tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83352002227258346862024-02-19T22:00:32.810-08:00advocacy, politics, public policy,public issueskeith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-70238108185315451442019-01-04T21:07:00.000-08:002019-01-04T21:17:12.632-08:00 Violent movies and vidos gmaes contitbute to violent youth<br />
Violent movies and vidos gmaes contitbute to violent youth<br />
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Within the pasy two weeks, I have seen three movies. On very good family oriented movie ("Mary Poppins Returns), One comedy that was so bad that people actually began to walk out, *"Holmes and Watson"), and as of today, a rellay good suspense/action movie. ("Escape Room"). However, my commentary here is not about the qaulity of these movies. Rather, it concerns the quality and qauntity of violent movies that our youth are being exposed to nowadays. I am not so prudish that I do not understand horroe movies. When I was ten years old, I begged my mother to allow me to watch "Jaws,' and "Pirannah.' My friends and I in high school watched Freddie Kruger, and Jason main hordes of people in "Nightmare on Elm Street,' and in "Halloween." So, I understand the attraction.<br />
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However, times have chnaged and the movies have gotten worse, and ar ebeing advertised to younger audiences with rating of "PG' and "PG-13." Virtually everyone of these movies has as protafanist an adolescent or teenager, brandsining a gun, sword, knife, bomb, etc., while killing others, incuding family members, in the process. The perfect examples of this are pet Semetary, base don the Stephen King novel, and "Prodigy," which is advertised as being bought to by the creators of "The omen." Based on the trailer for this particular movie, it uses basically the same plot. Those of us of certian age know how this movie ends. \The child murders his family.<br />
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As a writer journalsit, community adovcate, someone who works with thin the school system, and concerned uncle, this not only bothers, but scares me. How are we to prevent chidlren form murdering their parents, and shooting up classrooms, when we have movies showing protagonists who the same age sof our teenagers, doing the same thing. Not only that, but portraying them as heroes. There is one movie, in which a kid being bullied at school, pulls out the sword excalibur, and saves the world, nd of course there is violencein it. However this is not what I am referring to here. Rather, i ma referring to a movie such a "Prodigy' that takes a six year old genuis child, whose family is running form him, because he is a psychopathic kid, and end the railer by the kids sneaking up on his mother in in bed, and says to her: "Mommy, will you love me no matter, what I do,"as a look of fear overtakes her.<br />
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Unfortunately, we no longer live in a time in which parents are there for their kids. Even in well-off suburban families, teenegaers are given all the material things in life, but no affection or bounidries. (examples: The Menendez Brothers, and Keibold and Harris shooting up columbine in the 1990s. Excpet twent years later it has escalated to something that is no longer the occasiona anomally, but something on the nightly news so much that no one sees it as unusual anymore. On top of that, we have violent vido games that encourage young people to shoot human looking characters in a matter of seodns to get to the nex level.<br />
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Yes, guns are a problem, and we need backgorund checks. However, every teenager has gotten his gun from his parent;s gun rack. We have more resource offficer than guidcne counselor in schools, and one of the aspects of every shooter drill is tomake sure cell phones are not in use, because it could set off a homemade explosive. Question: Where are students getting these ideas? The movies? At the very least susch movies are leading our youth to look this stuff up on the internet.<br />
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As a writer, I am against government censorship. As concerned citizen I am for repsonsible parenting, and that includes not allowing your kids to see these vioelnt movies, and purchaisng these violent video games. It also means picketing these movies studioes putting out this stuff,as much as we pciket any gun show or "NRA" gathering.keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-79843310675649087432018-03-17T12:46:00.000-07:002018-03-17T12:46:22.248-07:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">As part of its Operation Hope program to help Help Columbia Area organizations in the Columbia, and South Carolina area (Special Olympics, "Camp Talk" for Autistic students and children, and "Pendergrass-fairwold School," in Richland School District One, Knights of Columbus Council 6892 at "Our Lady of the Hills' will be taking part in the "Belk Charity Day's Sale"on May 5, 2018.The event will be from 6-10 a.m., and Belk stores and will be held exclusively during these hours</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> for people who buy tickets to the event. Tickets are $5.00 each, and the event will feature rarely discounted items, and the tickets are good on already discounted items. All money raised from this will got help the above-mentioned charities. Tickets purchased may be used at any Belk's Department store in the country, on May 5th, 2018. Also, those purchasing tickets and attending the event may pre-purchase/put items on layaway, and pick the item(s) on May 5, 2018. I fo you have a Belk d/department store charge card you may pre-purchase items as early as April 2,2018. Those without a Belk department store charge card on April 23, 2018, items For more information, or to purchase tickets, you may contact me here on Facebook, my facebook page Keith H. Seymour, Freelance Writer, media consultant, and poet, at keithhseymour@bellosouth.net, syemour892000@yahoo.com, or at cell phone number 803-960-8785. I will notify you as soon as it is on our website <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FKofC6892.org%2F&h=ATMdjGE1sCmPgve3y4pIWL5kPDIHb9-1deptY3_QYwM1IOZGElouO6v09UmCuD-I-VaC4DJgUBNQU_UX2Yw1k0zxV5qdGmhiGLPhRfBNORuE53_rVUUbsLygXgnmKbY" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">KofC6892.org.</a> Please support the charities by purchasing tickets from Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church. </span>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-39971710560452014532017-09-04T20:47:00.000-07:002017-09-04T20:47:21.705-07:00Knigths of columbus raise money for special nneds<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IRMO KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL TO HOLD ANNUAL FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES ASSISTING THOSE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IRMO</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Knights of Columbus Council 6892, at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, will hold it’s annual “Columbus HOPE” fundraising campaign for Intellectually Disabled citizens, during the months of September, October and November 2017. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fundraiser will consist of Knights of Columbus members handing out Tootsie rolls and collecting donations, while standing in front of various stores in the Irmo and Columbia area. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Columbus HOPE” is an annual national campaign raising funds for people with Intellectual Disabilities, which is put on by the Knights of Columbus. The funds raised by the council at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic church will benefit the following organizations: South Carolina Special Olympics, Camp Talk (for Autistic youth), and the Pendergrass-Fairwold School in Richland County School District One. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Knights of Columbus are also holding a fundraising pancake breakfast on September 30, from 7:30am - 10:30am, at Fatz Cafe’, located at 7492 Broad River Road, in Irmo. Tickets to the breakfast are $7.00 per adult and $5 for those 5-12 years old. Children under five years of age eat free. Tickets may be purchased in advance, or at the door. All proceeds from the breakfast will go to the above named organizations. </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-045331bb-4fff-d87c-e53e-06021b7c7e7b"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Donations may also be mailed to the Knights of Columbus, ℅ Doug Mader, Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, South Carolina, 29210. Persons interested in more information on this or any other “Columbus HOPE” fund raising program may contact Doug Mader at (dmader@sc.rr.com), or Mr. Keith Seymour at keithhseymour@bellsouth.net. They may also go to the Knights of Columbus website at www.kofc6892.0rg.</span></div>
keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-66879812342066740822016-12-13T12:29:00.000-08:002016-12-13T12:35:04.103-08:00Knights of Columbus Assembly 1072 honors First Repsonders with Christmas Dinner<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LOCAL CHURCH ORGANIZATION HOLDS SPECIAL CHRISTMAS DINNER TO HONOR </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> AREA FIRST RESPONDERS</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Knights of Columbus Assembly 1072 in Columbia will be holding a special Christmas Dinner in honor of “First Responders” from the City of Columbia and Richland County recognition and awards dinner, which will be held on Wednesday, December 21st at the Knights of Columbus Assembly headquarters located located at 1623 Marion Street, will begin at 6:30 p.m, The dinner will be preceded by a time for guests and honorees to socialize.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Attending the event with the honorees and their guests will be various elected officials and leaders from Richland County and the City of Columbia. These dignitaries include Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and City of Columbia Fire Chief, Aubrey Jenkins, as well as other city and county leaders. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Charitable fraternity established by Father Micheal J. McGiveney in 1882, and operates off the four guiding tenets of “Charity,” “Fraternity” (Brotherhood), “Unity,” and “Patriotism.” The organization is one of the largest and most active “Faith Based” layperson organizations in the world. The Fourth Degree Assembly of “Sir Knights” are made up of a group of men from all walks of life that are leaders in the organization, community, and church.</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-01b64654-f9db-3dda-c726-ccb4799b8b99"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information on this event and the Knights of Columbus, please feel free to contact Knights of Columbus District Deputy Michael Mancari at 803-917-6444, or event organizer Arnold Farias at 347-281-3928. </span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-10559055112562098442015-11-04T20:15:00.000-08:002015-11-04T20:15:19.381-08:00<br />
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Officers<br />
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MG (Ret) Don Tyre<br />
President<br />
COL Lisa Craig<br />
Vice President<br />
LTC Betsy Evans<br />
Treasurer<br />
SFC Susan Bush<br />
Secretary<br />
MAJ (Ret) Debra A. Cox<br />
Executive Director<br />
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Tax Identification Number<br />
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59-2314251<br />
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Website<br />
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www.floridanationalguardfoundation.org<br />
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br />
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Cayce, South Carolina - The disaster relief organization, “Rocking 4 Relief” will hold a benefit concert to raise funds to assist those in the Midlands area that recently suffered losses in the “Thousand Year Flood,” that occurred last month, including the Lower Richland Area.<br />
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The November 15th event that will also honor the victims of the June shooting at “Mother Emmanuel AME Church,” in Charleston, will be held at well known historic “Columbia Speedway.” in Cayce, South Carolina.<br />
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Among the various artists that have agreed to perform at the “Rocking 4 Relief” benefit concert, are R&B recording artist Lyfe Jennings, "America's Got Talent,” and South Carolina natives Candace Glover, the 2013 winner of the “American Idol” television show, and Benton Blount. Also performing at the event will be Kimberly Nichole of "The Voice," rock and roll guitarist Malina Moye and various legendary Hall of Fame artists.<br />
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Tickets will be on sale to the public as of Wednesday November 4,2015 Those wishing to purchase tickets, or more information on the November 15th Benefit Concert, may visit www.rocking4relief.com<br />
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<br />keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-24614731759659859872015-04-03T17:38:00.000-07:002015-04-03T17:40:38.693-07:00Midlands Transit Riders to hold press conference April 8, 2015<div align="center" class="MsoHeader" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Midlands Transit
Riders Association<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoHeader" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">P. O. Box 263,
Columbia, SC 29202<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoHeader" style="text-align: center;">
MidlandsTransit@gmail.com</div>
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April 1, 2015</div>
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<b>For Immediate Release<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Dear (insert name):</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Midlands Transit Riders Association is proud to announce
that it is celebrating its Second Anniversary as a non-profit organization
operating working with the Comet Transit Service, area municipalities and
businesses as advocates for transit
riders. We will do this at a press conference that will be held at
the Transit Center parking lot on Laurel Street. The Press conference will be
held on Wednesday April 8, 2015, at 2:00
p.m.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The founding of our organization on April 3, 2013 was and
continues to be a catalyst for positive social and economic change within the
Columbia-Midlands Area. While working with the Comet Transit Service, area
municipalities and businesses over the past year, we have accomplished several
goals, including some which we had not foreseen as achieving within a time
period that they were achieved. The board of the Midlands Transit Riders Association would like to share these
accomplishments with the press and
public, as well as various plans and goals to improve on these improvements,
and more effectively the public transit system an important part of economic
development in the Midlands area.</div>
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The Midlands Transit Center continues to make it our mission.
To make sure that <b><i>all</i></b>
citizens in the Columbia-Midlands Area to see the transit system as a tool for
economic development that helps to decrease unemployment and homelessness, so
that prospective businesses and residents will want to become part of, and add
to the growth of the Metropolitan Columbia Area.</div>
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Officials from the Comet and area municipalities have been
invited to this event, including those who we hope to acknowledge for their
efforts in advancing the transit system, over the past year. </div>
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If you have any questions, or need any more information,
please feel free to contact me at 803-960-8785. or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:keithhseymour@bellsouth.net">keithhseymour@bellsouth.net</a>. </div>
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Respectfully Yours,</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Keith H.
