Tuesday, December 29, 2015

December 28, 2015
Ridge Spring News
Harriet Householder
Happy New Year!!!!
The Christmas Season is a wonderful time of the year. I hear from friends and despite some of the jokes, I do enjoy those news’ letters people send.  It catches me up.  It is also time to take a break and look at the past and prepare for the future.  What will be your New Year’s Resolution?
I do check out facebook and what a surprise when I saw five people in our area jump in the pool on Christmas Day.  They recorded the date too.  They also got out quickly for the water was cold. Can you believe this weather?  We almost turned on the air conditioning, too.  It was a wonderful day for those who received outdoor presents to enjoy and possibly ride them. 
Did you know that you can get breakfast at Watsonia’s Peaches and Such each morning at 7:00 AM?  It is a nice start for the day.    
On Saturday, January 9Th 10:00 am – 1:00 pm The Social Ministry Committee is hosting A PAINT AND PACK PARTY FOR ICARE : “I CARE Ministries” is a local ministry that is helping to transform the lives of young women and children who have fallen victim to human/sex trafficking through rescue, rehabilitation, and God’s love. We will be “painting and packing” canvas bags to give to the rescued women and children.
The bags are packed with personal care items, clothing, stuffed animals, age appropriate devotional material, and personal notes from the individual packing the bag. The cost of each bag is $15 or 2 bags for $25 (The second bag may be kept or donated)
The purpose of the bags is to not only provide the girls with personal care items, but also give the girls a sense of security and well-being. Please consider giving aide to this project by bringing items to fill the bags. Many of these young women and children who are received by “ICare” arrive with only the clothes that they are wearing at the time of rescue. Please join us in helping to minister to these young women and children. The most helpful items are for girls ages 6-18: combs/brushes blankets underwear/sports bras water bottles stuffed animals Socks pajamas journals/pens RSVP to Janna Yonce at jmyyonce@gmail.com on or by Thursday, December 31st Light refreshments will be provided.
Watercolor Classes:  Jan. 7 - Feb.11, Thurs.-6 week, $75. Instructor, Judy Adamick at Barn Studio, Ward, SC Call 803 685.5814
The Gables Inn and Gardens in Ward is hosting a New Year's Eve Gala December 31 8:00-12:00 PM.  Music, dancing, food, and friends make for a great evening. Individual-$35.00, Couples-$55.00 and Families-$60.00.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 803-685-0099 or pick up at Off the Beaten Path in Ridge Spring.
The Ridge Spring Art Gallery sponsored by AARS  will be closed for the month of January.
Harriet’s Garden will not have regular hours for the rest of December and January.  This is a semi vacation.  Plants and seeds do not take a vacation so I will be around and can be reached by my business phone or cell phone. Regular business hours will begin February first just in time for Valentine’s Day.  I will also have guest writers for the month of January. 
Josie Rodgers
Most of the running around for the holiday season is done.  Decorations are stored for next season.  Closets are cleaned out to make room for the new.  Toys are shelved nicely for easy play.  Cabinets are organized, gift cards spent, and returns painstakingly made.  What have we learned?  I certainly learned that when I stress myself out over gifts and errands and activities and places to be, I stress others out as well.  When I lose focus, it affects those around me.  However, when I soak myself, my thoughts, and my actions in CHRISTmas, I am filled with awe and wonder, peace and joy.  Even in the midst of our grief and not having Princess Leagrace to spread joy at our gatherings, we remember that because God sent us His Son, we have hope.  We live fully in the knowledge that we will be forgiven of our sins and allowed to enter heaven to be reunited with our precious little Pooky.  Now THAT brings me joy!
St. William Catholic Church enjoyed special music at midnight mass on Christmas.  RSM band director Jeff Clamp joined Steve Miller, Katie Miller, and me to create a beautiful quartet.  We sang "Away in a Manger" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" a capello, and it filled the church with joy and peace. I love to sing, and singing in church is a way for me to worship and witness to others.  I sang again on Dec. 27:  "The Angels Cried" (a special song requested by Linda Rodgers) and "Immanuel, God with Us."  I appreciate my church family allowing me to sing praises to God. 
All Aiken County school students and teachers will return to school on Mon., Jan. 4, as the 2nd make-up day for the Oct flooding. 
Baseball and softball season will soon be upon us!  Registration for these spring sports will take place at the Little Peach League Ballpark every Saturday in January from 9 am to 1 pm.  Parents must register their own children and pay the fees at registration—no exceptions.  Players must bring the child’s birth certificate for proof of age.  All parents must also work in the concession stand and provide team snacks at least once during the season.  For more information, contact Leslie Long @ 803/687-0857, Ashley Bradley @ 803/645-1433, or Deidra Gillian @ 803/640-3403.

