🇺🇸 Honoring Those Who Served

Hello River Valley friends,

This week, our hearts and attention turn toward the men and women who have served our country.

With Veterans Day just ahead, our community is coming together in meaningful ways — from parades and local tributes to stories of service close to home.

Inside this issue, you’ll find:

• Details on the Van Buren Veterans Day Parade

• A call to help us honor local heroes

• A spotlight on a local veteran-owned business

• Our first Veteran Spotlight

• A helpful event to support those grieving during the holidays

• Your Dog of the Week 🐾

• And more ways to get plugged into what’s happening around town

We’re proud to share these stories and opportunities with you as we celebrate service, sacrifice, and community.

Thank you for being here — and thank you to all our veterans and military families. We honor you today and every day.

Let’s jump in ↓

Veterans Day pride will shine in Downtown Van Buren this Sunday, November 9 as the community gathers to honor local heroes who served in the military.

The annual Veterans Day Parade begins at 2:00 PM, inviting families, friends, and neighbors to line historic streets and celebrate.

Civic groups, school bands, and veteran organizations from across the River Valley will march in a show of respect, filling the air with patriotic music and community spirit.

Attendees of all ages are encouraged to come together, thank veterans, and experience the energy of this beloved tradition.

Bring your loved ones, grab your flags, and join Van Buren as we salute the service, sacrifice, and bravery of those who defend our freedoms.

The celebration starts at 2:00 PM in Downtown Van Buren—don’t miss this chance to show your gratitude.

Fort Smith Veterans Day Parade — Saturday, Nov. 8

Celebrate 250 years of military service at this year’s Veterans Day Parade in the Chaffee Crossing Historic District. Come honor the men and women who have served our nation with an event full of patriotic pride and community spirit.

📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 7313 Terry Street | Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith
🌐 Details & participation signup: chaffeecrossing.com

Bring your family, friends, and flags — and help fill the streets with gratitude as we recognize generations of American service.

Veterans Day is a time to honor the courage and commitment of service members right here in our community.

We invite you to help us recognize local veterans—whether they are family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues—by submitting their names for a special feature this November.

Share a veteran’s story in just a few moments by providing their name, branch of service, years served, and a short note about their achievements, along with a photo if you wish.

Each submission helps us spotlight the individuals who have safeguarded our freedoms and made our community stronger.

Submit a veteran today: go.vanburenbuzz.com/honor

Together, let’s celebrate our local heroes and show just how much they mean to us all.

Ricky Stephens made a pivotal decision during the Vietnam draft era, choosing to enlist so he could pursue his desired specialty.

He dedicated one year in Vietnam, serving honorably through a turbulent chapter in American history.

Returning home to the River Valley, Ricky married his lifelong sweetheart and built a lasting legacy.

As a local business owner, proud father of four children, grandpa to nine grandchildren, and great-grandfather to thirteen—almost fourteen—great-grandchildren, his roots run deep in the community.

Throughout every season, Ricky’s unwavering commitment to both his country and family shines through.

Asked if he would serve again, Ricky confidently says he “would do it all over again.”

Ricky, your service and sacrifice are deeply appreciated and honored.

There are many ways to honor service—including building up neighbors and supporting healthier lives here at home.

Stu’s Clean Cookin’, a veteran-owned business in Van Buren, was founded by local entrepreneur Stuart Rowland to make nutritious eating convenient and accessible for all.

After transforming his own health, Rowland turned his mission outward, offering wholesome, ready-to-heat meals designed for busy people, families, and anyone aiming to eat better without sacrificing taste or time.

Today, Stu’s serves the River Valley with an extensive menu—from comfort foods to low-carb and gluten-free options—always with practical, clean ingredients.

Their 2925 Alma Hwy, Suite B6 storefront in Van Buren welcomes all who want to simplify healthy eating, while supporting a business grounded in veteran values.

On Veterans Day and every day, Stu’s Clean Cookin’ stands out as a local leader blending service, health, and community spirit.

Van Buren Local Events Spotlight

Surviving the Holidays — GriefShare Event

If you or someone you love is grieving this season, this helpful, Bible-based program offers tools, encouragement, and support to navigate both the hurt and the hope that the holidays can bring.

📅 Saturday, November 15, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Butterfield Church | Van Buren, AR
🌐 Register online: GriefShare.org
📞 Church phone: (479) 474-4410 or (479) 353-2895

This free event is open to anyone who has lost a loved one. Feel free to share with family or friends who may benefit.

“After a loss, the holiday season is going to be a blending of hurt and joy.” — H. Norman Wright

See 17 New Events Just Added!

We’ve been busy adding new happenings across the River Valley — 17 new events just went live on

👉 MyRiverValleyEvents.com

From family-friendly activities and holiday gatherings to local workshops and nightlife, our calendar is growing fast — and it’s the easiest way to discover what’s going on around town.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking for something to do tonight, start with MyRiverValleyEvents.com.

✅ Browse upcoming events
✅ Search by date or city
✅ Completely FREE to use

Got an event coming up?

We’d love to help spread the word.

👉 Submit your event for FREE — it only takes a minute!

Check it out, bookmark it, and share it with a friend — let’s make this the place to find and promote what’s happening in the River Valley.

Meet Simmons, the tail-less wonder whose heart is as big as his wagless wiggle.

This medium-sized pup loves both couch snuggles and leisurely strolls around the neighborhood.

Simmons gets along with every dog he meets and adores people just as much.

He shines on walks, enjoys playing in the yard, sits politely for treats, and never passes up the chance to make new canine or human friends.

If you want a joyful, affectionate companion to brighten your days, Simmons might be your perfect match.

This lovable male is a juvenile weighing about 45 pounds, ready and waiting for his forever family.

Simmons promises to bring love and a whole lot of wiggle into any home ready to welcome him.

🇺🇸 With Gratitude

As we reflect on Veterans Day, we’re reminded how fortunate we are to live in a community strengthened by the service of so many. Whether you join the parade, submit a veteran for recognition, shop with a veteran-owned business, or simply take a moment to say thank you, every gesture matters.

➡ Don’t forget — we just added 17+ new events at MyRiverValleyEvents.com.

Browse what’s happening, share it with a friend, or submit your own event for free!

If you know a veteran we should highlight, please share their story here:
👉 go.vanburenbuzz.com/honor

Thank you for reading, for supporting your neighbors, and for helping make the River Valley such a special place.

Have a great week —

and to our veterans and their families…
we are grateful for you.

🇺🇸 Happy Veterans Day!