Monday, June 23, 2014

June 23, 2014

The Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market was up and running Saturday.  We had 9 vendors with a variety of fruits, vegetables, plants, and boiled peanuts.  Here is a list of what was available and what will probably be available this coming Saturday:  local honey, hot to mild peppers(even some black bell peppers), cucumbers, zucchini, squash, onions, kale, collards, PEACHES (two varieties including white and harvester peaches), apples, string beans, corn, cantaloupe, potatoes, tomatoes including cherry, watermelon,  and boiled peanuts.   We are usually set up by 8:00 so come on down and visit and buy really fresh produce and beautiful plants.
The Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market is now on a regular Thursday 4 - 6 p.m. schedule.  Visit the market on Calhoun Street (Main St.) in front of the Library/Warehouse for delicious homemade baked goods, fresh locally grown fruits & vegetables, and works by local artist & craftsmen.
The Friends of Ridge Spring met Thursday night with an overflow crowd.  Sandwiches from Juniper, chips and drinks from us and the meeting was on.  So much is going on and I am so proud of our town.  Keep up the great work.
RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:
RSUMC is on Face Book. Visit our page find out what is happening around the Church. We need 3 more ‘likes’ to reach 60. You might recognize your neighbor in some of the pictures.
The Big Red Box is really filling up but always room for more. This month, June, the non perishable food items will be delivered to Helpful Hands Mission. If you would like to participate, please leave your items on either porch or with Jim Campbell. We will make sure they make into the Big Red Box. (this will be delivered Thursday, June 26thLet’s try and make sure none of our citizens goes to bed hungry.
RSUMC was able to locate a swing set for the playground at Helpful Hands Mission. The Johnson family (friends of the Church) donated their swing set and Church members help set it up. Ride by the Mission and take a look or visit our Face Book page for pictures.
Mr. Joe Watson has returned from his trip to Normandy, with plenty of memories and stories to tell. Welcome home Mr. Joe.
My First Books has only 2 more slots available. A free, age appropriate book will be delivered to a child, ages birth – 4 for a year at no cost to the family. The family has to have a Saluda County zip. Please contact Nanette Hughes 685.8071 or Pastor Key. This is an outreach mission sponsored by RSUMC.
June 29th, 5th Sunday: RSUMC’s service will be at 10 a.m. Join us for an hour of praise songs, old hymns, guitar playing and perhaps banjo picking. Dress casual and be ready to sing and enjoy this relaxed fellowship time.

Don’t forget that Ridge Spring Baptist Church will be working towards supplying toilet paper to be distributed by Sheppard’s Hands Baptist Mission Center in West, Please call Converse Cone at 803.685.7795 or Mable Robertson at 864.445.2043.
Josie Rodgers: Many thanks for all the prayers, calls, and visits while my dad underwent amputation surgery.  We feel that he is on the mend now and headed back to living real life again! Gotta get ready to watch Princess Leagrace meet Mickey!  A special shout-out to Emma Fulmer, daughter of Paul and Amanda, who also underwent some major surgery this week!  That girl is amazing!  She is recovering nicely!  Can keep a super girl down!  Go Emma! And let’s not forget our special friend Janie Powell who received some awesome results from her MRI this week!  She really has shown us what it’s like to get knocked down and come back up fighting!  Nicely done, Janie! And many thanks to Peachtree Medical and Edgefield Hospital for taking care of me this past week while I had tests run and such.  I was treated with such care and compassion! My nephew Isaac Rodgers is a member of the Edgefield All-Star Team 8U, and they beat Batesburg for a spot in the state All-Star tournament that starts this Saturday in Florence!  Other players include Bryston Bryant, Andrew Byrd, Quan Edmond, Ben Jolly, Tanner Martin, Wyatt Robinson, Brady Rosier, Ben Sauls, James Smith, Caleb Torgesen, and Seth Wates.  Coaches are Lang Rodgers, Jay Torgesen, and Nick Wates.  Manager is Tillman Sauls. We saw the movie Maleficent last week, and it was absolutely fabulous!  The story is a bit different from the traditional Sleeping Beauty story we grew up with, and I really liked that fact.  It is certainly a must-see!  (Two of my grandchildren and I went to see this movie too,  I liked it as well ad the grands.)

