Dayhoff Soundtrack: Dayhoff writing essays

Showing posts with label Dayhoff writing essays. Show all posts

Saturday, July 01, 2017

This year’s celebration of Juneteenth in Carroll Co. featured a documentary on the black churches in the area

In the last several meetings of the Carroll County NAACP, we have discussed Juneteenth.

June 30^th, 2017 by Kevin E. Dayhoff

Westminster Md. - This year the Juneteenth celebration in Carroll County, June 19th, 2017 at the Carroll Arts Center, featured a special premiere screening of “The Rock of our Ancestors,” a Community Media Center (CMC) produced documentary about the origins, history, and impact of Carroll County’s small, African-American Churches. For more information go here: http://www.carrollmediacenter.org/the-rock-of-our-ancestors/

According to the April 27, 2017 minutes of the Carroll County NAACP: “It was mentioned that the Community Media Center http://www.carrollmediacenter.org/ and the CC NAACP will partner in an upcoming event involving a movie that has been made about the history of the Black churches in Carroll County.

The event will take place this year on June 19th, 2017 at the Carroll Arts Center http://www.carrollcountyartscouncil.org/index.asp.

For those not familiar with Juneteenth, it is a celebration of the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reaching Galveston Texas and being publicly announced by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19th, 1865 - two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had been signed on January 1, 1863.

To watch a short trailer of the documentary film on the black churches in Carroll County go here: https://youtu.be/ozGHZczQt1k

According to Sherry Taylor with the Carroll Community Media center, “Throughout our history, the church has been the cornerstone around which people have gathered to build their communities. It is the rock of faith that sustains us in times of uncertainty, the foundation that supports us as we grow, and a touchstone to guide us day-by-day.

“But, some of our small churches are finding themselves on shifting sand, facing an uncertain future. Shrinking congregations, competing interests, and financial pressures create significant challenges in their survival.

“Carroll County’s houses of worship not only serve as a source of strength and comfort, but also have been vessels of history; some tracing their roots back over 100 years.

“For these parishioners, the loss of the church, is the loss of their legacy. Today, it’s not just the building or the congregation that is at risk, it is the very heritage of their ancestors and the identity of an entire community that is at stake.”

I recently wrote an article on Juneteenth that appeared in the Carroll County Times - “Time Flies: June 19 is Juneteenth Independence Day,” by Kevin Dayhoff June 16, 2017:

“June 19, is "Juneteenth," a relatively little-known holiday in approximately 45 of the 50 states, and the District of Columbia. In June 2011, when I first wrote about the importance of Juneteenth and advocated that Maryland recognize 'Juneteenth Independence Day,' only 38 states observed the holiday. Today, according to some recent research, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota and South Dakota still do not recognize the ‘19th of June.’ …”

Find the article here: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/ph-cc-dayhoff-061817-20170613-column.html

This year’s celebration of Juneteenth in Carroll Co. featured a documentary on the black churches in the area https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/year-s-celebration-juneteenth-carroll-co-featured-documentary-black-churches

This year’s celebration of Juneteenth in Carroll Co. featured a documentary on the black churches in the area

https://www.facebook.com/notes/kevin-earl-dayhoff/this-years-celebration-of-juneteenth-in-carroll-co-featured-a-documentary-on-the/10154744864717654/

This year’s celebration of Juneteenth in Carroll Co. featured a documentary on the black churches in the area https://kevindayhoff.wordpress.com/2017/07/01/this-years-celebration-of-juneteenth-in-carroll-co-featured-a-documentary-on-the-black-churches-in-the-area/

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

Thursday, April 20, 2017

The last words of SPC Jordan Shay

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-last-words-of-spc-jordan-shay.html

April 20, 2017 by Kevin Dayhoff

I awakened early this morning to an odd email that enigmatically resulted from a series of events from 2009 – August, late summer 2009. On any given day, I can barely remember what I had for breakfast, much less, recall events from eight-years ago.

But it came to me quickly. The email came from a commenter on a post on one of the several ‘milblogging’ conflict-blogs that I followed a number of years ago. Some of which involved writers, and folks I knew, or areas of the world in which I was somewhat aware, or had colleagues, or friends, or friends of friends who were participating in operations in the area.

Many of them were sad, and often reminded me in many ways of reading about the events involved in the Boer War, as depicted in the Bruce Beresford, 1980 cult classic, “Breaker Morant,” about un-real events in 1901, in South Africa - or Peter Weir’s 1981, “Gallipoli.”

Storytelling about unremarkable specific events in a character’s life that are compelling because they provide an insight into a larger narrative about war, conflict, heroism, empire – and ordinary folks involved in ordinary events who step-up to accomplish extraordinary accomplishments that defy any reasonable explanation.

“Through Aber Lenses,” http://throughamberlenses.blogspot.com/, was written by SPC Jordan Shay who was serving as an infantry fireteam leader in the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment in Iraq; placed like Diyala Province.

Shortly after his post, “The Promised ‘Real’ Post,” was published in August 2009, he was killed in action on September 2, 2009. He poignantly left behind, dedicated friends, avid readers who had gotten to know him through his excellent writing, and a loving family and girlfriend.

This reminds one of the great writers that were killed in World War I. Spc. Shay had gifted voice that brought to life the moment by moment otherwise unremarkable daily events that would become a part of greater collage of a war zone – that made sense, because it made no sense.

To be certain, I did not know Spc. Shay, but to be reading his writing, just before his death, quickly became a touchstone that gave you chills and a pause for thought – a trigger event, if you will, for all the folks on the Carroll County Vietnam Memorial that I knew – or knew of through mutual friends and family. Carroll County was much smaller in those days and in many ways, much-much more closely knit.

I learned early in life, by way of writing experiences, leadership events, the Marine Corps, the Vietnam War, advocating for Civil Rights, sports, or binge-reading southern gothic literature; that success in life is hinged upon how well one deals with tragic setbacks, extreme difficulty and abject failure. The unexplained sudden loss, and totally unpredictable random setbacks that seem to have no relationship to how hard you tried.

During the Vietnam War, we did not talk about the war, our military service, or G_d forbid, our feelings. Even those of us, like me, who never deployed and stayed stateside. And we sure as heck did not write about our experience on a website that could be accessed from all over the world. We kept to ourselves to ‘protect ourselves’ against all the folks in society who brandished the peace symbol, burned the flag, and plead for tolerance for their point of view, who heaped scorn upon us.

The post, “The Promised ‘Real’ Post,” is compelling – as are the heartfelt and meaningful comments, for a change, that filled-in many of the missing pieces of the puzzle. One writer wrote, “This is very painful. We writers take loss very hard, especially when one as young as Jordan passes. We realize that he had so little time to share his gift, and regret he didn't get to share more. But these words --what he saw, how he thought, what he felt, will be with the world forever. Writing was part of his legacy…”

We seem to have some sort of primal-programming to accept loss, and move-on quickly. I guess when the dinosaur ate your best friend, you were not going to survive, if you hung around wallowing in grief when the dinosaur choose to chase you for dessert.

Rest in peace brother, your watch is over we will take it from here, you duty is done here, God has your place in heaven.

Or better yet, paraphrased from someone far brighter than me, “God will be merciful to his good soul. Thank you for your service, dedication, and sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Semper Fidelis from an old Marine. Now for the last time, set that weapon down on pods, on the deck of Heaven's chow hall.”

There are no guarantees in life. Every morning I put on the “The Whole Armor of God” God will be merciful to his good soul. Thank you for your service, dedication, and sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Semper Fidelis from an old Marine. Now for the last time, set that weapon down on pods, on the deck of Heaven's chow hall.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Ephesians 6: 10-18

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The last post of 5/20 Milblogger Jordan Shay KIA Iraq Sept 2 2009

HT @Michael_Yon Milblogger: Through Amber Lenses Jordan Shay 22 KIA Iraq 5th Battalion 20th Inf Reg See http://tinyurl.com/nuk7nk

Through Amber Lenses

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http://armyofdude.blogspot.com/2009/09/through-amber-lenses-light.html http://tinyurl.com/nuk7nk

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Thank you Jordan for all your work. Rest in peace, your labor is done. We salute you. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten. Kels, let us know if there is anything you need.

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Amesbury soldier killed in Iraq by Marie Szaniszlo |Friday, September 4, 2009|http://www.bostonherald.com|Local Coverage

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1195392

A 22-year-old Amesbury soldier was killed this week on his second tour of duty in Iraq, town officials said.

Jordan Shay, an E4 leader in an attack company assigned to the 5th Battalion of the 20th Infantry regiment, was killed Tuesday, said Kristen LaRue, director of veteran’s services.

Details about how Shay was killed have not yet been released. But he belonged to the 3rd Stryker Brigade, based in Fort Lewis, Wash., and was on his third tour of duty, LaRue said.

The day before he was killed was the last time he logged on to his MySpace [website] page, where a clock counting down how many days he had left in the Army is still running.

“Our hearts and our prayers are with the Shay family,” she said. “As a community, we are standing together to assist the family in any way.”

Flags have been lowered to half-staff across town in memory of Shay, who graduated from Amesbury High School in 2005.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1195392

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From: http://armyofdude.blogspot.com/2009/09/through-amber-lenses-light.html

Friday, September 04, 2009

Through Amber Lenses, A Light

At times he must have been no more than two hundred feet from me, but I never had the privilege to meet Jordan Shay. Together we chewed up the most inhospitable terrain on earth, and back on Ft. Lewis, we worked daily in the same dilapidated Korean War era barracks. The only connection I shared with Jordan was through the comments section of his blog, which I keep linked on the top of the page under our unit crest. Though our companies faced a heated inter-battalion rivalry, Attack Company was always in the thick of combat with my company, Battle. They shouldered a far greater burden than us, sustaining eight KIAs to our two. Jordan, at 22 years old, saw more combat than a lot of crusty old vets before he could legally buy a beer. For his third combat tour with the 3rd Stryker Brigade, Jordan started a blog to chronicle his experience. He named it Through Amber Lenses, the color of his sunglasses. He wanted to explain to the world what he saw with a bright amber tint.

What I read when I checked his most recent comment section hit me straight in the gut. "RIP Jordan." I rushed to the DoD announcement page and found nothing. Through a Google search I confirmed my worst fear: Jordan Shay, 22 years young, killed in Iraq.

Read the rest here: http://armyofdude.blogspot.com/2009/09/through-amber-lenses-light.html

Be sure to check out Spc. Jordan Shay’s blog: http://throughamberlenses.blogspot.com/

Here, pasted below, I want to preserve his last post:

Be sure to go here: http://tinyurl.com/ncujtm http://throughamberlenses.blogspot.com/2009/08/promised-real-post.html to read the comments – and perhaps say a few words of thanks and condolences. Keep his family and Kels in your prayers as you enjoy Labor Day, brought to you by the sacrifice of Spc Shay and too many others like him…

2009 (16)

August (7)

The Promised "Real" Post!

The New Guys...

Same FOB, New Faces

it's been three days...

Be Prepared...

D-Day + 6ish

Live From Kuwait...

July (3)

The (Second) Day of Reckoning

June (4)

May (2)

20090905 sdsom last post 5 20 Milblogger Jordan KIA Sept 2 2009

http://twitpic.com/glk1a The last post of 5/20 Milblogger Jordan Shay KIA Iraq Sept 2 2009 http://tinyurl.com/njusfk

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2009/09/last-post-of-520-milblogger-jordan-shay.html http://tinyurl.com/njusfk

Be sure to read http://armyofdude.blogspot.com/ Through Amber Lenses, A Light http://tinyurl.com/nuk7nk

Be sure to go here http://throughamberlenses.blogspot.com/ leave TY & condolences http://tinyurl.com/ncujtm

Keep his family & Kels n your prayers as you enjoy Labor Day brought 2 you by t sacrifice of men & women n uniform

20090904_ArmyofDudesmokebannerfinal

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Friday, April 07, 2017

Dayhoff: Pastor Marty Kuchma honored by the Carroll County Human Relations Commission

Dayhoff: Pastor Marty Kuchma honored by the Carroll County Human Relations Commission http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/ph-cc-dayhoff-040917-20170403-column.html April 7, 2017 by Kevin Dayhoff Carroll County Times reporter.

