The 'M' in May Stands for Momentum at National Press Club

There is so much happening at the National Press Club in May that it is impossible to write about it all in one place. Yet I can at least scratch the surface. Here are 10 things:

Brian Lamb. The Club's Broadcast Committee has been holding Legends nights. Who was a better fit than C-Span's Brian Lamb? This was a fun, unfiltered Lamb, who spoke with a lucky group of journalists and Club members May 12. His interview style? ``Minimalist. I just stay out of the way.'' What will it take to get cameras inside the Supreme Court? ``A bunch of young justices.''

Bernie Williams/Peter Yarrow. The Reliable Source was the unlikely site of two men jamming to Bob Dylan's ``Blowin' in the Wind'' May 19. One was former New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams. The other was folk legend Peter Yarrow, one-third of Peter, Paul and Mary. They were rehearsing for an NPC Newsmaker, when they would call for more music education in schools.

Twitter. Over the weekend of May 2-3, the Club's Twitter feed surpassed 10,000 followers. We are live tweeting more events than ever before and growing our presence on social media. Thanks to NPC board member Molly McCluskey for taking leadership in this area!

Three CEOs. I am hard pressed to remember the CEOs of the three largest airlines in the world ever sitting together before, in one public place, taking questions from the news media. In fact, I am not sure it ever happened -- until May 15 at an NPC luncheon.

Khadija Ismayilova. The journalist jailed in Azerbaijan will receive the NPC's international press-freedom award. The award was announced at a press-freedom talk May 18 by Assistant Secretary of State Doug Frantz to NPC American Legion Post 20. We want Ismayilova free to accept in person at the July 29 dinner!

Gwen Ifill. The moderator and managing editor of ``Washington Week'' will be the 2015 recipient of the NPC's Fourth Estate Award. Twitter went wild when we announced it -- Ifill has many fans! We can't say enough about the balance, fairness and depth -- and class -- she brings to all she does. I can't wait for the Oct. 15 award dinner.

Reserves. On May 18 the National Press Club board learned the Club has about $3.2 million in reserves. This marked the first time the Club's reserve figure has topped $3 million! The board set the reserve target as a goal in 2008. It took longer to get there than planned, but thanks to members and staff, we have achieved the milestone. In 2013 the Club set a new goal of $5 million.

Connie Lawn. Who doesn't love an NPC member who has a distinguished career as a White House reporter, and then invites Club members to her book party at 6:30pm on May 21? ``You Wake Me Each Morning: The Final Chapter,'' will be one great party!

Garrison Keillor. The May 22 visit by the world's greatest storyteller will be his fourth to the National Press Club. He first visited in 1986, followed by a 1987 event, which occurred the day after the stock market crash and just before his beloved Minnesota Twins won the World Series. He last appeared in 1994. After 21 years, we felt it was about time for a visit. We are glad he agreed!

House was rockin'. On May 1 the Owls held their spring get together called a Hoot. Tom Toles, the Washington Post cartoonist, gave a wonderfully irreverent presentation. Then he took a seat behind the drums and performed a set with his rock band Suspicious Package. The Club's grand ballroom really rocked when the group tore into the White Stripes' ``Seven Nation Army.''

There is so much more to talk about, but that is all I have room for right now. Can't imagine what June will bring!