Ridge Spring News: October 2015

Monday, October 26, 2015

October 26, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL WHO LOVE THIS DAY AND NIGHT!!!

I so enjoy the change of seasons. Fall is a wonderful month for all but especially the nature lovers and farmers. What can be planted at this time of year? Do you remember Scarlett O’Hara raising a turnip up to the skies and declaring “As God is my witness; I shall never go hungry again.” How fortunate we are to have so much bounty at hand. There will be turnips, lettuce, spinach, mustard greens, collards, cabbage and more available to us that will be freshly grown and locally. I must admit I have wondered if it were really a radish and interpreted as a turnip as it was in the book.

The Art Center at Ridge Spring presents the South Carolina Artist, Jim Harrison, who will be at the Art Center with his art, calendars and note cards. The Art Center will host a reception in his honor. Mr. Harrison will be signing his work. We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful event.

Primitives at the Ridge is having a 2015 Christmas Gathering on November 6^th and 7^th from 10 am ‘til 4:30 pm and the shop will be full of Santa’s, trees, snowmen, winter foliage and lots of other things! We will be closed Thursday, Nov 5^th to get ready. Like us on facebook.com/primitivesattheridge for a sneak preview and updates! Refreshments will be served! Primitives is located at 502 E. Main St., Ridge Spring, SC 803-685-7399/803-645-5443

Then Sunday November 8^th the Shoppes of Ridge Spring will have their Christmas Open House from 1:00 to 5:00 PM with many refreshments. Hope to see you then.

Jane Autrey Insurance: Anyone having trouble with disaster relief forms please let us know and we will be glad to help or guide you in the right direction.

Jeffrey Clamp, Band director for RSM Middle/ High School: Congratulations to the RS-M True Blue Marching Band for another outstanding performance in the "Garden City Classic" at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School on Saturday, October 17th. The True Blue Band received an Excellent rating and defeated five other bands to finish second in Class A. The RS-M Band travels to Charleston Southern University this Saturday to compete in the Class A Lower State Championships. The True Blue Band performs at 2:00 p.m. For more information about band competitions feel free to contact Mr. Clamp at the school or go to the RS-M Band fusion page.

Samantha McClure: Ridge Spring Baptist Church will having their annual Trunk OR Treat on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5-7pm. There will be hot dogs and trailer ride as well!

Upcoming Events at the Art Center at Ridge Spring

Saturday, October 24th, 9-1 p
Polymer Clay Workshop with Candace Bush--Participants will learn different surface techniques and apply them to create their own jewelry pieces. Fee $35.00; Ages 12+; materials included.

Saturday, October 31st,9-1 p
Fall Pottery Workshop with Donna Minor--Participants will have the option to make a slab built sugar and cream bowl or colander. All materials are included. Fee $35.00. Ages 8+.

Sunday, November 1st, 1-4 p

Ridge Hill Baptist Church Announce Family and Friends Weekend. All are invited which will be held Friday October 30^th – Sunday November 1^st 2015 at Ridge Hill Baptist Church, 144 Ridge Hill Drive, Ridge Spring, SC 29129

Friday October 30, 6:30 PM HALLELUJAH PRAISE SERVICE

· Steven Galloway Saxophonist

· Gospel Warriors Gospel Mime Dancers

· Minister Sterling Hill Gospel Singer & Preacher

· Cicely Mathis Worship Leader & Gospel Singer

Saturday October 3,11:00 AM There will be Children Jump House, Board Games, Bingo, Fellowship, and Refreshments

Sunday November 1, 2015 9:30 & 10:30AM Sunday Church School and Sunday Worship Service

SC MENTOR is looking for individuals or couples who are willing to open their hearts and homes to just one child by becoming a therapeutic foster parent. Our community is in need of good homes and opportunities are currently available for full-time and respite parents that are patient, loving, and nurturing. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent, please contact Kecia Smith at (803) 649-3220 orKecia.Smith@thementornetwork.com. If you know someone who may be interested in making a difference at home, refer them to us for the opportunity to receive $250! (Respite means substitute care. Respite parents may care for foster children for up to 5 days if the full time foster parent is out of town or traveling and they cannot take the child.)

