December 17, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Juniper Restaurant: We are so excited to be invited to be a part of "Truth, Love & Clean Cutlery". They are highlighting great restaurants that not only provide amazing food and service but also work hard to take care of the environment and their local community! #lovelocal We are one of only eight in South Carolina to be included, and we are honored to be in this group with some incredible restaurants. Farm Bluffton, Glass Onion, Basic Kitchen, The Obstinate Daughter, Wild Olive Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery Motor Supply Certified South Carolina Discover South Carolina.  The introduction to this story and the recognition is "every place we list serves delicious food.  That's a given.  After that, our guiding principle has been the care taken by the people who run the restaurant; care in sourcing the food and how it is produced; care in dealing with its staff, customers, and community; and care for the environment, in terms of energy, waste, and water.

The Art Center on Main Street is all decorated with many special one- of- a- kind gift items for your loved ones.  Come and shop with us each Friday and Saturday starting at 10 o'clock.  We will have hot tea ready for you!  Merry Christmas to all!!!

Olde Treasures  is one of three antique shops in Ridge Spring. They are Ridge Antiques and Dry Goods and Pat's Corner Antiques.  Being such a small town there are unique shops and places to eat.  Ridge Spring is truly small town living. 

THE GLASS DRAGONFLY is now open Sundays through the new year, November 18 through December 30 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM.  Located at 614 E. Main Street, Ridge Spring.  WE carry a wide variety of missy and plus sizes, jewelry, It a girl thing Tees, Straight up Southern Tees, and more.  We also have a "Kevin's Corner".  Hours are Monday Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00AM until 6:00 PM, closed Wednesday, and Sundays from 12:00 til 3:00.

Haley Bee Boutique specializes in providing unique women's, men's, and baby clothing styles at affordable prices! We also offer jewelry, art, home goods, and gifts galore. Nativities are also available.

The Nut House & Country Market will be open on Sundays in December from 1pm to 4pm starting Sunday December 2nd through Sunday December 23rd to help you with all of your holiday gift needs! 

Judy Adamick will be teaching at the Aiken Center for the Arts.  For the class schedule, Contact the Arts Center 803 641-9094.

The Green Thumb Garden Club had another successful Christmas Tour of Homes. 
All homes were stunning in their beautiful Christmas decor. We thank the homeowners, guest and many volunteers whom helped make it a very Merry Christmas Tour! 

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: 3^RD Sunday in Advent and the candle was pink for Joy. What a joyous time of year! Carols, smiles, hugs and a wonderful message from Pastor Ashley filled the church with warmth and Joy.

 The Steadman’s sleigh (aka truck) was filled to the brim with bikes, trikes, clothes, household items, toys, personal hygiene items, shirts, shoes and a food box labeled HEAVY this end up for RSUMC’s family of 5! Through generosity of those unable to shop and designated funds, the Church was able to also send $150 grocery card and $100 Lowe’s card! As they open their presents at Christmas we wish they will feel the love and Christian spirit we experienced getting these items together.

 RSUMC and Helpful Hands Ministry have partnered for several years and this is not different. Non perishable food items (Thank you BRB) and a check for $92.50 were delivered this past Friday to help with their ongoing Food Bank Ministry. It is our pleasure to help this worthwhile Ministry. Merry Christmas Helpful Hands.

Reminder: There will be NO December Service on the 30^th.

Last week I mentioned George Bush and John McCain as world War II veterans.  I tried to catch the mistake, but may not have gotten to them all.  John McCain served in Vietnam as my husband did.  It was an honor to have known of John McCain.  I apologize.  Both men served their country.

The St. William Catholic Church youth group presented an original play last Sunday.  Titled W.I.L.L. News Channel 25, the youth provided a Christmas Eve broadcast complete with news, sports, weather, and more! News anchors were Annalee Rodgers & Jason Rodgers. Other news casters included Aiden Rodgers (weather), Taylor Rodgers (sports), Kassey Kitchings (entertainment), Savannah Rodgers (roving reporter), Jon Rodgers (camera tech), & Quinten Miller (finances). Filled with humor and a bit of impromptu additions, the news cast ended with the true meaning of Christmas. From our youth to all readers: Merry Christmas!

