SUMMER/FALL 2016
THE COMMUNITY OF WEST CENTRAL LITTLE ROCK
ENING P O D N A GR
ISSUE
The Optimist Club and the evolution of the community center Coming soon to the airwaves – KWCP 98.9 FM A new approach to programming: Activities for all ages and abilities
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH A
SOUTHERN ACCENT.
SM
Like our ride along the Arkansas River Trail, our memories of Little Rock are filled with wonderful discoveries. The breathtaking views from the top of Pinnacle Mountain. Touring the city’s downtown by Segway, and its neighborhoods, barbecue joints and breweries by bike. Enjoying the charm and convenience of riding the trolley from our hotel to explore the great shops, restaurants and clubs in the River Market, and being mesmerized by the city’s beautiful illuminated bridges. These are the memories of a new Southern style. You can experience it all here. You can experience it all in Little Rock.
Big Dam Bridge > To see more visit LittleRock.com
CONTENTS 4 Welcome
18 KWCP Community Radio
6 A Story of Progress
20 A Center for Seniors
8 Staff Profiles
21 Becoming an Official
10 All-Star Profiles
22 Game Time - Summer Ballgames
14 A New Programming Approach
27 Businesses in the Community
16 Fundraising Goals
28 The Art Project
17 The Optimist Club
30 Outreach in Education
Seen in West Central Kanis Skate Park expansion celebration
National Night Out 2016
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WELCOME A Word from City Director Doris Wright GREETINGS: As the elected representative for Ward 6, it gives me great pleasure to relaunch the West Central Community Magazine! This is a publication about the communities of West Central Little Rock and the amenities and activities that are available here. In this magazine, you will meet people who live, work and play here! In this first issue we introduce the new West Central Community Center. This facility is a part of a dream that residents have had for this community for over 25 years! The community center is the second component of the West Central Sports Complex which opened in 2005. The dream has now become a reality! Also in this issue, we introduce the West Central Community Radio Station: KWCP “West Central Pride” LPFM 98.9! Located inside the community center, this third component of the West Central Sports Complex will give a voice to the people of West Central Little Rock and allow them to receive information targeted for them. The fourth component of the facility will be the future West Central pool. Some of you might be wondering where the name West Central comes from…well, West Central Little Rock is the geographical location of Ward 6. Every area of this city is referred to by its geographical location such as South West, Midtown, Downtown, South End, East End, etc. For so long Ward 6 was considered the “John Barrow Area” but Ward 6 includes so many more neighborhoods and to ensure _MG_1273.CR2 _MG_1275.CR2 that they felt a part of Ward 6, we needed to come up with a way to include them when referencing this part of our City, hence the name, West Central Little Rock! Yours in Service,
City Director Wright Summer/Fall 2016
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About this publication PUBLISHED BY The Officers of the John Barrow Neighborhood Association and the City of Little Rock EDITOR IN CHIEF Doris Wright MAGAZINE COORDINATORS Carolyn Heitman Larry Gilmore Aleatha Hill ART DIRECTORS Jennifer Godwin Pam Jones WRITERS Erin Ray Dana Dossett Doris Wright PHOTOGRAPHY Kirkland’s Photograhy Jennifer Godwin _MG_1278.CR2
PARKS & RECREATION
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE
With 62 City parks and several recreation and community centers, there is always a place for fun to be had by residents of all ages. Whether it’s an athletic league, aging and active program, dance or karate class, or just making time to hang with friends, there’s something for everyone at Little Rock’s Parks & Recreation.
littlerock.gov CityLittleRock
Community Center History
A Story of Progress:
The Evolution of the West Central Sports Complex and Community Center When you consider the newly unveiled West Central Sports Complex and Community Center, it is impossible to ignore West Central Little Rock’s rich past. Overcoming poorly constructed roads in its early years, small frame houses with limited water service in the 1950s and ’60s, and street gang violence in the
1980s, this community has written its own success story, one that is characterized by authenticity and perseverance. Maintaining and growing participation in and programming for the West Central Sports Complex and Community Center are part of WCLR’s commitment to current and future generations of local residents. The West Central Community Center and Sports Complex resulted from a partnership between the John Barrow Neighborhood Association and the City of Little Rock to encourage surrounding neighborhood involvement and improve the health and well-being of West Central residents. With its first baseball field constructed in 1957, humble beginnings gave way to great things. Now residents can enjoy the community center, sports complex (comprised of a football field, and multiple
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baseball and softball fields), and KWCP Community Radio (West Central Pride). Since its inception 11 years ago, the West Central Sports Complex (formerly known as the Rosedale Softball/Baseball Park), has resulted in youth participation that has consistently risen each year and produced 100% participation among parents—proof that every mom and dad is a cheerleader at heart.
Offering children 3 to 17 years of age the opportunity to participate in sports including basketball, baseball, softball, t-ball, football, flag football, volleyball, soccer, cheer, and dance,, the WC Sports Complex will continue to play an important role in fun and fitness for the entire family for years to come!
INTENDED FOR USE BY RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES, THE WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY CENTER WILL HELP HOST A VARIETY OF CAMPS, TOURNAMENTS, AND CLINICS AND ALSO OFFER MENTORING, AFTER SCHOOL, SUMMER, UNIQUE, ADULT, AND SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAMMING.
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STAFF PROFILES
CLARA MORGAN
Facility Supervisor
LARRY GILMORE
Facility Supervisor - Athletics
As West Central Sports Complex Facility Supervisor, Clara Morgan plays an important role in supervision of dayto-day operations and productivity. Before joining the WCSC team, she divided her time between the Northeast Arkansas Federal Credit Union and Larry Bryant Multi-Purpose Center in Forrest City. As Program Coordinator for the Multi-Purpose Center, Morgan
worked closely with members of the community to develop and implement activities and programs designed to grow and retain participation. She is also well-versed in maintaining sports league activities, managing team budgets, and coordinating athletic clinics. A true team player, her tireless pursuit of competitive advantages will ensure the continued success of WCSC.
West Central Sports Complex’s Athletic Coordinator for the past 10 years, five of which were served as a city employee, Larry Gilmore plays a pivotal role in the supervision, continued growth and development, and overall success of the complex and its players. A testament to his dedication to and passion for sports, Gilmore has over four decades of combined experience in the world of athletics, including 25 years as a Sports Official and 42 years as a Little League Football Coach.
staggering growth: From five teams with 50 kids to 96 teams with over 1,100 kids! Coach Gilmore has also been instrumental in growing the girls softball program by bringing back slow pitch softball. The strategy has worked and the West Central girls softball program has grown from six teams in one league to 26 teams in four leagues. In addition to increasing participation in the sports programs, Coach Gilmore has also succeeded in differentiating the WCSC Park from others. This uniqueness includes covered bleachers with ceiling fans, eight-foot sidewalks to each field, and three concession areas. He also added music to the park.
This dedication and passion also helped to transform WCSC. When he first arrived to West Central, he was faced with a park that had been closed for three years and fields that were overgrown with weeds. He gave the park a new lease on life by establishing a program model designed to bring baseball back to the inner city. This program included implementation of a 3- and 4-year-old T-ball league to foster fun, lasting involvement enjoyed by parents and children that has resulted in
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Coach Gilmore currently serves as an Independent Contractor for the Arkansas Athletics Association and coach for boys basketball and Little League football. While he has an office and desk with his name on it, more often than not, you will find Coach Gilmore in his true “dedicated work space”—out on a court or ball field with his players.
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WEST CENTRAL ALL-STARS W he r e are th ey n ow ?
In 2009, some of the participants in West Central’s sports programs were featured. Since then, a couple of the children have grown into young adults, graduated, and moved on to become college athletes. The others continue to grow their athletic abilities through WC sports. While their individual goals and dreams may vary— on and off the court—each of these all-stars will tell you one thing: West Central Sports Complex has been an important part of their happiness and success.
CHRISTOPHER FOOTBALL PLAYER AGE 15
Christopher started out playing fullback and nose guard for his eight and under football team, the West Central Grizzlies. Christopher now plays defensive tackle at Joe T. Robinson. His favorite part about participating in WC sports was competing. He credits his grandparents, coaches, and teammates for giving him the support and encouragement he needs to achieve his goals on and off the field. Christopher works at the park in the summer.
COACH GILMORE’S PLAYBOOK: SPORTS SAVE LIVES IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE Coach Gilmore can recount with great clarity the day his life hung in the balance: “I was walking past my brother’s house, on my way home from exercising,” he recalls. “I was about six blocks from home when I heard someone behind me. At the time, there was a lot of gang activity
in the area and it occurred to me that I might be in danger. As I increased my pace, the footsteps behind me did too. This continued until finally, I turned around and was confronted by a young man who drew a gun on me. I didn’t know if I was about to lose my wallet, my life, or both. But in that
instant, a flash of recognition crossed my would-be attacker’s face and he exclaimed, ‘Coach!’” I cautiously replied, “Yes, what are you up to?” He said, “Nothing…I thought you were someone else.” Coach Gilmore realized that the role he played in this former player’s life may have saved his own.