BBQ BENEFIT FOR CARSON HATCHER & FAMILY: Parents-Brian & Chappelle, Brother-Sam Grandparents are Larry & Donna Hatcher Since March Carson has spent 18 weeks in the hospital and has had 3 surgeries with most recent hospitalization in Cincinnati. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14^th4:00 pm – 7:00 pm MOUNT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH 1186 Mt. Calvary Road, Johnston BBQ Plates $8.00 each – EAT IN or TAKE OUT (Pulled Pork, Baked Beans, Slaw and Bread) BBQ by the pound, while available - $9.00/pound Desserts available for purchase. Sponsored by Lutheran Men in Mission PURCHASE TICKETS FROM M&H Drugs – Johnston, General Supply (NAPA) – Saluda Joe Derrick, Bill Hallman, Eric Carlson, Joey Fox, Butch Austin Christopher Derrick, Ronnie Horne, Felder Sanders, Edward Satcher, Rucker Williams, Jimmy Yonce, Michel Rodgers, Wayne Asbill, Call Church Office - 685-7523

Juniper had a super guest this past Sunday. Brandon Vilie owner and former Marine noted “Honored by a visit today from Kyle Carpenter, he is a US Marine and Medal of Honor Recipient! SEMPER FI”

Josie Rodgers

Last Sunday was yet another special occasion for my family. My parents, Jim & Rosalyn Pressley, had a gorgeous baptismal font built by Ken Gessner and John Burger. They placed the font in their church, Ridge Spring United Methodist, and Sunday, it was dedicated in memory of Leagrace. The plaque on the font reads that the font is in memory of her, “The Princess,” given by her Nanny and Papa. It was a beautiful dedication, and we are so grateful that my dad felt good enough to attend. Frankly, nothing was going to stop him! Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch in the Family Life Center with the congregation.

All Aiken County Schools used Oct. 26, formerly Parent Conference Day, as a make-up day for all students. Students received their first quarter report cards. To make up for the conference time, all teachers will work approx. 3 extra hours on 2 different days to accommodate as many parents as possible. All schools will work late on Oct. 26 with the remainder of the schedule as follows: Oct. 27 – middle schools; Oct. 29 – high schools; Nov. 2 – elementary schools. Contact your school to set up a conference time with your child’s teacher(s).

The school will have a Veterans Day Program Wed., Nov. 11, at 10:26 am. Veterans and Active Military from our surrounding community are welcome to attend. The program will be in the school gym with a guest luncheon following in the school library. For more info, please email Mrs. Brown at melindab@acpsd.net.

I don’t know what to do with myself now that volleyball season is over. I love watching volleyball games! This week, Aiken County teachers will be working late to compensate for a lost parent conference day. Because I have 3 schools, I will work late 3 nights. Well, that takes the play of my volleyball time!

RSM Elem News: It’s Red Ribbon Week! Students will show their commitment to living a drug free life by participating in themed dress-up days. The theme this year is "Respect Yourself: Be Drug Free." On Monday, they will “give drugs the boot” by wearing boots. On Tues., students will be “too bright for drugs” and wear neon colors. On Wed., they will join the “drug-free army” and wear camouflage. On Thurs., students will “sock it to drugs” and wear fun/wacky socks. On Fri., they will “team up against drugs” and wear their favorite team shirts.

The school is hosting a Community Learning Night for parents and students on Thurs., Nov. 5, from 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Please come to the gym at 5:30 for an overview and schedule. Informative presentations and hands-on activities will be available. We are very excited about connecting parents and students with resources in our community. Also, until Nov. 2, the school will be selling 24 ounce, double wall RSM tumblers for $8.