St. Paul's United Church of Christ pastor The Rev. Dr. Marty Kuchma was named as the 25th recipient of the Carroll County Human Relations Commission's human relations award at its annual awards dinner on March 27.

St. Paul's Consistory President Ben Rogers wrote in the March church newsletter "Highlights," that Kuchma was "recognized for his many efforts in addressing homelessness, diversity, inclusion, and other important issues with which we are faced in Carroll County." He further noted that Kuchma "represents us so well in St. Paul's efforts in making the world a better place."

Kuchma has been the pastor of St. Paul's in Westminster since July 2005. In his introduction of Kuchma at the awards dinner, Rodgers said Kuchma, "came to us with a background in the social services field, where he cut his teeth helping troubled children, teens, families, and adults ..."

Dayhoff: Pastor Marty Kuchma honored by the Carroll County Human Relations Commission http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2017/04/dayhoff-pastor-marty-kuchma-honored-by.html

Dayhoff: Pastor Marty Kuchma honored by the Carroll County Human Relations Commission https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/10210527111187607?pnref=story

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Thursday, February 02, 2017

Not everyone appreciated my story, “Carroll made great by many who have recently passed away.”

Not everyone appreciated my story, “Carroll made great by many who have recently passed away.” http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2017/02/not-everyone-appreciated-my-story.html

February 1, 2017 Kevin Dayhoff

As will happen from time to time, not everyone appreciated my story, “Carroll made great by many who have recently passed away.” http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/history/ph-cc-dayhoff-012917-20170127-column.html

Go here: https://www.facebook.com/cctnews/posts/10155173261802018?comment_id=10155187374597018&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R1%22%7D

I am not into Facebook arguments – see http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/2016/05/beating-dead-horse.html. I like discussion and encourage folks with other points of view to share their thoughts with me. It is a relatively new “Facebook concept” that folks do not like others with whom they disagree. I like my friends, whether they agree with me or not. I am so easy. I like anybody who is nice to me.

Anyway, at least one reader really objected to when I wrote that, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground” is an old African proverb.

Usually I ignore comment trolls. I simply do not have the time to respond. But this one struck a nerve. The column was from the heart. And besides, it brought back memories of Dr. Earl Griswold’s anthropological and sociology research at Western Maryland College – see https://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2016/04/april-11-1992-dr-l-earl-griswold.html: all the wonderful things I learned in the Westminster United Methodist Church MYF - Methodist Youth Fellowship and the many-many lectures and programs at Western Maryland College in the 1960s… Folks and places that I recall where and when I was introduced to the concept of “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.”

So I wrote on the Carroll County Times’ Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/cctnews/?fref=nf: I’d like to thank everyone for their feedback. I appreciate this opportunity to shed some addition light on an important topic in a storied Carroll County that is rapidly changing.

From the comments below, it appears that many folks understand the thrust and theme of the story. I felt extremely sad when I wrote the piece and actually it was my editors who insisted that I have the story published. I am indebted to them.

For those I failed to reach, I apologize. Genevieve Frost wrote, “‘old’ African saying. This saying originated in 1960. Stop virtue signaling and rewriting history.” In a subsequent comment, Ms. Frost remarked, “Stating that something is old when it is not, isn't an opinion, it's misinformation.”

Well - - at an l’UNESCO conference in 1960, Amadou Hampâté Bâ, (1901– May 15, 1991,) an eminent Malian intellectual, writer, and ethnologist referred to the old African proverb when he said, “Un vieillard africain qui meurt, c’est une bibliothèque qui brûle.” - “In Africa, when an old man dies, it’s a library burning.”

This, according to multiple media sources, including, “Cahiers d’études africaines,” 1965, and Cote-d’ivoire by Dominique Desanti, 1962, “Selon la fulgurante formule d’un ethnologue malien, Amadou Hampâté Bâ: ‘Chaque vieillard qui meurt, c’est une bibliothèque qui brûle.’”

Actually what the distinguished ambassadeur du Mali à Abidjan paraphrased is indeed an ancient West African proverb. Much of the history, customs, and traditions of West Africa are in the form of unwritten oral history. And when an elder in the community dies, the community suffers a great loss of institutional knowledge, wisdom, and insight into our treasured customs and traditions.

My story was an appeal to folks to talk with older family members, colleagues, and community leaders before it is too late. It is an ageless universal appeal to interview our elders, learn from them – and record their stories.

The reference in my story, to the proverb “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground,” was to provide me with a written vehicle to make the point that many of the eminent community leaders who passed away in Carroll County last year were quite elderly and profoundly wise. Although I had an opportunity to interview several of them while they were alive, I just wish that I had taken the time to get them to sit down for a recorded questions and answer interview.

This was the focus of the lament many of us felt when we gathered to pay our respects to Woody Swam and gathered in a circle to tell old Carroll County stories from many years ago, that will sadly be lost without a concerted effort to document them.

You just cannot “Google” this stuff. There is something lost in the translation… Some of the stories about state’s attorney Bryan McIntire are the stuff of legend. Annie Hoff carried forward Carroll County farming traditions from well into the 1800s. Dave Schaeffer was distinguished Carroll County businessman that stood witness to enormous changes in Carroll County.

I use the old African proverb, “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground,’ often in memorial services, in my capacity as a fire, military and police chaplain.

The saying is also used by American historians. I often remember it in the context of southern gothic literature in relationship to the sadness of a community when an elder passes away. Tennessee Williams described Southern Gothic as a style that captured "an intuition, of an underlying dreadfulness in modern experience."

In Carroll County, the subplot, the dog whistle, if you will, is that with the death of many of these individuals; passes a certain Carroll County way-of-life that is going away forever. This concept is greeted with a certain dread by many in the community.

Although, the Carroll History project coordinated by the Community Media Center and developed by the Carroll County Public Library, Carroll County NAACP, the Human Relations Commission of Carroll County, the Historical Society of Carroll County and the Carroll County Genealogical Society has attempted to address the importance of capturing Carroll County oral history; much more remains to be done.

A big thank you to everyone who read the column and gave me positive feedback. The column was from the heart. God Bless.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

“Dayhoff: A German POW camp was located on site of Wakefield Valley golf course during WWII”

The idea of building houses in Wakefield Valley has been the topic of debate in our community since the 1960s.

“Time Flies,” by Kevin E. Dayhoff January 13, 2017

As far back as 1960s, the idea of building houses in Wakefield Valley has been the topic of divisive and acrimonious debate in our community. Especially since the sprawling development, currently located in the valley, sits on what was once the location of some Carroll County’s best farmland. The current houses next to the proposed 53-house development were built many years ago in spite of bitter opposition from the local community.

[…]

“Dayhoff: A German POW camp was located on the Wakefield Valley Golf Course during WWII.” Sunday, January 15, 2017 Time Flies, by Kevin Dayhoff,

This coming Tuesday, January 17, the use of German POWs to do farm work in Carroll County during World War II, will be the topic of the Historical Society of Carroll County’s popular Box Lunch Talk series.

“During World War II, American farms and factories faced a labor shortage. One little- known solution to the problem was the use of German prisoners of war,” according to Historical Society.

[…]

As an aside, this same golf course property is currently in the news. Recently several folks have asked about the background to the current discussions about a recent proposal to build 53 houses on a portion of the now defunct Wakefield Valley Golf Course.

Read much more here: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/history/ph-cc-dayhoff-011517-20170113-column.html

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http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/history/ph-cc-dayhoff-011517-20170113-column.html

The struggle with the constantly changing links and changes with the Baltimore Sun – and the Carroll County Times is real – and at times, quite frustrating.