Reminders: 
Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 12:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm
Ridge Spring Library Toddler Time Mondays at 10:30
3rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm
1st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783
 Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

 Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7 pm at Recovery Works (enter on Ponderosa Drive; park in Visitor Parking Area)
December 21, 2015
Ridge Spring News
Harriet Householder
Merry Christmas!!!! And a Happy New Year!!!!
Watercolor Classes:  Jan. 7 - Feb.11, Thurs.-6 week, $75. Instructor, Judy Adamick at Barn Studio, Ward, SC Call 803 685.5814
Harriet’s Garden will not have regular hours for the rest of December and January.  This is a semi vacation.  Plants and seeds do not take a vacation so I will be around and can be reached by my business phone or cell phone. Regular business hours will begin February first just in time for Valentine’s  Day.  I will also have guest writers for the month of January. 
Off the Beaten Path If you are looking for that special gift for Christmas, come by and take a look at all the unique items we have to offer. We will be openMonday and Tuesday from 10-5, Closed Wednesday and open Thursday 10-2 PM.
The Gables Inn and Gardens in Ward is hosting a New Year's Eve Gala December 31 8:00-12:00 PM.  Music, dancing, food, and friends make for a great evening. Individual-$35, Couples-$55, and Families-$60.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 803-685-0099 or pick up at Off the Beaten Path in Ridge Spring.
Juniper will be closed from Dec. 21-27.

Haley{Bee} Pop-Up Boutique is located at 401 E. Main St. in Ridge Spring (The Cumbee Place) The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed Wednesday), Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and  closed Sunday and Christmas Day.  She has women’s and men’s clothing with accessories and home goods
Spann United Methodist Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve service Thursday, December 24.  The program will begin at 5:30 with the decorating of the church.  The service will start at 6:00 and will include songs of the season and a Christmas message by Pastor John Kneece.  The church will be collecting peanut butter for Johnston Food Bank. All are welcome.  For more information - 803-430-1314.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Big Red Box
The month of December the BRB goes to the Helpful Hands ministry for use in their food bank. Approximately 200+ families use this food bank. Thank you again BRB Angles. ( the empty bags are on the porch) It’s not too late to contribute to the BRB for December. Leave your donations on the porch of either the Church or FLC and a church member will make sure it finds its way into the Box.
Face Book: RSUMC has a Face Book page. Visit us and see what’s going on.
Services: Unless otherwise noted, service at RSUMC is at 11 a.m. every Sunday.


2016 Baseball/Softball season is coming soon.  Registration dates are every Saturday in January from 9:00 to 1:00 PM at the RSM Little League Ballpark, 217 Musketeers Rd. Monetta, SC.  There will be T-Ball, Coaches Pitch, Minors, Ozone, and Pony League.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding registration please contact Leslie Long at 803.687.0857 or Ashley Bradley at 803.645.1433.