Seymour<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Midlands Transit
Riders Association</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
Vice President and Communications
Chairperson</div>
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keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-30773967935550500212014-09-19T20:12:00.000-07:002014-09-19T20:12:52.155-07:00Ray Rice Domestic Abuse is everyone's concern<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38; overflow: hidden;">
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I was at mentor group social about a week ago, and over the past week or so, I have had and heard the discussions on ray rice, and other sports figures. sooner or later, i end up hearing words such as" it is no one's business. it is there private life.!!" this bothers me. why? well let me tell you. we see a stranger on the news who is "accused" of spousal abuse, or child abuse, and everyone is ready to say lock him or her up, and throw away the key!" understandably yet, if people see a favorite sports figure (t, ray rice, mike tyson beating actress wife robin givens), etc) and suddenly people are more understanding, and take the" it is is no one's business, it is their private business.PEOPLE THESE ARE PUBLIC FIGURES!!!! ANOTHER REASON I HAVE A A PROBLEM WITH THIS LINE OF THINKING ON SPORTS FIGURES accused of domestic abuseis this!!!. domestic abuse is nothing less than an epidmic in this country. A country that preaches to other countries about how they treat women as far in regards to religous and political equality has a battered women in this country every 14 seconds. That is right according to the /center for Abuse, a woman is battered every 15 seconds in this country. south carolina ranks number one in both domestic violence, and deaths by domestic violence. I imagine that a lot of this is happening because our sports idols and celebrities get away with it, so why shouldn't the average guy/gal. right "WRONG!!" children who are witnesses of domestic abuse either become abused or abusers themselves. This was proven in the 1980s, and has been proven over and over again!!!/ so people who feel ray rice was treated harshly because he lost his job, need to consider, no one would feel sorr forthe if they lsot theri job because of such a job. Also, the majorityof us do not have millions of dollar in savings and investments, due to mulit-million dollar contracts with our companies. it is is our business when these sports stars do this sort of thing, because our young kids look to these people as role models. now i have heard that because these sports stars did not publicly agree to be a role model, they are not role models. when you get in the public eye, and your intent ti to make sure that you profit off the fact you have a talent that people admire you for, especially youth, you are a role model. i am not a big sports fan, but when i was growing up, Billy jean king was a tennis role model, then it was revealed that she lived an amoral life that i disagreed with. I still admire her as historical figure with a sports talent, but morally, she is not someone i would want my nephews and nieces to look up to. when i was teenager, i though john mcenroe wa sos cool a tennis player,nit because he was good at hissport, but because he got away with throwing tantrums and using fowl language at almost everyone of his tennis matches. my mother pointed out how disappointed that she had found out i would look up to someone for acting so disgracefully. that was about 30 years ago now young people have the internet, you tube, 24/7 news casts.However, a sports star caught on a hotel elevator camera beating his wife, is far worse than a tennis star coming out of the closet about her sexual orientation, or a tennis star throwing a temper tantrum. so yes, any football team that would keep this any man that beat his wife should be boycotted. furthermore, i belief the NFL should be investigated for any cover up, and if it is found they knew all along this was going on, i would encourage any decent attorney out there to bring charges gainst the NFl</div>
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keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-65602291269550987222014-03-29T14:52:00.000-07:002014-03-29T14:52:40.905-07:00Public Transit Important to Economic Development of Local community<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Political, Community Leaders Need to
Realize Benefits of Encouraging Better Transit System in
</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Lowering Unemployment, Creating Jobs</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>By: Keith H. Seymour</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Recently,
I attended a Columbia City Council Meeting, where the theme of this
meeting, and all of the presentations, had to deal with “Columbia's
Economic Development.” As I sat there in that meeting for over four
hours I heard the City of Columbia praising and encouraging every
civic and business leader in the room in the area of bringing various
groups to the table to discuss the “Economic Development of this
City. Upon being given my chance to speak, I stated my total
disgust with City Council for not considering those involved with
public transit in Columbia, important enough to be include in any of
these discussions. Now, I realize that someone reading this might
wonder what having a a viable bus system has to do with the
positive development of Columbia's economic development. So, I am
going to put it in perspective by pointing out a few facts and some
common sense conclusions.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">At
the this very same meeting, when addressing the economic importance
of mentor programs such</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">as
“My Brother's Keeper,” existing in the Columbia Ar Ea,
Councilwoman Devine pointed out that </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">African-American
males in Columbia have more than a 20% unemployment rate, which
is”higher than the state average of 17%. In addition to this,
shortly before Councilwoman Devine made this statement, Councilmen
Runyon and Boudouragh, and City Manager Wilson were discussing the
possibility of keeping the emergency homeless shelter open for an
“additional' forty five days. Several minutes was spent on the
increasing homeless problem in our area. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It
does not take a genius to figure out that if a better transit
existed, therefore allowing more people to be employed, and others to
have access to better jobs, in addition to more discretionary income
being spent on restaurants and entertainment venue, more people would
be employed. Lower unemployment has the potential to lower
homelessness in this town. This would make the city more attractive
to businesses, tourists, and new residents that the city is trying to
bring to this city in the name of economic development. The fact is
that when Sunday and later evening routes were cut between 2008and
2009, people began loosing their jobs, while others were turned down
for jobs because they could not work on a Sunday, or past 7:30 p.m.
