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!

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. First referred to as Decoration Day, the holiday originated following the Civil War in 1868 and did not become federally recognized until 1971. This holiday was set aside for Americans to honor and remember those men and women who have died while serving in our country’s armed forces.

While many of us will be enjoying a long weekend in the mountains or at the beach, picnics or sporting events, and time with friends and family, let us not forget that this country remains free through the grace of God and the sacrifice of many men and women who have given their lives for our safety and security.

The National Moment of Remembrance Resolution was passed in December 2000 and asks that at 3 PM local time all Americans “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps”. I hope everyone will join in this act of commemoration to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Happy Memorial Day, and may God continue to bless the United States of America and its citizens!

Lisa Cotten began working at the Mike Kelly Law Group in 2007 and is primarily focused on social security, worker’s compensation, and personal injury claims. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Juris Doctorate from the University of South Carolina.

Lisa is a blessing to the Mike Kelly Law Group and the clients she serves. She is often called “the voice of reason” around the MKLG office. She is also an outstanding wife and mother. The love of her life is her son, Myles, who is gifted both academically and athletically.

Lisa has been a hard worker her entire life and her accomplishments extend well beyond the workplace. She serves with distinction on several committees of the South Carolina Bar and is active in her community. Her latest recognition comes in her appointment to the Richland County Recreation Board of Commissioners. For those of you who keep up with Richland County’s current affairs, the Richland County Recreation Committee has been under fire and the subject of litigation.

Our governor and legislative delegation have wisely intervened in an effort to restore the agency’s credibility and accountability. Lisa is the perfect person to assist in restructuring the recreation commission so it can better serve the citizens of Richland County. Again, congratulations, Lisa, and we know you’ll do a great job!

At the Mike Kelly Law Group, I have the privilege of being surrounded by some of the most dedicated and compassionate mothers. They love their children, spouses, and families, and they do a pretty good job of taking care of me as well! Although fathers are equally important in our upbringing, there is something special about the love a mother has for her child.

My mother, Helena Crawford Kelly, was born in 1921 in the back of a grocery store outside of Washington, North Carolina. Her mother was a widow raising my mom and her brother (my Uncle Joe). She worked sixty hours per week in the textile mills. My mother followed suit and, after a brief stint in the textile mill, became a bookkeeper for an oil company until my sister and I were born. She then devoted 100% of her time to being the world’s best mother. Although she could be stern at times, she showed a level of love and compassion I have yet to see, since. She peacefully passed away in 2006 at the age of 85. I miss her every day. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

As we approach the end of this academic year, the Mike Kelly Law Group would like to salute the graduates of all Midlands area schools, from kindergarten through college. Graduation is a milestone event which provides students with a sense of pride in their hard-earned accomplishments. The graduation ceremony is a celebration of the graduates’ preparedness to use their newfound diplomas and embark on future learning endeavors, whether that be through additional schooling or a career path. I have a fond memory of each one of my graduations even though they occurred a long time ago!

Graduation is for students both young and old! I recently represented a sixty-year-old female who withdrew from school in the eighth grade to start working. After forty years, she decided to earn her high school diploma online, which required diligent work and was no easy task. Now that is impressive! The Mike Kelly Law Group is proud of all our graduates and wish them all great success in their future and Godspeed.

Why do people say there is nothing to do in Columbia? I have commented on this before and having lived in this town since I was eighteen years old, I am always stunned and amazed by the number of fun, social activities Columbia offers every single day and night!

For example, last night, the Colonial Life Arena hosted this weekend’s first Disney on Ice performance, The South Carolina State Museum held Sweet & Savory (a local chefs’ competition), and the Township Auditorium hosted a live jazz concert! Last weekend, the South Carolina Philharmonic held a concert and, of course, my son, Patrick, directed the play “Hand to God”, at the Trustus Theatre!

If you are looking for something to do tonight, you might want to check out the Palmetto Chamber Orchestra at Katie and Irwin Kahn JCC or the wine tasting event at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

On Saturday, South Carolina State Fairgrounds will host the Annual South Carolina Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival and the Smithsonian exhibit “Beyond Bollywood” opens at the South Carolina State Museum. There will also be a “Touch a Truck” event located at the South Carolina State Farmers Market where children can touch and explore firetrucks, bulldozers, military vehicles, and much more!

Lastly, this Sunday, the Ebenezer Lutheran Church will host a BBQ and Blues event with live food and music and the Museum of Art will be holding the Greater Columbia Record Fair, with record vendors bringing all the best vinyl to Columbia!

Let’s not forget the ongoing events like Soda City on Main Street and the daily South Carolina State House Tours! The list is endless, so never let it be said that there’s nothing to do in Columbia!