September 29, 2014

Ridge Spring News

 Harvest Festival News:

Get your golf cart ready.  Compete during the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Parade.  Show everyone what you are made of.  More details later.

The Miss Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Pageant will be held on Saturday, October 18^th at the Ridge Spring Civic Center.  Applications will be available at Town Hall and will soon be on line at www.townofridgespring.com

Bingo-Thursday, October 23^rd 6pm concessions, 7pm games-Civic Center

Gospel Night-Friday, October 24^th-gazebo

Saturday, October 25^th-arts&crafts, food, parade, exhibits, games, local speakers, entertainment and much more

There were 4 vendors at the market Saturday. They were Bell Farms One Ash Farm and Dairy, Bobby and Loris Yonce and Mr. and Mrs. Raborn.

PAT'S CORNER is now reopened and hoping that everyone will take a few minutes to stop by to browse and to say hello. Thanks or your patience and all your good wishes.

Lee Ann Perez- One Ash Farm and Dairy has a new batch of our homemade Herbal Heal-All Salve.  This salve is made in small batches at the farm and is a natural aid for itches, bites, scratches and bruises.  We will have a limited quantity of the salve at Ridge Spring and Johnston Markets, or visit our web site atwww.OneAshFarmAndDairy.com, or call the farm at (803) 649-9172 if you are interested

Noel Steele, Cumbee Place: Well, We had our first Board meeting last night and we have a very solid group that is very excited to get things Rolling in the Ridge Region. 2015 is going to be an awesome year. We are working on getting our Welcome Center at Cumbee Place stocked and decorated. We would love your help. Our Region reaches out about 25 to 30 miles from Ridge Spring and encompasses Batesburg-Leesville, Monetta, Ridge Spring, Ward, Johnston, Edgefield, Saluda, Wagner, and Pelion. If you have any old pictures of these towns and even some great new ones we would love to see them and put them in Cumbee Place Welcome Center. We also would love to have some of the old Farms and Homes in the area. Please give me a call if you have anything or know of someone that has some of these old pictures. We will make copies and return the originals safely back to you. Also we have a lot of great photographers and artist in this area. If you have Photographed, Painted, or drawn recognizable scenes around the Ridge Region and would like to donate a copy to the Cumbee Place we will be happy to give you full credit for your work.
The Cumbee Place is a 501c3 Nonprofit Corporation designed to benefit the Communities on the Ridge. We value your time, and input and look forward to your visit. 

Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods: A big thank you to all who came out for the Sidewalk Sale Saturday.  It was an absolutely beautiful day in Ridge Spring with lots of smiling faces.  As a result of all the deals, our dealers have been quite busy this week re-stocking their booths.  Come on in and see what's new!

Jeff Clamp, Band Director, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High School

The RS-M True Blue Marching Band competed in the Mustang Classic at Midland Valley High School on Saturday, September 20th. The band received an overall rating of "excellent" and placed second in Class A defeating Wagener-Salley High School and losing to Class AAA Emerald High School. The next competition for RS-M will be on Saturday, October 4th at the Palmetto Esprit de Corps Invitational at Irmo High School. Performance time for the True Blue Band is 2:00.

AARS Art Center: Jim Harrison will be at the art center on Sunday, October 5 from 1:00 to 4:00. The Art Center of Ridge Spring is located 108 Maintenance Rd. Mr, Harrison will have a one day exhibition and reception with notecards prints and books available. free admission  

Evon Kenner: Jerusalem Baptist Church will have its Men & Women's Fellowship Service Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 PM.  The guest minister for the occasion will be Rev. Curtis Blocker of St. John Baptist Church, Langley, SC.  You are invited to attend and if additional information is required please contact Rev. Sim Murray at 706-210-0433.

A Village Post Office is being set up at the Nut House where you can buy stamps, mail packages that qualify for a flat rate, and visit with Joe.  Joe is open every day of the week except Sunday.
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Josie Rodgers:

My parents, Jim & Rosalyn Pressley, celebrated their 30^th anniversary this past Saturday.  I was 15 when they married but knew Jim for several years before that day.  What wonderful parents they are and even more fabulous grandparents and great-grandparents!  Together, they have 4 children, 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.  We love them both so very much!​

Blood Drive sponsored by Titan Farms: Thurs., Oct. 2, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Ridge Spring Fire Dept. in honor of Titan seasonal worker Francisco Arteaga Tolentino who was injured in a traffic accident.