RSM High News: Congratulations to the RS-M True Blue Marching Band for another outstanding performance in the Class A Lower State Championships. The True Blue Band received an “Excellent” rating!

Book Review from David Marshall James:

“The Facts of My Life” by Charlotte Rae and Larry Strauss—Charlotte Rae Lubotsky (now nearing age 90) dreamed of performing on Broadway when she was a teenager, the middle sister of a talented trio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Northwestern University, about 100 miles down the tracks, in Evanston, Illinois, nourished those dreams and introduced her to many fellow up-and-comers: Jean Hagen (en route to cinema immortality as Lina Lamont in “Singin’ in the Rain”), Patricia Neal, Cloris Leachman, and buddy Paul Lynde, among the notables.

Rae fretted about her petite stature. Tina Louise and Julie Newmar towered over her in “Li’l Abner” (1956), but she was pulling in $750.00/week as Mammy Yokum, with her short legs serving her well at that. Although twice-nominated for Tony awards during her three decades in NYC, Rae’s glory lay ahead, in her mid fifties, when she became “Mrs. G.” on “Diff’rent Strokes” and “The Facts of Life.”

Her remembrances of professional colleagues read like a Who’s Who in Entertainment from the past 70 years. She’s exceedingly gracious to one and all, bowing to everyone’s talents, if not their compatibility. In fact, she turned down a plum part in a 1970s TV sensation because she predicted stormy weather ahead with the actress playing the title character, with whom she had worked before.

Rae has outlived her older son and ex-husband, survived pancreatic cancer, and outlasted her first pacemaker. Her younger son, writer/teacher Larry Strauss, serves as co-author.

Reminders:

Oct. 31: Star Center Carnival

Nov. 1: Art Center Reception Jim Harrison

Nov. 8: Shoppes of Ridge Spring Christmas Open House

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wednesday 9:00 to 4:30, Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,

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

Every 2^nd Monday: RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center.

Every Friday & Saturday: AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission

Monday, October 19, 2015

October 19, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Don’t forget to check out the vendors at the Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market.

Ridge Spring Shoppes are gearing up for the Christmas Open House on November 8^th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Come visit our town. We have two restaurants, an Art Gallery and unique shops for you to visit. Refreshments will be served. Juniper Restaurant has a wonderful Sunday Buffet. By the way, Harriet’s Garden has a nice selection of pansies, violas, dianthus, kale and more. You can make your own surprise pots by planting tulip bulbs in the bottom of your pot, and then placing your favorite fall plants on top.

Spann’s 11^th Annual Fall Hymn Sing will be held on Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 PM. Wallace Watkins will play the piano and Pastor John Kneece will lead the singing. The program will feature congregational singing of old and familiar hymns. It will last about an hour and a time for refreshments and fellowship will follow. The church is located at 150 Church Street in Ward. For more information, phone 803.430.1314.

Teri Rourk: Persimmon Hill Grill is now under new management and our first Sunday buffet was a success!! We would like thank everyone who came out to eat as well as all the golfers who joined us! Persimmon Hill is a beautiful golf course and it's so close! Anyone who likes golf should be there taking advantage of it!!! Also I am still available for private or group yoga!!

The Steele Justice Band would like to thank Ridge Spring Fire Department for allowing us to have been a part of their annual Adamick fundraiser for so many years. The picture and plaque looks really nice on the studio wall. Thanks so much for including us in the wonderful dinner last Thursday night.

Tom Stephens plans to have fresh shrimp large at the Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market this Saturday.

Book Pick from David Marshall James: “The Last Season: A Father, a Son, and a Lifetime of College Football” by Stuart Stevens—The author, who managed Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, takes in a season of Ole Miss football games “en stadium” with his 95-year-old father, longtime Jackson, Mississippi, attorney Phineas Stevens, an Ole Miss legacy going back multiple generations.

