Enjoyed the day sharing my journey as a writer at the Rowan Rotary Club in Salisbury, NC. Thanks, Tim Coffey for the photo.
Service Above Self
Several weeks ago I was invited to share my journey as a writer at the Rowan Rotary Club in Salisbury, NC. The meetings are held each Thursday morning at the Salisbury Country Club. One of the first members I met the day of my speech was Philip Kepley.
After our initial introduction, I learned I had taught three of his grandchildren at Cleveland Elementary School. I was their music teacher at the time. His wife, Mary Sue, often sent notes of appreciation to their teachers on special occasions. The cards were handmade and so beautiful I still have a few of them from over a decade ago.
While sitting together during breakfast Mr. Kepley shared with me a little of the history of the Rotary Club. He said it all started when several business men from Chicago met for breakfast one morning in 1905 to discuss how they could better serve their community. Soon other business men began to join them. The idea was so well received Rotary Clubs became not only a national organization, but international as well with the motto, “service above self”.
In striving to achieve that goal, Mr. Kepley said one of the highlights of his life was when he was team leader on a trip to Brazil. Members of his team worked in communities where needed, including schools, businesses, hospitals and churches, with each member working in areas they felt comfortable. Mr. Kepley said on that trip he shadowed a missionary planting churches.
Mr. Kepley went on to explain that local clubs often take on projects such as planting trees and saving the Monarch Butterfly. One of the greatest achievements internationally has been to eradicate polio. This accomplishment was achieved with the help of different agencies from all over the world working together with International Rotary Clubs. As a result of combined efforts only two countries still report having new cases.
After spending a delightful morning with the members of the Rowan Rotary Club and talking with Mr. Kepley, when it came time for me to speak, I felt comfortable knowing I was in a room full of people who care about others. That gave me the confidence to share the twists and turns in my life that eventually led me to becoming a writer and later an author.
I was touched when President-elect Wesley Thompson closed the meeting with a thought for the day which he said was inspired by my speech. He concluded by saying that although we have unforeseen events in our lives that we have no control of, we do have control of how we react and in turn can use the lessons we learn to help others.
Thank-you, Rowan Rotary Club for your service in the community and thank-you for inviting me to share my books and story.
Has there been a community organization that has touched your life in some way? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
If you would like for me to speak at your church, school or organization, email me at dicysm@yahoo.com., or call 704-278-4377.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