It’s no surprise that Breanna’s athletic career started early. The daughter of WCSC Athletic Director Larry Gilmore, she got her start playing for the three and four-year-old T-ball team, the Munchkinz and went on to become the first Grizzlies cheerleader. She still loves cheerleading and also enjoys extra-curriculars activities including sports, dance and cheer.
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BREANNA CHEERLEADER AGE 13
Daryl Macon played from 2005 - 2006 at Rosedale/WCSC and went on to attend Parkview High School in Little Rock, averaging 21.2 points per game and shooting over 40 percent from threepoint land as a senior. He was named first team 6A All-State following his senior season. A teammate of Anton Beard, Daryl played on the AAU circuit for the Arkansas Hawks. Daryl attended Holmes Community College in Mississippi for two years and was named the No. 3 junior college transfer in the nation. He was also the Region XXIII Player of the Year. He’s now an Arkansas Razorback.
DARYL BASKETBALL PLAYER AGE 21
DEANGELO | FOOTBALL PLAYER Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams began his football career with the LR Razorbacks before his family moved from Little Rock to Wynne in 1994. There, he became one of the state’s all-time leading rushers — leading the Yellowjackets to a state title in 2001 before playing for four seasons at the University of Memphis. Williams was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2006 in the first round with the 27th overall pick and played there for eight seasons before signing with the Steelers in 2015. He ranks in the Top 50 in career rushing yardage in the NFL. Philanthropy is in his blood - he has donated $5,000 to his first team, the LR Razorbacks. He also is a strong supporter of breast cancer research.
DEION FOOTBALL PLAYER AGE 20
While Deion Tidwell has graduated from high school and now attends Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, he looks back fondly on his time spent as one of the WCSC Grizzlies’ most successful football and baseball players. Deion continues to exemplify the good attitude and work ethic he cultivated during his time at WCSC as a running back for the RiverHawks.
COACH GILMORE’S PLAYBOOK: PARENTS HAVE TO BE PARENTS Parents have to take the lead in setting direction for their child. It’s not enough to simply ask a child what he or she wants to do. If parents do not set the agenda, it opens the door for the child to take the lead. This often results in the child quitting. The parent is supposed to listen to the child’s initial interests, encourage the child to move in the right direction, and then urge the child to continue and finish.
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WEST CENTRAL ALL-STARS W he r e are th ey n ow ?
KEVAUGHN BASKETBALL PLAYER AGE 20
Little Rock native KeVaughn Allen played basketball at WCSC from 2005 - 2006 and played on Team Penny in the AAU circuit. He attended North Little Rock High School. A high-scoring shooting guard, KeVaughn is a twotime Gatorade Arkansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year. He earned MVP of the 2013 state championship game as a sophomore. He is now a Florida Gator and was named to the 2016 All-Freshman team. And it appears he has kept up his training regimen: KeVaughn was known for early-morning gym workouts with his AAU coach, Kahn Cotton while in still in junior high. He has continued those sessions in college, even getting to the school gym before it was even open.
During his time as a WCSC sponsored Bale Elementary Bobcat, Dayton Artis helped to secure countless victories as a leading scorer and rebounder for his team. Working hard in the classroom and on the basketball court, Dayton resolved to be an excellent student and player and his efforts paid off. He is attending college this fall at Connors State College in Oklahoma. While Dayton’s work ethic and dedication are primarily responsible for his success, he recognizes the important role that WCSC has played in not only helping him develop as a basketball player, but also giving him the confidence to achieve any goal.
DAYTON BASKETBALL PLAYER AGE 19
BASKETBALL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE The WCBDL mission is to teach boys and girls the fundamentals of basketball in a fun but competitive manner. Discipline, self-confidence, skill development, participation, and team work will be stressed in this league. Players who are struggling with grades will have available to them tutoring and all players will have access to a mentoring program. The league will recruit from area schools and target youth in grades nine through eleven. Players will represent their school by wearing the school colors and mascot. The league will give the kids more practice time to work on different skills and develop into more complete players. During games, the league’s main concept will be to give each player equal playing time no matter what their skill level. Fees will go towards the players’ uniforms.
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Fu t ure All-Sta r s
CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY: Transit updates benefit West Central Rock Region METRO Route 9 West Central/John Barrow Road Modified to Offer Different Stops, More Transfers As part of its annual service enhancements, Route 9 West Central/ John Barrow Road is one of 14 bus routes slated to change in October. The annual service enhancements planning process started in April and included gathering information from drivers, business and community leaders, elected officials and riders. The proposed plans were shared at five public information meetings and approved by the METRO board of directors in August.
