July 21, 2014

FORS, Friends of Ridge Spring met Thursday evening at the Civic Center for we had two men to make a presentation for Ag Tourism.  We ate at 5:00, had a business meeting at 5:30 and then introduced Clemson University Representative Willis Culler and Clemson University Catawba Region Ben Boyle.  It was exciting to see the potential of our region.

The Farmers’ Market was full again.  WE were never crowded with patrons but the patrons kept coming throughout the morning until 12:00.  I sold out or peanuts by 10:15.  We had organic fruits and vegetables, tomatoes, corn, all sorts of peppers, string beans watermelons, cantaloupe, squash, kale, okra, and so much more.  Come on down. 

One of our own vendors is also on the cover of a brochure promoting a farmers market on USC’s campus. William Bell is with Cocky on the cover.  Check it out.

FOOD DRIVE JULY 26, 2014

We at the Helpful Hands community Mission feel that one of the best ways we can serve those in need in our community is through our monthly food drive. Our vision as Christians and followers of Christ's example is to be there for everyone in need, from feeding the hungry to providing comfort to the weary. We are extending an invitation to you, to see if you would like to help sponsor our July food drive by donating canned and non-perishable foods. By helping us with your precious donations, you are answering the call of those less fortunate. Our goal is to acquire enough food to prepare 100 bags. The deadline for the for the July food drive will be 25th 2014. We hope you will participate with us! Donations may be left at the mission in donation box on the front porch. If you have any questions about this food drive, please contact us at

803-480-3963 or email us [pastorkey@yahoo.com]. We look forward to speaking with you! Blessings in Christ, Rev. George W. Key founder, Helpful Hands Community Mission

Colleen Morgan will have a one-woman showing of her "vintage photography" at the Aiken Center for the Arts, downtown Aiken on Laurens St. during the month of August.

The Annual Watson Reunion will be held The First Saturday in August, August 2, at The Watson House at Eleven o'clock.  All descendants of John and William Watson are invited.  Please let me know if you plan to attend.  Any questions, call Joe Watson (803) 685-5335.

Johnston Farmer's & Artist's Market offers a wonderful variety of fresh fruits & vegetables, crafts by local artists, delicious baked goods and brooms from the Lion's Club.  Visit the market on Thursdays from 4 - 6 on Calhoun Street in front of the library/warehouse.

Brandon Velie, owner of Juniper Restaurant, is an ambassador.  Please read how he and three other chefs were selected for the Sate of SC and how he represents our area.  Congratulations!!!!!

From the Department of Agriculture: “Tourism and agriculture both have a significant impact on South Carolina, contributing tens of billions of dollars to the state’s economy each year and accounting for hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide. The South Carolina Chef Ambassador Program was established to create greater synergy between these two major industries and enhance the promotion of South Carolina as a culinary destination by showcasing the state’s culinary talent, creative recipes, authentic cuisine, locally-grown products and unique destinations.

A Chef Ambassador is selected from the state’s four regions: the Upstate, Midlands, Pee Dee, and the Lowcountry. Each Chef Ambassador’s professional creativity and personal style contribute to an ongoing effort to promote the state’s authentic culinary experiences and encourage the incorporation of buying local into every day meal planning – all while bringing a taste of the Palmetto State to dinner tables across the state and increasing demand for the best of what South Carolina offers.

The Chef Ambassadors work closely with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) and South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) by attending and participating in a variety of public events, performing cooking demonstrations, taking part in educational discussions on establishing healthy eating habits for children, and showcasing the best of South Carolina’s bounty in both agriculture and tourism. The Chef Ambassadors also work with the Governor’s Mansion Chef, Steven Janowski, who serves as an advisor to the Ambassadors and assists in promoting the state’s food and cuisine.

Various statewide events are selected for Chef Ambassador Involvement to ensure maximum exposure and reach. Potential opportunities include appearances at farmers markets and food and wine festivals, providing cooking demonstrations at the South Carolina State Fair, working with the South Carolina Farm to School program, hosting campground cookouts at State Parks, and taking part in tailgating events, events at the Governor’s Mansion, and in the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel.”

2014-2015 
SC Chef Ambassadors UPSTATE Chef Heidi Trull Grits & Groceries Belton, SC  MIDLANDS Chef Brandon Velie Juniper Ridge Spring, SC   PEE DEE Chef Cooper Thomas Victor’s Bistro Florence, SC  LOWCOUNTRY Chef Brian Waters Saltus River Grill Beaufort, SC

Joanne Crouch, AARS President

           AARS is excited to announce that they are the recipient of a grant from the South Carolina Art Commission to assist with the wiring of the kiln that the Art Center had purchased previously.  There are still a few steps that need to be completed before we can begin classes for the public.  Details will be released soon as opportunities develop.

     Current officers are Joanne Crouch, president, D.S. Owens, vice-president, Donna Minor, secretary and Barbara Yon, treasurer.

     The Ridge Heritage Quilt Trail has a new installed addition to our trail.  The newest quilt block was installed on Billy Rodger’s barn on Waterfront Lane off highway 39.  Please contact us if we can paint a quilt block for your home, barn, or business.  Come   by the Art Center to discuss your options.  First Thursday Needle Craft Night is Thursday, August 7th from 6:30-8:30.  This is a free event for those who like to get together with needle art projects.  Stumped on a needle art project???? Bring it in and maybe someone can offer assistance with your questions.  This will be a monthly event. 

      Member DS Owens has received awards for 3 of his photographs at the 2014 Santee and Birding and Nature Festival.  AARS is excited to announce that Jim Harrison, well-known South Carolina artist, will have an artist reception at the Art Center on Sunday, October 5^th from  1-4.  Original paintings, notecards and books will be available for sale.  The public is invited and admission is free.  AARS is currently looking for an instructor to teach stained glass classes.  We have the supplies available for the class.  We are also looking for a pottery instructor to lead pottery class.  Contact Joanne Crouch for more details at (803)685-5577 or email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com. Whether you are an artist or just an art lover, we would love to have you join us.  Membership is $25 for individuals and $35 for families.  Members get a 10% discount on gallery purchases and classes.

School is coming and will be here before you know it.  Place these dates on your calendars.

Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Registration

August 12:  Noon-6:00 p.m.

August 13: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

August 14: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High School Registration

August 12th:     for 9^th and 6^th grade—6:00-8:00 p.m.

August 13th:     Noon-6:00 p.m.

Josie Rodgers: I am happy to report that my dad Jim is home!  We brought him home from HealthSouth last Friday, and he even felt like making a visit to the beloved pond house that afternoon.  The next morning, he ventured out to the Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market, and we had a celebratory dinner Sunday.  We are so blessed!  The road will not be easy, but it is much less painful than where he has been! 

Josie Rodgers: What a blessing to live in a small community.  Two of my former students dropped by to see me last Thursday.  It was so wonderful to talk with them and see how their lives are progressing.  I also have lots of former students on my Facebook page, and watching them and their families grow and prosper is such a joy.

Josie Rodgers: Each week at St. William Catholic Church, we have a different “commentator” who welcomes us and makes announcements at the conclusion of the service.  Jack O’Brien has the most unique closing we’ve ever had.  He always announces some upcoming (though fictitious) trip or activity that the senior members of the church are planning…bungee jumping, zip lining, and sky diving, to name a few.  We all have a laugh as he so seriously tells us what other antics they are planning.  Thanks, Jack, for the humor that keeps a smile on our faces all week!  It’s time to get serious about those summer reading assignments.  With only 4 weeks left until the first day of school, it’s time to get those books read!  If you’re not sure if your child had a summer reading assignment, call the school!

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. 

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 Recovery Works, 2269 Ridge Spring Hwy.  Please enter on Ponderosa Drive and park in the Visitor Parking Area.