Good morning, Memphis! Father’s Day is this weekend – and no matter whether yours is a rocker, a runner or a reader, there’s something to do with dear ol’ dad. Plus, check out where to see Gov. Bill Haslam, former VP Joe Biden and the “winningest woman in racing” in The Week Ahead.

2. Memphis’ CityCURRENT Expands to Nashville - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Memphis-based cityCURRENT is expanding its operations to Nashville.

The privately owned organization is a set of businesses that work in philanthropy and volunteerism across the city and host events such as a Signature Breakfast.

3. Rotating Forrest Bust Out of Capitol Gains Momentum - Thursday, February 1, 2018

Confederate Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s days in the State Capitol could be numbered. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican, says he could support a move to rotate Forrest’s bust out of the Capitol and make sure Capitol displays are “more reflective of the entire history of Tennessee.”

4. Pruitt’s SEC-Heavy Staff a Recruiting Coup - Friday, January 19, 2018

It was early December, 2012, and Butch Jones stood in front of a podium after being named Tennessee’s 24th football coach.

“I can assure you,” Jones said at his introductory press conference. “We will put together the best football staff in the country. Not just in the Southeastern Conference, but the entire country.”

5. Final Goodbye: Roll Call of Some Who Died in 2017 - Monday, January 1, 2018

They made music that inspired legions of fans. Rock 'n' roll founding fathers Chuck Berry and Fats Domino, rockers Tom Petty and Gregg Allman, grunge icon Chris Cornell, country superstar Glen Campbell and jazz great Al Jarreau were among the notable figures who died in 2017, leaving a void in virtually every genre of music.

6. Last Word: The Day After, Frayser Bauhaus and Gasol & Fizdale - Friday, December 22, 2017

Less than 24 hours after the Forrest statue in Health Sciences Park was taken down and away, Memphians were taking selfies with what’s left of the very considerable base in the background. And this is only going to become more prevalent when the weather improves and you will probably see folks out there who have some very different views on the removal of the statues.

7. Pay for No Play: Paying Millions to Former Coaches - Friday, December 8, 2017

Tennessee’s bungled search for a football coach will come at a cost for the university. A big cost.

There are buyouts everywhere. A potential lawsuit looms. And a rift between boosters caused by the botched search may be the costliest item of all for the university long term.

8. Last Word: Closing the Door, Midtown Rents and Red West's Many Roles - Thursday, July 20, 2017

It didn’t take the Shelby County Commission very long Wednesday to close the door on its budget season – about 20 minutes in the day’s special meeting to approve a county property tax rate of $4.11 on third and final reading. That’s not a quick up or down vote. And it took just a bit longer because there is still some discussion about whether this was a reduction in the tax rate or a tax cut in the sense that a homeowner in Shelby County would understand the term.

9. Last Word: Easy Fishing on Big River, Competing City Priorities and Durham's Fine - Thursday, June 8, 2017

The Arkansas side of the Big River Crossing opened Wednesday for the first time since May 2 when a rising Mississippi River prompted its closing while the crossing proper on the north side of the Harahan Bridge remained open. There is still some of the muddy river left on the Arkansas flood plain and several dozen cranes stopping in Wednesday afternoon for some easy fishing in the shallow waters.

10. Last Word: Lovell's Fall, Critical Focus Debut and Super Lice - Wednesday, February 15, 2017

That didn’t last long – the political career of state Representative Mark Lovell. About six weeks into a two-year term of office six months after he upset veteran Republican state Rep. Curry Todd, Lovell resigned Tuesday in Nashville. But the Legislature probably isn’t done with him yet. Even if it turns out the Legislature is done in terms of dealing with him directly, it will probably be talking about him for longer than the six weeks he was a legislator.

11. Tennessee Lawmakers Could Raise, Lower Taxes This Session - Thursday, January 5, 2017

The 110th General Assembly is set to convene on Jan. 10 with unfinished business from previous sessions likely to dominate debate.

Here’s a look at some of the hottest topics expected to arise.

12. Last Word: In Charlotte's Shadow, EDGE Action and Elvis TV Bio at Graceland - Thursday, September 22, 2016

The Memphis City Council’s final vote next month on pot decriminalization is shaping up to be about more than marijuana. The vote on the ordinance proposed by council member Berlin Boyd is the leading edge of a larger push for changes in the local criminal justice system, according to Boyd.

13. Last Word: Rallings on Protests, New Home Sales Numbers and Special Session Over - Thursday, September 15, 2016

$10 million goes a long way toward establishing a new school.

