Category Archives: Government

Last day to vote on new chimp name at LR Zoo!

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Mom and baby chimpYou have until midnight tonight to help the Little Rock Zoo select the name of the new male chimp.

He was born July 18, 2015, to chimp Mahale. Name choices for the baby were selected by keeper staff.  Presented in alphabetical order the choices are:

    • Jumoke – Swahili for “everyone loves the child.”
    • Kgosi – a Setswana term for “king” or “chief.” The baby’s grandfather was named “King Richard.”
    • Kibale – named after Kibale National Park in Uganda; this is similar to the baby’s mother, Mahale, who was named for Mahale Mountains National Park in Tanzania.

Voting will take place online at the Zoo website until TONIGHT!  Visit www.LittleRockZoo.com/babychimp to vote.  Results will be posted after noon on Monday, August 3.

This marks the second birth for Mahale, who gave birth to Kendi on August 29, 2015. While paternity tests have not been conducted, keepers suspect the likely father of the baby is Kijana, the alpha male chimpanzee of the group.

The best opportunity to see the new baby and the chimp family is during the 1:30 p.m. scatter feed at the Great Ape exhibit every day. However, mom and baby have access to an indoor air conditioned area; they have the choice to venture outside or not.

The chimp’s birth is the result of efforts by the chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP is an organization with members from other AZA accredited zoos that makes breeding and companionship recommendations for endangered animals.

The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information, visit www.aza.org.

Little Rock Look Back: City Director Willie L. Hinton

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HintonOn August 2, 1947, future Little Rock Vice Mayor Willie Lee Hinton was born in Wynne and educated in Cross County.  He then attended what is now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

For twenty-eight years, Hinton was a vocational education teacher at the Arkansas School for the Deaf.  He was also very active in neighborhood activities as well as in grassroots community-building efforts.

In 1993, Hinton made his first race for the City Board of Directors.  After narrowly losing the Ward 2 race in a special election, he returned to run again the following year.  Hinton won the race in November 1994 and was re-elected in 1998 and 2002.  In 2003, he was selected to serve as Little Rock Vice Mayor for a two year term.

Long an advocate for neighborhood empowerment, Hinton had championed the transformation of the old Lee Elementary School into a resource center.  Under his leadership the building was purchased from the Little Rock School District in 1997 and opened in 2000 as the Neighborhood Resource Center.  Five years later, the Little Rock City Board of Directors voted to name it in his honor.  The building, which stands at 12th and Pine Streets, is a living testament to his vision of inclusiveness and the worth of every individual.

After battling a brain tumor for nearly two years, Hinton chose not to seek a fourth term on the Little Rock City Board.  His public service to the citizens of Little Rock ended on December 31, 2006.  On February 13, 2007, Hinton died at his home in Little Rock at the age of 59.  He was survived by his wife Blondell, two children and two grandchildren.  He is buried in the Graham Cemetery in Cross County.

The CALS Potter Marathon ends with HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 2 at 7pm tonight

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RRT HP 0801 2It all comes down to this as the Central Arkansas Library System’s (CALS) Ron Robinson Theater’s (RRT) Harry Potter Movie Marathon shows Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part 2 tonight at 7pm.

In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here

David Yates directed this 2011 film, his fourth in the series.  Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Maggie Smith, and Michael Gambon return to Hogwarts for this film.

The cast also featured Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Domhnall Gleeson, Clémence Poésy, John Hurt, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Helen McCrory, Tom Felton, Ciarán Hinds, Matthew Lewis, Afshan Azad, Freddie Stroma, Katie Leung, Bonnie Wright, Ralph Ineson, Jim Broadbent, Scarlett Byrne, Josh Herdman, Miriam Margolyes, Gemma Jones, David Thewlis, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Chris Rankin, David Bradley, Guy Henry, Nick Moran, Natalia Tena, Emma Thompson, Geraldine Somerville, Adrian Rawlins, Toby Papworth, Timothy Spall, Robbie Coltrane, and Gary Oldman.

The screening of all eight movies from Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1 celebrates Harry Potter’s July 31 birthday. Special Harry Potter-themed concessions, activities, and prizes are part of the festivities at 100 River Market Avenue.

Tickets are $7 each for single tickets. Concessions will be available for purchase at every showing, and beer and wine are available at screenings scheduled after 5 p.m.