It’s a long way and thousands of hot dogs (their preferred stadium fare) removed from the 1962 season, when the author was ten years old, and he and his father attended the games at Memorial Stadium in Jackson. Now, Ole Miss tailgating in The Grove at Oxford, Miss., consists of scores of red tents, some decorated with chandeliers, and all abundant with decadent spreads and libations.

Looking back fifty years supplies the Stevens men plenty to reminisce about, as they have the time of their lives experiencing another season. As the author reflects, the pain of losing—in football as in politics—carries a greater intensity than the joy of winning. Whoever you root for, you’ll enjoy the game through Stevens’ Ole Miss goggles.

Art Association of Ridge Spring (AARS): Joanne Crouch

Upcoming Classes:

Saturday, October 24th, 9a-1p- Polymer Clay Workshop with Candace Bush. Students will receive tips/ instructions on creating jewelry using polymer clay techniques. Cost $35.00; materials included. Ages 12+

Saturday, October 31, 9a-1p- Fall Pottery Workshop with Donna Minor. Students will have the option of building a sugar and cream bowl or colander. Cost- $35.00; Materials included; Ages 8+

Artist Event

Sunday, November 1st, 1:00 pm-4:00pm…Come join us as the Art Association hosts a reception honoring South Carolina artist, Jim Harrison. Mr. Harrison will be on hand to sign his Art (including calendars and note cards). Mr. Harrison's prints, calendars, notecards and originals will be available for sale Admission is free..

Saturday, November 14th, 9a-1p and 15th, 1-4p- Tom Supensky will teach a two part pottery workshop. His clay sculptures are hand built using the coil method of construction. His work can be viewed on his website at www.tomsupensky.com. The cost of this two day workshop is $45.00. Ages 18+. To pre-register for classes, call (803)685-5577 before 10pm and leave a message. You may also contact Joanne Crouch at Joanne.crouch26@gmail.com.

JOHNSTON FARMER'S & ARTIST'S MARKET continues into November. Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, apothecary items, farm fresh milk & eggs, prints & note cards by local artists, different items each week. Visit us on Thursdays between 4 - 6 p.m. in front of the Library/Warehouse. For more information, contact Anne at 803-480-1093 or Donna at 803-275-0010.

Rene Miller’ Ridge spring Monetta Elementary School:

Red Ribbon Week–October 26th - 30th

RSM will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 26-October 30. Students are encouraged to participate in theme days to show their commitment to living a drugfree life. The theme this year is "Respect Yourself Be Drug Free" Monday: Give drugs the boot (Wear boots) Tuesday: I'm too bright for drugs (wear bright neon clothing) Wednesday: Join the drug free army (wear camouflage) Thursday: Sock it to drugs (wear your most fun/wacky socks) Friday: Team up against drugs (wear your favorite team shirt)

Title I Fall Planning Meeting

We will hold our Fall Title I meeting on November 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the guidance room. The purpose of this meeting is to review Title I funded activities, discuss/revise the School-Parent Compact, discuss/revise our Parent Involvement Policy, review parent involvement and staff development expenditures, and discuss recent school-wide data. The school welcomes any input from teachers, parents, and community members. We look forward to seeing you on November.

Josie Rodgers and I try to share and help each other out with our Ridge Spring News. Sometimes we get off schedules. Thanks Josie, for want you do, too. This news is a little late but is always great to hear from her.

Josie Rodgers: Even in the midst of sorrow and devastation, God is at work and the goodness of His people shines through. We have witnessed people in our own communities and across the nation reaching out to help those affected by the terrible floods. Again and again, our state shines as a role model for our country when dealing with devastation and loss. Our schools and churches immediately jumped in and started collecting items such as water bottles for those in need. I am proud to be a South Carolinian, as I am sure all of you are. Let us not rest or forget that this recovery will take much time and many resources, and we should continue to offer our assistance in whatever ways that we can.

My dad had another hospital stay after returning from a relaxing mountain trip a day early. He actually comes home Mon., Oct. 12, thank goodness. He is a miracle with all the health issues he has. He keeps his sense of humor and loves being with his family. The only thing he asked for when I visited was Krispy Kreme doughnuts!

