Posted by DEAN SKIP RUTHERFORD – It’s easy to take what we have for granted. This past weekend I had the opportunity to address two groups who were meeting in the neighborhood. The University of Arkansas Board of Advisors met at the Clinton Presidential Center Friday. Members of this group are from Arkansas and throughout the country. In my remarks, I asked those who had never been to the Clinton Center before to raise their hands and was surprised at the large number who had never visited. It was, therefore, a pleasure for me to share the history, tell the stories and give many a guided tour of the Clinton School and the Clinton Library.
During the day Saturday, the Clinton Foundation hosted Earth Day in the Clinton Presidential Park. It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, and large numbers joined in the festivities. When people first talked about the possibilities of a downtown presidential park which would be the site of public gatherings like Earth Day, some had doubts. There were certainly no doubts Saturday. Kudos to the Clinton Foundation.
Saturday evening I was privileged to address the Associated Press Broadcasters Award Banquet at the Holiday Inn Presidential Center. The hotel is located across Interstate 30 from the Clinton School. Being there brought back memories of the efforts several made to turn what was then an abandoned Sheraton into quality lodging which would attract motor coaches, tour groups and business/leisure visitors to Little Rock. Along with the nearby Comfort Inn and Suites, the Holiday Inn Presidential Center has done just that as well as enhanced the city’s entire tourism product. Thank you Larry Carpenter for your investment.
The evening was topped off with a post-banquet stop by one of the newer restaurants in the neighborhood, The Copper Grill. Owner/operator Mary Beth Ringgold is adding homemade ice cream to the summer dessert menu, and becasue I love ice cream she invited me for a tasting. The Copper Grill is located on the ground floor of the 300 Third Building and how ironic it was for me to be there, enjoying delicious ice cream while watching Joe Johnson (who has a condominium in the same building) and the Atlanta Hawks beating the Boston Celtics on television.