Some planned activities for movie-goers include being sorted into Hogwarts houses, competing for House Cup points, photo booths, and a horcrux scavenger hunt. Unique treats include candy from Kilwin’s and magical ice cream from Loblolly Creamery. Doors open and activities begin one hour before show time.

If you have seen one or all 8, be sure and use #CALSPotterMarathon on social media.

Final Day of CALS Potter Marathon starts with HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 1

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RRT HP 0801 1The end is near as the Central Arkansas Library System’s (CALS) Ron Robinson Theater’s (RRT) Harry Potter Movie Marathon starts today with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 this afternoon at 1pm.

Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction – the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart. Harry’s only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him.

David Yates directed this 2010 film, his third in the series.  Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, and Michael Gambon return to Hogwarts for this film.

The cast also featured Bill Nighy, Richard Griffiths, Harry Melling, Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Ian Kelly, Michelle Fairley, Fiona Shaw, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Helen McCrory, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Timothy Spall, David Ryall, Robbie Coltrane, Brendan Gleeson, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Domhnall Gleeson, Clémence Poésy, David Thewlis, John Hurt, Frances de la Tour, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Lewis, Freddie Stroma, Afshan Azad, Imelda Staunton, Toby Jones, Sophie Thompson, Kate Fleetwood, Adrian Rawlins, Geraldine Somerville and Miranda Richardson

The screening of all eight movies from Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1 celebrates Harry Potter’s July 31 birthday. Special Harry Potter-themed concessions, activities, and prizes are part of the festivities at 100 River Market Avenue.

Tickets are $7 each for single tickets. Concessions will be available for purchase at every showing, and beer and wine are available at screenings scheduled after 5 p.m.

Some planned activities for movie-goers include being sorted into Hogwarts houses, competing for House Cup points, photo booths, and a horcrux scavenger hunt. Unique treats include candy from Kilwin’s and magical ice cream from Loblolly Creamery. Doors open and activities begin one hour before show time.

On Saturday the final two films will be shown at 1pm and 7pm.

If you see one or all 8, be sure and use #CALSPotterMarathon on social media.

 

 

On Harry Potter’s Birthday the CALS Potter Marathon features HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

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Today is Harry Potter’s birthday.  Things continue to get complicated for Harry Potter as the Central Arkansas Library System’s (CALS) Ron Robinson Theater’s (RRT) Harry Potter Movie Marathon with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Emboldened by the return of Lord Voldemort, the Death Eaters are wreaking havoc in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds. Hogwarts, once thought to be a safe haven, may no longer be safe. Harry suspects that new dangers may lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Harry will have to help him uncover a vital key to unlocking Voldemort’s defenses, a critical piece of information known only to Horace Slughorn, Hogwarts’ former Potions Professor. Dumbledore manipulates his old colleague into returning to his previous post with promises of more money, a bigger office and the chance to teach the famous Harry Potter.

David Yates returns to direct this 2009 film, becoming the second person to director more than one movie in the series.  Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon and Maggie Smith returned to Hogwarts for this film.

The cast also featured Geraldine Somerville, Mark Williams, David Thewlis, Julie Walters, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, David Bradley, Alan Rickman, Ashan Azad, Shefali Chowdhury, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Jim Broadbent, Helen McCrory, Timothy Spall, Freddie Stroma and Gemma Jones.

The screening of all eight movies from Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1 will celebrate Harry Potter’s July 31 birthday. Special Harry Potter-themed concessions, activities, and prizes are part of the festivities at 100 River Market Avenue.

Tickets are $7 each for single tickets. Concessions will be available for purchase at every showing, and beer and wine are available at screenings scheduled after 5 p.m.

Some planned activities for movie-goers include being sorted into Hogwarts houses, competing for House Cup points, photo booths, and a horcrux scavenger hunt. Unique treats include candy from Kilwin’s and magical ice cream from Loblolly Creamery. Doors open and activities begin one hour before show time.

The movies continue in order through Friday at 7pm.  On Saturday the final two films will be shown at 1pm and 7pm.

If you see one or all 8, be sure and use #CALSPotterMarathon on social media.

Little Rock Look Back: Mayor Jim Dailey

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cna_commissioner_daileyOn July 31, 1942, future Little Rock Mayor Dalton James “Jim” Dailey, Jr. was born to Dalton and Ellen Dailey.  After graduating from Little Rock Catholic High School, he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He joined his father in the family business, Dailey’s Office Furniture.