I’ve always written so much about Leagrace because she is my first grandbaby and such a special little girl. My Grandson River is pretty awesome, too! He is learning to talk, and of course, we have vocabulary lessons every day: we are learning to say “Nana” on cue. He is also learning to blow kisses, which resemble fish faces, and loves a ball. I thoroughly enjoy picking him up from Little Friends Daycare, where he is loved and spoiled, and he loves to go to Nana and Pop’s house. My heart will forever ache for the feel, smell, and sound of Leagrace, but I will enjoy every moment with my precious River as well! He is Nana’s boy!

RSM Elem News: From Oct. 12 to Nov. 2, the school will be selling 24 ounce, double wall RSM tumblers for $8.

RSM Mid News: The school is sponsoring a community yard sale Sat., Oct. 17, from 7 am to 12 pm at 10 JP Kneece Drive in Monetta. Anyone can rent a space for $10 (bring your own tables). For more information, contact Monica Johnson at 685-2500 or monicajohnson@acpsd.net.

The True Blue Marching Band will compete at the following: Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, Sat., Oct. 17; Lower-State Championships, Charleston Southern University, Sat., Oct. 24.

RSM High will hold its first quarter Renaissance Rally Fri., Oct. 23, to herald the successes of students as well as faculty and staff. If you are a business in the community and would like to partner with RSMHS to help reward hard working teenagers for outstanding achievement, by way of t-shirts and celebratory lunches, please contact Carmen Holley at 685-2100.

Reminders:

Oct. 20: Harvest Festival Meeting, 6:00 at Cumbee Place

Oct: 25: Spann Church Fall Hymn Sing

Oct. 31: Star Center Carnival

Nov. 1: Art Center Reception Jim Harrison

Nov. 8: Shoppes of Ridge Spring Christmas Open House

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wednesday 9:00 to 4:30, Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,

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

Every 2^nd Monday: RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center.

Every Friday & Saturday: AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission

Monday, October 12, 2015

October 12, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Ridge Spring Town Council agenda and minutes are now on the Town's website.

Go to; www.ridgespringsc.com, go to Government page, Agenda and Minutes.

LaRose Smart, WMU Director Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church: A huge THANK YOU to each and everyone who participated in the Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Shaun Steele… It could not have happed without all your help! We give God the praise and glory for being able to raise $3,554.

Juniper Restaurant: We had a full house at Juniper on Thursday, October 8th and to everyone who came out...WELL DONE! We are so excited to announce that we fed almost 200 people and raised $4000!!!! We had a BLAST working with the firefighters and the excitement in the dining room couldn't be beat. Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you!

Noel Steele, Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Chairman, has scheduled the next Harvest Festival Meeting for October 20th 6:00 at Cumbee Place. Final Totals will be discussed.

Lee Ann Perez- One Ash Farm And Dairy: We are blessed to be safe and dry with no damage after the rain. We are also saddened by the devastation around our state and hope all the readers are safe and recovering. Praying for South Carolina…

Gail Moody-Johnson: The Lady Trojans are still pounding the Volleyball! 13 matches into the season the Team is 10-3 overall and 8-0 in the Region! They are looking to repeat as Region Champions this season! They have 4 Region Matches and 1 potential make-up non-Region match left! The next home match is the final home Match before the State play-offs is Tuesday, October 13th when RSM takes on County rival Wagener-Salley for SENIOR NIGHT!!!! Come out and show your support for Lady Trojans! Wear Pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness!

Book Pick from David Marshall James: “Brief Encounters” by Dick Cavett”—Before DC landed in front of TV cameras, he wrote special material for comedians, and for “Tonight Show” host Jack Paar. Although Cavett aspired to perform magic (as did fellow Nebraskan Johnny Carson) as well as stand-up comedy, he gained fame as an interviewer on multiple programs and networks during the late 1960s, throughout the ’70s, and beyond.