Josie Rodgers: RSM High:

Praise Report: Mollie Bartley, 5^th grader at Wardlaw, underwent open heart surgery on Tues., Dec. 11. The procedure was a success, and Miss Mollie is home recuperating, surrounded by her family and the love and prayers from her friends, school, and community. Mollie is an amazing young lady with the heart of a warrior; we are so grateful that she is on the road to complete recovery! #molliestrong

RSM High: For the first time, RSM surprised students with a holiday assembly on December 10. Students got to hear a preview of the winter band concert selections, a personal story of Christmas by Mr. Toth, violin and guitar selections from Mr. DiZinno, and performances by AP students, drama students, and Mrs. Wigfall. Mr. Tony Baughman acted as emcee and treated students to a reading of Clement Moore’s classic, A Visit from St.Nicholas.

     RSM High featured Artist Katelyn Matranga is a dedicated student who never fails to stretch her creativity. When she was asked why she likes art, Katelyn said, “Art helps me express myself. There is something about drawing and creating something from nothing that makes me feel free. I constantly want to work on my art skills. I constantly want to draw the ideas that pop into my mind. When looking at someone else’s art, the fact that this person has worked so hard on one piece, on art as a whole, is so motivational to me. Art is the connection and expression of the soul.” Katelyn enjoys a wide range of art. “Lately I’ve been between both traditional and digital art. I like to paint mostly with watercolor and occasionally acrylic paint. I stick mostly to my style when drawing, which is a stylized cartoonish style. I would love to make my own web comic in the future. I also plan to sell my own art and perhaps work on commission for others.”

RSM Elem (Tonya Rodgers):  Thanks to the following RSM High FFA students for planting pansies to beautify our campus: J. T. Huffman , William Moyer, Kelsie Storey, Kendra Storey, & Patrick Tibbs. 

School Spelling Bee Winners: First Place, Lizbeth Segura Rosas; Second Place, Nayzar Putnam; Third Place, Jaiden Gibson. Congratulations to these awesome spellers.

 Report Card Rating: We are so proud of our students, teachers, and staff on our “Good” report card rating released by the SC Department of Education!

Congratulations to the following students for being chosen to represent their classes on the Student Advisory Council. These students meet with Mrs. Herlong and Mr. Bush to discuss things they like about our school and ways we can improve. Members include Jordynn Leaphart, Taniylah Jeffrey, Brennon Allen, Riley Hatcher, Mia Bonilli, McKenna Lipsey, Aidan Love, Chase Snipes, Zyviaire Denny, Kollyns Harley, Jaleigh Price, Christian Finney, Aaliyah Hartzog, Kennedy Ligons, Jayden Mancilla, Anthony Key, Jaedyn Giordano, Zahid Segura, Alyssa Whitfield, Karla Valencia, and Lizbeth Segura Rosas

 Terrific Kids for November (Thankful): Jordynn Leaphart, Haddie Kneece, Dynasti Rodgers, Destini Rodgers, Alejandro Perez Ramirez, Dylan Smith, Joseph Conard, Chase Snipes, Khyree Valentine, Eleacia Etheredge, Jaylen Price, Orlando Mendez Perez, Aaliyah Williams, Gisela Figueroa, Londyn Powell, Jeremy Davis, Romeo Ruiz, La’Maria Butler

Parent Portal: If you would like access to your child’s grades, please contact Mrs. Workman in the office.  You will need to bring your ID.

4K Afternoon Program: It is our district’s goal to find innovative ways to serve all 4-year-old children in our community who are getting ready to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2019. ACPSD is excited to offer a 10-week, 4K Afternoon Program to students who are currently on our waiting lists or those who are not attending our district’s 4K programs. The goal of the 4K Afternoon Program is to provide an early learning opportunity for children to be ready and successful for school. Research shows that children need approximately 3,000 hours of preschool readiness prior to entering kindergarten. Our goal is to assist families with these skills.  Nutritional snacks and a balanced meal will be provided for students each afternoon of the program. There will be no cost for the 4K Afternoon Program. Transportation will NOT be provided. The 4K Afternoon Program will be held from 4:15 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Jan 29 – April 4. Interested families should contact ACPSD Early Learning Programs Coordinator, Jennifer Stark, by calling 803-663-4204, or via email at jstark@acpsd.net.

With the passing of President George H. W. Bush I had several people discuss and brag about Barbara Bush's Texas Cowboy Cookies.  I found out it was Laura Bush's recipe and the whole title was Laura Bush's Texas Governor's Mansion Cowboy Cookies. 

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups packed light-brown sugar

3 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

2 cups sweetened flake coconut

2 cups chopped pecans (8 ounces)

Directions:   Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl.  In 8 quart bowl beat butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about one minute.  Gradually beat in sugars to combine for 2 minutes.   Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.  Beat in vanilla.  Stir in flour mixture until just combined.  Add Chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans.  For each cookie, drop ¼ cup dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart.  Bake in oven 17 to 20 minutes until edges are lightly browned.  Rotate sheets halfway through.  Remove cookies to rack to cool. Enjoy!!!

JOHNSTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH will be having their LIVE NATIVITY on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8th, from 5 - 7 p.m.  The Nativity is held in front of the church at 471 Lee St.  There will be live animals including a camel, highlander cow, goat, and sheep.  The Christmas Story will be read and the cast includes members of our church.

 Security Federal Bank Ridge Spring Branch at 636 East Main Street, Ridge Spring, SC

803-674-1165  CD Special

12 month CD = 2.00%APY*

36 month CD = 2.50%APY*

60 month CD = 2.60%APY*

 *Annual Percentage Yields (APY) are accurate as of 11/30/18 and are subject to change.  Rates are available for customers that open a CD at the Ridge Spring Branch (636 East Main Street) and are new or existing Security Federal Bank checking account customers that have direct deposit.  The minimum to open an account is $500.  The APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity.  A penalty will be assessed for early withdrawal.  Fees may reduce earnings.  Offer valid at Ridge Spring Branch location.  Member FDIC

Boy Scout Troop 555 and Pack 555 meets 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7:00 pm at Ridge Spring Baptist Church. You may contact Melissa Stover  at mistover310@gmail.com. They are recruiting new members.

Leonard Bell will be at the Town Square on the following Saturday December 29 for you to get fresh collards, turnips and turnip greens, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.  He will be there sometime around 11:00 AM.  Enjoy!!!

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Don't let the shape of your Christmas Tree upset you.  If not the desired shape, prune it.  If there are bare spots, wire in branches.  A Christmas tree can be made to your own specifications, Just as a flower arrangement.  For interest wire a different type foliage such as magnolia, laurel or boxwood in the center at the trunk.  This will give depth and contrast.  An "altered" tree will be a pleasing and artistic Christmas decoration.  We have Wright's Christmas Tree Farm. Matthews Christmas Tree Farm and Tom Sawyer's Christmas Tree Farm right in our neighborhood.  

REMINDERS

December 29: Leonard Bell on the Square

Ridge Spring Library Hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

            Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

Saluda Library Hours:  Mon/Wed 8:30 am-5 pm; Tues/Thurs 8:30 am – 6 pm; Fri 8:30    am – 5 pm; Sat closed

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

Every first Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

Every 1^st Thursday:  Audibel Hearing Center in the back room of Bank

Fridays:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7-8 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

December 10, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Christmas Season and the Hanukah Season are here.  How many times have you begun singing or should I say humming along with the background music we hear.  It is a joyous time of the year for so many of us.

Sen. John McCain and Pres. George H W Bush were buried recently.  We are reminded they were both veterans, one of Vietnam and the other of World War II.  December 7th is upon us again. We remember this date as “the day that lives in infamy” as quoted by our president at the time, FDR.  My mother and father remembered what they were doing when they heard.  How many of us remember certain dates, too, such as 9/11.  That is one of my generation’s days to remember.  Let us look to the future as being filled with joy and hope for all mankind.

From the Mayor's Office: JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS. Ridge Spring was notified last week that it is the recipient  of a $500,000  grant from the CDBG for updates to its town's parking area. The area will be redesigned to add : additional parking, better drainage, and more electrical and water outlets for festivals. The old asphalt  will be replaced and paver brick added. Areas will be enlarged around the present trees in an effort to save them, and a crosswalk is being discussed. This first phase of development will lead to a second phase, which will be additional areas in the garden. Work has begun on the final design which will then be approved by the state before any work can begin. Thanks so much to the two committees whose suggestions led to this accomplishment; the business development committee, and the town beautification committee.

Security Federal Bank has partnered with RSM Elementary to encourage students to save!  The savings program is call the “Looney Tunes Savings Club” and a bank representative is at the school every Wednesday to open accounts and collect deposits.  The account opening process is as simple as completing a few required documents and funding the account with $5.  Security Federal Bank will contribute $1 at account opening.  Students receive prizes as the continue to make deposits throughout the year.  At the end of the year the Top Saver, the student with  the highest total number of deposits made (not dollar amount) is celebrated at awards day.  For additional information or to get your student started contact Amanda Dominick Branch Manager at Security Federal Bank in Ridge Spring.  803-674-1165

The Art Center on Main Street is all decorated with many special one- of- a- kind gift items for your loved ones.  Come and shop with us each Friday and Saturday starting at 10 o'clock.  We will have hot tea ready for you!

Olde Treasures is pleased to introduce our in-house cast iron cookware restoration services. Sid can take a rusty pan and transform it into a thing of beauty. Bring your rust in and let him transform and re-season it for you. Don’t throw it away;  if you can’t use it for cooks you can use it for looks. It could become a clock. Hence, his booth is called for Looks or Cooks.  Hours Thursday through Saturday 10:00 - 4:30. 

THE GLASS DRAGONFLY is now open Sundays through the new year through December 30 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM.  Located at 614 E. Main Street, Ridge Spring.  WE carry a wide variety of missy and plus sizes, jewelry, It a girl thing Tees, Straight up Southern Tees, and more.  We also have a "Kevin's Corner".  Hours are Monday Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00AM until 6:00 PM, closed Wednesday, and Sundays from 12:00 til 3:00.

The Nut House & Country Market will be open on Sundays in December from 1pm to 4pm starting Sunday through Sunday December 23rd to help you with all of your holiday gift needs! 

Pastor Key: December 15 Saturday 4:00 PM Christmas Crusade calling all praise and dance ministries, gospel rappers, pastors and saints come to Helpful Hands Life Center, 109 Pecan Grove Rd. Ridge Spring SC.

 RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:  Wrapped packages are starting to appear and the Big Red Box is overflowing with nonperishable food items. Get ready Families Helping Families we are coming to Columbia. We are so blessed to be able to help a family with 3 youngsters have presents to unwrap ( of course Mom and Dad) and hopefully feel the Christian love that comes with them.

 Any time is a good time to visit Ridge Spring United Methodist church services. However during the Christmas season it is a special treat to see the church decorated. Lights twinkles, crismsons sparkle, the Advent wreath is quietly beautiful. Candles and greenery dance on the window sills and the new Nativity scene welcomes you into the Church. Consider yourself invited to attend and we will save you a seat. If you would like to help with any of the church’s outreach activities, contact a church to find out how.

Service is at 11 a.m.

Hollywood Baptist will have a children Christmas program on December 16th during the morning worship at 10:45. We are located  at 340 Hunters Lane Saluda off of Denny Hwy. Candle light Christmas Eve Service and Lord Supper at 5 pm. Come as you are!

Joseph Calhoun Watson was invited to the Clemson Carolina Game that was played November 24 2018.  He was nominated to be recognized for his military service by his brother's daughter's daughter who is a student at Clemson.  Joe received 4 tickets and a parking pass to attend the game.  He took his daughter Mary and her two sons.  A golf cart met them at the parking lot and took them to the stadium.  He received at half time a plaque that read Recognition of Joseph Calhoun Watson, Thank you for your service from The Clemson Athletic Department.  He was seen on the big TV screen in the stadium.  When he returned to his seat, many congratulated him  and shook his hand.

Joe was to have graduated with the class of 1944.  He had been promised if he joined the reserves he would be able to finish with his class, but after a year, he was called up to active duty.  He only needed one more semester, too.  After the war in Europe ended Joe was stationed at leHarve and Reims, France to help in handling supply lines that were going back home, especially the troops.  When he did get back in September 1946, he went straight to Clemson, and  graduated in April with the class of 1947.

Review from David Marshall James:  "Accustomed to Her Face:  Thirty-Five Character Actresses of Golden Age Hollywood" by Axel Nissen

   Ona Munson, in her Belle Watling finery, graces the cover of Prof. Axel Nissen's third volume concerning classic Hollywood character actresses, following "Actresses of a Certain Character" and "Mothers, Mammies and Old Maids."

   Munson, who starred in "No, No Nanette" on Broadway, never knew the success in films that she found on the stage when she was younger, in spite of her role in "Gone With the Wind" (1939).

   To be sure, Hollywood provided a monetary refuge for actresses who had once been ingenues, or even leading ladies, on the stage.  Of course, many had to be content with supporting roles, but, with enough artistry, they often stole a film from its stars.

   For instance-- in addition to other GWTW players Barbara O'Neill (Ellen O'Hara) and Isabel Jewell (Emmie Slattery)-- this volume includes that great Irish expounder of Brooklynese, Connie Gilchrist, who proved unforgettable in the Oscar-winning "A Letter to Three Wives" (1949) as Linda Darnell's kitchen-table-poker-playing mother.

   Gilchrist displayed her range in another unforgettable part, as the theater maid who duets with Judy Garland on "Ev'ry Little Movement" in "Presenting Lily Mars" (1943).  Come to think of it, Gilchrist's maid could well have been the model for the mop-wielding character Carol Burnett portrayed on her TV variety show.

   Author Nissen-- a professor at the University of Oslo-- turns his European sense of scholarship on his subjects, compiling domestic and personal data from official sources on them.

   As aforestated, many of these ladies ventured to Hollywood via the New York stage, touring companies, and/or vaudeville.  Some of them had always played supporting roles, often owing to their having been born more beautiful on the inside than the outside.

   Case in point here is Margaret Hamilton of Cleveland, Ohio, who maintained an apartment on Gramercy Park in New York City, as she preferred stage roles, appearing at age 70 in Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music."

   However, she gained immortality for a film character she played back in 1939, a sterling example of the adage, "There are no such things as bit parts, only bit actors."

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Before planting anything, know all about its inheritance and environment, how large will it grow, will it love the sun of the shade, deep or shallow roots, and will it be beautiful in the fall.  Years ago a friend slapped just a "maple" at her front door.  It was two inches in diameter.  It is now five feet and sheds tan shriveled up leaves in the middle of august and the roots are pushing up the brick walk.  Don't throw away water you boiled eggs in.  Use it to water house plants, for it contains many needed minerals.

REMINDERS

December 15, 29: Leonard Bell on the Square with fresh winter vegetables

Ridge Spring Library Hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

            Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

Saluda Library Hours:  Mon/Wed 8:30 am-5 pm; Tues/Thurs 8:30 am – 6 pm; Fri 8:30     am – 5 pm; Sat closed

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

Every first Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

Every 1^st Thursday:  Audibel Hearing Center in the back room of Bank

Fridays:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7-8 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

CORRECTIONS
Thank you for those who read the RS News.  Correct information is always important so thank you for helping me get the corrections made.

1. Boy Scouts Melissa Stover's correct email is mostover310@gmail.com

2. The correct name is  Julie for the home in Ward that is on the Christmas tour.  The home is owned by Rod and Julie Lewis.

December 3, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Jeffrey Clamp: The Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle and High School Winter Concert will be on Monday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the RS-M High School gym.  There will be performances by the middle and high school bands, the high school theater class, and the varsity cheerleaders.  There is no cost to attend the program.  Please come out and support our fantastic RS-M students!

Pastor Key: December 15 Saturday 4:00 PM Christmas Crusade calling all praise and dance ministries, gospel rappers, pastors and saints come to Helpful Hands Life Center, 109 Pecan Grove Rd. Ridge Spring SC.

Effie Martin: The Aiken County Education Association-Retired (ACEA-R) will be meeting on December 7, 2018 at Woodside Plantation Club, 1000 Woodside Plantation Drive, Aiken, SC 20803 at 11:30 a.m. The cost of the lunch is $ 16.50. For more information contact Connie Kramer at 803-532- 5558 or Effie T. Martin at 803-685-5179. The entertainment will be East Aiken Elementary School of Arts Christmas Performance.