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon. The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books. 
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783
Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works
Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library


Monday, June 16, 2014

June 16, 2014

The Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market opened this past Saturday.  We had 8 vendors with a variety of fruits, vegetables, plants, and boiled peanuts.  Here is a list of what was available and what will probably be available this coming Saturday: flowers, local honey, hot to mild peppers(even some black bell peppers), cucumbers, zucchini, squash, onions, kale, collards, PEACHES (two varieties including white and harvester peaches), apples, string beans, corn, cantaloupe, potatoes, tomatoes including cherry, and boiled peanuts.  Samantha McClure had home-made breads, breakfast and coffee. She made the baked items with honey she purchased from the Raborns.  We are usually set up by 8:00 so come on down and visit and buy really fresh produce and beautiful plants.
The Saluda Senior Center distributed vouchers Saturday too.  They have 15 left. Please call 864.445.2175.  Remember it is first come; first serve. 
Friends of Ridge Spring will meet Thursday at 5:00 at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.  Sandwiches and drinks will be provided.
FORS appreciated the bags given to us by AgSouth.  We had 300 bags.  We were giving them out at each vendor and with the vouchers.  We have about 50 left over.  Come on to the Market Saturday and get one for yourself.
Ridge Hill Baptist Church had their annual Family Fun Day and Community Cookout on the grounds of the Ridge Hill Baptist Church. I finally got to try those fish fillets I have tried to taste for at least two other times.  They were cooked by Reedy Branch members Bobby Abney, Johnny Herrin and James Herrin.  WOW is the best word to describe the fish.  Then came the grilled meats and sides, They really laid it on.  Thanks to grillers Larry Brooks, Jr., Shemen Patrick, for the chicken, ribs, and hotdogs, and Vivian Holston, Hazel Williams, and Mazel Williams for the sides.  For those who could not come, the fellowship and food was great.

The Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market is now on a regular Thursday 4 - 6 p.m. schedule.  Visit the market on Calhoun Street (Main St.) in front of the Library/Warehouse for delicious homemade baked goods, fresh locally grown fruits & vegetables, and works by local artist & craftsmen.
Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods, LLC wants to remind all of our friends that June 30th will be the last day for Bob and Jim.  Denise Covington will be the new owner and will filling their space with treasures she has gathered.  Please stop by to bid Bob and Jim a fond farewell.  Soon they will be returning to Florida.  The shop, as always, has a great selection of antiques and collectible offered by our various dealers.  We're open Mondays from 11-4 and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10-5.
SonTreasure Island @ Ridge Spring Baptist will be held June 22-27.  Supper and registration is at 5:30 PM.  Worship Rally will begin at 6:00 pm.  Classes will be from infant to adults with Rev. John Ballard who will be teaching the adult class. Come join us as we search for the Ultimate treasure - God's love. We will be in 1 Corinthians.
The Aiken Artist Guild Member Show 2014 was held at Aiken Center for the Arts, Laurens St. in Aiken, on Thursday night, June 12th.  Anne Rauton Smith was awarded
1st Place in the Landscape/Interior category for her pen & ink & watercolor painting, "Memories".  The show will continue until July 3rd.

Cub Scout 300 attended Day Camp on June 9-13 from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. at the Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church in Lexington, SC. Some of the activities were BB's; archery, making crystals, studying reptiles, wet and wild day and more. Scouts that attended were Briston Matthews, Toney Ligons, Jr., Camron Samuels, Tykeem Martin, and Peter Blacks, Jr. Thanks to Jerusalem Baptist Church, Coleman Ridge Baptist Church and Mount Alpha Baptist Church for transportation, Cub Scout leader Bobby Oakman, Sr., D'vay Davis Assistant leader, and Effie T. Martin Charter Committee member.

Mount Alpha Baptist Church Vacation Bible School was held June 2-6 from 6:30 P.M. to 8:15 P.M. the Theme was Stand Up for Jesus: Reach and Touch". This year the students were asked to bring items to go in Shoe boxes to be sent to children in countries that will not have a good Christmas.  If anyone would like the help fill these 100 boxes the deadline is October 15, 2014. Please no knives or guns.  Call Mrs. Sadie Davis for more information. 

