March 31, 2014

We all worry about the farmers and their crops.  The peach trees suffered with this late frost. We all hope and pray all will be well. Our community relies on the agriculture business to survive and they are an integral part of our town, our county, our state, and our future.  When we see our food we see our economy and our community.

Again I want to thank all for the help with the Market on the Ridge.  So far the response has been great.  We always need to improve so do not mind letting us know what we can do to make all better.  We will have the Friends of Ridge Spring meeting at the Episcopal Church on the Ridge’s (Grace Church’s) Parrish House at 5:00 on April 17^th.  All are invited. 

Steve Hendrickson, principal trumpet for the National Symphony Orchestra at Kennedy Center in Washington, will be featured in a program at Spann Church in Ward Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 PM.  There will be trumpet selections and congregational singing accompanied by trumpet and piano. Kathy Kneece Long will play the piano and Pastor John Kneece will lead the singing.  Spann UMC is located at 150 Church Street in downtown Ward.  All are welcome.  For more information call 803.430.1314.

There will be an estate auction in front of 202 Dubose Street on Sat, April 5 beginning at 9:00 AM. 

The next Harvest Festival meeting will be April 8.

The OUR SUNDAY BEST TALENT SHOWCASE will be next Sunday April 13^th at 400 PM at the Saluda Theater.  Special performances by local artists and is sponsored by The Helpful Hands Community Mission in Ridge Spring SC.  Grand prize in $100.00 and a $2.00 donation at the door will be appreciated. Children 16 and under will be free.

Next we have the Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering, the RS Volunteer Firemen’s Benefit, and then the Peach Tree 23 Yard sale. Check out Magnolia Ridge at http://magnoliaridgesc.com/Antique_Gathering.php and both events can be found on Facebook.  Check them both out. 

The Alumni of RSM High from years 1956 to 1968 are having their big reunion  May 24.  You need to purchase tickets in advance.  We are trying to keep costs down and we need to let the caterers know exactly how many there will be attending.  Contact me for help in getting in touch with your class representative if you are interested. Contact me, Harriet at 803.480.1207.

From David Marshall James:  A super shout-out to Doris Day on her 90^th birthday, this Thursday, April 3rd! The Big Nine-Oh!  Just finished “Doris Day:  Her Story” by A.E. Hotchner, a fully-authorized memoir first published in 1975.  Parts of it are harrowing (an automobile crash that shattered a leg when she was 13; she was in a cast for 18 months), a psychopathic first husband who held a gun to her stomach when she was pregnant with her first and only child (the now-deceased Terry Melcher), and a third husband who bilked her out of her fortune.  She later won a $22 million judgment from his business partner, spent almost a decade tied up in countersuits and appeals, and was finally awarded $6 million.

Along the way she became the No. 1 film star of the 1950s and 1960s, charting a string of No. 1 hit songs, including “Sentimental Journey,” “Secret Love,” and “Que Sera, Sera.”  She could have had a great concert/Broadway career, but has never enjoyed live performing, owing to extreme nerves.  In the memoir, she recalls touring the South with Bob Crosby and His Bobcats during the early 1940s, performing at college proms, and wishing she was a student leading a “normal” life, on her way to a “normal” marriage.    Listen for DD on cable’s ME TV, which is showing limited episodes of her TV show, from the late 1960s and early 1970s, and on TCM, on which she provides the occasional audio reminiscence.

By Joanne Crouch, AARS President

     Let us help you in the future with bridal showers, birthday parties and just friends getting together for no reason at all.  All painting events must be scheduled 2 weeks in advance.  Call Joanne @ (803)685-5577 and leave a message. 

     Saturday, April 12 from 2-4pm, Donna Minor will host a class, “Rustic Easter Basket.”  The project will be a small gourd with pine needle weaving with a rustic handle.  Class fee of $35 will cover all supplies and materials.  Ages 10 and older. 

     Saturday, May 10^th from 10-noon will be a Dip N’ Splash special event for Mother’s Day-Mother-Daughter Casual Tea.    We will provide the tea and cookies, paint and supplies and you enjoy the experience of taking the time to do an activity with that someone special.  Cost of class is $40 for mother and daughter.  Space is limited to 6 mother-daughter pairs.

   Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4.  Membership meeting is the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30.  Please Like us on facebook at Art Association of Ridge Spring.

Rene Miller at RSM Elem/Middle School

We will be having a Book Parade on April 4th beginning at 8:30 a.m. Participating classes will be dressed as their favorite book. Many characters from these books will be represented. Please come out and support our students. Any parent, friends or community members who would like to watch, may line up in front of the school. The parade will pass down the road in front of the school. We would love have lots of visitors for our parade! 

This is our first year participating in the First Tee program here at RSM. Students in grades K4 through 5th grade will be using our brand new golf equipment to learn life skills such as respect and safety. We are excited to offer this new curriculum to our students.

Reminders:

April 8: Harvest Festival Meeting

April 17: Friends of Ridge Spring Meeting @5:00 PM

April 13: Talent Show sponsored by Helpful Hands Community Mission

May 17: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon. The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books.  Please call Pat Asbill if you are interested in volunteering. 

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

Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

March 24, 2014

Ridge Spring was hopping Saturday.  The Market on the Ridge was overflowing and there were 4 vendors outside of the Civic Center.  The Boy Scout Troops 300 and 555 were on stage with hot dogs with all the fixings including chili and delicious slaw, chips and drinks all for $5.00.  What a treat…  Then you could get dessert on the floor with at least three booths serving sweet things.  The Boy Scout Troops split the profits and the money they made will go toward operating fund and troop supplies. 

It was wonderful to see so many come together to make this happen.  New handicap signs had been posted because of  the help of Ridge Spring town council,  the bathrooms that had been fixed up by the Harvest Festival under the Chair Stan Hamilton had been so needed, the presence of the police chief, the town workers putting up the pennants,  the help of so many others were just what was needed.  Noel Steele of Studio 23 did a wonderful job of overseeing this project. Boy there were so many people to thank that I am sure I left someone out.  So thank you to all for helping to get the FIRST MARKET ON THE RIDGE going.  Let’s hope we can have another one and it can become an annual event.

There will be an estate auction in front of 202 Dubose Street on Sat, April 5 beginning at 9:00 AM. 

The next Harvest Festival meeting will be April 8.

Next we have the Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering and then the Peach Tree 23 Yard sale. http://magnoliaridgesc.com/Antique_Gathering.php and both events can be found on Facebook.  Check them both out. 

Judy Adamick: Ready to Paint Spring Art Classes will be held Tuesdays from April 1 through May 6 at 10:00 to 12:00 noon for $75.00.  These will be watercolor classes for 6 weeks.  Acrylic six week session will be held Thursdays from April 3 through May 8 at 10:00 until 12:00 noon for $75.00. Call Judy Adamick at 803.685.5814.

The Alumni of RSM High from years 1956 to 1968 are having their big reunion in May.  You need to purchase tickets in advance.  We are trying to keep costs down and we need to let the caterers know exactly how many there will be attending.  Contact me for help in getting in touch with your class representative if you are interested. Contact me,  Harriet at 803.480.1207.

By Joanne Crouch, AARS President

     It is that time of year again, when activities at the Art Center are starting up again.  The Harvest Festival funded thee quilt blocks as toppers for the three brick entrances to the town.  Each topper measures 2 foot by 6 foot.  One honors the Asbill family and is located on the entrance on Highway 392.  Another will honor the Householder family and will be at the eastern entrance on Highway 23.  The final topper is located on 23 in front of the John Deere and in honor of the Crouch family.  

     The Art Center is proud to launch “Dip and Splash-A Fun Painting Experience”, a new program that makes the painting a fun social experience.  The student can bring a snack or beverage to enjoyed while painting.  The first class featured a Sunflower painted on a 16 X 20 canvas.  The class was held on Saturday, March 22^nd.  The students and Joanne Crouch, instructor, enjoyed the class. 

     Let us help you in the future with bridal showers, birthday parties and just friends getting together for no reason at all.  All painting events must be scheduled 2 weeks in advance.  Call Joanne @ (803)685-5577 and leave a message. 

     Saturday, April 12 from 2-4pm, Donna Minor will host a class, “Rustic Easter Basket.”  The project will be a small gourd with pine needle weaving with a rustic handle.  Class fee of $35 will cover all supplies and materials.  Ages 10 and older. 

     Saturday, May 10^th from 10-noon will be a Dip N’ Splash special event for Mother’s Day-Mother-Daughter Casual Tea.    We will provide the tea and cookies, paint and supplies and you enjoy the experience of taking the time to do an activity with that someone special.  Cost of class is $40 for mother and daughter.  Space is limited to 6 mother-daughter pairs.

   Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4.  Membership meeting is the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30.  Please Like us on facebook at Art Association of Ridge Spring.

Personal Note: I asked Jeffry Clamp, band director at RSM high school, about the bass clarinet I played in the RSM high school band in 1964.  He did answer the following: “The bass clarinet you played is probably no longer with us or it may be the one that I have a few parts remaining from.  I have two newer bass clarinets and an alto clarinet.  Just wish I could get someone to play them.” 

Rene Miller at RSM Elem/Middle School

Miss RSM: Nicole Burdett, Runners-up: Kodi Smart, Brenna Edwards; Junior Miss

RSM: Madelyn Moss, Runners-up: Audriana Derrick, Akira Bell; Little Miss RSM: Amy

Oxendine, Runners-up: Alyssa Derrick, Savannah Rose Minor; Wee Miss RSM:

Cailyn McCleskey, Runners-up: Alyssa Whitfield, Madison Davenport.

Registration for 4 and 5 year old kindergarten for the 2014-15 school year will be held

at Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary/Middle School on April 16 and 17:

All students entering school for the first time are requested to provide the following documents:

1. Birth Certificate (long form that includes parents' names)

2. Social Security Card

3. Immunization Card/DHEC Form #1148

4. 2 Proofs of residency (any 2 bills registered in your name)

5. Proof of Income (for 4K registrants only)

For complete immunization requirements call 1-800-27-SHOTS or visit www.scdhec.gov. 

Congratulations to Allie Hodson and Katelyn Kirk on being a part of the Passion Choir through Juilliard in Aiken. Both students were nominated by Ms. Hughes and went through an audition process at USC-Aiken.  Allie and Katelyn passed the audition and performed this past Friday, March 17, with performers from the renowned Juilliard School of Music from New York City. The students sang a portion of Bach's St Matthew Passion completely in German. These young ladies should be commended for representing RS-M Elementary/Middle School well!

Reminders:

April 8: Harvest Festival Meeting

April 17: Friends of Ridge Spring Meeting @5:00 PM

April 13: Talent Show sponsored by Helpful Hands Community Mission

May 17: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon. The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books.  Please call Pat Asbill if you are interested in volunteering. 

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

Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

March 17, 2014

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Vendor booths at the Market on the Ridge are full.  There will be 25 vendors inside the Civic Center. Check out the web site or the facebook page to see examples of what is being sold there.  Friendsofridgespring.com and Market on the Ridge facebook.  Boy Scouts will be serving hot dogs and drinks on the stage.  Here is the information again.

Market on the Ridge

Antiques, Artisans

March 22 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Mark your calendars

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

What a wonderful time for visitors to come to the Ridge for there are so many peach orchards in bloom and other trees and bulbs in bloom.  Spring is here but the weather is having some difficulty adjusting.  My tomato plants are outside and I will have to cover them tonight to protect them for the cold.  It will be better by the end of the week.

Strawberries and asparagus will be coming in in a couple of weeks, too.

Have you noticed the new signs (toppers) a top of the Welcome to Ridge Spring.  A reader of the column wrote, “Coming into the town of Ridge Spring I was surprised and pleased to see the beautiful quilt block on the entrance sign. I was told they were on the other two entrances, so of course I had to see them.  They are absolutely beautiful!!!   Ridge Spring is such an up and coming town with many activities going on such as the farmers' market, Charleston style indoor market at the Civic Center March 22, the Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering and the huge yard sale in June.  I definitely will be coming back!!  The quilt blocks for the three entrances coming into town are in place and a very beautiful addition to Ridge Spring.  The quilt blocks were made possible by the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival committee providing the funds, the artists at the Art Center for painting the blocks and the town for getting them in place.  Thanks to all of you for making this possible.  They are a bright and interesting greeting to those entering our town.”