The writing work proved a perfect fit, as Cavett has always had a “thing” for comedians, thus understanding their respective deliveries and what works best for whom. This compendium of short pieces consists of Cavett-ian columns that first appeared in The New York Times. Some selections focus on general topics, such as holidays and childhood remembrances of Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as his college years at Yale, including comparisons of then to now. Nevertheless, the author glows most golden when covering his favorite “mighty mighties” from interviewing and showbiz connections: Muhammad Ali, Jack Benny, Stan Laurel, Groucho Marx, and Jonathan Winters. The telephone conversations with Marlene Dietrich are deliciously dishy.

Cavett’s extended interviews with such entertainment legends as Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn are frequently shown on Turner Classic Movies, while his guest-celebrity gigs on “The $25,000 Pyramid” (which he recounts in vivid detail) can be caught on the Game Show Network. The book is ideal for pick-up armchair or restless-at-bedtime reading. Or for, as the late Richard Dawson would put it, “the toidy.”

Look What’s Happening at the Art Center at Ridge Spring

Upcoming Classes:

Saturday, October 10th,9a-3p- Beginning Encaustic Wax Workshop with Joanne Crouch. Attendees will experience numerous demonstrations and will be encouraged to complete at least three pieces. Most tools and supplies will be provided. Only 2 spaces left. Students Must Pre-Register. Cost - $75.00; Ages 18+

Saturday, October 17^th, 9a-1p- Gourd Chip-Carving Workshop with Linda Lake. Students will be instructed in the use of proper techniques used to create and complete a chip carving piece. All tools and supplies included. Cost- $35.00

Saturday, October 31, 9a-1p- Fall Pottery Workshop with Donna Minor. Students will have the option of building a sugar and cream bowl or colander. Cost- $35.00; Materials included; Ages 8+

Artist Event

Mt. Pleaseant Baptist Church presents Dawn Smith Jordan Testimony & Concert: Dawn Smith Jordan combines music, testimony, humor, real-life emotions, and most importantly, the Truth found in God's Word on October 18^th. Dawn says, “The marvelous thing about God is that the deeper the tragedy, the greater the grace”. She is no stranger to both. God has built a powerful message into the life of Dawn Smith Jordan, through her effective use of God's Word she shares the incredible highs and the devastating lows of her journey. She is truly a blessing. Plan on leaving uplifted, encouraged and inspired to serve our God! Sunday, October 18th @ 6:30 pm Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church 164 Mt. Pleasant Road Ridge Spring, SC 29129 (803) 685-7183 Please come join us! Mark your calendars - - don’t miss out! A special love offering will be collected.

Reminders:

Oct. 15: FORS Meeting Library

Oct. 18: Dawn Smith Jordan at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Oct. 20: Harvest Festival Meeting, 6:00 at Cumbee Place

Oct. 31: Star Center Carnival

Nov. 1: Art Center Reception Jim Harrison

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,

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

Every 2^nd Monday: RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center.

Every Friday & Saturday: AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission

Monday, October 5, 2015

October 5, 2015

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

I hope and pray all is well after such a weather forecast that was hard to believe. I began thinking of those I knew in Charleston and of course Clemson. South Carolina has been the center of the Weather Channel News all this weekend. They would mention certain streets flooded and I knew exactly where they were talking about. It was an eerie and scary feeling to see such water accumulation. I am thankful that we survived and we shall more forward. We had been on vacation in Florida and had to watch our state over television and the internet. We returned Sunday evening.

Juniper Sets the Night on FIRE on Thursday, October 8th, 6:00-9:00 PM In support of the Ridge Spring Fire Department. Juniper will host a delicious buffet and all proceeds go directly to our hardworking volunteer fire department. Adults $14.95, $8.25 kids 12 and under. Come on out and show them how much you appreciate them!

Head Coach Johnson RSM Volleyball Coach: The Lady TROJANS Volleyball team is 10-2 overall and 8-0 in the Region on the 2015 season! The team travels to Brooklyn - Cayce on Thursday, October 1st before returning home Monday night for a second battle with B-C! Senior night for volleyball is Tuesday night October 13^th Please come out for Senior night and show your support for the largest Senior class ever in Volleyball! The Lady Trojans will be battling arch rivals Wagner Salley Lady War Eagles for the chance to capture back to back undisputed Region 4 Championships!!!

Shannon Rikard: There is a FREE Community Block Party with food, music, fun and more on October 11, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. It will be held at Cedar Creek Church on the Ridge, 788 West Columbia Avenue, Batesburg-Lessville. Everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends! For more information, contact Cedar Creek Church, www.cedarcreekchurch.net

Ridge Spring Star Community Center and Helpful Hands Ministries presents “Light the Night Fall Carnival” Saturday October 31^st from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. The Star Community Center is at 206 Ridge Hill Dr., Ridge Spring SC. There will be a Haunted House, Fun and Games, Costume Contest, Candy and more!!! For more information contact Pastor Key at (803)480-3963.

Ridge Spring United Methodist Church:

The Big Red Box full of food was delivered this week to Bethal Baptist Church to be used in the Back Pack Ministry. This Ministry fills back packs full of food to be used over the weekend. This Ministry is at RSM Elementary so we are helping to ensure our neighbors don’t go hungry over the weekend. RSUMS is thrilled to be part of this much needed Ministry. If you would like to help leave non refrigerator food items such as: Ramen noodles, micro wave mini meals, box drinks/juice on the porch of the Church or Family Life Center (FLC).

RSUMC again this year had a cooler of bottled water along with the prayer request box in front of the FLC during the Harvest Festival. Most of the water was gone and 4 prayers requests were made. We are glad to provide this service to the participants of the Harvest Festival and the prayer request were added to the Church Morning Prayer list.

Hope you have noticed the new sign located in front of the Church. And the light has been fixed in the Church which focuses on the stained glass window on the front of the Church. Lovely… RSUMC is on Face Book and now has 82 likes! Please visit our Face Book page, like us and keep up with what is going on.

October is domestic violence awareness month! The Big Red Box is collecting needed items for Killingsworth (a safe home for women in transition). Right now needed items are: umbrellas – sturdy ones, disposable rain ponchos, shower curtains/hooks, laundry detergent and non slip boots or shoes sizes 6, 7, and 8. If you would like to help with this, leave your donation on either the Church or FLC porch and a Church member will see that it makes its way into the Big Red Box. Someone left a HUGE container of laundry detergent on the porch of the Church over the weekend. Thank you donation fairy!!! Regular Church services at 11 a.m. on Sunday unless otherwise notified. Look for information in the coming weeks about a Sunday school class that is being started.

We are small in number, but large in heart and faith, join us!

Terri Rourk: I'm offering private or group yoga practices. Therapeutic yoga, senior yoga, yoga for weight loss, stretch and relaxation.... So many wonderful ways to stay healthy and flexible!! 864-992-7132 Terri Rourk.

Jeff Clamp, Band Director Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High School: Here is a link to see the performance of "Amazing Grace" at Saturday's competition in tribute to Barnwell's band director that passed away unexpectedly over the summer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm7foYPPJNs (I watched the video and it was moving. I thank our RSM band for participating in such a wonderful tribute.)

Book Picks from David Marshall James:

“Monroeville: Literary Capital of Alabama” by Kathy McCoy and “Monroeville: The Search for Harper Lee’s Maycomb” from Monroe County Heritage Museums.

These photo-rich books from Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series are sure to draw sighs from anyone interested in Harper Lee and Truman Capote. Although production designers for the film version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” visited the town, with its 1903 domed courthouse in the square, the film was shot at Universal studios, California. Many of Monroeville’s old-timers recall Gregory Peck’s “research” visit.