One Hundred Twenty six annual session of the Woman's Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention was held in June 9-13, 2014 at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 7396 River Ave., North Charleston, SC. Mount Alpha Baptist Church received a Tutorial Plaque for untiring, dedicated, devoted and unselfish service to the students that they serve. Mount Alpha tutoring staff: Effie T. Martin, Sadie Davis, Sharon Padgett, Consuelo Merritt, Julia Davis, and Gary Oakman, Sr. Youth Bible Study teachers are D'Vay Davis, Madelyn Martin, Consuelo Merritt and Effie T. Martin. The Rev. Eldwin Griffin, pastor,

Ridge Hill Baptist Educational Association Women Auxiliary was presented with an Incentive Award for going beyond the normal requirement for convention registration. The Rev. Donald Hall is the Moderator and Effie T. Martin is the Women Auxiliary President of the organization.
Ridge Spring United Methodist Church (RSUMC):
RSUMC – Blitz update:  Last summer’s water/Gatorade Blitz was such a huge success, thank you community, that supplies for the volunteer fire department are still good. RSUMC will continue to monitor the amount through the summer months. If the need arises, we will be sending out information and ways to help. We would like to thank everyone who participated. It was a Blast!
The Big Red Box is hungry again and this month non perishable food donations go to the Helpful Hands Ministry. Helpful Hands is located on Hazzard Circle in Ridge Spring. RSUMC is also collecting small household items (no clothes please) such as crock pots, coffee makers for Helpful Hand’s thrift store. If you would like to donate food or items, please leave on either porch at Church or with Jim Campbell.
RSUMC is on Face Book. Visit our page, like us and leave a comment and find out what’s going on at the Church.
RSUMC continues to look for children to receive an age appropriate book a month for free for a year. The child ( or children) has to have a Saluda County zip code and be between the ages of birth and 4. Contact Nanette Hughes 685.6071 or Pastor Key at Helpful Hands Ministry.
RSUMC will hold Church services next Sunday, June 22nd at the home of Jim and Rosalyn Pressley. The Pressley’s live at 403 E. Main Street, RS. Service is at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome and we invite you to worship with us in this relaxed and unique way.

Joe Cal Watson is back and does not have a French accent.  He and his daughter Mary Edmonds had a beautiful time.  Mary told how the veterans were treated as heroes and stars. One man told Joe, “Because of you and the others, I was born in 1947 a free man.”  There will be more about his trip soon.
Don’t forget that Ridge Spring Baptist Church will be working towards supplying toilet paper to be distributed by Sheppard’s Hands Baptist Mission Center in West, Please call Converse Cone at 803.685.7795 or Mable Robertson at 864.445.2043.
Reminders:
June 19: FORS meets at RSUMC Center

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon. The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books. 
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783
Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

Monday, June 9, 2014

June 9, 2014 
Ridge Spring was packed.  The Peach Tree 23 began Friday and went through Saturday and it was a huge success for all.  There were spaces everywhere that had people selling their stuff that became another person’s treasure.   There were vendors with fresh produce at the market area too.  George and Virginia Raborn had fresh honey from their farm.  Leonard Bell was there with plenty of produce and Titan Farm.  I did have boiled peanuts and plants.  Loris and Bobby Yonce had beautiful plants too.   Mext week is the opening of the Farmers’ Market with the vouchers being distributed that Saturday Morning at the Gazebo.
Evon Kenner: Jerusalem Baptist Church will celebrate Father's/Men's Day Sunday, June 15th at 10:15 AM.  The speaker for the celebration will be Rev. Robert Butler.  The public is invited and if additional information is required please call Deacon Leon Kenner at 685-7805.
Ridge Spring Baptist Church will be working towards supplying toilet paper to be distributed by Sheppard’s Hands Baptist Mission Center in West Virginia to those in need among the coal miners.  This mission is headed by Pastor Mayhew West. AS of now he had enough to give 1 roll to each person per month.  You may donate toilet paper of money.  Please call Converse Cone at 803.685.7795 or Mable Robertson, the idea starter, at 864.445.2043.  I will be collected at the Sunday School wing in the first room on the right.
Joe Cal Watson’s journey with other World War Veterans commemorating D-Day has received great publicity form the national news, local papers, and local news organizations.  I have seen him is several papers and even on TV.  It is amazing what these men did.  Here is his itinerary  for the following days.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Today will be our visit on the coast, where we will stop at a "village" of German block houses, some of  which the interior may be visited. From there we will go to the 177 foot cliff on the beach, La Pointe du Hoc. Many of the Rangers were killed by the Germans.
We will stop to visit a cider distillery. Cider, slightly alcoholic and Calvados, strong in alcohol are the specialties of Normandy. On the way back we will stop in Arromanches for dinner.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
This is the big day. Presidential attendance is expected. It is too early to know what arrangements will be made for veterans to attend the ceremony. The details have not been determined yet. ( President Obama, Queen Elizabeth, Putin, French President and others did attend!!!)
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
The morning will be free to pack for the trip to Paris tomorrow. After lunch we will go to Ste Mere Eglise, where the 82nd and 101st paratroopers landed on June 6, 1944. The late Senator Thurmond was one of the paratroopers. We will take part in a festival
and celebration. After dinner we will return to Courseulles. .
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
After breakfast we will leave, taking former battle roads on the way to Paris. Hotel in Paris.
MONDAY, JUNE 9
We will spend the day in Paris to enjoy the sights. Spend the night at Charles de Gaulle Airport Hotel Ibis with dinner at Hotel.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
Transport to airport to take a mid-morning flight to Charlotte and then the bus transportation back to Columbia.

FROM DAVID MARSHALL JAMES: The best mystery series you’re probably not reading features David Housewright’s cop-turned-pro-bono-P.I. Rushmore McKenzie.  Just call him “McKenzie,” even though “Rushmore” sounds way cool, if a tad prep-schoolish.  You see, his parents were visiting South Dakota nine months before he was born, and McKenzie resides in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Housewright always supplies outstanding details of the capital city and its environs, its inhabitants, and its culture.  That’s always a plus in any novel:  Visiting a locale via an insider’s insights.  McKenzie has plenty of time to serve as a no-bill gumshoe because he received a multimillion-dollar reward for uncovering an insurance scam. The main reason I enjoy these novels--and I’ve never read a bad one, although I particularly recommend the past five titles—is that McKenzie reminds me of an old-style, detective-novel protagonist.  Indeed, Housewright delivers with a sarcastic grittiness reminiscent of James M. Cain.  The author’s latest McKenzie novel, “The Devil May Care,” has just been published.  Since this is a series that gets better with each new entry, you would do well to begin there and work your way backward.
By Joanne Crouch, President
     AARS is taking applications now for 2014 art camp, “Going Green at Art Camp” for ages 8-12.  Cost is $50.  Camp will be June 18th, 19th and 20th from 8:30-11:30 with an Artist Reception on Saturday, June 21st from 10-12.  Mosaics, zentangle, weaving and collage are just a few projects that the campers will be experiencing during the camp. Contact Donna Minor at (803)685-5783.
     First Thursday Needle Craft Night is Thursday, August 7th from 6:30-8:30.  This is a free event for those who like to get together with needle art projects.  Stumped on a needle art project???? Bring it in and maybe someone can offer assistance with your questions.
     Member DS Owens has received awards for 3 of his photographs at the 2014 Santee and Birding and Nature Festival.  
     AARS is excited to announce that Jim Harrison, well-known South Carolina artist, will have an artist reception at the Art Center on Sunday, October 5th from  1-4.  Original paintings, notecards and books will be available for sale.  Admission is free.
     Hours of operation for the Art Center of Ridge Spring are Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4.
Samantha McClure: Ridge Spring Baptist VBS is June 22-27. Supper and registration will begin at 5:30.
It’s that time again!!!The Young Adults Ministry of Ridge Hill Baptist Church announces A Family Fun Day and Community Cookout on the grounds of the Ridge Hill Baptist Church in Ridge Spring on Saturday June 14th from 11 am- 3 pm.

Reminders:
June 14: Farmers’ Market Opens
June 14: Ridge Hill Community Fun Day
June 19: FORS meets at RSUMC Center

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon. The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books. 
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783
Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works
Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library


Monday, June 2, 2014

June 2, 2014

The Vouchers for the Farmers Market will be distributed on June 14th at the Gazebo.  AgSouth had donated $500.00 to help promote the Farmers Markets throughout the state and has helped us.  There will also be cloth bags for each person at the Market from AgSouth, too.

The Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale is upon us.  Have a blast.  IT is 44 miles long and full of treasures.  I hope to see you in our town.

We have a new business in Ridge Spring “Off the Beaten Path”  which is an artisan and Craftsmen Emporium. This is a wonderful Addition to the shopping experience in Ridge Spring.  Grand opening is June 7 at 200 DuBose Street in RS.


The Palmetto Tractor Club will have plow day at Meherrin on the 7th also.

An article in the Sunday State Newspaper lists all participants and our Joe is listed.  How wonderful for Mrs. Jeanne Palyok and her family to head this project up.  If you get a chance, read the article.  Here is his itinerary for this return journey.

