Have a Great 2012! - January 4, 2012
FWD would like to wish everyone a fantastic 2012! "WE LOVE YA AND WE NEED YA"!!!
Fishing With Dynamite: News
Charity - December 26, 2010
Home Loganville Tribune Opinion Columns Sharon Swanepoel .COLUMN: The gift of charity — a Christmas story
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ShareSend this page to your friendsPrintCreate a hardcopy of this pageFont Size:Default font sizeLarger font size.Posted: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 12:00 am | Updated: 12:38 pm, Tue Dec 21, 2010.
By Sharon Swanepoel | 0 comments
At this time of the year, I get to meet so many people who embody the true spirit of Christmas and I usually don't think to question why it is they do what they do. Yet when someone does something wrong, we always question why.
The following is an explanation by someone many of us know who gave me his reason for doing what he does, not just at Christmas but as a way of life. He named it simply "Charity."
The real reward of charity is rarely seen by the person giving it. Many times it will simmer for years before it begins to multiply and what you give today goes on to help hundreds of other people.
There once was a homeless teenage man walking down the streets of Virginia Beach. A hotel owner was sitting outside his office smoking a cigarette and enjoying a cool fall day. When the homeless man walked by he asked, "How are you today?" The homeless man stopped and began telling him of how he just got a job at a construction site on the beach and things were beginning to come together for him. The man suddenly became interested and began asking more questions about where the homeless man was from and what he was doing in Virginia. As the homeless man began telling his story, the hotel owner began to tear up and became very uncomfortable. He stood up, walked inside his office and came out with a key. He threw it to the young man and said, "Leave it like you found it," he said. "God has been good to me and I feel your spirit is good, so I will allow you to stay here for free with no strings attached."
The homeless man stood and stared for a few seconds in disbelief. He thought, "Why would this total stranger want to help me?"
As it turned out, there were no strings attached. The homeless man stayed one night and left the room the way he found it. The hotel owner never saw the man again and had no idea the impact this small charitable act had on this man.
Throughout his life, the homeless man has helped hundreds of people in need and continues that same role today. He contributes heavily to all sorts of children's charities and is thankful for all the blessings in his own life.
That homeless man was me and from that experience, when I was at the bottom of my life, God reached out his hand through a total stranger and touched my heart. For that I am eternally grateful. It is important for us all to find the joy in our own lives that comes from sharing. Charity is like gardening, you never know if the seed planted will produce a bounty or remain a seed, yet still we plant with the intention of feeding many.
That was the story of Jim Watson of North American Tree Service in Loganville and band member of Fishing With Dynamite. He chose not to share how or why he ended up in Virginia Beach at 17, homeless and perhaps a little hopeless. He chose only to share the impact a stranger's charity had on his life.
I have been told by many of the charity Jim and his wife, Carol, extend to the community on a personal level. Fishing With Dynamite's contribution also is legendary, which is why the band was named one of The Tribune's Unsung Heroes earlier this year. On that note, true to form, the band is contributing in yet another area. The new song they've released has embedded in the video the information of real missing children. The hope is the more successful the video becomes the more chance there is of someone recognizing one of those little lost faces. The video can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvuTeDPzZ-o
So as we ready to spread Christmas cheer to family and friends this weekend, remember the lesson Jim learned in his youth. The gift of charity rarely costs much, but it can plant a seed that produces an abundant crop for a lifetime.
Merry Christmas!
StoryCommentsShare This
ShareSend this page to your friendsPrintCreate a hardcopy of this pageFont Size:Default font sizeLarger font size.Posted: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 12:00 am | Updated: 12:38 pm, Tue Dec 21, 2010.
By Sharon Swanepoel | 0 comments
At this time of the year, I get to meet so many people who embody the true spirit of Christmas and I usually don't think to question why it is they do what they do. Yet when someone does something wrong, we always question why.
The following is an explanation by someone many of us know who gave me his reason for doing what he does, not just at Christmas but as a way of life. He named it simply "Charity."
The real reward of charity is rarely seen by the person giving it. Many times it will simmer for years before it begins to multiply and what you give today goes on to help hundreds of other people.
There once was a homeless teenage man walking down the streets of Virginia Beach. A hotel owner was sitting outside his office smoking a cigarette and enjoying a cool fall day. When the homeless man walked by he asked, "How are you today?" The homeless man stopped and began telling him of how he just got a job at a construction site on the beach and things were beginning to come together for him. The man suddenly became interested and began asking more questions about where the homeless man was from and what he was doing in Virginia. As the homeless man began telling his story, the hotel owner began to tear up and became very uncomfortable. He stood up, walked inside his office and came out with a key. He threw it to the young man and said, "Leave it like you found it," he said. "God has been good to me and I feel your spirit is good, so I will allow you to stay here for free with no strings attached."
The homeless man stood and stared for a few seconds in disbelief. He thought, "Why would this total stranger want to help me?"
As it turned out, there were no strings attached. The homeless man stayed one night and left the room the way he found it. The hotel owner never saw the man again and had no idea the impact this small charitable act had on this man.
Throughout his life, the homeless man has helped hundreds of people in need and continues that same role today. He contributes heavily to all sorts of children's charities and is thankful for all the blessings in his own life.
That homeless man was me and from that experience, when I was at the bottom of my life, God reached out his hand through a total stranger and touched my heart. For that I am eternally grateful. It is important for us all to find the joy in our own lives that comes from sharing. Charity is like gardening, you never know if the seed planted will produce a bounty or remain a seed, yet still we plant with the intention of feeding many.
That was the story of Jim Watson of North American Tree Service in Loganville and band member of Fishing With Dynamite. He chose not to share how or why he ended up in Virginia Beach at 17, homeless and perhaps a little hopeless. He chose only to share the impact a stranger's charity had on his life.
I have been told by many of the charity Jim and his wife, Carol, extend to the community on a personal level. Fishing With Dynamite's contribution also is legendary, which is why the band was named one of The Tribune's Unsung Heroes earlier this year. On that note, true to form, the band is contributing in yet another area. The new song they've released has embedded in the video the information of real missing children. The hope is the more successful the video becomes the more chance there is of someone recognizing one of those little lost faces. The video can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvuTeDPzZ-o
So as we ready to spread Christmas cheer to family and friends this weekend, remember the lesson Jim learned in his youth. The gift of charity rarely costs much, but it can plant a seed that produces an abundant crop for a lifetime.
Merry Christmas!
Bradley Family Benefit - May 21, 2010
Days of music on tap for area
By Sharon Swanepoel
The Loganville Tribune
Published May 21, 2010
If music is indeed food for the soul, local residents should have plenty of opportunity to feast in the next few weeks.
These opportunities start at noon Friday with a lunchtime concert at Loganville City Hall featuring Loganville High School sophomore Jordan Rager. Residents are invited to bring a bag and enjoy lunch on the lawn while listening to the music of this rising county music star.
Then at noon Saturday, there will be a BBQ benefit for the Bradley Family at the Fergus Masonic Lodge at 135 Rock St., Loganville. Local Southern Rock band Fishing With Dynamite will play to help the family of the Rev. Tim Bradley who recently died, leaving a wife and young family.
Saturday evening, the city of Grayson kicks off its summer concert series with the live music of Front Porch Pickers. This will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on the lawn at the Grayson City Park.
Next week, the Mansion at the Vines in Loganville begins the first of its four-concert series to benefit the American Cancer Association.
Doors open at 4 p.m. May 30 for the American Music Festival featuring blues artists Randall Bramblett, Col. Bruce Hampton, Yon Rico Scott Band and Mike Delaney. All seats are general admission lawn seating on the lawn of the Vines Mansion. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs and blankets and take advantage of the beer garden, concessions and festive atmosphere. Information on this and future concerts is available at www.musicatthevinesmansion.com.
Others looking to feed their souls by actually feeding themselves will have an opportunity to do so Monday evening at The Hail Mary Sports Pub in Grayson.
The restaurant will be donating 10 percent of food sales to benefit the National Transplant Assistance Fund in honor of Max Morris, the 8-month-old son of Rick and Erin Morris, of Loganville, Max recently had to undergo a heart transplant
To wrap up this ongoing local music fest, local Internet Radio Hounddog will be throwing a party to celebrate 10 years on the air June 6.
— Sharon Swanepoel
By Sharon Swanepoel
The Loganville Tribune
Published May 21, 2010
If music is indeed food for the soul, local residents should have plenty of opportunity to feast in the next few weeks.
These opportunities start at noon Friday with a lunchtime concert at Loganville City Hall featuring Loganville High School sophomore Jordan Rager. Residents are invited to bring a bag and enjoy lunch on the lawn while listening to the music of this rising county music star.
Then at noon Saturday, there will be a BBQ benefit for the Bradley Family at the Fergus Masonic Lodge at 135 Rock St., Loganville. Local Southern Rock band Fishing With Dynamite will play to help the family of the Rev. Tim Bradley who recently died, leaving a wife and young family.
Saturday evening, the city of Grayson kicks off its summer concert series with the live music of Front Porch Pickers. This will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on the lawn at the Grayson City Park.
Next week, the Mansion at the Vines in Loganville begins the first of its four-concert series to benefit the American Cancer Association.
Doors open at 4 p.m. May 30 for the American Music Festival featuring blues artists Randall Bramblett, Col. Bruce Hampton, Yon Rico Scott Band and Mike Delaney. All seats are general admission lawn seating on the lawn of the Vines Mansion. Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs and blankets and take advantage of the beer garden, concessions and festive atmosphere. Information on this and future concerts is available at www.musicatthevinesmansion.com.
Others looking to feed their souls by actually feeding themselves will have an opportunity to do so Monday evening at The Hail Mary Sports Pub in Grayson.
The restaurant will be donating 10 percent of food sales to benefit the National Transplant Assistance Fund in honor of Max Morris, the 8-month-old son of Rick and Erin Morris, of Loganville, Max recently had to undergo a heart transplant
To wrap up this ongoing local music fest, local Internet Radio Hounddog will be throwing a party to celebrate 10 years on the air June 6.
— Sharon Swanepoel
Awards Banquet - May 14, 2010
Tribune lauds Unsung Heroes, Buckles
By Stephen Milligan
The Walton Tribune
Published May 2, 2010
MONROE — When The Walton Tribune honored its Unsung Heroes and Community Spirit Award winner at this year’s “Visions” banquet, no one seemed to think they should be there.
“We want to recognize the good work they do,” said publisher David Clemons. “You do the hard work and feel like giving others the credit. That’s what makes you unsung heroes.”
In conjunction with the release of the annual “Visions” publication in The Tribune, the paper also honored a variety of people throughout the county for their contributions to their communities.
These Unsung Heroes, and the overall Community Spirit honoree, gathered at the Monroe Golf and Country Club Tuesday for an evening of food and awards.
The various recipients, however, were all quick to direct credit elsewhere.
“We’re thankful for a community that allows us to step up and do a little to give back,” said Sharon Fenneran, accepting the award for her and husband Patrick.
Jimmy Hughes, accepting on behalf of the band Fishing with Dynamite, was more direct in his assessment.
“We don’t deserve this,” Hughes said.
Nearly every Unsung Hero instead gave the credit for any achievement to a more divine source.
“I give thanks to God,” said Larry Knox, of Social Circle. “I also want to thank my family and friends and all the other people who helped me get where I am.”
Even the Community Spirit Award winner, hardware store owner Betty Buckles, had trouble accepting her honor.
“I’m still in a state of shock,” Buckles said. “When Brian (Arrington) came in and said he wanted to interview me, I asked ‘What for?’ Here I am now, and I’m still wondering ‘What for?’”
Nevertheless, Buckles said she was glad to accept the award amidst such a company.
“I am just honored to be among this illustrious group that have received these awards,” Buckles said.
Other Unsung Heroes were Grady Lemonds, Tony Hollifield and Danny Sorrells.
By Stephen Milligan
The Walton Tribune
Published May 2, 2010
MONROE — When The Walton Tribune honored its Unsung Heroes and Community Spirit Award winner at this year’s “Visions” banquet, no one seemed to think they should be there.
“We want to recognize the good work they do,” said publisher David Clemons. “You do the hard work and feel like giving others the credit. That’s what makes you unsung heroes.”
In conjunction with the release of the annual “Visions” publication in The Tribune, the paper also honored a variety of people throughout the county for their contributions to their communities.
These Unsung Heroes, and the overall Community Spirit honoree, gathered at the Monroe Golf and Country Club Tuesday for an evening of food and awards.
The various recipients, however, were all quick to direct credit elsewhere.
“We’re thankful for a community that allows us to step up and do a little to give back,” said Sharon Fenneran, accepting the award for her and husband Patrick.
Jimmy Hughes, accepting on behalf of the band Fishing with Dynamite, was more direct in his assessment.
“We don’t deserve this,” Hughes said.
Nearly every Unsung Hero instead gave the credit for any achievement to a more divine source.
“I give thanks to God,” said Larry Knox, of Social Circle. “I also want to thank my family and friends and all the other people who helped me get where I am.”
Even the Community Spirit Award winner, hardware store owner Betty Buckles, had trouble accepting her honor.
“I’m still in a state of shock,” Buckles said. “When Brian (Arrington) came in and said he wanted to interview me, I asked ‘What for?’ Here I am now, and I’m still wondering ‘What for?’”
Nevertheless, Buckles said she was glad to accept the award amidst such a company.
“I am just honored to be among this illustrious group that have received these awards,” Buckles said.
Other Unsung Heroes were Grady Lemonds, Tony Hollifield and Danny Sorrells.
Calling on the help of fellow man - February 3, 2010
Calling on the help of fellow man
By Sharon Swanepoel
The Loganville Tribune
Published January 29, 2010
The remote control charity race in Loganville Saturday is just one of many instances where people, not just locally but around the country, have stepped up when called on to help their fellow man.
Pat Hood was overwhelmed by the support he got from his colleagues on the RC circuit. The support shown to the people of Haiti has been amazing and requests are still going out — not from people looking for volunteers but from volunteers looking for a way to help. It is during times of crisis, anywhere in the world, that I feel most proud of being an American.
But while we look outside the community to see where we can most help, we have a few local causes that are in need of our compassion. Over the holidays, 38-year old Travis McCart unexpectedly passed away, leaving his wife and two young children to fend for themselves. Local band Fishing With Dynamite is hosting a benefit concert Saturday to raise money to help this Loganville family. The event will take place at the American Tavern on Highway 78 in Loganville, kicking off at 8 p.m. with Jamie Wilshire and followed up with FWD at 9 p.m. All proceeds from tips and band proceeds will be donated to the family. There is nothing better than being able to spend an evening listening to good music knowing you also have the opportunity to help someone in need.
(Follow up)- Together we all raised over $2,100.00 Thank you everyone who came out and donated!! FWD!!
By Sharon Swanepoel
The Loganville Tribune
Published January 29, 2010
The remote control charity race in Loganville Saturday is just one of many instances where people, not just locally but around the country, have stepped up when called on to help their fellow man.
Pat Hood was overwhelmed by the support he got from his colleagues on the RC circuit. The support shown to the people of Haiti has been amazing and requests are still going out — not from people looking for volunteers but from volunteers looking for a way to help. It is during times of crisis, anywhere in the world, that I feel most proud of being an American.
But while we look outside the community to see where we can most help, we have a few local causes that are in need of our compassion. Over the holidays, 38-year old Travis McCart unexpectedly passed away, leaving his wife and two young children to fend for themselves. Local band Fishing With Dynamite is hosting a benefit concert Saturday to raise money to help this Loganville family. The event will take place at the American Tavern on Highway 78 in Loganville, kicking off at 8 p.m. with Jamie Wilshire and followed up with FWD at 9 p.m. All proceeds from tips and band proceeds will be donated to the family. There is nothing better than being able to spend an evening listening to good music knowing you also have the opportunity to help someone in need.
(Follow up)- Together we all raised over $2,100.00 Thank you everyone who came out and donated!! FWD!!
92.3 Real Country WMOQ FM - March 21, 2009
Come out this Saturday March 21st and join us thanks to 92.3! We'll be playing some live music for Shane's Rib Shack and mainly having plain ole great fellowship!
Radio Interview - March 13, 2009
Friday night March 13, 2009, Jimmy and Kelley of "Fishing With Dynamite" were interviewed by Frank Coon of Hounddogradio.net. It was a fantastic interview and the band was the featured spotlight (Artists) for the week! Four songs were played (Hank, I Hope You Were Right, Backwoods Man, Let It Go and For Granted) during the time spent in the Studio. Thanks to Hound Dog Radio for adding the CD in the Station's Airplay rotation!
WMOQ-FM - March 12, 2009
Hank,I Hope You Were Right was played for the first time on Public Radio on WMOQ-FM 92.3 Monroe/Bostwick today! Thanks to Melanie and Julio in the mornings!
Great Article! - March 6, 2009
Click on the "press" button and read the article on Fishing With Dynamite written by Sharon Swanepoel of both The Walton and Loganville Tribune's!
"Buy The New CD!" - February 1, 2009
Fishing With Dynamite has a brand new CD that was released February 7, 2009 at our live show at American Tavern in Loganville, Georgia. What a fantastic night it was, and the excitement is not even close to being over! Please stay involved in the development of this band, because this is only the beginning. A portion of the proceeds from each and every CD will be donated to charity. Become a friend with Fishing With Dynamite and help someone in need and enjoy some great music! Thanks for your time and support! Please order your copy of "Let It Go" today by clicking on the BUY button! Thank you!