Favorite #47: Farm at Weathers Creek

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Learning while relaxing on the porch at the farm

Learning while relaxing on the porch at the farm

Enjoying the Artistic Side of Life

Imagine a beautiful log house at the top of a hill surrounded on three sides by trees. Then imagine looking across a small front yard to see a field of golden hay blowing in the breeze. If you can imagine all of that, then you have seen the Farm at Weathers Creek.

What better place than an idyllic country setting to get the creative juices going? Sisters, Cindy and Susan Campbell couldn’t agree more and because of their love for writing and all things artistic, they opened their home for workshops in 2009. Since the first workshop, many and diverse experts have given presentations in that beautiful farm setting on topics such as writing novels, songs, children’s books, creative non-fiction, poetry, photography, memoirs and social media.

Workshops are normally held once a month on a Saturday, but this past June things were a little different. Wanting to try something new, Susan said they decided on a two-day workshop, with participants camping out under the stars. The temperature was a little warmer than expected, so the afternoon session was moved inside, where freelance writer and blogger, Tara Groth, taught the workshop on social media and blogging.

Reflecting on her experience at the farm, Tara said, “Weathers Creek is an incredibly unique and restoring environment that lends itself perfectly to creative people who are ready to push themselves to another level. What tickled me the most was teaching while sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch. How many writers have that experience? In my opinion, not enough.”

The weekend event had a little of everything for everyone, including a few snakes. If you would like to read the rest of the story, check out the Salisbury Post website.

More info about the Farm at Weathers Creek or Tara Groth can be found at the following links:

www.weatherscreek.net

www.taralynnegroth.com.

Congratulations to the Farm at Weathers Creek! Because of the wonderful learning experiences you provide to those interested in exploring the artistic side of life, you are my chose for favorite place of the week.

Do you know of a place like the Farm at Weathers Creek that provides artistic opportunities? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

 

 

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Favorite #46: Author and Writer, Brenda Barnes

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Calvin, the earthworm, invites you to help him save the planet.

Calvin, the earthworm, invites you to help him save the planet.

           Taking Care of the Earth

Recycling and taking care of the earth is a big topic these days and rightly so. After years of neglect and abuse of our natural resources, I’m concerned about the legacy left behind for our children and grandchildren.

I recently met a fellow author, and now friend, who feels the same way as I do. Brenda Barnes and I met at the Altrusa Reading Festival at Patterson Farm in Mt Ulla, NC, June 8th, 2013. After getting to know her, I discovered she has such a strong desire to spread the word about recycling and taking care of the earth that she wrote a book about that subject. Asking Brenda how she came up with the idea for the main character, Calvin, the earthworm, she said,

“I’ve been writing ever since I was a child, with my first story written when I was in second grade. Since then I have never lost the love of words. I am a voracious reader, but am equally enthused about writing. I am a published poet, writer of short stories and even have self-published flash fiction that was well received. I also write for several online sites such as HubPages and Yahoo Voices.”

“I had never really thought about writing children’s books until I became a grandmother. My grandson often asks for bedtime stories, and so, occasionally, I create one in my mind, telling it orally and writing it down later.”

“The inspiration for my first children’s book, Calvin Compost in Organic City, was inspired from a visit to Hildebran Elementary School. This local school has a Garden Club that meets every week, where children learn about gardening, even growing vegetables for the cafeteria. Attending one of those meetings, I watched the children add to and turn the compost bin. Later that night, I wrote a story just for them about a little earthworm that lives in a compost bin. The next week, I read the story at their meeting. They loved it. The teachers did, too, inviting me back several times to read.”

“Each time I did, I would add more details until Calvin’s story became a complete book published by The Laurus Company. Since then, Calvin Compost in Organic City has become a huge part of my life, with the next book in the series, The Highly Electric Lightning Bug, due out late July, 2013.”

Congratulations, Brenda Barnes! For teaching children about taking care of the earth through your wonderful stories, you are my favorite author of the week.