But Crosstown High School was not among the new high schools that garnered grants Wednesday from the XQ Super School Project.

14. Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club Rebrand Points to Growth, Busy Future - Thursday, August 25, 2016

Sometimes, an organization changing its name becomes a foregone conclusion because it’s just time to change, maybe to shake things up. In the case of the Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club, though, a rebrand became necessary simply because the old one didn’t fit anymore.

15. Last Word: Union Turns A Corner, Parkside's TIF and Bee Cause - Wednesday, July 27, 2016

There hasn’t been this much excitement since right turn on red came to town 40 years ago.

In less than a week you will be able to make a left turn onto McLean Boulevard from Union Avenue eastbound and westbound. And the traffic signal that lets you do that will flash a yellow arrow that indicates you can turn left if there are no pedestrians and no cars coming the other way.

16. Last Word: Conley Makes It Official, No "Figure Heads" and Early Voting Opens - Friday, July 15, 2016

Mike Conley signed on the dotted line about an hour before the press conference confirming that he and the Grizz front office have closed on the deal that makes him the highest paid player in NBA history… for now.

17. A Swing – and a Miss – is More Common in Baseball All the Time - Wednesday, June 22, 2016

It’s obvious when there are a lot children at AutoZone Park. Even the most harmless infield popup prompts a collective shriek and the hope of a home run.

The long ball may not be what it was at the peak of baseball’s steroid era when Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were cartoon characters, but the game has not turned away from the notion of driving the ball.

18. Better, Faster Insight-Based Innovation - Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Better & Faster Workshop at the Front End of Innovation Conference

A masterclass with Jeremy Gutsche, the CEO of Trend Hunter and the best-selling author of “Better & Faster: The Proven Path to Unstoppable Ideas.”

19. Last Word: Pastner's Georgia Tech Post-Season, Who Filed and Greensward Invitations - Friday, April 8, 2016

Not so fast with the off-season. There is a Memphis post-season after all.

And the Grizz found it Thursday like a light at the end of a long-tunnel where a lot of people slipped and fell and can’t get up.
The light was Houston flaming out at home to Phoenix without the Grizzlies having to make a basket.
It’s all about the math. Stay in school, young people.

20. ‘Fearless’ Stewart Embraces Battles With Supermajority - Saturday, March 12, 2016

Democratic state Rep. Mike Stewart lives on the front lines of the Tennessee General Assembly. As chairman of the House Democratic Caucus with 26 members, Stewart could employ a bunker mentality, but instead has chosen to take the fight to the other side of the aisle.

21. Bill Would Open Door for Utilities to Expand Broadband - Thursday, March 3, 2016

Legislation to expand broadband access across Tennessee is evolving – by necessity.

State Rep. Kevin Brooks’ bill HB1303 to allow public utilities to provide Internet service outside their footprint is alive, he says, but it is being “argued vehemently.”

22. Last Word: History As Geology, Beyond the Greensward and City Hall's HR Director - Thursday, February 4, 2016

History can be like geology once you get it in something that isn’t in the form of a book.
There are layers on top of layers that you may not ever see or miss until a site is wiped clean for the next present that used to be the future and will eventually become the past.
That’s the case with the city’s historic Medical Center where much has come and gone several times over as our city’s considerable investment in medicine and health approaches the end of its second century.
Health Sciences Park used to be the site of a hospital. You would think something as massive as the tower of Baptist Memorial Hospital’s central campus on Union Avenue would be missed. Yet even those of us who grew up with its presence drive past it every day without a thought of what was once there.
The same with the site of Russwood Park on the north side of Madison Avenue and the old bus barns where Beale used to run further east than it does now.
In recent years, new facilities have arisen as the medical center makes itself over in a kind of economic regeneration without a comprehensive plan.
There is now an effort to come up with a comprehensive plan for the area that is more than different ventures buying or leasing land and making plans for their needs.
Eight of the institutions in the area have hired a consulting firm to develop a master plan that includes not just facilities but residential and retail areas.
It’s a significant step for an area that remains intriguing for those of us trying to remember what was where and how long some of the survivors have been holding out in much different streetscapes than were there when they arrived.
The Masonic lodge at the dead end of Dunlap into Union Avenue is a survivor. It’s where the funerals were held for some of those killed in the 1925 river disaster in which Tom Lee rescued so many others.
The lodge at one time had an earth-shaking pipe organ that I had the rare privilege of hearing at a concert following its restoration in the 1980s – the ancient 1980s.
And I still wonder about the tiny medical textbook storefront and how it endures at a time when students rent books and others use digital versions.
There are still remnants of the porous border between the medical center and the Union Avenue auto row that used to exist and arose around the old Ford plant.

23. Last Word: A Turn Away From Mud Island, Capitol Hill Soap & Collierville Keeps FedEx - Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Sometimes you get another story when you are pursuing a different story.

In this case, the quest was a simple one. Get a good basic idea of what the five companies interested in redeveloping Mud Island River Park are telling the Riverfront Development Corp. of their still-forming plans.
While going through the submissions, we had a talk with RDC president Benny Lendermon about the process and the interview moved pretty effortlessly into the Pyramid’s relationship to Mud Island.
It’s a natural follow-up given the history of past efforts to link up the two landmarks on different sides of the city harbor and the decidedly mixed results of those attempts. I might have been charitable there in describing the results as mixed.
That context led to a discussion about how the Pyramid is faring eight months into Bass Pro Shops' long-term lease in the reconfigured Pyramid.
When Lendermon said, “This probably isn’t a politically correct thing to say,” the interview turned topics and we followed it.
The result is, I think, at least something to consider and probably pretty provocative.
Judge for yourself.

24. Last Word: Kroger Disses Clarence Saunders, Mud Island Plans and The Australians - Tuesday, January 26, 2016

What is old has become new again. And judging by your reaction to Andy Meek’s story on the Kroger plans for online ordering of groceries, what is old has gone viral as well.
Here are the basics:
You order from a list of items and Kroger fills the order and has it waiting for you to pick up.
When you think about the idea of supermarkets, which originated here in Memphis with Piggly Wiggly, it’s enough to make the Piggly Wiggly founder himself, Clarence Saunders, spin in his grave.
Before he came up with the idea of taking store shelves from behind the counter and putting them out there for you to get your own stuff from them, you would tell your grocer what you wanted and he would write it down on a paper bag and get it for you, wrap it up and present it to you.
Saunders changed all of that as you know if you’ve seen the Pink Palace’s child-sized replica of a Piggly Wiggly store from the start of the 20th century.
A century later, no paper bags and you can still walk among the shelves if you wish.
Perhaps this isn’t that extreme. Maybe this is simply a swing of the pendulum, back toward the middle ground.
Saunders tried to push it even further with his Keedoozle stores that followed Piggly Wiggly. In those stores, the items were lined up in what amounted to vending machines with shoppers releasing an item from the vertical row with a key.
Here Saunders went too far. He mashed the bread.

25. Last Word: The Big Fizzle, John Jay Hooker's Exit And "A Great Sports Town" - Monday, January 25, 2016

Everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it – isn’t that how the saying goes?
In our case, it might be better to say everybody talks about the television weather coverage but nobody does anything about it.
As we all know now, Memphis dodged the “blizzard” warning artfully and passive-aggressively teased by several television stations who shall go un-named here because they know who they are and you do too.
That’s because they spent much of the day of "the blizzard that wasn’t" whining about the reaction from viewers who complained about the hype and then the promos the stations ran the day of the big fizzle.
We didn’t get much in the way of snow in Memphis, but we got a couple of feet of hype.

26. Last Word: The View Across The Harbor, Crosstown Undercurrents and Bonnaroo - Thursday, January 21, 2016

The fishing puns are overpowering as Bass Pro Shops expresses its interest in redeveloping Mud Island River Park, on the other side of the city harbor from the Pyramid Bass Pro Shops opened at just this past May.
Bass Pro Shops is one of five companies to express interest in Mud Island as part of the process by the Riverfront Development Corporation to go a different way with the park.
The RDC released the names of the companies Thursday.
Earlier this month, we outlined the RVC Outdoor Destinations proposal.
We don’t know nearly as much about what Bass Pro Shops has in mind or the other three firms.
All five now head for what amounts to a second round in which they submit specific plans to a search committee of the RDC including how they will pay for their plans.

27. Reverb Coffee Truck Coming in October - Saturday, August 8, 2015

Jeremy Harris is preparing to add a coffee truck to the ranks of Memphis’ food truck community this fall.

28. Reverb Coffee Truck Coming in October - Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Jeremy Harris is preparing to add a coffee truck to the ranks of Memphis’ food truck community this fall.

29. Reverb Coffee Truck Coming in October - Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Jeremy Harris is preparing to add a coffee truck to the ranks of Memphis’ food truck community this fall.

30. Tigers Notebook: Paxton Lynch Stays Sharp in Spring Game - Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Paxton Lynch completed 18-of-23 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns at Friday Night Stripes held at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

Lynch also was named the winner of the Jeremy Williams Award, presented to the most outstanding player during the 15-practice spring session.

31. Events - Friday, February 20, 2015

Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School will host an opening reception for “Horn Island: Paint & Metal,” new works by Richard Prillaman and Bill Nelson, Friday, Feb. 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Buckman, 60 Perkins Road Extended. The exhibition is on display through April 7 in the Levy Gallery. Visit buckmanartscenter.com.

32. Events - Thursday, February 19, 2015

City of Memphis, Shelby County Schools AmeriCorps VISTA programs and Grizzlies Foundation TEAM UP Youth Mentoring Partnership will host the Tennessee Community Solutions Summit Thursday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Shelby County Schools Teaching and Learning Academy, 2485 Union Ave. The summit will focus on mentoring as a solution to challenges faces faced by Memphis youth. Email maria.furhmann@memphistn.gov.

33. Events - Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The Center City Development Corp. will meet Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 9 a.m. in the Downtown Memphis Commission conference room, 114 N. Main St. Visit downtownmemphiscommission.com.

34. Events - Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Beale Street Merchants Association will hold the annual Mardi Gras parade Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. on Beale Street. The celebration will feature a fanfare of carts, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles and wagons decorated for Mardi Gras, plus beads, candy, and jazz and blues music. Visit bealestreetmerchants.com.

35. Events - Monday, February 16, 2015

Beale Street Merchants Association will hold the annual Mardi Gras parade Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. on Beale Street. The celebration will feature a fanfare of carts, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles and wagons decorated in Mardi Gras fashion; beads and candy; and jazz and blues music. Visit bealestreetmerchants.com.

36. Events - Saturday, February 14, 2015

Beale Street Merchants Association will host Beale’s annual Mardi Gras parade Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. The celebration will feature a fanfare of carts, horse-drawn carriages, bicycles and wagons decorated in Mardi Gras fashion; beads and candy; and jazz and blues music. Visit bealestreetmerchants.com.

37. Beyond Gaming - Friday, February 13, 2015

Nearly 60 years ago – even before the Hernando DeSoto Bridge was built across the Mississippi River – Southland Park opened with greyhound dog racing in West Memphis.

Since then it has become Southland Park Gaming and Racing with gambling on horse races simulcast from Oaklawn as well as slot machines and table games.

38. New Book Captures Iconic Memphis Signs - Thursday, October 30, 2014

It might be easy to overlook the signage that identifies a place or business when considering the wide sweep of Memphis’ topography.

But one Memphis artist took inspiration from the city’s often iconic signs for her newest project, a book on sale now called “Memphis Type History: Signs and Stories from Just Around the Corner.”

39. Events - Tuesday, September 30, 2014

American Marketing Association, Memphis Chapter will meet Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lipscomb & Pitts Building, 2670 Union Ave. Jeremy Park, president of the Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club, will present “Giving Back With a Purpose: The Shift in Corporate Engagement and Cause Marketing.” Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Visit memphisama.org.

40. Events - Monday, September 29, 2014

American Marketing Association, Memphis Chapter will meet Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lipscomb & Pitts Building, 2670 Union Ave. Jeremy Park, president of the Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club, will present “Giving Back With a Purpose: The Shift in Corporate Engagement and Cause Marketing.” Cost is $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Visit memphisama.org.

41. Events - Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Stax Museum of American Soul Music will host Stephani Brownlee’s CD release party Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. in Studio A, 926 E. McLemore Ave. Museum admission is free to Shelby County residents with ID. Visit staxmuseum.com.

42. Awards Show Coming to WKNO This Fall - Monday, August 18, 2014

An awards show produced in partnership with WKNO-TV, the Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club, Media Source and The Rotary Club of Memphis will launch this fall to honor positive achievements.

For The SPARK Awards, members of the community are invited to nominate individuals, nonprofits, corporations and schools that are igniting change and making a positive impact in the Memphis area.

43. Rock’n Dough to Open In University Center - Saturday, May 17, 2014

Rock’n Dough Pizza Co. is opening a new restaurant near the University of Memphis.

The Memphis-based pizzeria has signed a 1,225-square-foot lease on first-floor space at Loeb Properties’ University Center, 3445 Poplar Ave.

44. Rock'n Dough to Open in University Center - Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Rock’n Dough Pizza Co. is opening a new restaurant near the University of Memphis.

The Memphis-based pizzeria has signed a 1,225-square-foot lease on first-floor space at Loeb Properties’ University Center, 3445 Poplar Ave.

45. Events - Thursday, February 6, 2014

The Association of Fundraising Professionals will meet Thursday, Feb. 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christian Brothers University’s Sabbatini Lounge, 650 East Parkway S. Jeremy Park, president of the Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club, will discuss his book, “Giving Back With Purpose.” Cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Visit afpmemphis.org.

46. Events - Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Rotary Club of Memphis East will meet Wednesday, Feb. 5, at noon at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Business consultant Lane Carrick will speak. Cost is $17. RSVP at Lee Hughes at lmhughes@bellsouth.net.

47. Events - Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Rhodes College will present “Berlin 1885: La Ruee Sur L’Afrique (The Division of Africa)” as part of the Tournees French Film Festival Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Blount Auditorium in Buckman Hall on campus, 2000 North Parkway. Cost is free. Visit rhodes.edu/tournees for upcoming films.

48. Events - Monday, February 3, 2014

Memphis Botanic Garden will host The Memphis Knights Big Band at the Garden Monday, Feb. 3, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 750 Cherry Road. The 18-piece band will perform everything from Glenn Miller standards to modern jump jive and wail. Suggested donation is $5. Visit memphisbotanicgarden.com.

49. Events - Saturday, February 1, 2014

The University of Memphis will host its Black History Month opening ceremony and presentation of the Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. James L. Netters Friday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. in the Michael D. Rose Theatre, 470 University St. Visit memphis.edu for a schedule of other Black History Month activities.

50. Park Expresses Purposeful Giving in Book - Friday, January 3, 2014

Whether it’s on television, on the radio, in print or around town, Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club President Jeremy Park seems to be everywhere, and a quick scan of his professional history reveals a similarly expansive career.

51. Events - Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The University of Memphis and Lambda Chi Alpha will host a Lifeblood blood drive Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Michael D. Rose Theatre, 470 University St. Visit lifeblood.org.

52. Events - Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Memphis Botanic Garden will host the Spooky Spirits Tuesdays on the Terrace wine tasting Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the garden, 750 Cherry Road. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers; reservations are required. Visit memphisbotanicgarden.com.

53. Events - Monday, October 28, 2013

Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, Oct. 29, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. University of Memphis interim president Brad Martin will speak. Cost for nonmembers is $18. RSVP to Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

54. Rock’n Dough Pizza Opening in Jackson - Friday, September 20, 2013

The little Memphis pizzeria that could will soon be opening a new location in Jackson, Tenn.

The Rock’n Dough Pizza Co., owned by Jeremy and Amanda Denno, is slated to open a new restaurant and microbrewery at the Jackson Walk development in Jackson in October. The Dennos will team up with veteran local brewer Ben Pugh to create signature suds at the 4,100-square-foot restaurant.

55. Events - Saturday, August 3, 2013

The Daily News will host its HR Rules and Ramifications Seminar and panel discussion Thursday, Aug. 8, at 3:30 p.m. in the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art auditorium, 1934 Poplar Ave. The seminar will include an overview of changing employment laws and advice on dealing with real-life workplace issues. Paul Pattenof Jackson Lewis LLP will present the keynote. Cost is $25. Visit seminars.memphisdailynews.com.

56. Events - Friday, August 2, 2013

The Tennessee 2013 Sales Tax Holiday will run from Friday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 4. Visit tn.gov/revenue/salestaxholiday for a list of items that qualify as tax-free purchases.

57. A Fond Farewell for Now - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Hard to believe, but almost three years has passed since I wrote the first “Giving Back” column in 2010. Credit goes to James Overstreet, associate publisher of The Daily News, who pulled me aside one day and asked if I had ever thought about sharing my ideas and some of our Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club philanthropic efforts with a broader audience. What started as an idea to share helpful tips, quickly evolved into a pipeline for positive stories, a spotlight for local nonprofits, and an avenue to provide easy ways to get more engaged in our community.

58. Events - Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, May 7, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Jeremy Park, director of the Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club, will discuss corporate philanthropy and community building. Cost is $18. R.S.V.P. to Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

59. Engaging Employees in the Community - Tuesday, May 7, 2013

This week, let us extend the Giving Back conversation by exploring ways that a company can provide incentives to encourage employees to volunteer with nonprofits and get more engaged in the community.

60. Events - Saturday, May 4, 2013

In-Synk and The Daily News will host a Leadership Lunch & Learn about Nate Silver’s book “The Signal and The Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail – But Some Don’t” Friday, May 3, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Triumph Bank board room, 5699 Poplar Ave. Cost is $20. Register at lnlsignalnoise-rss.eventbrite.com.