Going down memory lane can be so refreshing.  This was a beautiful story submitted to me in 2012 by the late Warrena Stywaskee Broadnax Hankinson or better known as “Stu” .  ENJOY!!!
The Surprise Birthday Party of the Unknowns
“Stu” Broadnax Hankinson
It has been thirty one years since I lived in Ridge Spring. Charlotte is now my home, but as my front car tag proclaims, I am a “proud product of Ridge Spring, SC.”  At an event held at my Mom’s (Ora Broadnax) house last week, it was once again clear why I love The Ridge and how you simply cannot beat small town, Southern living.
I introduced one of my Charlotte friends to my hometown about 11 years ago.  She became enamored with the town, its people and all things local--- Ridge Hill Baptist Church and its powerful gospel choir, Cones Meats, Stuff and Things, and Shealy’s.    She confided in me that she actually thinks she could live in The Ridge now that she is retired.  She will call me to say that it is time for her to have her “Ridge fix” which means a 2-3 day overnight stay at my Mom’s house doing nothing but resting, relaxing, and talking.
As frequently happens with busy lives, my friend had a birthday in early July but we had not had a chance to get together before last week.  I told her I’d treat her to the Ridge Spring trip. The only agenda items were a trip to Shealy’s and a trip to the movie to see “The Help”.  Little did she know that I had planned what I dubbed “A Surprise Birthday Party of the Unknowns”, named such because in addition to being a surprise party for her, she knew no more than about four of the fifteen invited guests?
It was supposed to be a simple gathering of ladies for an evening of fun and games and getting to know each other.  Cake and ice cream were supposed to be refreshments.  Gifts were not necessary but if guests were inclined to give, they were encouraged to make it something inexpensive and practical (ex. roll of toilet paper or bottle of nail polish remover.  It was even suggested that something from their re-gifting stashes would be in order.)
It was when I began to call the guests and explain what I was planning that I was reminded of why I love this community and the people in it.  Excitement about the party was more infectious with each call that I made.  “Are you sure you don’t want me to bring something?” “Can I do something to help you?” “You know I don’t too much come out in the evenings and at night, but I’ll be there.”
Getting my friend away from the house was almost too easy.  All the guests arrived within a 15 minute window. Within minutes the table was decorated and spread with not just cake and ice cream but with pasta salad, cheese balls, shrimp, fruit and veggies due to the generosity of “the unknowns”.   When my friend wandered back into the house seeking me out to find out why all the cars were in the yard, she was indeed surprised when greeted with a melodious rendition of the birthday song.  Each guest had been given a slip of paper with a fact about her.  As they went around the room the unknowns shared something about my friend as if to say you may not know me but I know this about you.
As had been the plan, the evening was filled with women’s chatter.  The unknowns became like family after about twenty minutes.  The event for my friend will be one that she treasures for the rest of her life and one that will make Ridge Spring an even more special place for her. 
As for me and Ridge Spring and the excitement I feel every single time I come home, the theme song from Cheers captures it best:  Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re all so glad you came.
Josie Rodgers
Don’t you wish people had a Christmas attitude all year?  Everyone is so much nicer during the holiday season.  People smile more, help more, and are generally more pleasant.  I hope that you all have a peaceful Christmas, full of love, family, forgiveness, gratefulness, and joy. 
It is our first Christmas without Princess Leagrace.  I know that I write and talk about her a lot, but she was my little Pooky, my sunshine!  So many people knew her and loved her, and I simply cannot let her be part of our past.  She is part of our present and our future.  She is dancing in Heaven and celebrating her first Christmas in Heaven.  I cannot begin to imagine the wonders of that day in God's Holy Kingdom!  I remind myself that though we feel emptiness, she is whole and happy and does not want us to go through our lives depressed.  She KNOWS the answers to all of the questions we have, and she KNOWS that God has us in His hands.  It brings us great comfort to know that she is with the King, and she has joined other princesses like Dani Yonce and Autumn Winn in the heavenly dance ensemble.  Ironically, all three of these girls celebrated birthdays in Heaven last week.  Don't believe in God?  Boy, I feel sorry for those that don't believe. 
The youth at St. William Catholic Church presented A Superhero Christmas last Sunday evening.  Superman (Quinten Miller), Wonder Woman (Texanna Miller), the Hulk (Aiden Rodgers), Spiderman (Alex Cochran), Iron Man (Jon Rodgers), and the Green Lantern (Isaac Rodgers) are afraid of losing their jobs once they learn of a new superhero coming to earth.  After much searching, they find this new superhero as a baby born in Bethlehem.  The play was absolutely hilarious with a frustrated Joseph (Jason Rodgers) and sassy little Mary (Annalee Rodgers) trying to find a room.  Add to that a couple of hip shepherds, one tired of a lame job (TaylorRodgers) and the other, one of those "God" people (Savannah Rodgers) receiving a visit from a voice (Russ Miller) in the night telling them of the good news.  After the play, Aiden Rodgers sang "Silent Night," and the entire group sang "Joy to the World" and "Jingle Bells."  Everyone enjoyed food and drink and then a visit from Santa!  They exchanged gifts and spent the evening in fun fellowship with each other.  Many thanks to Richard Elders for the sound and lights and to the entire parish for all of their support and love (and great food!). 
St. William will celebrate mass this week:  Dec. 24, 8 pm, Spanish mass; Dec. 25, 12 am, Midnight Mass in English; Dec. 25, 10 am, mass in English; Dec. 26, 6 pm, Spanish mass; Dec., 27, 10:15 am, English mass.
            The Gables Inn and Gardens in Ward is hosting a New Year's Eve Gala Dec. 31 from 8 pm to 12 am.  Music, dancing, food, and friends make for a great evening. Individual $35, Couples $55, and Families $60.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 803/685-0099 or pick up at Off the Beaten Path in Ridge Spring.


Reminders: 
Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 12:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm
Ridge Spring Library Toddler Time Mondays at 10:30
Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission
 3rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5 pm
1st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783
 Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works
 Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7 pm at Recovery Works (enter on Ponderosa Drive; park in Visitor Parking Area)


December 14, 2015
Ridge Spring News
Harriet Householder

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church is planning a Christmas Youth Night this Friday December 18th from 5:00 to 10:30PM. All youth from grades 6th to 12th are invited to a night of fun and fellowship.  RSVP to Sara at 803.215.9798

Saturday was also Customer Appreciation Day at five of the shops.  Harriet’s Garden was on the street in front of what used to be Gregory’s Store.  That really dates me.  Cokes and peanuts were served to customers

Haley{Bee} Pop-Up Boutique is located at 401 E. Main St. in Ridge Spring (The Cumbee Place) The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed Wednesday), Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and  closed Sunday.  She has women’s and men’s clothing with accessories and home goods. I even found a Christmas present for our daughter, granddaughter and me. 
Off the Beaten Path: If you are looking for that special gift for Christmas, come by and take a look at all the unique items we have to offer. Open daily from 10-5 except Wednesdays and Sundays.

Cookies and pictures with Santa: December 21 3:00-5:00 PM at The Gables Inn and Gardens in Ward $10 per child Pictures by Brittany Steele Waters

The Gables Inn and Gardens in Ward is hosting a New Year's Eve Gala December 31st from 8:00 to 12:00 PM.  Music, dancing, food, and friends make for a great evening. Individual-$35, Couples-$55, and Families-$60.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 803-685-0099 or pick up at Off the Beaten Path in Ridge Spring.

Spann United Methodist Church will hold its annual Christmas Eve service Thursday, December 24.  The program will begin at 5:30 with the decorating of the church.  The service will start at 6:00 and will include songs of the season and a Christmas message by Pastor John Kneece.  The church will be collecting peanut butter for Johnston Food Bank. All are welcome.  For more information - 803-430-1314.

Olde Treasures would like to send a huge shout out to all of great customers who came by Saturday during our Customer Appreciation Day.  To  those of you who didn't make it but support us with your business all year round we appreciate you too.
True to our word the Shoppes on Main Street pooled together and gave away two $50 Visa Gift Cards. The shoppes involved are Harriet's Garden Shop, Off the Beaten Path, Olde Treasures, Ridge Antiques and Dry Goods and The Nut House.  Merry Christmas to everyone and thank you for a good 2015...

Saturday was the last day for Primitives at the Ridge.  We have certainly appreciated what they added to our town and they will be missed.


The Historic Lorick Plantation House (Lake Murray Visitor Center) stepped back in time to Christmas season 1840 for our Annual Holiday Open House. Area Garden Clubs and volunteers - including the Saluda Garden Club transform the Visitor Center into a Christmas haven with period decorations, including live and dried plant materials and this year the theme is The Scents of the Season. Vendors included Juniper Restaurant.  Local artists included our local lady Joanne Crouch.

We had a wonderful time at Brandon Velie’s cooking class Saturday and the class included Sangria, White Bean And Pasta Soup, Pork chops, Grits andflash fried collards, with dessert being cheesecake.  He uses as many locally gwotn items.  They included pecans from the Nut House, goat cheese from Trail Ridge Farms, collards from WP Rawl Farms, honey from George and Virginia Raborn, milk from Hickory Hill Farms, and grits from Adluh in Columbia.  He used Palmetto sweet onions, too.   The food that he prepared was delicious.  I wonder if I might cook any of it. Juniper will be closed from December 21 through the 27th

The Green Thumb Garden Club with the help of the Ridge Garden Club and many friends did it again.  The tour of homes was wonderful and the cakes were perfect and served at the Joe Cal and Betty Watson House that is beside the Ridge Spring United Methodist Church.  The homes of John and Noal Burger, Kevin and Marie Taylor, and Gene Ray and Sue Fulmer were decorated so uniquely beautiful.  The two churches were just perfect.  Thank you to so many who were able to make a successful tour for us all.

2016 Baseball/Softball season is coming soon.  Registration dates are every Saturday in January from 9:00 to 1:00 PM at the RSM Little League Ballpark, 217 Musketeers Rd. Monetta, SC.  There will be T-Ball, Coaches Pitch, Minors, Ozone, and Pony League.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding registration please contact Leslie Long at 803.687.0857 or Ashley Bradley at 803.645.1433.

Leonard Bell will be at the Ridge Spring Town Square selling fresh produce on December 12th and 19th with January 31 being his last day until June.


RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Big Red Box
The month of December the BRB goes to the Helpful Hands ministry for use in their food bank. Approximately 200+ families use this food bank. Thank you again BRB Angles. ( the empty bags are on the porch) It’s not too late to contribute to the BRB for December. Leave your donations on the porch of either the Church or FLC and a church member will make sure it finds its way into the Box.
Face Book: RSUMC has a Face Book page. Visit us and see what’s going on.
Services: Unless otherwise noted, service at RSUMC is at 11 a.m. every Sunday.


Book Review from David Marshall James:  "Dollbaby" by Laura Lane McNeal--Visits to Grandma are part and parcel of summertime, but what if you're twelve years old and have never met her, because you live on the other side of the USA, and your mother can't stand her, and Grandma's feelings toward her daughter-in-law are mutual?
   Thus, young Ibby Bell lands on the doorstep of Granny Fannie's seen-better-days manse on Prytania Street, way uptown in New Orleans, almost to the Audubon Zoo. You can even hear the tigers growling at night, as if there weren't enough catfights back on Prytania.
   Fanny is not your typical, gingerbread-baking kind of granny, even if this is 1964.  It is, however, New Orleans, and Fannie likes to smoke, to toss back a few toddies, and to play the horses. Give her something to bet on-- be it an All Star game or Wimbledon-- and Fannie's in hog heaven.
   She has hardly been alone since her son, Ibby's father, eloped, yet she has been long-widowed. Queenie, who came with the house following the death of her previous employer, prepares meals of fresh sea delicacies to rival the fare at Antoine's restaurant in the Vieux Carre.
   Meanwhile, her daughter, Doll, sews all of Fannie's clothes, plus Ibby's, now that she's come to stay. Above all, Queenie and Doll tend to "Miss Fannie," whose personal history runs to enough volumes to warrant its own course at nearby Tulane University. 
   First-time novelist Laura Lane McNeal does mighty fine by her characters, her setting, and especially her plot, which marches forward like a fifty-piece band in a Mardi Gras parade, complete with be-tasseled majorettes.
   Naturally, the progress of Civil Rights figures into the proceedings, as Ibby progresses from Catholic school to Tulane, yet this is a character-driven novel, and Miss Fannie is steering it, as if she were out on one of her joyrides in her red Lincoln convertible.
   Fraught with joys and sorrows, this novel may inspire you to throw on a bunch of Mardi Gras beads and crank up the nearest Oldies station.  As Queenie remarks, "You got to dance even when there ain't no music.  Especially when there ain't no music."


Reminders:
Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wednesday 9:00 to 4:30, Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,
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 
December 7, 2015
Ridge Spring News
Harriet Householder
Sunday at 4:30 Ridge Spring had its own Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and it was delightful.  Rev. Keys of Helping Hands Ministry and his choir with band presented a program of the Christmas message and songs for all to sing. Mayor Pat Asbill with the help of Noel Steele, Chairperson of the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival, turned on the lights before Santa arrived. This year Santa arrived in a boat being pulled by a John Deere tractor and Santa’s own elf Jim Campbell driving it.  The children got to see and speak to Santa and also got a candy cane.  Thanks goes to Richard Elders for his help and his help over all the years, too. Small town living at its best!!!

There will be not FORS meeting this month.

Saturday five shops in Ridge Spring will be having customer appreciation day and sharing a coke with peanuts or pecans with our customers.  You will also be able to register at each shop for a drawing of a $50.00 Visa Gift Card.  Actually we have two cards so come by and sign up at each shop to win.  Participating shops are Ridge Antiques and Dry Goods, Off the Beaten Path, the Nut House, Olde Treasures and Harriet’s Garden, which will be on Main Street this time with the help of my grandchildren. I do have a limited supply of poinsettias that will be available too.

Mt Pleasant Baptist Church: The Church wide Christmas Dinner will be held on Sunday, December 20th following the Morning Worship Service.  Everyone bring your favorite covered dish and join together to celebrate our Saviors birth. Christmas Eve Service & Communion will be Thursday, December 24th @ 6:00 p.m. “To remember the real reason for the season!”

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Big Red Box:  First thanks to the Big Red Box (BRB) Angels. Found on the found porch of the Family Life Center, bag after bag after bag of food for the BRB. Perfect timing too. The month of December the BRB goes to the Helpful Hands ministry for use in their food bank. Approximately 200+ families use this food bank. Thank you again BRB Angles. ( the empty bags are on the porch) It’s not too late to contribute to the BRB for December. Leave your donations on the porch of either the Church or FLC and a church member will make sure it finds its way into the Box.
The Back Pack Ministry sponsored by Bethel Baptist church received items from the BRB in November. We are proud to participate with them in helping to make sure our neighbors don’t go hungry over the weekend. Thanks Bethel for taking the lead on this.
Killingsworth Home, a place for women in transition, received items collected in the BRB in October. Shoes, shower curtains, umbrellas as well as other items were delivered to the Home, with a $100 check. This money helps residents with bus rides they use to and from work.
Christmas: RSUMC is in the Christmas spirit! The Advent Wreath’s 2nd candle, the peace candle, was lit during services on December 6th. The Church and the FLC are being decorated, tree is up, manager scene in place and wreaths on the doors.  The FLC will be home to the refreshments during the Garden Club Annual Tour of Homes on December 13, 2015. The Church and the FLC will be open from
2 – 5 on the 13th and live music will be playing in the Church. Join us during this very special event.
Face Book: RSUMC has a Face Book page. Visit us and see what’s going on.
Services: Unless otherwise noted, service at RSUMC is at 11 a.m. every Sunday.

The Green Thumb Garden Club will again host the Christmas Tour of Homes on December 13th from 2:00 to 5:00.  Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour at all the homes.  Tickets are $10.00 for the tour. The homes on tour are Gene Ray and Sue Fulmer, Kevin and Ann Marie Taylor, and John and Nola Burger. Two churches will be part of the tour with Ridge Spring Baptist Church and Ridge Spring United Methodist Church. Cake and spiced ea will be served at the Joe and Betty Watson Family Life Center Which is next door to the Ridge Spring United Methodist Church.
Leonard Bell will be at the Ridge Spring Town Square selling fresh produce on December 12th and 19th with January 31 being his last day until June.

2016 Baseball/Softball season is coming soon.  Registration dates are every Saturday in January from 9:00 to 1:00 PM at the RSM Little League Ballpark, 217 Musketeers Rd. Monetta, SC.  There will be T-Ball, Coaches Pitch, Minors, Ozone, and Pony League. This year parents will need to register their own children and bring their birth certificates for proof of age. Also parents will be required to work in the concession stand and provide snacks at least once, per child during the season.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding registration please contact Leslie Long at 803.687.0857 or Ashley Bradley at 803.645.1433.

Leonard Bell will be at the Ridge Spring Town Square selling fresh produce on December 12th and 19th with January 31 being his last day until June.

Joanne Crouch, AARS, president
          We again have the pleasure to offer another Silk Scarf Painting Class with Libby Bussinah on Saturday, December 12th from 9:00-1:00 at the Art Center behind the Civic Center (the old gym).  Cost is $45.00.  All supplies will be provided.  The instructor will take the pieces and heat set them to protect the colors. Contact Joanne Crouch to register @ (803)685-5577 (leave message) or email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com to register.

Josie Rodgers:
The tree lighting at the gazebo in Ridge Spring was absolutely delightful!  Mayor Pat Asbill welcomed everyone, and Rev. Key gave the invocation and a brief spiritual message.  Then the singers with Helping Hands Ministry serenaded the crowd with song of the season.  Everyone sang along and even danced.  River (Josie’s grandson) got his praise on as well, dancing to the upbeat music.  Then Santa arrived…this year in a boat pulled by a John Deere tractor!  It was fabulous!  This was River’s first time seeing Santa Claus, and he didn’t cry.  He did study Santa, though, and accepted his candy cane with a smile.  As my daughter Amber remarked, this is one reason we love our small town. 
Ridge Spring Baptist Christmas Cantata "O Holy Night" will be Sun., Dec. 13 at 6 pm. A covered dish meal will be served directly after.
RSM Elem News (Rene Miller):  Music classes, under the direction of Becky Hughes, will present a Christmas musical entitled The Twelve Days of Christmas at 9 am Dec. 18.
The school thanks Stephanie Clark and Vicky Ricker for donating classroom supplies. The supplies were handed out during American Education Week.
We would like to thank those who participated in pictures with Santa, especially Santa, Elf Josh, Lois Workman, Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Platts, and Mrs. Padgett. The PTO will be selling Smencils until Christmas break. They are $2 each and are crayons that smell like cotton candy, pineapple, watermelon, bubble gum, or pineapple. The smell of the crayon lasts as long as the crayon. These make wonderful stocking stuffers. You can see them at www.scentcoinc.com.
PTO will be sponsoring Holly and The Secret Santa, a live production from Pork Chop Productions of Aiken, on Dec. 15 at 1:15 pm. This is the PTO’s Christmas gift to our students, faculty, and staff in appreciation for all their support.
RSM Middle News:  On Oct. 29, young ladies in grades 6-8 participated in a powder puff football game. “Team Never Scared” took on the “Lady Trojans” as Jacob Williams called the game.  The high school football players were the coaches, and “Team Never Scared” took home the victory.
RSM High News:  Senior football players Stanley Rolland & William Bedenbaugh have been selected to play in the Border Bowl on Jan. 9 at Laney High School in Augusta. The two players were nominated by Coach Lipsey and chosen by the Border Bowl coaches.
The Drama Club and HOSA will present a Dinner Drama on Dec. 11 at 6 pm at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  Tickets are $10 per person.  Each student will be hosting and decorating his or her own table, so there will be a wide variety of decorations around the room.  The menu consists of chicken, green beans, field peas, and rice with a variety of dessert options.  After dinner, the drama club will be presenting “Divided We Fall” by Bryan Starchman.  Drama teacher Kerry Jackson says, “This play consists of a series of monologues that look into the lives of students. This monologue-based play is intended to show students that any frustration, loneliness, embarrassment, and grief they may experience is not limited to them alone. The play is designed to show students that although they may think they are alone, there is really love and hope all around them.”
Joey & Tiffany Middlebrooks:  Project Unify is a nationwide effort at increasing socialization of "exceptional" students.  It is an expansion of Special Olympics.  Special Ed students are assigned a "buddy" for the year.  Throughout the year, there are various activities for the athletes and their buddies.  RSM students have been to a kickball tournament and the fair so far.  They are planning on hosting a bocce ball tournament in April.  There should be at least one activity each month.  This year, the buddies were chosen through HOSA.  This is the first year for this group, and they are looking forward to building and getting stronger as time goes by.
Teacher of the Month for November was Ms. Monica Jones, English teacher.  Student of the Month was Jatavis Burton, nominated by several faculty & staff members.

Book Review from David Marshall James:  "Phantom Angel" by David Handler--
This sequel to "Runaway Man" is nothing short of a scarf-o-rama.  Author David Handler brings back (way-up Broadway) P.I. firm Golden Legal Services, home to once-aspiring actor Benji Golden; his mom, Abby (a retired pole dancer); and the office computer whiz/Gal Friday, Rita (a retired lap dancer).
   Abby and Rita are the kind of dames about which the fictional gumshoes of yore used to fantasize knocking on their pebbled-glass doors, in-between puffs of Lucky Strikes and belts of Old Crow.  The tables turn, the worm turns, and the world goes round, and round and round, to a Kander & Ebb beat.
   Benji's Dad was a retired NYPD detective who founded the firm, which occupies its own building, not counting the diner and nail salon at street level, or the crotchety (on several fronts) tenants on the third floor.  This juicily Big Apple-ish story is loaded with even more cinematic potential than "Runaway Man."  Not to spoil the plot, which features:
   An independent Broadway producer, the last of his breed; a Tony-Award-winning director; two of the hottest young stars in Hollywood, come to play on Broadway;
an eminence-noire Hollywood mogul; a runaway Southern high-school cheerleader, hoping to play on Broadway; various and sundry webcam ingénues; various and sundry mobsters; a trio of Feds; Benji's unofficial uncle, Lt. "Legs" Diamond of the NYPD, a protégé of Golden pere; and the titular Phantom Angel.
   There's also a cricket in Times Square-- Miss Cricket O'Shea-- a Wilma Winchell if you will, who reports on the Great White Way in real time, straight to her web site.  She's all thumbs, in more ways than one.
   Enough already…  If you're not tempted by now, you'll be missing a treat.  In the immortal words of “Saturday Night Live” licensed joyologist Helen Madden:  "I-love-it-I-love-it-I-love-it!"  With an all-out Broadway chorus kick.

On a personal note, my article goes into the newspapers on Mondays and today is Monday December 7th “the Date That Will Live in Infamy” as quoted from our President F. D. Roosevelt.  Let us not forget the tragedies and triumphs of our great nation. 

Reminders:
Dec. 12: Shoppes of Ridge Spring Customer Appreciation Day
Dec. 13: Green Thumb Garden Club Tour of Homes

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wednesday 9:00 to 4:30, Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,
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 

Monday, November 30, 2015

November 30, 2015
Ridge Spring News
Harriet Householder

The Shoppes of Ridge Spring had their own extravaganza with Black Friday and Saturday Extravaganza. It was a wonderful success.  So much so that the Shoppes of Ridge Spring want to have “Customer Appreciation Day” on December 12th.  There will be more about this in the next column.

Now we get in gear for Christmas season.  The Christmas Tree Farms are gearing up for the season too.  We have several around our community for you to choose from.  The weather has been pretty good for it was 70 degrees Saturday and the commentators for the Palmetto Bowl commented how they broke into a sweat just getting into the stadium.

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be Sunday December 6.  Santa will be coming too.  The group singing will be from Pastor Key's group from Helping Hands Ministry. We will begin at 4:30 with the tree being lit and Santa arriving soon after.

The Green Thumb Garden Club will again host the Christmas Tour of Homes on December 13th from 2:00 to 5:00.  Tickets may be purchased the day of the tour at all the homes.  Tickets are $10.00 for the tour. The homes on tour are Gene Ray and Sue Fulmer, Kevin and Ann Marie Taylor, and John and Nola Burger. Two churches will be part of the tour with Ridge Spring Baptist Church and Ridge Spring United Methodist Church. Cake and spiced ea will be served at the Joe and Betty Watson Family Life Center Which is next door to the Ridge Spring United Methodist Church.

Leonard Bell will be at the Ridge Spring Town Square selling fresh produce on December 12th and 19th with January 31 being his last day until June.

Joanne Crouch, AARS, president
     ART CLASS FOR KIDS
      Christmas Workshop-December 5th from 10-12
Children ages 5 & up.  Design Christmas ornaments just in time to decorate for the Christmas season.  The cost is $20 for the first child, $15 for the second.  All supplies provided.  Mary Zelmer and Barbara Yon, instructors. Call (803)685-5386 or email artassnridgespring@gmail.com to register.

      We again have the pleasure to offer another Silk Scarf Painting Class with Libby Bussinah on Saturday, December 12th from 9-1.  Cost is $45.  All supplies will be supplied.  Contact Joanne Crouch to register @ (803)685-5577 (leave message) or email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com to register.

Josie Rodgers:
Our first Thanksgiving without Leagrace was bittersweet.  Even without our precious princess, we have so much to be grateful for.  Let us not forget to praise God in the storm and thank Him for all of the many blessings and gifts he bestows upon us each day.  Decorating the Christmas tree was very hard this year, but I am grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate our Savior’s birth and teach my children and others about God’s love and his Heavenly Kingdom.  I am thankful for the chance to prepare myself for His coming—Christmas AND His final appearance.  I’ll see Pooky then!  And as always, I know where she is and what she’s doing, and though we miss her with a pain that is sharp and constant, we take comfort in the fact that she is dancing and singing in Heaven.  I know I say that all the time, but it’s exciting!  And it keeps me sane.
The annual Rodgers Family Thanksgiving Cup was played Thanksgiving afternoon.  Mark’s team of Annalee, Aiden, and Taylor took on Lang’s team of Isaac, Jon, and Savannah.  It was a hard-fought game (what with no referee and all!) and was close until Savannah batted the ball out of her opponent’s reach.  Lang’s team won again, and Savannah was dubbed MVP.  More exciting than the actual game was the banter between the teams and between Mark and Annalee.  It is hilarious and keeps us laughing until the last down.  My people have already started practicing new moves for next year!
RSM Elem News (Rene Miller):  Music classes, under the direction of Becky Hughes,  will present a Christmas musical entitled The Twelve Days of Christmas at 9 am Dec. 18.
RSM Middle News:  Members of the 4-H participated in a lock-in recently.  Sponsor Crystal Coleman said that Clemson Extension came in and showed them how to birth a baby calf and build working robots Friday.  On Saturday, the 4-H had an opportunity to learn basic first aid from Ms. Middlebrooks and had a session again with Clemson Extension about ATV safety.  The parents came together and fed the students and the students had a blast. 
RSM High News: The Trojans traveled to Lamar with a large fan following to fight for the Upper-State Championship.  While they didn’t bring home that title, they certainly earned the title of Warriors with Heart.  We are very proud of these young men and their coaches for an incredible season.  School spirit has been running high this year, and we hope it continues on through basketball season and into the classrooms. 
The FFA is sponsoring a school dance and collecting pet toys and pet food to donate to the ASPCA.  Items will be collected on Dec. 11 in the RSM High cafetorium as admission to the school dance. No monetary funds will be accepted.


Book Review from David Marshall James:
"Creating the Illusion:  A Fashionable History of Hollywood Costume Designers" by Jay Jorgensen and Donald L. Scoggins:
This "epi-" tome of cinema glam gowns and glad rags from the Griffith-ian era forward sparkles like the sequins on a Gilbert Adrian confection for Greta Garbo, or a Travis Banton dazzler for Marlene Dietrich, who was fond of freebie-ing her film wardrobe, although Paramount said, "No," to an eight-thousand-dollar dilly for "Angel" (1937).
   Eight G's for a costume at a time when that sum could have purchased a house, with plenty left over for furnishings:  No wonder the era is known as "The Golden Age of Hollywood."  Moreover, as the multitudinous photographs in this lustrously illustrated volume display, many of the golden gowns are nothing short of works of art, as envisioned by the more than fifty designers who are featured herein.
   From one angle, an ultra-luxe (marble-topped, gilt-legged) coffee-table volume, this oversize work also serves as a reference source, with biographical highlights of designers both well-known (Edith Head, Orry-Kelly, Jean Louis) and less-so.  The text underscores the fickleness of studio politics and temperamental producers, which caused many of these great talents to jump ship and change lanes during the course of their careers.  Some returned to the stage, while others opened their own boutiques or free-lanced for individuals.  Some stars flexed enough pull to demand a certain out-of-studio designer for a particular picture.
  Television attracted some displaced designers:  Lucille Ball hauled Edward Stevenson, from her RKO days, onboard "I Love Lucy" as well as her later TV offerings.  Who can forget Lucy's and Ethel's burlapped Parisian couture, with ice-bucketed chapeaux?  William Travilla, one of Marilyn Monroe's favorite designers from Twentieth Century-Fox, went on to design for "Dallas" during the 1980s.  Bob Mackie raised the curtain on his Hollywood career (which included Carol Burnett’s and Cher’s shows) by bedazzling Judy Garland on her 1963-64 CBS variety show. Judy-- by that point well-versed in the Dietrich-ian method of wardrobe acquisition-- made off with her Mackie's, popping up in them on concert stages for the remainder of her life.
   Hollywood's Golden Age is gone with the wind-- gone are the vast studio sewing rooms and beading departments-- but Walter Plunkett's green-plush-curtain Scarlett O'Hara dress remains:  One of the great works of art on display in this much-deserved tribute to the men and women who designed for Hollywood's glitz-and-glamour extravaganzas.


Reminders:

Dec. 6: Christmas Tree Lighting at Gazebo
Dec. 12: Shoppes of Ridge Spring Customer Appreciation Day
Dec. 13: Green Thumb Garden Club Tour of Homes

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wednesday 9:00 to 4:30, Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,
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