With the changes, Route 9 will now offer a one-seat ride to the Shackleford Crossing Shopping Center Walmart and the Midtown Target, as well as curbside service to the new West Central Community Center. Other top stops for this route include the Penick Boys & Girls Club, the Centre at University Park, the McMath Library and Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School. The route offers transfer opportunities to Route 3 Baptist Medical Center, Route 5 West Markham, Route 8 Rodney Parham, Route 14 Rosedale and Route 22 Mabelvale-Midtown.
Coming Soon to the West Central Community Center:
Route 9 Bus Service! • More Transfers • More Stops • More Ways to Connect!
rrmetro.org
@r rm e tro
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West Central Community Center ad.rev.indd 2
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A VISION FOR ALL A GAME-CHANGING APPROACH TO PROGRAMMING
When we refer to West Central Sports Complex’s approach to its programs as “game changing,” we’re talking more than sports. WCSC’s newly unveiled park and programming are part of a hard-won vision that has been 25 years in the making. Now a reality, this vision includes a sports complex and community center where all West Central Little Rock neighborhoods and their residents (young and old) can enjoy sports and other recreational activities. In honor of the Rosedale Optimist Club members who donated the site, the park has incorporated their namesake into the “Rosedale Baseball/Softball Complex.” The park is also comprised of KWCP Radio (West Central Pride) and will eventually include a pool and a football field in Phase 2. Ultimately, WCSC and its facilities will help to engage local residents and create a community culture of belonging, positivity, teamwork, and success. The West Central Sports Complex and Community Center programming can be broken down as follows: HIGH SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SPORTS
Basketball Baseball Softball T-ball 14 | WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | summer/fall 2016
Flag football Football Volleyball Soccer
Cheer Dance Swimming
baseball, and football seasons) Youth Radio Project (Youth ages 8-19) Philander Smith College Radio Show Parkview High School Radio Show Radio Internships (Metro Tech and UALR)
WCSC sports also include the High School Development League. This league will emphasize academic excellence and further development of athletic abilities to maximize student eligibility to play at the high school level for grades 9-12.
LR v NLR Junior High School Basketball (December 2016) Girls Softball (Spring 2017) Girls Basketball (Fall 2017) Arkansas v Mississippi Basketball (February 2017) Cheer Swim competitions
SUMMER CAMPS Basketball Baseball Softball Football Volleyball Soccer Cheer Dance Swim
CLINICS Skills and Drills for Baseball and Basketball Sports Officiating for Umpires and Referees (Baseball, Softball, Football)
MENTORING PROGRAMS Tomorrow Youth Prevention Program (after school program for boys) Sorority Mentorship Program (after school program for girls) ANNUAL TOURNAMENTS Pre-season Basketball (November 2016)
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS After School Care After School Tutoring After School Meal Program
ADULT PROGRAMS Health and Wellness Classes Spade Club Bid Wiz Club Chess Club Sports Leagues (Kickball, Flag Football, Pickle Ball) Semi-Pro Football Game Site Water Aerobics Radio Show SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAMS Reading Club Gardening Club Bean Bag Baseball League Women of Stamina Recognition Program Arts & Crafts Swimming Scrapbooking Cooking Sewing/Quilting Radio Show
SUMMER PROGRAMS Summer Feeding Program Summer Employment Job Site UNIQUE PROGRAMS Play Hard! Sports Radio (Features local high schools and a player of the week during basketball,
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FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN: Balancing Progress and Need Growth is always positive, but growth also begets need. With a steady increase in the number of children participating in our programs each year, West Central Sports Complex needs the help of local residents and businesses more than ever before. In 2011, it was recognized that existing facilities at the Rosedale Park did not meet service standards associated with modern parks or sports complexes and for this reason, would need to be rebuilt. These facilities included: 5 baseball fields (one of which doubles as a football field), a storage shed, a concession stand, and a men’s and women’s restroom facility. In order to meet the immediate and most pressing needs of the community, we successfully sought to fund and complete Phase 1, which includes a community center and new entry off John Barrow Road. Construction of the pool is proposed as Phase 2 and reconstruction of the Rosedale Softball/Baseball Complex is scheduled for Phase 3. The City of Little Rock has agreed to sponsor Phase 2 but Phase 3 has not been funded. Phase 3 includes reconstruction of five existing baseball fields; a rebuild of the main concession/restroom facilities; and construction of batting cages, a storage facility (garage), a football field, a basketball center, and a new parking lot. While we have made significant progress, remaining portions of the project can only be implemented as funds become available. For this reason, we are ‘recruiting’ local ‘team players’ wishing to donate and help us triumph in our latest fundraising campaign.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit WestCentralSportsComplex.com or contact: Doris Wright West Central Sports Complex 4521 John Barrow Road Little Rock, AR 72204 Email: directorwright2657@hotmail.com
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OPTIMIST PROFILE Remembering Bill Jones
Though Bill Jones passed away in 2014, the legacy of his work for the West Central community remains. President of the Rosedale Optimist Club for 25 years, he also functioned as treasurer and played a critical role in fundraising efforts. Coach Larry Gilmore reflects, “Mr. Jones always made sure that contributions were made, that everyone worked together. I’ve also never seen anyone who loved baseball like he did.” A resident of the Twin Lakes neighborhood, West Central Little Rock was not only a place Mr. Jones called “home,” but also a place where his greatest passion, baseball, lived. For this reason, Mr. Jones and his fellow Optimists refused to sell the land where the Rosedale Softball/Baseball Complex stood. Even though they were offered a fortune for the property, the Optimists chose to sell the land to the City of Little Rock for only one dollar. In doing so, they ensured that, no matter what, the baseball fields would remain available to local children and their families. From these humble beginnings, the West Central Sports Complex has grown into what it is today—a place where new generations live out the dreams that Bill Jones worked so hard to make a reality.
A Story of Change Through the Years: The Optimist Club and WCSC 1957 The Rosedale Optimist Club (Optimist Club) constructs the first baseball field on the current West Central Sports Complex site.
2005 Due to a lack of funding, the City opts to enter into a partnership with the John Barrow Neighborhood Association to manage day-today operations for the baseball program.
2000 The Optimist Club continues development by building additional fields and other facilities.
2003
2011 The City Of Little Rock passes a sales tax and includes funding for the construction of a community center.
The Optimist Club approaches the City of Little Rock about purchasing what was then called the “Rosedale Baseball Complex” and taking over facility operations.
2013
2004
2016
The Optimist Club formally “sells” (donates) the site to the City for one dollar.
The City promises to construct a community center within five years and provide space for the Optimist Club within the community center.
Construction of the West Central Community Center is completed.
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KWCP 98.9
WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY RADIO KWCP 98.9 FM is a newly licensed community radio station based in the new West Central Community Center. Featuring a diverse lineup of volunteer announcers and programming, WCCR’s mission is to educate, entertain, and connect listeners through access to public radio. While the KWCP radio station is for the benefit and enjoyment of all local residents, it will serve as an important tool to allow young men and women a figurative and literal voice, a means of expressing their thoughts, feelings, and talents. It also gives the greater community an opportunity to listen in order to acquire an increased awareness of what issues influence, challenge, inspire, threaten, and empower our youth. In this vein, the West Central Community Radio Youth Empowerment Project has been developed to further cultivate young people’s sense of selfimportance, voice, and civic duty. Armed with an ear for good music, opinionated voices, and journalistic grit, members of the West Central Youth Radio Project will make a powerful (and entertaining) difference in their community and beyond! In return, they will gain valuable experience in talk- and music-based programs, including: • Developing behind-the-scenes and on-air skills through public speaking; hosting live weekly broadcasts; conducting community interview projects; and sharing candid, on-air conversations • Partnering with industry professionals to produce marketable public media, including youth-focused entertainment, music underrepresented in mainstream media, local journalistic/public affairs content, and other relevant content • Further cultivating communication skills, technical ability, and professionalism Ultimately, the West Central Community Youth Radio Program seeks to:
WE WANT YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN TO GROW USING THE POWER OF EDUCATION, SELF-EXPRESSION, CREATIVITY, AND LEADERSHIP. THESE TOOLS WILL AID THEM IN WRITING A BRIGHTER, MORE SUCCESSFUL LIFE STORY.
• Enliven the social and cultural climate of West Central Little Rock • Respond to the needs of its listeners • Provide youth-focused programming • Present high quality, artistically diverse, broadly inclusive material • Share informative, educational programming • Provide a forum for discussion of current affairs/issues 18 | WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | summer/fall 2016
— WA R D 6 C I T Y DIRECTOR DORIS WRIGHT
KWCP 98.9 LPFM
West Central Community Radio
West Central Pride
In addition to the West Central Community Radio Youth Empowerment Project and WCCR’s general talk- and music-based programming, KWCP 98.9 FM also offers comprehensive conceptual programs:
To learn more about how to become involved with the WCCR Youth Empowerment Program or other programming, please contact: KWCP Program Manager Kwami Abdul-Bey kwcp98.9lpfm@gmail.com
SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
WCCR will also serve as a placement site for the City of Little Rock’s Summer Youth Employment Opportunity. As part of the program, student participants will be required to complete basic radio training and will assist with the Summer Camp.