Judy Adamick: Ready to Paint Spring Art Classes will be held Tuesdays from April 1 through May 6 at 10:00 to 12:00 noon for $75.00.  These will be watercolor classes for 6 weeks.  Acrylic six week session will be held Thursdays from April 3 through May 8 at 10:00 until 12:00 noon for $75.00. Call Judy Adamick at 803.685.5814.

Donna Hatcher: Saturday promises to be a fun outing for persons with many varied interests. If you enjoy Antiques, Stained Glass, Painted Vintage Furniture, Photograhic Art, Vintage glassware, etc. make sure to visit Market On The Ridge, an Antiques and Artisans Show taking place inside the Ridge Spring Civic Center in Ridge Spring. (March 22 9:00am until 5:00pm).

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church will have a booth filled with vintage cookbooks, linens, home baked cakes, cookies, loaves, and an array of delightful treats and sweets. All proceeds from their booth sales will go directly to their Kangaroo Kids Backpack Ministry. The funds raised at the Market will be count toward our Challenge Grant opportunity with Thrivent Financial. Kangaroo Kids, a backpack ministry at Mt. Calvary, provides children at a local elementary school a backpack of healthy food and snacks for the weekend.  Mark this Sat. March 22 (9-5) on your to do list! Please come out and help the kids!

Guess who came to dinner at Juniper Restaurant on March 8^th?  Gov. Nikki Haley, her husband and two other couples came to dine in our town at a fabulous restaurant. Check out Juniper’s Facebook and see what the Velie’s daughter said.  Two governors have visited and it would be nice to have them all. 

AT the Friends of Ridge Spring meeting Joe Cal Watson told us his participation of the commemorative flight this summer for World War II veterans by touring France and “D-Day 70 Years After”. We will follow him on his trip with his daughter going with him.  How fortunate we are that he is being so honored. 

Joanne Crouch, AARS president

     It is that time of year again, when activities at the Art Center are starting to take starting up again.  The Harvest Festival funded thee quilt blocks as toppers for the three brick entrances to the town.  Each topper measures 2 foot by 6 foot.  One honors the Asbill family and will be located on the entrance on Highway 392.  Another will honor the Householder family and will be at the eastern entrance on Highway 23.  The final topper is located on 23 in front of the John Deere and in honor of the Crouch family.   Each topper is representative of heirloom quilt patterns from three families that have contributed a service to the community.

     The Art Center is proud to launch “Dip and Splash-A Fun Painting Experience”, a new program that makes the painting a fun social experience.  The student can bring a snack or beverage but everything is provided for the class.  The first class will be a Sunflower painted on a 16 X 20 canvas.  The class will be held from 10-1 on March 22^nd at the Art Center.  Cost is $45.  Ages 12 and up. The instructor is Joanne Crouch.  Call (803)685-5577 and leave message to reserve your spot.  Bring a friend to celebrate a special event, birthday, etc.  The more the merrier. 

     Let us help you in the future with bridal showers, birthday parties and just friends getting together for no reason at all.  All painting events must be scheduled 3 weeks in advance.  Call Joanne @ (803)685-5577 and leave a message. 

     Saturday, April 12 from 2-4pm, Donna Minor will host a class, “Rustic Easter Basket.”  The project will be a small gourd with pine needle weaving with a rustic handle.  Class fee of $35 will cover all supplies and materials.  Ages 10 and older. 

Jeffrey Camp: The Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Concert Band participated in the USC-Aiken Concert Festival and received Superior ratings from all three judges.  This is the second year in a row that the RS-M Band received a Superior rating at the festival and the third time in the last five years.

Josie Rodgers: RSM High News:  The Miss Odyssey Pageant was held last Saturday night.  Jordyn Rodgers, daughter of Mike and Angela Rodgers of Ward, won the coveted title of Miss Odyssey.  Jordyn represents the third generation in her family to be named Miss Odyssey, behind her grandmother and 2 aunts!  Morgan Eidson was crowned Miss Senior; Tiana Oakman Tucker, Miss Junior; McKenna Palmer, Miss Sophomore; and Carolina Luarca, Miss Freshman.  Emcees for the evening were the fabulous personalities of Shila Johnson and Morgan Havird.  The pageant was sponsored by The Odyssey yearbook staff. 

The HOSA club, under the guidance of Mrs. Tiffany Middlebrooks, went to Charleston last Wed, Thurs, and Fri for the state HOSA convention. The following students went:  Matthew Acevedo, Tiffany Gomillion, Cristal Gonzalez, Morgan Havird, Shalonda Johnson, Shila Johnson, Joelle Leguizamon, Miranda Middlebrooks, Tiana Oakman-Tucker, & Jordyn Rodgers.

RSM Elem/Mid News:  Results of Miss RSM Pageant:  Miss RSM:  Nicole Burdett, Runners-up: Kodi Smart, Brenna Edwards; Junior Miss RSM: Madelyn Moss, Runners-up: Audriana Derrick, Akira Bell; Little Miss RSM: Amy Oxendine, Runners-up:  Alyssa Derrick, Savannah Rose Minor; Wee Miss RSM: Cailyn McCleskey, Runners-up: Alyssa Whitfield, Madison Davenport.

The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books.  Please call Pat Asbill if you are interested in volunteering. 

Reminders:

March 22: Market on the Ridge

April 13: Talent Show sponsored by Helpful Hands Community Mission

May 17: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon.

Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4

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

Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

March 10, 2014

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Have you begun to notice the peach trees in bloom? It is spring.  I have one tulip blooming in my surprise pots at Harriet’s Garden.    There will be more to come. Tomato plants are at least 2 inches high.

The Ridge Spring American Legion Post 133 sold raffle tickets to help pay for building improvements and maintain its support of sending local students to Boy’s State each year. Help support this local organization’s fund raiser, and win a prize for your donation. Here are the winners from Legion drawing: 1^st Anthony Rauton won $200 gift certificate to Academy Sports; 2^nd Allen Dancy won a Bear folding Knife & Case ( collector’s edition, Wild Turkey series, value $250); 3^rd Mark Rodgers won Butterball Turkey Fryer; 4^th Ann Hall won  $50 credit at Cone’s Meats; 5^th David Kelly won a $50 BP Gas card, 6^th Irvin Boatwright won a $25 Pizza Hut gift card.

The RS-M High School Reunion committee met Saturday at the Library at 11:00.  Plans are really coming together.  We have the date, the time, the food, DVD’S of some football games.  All we are missing is YOU.  There are a few we cannot find and are hoping some might be found through my column.  They are Elaine Blackston - class of 1967, Jean Merritt-class of 1963, Martha Sue Thornton Brooks-class of 1965, and Gene Ray Hutto – class of 1965.  Please contact me at 803.480.1207.

The Vendor booths Market on the Ridge are almost full.  Check out the web site or the facebook page to see examples of what is being sold there.  Friendsofridgespring.com and Market on the Ridge facebook.  Boy Scouts will be serving hot dogs and drinks on the stage.  Here is t he information again.

Market on the Ridge

Antiques, Artisans

March 22 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Mark your calendars

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

Go to the website to see some old pictures of RS-M.  Click on RS News.

The American Red Cross was a wonderful success Friday night.  So much to bid on and such fantastic food served by Juniper Restaurant.  Everything went off like clockwork and it was impressive.  I know I have told you the story of my fist hand experience with the Red Cross but I would like to repeat it here.  When we lived in Lexington and I was teaching, a tornado struck Lexington.  Trying to get home was not easy and I had to park behind Rushes and start walking toward our home.  Fortunately a policeman recognized me and helped me get home.  As I was trying to get there, who did I see, a truck bearing the insignia of the Red Cross?  Their response time was phenomenal and so needed by so many.  People were just getting home to see the damage and the Red Cross was getting there.  I will admit the National Guard was mobilizing too.  We were so fortunate to have no deaths, only property damages. How fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful country.

Are you making plans to attend the Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering?  It will be in May.  Save the date May 17^th for the 4^th Annual Magnolia Ridge Art and Antique Gathering!  If you would like the same location as last year, or would like to request another space, please feel free to email us at magridge12@gmail.com If you would like to fill out your vendor form online please go to wwwridgespringsc.com annual events.

We look forward to seeing you all again this year!

Joanne Crouch, AARS president

     It is that time of year again, when activities at the Art Center are starting to take starting up again.  The Harvest Festival funded thee quilt blocks as toppers for the three brick entrances to the town.  Each topper measures 2 foot by 6 foot.  One honors the Asbill family and will be located on the entrance on Highway 392.  Another will honor the Householder family and will be at the eastern entrance on Highway 23.  The final topper is located on 23 in front of the John Deere and in honor of the Crouch family.   Each topper is representative of heirloom quilt patterns from three families that have contributed a service to the community.

     The Art Center is proud to launch “Dip and Splash-A Fun Painting Experience”, a new program that makes the painting a fun social experience.  The student can bring a snack or beverage but everything is provided for the class.  The first class will be a Sunflower painted on a 16 X 20 canvas.  The class will be held from 10-1 on March 22^nd at the Art Center.  Cost is $45.  Ages 12 and up. The instructor is Joanne Crouch.  Call (803)685-5577 and leave message to reserve your spot.  Bring a friend to celebrate a special event, birthday, etc.  The more the merrier. 

     Let us help you in the future with bridal showers, birthday parties and just friends getting together for no reason at all.  All painting events must be scheduled 3 weeks in advance.  Call Joanne @ (803)685-5577 and leave a message. 

     Saturday, April 12 from 2-4pm, Donna Minor will host a class, “Rustic Easter Basket.”  The project will be a small gourd with pine needle weaving with a rustic handle.  Class fee of $35 will cover all supplies and materials.  Ages 10 and older. 

     Saturday, May 10^th from 10-noon will be a Dip N’ Splash special event for Mother’s Day-Mother-Daughter Casual Tea.    We will provide the tea and cookies, paint and supplies and you enjoy the experience of taking the time to do an activity with that someone special.  Cost of class is $40 for mother and daughter.  Space is limited to 6 mother-daughter pairs.

AARS News:  The Art Center of Ridge Spring is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4. Admission is free.  Membership meeting is the first Tuesday at 6:30 at the Art Center and the public is invited.

Rene Miller, RSM Elementary/Middle

Aiken County Public School District would like to invite parents and members of the community to take part in a Stakeholder Input Meeting for the development of the

District’s Five-Year Strategic Plan. This plan includes goals and activities for improving student achievement, teacher/leadership quality, and school climate. A meeting will be

held on March 6, 2014 at RS-M Elementary/Middle Media Center from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM to obtain your input and feedback. Your attendance will be greatly appreciated.

A day of learning, sharing, food and fun for Aiken County 5th – 8th Graders with their Parents/Guardians SATURDAY MARCH 15, from 9:30am – 12:45pm at Schofield Middle School, 224 Kershaw Street, Aiken SC 29801

In January, students celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's I Have A Dream Speech by writing a short speech about their dreams for the future and their dreams’ impact on the world. Students from Ms. Jurgilewicz's 5^th grade classroom wrote essays about the social injustices in our present day society.

In February, students celebrated African-American History Month by participating in a daily trivia game. Teachers presented facts from the Multicultural Awareness Fusion page on an influential African-American and students researched the facts by reading books and searching the internet. Congratulations to all the winners!

This month is Women's History Month. The Multicultural Awareness Committee will highlight women's accomplishments from the past and the present with daily trivia games and other special events to come. The committee will look at the impact of women's contributions to fields such as science and military. You can check out the multicultural awareness committee fusion page here:

http://multicultural-team.rsmel.acps.schoolfusion.us

Josie Rodgers

I agree with several of the cartoon’s in the newspaper last Sunday.  Someone is teasing us with all this crazy weather!  We don’t know when to take a coat, an umbrella, or a fan!  Spring’s coming, my friends!  Just hold on!

By next week’s column, I will be a Nana for the second time!  Little James River is scheduled to arrive Mar. 18 through induction.  However, if he’s anything like his mom, he will decide when it’s time to arrive!  His room is ready and everything is on green!  Please pray that he doesn’t have the same urea cycle disorder (rare genetic disease – Citrullinemia) that Princess Leagrace has.  If he does, a team will be on hand to handle the situation.  I’m so excited!

RSM High News:  The 8th Annual Ridge Spring-Monetta FFA Alumni Celebration Fundraising Event will be held March 14, 2014 at the Ridge Spring-Monetta High School’s Cafeteria beginning at 6 pm. The evening will feature a silent auction to raise money for FFA Youth Programs. Attendees will also enjoy a delicious BBQ meal. Tickets are $10 and are limited. According to Michael Crim, “This will be an exciting evening of fun, fellowship and fundraising.  In addition, it will be an opportunity to meet and interact with some of the outstanding young FFA leaders who will represent The Ridge Community in competitions across the state and the national levels.” The funds raised from this event will be used to help FFA members attend the National FFA Washington Leadership Conference, National FFA Convention, and South Carolina FFA Leadership Camp this summer.  Contact Michael at 803/685-2100 for more information.​

The Miss Odyssey Pageant is this Sat. night in the RSM High gym. 

RSM Elem/Mid news:  Nicole Burdett was crowned Miss RSM last Wed. evening.  The rest of the winners will be in next week’s column.

The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books.  Please call Pat Asbill if you are interested in volunteering. 

Reminders:

March 13: FORS meeting

March 22: Market on the Ridge

April 13: Talent Show sponsored by Helpful Hands Community Mission

May 17: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon.

Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4

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

Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

March 3, 2014

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

March is hopping in Ridge Spring.  There are two major events, both are or hope to be annual events.  They are the Market on the Ridge and the American Red Cross Benefit.  Here is more information about each one.

American Red Cross Fund raiser: A Silent/Live Auction to benefit the American Red Cross of Central SC in Saluda County will be held on Friday. March 7, 2014, 7 to 9 pm at Juniper in Ridge Spring.  Tickets can be purchased from committee members for $35.00 each or two for $60.00.  This includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer.  Contact Monnie Romines, Jerrold Watson, Phillips Boatwright or Judy Adamick for tickets.

And then there is the Market on the Ridge which is a new event that we hope it becomes an annual event.  The Charleston Style Mini-Market was such a success, we wanted to continue something like it.  You can always go to www.friendsofridgespring.com to check out our town, businesses and events. 

Market on the Ridge

Antiques, Artisans

March 22 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Mark your calendars

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

Friends of Ridge Spring (FORS) usually meets on the third Thursday but this month we are meeting a week early to make sure we have everything ready for Market on the Ridge.  The Boy Scouts will also be selling Hot dogs at the Market on the 22^nd.   We meet at 5:00 at the Ridge Spring Library.  Come join us.

Faye Powell: For over 60 years the American Legion Auxiliary Unit in Ridge Spring has been able to sponsor two upcoming senior girls to attend Palmetto Girl State in the summer. Due to the dwindling membership and ever increasing cost of this program the ladies have been seeking support for this program. 

Palmetto Girls State is an opportunity for some of our better students to get an inside look at how our government works. These young ladies participate in programs at all levels of government, including not only local and state  government, but our federal government as well. It is estimated that each summer approximately 19,000 girls nationally are trained in the processes of government.

NEED OR WANT PRAYER???? Mount Calvary Lutheran Church is offering the opportunity for anyone who has a prayer request or need to notify us by phone or e-mail.  Pastor Christi Pursey, will then pray daily and during worship services accordingly.  Please call (803) 685-7523 or email at mountcalvary@pbtcomm.net .  

Thursday night you could see the space station go by from Ridge Spring as well as the eastern seaboard.  We went outside and waved.  I‘m sure they appreciated that.  Some astronauts were said to have really enjoyed the special effects in Gravity the movie.  I have heard that the visual effects were phenomenal as well as the movie winning an academy award for those effects. 

By the way we will be having Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Sale in May and Peach Tree 23 yard Sale in June.  The Farmers’ Markets in Johnston and Ridge Spring will begin the next week.

The Ridge Spring Library always needs volunteers to help.  They have also received donated books.  Please call Pat Asbill if you are interested in volunteering. 

AARS News:  The Art Center of Ridge Spring is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4. Admission is free.  Membership meeting is the first Tuesday at 6:30 at the Art Center and the public is invited.

Josie Rodgers:

RSM High News:  Several students competed in the Western Language Arts Festival recently at USC-Aiken, and all placed! They competed with students from Aiken and surrounding counties.  Amber Merrit won 1^st place in 10^th grade Original Poetry, and Marquis Hopkins won 2^nd place.  AliciaKey wont 2^nd place in 9^th grade Original Poetry.  Evan Layton won 2^nd place in 12^th grade Interpretation of Poetry.  Alicia Key also won 1^st place in 9^th grade Interpretation of Original Poetry, while Baylee Williams and Amber Padgett won 3^rd place.  The event is sponsored by the English dept at USC-Aiken each year.  Many thanks to Mrs. Hostetler of RSM High for getting her students to participate.

RSM High celebrated Black History Month with its Annual Black History Extravaganza Tues., Feb. 25.  Mrs. Marks-Johnson, AP, welcomed everyone, and Student Body President Morgan Havird gave the history of Black History Month.  Ms. Shellea Wade sang the Negro National Anthem, and Marquis Hopkins read a poem.  The Gospel Warriors entertained all with a skit, and Alicia Key and Marcus Hopkins read poetry.  Spanish teacher Margaret Armendariz gave a presentation of the history and culture of Afro-Latinos.  Pastor Billy Smith and the Radio Angels performed, and the administration gave the closing remarks. 

The St. William Catholic Church Youth group began their new monthly fellowship Sun., Mar. 2.  They met at the church and threw the softball around before beginning devotions that focused on Lent.  They made Resurrection desserts, completed mini devotions in age groups, and then enjoyed a scrumptious taco dinner.  The next meeting will be Sun., April 13, at 5:30 pm. 

The Edgefield 8^th Annual Shamrock Run/Walk is Sat., Mar. 15, beginning at 11 am in the Bi-Lo parking lot and finishing at the Town Square. This year’s event is in memory of Eileen Klein, Queen of the Leprechauns.  Enjoy Drunken Dunken Leprechaun Booth, the Leprechaun Lap for kids, Bounce House, Tug-of-War, Face Painting, Music, and more!  Entry forms can be found throughout Edgefield businesses and at Escape Day Spa at 400 Main Street.  If you register by Mar. 17, cost is $17.  Late registration is $20.  No animals or bicycles are allowed.  The top male and female for each category will win $50.  Categories are elementary school student, middle school student, high school student, non-high school to 29 years old, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and 70 and over. All proceeds benefit Hitchcock Healthcare. 

RSM Elem/Mid News (Rene Miller):

We would like your insight to determine what topics you would like to see offered as parent workshops this year. Please take a moment to complete a short interest survey. To access the survey, available until February 28, go to the RS-M homepage, click the "Guidance" tab, then "Elementary Guidance." The link will be available in the announcements. If you have trouble, please contact Stephanie Barlow, Elementary Guidance Counselor, at 685-2022.

Aiken County Public School District  Stakeholder Input Meeting for the development of the District’s Five-Year Strategic Plan is Mar. 6 from 6 pm until 7:00 pm at the RS-M Elem/Mid Media Center.

The RSM Elem/Mid Beauty Pageant will be held Mar. 5 at 6:30 pm. 

Right Choices--Right Track---Bright Futures Rally Sat., Mar. 15, from 9:30-12:45 at Schofield Middle School for grades 5-8.

The RSM Elem/Mid Beauty Pageant will be held Mar. 5 at 6:30 pm.  More details later!

Right Choices--Right Track---Bright Futures Rally Sat., Mar. 15, from 9:30-12:45 at Schofield Middle School for grades 5-8.

Reminders:

March 7: American Red Cross Fund Raiser

March 13: FORS meeting

March 22: Market on the Ridge

April 13: Talent Show sponsored by Helpful Hands Community Mission

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 12:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9 am -12:00 noon.

Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4

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

Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets 685-5783

Every Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

Every Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7:00 pm at The Ridge Spring Library