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