YOUTH RADIO PROGRAMS
Previously discussed Youth Radio Programs will be broadcast throughout the week along with Monthly Youth News Programs. During this youth-led show, participants will choose the topics, develop questions, and choose the individual(s) to interview.
CLASSROOM PARTNERSHIPS
Through Classroom Partnerships, WCCR will collaborate with teachers in the West Central Little Rock area to give students the opportunity to share what they are learning in class with the greater community.
SPORTS PROGRAM
A Weekly Sports Program will feature a youth sports show in which participants will discuss the previous week’s West Central Sports Complex games and announcing match-ups and scores.
PEER MENTOR PROGRAM
WCCR’s Peer Mentor Program offers opportunities for college students majoring in Mass Communications and high school announcers to significantly advance their skills by mentoring new, younger students. Mentors work one-on-one with their less senior peers to teach them how to prepare, host, and engineer a radio show of professional caliber.
SUMMER CAMP
Middle school students will be able to take advantage of a weeklong Summer Camp offering opportunities to explore music, learn how to engineer and host radio programs, conduct interviews, and produce pre-recorded public service announcements.
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SPOTLIGHT ON WEST CENTRAL SENIORS Recognizing a Spectacular Senior: Aleatha Hill Mrs. Aleatha Hill served as the first coordinator of the West Central Senior Activities Center and will be the first to tell you that she and fellow championship team members of the West Central Badgers have a reputation for being “fierce competitors with good attitudes.” Apparently this is a winning combination, yielding a 13-1 record!
“Win or lose, we come to have fun.” QUICK SNAP
Learn a little more about Mrs. Hill and her role with West Central Seniors: PLACE OF BIRTH I was born jus below Scott, Arkansas, and I’ve lived in Little Rock since 1945. LEADER(S) WHO INSPIRE YOU Even though she passed away some time ago, one of the community leaders who still stands out to me is Norma Walker. I met Norma in 2000 during a meeting for the Golden Anchor Women’s Group. She was one of the first members of the community who helped create a vision for the WC neighborhood. FAVORITE SENIOR ACTIVITY Beanbag Baseball—I love it! MOST EXITING PART OF THE NEW FACILITY I turned 88 years old in September. It will be an answer to my prayers to live to see the center complete. I can’t wait to just walk through the doors and exclaim, “Hallelujah!” The community center and sports complex are part of a promise that has been a long time coming. 20 | WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | summer/fall 2016
Mrs. Hill is quick to point out that while the WCSC Seniors have won over 10 trophies, the object of the game is to “forget about [your] problems” and just “have fun.” Sharing her philosophy, Hill’s husband and two sons also play bean bag baseball for church and WCSC leagues—practicing what they preach and demonstrating how the sport is a game for the young and young at heart.
RISING TO THE OCCASION It comes as no surprise that when you jumble letters in the word “senior,” you can spell the word “rise.” Senior members of the West Central Community have certainly risen to the occasion— engaging with, competing against, and inspiring one another and fellow residents of every age. While they may not be able to slide into home plate anymore, WC Seniors demonstrate how you can remain forever young at heart by playing sports like bean bag baseball and participating in the following activities: Senior Day Out at Camp Aldersgate,
pot luck dinners, shopping expeditions, and the Women of Stamina Awards Banquet (honoring women 80 years of age or older). Programming at the new facility will include: • • • • • • • • •
Reading Club Gardening Club Bean Bag Baseball League Women of Stamina Recognition Program Arts & Crafts Scrapbooking Cooking Sewing/Quilting Radio Show
For more information about participation in West Central Senior Activities, please contact: Geoffrey Starks 501-940-5449 gstarkssr24@yahoo.com
• WCSC officials are expected to maintain strong character and unquestionable integrity. • In working with young people, officials are expected to contribute to the development and educational experience of the competitors.
THE WCSC YOUTH SPORTS OFFICIALS PROGRAM
Officially Fun Players aren’t the only all-stars—those who help to uphold the rules of the game are just as important as those who must play by them. Established in March 2013, the Youth Sports Officials Program is designed to allow Little Rock citizens 18 years of age and older, the opportunity to become paid officials of youth sports. These individuals play a critical role to the success of the West Central Sports Complex because, as participation in WCSC programs has grown each year, so too has the need for qualified officials. Our Youth Sports Officials lead players by example, applying their ability and a sense of fairness to split-second decisions, conflict resolution, and high-pressure scenarios—and manage to have fun too!
