Lakewood Neighborhood Group

Lakewood Neighborhood (Watch) Group Meeting
Tuesday,November 13, 2007
6:30pm
Lakewood Elementary Cafeteria

Lakewood Neighborhood Group

Lakewood Neighborhood Group
October 9, 2007

Meeting opened with Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.

Barry
Hyde:
(State
Representative) General Improvement money-The Supreme Court changed how local money will be dealt out. It will allow wider distribution. North Little Rock will receive half a million dollars from the House of Representatives. The Senior Citizens Center, Parks and Recreation, Fire Department, Pulaski Vo-tech, Hayes Center, Heritage House, and Care Link will receive money.

Liz
Lejman: Reading of July meeting minutes.

Neil
Bryant: Gadwalls to reopen tomorrow.
(Alderman)
Sales tax issue-3/4 to go to schools, ¼ to reopen the North Little Rock jail. Council is looking at the sales tax burden on electric rates. We are still looking at a 6-8 million dollar deficit next year.

Creegans Pub opened, parking is an issue. City is looking at an area behind the Checkmate Club to purchase for more parking.

Health insurance for city employees is still up in the air.

The Pit bull that was taken into custody earlier this year was euthanized.

John Riley: Spoke regarding TIFs. Tax Incremental Financing-There is no life
(School Board Rep) span limit on TIFs. Each state has its own laws regarding TIFs. They are set up to encourage money to move into blighted areas. This is money that would normally go to taxes. The argument for TIFs-they bring growth back inside a district. This is money that will not be given to the schools. It is illegal to raise sales tax for the schools.
Response to question regarding rumor that Lakewood Elementary might close in 5 years-No plan to shut anything, we do need a master plan that produces the most efficient and productive use for the students.

Debi
Ross: (Alderman) If you live on a concrete street in Lakewood that needs repair call the Street department to get your street on the list.

The Ballpark tax came off September the 30th.

Novelty lighters are not allowed in NLR now.
Deana
Jones: Project Green is a grounds improvement initiative to beautify the grounds of Lakewood Elementary. 110 trees are on the campus. The last project the trees on the playgrounds were trimmed. The school has no budget for upkeep of the grounds. Kohl’s has donated $500. Some of the projects for this year are (1) clean up (2) have an outdoor classroom and (3) have a green house and recycle program. They will be applying for city beautiful grant next year. They would also like to have a nature trail and butterfly garden. Clean Up Day will be October the 20th from 9am to 4pm. 27 people have signed up-need 40. They will be building a compost bin, raking leaves and finish painting the soccer cages and fence. Please bring tools and wheelbarrows. Anyone that has loriope, we need it.

Officer
Sorrels: Vacant houses are still and issue. If you see strangers hanging around, driving up and down the street over and over, call the police. A call was made regarding a man that “didn’t look right” on Toph. Police arrested him breaking into a house. He had burglarized houses all over.

An arrest was made in the Holiday Inn homicide.

3 people were caught breaking into cars, 2 in Indian Hills and 1 on Crestwood. Lock your cars, take valuables inside the house.

Police cracking down on pawn shops. 4 arrested for fencing at McCain Trading.

Call police if people come door to door asking to work i.e. raking leaves, cutting trees etc. They have to have a placard with a picture ID. Boy Scouts selling popcorn right now are OK. Churches can walk on the street and pray for a neighborhood. If you are approached by people begging, do not give them money.

Beth
White: Jackson Hewitt tax class being offered.
Jacob Kacena will be distributing fliers for fall leaf removal.
Master plan for the renovation of the Old Mill-restrooms, sewer lines are being put in now.

The next meeting will be Tuesday November the 13th.

Meeting adorned

Lakewood Neighborhood (Watch) Group Meeting

Tuesday October 9, 2007

6:30 p.m.

