Book Reviews for "Seasons of Hope"

‘Seasons of Hope,’ brings to the light that which we have left lurking in the shadows far too long; it raises an important issue which we have publicly ignored and socially suppressed far too many times; the fundamental ingredients for a wholesome marriage, or for any healthy relationship:honesty.
 Nathaniel Lee, Journalist, Philadelphia Tribune

Scandalous with a strong lesson in a basic principal for humans;  Honesty.
Diane Banks, Student of Theology

Kendall, did a wonderfully magical job on this book, “Seasons of Hope.”   She engrosses the reader as they travel the journey with the characters.  The lesson you get out of it is the result of the magic that you experience; once you open the book and read it through… 

Cleous G. Young, Author   

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INTRODUCTION TO "SEASONS OF HOPE" A NOVEL BY KENDALL EVONE HAYES

One of the fundamental ingredients for a wholesome marriage, or for any healthy relationship whether it be mother and son, brother or sister or friendships with those outside our family, is honesty.

 

With this in mind, the fundamental issue behind Kendall Hayes’s book ‘Season of Hope’ isn’t that of homosexuality; whether or not homosexuality is right or wrong; whether they should be permitted to marry or not, that has no relevance to the story in which Hayes tell.  Some might try to read this into her writings for their own personal reasons or seek to twist her intentions to make it seem as if the topic of the book has to do with the homosexuality of one of its characters but that would be not only incorrect, it also would be yet another missed opportunity for open and honest discussion on a very important issue.

 

It is such honest discussion that is sorely missing in our communities today. Think about it: When was the last time your church, synagogue or Masjid spoken about the role of marriage as related to homosexuality? What about your friends, those in your peer group?

 

When I say ‘discuss the issue’, I do not mean having some superficial and momentary discussion about homosexual and heterosexual relationships but a deeper, more balanced evaluation of the subject from both sides of the coin, meaning from a gay and straight perspective. You have probably not had such discussions or, if you have, very few.

 

Yet we need to do so. Faith based groups shy away from the topic and just makes a stand one way or another according to their traditions and beliefs and that is that. Our friends might mention it as a conversation piece; state their formed opinion, probably laced with lewd jests, without any significant exploration of the matter and move on to the next topic.

 

However there are gay people who are married or in relationships with straight people who have no idea that their significant other or spouse is attracted to members of the same-sex, or, for that matter, gay people in relationships with someone whom they did not know were straight.

 

This is why  of ‘Seasons of Hope,’ is such an important book; it brings to the light that which we have left lurking in the shadows far too long; it raises an important issue which we have publicly ignored and socially suppressed far too many times.

 

My hope is that after you read the book, you will discuss it with your friends, family members and those in the groups and organizations to which you belong.

 

This fascinating book is more than just a good read it is a step towards the light.

 

Nathaniel Lee

When should you start collecting social security benefits?

Each day, people are retiring by the thousands and most will decide to collect social security benefits as soon as they're eligible. Under current rules, anyone born in 1929 or later and who's paid into the system for at least 40 quarters (ten years of work) is entitled to collect benefits starting at age 62. Recent estimates suggest that over 70% of those who reach that golden age will sign up right away.
For folks who rely heavily on social security to pay the rent and buy the groceries, choices are often limited. But if you're fortunate enough to enjoy greater financial flexibility, you'll want to consider the following questions:

• How's your health? If you don't expect to live into your seventies or eighties, taking social security benefits early probably makes sense. On the other hand, if you expect to live a long life and don't want to run out of money, waiting to apply for benefits may be prudent. That's because social security benefits are substantially reduced for every year you're under "full retirement age." People born between 1943 and 1960 can start collecting full benefits between ages 66 and 67. Folks born after 1960 can collect full benefits at age 67. If you begin receiving social security payments at age 62, your monthly check will be reduced by as much as 30%, depending on your age. Since you'll be collecting benefits for the rest of your life, the long-term difference in payouts may be significant.

• How's your retirement plan doing? If, while waiting to reach full retirement age, you're drawing down retirement savings to cover expenses, you may want to reassess your options. Say you're earning a 5%-8% return on your 401(k) account or IRA. It might make more sense to take social security benefits at age 62, leave your retirement accounts alone, and let compound interest work its magic. The higher the return on your retirement accounts, the more important to let that money grow, even if it means foregoing a higher social security benefit. On the other hand, if your investment portfolio is just keeping pace with inflation and you expect to live until age 95, postponing social security benefits until full retirement age may be the better choice.

Clearly, deciding when to apply for social security benefits isn't a one-size-fits-all proposition. If you need help with this important decision, give us a call.

aconner@atconnercpa.com

Local CHS 270 Student to Host Arts Festival to Inspire Entrepreneurship

Philadelphia, PA January 6, 2014 – When Jasmine Anderson, Kourtney Fullard and a group of teenagers met in High School, they formed a bond that went beyond school – they became family.  After graduating from Central in 2011, the girls went in different directions;  Jasmine to Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Kourtney to SUNY Purchase College in White Plains, NY, but their bond never weakened.

Jasmine, a Business Administration major and aspiring Entrepreneur,  took her passion for fashion and  craving for saving and parlayed it into a business venture -  an online Vintage Boutique called “Mary Jane’s Closet," which she operates and curates alongside photographer, Khadijah Hope-Moore, who is also a Philly native.

“I took inventory of the people that I know.  The people who support my online boutique.  I wanted to host an event that would show my appreciation and allow my friends to showcase their many talents.  I have friends who are artists, performers and designers.  I figured why not bring them all together and showcase all this young talent right here in the city of my birth. “

That’s exactly what will take place on Friday, January 10th, 2014 from 6pm – 8pm.  Mary Jane’s Closet will host The Melting Pot Art Expo at 417 N. 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.

“The showcase will display all mediums of art including fashion designs, artwork and performances.  And who better to open the night’s activities than my friend Kourtney, who is a blogger, poet and artist. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The night will be filled with Philly's best, who may not have been given the chance to display their talent."

All participants are young and upcoming artists.  This event is open to the public. Admission is $5 and Dressy-Casual Attire is required.

For more information, contact Jasmine via email at m.janescloset@gmail.com

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President of HER…Healed Empowered Restored to Celebrate 50th birthday with the launch of her first novel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

                                                                                                                                         CONTACT:  Kourtney Fullard

knfullard@gmail.com

                                                                                               

Philadelphia Community Activist and 
President of HER…Healed Empowered Restored to

Celebrate 50^th birthday with the launch of her first novel

Philadelphia, PA January 6, 2014 – When Kendall Hayes started an organization with a mission to help women to overcome obstacles such as domestic violence, substance abuse and losing loved ones, it was because she herself had experienced these things and more.  She felt that the best way to help herself was to help others.

The organization focused on bringing women together to conduct workshops for girls age 10-16 to help them identify behaviors at an early stage, providing preventive measures and allowing the young ladies to learn from the mistakes of others.

She discovered that there was an underlying issue that many women had either experienced in the past or were currently dealing with, but no one really talked about it or addressed it.  It was the issue of women who loved men who slept with other men.  Men on the down low. 

“We have heard the term down low for some years now.  We've heard stories and read books about these men; I couldn't remember reading one from a female point of view.  We had “Invisible Life” and others by the late E. Lynn Harris, whose books told the stories of men living on the down low. We had the book by D. L. King who shared his story of living on the down low. But we didn't have anything from a women’s perspective on the subject.  The closest thing I can think of is the movie Cover, which showed how devastating it is when a woman finds out that her man is living a double life.  I decided it was time for me to write a book. I had talked about it for a few years.  Now it was time to stop talking and start writing.”  Ms. Hayes shared.

As her 50th birthday approached, she realized one of the best ways for her to share a journey through trials to triumphs was through writing a book.  She wanted to share stories about women who, through all types of adversity, still maintained a sound mind and a strong faith in God.  In December of 2013, she finally completed her first novel – Seasons of Hope. It is a fictional account of one woman's journey through a series of unfortunate, life altering events including the devastating realization that her husband is gay. The story also follows one man’s struggle with his sexuality and the lengths he will go through to keep it a secret.    It takes the reader on a spiritual journey through seasons of betrayal, grief, brokenness, healing, empowerment and restoration.

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 Ms. Hayes will celebrate her 50^th birthday with the official launch of Seasons of Hope.  The celebration will be held at Temptations Banquet Facility – 218 W. Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa.  Admission is free and open to the public from 9:00pm until 10:00pm.  There will be an open buffet and cash bar.  You will be able to purchase a book and have it signed by the author.

For additional information, contact Kendall Hayes at 267-593-7604.

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Official Book Launch for SEASONS OF HOPE