In this episode, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Jessica Corley, the Vice President of Development at Palmer Home For Children, a faith-based organization that has been providing care and support to children in need for over nearly 130 years.

Jessica discusses the various programs offered by Palmer Home, including campus care, foster care, family care, and transitional care. She also delves into the impact of their legacy giving program, which allows supporters to make lasting contributions that help sustain Palmer Home’s mission. Additionally, Jessica shares personal insights into her role and the organization’s vision for the future.

Key Topics Discussed:
• The mission and evolution of Palmer Home for Children
• Overview of the various programs: Campus Care, Foster Care, Family Care, and Transitional Care
• The importance and impact of the Legacy Giving Program
• Success stories and the personal impact of Palmer Home’s work on children
• Community involvement and volunteer opportunities
• Future goals and challenges faced by Palmer Home

Notable Quotes:
• “Our mission is to ensure that every child feels safe, loved, and supported as they grow into all that God created them to be.”
• “Legacy giving allows us to continue our work for generations to come, ensuring that every child who comes through Palmer Home has the support they need.”

For more information, visit www.palmerhome.org.

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Christopher Reyes and Kathryn Hicks to discuss “Baron Von Opperbean and the River of Time,” an immersive experience being developed inside the former Mississippi River Museum on Mud Island. The project, inspired by immersive exhibits like Meow Wolf, will feature 18 themed rooms, interactive spaces, and more, transforming the 33,000-square-foot space into a must-see attraction for both locals and tourists. Reyes and Hicks share insights on the project’s development, their vision, and how the community can get involved.

Key Points Discussed:
1. Origins of Baron Von Opperbean: How the idea for the immersive experience was conceived and its inspiration from other similar projects like Meow Wolf.

2. Transformation of the Mississippi River Museum: The plans for the museum space and how existing elements like boat structures will be incorporated.

3. Funding and Community Involvement: Details about the $10 million fundraising goal and how the community can invest via Wefunder.

4. Impact on Downtown Memphis: Discussion on how the project will enhance Downtown Memphis’ vibrancy and contribute to the local economy.

5. Future Vision for Baron Von Opperbean: Expectations and hopes for the immersive experience and its potential to become a significant cultural attraction in the South.

Learn more about the project: www.bvoexp.com

Baron Von Opperbean promises to be a groundbreaking addition to Memphis’ cultural landscape. Be sure to follow the progress and get involved as this immersive experience takes shape on Mud Island.

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta, delves into the inspiring journey of Micah Dempsey and his co-founder Christopher Galbreath, founders of Belltower Coffee + Studio.

Starting as high school best friends with a shared passion for pottery, they established Belltower in 2016 to pursue artistic careers. What began in a 100-square-foot storage unit has grown into a vibrant half coffeehouse, half pottery studio that supports local artists and promotes the creative economy in Memphis.

Micah shares their story, from filling 5-gallon drums of water in college showers to operating a community-centric space that offers handmade ceramics, coffee, food, and a variety of classes for all skill levels across the Mid-South and beyond.

What You'll Learn:

• The origins of Belltower Coffee + Studio and its evolution.
• How Belltower blends coffee and pottery to create a unique community space.
• The importance of supporting local artists and the creative economy in Memphis.
• Insights into running a successful coffeehouse and pottery studio.
• Details about the ceramics co-working studio, classes, and wholesale orders.

Join us as we explore the passion, creativity, and community spirit behind Belltower Coffee + Studio.

Learn how Micah and Christopher have turned their artistic dream into a thriving business that enriches the local culture and supports fellow artists.

Learn more: https://www.belltowercoffeeandstudio.com/

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta interviews Matt Butkus, son of the legendary Dick Butkus, one of the greatest and most intimidating linebackers in NFL history. Named the most feared tackler of all time by the NFL Network, Dick Butkus has left an enduring legacy in professional football.

Matt Butkus carries forward this legacy as the President of the Butkus Foundation, promoting health and wellness. In this engaging conversation, Matt delves into the foundation's mission to inspire a deep appreciation for personal health and well-being, emphasizing heart health through initiatives like the Butkus Takes Heart™ program.

He highlights the foundation’s impact, including the prestigious Butkus Award, which honors top linebackers at the high school, college, and professional levels.

Matt also discusses TeamButkus, his personal company that hosts community events in Chicago to support local charities, and shares insights about his podcast, 'Butkus Beyond the Line,' which explores the intersection of football, entertainment, and philanthropy. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Dick Butkus' legacy and the significant impact his son, Matt, is making through his various initiatives.

The episode underscores the importance of promoting clean play, community involvement, and the transformative power of giving back.

To learn more about the Butkus Foundation and how you can get involved, visit their website at https://www.butkusfoundation.org/

Additional Websites:

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butkus-beyond-the-line/id1608621656 https://teambutkus.com/ https://www.thebutkusaward.com/

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta interviews Tom Kirstein, the visionary Managing Partner of Mind Over Data.

With nearly 35 years in IT, Tom has spearheaded the creation of interactive exhibits for prestigious institutions like the Grammy Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and local giants such as First Tennessee and Hampton Hotels. Tom shares his journey of co-founding Mind Over Data, the evolution of interactive systems development, and the innovative projects his team has tackled across various industries.

Tune in to explore how Tom's expertise is transforming the tech landscape in Memphis and beyond. Learn more: https://www.mind-over-data.com/

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Teresa Landrum Caswell, Owner and Founder of Caswell Group Driving School, who shares what led her to launch the company after recognizing the need to provide driver improvement and education classes. In July 2021, Caswell Group Driving School received approval to be a Driver Training and Testing Program with the State of Tennessee.

During the interview, Teresa discusses their process and different programs for teens and adults, along with why it is required that students must complete 30 hours of classroom training, two hour simulator training, and four hours of in-the-car training. She talks about the psychology of working with teens and adults, and working through past trauma associated with driving. Teresa then shares how Caswell Group Driving School is headed to Germantown, Tennessee, talks about the importance of community engagement, and shares advice for other entrepreneurs.

Visit www.caswellgroup.info to learn more.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Drs. Kevin and Taylor Reed, who discuss the importance of oral health and highlight the third-generation, family-owned practice that is celebrating 75 years of serving the Mid-South community. The dental practice is run by the father-son duo with offices in Millington and Covington, Tennessee.

During the interview, Kevin shares some of the history going back 75 years with his father, and then how he entered the business and now is working with his son, Taylor. They talk about their whole patient approach of "treating people, not just teeth" and why oral health plays such an important role in overall health and wellness, and preventing diseases. They discuss their dental services, which include preventative, restorative, cosmetic, periodontal care, TMJ disorder, and more. Kevin talks about the importance of their training and participation with the Pankey Institute, which is a renowned institution at the forefront of dental education and professional development, and why that training allows them to better serve and help the local community. They then highlight the importance of community engagement and giving back, discussing their support of Church Health, current efforts with Donated Dental Services (DDS) and how they provide free dental care to qualified patients in the community.

They wrap up with information and an invitation to their 75th anniversary celebration and community open house on Thursday, May 2 at their Millington Office and where you can watch a short documentary film honoring the family's legacy and the team's 75 years of service.

Visit www.reedfamilydentistry.com to learn more.