CenLamar | Est. 2006

  • Jack Hanna: “People Like that Just Don’t Exist Anymore…. You Don’t Replace a Leslie Whitt.”

    Here. (Jack Hanna and Les Whitt. Photo: The Town Talk) My thoughts: Throughout the past two years, I’ve learned to appreciate and understand Les’s vision for the Alexandria Zoo. And I use the word “vision” purposely, because Les was a visionary. He single-handedly turned the Alexandria Zoo into a world-class facility. Just three weeks ago, Les was envisioning the Alexandria Zoo as a model for energy sustainability. Quoting: Maybe we should consider some solar generated designs for this area of Masonic Drive; something environmentally friendly, identifying Alexandria as a “green community.” I had the privilege of working with Les on…

  • Les Whitt Passes Away

    Mayor Roy’s remarks: Thousands of families will never overcome this loss of a true son of Alexandria. From the Administration, the City Council, and every department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, to the zoo community and its friends, and to all citizens of central Louisiana. Les was given a second chance at life, an opportunity he made the most of, crafting a sustainable legacy that will live as long as Alexandria does. In addition to losing the indispensable leader of the city’s most recognized quality-of-life institution, artists and musicians lost a true friend and fellow professional–as did…

  • Summit on Sustainability: Part Two

    We’re gearing up for the next Summit on Sustainability, which we hope to be held sometime in the next six to seven months. This time, instead of focusing on bread and butter smart growth issues like physical infrastructure, in-fill, preservation, and energy, we’ll be expanding our scope– using smart growth as a framework to discuss public safety and education. Arguably, education and safety are the most important “infrastructural” investments you can make in your community, and they should be key components of any redevelopment plan. Anyway, if you have any suggestions — speakers, topics, etc.– please leave a note. More…