From June 2004 to October 2016, I worked for the Baltimore Sun. Those columns may be found here: Baltimore Sun Carroll Eagle: http://tinyurl.com/KED-Sun. Beginning on October 9, 2016, I was transferred to the Carroll County Times. These articles may be found here: Carroll County Times: www.tinyurl.com/KED-CCT

This link for my story on “Dayhoff: A German POW camp was located on site of Wakefield Valley golf course during WWII,” may be found here: http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/history/ph-cc-dayhoff-011517-20170113-column.html

“Dayhoff: A German POW camp was located on site of Wakefield Valley golf course during WWII”

As of this morning, before the Box Lunch Talk today at noon at Grace Hall in Grace Lutheran Church, in Westminster – the link worked. Just saying.

The Box lunch Talk was well attended. 150 folks came to hear an excellent and insightful presentation by Jim Shriver. Another great program by the Historical Society of Carroll County.

Wakefield Fenby Quarry Lime, Sports Running Wakefield Valley Trail, History 1939 1945 World War II, History 1940s, History 1940s Carroll Co, History Westminster 1940s, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff Carroll County Times,
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

I believe in Santa Claus by Kevin Earl Dayhoff

Dayhoff: I believe in Santa Claus by Kevin Earl Dayhoff Carroll County Times http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/ph-cc-dayhoff-121116-20161209-column.html

December 9, 2016

Throughout history, Westminster and Carroll County have been filled with the spirit of the season for the Christmas holidays. No Grinches here.

I hope that by now you are putting the final touches on your Christmas decorations and wrapping presents with some soothing heavy metal Christmas music on in the background.

Actually, some of my all-time Christmas favorites include "The Chipmunk Song" sung by Alvin and the Chipmunks in 1958 and "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" written by John Rox and performed by Gayla Peevey, 10 years old at the time, in 1953.

Another classic that comes to mind is a little more offbeat, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Tommie Connor. He was only 13 years old when it was recorded in 1952. The song was actually banned by the Catholic Church in several cities.

Yes, of course, I believe in Santa Claus.

I believe because Dolly Pardon and local community leader Mary Bostwick Shellman have told me that Santa exists...

https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/10209496292337780

http://dollyparton.com/life-and-career/movies-television/christmas-to-remember/463

‘Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas to Remember’, Published November 15, 1984 / Last Updated August 23, 2015: ‘Kenny & Dolly – Christmas To Remember’ is a network television Christmas special inspired by their popular album, ‘Once Upon a Christmas’

In 1984, Dolly Parton starred alongside of Kenny Rogers in “Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas To Remember,” a network television special inspired by “Once Upon A Christmas,” a popular Christmas album recorded by Dolly and Kenny Rogers.

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Yes, of course, I believe in Santa Claus. I believe because Dolly Pardon and local community leader Mary Bostwick Shellman have told me that Santa exists. http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/ph-cc-dayhoff-121116-20161209-column.html

Parton told the world that she believes in Santa Claus on December 2, 1984 when she sang “I Believe in Santa Claus” with Kenny Rogers in a Christmas special on CBS, “Kenny & Dolly – Christmas To Remember.” According to her website, dollyparton.com, the Christmas special show was “inspired by their popular album, ‘Once Upon a Christmas.’” http://dollyparton.com/life-and-career/movies-television/christmas-to-remember/463

‘Kenny & Dolly’ sang, “… I believe in Santa Claus I'll tell you why I do… I believe that dreams and plans and wishes can come true. I believe in miracles I believe in magic too. I believe in Santa Claus and I believe in you. I believe in family in country and in smiles. I believe in turning negatives to positives in life…”

Labels: Annual Christmas, Annual Christmas Music, Annual Christmas Santa Claus, Dayhoff Media Carroll County Times, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays Christmas

Dayhoff: I believe in Santa Claus by Kevin Earl Dayhoff Carroll County Times http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/columnists/features/ph-cc-dayhoff-121116-20161209-column.html