            RSM Elem: A Read-A-Thon will be taking place October 6 – 10.  Each student will read for 30 minutes each day in the classroom & collect donations from family & friends to raise money for the school and raise awareness about how important reading is.

First in Math: Students are competing against themselves, other students in our school, and students from all across the nation to boost their math skills. For the week ending September 19, the school has completed 60,951 math problems. Students have earned 20,317 stickers. The team of the week is: Mrs. Lee’s 4^th grade class.  The player of the week is KaNaan Ligons of Mrs. Najmola’s 4^th grade class; he earned 522 stickers. The top teams for each grade level include Mrs. Martin ( K5), Mrs. Rodgers (1^st grade), Mrs. Shealy (2^nd grade), Mrs. Cockrell (3^rd grade), Mrs. Lee (4^th grade), and Mrs. Wilson (5^th grade).  We look forward to these math geniuses to be top in the nation!

The next PTO Meeting is Mon., Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m.

The students are collecting Coca-Cola caps in order to get reward points for new PE equipment. Please bring in your Coke caps and turn them in to Coach Bundrick or Coach Shealy to help out the school! They are also collecting pop tops, Campbell Soup labels, and Box Tops for Education. Please send these to Mrs. Miller in the Library Media Center.

The would like to thank Christie Cato for her donation of book bags to our school! They are greatly appreciated! Also, many thanks to Derrick Equipment for sponsoring the faculty lunch during the early release day this week.

RSM Middle:  Join us Oct. 23 as we celebrate the opening of our new school with a dedication ceremony.  More details to come!

RSM High: The 2014 Homecoming Queen crowned last Friday night was Tiana Oakman-Tucker.  Other royalty included Miss Freshman Ja’ceel Tyler, Miss Sophomore Alicia Key, and Miss Junior Destiny Brewer.  Craig Burton was named Mr. Football and Mr. Homecoming.  The sophomore class won the chant contest, and the juniors won the banner contest.    The Trojans pounded the Whitmire Wolverines for an exciting Homecoming win!

Reminders: 

Oct. 2: Blood Drive

October 4, 2014 Blessing of the Animals—Mount Calvary,  from 10:00am – 2:00pm

Oct. 16: FORS Meeting Cumbee Place

Oct. 18: Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant

Oct. 23: Bingo

Oct. 24: Gospel Night, Cake and Pie Contest

Oct, 25: HARVEST FESTIVAL

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.

Every second Tuesday: Alzheimer’s & Dementia support group meeting at &7:00 PM Library

September 22, 2014

Ridge Spring News

Sept. 30 at 7:00 will be the next Harvest Festival Meeting at the Cumbee Place.

There were 8 vendors at the Market Saturday.  This coming Saturday Leonard Bell will be there as well as a new vendor One Ash Farm and Dairy. 

Post Office has new hours as of OCTOBER 18, 2014. They will be open Monday-Friday 12:00pm to 4:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 10:00am Mail will be available for pickup after 12:45pm Monday- Friday and after 10:30am on Saturday.

A Village Post Office is being set up at the Nut House where you can buy stamps, mail packages that qualify for a flat rate, and visit with Joe.  Joe is open every day of the week.

Off the Beaten Path would like to welcome new vendors Three Wacky Women, Chinaberry Soaps, and June Deese, we are very excited about the new merchandise we have to offer. We have unique items to dress yourself and your house for your favorite team. We have a great children's section. We now have some great outdoor furniture. We look forward to stopping by!

One Ash Farm and Dairy is located on Piper Road, just south of Ridge Spring.  Our small Christian family, made up of Roland, Lee Ann and Alexandrea Perez, works together to running our family farm businesses.  We are a Grade A Raw Milk Dairy and lovingly milk our cows twice a day, every day.  We sell our milk directly from the farm, as well as at Farmers Markets and co-ops in the area.  In addition to milk, we sell bread, eggs and assorted craft items.  We also raise bottle-fed calves, pigs, chickens, pigeons, sheep, Nubian goats, and Great Pyrenees puppies. We also offer Farm and Dairy Tours,  and Milking 101 classes, with an emphasis on Homeschool students. You can visit the farm online at www.OneAshFarmAndDairy.com . Our love of animals, homesteading and helping others led us to start an online Farm and Dairy Supply company, which can be visited at www.OneAshFarmAndDairySupplyCo.com .   Lee Ann and Alex also write a blog called One Ash Farm and Dairy Homestead, which includes recipes, tips and tricks, herbal recipes, Christian Book Reviews, and posts about what's going on around the farm.  The blog can be found at www.OneAshPlantation.blogspot.com .  You can also find us on Facebook at One Ash Plantation, or visit our group at Southeast Dairy Cattle Exchange.  We look forward to having you visit!

On Thursday October 2 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Titan Farms is sponsoring a blood drive at the Ridge Spring Fire Department. The Blood drive is in honor of Francisco Arteaga Tolentino.  He is “one or our seasonal farm workers.  Mr. Tolentino was seriously injured in a recent traffic accident and had to receive numerous pints of blood due to the severity of his injuries.  The entire Titan Farms family wishes to honor Mr. Tolentino as well as all of the seasonal farm workers across the Ridge; each one plays an integral role in the agriculture industry and to our local economy.  A sincere thank you to each and every one of the e workers on the Ridge for their hard work and dedication”

EASY STEPS TO DONATE:

 1. REGISTER—Present your Donor Card or picture ID to the registrar. (If you are 16 years old, you must have written parental consent).

2. HEALTH SCREENING—Answer questions about your health history and receive a free mini-physical. All information is kept strictly confidential.

3. DONATE BLOOD—Approximately 7-12 minutes out of the hour long process.

4. REFRESH—Eat a snack and drink fluids.

 NOTE:  Must be in the U.S. for 1 full year

Jerusalem Baptist Church will celebrate its 137th church anniversary Sunday, September 28th at 10:15.  The guest minister for the occasion will be Rev. Terrance Vandiver of Tabernacle Baptist Church, August, GA.  The public is invited and dinner will be served.  If you need additional information please contact Mrs. Marlenia Murray at 706-210-0433.

Blessing of the Animals—Mount Calvary, October 4, 2014 from 10:00am – 2:00pm

 As autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd.  A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, are led to churches for a special ceremony called “The Blessing of Animals”.  This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.  St. Francis feast day is October 4th.

The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love.  The Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated. 

Everyone in the community is  invited to bring your pets, pictures of your livestock or stand in for the creatures for which your provide care to receive a blessing from God.

Proud to announce, Magnolia Ridge Farm’s Cristillo won several classes including a Hunter Classic in Aikens Highfield Farms Fall Festival last weekend. Cristillo was imported from Germany this past year and is trained by Gretchen Arndt.

The Ridge Spring Harvest Festival beauty pageant will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Ridge Spring Civic Center at 10:00 and 3:00. Young ladies between the ages of birth-20 are invited to compete. The Miss (17-20) will be awarded a scholarship to the college of her choice. The deadline for applications is Wed., October 8. For an application or if you have any questions, please call 803-637-5383 or 803-334-2507.

Harvest Festival News:

Get your golf cart ready.  Compete during the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Parade.  Show everyone what you are made of.  More details later.

The Miss Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Pageant will be held on Saturday, October 18^th at the Ridge Spring Civic Center.  Applications will be available at Town Hall and will soon be on line at www.townofridgespring.com

Bingo-Thursday, October 23^rd 6pm concessions, 7pm games-Civic Center

Gospel Night-Friday, October 24^th-gazebo

Saturday, October 25^th-arts&crafts, food, parade, exhibits, games, local speakers, entertainment and much more

Anne Rauton Smith: Thursday market in Johnston between 4-6 p.m.  Availabel are Peas (shelled & unshelled), yellow squash, okra, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, NC apples. watermelons, hot peppers, bell peppers, locally grown Asian pears, pickles, relishes, baked goods, handmade aprons, Lion's Club brooms, local artist's note cards & prints.  Calhoun Street in front of the Library/Warehouse.  For more information contact Anne Smith at 803-275-4097 or Donna Livingston at 803-275-0010.

Josie Rodgers

Four years have passed since my sister left us.  Sometimes it feels like 4 decades, and sometimes it feels like only 4 days ago that we talked and laughed together.  I miss her every day.  Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her or talk about her.  Sometimes I even experience these split-second moments when I think, “I need to ask Tisha that” or “I need to call her and tell her…”  Of course, I quickly realize I can’t do those things.  This is a difficult time of year for my family.  The ache of loss is painful, but our God is powerful.  We will meet her again!

Domestic violence is in the forefront of the media again, and I have been pondering why it is such an epidemic, such that it reaches across racial lines, socioeconomic backgrounds, and religious boundaries.  It’s an evil that has existed for centuries and still causes so much grief and pain.  Education for all is key.  We must begin with our youth.  They must be taught how to behave appropriately and how to protect themselves.  Victims are misunderstood, misguided, and mistreated, even at times when they are reaching for help.  We all need to be better educated about domestic violence so that when we see it or experience it, we know what to do or how to help.  God created us to be the caretakers of each other.  If not us, then who?  If not now, then when?  Ponder that for a while.  It’s closer to us than we may choose to believe.

RSM High:  It’s Spirit Week!  Students will show school spirit by dressing up each day.  Friday, the four classes will compete in various competitions to see who gets the spirit award. 

RSM Middle:  Join us Oct. 23 as we celebrate the opening of our new school with a dedication ceremony.  More details to come!

Reminders: 

Sept. 30: Harvest Festival Meeting Cumbee Place

Oct. 2: Blood Drive

Oct. 16: FORS Meeting Cumbee Place

Oct. 18: Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant

Oct. 23: Bingo

Oct. 24: Gospel Night, cake pie contest

Oct, 25: HARVEST FESTIVAL

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.

Every second Tuesday: Alzheimer’s & Dementia support group meeting at &7:00 PM Library

September 15, 2014

Ridge Spring News

We hope to see you at the Side Walk Sale Saturday from 9:00 to 5:00 in Ridge Spring. Pat and I will be open on Green Street for the sidewalk sale.  Check out the Farmers’ Market, too.

The Ridge Spring Harvest Festival beauty pageant will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Ridge Spring Civic Center at 10:00 and 3:00. Young ladies between the ages of birth-20 are invited to compete. The Miss (17-20) will be awarded a scholarship to the college of her choice. The deadline for applications is Wed., October 8. For an application or if you have any questions, please call 803-637-5383 or 803-334-2507.

Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods

Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods would like to welcome Pat's Antiques back into the circle!  Pat has re-opened and we are delighted to have her back. 

We have many new arrivals in the store including an Empire Side by Side Secretary, an old ornate fuel oil heater with "faces" and jewels, loads of walking sticks and many new pieces of Fenton Art Glass. 

We have re-instituted the Dealer to Dealer Discount Day.  If you are a dealer stop by on Mondays from 11 until 4 and receive a "dealers only" discount! 

Remember to mark your calendars for the upcoming City Wide Sidewalk Sale - September 20th - don't miss it!

FORS will meet on September 18^th at the Methodist Church’s Family Center beside the church at 5:00 PM.

Next Ridge Spring Harvest Festival meeting will be held Tuesday, September 16th at 7:00 pm at the Cumbee Place. This year's theme is "Have you thanked a farmer today?"

Every 2^nd & 4^th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library.  Angela does a wonderful story hour two days a month; check with the library or the sign on the door for time and dates.

Harvest Festival News:

Get your golf cart ready.  Compete during the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Parade.  Show everyone what you are made of.  More details later.

The Miss Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Pageant will be held on Saturday, October 18^th at the Ridge Spring Civic Center.  Applications will be available at Town Hall and will soon be on line at www.townofridgespring.com

Bingo-Thursday, October 23^rd 6pm concessions, 7pm games-Civic Center

Gospel Night-Friday, October 24^th-gazebo

Saturday, October 25^th-arts&crafts, food, parade, exhibits, games, local speakers, entertainment and much more

Anne Rauton Smith: Thursday market in Johnston between 4-6 p.m.  Peas (shelled & unshelled), yellow squash, okra, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, NC apples. watermelons, hot peppers, bell peppers, locally grown Asian pears, pickles, relishes, baked goods, handmade aprons, Lion's Club brooms, local artist's note cards & prints.  Calhoun Street in front of the Library/Warehouse.  For more information contact Anne Smith at 803-275-4097 or Donna Livingston at 803-275-0010.

Exhibit by Cedar Creek Artists and local artists, Judy Adamick and Anne Rauton Smith, on exhibit at Aiken Center for the Arts until September 26.  Reception open to the public on Thursday (9/11) from 6 - 8 p.m.

Josie Rodgers:

Once again, I have witnessed our Ridge community uniting to support and pray for one of our own.  RSM High AG teacher Michael Crim is currently taking care of both his wife and son at MCG after they were involved in a near-fatal crash on Hwy 19 last Friday morning.  Both were seriously injured but are on the way to healing due an almighty God, the magnificent care of MCG, and a strong family and friend support system.  Please continue to keep the family in your prayers. 

RSM High: the Trojans traveled to Blackville-Hilda and took home a win of 23-20. This Friday they will host the Panthers of Batesburg-Leesville.  

(from the Trojan Tribune staff): The school will once again take part in the SC Young Adult Book Award program but with the addition of the middle school students who will vote on the SC Junior Book Award.  Voting will take place in Feb 2015 in the high school library. Students who want to vote for their favorite book must have read at least 3of the books on the book award lists.

News faces have brightened the halls of RSM High!  Dr. Palladino is a new addition to RS-M’s science department. Her credentials include Davidson College, the University of Michigan, and the Medical University of South Carolina, the University of Florida, and the MCG Educational Innovation Institute at Georgia Regents University.

Ms. Adams will be working in the high school and elementary libraries.  Ms. Adams earned her associate of arts degree from Piedmont Technical College and is currently studying at Limestone College for her bachelor of arts in psychology.

P’Laura Padgett is a new staff member but certainly not new to use!  She was one of  my best students! She is a 2008 RSM High graduate and a 2012 graduate of USC-Aiken with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.  Ms. Padgett is working on her master’s degree through Walden University. 

Mrs. Burns is a new English teacher.  She has taught at Thurmond and Trenton Correctional Institution.  Mrs. Burns earned her BA from USC and her master’s degree in special ed from Liberty.  She also holds an education specialist degree. 

Mrs. Levi also graduated from USC and is a welcome addition to the SPED program.

Mrs. Brown, our new social studies teacher, has walked our halls before when she worked as the homebound care manager for the district.  With a degree from USC-Aiken, she previously taught at North Augusta High. 

Ms. Stone, another USC-Aiken graduate, is the new hall monitor, our new hall monitor.

She is currently earning her bachelor’s degree in business management from Everest University and will join the state’s PACE program to become a teacher. 

RSM Middle also has some fresh faces walking those new shiny halls!  Mr. Pascarella has been a teacher for 30 years, retiring from the state of GA. He comes to us with accolades of being named Teacher of the Year Award in Richmond County and the Outstanding Social

Studies Teacher Award in 1998.

Ms. Crystal Coleman, a graduate of Francis Marion, teaches social studies and has taught in Darlington County.   She also enjoys coaching softball. 

We are proud to announce that Wardlaw teacher Laura Taylor is having a book published through Ambassador International.  It is a children's chapter book that tackles the issue of bullying.   EE Otter and The Bullfrog Bullies is scheduled for release Oct. 24.  Mrs. Taylor is taking pre-sale orders.  The paperback book of 64 pages costs $6. The action takes place in a quiet little corner of the forest called The Laurel Wood.  EE and his gang (Random Raccoon, Gracious and Gallant Gosling and Worrisome Woodchuck) encounter a group of Bullfrog Bullies on the basketball court in the park.  The story follows young EE as he learns to apply God's principles to his situation and God works in his heart. We are so proud of Mrs. Taylor!

Rene Miller RSM Elementary School:

We would like to thank the following for the donations of school supplies to our school: Cedar Creek Church – Batesburg Campus, Melinda Gergen, Margaret Nickerson,

Jumelle Brooks, and Sidney Shirey. Also, Nannette Hughes with Ridge Spring United Methodist Church for the books they donated for Open House.

Meherrin Sponsors Early Release Day Meal: Our faculty and staff would like to thank Meherrin for sponsoring the first early release day meal. Having the support of local businesses and the community is greatly appreciated.

Good News Club: The Good News Club (GNC) is a free, afterschool program for students in K4-5th grade. Each student in these grades will receive a permission slip for GNC. The club enjoys songs, Bible stories, snacks and games. The GNC will meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:00-4:00 pm from September 25-October 30 in the A building (former middle school building). If your child would like to attend the GNC, please complete the permission form and return it to your child's teacher by September

25th. Children will not be able to attend without the permission slip. The first GNC will meet on Thursday, September 25. Parents must provide transportation. Hope to see your January- Perseverance child at the GNC!

Reminders: 

Sept. 16: Harvest Festival Meeting

Sept. 18: Friends of Ridge Spring Meeting

Sept. 20: Sidewalk Sale

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.

Every second Tuesday: Alzheimer’s & Dementia support group meeting at &7:00 PM Library

September 8, 2014

Ridge Spring News

Although there are no more peanuts, the Farmers’ Market is still going on.  There were two vendors there with fresh produce.  Come on by Saturday mornings and check it all out.  If you have any vouchers left, please use them up quickly.

Cumbee Place is a community development center that will be serving the small towns and rural farms in the Ridge Region. The towns consist of Ridge Spring, Monetta, Johnston, Saluda, Batesburg-Leesville, Wagner, Edgefield, and Ward. Our main objective is to create programs that will stimulate the livability and tourism of this region of South Carolina. The Cumbee Place has been designed specifically for this area and we will be developing programs that are specific to the needs of this region. Our future programs are outlined very nicely on our website for you to review.

Cumbee Place is moving along nicely. Off The Beaten Path our first incubator business has moved in and is getting settled and we have request from other eager entrepreneurs. Our welcome center is being designed with the help of Kim Steele. Feel free to stop by any time to check on our progress. Also visit us online at www.cumbeeplace.com to find out about all the programs we will be developing and visit the promotion page to find out how you can enter to win a $25.00 gift card. If you have questions you can contact Noel at 803-609-7152, email her at noel@cumbeeplace.com or if you have the time just stop by. We would love to meet you: 401 East Main St., Ridge Spring, SC 29129

Next RS Harvest Festival meeting will be held Tuesday, September 16th at 7:00 pm at the Cumbee Place. This year's theme is "Have you thanked a farmer today?"

FORS will meet on September 18^th at the Methodist Church’s Family Center beside the church at 5:00 PM.

Primitives at the Ridge would like to thank everyone who came out for our Fall Gathering.  It was a great success.  We look forward to seeing everyone in November for our annual Christmas Open House.  Thanks!  Donnie and Janet Lybrand

The Ridge Spring Harvest Festival beauty pageant will be held on Saturday, October 18 at the Ridge Spring Civic Center at 10:00 and 3:00. Young ladies between the ages of birth-20 are invited to compete. The Miss (17-20) will be awarded a scholarship to the college of her choice.

The deadline for applications is Wed., October 8. For an application or if you have any questions, please call 803-637-5383 or 803-334-2507.

Anne Smith: The Farmer's & Artist's Market last Thursday afternoon offered lots of  local & fresh produce including okra, yellow squash, tomatoes, peaches (close to the end), peas (shelled & unshelled), watermelons, onions, sweet potatoes, peanuts and boiled peanuts.  Everyone enjoyed an Italian Ice (a new vendor) in flavors of mango (all natural), pina colada and lemon.

It was so refreshing!!!!  Also, lots of baked goods including sourdough bread, cinnamon bread, cakes, pies, cookies (lemon squares & delicious brownies).  Homemade pickles and chow-chow could be purchased and Artist's prints & note cards.  Always, Lion Club brooms!  The market will be back each Thursday afternoon from 4 - 6 p.m. in front of the Library/Warehouse building on Calhoun Street.  For more information call Anne Smith at 803-275-4097 or Donna Livingston at 803-275-0010.

The September Exhibition at the Aiken Center for the Arts (122 Laurens Street) will include the Artists of Cedar Creek Exhibition as well as Aiken Artist Guild artists Anne Rauton Smith and Judy Adamick.  The exhibit opens on Tuesday, September 2nd, and continues until September 26.  You are invited to attend a reception to support these local artists on Thursday, September 11, from 6 - 8 p.m.

Mt. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH NEWS:Mt.PLeasant children's ministry group better known as kids W. R. A. P.(worship, rejoicing, and praise) invites you to worship with us for the musical "Creation Sensation" on Saturday, Sept 13th @ 7:00pm

Sunday and  Sept14th, @ 11:00am In the family life center at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 164 Mt. Pleasant Road, Ridge Spring, S.C.29129. This high energy celebration of God's wonderful creation is sure to fill your heart!

Harriet’s Garden will have pansies and more for the sidewalk sale.

Josie Rodgers

What a fantastic weekend celebrating football wins all over!  Wardlaw, RSM, King, Thurmond, Carolina, Clemson…lots of smiling fans this week! And lots of relieved coaches’ wives! 

The princess, Leagrace, experienced her very first dance class last week at Palmetto Dance Academy under the direction of Heather Riley-Shealy assisted by McKenna Palmer.  Leagrace absolutely loved this dance therapy and laughed the entire time!  Miss Heather played Leagrace’s favorite music from Frozen and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  We know that we will see amazing things from Leagrace as Heather and McKenna work with her throughout the year.  And we can’t wait to see her on the stage!  She’ll steal the show!

RSM High: The Trojans defeated rival Wagener-Salley last Friday night and are now in possession once again of the coveted county trophy.  Plans are to keep the trophy permanently!

The high school will host Open House Mon., Sept. 15, at 6 pm beginning in the high school’s old cafeteria. 

An assembly focusing on respect was presented by the drama class to the student body last Thursday with role plays about how to show respect and how to help others show respect.  Drama instructor Kerry Jackson did a fine job of allowing the students’ creativity to shine as they practiced their acting and musical skills.  Even principal Mr. Wintrode joined in as the teacher in one of the skits.  Then another show wowed the crowd.  McKenna Palmer and Mr. Wintrode danced in the middle of the gym while three of our lovely faculty members got all dolled up and sang and danced to Aretha’s “Respect.”  If you missed this display of talent, you truly missed out!  Douda in a wig!  Marks-Johnson showing that attitude!  And Holley decked out in some hot red garb!  Priceless!

Harvest Festival News

Get your golf cart ready.  Compete during the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Parade.  Show everyone what you are made of.  More details later.

The Miss Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Pageant will be held on Saturday, October 18^th at the Ridge Spring Civic Center.  Applications will be available at Town Hall and will soon be on line at www.townofridgespring.com

Bingo-Thursday, October 23^rd 6pm concessions, 7pm games-Civic Center

Gospel Night-Friday, October 24^th-gazebo

Saturday, October 25^th-arts&crafts, food, parade, exhibits, games, local speakers, entertainment and much more

Brenda Disher:  A Caregivers Support Group for caretakers of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients will be held monthly at Ridge Spring Library. The Support Group will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm beginning Tues., Sept. 9, at 7 pm.

Reminders: 

Sept. 16: Harvest Festival Meeting

Sept. 18: Friends of Ridge Spring Meeting

Sept. 20: Sidewalk Sale

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.

Every second Tuesday: Alzheimer’s & Dementia support group meeting

September 1, 2014

Ridge Spring News

Have you been to the Farmers’’ Market this summer.  WE are winding down but the produce is still fresh and the bet around.  Come on down from 8:00 AM till noon.  Don’t forget the Sidewalk Sale on September 20^th that will include t he several vendors at the market with fresh produce, too.

Next RS Harvest Festival meeting will be held Tuesday, September 9th at 7:00 pm at the Ridge Spring Library.  This year's theme is "Have you thanked a farmer today?"

Antiques at the Ridge, Janet Lybrand: Please join us for our Annual FALL Gathering

At Primitives at the Ridge Sept 5th and 6th from 10 am ‘til 4:30 pm. The shop will be full of pumpkins, gourds, pilgrims, turkeys, fall foliage and lots of other things! We will be closed Thursday, Sept 4th to get ready. Check out facebook.com/primitivesattheridge for a sneak preview! 502 E. Main St., Ridge Spring, SC 803-685-7399/803-645-5443

Off the Beaten Path has moved to the Cumbee Place.  The Re-opening on September 4th is bigger and better! New merchandise; things for the home such as Clemson and Carolina wreaths and things for you such as jewelry, clothing and children's items are here. We even carry creations by locals like our very own Kim Steele. Can't wait to see everyone! (The Cumbee Place is the old funeral home that has been renovated and looks new and great.  Check it out at the East end of Main Street.)

From David Marshall James: 

Fifty years ago this past August, principal photography wrapped on “The Sound of Music,” which would premier in March 1965 and go on to become the highest-grossing film of all time, a distinction it held into the early 1970s.  However, for the year 1965, it came in second to—“Mary Poppins,” which premiered 50 years ago, in August 1964.  Julie Andrews may have lost her Broadway role of Eliza Doolittle to Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady,” but in 1965, Andrews was the biggest star on the planet.

She would receive the Best Actress Oscar for “Mary Poppins,” and “The Sound of Music” would win Best Picture.  Few films have had the sort of repeat business that “TSOM” had—plus, it was incredibly popular in Europe.  In England, it played for years in one theater.  Moreover, the soundtrack album topped the American record charts for months.  In the United Kingdom, that album was second only to The Beatles for the entire decade of the 1960s.

If “ray” means “a drop of golden sun” in your lexicon, you should indulge in “The Sound of Music’ Family Scrapbook,” which includes remembrances from the seven actors who portrayed the Von Trapp children in the film.  As with any good scrapbook, this one is filled with photographs, particularly of location shooting in Salzburg, Austria.  These young actors were accompanied by their mothers, who seem to have had a contest as to who could take the most pictures.  If you like the film, this volume will register as one of your “favorite things.”

Harvest Festival News

Get your golf cart ready.  Compete during the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Parade.  Show everyone what you are made of.  More details later.

The Miss Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Pageant will be held on Saturday, October 18^th at the Ridge Spring Civic Center.  Applications will be available at Town Hall at the beginning of September.

Bingo-Thursday, October 23^rd 6pm concessions, 7pm games-Civic Center

Gospel Night-Friday, October 24^th-gazebo

Saturday, October 25^th-arts&crafts, food, parade, exhibits, games, local speakers, entertainment and much more

Anne Smith:JOHNSTON FARMER'S & ARTIST'S MARKET continues every Thursday from 4-6 p.m. in front of the Library/Warehouse building on Calhoun Street.  Vendors are offering boiled peanuts, peas (shelled & unshelled), tomatoes, fresh corn, peaches (season coming to an end), sweet potatoes, onions, Asian pears, watermelons, sourdough bread, chow-chow, pickles, cookies, cakes & pies.  In addition to the great fresh food items, offerings include handmade soaps, decorator pillows, pillowcases, aprons, artist prints, note cards and something new every week!  Always, Lion's Club brooms can be purchased (house $10, warehouse $12 and whisk $3).  For additional information call Anne Smith at 803-275-4097 or Donna Livingston at 803-275-0010.

The new exhibit at Aiken Center for the Arts of new works by local artists Judy Adamick and Anne Rauton Smith will begin on Tuesday, September 2nd and continue through the month.  A reception will be held on Thursday, September 11th, from 6 - 8 p.m. and the public is welcomed.  Aiken Center for the Arts is located at 122 Laurens Street SW in Aiken.

Gail Moody Johnson: The RS-M Lady Trojans Volleyball team has its' home opener  on Wednesday against Saluda with JV @ 5:00 followed by Varsity @ 6:30!!  Come out and support YOUR home team!!!

Josie Rodgers:

Ice bucket challenges are everywhere!  While the cold water and other positive challenges have been around for quite some time, the ALS challenge is the hot one right now.  Lou Gherig’s is a rare disease, but it is astonishing to see how many people have or know someone who has or has fought ALS.  It’s wonderful to see so many people not only recognizing the need to DO something to make changes in the world, but they are actually DOING it—donating money and getting doused with icy water. 

My challenge supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation because that is a charity near to my heart because of Princess Leagrace.  Whatever charity you choose, please donate and spread the word.  Social media has its problems and people who misuse and abuse it, but so many more people use this type of media for the good of the world. If you haven’t been challenged to the cold water or ice bucket challenges, consider yourself challenged by me!  And let me know what happened!

Another movie you simply MUST see is God’s Not Dead.  Many of you have probably already seen it, but we just got the chance Sunday night.  It was powerful and moving!  This is another DVD I will own!  Anna and her friend Sara Miller went to see When the Game Stands Tall, yet another movie I really need to see!  Their reviews were uplifting and positive!

RSM Middle:  I finally got to visit the new school last Friday, and it is beautiful!  I didn’t get to tour or stay too long, but just my little preview was fantastic!  The kids seem quite excited to learn how to use lockers!  Poor 8^th graders will have one year with them and then no lockers at the high school (state fire marshal code prevents it).  Come by and let the staff show your our fine facilities!  Open House will be held soon; this would be a perfect time to see the new school!

RSM High:  School pictures were taken this week!  Do you remember your class picture days?  Worried about your hair, your clothes, your make-up?  Disappointment as the picture came back not resembling you at all (or so you thought?).  As a sophomore, I had just gotten a cosmetology student to give me my first perm not too long before school pictures.  Oh my goodness, my hair was a whirlwind of blonde tresses that looked teased and windblown!  Horrible!  I finally got my hair back to normal, but when yearbooks were delivered in the spring, there was that hideous picture again!  At least my senior pictures were decent!

The high school will host Open House Mon., Sept. 15.  More details later!

Brenda Disher:  A Caregivers Support Group for caretakers of Alzheimer's and Dementia patients will be held monthly at Ridge Spring Library. The Support Group will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm beginning Tues., Sept. 9, at 7 pm.

Reminders: 

Sept. 4: Reopen of Off the Beaten Path

Sept. 4: Needle Craft Night @ AARS Gallery

Sept. 5 & 6: Fall Gathering @ Primitives at the Ridge

Sept. 9: Harvest Festival Meeting

Sept. 20: Sidewalk Sale

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.

Every second Tuesday: Alzheimer’s & Dementia support group meeting