February 24, 2020

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Many of you remember the town square as one side having parking spaces and the other side by the park you just pull up and park.  Now there are designated parking spaces which has increased the number of parking spaces.  You can still pull forward to the end of the parking lot and park your wagon or large truck there. Recently a group of really old cars with their owners joined the trip down memory lane by parking in the new parking lot under the water tower that does not hold water.

The Friends of Ridge Spring: We will be postponing the FORS meeting from this Thursday the 20^th to next Thursday the 27^th due to the town having a called meeting to discuss the bidder for the new Farmers Market building. We will have the meeting next week at the same scheduled time of 5:30pm.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: February the Big Red Box is collecting soup and other non-perishable food items. These will be delivered at the end of the month to a local ministry, Helpful Hands. If you would like to help out, leave your donation on the porch of either the Church of Family Life Center.  Pastor Ashley returned safely from her Mission Trip. So much to share. We are working on a Sunday for her presentation. Will keep you posted. RSUMC is on Face Book. Visit our page.

With the guidance of Laura Walker and the help of many in the community,  the cat population is becoming stabilized.  The next neutering project will be March 3.  If  you are interested contact Town Hall at 803.685.5511.

Still Waters Baptist Church REVIVAL With Roger Clark (In the Potter’s Hand) You’ll be glad you came!!  Friday, March 13. 6:30 pm; Saturday, March 14.   6:30 pm; Sunday. March 15 10:00 am. Still Waters Baptist Church, 374 Delmar Rd., Leesville, SC.  29070.
Two miles from the traffic circle

Jeffrey Clamp, Three members of the Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Band participated in the University of South Carolina Honor Band Clinic in Columbia, SC Thursday, February 13 through Sunday, February 16.  Seniors Jonathan Cumbee and Joanna Kaiser and Junior Chesley Cooper are the first students to represent RS-M at this very prestigious honor band clinic in over 10 years.  Almost 400 students from 106 schools in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia participated in this clinic, which is considered one of the finest band clinics in the nation.  On Thursday evening the students auditioned for seating in one of the four honor bands and attended a concert by three of USC's premier ensembles.  On Friday and Saturday the students rehearsed with their bands, attended master classes taught by members of the USC music faculty, and attended more concerts.  The clinic ended with all four honor bands performing an outstanding concert on Sunday afternoon.

ART ASSOCIATION OF RIDGE SPRING & GALLERY

Quilting on the Ridge is coming up before you know it! Keep an eye out for the quilt that will be raffled, it should be hanging at Security Federal Bank in Ridge Spring any time now. Also, if you are a vendor or have a quilt and would like to participate during the event go to https://www.ridgespringsc.com/quilting-on-the-ridge and you will find a form you can fill out and turn in to town hall. Help make Quilting on the Ridge grow; we need you!

 Acrylic Paint Pour Saturday, February 29, 2020 Time: 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Cost: $30.00 All supplies furnished Class size limited to 6 adults only. Teacher: Carolyn Boatwright We will explore several ways of doing pour paint. You will be pouring painting on a 11"x 14" canvas. Bring apron or wear clothes that you don't mind getting paint on. Bring something to drink and a snack if you think you will need something to eat or drink during this time. We can take a short break if needed. Contact Carolyn at 803-685-7688 or e-mail irvcar@yahoo.com

Pen Turning Class Monday, March 9, 2020 Cost: $35.00 Each class is 1 ½ hours at Larry’s home workshop. Please email {Marlene_Sides@yahoo.com} or Call: 706-829-4929 to book your session and directions. Pottery Classes Monday, March 16, 2020 Garden Lantern Time: 6:30 pm Cost: $35.00 Instructor: Kim Ruff To sign up: Message Joanne Crouch at (803) 480-0576 or by email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or stop by the Art Center.

Bowl Turning Class Saturday, March 21 1:00 PM – 3 PM – Sign up NOW, classes fill up quickly! Instructor: Nick Watson Cost: $80 Includes all supplies. Session will be held in front of the Art Center of Ridge Spring in Nick’s travel workshop. To sign up: Message Joanne Crouch at (803) 480-0576 or by email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or stop by the Art Center.