Dayhoff: I believe in Santa Claus by Kevin Earl Dayhoff Carroll County Times http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2016/12/i-believe-in-santa-claus-by-kevin-earl.html

http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/537002.html

http://kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/post/154427548568/dayhoff-i-believe-in-santa-claus-by-kevin-earl

#amwriting "Above The Clouds" ~ Progressive & Uplifting Trance Mix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNlQTf7eYiM But I would rather be #running

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Saturday, June 18, 2016

A prayer for Orlando - I think that the world has gone mad. June 18, 2016 Kevin E. Dayhoff

I think that the world has gone mad. June 18, 2016 Kevin E. Dayhoff

https://www.facebook.com/notes/kevin-earl-dayhoff/i-think-that-the-world-has-gone-mad/10153684326222654

I have struggled for the past week to arrive at the words that may adequately express a sense of horror and loss as a result of the horrific mass killings at the LGBT nightclub, Pulse, in Orlando, Florida in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 12, 2016.

I immediately sat at the computer to try and gather my thoughts. That is how writers sort things out, I guess.

After a considerable length of time in which I successfully stared-down the computer screen and listened to Amy Lee and Evanescence, and Plumb at a level where the computer warned it was damaging my ears, the computer abruptly crashed. I gave-up and went to bed.

This comes just after the news on June 7, 2016, that a Stanford star-athlete, Brock Turner, had been given a slap on the wrist for a ruthless attack on a woman on Jan. 17, 2015. His Dad rubbed salt in the wound by writing a callous and offensive appeal for leniency for his son. It was all too surreal.

Then, after the terrible news that MP Jo Cox had been killed in the streets of her constituency by a deranged attacker and reading the statement of her husband, I decided to sit at the keyboard again.

As I search for more pertinent details, as only an OCD newspaper reporter would do at a time like this; I came across a wonderful set of words on the website, “Think Christian” - https://thinkchristian.reframemedia.com/a-prayer-for-orlando I really-really hope that at time like this, “Think Christian” does not mind me reprinting it. I think this prayer says it better than anything I might come up for the moment.

I might carry it around with me – if I edit it for length, I might have opportunity to use it…

“Think Christian” said in an editor’s note: This prayer was originally published by the Christian Reformed Church’s Office of Social Justice, a sister ministry of Think Christian, in response to the June 12 shooting in Orlando, Fla. Our hope is that it encourages both prayerful lament and prayerful action.

A prayer for Orlando 06/14/16 https://thinkchristian.reframemedia.com/a-prayer-for-orlando

God of comfort, we lift our prayers to you.

We lift prayers for the families, friends, and partners of the victims, for all of those who are grieving.

For the questions which have no answers, we pray.

For those who wring their hands, bring dishes of food, struggle to express their condolences, we pray.

For pastors who plan funerals and stand at hospital beds, we pray.

For those who are estranged from a loved one because of sexual orientation, and who today feel grief and loneliness, we pray.

For those who feel fresh grief because someone they love was also a victim of gun violence, we pray.

We lift prayers for the LGBTQ+ community.

Protect them from harm.

Heal them from trauma.

Lead them to places of hospitality and safety.

We lift prayers for the Muslim community.

Shield them from fallout.

Call Christians to reach out in mutuality and solidarity.

May the stories of the many Muslims who have responded in love, help, and hospitality be told often, and publicly.

We lift prayers for lawmakers.

Give them wisdom as they craft their public statements, which have an impact on real people’s lives.

Give them wisdom as they consider policy implications, which will always make some furious and others gratified.

Give them wisdom as they accept donations to their campaigns, as they align with interests, as they reach across the aisle and compromise.

Work through politics to build your kingdom, Lord.

We lift prayers for your church, which includes each one of us. May your church speak the words of Christ — of healing, hope, repentance, and good news.

We are a people who believe in resurrection. As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death in times such as these, may we see and be signs of kingdom hope. We long for the day when death will be no more.

*****

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Snowtastrophe - These days big government cannot get anything right. Friday, Jan. 22, 2015 Kevin Dayhoff

Snowtastrophe - These days big government cannot get anything right. Friday, Jan. 22, 2015 Kevin Dayhoff http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2016/01/snowtastrophe-these-days-big-government.html

#amwriting, #Blizzard20160122, #KED, #snowday, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays snow, Weather 2016 chron, Weather 20160122 Snow, Weather chron, Weather Winter Snow

Snowtastrophe - These days big government cannot get anything right.

Friday, Jan. 22, 2015 Kevin Dayhoff

At a time when many Americans have lost faith in government and our government’s ability to do anything with any degree of integrity, capability, or competence, comes the snowtastrophe Wednesday night in the capital of the free world, the most powerful nation on earth, Washington DC.

Read: Forget ISIS. The most powerful city on earth can’t handle a dusting of snow. By Petula Dvorak Columnist January 21 at 11:51 AM https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/forget-isis-the-most-powerful-city-on-earth-cant-handle-a-dusting-of-snow/2016/01/21/7e1a7a7a-c04d-11e5-bcda-62a36b394160_story.html

And Hilarious Memes Emerge After Inch of Snow Paralyzes DC Area, By AVIANNE TAN Jan 21, 2016 - http://abcnews.go.com/US/hilarious-memes-emerge-snow-paralyzes-dc-area/story?id=36421982

Or: An inch of snow, icy roads unleash 9 hours of traffic chaos across D.C. region By Fred Barbash and Justin Wm. Moyer January 21, 2016 - https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/01/21/an-inch-of-snow-icy-roads-unleash-9-hours-of-traffic-chaos-across-d-c-region/

I received first-person testimony by a family member who spend 3 hours on the road in the paralytic chaos that was Washington last Wednesday night in what might normally take 30 minutes.

No amount of hype or hyperbole can exaggerate how incompetent the response to barely an inch of snow last Wednesday in Washington DC.

Not to be overlooked is the reputation of the Washington DC metro subway system. Words such as unsafe, unreliability, unpredictable, and unreliable come to mind. SMH.

Whether it is providing healthcare to veterans, providing safe drinking water, or punishing the innocent when they get on an airplane, government has proven to be incompetent and incapable of the even of the smallest, simplest, and easiest tasks. Look at the bloated bureaucracy that has swallowed the postal system.

Look at the government regulations that have over-bureaucratized the financial industry and sickened healthcare reform. Government has brought financial institutions and the medical health care delivery system to its knees with the extra costs and counter-productive and conflicting regulations that have increased the costs of delivering these vital services to Americans through the roof.

These days big government cannot get anything right. We should all be ashamed.

+++++++++++++++

Meanwhile Petula Dvorak wrote about the response by the capital of the free world to less than an inch of snow last Wednesday night.

Forget ISIS. The most powerful city on earth can’t handle a dusting of snow. By Petula Dvorak Columnist January 21 at 11:51 AM https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/forget-isis-the-most-powerful-city-on-earth-cant-handle-a-dusting-of-snow/2016/01/21/7e1a7a7a-c04d-11e5-bcda-62a36b394160_story.html

She wrote, “As we’ve proved before, we’re not good at snow. And on Wednesday night, we proved it again in utterly humiliating fashion, morphing from a powerful city of powerful people into a demolition-derby, wagon-training cold mess.

A one-inch snowtastrophe involving at least 1,000 accidents, eight-hour commutes and cars abandoned on freeways by desperate, disgusted commuters. Some people hadn’t even made it home by dawn Thursday.

[An inch of snow, icy roads unleash nine hours of D.C. traffic chaos]

[…]

It was a nearly perfect deja vu of a light snow in 2011 that generated epic Twitter travelogues of misery. Only difference this time? It was more fun to Snapchat the whole calamity.

[…]

[Blizzard warning: High winds, about two feet of snow forecast for D.C. area]

[…]

We’re all worried about ISIS when the truth is, all it takes to destroy us is a little ice.

Twitter: @petulad