Favorite #68: Teachers Making a Difference

Posted on November 17, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Mr. Terry enjoying a day at school.

Mr. Terry enjoying a day at school.

             Making a Difference

In honor of Veterans Day, last week I shared about a friend of mine (Bob Terry) who after twenty years in the military became a fifth grade teacher. Last week’s blog centered around his Navy career. This week’s blog centers around his teaching career.

Believing the Navy helped prepare him to be an educator, Bob said it not only taught him to have high expectations, but it also provided him with unique experiences he later brought into the classroom. It must be true because at the end of this year, Bob will have been teaching fifth grade in the same room for twenty years.

One of the overriding themes I always heard from Bob was how much he wanted to make a difference as a teacher. Having that theme in mind, I mentioned it to one of his parents a few weeks ago. With a smile on her face, she said, “He’s already made a difference in my daughter’s life. She now loves school and can’t wait to get out of bed in the mornings. This is a major turn around in our house.”

Thinking about what she said, I wondered how Mr. Terry had made a difference in other students’ lives. Writing down their thoughts, some said he had taught them how to multiply using double digit, while others said they now liked school because he was fair and made class interesting.

A student from ten years ago expressed her thoughts and feelings in a letter to Mr. Terry. Used with permission, here’s part of that letter. “In your classroom, learning was fun. We understood fractions and percentages through word problems involving our classmates. By raising and caring for lizards, we discovered new things about science and nature. We raced against the clock and each other, improving our math and writing skills. You entertained us constantly with your military stories and songs. There was always something new and exciting going on.” In conclusion, the student thanked Mr. Terry for the difference he made in her life.

During this Thanksgiving season, we all should be grateful for teachers like Mr. Terry who are making a difference. With teachers not receiving a meaningful raise in NC in five years, perhaps the NC Legislature can translate that gratitude into a little more money in teachers’ paychecks next year. After all,  “Teachers touch the future.” If you don’t believe me, just ask Mr. Terry’s students.

To read more about Mr. Terry and how he is making a difference, check out the Salisbury Post link here.

Do you know a teacher who is making a difference? If so leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite # 67: Veterans

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Bob Terry in his Navy Days

Bob Terry in his Navy Days

                 Honor and Respect

In honor of Veterans Day, my desire is to highlight in this blog the respect due those who have served in the military protecting the freedoms of our country. My dad, a WWII Veteran, served in Germany and landed on the beaches of Normandy, so I know first hand the sacrifices that are made by those who serve. As a young girl growing up, I learned through his example to appreciate freedom and have the highest respect for those who protect it.

Recently, I talked with a friend of mine (Bob Terry) about his twenty years in the Navy. Thinking back to those early years, Bob said three years into his Navy career he began a tour on a guided missile destroyer. Not liking ships, when the opportunity came to work in Explosive Ordnance Disposal, he signed up for that position. Having the duty to render safe all conventional, nuclear and chemical weapons on land, air and sea, he trained as a diver and parachutist. Even though this position has similarities to that of a Navy seal, they are not the same.

One of Bob’s more interesting tours happened during Desert Storm. Serving six months with the State Department, he had duties that included anti-terrorist detail, safeguarding embassies in places like Jordan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. When asked what he liked most about living in the Middle East, without hesitation, he answered, “The food.” What bothered him the most was the poverty. Heartbreaking to see, it made him appreciate even more the freedoms and blessings of life in America.

Planning to retire from the military after 20 years, it was during his tour in the Middle East that Bob began to seriously think about another career. After graduation from high school, he entered Ole Miss on an ROTC scholarship. Studying criminology, he thought he might be a lawyer, but twenty years later, with his travels, experience and love of kids, his desire was to make a difference as a teacher. So, going back to school, mostly at night, he earned his masters degree.

Although Bob traveled the world and could have chosen anywhere to live, his travels eventually led him to a fifth grade classroom in Cleveland, NC. About to retire after twenty years in the classroom, he credits his years in the Navy as helping him prepare to be a teacher.

A person who serves in the military doesn’t necessarily stop serving just because they take off their uniform. Like Bob, wanting to make a difference, they often take a job in a service-oriented field such as a teacher, fireman or policeman. It’s unfortunate many come home unable to work or like my dad unable to fulfill lifelong dreams because of injuries incurred while in service. To them, and to all Veterans everywhere we say thank you because you are living proof that freedom isn’t free.

To learn more about Bob Terry and his experiences in the Navy, check out the Salisbury Post link here.

Do you have a story to share about a Veteran you know? Leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #66: Animal Lovers

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Judy's granddaughter enjoying a moment with a butterfly

Judy’s granddaughter enjoying a moment with a butterfly

      Animals: God’s Gift

My friend, Judy Ridenhour, is a fun loving person who enjoys life on a quiet street in a small community in NC. Wearing many hats, she’s a wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend.

Some of Judy’s friendships began when she was a child growing up in a close-knit  neighborhood on the east side of Salisbury, NC. Although I didn’t grow up with Judy, I’ve known her for years, and yet, it was only recently that I learned about a special “trait” she has.

Admiring animal pictures Judy posted on Facebook a couple of months ago, I sent her a message saying how beautiful they were. She sent a message back saying not only does she love animals, but she loves taking pictures of them in their natural habitat. Inviting me to her home for a chat not long after that, I wondered what she wanted to share.

Hesitant at first, Judy finally opened up about having a rapport with animals that started when her husband, Ronnie, cut down a tree near their backyard. When Ronnie cut the tree down he didn’t realize a nest of baby squirrels were tucked away in one of its branches, so as a result, the squirrels were misplaced. Nurturing the squirrels through the winter months, when they were strong enough, Judy let them go, only to discover they stayed close by as if knowing they were safe.

Sharing other experiences she’s had through the years with animals, Judy said she even has a rapport with hummingbirds. When hearing hummingbirds often come to the feeder while she’s holding it in her hands, my mouth dropped open. Wondering why they trust her so much, she said, “It’s simple. I spend time with them, so they sense I care.”

Thinking about that philosophy, it occurred to me this works not only for building trust with animals, but people too. In the final analysis, that may be Judy’s secret to life long friendships; spending time with them, they sense she cares.

Before our visit ended, Judy explained her love for animals now extends to other family members, including two granddaughters. As you can see in the photo, one of her granddaughters is having a close encounter with a butterfly.

To read more about Judy’s experiences with animals and why she believes they are a gift from God, check out the Salisbury Post website.

Do you know someone who has a special rapport with animals? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #65: Knights and Chivalry

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Knights volunteering time and efforts for charity

Knights volunteering time and efforts for charity

Modern Day Knights: Making this World a Better Place

Although I learned about the Medieval Knights of the Round Table in school years ago, it wasn’t until this year that I learned about the twenty-first century Knights of the Round Table (Rowan County Chapter) in Salisbury, NC.

This summer a friend of mine shared that he and his son had enjoyed a four day Boy Scout retreat in the Uwharrie Mountains of NC in June. During the retreat, the Knights of the Round Table from the Knightly Order of the Fiat Lux taught the scouts what it meant to be a Medieval Knight. Emphasizing that knights lived by a “code” of helping others in distress or need, they also taught that knights lived a life of honor, courage and valor.

After reading my column about the retreat in the Salisbury Post, Rusty Sir William Shaver, a member of the Knights of the Round Table, invited me to a demonstration at a local retirement community. Although I couldn’t attend the event, I promised I would attend a performance at Dan Nicholas Park in October during Autumn Jubilee .

Wanting to help the community and especially the youth, The Knights of the Round Table volunteer their time and talent through demonstrations, living history presentations and fund raisers. Rusty said modern day knights often work in service oriented professions and is proud many members of the organization serve their community as teachers, firefighters and policemen.

The two knights in full battle armor in the photo are teachers, gladly volunteering their time to encourage and help others. Their stamina and willingness to give not only of their time, but talent on a hot October day to raise money for charity definitely made an impression on me.

When people like the members of the Knights of the Round Table are willing to reach out and help others less fortunate by giving of themselves, it’s for sure chivalry is alive and well in our culture even today. To read more about this organization, check out their story in the Salisbury Post.

Do you belong to a group or organization who goes above and beyond to help others? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #64: Kidney Transplant Donors

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Charlene, as always cheerful on the outside, in desperate need of a kidney inside.

Charlene, as always cheerful on the outside, in desperate need of a kidney inside.

              In Need of a Kidney

Occasionally, while listening to the nightly news or reading the daily newspaper, we hear about someone who has a condition or disease that places their life in jeopardy. Often that person is not someone we know or even someone in our community. However, this time the story is different because Charlene Fero is my friend.

