April 2025 | Vol. 38 national poetry month






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April 2025 | Vol. 38 national poetry month






Board members authorized a total of $882,000 to two contractors for construction of four new affordable homes on Zion Street in Ward 6 These single-family homes funded by a federal grant are a promise kept toward Mayor Scott’s pledge toward increasing affordable housing opportunities.
Watch the latest Little Rock Board of Directors meeting at: youtube.com/citylittlerock
The Board approved $100,000 to improve the playground equipment at War Memorial Park. The playground has been a popular attraction at the park since its initial construction in 2012

Find press conferences, meetings, and event recordings by LRTV linked here.
LRFD Fire Station 9 Groundbreaking Ceremony
March 31, 2025
Board of Agenda Meeting
March 25, 2025
Reading in the Rock Press Conference
March 19, 2025
March 18, 2025
Find all streamed and recorded events on CLR YouTube channel and Facebook page youtube.com/littlerock facebook.com/littlerock





THANK YOU to Monica Montgomery, who has worked diligently across the city departments to ensure the successful launch of LR Career Climb. Over the past month, she represented the Community Programs in meetings with Executive Administration to discuss the best ways to utilize financial empowerment funds this year. She emphasized innovation as a key driver to address financial barriers with a solution-oriented approach
Thank you, Monica, for your innovative approach, spirit of exceptional service and your people-centeredness!
THANK YOU Tony Bell, for diligently devoting your time to training a parttime employee for a year and extending your retirement to help get her ready for the next step. This selfless dedication earned you Fleet Services Employee of the Month!
Thank you, Tony, for your people-centeredness and professionalism!

THANK YOU to James Owen, for being a pillar of the Office of Executive Administration James is trusted to oversee multiple projects that span various topics, and he successfully sees them to completion without issue He takes the mantra "moving the ball down the field" to heart and manages his work efficiently, anticipating potential challenges and navigating them appropriately Most recently, James has taken on a larger role in BUILD Academy, coordinating curriculum, speakers, and participants With this heavy lift, James hasn't missed a beat on his other projects and often steps up to assist other team members. Thank you, James, for your professionalism, innovation, exceptional service, and for exemplifying accountability!


THANK YOU to Geneva Lamm, Mike Garrity and the entire marathon team for supporting, creating, and facilitating the first ever All Abilities Division for the Little Rock Marathon! This event gives people with disabilities an opportunity to set a goal, work hard, and reach the same goal as so many of their community members, that goal of a marathon medal. Also, a big shoutout to Shawanda Craig for taking time to not only to cheer on the All Abilities Marathoners, but also for volunteering during the event to keep runners motivated and where they needed to be.
Thank you to our LR Marathon team for being equitable and people-centered!
THANK YOU Ana Abarca, for assisting our customers in opening up new businesses in the City, especially with our Spanish speaking customers. Ana has enthusiasm and energy as she speaks with all of our customers, and in particular with our Spanish speaking customers, to make them feel more comfortable in a government setting. Ana always maintains a positive and can do attitude as well.
Thank you, Ana, for being equitable, professional, people-centered, and for providing exceptional service!



I thought I was free
Until I realized There was a price to pay for it...
I thought I was free To do what I wanted When I wanted And how I wanted

Until I realized I had to pay for it
With jealousy, envy, and hatred
I thought I was free To say what I wanted Or at least think or believe what I wanted
Until I realized I had to pay for it
With the weight of being unheard and unrecognized
I thought I was free To become my own boss And make my own decisions
Until I realized I had to pay for it
With blood sweat and tears
Because "It costs to be the boss"
I thought I was free To love who I wanted
Until I realized I had to pay for it
With ridicule
Yes, I thought I was free Until I realized I had to pay for it...
I consciously turned everything off... No lights...
No TV...
No phone...
Just darkness enveloping me...
My intent was to simply Be quiet...
And I sincerely welcomed The calm serenity...
Until I quickly realized...
Being quiet... Isn't the same as being silent...
Indeed... When being quiet... You actually notice All the noise!
Your breathing...
The tick tock of the clock...
The ice maker making ice...

