Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD –
*Two outstanding public programs highlight the first week of December at the Clinton School. French Consul General Pierre Grandjoouan will be speaking at Tuesday at noon and Associated Presss photographer and Little Rock native Alex Brandon will be speaking Thursday at 6 p.m. While in Arkansas, the French Consul will be meeting with Governor Mike Beebe among others. Brandon, who photographed the Barack Obama Presidential Campaign, will share his experiences and some of his photographs.
*Effective Wednesday, we’ve received the ok to expand into our new River Market campus within walking distance of Sturgis Hall. We’ll be working on the move throughout the winter break and holidays. The new facility, across the street from the River Market on President Clinton Avenue, will provide additional classroom, meeting and office space. We’re planning to have some of our classes there beginning in January.
*While many of us enjoyed a festive Thanksgiving, we should remember that more than 900 million people throughout the world are malnourished; several thousand die of hunger every day; and one out of every eight American doesn’t know where her/his next meal will come from. More than 30 million (and growing) Americans are now on food stamps and if this trend continues, the total could rise to the highest level since the food stamp program began.
*Food banks and food pantries are seeing demands increase and supplies decrease. Some are reporting those now requesting assistance are former donors themselves. In Little Rock, a special woman is doing her part to help. Lynda Dixon, who worked for Bill Clinton in his gubernatorial office and now works for the William J. Clinton Foundation, is celebrating her 65h birthday this month. On December 13 she’s hosting a birthday party at the Clinton School to benefit the Arkansas Food Bank Network. In lieu of presents, she’s asking famiily and friends to bring food or monetary donations for the Food Bank. In a time of great need, what a thoughtful way to celebrate one’s birthday.
*A special thanks to Clinton School Student Jonathan Dunkley who organized a successful coat/clothing drive for residents of Our House, a shelter for the working homeless in Little Rock. Since our first class, students at the Clinton School have been very supportive of Our House programs, and I’m proud to see that tradition continue. Thank you Jonathan for your leadership, and we’re still accepting coats and clothing at the Clinton School for Our House.