September 28, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market had three vendors, Leonard Bell, Bobby Yonce, and George and Virginia Raborn.  Sweet potatoes, peas, corn, tomatoes, Crowder peas, and more were available.  Check the fresh produce out.

From the Mayor's Desk: I have had so many positive comments about the Harvest Festival. Truly, the day was so hot that many people left at about three o'clock. If you did, then you missed a very gifted Elvis impersonator and a wonderful band. We will have a wrap-up meeting very soon and will be searching for a new chairperson. Many thanks go to this year's committee and to chairwoman Noel Steele. There will be a Town Council meeting on Monday, October, 5th. The agenda will include a presentation from Aiken Electric, amendments to the employee handbook, and a budget amendment. We will also be looking at putting GPS systems on town vehicles. There will also be an executive session to discuss water contracts. If you have a problem that you wish council to consider, please call Town Hall 2 weeks prior to the following meeting and tell the clerk what you wish to discuss so that we will have time to begin finding a solution to your problem. This council looks forward to serving the town in its best capacity. The public is always invited to all Council meetings.

Harvest Festival Karaoke Contest winners are: 1st Place-Fay Vaughan; 2nd Place-Paul Fulmer.

Jeff Clamp, Band Director, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High School: Congratulations to the RS-M True Blue Marching Band for an outstanding performance in the Blue Machine Invitational at Edisto High School on Saturday, September 19th.  RS-M finished 2nd in Class A to 2-A school Barnwell and scored higher than all 1-A bands at the competition.  Amber Merritt won Best Drum Major in Class A and the Flag Line won Best Color guard in Class A. More competitions to come include Irmo High School, Sat., Oct. 10; Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, Sat., Oct. 17; Lower-State Championships, Charleston Southern University, Sat., Oct. 24. 

JOHNSTON FARMER'S & ARTIST'S MARKET continues into November.  Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, apothecary items, farm fresh milk & eggs, prints & note cards by local artists, different items each week.  Visit us on Thursdays between 4 - 6 p.m. in front of the Library/Warehouse.  For more information contact Anne at 803-480-1093 or Donna at 803-275-0010.

Terri Rourk; I'm offering private or group yoga practices. Therapeutic yoga, senior yoga, yoga for weight loss, stretch and relaxation.... So many wonderful ways to stay healthy and flexible!! 864-992-7132 Terri Rourk. Also wanted to let everyone know that at Persimmon Hill Golf Course the "Grill" is under new management!!!  Beginning Sunday, October 11 with the lunch buffet... Expect some great changes out there!! 

Monetta, Past and Present, from David Marshall James:  The spacious new Dollar General, at the intersection of US 1 and SC 39, has opened.  During the late 1980s through the 1990s, until the construction of the convenience store across from the D.G., Monetta’s residents couldn’t purchase a carton of milk or a loaf of bread in-town.  During the 1930s and 1940s, ten “country stores” were dotted throughout the community, the oldest being the Stevens store beside the post office; indeed, the Stevens Store once housed the town post office.  Later Bolen’s store, it closed forever during the mid 1960s and was torn down in 1987, although much of the “good wood,” including the cornices, was salvaged.

      These stores served a dual purpose as “give and gather” centers for town news—and gossip. Hardwood floors supported frosty cold electric coolers filled with bottled soft drinks.  Such coolers encouraged informal gatherings and gab sessions, as the bottles were discounted for return deposit, so the drinks were consumed on-site.  Of course, those sodas could have been poured into paper to-go cups, but they tasted best right from the bottles, and the opening and closing of the cooler provided relief on a hot afternoon.

      Such emporia could be found in most towns, and part of the fun of taking a road trip was stopping for, say, a Nehi orange or grape soda and a package of peanut-butter crackers.  There’s a Southern-flavorful scene from Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart,” set in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, in which Sissy Spacek empties a cellophane-pack serving of salted peanuts into her bottle of Coca-Cola.  In the same film, Spacek’s martinet of a cousin, Chick (Tess Harper), informs her babysitter, “There’s a can of Vienna (pronounced “VI-anna”) sausage in there for your lunch, and give those children peanut-butter sandwiches.”

     VI-anna sausage, peanut-butter crackers, and salty peanuts submerged in Coke.  It’s comforting to know such touchstones of Southern culture continue, even if the country stores have disappeared.

Josie Rodgers:

My parents, Jim & Rosalyn Pressley, celebrated their 31^st anniversary this past Sunday.  What better way to celebrate than going to the local Dollar General on Saturday with my dad on his prosthetic legs pushing the cart! He’s pretty amazing! He continues his radiation treatment this week, and then we will see what’s next.  And I am sure Leagrace was squealing with laughter when Papa was shopping in DG; she thought everything he did was funny, so his walking on metal legs and feet would be hilarious to her! Oh, how we miss that laughter, but oh, how much sweeter Heaven is!

The WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit to raise funds to assist with medical and living expenses for Shaun and Alex Steele as Shaun is unemployed during his battle with cancer.  The benefit is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 3 from noon - 4 pm in the Family Life Center at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  Costs:  3 & under, free; 4-12, $4; 13 & older, $8.  Tickets may be purchased at Mt. Pleasant Baptist church on Sun mornings & evenings and Wed nights 6 - 8 pm.  For more information you may contact LaRose Smart, WMU Director 685-7071.

Synergy Martial Arts:  On Sept. 28, at 6:30 pm, we will be doing the "I-Can Fitness Challenge."  We will spend the class time competing in exercises that involve canned goods as our weights. Then we will donate the canned goods to ECCHO with a goal of 180 cans.  We welcome the public to come out, bring a canned good, and watch the fun! For more info, contact Laura Taylor.

The high school welcomes several new faculty/staff members besides new principal Mr. Blankenship.  Coach Ken Lipsey is the new head football coach and PE teacher.  Joey Middlebrooks comes to us from the elem school to implement the new Career Development and Occupational Credential program.  Mrs. Timidaiski teaches science and comes to us from B-L High.  Our new library aide is Cheryl Tolliver.  Paul Widener is monitoring the halls for us. 

Art 3&4 classes are interested in contributing to the community in the form of art!  Students will benefit from contributing their time to create a mural, mosaic, or sculpture for a business in our town.  Please call art instructor Carmen Holley@ 685-2100 if you have a project that you think they can help you with.

RSM Middle News:  The school is sponsoring a community yard sale Sat., Oct. 3, from 7 am to 12 pm at 10 JP Kneece Drive in Monetta.  Anyone can rent a space for $10 (bring your own tables).  For more information, contact Monica Johnson at 685-2500 or monicajohnson@acpsd.net.

Attention future scientists!  The Ruth Patrick Science Center is having a FREE Science Education Enrichment Day (SEED) on Oct. 10.  From 10 am- 3 pm, you can spend the day at the USC-A campus for a fun approach to science exploration.  With enough student interest and advanced notice, we will be able to arrange for transportation to this event.  Please contact the middle school counselor or Mr. Blankenship if you are interested.   

Rene Miller, RSM Elementary

Harvest Festival Parade: The theme of this year’s festival was “Back To Our Roots”. At RS-M Elementary we give our children two things; one is roots, the other is wings! We would like to thank the following students for riding the float: Emily Gonzalez, Sarah

Gonzalez, Reed Tibbs, Bradley Tibbs, Anthony Key, Wyatt Davenport, Cody Davenport, Addison Cooper, and Caleb Robinson. We are proud of these students for representing RS-M Elementary, so well!

Upcoming Fund Raiser: We will begin selling 24 ounce, double wall RSM tumblers on October 12th. The fundraiser will end on November 2nd. The cost is $8.00. Information about incentives for the top sellers will be sent home with the fundraiser forms on October 12th.

