August 18, 2014

Ridge Spring News

Friends of Ridge Spring meet this Thursday at 5:00 PM at the Betty and Joe Watson Family Center beside the RSU Methodist Church.  Come help us support our super community.

The Farmers’ Market was slow but things will improve this coming Saturday.  If the deer have left the peas and butterbeans alone, there should be some at the market. There will be more produce for all as well as boiled peanuts. Do come by, visit, and shop with us.  We are usually set up by 8:00 AM.  Leonard Bell always had great produce, Sherald Rodgers will be there and hopefully Titans and more. 

The Harvest Festival Committee met Tuesday night at the library.  Several changes have been made, and we are looking forward to community support.  This year there will be games hopefully sponsored by organizations.  The Harvest Festival Committee will supply the prizes to be given out and a sign for the group that is sponsoring the game.  Check out the web site www.ridgespringsc.com , events, and then applications.  There will still be Bingo, Gospel night, parade, cake and pie contest, entertainment, BBQ, and more on the FOURTH WEEKEND IN OCTOBER, October 23 through October 25.

 Start planning now for the Best Dressed Golf Cart Competition that will be held during the parade during the Harvest  Festival on Saturday, October 25th.  Judging will be during the line-up for the parade at the school.  Prizes will be announced later.  Join in the fun

Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods: Big changes have taken place at Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods as Jim Napier and Bob Herndon have retired from the business and Denise Covington has returned.

Denise sends a huge thank you to Jim and Bob for making the transition so smooth and for their continuing support and assistance on so many levels, including running the store from time to time.  She knows she has some mighty big shoes to fill!

Denise is looking forward to seeing old friends and customers and along with the many other dealers in the shop continuing to offer an eclectic variety of antiques, collectibles and other "old stuff".  Dealers are always bringing new items and the store keeps a request list as well.

Store hours remain the same with the store open on Mondays from 11 until 4 and Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10 until 5.  Our mantra remains the same too ~ great customer service delivered with a smile.  Come See!

Antiques at the Ridge, Janet Lybrand: Please join us for our Annual FALL Gathering

At Primitives at the Ridge Sept 5th and 6th from 10 am ‘til 4:30 pm.

Jeffry Clamp: The RS-M Band Car Wash that was rained out on August 2nd has been re-scheduled for Saturday, August 23rd at the new Fire Department in Ridge Spring. Please come out and support the True Blue Marching Band and get your car cleaned at the same time.

JOHNSTON FARMER'S & ARTIST'S MARKET offers many fresh seasonal fruits & vegetables, delicious breads & baked goods, live plants, note cards & prints by a local artist and Lion's Club brooms every THURSDAY AFTERNOON from 4-6 p.m. in front of the Library/Warehouse building on Calhoun Street.  For more information contact Anne Smith at 803-275-4097 or Donna Livingston at 803-275-0010.

The Aiken Artist Guild Gallery of the Aiken Center for the Arts will showcase new paintings of two local artists, Judy Adamick and Anne Rauton Smith, September 2- September 26.  Anne's work focuses on old barns that are disappearing from the landscape with the medium of pen & ink & watercolor.  Judy will exhibit paintings in acrylic of farm animals that make their homes in and around barns.   A reception to honor both artists will be Thursday, September 11, from 6 until 8.  The public is invited.  Be sure to put these dates on your calendar and see Anne and Judy's new works. 

The first day of school is Mon., Aug. 18. The doors opened at 7:30 am, and classes began at 7:50 am. If you need to drop off your student early, let us know and we will make accommodations. The school day ends at 3:05 pm for the middle school and 3:10 pm for the high school. Stop by and see us. You're always welcome up on the Ridge.

Aiken County School District will hold a meeting regarding the 1 cent sales tax at the Ridge Spring Civic Center on Thurs., Oct. 2, at 6:30 pm.

School supplies:  Pick up a few extras to send to teachers to have for students who aren’t able to purchase all of their supplies.  I am sure they would also appreciate last year’s book bags that won’t be used again.  Some of our children need so much, so every little thing we can do helps!  You can drop supplies off at your local school or the Big Red Box at RS United Methodist Church to go to Helping Hands Ministry.

There will be a Caregivers Support Group for those of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients, held monthly at Ridge Spring Library. The Support Group will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM. The first meeting will be September 9th at 7:00 PM.

FOOD DRIVE / SCHOOL SUPPLIES AUGUST 23, 2014

We at the Helpful Hands community Mission feel that one of the best ways we can serve those in need in our community is through our monthly food drive.  Our vision as Christians and followers of Christ's example is to be there for everyone in need, from feeding the hungry to providing comfort to the weary. We are extending an invitation to you, to see if you would like to help sponsor our August food/ school supply drive by donating canned and non-perishable foods and school supplies for our community children.  By helping us with your precious donations, you are answering the call of those less fortunate. Our goal is to acquire enough food and school supplies to serve 100 individuals. The deadline for the August drive will be the 22, 2014. We hope you will participate with us! Donations may be left at the mission in donation box on the front porch.  If you have any questions about this food drive, please contact us at 803-480-3963 or or email us [pastorkey@yahoo.com]. We look forward to speaking with you!

Blessings in Christ, Rev. George W. Key, Founder, Helpful Hands Community Mission

There will be an Aiken County School District Meeting regarding the 1 cent sales tax at Ridge Spring Civic Center, Thursday, October 2nd at 6:30pm.

Let’s go down memory lane:

Ridge Spring News for August 2009 began with this:

The ribbon cutting for the Fire Department’s dedication is Sunday, August 23.  I mistakenly said Saturday. Sorry for it is Sunday.

Can you believe the rain?  Ridge Spring had 4.5 inches on Thursday and all in less than two hours.  That is a record.  The Farmers’ Market was great.  George and Virginia Raborn drove up at about 7:00 with two half bushels and two pecks of butterbeans and were sold out of them by 7:07.  Many of the vendors you know were there.  The peaches were back from Titan Farms.  We had tomatoes, peas, eggplant. Squash, peppers, figs, shelled peas, the last of the blueberries, watermelons, cantaloupe, pecans, boiled and parched peanuts, and more that I cannot remember.  Fun was had by all.

Sure sounds like this year, too.

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 2^nd & 4^th 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 Recovery Works, 2269 Ridge Spring Hwy.  Please enter on Ponderosa Drive and park in the Visitor Parking Area.

August 11, 2014

Ridge Spring News 

Despite the rain Saturday we had 6 vendors there at the Farmers’ Market.  The rain did cause difficulty for the farmers to get in the fields to harvest but we were there.  Peanuts sold out early, too.  Come join us the coming Saturday and see what is growing and being harvested in the Ridge.

Harvest Festival meeting will be this Tuesday August 12 at the library at 7:00 PM and the FORS meeting will be Thursday August 21at 5:00 PM at the Methodist Church Watson Center.

Brenda Disher: There will be an Aiken County School District Meeting regarding the 1 cent sales tax at Ridge Spring Civic Center, Thursday, October 2nd at 6:30pm

Theresa Harmon: Off the Beaten Path is holding a Back To School Supply Drive for the local schools in Ridge Spring on Saturday August 16th.  When you come to shop be sure to bring in one or more of the following items:  baby wipes, bandaids, hand sanitizer and color copy paper.  You can drop your items off any time.  We are open 9-5.  Closed Wednesday and Sunday.

The Watson Reunion was a big success.  There were attendees from Ridge Spring, Houston Texas, and San Diego, California and points in between. There were those of age from 2 years to ninety- five.  All seemed to enjoy the company. It was held at the Watson House. They furnished a delicious meal.

JOHNSTON FARMER'S & ARTIST'S MARKET offers many fresh seasonal fruits & vegetables, delicious breads & baked goods, live plants, note cards & prints by a local artist and Lion's Club brooms every THURSDAY AFTERNOON from 4-6 p.m. in front of the Library/Warehouse building on Calhoun Street.  For more information contact Anne Smith at 803-275-4097 or Donna Livingston at 803-275-0010.

Josie Rodgers: Teachers throughout our area head back to school this week to prepare for new students and a new year.  Many will face new challenges or different positions.  Keep them all in your prayers, including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, aides, and volunteers.  They all help our children feel safe, smart, and loved.  I will return to my position as ESOL teacher at both RSM High and Aiken High.  I can honestly say that I adore my students and look forward to seeing what they can accomplish this year! 

Josie Rodgers: The Princess (Leagrace) will start school this year.  I’m not sure how I feel about that!  She needs to go and will absolutely LOVE it!  She loves children and activity, so she will certainly thrive in her new venture!  We are excited and nervous about her first days of school. We had a long overdue visit from my grandmother and one of my sister’s friends this past weekend.  All day we reminisced, laughed, and had a wonderful time just being together. 

Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Registration: Wed., Aug. 13: 10 am-4 pm; Thurs., Aug. 14: 10 am-2 pm.

Warren Wintrode, Principal, RSM Middle/High School:  Welcome back to school! The doors open at the combined middle/high school in the next couple of weeks, and we are looking forward to seeing our returning students and a whole bunch of new faces. This will be the only middle/high school in Aiken County, and I am confident that it will be a credit to this community.

Registration for the middle school will be in the new cafeteria Aug. 13, noon to 6 pm. Registration for the high school building will be in the old cafeteria Aug. 13, noon to 6 pm.

The first day of school will be Mon., Aug. 18. The doors open at 7:30 am, and classes begin at 7:50 am. If you need to drop off your student early, let us know and we will make accommodations. The school day ends at 3:05 pm for the middle school and 3:10 pm for the high school. Stop by and see us. You're always welcome up on the Ridge.

On Mon., Aug. 18, at 7 pm, RSM High will have a parents’ meeting for all students playing fall sports. At this meeting parents will meet their child's coaches and discuss practice schedules, coaches’ expectations, and rules. 

Aiken County School District will hold a meeting regarding the 1 cent sales tax at the Ridge Spring Civic Center on Thurs., Oct. 2, at 6:30 pm.

School supplies:  Pick up a few extras to send to teachers to have for students who aren’t able to purchase all of their supplies.  I am sure they would also appreciate last year’s book bags that won’t be used again.  Some of our children need so much, so every little thing we can do helps!  You can drop supplies off at your local school or the Big Red Box at RS United Methodist Church to go to Helping Hands Ministry.

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 2^nd & 4^th 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 Recovery Works, 2269 Ridge Spring Hwy.  Please enter on Ponderosa Drive and park in the Visitor Parking Area.

August 4, 2014

Ridge Spring News

As cloudy as the weather was Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market, we had 7 vendors with breakfast of blueberry muffins.  All we needed was the coffee.  It was chilly and a nice change from the heat.  Tomatoes were in demand.  Sherald Rodgers and Leonard Bell had some.  The crowder pea crops are not looking too good right now.  Hope the rain has helped. Two vendors had peaches, too. Hope to see you next Saturday.

Harvest Festival meeting will be Tuesday August 12 at the library and the FORS meeting will be Thursday August 21 at the Methodist Church Watson Center.

Mark your calendars!!! Taylor Creek will be at Juniper August 9th!!!!

Revival at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Ridge Spring with Rev. Mike Bowling as Evangelist will be Sunday, August 10^th, 2014 @ 11:00 a.m. then Sunday night August 10^th through Wednesday night, August 13^th @ 7:00 p.m. Special music each night.  Nursery provided. We invite everyone, past and present church members to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Homecoming, August 10, 2014 @ 11:00 a.m.  Dinner will be on the grounds following morning service. Mount Pleasant Baptist Church would like to invite area churches and our community to the Dedication Service of our new Family Life Center on Sunday, August 10^th 2014 from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. at 164 Mount Pleasant Road, Ridge Spring, SC  29129.  A nursery will be provided.  For more information you can call the church at 803-685-7183 or 803-295-3421.

There will be a Caregivers Support Group for those of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients, held monthly at Ridge Spring Library. The Support Group will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM. The first meeting will be September 9th at 7:00 PM.

Noel Steele at Cumbee Place: We are really excited about the progress we have been making. We will be moving into the facility in September. We are proud to say that we have partnered with Clemson and we want to thank them for their support. The Town of Johnston has just joined our efforts and we have already started working on some ideas to jump start their revitalization efforts.

FOOD DRIVE / SCHOOL SUPPLIES AUGUST 23, 2014

We at the Helpful Hands community Mission feel that one of the best ways we can serve those in need in our community is through our monthly food drive.  Our vision as Christians and followers of Christ's example is to be there for everyone in need, from feeding the hungry to providing comfort to the weary. We are extending an invitation to you, to see if you would like to help sponsor our August food/ school supply drive by donating canned and non-perishable foods and school supplies for our community children.  By helping us with your precious donations, you are answering the call of those less fortunate.Our goal is to acquire enough food and school supplies to serve 100 individuals The deadline for the for the August, will be the 22, 2014. We hope you will participate with us! Donations my be left at the mission in donation box on the front porch.  If you have any questions about this food drive, please contact us at 803-480-3963 or or email us [pastorkey@yahoo.com]. We look forward to speaking with you!

Blessings in Christ, Rev. George W. Key, Founder , Helpful Hands Community Mission

School is coming and will be here before you know it.  Place these dates on your calendars.

Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Registration

August 12:  Noon-6:00 p.m.

August 13: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

August 14: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Warren Wintrode, Principle Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High: Welcome back to school! The doors open at then combined middle/high school in the next couple of weeks and we are looking forward to seeing our returning students and a whole bunch of new faces. This will be the only middle/high school in Aiken County and I am confident that it will be a credit to this community. Registration for the middle school building will be in the new cafeteria on the following dates and times:

·  August 12, 6-8 PM, Orientation and Registration for 6th grade students

·  August 13, Noon to 6 PM, Registration for 7th and 8th grade students

Registration for the high school building will be in the old cafeteria on the following dates and times:

·  August 12, 6-8 PM, Orientation and Registration for 9th grade students

·  August 13, Noon to 6 PM, Registration for 10th - 12th grade students

The first day of school will be Monday, August 18. The doors open at 7:30 AM and classes begin at 7:50 AM. If you need to drop off your student early, let us know and we will make accommodations. The school day ends at 3:05 PM for the middle school and 3:10 PM for the high school. Stop by and see us. You're always welcome up on the Ridge.

Josie Rodgers: August brings the beginning of school from K3 to college!  No matter where your child goes to school or what grade he/she will be in, it is crucial for parents to be involved in the daily activities and education of their children.  Research proves that children whose parents are involved and show care and support for their children’s education are more successful and more well-rounded than other students.  Take time each day to ask your children about their day, their homework, their friends, their activities, etc.  Let’s give our kids the best start possible to a great future! 

So, what about those college-bound kids? Don’t forget about them!  Messages and care packages are welcome, especially those first few months away from home.  Keep encouraging them to study hard and pursue their dreams!  There will be tough days, for them and for parents, but it will all be well worth it when that college degree is hanging on the wall!  Most of our college kids move in about the same time our local school begins. 

From RSM:  Shila Johnson will travel to Henderson, TN, and attend Freed-Hardeman University where she will major in biology for pre-med.  She plans to become an emergency pediatrician.  Jordyn Rodgers is headed to Coker College to major in dance and sports medicine to pursue a career that includes both disciplines.  Samuel Bedenbaugh will become a Chanticleer at Coastal Carolina. 

RSM High will have a home football scrimmage with Pelion and Williston Tues., Aug. 12, at 6 pm. Admission is $3; this is a fundraiser for the football team. 

On Mon., Aug. 18, at 7 pm, RSM High will have a parents’ meeting for all students playing fall sports. At this meeting parents will meet their child's coaches and discuss practice schedules, coaches’ expectations, and rules. 

School supplies:  Pick up a few extras to send to teachers to have for students who aren’t able to purchase all of their supplies.  I am sure they would also appreciate last year’s book bags that won’t be used again.  Some of our children need so much, so every little thing we can do helps!

Joanne Crouch, AARS President

           AARS is excited to announce that they are the recipient of a grant from the South Carolina Art Commission to assist with the wiring of the kiln that the Art Center had purchased previously.  There are still a few steps that need to be completed before we can begin classes for the public.  Details will be released soon as opportunities develop.

     Current officers are Joanne Crouch, president, D.S. Owens, vice-president, Donna Minor, secretary and Barbara Yon, treasurer.

     The Ridge Heritage Quilt Trail has a new installed addition to our trail.  The quilt trail guide will be available soon.

      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 someone can offer assistance.  This will be a monthly event. 

      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 5^th from  1-4.  Original paintings, notecards and books will be available for sale.  The public is invited and admission is free.

     There are two new “Dip N’ Splash” classes available. The first class, “Spring Fling” will be held on August 16^th from 2-4.   “Beach Shoreline” class will be held on August 22 from 6:30-8:30.  These classes are to be on an 7 x14 canvas and it is a step by step class that allows the student to take home a completed painting when they go home.  Cost is $25.   Bring a friend and your choice of beverage.

     AARS is currently looking for an instructor to teach stained glass classes.  We have the supplies available for the class.  We are also looking for a pottery instructor to lead pottery class.  Contact Joanne Crouch for more details at (803)685-5577 or email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com.

     Whether you are an artist or just an art lover, we would love to have you join us.  Membership is $25 for individuals and $35 for families.  Members get a 10% discount on gallery purchases and classes.

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 2^nd & 4^th 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 Recovery Works, 2269 Ridge Spring Hwy.  Please enter on Ponderosa Drive and park in the Visitor Parking Area.