Do you know someone who is inspiring others to take care of the earth? If so, I would like to hear from you. Leave a comment, message on Facebook, twitter, or email, dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

http://www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/

http://www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog/

 

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Favorite #45: Fathers and Grandfathers

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Enjoying a Braves' game with Pawpaw

Enjoying a Braves’ game with Pawpaw

Fathers and Grandfathers

 Father’s Day has come and gone and I’m sure there were many tears of joy shed, along with tears of sadness. My dad passed away seven years ago and I think of him often. When an American flag goes by, I think of my dad because he was in the Army during WWII. I think of him  when the news comes on because he believed it our civic duty to keep up with current events.

I also think of him when eating ice cream because he ate some everyday and any flavor was his favorite. During ACC basketball season, we often watched games together and ate popcorn. Although he loved all of the ACC teams, if the Tar Heels were playing, he always wanted them to win. I think that had something to do with coach, Dean Smith.

Loving my dad, in turn, taught me to love my husband, Michael. After our two daughters were born, it thrilled my soul to see him spending time with them, teaching them simple things like where to find frogs and how to catch a ball.

Although he loved being a father, being a grandfather has brought him even more joy. Not long ago, I saw our two-year old grandson walking hand in hand with his Pawpaw Mike, looking for frogs and other “critters,” just as his mother had done.

As I watch our grandsons grow, my mind often slips back to the time when our daughters were little, loving their dad only as little girls can. A fellow author and friend of mine, Brenda Barnes, wrote a lovely poem about daughters dancing on their daddy’s feet. This poem brought back lovely memories for me. If you are a daughter or have daughter(s), perhaps it will bring back special memories for you, as well.

Congratulations, to fathers and grandfathers everywhere! For taking time to build memories with your children and grandchildren, you are my choice for favorite person(s) of the week.

Do you have a favorite memory of your dad or granddad? If so, I’d like to hear from you. Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

 

 

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Favorite #44:Rescue Dog, Bella

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Bella, posing for the camera, is healthy and happy now.

Bella, posing for the camera, is healthy and happy now.

Rescue Dog, Bella

After getting married last year, friends of mine, Will and Chris Gordon, felt their home needed a special pet, so they began looking. They didn’t have to look long because they soon found their “new love” at the Rowan County Animal Shelter in Salisbury, NC.

To explain how everything fell into place, I’ll let Chris tell the story:

“Will and I had been married for about two months, when we decided we needed a pet. After viewing the Friends of the Rowan County Animal Shelter Facebook page, we decided on a cute puppy. Arriving at the shelter, instead of the puppy, our eyes went to a very rough looking, skinny boxer-mix. Inquiring about the boxer-mix, we learned she was going to be put down the very next day. We couldn’t let that happen and so that dog is now our Bella.”

“After adopting Bella, we immediately took her to the vet. While there, we discovered she weighed only 42 lbs. and had an infection in her feet. Bella’s previous owner had even tried to cut her tail, but luckily failed. We also learned Bella had been a bait dog. Not knowing what that was, we went home to do some research and was horrified to learn what she had been through.”

“In other words,Bella was too sweet to fight, so other dogs were allowed to fight her while she was restrained. How could anyone want to fight a dog who just wants to curl up in bed with her humans?”

“We’ve been married for almost a year now and Bella has become a big part of our family. She’s a healthy 65lbs. and loves giving hugs and kisses. She often does so while putting her paws on our shoulders.The shelter where Bella almost lost her life, is actually where her life began.”

As you can see in the photo, Bella is a beautiful dog anyone would be happy to love, so like Will and Chris, if you are looking for a new fur baby, one possibility is the Rowan County Animal Shelter. To learn more about this facility, check out their website and Facebook page at the following links:

http://www.animalshelter.org/shelters/Rowan_County_Animal_Shelter_rId3830_rS_pC.html

https://www.facebook.com/#!/RowanCountyAnimalShelter?fref=ts

In addition to the Rowan County Animal Shelter, other possibilities for adopting four-legged fur friends in Rowan County are the Rowan County Humane Shelter and Faithful Friends no-kill shelter. Following are links to their websites:

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC62.html

http://www.faithfulfriendsnc.org/

Congratulations, Bella! For rescuing Will and Chris and bringing such tremendous joy into their lives, you are my favorite pet of the week.

Do you have a story of animal rescue you would like to share? If so, I would like to hear from you. Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #43: Don and Barbara Davis

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Don and Barbara Davis in South Africa

Don and Barbara Davis in South Africa

       Serving Others

It’s amazing how one message on an answering machine can change your life. One evening a few months ago, Reverend Don Davis left a message about how much he liked my children’s books. Leaving his number, he asked if I would call him back.

When I returned his call, Don shared that he and his wife, Barbara, had written a children’s book and needed an illustrator. Having seen my last book, Tired of Being a Bully, he wondered if I thought my illustrator, Jean Barlow, might be interested in another project. I felt like she would because I knew how much she liked the process. Excited about the possibility of something new, Jean scheduled a meeting with Don and his wife, Barbara.

After that meeting, she called to tell me she had accepted the offer to illustrate Don’s children’s book, Anna’s Shoebox.

Although Don had already published four books, he had never published a children’s picture book and was unsure of the process. Needing some advice, he asked Jean if she thought I would be willing to answer some questions. Knowing I believe networking is one of the best ways to grow and develop as a writer, Jean said she knew I wouldn’t mind. A few weeks later, Don, Barbara and I met for lunch. It didn’t take long for the three of us to make a connection.

Through our conversation, I learned Don was not only a writer, but also a pastor and that he and Barbara are happiest when they are serving others. That explains why they have led numerous mission trips to India, Scotland, Romania and South Africa, making the trip to South Africa 14 times. In recent years, overseas mission work has been curtailed because of medical problems, yet that doesn’t keep them from participating in statewide mission projects.

In addition to all of these responsibilities, Don finds time to write a weekly human interest column for the Faith and Religion section of the Independent Tribune in Kannapolis and Concord. Having enough material from that column, Don published two books, Spirit Led, Spirit Fed and Spirit Touched.

Since that one message on the answering machine a few months ago, Jean has since finished illustrating Anna’s Shoebox and I have made two new friends. If you would like to find out more about Don and Barbara’s story or their ministry, check out the following Salisbury Post link:

http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20130520/SP01/130529975/0/SEARCH&slId=2

Congratulations, Don and Barbara! Because of your undying faith and willingness to serve others here and abroad, you are my favorite people of the week.

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty in service to others? If so, I would like to hear from you. Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email me at dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #42: Music Teachers

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Tremayne and Myron after the game

Tremayne and Myron after the game

Inspiring Students through Music

When Myron Massey, Jr. graduated from West Rowan High School in 2006, he knew he wanted to become a music teacher. Inspired by his band director, Ms. Tammy Reyes, Myron wanted to inspire students just as Ms. Reyes had inspired him. With that goal in mind, he started his freshman year that fall at UNC-Chapel Hill as a music major.

Excelling as a student on campus, during his senior year as a Tar Heel, Myron had the distinguished honor of becoming drum major for the marching band. Interestingly enough, another West Rowan student inspired by Ms. Reyes, Tremayne Smith, became drum major at East Carolina that same year.

When UNC-Chapel Hill and East Carolina met on the football field in the fall, there was no one prouder than Ms. Reyes at halftime to see her former students take the spotlight. She said she will never forget that game. Myron is quick to point out that Carolina won. Tremayne, with his unique sense of humor said, “That may be true, but Chapel Hill didn’t have a “back-flipping” drum major like East Carolina.”

Since that game and since graduation, both Tremayne and Myron have become band directors at their respective high schools, inspiring and passing on the love of music to another generation of students just like their band director, Ms. Reyes did for them. To read more of their story, check out the following link:

http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20130511/SP01/130519933/0/SEARCH&slId=1

Congratulations, Ms. Reyes! For inspiring students to love not only music, but life, you are my favorite person of the week.

Do you have a favorite teacher who inspired you? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #41: Community Outreach Program

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Embracing Hearts ready for a day of service to the community

Embracing Hearts ready for a day of service to the community

Embracing Hearts: Serving the Community

As a way to express Christian love in the community, Embracing Hearts, a women’s group from Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cleveland, NC, held their second outreach program on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Some of the services offered were a free mammogram, dental care, groceries, haircuts, prayer support and lunch. While most of the services were for women, men came for dental work, blood pressure checks and health care.

Planning for the second annual event began in the fall of 2012, with a grant written by October for funds to obtain a mobile mammography unit from Charlotte Radiology. When news came the grant had been approved, everyone was happy women in the community would have the opportunity to receive much needed medical attention.

Since this was the second year of the event, some of the foundational planning and organization were already in place, making the process a little easier. That included knowing procedures for obtaining a dental bus from the NC Baptist Mens’ Association.

Although the weather was a little cold and rainy the morning of the event, even that didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came to serve. Everyone was ready, willing and able to minister to those who came through the doors.

With some frustrations throughout the year because of the uncertainty about how things were going to work, or if the needs of the people would be met, in the end every minute of preparation was worth it.

To learn more about Embracing Hearts and the outreach program, check out the following Salisbury Post link:  http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20130504/SP01/130509869/0/SEARCH&slId=2

Congratulations, Embracing Hearts! Because of your desire to show Christian love to others, your community outreach program is my favorite of the week.

Do you have a favorite community outreach program? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email, dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

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Favorite #40:Book Festival

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Books Under the Big Top

A Fun Day at the Book Festival

Community Book Festival

It was a glorious day for an event, but even more glorious because of the number of people who came to the Rowan Public Library for the Books Under the Big Top event on Saturday, April 13th, 2013. This event was a joint effort sponsored by the Rowan Public Library and the Rowan Salisbury Schools to promote and encourage the love of books and reading.

A circus theme was chosen for the event, with an invitation extended to North Carolina authors to showcase their books under the “Big Top.” Other activities planned were storytelling, puppets, face painting, clowns, balloons, animals from Dan Nicholas Park and Lazy 5 Ranch, music and food. The event was scheduled to begin at 10:00 at the Rowan Public Library, but even before then an atmosphere of excitement was in the air.

As an author, I arrived about thirty minutes early and noticed one big tent and several little tents on the front lawn of the library, with colorful banners blowing in the breeze welcoming visitors. Much activity was everywhere in preparation for the day, including a clown making balloon critters at the entrance. It was almost like overnight the library had been transformed into a circus.

Listening to the comments of those in attendance, it was easy to see how much fun everyone was having and how much they appreciated family oriented activities that encourage the love of reading. With talk of another event next year, it will be fun to see what theme will be used to inspire and motivate the community to get excited about reading. Well, whatever it is, I’m sure it will be great. Besides, with a whole year to plan, there’s no doubt it will be even bigger and better next year.

Congratulations to the Rowan Public Library and Rowan Salisbury Schools for working together to inspire a love of books and reading in the community. Because of your combined efforts, Books Under the Big Top is my favorite event of the week.

To read more about Books Under the Big Top, check out the following Salisbury Post link:http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20130427/SP01/130429742/0/SEARCH&slId=2

Do you know of an event that inspired a love of books and reading in your community? If so, I would like to hear from you. Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

 

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Favorite #39: Mooresville Soup Kitchen

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Volunteering at the Mooresville Soup Kitchen

Volunteering at the Mooresville Soup Kitchen

       Feeding the Community

The Mooresville Soup Kitchen  opened its doors 22 years ago at the First Baptist Church on Church St. in Mooresville, moving to its new location at 275 S. Broad St., just five years ago. Mrs. Rosie, a faithful volunteer for 17 of those years, oversees the dining area, making sure everything is organized, clean and ready for visitors.