Dana Dossett Department of Community Programs Director
The heater turning on...
Then off...
Then on again...
Doors closing...
Footsteps...
Squeaky floors and doors...
Cars passing by outside...
Not to mention all the noise INSIDE your head!
He said what?
She did what?
How is THAT possible?
Why her?
Why him?
Why me?
Why NOT me?
And not a word was even said! All because I decided to Be quiet...
But that is far far from...
Being silent!
E A T U R E D P O E T R Y


I STAND!
Here I am at The Rock....I Stand!
Our spirit, indomitable, reflects our name. We grow, we change, but we are still the same.
The Rock, the foundation, the city, the place. The heart and the soul unbending From gentle smile from a neighbor's face The love shared is unending.
The blue sky kisses every inch, every section. Nature has ample room to roam. Its beauty causes quiet introspection
There is no place we would rather call home.
We are the people, the shared joys the shared sorrow And you see that one every corner, every block. We will go triumphantly into tomorrow Because we are forever the rock.
Our spirit, indomitable, reflects our name. We grow, we change, but we are still the same.
Seeing the possibilities, eyeing, scoping Wishing, umm hoping...I Stand!
What, say what, you don’t see me?
I am here, I am over there
I am where I need to be...I Stand! I represent, I speak, I listen to The Sounds of The Rock
Calling, yelling, screaming, longing...I Stand!
They want, they press, they express They tell, they create, they motivate, they live out The stories, the journeys, the paths...They Stand! Paving The Way for coming Generations
Our Ancestors Stood... And they remained, they maintained Now Join Me... Join Us As We Stand...They Stand...I Stand We Sustain...At...The Rock!
I like a Haiku
Almost as much as you do
Let’s give a review.
The City was burning First responders respondin Leaders informing.
Police on standby To evacuate safely The children at school.
Fire fighters rush To the scene with water flus To battle the blaze.
Fourteen fires die At the hands of fire guys The City prevails.
Nature does reply With less windy skies toda Status quo is go.

Department of Human Resources Systems Coordinator
Department of Housing & Neighborhood Programs Code Enforcement Officer
Problem house on your street, grass not neat. I’m here for you.
Trash in the yard, feeling on guard. Let me know.
Junk car, neighbors spar. I serve you.
Got parking in the yard, life feels hard. Your problem is my problem.
Tires on the curb, feeling disturbed. Tell me.
People make complaints and then we fix them, it’s just what we do. Your Code Enforcement Officer is here for you.
When you're in a world of pain, You create a sea of tears.
Doubt clouds your thoughts, And you live in the shadow of fear.
Everything seems lost, Like you're in a desert of despair, Or a canyon of cruelty; Because life isn't fair.
With a mountain of grief mounting up, And many thoughts of giving up, You feel like you have had enough.
But when the tough gets going you toughen up, Because you are made of much harder stuff. You're a diamond in the rough! You took a lot of heat under pressure, And now you're brilliance is shining up.
Because hope isn't a light That is put upon a hill. It's a light inside That the world can't kill.
It's not a flame That can be blown out, The only thing that can destroy it Is self doubt.
Just like a diamond, Only can be cut by other diamonds. Only you can cut your light out.
So keep on shining! Life gets hard.
But you're the hardest being life has seen, And with more self esteem, You buff your shine and sheen.
And when the light hits you, You burst and you gleam.
You refract it and reflect it On everything.