Exercise Class: Come join in on our exercise classes. Marlene Sides, RN, CES is the instructor. She is a NASM certified personal fitness trainer and Registered Nurse. Equipment for strengthening exercises provided. Drop-ins welcome! Every Tuesday and Thursday there will be a 4pm, 5pm and 6pm class. Come join in! Fee: $5 per session Please email {Marlene_Sides@yahoo.com} or Call: 706-829-4929 to book your session and directions.

Please, don’t forget that we are open Friday and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm and you can also check out what’s new on Facebook or our website at http://ridgespringlovesart.weebly.com

Josie Rodgers

RSM Elem: On Sat., Mar. 28, the PTO will sponsor a Spring Craft Fair and Yard Sale from 9 am to 2 pm. Spaces are $15. If you would like to register for a space or find out more, contact Kristine Sasser at ksasser@acpsd.net or 803/479-0883

RSM High: On Mon., Feb. 24, at 5 pm, please join us as we dedicate the new high school and celebrate the groundbreaking of the new elementary wing of our RSM K-12 campus.

RSM High: Three members of the RSM High Band participated in the USC Columbia Honor Band Clinic Thurs., Feb. 13, to Sun., Feb. 16. Seniors Jonathan Cumbee & Joanna Kaiser and junior Chesley Cooper are the first to represent RS-M at this very prestigious honor band clinic in about 15 years. Almost 400 students from 106 schools in the states of SC, NC, GA, FL, and VA participated in this clinic, which is considered one of the finest band clinics in the nation. On Thurs evening, the students auditioned for seating in one of the four honor bands and attended a concert by three of USC's premier ensembles. On Fri and Sat, the students rehearsed with their bands, attended master classes taught by members of the USC music faculty, and attended more concerts. The clinic ended with all four honor bands performing an outstanding concert on Sunday afternoon.

The Senior Beta Club and National English Honor Society inducted 18 new members at a ceremony last week. Principal Dr. Webb welcomed the guests & invited them to our new school’s dedication, and sponsors Kelly Bedenbaugh & Josie Rodgers led the induction with the assistance of Beta President Morgan Berry, NEHS President Symia Wilson, and secretary to both clubs Joanna Kaiser. New inductees to Beta include Keyziah Cannon, Bell Gilliam, Jersey Howie, Ariona Kinard, Trinity LaBrew, Katelyn Lewis, Kanaan Ligons, Robby Mitchell, Kyla Padgett, Elizabeth Proctor, Mattison Senn, Dustin Spires, Franklin Starkey, Daniel Trinidad, & Ja’Nya Watkins. NEHS inductees included Keyziah Cannon, Katelyn Lewis, Mattison Senn, Brett Smith, and current Beta members Courtney Lee and Madison Wootton.

The Beta Club and NEHS members created over 75 care packages for an Aiken nursing home. On induction day, they group gathered during ILT and created an assembly line to fill the bags with personal hygiene items and valentines. Several members later loaded the love-filled bags into NEHS President Symia Wilson’s car. Symia’s CNA class delivered the packages to the nursing home where they will be distributed to the residents.

The Lady Trojans basketball team traveled to Lamar last Thurs and won the 2^nd round of the state playoffs 45-36. They team will travel to Estill Mon., Feb. 24, for the 3^rd round!

The school hosted its annual Black History Program last Friday in the new gym. The Culture Club and step team were just a few of the performers of the day. More on this next week!

The FFA is sponsoring a blood drive Thurs., Feb. 27, from 8 am to 2 pm in the new agriculture shop. Sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “mightytrojans.” All donors will receive a free T-shirt and be entered into a drawing for a free gift card. Blood types O, A-, and B- should ask about a Power Red donation. Contact Michael Crim, FFA advisor, for more info.

Review from David Marshall James:  "Dead to Her" by Sarah Pinborough

   Crank up the A.C. and ice down a bevvie, because Savannah is sweltering as July Fourth-- and a killer party-- are fast approaching in this latest thriller by British author Sarah Pinborough.

   The steam just begins to rise as widower William Radford IV returns from the U.K. with a most unexpected bride, an exotic young head-turner named Keisha, whom he most certainly hasn't discovered in a manicured quad at one of Oxford's historic colleges. 

