Heartened

Riff Raff, by Michael Tilley
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Have in recent weeks noticed the brighter energy of our region. This has been a curious development for a cynical ass of a journalist such as myself; especially during a time of jobless rate issues, Whirlpool mysteries and this unnecessary drama related to a simple 1% hospitality tax question.

The late Maria Haley would often tell me the only folks who don’t appreciate the potential of the Fort Smith region are the people who live in the region. She’d often encourage me to do more to get us to believe in ourselves. I’d hide behind the belief that my job was to inform, not encourage people. She was right — brighter energy is all about us. I sincerely regret disappointing her.

The brighter energy has allowed me in recent weeks to be heartened — to give strength, courage or hope — about this particular metro region within an economically uncertain country of more than 360 statistical metro areas.

Am heartened by folks like Dwight Curry and Lynn Curry Weidman who are sinking a lot of time and money into The Movie Lounge. It’s a concept that, on paper, will bring a unique dining and entertainment experience to the Fort Smith area that is typically reserved for a much larger region. They’ve even hired a chef who is probably the most popular chef you’ve never heard of.

In an odd way, am heartened by the brave optimism of Whirlpool employees. The employees with whom I have talked say they hope the company continues to manufacture refrigerators in Fort Smith, but say the city can survive without the company. They just want to know: Will Whirlpool stay or will it go?

Am heartened by the volunteers and leadership and business support of Christmas Honors. Entering its third year, this 2009 spark of an idea has resulted in thousands of volunteers helping to place 12,000-plus wreaths on the graves at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. It’s doubtful there is a better example of the can-do spirit of this region that contains such a healthy respect for tradition.

Am heartened by the “creative class” work at 5 Star Productions in Fort Smith. These folks — watch for a The City Wire story later this week on the 5 Star crew — are an example of the entrepreneurial spirit that can remake this region.

Am heartened by the volunteers and supporters of Fort Smith Juniors Volleyball. Was impressed by this group prior to my daughter engaging in the program. It is easily evident with a closer view that several hundred young ladies in the Fort Smith region have been given a leg up on life because of the skills and values — teamwork, hard work, dedication, sportsmanship, sacrifice, etc. — learned in the program.

Am heartened by Maryl Koeth, executive director of the Van Buren Advertising & Promotion Commission, who is actively engaged beyond her job to help lead the “Arkansas River Revival.” The flotilla of private yachts and other vessels traveling the Arkansas River this week are doing so to remind us of the importance of the navigable waterway. There are millions of dollars of potential within those millions of tons of water that silently snake daily through this region. Koeth knows it. She wants you to know it.

Am heartened that downtown Fort Smith is in much better shape than it was 10-15 years ago.

Am heartened by the growing music and arts scene in the region. Is it growing as fast as I’d like? No. But it’s growing. Wakarusa and Second Street Live and the Arts & Education Center in Van Buren and a host of other efforts are causing me to believe that we collectively and finally understand the socio-economic importance of creativity.

Am heartened by the relative stability in the area medical sector. And I stress “relative,” because conditions aren’t anywhere near perfect. But just a few years ago, we were losing doctors faster than we could recruit new docs. This sector continues to struggle, but it’s no longer in free fall.

Am heartened by the hundreds of volunteers who made possible the 2011 Fort Smith Air Show. They helped put on a show for more than 200,000 folks. It’s yet another example of regional capability. We can do about anything we put our minds to.

Am heartened by Melanie Stout. Stout is the editor of the Lions’ Chronicle, the student web publication of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. She has remarkably keen instincts and leadership ability for her age. Stout, if we can better foster an economic environment that caters best to her capabilities, will be a future leader in this region. Yes, there are other young and impressive folks in this region, but Stout happens to be the most recent to remind me of the leadership talent bubbling just below the surface.

Possibly am most heartened that the creative elements within our regional culture have heartened me in recent weeks. To be sure, it reminded me of my longstanding belief in the Kind Readers of this region: We are a great people, in a great place, capable of great progress.

Which is to say, I am heartened that the people who have a proactive vision for progress have more often than not succeeded over those who reactively fear and denounce the costs of progress.

To all of you delivering bright energy, thanks. Its warmth is reassuring. And noticeable.