For the 2nd quarter of 2025, the City on the Move program will educate employees on maintaining a healthy mind with iPrevail through Cigna. iPrevail is a digital therapeutics platform, designed by experienced clinicians to help you take control of the stresses of everyday life and challenges associated with life’s difficult transitions Click the video to learn more about iPrevail
THIS EVENING, MARCH 31st, the first session of R.O.C.K Academy takes way! ROCK Academy stands for Residents Obtaining Community Knowledge. Participants will undergo a 6-week, information-filled course, where department leaders and city staff will teach attendees about city operations, organizational structure, legislative processes, and various resources that are available to all Little Rock residents. R.O.C.K Academy is a Mayoral initiative spearheaded by Creative Economy Advisor, Melissa Mitchell.
We’re putting the “GO” in government and bringing City Hall to you! Our leaders are hitting the streets to strengthen connections and provide real-time solutions through the Mobile City Hall initiative, introduced during the 2025 State of the City address. When Mayor Frank Scott, Jr says we’re going Back to the Basics, that means we’re focused on elevating city services and deepening our engagement with residents. First Stop: Southwest Little Rock!
Date: Monday, April 7, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Longley Baptist Church, 9900 Geyer Springs Rd
Join us to meet city leaders, ask questions, and experience local government in action. We can’t wait to see you there!

The KKAC non-profit has received a grant from the US Forestry Department and has partnered with LR Parks to plant 12,000 trees in the Rock Creek Trail area!
Event Details:
When: April 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Where: Rock Creek Trail

Want to sharpen your communication skills and make a bigger impact? Our upcoming Communications Professional Development Series is designed to help you speak with confidence, write with clarity, and connect with influence—no matter your role! We’re excited to share the 2025 Communications Professional Development Series schedule!
Bonus: this year we’ll invite residents to join us for many of these sessions. Register through NeoGov (see flyer catalog for instructions) to let us know you’re coming.
The next session is April 9th, 2:00 PM @West Central Community Center. The session is over “Equity-Centered Communication”. See the attached PDF flyer catalog for registration instructions.
GET READY: A SAFER, SMARTER WAY TO HANDLE WORKPLACE INJURIES!
Effective March 1, 2025, the City of Little Rock is taking workplace safety to the next level! We’re partnering with Paradigm to roll out a NEW telephonic nurse triage service—designed to get you the right care, right away!
Workplace injury? One quick call connects you to a nurse for expert medical guidance, helping you recover faster while simplifying workers’ compensation reporting. Less hassle, more care—because safety should be simple!
Stay tuned big changes are coming! #OrangeForSafetyLR | Fast. Focused. Protected.
Mom, I accused you of failing me in things you do.
But your love has always been true. I was a rebel who never listened. Yet you gave your love unconditioned. Though distracted with the cares of being a young mother.
You always found time to focus on another. I never understood just how much you cared. As you gave so much, you always shared. You had so much you wanted to share with me;
But I told you just let me be. Never understanding you hoped to save me from strife.
I constantly chose all that is wrong in life. You tried to guide my path. Only to experience my constant wrath. Choose what was wrong I always did. Never caring, angry and rabid. Until the day I found a wife; Whose love removed all my strife. Seeing in her your love always true I married a wonderful woman just like you.
Department of Finance
Treasury Operations Analyst
of Finance Budget Manager
Ambling along the path in restful thoughts
Shimmering sparks stream beside me
Wide and varied are the songs I hear
Light breezes, flights, and flows
Tiny hands rustling the leaves around me
Fleeting connections I keep seeking
Leapers, jumpers, and aerial artists
Respectively on quests of their own
Spotting the hare ever so still and close
Stay silent for the mallard and his mother
Watch the sky filled with wayward wings
They still have a long way to go
U R E D P O E T R Y
Sprouting shades of lime and micro flowers
Her hidden burrow by the water
Life cycles back around in time
And turtles swim up with their babies
Department of Housing & Neighborhood Programs
Neighborhood Resource Center Coordinator
To walk in silence, Is to carry a sacred strength unseen, Every move deliberate, Every step a whisper of purpose, A dance only your soul understands.
It’s to shield you, From the chaos of left and right, To guard the path you tread, Keeping it clear, undisturbed, Free from the noise of this world.
No voices to hush, No hands to steer your way, Just the quiet resolve That belongs to you alone, Guiding you through the night.
District Courts - Criminal Deputy Court Clerk
It’s the peace you’ve earned, The stillness you seek, Like the hum of a late summer day, Where only the birds break the air, Or the rhythmic rush of tides Kissing the shore under a moonlit sky.
That’s why I walk in silence, Not for the world to see, But so God knows my footprints, Etched in faith and quiet trust, A testimony in every step I take and seek. I walk in Salience.
I wish I can turn back the hands of time, to knock on the door once more at the candy store. I wish I can turn back the hands of time, to go outside and play all day in the month of May. I wish I can turn back the hands of time, to help my grandmother water her flowers and afterwards, she would take me downtown to see the Sears Tower. Lastly, I wish I can turn back the hands of time, to go eat pizza at Home Run Inn, wishing that the evening would never have to end.
Prayers at night, I shout prayers, At night I shout prayers, so loud that I'm screaming into the heavens.
But those prayers, never make it past the ceiling. Ceiling fan chops up my words, cutting them so small, not even an ant can nibble on them. Words catching a ride on the air into the vents, collected into a filter, and emptied every 3 months. So, some nights I go outside, I shout prayers to the open sky, that they might catch a shooting star. Shooting so far into the atmosphere, they land in HIS hears. But every time I go outside, skies are clouded, no stars to be seen. Words get lost in the smog, in the fog, in the cold winter breeze. Occasionally, I whisper prayers, into my hands, into the wind, that like a virus, they might be contagious. That HE will catch them, like a cold or flu. Proving that screams are not needed, all I needed was a tiny breath.

