Monday, December 29, 2014

December 29, 2014
Ridge Spring News
Happy New Year!!

We are beginning a new year.  Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?  I am but I will not tell anyone.  The days are getting longer again and the future looks bright.  Our small town and region is moving forward and we have so much to be thankful for.  I generally take the month of January off in writing the column and have guest writers to fill in.  I have been doing this column for 12 ½ years with no pay yet I keep doing it with the help of so many.  I am so thankful.  Help me do it for another 6 years.

Lee Ann Perez - One Ash Farm & Dairy: We have finally dried out and now we are enjoying watching the piglets grow, and learn how to run in and out of their pen.  All of the animals are enjoying the sunshine after all that rain, and we have seen so many doves and other birds flying around.  On Christmas night we marveled at the clear sky and all of the stars.  As we get ready to embark on 2015, we are reflecting back on the blessings from this past year.  Thanks to all we have met and done business with and special thanks to all our friends, for being an important part of our 2014!  We hope you all have had a good year, and are looking forward to a happy and prosperous New Year!

Happy New Year!  Off the Beaten Path is celebrating 6 months in business in Ridge Spring.  We are so excited to be downtown and looking forward to the serving you with incredible handcrafted merchandise and artisans' work.  We are looking forward to the addition of 3 new vendors in January.  Be sure to stop in and see what we have to offer.  We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday from 10 AM-5PM

The following story is by Sadie Davis.  I appreciate her dedication, faith and love for others.  Thank you, Sadie Davis.

This Is My Story
By Sadie Davis
As Director of Mt. Alpha Baptist Church Vacation Bible School, I became interested in new ideas to improve or add to our VBS Classes.  This interest motivated me to visit some local churches VBS’s such as Ridge Spring Baptist, Philippi Baptist and Mt. Pleasant Baptist. These churches along with Mt. Pleasant Baptist would invite us to attend.  Each church had its own charity mission and we (our grandchildren and cousins) participated and contributed to their charities. Philippi Baptist Church encouraged students to support the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Ministry by donating toys, educational items, money for postage and other non-perishable items that would brighten a child’s eyes. The purpose of this ministry is to spread the love and acceptance of Jesus. Samaritan’s Purse first began collecting shoe box gifts in 1993. By 2013, God blessed the ministry to reach almost 10 million children.
One year later, I met this lady (Jennifer Jutkofsky)  in Lexington, SC and she asked if I were familiar with the Samaritan’s Purse/OCC Shoe Box Ministry. I said, “No, I am not”.   She gave me a bulletin which was a Special Report on the mission to read. I became interested and continued my research on the internet. The one seed Jennifer Jutkofsky planted began to grow inside of me.  My love and interest for children inspired me to embark upon this journey.  God’s Spirit touched me and there was no turning back. I asked God to help me collect enough children items to fill 100 shoe boxes.  I had great faith and no doubt that I would reach this goal. As a result of God’s working behind the scene, the love of Christians in our church and community, Christians helped to reach my expected goal and beyond by filling 130 shoe boxes.  One hundred and thirty children will learn about the love of Jesus!  Because of my overly whelming excitement, I didn’t realize at the moment that I would need $7.00 postage for each box! “Wow!!!” I said. I went back to God and asked Him to help me collect the postage to mail as many boxes as possible. Because of God’s love, my faith, loving Christians In our church, community Christians and friends, $ 731.00 was collected!! The amazing thing about this charity assignment from God is, I never doubted that the mission would not be fulfilled.  I maintained a joy and still have this joy about helping some deprived child to be happy and most of all, teaching them while they are young about the love of Jesus!
 One of our church members, Calvin Felder, shared his experience while stationed in Afghanistan. He said the children are so thankful for the small things they receive.  He said, “The mission is needed and thank God we are willing to share the word of Jesus through the OCC”.
I went back to God and ask for help again!  I said, God, I need another Christian who would understand my Christian motive and drive and willing to work (excluding self gratification) and share my joy.  Believe it or not, God blessed me with one Christian, Madelyn Martin.  We worked two separate days packing 130 boxes and applying the bar code postage. There was so much joy in our task packing the boxes.
We acted and worked as if we were working for pay to feed our family. Near the end there were 30 boxes to be wrapped with Christmas paper.  We needed Christmas paper and someone to help wrap the boxes. God delegated two helpers, Bea Davis donated paper and Angelin Butler wrapped all the boxes!  Thank God, I decided to purchase 100 decorated shoe boxes which eliminated more wrapping. Dollar General in Ridge Spring, SC donated big boxes to pack the shoe boxes for easy delivery.  They were carried to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church located off Hwy. No. 1 one of the local drop- off stations.
 Boxes will be shipped to Charlotte, NC and packed for international shipping.  Six of us (Clifton Felder, Joseph Butler, Madelyn Martin, Beatrice Davis, Angelin Butler and Sadie Davis) plan to go to Charlotte, NC, December 11th to help inspect and pack boxes for international shipping.  We ask that you pray that we have a safe trip and a spiritual experience.  I have been called to work on many   Christian missions but this seems to be one of the largest. I thank God for using me and others to accomplish this mission to help spread the Word of Jesus. My love and sincere gratitude are more than words can express to all of you who helped me fill the 130 boxes and generous donations for the postage. I am so thankful to all and may God continue to bless you for your giving!! My experience has been great and rewarding!! God bless your gifts and may God continue to bless all of you.
Dear Reader, 
It is amazing how certain seasons and occasions can bring the very best out of us.  We live in a culture that enjoys celebrating.  We celebrate anniversaries, retirements, birthdays, Halloween, Father’s/ Mother’s Day, and the list goes on.  This Christmas Season will be filled with gifts, dinners and other ways of having fun with friends and family gatherings.  All this is great and these gatherings are good for relationships.  The greatest celebration  we can be a part of is the announcement or learning about the good news that a Savior has come into the world. This celebration is important because it gives us hope.  This hope is for all because God sent a Savior to give salvation to mankind.  Initially, many people might have a different response to the gospel.  The most  important  thing is that they come to accept the message of salvation at some point in their lives.
Celebrating Christmas is great but remember there is a reason for the season.  We celebrate His Birth. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, a new person is born. This new person will have Christ like characteristics, that will be loving, caring, sharing and compassionate characteristics that becomes a part of this new person. During this season, which is great, people extend themselves to give to families, friends, charities, homeless and other needy groups. What happens after Christmas? Do we revert to normalcy or just wait for another holiday to continue our giving?  People who might be suffering this season will have same problems after Christmas or some other holiday we celebrate.  Other words, strive to be Christ like every day.  That is, be loving, kind hearted, sharing and sensitive to one’s needs throughout the year.  Yes, scams might be prevalent in our society but stay focused and be directed by Holy Spirit. Merry Christmas to all in Reader’s Land, celebrate His birth and have a blessed New Year.
Sadie and her committee took the boxes to Charlotte and in her own words “It was awesome!!!!”
Few more reminders:
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIDGE HOLIDAY SHOWCASE at Cumbee Place, 401 E. Main St. Ridge Spring, SC will continue until January 3, 2015.  Hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 12:30-5 p.m. and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cumbee Place has been enjoying seeing everyone for the Holiday Showcase it is still going on until January 3rd so stop by and see us. We are putting together winter workshops for everyone to enjoy to find out about the workshops go to our website www.cumbeeplace.com and click on the workshop link. 

Patsy Asbill: The Ridge Spring Library has been fortunate in getting people to volunteer to help keep the library open. We have enough people that we can now be open the entire day on Friday.
Harriet’s Garden will be closed for the month of January which really means I just won’t have regular hours.  If you need me call the shop.


Reminders: 
Dec. 21-Jan.5: Christmas on the Ridge Holiday Showcase
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 pm.
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every 2nd Monday:  RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center. 
Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission
Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783
Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works
Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7 pm at Recovery Works (enter on Ponderosa Drive; park in Visitor Parking Area)

Every 3rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm

Friday, December 19, 2014

December 22, 2014
Ridge Spring News
Merry Christmas to All
And
Happy New Year
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIDGE HOLIDAY SHOWCASE at Cumbee Place, 401 E. Main St. Ridge Spring, SC will continue until January 3, 2015.  Hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 12:30-5 p.m. and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day)

Cumbee Place has been enjoying seeing everyone for the Holiday Showcase it is still going on until January 3rd so stop by and see us. We are putting together winter workshops for everyone to enjoy to find out about the workshops go to our website www.cumbeeplace.com and click on the workshop link. 

We will have all kind of fun things to do during these cold months like butter and cheese making with One Ash Farms, a painting workshop that is perfect for beginners taught by Sidney Zemp and wonderful artist from Bamberg, social media workshops, Photoshop workshops and more.

Some of our local farmers have been bringing local produce, Fresh Raw Milk, and baked goods for you to purchase. You can find what's new at Cumbee Place on our website or like our facebook page and we will be happy to keep you updated. So stop by and see what Cumbee Place is all about. As we like to say, “Come be a part of Cumbee Place"

Harriet’s Garden will be closed for the month of January which really means I just won’t have regular hours.  If you need me call the shop.  I have call-forwarding and can be reached.  If my car is there, stop by.  I will begin planting seeds for the spring season.  This is always a fun job for me and it is also amazing to see these little seeds turn into plants.  How fortunate I am.

Shelby Yonce: The Ridge Spring Christmas Tour of Homes was a big success and enjoyed by people from many areas.  The homes were beautifully decorated for Christmas.  Thanks to everyone for supporting the GREEN THUMB GARDEN CLUB with this project. 

Josie Rodgers: RSM High:  The Student Council once again sponsored the door decorating contest.  Fourth period classes decorated their classroom doors in a holiday theme. This year, an anonymous donor paid for the food for the winning door. We are very grateful for the generosity of this anonymous donor. Congratulations to the following classes for winning the door decorating contest: 1st place: Olaf from Frozen - Bedenbaugh (Zaxby’s prize; 2nd place: Charlie Brown – Burns (Subway prize); 3rd place: Trojan Express – Jackson (Pizza); Honorable Mention: All I Want for Christmas – Padgett.  
George W. Key: Once again the “Our Sunday Best Talent Showcase” was a stellar event; hosted by Pastors George W. Key and James Abraham. 13 contestants put forth their Sunday best, but only one emerged as the helpful Hands Mission “Our Sunday Best” Winner. The amazing Shayla Andrews singing captivated the audience.
The Helpful Hands Mission also awarded a 1st and 2nd place spirit aware; 1st place to Talayah Hamilton and 2nd place to ABC Dance Team.  Throughout the night many door prices were given.  It was a lovely evening with the stars; we congratulate all our winners.
The Next “Our Sunday Best” Talent showcase is in the making for late April or early May. We are looking for sponsors, singers, cancers, comic and we may even throw in a “Our Sunday Best Fashion Show”.

Patsy Asbill: The Ridge Spring Library has been fortunate in getting people to volunteer to help keep the library open. We have enough people that we can now be open the entire day on Friday. Thanks to all those who give their time to keep the library open for as many hours as possible. Currently, we have an excess of donated books and need time to process those that we have. We appreciate all the public's help with securing books but ask that donations be held until the first of the year. 

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:
Big Red Box: Collections for the month of December go to the Helpful Hands Mission located in Ridge Spring. Non perishable food items will be delivered to the Mission before Christmas. If you would like to donate please leave your items on the porch of the Family Life Center (FLC).
Face Book: RSUMC is on Face Book. Visit our page, like us and keep up with the activities and services.
December 23, 2014: RSUMC will open the Church to the public on December 23rd from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for prayer and reflection. Take some time for yourself away from the hustle and crowds to remember the ‘reason for the season’. A Church member will greet you and there will be devotional guides and Bibles available

Lee Ann Perez/ One Ash Farm & Dairy- 
It's all about baking this week at the farm!  Here is an easy idea, copied from one of our
blog posts, that will make your baking a little easier!

Do you need a super-easy, delicious and delectable dessert?  
Even expert bakers need a little help from from time to time.
Try our adaptations to an easy mix to create this beautiful cake.

Double Chocolate Almond Cake from One Ash Farm Recipes

Cake

1 boxed Chocolate with Chocolate Chips Quick Bread or Muffin Mix
1 tsp. pure Almond Extract

Prepare the mix as directed for muffins, adding the almond extract. Pour into a greased Bundt cake pan. Bake at 350° for approx. 25 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes, then turn onto a cooling rack to finish cooling completely. Place on cake plate prior to glazing

Chocolate Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 TBS. melted butter
3 TBS. cocoa powder
1 tsp. pure Almond Extract
3 TBS. very hot water
chopped almonds, roasted or raw, unsalted

Mix all except the almonds together until smooth. Spoon evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to run into the crevices.  Immediately top with chopped almonds cool before serving

Enjoy, and have a blessed week!!

Rene Miller, RSM Elementary School:
On behalf of our entire staff, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We hope that you will enjoy this time to spend together with family and friends. We are grateful for all of our students and families here at RSM Elementary School. Each student is a gift to us! Thank you for sharing your child with us as it is an honor to be able to serve him/her. May you all be blessed with love, peace, and joy during this holiday season. We look forward to seeing the students back on January 5, 2015. Sincerely, Mrs. Herlong, Principal

PTO News: We will begin taking orders for school t-shirts and hoodies beginning January 5th, 2015. There are two different designs you can order. Designs will be posted on the PTO page of our school’s web site.
Youth T- Shirts - Small, Medium, Large, XLarge - $10.00
Adult T- Shirts - Small, Medium, Large, XLarge - $10.00
Adult T- Shirts – 2X, 3X 4X - $14.00
Hoodies - Youth & Adult Sizes up to XLarge - $20.00
Hoodies - Adult Sizes 2X, 3X, 4X - $25.00
Orders must be prepaid and money will be collected on January 20th. Shirts will be back within 7 to 14 days. If you have any questions, please email the PTO at

Math Counts: For the week ending December 12 Our school has completed 635,255 math problems. We have earned 211,748 stickers. The team of the week is: Mrs. Wilson’s class—5th grade the player of the week is: Montana Gergen. He earned 429 stickers. He is in Mrs. Najmola’s 4th grade class. The top team for each grade level is:
Kindergarten: Mrs. Hallman’s class; 1st Grade: Mrs. Kerby’s class; 2nd Grade: Mrs. Shealy’s class; 3rd Grade: Mrs. Matthews’ class; 4th Grade: Mrs. Najmola’s class; 5th Grade: Mrs. Wilson’s class.  Our students continue to work hard using the First in Math program. We have set a school goal to complete ONE MILLION math problems by the end of the year. This will help increase fluency with math facts and, therefore, increase our test scores in the spring! Way to go, Ridge Spring Elementary students!


Reminders: 
Dec. 21-Jan.5: Christmas on the Ridge Holiday Showcase
No Harvest Festival meeting this month
No Friends of Ridge Spring meeting this month
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 pm.
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every 2nd Monday:  RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center. 
Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission
Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783
Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works
Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7 pm at Recovery Works (enter on Ponderosa Drive; park in Visitor Parking Area)

Every 3rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm

Monday, December 15, 2014

December 15, 2014
Ridge Spring News
December 13th thru January 3rd
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIDGE HOLIDAY SHOWCASE
At Cumbee Place
401 E. Main St. Ridge Spring, SC

Come and experience the holiday season at Cumbee Place in Ridge Spring with our first Christmas on the Ridge Holiday Showcase beginning Dec. 13.

Cumbee Place in Ridge Spring has six rooms highlighting the unique products of 15 local businesses in small towns including Saluda, Johnston, Edgefield, Monetta, Gilbert, Ridge Spring and Batesburg-Leesville. Each room within the holiday showcase is decorated for Christmas and includes gifts, furniture and holiday items for sale. We also have two local farms and a local winery selling items.

“At Cumbee Place, we strive to highlight all the amazing things The Ridge Region offers,” says Noel Steel, Cumbee Place developer. “It’s thrilling to see the diverse businesses in these small towns unite to offer a festive and fun event to holiday shoppers.”

The Christmas On The Ridge Holiday Showcase will have Mercer House Estate Winery on the 20th and we will be doing a wine tasting that afternoon.

Dec. 15 to Jan. 3, 2015
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 12:30-5 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please note that Cumbee Place and the holiday showcase are closed on Wednesdays and on Sundays after Dec. 14.

Cumbee Place, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community development center, develops businesses and promotes agri-tourism to strengthen communities within The Ridge Region. This region consists of rural areas in Aiken, Saluda, Edgefield and Lexington counties. Cumbee Place is located at 401 E. Main Street in Ridge Spring, South Carolina. For more information, visit www.cumbeeplace.com.

Patsy Asbill: The Ridge Spring Library has been fortunate in getting people to volunteer to help  keep the library open. We have enough people that we can now be open the entire day on Friday. Thanks to all those who give their time to keep the library open for as many hours as possible. Currently, we have an excess of donated books and need time to process those that we have. We appreciate all the public's help with securing books but ask that donations be held until the first of the year. 

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:
Big Red Box: Collections for the month of December go to the Helpful Hands Mission located in Ridge Spring. Non perishable food items will be delivered to the Mission before Christmas. If you would like to donate please leave your items on the porch of the Family Life Center (FLC).
Face Book: RSUMC is on Face Book. Visit our page, like us and keep up with the activities and services.
December 23, 2014: RSUMC will open the Church to the public on December 23rd from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for prayer and reflection. Take some time for yourself away from the hustle and crowds to remember the ‘reason for the season’. A Church member will greet you and there will be devotional guides and Bibles available

RSM Elementary School Christmas Musical:  This year, our Christmas Musical will take place in the gym during the school day on December 19, 2014. All parents are invited to attend. The performances will take place as follows:
Grades K-2 - 8:30 a.m.
Grades 3-5 - 10:00 a.m.
Each grade level will perform a song or two. Then we will finish up with an old fashioned sing along for the entire audience! 
Lee Ann Perez/ One Ash Farm & Dairy-
Anyone who lives on a farm knows that farm life is filled with something new each day, not all of which are fun or happy.  Some days it's extreme weather changes, some days it's veterinary needs, some days it's a need for animal   changes, some days pipes are broken, and some sad days there is death. It has been a little sad around One Ash lately, with a lot of that last kind of day happening.  The stories of our recently lost animals are ones that our family will remember for a long time to come, and ones that will always weigh heavy on our hearts.

But then there are the most exciting days -when God blesses us with new life on the farm.  And that happened a few days ago!  Last year we decided to purchase a boar to go along with our sows that were already maturing.  Well, we have been waiting for "Bo" the Berkshire pig to grow up enough to breed those girls.  And this week we have proof that he is indeed a big boy now.  We now have 4 adorable little piglets running around the pig pen, romping and hopping and burying themselves in the hay. And it appears that we have another sow ready to give birth any day!  We are thoroughly enjoying these little "bacon bits", as we like to call them! 
Despite the tough days on the farm, we are always receiving Gods blessings.  He knows why things happen the way they do, and we have the faith to accept His will and goodness. He always guides us through the difficulties, bringing us to a better place in the end.  I am amazed at the healing power and hope that has come from a few little piglets.  It's times like this that keep us farming, and loving our animals for as long as they are with us.  Life on the farm is good!

Josie Rodgers:
            If you missed Palmetto Dance Academy’s presentation of Frozen this past weekend, you truly missed out on a fabulous show!  The entire company told the story through dance set to the music from the motion picture.  From the tiny twirling tots to the graceful movements of the senior students, the entire production was breathtaking.  This is PDA’s annual charity show, financed by the yearly golf tournament.  All proceeds from the show and the toys collected at the door go directly to local children through Toys for Tots.  The theater was packed, so many, many children will be quite happy this year!
            Princess Leagrace turned 5 years old on Dec. 16.  It is hard to believe that five years ago, she almost left us and has had a few close calls since.  She has been pretty healthy lately with no hospitalizations in quite a few months, thank the good Lord!  Every day with her is a gift from God, and we treasure her every smile, her every laugh, her every breath.  She brings such joy to our lives and we are grateful for all she has taught us.  We will celebrate at Nana’s (that’s me!) house this weekend with a Frozen party.  Frozen is her favorite movie! 
             Palmetto Dance Academy:  On Wed., Dec. 17, PDA will host another guest artist, Josh Alexander, a top 20 contestnat on So You Think You Can Dance.  Josh is currently working on Glee coming from LA.  This session is open to any dancers:  Beginner/Intermediates from 4-5:30; Advanced 5:30-7.  Contact the studio to register.
            St. William Catholic Church youth presented “Christmas, Bah, Humbug!” last Sunday.  Annalee Rodgers and Jason Rodgers played a couple who were frustrated and bored with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.  A group of carolers (Kassey Kitchings, Megan Kitchings, Quinten Miller, Aiden Rodgers, Isaac Rodgers, Jon Rodgers, Taylor Rdogers, Alayna Way, Kenneth Way) just happen to drop by and share the Good News with the couple, who are reminded what Christmas is all about. The nativity scene comes to life through Joseph (William Bedenbaugh), Mary (Savannah Rodgers), and angels (Karoline Kitchings, Texanna Miller, and Leagrace Rauton).  Afterwards, everyone enjoyed refreshments and a visit from good old Saint Nick himself!


Reminders: 
Dec. 14-Jan.5: Christmas on the Ridge Holiday Showcase
No Harvest Festival meeting this month
No Friends of Ridge Spring meeting this month
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 pm.
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every 2nd Monday:  RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center. 
Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission
Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783
Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works
Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7 pm at Recovery Works (enter on Ponderosa Drive; park in Visitor Parking Area)

Every 3rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm

Monday, December 8, 2014

December 8, 2014
Ridge Spring News
We remember December 7th as “the day that lives in infamy” as quoted by our president at the time, FDR.  My mother and father remembered what they were doing when they heard.  How many of us remember certain dates, too, such as 9/11.  That is one of my generation’s days to remember.  Let us look to the future as being filled with joy and hope for all mankind.
December 13th thru January 3rd
CHRISTMAS ON THE RIDGE HOLIDAY SHOWCASE
At Cumbee Place
401 E. Main St. Ridge Spring, SC
Join us in celebrating small businesses on The Ridge this Christmas Season. Retail businesses from our small towns are creating showcase rooms full of Christmas charm for visitors to come and enjoy. Each room is decorated by one or more businesses from Saluda, Batesburg-Leesville, Johnston, Ridge Spring, and Edgefield. We are very excited to offer this wonderful chance for you to come and see a sample of what our small towns have to offer in one location. All items can be purchased and you will be given a list of the businesses and their location for you to explore them further. 

Showcase hours will be:
During Ridge Spring Christmas Open House
December 13th 10:00 until 5:00
December 14th 12:30 until 5:00
December 15th until January 3rd
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 12:30 until 5:00
Saturday 10:00 until 2:00
(Cumbee Place is the old funeral home.)

December 2nd American Legion Post 133 hosted their annual Ladies Night Out.  Food was provided by Matthew’s BBQ.  Dick Cory provided the entertainment.  He is a lifelong entertainer in rodeo, radio, western music and a student of history.  He told us of his experience on Dec. 7 and throughout the war.  He sang choruses of many songs from the eras of the 40’s, 50’s and more.  I recognized many of the tunes, such as Gene Autry and Roy Rodgers with Dale Evens theme songs.  All had a delightful evening and closed with all joining him singing “God Bless America”.

Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods: We are using the "good china" for the upcoming Shops of Ridge Spring Open House this weekend - Saturday &Sunday.  You can too because ALL the china in the main room will be discounted!  Many other items throughout the store will be on sale as well. If you find that perfect gift but it is just too large to hide at home we will be happy to hold it at the store for you.  Christmas Eve falls on a Wednesday this year and we are not normally open Wednesdays but we will be happy to meet you at the store that day so you can pick up your big surprise just in time for Christmas!
Many thanks to Jim Napier and Bob Herndon for the beautiful job they did on our windows ~ we are calling it "White Christmas, Southern Style".
Come See!

Lee Ann Perez/ One Ash Farm & Dairy
Another busy week at the farm, but then aren't they all that way? This past week was filled with trying to decorate for Christmas (we never decorate before Thanksgiving!), making all sorts of baked goods, herbal and natural salves, soaps and scrubs and crocheted goods for Holiday Markets, and of course the regular farm chores.
As we are entering into winter, we have increased the feed for the dairy cows so that they will have plenty of warmth and energy.  That also means the girls gave us more milk last week, and what a blessing!  I have made several batches of soft cheese, both plain and seasoned, and have cream set aside to make butter to use for my Christmas cookies.  I will be teaching butter/soft cheese making workshops in January and February, so look for that coming announcement from Cumbee Place and Noel.  It will be great to be able to meet and share my knowledge with some of you!  We hope you are enjoying your Christmas season, and aren't overloading your to-do lists.  Have a blessed week!

It is Show Time!!! Sunday December 14th at the Saluda Theater at 4:00 PM is the “OUR BEST SUNDAY SHOW TALENT CONTEST.  There is a $2.00 charge at the door. Children 16 and under get in free.  Many prizes will be given away.

CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES, Ridge Spring SC, will be Sunday, December 14, 2014 from   2:00 until 5:00 p.m.  This is sponsored by the Green Thumb Garden Club
and assisted by the Ridge Garden Club.  Tickets are $10.00 each and may be purchased the day of tour at all homes and Ridge Spring Baptist Church.  Homes on Tour are Mr. and Mrs. Dallas S. Cone, Jr. at 336 Aiken Rd, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Webb at 340 Aiken Rd, and The Angel House Home of Terri Rourk at 312 East Main St.  Churches open for touring: Ridge Spring Baptist Church 108 Church Circle " Main St",   Ridge Spring United Methodist Church at 206 DuBose St and Immanuel "Historic" Lutheran Church at 206 Boatwright St.  Cake and Spiced Tea will be served at Ridge Spring Baptist Church Social Hall.

            Josie Rodgers: No, my shopping isn’t done, but yes, I am enjoying everything the season brings!  I love listening to Christmas music in my car (since I travel between schools, I have plenty of time!).  I also love discovering what our Elf on the Shelf, Twinkles, has been up to each morning.  Gazing at our beautiful tree, snuggling with my kids and grands, watching movies, drinking hot cocoa, and reminiscing about Christmases past are some of the most wonderful things I enjoy this time of year.
RSM Elem:  (Rene Miller): The school will sponsor a talent show on Fri., Dec. 12, with students in Child Development through 2nd grade performing. Entry fee is $1, and admission for others is $1.  All money will be collected on the day of the event. Students in 3rd-5th grade may attend. A talent show for the upper grades will be held later in the year.
The Christmas Musical will take place in the gym during the school day on Dec. 19.  Grades K-2 perform at 8:30 am, and grades 3-5 at 10 am.
Each grade level will perform a song or two and finish up with an old fashioned sing-along for the entire audience!
RS-M Elementary and the Morale Committee would like to thank the following local businesses for their donations: Kevin & Lydia Yon (Yon Family Farms) and Mr. Don
Havird (Shady Hill Farm), funds to help furnish faculty/staff meals and incentives; Harriet Householder (Harriet's Garden) and Joe Watson (The Nut House), items for the silent auction. Your support is greatly appreciated!
The PTO thanks everyone who helped with the cookie dough fundraiser which was a huge success with over 500 buckets of cookie dough sold!  Every student at RSM will be able to attend the Magic Show! The PTO will meet Dec. 8 at 6:30 pm and vote on how the money will be used.

On Mon., Nov. 24, the 1st graders toured The Nut House in Ridge Spring.  The students began the tour in the shed where trash is removed from the pecans, and they are sorted by size. Next, they visited the store area and learned about the different products sold at The Nut House. The children visited the kitchen and watched as chocolate covered pecans and pecan pies were made. Then they watched a demonstration on how the pecan cracker works and sampled the freshly cracked pecans. Everyone had a wonderful time learning how pecans go from tree to store.

The Trojans of RSMH opened the varsity basketball season with a home game against Pelion High School on Friday night December 5th @ 6:00! The Lady Trojans are looking forward to another exciting year in basketball. Ten of last year’s dozen players return to this year’s squad. Seniors Raven Valentine and Tymiyah Tyler will be leading the team on the break and in the paint along with Juniors Amber Merritt and Porsha Quattlebaum. The five sophomores, Alexis Smith, Mikayla Davis, Dominique Lee, Deasia Young and Diamond Preston will add depth and strength to the Lady Trojans backcourt. The Freshmen, Kadaija James and Crystal  'CP' Preston is starting her third year as a varsity player and will be looked upon to guide the team as starting point guard. The team has some tri-peat goals set for the 2014-15 season! Come follow and support the Trojans as set out on the journey up!!!  Schedule on the school website!!!

St. William Catholic Church youth will present Christmas?  Bah Humbug! Sun., Dec. 14, at 5 pm in the church hall with refreshments following and a visit from old St. Nick!  What happens when a yuppy couple gets frustrated with the push and shove of Christmas chaos?  A group of young carolers show up to remind them of the true meaning of Christmas.
Palmetto Dance Academy presents Frozen Sat., Dec. 13, at 12:30 at the B-L Fine Arts Center.  Admission is $10, and toys will be accepted.  Enjoy all your favorite songs and characters from Disney’s beloved musical.  You do NOT want to miss this show!   Several PDA classes performed selections from the show at the Edgefield Hospital Mon., Dec. 8, while others performed at the Saluda Nursing Home Wed., Dec. 10
Cristal Gonzalez:  The RSM High Senior Beta Club sponsored its first Teachers vs. Students Spelling Bee.  The MC for the afternoon was Mrs. Bedenbaugh with the help of Mrs. Burns.  The students started with 16 participants, while the teachers had only 12 participants.  After about an hour of spelling, the last 2 participants standing were Mrs. Holley and Miranda Middlebrooks– a teacher vs. student!  Miranda Middlebrooks spelled holocaust correctly to win our first spelling bee– making the students the winners!  The purpose of the spelling bee was to raise money so the Beta Club members can attend the Beta Club Convention in February.
Art students visited the Koger Center Fri., Dec., 5, to see The Columbia City Ballet perform The Nutcracker.  Students ate at the Mellow Mushroom located in the Vista immediately following the performance.  
Cristal Gonzales-Canned Food Drive: One of our social studies teachers, Ms. Coleman, organized a canned food drive to donate food to Helpful Hands Community Mission.  It was not just a simple canned food drive, it was a USC Gamecock fans vs. Clemson Tiger fans food drive.  Middle school students brought canned foods to drop in the bucket of their favorite team.  As time went by, both buckets were filling up with a variety of different cans.  Ms. Coleman was really hoping that the Clemson fans would win.  Instead, at the end of the canned food drive, the Gamecocks were successful and came out victorious.  Although the students and teachers all had fun, the purpose of the canned food drive was to help families through the Helpful Hands Community Mission.  On November 21, 2014, Mr. George W. Key and his wife, Mrs. Jackie Key, leaders of the Helpful Hands Community Mission, came to RS-M Middle/High School to pick up all the cans.  Mr. and Mrs. Key were very thankful for the many cans of food collected by the students and also thankful to Ms. Coleman for organizing the canned food drive.  Our principal, Mr. Wintrode was very proud of the students for cooperating to collect so many canned goods.  Ms. Coleman summed up the canned food drive by saying, “I am thankful for the kids– as a school we came together.”
Reminders: 
Dec. 13: Christmas Open House with Shoppes of Ridge Spring
Dec. 14: Christmas Tour of Homes
Dec. 14: Christmas Open House with Shoppes of Ridge Spring
Dec. 14-Jan.5: Christmas on the Ridge Holiday Showcase
Dec. 14: OUR SUNDAY BEST Show

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.