June 3 Tuesday: After breakfast we will go to Arromanches, a small village where the English and Canadians landed. It was the artificial port chosen to land tanks, trucks, equipment, provisions, etc. We can still see remnants of the floating roads, pontoons and other articles on the beach and on the water. We will visit one of the first, i f not the first, museum of WWII, overlooking the beach. It is a small museum with articles depicting the history of the landing, clothing, equipment, a diorama, which shows the air activity leading to the landing of the troops. To end our visit, we will see a movie describing the building of the port activity in England. After the visit we will have lunch. We will then go to Bayeux, where those who wish will go visit the famous Bayeux Tapestry, done by William the Conqueror's wife and noble women. It is the story of  the war in which William of Normandy regained the throne of England in 1066.

Wednesday, June 4 In order to avoid some of the crowds who will attend the official ceremony, we will go to the American Cemetery where we will be able to visit. At that time, we will place our South Carolina wreath at the monument. We will drive down to Omaha Beach. After lunch we will visit the German cemetery at La Cambe.

OLDE TREASURES:  Thanks to all who came by on the 24th to honor our veterans and other military.  We enjoyed sharing refreshments and stories with you.  Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to drop by pictures of loved ones and possibly yourself to add to our collage of pictures in our windows.  I was in town on an off day and as I drove up I noticed a man standing at the window intently looking at all of the pictures.  A few minutes later as I was ready to leave, I came from the back of the building around the side of the post office and found a lady enjoying the pictures.
I did not interrupt her, but left her with her thoughts and memories.  I have had quite a few tell me how much they appreciate our putting the pictures there for them to see.  You will be able to enjoy them through June 7th.  If you have some you would like to add, please feel free to do so.  You can also see the pictures on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/oldetreasures
Laura Walker is no longer with Olde Treasures.  We would like to say goodbye and wish her well.

CARLENE’S:    Our shop has just completed our ninth month in business and I would like to thank all of our customers for shopping local.  I want you to know how much I enjoy each of you.   You are all so interesting to me, each with a different personality and a different antique interest; you are a real kaleidoscope of joy.  Thanks to those of you who like to share your knowledge and engage in conversation about various things.  You help to make my day.  A day without customers and/or conversation is a long day.  You are each special and I just want to let you know that.   One day several dealers, a customer and I sat around a round table in the shop and shared lunch together swapping stories and laughter.  It was such a good feeling.  The shop felt like an old time general store.  Just one of the little things that brings pleasure to life in a small town.  Once again, thank you.  Come when you can.   Keep up with what is new on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/carlenesrs     Marian Warner

Pam Long: Congratulations to the RSM Peaches (girls softball team 10 & 11 year olds), they won all but two games. They did a great job.
The Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market kicks off bright and early Saturday morning, June 7th (same day as the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale that brings a lot of excitement to our area).  In addition to seasonal fruits and vegetables Johnston United Methodist Church will be selling BBQ sandwiches beginning at 8 a.m.  The regular Thursday afternoon market from 4 - 6 p.m. begins on Thursday, June 12th.  All will be held in front of the library/warehouse building on Calhoun Street. For more information call Anne Smith at 803-275-4097 or Donna Livingston at 803-275-0010.

 An exhibit by Judy Adamick and Anne Rauton Smith continues at The Stables Restaurant on Rose Hill Estate in Aiken.  The restaurant opens at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  The exhibit continues until August.

AARS has exciting news to announce.  South Carolina artist, Jim Harrison, will have an artist's reception show and sale at the Art Center of Ridge Spring on Sunday, October 5th from 1-4.  The public is invited to attend.  

Art Camp will be held June 18th,19th and 20 with Youth Artist's Reception on the 21st. from 10-12.    The theme is "Going Green at Art Camp."  This year's camp will be from 8:30-11:30 for ages 8-12.  Cost is $50.  Contact the Art Center for details, call Donna Minor at 685-5783, or contact our website. 
Samantha McClure: Ridge Spring Baptist VBS is June 22-27. Supper and registration will begin at 5:30. There will be an Adult class each night following the opening assembly. This years theme is SonTreasure Island. Join us as we learn about Gods love for us through the book 1 Corinthians 13. Commencement will be Friday at 6pm. Supper will be served after.
It’s that time again!!!The Young Adults Ministry of Ridge Hill Baptist Church announces A Family Fun Day and Community Cookout on the grounds of the Ridge Hill Baptist Church in Ridge Spring on Saturday June 14th from 11 am- 3 pm. All are invited to come and bring a grill, some food, your favorite chair, and a good attitude.
The event is being planned as a day to celebrate community life in Ridge Spring.

