As people, we love second chances.  We appreciate the chance to start over and re-create ourselves.  This opportunity is most popularly offered to us in the form of a new year. For many of us, a new year means newfound resolve to make healthy lifestyle changes.  These resolutions range anywhere from eating healthy and getting fit to reducing stress and investing in meaningful relationships.  While some resolutions are made half-heartedly, others are made with confidence and determination. Some people make their resolutions with the very best of intentions only lack the resources necessary to follow them through.

Motivated by my personal new years resolutions and the desire to see Fort Smith residents fulfill their own, I have highlighted a few Fort Smith specific events and activities that might give you the means and motivation to accomplish your 2015 goals.

Resolutions to Get Fit

Eating healthier, exercising more, getting fit –these are typical New Year’s resolutions.  I’m trying to shed a few pounds myself.  If you’re looking for some extra motivation to get in shape, Fort Smith will be hosting several runs and walks in 2015.

Fort Smith Marathon

This marathon, half marathon, or relay is coming up on Sunday, February 8th and is not for the faint at heart.  The marathon’s USATF-certified course features a gentle climb that extends through much of the first half of the race including a steep hill around mile four.  The difficulty of the first half is well worth it, as the back half features a fantastic descent back to the finish line.

For more information, follow this link.

Mud Factor “Seriously Fun 5K Obstacle Run”

The 2015 Mud Factor tour will be making its debut in Fort Smith, Arkansas this coming May.  This 5K is a fun, all ages event and is an especially great opportunity to motivate the whole family to get active.  The run will have plenty or mud and obstacles and feature some rockin’ live music.  Start getting in shape for this fun 5K!

For more information, follow this link

2nd Annual Colordash

The Colordash will take place in downtown Fort Smith on May 25th. Participants are encouraged to wear all white so they can soak up the explosions of color upon arrival at each kilometer of the dash. At the finish line, runners are met with a final explosion of colors, music, and dancing.  Start training so you can join the fun!

For more information, follow this link.

Resolutions to be Better Educated

Fort Smith boasts many opportunities for those who have resolved to broaden their cultural and educational horizons this year. I’ve personally resolved to become better read and seek out more learning opportunities.  Listed below are some opportunities to take advantage of if you’re looking for the same thing.

The Fort Smith Public Library

The Fort Smith Public Library is always a great place to start when looking for educational opportunities. For starters, get a library card. It’s a simple way to kickstart your learning adventure. The Library is also offering a new online service called Mango, a program users can access to learn new languages. The program offers instruction of 40 different languages including English.  It’s a fun, interactive program that teaches through conversation –listening and speaking, with pronunciation assistance, and memory building exercises. The library has also announced their new, easier way to download eBooks and Audiobooks using their program “Library2Go.”

For more information, follow this link

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum

The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is always a great place to appreciate beautiful artwork, but the museum also offers classes for children and adults, lectures, opening receptions, galas, and artist-led workshops.  The exhibit, “Vivid” by Liz Whitney Quisgard is currently on display, and new exhibit, “Apron Strings: Ties to the Past,” is coming soon.  The exhibits at the museum are always changing, and are a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day or evening of learning.

Fore more information, follow this link.

Resolutions to “Give Back”

Sometimes one of the best resolutions to make in the new year is to give back.  Not only is this a great way to help people and get more involved in the community, it is also a very rewarding experience.  There are many upcoming, fun opportunities to lend a helping hand in the Fort Smith community.

9th Annual German Dinner

This authentic German dinner prepared by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League will lend all proceeds to First Lutheran Church and School and Bethania Kids in South India. The delicious menu is complete with rouladen, fried potatoes, red cabbage, green beans, cucumber salad, and apple cake.  The dinner will take place January 24th at the First Lutheran Church Family Ministries Building and take-out options are also available.

For more information, follow this link. 

The Community Strikes Back Bowling Tournament

This fundraising event combines fun with giving to a good cause. This is the second annual Commissary Kiwanis Bowling Tournament and will benefit the Children’s Emergency Shelter. The event will take place Saturday, February 7th at Bowling World.  Only the first 30 teams will be accepted into the tournament, so sign up today!

For more information, follow this link.

Junior League of Fort Smith Reach Out and Run 5k/10k

The Reach Out & Run 5K/10K is a fundraiser for the Junior League of Fort Smith, which provides assistance to support the organization’s mission of helping children in the area who are aging out of the foster care system. This is an opportunity to fulfill two resolutions –getting fit and giving back! The run will take place on March 7th. Mark your calendar!

For more information, follow this link.

I hope that you’ll consider these community opportunities when trying to reach your 2015 goals and resolutions.  Let’s get to work!

-Allison Kyrouac, UAFS Student, TTDIFS Blog Writer