The city has even lost prospective businesses and many of its
citizens have left Columbia for places such as Charleston,
Greenville, Atlanta, and Charlotte, and other communities, whose
economic development has coincided with the increase in their transit
system. These other transit systems have succeeded and continue to
succeed because their communities view the public transit system as
“tool of economic development,” rather than a “system to
transport the poor and minorities It would there behoove the
political and business leaders in this town to change their
attitude, and become more “active” in working with those working
to enhance and increase our local transit system.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
late Ike McCleese, former president of Columbia Chamber of Commerce,
and an avid proponent often pointed this very fact out to several of
our political and business leaders. Until this attitude changes,and
more people tell our political and business leaders to think more
like the late Mr. McCleese, Columbia will be stuck with an
inefficient transit system that helps to perpetuate unemployment,
homelessness., and tax paying citizens making an exodus from this
city, causing a greater economic burden on those who remain. This
will remain true regardless of how many new stadiums are built, minor
league teams created, how many additions are made to museums, or how
much money the city spends on improving storefronts.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Keith
H. Seymour is the First Vice President and Communications Chairperson
of the Midlands Transit Riders Association, a non-profit organization
that advocate for a more efficient Transit system in the
Columbia-Midlands Area. He may be reached t
</span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:keithhseymour@bellsouth.net"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">keithhseymour@bellsouth.net</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
or at 80-960-8785.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-6467379338097986782013-04-01T19:46:00.000-07:002013-04-01T19:46:37.178-07:00WWII widow and Amputee has renovated house dedicated<br />
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Patriot
Connections LLC</span></div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kathy
Dent, Owner</span></div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(803)
960-2501 </span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>DEDICATION
FOR RENOVATED MARY DAVIS HOUSE SCHEDULED COMMUNITY WELCOME</b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 1,
2013 Contact: Keith Seymour</span></div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (803)-960-8785</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On
Wednesday April 3, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., a press conference and house
dedication will be held at the renovated home of Mrs. Mary Davis of
1314 Woodrow Street in Columbia, SC. Mrs. Davis, a recent amputee, is
the widow of World War II Veteran PRC Solomon Davis. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mrs.
Davis, confined to a wheelchair and how as a result of being denied
her husband’s military benefits earlier this year, was living in
substandard conditions that jeopardized her health, and kept her
confined to her more than 100 year old house. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">However,
with the help of various community organizations and individuals,
including the United States Marines, renovations began on our Mrs.
Davis' house on February 28th, 2013. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Due to
the age of the house, our team of volunteers and workers basically
did a total makeover the entire house including but not limited to
electricity, insulation, plumbing, masonry, and landscaping. Among
the many features that will be unveiled at the renovated Davis home
are American Disability Act (ADA) accessible features. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">During
the course of the month long renovations, several businesses,
individuals, and organizations have been quite generous with their
donations of materials, appliances, funding, Lodging for the family
and workers, and food for the volunteers. It is our intent to
recognize these people at the home dedication and on our Facebook
Page</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Additionally,
we would like to thank the media f and community at large for their
contributions in furthering this important community project. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For more
information on this event, interested parties may donations,
volunteering contact Kathy Dent ((803)960-2501,
</span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:patriotconnectionsllc@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">patriotconnectionsllc@gmail.com</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">),
Gabriella Carrafiello ((914)906-1454,
</span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:gabriellacarrafiello@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">gabriellacarrafiello@gmail.com</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">),
or Keith Seymour ((803)-960-8785, keithhseymour@bellsouth.net).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-78147955456888430322013-02-19T19:14:00.000-08:002013-02-19T19:14:31.934-08:00organization helps neglected elderly widow of war veteran<br />
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Patriot
Connections LLC</span></div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kathy
Dent, Executive Director</span></div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(803)
960-2501 </span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>PTSD
Victim Reaches out to Disabled WW2 Veteran’s Widow for Home Rebuild
Service Project</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">February
19, 2013 Contact: Keith Seymour</span></div>
<div align="RIGHT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (803)-960-8785</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On
February 20, 2013, at 10:30AM, a press conference will be held at the
home of Mrs. Mary Davis of 1314 Woodrow Street in Columbia, SC. Mrs.
Davis, a recent amputee, is the widow of World War II Veteran PRC
Solomon Davis. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mrs.
Davis, confined to a wheelchair and recently denied her husband’s
military benefits, is living in substandard and beyond poverty
conditions that have jeopardized her health. The condition of her
substandard housing conditions includes lacks of an accessible
bathroom, stable flooring, and other necessities. Additionally, the
absence of a wheelchair ramp has made Mrs. Davis a virtual prisoner
of her own home.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
combined assistance of various community organizations and
individuals have made it possible to begin renovations on Mrs.
Davis’ house as of February 28th, 2013. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Those
involved would like to reach out to the media and community at large
to be involved in helping an elderly woman who has made the sacrifice
to have her husband defend and protect our country. It is our hope
that the community will volunteer their time and any monetary and
in-kind donations that they can spare. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It is
the purpose of those organizations and individuals involved to bring
awareness to the community of these veterans and their families that
have been overlooked and are failing to receive proper medical
attention and financial benefits. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
donations, volunteering efforts, and further information on Mrs.