61. Events - Monday, May 6, 2013

Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, May 7, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Jeremy Park, director of the Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club, will discuss corporate philanthropy and community building. Cost is $18. R.S.V.P. to Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

62. Data Facts Leading by Example - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Last week we highlighted Friends For Life Corp., which is an organization helping people affected by HIV/AIDS to live well. This week let us discuss an important trend in corporate philanthropy and spotlight a local company leading by example.

63. Dining Out for Life - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Last week we discussed the Memphis Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which is focused on making a positive, and eternal, impact in the arena of athletics. This week let us explore an organization with the mission of helping people affected by HIV/AIDS live well: Friends For Life Corp.

64. The Heart and Soul in Sports - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Last week we spotlighted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is a world leader in the fight against childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. This week let us discuss an organization that is making a positive, and eternal, impact in the arena of athletics: the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

65. St. Jude: Local Resource With Global Impact - Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Last week we highlighted The Blues Foundation, which is Memphis-based and focused on the past, present and future of the music genre. This week let us spotlight the iconic Memphis institution that is a world leader in the fight against childhood cancer and other deadly diseases: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

66. Events - Saturday, April 6, 2013

In-Synk and The Daily News will host a Leadership Lunch & Learn about Daniel Pink’s book “To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others” Friday, April 5, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Triumph Bank board room, 5699 Poplar Ave. Cost is $20. Register at in-synksellhuman.eventbrite.com.

67. Home of the Blues – Literally - Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Last week we discussed Baptist Memorial Health Care and their collaborative community efforts, like Baptist Operation Outreach. This week let us highlight the Memphis-based organization dedicated to preserving our blues music history, supporting blues education, and ensuring the future of this uniquely American art form: The Blues Foundation.

68. Partnerships Key in Baptist Operation Outreach - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Last week we highlighted the On Location: MEMPHIS International Film & Music Festival and “Memphis Rocks” category, which is a free opportunity for Memphians to submit short videos that spotlight positive perspectives about our city for a chance to see them shown on the silver screen. This week let us turn our attention to an organization that is now “well beyond a century” with a true heartbeat of giving back to the community: Baptist Memorial Health Care.

69. Now Showing: Memphis Rocks - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Last week we discussed the importance of crafting a legacy statement to help steer your life and priorities, while affording future generations something to cherish. This week, let us re-focus on our civic pride campaign, “Memphis Rocks,” which is now featured on thousands of T-shirts being worn around the Mid-South and in various cities around the globe.

70. Your Legacy Statement - Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Last week we highlighted the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, which is focused on keeping homeless families together by providing free, temporary housing and the means to re-establish their independence. This week, following the recent loss of two of my family members, let us explore the importance of a legacy statement.

71. Dorothy Day House Provides Families Hope - Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Last week we discussed BRIDGES, which is an organization working to unite and inspire diverse young people to become confident and courageous leaders committed to community transformation. This week, let us highlight an organization focused on keeping homeless families together by providing free, temporary housing and the means to re-establish their independence: the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality (DDHH).

72. BRIDGES to Oz - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Last week we focused on a new form of mentorship, aimed at talent development and retention, with the University of Memphis and their LEAD program’s Professional Connection Lunches. This week let us discuss an organization that is uniting and inspiring diverse young people to become confident and courageous leaders committed to community transformation: BRIDGES.

73. Mentorship Model Found at U of M - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Let’s focus on a new form of mentorship, aimed at talent development and retention, with the University of Memphis’ LEAD program: Professional Connection Lunches.

The University of Memphis is well known for its sports and degree programs, but it is quickly receiving national attention for its efforts focused on leadership development, mentorship and talent retention. For example, the university was recently recognized as one of the “Top Ten Universities That Produce the Most Interns” by the U.S. News Short List. This prestigious list places Memphis with other institutions, like Dartmouth College, Syracuse University and DePaul University. The key to their success, in my opinion, lies in partnerships and engagement with community stakeholders, as well as their innovative approach to making mentorship easy and flexible with today’s hectic schedules.

74. Million Calorie Reduction Match - Tuesday, February 12, 2013

This week let us discuss a nonprofit organization, Healthy Memphis Common Table, whose mission is to mobilize Greater Memphis to achieve excellent health for all, along with one of their programs aimed at addressing obesity, the Million Calorie Reduction Match.

75. Events - Saturday, February 9, 2013

Memphis Child Advocacy Center will hold its Works of Heart valentine auction, featuring works by more than 100 local artists, Saturday, Feb. 9, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Memphis College of Art, 1930 Poplar Ave. Visit memphiscac.org.

76. Lighting the Spark - Saturday, February 9, 2013

Somewhere, there’s an entrepreneur scribbling an idea on little more than the back of a napkin. Someone else has all the pieces of a new company in place, and now they’re ready to dial for dollars. Entrepreneurs are a talented bunch, but that talent doesn’t always include a knack for management or finance – skill sets that plenty of experts in Memphis stand ready to help explain.

77. Community Ties Into Elevator Pitch - Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Last week we highlighted the importance of being intentional to share hope-filled and uplifting stories that infuse positive energy into our community, so we can take control of our perspective and future. This week let us tie that positive perspective and our central theme of community engagement into a few tips that can help us refine our story and elevator pitches.

78. Take Stand With Positives - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Last week we discussed DeNeuville Learning Center, which is an organization that is working to assist women of all backgrounds and cultures in learning the skills needed to make positive choices for themselves and their families. This week let us highlight the importance of infusing positive energy into our community and being intentional to share hope-filled and uplifting stories, like those of our everyday heroes, who are leading by example to strengthen the Mid-South.

79. DeNeuville Assists Women on Life’s Journey - Thursday, January 24, 2013

Last week we shared the success story of a high school student who overcame tremendous adversity to recently be awarded a $200,000 full-ride scholarship to Brown University. This week let us discuss an organization that is working to assist women of all backgrounds and cultures in learning the skills needed to make positive choices for themselves and their families: DeNeuville Learning Center.

80. Sharing a Student’s Success - Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Last week we highlighted our Samaritans Feet Shoe Distribution, providing more than 300 youth with new socks, shoes and unconditional compassion. This week, extending our “youthful” theme, let us turn the spotlight on a high school student who has overcome tremendous adversity to become a local success story.

81. New Shoes, Lifting Spirits - Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Last week we explored Memphis Recovery Centers, which is helping adolescents and adults fight drug and alcohol addiction. This week, in light of our Samaritans Feet Shoe Distribution coming up on Thursday, Jan. 17, let us discuss the annual event and spotlight the organization working to help people around the world who go without shoes each day: Samaritans Feet International.

82. Exeter Buys West Memphis Warehouse for $15.6 Million - Friday, January 4, 2013

Pennsylvania-based Exeter Property Group has snatched up the Smucker’s distribution warehouse in West Memphis for $15.6 million.

The 600,000-square-foot facility was a foreclosed property from Bank of America, which was selling it with a year-end anticipated closing, said Matt Brodnik, Exeter’s director of capital markets.

83. Spreading Good News - Thursday, January 3, 2013

The Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club is expanding the reach of its upbeat, community-focused brand in 2013.

The club is launching a monthly TV show called “The Spark” that will aim to reach a new audience with the group’s positive stories about local nonprofits, civic-minded business leaders and reasons to love Memphis.

84. Overcoming Addictions - Monday, December 31, 2012

Last week we highlighted Juvenile Intervention & Faith-based Follow-up (JIFF), which is working with youth from in and around the juvenile justice system to equip them with the skills and support necessary to break the destructive cycle of criminal behavior. Drawing from another side of crime prevention, related to helping adolescents and adults fight drug and alcohol addiction, this week let us explore Memphis Recovery Centers.

85. JIFF Fights Recidivism - Monday, December 24, 2012

Last week we shared some helpful holiday safety tips, like locking car doors while pumping gas and hiding all belongings BEFORE getting to the store. Extending this theme of crime prevention, let us now highlight a local organization working with youth from in and around the juvenile justice system to equip them with the skills and support necessary to break the destructive cycle of criminal behavior: Juvenile Intervention & Faith-Based Follow-Up (JIFF).

86. Holiday Safety Tips - Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Last week we explored an easy way we can start planning ahead to make 2013 a Year of Books by working with Shelby County Books from Birth to plant the seeds of literacy and help build a stronger foundation for our future. This week, with the holiday shopping season now in overdrive, it is the perfect time to review some helpful safety tips that will allow us to protect our family and friends and thwart the traditional holiday spike in crime.

87. 2013: A Year of Books - Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Last week we shared more ways you can celebrate the holidays while giving back at the same time. This week let us explore an easy way we can start planning ahead to make 2013 a Year of Books by working with Shelby County Books from Birth to plant the seeds of literacy and help build a stronger foundation for our future.

88. More Holiday Givebacks - Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Last week we shared some easy holiday givebacks with The Exchange Club Family Center, SRVS, Shield Inc. and Youth Villages. Keeping the spirit alive, this week let us share more ways you can celebrate the holidays while giving back, at the same time.

