the WINTERissue - The City of Ridgeland
Transcription
the WINTERissue - The City of Ridgeland
December 2013-February 2014 Ridgeland Christmas Parade Christmas Decorating Contest Valentine Banquet Mississippi’s 2013 eCity RECRE8 the WINTER issue RIDGELAND, MS From the Mayor We as City officials are continuously seeking more and better ways to communicate with citizens. As always, we remain accessible and available to the public and the media. We seek to be quick and efficient in our responses to citizen needs and requests. Here are some of the primary means of communicating with you that we hope you will take full advantage: • Ridgeland Alert, a community message service for your landline or cellphone, emails and texts. You must opt in for messages other than the landline calls through the city’s website, www.RidgelandMS.org and click on the Ridgeland Alert box on the home page. • Ridgeland Life, a quarterly publication of the City of Ridgeland that includes RECRE8, a listing of current recreational programs, upcoming events in the city, news from the city and the community as well as news and photos from local schools, the local library and our local chamber of commerce and tourism commission. • RidgelandMS.org, the city’s website, includes news releases, calendar of events and regular updates to content. Phone numbers are listed Gene McGee for each department. You can easily find out Mayor of Ridgeland what services are covered by department on the website or by calling city hall. • Monthly eNewsletters arrive to your Inbox as well as eBlasts about time-sensitive information. • Utilizing local media helps us to get information to you. News releases, public service announcements and photos are sent to local newspapers, television stations and radio stations. Advertisements are run for special events. Local digital billboards are used for community messages. • Social Media is used many times per day to convey information and to engage fans and followers. The city’s Facebook page can be found at City of Ridgeland, Mississippi Government. The city’s Twitter account is Ridgeland_MS. Please like and follow us to stay current on Ridgeland news. Please read the article about the city’s new contract with LEADiFY, a Ridgeland company that assists us with social media. • The City has a web-based app that you can use by downloading this link http://m. onetouchapp.com/app/ridgelandms from your cellphone or tablet’s Web browser and follow the prompts to add it to your Home Screen. • The City of Ridgeland has recently partnered with the Ridgeland Tourism Commission and the City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce to develop a native app that will have more features and be available for free on iTunes. Be looking for the new city app in 2014. Staying current with technology is part of what we do at the City of Ridgeland. Providing high quality services and efficient government permitting help businesses choose to locate here and to grow. This keeps your property taxes low and provides more opportunity here for employment. Please read the article in this issue about Ridgeland’s award from Google. We were named the Digital Capital of Mississippi or Google 2013 eCity. If you are looking to relocate your home or business, choose Ridgeland. You’ll be glad you did. TABLE OF CONTENTS UPCOMING EVENTS 2013 Ridgeland Christmas Parade . . . . . Christmas Decorating Contest. . . . . . . . . Lights Tour at Freedom Ride Park. . . . . Ridgeland Ballerinas Take Stage. . . . . . . Wrap It In Ridgeland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sr. Adult Valentine’s Banquet. . . . . . . . . . SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND 4 5 5 5 6 6 NEWSWORTHY Ridgeland Named Finalist for Fiber to Home Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Solar Powered Recycling Compactors Boost Recycling Efforts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Healthiest Hometown Grant to be Used for Fitness Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . 8 LEADiFY Contract to Enhance City’s Social Media Presence. . . . . . . . . . . 8 From the Desk of The City Clerk. . . . . . . 9 Ridgeland Won Local Government Recycler of the Year Award. . . . . . . . . . 10 Google Designates Ridgeland as Mississippi’s 2013 eCity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Protect Your Pets: Holiday Hazards. . . . 11 Boyer Fire Truck Awarded 1st Place at Mississippi State Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Choosing to be Ridgeland Titans. . . . . 12 “Atta Boy” for RPD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 RECRE8 Recreational Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Special Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-16 Superstar Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-18 Tennis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Ann Smith Elementary. . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 Highland Elementary. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-25 Olde Towne Middle School. . . . . . . 26-27 Ridgeland High School. . . . . . . . . . . 28-30 St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. . . . . . . 30 Christ Covenant School. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Veritas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Holmes Community College. . . . . . . . . 30 RIDGELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY Library News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Artist Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Children’s Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Winter Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Police Appreciation Fund Raising Campaign Tops $5,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Chamber Makes Survival Kits for RPD Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Business After Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Make a Difference Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 MCCEC Hosts 2nd Annual Business After Hours. . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 WHO & WHERE Ridgeland Departments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 City Meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 City Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Ridgeland Aldermen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 ON THE COVER: Pictured in the 2012 Ridgeland Christmas Parade are festively-dressed recumbent bicyclists. The 2013 Ridgeland Christmas Parade theme is “Christmas Carols for All to Hear.” This year’s Grand Marshal will be Dr. Hannah Gay. Come out and enjoy the parade in Olde Towne Ridgeland on Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. Editor and Publisher Sandra Rives Monohan, City of Ridgeland Graphic Design Jackson Data Products, Inc. and Service Printers, Inc. SponsorshipPrinting Julie Cox, Jackson Data Products, Inc. and City of Ridgeland Service Printers, Inc. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Julie Cox at Julie.Cox@RidgelandMS.org. For information about Ridgeland Life, contact Sandra Rives Monohan at Sandra. Monohan@RidgelandMS.org. UPCOMING EVENTS Dr. Hannah Gay to Serve as Grand Marshal for Ridgeland’s 2013 Christmas Parade The Ridgeland Recreation and Parks Department and the Ridgeland Beautification Committee are proud to present the 2013 Ridgeland Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. This year’s theme is “Christmas Carols for All to Hear.” We are excited to announce that Dr. Hannah Gay will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal. Dr. Hannah Gay is associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. A native of Jackson, she is a graduate of Wingfield High School. At the University of Mississippi she received her bachelor’s in biology and chemistry. She earned her M.