The Reunion of the RSM classes from 1956 to 1968 was a huge success.  Thank you to all for makig it a wonderful occasion.
JOSIE RODGERS:
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Red Hill Farmer Aiden Rodgers celebrated the birth of his first baby goat Sun., June 1.  Aiden’s goat Sweetie (which he paid for with his own money) gave birth to a beautiful brown baby girl Sun afternoon.  Aiden announced the birth with, “Hallelujah!  It’s a miracle!”  He had been awaiting this birth for quite some time and is proud to be a “grandpa”!  the new goat’s name is Spottie due to her 3 little white spots.  Proud billy goat papa is Bob
Palmetto Dance Academy will present its annual spring showcase on June 8 at 3:30 at the B-L Fine Arts Center (admission $5).  This year’s showcase, “As Seen on TV,” features theme songs of shows we grew up with as well as those of some current shows!  Registration is open, but classes are filling up fast.  Interested dancers should contact the studio for more information 864/445-0100. 
RSM High News: 
RSM Elem Mid News (Rene Miller):  The Joint Women's Clubs of Aiken present the
"Celebration of Character" each year to honor students with excellent character from each
school in the district. Students honored from RS-M Elementary include Robbie Barrineau, KaNaan Ligons, and Mikala Middlebrooks. The celebration was held on May 10 at St. Angela Hall in Aiken.  Winners received their certificates from Mayor Fred Cavanaugh. We are very proud of our students for receiving this honor!
Second grader Benny Padgett is a real saver. He worked hard all year going "above and beyond" in class earning points to spend at the Trojan Trading Post. The big-ticket item was a Razor Scooter. He saved all year and finally got the 60 points needed to buy it. Fellow students showed support for him, making cards of congratulations and encouragement. His mother came for a surprise presentation ceremony. Way to go, Benny!
Congratulations to our 8th grade students that took End of Course Exams last week; 94% of English I students passed, 100% of Algebra I students passed with a C or better! We are so proud of all of these students!
Mrs. Ann Hughes presented 138 books to our kindergarten classes. A book will be
given to each boy and girl at our Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony on Tuesday, June 3. These books were donated by the Spann United Methodist Church in Ward.
This donation was made possible through the Million Books campaign, sponsored by Spann United Methodist, giving books to young children ages 3-9 years old. The church likes to support local programs.
Mrs. Hughes is a former educator from Edgefield County. She taught at Johnston
Primary School for 22 years in the Gifted and Talented Program, computer lab, and reading lab. She worked with children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Mrs. Hughes says, “Reading has always been an important part of my life. Our church is proud to support literacy for our young children.” On behalf of our kindergarteners, we would like to say a big “thank you” to Mrs. Hughes and SpannUnited Methodist Church.
All students dropped everything and read for thirty minutes each day last week. This is normal practice in our classrooms, but this time students were reading for sponsors. Thanks to all the sponsors of our students! They really shined this week as readers. Sixty-nine students participated and earned a total of $2,290.60 for our school’s PTO. Dylan Harris earned the most sponsors was Dylan Harris. He was awarded a $25 gift card. Our 1st runner up was Alyssa Whitfield, and 2nd runner up was Jamirah Lites. Both students received a $10 gift card. All student participants received a certificate and pizza party. We are so proud of them!
Field Day Fun:  Thanks to everyone who helped with field day this year to make it a success. A big thank you goes to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Moss, and all the parents
that came out to cheer on and support our students. Our students really enjoy the opportunity
to compete and play each year.
            Winners Primary Division: Class Champion- Mrs. Shealy's class; 2nd Place - Mrs. Tonya Rodgers' class; 3rd Place - Mrs. Berry's class; Top Male Athlete- Jonathon Ortiz; Top Female Athlete- Cassandra Oakman
Winners Elementary Division: Class Champion- Mrs. Matthews' class; 2nd Place- Mrs. Rebecca Rodgers' class; 3rd Place- Mrs. Wilson's class; Top Male Athlete-Tayshaun Samuels;
Top Female Athlete- Vy Bussey.
Winners Middle School Division: Class Champion- Mrs. Morris's class; 2nd Place- Mrs. Korey's class; 3rd Place- Mrs. Baker’s class; Top Male Athlete- Michael Ziolkowski; Top Female Athlete- Bailie Davis.  Class Champions and Top Athletes were determined by totaling points received for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each event.

Reminders:
June 7: Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale
June 14: Farmers’ Market Opens
June 14: Ridge Hill Community Fun Day
June 19: FORS meets at RSUMC Center

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon. The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books. 
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783
Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library