   All of "Old Guard" Savannah is either aghast or agog, or both, depending on their hormonal levels, including William's next-in-line law partner, Jason Maddox.  Meanwhile, Jason's trophy wife (he pitched his first spouse, Jacquie, to the curb), Marcie, who previously Keisha-ed her way into Savannah's social set, is envious of her even-younger usurper.

   Let's catch our breaths to comment that Keisha's and Marcie's respective pasts-- having transpired on separate shores-- are nonetheless equally fascinating as the author slowly reveals them.  However, plenty of William IV's contemporaries-- ostentatious do-gooder's and oh-so-chummy air-kisser's over at "the club"-- are faithful to the memory of his late wife, Eleanor, who withered away battling cancer while her husband developed a taste for a nubile young waitress.

   Besides, William is aging like "The Picture of Dorian Gray," only a catch owing to his money and power.  Among those keeping Eleanor's flame aglow is a Mrs. Danvers-ish (as in the first-wife-faithful retainer in Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca") housekeeper Chez Radford, name of Zelda.  Indeed, she's ensconced in the guest cottage, and she's driving Keisha mad.  The novel isn't limited to the above players, yet it does hone in on Keisha and Marcie, sisters under the skin.

   Enough of the storyline.  Lock up the cutlery and battle swords of yore.  You know the plot is headed to 911 territory by Act IV.

   The author plays that plot for protracted suspense, with ooh-gobs of raunchiness to divert the reader until the cops come a-callin'.  Even so, Pinborough enhances her narrative at a psychological level.  How do her characters duck-and-cover when the shitake-mushroom canapes hit the fan?

   Oh, but Act V yields one "Say what?" upon another, in a decadent thriller sure to steam up your reading glasses with all its tongue-and-groove-- in the mansion residences, of course.

Harriet's Garden Tips: I received my soil sample results from the Clemson Agricultural Service Laboratory.  It was full of information.  First it did tell me some of the s tuff I needed to add to the soil, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and a smaller amount of magnesium.    Then it  stated how to do that.  Thank goodness for that.  It also stated the need for lime.  Broadcast dolomitic limestone as recommended in the fall or at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to planting and mix into the soil to the planting depth.  If the rain will stop long enough for us to broadcast the lime, the rain will help the lime soak into the soil to the depth of planting.  Now I do not know if this is true, but it sure makes sense to me.

   REMINDERS

March 13-14: Quilting on the Ridge

May 16: Magnolia Ridge Antique & Art Gathering

Jeannette Carr Memorial: 864.656.5896, www.clemson.edu/isupportcu, Jeannette        Carr Memorial, Annual Giving Office, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631

Ridge Spring Library Hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

            Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

Every first Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

Second Tuesday: Ridge Spring Harvest Festival

February 17, 2020

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Belated Happy Valentine's Day

Town Square is really coming along.  Once more I will remind all that there will be NO water in the water tower.  It is only decoration for trains do not use water any more. But the cars are now able to park on the square.  It really is coming along.  They are working on the other part of the square where many of us remember the old post office which is now Miguelitos Restaurant.  Haley Bee Boutique is in the old town hall and if you are as old as me it was where Jones' Dry Cleaning was. I think I am showing my age. These businesses are open.  Parking on Main Street or going around to Railroad Ave. to reach the Boutique are options for all. 

HGTV's Home Town is a series with Erin and Ben Napier.  Ridge Spring has entered the contest for small town make-over.  With the help of Jessica Grandes, Mayor Pat submitted a video of our unique town.  If you don't try, you do not have a chance.  We at least have a chance.   Who knows?????

Haley Bee Boutique: Things might be starting to get a little crazy around town but don’t worry we are OPEN for regular hours despite the construction. If you want to come shop with us the easiest way to get here is to park on Railroad St. directly between the boutique and the railroad tracks.

Yon Family Farm had their Bull and Female Spring Sale on February 15.  The auction began around 11:00 AM.  This sale included  225 bulls and 75 females. They offered SemAngus and  Ulltrablack cattle. 

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: The Big Red Box was overflowing with items for BINGO prizes for the Saluda Senior Center. Those were delivered on a VERY rainy Friday to the delight of the site manager. Got to meet her, see some of the participants and also see the Center. Everything was bright and cheerful. Hopefully RSUMC/BRB can take more items.   