The Ridge Spring Christmas Tour of Homes sponsored by The Green Thumb Garden Club and assisted by the Ridge Garden Club will be held Sunday afternoon December 9 from 2:00PM to 5:00 PM.  Tickets are $10.00 for the tour.  They may be purchased at any of the homes or the Ridge Spring Baptist Church.  Also directions to the homes will be given with the tickets.  Homemade cakes and apple cider will be served at Lib Cumbee's Event Venue.  The homes on tour are Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort, 595 Engineer Rd. Ridge Spring, SC; Rod and Julia Lewis' home at 104 Mount Alpha Road, Ward SC; Inez Randall's (Sheppard Jones Home) 208 Green Street Ridge Spring, SC; and Lib Cumbee's Event Venue, 4580 Columbia Hwy N, Ridge Spring, SC.  Ridge Spring Baptist Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Spann United Methodist Church in Ward will be open and decorated.  Enjoy!!!!.

The Art Center on Main Street is all decorated with many special one- of- a- kind gift items for your loved ones.  Come and shop with us each Friday and Saturday starting at 10 o'clock.  We will have hot tea ready for you!

Olde Treasures is pleased to introduce our in-house cast iron cookware restoration services. Sid can take a rusty pan and transform it into a thing of beauty. Bring your rust in and let him transform and reseason it for you. Don’t throw it away;  if you can’t use it for cooks you can use it for looks. It could become a clock. Hence, his booth is called for Looks or Cooks.  Hours Thursday through Saturday 10:00 - 4:30. 

THE GLASS DRAGONFLY is now open Sundays through the new year, November 18 through December 30 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM.  Located at 614 E. Main Street, Ridge Spring.  WE carry a wide variety of missy and plus sizes, jewelry, It a girl thing Tees, Straight up Southern Tees, and more.  We also have a "Kevin's Corner".  Hours are Monday Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00AM until 6:00 PM, closed Wednesday, and Sundays from 12:00 til 3:00.

The Nut House & Country Market will be open on Sundays in December from 1pm to 4pm starting Sunday December 2nd through Sunday December 23rd to help you with all of your holiday gift needs! 

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: What a busy and blessed Sunday we had. Not only the 1^st Sunday in Advent, it was communion Sunday and we had a christening. The Advent wreath is made of natural materials by a friend of the church. The first candle signifying Hope was lit. The Christmas tree was decorated with Crismons and shown brightly. We were blessed with the Christening of the Burgers’ great grandchild, Olivia. Joy, Love and happiness was the order of the Day. Please  join us next Sunday as we continue to experience the Advent season. RSUMC adopted a family of 5 through the Palmetto Project’s Families Helping Families. There are 3 boys and a Mom and Dad. If you are interested in assisting with purchasing items for this family, contact a church member and they will let you know how you can help.

Although we know the outcome of the Clemson vs Carolina football game we are still taking contributions for your FAV team. This money will go to help the Wesley Campus Ministry at Lander College. Contact a church member if you would like to contribute.

Church  Service is at 11 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Join us, we have open doors, open hears and open minds.

JOHNSTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH will be having their LIVE NATIVITY on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8th, from 5 - 7 p.m.  The Nativity is held in front of the church at 471 Lee St.  There will be live animals including a camel, highlander cow, goat, and sheep.  The Christmas Story will be read and the cast includes members of our church.

Anne Rauton Smith has an exhibit of her pen & ink & watercolors at The Stables restaurant on Rose Hill Estate in Aiken.  The Stables and the beautiful estate home at Rose Hill has undergone a lot of renovation and has now re-opened.  The Stables is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for dinner and Sunday for buffet lunch.  Anne also continues to exhibit her work at Juniper Restaurant in Ridge Spring.

JEFF CLAMP, Band Director, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High: Three students from the Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Band participated in the Newberry College Honor Band Clinic on Thursday, November 29 through Saturday, December 1.  Jonathon Cumbee, Joanna Kaiser, and Kyla Padgett represented RS-M at the clinic.  On Thursday the students auditioned for band placement, enjoyed a performance by the Newberry College Wind Ensemble and the Newberry College Big Band, and rehearsed with students from other schools.  On Friday the students spent the entire day rehearsing music and working in sectionals with Newberry College music faculty, and Saturday the students rehearsed some more and then performed a concert.

Security Federal Bank Ridge Spring Branch at 636 East Main Street, Ridge Spring, SC

803-674-1165  CD Special

12 month CD = 2.00%APY*

36 month CD = 2.50%APY*

60 month CD = 2.60%APY*

 *Annual Percentage Yields (APY) are accurate as of 11/30/18 and are subject to change.  Rates are available for customers that open a CD at the Ridge Spring Branch (636 East Main Street) and are new or existing Security Federal Bank checking account customers that have direct deposit.  The minimum to open an account is $500.  The APY assumes interest remains on deposit until maturity.  A penalty will be assessed for early withdrawal.  Fees may reduce earnings.  Offer valid at Ridge Spring Branch location.  Member FDIC

Boy Scout Troop 555 and Pack 555 meets 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7:00 pm at Ridge Spring Baptist Church. You may contact Melissa Stover  at mistover310@gmail.com. They are recruiting new members.

Leonard Bell will be at the Town Square on the following Saturdays; December 8, 15, 29 for you to get fresh collards, turnips and turnip greens, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.  He will be there sometime around 11:00 AM.  Enjoy!!!

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church's annual Fill the Truck Food Drive for the Johnston Food Bank started Sunday November 25. We will be collecting non-perishable food items and paper products through Sunday, December 9. In addition to the non-perishable donations, we will be purchasing 150 hams. All the food will be delivered to the Food Bank in time for the December food distribution.  Anyone wanting make a donation, may leave their food at the church on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays in addition to Sundays before the last day of collecting.

Josie Rodgers

RSM High: The Beta Club and English Honor Society are sponsoring Cookies and Stories with Mrs. Claus on Wed., Dec. 5, at 6 pm. Children of all ages are invited to this free event to enjoy holiday snacks, crafts, and games as well as special time with Mrs. Claus herself! 

The RSM Middle and High School Winter Concert will be on Mon., Dec. 10, at 7 pm in the RS-M High School gym. There will be performances by the middle and high school bands, the high school theater class and the varsity cheerleaders. There is no cost to attend the program.  Please come out and support our fantastic RS-M students!

Congratulations to Kyla Padgett, Joanna Kaiser, & Jonathon Cumbee who were selected for the Newberry College Honor Band Clinic this coming weekend.

Art Center of Ridge Spring (Joanne Crouch): Hours of operation at the Art Center are Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2. There is no admission fee. Join us for our membership meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30. Check out our FB page at Art Association of Ridge Spring & Gallery.

From One Ash Farm: Here's one of our popular holiday recipes from the blog- readers can see more at www.OneAshHomestead.com

Cranberry Bread

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour             1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda                            1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon                               1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 cup uncooked oatmeal                1/3 cup shortening

1/2 cup brown sugar                       2 eggs

1 cup cranberry sauce (I used my leftover homemade sauce from Thanksgiving!)

1/2 cup milk

 Directions:

1. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.  2. Stir in the oats.  3. In a smaller bowl,  cream together the shortening and brown sugar.  Add the eggs, beating well.  4. Add the cranberry sauce and milk and  beat until well mixed.  5. Add this creamed mix to the dry ingredients in the larger bowl and stir together until just blended.  6. Don’t over mix the batter.  7. Pour the batter into a large greased loaf pan.  8. Bake at 350° for approx. 60 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and come out clean.  9. Cool in the pan 15 minutes before turning out onto a cooking rack (don’t worry if your loaf cracks a little on top- that just creates a great space for the glaze to settle!)

Glaze

            3/4 cup powdered sugar                 3 TBS. milk

            1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix together in a small bowl until smooth. -When the bread is completely cooled drizzle the glaze over the loaf.  Enjoy! 

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Buy a small one bloom poinsettia, water then remove from pot, wrap in a baggie and place in the middle of an arrangement of greenery.  The bloom will stay fresh for a long time.  Isn't it nice that the time for pruning shrubs comes at a time of the year when greens are needed for Holiday decorations.

REMINDERS

December 8, 15, 29: Leonard Bell on the Square

Ridge Spring Library Hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

            Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

Saluda Library Hours:  Mon/Wed 8:30 am-5 pm; Tues/Thurs 8:30 am – 6 pm; Fri 8:30    am – 5 pm; Sat closed

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

Every first Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

Every 1^st Thursday:  Audibel Hearing Center in the back room of Bank

Fridays:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7-8 pm at The Ridge Spring Library