Davis’s housing project, please contact Kathy Dent ((803)960-2501,
</span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:patriotconnectionsllc@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">patriotconnectionsllc@gmail.com</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">),
Gabriella Carrafiello ((914)906-1454,
</span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:gabriellacarrafiello@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">gabriellacarrafiello@gmail.com</span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">),
or Keith Seymour ((803)-960-8785, keithhseymour@bellsouth.net).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-19007700154773707172012-12-19T16:37:00.000-08:002012-12-19T16:37:30.968-08:00prayer of St Francis of Assisi<br />
<div class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; padding: 0px;">
I felt this prayer may help us with the healing process concerning the tragedy at sandy hook elementary school</div>
<div class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0.2em; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
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Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;<br />where there is hatred, let me sow love;<br />where there is injury, pardon;<br />where there is doubt, faith;<br />where there is despair, hope;<br />where there is darkness, light;<br />and where there is sadness, joy.<br />O Divine Master,<br />grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;<br />to be understood, as to understand;<br />to be loved, as to love;<br />for it is in giving that we receive,<br />it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,<br />and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.</div>
<ul class="meta" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 1em 0px 1.2em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><abbr style="border: 0px;" title="2007-11-26 21:21:33 +0000">5 years ago</abbr></li>
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keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-89321152125474021922012-10-29T21:27:00.000-07:002012-10-29T21:27:29.849-07:00Area church invites Columbia community to Holiday and Christmas festival weekend<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
AREA CHURCH INVITES COLUMBIA COMMUNITY
YO HOLIDAY FESTIVAL WEEKEND</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>October 30, 2012</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our
Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, located at 120 Marydale Lane,
invites the Columbia Community to its Second Annual Community
Christmas and Holiday Celebration. The community and family oriented
celebration will be held at the church Family Life Center, over the
weekend of December 1<sup>st</sup>
and 2<sup>nd</sup>,
2012.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
fun filled weekend will consist of games, holiday foods, cultural
activities, a silent auction, entertainment, and other family
oriented events, Tickets for the Saturday, December first event, that
will take place between 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., , will be $3.00
per person. This day of events will be followed by a dinner, that
will be held in the gym of the Family Life Center. Tickets for the
dinner are $7.00 per person, and must be purchased either at the
parish office, at 120 Marydale Lane, located off Bush River Rd.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tickets
for the “Breakfast with St. Nicholas” are $5.00 per person, and
may be purchased at the church office during the month of November,
or on the day of the event, following the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. church
services However, advance tickets are encouraged, so as to make sure
that as many people as possible within the community may participate
in the event</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
Our Lady of the Hills Festival Committee all of their fellow
community members, regardless of faith or religious belief to take
part in those events, which are meant to help people within the
community to get to know their neighbors.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For
more information on this weekend festival please contact Christina
Murphy at 803-772-7400</div>
keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-14200407233653346372012-09-11T19:20:00.001-07:002012-09-11T19:26:23.315-07:00knights of columbus help mentally challenged children<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
September 11,2012</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>IRMO- </b>Our Lady of the Hills
Knights of Columbus Council 6892 will hold a community fundrasier
breakfast for the mentally challenged and handicapped on September
29m 2012. The event will be held from 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m., at Fatz
Cafe, located at 7420 Broad River Rd, in Irmo.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tickets for the Fundraiser Breakfast,
which will benefit South Carolina Special Olympics, and the
Pendergrass-Fairwold School, here in Columbia, are $7.00. Tickets may
be purchased in advance or at the Fatz Cafe, on the day of the
event.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also, on the weekend of September
14-16, the Knights of Columbus will be handing out free Tootsie
Rolls, and accepting donations at the following grocery stores:
Wal-Mart Stores at 418 Bush River Road, 1180 Dutch Fork Road, 360
Harbison Blvd., and Kroger's Grocery Store at 7467 Woodrow Street in
Irmo. The Irmo Knights of Columbus will also be at the Sam's Club on
Harbison Blvd., on the</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
weekend of September 21-23.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This fundraiser , called Operation
H.O.P.E (Helping Other People Everyday), is a nationwide Knights of
Columbus Event. The purpose of Operation H.O.P.E is to benefit
charities that work to assist and enhance the lives mentally
challenged citizens within their individual communities.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Please join the Knights of Columbus in
supporting these children with special needs, and making life easier
for them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For more information on Operation
H.O.P.E or to make a donation, persons may contact Doug Mader at
803-240-4733. They may also call volunteer public relations director,
Keith H. Seymour, at 803-960-8785</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-31221842873969570782012-07-16T15:10:00.001-07:002012-07-16T15:13:42.486-07:00shoney;s manger behavesshoney;s manger bullies waitress for taking child to doctor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bHZ65i7MX2M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-29828346740588413362011-10-01T15:35:00.000-07:002011-10-01T15:39:03.052-07:00Irmo Knights of Columbus have another fundraiser to benefit mentally challenged<pre class="western" style="page-break-before: always">IRMO- Our Lady of the Hills' Knights of Columbus Council 6892 will hold another community wide Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) breakfast for its Council's 2010-2011 Operation H.O.P.E. fund raising efforts, on Saturday October 29, 2011. The family and community oriented fund raising breakfast will be held at Fatz Cafe,located at 7420 Broad River Road in Irmo,and will be from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) is a nation wide Knights of Columbus campaign, that benefits various charities that work to assist and enhance the lives of physically and mentally Challenged citizens, and 85 percent of all proceeds stay within the community in which they are raised. All of the proceeds for Operation H.O.P.E fund raisers put on by Irmo Council 6892, at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, go to support Special Olympics and Pendergrass Fairwold School in Columbia. Over the past several years, Knights of Columbus 6892 Council has actively assisted, and continues to assist these organizations, and their clients. The entire public's participation in raising funds for the essential and heart warming services that benefit participants at the South Carolina Special Olympics, and the students at Pendergrass Fairwold School provide would be greatly appreciated. Tickets are $7.00, and may be purchased in advance or at the Broad River Rd. Fatz Cafe, on the day of the event. For more information on this October 29th Community fund raising event sponsored by the Irmo Knights of Columbus Council, or to make a donation, interested persons may contact Doug Mader, Operation Hope Chairman, at 803-240-4733. They may also contact Keith H. Seymour, Knights of Columbus 6892 Volunteer Community and Public Relations person at 803-960-8785 </pre>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-84746993954418765042011-08-05T14:32:00.000-07:002011-08-05T14:36:12.351-07:00Knights of Columbus in Irmo has Fund raiser to benefit disabled at local cici's pizza<pre class="western" style="page-break-before: always">IRMO- Our Lady of the Hills' Knights of Columbus Council 6892 will hold a community wide Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) Dinner for for its Council's 2011-201 Operation H.O.P.E. fund raising efforts, on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. The family and community oriented fund raising breakfast will be held at CiCi's Pizza located at 1620 St. Andrews Road located near Irmo,and will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) is a nation wide Knights of Columbus campaign, that benefits various charities that work to assist and enhance the lives of physically and mentally Challenged citizens, and 85 percent of all proceeds stay within the community in which they are raised. All of the proceeds for Operation H.O.P.E fund raisers put on by Irmo Council 6892, at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, go to support South Carolina Special Olympics and Pendergrass Fairwold School in Columbia. Our Lady of the Hills' Irmo Knights of Columbus Council has received such a wonderful response from its last two annual Saturday breakfast at Fatz Cafe in Irmo, that they decided to have an evening fund raising event at a local restaurant, so more of the public and their families may get involved in this worthy project, Over the past several years, Knights of Columbus 6892 Council has actively assisted, and continues to assist these organizations, and their clients. The entire public's participation in raising funds for the essential and heart warming services that the Special Olympics and Pendergrass Fairwold School provide would be greatly appreciated. For more information on this important August 24<sup>th</sup> Community fund raising event sponsored by the Irmo Knights of Columbus Council, or to send donations to the Operation H.O.P.E foundation interested persons may contact Doug Mader, Operation Hope Chairman, at 803-240-4733. </pre>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-20064137538115909822011-03-22T14:10:00.000-07:002011-03-22T14:12:48.428-07:00Irmo Knights of Columbus to hold Operation H.O.P.E breakfast for special needs children<pre class="western" style="page-break-before: always">IRMO- Our Lady of the Hills' Knights of Columbus Council 6892 will hold it's Second Annual Community Wide Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) kickoff breakfast for its Council's 2011-2012 Operation H.O.P.E. fund raising efforts. The family and community oriented fund raising breakfast, which will be held on Saturday May 7, 2011, and will once again be held at Fatz Cafe,located at 7420 Broad River Road in Irmo from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. The First Operation H.O.P.E kick-off breakfast at the Irmo Fatz Cafe was held this past August, and received such a positive response from the public that the Our Lady of the Hills' Knights of Columbus decided to try and make the kick-off breakfast an annual event. Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) is a nation wide Knights of Columbus campaign, that benefits various charities that work to assist and enhance the lives of physically and mentally Challenged citizens, and 85 percent of all proceeds stay within the community in which they are raised. All of the proceeds for Operation H.O.P.E fund raisers put on by Irmo Council 6892, at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, go to support Special Olympics and Pendergrass Fairwold School in Columbia. Over the past several years, Knights of Columbus 6892 Council have actively assisted, and continues to assist these organizations, and their clients. The entire public's continued participation in raising funds for the essential and heart warming services that the Special Olympics and Pendergrass Fairwold School provide would be greatly appreciated. Tickets are $7.00, and may be purchased in advance or at the Broad River Rd. Fatz Cafe, on the day of the event. For more information on this May 7<sup>th</sup> Community fund raising event sponsored by the Irmo Knights of Columbus Council, interested persons may contact Jim Sansonetti, Operation Hope Chairman, at 803-361-1801. </pre>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-1497442143139717932011-03-11T12:42:00.000-08:002011-03-11T12:46:04.585-08:00Irmo St, Vincent De paul society holds fund raiser for the needy<p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <b>Irmo St. Vincent De Paul Society to Hold Fund Raising Breakfast fir the Needy</b></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b>Irmo- </b><span style="font-weight: normal">The Irmo Chapter of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, </span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">will hold a fundraising breakfast on March 19, 2011.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">The event, which will be held at the Fatz Cafe', located at 7420 Broad River Rd, Irmo, South </span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">Carolina, will be held from 7:30-10:30 A.M.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">Tickets are $7.00, and may be purchased in advance or at the door, and all proceeds will go to </span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">the Sr. Vincent De Paul Society to help assist with the financial needs of those in the Columbia-</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">Irmo communities.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">The St. Vincent De Paul Society is a Catholic lay organization, whose mission is to assist with </span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">the financial needs of the needy in the community</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">For more information on this event, the Our Lady of the Hills St. Vincent De Paul Society, its </span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <span style="font-weight: normal">events or programs, interested parties may contact Ms. Roseann Helms at 803- 798-4265.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-73382984442881640622011-03-11T12:37:00.000-08:002011-03-11T12:42:46.491-08:00Knights of Columbus donates three thousand dollars worth of labor and supplies to repair church property<p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Irmo Knights of Columbus Donates Labor and Supplies to Replace Roof on Church Picnic Shelter</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">IRMO- Father Frederick Suggs Knights of Columbus Council 6892, in Irmo, donated supplies and two </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> days of labor to repair the roof on the parish picnic shelter, which had been severely destroyed </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> through years of water damage and age.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> The project in which twenty one of the council's knights participated, was led by recently </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> exemplified 4<sup>th</sup> degree Knight, Jose' Rodriquez, a professional contractor, and council Grand </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Knight Gerald Cotoure.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> According to Council Grand Knight, Sir Knight, Gerard Cotoure. Donation of labor and supplies </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> by the council saved the church approximately three thousand dollars.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> For more information on Irmo Knights of Columbus, and its various programs and projects, </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> interested parties may contact Gerard Cotoure at 803-760-8015</p>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-53097495074489609202011-02-27T20:09:00.000-08:002011-02-27T20:12:25.023-08:00Irmo knights of columbus raise more than $6,000 for special needs children<pre class="western" style="page-break-before: always"> <b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</b> <b>February 27 2011</b> <b>Irmo Knights of Columbus Raises and Donates More Than $6,000 to </b> <b>Organizations Assisting Mentally Disabled and special Needs Students.</b> IRMO- Our Lady of the Hills' Knights of Columbus Council 6892 recently held its annual luncheon and presentation to benefit its sponsored organizations, assisting mentally disabled children an children with special needs. The Irmo Knights of Columbus Council, which made one hundred and five percent of its fund raising goal for this year, held the February 19,2011 event at the church;s family life center, Located at 120 Marydale Lane. The Irmo Knights of Columbus Council, which made one hundred and five percent of this year's fund raising goal, made presentations of $3,085.17 each to the Fairwold Pendergrass School for mentally challenged students, located in Columbia, and the South Carolina Special Olympics. The presentations were made by council grand knight, Sir Knight Gerald Couture, and Father, David Whitman of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church. Father Whitman who recently became parochial vicar of Our Lady of the Hills Church, is also a member of the Knights of Columbus Organizations. The Irmo council would like to thank the community and the following local businesses for their continuing support of the Operation H.O.P.E fundraisers,that helped raise the more than $6,000 that was raised to benefit Fairworld Pendergrass School and South Carolina Special Olympics. Irmo Fatz Cafe' at 7420 Broad River Road, that sponsored the kickoff breakfast, this past August; Kroger Grocery store in Irmo, Sams Club Store in Harbison, and Wal-Mart on Bush River Rd. Operation H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday) is a nation wide Knights of Columbus campaign, that benefits various charities that work to assist and enhance the lives of physically and mentally Challenged citizens, and 85 percent of all proceeds stay within the community in which they are raised. For more information on the Irmo Knights of Columbus Council's Operation H.O.P.E fund raising programs to benefit the mentally disadvantaged citizens interested persons may contact Jim Sansonetti, Operation Hope Chairman, at 803-361-1801. </pre>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-75537514957795618732011-02-10T17:27:00.000-08:002011-02-10T17:38:10.040-08:00New South Carolina Secretary of Education needs to also hold parents accountable<p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><b>ZAIS NEEDS TO HOLD PARENTS JUST AS ACCOUNTBLE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS</b></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <b>BY: Keith H. Seymour-Contributing Editor </b> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <b>SCHotline.com</b></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> First, I should preface my remarks by objectively pointing out that while Secretary Zais' success in raising the academic standing of Newberry College, may go unchallenged, it is only fair to also point out that South Carolina's new Secretary of Education has no experience in dealing with pre-college students or their parents and teachers, except from personal experience in his own role as a parent. These points are not raised to discredit Secretary Zais or his plans to improve education in South Carolina, but to merely allow the reader to make an educated and objective judgment in regards to them, and any related comments made in this editorial.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Recently, South Carolina's new State Superintendent of Education, Mick Zais, a former Army General, who as a college president rescued that same college from being a poor performing college to what many have referred to as a college revered for academic excellence, released a statement on how he plans to raise public education standard in South Carolina.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Specifically, Secretary Zais, would like to pay teachers based on merit rather than their credentials. For example, a teacher will not merely get paid because that teacher has a degree and several years of experience in teaching the subject matter, but on how well that teacher;s students do in the areas of grades and graduation rates. While Secretary Zais' reasoning of of weeding out the bad teachers is certainly justifiable, he need to put the success of South Carolina's public school system into proper perspective by holding parents equally accountable for their children's success. Otherwise he will end up hurting South Carolina's Education system more that it helps.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Since Mr. Zais has no experience working within the public school system, or even with teachers, students, and teachers outside of a collegiate environment, he would be best advised to remember that</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in">any educator, social worker or parent worth his or her salt will admit that good education not only begins, but is reinforced at home. As a matter of fact, this is why many parents and experts feel that home schooling. Magnet schools, and virtual schools have becoming increasing popular over the years.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> The fact is a teacher can do everything that he or she needs to to make sure that students are academically successful, but if parents are not reinforcing those efforts through active involvement with the school system teacher, and child, those efforts are going to have a limited an even non-existent positive effect on the student's educational success. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Many parents will even use the excuse that it is inconvenient for them to attend a quarterly parent teacher-conference and are unable to find a combined three or four hours a months to attend a school board meeting, or PTO/PTA meeting, because they already spending an extra 20 or more hours a week taking their kids to extra-curricular activities, in the name of making sure that child is well-rounded, and academically competitive. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> If Secretary Zais plans to hold parents accountable for being involved in their children;s educations, how does he plan to do so? He can't make their involvement mandatory. He can't fire them, or affect their paychecks. These are issues Secretary Zais needs to also address in order to improve our state's public school rankings.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-24675898540613985852010-12-09T16:51:00.000-08:002010-12-09T16:54:23.806-08:00Columbia Transit system is broke, buses about to be cut<p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Bus System to be cut seventy-five percent in 2011, with possibility of going out of business in 2012.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> By: Keith H. Seymour</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) recently announced that following the failed referendum to pass a penny sales tax in Richland County to repair roads, and support the transit system, that bus services will likely be cut no less than seventy-five percent. This will include the Dial A Ride Transit (DART) service for the disabled. According to Joyce Dickerson CMRTA chairperson, and Richland County Councilperson, the DART services, which travel three-quarters of a mile further than the regular buses, may only legally run at the same time the regular buses are in operation. This means that if the cuts take place on April 1, 2011, the DART system will only be available to the disabled between 5 a.m. until 10 a.m., and 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., with total elimination of weekend service. Up until this time the bus system has been supported the ten dollar additional automobile property tax that was adopted in 2006 that will cease to exist as of June 2011. As well as a one time federal grant received by the CMRTA in March.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> CMRTA board members and others in favor of the penny sales tax pointed out the rise in unemployment and the inability to attract business that occurred within the the Charleston area, when they voted the same way, a few years back. Many of those opposing the penny sales tax were business people in the “Five Points,” and Vista” area, and CMRTA board member Tommy Windsor, who opposed it on the grounds that it would hurt business. However, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce came out in favor of the penny sales tax, stating that if the bus system was cut, fewer people would be working, which would in turn mean that businesses would be making less money. Among those losing jobs, if the cuts take place on April 1, 2011, will be transit employees. Specifically, forty bus drivers, twelve DART bus drivers, four mechanics, and ten supervisors and staff members. If these take place, they will only allow the buses to run until September 30, 2011.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> According to CMRTA board member, Frannie Heizer, who gave the budget briefing during the executive board meeting that took place prior to the regular public meeting, the firing of the sixty-six transit employees would by itself, be a gross loss of 2.2 million dollars to the community. “This is what those people who voted against the penny tax have done to this community. I just hope they can sleep at night,” said Dickerson who has since become a a very vocal supporter of the sales tax, since her and Richland County Council's 2008 vote to disallow a referendum on the penny sales tax. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> According to South Carolina State Law the penny sales tax may only be included on a referendum during a general election year. However, even if a penny tax referendum passed in 2012, the money would not be likely allocated to CMRTA, until early 2013, and the CMRTA and its member municipalities would need to find the money to fill that unfunded period of time. On the other hand, if a 2012 referendum fails, the bus system will without a doubt dissolve, due to lack of funding.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> On December 20<sup>th</sup>, Richland County Council, the City of Columbia, and the CMRTA will be holding a public meeting at the Richland County Public Main Library, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting will be to public input, before voting on the proposed changes in late January 2011. Meanwhile the CMRTA is finding ways to raise money to avoid the cuts. Among the ways that this is being done are the sale or leasing of land on River Drive, selling the eight additional buses and trolleys owned by the CMRTA, and possibly applying to the secretary of state for non-profit status, so that the CMRTA may raise funds through grants and donations. Also, beginning January 1, 2010, all bus riders will be required to pay an additional seventy-five cents for each transfer, the five CMRTA administrative employees will be furloughed for one day a month, for the state amount maximum of ten months, and off duty City of Columbia Police officers will no longer be used in addition to t he regular security guards at the transit station, where recently released prisoners are dropped off. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"></p>keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-91801100767767434402010-11-08T16:55:00.000-08:002010-11-08T17:00:46.732-08:00Why Haley Election could cause South Carolina to become a national role model for 21st century diverstyHaley Election could be used as historical model in diversity for rest of country<br /><br /> By: Keith H. Seymour<br /> schotline Contributing Editor<br /><br /> Tuesday, November 2, 2010, I had the privilege of witnessing what will inevitably go down in South Carolina History, as a “landmark moment.” I am of course referring to the election of Nikki Haley as the first Female and Minority governor of a state that has been governed by Caucasian males, since its creation as British Colony in 1729. <br /><br /> However, I believe that my more illustrious colleagues in the media have either not realized, or have overlooked the importance that the governor-elect's “historic” accomplishment lies not so much in her gender and ethnicity, but more importantly, what appears to be the consistent diversity of her supporters, since she entered the race for governor. In the opinion of this observer, the socio-economic, ethnic, racial, and even political make up of Haley's supporters is an indication that as chief executive of South Carolina, she has the very real potential to unify what is often seen as the one of the most ethnically and politically polarized states in the country, in manner, that could be used as a positive model for the rest of this country.<br /><br /> As someone of a diverse racial background and upbringing, this is not a statement that I make lightly. During the course of the evening, and throughout her campaigns, I have noticed individuals of every background imaginable, including people who who have sworn they would never vote for a Republican candidate. This is not to state that Governor-Elect Haley will not have opposition from various political and ethnic groups, because she will. Such opposition is an inevitability. It is merely pointed out that in the opinion of this writer, that more than any other governor of my recollection, Governor-Elect Haley has the greatest potential to appeal to a greater number and a more diverse group of current and future residents of South Carolina. I believe this not merely because of her gender and her ethnicity, but also because her demeanor. <br /><br /> Whereas, other candidates have secluded themselves with the help of their entourages, Iy has been my observation, that then Candidate Haley had consistently made herself available to media and voters/ While it may be argued that this is a popular way to get the most votes from the greatest number of people, this observer believes Governor-Elect Haley's efforts to reach out to the most diverse section of the state possible, are sincere. When one considers that for the past two years ,South Carolina's politicians from both sides of the aisle have made South Carolina a national punchline for every comic and news talk host out there, having a state led by a governor who will sincerely reach out and appeal to as many groups of people, is extremely important. <br /><br /> When Haley gave her acceptance speech, she pledged that regardless of whether you voted for her or not, or whatever a person's background, she would work for every South Carolinian.<br /><br /> It is the sincere hope of this journalist, that he is correct in believing that Haley will follow through on this pledge. At the same time, it is up to all South Carolinians to make sure that Governor-Elect Haley does follow through, by staying informed.keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-57123631034029966772010-10-20T20:20:00.000-07:002010-10-20T20:25:23.692-07:00Community and School join to benefit children with special needsNon-Profit Organization, District Five Schools, Community Unite to Benefit Children With <br /> Special Needs and Pay Tribute to Veterans. <br /> <br /> The Family Connection Network, Inc of Columbia “officially” announces “American Idol” star, La Kisha Jones for its twentieth year anniversary celebration and fundraiser to be held at the Dutch Fork High School Football Stadium, Sunday November 7, 2010. <br /><br />According to the organizers of the events, in addition to Ms. Jones, various Lexington/Richland School District Five bands and choirs School, including the award winning Irmo and Dutch Fork High School Choirs.<br /><br />Various ROTC programs from Richland/Lexington School District Five will be joining various patriotic and scouting organizations at the event, in a salute to our country's current and fallen veterans., including the presentation of the flag to the family of a local veteran, recently killed in the Middle East. <br /><br />For more information on tickets or making donations individuals and local companies may contact W.C. Hoeke at 803-252-0914 or they may go to www.familyconnectionsc.org. They may also contact Mr. Peter Zeef at 803-807-1337 or Mr. Keith H. Seymour at 803-960-8785.keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8335200222725834686.post-66668256343028801562010-09-29T12:29:00.000-07:002010-09-29T12:33:24.150-07:00La Kisha Jones to appear at November 7th fund raiser for special needs kids, in Columbia, South CarolinaSeptember 20, 2010<br /><br />Special Needs Organization Proudly Announces Name of Star for November 7th Fundraiser.<br /> <br /> The Family Connection Network, Inc of Columbia “officially” announces “American Idol” star, La Kisha Jones for its twentieth year anniversary celebration and fundraiser to be held at the ,Dutch Fork High School Football Stadium, Sunday November 7, 2010. <br /><br />The star's agent Ms. Cynthia Jackson of La Kisha Jones Music just have waited to release Since Ms. Jones' 2007 “American Idol “ appearance she has been chosen for several acting and singing jobs on Broadway, and in television and movie roles. Among her Broadway roles she has played both supporting and starring roles, in Alice Walker's “The Color Purple.” This includes the pivotal role of Sophia in “The Color Purple.”<br /><br />According to the organizers of the events, Ms. Jones, who is the founder of La Kisha Jones Music in Los Angeles, California has graciously taken time out or her busy schedule, which includes work on a new album. <br /><br />The November 7th anniversary celebration and fundraiser will raise money to assist Family Connection's Special Needs Children and their families. <br /><br />For more information on tickets, interested parties may contact W.C. Hoeke at 803-252-0914 or they may go to www.familyconnection.org.keith H. Seymourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06922953345430663503noreply@blogger.com0