To look at her one would never guess she has suffered the effects of a debilitating disease since the age of eighteen. Born with a genetic condition known as Polycystic Kidney Disease, otherwise known as PKD, this condition eventually leads to kidney failure because of cysts that grow on the kidneys. Symptoms include headaches, back aches, hip pain, blood in the urine and high blood pressure.

Now in the final stage before kidney failure, her window of opportunity for a transplant is very narrow. Hoping this story will open the door for anyone interested in being a donor, if she doesn’t get a  kidney soon, she will have to start dialysis.

While it’s true kidneys can be transplanted from someone who is deceased, chances of a successful transplant are better with a live donor. Most donors return to their normal schedule within a few weeks, adjusting quite well to life with just one kidney.

Wanting to get the word out, Charlene asked if I would write a story for our local newspaper, The Salisbury Post in Salisbury, NC. Hoping this blog will generate more prospective donors, I’ve included a link at the bottom of this page to that article as well as contact info.

When writing this blog, I mentioned to a friend, Cindy Campbell, about Charlene’s need for a transplant. Cindy, in turn, said she is friends with a retired professor of Family Medicine from the University of North Carolina, Dr. Peter Rizzolo.

Dr. Rizzolo’s interest in organ transplants goes back to when just a teenager, he lost one of his friends from kidney failure. With the need for transplants far outweighing donors, Dr. Rizzolo says this issue is close to his heart. Now that he’s a writer, he undertook the task of writing a book dealing with that issue. His first novel, “Forbidden Harvest,” “highlights the need for more donors as well as the moral and ethical issues involved in organ procurement and transplantation.” To learn more about this novel, or Dr. Rizzolo, check out his website at http://peterrizzolo.com/

If interested in becoming a donor for Charlene, contact Carolinas Medical Center, Transplant Center in Charlotte, NC, at (704) 355-3602 and request a donor package. Even if you’re not a match for Charlene, there’s a possibility you will be a match for someone else. For those who keep up to date with yearly exams most of the requirements should already be fulfilled. Everything is confidential, including the name of the donor.

To read more of Charlene’s story, or to learn more about becoming a donor, click here.

In advance, thank you and God bless.

Dicy

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Favorite #63: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Thrilled to have my picture taken with Dan Yucarrino.

Thrilled to have my picture taken with Dan Yaccarino.

SCBWI: (Carolina’s Chapter)

 If you enjoy writing or illustrating children’s picture books, chapter books or novels, then I highly suggest you join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Living in Piedmont, North Carolina, I didn’t have far to travel to the SCBWI (Carolina’s Chapter) three-day conference this past September in Charlotte.

Held at the Crowne Executive Hotel on West Park Dr., presentations for the conference ranged from historical fiction to picture books to contracts and more, with a range of talented presenters including Joy Neaves, Patti Ann Harris, Lisa Kline and Chris Woodworth. One of the favorite presenters for the conference was Dan Yaccarino with his presentation, Inspiration to Publication.

As author and illustrator, Dan has a multitude of children’s books to his credit including Lawn to Lawn, All the Way to America, Doug Unplugged, Every Friday and the Lima Bean Monster. In addition to writing and illustrating books, Dan also writes and produces television programs, including the popular animated children’s program, Oswald. I’ve gotten to know a lot about Oswald (the octopus) in the last couple of years because of my two-year-old grandson, Carson. Watching the program together, I especially like the lessons about getting along with others, demonstrated through Oswald interacting with his friends.

Sharing some of his techniques for creating books, Dan said he begins with sketches or a thumbprint, usually developing ideas for pictures before the story. Occasionally, however, he writes the text first, editing as the pictures develop on the page.

During his presentation, Dan said anyone who wants to write or illustrate books for children should read the classics. Much to everyone’s amusement, his definition of the classics were books such as Curious George, Amelia Bedelia, Madeline, Petunia, Swimmy and my favorite, The Story of Ferdinand.

After the presentation, everyone stood in line eager to talk with Dan. Since I was last, I was hoping he wouldn’t leave before it was my turn. To my delight, I discovered being last in line had its advantage. Asking Dan if I could take his picture, he suggested we have one taken together. With only a few minutes left, he took the time to give me advice about publishing, saying not to overlook publishers in the local market. Knowing he was in a hurry to get to his next commitment, I thanked him and then said good-bye.

Sharing my experience later that evening with a friend, I proudly showed her my photo. That’s when she said she was too shy to go up to presenters, especially someone like Dan Yaccarino. Although I understood how she felt, I’ve come to realize celebrities are just like everyone else. Besides, a good way to break the ice is to ask if you can take their picture. As you can see, it worked for me.

Maybe someday I’ll have the opportunity to attend the National Conference in Los Angeles, California, but until then, I’ll look forward to next year’s Carolina’s Conference in Charlotte and as always will keep writing.

To learn more about SCBWI, the Carolina’s Chapter or Dan Yaccarino, click on the hyperlinks above.

Do you have a writing experience you would like to share? If so, leave a comment in the box below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #62: Love and Marriage

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Smiling for the camera

Smiling for the camera

Words of Wisdom for Newlyweds

 My youngest daughter tied the knot a couple of months ago to the man of her dreams at a beautiful wedding in Blowing Rock, NC. Afterwards, I asked her how it felt to be married and she said, “Magical.”

 Before Kelly got married, her sister, Kristin, threw a bridal shower for her at our local church. One of the activities for those in attendance was to write down advice for a happy marriage. After a couple of weeks of marriage and wondering if the “real world” had set in yet, I asked Kelly if she was taking any of the advice. She replied, “Yes, some of it.” Here’s the list of that advice:

1. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7)

2. Lean on each other for support. Look up for guidance. Give 100%.

3. Tell each other everyday, “I Love You!” Keep God the center of everything.

4. Love one another. Always forgive.

5. Celebrate every anniversary. You never know when it could be your last.

6. Give each other some “independent” time. Space makes the heart grow fonder.

7. Pick your battles wisely.

8. Don’t go to bed mad.

9. Make a budget. Don’t live beyond your means. You’ll be glad you did when you’re old.

10. Work together.

11. Go to church together.

Working on this topic for my blog, I googled tips for marriage and came across B.J. and Sheila Weber’s 7 Tips for Every Newly Married Couple from Prince William and Kate Middleton to the Average Jane and Joe. While some of the tips were similar to the ones Kelly had been given by friends and family, some were different.

My favorite advice from B.J. and Sheila’s list was “Listen. Talk. Find a Mentor.” In summary, they believe communication is the key to a great relationship. How many times do we hear a wife complain because her husband won’t talk to her? On the other hand, how many times do we hear a husband complain because his wife talks too much?

The bottom line is not only does it take love, but it also takes lots of work and compromise to have a happy marriage. Wouldn’t it be great if newlyweds could learn that lesson early on in their journey together?

If you would like to read the rest of B.J. and Sheila Weber’s list, click on the hyperlink above. I highly recommend this list not only for newlyweds, but for anyone who is married or thinking about getting married. Come to think of it, everyone should read that list.

What advice do you have for newly married couples? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #61: Teachers

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Patti Secreast enjoying a day at school

Patti Secreast enjoying a day at school

Teachers: Doing What They Do Best

I’m sure most everyone has seen the bumper sticker, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” Even though I agree with the bumper sticker, teachers do so much more than just teach reading. Testing, parent conferences, lesson plans, disciplinarian, role model, guidance counselor, nutritionist and nose blower are a few of the many duties and roles a teacher does everyday.

In spite of a heavy load, teachers stay in the profession not because of money or fame, but because they love children and have a passion for teaching. Although I had many wonderful teachers, one of my favorites was a second grade teacher.

I grew up in the 60’s during the days teachers didn’t see the necessity of scheduling an activity for every minute. My second grade teacher often let us have free time after our work was complete, which I loved. It was almost like a reward, which in itself was motivation to finish. Some of the choices for free time were reading comic books, drawing a picture, putting a puzzle together and board games. My favorite was drawing. Having drawing paper and colored pencils readily available, I often finished my work just so I could draw pictures to hang on the bulletin board. No wonder I liked school.

I’m sure every one reading this blog remembers a special teacher who made a difference in their lives.Two NC teachers who recently retired from the Rowan-Salisbury School District, Patti Secreast and Dr. Dwayne Robertson, were known by many for making a difference. Patti, a middle school teacher was strict when it came to expectations in the classroom and yet was admired for her caring, motherly way. Colleagues said, “Her students loved her because she loved them.”

Elementary music teacher, Dr. Dwayne Robertson ( Dr. Rob) not only could make a piano sing, but could also make his students sing as well. In other words, his students wanted to perform because they wanted to make him proud. Even though both Patti and Dr. Rob struggled with leaving the profession this year, in the end, they realized it was time to turn in their computer, printer and I-pod.

If you would like to read more about these two inspiring teachers, check out the hyperlinks above.

What do you think makes a great teacher? Who was your favorite and why? Leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

(The photo at the bottom is Dr. Rob being his usual fun self).

 

You can see why Dr. Rob's students loved him.

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Favorite #60: The County Fair

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Fun at the Fair

Fun at the Fair

              Fun, Food and Fellowship

 As you can see in the faces of the two little boys in the photo, nothing is more fun than spending time with family and friends at the county fair. Memories of riding the merry-go-round, eating hot dogs, cotton candy, candy apples and later getting sick from eating too much are all part of that experience. Oh, and let’s not forget winning that infamous gold fish with only $20.00 in tickets, but who’s counting? What could be better than that?

Known not only for rides and food, the reason the fair began in the early 1800’s in America was so farmers could have a place to exchange information, as well as, show off their prized animals or produce at the end of the growing season. Always hoping for a blue ribbon, hearts swelled with pride when that goal was attained. Even those who never came home with a ribbon, had a sense of pride because of the work and time invested.

This scenario reminds me of an Andy Griffith television show when Aunt Bee made her infamous “kerosene pickles.” Thinking they were ribbon worthy, Aunt Bee entered them in the fair. Unfortunately, for Andy, Barney and Opie, the pickles didn’t win and so they were stuck with eating jars of pickles for months to come.

Although the county fair has been a tradition for a number of years, with rides, food and venues often being the same, new traditions and programs keep emerging within that framework. Four years ago at the Rowan County Fair in Salisbury, NC, a high school student organized the first Exceptional Children’s Lamb show as a way for special needs children to interact and participate.

Four years later, with the program a success and growing, parents are appreciative, while children are excited to participate. Hopefully, this kind of program will be an inspiration and template for other communities to follow in the near future. To learn more, check out the following Salisbury Post link:

http://www.salisburypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20130920%2FSP01%2F130929987

If you know of a program or event that is making a difference in your community, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #59: Love, Hope and Horses

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Caleb, George the horse and Dad

Caleb, George the horse and Dad

   Overcoming Obstacles

We all know children are a blessing from God and as a grandparent of two grandsons, I now understand that even more. Parents often have visions and dreams for the future when their child is born, but sometimes those dreams change when given the news a child has a disability.

That happened to a friend of mine seven years ago when she and her husband were given the news their son had Down Syndrome. Although their dreams and expectations changed, the fact they wanted to provide every opportunity for their son to succeed didn’t change. One way they have accomplished that over the last seven years has been through the love of horses.

Woody and Tim love to barrel race and so it was only natural their son, Caleb, would develop that same kind of love. Competing in the Pee Wee Barrel division for children 10 and under, Caleb rides his horse, George, named after his favorite television character, Curious George. Riding George in competitions has not only taught Caleb about sportsmanship, but also about life and what it means to care for others.

Realizing this journey involves the whole family, I asked Woody what lessons she has learned in the process. Without hesitation, she said, “Although I was compassionate before, I never saw a special needs child through the eyes of a parent, from a parent’s point of view. You might say I was arrogant.”

“Our family has always been in the group of achievers, including the smartest, the fastest and the most athletic. That changed with the diagnosis. Although I hate to admit it, at the time I didn’t want to be in the new group. But, you know what? Since then I learned there’s more to life than being the best at everything. Our son taught us there’s joy in simple everyday moments and that it’s important to treasure each and every one of them.”

With news of a break through discovery in the scientific community, Woody and Tim have reason to hope and be encouraged. Recently, a discovery was made in the lab of a way to turn off the “third copy” of the 21st chromosome. Woody, hopeful for the day that will happen in the real world says, “In the meantime, we are trusting God, knowing we are blessed with a beautiful, happy little boy who enjoys riding horses, singing, playing, swimming and just hanging out with friends and family who love him.”

To read more of this family’s inspiring journey, check out the following link: http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20130907/SP01/130909773/0/SEARCH&slId=1

If you know of a family with an inspiring story, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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