Lakewood Elementary School Cafeteria


Hope to see you for the next monthly meeting-bring a neighbor! We want all residents to be informed about what is happening in the Lakewood area. Visit our blogsite at:


http://lakewoodng.blogspot.com

NORTH LITTLE ROCK VISITORS BUREAU

October 2007 Arkansas Art Gallery: Come and view an eclectic collection of artworks from Arkansas artists. Open Tues.-Thurs. 10a.m. to 4p.m. Fri. & Sat.10a.m. to 9p.m. OCTOBER12: Downtown Argenta Art Walk held every month on the second Friday of the month 5p.m.-8p.m. Participating galleries: AR Art Gallery, The Art Scene Gallery & Art Market, Pennington Studios/Claytime Pottery, Galaxy Furniture and AM Architecture. For details call 501-687-5959 or visit www.arkansasartgallery.com. The Arts Scene Gallery & Art Market: A multi-disciplined art environment. Open Saturday and Sunday 10a.m. - 6p.m. OCTOBER 12: On thesecond Friday of the month—come and join us after the Argenta Art Walk from 8p.m.-1a.m. Located on the corner of Broadway and Maple at 201 Maple St. in Historic Argenta along the Trolley Line! For more information on the Arts Scene, weekly news & updates, visit www.TheSceneOnline.org or call 501-372-2130. The Arkansas Queen : Enjoy the Arkansas River aboard the Arkansas Queen Riverboat in the lovely month of October. The Fall Color Cruiseboards at 9:30a.m. on Saturday, OCTOBER 27. View nature’s painted leaves and enjoy lunch, jazz music and games returning at 2:00p.m. Boarding all ghosts and goblins for a familyHalloween Cruise with Radio Disney spooky staffers, games, and a Halloween costume contest on theRiverboat boarding at 6:00p.m. on Sunday,OCTOBER 28. TheSunday Jazz & Champagne Brunch continues as well with a delicious menu served with your choice of champagne, sparkling cider, or orange juice. Reservations Required. For a complete schedule, to book a special cruise or for more information, visit them on the web at www.arkansasqueen.com or call 501-372-5777. The Razorback Submarine: Visit the USS Razorback (SS 394), a BALAO Class Fleet Submarine located at the North Shore Maritime Center. NOW Open Mondays & Thursday -Saturdays 10a.m.-6p.m. Open Sundays 1p.m.-6p.m. Visit the USS Razorback online at www.aimm.museum. To schedule a group tour call 501-371-8320 or e-mail: info@aimm.museum. North Little Rock Animal Shelter’s Mobile Adoption Unit: Lakewood Village on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m.—4 p.m. Call the NLR Animal Shelter at 501-791-8577 for the Sunday schedule and more details. Come out to see the animals! North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce: presents on OCTOBER 5TheOctober FYI Luncheon from 11:50a.m.- 1p.m. Admission for Members $12; Non-members $15. For more information on this event, about the Chamber, or to become a member; contact Kenda Ford at 501-372-5959, email kenda@nlrchamber.org or visit www.nlrchamber.org. North Little Rock Parks and Recreation: Offers physical fitness, aerobics & dance classes for all ages call 501-791-8541 or 501-791-8545, visit www.nlrpr.org for more details on events/schedule. To rent pavilions or the Hospitality House, call 501-791-8537 for more details. For more information on baseball call 501-753-0012, visit www.nlrpr.org or www.burnsparkbaseball.com. Bonzai BMX Track– www.bonzaibmx.com or call 501-753-6989. Burns Park Campgrounds call 501-771-0702. Burns Park Golf Course call 501-758-5800. Burns Park Tennis Center visit www.arktennis.com or call 501-791-8585. Funland -call 501-753-7307 or 501-791-8543. Riverview Skate Park call 501-791-8540. The Big Dam Bridge: Located over the Murray Lock & Dam System, is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge built for that purpose, spanning the Arkansas River with 4,226 linear feet of bridge at 90 feet above the river it connects the two cities and the River Trail. Directions: Take I-40 to exit #148 heading south on Crystal Hill Rd. At the red light turn left onto North Shore Dr. At the four-way intersection turn right, following the sign to Cook’s Landing. Parking near the restrooms and at the foot of the bridge. For more information on these and other events visit www.bigdambridge.org. River Trail: The North Shore Trail, a paved pedestrian and bicycle trail, takes you from the downtown I-30 bridge along the AR River through Emerald Park, Burns Park to Cook’s Landing where it meets up with the Big Dam Bridge and crosses the AR River over Murray Lock & Dam. For more info visit www.rivertrail.org or call Terry Easton at 501-660-4207 or email her at teaston@lynks.com or call 501-791-8540. William F. Laman Public Library, NLR: Offers library programs FREE and open to the public. OCTOBER 4: Music in the Plaza Season Finale with Brave Combo! Not your run-of-the-mill organ-grinders, the Grammy-award winning eclectic group will knock your socks off with an all-ages concert from 6:30p.m.-8p.m. Plan to be with us at the Laman Library Main Plaza Stage. OCTOBER 13: Good Gardens “Fall for Irises!”Iris expert Robert Treadway shows you how to plant and plan for Irises. From 10a.m.- 11a.m. in the Lecture Hall Main Library. OCTOBER 20: eBay Basics Skills Class from 9:30a.m.- 4:30p.m. in the Lecture Hall, Main Library. Have you heard about eBay and wondered how to go about selling your items? Kim Laffoon, an education specialist trained by eBay presents this day long workshop. Space is Limited, register bycalling Amy Brawner at 501-758-1720 ext. 109. For more information on these events or other events call 501-758-1720 or visit www.laman.net.IMAX Theatre: “India: Kingdom of the Tiger“ Journey across India, a breathtaking land shaped by a multitude of cultures, customs and traditions. Also playing, “Alaska: Spirit of the Wild” and “The Lost World: Life in the Balance” follow scientist on an expedition to one of the least explored places on the earth, the table mountains of Southern Venezuela and the Mayan civilization of Tikal. IMAX Admission: Adults $7.50, Child $5.50, Seniors $6.50 EpiSphere show, “Impact Earth!” A traditional planetarium show that explains where meteorites are and where they comefrom. Admission: $5.50 for all ages. IMAX is CLOSED on Mondays; Open Tues.-Sun. Call for show times 501-376-IMAX or visit www.aerospaced.org. Historic Arkansas Museum: Every Saturday in October: Step Back Saturdays: Storytelling from 10a.m.-4p.m. See how they did it in pioneer days. In addition to a tour and living history, Saturdays bring pioneer life ways to the historic grounds, showing you the how and the why of 1800s living. The museum is open 9a.m-5p.m., Monday –Saturday and 1-5p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are FREE; tours of the historic grounds are $2.50 for adults and $1 for children, tours on the hour except for Noon the last tour is at 4p.m. Call 501-324-9351 for details or visit www.arkansashistory.com. Museum of Discovery: Offers programs everyday.OCTOBER 13: Saturday Discoveries from 1-4p.m. for kids in grades K-6. This month’s topic“Cool Concoctions!” Cost: $15 per class; Space is limited. Contact Beth Nelson at 501-396-7061 or email bnelson@amod.org to make your SaturdayDiscoveries reservation.Paws, Claws and Tailswill be held the first Saturday of each monthOctober - Mayfrom 11a.m.-2p.m. Learn about the 50 different species of animals that live at the Museum while getting an up-close experience with several of the live animals. Open Monday -Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Call 501-396-7050 or visit www.amod.org for more info. Old State House Museum: 300 W. Markham is along the Trolley Line! Museum hours of operation are Monday – Saturday 9a.m.–5p.m. andSundays 1-5p.m. FREE Admission. For more information on the museum and exhibits call 501-324-9685 or visit www.oldstatehouse.com

