It’s brag time again! My son, after directing several plays before and after the Covid-19 pandemic, has returned to the main stage to star in Mr. Burns! I have not seen the play, but it premiered 10 years ago and is being picked up by Trustus Theatre. The play involves the end of the world as we know it and picking up the pieces going forward. It is based in part on the TV show The Simpsons. To quote the Free Times, “The Simpsons have become not just a source of entertainment but a story telling touchstone of a time long past. Something that is known during a time of many unknowns.” I look forward to watching this dark comedy and seeing my son do what he does best.

Attached is the box office information. If you are looking for something interesting and fun to do over the next 3 weekends, please check out Mr. Burns and Patrick Michael Kelly!

 

Last week I had the privilege of attending a worship service celebrating the life of my dear friend and neighbor, Joe Earl Taylor, Jr., who unexpectedly passed away on December 29, 2022. I have known Joe for over twenty-five years. First as a local businessman and then for quite some time as my neighbor.

Joe grew up in Columbia, went to Wofford College and afterwards became a lifelong Terrier alumnus supporter, serving on many boards at the College.

He served as Governor Sanford’s Secretary of the Department of Commerce where he distinguished himself in bringing new industry to South Carolina. Most recently he was elected to the Columbia City Council where he served as my district’s Councilman. Even though Joe and I were totally different in our political views, I always respected him, his heart, his tenacity, and his commitment to improve the business climate in our city and state.

Joe will be greatly missed as well as former Columbia City Councilman Brian DeQuincy Newman who also passed unexpectedly last week. Leaders like Joe and Brian do not come along often, and we were blessed to have their leadership in South Carolina.

Prayers for Joe’s wife Amanda and their children as they maneuver their future without their rock Joe Taylor.

 

We here at the Mike Kelly Law Group are proud to announce the addition of Ryan Martin to our statewide litigation team! Originally from Union, SC – the same great county as our litigation attorney, Konstantine “Dean” Diamaduros. Ryan went to the University of South Carolina for his undergraduate degree and then received his J.D. from Charleston School of Law and obtained his license to practice law in 2021. He has previous experience doing civil plaintiff and defense work and construction litigation. This prior experience will bode well for the Mike Kelly Law Group and its clients! He is of course, like Mike Kelly, an avid Gamecocks fan! He lives in the West Columbia area with his significant other and their two beloved cats, Kiara, and Boo.

Welcome to the Mike Kelly Law Group, Ryan. We are so excited, and we know nothing but good things are going to happen now with you on board.

 

I used to make New Year’s Resolutions and I ended up breaking most of them by the end of January. Then I went many holidays without making any New Year’s Resolutions and in my later years I once again concluded that New Year’s Resolutions are a good idea. During my 45-year career I have taken a lot of leadership development courses, time management courses and participated in self-improvement programs like the late Mooney Player here in Columbia and even paid a king’s ransom to go to an Anthony Robbins four-day intensive seminar in Hilton Head back in the 90’s.

I am no expert in any subject except my four areas of legal expertise. What I have learned in all of this is if you write things down, they’re more likely to happen. Having said that, by the time the ball drops at Times Square in New York City, I will have committed to writing my personal, professional, spiritual, and family goals. I will have different subcategories and try to put it all on one sheet of paper. I will then give it to those nearest and dearest to me to hold me accountable. I will expect them to meet with me at least bimonthly and question me about my progress on achieving these goals. Needless to say, I am excited about 2023 and can’t wait to get started checking the accomplished items off my list.

As we begin 2023, I want to thank each and every one of my KellyGram followers for your support of the Mike Kelly Law Group. We at the Mike Kelly Law Group are family and because we don’t have a million-dollar advertising budget (and never will), we rely on each and every one of you to say good things about us and make referrals within our areas of expertise. Here’s to an awesome 2023!

 

I recently learned of the River’s Edge Retreat through my law firm partner, Brad Hewett, who is a friend and neighbor of the founder Steve Ware. I have become extremely impressed with this faith-based non-profit’s mission and I’m excited to say that tonight, our firm will be attending one of its annual fundraisers, Night of Hope, at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation Conference Center in Northeast Columbia!

This nonprofit’s mission focuses on disadvantaged youth of all types in our area whether it be physical, mental, financial, or social and they have numerous programs that focus on improving quality of life and inspiring these soon-to-be young adults to have a fulfilling and meaningful life.

We could not be prouder to be a part of this event and if you want to join in helping a worthwhile cause especially this holiday season, I suggest checking them out and supporting their programs and mission. You could make a real difference in a young person’s life!

 

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of year. It is a time for reflecting on one’s blessings, helping those who are less fortunate, and spending quality time with loved ones. There are certain holidays that have always been very special to me, and Thanksgiving 2022 is no exception. Not to mention the incredible culinary displays and copious amounts of comfort food! The Thanksgiving holiday is truly something to be cherished. My cup runneth over with blessings and I cannot be more thankful for my family, my friends, my job, and the mission of the Mike Kelly Law Group. Please take the time and help someone less fortunate than you this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did!

 

This week I am thrilled to report that I have been reappointed to the Richland County Airport Commission for another four-year term by the County Council. The Richland County Airport Commission is the advisory body to the County Council for Richland County’s in town airport, Jim Hamilton- LB Owens Airport (CUB) located on Jim Hamilton Boulevard. I have greatly enjoyed being part of this body for six years and I look forward to serving my next term.

Hamilton-Owens Airport is one of the most convenient airports and serves the Columbia community well. We have 125 aircraft based there as well as numerous corporate aircraft, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s aviation fleet, and the aircraft for my alma mater, the University of South Carolina! It is truly a hidden gem, an economic driver for the Midlands, an incubator for the next aviation generation of pilot and support staff, and one of the most well-run airports around.

I serve on the Promotions Committee which is designed to educate the public on the various benefits and economic advantages of having an airport in the center of our city. We are currently putting the finishing touches on a strategic plan, which in my opinion is extremely well written by our Committee Chairman Michael Medsker and will be published in early 2023.

If you have not seen it, take a ride and check out our vibrant local general aviation facility, Hamilton-Owens field.