PAY Officials will work as independent contractors. Pay varies based on the sport and the level but it typically is on a per-game basis in the ballpark of $12.50 to $25 a game. Pay also can go up for postseason games, opportunities that typically are awarded to top officials. GETTING STARTED If you think you have what it takes to be a Sports Official, the next step is to apply. Applicants who meet the qualifications will attend classes offered by the WCSC. Once they complete the class they must become AAA certified. New officials will have a trial period to see how they react under pressure. They will start out in the lower age leagues and as they gain experience they will work their way up the older leagues. Opportunities are available in baseball, softball, T-ball, football, basketball, and volley ball. Not every official has played the sport they work, but they do put in the effort to understand the rules and how to apply them within the flow of the game. Our moto is “PLAY HARD”, and if you think you have what it takes, you are invited to apply!
ARE YOU RIGHT FOR THE JOB? The Arkansas Athletics Association (AAA) suggests considering these factors before becoming an official: • Sports officials are placed in highly charged situations. They need to keep their cool, even if others around them lose perspective and control. • It takes a time commitment to become a top official. There is more involved than reading a rule book. Top officials attend meetings, stay updated on changes in the sport, and attend clinics to improve. • Through it all, officials are able to have fun doing their job, confident that they have put in the time to give their best effort. RESPONSIBILITIES Any player or coach who has put time and effort into a sport appreciates the same type of effort from the officials who oversee the games.
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Game time
22 | WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | summer/fall 2016
Bleacher report
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Team Spirit
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2016 Baseball Champions
Piranhas, 5-6 Champion
Braves, 11-13 Champion
Sweet Slugger Elite, 7-9 Girls Champion
Blue Ice, 12 and up Girls Champion
Wildcats, 9-10 Boys Champion
Lady Bratz, 10-11 Girls Champion
Trojans, 7-8 Champion
Gators, 3-4 Champion summer/fall 2016 | westcentralsportscomplex.com | 25
Fall Sports
26 | WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | summer/fall 2016
Businesses involved in the community:
Giving back & gaining loyalty Our goal is to create a healthy and viable community. How to achieve this? By bringing the community and local businesses together. Small businesses are the economic backbone of our communities. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small and new businesses have been responsible for creating two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. over the last two decades. And, over half of all working Americans own or work for a small business today.1 People like to shop locally because they know doing so supports and strengthens the local economy
And a recent study has shown that 62% of small business owners say that giving back to their community has made their company more successful in the long run. Join our growing list of sponsors: Sponsor a sports team. From T-ball to little league baseball to pee wee football, sports are the glue that helps communities bond together. Not only will your business be supporting young athletes and healthy activities, but sporting events can provide your business with a great opportunity for exposure—sometimes on a weekly basis or more.
As a small-business owner, involvement in your community’s activities gives potential customers another reason to visit you. You owe it to your community and your business to give back and get involved. Your personal involvement can help build loyalty and increase visibility, eventually making a positive impact on your bottom line.
Thank you to our 2016 baseball sponsors With your support, we saw another amazing season, with dozens of teams taking to the field for baseball, softball, and Tball. Family members, friends, and supporters came out to cheer the players on and to be a part of a national pasttime.
Henry Kessler Enterprises
JD Lipscomb and Partners summer/fall 2016 | westcentralsportscomplex.com | 27
Using the Arts to Improve the Community Projects for Public Spaces, a nonprofit organization dedicated to peacemaking states: “Great cities are defined by their destinations, which anchor economic activity and help define the unique qualities of their communities by supporting multiple uses, including lively squares, active parks, waterfronts, streets, markets, cultural districts and new developments.”
The Creative Community Builder’s Handbook: How to Transform Communities Using Local Assets, Arts and Culture (2007 Fieldstone Alliance) In 1998, the John Barrow Community recognized that it had an image problem. It also recognized that it did not know its history. The John Barrow Historical Society was established to remedy this problem. Research was done and with the discovery of its history, the community held a heritage festival, sadly, income constraints limited the festival and it was held for only two years. Since 2003, much work has been done to change the public perception of this community and encourage public investment. With strong leadership from its’ elected representative on the Little Rock BOD, the community now has something it never had before, a new name “West Central Little Rock”, organized activities for youth and seniors and a new community center. With these ingredients, the community character can now be seen as its story or narrative. We hope to continue the community narrative through: • an articulation of the historic, cultural, economic, and cultural context of the community;
• a commitment to the reinforcement and enhancement of the community’s identity; and • the implementation of policies, regulations, and incentives that support and enhance this evolving identity. With this goal in mind, we plan to further this awareness of community identity and character by introducing and integrating arts and cultural resources with civic visioning. The first project will be beautifying the retaining walls on 28th and Walker Streets with painted murals. Spearheaded by Michelle Spencer-Gardner, the project will involve volunteers from Parkview, the community and the John Barrow Neighborhood Association. Michelle states that “I’ve seen around the city a lot of negative graffiti being drawn on different structures. Hopefully this project will turn some of the negative into positive creations of beauty, created by students and citizens within our community. A sense of pride in where we live is what I’m hoping to accomplish with completing the first project on 28th street”. The second project will be the West Central Sports Complex Youth Art Contest. This project seeks to acquire original artwork for the new West Central Community Center.
