A lifestyle of volunteerism

She is new to the island but she probably knows more places and people in the community than the average resident.

Norma Taylor-Rushing is an energetic, high-spirited, and amiable woman who heard about Saipan 20 years ago from her uncle, attorney Joe Hill; however, she only had time to come to the island in January this year.

“My uncle Joe is very gracious. He’s been inviting me to come. It finally happened this year and I’m so glad I came. I’m enjoying myself here. I meet people of different races. It’s fun. It’s a vacation everyday,” said Norma enthusiastically.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Norma is a composer and a Christian performing artist. She has traveled to the Bahamas and to several states in the U.S. to sing in different churches and outreaches.

Her trip to Saipan, she said, is very special because it is here that she wants to cut her own album.

“I’ve been singing all my life. This time I want to produce my album. In fact, I expect to finish my album very soon!” she said.

Norma has been working with Pacific International Recording Studio for the release of her CD, entitled “To God be the Glory.” The album carries six of Norma’s own songs of praises, and thanksgiving, and about four other pieces that she sang with local artists.

“Oh yes, you have many talents here. I’ve met some of them, and I invited them to sing with me. Isn’t it exciting?” she said cheerfully, adding that, although she mostly sings gospel music, she wanted to blend her songs with island beats and tunes.

She said she began singing at age five. When she was 10, she started writing songs.

A pastor’s daughter, Norma and her 11 other siblings practically grew up singing in the church “without musical instruments.”

“That’s the way we sang, a capella,” she said.

She is now in her ’50s, but her friends and acquaintances all agree that she looks a decade younger. Her secret?

“I’m praying a lot. I’m more spiritual. I focus more on the spiritual aspect of life. It makes me feel young and strong,” she said, smiling.

Her love for God comes natural and it spills over to others she meets everyday. Since she arrived on Saipan, she has done a number of volunteer work. In February and March this year, she said she offered to help teach black history in some public schools on Saipan and Tinian.

Lately, she went to the Man’amko Center “to serve the elderly.”

“We do exercise, sing, and perform. I serve them meals. I love it,” she said.

She said it is through service that she meets people. In her short stay on the island, she has gone to several circles, just befriending people and finding out how she can help. Service has been her lifestyle.

“You’ve got to give something. Share your talent, time, your friendship,” she said.

This heart of volunteerism she learned from her parents. “They were always giving.”

After her album, she plans to organize “a variety show of talents” to raise funds and help some local groups—youth and music groups. The ticket would be $3 each.

“It’s going to be a very minimal fee so we could cover the cost and donate some of it,” she said.

She said she wants to do it by next month, tentatively on July 21 at the Garapan Central Park.

Norma lives in Arizona. She has three grown children: Zavetarus, Verenda, and Cedric Maxwell.