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson in 1980, where she also completed residency training in pediatrics. A certified HIV specialist, Dr. Gay and her husband, Paul, worked for six years in Africa in the 1980s. She joined the UMMC faculty in 1994. Along with her colleagues Dr. Deborah Persaud, a virologist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and Dr. Katherine Luzuriaga, an immunologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, she gained international attention at an infectious diseases conference in March Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the Ridgeland Christmas Parade rolling by along Ridgeland Avenue, Maple Street, W. Jackson Street and Sunnybrook Road on 2013 where Persaud presented their Saturday, December 7, starting at 2 p.m. case report on the “Mississippi Baby.” The report detailed how Dr. Gay administered an early and aggressive treatment regimen to a newborn infected with HIV, which functionally cured the child. TIME magazine named the three physician-researchers to its 2013 list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. In June, UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on , convened a special symposium in Durban, South Africa, where Dr. Gay spoke. The meeting’s report, “Twelve Recommendations Following a Discussion about the Mississippi Baby,” was released in September. Among other roles, Dr. Gay has served as a member of the American Academy of HIV Medicine and the Ryan White Title IV HIVQUAL Advisory Committee. She and her husband, whom she met at Ole Miss, have four grown children and are active members in their Baptist church. Join us in Olde Towne Ridgeland Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. for the City of Ridgeland Christmas Parade. The route will begin at the Holmes Community College Campus in Ridgeland. The parade will begin eastbound on Ridgeland Avenue, turn southbound on Maple Street, then turn westbound on Jackson Street, then northbound on Sunnybrook Road and finish back at Holmes Community College. West Jackson Street will be closed from Sunnybrook Road to Maple Street during the parade. If your business or group would like to be a part of the parade, access the form on the city’s website at www.ridgelandms.org, click on ‘Licenses, Forms and Permits’ and scroll down to ‘Recreation and Parks.’ For more information, contact Wendy Bourdin at 601-853-2011. 4 Ridgeland Life UPCOMING EVENTS Love to Decorate for Christmas? Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la…or in our case, yards and porches! Ridgeland Recreation & Parks will accept nominations for the Ridgeland Beautification Committee’s Christmas Decorating Contest until Dec. 6. Categories for this year are Door and Porch, Children’s Choice, Business, Judge’s Choice and Overall. “We would love to see some more nominations this year,” said Leanne Stacy, Beautification Committee member and contest judge. “I enjoy seeing the decorations. It’s like saying “” to everyone.” Judging will take place Monday, Dec. 9 (weather permitting). Winners will be notified, and signs will be placed in winners’ yards with their approval. Stacy added, “I love being able to acknowledge the people who put a little merriment into the holidays.” Please call the Recreation & Parks office at 601-853-2011 to make a nomination. RIDGELAND BALLERINAS TAKE STAGE IN “The Nutcracker” Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” Dec. 7 and 8 at Jackson Academy will feature 11 ballerinas from Ridgeland. They will share the stage with guest artists Dana Benton and Adam Still of Colorado Ballet, who will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier. The ballet, a holiday tradition for families, will be presented at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Both matinees will be followed by the newly redesigned Nutcracker Sweet Tea Party. At the tea party, festive new decorations will welcome children to the Nutcracker’s Land of Sweets. A delicious candy buffet will allow our young guests to splurge on their favorite treats. Strawberry Café will also be providing some of their delicious pastas for an afternoon that is sure to delight. Parents will want to have their cameras ready as Clara, the Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy and others will be visiting the tables to greet everyone. You never know who may show up to usher in the holidays. Performance tickets are $18-$22. Nutcracker Sweet Tea Party Tickets are $20. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.msmetroballet.com or call 601-853-4508. A 2012 Christmas Decorating Contest winner Lights Tour at Freedom Ridge Park The public is invited to drive through Freedom Ridge Park and enjoy the City’s special holiday light tour. Starting Sunday, Dec. 1, the park will be lit every night until the first of January. It will be full of holiday lights and Christmas decorations. Add this light tour, provided by the City of Ridgeland, to your neighborhood touring this Christmas. Shown are Ridgeland dancers (back row from left) Mary Kate Shearer, Meredith McClellan, Paige Westover, (middle row from left) Diya Rogers, Abigail McCaughan, Payton Hill, (front) Anna Boyles. Not pictured are Bella Bach, Laura Lee Boyles, Nicole Rodriguez and Isabella Sandridge. Photo credit: Leah O. Kackley Winter 20135 UPCOMING EVENTS Wrap It In Ridgeland “Wrap It” is the holiday phrase the Ridgeland Tourism Commission wants all to remember this holiday season. The local tourism entity has collaborated with various hospitality industry partners and retailers to bring a unique holiday flavor to the Ridgeland experience. “The Ridgeland Tourism Commission is excited about the upcoming holiday season and the opportunity to offer visitors a fun-filled celebration of holiday activities in the metro area accompanied with great shopping, dining and lodging in our city,” Mary Beth Wilkerson, Deputy Director of the Ridgeland Tourism Commission, said. Metro area holiday events taking place in November and December include the Mistletoe Marketplace, Handworks Holiday Market, Christmas on Ice, Chimneyville Craft Show, Wonderland of Lights, and the Victorian Christmas Festival in Canton. “We have partnered with several of our lodging properties to offer “Sleigh and Stay” overnight holiday packages that include many extras including a Ridgeland retail savings card with offerings by local merchants. The packages will be offered from Oct. 22 – Dec. 23 to allow for early and last minute shopping excursions complemented by some excited holiday events happening in the area,” she added. Wilkerson also suggests that residents consider utilizing the “Sleigh and Stay” overnight packages for family and friends visiting during the holiday season. Also, guests can visit the Ridgeland Visitor Center and mention “Wrap It in Ridgeland” to receive a holiday shopping tote and to learn more about the shopping and dining venues in the city. For more information, visit the Ridgeland Tourism Commission website at http://www. visitridgeland.com/wrapit or call 601.605.5252. 6 Ridgeland Life VALENTINE BANQUET BRINGS ENTERTAINMENT TO YOUR HEART’S DELIGHT Join us Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 for a special Valentine’s event for all area senior adults. Entertainer Johnny Counterfit will headline the event. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised in Portland, Oregon and living in Nashville, Tennessee since 1993, comedian/impressionist, Johnny Counterfit has not only lived from one end of America to another, but has performed in concert, on television, radio and film, from (nearly) one end of the world to the other. Television cartoons, comedians, and actors cultivated Johnny’s talent of voice impressions, at an early age, along with radio and recordings of some of the most celebrated singers of the last half-century. Johnny brings the richness of his experience to the concert stage, presenting voice impressions of singers, actors and politicians, in clean comedy and music variety. The first of many professional opportunities arose when the ABC Television network called Johnny to appear on the new show, America’s Funniest People. The ensuing years brought appearances on many networks, including CBS, TBS, The Disney Channel, SIRIUS/XM Satellite Radio, as well as cable and satellite television shows. Currently, you will find Johnny featured on SIRIUS/XM Satellite, The RFD Television network, concert stages and terrestrial/broadcast radio stations around the world. The Senior Adult Valentine’s Banquet will be held at Highlands Presbyterian Church in Ridgeland Monday, Feb. 3, starting at 5 p.m. Tickets will be on sale at Ridgeland City Hall and the Ridgeland Recreational Center. Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased before the event. Valentine Banquet for senior adults brings lively entertainment in 2014 with Johnny Counterfit. NEWSWORTHY Ridgeland Named Finalist For Fiber To Home Technology Ridgeland is now a finalist in the race to become the first C Spire Fiber Community. According to C Spire, Fiber to Home is a service that includes an fast 1 Gbps Internet connection, plus home phone and television, provided over fiber optic connections directly to the home. Internet speeds of 100 times faster than the service used will enhance Internet use and its performance radically. Ridgeland city leaders know that getting this tremendous technology for residences would benefit citizens, schools and economic development. The application to get fiber first from C Spire was due Oct. 20. Extensive community support was sought by city leaders during the application phase. Photos of neighborhood organizations and school groups were submitted to show community support for getting fiber first to Ridgeland. A video was developed featuring local school-aged children talking about what faster Internet would mean to them. The City of Ridgeland wishes to thank the individuals, families, school groups and homeowner associations that participated in the application process whether it was completing an interest survey on C Spire’s website or allowing us to take video or photos of you for the application. At the time of this writing, city leaders have learned that Ridgeland is one of the nine finalists in Mississippi to have the opportunity to launch Fiber to Home first. Pre-registration for Ridgeland residents will begin soon at www.cspire.com/fiberhome/. City leaders are proud to offer residents this opportunity. Neighbors in Ridgeland are showing support for fiber optic technology that can bring 1 Gbps Internet speeds to their homes. Solar Powered Recycling Compactors Boost Recycling Efforts The solar powered recycling compactor at the multiuse trail facility is one of several new compactors making it easy to recycle in Ridgeland. The City of Ridgeland invites its residents, businesses and visitors to recycle as much as possible. You may recycle cans, plastic and paper in the new solar-powered recycling compactors located at the Ridgeland Multiuse Trail pavilion and Freedom Ridge Park concession stands. Each compactor can hold up to five times more than regular garbage cans and an app-based alert system informs designated city employees when any of the compactors are full. The City of Ridgeland wishes to thank Mike Delamater Studios for contributing photography for the solar-powered recycling compactors. For more information about the City of Ridgeland recycling program, contact Mike McCollum, Director of Public Works at 601-853-2027 or mike.mccollum@ridgelandms. org. Winter 20137 NEWSWORTHY Healthiest Hometown Grant to be used for Fitness Equipment As Mississippi’s Healthiest Hometown 2013, the City of Ridgeland has accepted a grant worth $50,000 from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. Grant monies are to be used to support ongoing community health initiatives. Ridgeland’s Healthy Hometown Committee considered several options for the use of the grant. A final decision was made to purchase outdoor fitness equipment for all ages that would be installed at stations along the Ridgeland Multiuse Trail and at existing city parks, Friendship and Freedom Ridge. Equipment pieces installed along the multiuse trail will help create a fitness circuit where a trail user could add strength conditioning to their cardio workout. Friendship Park has an existing fitness area that will be enhanced with additional equipment. A fitness-based youth playground will be installed at Freedom Ridge Park, near the softball pavilion and the walking trail. Fitness equipment for adults will be added to the Universal Playground at Freedom Ridge Park, allowing an adult to exercise while children are playing. The addition of fitness equipment to our parks and trails will surely enhance the health of residents who take advantage of it. Playground users will be able to get in a workout while their children are playing. Trail users will be able to add strength and flexibility training to their walking, running or cycling regimen. The grant will make it possible for people of all ages and fitness levels able to exercise together in a more efficient way. Now, that makes Ridgeland even healthier! Ridgeland officials accepted the $50,000 grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation at the Healthiest Hometown Celebration on Oct. 19. Ridgeland officials want to thank all of the community volunteers who helped to make the event a successful celebration. 8 Ridgeland Life LEADiFY Contract To Enhance City’s Social Media Presence Ridgeland’s approved a contract with a local company, LEADiFY, to assist the city with its social media platform. “We know that more and more people use social media to learn about what is going on in communities, and we wanted to better meet those individuals in the social media world,” said Alan Hart, Director of Community Development. City officials feel that LEADiFY that describes their company as “the find engine” will enhance the reach of the city’s messages, increasing web traffic and social visibility. “LEADiFY brings a depth of understanding and analysis and a team of message designers that will enhance our social media presence,” said Hart. This approach is believed to be a big part of marketing now and into the future. The City of Ridgeland has been active in Facebook and Twitter for several years. Currently, the city’s Facebook page has 1,024 likes. Ridgeland Recreation and Parks Department has a Twitter account that was set up for the primary purpose of sharing lastminute game cancellations due to weather, and it has grown to be much more. Fully engaging with Twitter followers is something that LEADiFY will provide for the City of Ridgeland with their message designers. LEADiFY sends key messages customized for the various social media networks on behalf of the city’s leaders. LEADiFY will help build support for programs and plans under development by the City through the use of social media. “They will help us to learn what topics are of greatest interest and help us to address those topics in the format they are used to using,” said Hart. City leaders understand that people find information from many sources and that social media plays a role in driving cultural change. More engagement on social media will help to bring visitors to consider Ridgeland as a place to live, do business and to play. NEWSWORTHY FROM THE DESK OF… The City Clerk The City Clerk takes a few moments to respond to some frequently asked questions at City Hall. Got a question? You just might find your easy answer here! Q: Why is there so much emphasis on shopping local? Shopping in Ridgeland or “local” generates sales tax revenue for the city. The more sales tax that is collected by the city, the more funds for the city to spend on services provided to citizens. Online shopping is very convenient but does not support the local businesses, and the city does not receive any of the sales tax. Q: Why do I pay “Ridgeland Sewer” and “Jackson Sewer”? The City of Ridgeland does not have a treatment plant; therefore, the sewer is sent to Jackson for treatment. The city collects a fee for the maintenance and operation of the sewer infrastructure and the fee charged for “Jackson Sewer” is the fee for treatment of the sewer. Q: Can you shoot fireworks in the city limits? No. There is a local ordinance that prohibits the shooting or sale of fireworks in the city limits. Q: Where can I find my route days for garbage, recycling and trash? All of this information can be found on the City of Ridgeland website, which is www.ridgelandms.org. You will to need click on “City Departments” then “Public Works.” Q: Why was a late fee charged to my water bill? If the payment for your water bill is received after the close of business on the due date your payment is considered late and a late fee of 10% will be charged to your account. The Water Department processes all payments received before charging the late fee to accounts. To avoid late fees, please use our drop box located by the front door of City Hall or pay online at www. ridgelandms.org – click “Online Services” which is on the right side. Q: Why was I charged $1.50 when I paid my water bill online? Fees are charged to the city by the company that processes online payments using a debit/credit card. State law prohibits the city absorbing these fees; therefore, the fee must be passed to the customer. Q: How do I apply for employment with the City of Ridgeland? You may apply for employment online at www.ridgelandms. org – click “Job Opportunities” which is on the right side. You will not be able to submit your application unless there are positions available; however, you can complete a “Job Interest Card” and receive an email when jobs are posted in the areas you select. Paper applications are still accepted and can be obtained at the Front Desk at City Hall. Q: Do you have to have a Privilege License if you operate a business out of your home? Yes, state law requires that you obtain a Privilege License from the municipality in which you reside. You can obtain your Privilege License at City Hall. Legal action can be taken for failure to obtain a Privilege License. Q: What should you do if you receive a letter from the Water Department about a possible leak? Take action immediately to determine if there is actually a leak. This complimentary letter is notifying you that water ran through your meter for 24 consecutive hours. Failure on your part to determine if there is an actual leak will cause your bill to increase. The City of Ridgeland will only make adjustments for the sewer charges. The longer you wait to repair a leak, the less of an adjustment you may receive. No adjustment will be made without producing proof of repair (i.e., plumber’s receipt, your receipt for parts purchased to repair leak etc.) Q: Has the Animal Control Ordinance changed? Yes. The complete Animal Control Ordinance can be found on www.ridgelandms.org. However, below are the major changes: • Removal of Animal Waste: The caretaker has the responsibility to remove animal waste when deposited while walking and must dispose in a sanitary manner. The caretaker of animals shall eliminate the accumulation of fecal matter on their property every two (2) days and cannot allow the property to become unsanitary, unsightly or odorous due to the keeping, maintaining or harboring of animals. Fecal matter shall not be disposed of in stormwater drains. • Cats: Must wear tags and be leashed and not allowed to roam. Cats now fall within the domesticated animal prohibition. • Feral Cat: Defined as a cat that has escaped from domestication or has become wild, dangerous untamed. Feral cats were added to any ordinance that deals with feral dogs. • Vaccinations: Dogs or cats must wear a metal tag to show that vaccinations are current. The metal tag must contain the serial number of the vaccination and the year of the vaccination. The caretaker of any dog or cat that is thee (3) months or older shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies. • Impounding: Dogs or cats not tagged can be picked up and impounded for eight (8) days unless the owner picks them up. The owner must pay $100 when the animal is picked up from the Animal Shelter. An impounded dog or cat will not be released until it is vaccinated and the owner charged. continued on page 10 Winter 20139 NEWSWORTHY Ridgeland Won Local Government Recycler of the Year Award The City of Ridgeland won the Mississippi Recycling Coalition Environmental Hero Award for Local Government Recycler of the Year 2013. Sarah Kountouris, President of Mississippi Recycling Coalition and Executive Director of Keep Mississippi Beautiful, presents the award to Mike McCollum, City of Ridgeland Director of Public Works during the 2013 Mississippi Recycling Conference. From the Desk of… the City Clerk continued from page 9 • F ines: Violation of the Animal Control Ordinance is not to exceed $100 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the third offense. The animal will be impounded if the caretaker is found guilty for “at large” fourth offense. Q: Can you park on the street in Ridgeland? State law states that the right-hand wheels of the vehicle must be parallel with and within 12 inches of the right-hand curb. The adopted ordinance by the City of Ridgeland prohibits parking on the street except as follows: 1. Guest or visitors of a resident may park for short, nonrecurring periods of time on the street when there is no other adequate space at the residence. 2. Residents may park on the street near their home for short, nonrecurring periods of time to make room on their premises for guests at a social function. 3. Repair or delivery service vehicles may park on the street for brief periods of time while actually engaged in providing repairs, services or making deliveries. Enforcement of this law and/or ordinance shall occur after the complaint of a citizen. Law enforcement shall use reasonable effort to provide a prior warning before issuing a citation. Google Designates Ridgeland as Mississippi’s 2013 eCity Innovative tech giant Google has named Ridgeland as the 2013 eCity for the State of Mississippi. The eCity Awards recognize the strongest online business community in each state – the new digital capitals of America. The businesses in these communities are embracing the web to find new customers, connect with existing clients and fuel their local economies. Ridgeland joins the ranks of America’s leading cities in the digital economy. “Ridgeland’s growth and innovation in e-commerce is an example that other cities across the state can strive to replicate,” said Scott Levitan, Director of Small Business Engagement at Google. “Google is proud to recognize this growing entrepreneurial spirit and the role it plays in creating jobs and sustaining local economies.” “Given the critical role that technology plays in driving growth and creating jobs, we want to encourage every business in Ridgeland to embrace the web,” said Gene McGee, Mayor, City of Ridgeland. “Technology has been a powerful part of our economy, and we expect that trend to continue. I am so proud of Ridgeland’s small businesses for leading the charge in Mississippi.” Google and independent research firm, Ipsos, analyzed the online strength of local small businesses across all 50 states. They weighed a variety of factors to determine the leading cities and towns across the U.S., including the likelihood of small businesses to have a website, use a blog, promote themselves on a social network, sell goods directly from their webpages and whether they had a mobile-friendly website. The winning cities exhibited strong engagement and potential for growth within the digital economy. For more information, visit www.google.com/ecities. 10 Ridgeland Life NEWSWORTHY Protect your pets from holiday hazards By Tom Sagar Christmas Trees Trees should be securely anchored. Treated tree water can be harmful to a thirsty pet. Watch out for climbing cats and the wagging tail of your dog. Broken ornaments, especially glass, can be ingested or stepped on. Ornaments can look like toys to cats and dogs; avoid using edible decorations. Pine needles, both real and artificial, can be sharp. Electrical cords Christmas and New Years are times of are a hazard to celebration and joy; puppies and kittens. Angel hair (spun however, they can glass), tinsel, spray-on snow and ribbons pose dangerous can cause internal trauma if swallowed. hazards to our pets. Christmas Plants The following Read this article to holiday plants are toxic to your pets: find out how you can holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies protect your pets during the holidays. found in holiday floral arrangements (i.e., Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer and the Casa Blanca.) Christmas Food Never let your pet eat any of these foods: fruitcake with raisins, currants, and/or macadamia nuts; chocolate (all forms); grapes; and candies or other foods sweetened with xylitol. Christmas Décor Unattended candles can cause burns or a fire, if knocked over. Liquid potpourri can cause skin or oral damage to your pet. New Year’s Eve Balloons (deflated) and confetti, if ingested by your pet, can cause serious problems. Loud noises, typical of this holiday, may cause your pet to run off. Keep your pet in a secure area and away from loud sounds. The Bottom Line is Prevention Enjoy the spirit of the holidays, however, be conscientious of the changes made in your home. If you know your pet is likely to get in trouble, be safe and plan ahead. When you are not at home, it may be wise to place your pet in a secured room or a crate. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something dangerous to his/her health, seek medical attention immediately. Keep telephone numbers of your veterinarian and local emergency animal hospitals in a convenient location. Boyer Fire Truck Awarded First Place At Mississippi State Fair The 1928 Boyer fire truck, better known as “The Deuce Eight,” is a special triple combination fire truck owned by the City of Ridgeland, housed at Fire Station 4, 567 Highland Colony Parkway. It was restored many years ago by a devoted team of firefighters. More recently, the Boyer Fire Truck is being maintained by Steve Dedmon, Firefighter/EMT who enjoys displaying it at shows and driving it during parades. The 85-year-old fire truck was recently displayed at the antique vehicle show held in the Mississippi Trade Mart during the 2013 Mississippi State Fair. The Antique Vehicle Club of Mississippi (AVCM) judged all vehicles at the show based on the following criteria: paint, body condition, engine, suspension, exhaust system, wheels and tires, interior, cleanliness and originality. The City’s truck was awarded first place in its category. This is the second time that this special truck has earned first place at the AVCM show. “The Boyer fire truck has been restored to its original specifications and it was perfectly done,” said George Raworth, judge and longtime member of the AVCM. “The truck was enjoyed by many children at the show who were able to take a seat behind the wheel, thanks to club chaplain, John Emory, who must have lifted 150 into the truck.” Raworth estimates that more than 60,000 people came to the show this year and viewed the Boyer fire truck. You may view the truck in the upcoming Ridgeland Christmas Parade. For individuals or groups, the truck may be viewed at Fire Station 4, where it is housed in its own museum. The history of the vehicle and its numerous awards are also on display. Call Steve Dedmon to schedule a tour at 601-853-2035. The 1928 Boyer fire truck, owned by the City of Ridgeland will be featured in the Ridgeland Christmas Parade this year. Winter 201311 NEWSWORTHY Choosing to be Ridgeland Titans The Shearers are pictured at Lava Beds National Monument In California. The children have attended Ridgeland area public schools since kindergarten. Janet Shearer shares some of the reasons they choose to be Ridgeland Titans. Vehicle donated to City of Ridgeland Barksdale Cadillac recently became a sponsor of the City of Ridgeland through the donation of a used vehicle. The 2011 Escalade can seat 9 persons which will make travel more efficient for conducting city business. Pictured here is Mayor Gene McGee (right) accepting the key from Joey Kirkland (left) with Barksdale Cadillac. 12 Ridgeland Life Nearly 12 years ago, my husband Dale and I chose Ridgeland for our hometown. Our children Mary Kate, a ninth-grader at Ridgeland High, and Sam, a seventh-grader at Olde Towne Middle School, have attended the Ridgeland area public schools since entering kindergarten. From day one at Ann Smith Elementary, our two children have thrived. The diversity in the Ridgeland schools has provided an appreciation for other cultures. Respect has been instilled for special friends, friends who look different from you and friends who worship differently. Our children were challenged academically in elementary school through differentiation, small-group or individual reading instruction, special projects from classroom teachers and, beginning in second grade, the Pathways program for gifted students. At Olde Towne Middle School, the challenge continues. In my opinion, the math and science instruction at the school is among the best in the state. Some proof: the school had the secondhighest score in the state on the 2012 Algebra I assessment. Students with high math scores are placed in higher-level classes to challenge them. For example, Sam and some of his classmates skipped sixth-grade Advanced Math and took pre-Algebra last year. They will move to high school with Algebra I and Geometry under their belts. The OTMS science and technology clubs run the only middle school