Department of Executive Administration
Internal Communications Coordinator
I wonder how it feels to love and be loved? I imagine it's as warm as the sun. As gentle as a dandelion, and as sweet as sugar.
I imagine it feels something like a gentle breeze. Something like goosebumps from a kiss on the cheek.
I imagine it sounds like a song, sung by a mass choir. Or patience as tender as a touch. I imagine a connection as mighty as an ocean, and loyalty as vast as the sea.
I imagine partnership as steady as a heartbeat, and affection as frequent as a bird uses its wings.
I wonder how it feels to love and be loved?
I imagine it's fulfilling, and I imagine that it's true. Something that never fails nor plunders, something that does right by you. A feeling so rooted it grows to touch the stars and the moon.
Traci Steele Department of Emergency Communications
911 Communications Operator
I imagine it's long lasting and new every single morning. As fun as a laugh and as happy as a smile. Something that looks like a rainbow.
I imagine it's electrifying and bright, spontaneous and fun, assuring and comforting. Something that smells like roses and tastes like chocolate. A longing as desperate as a vine reaching for the sky.
To love and be loved seems a fairytale thing. Someday to be mine, and their song to sing.

Sometimes in life we go through things ing the pain, the joy and the lessons it will bring. We struggle to fit in from birth to death, es that we'll find love, happiness and wealth. But oh, how we are deceived, when we find that the web we've weaved, angled and mangled, distorted and contorted, h illusions from which we draw our conclusions. That lessons taught, Lessons learned, usually came when we got burned because we failed to heed the signs at were there from the beginning of time. Experience is the greatest teacher, u throw that away and listen to the preacher. at wouldn't be so bad, if you'd listen and obey, But that's hard to do when even HE falls astray. So you continue down a path with your eyes closed. Never realizing that this is the road you chose. One full of struggle and strife. A road that could even cost you your life. The day will come for each one to see who they really are and all that they can be. When lessons taught truly become lessons learned. You'll find that you don't have to touch the fire to know that it will burn. You can choose your path with wisdom from on high. You can run your course and never deny, That you are chosen to create, desire and choose. The lessons taught and learned, And which ones are for you.
PHOENIX
I crawled through the ashes of my past. I was reborn in my mistakes. I forged myself from the fire you started.
F E A T U R E D P O E T R Y
I will not apologize for my wings getting in your way Kendall Avants Department of Emergency Communications Communications Dispatcher











View the photo gallery from the Reading in the Rock press conference held at MLK Magnet Elementary school where the Little Rock School District provided more information on the new initiative in partnership with the City of Little Rock
mayor's youth council in the boardroom

View the photo gallery from our Mayor’s Youth Council members visiting with Director Kathy Webb in the city hall boardroom chamber.