February the BRB is collecting soup and other non-perishable food items. These will be delivered at the end of the month to a local ministry, Helpful Hands. If you would like to help out, leave your donation on the porch of either the Church of Family Life Center.  Pastor Ashley returned safely from her Mission Trip. So much to share. We are working on a Sunday for her presentation. Will keep you posted. RSUMC is on Face Book. Visit our page.

 ART ASSOCIATION OF RIDGE SPRING & GALLERY

For all art lovers we have lots for you to see and enjoy! We are open Friday and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm and you can also check out what’s new on Facebook or our website at http://ridgespringlovesart.weebly.com. For those of you who are artists or just love getting creative we’d love it if you’d become a part of our association! If you’d like to learn more or would like to hear what’s going on behind the scenes, we have monthly meetings held at 6:30 pm on the first Thursday of the month. This month’s meeting (which has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 8 at 1 pm so you can still join us!), we will be talking about the upcoming quilting weekend which is being held March 13 and 14th. We are at Art Center Ridge Spring 108 Maintenance Building Circle.

Exercise Class

Come join in on our exercise classes. Marlene Sides, RN, CES is the instructor. She is a NASM certified personal fitness trainer and Registered Nurse. Equipment for strengthening exercises provided. Drop-ins welcome!

We now have more classes added!

Starting Feb 11th every Tuesday and Thursday there will be a 4pm, 5pm and 6pm class. Come join in! Fee: $5 per session Please email {Marlene_Sides@yahoo.com} or Call: 706-829-4929 to book your session and directions.

Bowl Turning Class

Saturday, February 22, 202 1:00 PM – 3 PM Instructor: Nick Watson, Cost: $80 includes all supplies.  Session will be held in front of the Art Center of Ridge Spring in Nick’s travel workshop. To sign up: Message Joanne Crouch at (803) 480-0576 or by email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or stop by the Art Center.

Acrylic Paint Pour

Saturday, February 29, 2020 Time: 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Cost: $30.00 All supplies furnished

Class size limited to 6 adults only, Teacher: Carolyn Boatwright

We will explore several ways of doing pour paint. You will be pouring painting on a 11"x 14" canvas. Painting will take 3 days to dry and will then need to put coat of varnish on painting to keep dust from sticking to canvas. We will discuss when to come back to finish this process. Bring apron or wear clothes that you don't mind getting paint on. Bring something to drink and a snack if you think you will need something to eat or drink during this time. We can take a short break if needed.

Contact Carolyn at 803-685-7688 or e-mail irvcar@yahoo.com

Helpful Hands Ministries: "I'm Pressing To My Blessing, Philippians 3:14" is located at 109 Pecan Grove Rd., Ridge Spring, SC Contact fullygospelpraise.com.

Josie Rodgers

RSM Elem: On Sat., Mar. 28, the PTO will sponsor a Spring Craft Fair and Yard Sale from 9 am to 2 pm. Spaces are $15. If you would like to register for a space or find out more, contact Kristine Sasser at ksasser@acpsd.net or 803/479-0883

RSM High: On Mon., Feb. 24, at 5 pm, please join us as we dedicate the new high school and celebrate the groundbreaking of the new elementary wing of our RSM K-12 campus.

The Senior Beta Club and National English Honor Society will hold an induction ceremony on Tues., Feb. 18, at 6 pm in the new media center. These two honors organizations provide service to our school and community with individual and group projects. Members must maintain high grades and show good moral character. By induction, the both clubs will have members in grades 9-12. Sponsors are Josie Rodgers and Kelly Bedenbaugh.

The Beta Club and NEHS members are currently collecting items for goodie bags to distribute to an Aiken nursing home Feb. 17. Items needed include nonskid socks & slippers, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, body wash, combs/brushes, mouth wash, stuffed animals, happy cards, lotion, deodorant, tissues, after shave, drawing pads, lip balms, puzzle books, adult coloring books, colored pencils, and more. Contact Josie Rodgers or Kelly Bedenbaugh about how to donate.

The RSM High School Improvement Council will meet Tues., Feb. 18, at 4 pm. The PTO will meet the same day at 5 pm. Then the Beta Club and NEHS will have an induction ceremony.

