Monday, February 23, 2015

Addition to February 23, 2015 Ridge Spring News
Lee Ann Perez/ One Ash Farm & Dairy: Now that the coldest days of our winter have hopefully passed, we can start to think about spring.  Here at the farm all of the lambs have been born, chicks are hatching in the incubators, and goat kids are due any day.  I have seen the first blooms of spring on the apple tree and a bright yellow dandelion in the yard.  We always fuss about the cold of winter, but how could we ever appreciate spring without it?  Stay warm just a little longer- and think spring!  Have a blessed week. 
February 23, 2015
Ridge Spring News

We go from freezing cold to nice to possible snow in no time.  I do see the weeds popping up, buds forming, bulbs blooming, and seeds being put in the pots for summer at Harriet’s Garden.  It is that time of year when things are changing.

Joanne Crouch:  AARS member, D.S. Owens, not only has his work on the cover of the winter issue of "Visit Aiken" magazine but another of his photos is featured in the magazine as well.  D.S. is the vice-president of AARS.  D.S. is a member of the Aiken Artists Guild.   Dip N' Splash classes are available for your group events.  You provide the folks and the project and supplies.  Great idea for showers, girl’s night out and birthdays.  Costs are $25-$35 per participant.  Contact joanne.crouch26@gmail.com for scheduling.  The Art Center of Ridge Spring will re-open on Friday, March 7th.  Hours of operation are 10-4 on Fridays and Saturdays.   
AMERICAN LEGION FUND RAISER
Ridge Spring-Monetta American Legion Post 133 is selling Raffle tickets to raise money for building repairs and to help send local students to Boy’s State this year. The cost of the Raffle ticket is $5, and there will be five winners:
1st           12’ John Boat with Minn-Kota trolling motor and Wesco trailer
2nd          American Indian Tree Brand Limited Edition Canoe Knife
3rd           $50 BP Gas Card
4th           $25 Pizza Hut Card
And a 5th drawing will be a special prize. Tickets can be purchased at the Nut House, Harriet’s Garden or from any Legion Member. The drawing will be held on April 7th at the Legion Meeting. You do not need to be present to WIN.

Pastor George W. Key: Events on the calendar for Helpful Hands Ministry are:  Feb. 27th 7pm- food bank preparation night; Feb 28th 10am-12 noon- Mission Saturday and Star Center work day; Worship services every 1st and 3rd Sundays 11am; Show Time at the Star Center every 2nd Sunday evening 5pm (family event); Team leadership classes - date and time to be announced.   We are also seeing a large number of children coming to our services and we are in the process of building a Helpful Hands CSI Ministry Team Email pastorkey@yahoo.com for more information.  Remember to visit our website. Fullgospelpraise.com

Josie Rodgers

My family can’t thank everyone enough for all the prayers, calls, and visits during our recent trips to the hospital.  Leagrace did not have to be admitted for a second time, thank goodness, but she’s going to be tested more in the next few weeks.  My dad fell and broke his hip last week (at an apt about his back, no less!) and had surgery last Friday.  He will heal and then rehab and then come home! The power of prayer is evident to us daily, and we are grateful!
RSM Middle/High:  On Feb. 15, the middle school girls’ basketball team, coached by RSM alum P’Laura Padgett, traveled to Columbia to watch the USC Gamecocks Women’s basketball team take on Vanderbilt.  With at least 16,000 people in attendance, it was a first for the middle school team, and they really enjoyed the support of the Carolina Girls!  After the game, the RSM players got to meet the USC players, talk with them, and get an autographed photo of each Lady Gamecock! 
The Miss Odyssey Pageant: The Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High School Miss Odyssey Pageant was last Saturday night with 23 all-American girls wowing the audience with their beauty, poise, and grace.  Dressed in red, white, and blue, the contestants performed an opening number along with dancers from Palmetto Dance Academy (Jordyn Rodgers, Kaylee Palmer, Greyson Lake).  The middle school contestants competed in everyday wear and formal wear while the high school contestants competed in collegiate wear and formal wear.  Seniors vying for the title of Miss Odyssey also participated in interviews with the judges earlier in the day as well as an on-stage question during the pageant.  Emcee for the evening was Mrs. Josie Rodgers, who also entertained the audience with contemporary Christian songs. Jordyn Rodgers, Miss Odyssey 2014, returned for her final walk and even entertained us with a dance. The results were as follows:  Jordan Stone, Miss 6th Grade; Lacy Pou, Miss 7th Grade; Brenna Edwards, Miss 8th Grade; Ja’Ceel Tyler, Miss Freshman; Carolina Luarca, Miss Sophomore; McKenna Palmer, Miss Junior; Madison Derrick, Miss Senior; Ja’Ceel Tyler, Miss Scholastic; McKenna Palmer, Miss All-Around; Bailie Davis, Junior Miss Odyssey; Tiana Oakman-Tucker, Miss Odyssey and the People’s Choice Award

The first ever Beta Club at RSM Elem inducted 4th $ 5th graders with an 85 or above on grade level in all subjects for the semester: Larry Price, Chaley Robb, Frankie Starkey, Alex Burdett, Yazmine Cannon, Waylon Cockrell, Emily Gonzalez, Triston Irvin, Roberto Leguizamon, Kanaan Ligons, Toney Ligons, Robby Mitchell, Trinity LaBrew, Camren Samuels, Nehemiah Blacks, Sydney Corley, DJ Murray, Christopher Arzola, Robbie Barrineau, Belle Gilliam, Breanna Gillian, Joel Yoho, Vy Bussey, Katelyn Kirk, Gabriel Rueda, Kyla Padgett, Maria Renteral, Hannah Tindal.
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            RS-M Elem is hosting a Community Learning Night for parents and students on Thurs., Feb. 26, from 5:30-7 pm. A number of local businesses and organizations have agreed to be a part of this night. We are very excited about connecting parents and students with businesses, organizations, resources, and programs in our school and community. We hope to see you there!
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, USCA provided an amazing opportunity for students to meet one of the most inspirational figures making history today. Maj. Gen. Charles Frank Bolden, Jr., a former Astronaut and decorated Marine Corp General and NASA’s current Administrator (the first permanent black Administrator in the organization’s history), came back to his home state of South Carolina on Sat., Jan. 24, for a special reception for Outstanding Local Science Students at the Ruth Patrick Science Center. Two of RSM’s third graders were selected to attend this reception and got to meet Major Bolden, Cody Davenport and Benjamin Moyer.


Primitives at the Ridge - Our Spring Gathering will be held March 6th and 7th from 10:00 - 4:30.  We just got back from a shopping trip in Pennsylvania, so the shop will be filled with lots of new, old and unique items.  Most items will be available this coming weekend except for the extra special items we'll be saving for our Spring gathering.  If you've never been to the shop, I think you'd be surprised at the variety of unique items that we carry.  Come check us out.

Magnolia Ridge Antiques and Art Gathering Featuring Palmetto Antique Tractors will take place on May 16th. Any dealers that would like to reserve a space please contact: bevarndt36@gmail.com

D’Vay Davis: It is Girl Scout cookie time.  Troops with the Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands region are currently taking orders for Girl Scout cookies. The cookies will be available for direct sale starting the week of February 16th.  If you are interested in ordering cookies, please contact D'Vay Davis at 803 685 7286 and she will put you in contact with a troop in the Ridge spring, Saluda, and Batesburg /Leesville area.  Thank you in advance for your support.  
Indoor Farmers Market will be held at Cumbee Place Thursday, February 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.

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

 

Reminders:
March 6 & 7: Primitives at the Ridge Spring Gathering
March 8: Show Time at the Star Center
March 28: Market on the Ridge
May 16: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering
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, 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 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 3rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm

Monday, February 16, 2015

February 9, 2015
Ridge Spring News

Friends of Ridge Spring will meet Thursday evening at 5:00 at Cumbee Place.  Finger food will be served.  Come and help us plan.  We are working on several projects including Market on the Ridge,  updating the town brochure and more.  Meeting starts around 5:30.

Primitives at the Ridge - Our Spring Gathering will be held March 6th and 7th from 10:00 - 4:30.  We just got back from a shopping trip in Pennsylvania, so the shop will be filled with lots of new, old and unique items.  Most items will be available this coming weekend except for the extra special items we'll be saving for our Spring gathering.  If you've never been to the shop, I think you'd be surprised at the variety of unique items that we carry.  Come check us out.

Magnolia Ridge Antiques and Art Gathering Featuring Palmetto Antique Tractors will take place on May 16th. Any dealers that would like to reserve a space please contact: bevarndt36@gmail.com

D’Vay Davis: It is Girl Scout cookie time.  Troops with the Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands region are currently taking orders for Girl Scout cookies. The cookies will be available for direct sale starting the week of February 16th.  If you are interested in ordering cookies, please contact D'Vay davis at 803 685 7286 and she will put you in contact with a troop in the Ridge spring, Saluda, and Batesburg /leesville area.  Thank you in advance for your support.  
Off the Beaten Path Burr, it's cold outside, but it is warm inside Off the Beaten Path.  Our artists and craftsmen are always bringing in new works of art.  There are many beautiful items for you and your home.  Come get in out of the cold and warm up to a great shopping experience.  Remember we are open on Mondays and Tuesdays as well as Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM till 5 PM.
Indoor Farmers Market will be held at Cumbee Place Thursday, February 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.

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

 

From David Marshall James:

“The Cloud Chaser:  A Physician’s Early Adventures” concerns the first 28 years in the life of Ridge Spring native Dr. Michael C. Watson, as related by Dr. Watson
One can imagine all the Sherlock Holmes jokes, although none are mentioned in the first volume of the author’s memoir.  The second is titled “Catching the Clouds:  A Physician’s Purpose Filled Life”.  Both books are published by Tate Publishing of Mustang, Okla.
Dr. Watson was born and raised in a familiar Ridge Spring landmark, the Georgian-style brick homestead with the pecan-tree-lined semicircular drive, on the right side of S.C. 23 as one enters the town from the East.  Although the imposing residence, which brings to mind the words “manse” and “manor,” seems antebellum, it was actually built under the auspices of Dr. Watson’s father, Joseph Calhoun Watson, himself a Ridge Spring native, for his wife, Aurelia Cunningham Watson, a native of Greer, and their burgeoning family, which ultimately included four children.
Dr. Watson, the youngest, was just five years old when the Great Depression descended full force; indeed, his father had to take a job in Kentucky for seven years, returning home only two weeks each year.  After receiving what he recalls as an excellent education at the local school, where his Mother taught seventh grade, Dr. Watson went up to Clemson for the first time, but he enlisted in the Marines as soon as he was of age, in 1944, during World War II.
He vividly recalls his training at Parris Island and experiences during the war, which took him from Norfolk, Va., where he saw President Franklin Roosevelt, through the Panama Canal to Oahu, and ultimately to Guam.  A specialist in electronics, Dr. Watson returned to Clemson following promotion to Marine corporal, yet he did not wish to pursue a career in electrical engineering.  He briefly considered studying agricultural science, but farming had never been his forte, even having grown up on a family-run farm.
It was his father who nudged him toward medicine, and once he aced organic chemistry at Clemson, the future M.D. knew he was on his way—even receiving early acceptance to the Medical College in Charleston among a highly competitive field of candidates swollen by the G.I. Bill.  His recollections of medical school and residence in a family-run boardinghouse are a particular highlight of this book, and the author never scrimps on cringe-worthy details, such as having to stomp a rat while doing rounds at the Old Roper Hospital in Charleston, or being assigned a cadaver that putrefied because the body had been electrocuted (by the State) and the embalming was unsuccessful.
The volume wraps up with Dr. Watson’s internship in Toledo, Ohio, where he had to treat an outbreak of polio, and his return to his home state, where he began his practice in Bamberg almost 61 years ago.  The titles of both volumes, incidentally, are taken from a childhood experience at Clouds Creek in Ridge Spring, a favorite haunt of his youth.
For those readers who don’t order from Amazon, this volume ($9.99) can be ordered from Tate Publishing by a local bookstore, such as Books-A-Million in Aiken.
RSM Elementary School, Rene Miller
Congratulations to Mrs. Jenny Hallman, K-5 teacher, who was selected as our 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Hallman has been teaching for 31 years!
Congratulations to Mrs. Keri Najmola, 4th grade teacher, who was selected as our
2015-2016 First Year Teacher of the Year!
First in Math: For the week ending February 6 Our school has completed 874,986 math problems. We have earned 291,662 stickers. The team of the week is: Mrs. Najmola’s Class—4th grade. The player of the week is: Karla Valencia. She earned 468 stickers. She is in Mrs. Kerby’s 1st grade class. The top team for each grade level is : Kindergarten: Mrs. Hallman’s class; 1st Grade: Mrs. Kerby’s class; 2nd Grade: Mrs. Bouknight’s class; 3rd Grade: Mrs. Ford’s class; 4th Grade: Mrs. Najmola’s class
5th Grade: Ms. Young’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!

On a personal note from Harriet’s Garden:  Thank you for supporting me on Valentine’s Day.  I must admit that it is the most important day for my shop and with Sylvia Moran’s and my husband’s help, it was a nice success.
Reminders:
February 19: Farmers Market at Cumbee place
February 19: FORS Meeting
March 6 & 7: Primitives at the Ridge Spring Gathering
March 8: Show Time at the Star Center
March 28: Market on the Ridge
May 16: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering
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, 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 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 3rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm


Monday, February 9, 2015

February 9, 2015
Ridge Spring News

 Jeff Clamp, Band Director, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High School: Six Ridge Spring-Monetta Band members traveled to Limestone College to participate in the Limestone College Band Clinic.  The event was held January 29th through 31st.  The students auditioned for chairs and Andrew Moyer and D.J. Padgett earned first chair in their bands.  Also participating in the clinic were Joshua Ware, Nicholas Jones, Katara Coleman, and Tyler Rowe.  The students rehearsed mostly college-level music for a day and a half with their bands, and the clinic ended with an outstanding concert by all of the students.

Magnolia Ridge Antiques and Art Gathering Featuring Palmetto Antique Tractors will take place on May 16th. Any dealers that would like to reserve a space please contact: bevarndt36@gmail.com

Off the Beaten Path invites you to shop for Valentine's.  Many amazing gifts!  Special order baskets for Valentine's created by Sandra Smith located here in Ridge Spring.  Come in and place your order by Thursday.  Adult and children baskets are available.  Heart shaped conversation soaps from Chinaberry Dreams Band and beautiful jewelry for everyone.  

Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods: Ridge Antiques welcomes Chuck and Denise Steele to our little family.  They have gotten their booth set up and have some very nice items for you ~ come see! We also say a sad goodbye to Mary Ellen & Rich Jordan who have moved out in preparation for their retirement to Florida.  They had been with the store for many years and will be missed.  Happy Valentine's Day ~ Come on in and find that special something for that special someone.

Lee Ann Perez/ One Ash Farm & Dairy: We had a great time at the Winter Farmers Market at Cumbee Place!  This market is being held each Thursday afternoon during these cold winter months.  Come join us and find an assortment of vendors.  In addition to our Grade A Raw Milk, fresh baked breads, herbal salves and soaps and craft items, there will also be familiar vendors with cakes, canned goods, fresh produce, eggs, specialty soaps and much more! We will be there from about 3 until 5:30.  Inside if it's cold and outside on the porch if it's sunny!  Stop on by- and have a blessed week!

The helpful Hands Mission is presenting show Time at the Star Center every 2nd Sunday evening at 5:00 pm. This community event has been organized to promote community involvement and family unity. Showtime at the Star Center will showcase local gospel artists and talent.  The talent contest winner will receive a $100.00 cash prize, plaque and a chance to compete for the ShowTime grand prize in December; where all monthly winners compete for the ShowTime at the Star Center trophy and 200.00 cash award.  There will be lots of prizes for all who attend; admission is free but you are welcome to drop a can good in our food bank box.  For more information or if you Business who wish to sponsor this event please call pastor George Key 803-480-3963 or email pastor Key atPastorkey@yahoo.com.  Showtime at the Star Center will be held at 206 Ridge Hill Drive, Ridge Spring S.C.
John Kneece: Sunday, February 2nd, Ridge Spring UMC celebrated the Souper Bowl of Caring with a wonderful soup and sides lunch.  Several couples from Spann UMC in Ward joined us for lunch.  Attendees enjoyed five different soups, chicken tenders, pimento cheese sandwiches, cornbread, and an array of delicious desserts. Yum!  Monetary donations and non-perishable foods received that day were all earmarked for the food pantry at The Helpful Hands Community Mission. 
A Gathering of Bells by Joyce Bell Winkler
On Saturday, January 24, 2015, family and friends of the late Arthur and Albina Bell came together in their 60-plus year-old home on the Bell Family Farm in rural Ridge Spring for an afternoon of celebration, remembrances, fun and, of course, good food.  It was truly a wonderful Bell family celebration. This gathering of the descendents of patriarch Arthur and matriarch Albina Bell included three of their nine children living in the area. Their oldest living child, Mary Elizabeth Bell Myles – age 91, son James Arthur Bell – age 81 and the youngest child, Sadie Bell Davis – age 71 were in attendance. In addition, 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, 2 daughters-in-law, 1 son-in-law and other family members and friends were there.  Someone remarked, “It’s wonderful that we can all be together and it isn’t because of a funeral.”
So how and why did this family gathering take place? Well, on January 1, 2015, grandson Graylon Bell sent a “Happy New Year” text message to some of the Bell cousins, saying, “We should get together more often this year.” And with that simple text message, Cousin Joyce Bell Winkler (who is known for planning and directing activities and events at a whim) replied to him and the other cousins, with one question: “How about Saturday, January 24 at 2pm? Bring your favorite dish and we will eat at Grandmom’s house”.  For many years, Grandmom served many wonderful family meals and we wanted to re-live this special memory.
With that said, the wheel was set in motion and everything fell in place. And what a gathering we had! The Bell Family Fellowship was the first time that we have been back in our family home for a gathering such as this since the late 70’s. Our time together provided many hours of laughing, reminiscing of fun times in this home and sharing favorite memories, storytelling, praying, looking at family photos and even playing Bingo.
Because of the special memories shared and good times had, it was agreed that we should do this wonderful event again. Now the plans are being made to hold at least two other “Gatherings of the Bells” later this year. And we are looking forward to our other family members from other parts of the country to join us.
We hope other families in our community will want to have their own “Gathering” without a lot of planning and effort. Ridge Spring is where family values and great memories abound for the Bell family and we encourage other Ridge Springers to celebrate their roots here.  Because “the family” is the foundation of life, and living in the Ridge makes it all the more special.  For us our gathering was truly a Bell ringer.                               
Indoor Farmers Market will be held at Cumbee Place Thursday, February 12 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.

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

 

Josie Rodgers:

It’s a big birthday week for our family!  Annalee and my mom share their birthdays on Feb. 12, and my niece Savannah will turn 15 Feb. 11.  Yes, that means driving!  Buckle up!
RSM High:  Six band members recently participated in the Limestone College Band Clinic Jan. 29-31.  Participating band members were Joshua Ware, Nicholas Jones, Katara Coleman, Tyler Rowe, Andrew Moyer, & DJ Padgett.  The students auditioned for chairs, and Andrew & DJ earned first chair in their bands The students rehearsed mostly college-level music for a day and a half with their bands, and the clinic ended with an outstanding concert by all of the students.
RSM Elem:  RS-M Elem is hosting a Community Learning Night for parents and students on Thurs., Feb. 26, from 5:30-7 pm. We would like to invite your business or organization to be a part of this night. You can choose to have a member set up a table with information about your business/organization in our Exhibit Hall or we can set you up in a classroom for a presentation or hands-on activity. There will be three twenty minute sessions for presentations. We are very excited about connecting parents and students with resources in our community. This is a great opportunity for you to inform parents and students of your business, organization, resources, and/or programs. If you are interested in setting up a table or presenting at our Community Learning Night please contact Denise McCurry at RS-M Elementary by phone (803) 685-2000 or email dmccurry@acpsd.net.  We hope to see you there!
Elem students have completed 784, 041 math problems so far and are well on their way to one million!  They have earned 261,347 stickers. The team of the week is Mrs. Wilson’s 5th grade class. The player of the week is: Montana Hartley of Ms. Young’s 5th grade class, earning 240 stickers. The top team for each grade level:  Mrs. Hallman (K5), Mrs. Kerby (1st), Ms. Shrader (2nd), Mrs. Matthews (3rd), Mrs. Najmola (4th), and Mrs. Wilson (5th). This competition will help increase fluency with math facts and, therefore, increase our test scores in the spring!
Coke Rewards update:  Thanks to the support of our faculty, students, and families, we were able to earn enough Coke points to get jump ropes and frisbees for students to use at recess.
So far we have raised 6,892 points! Keep sending in those Coke bottle caps to help us earn more equipment!

Reminders:
February 12: Farmers Market at Cumbee place
March 8: Show Time at the Star Center
March 28: Market on the Ridge
May 16: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering
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 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 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 3rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm

Monday, February 2, 2015

February 2, 2015
Ridge Spring News

 Lee Ann Perez- One Ash Farm and Dairy: We know everyone is wishing for warmer weather and for the Farmers Markets to get started up again!  To help out, One Ash, along with some fellow market partners from the summertime Johnston Market will be setting up an indoor Farmers Market at Cumbee Place:
Indoor Farmers Market
Cumbee Place
Thursday, February 5
3:30- 5:30 pm
Come visit our table for Grade A Raw Milk, fresh baked breads, herbal salves
and soaps and assorted craft items!  Our partners will have produce as well as baked goods and other delights!  Hope to see you there, and have a blessed week
Harriet’s Garden is reopening this week just in time for Valentine’s Day.  Make plans and call anytime.  Seeds have been planted and more will be planted later this month.  This will include 9 varieties of tomatoes.  Tulip bulbs are poking up through the soil.  Spring cannot be far away.  It is a good time to plant roses too.

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


Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is hosting Rev. Rick Stanley. Mt. Pleasant is located at 164 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Ridge Spring.  The event is on   February 13th at 7 p.m. and  February 15th at 11:00 a.m.  For more information call 803.685.7183
Titan Farms: We are proud to announce that Titan Farms has been selected as the first recipient of the BAYER CROPSCIENCE PRODUCE INNOVATION AWARD!!!!
The Bayer CropScience Produce Innovation Award demonstrates the power of “Science For A Better Life” by honoring a grower within the produce industry that deploys innovations in the field, across their operations, or within the supply chain to enhance the positive contribution of produce on individual lives and society overall. We are very excited to have received this honor! Now for a day full of filming!!!
Off the Beaten Path is welcoming new vendors weekly!  With new vendors come new merchandise.  We are excited to have a unique offering of things for you to wear, to decorate your home, and to give as gifts. All of our items are handmade, repurposed or personalized.  We can help you with your Valentine needs this week. We have a great selection of jewelry, scarves, soaps and lotions, ink pens, and much more. Gift certificates are available.   We are open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday through Saturday from 10-5. 
Pastor George Key: Helpful Hands Community Mission Worship will begin on 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month beginning in February.  Services will begin at 11 am. “Family Night” will be the 2nd Sunday evenings at 5 pm.  Worship services will be held at the Historical Star Center.
Josie Rodgers:
Ahhh…  Kiawah Island…  Ten miles of gorgeous beach and an amazing wildlife habitat…  It’s been several years since I attended the SCCTE Conference there, and I just returned from an inspiring couple of days spent with my ESL and English teacher friends.  We may not have seen much of the beach, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time together and learned a lot to bring back to our classrooms. We enjoyed guest speakers Penny Kittle, ReLeah Lent, and Kelly Gallagher.  We even got a few free books to bring back to our classrooms. 
RSM High: the Renaissance Rally held last week honoring special students and faculty/staff members.  Art instructor Carmen Holley, with the assistance of Joelle Leguizamon, gave a presentation about recycling, and Destiny Brewer presented a poem on the subject.  Destiny also announced perfect attendance students for 1st semester.  Trinity Frazier and Angel Brown recognized honor roll students, and Joelle, Banessa Gonzalez, and Josefina Lopez called the names of grade jumpers.  Also honored were Staffulty Members of the Month (Nov-Jan):  Diana Meade, Dr. Palladino, and Principal Wintrode.  Students of the Month were Stanley Rolland, Melvin Alewine, and Amber Merritt.  Trojan Island was held on Friday to celebrate students with no tardies or no write-ups who also do all of their work.
RSM Elem:  The following students will be representing the school as Student Ambassadors for this school year: Jordyn Gilliam, Landon Hastings, DeAnte Hopkins, Aniyah Jennings, Cody Davenport, Kaileigh Smith, Frankie Starkey, Amy Oxendine, Robby Mitchell, Jazmine Flores, Waylon Cockrell, Emily Gonzalez, Nehemiah Blacks, Mattison Senn, Keyziah Cannon, Joel Yoho, Montana Hartley and Katelyn Kirk. Student Ambassadors will work as a group to learn the skills to become successful leaders and serve the school by being positive role models, assisting with special events, acting as office helpers, being buddies to new students, and completing service projects.
RS-M Elementary is hosting a Community Learning Night for parents and students on Thurs., Feb. 26, from 5:30-7 pm. We would like to invite your business or organization to be a part of this night. You can choose to have a member set up a table with information about your business/organization in our Exhibit Hall or we can set you up in a classroom for a presentation or hands-on activity. There will be three twenty minute sessions for presentations. We are very excited about connecting parents and students with resources in our community. This is a great opportunity for you to inform parents and students of your business, organization, resources, and/or programs. If you are interested in setting up a table or presenting at our Community Learning Night please contact Denise McCurry at RS-M Elementary by phone (803) 685-2000 or email dmccurry@acpsd.net.  We hope to see you there!
The next PTO meeting will be Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Tonya Rodgers won the $50 prize from PTO this month. Please contact PTO at rsmpto422@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.  Keep in mind that in April we will be taking nominations for officers for PTO. Nomination forms will be distributed in April and positions will be voted on in May. The PTO bylaws are posted on the school website which will give you the job duties of each position.

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 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 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 3rd Thursday:  FORS at Cumbee Place 5 pm