View the photo gallery from the group photos taken at City Hall and Fleet Services honoring Women’s History Month, where staff rocked their purple and green in support of all women
metropolitan career - technical center student visit
View the photo gallery from the metropolitan career - technical center student visit, where high school students learned a little bit about what we do here at the city!
emprende session 1



View the photo gallery from the first session of emprende, the small business development
community programs job fair pop-up
View the photo gallery from the job fair pop-up that the Community Programs Department hosted at Goodfellas Barbershop


Know a person, business, or group making Little Rock greener and more equitable? Nominate them for a Sustain the Rock Award! We honor leaders driving real change through:
Sustainable practices & policies
Systemic impact & advocacy
Reducing pollution, waste, & toxins
Protecting habitats & promoting equity
Educating & mobilizing the community

“Volunteers Make Waves”

Global Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the power of people who tackle society's greatest challenges through volunteerism.
Volunteer at one of the Zoo’s largest fundraising events, Wild Wines; the Zoo’s annual award winning wine festival
Dates: Friday, April 25, 2025(VIP Night) and Saturday, April 26, 2025 (Main Event)
The KKAC non-profit has received a grant from the US Forestry Department and has partnered with LR Parks to plant 12,000 trees in the Rock Creek Trail area!
Event Details: April 12, 2025, 9:00 AM @ Rock Creek Trail. Lunch will be provided.
On April 26th, residents will come together to beautify our parks, trails, streets, waterways and flowerbeds; care for our animals, and strengthen our city through meaningful service
Details: April 26, 2025
Pick It Up! is Little Rock’s new citywide initiative to encourage and inspire residents, businesses, and visitors to take an active role in picking up litter, preventing pollution, and building pride in our shared community
The Adopt-A-Street program provides an opportunity for civic engagement in removing litter to keep our City beautiful. Individuals, families, businesses, civic groups, and neighborhood associations are invited to "adopt" a city street and pledge to keep their streets clean by picking up litter along their adopted streets at least four (4) times a year
The mission and goal of Project Impact is to saturate underserved communities with city services to beautify neighborhoods, reduce crime, and expose residents to the resources the City of Little Rock has to offer beyond the dayto-day city support
You are the root buried in the shadows, place the bullets in the gun, Fire what remains of your voice. Thoughts curl like smoke, Breathing life into the hollow air, Elixirs brewed for those who drink The bitter taste of solitude. The weight of unspoken chances settles on your face, painted in shades of red and black, where time sinks like ink-- pulling you deeper, A quiet struggle beneath the surface. An ocean flows downward, The question floats, But you can’t reach it. It’s shape always shifting, dissolving like mist before your fingers. You grasp at what never quite yours-- the weight of “what could have been” drowning in the gaps between breaths. Why are you so blue?
Here’s to the jobs that people never see,
The ones working behind the scenes, Whose daily efforts help to fuel
The hopes, the wants, the dreams.
Public servants are everyday people
No different from others you see.
But they strive for loftier, higher goals
For the good of the community.
When City operations run smoothly
As they most always do,
There are no parades and celebrations
The peace is its own “thank you”.
When trouble arrives at the doorstep,
With an abundance of bad news to share, City Workers stand up to be counted, To comfort, volunteer and to care.
When the sun sets tonight in the city
The work that is done carries on,
The machine never seems to stop running
The heart of the city is strong.
Debra Banks
Department of Finance, Grants Grants Coordinator
Why is today upset with yesterday And trying to blame it on tomorrow?
I’ll tell you why, Because yesterday it was said. Today it’s being discussed, and Tomorrow it will be faced.
Even though yesterday is gone And today is here We still have tomorrow To fear.

Since we can’t go back to yesterday And change what’s happening today, We must prepare ourselves And tell tomorrow we are on our way.
Yesterday, I’m not saying it’s your fault Today I must take the blame Hoping that tomorrow knows He must do the same.
Now that yesterday knows And today is aware Let’s inform tomorrow And hope he cares.
Let’s not blame it on yesterday Today do your very best Once you’ve accomplished that Tomorrow will take care of the rest.


