change rather than the growth, trying to rush the process of transformation. Archetypes: The Buddha, Swans, Butterflies, Phoenix, Snake. Shadow Aspects: The Reaper, Skeleton, Vampires, Zombies, Frankenstien’s Monster. 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 Scorpio is XIII Death.
17 • The Springs Magazine • November 2023 A student in National Park’s Hospitality class creates a vegan recipe. By Eve Victory Veganism is not some new 21st-century trend. First conceptualized in 1944, veganism has become a word often synonymous with healthy living. It is also, unfortunately, tantamount to “blah.” Many think going without meat or animal products is unreasonable; however, there are myriad ways to eat vegan and not only meet all your nutritional needs but enjoy incredible flavors. Most people don’t realize how simple it is to get your protein, carb, and fat allotment when vegan; and how easy it is to make them delicious. Soy and quinoa are the powerhouses of vegan protein; and there are multiple complementary protein combos, like beans and rice, that provide all essential amino acids. Carbs are easily covered by many whole grain sources like brown rice, bulgar, barley, and oats, all of which make for tasty breads, cereals, and pastas. As the majority of cooks use olive oil as a staple in their homes, fats are the easiest nutrient to cover. Other vegan oils like avocado, sesame, and walnut, provide a good dose of heart-healthy fatty acids and/or omega-3/6 and pack a big punch of flavor. Regarding cooking, plant-based ingredients are super versatile. There are endless combinations of fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains, and seeds that make delicious curries, casseroles, stews, pastries, pizzas, and desserts. Below is one of my favorite recipes from my Sicilian grandmother: Giambotto. Serve it with some crusty bread and you’ve got a hearty, healthy meal that is as vegan as it gets. Giambotto – Serves 4 Ingredients • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 large red onion, diced • 1 large red pepper, diced • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 2 small eggplant, diced • 1 large zucchini, diced • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 8 cherry tomatoes, quartered • 2 medium potatoes, diced • 6 basil leaves, roughly chopped • 1 cup water • Salt and pepper to taste Instructions 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and sautee the red onion and red pepper for 2-3 minutes on medium heat until they soften. 2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the eggplant and zucchini and cook for 7-8 minutes until slightly golden. 3. Stir in the tomato paste, then add the cherry tomatoes, potatoes, and basil leaves. Add the water, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. 4. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve. 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: November is Vegan Month
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 18 By Peggy Linsdey Everyone experiences moments of pain or despair, and at times we reach out to that special friend or family member . . . that one who will drop everything to be by your side, to talk hours on the phone, who will hold you physically and emotionally. These precious ones help us regain our balance. Their presence soothes us, helping us to realize we are not alone. This person calmly sits with us and listens intently as we share our broken heart in a flood of emotion. We may not need fixing or have a problem that needs to be solved . . . we may only need to be genuinely heard and understood. We require no judgment or accusation, only compassion and love. These relationships are not just shopping sprees, coffee dates, and Sunday dinners. They are about showing up for each other when life gets messy. It’s the little acts of kindness as well as the heroic rescues in the middle of the night. These bonds are real and true. We need these human angels in the world, and we will have opportunities to be one for someone else. Can we choose to be there when the need arises? Can we commit to showing up? The people in our lives and the relationships we have built are our greatest treasures. And being there for each other in times of difficulty and ease, for work and play, and in moments of sadness and joy, are the gifts of being human. Being there . . . that is what life is all about. 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/. Being There for Each Other Yoga: Benefits of Upward-Facing Dog By Karen Watson Reeves This month I’m getting right into the physical benefits of the pose because they are significant and Upward-Facing Dog (often shortened to Up Dog) is a strong pose. Up Dog opens the chest and collarbones, counteracting the rounding of the spine that happens as we sit at a desk or slouch frequently throughout the day. Abdominal muscles are stretched. The cervical and thoracic spine is expanded and the muscles are contracted in the lumbar spine, helping all the back muscles stretch, and become stronger. The wrists are strengthened and arms are toned. Up Dog offers a deep backbend, helping to improve posture and perhaps relieve moderate back pain. In the mythology of yoga, there is a story about a dog that I’d like to share as quoted in the Yoga International publication. Following a battle, the five Pandava brothers, who did not choose the war, but were obliged to fight to defend their people and uphold their dharma (right conduct), set off walking toward the mountain of Heaven, led by Yudishthira, the oldest brother. A dog joins them and refuses to leave. One by one Yudishthira’s companions fall along the way until he and the dog are the only ones to reach Heaven’s gate, where he is told that the dog cannot enter. Yudishthira argues, “This dog is devoted to me. He had many opportunities to leave, and he did not. It is wrong to abandon one who is devoted to you, one who is terrified, or one who needs your protection. We have comforted each other on this terrible journey, and as he has been loyal to me, I will not abandon him now.” It is then revealed that the dog is an incarnation of Dharma itself, which is not just an abstract principle, but a model for embodied action. The qualities of loyalty, love, and persistence of the dog in the story are not unlike our country’s veterans, whom we celebrate in November and to whom we should be grateful every day of the year. The setting for this month’s photo is at Veteran’s Memorial Park and the quote moved me to find a pose to use for this month’s edition. Upward-Facing Dog is a strong pose and cannot remotely be compared to the strength of our United States Veterans. Be grateful for your own strength and be grateful for our valiant veterans. We thank you for your service. 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 Upward Facing Dog Pose at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Downtown Hot Springs. Photo by Fred Padilla.
19 • The Springs Magazine • November 2023 Maintaining good health requires effort and consistency and sometimes can feel like an uphill battle. But if you think about it as making one good choice at a time, it is not such an overwhelming task. One simple way to start improving your health is to make sure you are getting enough fiber in your diet. Most U.S. adults only get about half of the fiber recommended for good health. Dietary fibers are carbohydrates found in all plant-based foods. Fiber is what is left after our body digests the proteins, fats, sugars, and starches from plant foods. These foods include grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Fiber is mostly associated with helping to keep the bowels regular, but it actually does that and so much more. Consuming more fiber on a daily basis is proven to help with weight loss, lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. The best sources of fiber are from foods. High-fiber foods provide a variety of fibers and other minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, but there are fiber supplements available in pill and mixable powder forms. Before taking fiber supplements be sure to consult your physician. Try these tips to start making some simple choices that will help you add more fiber to your diet without a lot of fuss. When baking, bulk up your baked goods by using whole-grain flour or even half white flour and half whole-grain. Include beans, peas, and lentils in your salads, soups, or even snacks. Choose breads that have “whole wheat,” “whole-wheat flour,” or another type of whole grain as the first ingredient on the label. If your breakfast cereal is not high in fiber, sprinkle some chia seeds or unprocessed wheat bran over it. You can contact the Garland County Extension Service for more information or programs on making good health choices. Call 501-623-6841 or email [email protected]. You can also visit our website at www.uaex.uada.edu. To read the full article, visit: Alison Crane – The Springs Magazine 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. One Easy Step to Improving Your Health Beans and grains are great sources of fiber. Consuming more fiber on a daily basis is proven to help with weight loss, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
The Springs Magazine • November 2023 • 20