The FFA is sponsoring a blood drive Thurs., Feb. 27, from 8 am to 2 pm in the new agriculture shop. Sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “mightytrojans.” All donors will receive a free T-shirt and be entered into a drawing for a free gift card. Blood types O, A-, and B- should ask about a Power Red donation. Contact Michael Crim, FFA advisor, for more info.

Wardlaw Academy: Congratulations to Bryson Tiller who took 3^rd overall in the SCISA State Bowling Competition!

Congratulations to the middle school girls, varsity girls, and varsity boys basketball teams all for being Region Champions and Tournament Champions this past weekend! All Tourney Players include Jane Walker Yonce, Addison Faust, Dalton Williams, Gracie Kervin, & Jordan Williams. Tourney MVPs include Aimee Spurlock, Anna Grace Spourlock, & Mason Burgess. Region Coaches of the Year are John Spurlock & Kristina Graves. Region Players of the Year are Jordan Williams & Caleb Martin. All-Region Team includes Avery Spurlock, Mason Burgess, Reid Gossett, Ashland Yonce, Gracie Kervin, & Anna Grace Spurlock.

Basketball season Senior Night was celebrated last week to honor our senior basketball players & cheerleaders: Mason Burgess, Reagan Creasy, Katy Neal Day, Reid Gossett, Kay Wiley Kaltz, Caleb Martin, Anna Grace Spurlock, Dalton Williams, & Sidney Williams.

Congratulations also to Brilee Brazell & Raina Barrs for competing in the SCISA State Spelling Bee.

The Patriot Pride Auction will be held Fri., Mar. 30, at Kendall Mill. This year, we are raffling off a 2016 Yamaha Drive EFI Golf Cart. This ride has midnight black metallic paint, rear flip seat kit, lift kit, 14” wheels with 23” all-terrain tires, and an LED light kit with horn, blinkers, & brake lights. Tickets are 3 for $50, limited to 300 packets sold).

HHouseholder: The "old" RSM High School is being torn down to make room for the new campus.  Good Memories abound for us all. I found a picture and caption about the school that was in the Saluda Standard.  Quote, "The above-pictured school building as it stood then moved "lock-stock and barrel" to the Ridge Spring Monetta area from its old Williston site where it was erected by the US Government to be used as an elementary School during the boom-days of the H-Bomb Plant Construction.  The structure was moved in sections to the new site where it underwent a complete job of brick-veneering and other improvements making for a greater attractiveness, comfort and conveniences  However it is the same old school building all dressed up in shiny new brick trimmed with a bright new coat of paint on all the necessary wood-work."

Review from David Marshall James:  "The Last Passenger" by Charles Finch

   Charles Finch, scribe of some of the most readable period mysteries in the marketplace, has arrived with yet another, the thirteenth in the Charles Lenox series set in Victorian London.

   In his past three novels, including this one, Finch has rewound the clock back to the 1850s, when Lenox first began detecting, much to the chattering over clattering teacups throughout the drawing rooms and salons of Mayfair, where Lenox resides in a townhouse facing Hampden Lane.

   Lenox's irrepressible curiosity about the ever-changing circumstances concerning the increasingly cosmopolitan capital where he makes his home has naturally led to his avocation and his assumption of pro-bono cases.  Moreover, he has been summoned to Scotland Yard to assist the in-house detectives with their most perplexing crimes.

   Meanwhile, Lenox's family and closest friends worry over his safety, and with good reason, given the results of his case-in-point, in which Finch has crafted a mystery that defies extensive description without spoiling its exciting developments.

   The story takes off with the arrival of the train from Manchester at Paddington Station in the wee, small hours of the morning.  A gruesome murder has occurred onboard, and Lenox is soon hot on the track of the culprit.

   The narrative grows much larger than one might expect, in a trans-Atlantic web, as with Dame Agatha Christie's advantageous story line in her most-famous "all aboard" mystery.  However, Lenox's era is strikingly different from that of Hercule Poirot.

   As always, Finch provides all manner of informative flourishes and time-framing touches.  His deft hand with characterizations elevates his novels to the upper echelon of the mystery genre.  Whether large, small, or in-between in role, every character is enhanced by the author's Dickensian style.

   The story concludes in early 1856, and the reader figures Lenox to be approaching his 28th birthday.  The later-set novels, beginning with Finch's first, "A Beautiful Blue Death," leave the protagonist after the passage of about 20 years over 10 books.