Summer Readers Recognized: Summer Reader participants were recognized at the

RSM High Football Game Friday, September 11. Students were introduced to the fans before the game and helped the cheerleaders cheer on the team as they ran onto the field. Congratulations to these students: Liam Davison, Alyssa Whitfield, Cody Davenport, Wyatt Davenport, Ty’Trell Smith, Tyzai Smith, Quarmaine Allen, Briston Matthews, Mary Ann Sterling, Matalyn Martin, and Dylan Harris.

Reminders:

Sept. 26: AARS: silk scarf painting class with Libby Bussinah

Sept. 27 Jerusalem Baptist 138^th Anniversary Celebration

Oct. 3: WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit

Oct, 15: FORS Meeting Library

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

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 

September 21, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Harvest Festival was a wonderful event this year.  Due to the State Fair and the Aiken Fair honing in on our original date in October and attendance dropping, we thought we would try to change the date to reinvigorate the Harvest Festival.  Bingo attendance dropped a little but all had a great time.   Hot dogs with chili or no chili were great too.  Baskets were raffled off.  There were eight and the community shops put together great ones.  I just can’t say enough to our local businesses and our sponsor Derrick Equipment for their help in making it a wonderful success.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you

Do not ask me why but I love to give away a grill with our local chicken or meat gift certificates.   This year I did not know how I was going to do it.  Out of the blue a friend who had won last year’s grill let me know they had not used it for they already had a very nice one.  Would I like it back?  How can I be so lucky?

The Cake and Pie contest was a success too. Daisy Rutland got her judges to taste and decide on winners.  They were as follows:

Layer cake first place- Audrey McCain               

            Second place-Lisa Daff                 

            Third place-Lisa Daff                                  

Pound cake first place- Audrey McCain             

            Second place-Phillip Mixon                      

            Third place-Vicki Pierce                                         

Pie first place-Georgia Isabelle

            Second place-Samantha Mc Clure

            Third place-Harriet Householder

Children’s Cookies winners were first place Adalyn Holsenback, second place Riley Holsenback, and third place to Parker Holsenback

Children’s Brownies winners were first place Madison Bedenbaugh, second place Anna Elise Griffeth, and third place Carter Senf.

Then Saturday was a great day too.  The entertainment, the parade, the four games for the Children and the three paint set-ups were perfect for the children and adults.  The crafters were plenty and Leonard Bell was there selling produce. The Country Store was full of fresh produce from our local farmers.  A big THANKS goes to Rawl’s Farm, Titan Farms and Watsonia.  Hugh Weathers was supposed to be the Grand Marshall but there was a funeral he had to attend. 

Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Annual Car and Truck Show September 19, 2015

Winners

Best of Show Jodie Sauls 1950 Mercury Woody; Festival Choice Pete Soper 1966 Chevy Truck         

Top 10

1.    Dennis & Kathy Somerville 1970   Triumph TR6, 2. Julia & Dwight Davis 1978 VW Bus, 3. Robert Rutland 1940 Ford Deluxe, 4. Susan Coffey 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Limited Coupe, 5. Gene Williams         1999 GMC Sonoma Customized, 6. Harold Glazener 1969 Impala Convertible, 7. Mary McGee 1984 Nissan 300ZX, 8. Aubrey Hendrix 1963 ½ Ford Fastback, 9. Paul Winters 1967 Fairlane 500, 10. Pedro McCormick 1940 Coupe Street Rod

The Ridge Spring Harvest Festival and Ridge Spring-Monetta Athletic Booster Club would like to thank each of the participants.

THANK YOU TO ALL VOLUNTEERS, PARTICIPANTS, SPONSORS AND ATTENDEES OF THE HARVEST FESTIVAL!!!!

We have found a RS-M High School 1998 ”Senior Year Class Book"  which we think belongs to Shawana Holme. We would love to get it back to its owner so if anyone knows Shawana please have her call Barbara Yon at 685-5386.

