September 8, 2025

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About the Cover . . . 

“Vasti Jackson”  Photo Courtesy of Big Steam Blues & Roots Music Festival  Our September cover features none other than Mississippi blues legend Vasti Jackson—a soulful nod to Beats & Beans: The Ultimate Blues & Bites Festival, rolling into Hot Springs this month. (Catch the full scoop on pg. 3.)  Big thanks to Joe Powell at Big Steam for tracking down the photo and to Joe Dempsey, whose resolution wizardry brought

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Yoga: Benefits of Baby Grasshopper Pose 

Karen Watson Reeves chose the Ohio Club as the setting for Baby Grasshopper Pose. Photo by Fred Padilla.  By Karen Watson Reeves [Contributor’s note: 2025 is the year we celebrate 12 years as The Yoga Place, and this calendar year, the setting for each month’s pose will be a business in our town that has exhibited “stay power.”]  Baby Grasshopper Pose is a lighter variation of Grasshopper Pose, which is a

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Spa-Con’s Cosplay Reputation Brings World-Class Experts to HS 

Spa-Con’s burgeoning reputation as a venue for world-class cosplay celebrities has attracted two globally acclaimed cosplay experts to the Hot Springs comics and pop culture convention September 19 – 21.  “Evil Ted and Avera Cosplay will join Cowbutt Crunchies and Extreme Costumes as cosplay guests at Spa-Con 2025,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said.  “Cosplay has become such a big part of Spa-Con, and makers like Evil

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It’s Pumpkins All the Way Down 

By David Malcolm RoseDo you remember that house your parents told you not to trick-or-treat at? Well, in my neighborhood, that’s my house.  I’ve been here quite some time now and, although they put up some resistance at first, my neighbors are now nicely broken in. They no longer give me side-eyes when I leave my garbage can out by the curb for days after the garbage truck’s arrival becomes

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Pocket Theatre Stage is Set for The Haunting of Hill House 

Hill House cast members Jennifer Horner, Amy Hronek, and Junius Stone prepare set flats.  “I leave before dark comes,” Mrs. Dudley reminds Hill House guest Eleanor Vance when she arrives. Based on the 1959 Gothic horror novel by Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House explores the depths of the human condition and how the power of suggestion can make one susceptible to irrational fear and paranoia.  Dr. Montague’s paranormal

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Poetry Festival Accepting Submissions 

Poetry Fest submission window is open until Oct. 1.  By Lana Pierce The Hot Springs Poetry Fest is currently accepting submissions for its 2025 Festival Zine. Set to honor the Spa City’s legendary literary legacy, the events include spoken word slams, a launch party, a poetry crawl and scavenger hunt, and open mic nights.  Poets and artists are encouraged to contribute original works reflecting the diversity of Arkansas’s literary community. The

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The Mallonees: Twin Sisters, Shared Purpose 

Amanda Mallonee and her twin, Mimi Mallonee-Benton, lead separate professional lives but, as twins, their stories remain deeply intertwined.  By Lana Pierce Twins often share a bond that runs deeper than words, and sisters Amanda Mallonee and Mimi Mallonee-Benton are no exception. Though their careers have taken them in very different directions, their stories reflect the same thread of discipline, passion, and service.  Amanda Mallonee has built her life around two

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Such a Drag! Learn “Stage Face” Skills from an Expert 

By Lana PierceEver wonder what it takes to put on that “stage face”? Have no clue how to begin? Emergent Arts hosts “Express Yourself! Drag Class” this fall, led by seasoned performer Jaxson James. This inclusive program offers expert guidance in makeup, styling, stage presence, and workshops on character development, costuming, and technique. Come learn and express yourself in this close-knit, supportive environment.  Classes will be held at Emergent Arts,

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Blue Laws: The Ongoing Debate 

With public opinion as divided as ever, the question remains: Should the last of the 1900s Blue Laws be reconsidered? Artwork by Zachary Christian.  By Lana Pierce In Hot Springs, we’ve historically bent the rules—if not outright rejected them. When, in 1912, Spa City began unilaterally enforcing the state’s Blue Laws, the change shocked many.  Blue Laws, based on a then-popular religious tenet that Sabbath days are for rest only, outlawed

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Jean White Wallace Wetlands Trailhead Dedication 

The City of Hot Springs invites the public to attend the dedication ceremony of the Jean White Wallace Wetlands Trailhead, 570 T.V. Hill Road in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The ceremony will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM, to dedicate this final section of the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail.  It has been thirty years since the first section was constructed, and many individuals, businesses, civic and

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Tikes, Trikes & Trails – An Event for the Whole Family 

TT&T – a great outing for the entire family.  The FALL Tikes, Trikes, and Trails event will be held at Velocity Park, 325 Valley Street, on Saturday, September 27, from 10 AM to Noon.  Don’t have a bike? A limited number of bikes will be provided FREE at this event. You can also bring your skateboard, scooter, or wheelchair to join in the fun. All participants will receive a t-shirt,

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Park Avenue Celebrates New Streetlights and the Community That Made It Possible 

Through PACA’s efforts, 26 streetlights are now installed on Park Avenue.  The Park Avenue Community Association (PACA) is proud to invite donors, neighbors, and friends to celebrate the partnership and success with the City of Hot Springs in celebrating the achievements of the Light Uptown project, Sunday, Sept.7, 2025, at 6 PM, at Vapors Live, 315 Park Avenue, Hot Springs.  The evening will feature entertainment, food, and a champagne toast

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Bitty Martin’s New Novel Will Be Released in March 

(L to R) Johnette Connelly Taylor, niece of “Killer Wife” first victim, Joe Connelly; Evaline Rowland Connelly (no relation to Johnette), sister of the third victim, Don Rowland; and Bitty Martin, author.  Bitty Martin has completed her second Hot Springs true crime, Killer Wife: The True Story of Bonnie Connelly and the Men

SIGNS: MARCH 2026 – Eclipse & Equinox: The Turning Point of March 2026 

By Chana Prince Greetings Fellow Travelers,   March 2026 carries powerful turning-point energy. The Total Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on March 3 brings emotional insight and practical clarity. Virgo asks for refinement—health, habits, work, and daily devotion come into focus. What feels messy now is ready to be organized with

Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Show 

Thousands of plants will be for sale at the Garden Show.  Save the date – Garland County Master Gardeners will be holding their annual Plant Sale and Garden Show one day only on Saturday, April 25, from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Garland County Fairgrounds. Entry is free

Master Gardeners: Springtime is just around the Corner… 

by Susan Koenig  Springs around the corner.Our excitement builds. Our need to dig in the dirt will soon be fulfilled. We’re planning our gardens and shopping seed catalogs. We’re preparing our pots and watching video blogs. We’re dreaming of the garden and buying seeds and plants, And figuring how to get rid of the squash bugs and ants! The sun’s rays