In 1974, Dailey was elected to the City of Little Rock Board of Directors.  He served one four-year term. The last two years of that term, he was the Vice Mayor of Little Rock.

Following that term, he remained engaged in civic activities including serving in leadership capacities in community campaigns.  He also served as president of the National Office Products Association – the first Arkansan to do so.  Dailey also served as the founding chair of Leadership Greater Little Rock.

In 1988, Dailey was elected to return to the City Board.  He was reelected in 1992.  Dailey served as Vice Mayor in 1991 and 1992.  In January 1993, he was chosen by his fellow City Directors to serve a two year term as Mayor.  Under his leadership, the Future-Little Rock goal-setting process took place.

Following a voter-approved change to the City structure, the position of Mayor was changed to be elected by the people while maintaining the City Manager form of government.  On January 1, 1995, Jim Dailey was sworn in as the first popularly-elected Mayor of the City of Little Rock in over 38 years.

cityoflr_img_mayor_01Dailey has served on the Board of Directors for the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Metroplan, Communities in Schools, Arkansas BioVentures and New Futures for Youth. He was appointed to the National League of Cities Board of Directors and the Municipalities in Transition on Public Finance.

As Mayor, he served as Chair of the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee of the Federal Communications Commission. He was also a member of the United States Conference of Mayor’s Communications Task Force.  He also served as president of the Arkansas Municipal League in 2002 and 2003.

While he was Mayor of Little Rock, he was a strong proponent of the development of the River Market and worked to locate the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.  He also worked to increase public safety support.  He also oversaw the establishment of Central Arkansas Water, the development of downtown headquarters for Acxiom Corporation and Heifer International, and the creation of Prevention, Intervention and Treatment programs.  In addition, he was instrumental in leading the efforts for the 40th anniversary of the integration of Little Rock Central High in 1997.

Mayor Dailey was re-elected in 1998 and 2002.  His fourteen years as Mayor of Little Rock set a longevity record.  Upon his retirement the City’s fitness center was renamed the Jim Dailey Fitness and Aquatic Center.  This was in recognition of his lifelong interest in wellness activities.

Since leaving office, he has continued his civic involvement by serving as a member of the Little Rock Airport Commission which oversees the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. He is also involved in commercial real estate.

Since 1965, he has been married to the former Patti Murphy.  They have four children and six grandchildren.

The CALS Harry Potter Marathon continues tonight with HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE

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RRT HP 0729Harry faces new challenges and meets new friends as the Central Arkansas Library System’s (CALS) Ron Robinson Theater’s (RRT) Harry Potter Movie Marathon with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts is marked by the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, in which student representatives from three different wizarding schools compete in a series of increasingly challenging contests. However, Voldemort’s Death Eaters are gaining strength and create the Dark Mark – giving evidence that the Dark Lord is ready to rise again. In the unsuspecting lives of the students at Hogwarts, the competitors are selected by the goblet of fire, which this year makes a very surprising announcement: Hogwarts will have two representatives in the tournament, including Harry. Now Harry has to rise to the challenge for the Tri Wizard Tournament while keeping up with school.

Mike Newell took over directing for this 2005 film, the fourth installment in the series.  Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Michael Gambon all reprised their roles. Others in the cast were David Tennant, Timothy Spall, Mark Williams, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Robert Pattinson, Jason Isaacs, Tom Felton, Stanislav Ianevski, Roger Lloyd Pack, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, Robbie Coltrane, David Bradley, Frances de la Tour, Shefali Chowdhury, Clemence Poesy, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Predrag Bjelac, Brendan Gleason, Miranda Richardson, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes, Adrian Rawlins and Geraldine Somerville.

The screening of all eight movies from Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1 will celebrate Harry Potter’s July 31 birthday. Special Harry Potter-themed concessions, activities, and prizes are part of the festivities at 100 River Market Avenue.

Tickets are $7 each for single tickets. Concessions will be available for purchase at every showing, and beer and wine are available at screenings scheduled after 5 p.m.

Some planned activities for movie-goers include being sorted into Hogwarts houses, competing for House Cup points, photo booths, and a horcrux scavenger hunt.

Unique treats include candy from Kilwin’s and magical ice cream from Loblolly Creamery. Doors open and activities begin one hour before show time.

The movies continue in order through Friday at 7pm.  On Saturday the final two films will be shown at 1pm and 7pm.

If you see one or all 8, be sure and use #CALSPotterMarathon on social media.