Jeff Clamp, Band Director, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High School: The RS-M True Blue Marching Band will be in competition at the "Mustang Classic" at Midland Valley High School onSaturday, September 26th.  RS-M performs at 3:00 p.m.  The True Blue Band will also be in competition at Irmo High School on Saturday, October 10th, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School on Saturday, October 17th, and at the Lower-State Championships at Charleston Southern University on Saturday, October 24th.  You can keep up with the True Blue Marching Band on the web at http://band.rsmhs.acps.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?gid=2345557 or go to the RS-M Middle / High home page and click on "Clubs and Organizations" and then "Band"

Ridge Spring Library: Toddler time will be Monday September 28^th at 10:30 AM. Toddler Time is every other Monday.

Arthur Kenner: Jerusalem Baptist Church will celebrate its 138th church anniversary Sunday, September 27th at 10:15 AM.  The guest minister will be Rev. Kenneth Waldo and music will be furnished by the Anniversary Choir.  The public is invited to worship in this anniversary service.  If you require additional information please call Rev. Sim E. Murray at 706-210-0433.

Nonie's is a new business in Ridge Spring. Nonie’s is located at 401 East Main St. In our shop you will find handmade items from local Crafters, Antiques, Vintage, Repurposed items, redesigned furniture, gently used Items, Children Clothing and toys, handmade soaps and candles. You will also find unique Items that can be personalized. We can also turn your images in to paintings; put them on canvas, and much, much more. We will be opening September 19th the same day as the Harvest Festival and our Grand opening will be October the 3rd. Stop by and say hello to me, Noel and my business partner Dana. We look forward to seeing you.

                                                By Joanne Crouch, AARS president

     The Art Center of Ridge Spring announces the fall line-up of classes that will be held at the Art Center located behind the Ridge Spring Civic Center. 

     Fall Pottery Workshop with Donna Minor—Saturday, October 3^rd, 9-1 ages 8 and up.  Students will have the option to make a slab built sugar and cream bowl or colander.  All materials are included.  Cost is $35.

     Beginning Encaustic Wax Workshop with Joanne Crouch—Saturday, October 10^th from 9-3.  Encaustic wax painting is the practice of painting with layers of wax.  Each layer is fused with the former layer with a heat gun or torch.  Attendees will experience numerous demonstration and will be encouraged to complete at least 3 pieces.  Most supplies and tools will be supplied.  STUDENTS MUST PRE-REGISTER.   Cost is $75.  Class limit:  6 students.

      Gourd Chip Carving Class with Linda Lake—Saturday, October 17^th from 9-1.  Each member of the class will receive tutoring in proper techniques to complete a chip carving piece.  All tools and supplies included for $35. 

     Polymer Clay Class with Candace Bush—Saturday, October 24^th from 9-1.  Ages 12 & up.  Students will receive tips and instruction to create a jewelry item but techniques can be used to create other items.  Cost is $35.

      To pre-register for classes, call (803)685-5577 before 10 pm and leave message.  You may also contact by email at joanne.crouch26@gmail.com.  More classes will be announced soon.

From Joe Cal Watson: Joe says things are looking up. He fund a five cent piece in the trash.

Monetta Past, from David Marshall James:  This past week, I saw—in print—a story I first heard as a child:  That the town of Monetta was named after an Indian maiden who sickened, died, and was buried under the spot of what later became the town’s railroad depot.  For the record, I submit an alternative story of the town’s naming, from the late Ann (Mrs. Legare) Burton, a longtime teacher at Ridge Spring-Monetta High School.  This was thirty years ago this past March, when I was researching the town’s history for a journalism project at USC and was seeking such information.  Herewith, Mrs. Burton’s version, paraphrased:

      Monetta was known as Perry’s Turnout during the late 1800s.  The resident Mr. Perry, who lived a few fenceposts to the south of the Burton acreage, was ribbed by the Augusta-to-Columbia train conductor, who informed the Monettan that he (the conductor) wouldn’t name a pig track Monetta, much less an up-and-coming town.  Mr. Perry’s daughter was reading a novel at the time, in which one of the characters was named Monetta, or possibly Mon Etta.  She suggested the name as a substitute for Perry’s Turnout, apparently pleasing her father and the conductor at the same turn.

     In my humble opinion, Mrs. Burton’s story carries the ring of truth, as Monetta was indeed known as Perry’s Turnout, or Perry’s Turn-out, as late as 1875.  There is information on the internet to that effect, and I have seen an old map of South Carolina with Perry’s Turnout where Monetta later came to be. 

    As for “Monetta,” or “Mon Etta,” it was once a fashionable girl’s name, and could thus have been used for the name of a fictional character.  For instance, the real name of 1940s film actress Linda Darnell was “Mon Etta.”  Some sources give her name as “Monetta.”  

    This question might possibly be settled through scrolling through some microfiche of old issues of The Edgefield Advertiser, or possibly The Saluda Standard or The Aiken Standard.  I have seen a copy of an article dated 1902, in which the town is called Monetta.  So, somewhere between 1875 and 1902, Perry’s Turnout became Monetta.  The reason may be lost to history.   

The WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit to raise funds to assist with medical and living expenses for Shaun and Alex Steele as Shaun is unemployed during his battle with cancer.  The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm in the Family Life Center at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  Costs:  3 & under, free; 4-12, $4.00; 13 & older, $8.00. 

Reminders:

Sept. 26: AARS: silk scarf painting class with Libby Bussinah

Sept. 27 Jerusalem Baptist 138^th Anniversary Celebration

Oct. 3: WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit

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

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 

September 13, 2015

Ridge Spring News

HARVEST FESTIVAL IS HERE

BINGO IS SEPT. 17

Hot dogs at 6:00 games at 7:00

GOSPEL NIGHT & CAKE & PIE CONTEST IS SEPT. 18

Cakes and pies in by 5:00 PM and Gospel 7:00 PM

FESTIVAL SATURDAY IS SEPT. 19

Car Show, country store, games, rides, arts & crsafts,

Live music, karaoke, and so much more

I have been forgetting to mention the karaoke contest. Winners get prizes so come on down. From 2:00 to 3:30 at the gazebo, there will be a chance for you to sing and win money.  I sure wish I could sing. 

Ridge Spring Town Hall: We are happy to welcome our new Mayor, Ms. Pat Asbill. Our new council members are; Mr. Capers Asbill, Mr. Richard Christie, Ms. Geneva Harris and Mr. Crys Lybrand. Ridge Spring Town Council Meetings are the first Monday of the month at 6:30pm at Town Hall.

From the Mayor’s Desk: Your new Mayor and Council were sworn in last Tuesday evening, and had its first meeting Thursday night. Council assignments were made: Capers Asbill will be in charge of Streets and Sanitation, Geneva Harris will handle Parks and Recreation, Crys Lybrand will head up Public Safety, and Richard Christie will handle Water and Sewer. Mr. Christie will serve as Mayor Pro-Tem. The only item on the agenda that required action was a business license request from Nonies, which was granted. Town Council meets the first Monday of each month. The public is always welcome.

Noel Steele: Harvest Festival is right around d the Corner. Come and enjoy music, entertainment, children activities, arts and crafts, car show, and lots of food. You can even be a star by joining in on our karaoke contest. Antique tractors and Antique cars will be there. The parade starts at10:30. Join us in celebrating our communities. Want to find out more go to www.ridgespringharvestfestival.com

Get your oven heated up and your best cake and pie recipes out and join in on the Ridge Spring Harvest Festivals, cake and pie contest. Details for signing up are at www.ridgespringharvestfestival.com

Arthur Kenner: Jerusalem Baptist Church will celebrate its 138th church anniversary Sunday, September 27th at 10:15 AM.  The guest minister will be Rev. Kenneth Waldo and music will be furnished by the Anniversary Choir.  The public is invited to worship in this anniversary service.  If you require additional information please call Rev. Sim E. Murray at 706-210-0433.

Nonie's is a new business in Ridge Spring. Nonie’s is located at 401 East Main St. In our shop you will find handmade items from local Crafters, Antiques, Vintage, Repurposed items, redesigned furniture, Gently used Items, Children Clothing and toys, handmade soaps and candles. You will also find unique Items that can be personalized. We can also turn your images in to paintings; put them on canvas, and much, much more. We will be opening September 19th the same day as the Harvest Festival and our Grand opening will be October the 3rd. Stop by and say hello to me, Noel and my business partner Dana. We look forward to seeing you.

 Gail Moody-Johnson: Lady Trojan volleyball is off and jumping into another exciting season! We are currently 6-1(overall) 4-0(region). Our next game is Monday Sept 14 @ Saluda High School 5PM! Varsity and JV will be competing!

Jeff Clamp, Band Director: The RS-M True Blue Marching Band will begin it's competition season at the "Blue Machine Invitational" at Edisto High School in Cordova, SC on Saturday, September 19th .  RS-M performs at 6:15.  The following Saturday the True Blue Band will be at Midland Valley High School for the "Mustang Classic".  There is not a schedule available at this time for the contest at Midland Valley.  You can keep up with the True Blue Marching Band on the web athttp://band.rsmhs.acps.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?gid=2345557 or go to the RS-M Middle / High home page and click on "Clubs and Organizations" and then "Band" 

Judy Adamick: WATERCOLOR CLASS:  Four openings are left for fall class held on Thursdays Oct. 15^th through Nov. 19^th, 6 week series, $75. Call Judy Adamick 803 685-5814

At the Farmers’ Market peas are in and sweet potaotes.  Come check us out Saturday.  There will be no more boiled peanuts though. 

The WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit to raise funds to assist with medical and living expenses for Shaun and Alex Steele as Shaun is unemployed during his battle with cancer.  The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm in the Family Life Center at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  Costs:  3 & under, free; 4-12, $4.00; 13 & older, $8.00. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) MCL Violation for Town of Ridge Spring

Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation.  We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Testing results from October 2014 – December 2014 show that our system exceeds the standard or maximum contaminant level (MCL), for TTHM. The standard for TTHM is 0.080 mg/L. It is determined by averaging all the samples collected at each sampling location for the past 12 months. The level of TTHM averaged at one of our system’s locations for October 2014 – July 2015 was 0.083 mg/L.

What should I do?

• There is nothing you need to do. You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. If a situation arises where the water is no longer safe to drink, you will be notified within 24 hours.
• If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water.

What does this mean? This is not an emergency. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified within 24 hours. TTHM are four volatile organic chemicals which form when disinfectants react with natural organic matter in the water. *People who drink water containing Trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

What is being done?  We have been working closely with the Town of Batesburg-Leesville and SCDHEC and we have determined that the exceedance was due to a temporary change in the treatment process at the water plant in Batesburg-Leesville. The purpose of this temporary change was to re-establish the proper chlorine/ ammonia levels to achieve the most effective disinfection throughout the entire water system. The level of ammonia was temporarily reduced which caused a spike in the TTHM concentration.  ** Please share this information with all the people who drink this water, especially those who may not have receive this notice directly, i.e. people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses. You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. **

This violation was first detected during the November 2014 testing period. Notice was first sent out on November 26, 2014. Test results for the January 2015 – July 2015 show a slight increase in TTHM levels, above standard levels.

The Corrective Action Plan is being amended and resubmitted to DHEC.  For more information, please contact F. Maxfield Parrish at 803-685-5511 or P.O. Box 444, Ridge Spring, SC, 29129. The Town of Ridge Spring is sending this notice to you. State Water System ID#: 4110002.  Date distributed:  September 22, 2015

Reminders:

Sept. 17: Harvest Festival BINGO

Sept. 18: Cake and Pie Contest sponsored by Bank’s Drugs

Sept. 18: Gospel Night

Sept. 19: Ridge Spring Harvest Festival

Sept. 26: AARS: silk scarf painting class with Libby Bussinah

Sept. 27 Jerusalem Baptist 138^th Anniversary Celebration

Oct. 3: WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit

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

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

September 7, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Ridge Spring is going to be hopping for the next TWO weekends.  Hope you can come to both.

RIDGE SPRING SIDEWALK SALE SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 12 BARGAINS GALORE

Then we have the big event this year on a different weekend.

HARVEST FESTIVAL WILL BE IN TWO WEEKS!!!!!

BINGO IS SEPT. 17

GOSPEL NIGHT & CAKE & PIE CONTEST IS SEPT. 18

FESTIVAL SATURDAY IS SEPT. 19

Judy Adamick: WATERCOLOR CLASS:  Four openings are left for fall class held on Thursdays Oct. 15^th through Nov. 19^th, 6 week series, $75. Call Judy Adamick 803 685-5814

At the Farmers’ Market peas are in.  Come check us out Saturday.  There will be no more boiled peanuts though. 

Pastor Key: On behalf of the Queens of diamonds and Helpful Hands Ministries Inc we would like to thank the Ridge Spring town hall and other caring individuals who helped our organizations sponsor the back to school carnival which was held saturday August 29th at the Ridge Civic Center. The Carnival was a huge success supplying 78 bags of school supplies to our local Children. 

Also Helpful Hands Ministries has a new worship Center location at 109 pecan Grove Rd right behind the circle K gas station. Services will be every 1st - 4th Sundays 11am. Please note; our food bank will remain at its current location 512 Merritt st. The Helpful Hands Food bank is open every 2nd and 4th Saturdays 10am-12 noon. Food and clothing donations are also accepted during operation hours. 

Mount Alpha Educational Union is sponsoring cursive writing classes on September 8, 15, 22,& 29 at the Ridge Spring Star Community Center from 6:00 pm. to 7:00 pm. There is no cost for the classes. Anyone interested in cursive writing may come, there is no age limit. 

The WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit to raise funds to assist with medical and living expenses for Shaun and Alex Steele as Shaun is unemployed during his battle with cancer.  The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm in the Family Life Center at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  Costs:  3 & under, free; 4-12, $4.00; 13 & older, $8.00.  Tickets may be purchased at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church on Sunday mornings & evenings and Wednesday nights 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  Church members will also have access to tickets.  Live music will entertain all attending, and a Cake Walk will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 pm.  Pick a cake made from scratch for $20 if you land on the CAKE circle.  In addition, a Silent Auction will be viewed from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.  Bids will cease at 3 after which the winners will be announced.  More information will follow on items for bid “at the right price.” Mark your calendar for this special day of fellowship and financial support for Shaun and his family.  A day to remember!  For more information you may contact LaRose Smart, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church WMU Director 685-7071.

Josie Rodgers:

Leagrace’s mom, Amber, received a letter from Lifelink of Georgia, the organization that orchestrates transplants.  They expressed deep sympathy for our loss of Leagrace and extreme gratefulness for the gift of her heart and kidneys.  They went on to say that a 64-year-old retired lady from Florida received both of Leagrace’s kidneys.  I can imagine her as a grandmother now able to have more time with her grandbabies.  Leagrace’s heart is beating strong inside the little body of a 3-year-old little boy who loves playing outside, going for car rides, and playing with Hot Wheels.  He had been on the waiting list for a few days.  I can imagine his parents’ overwhelming joy at the news that he would receive a new heart, and not just any heart, the heart of a princess, for she truly is a daughter of the King! At the same time my heart sorely aches for my Pooky, I am bursting with pride that my daughter, in the throes of grief and pain, could be so compassionate and selfless in giving Leagrace’s organs to those in need.  If you are not a registered organ donor, please consider this gracious act of kindness.

My mom, Amber, and I each received a most touching gift to honor Leagrace’s memory from Scott and Melanie Sellars.  We were brought to tears, naturally.  Scott made beautiful shadow boxes, and Melanie dried flowers from Leagrace’s arrangements.  She displayed them in the boxes along with white polka dotted hot pink ribbon and iridescent white butterflies.  The story of the ribbon and butterflies was heartwarming.  Melanie says she was standing in the ribbon aisle of Hobby Lobby and asked Leagrace what ribbon she through her grandmas would like.  Well, of course LG led her to my favorite!  Then she led “Aunt Menie” to the dainty butterflies (we have been visited by some unique butterflies recently!).  What a special gift that we will treasure forever. 

RSM High News: Art 3&4 classes are interested in contributing to the community in the form of art!  Students will benefit from contributing their time to create a mural, mosaic , or sculpture for a business in our town.  Please call art instructor Carmen Holley@ 685-2100 if you have a project that you think they can help you with.

Rene Miller RSM Elementary School:

Welcome to our New Teachers and Staff! We would like to extend a warm RSM welcome to our new faculty and staffs for 2015-2016 They are: Anny Velasco, Kayla Hite, Sara Dressel, Bethany Fralick, Holly Thompson, Adina Premo, LA de Vera, Not

We would like to thank the following people and businesses for the donations for the Teacher Back to School Breakfast: Brian Derrick, RSM PTO, and Cones Meat & Farms.

We would also like to thank the following for donations of school supplies for our school and our school children: Libby Cockrell, Bethal Baptist Church, Cedar Creek Church, Margaret Nickerson, Jumelle Brooks.

Grandparent’s Day: All Grandparents are invited to school on September 10th & 11th to eat breakfast with their grandchild. Students whose last names beginning with M-Z will eat on September 10th. Students whose last name begins with A-L will eat on the 11th. The cost of breakfast is $2.10. Breakfast will be served beginning at 7:15 a.m.

Welcome New Nurse: Brittany Bearden is our new school nurse. Her nursing career began 3 years ago at Aiken Regional Medical Center where she worked in the Progressive Care Unit. This is her first year as a school nurse. She is married to her husband, Ryan. They have 2 dogs, Costa and Junior. She is a die-hard Clemson

fan, enjoys fishing, going to the beach and spending time with family. She said she looks forward to working with all the students and parents here at RSM.

Good News Club: Good News Club will begin on Sept. 17 and run on Thursdays for 6 weeks. Permission forms will be sent home soon.

Book Picks from David Marshall James:

 Mystery author Gail Oust resides “just up in the road,” in McCormick; indeed, she set her first round of novels, the Bunco Babes mysteries, in a fictitious South Carolina setting not unlike her adopted hometown (Oust hails from Ohio).  These three novels were published in paperback by Obsidian, beginning almost ten years ago, and are now available in e-format with new titles.  As you might imagine, Bunco playing is the backdrop for the requisite sleuthing.  Since the BBs, Oust has been publishing her new series, the Spice Shop mysteries, in hardback, through St. Martin’s Minotaur.

     Small-town (this time, in Georgia) spice shop owner Piper Prescott finds herself peppered with plenty of opportunities for amateur sleuthing.  These volumes include “Rosemary and Crime” and “Kill ’Em With Cayenne.”  Her latest, “Cinnamon Toasted,” will be available this December.  The Friends of the McCormick Public Library have sponsored many signing receptions for Oust, and will probably offer another upon the publication of “Cinnamon Toasted,” so check with that library for upcoming events.  If your local library does not have the Oust titles, ask the staff to order the Spice Shop mysteries.

(PS: David has given Bingo 15 bags of books each worth at least $80.00 , WOW and thanks)

Pansies and mums will be in soon at Harriet’s Garden.

Reminders:

Sept. 8: Last Harvest Festival Planning Meeting before the Harvest Festival

Sept. 12: Ridge Spring Sidewalk Sale

Sept. 17: Harvest Festival BINGO

Sept. 18: Cake and Pie Contest sponsored by Bank’s Drugs

Sept. 18: Gospel Night

Sept. 19: Ridge Spring Harvest Festival

Sept. 26: AARS: silk scarf painting class with Libby Bussinah

Oct. 3: WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit

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

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