Nelson Department of Parks & Recreation Deputy Director
My time clock sounds each morning sun begins to rise, I wake up early, and stretch real tall on my tippy toes to get the blood to flow. I rub my tired, weary eyes as I know my day is to begin.
My closet is bursting with flair, I attempt to figure out my attire for the day, while I try to pretty my face to the best that I can.
Then race to work with no time to stall.
Zigging and zagging through traffic to arrive on time.
Upon my arrival, the questions and interruptions began. Emails flood, and phones doesn’t seem to rest, A hundred problems so I’ll add them to my list.
I sit and spin around in my chair, but be careful not to create a scare! Today, some folks seem a bit grumpy, with their arms crossed tight.
Some may even huff and puff and some may even want to start a fight. But as for me, I just smile, say to myself “everything is going to be ok” say “woosah”, then I count to ten. And just try my best to help in any way that I can.
Short-staffed yet the workload grows, yet all of this, I cannot control. My budget is tight, funds seem to disappear so quickly — where does it go?
Trying to stretch funds like rubber bands. Making promises with empty hands.
Defiant voices and actions, heads held high, and attitudes and personalities you wouldn’t even believe. Challenging rules, some asking me, “Why?”
Some are disgruntled, some just drained, some are unhappy, and some are full of unknown, hidden pain. Some just need a hug and things explained.
Yet through it all, I fight, I stand, I hold my head up high, and I grin. My to-do-list is long, and gheez, I don’t think I even looked at it today. Lord help me!
Juggling chaos, lending hands while my brain is sometimes packed with fog.
Some think I’m forgetful, but little do they know, I notice more than I care to share.
So even when my day is a mess, a park still thrives, a child still plays, a pavilion is scheduled and a tree still sways.
I love this job I must confess it has been a blessing to me. Though wild and wacky, tough but true, Our Department continue with our Mission just for you!
I see the joy, I hear the employees cheer, And that’s why I still love it here.
Thank you to all team members that submitted poetry for this issue of the Rock Report! Poetry is such a deep art form that is nothing short of expression through the engagement of the senses. Poetry can be so many things: long, short, personified, literal, sounding, texturized, rhythmic, monotonous, patterned, unexpected, complex, simple, so on and so forth.
Thank you to those of you who shared intimate moments where readers were allowed into your heart. It takes courage to do that!
Thank you to those of you who expressed your sentiments regarding how you serve residents and your colleagues. It takes creativity to do that!
Thank you to those of you who write poetry often, and thank you to those that decided to try something new.
Here at the City of Little Rock, we have so many team members, all with unique gifts and talents, and our team was honored to feature your beautiful writing. We encourage you to keep expressing yourself, keep writing, and keep being unique.




Chances are, there may be ways to save money that you haven’t thought of yet. Here are a few ideas to get you started on reducing your monthly expenses.
Make Your Meals & Coffee at Home
Buy Generic Brands and Buy in Bulk
Hit the Dollar Store

Change Phone & Cable Providers
Limit Your Streaming Subscriptions
Carpool or Use Public Transportation
Exchange Your Gym Membership for Home Equipment
Unplug Unused Devices and Adjust Your Thermostat
Consolidate Your Debts
Exchange Overdraft Fees and Payday Loans for Earned Wage Access


Fire Station 9: Groundbreaking Ceremony
Monday, March 31st, 10:00 AM
1324 N Shackleford Rd.

Please check back later for upcoming press opportunities!

Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, April 1st, 6:00 PM
City Hall
Civil Service Commission Meeting
Thursday, April 3rd, 8:00 AM
City Hall
Little Rock Historic District Commission Meeting
Thursday, April 3rd, 4:00 PM
City Hall
Board of Directors Agenda Meeting
Tuesday, April 8th, 4:00 PM
City Hall

Parks Commission Meeting
Wednesday, April 9th, 12:00 PM
City Hall
Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, April 10th, 4:00 PM
City Hall