89. More Ideas for Holiday Givebacks - Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Last week we spotlighted The Exchange Club Family Center, which is an organization focused on helping families and breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Before we announce the topic for this week’s column, let us thank the hundreds of volunteers that came out on Saturday, Nov. 17, for the McKellar Lake Cleanup. More than 5,000 pounds of trash was removed from the area with 2,750 pounds being recycled. Now it is time to explore a few ways we can give back using holiday cards, honorariums and unwrapped toys.

90. Exchanging Violence for Hope - Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Last week we shared four volunteer opportunities with the McKellar Lake Cleanup, Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park, Memphis Athletic Ministries and their after-school program, and the Memphis Crisis Center. This week let us discuss an organization that is focused on breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect by replacing abusive and violent behavior with effective parenting skills: The Exchange Club Family Center.

91. Small Business Saturday Celebrates the Little Guy - Friday, November 16, 2012

Consumers tend to have a kind of paradoxical regard for Black Friday, when hordes of shoppers swamp America’s malls, department stores and other retailers on the hunt for a bargain but dreading the chaos.

92. Four Easy Volunteer Opportunities - Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Last week we revisited one of the original thoughts that kicked off this “Giving Back” column more than two years ago with the power of hosting a “beneficial watch party.” This week let us share four volunteer opportunities, which are easy ways to give back and get engaged in our community.

93. Beneficial Watch Party - Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Last week we shared the exciting news that “Memphis Rocks” is now a category at the 14th annual Memphis International Film & Music Festival, taking place April 25-28, 2013. This gives us a catch-all category and platform to share our perspectives on what makes Memphis great and to showcase the amazing work you, your company, nonprofit, or school are doing in the community. This week, with football season in high gear and basketball season tipping off, let us revisit one of the original thoughts that kicked off this “Giving Back” column more than two years ago: the power of hosting a “beneficial watch party.”

94. Memphis Rocks in Film Festival - Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Last week we discussed Crosstown Arts, which is a local nonprofit working to cultivate the arts and revitalize the Sears Crosstown Building. This week let us refocus on “Memphis Rocks,” which recently was the subject of a reader-response series featuring your perspectives on what makes Memphis so unique and special. As a quick refresher, “Memphis Rocks” is a civic pride campaign that promotes our city and is designed as a give back, supporting the Memphis Police Department Fallen Officer Memorial. Now for the exciting news: Memphis Rocks will be a category at the 14th Annual Memphis International Film & Music Festival.

95. Focused On Crosstown Arts - Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Last week we spotlighted the Overton Park Conservancy and shared a fun way we can support their efforts by attending an upcoming Halloween Party at the Sears Crosstown Building on Saturday, Oct. 27. This week let us expand on the other nonprofit beneficiary of that Halloween Party and talk about an organization that is working to both revitalize the Sears Crosstown Building and cultivate the arts here in Memphis: Crosstown Arts.

96. Get Spooky for Overton Park - Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Last week we shared a heartwarming story that featured a number of everyday heroes from various organizations and companies, like ServiceMaster and SeniorBsafe, who helped an elderly couple out of a dire situation. This week let us spotlight the Overton Park Conservancy and share a fun way we can support their efforts by attending a Halloween party.

97. ServiceMaster Makes Memphis Rock - Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Last week we wrapped up a reader-response series featuring three weeks of artful narratives describing “Why Memphis Rocks.” The series spun off our Memphis Rocks campaign, which is both a civic pride and giving back effort. Our goal is to draw more attention to the special moments that take place daily throughout the Mid-South. With that in mind, let us share a heartwarming story involving an elderly couple, SeniorBsafe and The ServiceMaster Co.

98. Wrapping Up Why Memphis Rocks - Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Since Memphians say it best, when it comes to describing “Why Memphis Rocks,” we have had fun sharing your responses over the last few weeks. This week, as we wrap up the series, let us elaborate with a few more:

99. Why Memphis Rocks: Part 2 - Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Last week we started sharing some of your responses to the question, “Why do you think Memphis Rocks?” Since your perspectives articulate it best, this week let us continue with more artful narratives and feedback.

100. ‘Go-To Hangout Spot’ - Thursday, September 20, 2012

Court Square has made impressive strides from the quality of life issues that plagued it just a few years ago.

Thanks to landscape and surrounding commercial property enhancements, more police placed patrolling the area on bikes and a more aggressive approach to panhandling, the Downtown Memphis public park is now seen by many as more of an amenity than a spot to avoid.