   'Twill be interesting to learn where Finch picks up his series from here.  Will he dial the clock forward to the 1890s, when Londoners were devouring detective fiction and consumed by each "true crime" account in the city newspapers?  There's plenty of literary juice left in Lenox & Co., and surely Finch can deliver even more pips.

Harriet's Garden Tips: The daffodils and other spring bulbs are looking beautiful.  I have heard and read that you fertilize after they bloom but before the leaves turn brown.  I have also read the opposite.  A good 10-10-10 fertilizer is good when the leaves start emerging.  Make sure you wash off any fertilizer that may be on the plant.  The one thing the experts do agree on is you can add natural compost to improve your soil.   As hard as it is to not cut the browning leaves of the spent bulbs,  the bulbs need the leaves to get and store food for next year's blooms.  You can intersperse planting of other flowers, such as annuals or other perennials.  You are also encouraged to separate the bulbs after a few years for they do get crowded. 

   REMINDERS

March 13-14: Quilting on the Ridge

May 16: Magnolia Ridge Antique & Art Gathering

Jeannette Carr Memorial: 864.656.5896, www.clemson.edu/isupportcu, Jeannette        Carr Memorial, Annual Giving Office, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631

Ridge Spring Library Hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

            Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

Every first Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

Second Tuesday: Ridge Spring Harvest Festival

February 10, 2020

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Peaches are good for digestion.  They provide 10% of daily minimum fiber,  One medium peach supplies over 15% of the daily goal for vitamin In addition to their anti-inflammatory antioxidants, peaches have beta carotene and vitamin C to support healthy skin The lutein and zeaxanthin in peaches help protect the retina and lens, and have been shown to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, two common eye disorders. Recent research shows that bioactive compounds in peaches have anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties. 

February 14 & 15 Juniper Restaurant will be celebrating Valentine's day with our annual four course dinner with wine pairing options. Reservations are required and filling up fast. 803-685-7547.  Check us out on Facebook for the menu posting.

 Come and create with clay on Friday, February 21^st  at The Ridge Clay Arts while Chef Brandon of Juniper prepares classic culinary pairings that are delightfully delicious.  Bring a friend or make it a date. All you need is your creative spirit & an empty stomach. Space is limited and experience is not necessary, book your reservations today for this fun night! www.theridgeclayarts.com 803-334-7060, 6-8 pm $60.00 per person includes, food, wine, clay, studio time & supplies.

Jeff Clamp, Band Director RSM middle /High School: On January 30th eight members of the Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Band traveled to Gaffney, SC to participate in the Limestone College Honor Band Clinic.  The students rehearsed with their bands on Thursday evening, had some fun bowling after rehearsal, and again rehearsed with their bands on Friday morning and afternoon before giving an outstanding concert.  The students also got to see a little snow while in Gaffney.  Representing RS-M at the clinic were Seniors Jonathan Cumbee, Joanna Kaiser, and Makayla Lee, Juniors Chesley Cooper and Zachary Truesdale, Sophomore Kyla Padgett, and Freshmen Nehemiah Singley and Daniel Trinidad. 

 ART ASSOCIATION OF RIDGE SPRING & GALLERY

For all art lovers we have lots for you to see and enjoy! We are open Friday and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm and you can also check out what’s new on Facebook or our website at http://ridgespringlovesart.weebly.com. For those of you who are artists or just love getting creative we’d love it if you’d become a part of our association! If you’d like to learn more or would like to hear what’s going on behind the scenes, we have monthly meetings held at 6:30 pm on the first Thursday of the month. This month’s meeting (which has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 8 at 1 pm so you can still join us!), we will be talking about the upcoming quilting weekend which is being held March 13 and 14th. We are at Art Center Ridge Spring 108 Maintenance Building Circle.

Exercise Class

Come join in on our exercise classes. Marlene Sides, RN, CES is the instructor. She is a NASM certified personal fitness trainer and Registered Nurse. Equipment for strengthening exercises provided. Drop-ins welcome!

We now have more classes added!

Starting Feb 11th every Tuesday and Thursday there will be a 4pm, 5pm and 6pm class. Come join in! Fee: $5 per session Please email {Marlene_Sides@yahoo.com} or Call: 706-829-4929 to book your session and directions.

Bowl Turning Class

Saturday, February 22, 202 1:00 PM – 3 PM Instructor: Nick Watson, Cost: $80 ncludes all supplies.  Session will be held in front of the Art Center of Ridge Spring in Nick’s travel workshop. To sign up: Message Joanne Crouch at (803) 480-0576 or by email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or stop by the Art Center.

Acrylic Paint Pour

Saturday, February 29, 2020 Time: 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Cost: $30.00 All supplies furnished

Class size limited to 6 adults only, Teacher: Carolyn Boatwright

We will explore several ways of doing pour paint. You will be pouring painting on a 11"x 14" canvas. Painting will take 3 days to dry and will then need to put coat of varnish on painting to keep dust from sticking to canvas. We will discuss when to come back to finish this process. Bring apron or wear clothes that you don't mind getting paint on. Bring something to drink and a snack if you think you will need something to eat or drink during this time. We can take a short break if needed.

Contact Carolyn at 803-685-7688 or e-mail irvcar@yahoo.com

Helpful Hands Ministries: "I'm Pressing To My Blessing, Philippians 3:14" is located at 109 Pecan Grove Rd., Ridge Spring, SC Contact fullygospelpraise.com.

Josie Rodgers

RSM Elem: On Sat., Mar. 28, the PTO will sponsor a Spring Craft Fair and Yard Sale from 9 am to 2 pm. Spaces are $15. If you would like to register for a space or find out more, contact Kristine Sasser at ksasser@acpsd.net or 803/479-0883.

RSM High: Congratulations to Kelly Bedenbaugh, Teacher of the Month for February, and veteran RSM teacher of 29 years! Also congratulations to Staff Member of the Month Amanda Derrick! She is one of the smiling faces you see when you enter our school!

Teachers nominated Premier Trojans for Quarter 2: seniors Ali Gilliam & Collier Sullivan, juniors MaKayla Carson & Javier Lott, sophomores Mikenzie Kinard & Johnathan Venable, and freshmen Ariona Kinard & Joseph Bush.

Jeff Clamp, RSM Band Director: On Jan. 30, members of the RSM High School Band traveled to Limestone College in Gaffney to participate in the Honor Band Clinic. The students rehearsed with their bands on Thurs evening and then had some fun bowling. On Fri., they rehearsed in the morning and gave a concert that afternoon. The bands even got to see a little snow while there! RSM band members attending included seniors Jonathan Cumbee, Joanna Kaiser, & Makayla Lee; juniors Chesley Cooper & Zach Truesdale; sophomore Kyla Padgett; and freshmen Nehemiah Singley & Daniel Trinidad.

The Senior Beta Club and National English Honor Society will hold an induction ceremony on Tues., Feb. 18, at 6 pm in the new media center. These two honors organizations provide service to our school and community with individual and group projects. Members must maintain high grades and show good moral character. By induction, the both clubs will have members in grades 9-12. Sponsors are Josie Rodgers and Kelly Bedenbaugh.

The Beta Club is collecting items for goodie bags to distribute to an Aiken nursing home Feb. 17. Items needed include nonskid socks & slippers, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, body wash, combs/brushes, mouth wash, stuffed animals, happy cards, lotion, deodorant, tissues, after shave, drawing pads, lip balms, puzzle books, adult coloring books, colored pencils, and more. Contact Josie Rodgers or Kelly Bedenbaugh about how to donate.

The RSM High School Improvement Council will meet Tues., Feb. 18, at 4 pm. The PTO will meet the same day at 5 pm. Then the Beta Club and NEHS will have an induction ceremony.

HHouseholder: The "old" RSM High School was torn down this past week to make room for the new campus.  Good Memories abound for us all.  Yet the future is in our student body and  the teachers and staff who are helping them reach their goals.  Thank you for the memories and the wonderful future that lies ahead.

Here is a trip down memory lane from the Augusta Chronicle, 1957.

"Ridge Spring Monetta High  Building

Moved From Old Williston Site and Metamorphosed into

 Brand New Structure on US#1 as Economy move for 2-County Area School

Aiken June 9, (1957) - Ridge Spring and Monetta High School children will enter school in September in a brand new "imported" building which has recently been erected at a saving to Aiken County taxpayers of more than $100,000.00. 

In these days of high costs one may wonder how a modern 15 classroom building valued as $250,000.00 could be erected at a total cost of $135,533.00.

 Aiken County was faced with a problem when the State Department of Education engineered the consolidation of three school areas composed of sections of Aiken and Saluda Counties in order to have an accredited high school in that immediate area.

The consolidation was placed by the state under the administration of the Aiken County Board of Education, but was found that state funds were limited for purposes of building a new high school in that area...

Superintendent A. J. Rutland learned that surplus temporary school building in Williston, built by the government at the height of construction of the Savannah River Plant were soon to be sold.  In addition, a home economics laboratory, science laboratory, library, and manual training workshop were incorporated into the building. 

The total cost of t his conversion was $132,783.00 including new specialized equipment...

John Worms, the architect, said  he believed this was t he first larfe school ever to be moved. ..  He described the project as a "work of ingenuity" on the part of Rutland and school officials who provided a find new permanent school building when it has first been believed one was impossible.

Review from David Marshall James:  "The Holdout" by Graham Moore

   The sleeper hit of 2020 is bounding out of bed while the year is young:  A murder-mystery/legal thriller that will have book clubs dashing out the dishes and dialing up the dialogue, with ethical issues abounding.

   Novelist and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Graham Moore sets the stage in Los Angeles with the ten-year, reality-TV-extravaganza reunion of a jury that turned in a hotly debated (during and after the trial) verdict in a sensational trial involving a young, black male defendant and a 15-year-old daughter of a billionaire.

   Because one crusading juror, Maya Seale, swayed all the doubting Thomas's and Thomasina's of the jury-- much like Henry Fonda in the film "Twelve Angry Men"-- and because one disgruntled juror, Rick Leonard, called her out after the trial (and even went on to write a book, in which he blasted her all over again), sparks are expected to fly on that reality-TV reunion.

   On, how the sparks flew during the months Maya and Rick were sequestered with the others, but for different reasons.  All this toxic personal history makes Maya-- the Fonda figure, Hank not Jane-- all the more determined to skip the televised gathering.  Yet Rick ambushes her one month before the reunion, claiming that he has unearthed proof that the defendant in the trial, Bobby Nock, murdered the teenage Jessica Silver, a student at the private school where Bobby, originally from Virginia, was teaching.

   Rick informs Maya that he's saving the big reveal for the TV cameras.  Furthermore, she has since become a successful L.A. defense attorney, and her boss believes Maya will generate boffo biz for their firm if she reunites with her eleven compatriots of yore, regardless of how much she'd like to bail on the event.

   While the author presents his case, the reader may wonder:  Where is this headed?  The first plot twist heralds the procession of many to come, with some biggies stacking up toward the finish.  And why bother with a trial without witnesses?  It's positively un-American.  Make that un-Constitutional. We want to see the lady with the shapely gams, clad in black, her face covered by the veil on her hat, take the stand to deliver enriched-uranium testimony.  (Bonus points if you remember that pop-cultural showstopper from the 1980s.)

   No spoilers on any of the many page-stoppers and jaw droppers that red-pepper this novel.  Plus, plenty of sidebars-for-thought unscroll, concerning the grinding wheels of American jurisprudence.  Above all, how fickle was the fate that drew Maya, Rick, and the ten other jurors (plus three alternates) together to determine the future of an alleged murderer?  The simple act of jury compliance transforms way more than one-dozen lives, a perverse catalyst that wields its seismic power in this surprise standout novel of the New Year.

Harriet's Garden Tips: Took my soil samples to be tested. Cost is still 6.oo unless you want a printed copy to be mailed to you then it is $7.00.   Great bargain for us all.  Cut back that liriope,  fertilized the bulbs after they bloom, and start dreaming about that garden whether it is vegetable, herb, or annual.  Do not prune blooming shrubs until after they bloom and before they start showing new growth.

   REMINDERS

March 13-14: Quilting on the Ridge

May 16: Magnolia Ridge Antique & Art Gathering

Jeannette Carr Memorial: 864.656.5896, www.clemson.edu/isupportcu, Jeannette        Carr Memorial, Annual Giving Office, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631

Ridge Spring Library Hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

            Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

Every first Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

Every 1^st Thursday:  Audibel Hearing Center in Ridge Spring