Last Friday, the Mike Kelly Law Group threw a party and invited everyone who shares our workspace here in the office building at 500 Taylor Street. There are upwards of 150 people who are employed within the walls of our building, and we wanted to express our sincere gratitude for their continued friendship, courtesy and consideration, both inside and outside the office.

Our gathering was comprised of employees from Aflac, Crowe LaFave, LLC, Guidewire Software, Inc., Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC, McLeod Law Group, LLC, SC Philharmonic, Williamson & Associates, Inc., and, of course, the Mike Kelly Law Group! We were able to mingle with our neighbors over a delicious breakfast catered by Jason’s Deli. It was a great opportunity to not only catch up with old friends, but to meet new people. We are very fortunate to have such friendly neighbors within the building at 500 Taylor Street, and the Mike Kelly Law Group was delighted to host them for breakfast! Hopefully we can do this again sometime soon!

The Central Carolina Community Foundation (CCCF) is a nonprofit organization that works to connect charitable people and businesses with areas of need in the Midlands of South Carolina. CCCF receives donations from individuals, families, and businesses and pools the money to be invested for maximum growth and impact. The money is then awarded as grants to support charitable organizations in our community. In the past five years, CCCF and their donors awarded over $63 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. CCCF serves as the vehicle for philanthropy in the Midlands area.

Recently, the CCCF, in partnership with the Knight Foundation, awarded almost $500,000 in Connected Communities Grants here in the Midlands. These grants fund groundbreaking philanthropic projects that connect residents to the community. I first learned of the impact CCCF has on its eleven-county service area when I was given the opportunity to serve on its board, and I continue to be impressed by the leadership and generosity this foundation has for our community.

Under the leadership of President and CEO JoAnn Turnquist, CCCF continues to increase the size of its philanthropic fund and to award meaningful grants throughout our community. Thanks for your leadership and betterment of the Midlands area, CCCF! Follow the link below to learn more about CCCF and its impacts.

https://www.yourfoundation.org/

Next Tuesday, July the Fourth, will mark the 241st anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and America’s separation from the British Empire. This momentous point in American history is a mile marker to be treasured and celebrated. On that day 241 years ago, it was declared that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation: the United States of America.

On this and every Independence Day, I celebrate and appreciate being able to call America “home”. I feel enormously blessed to have been born and raised in what I believe to be the greatest country in the world. For me, the Fourth of July is a special day, filled with remembrance, gratitude, and patriotism. It is a day to remember and honor our forefathers who envisioned a free America as well as those who have bravely fought to preserve it.

While these are clearly dividing and difficult times, I believe we can come together, regardless of political affiliation, to celebrate the common ground amongst us all: American pride and freedom. I would like to especially thank the selfless servicemen and servicewomen who courageously make sacrifices to ensure we are able to continue to enjoy our freedoms.

On this Sunday, June 18th, we will honor our fathers and celebrate the influence they carry as well as the bonds we share with them. I am a bit prejudiced because I happen to be a father myself, but I believe the bond between a dad and his child is something that cannot be replaced. My father, Garland F. Kelly, had an eighth-grade education, but he was smarter than I will ever be. The relationship we shared was special and, while he didn’t show much emotion, I know he loved me very much. My dad taught me many practical life lessons. He would always say, “Mike, you have plenty of book sense, but you need a lot more common sense!” LOL!

This weekend, and always, honor your father (and your mother), and take the extra moment to thank him for everything he did and continues to do for you. If your dad is now deceased like mine is, I know this day can be especially difficult and emotional. Say a little prayer with gratitude and love, and I know he will hear you. I love you, Dad!

Recently, a friend of mine fell victim to a scam wherein criminals called her telephone posing as Deputy Sheriffs. They claimed that she had failed to show up for jury duty, and that she would be arrested in the near future unless she paid the fine. What my friend should have done was to take a deep breath and contact someone to help her verify the validity of the call. Instead, she paid the money without verifying and has now lost $900 of her hard-earned money! By no means, do I consider this friend to be naïve or gullible; in fact, she is a well-educated and respected professional. Sadly, these scam artists are experts at using the element of surprise and the threat of incarceration to frighten their victims so badly that it causes them to act emergently and fail to think rationally.

These scams have continued for over a decade. The “Failure to Show Up for Jury Duty” scam is only one of many that are victimizing people all around the country. These scammers frequently call later in the evening and might ask for your personal information. They are after your money as well as any information about your identity that could serve to benefit them later on. Don’t be fooled by your Caller ID, as it can often be manipulated to display a business or agency’s name and phone number. The criminals often request the fine to be paid with a pre-paid debit or credit card. Use these warning signs if you receive a suspicious call or email, and hang up before releasing any personal information.

If there is the slightest doubt in your mind concerning the validity of a call, email, etc. from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer or government agent, consult a professional before taking action and certainly before giving away any of your money. We at the Mike Kelly Law Group are always happy and ready to help you, the people of South Carolina!

It is summertime in South Carolina! It is time for vacations, watersports, and outdoor activities of all kinds. We live in one of the most beautiful states in America, and, whether you’ve only lived here for six months or for over fifty years, I am convinced there are parts of South Carolina that we all have yet to explore. My recent trip to Landsford Canal State Park in Chester County is a perfect example of this, where the spider lilies were blooming and at their peak, making the park absolutely breathtaking!

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to discover new sights, places, and hobbies. For those of you with children, summer can be an even more exciting time with plenty of activities to juggle. My children participated in summer camps when they were younger, playing new sports and learning new skills. The eleven free weeks a child has during summer vacation serves as time to explore new passions and interests, and there are opportunities for your child right here in Columbia!

The Richland Library hosts countless activities and classes for children and adults of all ages to participate in free of charge! Throughout the summer, children can attend classes about comedy, crafting, astronomy, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), poetry, SAT prep, and much, much more. There are similar activities for adults including lessons in creative writing, photography, sewing, Microsoft Word, etc. Summer doesn’t have to be just about “hanging out” and playing on our iPads or iPhones. Whether your children attend a few fun classes or a more structured summer camp, this is the perfect time to connect with people in our community, enrich children’s minds, and expand their life experiences!

However you choose to spend your time, have a great summer in South Carolina!