In addition to meals on site, clients have the opportunity to take home bread, eggs, meat, canned goods, produce, fruit and dessert. The only requirement is they must have lunch at the Soup Kitchen that day. The facility also serves the community by giving out approximately 1000 single portion frozen meals for the Hands Up and Veterans programs each week. The Hands Up program is for the working hungry who may be struggling financially, but don’t qualify for any other assistance.

Visiting the facility not long ago, I learned 400 volunteers willingly give of their time each month to keep the Soup Kitchen running. Those who cook and serve are assigned to a cook team, with different groups taking turns throughout the month. The kitchen and serving areas are not only state of the art, but food is prepared in a safe-serve manner.

It’s obvious to those who work and volunteer at the Mooresville Soup Kitchen that the needs of the community are growing. Even though the new building is only five years old, the facility is already serving to capacity with approximately 200 served at each meal.

Since the Soup Kitchen does not receive federal or state funding, they are dependent on donations from individuals and local businesses to keep the doors open. Everyone involved in this ministry knows how generous the community has been, but with the needs of the community growing, even more support will be required in the coming months. The hope is the facility can continue to meet the needs of everyone who comes through its doors.

If you would like to learn more about the Mooresville Soup Kitchen and how you can help, check out the following links:

http://mooresvillesoupkitchen.com/

http://salisburypost.com/article/20130413/SP01/130419834/0/SEARCH&slId=5

Congratulations, Mooresville Soup Kitchen! Because of your unselfish, steadfast service to the community for 22 years, you are my choice for favorite ministry of the week.

Do you know of a ministry in your community that could use words of gratitude or encouragement? If so, I’d like to hear from you.

Leave a comment, message on Facebook, Twitter, or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

 

 

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Favorite #38: Music Teacher

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Having Fun at the Piano

Having Fun at the Piano

    Music Teacher, “Dr. Rob”

Have you ever seen Elton John perform? If you haven’t, but have seen Dr. William D. Robertson, then you’ve come pretty close. “Dr. Rob,” as he’s known by many, can make a piano sing and loves to imitate the style of one of his favorite performers, Elton John.

Not only a performer, but also a teacher,  during his teaching career few people have called him by the last name of Robertson. Often called “Mr. Music” by his students, that changed when he earned his doctorate in 1992. Not long after earning that degree, one of his performing groups began calling him “Dr. Rob” and the title stuck.

With a father and two aunts in education, Dr. Rob felt a “calling” from an early age to become a teacher. To him, being around schools felt natural. When he was in his late teens, he used to perform gymnastic exhibitions at area schools. A young, agile musician at the time, he could do stunts such as run up a wall and flip backwards landing on his feet, stand on his hands on a water fountain while drinking water upside-down and even do a back flip off of a piano. “Unfortunately,” he says, “the years have managed to put a harness on that agility.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Rob has kept up to date with current educational trends and topics and recently shared some of his thoughts about the future.

“I do worry about the future of education because it’s getting harder to entice creative, intelligent young minds to enter a field that is so demanding and stressful in exchange for such a low salary. I especially worry about high-quality educators leaving the field in droves within the next few years. But, as for me, education has provided a haven the last three decades to do what I do best, which is making and teaching music.”

Congratulations, Dr. Rob! You are my favorite person of the week, not only for your years of service in education, but for teaching children the love of music and in the process the love for life.

To read more about Dr. Rob’s story, check out the following Salisbury Post link: http://www.salisburypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130419/SP05/130419611

Do you have a favorite teacher? If so, I would love to hear from you.

Leave a comment or share on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. You can also email me at dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

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