space program in the state. They have been nationally recognized for their near-space balloon launches and accompanying experiments. The Technology Student Association produced a national top-10 team in 2012-2013, its first year in existence. The arts at OTMS are strong, too. Mary Kate was a member of the Chamber Choir that participated in a national festival in Disney World this spring. They rated all superior, won best in class and were awarded the Golden Mickey for best middle school choir. The band program, which is a feeder program for the high school, has received all superior ratings at state competition for 17 years. We are new to Ridgeland High School. However, its success since opening in August 2002 is impressive: historically high academic ratings, nine girls soccer championships, a band consistently rated among the top three in the state, a state baseball championship, a national Poetry Out Loud champion, an Olympic gold medalist/world record holder and the list goes on. Such positive results occur because the Ridgeland school community values and strives for excellence. In 2001, the Shearers chose Ridgeland. In 2013, the Shearers choose to be Ridgeland Titans. ~ Janet Shearer NEWSWORTHY “ATTA BOY” for the Ridgeland Police Department I wanted to take a few minutes to offer my sincerest thanks, support and congratulations for what I believe to be an absolutely flawless reaction by RPD to what might have been a truly tenuous situation during the Trunk or Treat event. I am not a resident of Ridgeland, nor did I attend the event of which I speak. However, I have friends in the area (who witnessed it firsthand) who relayed this story to me, and I was compelled to offer congratulations to your police department. So many good deeds go unnoticed these days that I believe it is very important to highlight and bring attention to the things that go right. As I understand it, near the end of the Trunk or Treat event, an older young man (around 19) arrived at the event in a soldier’s uniform, carrying an “airsoft” rifle that looked extremely realistic. As you may or may not know, airsoft rifles are built to mimic the firing rate, look, feel and function of a real weapon, only they fire soft plastic bb’s instead of bullets. They are a very family friendly way to introduce children to safe weapon habits and rules, and they are relatively safe alternatives to the real thing for target shooting. This young man, however, made an error in judgment bringing such a realistic weapon analog to a children’s event. I’m certain that his “costume” would have won first prize for realism, had he attended an adult costume contest, but in the context of the Trunk or Treat event, it was clearly inappropriate. Your officers quietly approached him, calmly asked to speak with him, rationally explained their reasoning and logic behind requesting that he leave his “weapon” with them during the event and did not over react in any way, form or function. They identified the weapon as an airsoft gun and treated the young man as a citizen with the RIGHT to do as he pleased, but with a social responsibility to do the right thing, within the context of his location. RPD officers would certainly have been well within their rights and wherewithal to have conducted a “felony stop” or drawn their weapons and caused a scene until they confirmed the true nature of the replica firearm. But they did not. They exercised restraint and common sense and almost no one at the event even noticed that there was a situation. He was allowed to continue on at the event just a few minutes after being detained while RPD held his gun. The officers involved used OUTSTANDING judgment and common sense. They should be commended for their refusal to take things to an absurd level of anxiety and tension without provocation. If police departments across this nation were filled with officers just like these, we would not be reading about accidental shootings, abuse of power and unconstitutional search and seizure stories in the news almost daily. Please pass along my thanks and support of these fine, outstanding officers. They are the clear and obvious standard by which all other law enforcement officers should be judged. BRAVO!! ~Alexander Lorenz Chief Jimmy Houston commented Ridgeland Police Department that Officer Jonathan officers hand out treats at Wolfe encountered the Ridgeland’s Trunk or Treat held at young man first and Freedom Ridge Park, Oct. 30. that Officer Wolfe, Officer Andre Minter and Officer Mike Raffield “disarmed” him. All of Ridgeland’s Police Officers work hard to keep our city safe. They are very appreciative when someone takes the time to express gratitude for a job well done. These decals have been placed at many of the stormwater drains in Ridgeland to remind residents that everything that enters the drain goes directly to a creek and will not undergo water treatment. The storm sewer systems in Ridgeland drain into creeks that feed the Pearl River. Please help keep our waters clean and visit www.epa.gove/owow/ nps for ways to prevent stormwater pollution. City officials wish to remind you to keep grass clippings out of storm drains. If drainage culverts get clogged with yard debris, flooding may occur. Winter 201313 RECRE8 Recreation and Parks Directory Office 601-853-2011 Fax 601-853-2015 E-mail recre8@ridgelandms.org Recreational Center 601-856-6876 Freedom Ridge Park 601-853-2023 Rental Information 601-853-2011 Hotline 601-853-2039 Recreational Facilities Freedom Ridge Park 235 West School Street - Freedom Ridge Park, a 50-acre athletic facility, is located on School Street just behind the Ridgeland Police Department. The park features four lighted adult regulation softball fields, four lighted regulation soccer fields, four picnic pavilions two playgrounds including a universal playground for use by individuals with physical disabilities or limitations, two concession/restroom buildings, a lighted walking trail and a maintenance facility. Each of the four pavilions at Freedom Ridge Park is available at an hourly rate of $15 for residents, and $25 for non-residents. The security deposit, our “clean-up insurance,” is $100. Ridgeland Tennis Center Youth Organizations South Madison County Soccer Organization SMCSO is a non-profit organization providing an opportunity for the youth of our area to participate in soccer. Visit www.smcso.com or call 601-898-1996 for more information. Madison-Ridgeland Youth Club MRYC is a community organization providing an opportunity for youth in our area to participate in baseball, softball, tackle football, cheerleading and basketball. Visit www.mryouthclub.com for more information. 14 Ridgeland Life 201 McClellan Drive - The Ridgeland Tennis Center, a full-service public facility operated by tennis pros, is located at 201 McClellan Drive, off Highway 51. The center is home to 17 lighted, hard tennis courts, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a 2,000-square-foot covered porch for viewing, and a fully stocked tennis pro shop. City Hall 304 Highway 51 - Ridgeland City Hall is home to four soccer fields during the soccer season. During baseball season, this property converts to three T-ball fields. Ridgeland Recreational Center 137 Old Trace Park - The Ridgeland Recreational Center is housed in a twostory rustic lodge overlooking the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Daily activities for Superstar Seniors as well as nightly classes for all ages take place during the week in this facility. Friendship Park 475 Lake Harbour Drive - Friendship Park is a multi-purpose neighborhood park Facility. With a large lighted pavilion, a one-mile lighted walking/jogging trail, a fitness court, playground equipment, and restroom facilities, the park accommodates many and varying needs. The pavilion is available for rental at an hourly rate of $15 for residents, $25 per hour for non-residents, with a security deposit of $100. Park hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wolcott Park 349 McClellan Drive - Wolcott Park, a 40-acre athletic facility, is located on McClellan Drive, off Highway 51. It features seven lighted baseball/softball fields, a playground, 14 batting cages, two bull pens, two concession/restroom building and a maintenance facility. Title VI Policy Statement The City of Ridgeland, under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, ensures that no persons in the City of Ridgeland shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any programs or activity it administers. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against should contact: Paula W. Tierce, Title VI Coordinator City of Ridgeland 304 Highway 51 • P.O. Box 217 Ridgeland, MS 39158 Phone: 601-856-7113 • Fax: 601-856-7819 paula.tierce@ridgelandms.org RECRE8 SPECIAL EVENTS Special Events Coordinator, Wendy Bourdin Phone: 601-853-2011 • Email: wendy.bourdin@ridgelandms.org Ridgeland Christmas Parade The Ridgeland Beautification Committee would like to invite all residents, businesses, and civic organizations to participate in the Ridgeland Christmas Parade. There is no cost to enter the parade, and it is a great way to show your holiday spirit as we kick off the Christmas season. The theme this is year is “Christmas Carols for All to Hear.” The parade begins and ends at the Holmes Community College Campus on Ridgeland Avenue. The parade travels through the historic Olde Towne Subdivision and then to W. Jackson Street before turning onto Sunnybrook Road and finishing back at Holmes Community College. Registration forms are available now. Registration is open until Dec. 2, 2013. Start Time: 2 p.m. Event Date: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 Location: Olde Towne Ridgeland Christmas Decorating Contest The Ridgeland Beautification Committee will be awarding prizes to the top Ridgeland residences and businesses that decorate for the Christmas season. The committee will judge businesses and award the top two winners. Residences will be judged in the following categories: Overall, Door and Porch, Judges’ Choice and Children’s Choice. To ensure the Ridgeland Beautification Committee looks at your home or business, call 601-853-2011. The judge date will be Monday Dec. 9, 2013. PROGRAMS Phone: 601-853-2011 • Email: wendy.bourdin@ridgelandms.org Dog Obedience The Jackson Obedience Training Club (JOTC) will offer puppy, beginner and advanced dog obedience classes. The six-week class will teach obedience commands of heel, sit, down, stay, come and a few other commands that you will use in everyday life with your pet. The JOTC is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1969 and is licensed by the American Kennel Club. Two sessions will be offered in the spring. Registration will be held for Session #1 Feb. 1-28, 2014. Classes for Session #1 will begin Tuesday, March 4. Registration will be held for Session #2 March 10-April 21. Classes for Session #2 will begin Tuesday, April 29. Puppies must be 3-6 months old. Dogs for the beginner class must be at least 6 months of age or older. In order to be in the advanced class your dog must have completed the beginner class. Proof of vaccination by a licensed vet is required. Program Price:$75 Registration: Session #1 Feb. 1-28, 2014 Session #2 March 10-April 21, 2014 Start Date: Session #1 March 4, 2014 Session # 2 April 29, 2014 Start Time: 7 p.m. Day of Week:Tuesday Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center ATHLETICS Athletics Coordinator, John Sidney North Phone: 601-853-2011 • Email: john.north@ridgelandms.org Youth Baseball & Softball The Madison Ridgeland Youth Club will be holding baseball and softball registration for the spring season. The program is designed for boys and girls ages 4 to 18. Girls must be 4 years old by Jan. 1, 2014 and boys must be 4 by May 1, 2014. This league is designed for all levels of participation and ability. With your registration fee, the participant will receive a hat, jersey and socks. You may register online. For registration dates and additional program information, visit www.mryouthclub.com. Winter 201315 RECRE8 Challenger League Softball The City of Ridgeland Recreation and Parks Department will be offering Challenger League softball for the physically and mentally challenged. This is a chance to be a professional softball player for a season. The program also relies on buddies to assist the players. If you would like to be a part of the program, please contact Mandy Rodgers at 601.856.3623.There is no charge for this program. SMCSO Registration The South Madison County Soccer Organization will be holding spring soccer registration in December. This season runs from February through April. For more information, please call SMCSO at 601-898-1996 or visit www.smcso.com. Start Smart Basketball Start Smart Basketball is a developmentally appropriate introductory program for children ages 3 to 5 years old that prepares them for organized basketball in a fun, non-threatening environment. Start Smart Basketball will meet for six one-hour sessions. Parent participation is required. Each child will receive a koosh ball, mondo koosh ball, a Start Smart participant manual, and a t-shirt. A minimum of 12 participants is required in order for the class to make. A maximum of 20 participants will be allowed. Child must be 3 years old by Jan. 1, 2014. Program Price:$70 Registration: Jan. 6-17 Program Date:February Start Time: 6 p.m. Days of Week: Monday and Thursday Location: Ann Smith Elementary SUPERSTAR SENIORS Senior Adult Coordinator, Lynda McMahan Assink Phone: 601-856-6876 • Email: lynda.assink@ridgelandms.org SPECIAL EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS Ridgeland’s Senior Adult Christmas Party Come and join us Dec. 10 at Broadmoor Baptist Church. Lunch will be served and we will have special entertainment. Rita Sweat will be performing a monologue based on scripture and research along with imagination on “Mary, the mother of Jesus.” 