I am so pleased that our local club of Juniors has a high level of motivation and self-direction.  I am consistently inspired by the women in my life, including the clubwomen I am fortunate to know.  Thank you, ladies, for continually striving to help others and make positive change in the world.  Our annual blood drive brought in over 55 pints and our local Sallie Southhall Cotten Scholarship nominee won at the District Level.  We had a beautiful Membership Drive social that brought in potential members and we are very excited to attend our District Arts Festival this weekend.  Many of our Juniors and our local community’s students have art pieces in the competitions.

The continuing hard work of others reminds me that I must also remain constant in my quest for purposeful accomplishment.  I appreciate all that you do.  Now, let’s feed those dogs and cross our fingers there’s no more throw up from the kids!

Clubwomen Amy Heath, Beth Bowman, Christie Sheppard, and Meredith Swanson prepare for our annual blood drive

Nancy and the woman she inspires, Amanda

Thank you, Nancy!

I claimed Nancy Malone as my unofficial mentor as soon as I joined the Mount Airy Junior Woman’s Club.  She is not only an active supporter of the Arts (my passion) but also embodies the characteristics I admire in a woman – smart, funny, accomplished, and beautiful, inside and out.

As 1st Vice President, Nancy’s club duties my first year included filling the Slate of Officers for the following year.  She asked me to chair the Arts Department.  While honored, I felt too green to be in charge; however, with her encouragement, I took the position.  After a year in Arts, I was hooked.  Here I sit at the computer a few years later, President of the Club and blogging to you.  Nancy saw something in me that I didn’t even know was there – a potential for leadership.  She consistently inspires me to be a humble, generous, and gracious person.

My motto this year is: “Finding Yourself, in the Service of Others.”  To me it represents the idea of self-discovery through service work and fellowship.  Through the Federation I have gained a renewed sense of purpose and an understanding of how leadership and community involvement can affect positive change.

Nancy continues to guide me through my club efforts.  She listens with neutrality, advises with wisdom, and discreetly keeps many confidences.  She also makes me laugh and reminds me that the rewarding work we do should also be fun.

Thank you, Nancy, for being my mentor!  You have done more good than you know.