Lakewood Neighborhood Meeting News

The September 11th meeting is canceled.



Next meeting will be:



Tuesday, October 9th , 2007 at 6:30pm

National Night Out-2007

Thank you to all who attended and helped with National Night Out. It was a special evening and the purpose was served to get neighbors out to meet and visit with each other. Also we are grateful to be able to visit with NLR City officials and workers. It was really great to have our Police Department, Animal Control, Neighborhood Services and the Firemen of Station #7 represented.

We again enjoyed the talent and music of the”Broadway Stars” under instructor Ms. Deidre. We were glad for their family and friends who joined us. They presented a fun and colorful collection of favorite musical scores. What a positive and cheerful group of young ladies!

More special thanks as well to:

Dilday’s Ice Cream Shoppe
Nachos de Farmer’s
Marilyn’s Eclectic Cuisine
Pruett’s Pastry Pantry
Maxine’s Cold Dranks
Watermelon Wheelbarrow de Lejman
Tom’s Tube Steaks
Reifsteck’s Community Driveway
Stan’s Photography
Scarborough’s Broadway Stage and Cookies
Officer Karl Sorrells and Family
Alderwoman Debi Ross
NLR Street Department (for an extra mowing of the median strip)

Lakewood Neighborhood (Watch) Group meets at 6:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Lakewood Elementary School in the Cafeteria.

Blogsite: http://lakewoodng.blogspot.com
Email: Lakewood.ng@gmail.com



Save the dates!
National Night Out 2008-Tuesday August 5th
Luminaries on Glenmere-Thursday December 20th, 2007

National Night Out – 2007