Although a non-native, Truman Capote spent extended periods with a household of older cousins, next door to Lee. Capote’s outstanding stories “A Christmas Memory” and “The Thanksgiving Visitor” are set in that household. McCoy’s book contains rare pictures of a youthful Capote, including one with classmates in Halloween garb, with carved pumpkins in view.

The marvelously nostalgic Images of America series most recently features another Alabama town, Jacksonville, by John B. Nisbet III and Dorothy Jane Nisbet. The series has covered numerous South Carolina locales—check your local library for more information. Indeed, all libraries would do well to make space for this series in their reference sections.

Rene Miller, RSM Elementary

Read for Clemson or Carolina: Information has been sent home to “Read Your Way to The Big Game.” Students just need to read 6 books between now and November 9 and they will have a chance to win tickets to the Clemson/Carolina football game.

Upcoming Fundraiser: We will begin selling 24 ounce, double wall RSM tumblers on October 12th. The fundraiser will end on November 2nd. The cost is $8.00. Information about incentives for the top sellers will be sent home with the fundraiser forms on October 12th.

Solicitor Visits First Grade: We would like to thank Matt Martin for visiting first grade. He is a solicitor with Lexington County. He explained his job as well as the duties of other law enforcement officers. His presentation included ways to be safe and the importance of following the rules and staying out of trouble. We appreciate Mr. Martin for helping with our Community Helper unit.

Josie Rodgers:

The entire state watched in horror as torrential rains and floods devastated much of our lands. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what our state neighbors were experiencing as they watched vehicles float away, roads collapse, bridges disappear, and homes fill with water, all of it contaminated and containing trash and critters. Social media and the news showed countless videos and pictures of the natural disaster that destroyed businesses and homes and took the lives of people and animals. This was not a time to venture out to see the damage, as more was bound to occur because of the waters released at lakes and rivers and roads unexpectedly caving in. It was a time for our emergency personnel to do their jobs without having the added burden of those placing themselves purposefully in harm’s way. Thank you to all those firefighters, police officers, and other first responders and emergency workers who gave quick and competent aid to our people. We appreciate you so very much.

RSM Middle School News: The middle school celebrated Homecoming on Sept. 16. Da’Naijha Murray was crowned Homecoming Queen, and Treyvon Samuels was Homecoming King. Students participated by dressing up for Nerd Day, Hat Day, Camo Day, and School Spirit day as well as competing in activities like the hula hoop pass.

The school is sponsoring a community yard sale Sat., Oct. 17, from 7 am to 12 pm at 10 JP Kneece Drive in Monetta. Anyone can rent a space for $10 (bring your own tables). For more information, contact Monica Johnson at 685-2500 or monicajohnson@acpsd.net.

RSM High News:

On Sept. 8, the FFA, under the direction of Michael Crim, sponsored a blood drive for the American Red Cross. Twenty-two people attempted to donate blood, and 20 units were collected. That means that a total of 60 lives can be saved!

RSM High will hold its first quarter Renaissance Rally Fri., Oct. 23, to herald the successes of students as well as faculty and staff. Student of the Month for each month and 'Staffulty' of the Month will be celebrated, along with students on Honor Roll and students with perfect attendance. Each month, students elect a staff or faculty member who they think makes RSM High a better place, and staff and faculty members elect a student deserving of recognition due to outstanding character and/or work ethic. Student of the Month for September was Jermois Morris, nominated by multiple teachers. The Teacher of the Month was Coach Johnson. If you are a business in the community and would like to partner with RSMHS to help reward hard working teenagers for outstanding achievement, by way of t-shirts and celebratory lunches, please contact Carmen Holley at 685-2100.

Reminders:

Oct. 8: Juniper buffet for Fire Depart. Benefit

Oct. 11 Community block party at Cedar Creek Church

Oct. 15: FORS Meeting Library

Oct. 18: Dawn Smith Jordan at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Oct. 31: Star Center Carnival

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,

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

Every 2^nd Monday: RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center.

Every Friday & Saturday: AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission