January 26, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Calling All Vendors: We are now taking applications for our 2015 Market on the Ridge

Our first annual Market on the Ridge was a huge success and we are now accepting vendors for our 2015 Market. This show is a great way to kick off the spring shopping season and as we saw last year everyone is ready to come out of hibernation. If you are interested in being a vendor contact Noel Steele at Cumbee Place, her number is 803-685-0410. Applications at: market on the ridge.com

 

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

On February 1st, Super Bowl Sunday; Ridge Spring United Methodist Church will celebrate their 20th year of participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring. According to SouperBowl.org, "A simple prayer: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat" started a youth-led movement to help hungry and hurting people around the world.

This prayer, delivered by Brad Smith, then a seminary intern serving at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, gave birth to an idea. Why not use Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football and fun, to also unify the nation for a higher good: collecting dollars and canned food for the needy? Youth could collect donations at their schools and churches in soup pots, and then send every dollar DIRECTLY to a local charity of THEIR choice.

The senior high youth of Spring Valley Presbyterian liked the idea so much they decided to invite other area churches to join the team. Twenty-two Columbia churches participated that first year, reporting their results so a total could be determined, and then sending all $5,700 they had raised to area non-profits.

That was 1990. Since then, ordinary young people have generated an extraordinary more than $100 million for soup kitchens, food banks and other charities in communities across the country. In addition, hundreds of thousands of youth have experienced for themselves the joy and satisfaction of giving and serving, inspiring people of all ages to follow their generous example."

Again this year, Ridge Spring United Methodist Church is inviting you to celebrate the Souper Bowl of Caring by joining them for soup and sides lunch at 12:30 p.m. on February 1st at the Joe and Betty Watson Family Life Center (next door to the church on DuBose Street). We would also welcome your gift of a can of soup or money to support this year's Souper Bowl of Caring.  If you cannot attend the lunch but want to support the ministry with cans of soup or money, please contact Jim Campbell at Ridge Auto or John Kneece at 803-532-2354.

Gourd Painting Class: The  Gabbie Hen Gourd Painting Class will be held Saturday, January 31st 9-12 at the Art Center of Ridge Spring. The cost will be $35 for all supplies.

The Cumbee Place 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."

Pastor George Key: Helpful Hands Community Mission Worship will begin on 1st & 3^rd Sundays of the month beginning in February.  Services will begin at 11 am. “Family Night” will be the 2^nd Sunday evenings at 5 pm.  Worship services will be held at the Historical Star Center.

From Josie Rodgers:

I am still overwhelmed by the Make-a-Wish Foundation’s gracious treatment of Leagrace and the family.  I get very emotional each time I talk about this organization as well as Give Kids the World.  Add to that the fact that at this point last year, we didn’t know if my dad was going to be able to go on such a trip because of the severe and constant pain he was in.  To look at the pictures of him standing with Leagrace and Mickey at Disney World completely floods my heart with gratitude, praise, and thanksgiving!  This trip was postponed because he wasn’t able to go yet last fall.  Amber was NOT going without her Papa!  He is doing quite well now with his prosthetic leg; he is able to drive, run short errands, and yes, go to the pond house!  We are so happy that he is living life again!  Leagrace is especially happy that her Papa can play with her again!

RSM High:  Honor roll students will be honored at the next Renaissance Rally this Thurs.  Students have voted on Staffulty Member of the Month and the staff has voted on Student of the Month. 

English teachers will travel to Kiawah Island this Thursday for the SC Council of Teachers of English annual conference at Kiawah Island.  We always love this conference and look forward to hearing authors speak and participating in various workshops.  We love bringing learning strategies back to our students!   I’m excited because the high school ESL teachers from Aiken County are going as well!

RSM Elem:  The PTO is selling T-shirts and hoodies of 2 designs. Youth T-shirts are $10, and youth hoodies are $20.  Adult tees are $10 ($14 for 2X, 3X, 4X), and adult hoodies are $20 ($25 for 2X, 3X, 4X). Orders must be prepaid and money will be collected on Jan. 26. Shirts will be back within 7 to 14 days. If you have any questions, please email PTO at rsmpto422@gmail.com.

From Harriet with a Blast to the Past:

Looking back to 2009, I have copied the opening paragraphs of each year to give us a perspective.  I am sorry to say that I do not have all the other years 2003 through 2008 for the computer and I did not agree on proper protocol.  I am thankful that I now have it right.  Enjoy!! I did remove dates and replaced them with exclamation points as to not confuse someone about what may or may not be going on.

January 26, 2009

RIDGE SPRING NEWS

Spring is getting closer. Do you see the buds on trees, the peach trees being pruned, and the weeds coming up? They are so luscious and green. I just hope my plants will be as green and without pests.

January 25, 2010

Ridge Spring News

We all have seen the devastation in Haiti.  How fortunate we are that we are here and can send help to them.  Many churches have their own contacts and missions in Haiti.  Let us be thankful and generous when we can.

January 31, 2011

Ridge Spring News

The Harvest Festival Committee will meet this Thurs.!!, at 7 p.m. at the Ridge Spring Library.  They will be recognizing Jason Rodgers for his 2-year stint as chairman and welcoming 2011 chairman Joanne Crouch.  More people are needed to be on the committee!  Come out and help make decisions that directly affect YOUR hometown festival! 

The Pee Wee Football teams have been very successful these past years. Leon Leapart reported, “The six to eight year olds won back to back championships the past two years; Ricky Brunson’s team of nine to ten year olds won the championship this past year; LeMont Gantt’s team of eleven-twelve year olds won the championship this past year.  The children play 9 games in Edgefield at Bettis Academy field.  The commissioner is Steve Laitner.  Each player got a trophy at the Banquet at the Monetta Center on Saturday January 22.  The teams are sponsored by Valley Protein (Carolina By-Product) and practice is at the Walking Track in Ridge Spring.  Sign up for the fall session will be in July with games in September through October.”  Can’t help but be proud of the players and the coaches for giving their time.

Ridge Spring's downtown library has internet access!  STUDENTS - check out the computers there and see what fun stuff the library offers you!  PARENTS - you can use those same computers to check your child's progress at school using the district's "Parent Portal" link. Library hours are:  Mon. & Tues. 9:30 - 1:00, Thursday 8:30 – 12:30; Friday 12:30 – 5:00; Saturday 9:00 – 12:00.  Closed Wednesdays and Sundays.                       

January 30, 2012

RIDGE SPRING NEWS

Just a reminder:  We are coming up on the 10^th anniversary of the Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market.  More will come in the weeks ahead.

The Ridge Spring Fire Department held its annual election of officers on Monday, January 23 at 7:30.  Chief Max Parrish and Asst. Chief Brian Derrick will continue in their respective roles.  Captains for this year will be Kevin Yon, Andrew Bodie, Jody Addy and Russell Derrick.  Captain Derrick was elected by majority vote to replace outgoing Captain and former Chief C. David Sawyer, Jr.  We are also pleased to announce that Captain Derrick recently obtained the certification of NFPA Firefighter II which is a great accomplishment that will greatly benefit our department and the citizens of Ridge Spring and citizens within the Ridge Spring Fire Department district.  Congratulations to Captain Derrick on a job well done.  Please mark your calendars early for the Annual Benefit Auction and BBQ in memory of Mr. Michael Adamick to be held on Saturday, May 5 at The Firehouse.  Further details will be forthcoming.

January 21, 2013

Ridge Spring News

Joanne Crouch, AARS President: Danny O’Driscoll will be the featured speaker at our February membership meeting that will be held on Tuesday, February !! at 6:30 at the Ridge Spring Library.  Danny will speak about his life as a full-time artist.  The public is cordially invited.

The Art Center of Ridge Spring will re-open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4 beginning March 1^st.

January 27, 2014

Ridge Spring News

The newest project that the Friends of Ridge Spring are undertaking is set for March 22 at the civic center.  We will have an application on line and a layout of the gym with 5 of the 25 places already reserved. 

Market on the Ridge

Antiques, Artisans

March !! from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Mark your calendars

http://www.friendsofridgespring.com/Market-On-The-Ridge.html

Souper Bowl of Caring started in 1990 in Columbia, SC with 22 churches. Since then it has gone nationwide. On February 2, 2014 Churches around the country will host events to collect food and cash to help nonprofit hunger organizations.

Visit the web site: www.souperbowl.org/ for more information and to see how your Church or organization can help fight hunger on the local level.

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 12:30 pm -4:30 pm

Every 2^nd & 4^th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 

Every 2^nd 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 RS NEWS

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 3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm

January 19, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Gourd Painting Class: The  Gabbie Hen Gourd Painting Class will be held Saturday, January 31st 9-12 at the Art Center of Ridge Spring. The cost will be $35 for all supplies.

Lee Ann Perez/ One Ash Farm & Dairy: I had a great time meeting some wonderful ladies and sharing my Butter and Cheese making techniques during the workshop at Cumbee Place!  Thanks to all who attended for making my experience so rewarding.  There will be more of this workshop in February, and then going forward, so make sure to contact Noel at Cumbee Place by calling, stopping by, or by following Cumbee Place on Facebook for details.  Also, I really enjoy sharing what I have learned and would love to conduct some other workshops. If there is something you would like for me to consider teaching, please send an email to OneAshFarmAndDairy@gmail.com, or talk to Noel at Cumbee Place. Have a blessed week!

Pat Asbill: Noel Steele and I attended an awards brunch yesterday at Ridge Hill Baptist Church. The ceremony was moving and brunch was delicious. Two awards were presented. One award went to Raven Valentine for her academic and athletic success, and the second award went to Mrs. Ora Broadnax for her long-time community and church involvement.

Joe Cal Watson, a veteran of World War II and the Battle of the Bulge, was recognized Saturday with the French Legion of Honor presented by Lt. Col. Ernest Kirby, retired, At  the presentation were Chris Carawan and Vernon Brantley also veterans of World War II and Battle of the Bulge.  After the presentation the men sat at a table in the Nut House and started talking.  Joe Watson and Vernon Brantley had been with the 75^th Infantry Division and Chris Carawan was with the 106^th Infantry Division, The three men returned to France and Belgium with other veterans this summer on the special Flight commemorating D-Day and World War II.  The French Legion of Honor was presented to the Americans on the 70^th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge which lasted from December 16^th until January 27^th.

Bob Householder: World War II veteran, D.S. Cone passed away December 18^th. D.S. was the last surviving founding member, and instrumental in the organization of Post 133 in 1948. D.S. was elected the First Commander of the Post, and did not miss a Legion meeting for the next 40 years. He and E.E. Buffington were selected to draw plans for the building. Saturday night square dances were the main fund raiser to pay off the debt of the building.  D.S. called the dances. His leadership and service to the community will be missed.

Josie Rodgers

Give Kids the World Village must be the most wonderful place on earth!  Leagrace was treated like the princess that she is! They truly cater to the special children, their siblings, and their families while they stay in Orlando.  They feed them, bring a gift a day (even for a sibling!), and offer so many activities each day!  Their website reads, “The story of Give Kids The World begins with a little girl with a wish and the desire of one man to make that wish come true.

“The little girl's name was Amy. Amy had leukemia and one wish - to visit the theme parks in Orlando. To facilitate Amy's wish, the request of a complimentary stay was made to a respected hotelier. As he had done many times before, the hotelier gladly obliged and Amy's wish was that much closer to being realized. Sadly, the remainder of Amy's travel plans took too long to arrange and her wish was never granted; Amy had passed away. Time simply ran out.

“This unfulfilled wish inspired a man, the hotelier, to make a vow that no child in need would ever be failed again. That man was Henri Landwirth and his desire to ensure that Amy's story would never repeat itself is where the story of Give Kids The World begins.

“Landwirth enlisted the support of colleagues in the hospitality industry, including our world-famous theme parks, to assist him in bringing these special families to Central Florida within 24 hours if need be. He called the project “Give Kids The World,” because that is just what he intended to do - provide memorable, magical, cost-free experiences to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. As the program expanded and the number of families continued to grow, it was apparent that Give Kids The World would need to create a place that could better serve the special needs of our families. The gates of Give Kids The World Village opened in 1989.

Today the Village is a 70-acre resort complete with over 144 Villa accommodations, entertainment attractions, whimsical venues, and fun specifically designed for children with special needs. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 134,000 families from all 50 states and over 75 countries.”

If you ever wonder what charity to assist, think of Give Kids The World and what they do for these very special children and their families.  Leagrace and her family had the fantasy vacation of a lifetime, and no one will ever forget her enormous smiles, cackling laughter, and “chatter” to the characters.  Thank you, God, for places like GKTW.

RSM High:  Art students are creating projects this semester with recycled junk.  As you clean out for the new year, please keep us in mind for interesting objects that serve you no more purpose!  You may have some amazing items that we have not thought about!  Please contact Carmen Holley at 685-2100 with questions and donations. Here is a list of some suggested items: outdated or broken CDs and DVD's, soda cans (rinsed out please),interesting bottles, outdated or broken computer parts, outdated or broken jewelry, whole and cracked flower pots, doors, broken yard tools, silverware, buttons, unmatched but unstained cute socks, bike parts, gears, broken toys, magazines, books, palettes, mannequins, etc.

RSM Elem:  First semester awards day will be held Jan. 23 at the following times: 

5^th grade at 8 am; 4^th grade at 8:40; 3^rd grade at 9:20; 2^nd grade at 10 am; 1^st grade at 10:40.

The PTO is selling T-shirts and hoodies of 2 designs. Youth T-shirts are $10, and youth hoodies are $20.  Adult tees are $10 ($14 for 2X, 3X, 4X), and adult hoodies are $20 ($25 for 2X, 3X, 4X). Orders must be prepaid and money will be collected on Jan. 26. Shirts will be back within 7 to 14 days. If you have any questions, please email PTO at rsmpto422@gmail.com.

Terrific Kids for December (responsibility):  Lillian Burdett, Rebecca Guzman, Matthew Cockrell, Zahid Segura, Trinity Burdett, Melvin Zuniga, Wyatt Davenport, Robin White, William Goode, Lauriana Cabana, Honesty Monroe, LeeAnna Kelly, Matthew Day, Zacharea Cannon, Richard Satterwhite, Trevor Williams, Larry Price, Omari Morris, Katelyn Kirk, Breanna Gillian, Sydney Corley.

RSM Elem has completed 738,006 math problems in the First in Math competition earning 246,002 stickers as of Jan. 9.  The team of the week is Ms. Young’s 5^th grade class, and the player of the week is Maria Renteral of Ms. Young’s class with 545 stickers.  Top teams:

Mrs. Hallman K5; Mrs. Kerby 1^st grade; Ms. Shrader 2^nd grade; Mrs. Matthews 3^rd grade; Mrs. Najmola 4^th grade; Ms. Young 5^th grade.  The goal is one million problems!

Family Literacy Night:  Fri., Nov. 10, we began our Family Literacy Night with a hot dog supper for our families. During our meeting we read “A Gift for Abuelita” for our read-aloud. A student from USC- Aiken read in English and a Hispanic student from one of our families read the Spanish version. This book focused on cooking and recipes. We focused on informational writing as we developed a recipe book compiled of favorite recipes. Each family received a bag of trail mix that was made from a recipe that was shared. We divided into smaller groups where parents wrote their favorite recipe and students illustrated them. Each child in attendance received school supplies of their choosing. Our next meeting will be Mon., Feb. 23, 2015.

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 12:30 pm -4:30 pm

Every 2^nd & 4^th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 

Every 2^nd 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 3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm

January 12, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Harvest Festival this Tuesday at 7:00, Cumbee Place

FORS meeting Thursday at 5:00, Cumbee Place

Even though I am taking this month off, I am thankful that people still send me items to put in the paper.  Communication is so important. 

We are now readjusting th library hours with the heop of more volunteering.  The library will not be open on Wednesdays.  Thanks to all who volunteer at our free library.

New library hours:

Monday, Tuesday  8:30-12:00

Wednesday   12:30-4:30

Thursday     8:30-12:00

Friday           8:30-4:30

Subject: Gourd Painting Class:

What:  Gabbie Hen Gourd Painting Class
When:  Saturday, January 31st 9-12
Where:  Art Center of Ridge Spring
Cost:  $35 for all supplies

Students will use a medium-sized gourd, epoxy clay and acrylics to make their very own Gabbie Hen.   She can be matched to any color scheme.  She will be painted in background color of choice and adorned with repetitive shapes until filled.  There is no limit to the possibilities.  Register by emailing Joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or calling (803) 685-5577 and leave message.

Ridge Hill Baptist Church announces its 2nd annual MLK Community Brunch to be held in the church's Community Life Center on Saturday, January 17th starting at 10:00AM. All are invited. The event is meant to honor the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There will be singing, mime dancing, and poetry. One adult will be recognized and honored with the MLK Impact award and a deserving High School Senior will be recognized and honored with the MLK Promise Award. For more information please call Ridge Hill Baptist Church at 803 685 7367. or emai  wordlover29203@yahoo.com

Judy Adamick will hold water color classes for 6 weeks from Feb. 3 to Mar. 10.  Cost will be $75. She will also teach acrylic classes for six weeks from Feb. 5 through Mar. 12 for $75.  For more information call Judy at 803/685-5814.

George Key: Helpful Hands Community Mission Worship will begin on 1st & 3^rd Sundays of the month beginning in February.  Services will begin at 11 am. “Family Night” will be the 2^nd Sunday evenings at 5 pm.  Worship services will be held at the Historical Star Center.

The Cumbee Place 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."

Josie Rodgers

Leagrace, River, Amber, Jessica, and my parents have returned from Disney safely with lots of stories to tell!  I can wait to get all the pictures together and create a special scrapbook of their fantasy vacation.  They stayed at the Give Kids the World Village.  This is the village that accommodates children with special needs and life-threatening illnesses.  They were treated like royalty, of course. Leagrace IS a princess, after all! We thought she would go nuts when she saw Mickey, but apparently her favorite character was Belle—and she’s never seen Beauty and the Beast! Leagrace was “talking” to her the most!  My mom was enamored with Frozen’s Elsa and her attention to LG.  Mom shared with Elsa that LG watches Frozen every single day.  I will be sharing more of their experience next week.  I will say this:  my parents are singing the praises of the village and all they do for special children.  It was a wonderful but emotional experience for them all. 

RSM High:  Art students are creating projects this semester with recycled junk.  As you clean out for the new year, please keep us in mind for interesting objects that serve you no more purpose!  You may have some amazing items that we have not thought about!  Please contact Carmen Holley at 685-2100 with questions and donations. Here is a list of some suggested items: outdated or broken CDs and DVD's, soda cans (rinsed out please),interesting bottles, outdated or broken computer parts, outdated or broken jewelry, whole and cracked flower pots, doors, broken yard tools, silverware, buttons, unmatched but unstained cute socks, bike parts, gears, broken toys, magazines, books, palettes, mannequins, etc.

The Miss Odyssey Pageant will be held Feb. 21

My guest writer this week is Lee Ann Perez from One Ash Farm:

Welcome to our homestead! One Ash Plantation was built in 1888 by the J.S. Williams family. The home, which was owned by the original family until 1962, has been a landmark for the area throughout the years. From being the home to a Confederate Civil War soldier, to the post office for Plateau, South Carolina in the early 1900's, a boarding house for workers at the newly built Savannah river site "bomb plant"in the 1950's, as well as a well-known hog farm for 4H and FFA students during the 40's and 50's. The 60 foot tall Aermotor windmill has been the most prominent landmark. While the mill doesn't currently pump water, it was the water source for the Homestead when it was installed in 1938.  A new, shiny 10 foot diameter mill was installed and many locals have stopped by to tell us stories about the place.

When One Ash was purchased by a local farmer in 1962, he continued to use the farm to grow cotton, but the home became dilapidated. It was renovated in the 1990's, and intricacies of our Homestead and we have been blessed by having the opportunity to add to the history of One Ash Plantation.

We have extensive experience raising farm animals prior to moving to One Ash. We have kept farm animals for well over 25 years, (closer to 40 if you count hubby's chickens and pigeons as a boy!). When we bought our first farm, hubby gave me a pygmy goat, and I gave him a rooster.  From that point on there was no stopping our love for farming and farm animals.  Our daughter has been gathering eggs from the coops since she could walk, and has never known a life without animals. Throughout the years that we have lived at One Ash we have raised all of the usual farm animals. Some of the favorites were when we raised sheep, with up to 40 head at any one time. Lambing season is always such a joy when the newly born lambs jump and frolic in the fields!

For us, the best additions to the farm have been when we had the opportunity to begin our dairy operation. We started with one Nubian goat to learn about dairy, eventually adding a few other goats and breeding Nubians. Learning to milk, process milk , make cheese and other dairy products, along with the commitment of twice a day milking responsibilities was initially a bit of a learning curve but we came quickly to embrace the blessings of that time spent working together as a family.

Shortly after starting with our dairy goats my husband felt a strong conviction to move into dairy cattle. Only from the Lord's blessing did we find our first Jersey dairy cow. She has been the queen of the farm ever since! The only challenge to having a cow vs. that one goat was that we had 3 to 4 gallons of milk every day - one family certainly could not drink that much! I made a lot of cheese, our own butter, whipped cream and other dairy goodies, but we still had leftover milk. The idea came, and the decision was made, to try bottle raising day old calves. Once again we were blessed and were able to find a source to purchase young day-old, to a few day-old, calves. Our daughter uses the excess milk to bottle feed them until the point of weaning and then offers these gentle calves for sale.  We now milk several cows each day, along with our goats in the spring months, and will continue to add to our milking line as we are able. 

We are a DHEC inspected and licensed Grade A Raw Milk dairy and we sell our milk for human consumption straight off the farm, and at local farmers markets.

In addition to our dairy, we also have pigs, we breed many pigeons, more chickens than we can possibly count, numerous guineas that are wonderful watchdogs and insect control, rabbits, still have a few sheep, a gaggle of geese roaming around, as well as those horses still hanging out! Our Amish-retired draft horse is a star on the farm tours. We use her for everything from working the garden and field to riding, and she is a treat for all who visit the farm.

We spend our (minimal) free time cooking and canning, baking, learning about farming, crafting, enjoying our dogs and family, and in fellowship with other Homesteaders and like-minded folks.

As we have progressed with our homestead life God has made it clear to us how important it is to have a community of friends and supporters for every question and every new idea. That's why we were convicted to create our online business and farm websites to help our fellow homesteaders and all the families out there that are looking to create multi-generational homesteading for their families future. We all enjoy talking about farming and homesteading, and believe that as we share our knowledge, we also learn from everyone we meet.  We have several spots on the internet that you can find us- 

www.OneAshFarmAndDairySupplyCo.com  is our online farm supply business

www.OneAshFarmAndDairy.com  is the site to learn about and follow the farm

www.OneAshPlantation.blogspot.com is the place to read our blog posts- farm, recipes, tips, etc..

And you can find us on Facebook at One Ash Plantation, or One Ash Farm and Dairy Supply Company

We also sponsor a group on Facebook- Southeast Dairy Cattle Exchange at https://www.facebook.com/groups/southeastdairycattle/

We are proud to be a part of The Ridge!

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 12:30 pm -4:30 pm

Every 2^nd & 4^th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 

Every 2^nd 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 1^st Thursday:  AARS Needle Craft Night

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 3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm

January 5, 2015

Ridge Spring News

INFORMATION:

Judy Adamick will hold Water Color classes for 6 weeks from February 3^rd to March 10^th.  Cost will be $75.00. She will also teach acrylic classes for six weeks from February 5^th through March 12^th for $75.00.  For more information call Judy at 803.685.5814.

Jane Autrey is a new business in Ridge Spring.   She does Insurance Services  803-685-0090.  This includes Home, Auto, Farm, Commercial, Life & Health.  Her office is at 106 Noble Street - Behind Cumbee Place and her hours are Office Hours; Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9am - 5pm

Miranda Brooks: The 2015 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Brunch will be held at the Multi-Purpose Center at the Ridge Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 AM.

Pastor George Key:Helpful Hands Community Mission Worship will begin on 1st & 3^rd Sundays of the month beginning in February.  Services will begin at 1100 AM. “Family Night” will be on the 2^nd Sunday Evenings at 5:00 PM.  The Worship Services will be held at the Historical Star Center. Again services will begin February 2015

There will be a Harvest Festival Meeting January 13^th, Tuesday, at the Cumbee Place.  Please come had help in the search for a chairperson for 2015 and discuss how to use some of the Harvest Festival funds.

FYI: The RSM Band will need to replace their uniforms before they go to competition next year.  A spaghetti supper is in the works to begin helping to raise the money.

David James has been kind enough to fill in for me this week.  He contributed several collections of books to help the Harvest Festival Bingo and I appreciate his support.  Thank you, David

By David Marshall James

Seventy-five years ago this just-past December, “Gone With the Wind” premiered at the Loew’s Grand Theater in Atlanta.  The year 1939 is considered Hollywood’s greatest; the superlative output was due in large part to the imminent shut-off of markets for U.S. films in war-torn Europe.  Therefore, during the late 1930s, the studios hurried their major projects into production.  However, in September 1939, Hitler invaded Poland, and the curtain rang down on the European market until after World War II.

GWTW dominated the Oscars that year, garnering all the major acting awards, except for Best Actor (Robert Donat, “Goodbye Mr. Chips”) and Best Supporting Actor (Thomas Mitchell, “Stagecoach”; Mitchell also portrayed patriarch Gerald O’Hara in GWTW).  Victor Fleming received Best Director honors for GWTW; he was director-on-record for both GWTW and “The Wizard of Oz.”  George Cukor also helped direct both films, yet his sole 1939 credit is for “The Women,” which featured an all-star cast, including ingenue Joan Fontaine.

Fontaine died in late 2013.  Her older sister, GWTW Best Supporting Actress nominee Olivia de Havilland, lost to fellow cast member Hattie McDaniel in 1939, but would go on to win two Best Actress statuettes during the 1940s.  De Havilland continues to reside in Paris, and is even interviewed in the latest issue of Garden & Gun magazine.

Nominated for Best Actor in 1939 was Mickey Rooney (“Babes in Arms,” his third pairing with Judy Garland).  Moreover, Rooney was the no. 1 box-office star in the World that year.  I was surprised to hear acerbic novelist and essayist Gore Vidal state, a few years before his death, that he considered Rooney the greatest actor, ever, in Hollywood.  Rooney would never match the popularity of his Andy Hardy series and his musicals with Garland, all of which were highly profitable.  Nevertheless, he continued acting on-screen until a few years before his own death, this past year.  I recently caught him in “Night at the Museum” (2006), stealing scenes from Ben Stiller and Dick Van Dyke. 

To quote Garland, “There’s nothing like aristocracy in vaudeville,” and most of today’s movie actors would benefit immensely from a few years spent trouping in vaudeville. 

Maybe not Meryl Streep, who has been acting in films now for 35 years.  I howled when I read Joan Rivers’ “bucket list” for her funeral:  “I want Meryl Streep there, crying in five different accents.”

It was not to be, but Joan couldn’t have scripted a much-more-effective passing this past autumn than the one she received, what with the week-long coma and the daily updates on the NBC “Nightly News,” among other channels.  Joan was a star after the old-style, dressing to the nines and loving every minute of it.  As she observed, “If you’re rich and you’re ugly, it’s your own damn fault.”

Joan obviously enjoyed every minute of being a star, strutting out on a stage (it didn’t have to be grand), entertaining audiences.  She didn’t suffer whiney celebrities gladly.  I heard her on PBS’s “Theater Talk” a few months before her death, reminiscing that, when she was a child, Ray Bolger escorted a group of young people backstage following a performance of his “Where’s Charley?” on Broadway.  “I knew I was in a temple,” Rivers recollected.

While in a coma, Rivers was laid out in her hospital bed beautifully coiffed and made up, wearing her favorite fur coat, which reminds me of the death of another Mickey during 2014, back in the spring.

That would be socialite/philanthropist Mickey Easterling of New Orleans.  You probably haven’t heard of her, and you may not believe the following story.  In either event, Google her name.

I knew of Mickey because she was the mother of a good friend in the high school I attended in Metairie, LA.  Mickey came across as the love child of Liberace and Auntie Mame, jet-setting to glittering locales in an atmosphere of free-flowing champagne.  One of my favorite “Mickey stories” is of her sprinting past security at Louis Armstrong International Airport in order to see her daughter off on an Australian honeymoon flight.  (This was a good fifteen years before 9/11.)

In a flowing Zandra Rhodes gown of turquoise and gold—with a full train, no less—Mickey wheeled around to her uniformed pursuers, proclaiming, “Do I look like a g.d. terrorist to you?”  By the by, she wound up in the jet cabin, ordering champagne for everyone.

Small wonder, then, that when Mickey died, she was laid out in the Saenger theater on Canal Street in New Orleans, the restoration of the Saenger being one of her pet projects.  Check that:  She was propped up on a bench, a glass of champagne at one hand, a cigarette in the other, and draped in a feather boa.

Her ashes were carried to one of her favorite ports of call, Tangiers, as the finale to a scenario that I don’t think even Tennessee Williams could have conjured, as much as he would have loved it.

Here, then, to the Graduating Class of 2014—Mickey, Joan, and Mickey among them.  I would have to say that those three finished summa cum laude.  And here, then, to going out in style.

Reminders: 

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 2^nd & 4^th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 

Every 2^nd 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 3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm