Ridge Spring News

Honoring Those in Their 90s

The Friends of Ridge Spring held a luncheon to honor the Citizens of the Ridge who were in their 90s at Ridge Hill Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Saturday October 29.

Their names from left to right are Cora Mathis, Grady Wise, Bernice Rowe, Louise Thrailkill, Joe Cal Watson, Betty Ann Cone., Virginia Strother, Willie Ruth Forrest, Thresa Davis and Mae Bell Long.  Thank you for attending.

October 31, 2016

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Halloween has come and gone, but how much candy do you have left????

The Shoppes of Ridge Spring are getting set up for our Christmas Open House on Saturday November 12 and Sunday November 13.  The hours for Saturday will be as usual 10:00 to 5:00, but Sunday will be from 12:30 to 4:30 with REFRESHMENTS.  Come by and enjoy potential gifts, decorations, refreshments on Sunday and so much more.

The Friends of Ridge Spring hosted a luncheon for the folks who are 90 years old or older. We had two World War II veterans, Joe Cal Watson and Grady Wise.  The oldest lady was 97 years old, Mae Bell Long.  Two ladies were the youngest in the group for they had just turned 90, a nice treat to be the youngest.  The Attendees were Mrs. Betty Ann Cone, Mrs. Thresa Davis, Ms Willie Ruth Forrest, Mrs. Mae Bell Long, Mrs. Cora Mathis, Mrs. Bernice Rowe, Mrs. Virginia Strother, Mrs. Louise Thrailkill, Mr. Joe Cal Watson, and Mr. Grady Wise. Unable to attend luncheon were Mrs. Annie Gibson, Mrs. Ethel Jay, Mrs. Vera Key, Mrs. Mary Myles, Mrs. Viola Turner, Mr. Willie James Turner.  They had reached the milestone, too.

The luncheon was held at the Ridge Hill Baptist Church Fellowship Hall with the assistance of Steve Thomas and it was already beautifully decorated.  Effie Martin, Jerrold Watson, and Barbara Yon issued the invitations, purchased the gift bags, and other items that were needed to pull this together.  Sherald Rodgers was the cook.  He fixed rice, gravy, chicken breasts, string beans, and mustard greens for all of us.  Theresa Harmon furnished sweet potato casseroles, and Denise Covington and Harriet Householder (me) made cakes for dessert.  Mrs. Long asked for a piece of my pound cake for she was going to compare it with pound cake from her grandmother’s recipe.  I want to know the recipe for it had to be over 120 years old.  What a delightful time had by all!!!

Jane Autrey Insurance Services, LLC:  Open Enrollment for Health Insurance begins November  1, 2016 , call Jane Autrey insurance803-685-0090 or 0092 for  Medicare Supplement Plans, Private Health Plans and Obama Care. We also offer Life Insurance.

Leonard Bell was on the town square with plenty of fall produce.  Drop by and check his produce out.  He has the usual fall stuff plus pinto beans, black beans, and field peas.  Some were already shelled. So far the deer are leaving the beans alone.

November 8 at 7:00 The Harvest Festival Committee will meet at the library to review and brainstorm about next year’s festival. 

Richland Creek Fall Festival will be held November 4, 5, 6 with plenty of antique tractors and other farm equipment. Richland Creek Antique Power Association was organized in 1996, by a group of men and women in Saluda County, SC, to preserve and re-create life on the farm from yesteryear. Members of the association meet year-round to plan for upcoming events and to enjoy social time together.

The association hosts this annual fall festival where people can learn about farming through sights and conversations with others who remember the days when farms were plentiful. When compared to today's complex farm machines, those on display each year at the festival are quite simple. However, for farmers using those simple tools it meant power - an improved power - free from the use of horses and mules. Equipment and craftsmen at each festival display old ways of rural farm production passed down from previous generations. Members of the Richland Creek Antique Power Association freely give of their time and talents to make this presentation for older generations to reflect upon and for the education of younger generations.

RSM Elem News (Rene Miller):  RSM Elem is fired up about learning!  Their float in the Harvest Festival Parade showed excitement for learning with the following students riding:  Dane Edwards, Stella Edwards, Gavin Fulmer, Emma Fulmer, Anthony Gallegos, Romeo Ruiz, Aaliyah Hartzog, & Princess Lopez.  

The school is selling yearbooks using a new online yearbook company, Treering.  Books are $22, and orders are taken online only at https://www.treering.com or call 877/755-8733.  Deadline to order is April 1, 2017.  You may also contact Mrs. Murray at school at mmurray@acpsd.net or 803/685-2000.

The PTO is selling cookie dough and Hype Socks (RSM, Carolina, or Clemson logos).  Last day to order is Nov. 7.  The next PTO meeting will be Nov. 10 at 6:30 pm.

The PE Dept thanks Mr. Paul Fulmer and the entire Oak Grove Baptist Church congregations for the donation of basketballs, footballs, and kick balls.

Students and faculty were honored to meet author/illustrator Floyd Cooper on Oct. 20.  He demonstrated his unique styles of drawing and showed how he makes drawings out of scribbles.  Many bought books that were autographed by Mr. Cooper. 

On Fri., Oct. 14, volunteers from the RS Fire Dept visited the school teaching students in Child Development – 2^nd grade about fire safety.  The kids even got to explore the fire trucks!

Josie Rodgers:

RSM High:  The Battle of the Trojans ended with RSM taking a huge victory over HKT last Friday.  This Friday, they host Blackville for Homecoming.   

The RSM High Shakespeare Chapter of National English Honor Society inducted 40 new members in a ceremony last week.  New officers were also installed:  President Alicia Key, Vice-president Summer Cherry, Secretary Arturo Contreras, and Treasurer Alexis Gray.  Tables were decorated with classic and contemporary novels as well as pumpkins and other fall décor (thanks, Annalee!).  The Society thanks principal Kyle Blankenship, Mrs. Angela Rodgers, Mrs. Monica Smith, Mrs. Ella Wigfall, and Mr. Johnnie Cooks for making this event so special.

The first service project for the NEHS is a children’s book drive.  They are collecting new and gently used children’s books (even up to middle school level) to donated locally in order to promote literacy in our community.  Please see a member or sponsor Josie Rodgers or drop donations off at the high school.

RS-M Marching Band Alumni:  We would like to invite you to perform with the band in the stands at the homecoming football game on Nov. 4.  Please contact Mr. Clamp by email (jclamp@acpsd.net) or text /call 803-422-2269.  We need to know who plans to participate by Wed., Nov. 2, so we can make sure there are instruments and music for everyone. 

Student Council is having a food drive to help provide food on the weekends for our students in need. We are accepting all nonperishable food donations at the high school. The food can be given to Ms. Jackson or placed in black barrels in front of the trophy case.

RSM High’s Veterans Day Program is Thurs., Nov. 10, at 10:15 am. All retired and active military in our community are invited.

RSM High: Congratulations to senior Mikayla Davis for being named Region 3 Varsity Volleyball Player of the Year!  Mikayla is plays basketball and runs track and is a member of the Teacher Cadet class & the English Honor Society.  Mikayla is the daughter of Michael Davis and Rickey and Marie Harris Jerry and is coached by Gail Moody-Johnson.  She plans to attend college and major in athletic training.

True Blue Marching Band digital camo T-shirts are available in blue or pink.  If interested please contact Jeff Clamp at the high school by phone (685-2100) or email (jclamp@acpsd.net).  There is also an order form available on the marching band web page at http://www.acpsd.net/domain/3827.  Please note that this is NOT a fund-raiser for the band, but you are welcome to purchase a T-shirt if you want it.  The band is selling fresh fruit.  If you wish to buy fruit from the band contact Mr. Clamp at RS-M High School or an RS-M Band member.  You can also see fruit sale information on the band class web page at http://www.acpsd.net/Domain/3237.

Johnston Farmers Market: Just a reminder our Holiday Market will be Thursday, December 1^st – noon until 6:00 PM – this will be our last market of the 2016 season!

Any crafter, vendor, etc. are WELCOME – cost is $5.00!!!  A great start for the Christmas Season!!! HUMC will be selling Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, BBQ sandwiches, JUMC will be selling Hash!!  Come enjoy lunch and stock up your pantries for the holidays

Joanne Crouch, Art Assoc. of Ridge Spring: Come join us at the Art Center in Ridge Spring for a Holiday Painting on November 8th from 6:30-8:30 PM of a vintage Santa by instructor, Chandler Primeaux.   Primeaux, a professional painter, will provide all supplies for the class for $35.   Bring a snack and a beverage of your choice.  On November 15th, Chandler is offering a popular painting which incorporates the outline of South Carolina in the word L-O-V-E. The hours will also be 6:30-8:30 PM. For more info, call864-941-0022 or Joanne Crouch  (803)685-5577 or Joanne.crouch26@gmail.com.  Information is also available on the Art Association of Ridge Spring's Facebook page.  

REMINDERS

November 4, 5, 6: Richland Creek Fall Festival

November 8: Harvest Festival meeting at 7:00 PM

November 12 & 13:  Christmas Open House in Ridge Spring

Recycling Center Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-7; Saturday 7-7; Sunday 3-7

Closed Tuesday and Thursday

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Narcotics Anonymous: The Ridge Spring Library on Fridays 7-8 pm

1^st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

2^nd Tuesday:  Harvest Festival

3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm

October 24, 2016

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Yon Family Farm is having their annual Fall Cattle Sale Saturday.  They sure have a bunch of fine bulls to sell Check out their facebook for they have videos of some of the bulls.

The Friends of Ridge Spring met Thursday and are working on some plans for the Christmas season.  Stay tune.

Leonard Bell was on the town square with plenty of fall produce.  Drop by and check his produce out.  He donated pinto beans and field peas to the Harvest Festival Country Store and I bet he has more for sale.  Another vendor was there Saturday selling shrubbery.  By the way, that was a kabocha squash we sold at the Country store.  It was the big, green, kind of ugly squash but it would taste good if you fixed it.  Cut in half, get the seeds out, cook it and eat it.  You can get them at Watsonia. Watsonia also has the spaghetti squash, too.  For your information Harriet’s Garden has 7 pumpkins left.

November 8 at 7:00 The Harvest Festival Committee will meet at the library to review and brainstorm about next year’s festival. 

Richland Creek Fall Festival will be held November 4, 5, 6 with plenty of antique tractors and other farm equipment.

Jeffrey Clamp: RS-M Marching Band Alumni:  We would like to invite you to perform with the band in the stands at the homecoming football game on November 4th.  Please contact Mr. Clamp by email (jclamp@acpsd.net) or text / call 803-422-2269.  We need to know who plans to participate by Wednesday, November 2nd so we can make sure there are instruments and music for everyone. 

Several people have asked about getting one of the marching band digital camouflage T-shirts after seeing them in the Harvest Festival Parade.  They are available in Blue and Pink digital camo.  If interested please contact Jeff Clamp at the high school by phone (685-2100) or email (jclamp@acpsd.net).  There is also an order form available on the marching band web page at http://www.acpsd.net/domain/3827.  Please note that this is NOT a fund-raiser for the band, but you are welcome to purchase a T-shirt if you want it.

The RS-M Band is selling fresh fruit.  If you wish to buy fruit from the band contact Mr. Clamp at RS-M High School or an RS-M Band member.  You can also see fruit sale information on the band class web page at http://www.acpsd.net/Domain/3237

Don Hall: The Annual Session of The Ridge Hill Baptist Educational Association convened at the Ridge Hill Baptist Church in Ridge Spring on Sunday, October 23rd. The Annual Session ran through Tuesday October 25th. Sunday's, session included Youth Presentations, a Worship Service, and Business Session. Monday and Tuesday's sessions commenced. Monday Evening's session featured The Women's Auxiliary and the Preacher was the Rev. Tanya Ligons of Coleman Ridge Baptist Church.  This year's keynote speaker was The Rev. Melvin Mack from the Development Office at Morris College. He spoke on Tuesday evening.

The Ridge Spring Baptist Church is having their annual Trunk or Treat on October 31 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Helpful Hands News: Helpful Hands Ministries Inc will be sponsoring their Annual Light the Night Halloween Alternative October 31^st 6-9 pm. 109 Pecan Grove Rd. Ridge Spring, S.C.  There will be Free Candy/ Games/Prizes/Costume Contest and a Scary Bible Drama. The Scary Bible Drama will take place at 7pm /8pm & 9pm. Costume Contest will be at 6:30 pm   There will also be a Drawing for 50.00 Wal-Mart card /30.00 Gas Card and 20.00 Applebee’s Card.  2.00 donation required for ticket.

. The Helpful Hands Food Bank is in need of non perishable food items. Donations are accepted every 2^nd and 4^thSaturdays 10 am 12 noon at the Helpful Hands Food Band located at 512 Merritt St.  Bible Study will begin at the Helpful Hands Life Center every 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays 7pmWorship Services are every Sunday 11:30 am. Helpful Hands Ministries is a Non-Profit community Ministry founded by Pastor George W. Key

For more information about HHM Inc. go to our web site fullgospelpraise.com   or visit our face book page George Pastor Key @ facebook.com .

Joanne Crouch, Art Assoc. of Ridge Spring: Come join us at the Art Center in Ridge Spring for a Holiday Painting on November 8th from 6:30-8:30 PM of a vintage Santa by instructor, Chandler Primeaux.   Primeaux, a professional painter, will provide all supplies for the class for $35.   Bring a snack and a beverage of your choice.  On November 15th, Chandler is offering a popular painting which incorporates the outline of South Carolina in the word L-O-V-E. The hours will also be 6:30-8:30 PM. For more info, call864-941-0022 or Joanne Crouch  (803)685-5577 or Joanne.crouch26@gmail.com.  Information also available on the Art Association of Ridge Spring's Facebook page.  

Review from David Marshall James: "The Absolute Joy of Work:  From Vermont to Broadway, Hollywood, and Damn Near 'Round the World" by Carleton Carpenter

   When Carleton "Carp" Carpenter (real name and nickname) signed with MGM in September 1949, film studios had been after him for five years, having noted his work on Broadway and on tour.

   Carp had also worked frequently in radio and in the infant medium of television.  The extra pay was welcome but far from what would happen when AFRA (American Federation of Radio Artists) put a "T" for "TV" after the "F," repping TV as well as radio artists.

   For awhile, it seemed as if MGM wanted a new Mickey Rooney in-reverse (Carp was 6'3") to pair with such younger stars as Jane Powell and Debbie Reynolds in teen-appeal flicks.

   It didn't take him long to tie on some saddle oxfords and go all "Aba Daba Honeymoon"-ing with 18-year-old Debbie in "Two Weeks With Love" (1950).

   The song became a million-selling no. 1 hit, and Carp was on his way in the movies, for awhile.  He showed Spencer Tracy how not to open a bottle of Coke in "Father of the Bride" (1950). Channeling Rooney, he invaded Judy Garland's barn to help put on a show in "Summer Stock" (1950).

   Yet, MGM had been undergoing power struggles when he arrived, and longtime studio chief Louis B. Mayer was ousted in 1951.  The glorious MGM musicals would be sadly diminished by 1955.  Carp wrangled out of his seven-year contract, but not before making several westerns and "Fearless Fagan" (1952), with a fanny-nipping lion.

   Carp was an Easterner at heart anyway, born and bred in Bennington, Vermont.  He was more for the boards of Broadway than the palm trees of Hollywood, although he returned to California during the late 1950s to mine some TV gold.  He purchased a house in West Hollywood, where one of the notable tenants in his backyard apartment was aspiring screenwriter Wyatt Cooper, later father to CNN newscaster Anderson.

   There's much to recommend this inviting, anecdote-packed memoir, as deep-dish as a New England apple cobbler and as peppery as a serving of mashed rutabegas, one of his faves.  (We love 'em Down South, too.)

   Here are some highlights:

   His memories of Depression-era Vermont; his service in the Seabees in the South Pacific, on a mission to construct what he later learned was the airstrip for the Enola Gay; his tours to Korea and international military bases with MGM stars to entertain the troops; his tour of South America to promote MGM films; and his omnivorous romantic adventures, including one with Amanda Blake, "Miss Kitty" on "Gunsmoke."

   Then there are his wild times in multiple companies of "Hello, Dolly!" as shop clerk Cornelius Hackl.  He toured with Carol Channing, performed on Broadway with Ginger Rogers, and was on the London-bound tour starring Mary Martin that played in Tokyo and Saigon in 1965.

   He's also had success with his songwriting, and even more with the seven mystery novels he had published during the 1970s and '80s.  At 90, Carp is still treading the boards that first called to him as a teenager.  You've probably guessed that he's a trouper, and that this book's a keeper.  Aba Daba Graba it.

REMINDERS

October 29: Yon Family Farm Bull Sale

October 31: Halloween trunk or treat events

November 4, 5, 6: Richland Creek Fall Festival

November 8: Harvest Festival meeting at 7:00 PM

Recycling Center Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-7; Saturday 7-7; Sunday 3-7

Closed Tuesday and Thursday

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Narcotics Anonymous: The Ridge Spring Library on Fridays 7-8 pm

1^st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

2^nd Tuesday:  Harvest Festival

3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm

October 17, 2016

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

WOW AND WOW AGAIN.  The Harvest Festival was fantastic!!!!!! And I was not the only one to say that for the Mayor repeated what I said or I repeated what she said.  Who knows?  It was just great!!!

From the Mayor's desk:  Wow! Wow! And Wow! The Harvest Festival Committee outdid itself this year. Everything was perfect: the food, the entertainment, the weather. Thanks to all the committee, especially chairperson, Ann Marie Taylor, and vice-chair, Patrick Arnold. It was so good to see the high school and the town working so closely in accomplishing a mission. The town has never looked more beautiful thanks to Donna Lybrand who has brought the flower beds under control. Our next undertaking will be cleaning and painting the caboose and painting playground equipment. Remember: Don't look back; we are not headed that way.

Bingo was super.  They played 19 games, raffled of 10 baskets put together by local merchants, and had grilled hot dogs.  Ann Marie Taylor did a great job of heading it up.  The Softball Team, the HOSA Class from the high school and their parents took care of everyone.  The callers were Janice Douda and Tabitha McGlocklin. What a good job they did, too!!! . For the first time in about 10 years I got to play bingo and it was fun.  Thanks to all for doing a great job.  The RSM Booster Club ran the concession stand.  Food was delicious also.

The Cake and Pie Contest was Friday night with Daisy Rutland, the chairperson.   She had the judging Friday night and the winners were:

Brownies first-Maci Lynn Bedenbough, second-AnnaElise Griffith, third-Maci Lynn Bedenbough;

Cookies first –Adalyn Holsomback, second-Riley Holsomback, third-parker Holsomback;

Pies First-Samantha McClure, second-Dawson, Holsomback, third-Denise Covington; Layer cake first-Georgia Isabell, second-Becky Elders, third-Vickie Nye;

Pound cake first-Harriet Householder, second-Becky Elders, third-Cherry McCall

The Country Store was a success only because local farms shared with their bounty.  They were Leonard Bell, Clayton Rawl, Titan Farms, and Watsonia.  We had so much fun with the spaghetti squash from Watsonia.  Once we got the recipe from Sue Fulmer, many decided to try it.  Here is her recipe.  Cut the squash in half at its “equator” and scoop out the seeds.  Set the two halves upside down in about 1” of water in a 9” x 13” dish.  Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and bake at 350 for about an hour to an hour and a half.  Use a fork to pull apart to get the spaghetti.  Daisy says she puts butter and parmesan cheese on it and it is delicious.  You can add spaghetti sauce to your dish too.

The Bar-be-que contest was won by Chief. 

October 6,Juniper hosted a dinner to help the RS Fire Department and the waiters were firemen from the RS F Department.  The entertainment was great too.  They had a relay race with the children and then Colten Rodgers and Evan Layton raced to see who could get all their gear on first.  Then Chef Brandon and Sous-Chef Dwayne raced also.  We all had a great time with great food.  The RS Fire Department received and check for over $3100.00 for the evening from Juniper Restaurant.  You will have to ask the participants of the race as to who won.  I say we all did.

Field of Worship: You are INVITED! Hollywood Baptist Church is hosting our 3^rd annual “Field of Worship” on Saturday, October 22^nd @ 6pm and we want YOU to join us!  This FREE concert will feature recording hip hop Christian artist B-SHOC.  He’s had over 500 performances, 4 million YouTube views, and more than 7,000 souls saved at his shows.  B-SHOC’S love for Christ is undeniable and his music is unlike anything you’ve experienced!  His testimony is very moving and relatable as we struggle to please God in all that we do.  We are also blessed to have Terry Dozier open the evening with an inspired message.  Terry is a former USC and NBA player, coach and motivational speaker.  We are looking forward to him sharing what the Lord has done in his life.  Both of these men are on a mission and sure to make this year’s “Field of Worship” the best one yet!  May God be glorified at this event and our community be united in order to do great things in His name!

There is no cost to attend, however we will take up a love offering during intermission.  We will also have a bake sale and food tent with barbecue sandwiches, chips and drinks.  All donations are appreciated.  In addition to bringing your lawn chairs and/or blankets, bring your appetite as we gather in Christian fellowship.  A nursery will not be provided.  Seating will be limited if it rains.

We really want to reach as many people as possible and are inviting all area churches to help get the word out and especially bring your youth and young at heart!  It would be so AWESOME to see our FIELD filled with WORSHIP!  B-SHOC’s website is www.b-shoc.com and he is also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and countless YouTube videos if you want to check him out beforehand.  Because of the positive response from our last year’s attendees, we decided to bring him back for an encore performance that you will never forget!  If you have any questions, you may contact me (cindylulu421@hotmail.com or 864-445-9773).  This is an event that you don’t want to miss!  

Josie Rodgers

The Harvest Festival That Almost Wasn’t:  sounds like the name of a familiar cartoon!  Everyone enjoyed the festivities and the gorgeous weather!  Friends and family from across the state came to celebrate the fall season with us.  My family enjoyed my mom’s annual creation of gingerbread, hot chocolate and scrumptious chili.  River and Aiden loved picking up the candy thrown from the parade floats, and Miss P just enjoyed the noise and movement. 

RSM Elem (Rene Miller):  Congratulations to our Terrific Kids for the month of September, character word Respect:  Tanijha Morris, Jayde Benson, Jaleigha Price, Zachary Harrison, Zyviarie Denny, Kayley Perez-Perez, Irene Hernandez, Riley Holsomback, Nathaly Segura-Flores, David Brown, Madelin Martinez, Johanan RosalesJiminez, Sarah Gonzalez, Romeo Ruiz, Randy Renteral, A’Shaunti Lites, Wyatt Davenport, Sha’Diamond Keech, Andrea CastroSandoval, James Smith, Felipe CastroSandoval,  Cody Davenport, & Tykeem Martin.

Red Ribbon Week’s  theme this year is “YOLO – Be drug free”  #youonlyliveonce.   Mon., Oct. 24: “Proud to be DRUG FREE in the USA” (wear red, white, and blue); Tues., Oct. 25:  “I have the power to be DRUG FREE” (wear super hero shirts or gear); Wed., Oct. 26: “Turn your backs on drugs”  (wear clothing backwards); Thurs., Oct. 27: “Be DRUG FREE to stay in the game” (sports jerseys or sports gear); Fri., Oct. 28: “Say BOO to drugs” (wear black and orange).

Active Gamecock News:  RSME had 28 students participate in the fall Active Gamecocks & receive tickets to the several USC home events including soccer & volleyball.  Each student who stays to the end of each event will have an opportunity to win USC vs. Missouri football tickets!  Winter Active Gamecocks will be here before you know it!

RSME Walk/Jog Club is walking the distance to Washington, DC!  The club meets each Friday morning and walk/jog from 7:15 to 7:45.  So far they have walked 39 of the 516 miles needed to “reach” the White House.  It’s not too late to join the club!  See Coach Shealy.  The class with the most participants for each nine weeks will win a game of 10-base for their class!  There will also be a special prize for students who attend at least half of the meetings each nine weeks and another for those students who attend all of the meetings for each nine weeks.

First grade would like to thank postal worker Lara Edwards for visiting us.  She discussed how the postal system works, how mail is sorted based on size, and how mail is delivered to homes or P.O. boxes.  Mrs. Edwards brought stamps so students could mail a letter home.  Her visit was enjoyed by all.

RSM High:  The Shakespeare Chapter of the National English Honor Society will induct over 30 members on Tues., Oct. 25.  This society recognizes students who excel in academics, particularly English classes. 

Student Council is having a food drive to help provide food on the weekends for our students in need. We are accepting all nonperishable food donations at the high school. The food can be given to Ms. Jackson or placed in black barrels in front of the trophy case.

RSM High’s Veterans Day Program is Thurs., Nov. 10, at 10:15 am. All retired and active military in our community are invited.

The varsity football team dropped the game to rival Wagener-Salley last Friday.  The next two games will be on the road:  @ Estill (Oct. 21) and @ HKT (Oct. 28).

 Helpful Hands Ministry will be holding their Light the Night as a Halloween alternative on October 31 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

RS-M True Blue Marching Band Competition Schedule:

October 22--Class A Lower-State Championships at Hartsville High School

October 29--Class A State Finals at Batesburg-Leesville High School

Book Review from David Marshall James:"Ash Island" by Barry Maitland

Australian (by way of the U.K.) author Barry Maitland did a tip-top job in capturing modern-day London in his Brock & Kolla mystery series featuring an unlikely pair of New Scotland Yard detectives.

   He has since moved his literary focus several continents away, to his present home Down Under.  Maitland opened his Harry Belltree mystery/thriller trilogy with this past year's "Crucifixion Creek," set in Sydney, with the spotlight on just-this-side-of-rogue cop Harry Belltree, who lost his parents-- a judge and his activist wife-- in an automobile crash that left the third passenger-- Harry's wife,

Jenny-- blind.

   The thrust of the trilogy, its story arc, is Harry's discovery that there was no accident, that his parents were targeted for murder.  What follows is his persistent drive to seek out the perpetrators.  Vengeance is mine, thinketh Harry.

   The cover-up appears to be a many-headed hydra.  Harry makes repeated strides to slay the beast, his quest like that of a hero in an ancient myth.

   He's been lying low on the New South Wales police force, having proven too hot to handle in Sydney, as "Ash Island" begins.  However, his cover is blown to heck when he's recognized by a cog in a big-time drug-smuggling machine.

   Moreover, most of his fellow detectives think he's an uncontrollable loose cannon who ought to go hopping off into the Outback sunset with the kangaroos.

   One person who hasn't abandoned Harry is Sydney newspaper crime reporter Kelly Poole, who is not without her own rogue moments.  In "Ash Island," she's on the trail of the mysterious woman who kidnapped her and turned her over to a maniac in "Crucifixion Creek."

    If Harry had been done over by said maniac, the woman would have had a bullet between her eyes on first re-sighting.  That's not Kelly's style, but kudos to Maitland for having her wield her pen as a lethal weapon in a particularly gory scene.  Also, imagine axes, sledgehammers, and a meat hook in other moments of conflict.

    There's nothing like that medieval touch.  Maitland does violence as well as he does characters and scene-setting.  Throughout the novel, his spitfire pacing is finely tuned, rendering "Ash Island" even better than its predecessor.

REMINDERS

October 20: FORS meeting Library at 5:00

October 20: AARS Quilting Class

October 22: Hollywood Baptist Church is hosting our 3^rd annual “Field of Worship”

October 23: Hymn Sing at Spann Methodist Church Ward, SC

Recycling Center Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-7; Saturday 7-7; Sunday 3-7

Closed Tuesday and Thursday

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Narcotics Anonymous: The Ridge Spring Library on Fridays 7-8 pm

1^st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

2^nd Tuesday:  Harvest Festival

3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm

October 10, 2016

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Harvest Festival isOct. 13-15

October 13 Bingo-Thursday

October 14 Cake and Pie Contest, Bluegrass Music - Friday,

October 15 Parade, BBQ contest, BLUEGRASS MUSIC,

More information on web site and facebook

The Harvest Festival is finally here.  It is so exciting to see the town come together to host this event. You may still enter the BBQ Contest.  You can get your Boston Butt and grill it however long you want to.  You can begin Friday night or start anytime Saturday as long as it is ready for judging by 6:00 PM on Saturday.  Entries are still being accepted.  Pay the entry fee, pick up your Boston butt roast, and start grilling in the designated area.  My daughter and her son are making plans to enter the Cake and Pie Contest and so am I.  What recipe do you want to try for the pound cake, layer cake, and pie contest?  There is a section for children 12 and under to compete for brownies and cookies.

The Harvest Festival Musical Line-up: Friday from 6:00 PM Carolina Rebels play.  Saturday Back Porch Bluegrass kicks off a day filled with music at 1:00 PM; West End String Band plays at 3:00 PM; Columbia Bluegrass Company performs at 5:00 PM; and Steam Drill plays at 7:00 PM. All performances take place at the Gazebo. Festival goers are encouraged to bring chairs or blackets and relax on the grass around the Gazebo.

The sponsors of the Harvest Festival are great in supporting our town and the Festival.  This year they are Holsenback Services, Amick Farms, Cone’s Meat, McKinley, Cooper, and Co LLC, Walter p Rawls and Sons, Comporium, Economy Furniture,  First Citizens, Jerrold a Watson and Sons, SC&G, Gentry Poultry, Bank’s Drugs, AAA Well Drilling Inc., Prices Metal, Yon Farms, Titan Farms, Derrick Equipment, and Southern States. A big Thank You goes to all who have purchased ads in our program booklet, too.

Off the Beaten Path is getting ready for Harvest Festival! There will be new merchandise in the store from your favorite vendors. It will be a great time to start your Christmas shopping. We will have Slade Belgard, a new local author in the store on Saturday morning doing a book signing for his new book, Mystic Creek.

The Gables Inn and Gardens was honored to be a refuge for some delightful folks who were either stranded or evacuated due to the storm this past weekend. So glad they had a wonderful refuge in our great community of Ward. They all commented on how nice everyone one was as they ventured out to our local stores and restaurants. 

Don't forget to get signed up to spend the night during our Dead and Breakfast weekends October 21-22 or the 28-29.  Come experience a little spooky history. Call 685-0099 to make your reservations.

Ann Hughes: The 12th Annual Fall Hymn Sing at Spann Church in Ward will be held Sunday, October 23 at 3:00.  It will feature congregational singing of familiar hymns.  A time for refreshments and fellowship will follow.  For more information phone - 803-430-1314.

Members of the Saluda County Historical Society will hold a benefit hunter’s choice Deer Hunt (half-day or full-day) on Saturday, October 22^nd and a morning Duck Hunt on Saturday, January 21, 2017.  Both hunts will be held at Padgett Pond and the Randy Barnes Family Farm in Saluda County. Interested hunters may call (803) 685 5020 or email:  cebpadgettpd@pbtcomm.net for further information.

Field of Worship: You are INVITED! Hollywood Baptist Church is hosting our 3^rd annual “Field of Worship” on Saturday, October 22^nd @ 6pm and we want YOU to join us! 

Helpful Hands Ministry will be holding their Light the Night as a Halloween alternative on October 31 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

RS-M True Blue Marching Band Competition Schedule:

October 15--Garden City Classic at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School

October 22--Class A Lower-State Championships at Hartsville High School

October 29--Class A State Finals at Batesburg-Leesville High School

Josie Rodgers

            Jan. 3, which was supposed to be a teacher workday for Aiken County, is now a make-up day for Hurricane Hermine. 

RSM Elem (Rene Miller):  Students are selling cookie dough!  See your favorite little Trojan to order yours!

RSM Mid:  (Monica Johnson) The Lego Club would love donations of Legos to help them with their STEM concepts! 

RSM High:  The Trojans’ football game against Blackville will be played on Nov. 4.  This week, the Trojans will host Wagener-Salley for Senior Night.  The next two games will be on the road:  @ Estill (Oct. 21) and @ HKT (Oct. 28). 

The Teacher Cadet class is back and going strong at RSM High.  This class has been missing from the curriculum for the past 5 years (I was teaching ESL).  I am excited about this group of seniors.  They are such fine young men and women!  This year’s Cadets include Mikayla Abney, Latashia Lockett, Jermois Morris, and Sergio Osuna-Perez.  They have learned all about self-esteem and learning styles and are currently studying special education and barriers to learning.  They even wrote and performed a puppet show and will be writing books for children very soon.  These Cadets will begin observing classrooms of all ages next week beginning with elementary SPED.  They will also head to USC-Aiken for a college tour and will become USC-A students!  They earn college credit for the Teacher Cadet class!

The second annual benefit buffet dinner put on by Juniper Restaurant to benefit the Ridge Spring Fire Department was delicious, entertaining and a success.  All proceeds went to the RS FD, too.

The Art Center of Ridge Spring: Joanne Crouch, AARS president. 

    Winter's coming--what better time to learn how to quilt!  The Art Center in Ridge Spring will offer a quilting class on Thursday, October 20, 2016 6pm-9pm at the center.   All materials for the class will be provided to make a 12'x 12" sampler for $50 You will be to taught  all the steps you will need to make a  larger quilt later.

Call or e-mail the instructor, Ann Forrest Watkins, at 864 941 0022 (cell) or email  helpinghearts4u@yahoo.com. for more information or to register. Hours of operations are 10-4 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Ridge and all of South Carolina were fortunate to have gotten through the hurricane.  Mathew could have been more devastating than it was for I have heard there was one fatality due to the hurricane in our state.  Whether the governor acted too early or not, there was only one life lost.  We can always learn from this kind of event.  Pecan trees do produce wonderful nuts, but the limbs can be weak. Always have fresh bread and milk with nice expiration date in the refrigerator.  Birds still come to the birdfeeder in terrible rains.  What did you learn?

REMINDERS

October 13: Harvest Festival Bingo

October 14: Harvest Festival Blue Grass, Cake and pie Contest

October 15: Harvest Festival Blue Grass, parade, BBQ Contest and much more

October 20: AARS Quilting Class

October 22: Hollywood Baptist Church is hosting our 3^rd annual “Field of Worship”

October 23: Hymn Sing at Spann Methodist Church Ward, SC

Recycling Center Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-7; Saturday 7-7; Sunday 3-7

Closed Tuesday and Thursday

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Narcotics Anonymous: The Ridge Spring Library on Fridays 7-8 pm

1^st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

2^nd Tuesday:  Harvest Festival

3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm