We chose five responses from readers to The Daily Memphian article A year to forget? Here are 20 good things we’ll remember about 2020. Robin Lemmonds finds reason for gratitude despite being diagnosed with cancer and losing a special friend. Penny Glidewell got to know her neighbors. And Dana Turner is glad we’re washing our hands.

Eso Tolson’s work is part of Coca-Cola’s “New Year, New Hope” campaign being introduced on New Year’s Eve.

The theater company based in Overton Square worked with Regional One to create “From the Frontlines of COVID-19,” a series that gives a virtual stage to some of the health care providers who are getting us through a crisis.

Wolf River Conservancy is almost halfway home in a decades-long quest to build 26-mile Wolf River Greenway spanning Memphis. Next up: completing connection to Shelby Farms Greenline by next summer.

Many of the Lunches ‘n Love volunteers don’t have to imagine what it was like for those walking into the parking lot, hoping to leave with more than they came. They were once homeless themselves.

Taking opera from the concert halls to the streets was not a new notion for Opera Memphis. Their annual “30 Days of Opera” features small pop-up performances in unlikely places, from playgrounds and dog parks to libraries and groceries. 

Phil Bryant is selling the family business because he has another task ahead of him. This time the former CPA, ER nurse and restaurateur is taking on cancer.

Mrs. Belz was a third-generation member of Baron Hirsch Synagogue and central to every major project there for decades.

Homes in the neighborhood have fallen into disrepair, but renovations and new construction are giving the Glenview community new life.

While area nonprofits have felt the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, Memphis has lived up to its reputation as a “giving” city and help also has come from national funding sources. 

On Thursday, the Frayser Exchange Club awarded Steve Lockwood its 2020 Community Service Award. He’s credited in helping turnaround one of the city’s worst housing markets during the past decade. 

The death of Chris Jarman this week ends a radio career built on credibility with Memphis radio listeners that transcended formats and call letters.

The nonprofit’s programs prepare graduates for permanent employment.

Lindenwood Christian Church is one of many mobile distribution sites that give away food to local folks in need; the church started the pantry when COVID-19 caused other places to close.

After Teresa Landrum Caswell couldn’t find an affordable, nearby driving school for her daughter, she started one herself.

For White and the Liberty Bowl, it was love at first sight. On Saturday, White plans to bid farewell with another win. 

Three billboard companies are donating digital billboard space to encourage Memphians to “Shop Local 901.” The colorful message will be displayed on about 15 billboards about 140,000 times a week this holiday season.

Jimmy Thomasson led a quiet life in Midtown. When he died, a stunning outpouring of tributes revealed just how many people he touched by being the best neighbor anyone could want.

A pilot program by JUICE Orange Mound will help single mothers grow their ideas for a business.

While he suffered no serious injuries, Ricky Floyd made a significant decision following the shooting. He resigned as interim chairman of the local Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB).

A Betor Way, a nonprofit, helps drug addicts in Memphis and Shelby County with a needle exchange program and treatment options.

The Boy Scouts of America began accepting girls in 2019 and this achievement is historic.

Soak up the beauty of a crisp autumn day through photos of Mid-South scenes including Overton Park in Midtown, Links at Galloway and Shelby Farms Park in East Memphis, and Martin Luther King Jr. Riverside Park in South Memphis.

Overton Park Conservancy is asking the public to complete by Nov. 30 a 21-question survey to help guide a new master plan for the park’s east side. The survey is found at www.overtonpark.org/zone1.