Beauty is in the Eye o f My Community “I would want to be remembered for bringing a smile to individuals faces when they read some of the messages that will be contained in the murals. I would want individuals to take away a sense of respect and appreciation of where they co-habitate, which will hopefully encourage individuals in the community to beautify their areas one block at a time, to one day incorporating the entire community.” — Michelle Spencer-Gardner 28 | WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | summer/fall 2016
WC YOUTH ART PROJECT The West Central Sports Complex Youth Art Project seeks to engage youth primarily between the ages of 14 and 17 from all parts of the city in developing original artwork for display in the new West Central Community Center. Including young people as meaningful contributors in the social and economic aspects of community building must not be overlooked and cannot be left to schools and parents alone. The WCSC YAP seeks to stimulate the creative juices of its youth in shaping and uplifting their community’s self-image. Engaging youth has a dual benefit: it also brings more adults into the picture. Research in civic engagement by the League of Women Voters indicates that the factor most likely to get people more involved in community affairs is helping to improve conditions for youth. The organization’s report found that “issues related to children, including mentoring and coaching, and education are those most likely to mobilize the untapped reservoir of volunteers.” We invite youth ages 14 to 17 to enter the WCSC inaugural Youth Art Contest by submitting creative artwork inspired by the programs and activities of the new West Central Community Center: Community, Sports, Radio, Youth, and Seniors.
CONTEST GUIDELINES QUALIFICATIONS: Any student that is currently enrolled in high school between the 9th grade and the 12th grade can enter the contest. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: January 4, 2017. TYPE OF ART: Two-dimensional art creations of water color, acrylic, oil, charcoal, etc., are welcome. Digital computer art and photography are also allowed. • The dimensions of the art should be no more than 20” x 24” and no less than 8.5” x 11”. • The art submitted needs to be mounted on a mat of paper material but must not be hard-framed. • The official submission form needs to be filled out and sent in along with the art to the community center by the deadline. • Only one entry per artist.
JUDGING
The winning artworks will be selected by 3 to 5 judges consisting of college professors of the UALR Art Department and well-known artists. The criteria of judging includes creativity, color, the techniques of the drawing, and how related the content is to the themes of the contest.
AWARDS
The following are the awards to be granted to the chosen winners of the competition: a first, second, and third place award, and several City Director’s awards. In addition, the winning artworks will be displayed in the new West Central Community Center. First place will receive $300, a certificate and a trophy. Second place will receive $200, a certificate and a trophy each. Third place will receive $100, a certificate and a trophy each. The City Director’s Award winners will each receive a certificate.
summer/fall 2016 | westcentralsportscomplex.com | 29
METROPOLITAN CAREER-TECHNICAL CENTER
BALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BRADY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Community & Education Partnerships between a community and its schools benefit not only students but residents as well, helping to create connections that deepen over time. Already, three schools plan to team up with the West Central Community Center on exciting projects, including: • Metropolitan Career-Technical Center will have its broadcasting students intern at West Central Community Radio as peer mentors. • Parkview High School students will help with the radio station programming through the Classroom Partnerships and Community Youth Radio Program.
HENDERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Henderson Middle School is looking to bring afterschool EAST workshops to students of all ages eager to learn about coding, programming and technology. These partnerships are just the beginning. Other Little Rock schools are invited to collaborate with the West Central Community Center to bring new and impactful projects to the community.
WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
WESTERN HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ROMINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
30 | WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | summer/fall 2016
ENROLL TODAY AND CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE
BETTER.
ENVISION THE FUTURE It’s a known fact: Children and youth thrive in caring environments. That’s why the City of Little Rock Department of Community Program Providers operate after school Monday through Friday and during out-of-school periods nearly every day of the year. These programs provide positive educational, cultural, and mentoring activities to prepare our children and youth for their future so they can make positive contributions to their families and neighborhoods. SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We thank our leaders, including City Manager Bruce T. Moore and Mayor Mark Stodola, who work hard to ensure these types of resources are available to improve the quality of life for Little Rock citizens. For more information about the Department of Community Programs, visit lrdcpcares.org. To refer someone to any of our providers, email programreferral@littlerock.gov