Danny Thomas said, “Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” Those words ring as true today as they ever have, especially in light of the devastation in Haiti. What would those poor people do without the tireless commitment of thousands of volunteers?

We all have it in us to give back for our good fortune in being blessed with such a rewarding profession. I was very involved in my church back in Florida running the annual church festival, being social committee chair, serving as a lector and on the leadership council, and also singing in the choir.

When we moved to Tennessee, I truly missed the camaraderie with all the other church volunteers with whom I had worked for so many years. Please take a moment to look inside yourself and contemplate where your talents lie that you can share with others in need. I promise you, you will be glad you did!

“Volunteers are seldom paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless” – author unknown

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Keeping in mind that Memphis is your vacation destination for June 11-13, 2010, this is the first in a series of “fun” things to do for kids, big kids, and the kid in you!

I absolutely have to let you know about the Memphis Zoo.  This is one of my all-time favorite things to do in Memphis.  Let me tell you the source of my love for zoos:  My husband and I had made a quick trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba, while we were dating.  Yes, I know it’s “way the heck up there,” doncha know.  Anyway, at the time we lived in North Dakota.  One of our activities while we lived there was making a trip to the Winnipeg Zoo.  It was there that Dean proposed to me, and I have had an affinity for zoos since then.

Even though our children are now a teenager and young adult, we still frequent our Memphis Zoo.  In the eight years since we’ve been here, it has undergone quite a few transformations and additions.  It was voted as the number-one best zoo in the country for customer satisfaction by Trip Advisor, receiving a 90% customer satisfaction survey!

I just received my Exzooberance magazine in the mail this weekend  (of course I’m a member of the zoo).  It is loaded with tons of great activities and information about ongoing programs.  Let me share with you just a few of the highlights from my magazine.

• Spring 2010 brings about newest renovation – the food
• Adopt-an-Animal — learn more here
• Research department bred endangered gopher frogs in 2009
• Conservation projects ongoing
• Edzoocation programs for children
• Special Events:  Thursdays Unplugged, Wild World of Wine and Beer, Earth Day, and Migration Day.  Call 901.333.6572 for details
• Photo Contest starting April 1st with prizes to be awarded
• Congratulations to our newest mom!  January 28th this year “Marilyn” gave birth to a healthy female baby giraffe.  Her name is “Akili,” which means “smart” in Swahili

Needless to say, I highly recommend visiting the zoo during your stay in Memphis before or after our upcoming TCRA Annual Convention.  Be sure to put it at the top of your to-do list as one of the must-see sites!

Please enjoy some pics I took at the zoo.

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