16 Ridgeland Life You will not want to miss this performance! Tickets will be on sale at Ridgeland Recreational Center and Ridgeland City Hall. Call Lynda for more information at 601856-6876. Program Price:$7 (Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 18.) Event Date: Thursday, Dec. 10, 2013 Start Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center Travel Show Brunch Ridgeland Recreation & Parks and BSCI Tour & Travel-Jackson will be hosting a “travel show brunch” at the Ridgeland Recreational Center. Come and hear about wonderful trips planned for the spring and summer months. Make your reservation by calling Lynda at 601-856-6876. Program Price:Free Event Date: Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center Senior Adult Valentine’s Banquet Join us Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 for a special Valentine’s event for all area senior adults. Johnny Counterfeit, impressionist, singer and comedian – will be our entertainment. He has performed in concert, on television, radio and film. Johnny brings the richness of his experience to the concert stage, presenting voice impressions of singers, actors and politicians, in clean comedy and music variety. Tickets will be on sale at Ridgeland City Hall and the Ridgeland Recreational Center. Tickets must be purchased before the event. Program Price: $5 per person Event Date: Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 Time: 5 p.m. Location:Highlands Presbyterian Church,1160 Highland Colony Parkway RECRE8 Balance & Fall-Proof Your Life Bridge Are you ready to improve your balance and be as healthy as you can be? Whether you are 65 or 85, a daily exercise program involving specific fall prevention exercises is very important. Your muscles may have lost some mass and your joints maybe stiff, but you can do slow, controlled, low intensity movement to help ease the discomfort you experience daily. If you have had a history of falling, then now is the perfect time to exercise and regain your balance with more control than ever. Sign up for this class presenting the latest in fall prevention, balance exercises and total body strengthening that will keep you ONE STEP AHEAD in improving your life. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. You may preregister for class by calling or emailing Lynda. Registration: Now until Jan. 15, 2013 Event Dates: Class begins Jan. 15, 2013 Program Price: $30 for six week course/or $8/class Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Day of Week:Wednesday Bridge games are held the fourth Thursday of each month at the Ridgeland Recreational Center overlooking the reservoir. It provides a beautiful setting for an afternoon game. The player with the highest score for the month receives a prize. Reservations are required 4 days in advance. Please call Lynda at 601-856-6876 or 601-853-2011 to reserve your chair. Please arrive at 12:45 p.m. to receive your name tag. Game starts promptly at 1 p.m. Program Price: No Charge Event Dates:Dec. 19 (one week early), Jan. 23 and Feb. 27 Times: 1–4 p.m. Day of Week:Thursday Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center MONTHLY PROGRAMS Ridgeland City Garden Club The Ridgeland City Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Enjoy lunch, informative and exciting programs while sharing the love of gardening with many friends. Call Nanette Sullivan at 601-856-6784 for more information. Speakers for the months of December – February: Program Price:$20/for the year to join the Ridgeland Garden Club ec. 3 – Christmas Party Event Dates: D (Members Only) Jan. 7 - Julia Allen, owner of “Poor Julia Scrap Metal Art” Feb. 4 - Halla Jo Ellis presents “Wild Flowers of Mississippi” Time: 11 a.m. Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center Thread, Yarn, Crochet & Coffee Group Bring your own needles, yarn, thread, and handmade project to the Ridgeland Recreational Center on the second and fourth Mondays. Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of fellowship, coffee, and work on your handmade project. It will be a great time of “show and tell,” as you work on your own masterpiece. For more information, call Lynda at 601-856-6876. Program Price: No Charge Event Dates: Dec. 9, Jan. 13 & 27, Feb. 10 & 24 Time: 1:30–3 p.m. Day of Week:Monday WEEKLY PROGRAMS Agape Men’s Coffee Group Join a group of men that meet every Wednesday morning at the Ridgeland Recreational Center. Enjoy coffee, good fellowship and good friends. Call Earl Beck at 601-668-2322 for more information. Event Date:On-going Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Day of Week:Wednesday Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center Winter 201317 RECRE8 Country Line Dance Tai-Chi Fusion on the Reservoir Learn the dance steps that are popular everywhere! In this class you’ll discover a variety of line dances. It’s great fun, good exercise, and you don’t need a partner. Classes will be held at the Ridgeland Recreational Center located at Old Trace Park. Darlene Epple is the instructor for the class. Call Lynda at 601-856-6876 for more information. Program Price:$10/weekly Start Date:On-going Start Time: Beginners Class 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Advanced Class 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Day of Week:Monday Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center Tai-Chi Fusion on the Reservoir is offered every Wednesday at the Ridgeland Recreational Center. Tai-Chi has become an increasingly popular form of physical exercise around the world. A few of the benefits are: increased flexibility and reduced risk of injury, focused breathing and concentration, improvement of mind-body connection, greater strength and stamina, better balance and stability, improved posture, stress reduction and much more. Pre-registration is required by calling Lynda at 601-8566876. Registration: Begins Jan. 2 Event Dates: Class begins Jan. 15 Program Price: $20/4 weeks or $8/class Time: 11-11:30 a.m. Day of Week:Wednesday Men’s Bible Study Men’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday at the Ridgeland Recreational Center. It is a non-denominational Bible study for men only. Enjoy an in-depth study of God’s Word. Bob Shirley is your teacher! Call Earl Beck at 601-856-4252 or 601-668-2322 for more information. Event Date:On-going Start Time: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Day of Week:Tuesday Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center Painting Pals Is it hard for you to paint and/ or draw at home? Bring your own supplies and enjoy painting at our Ridgeland Recreational Center, located at Old Trace Park, overlooking the reservoir. It’s an ideal setting to paint or draw! Call Lynda at 601-856-6876 and let her know you are coming! Program Price: No cost Start Date:On-going Start time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Day of Week:Tuesdays Location: Ridgeland Recreational Center 18 Ridgeland Life Restoration & Relaxation Yoga This yoga class is suitable for beginners. This is great class for those who are beginning an exercise program or rehabbing from an injury. Offered at a slower pace this class will focus on the basics of yoga, breath work & movement. These gentle movements will not add stress to the joints. A sense of well-being will come from breathing and gentle yoga stretches, and it will help you let go of the everyday stresses of life. Always consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. For more information and to register, call or email Lynda. Registration: Begins now until Jan. 13 Program Price:$5/class Time: 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Day of Week: Mondays and Fridays Yoga for Flexibility, Fitness and Fun Join us for this class! Lisa Newman is the instructor, and she will guide you through gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for your whole body. This class is for those who have had some experience with yoga. Standing poses will be introduced as well as strength poses. Participants may want to join both yoga classes for only $10. Always consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. For more information, call or email Lynda. Registration: Begins now until Jan. 13, 2013 Event Dates: Class begins Monday, Jan. 13, 2013 Program Price:$5/class Time: 11:30 a.m.–noon Days of Weeks: Mondays and Fridays RECRE8 TENNIS Ridgeland Tennis Center 201-A McClellan Drive Phone: 601-853-1115 Directors: Cheryl Harris and Susan Toler The Ridgeland Tennis Center is the largest public tennis facility in Mississippi. Junior Tournaments Feb. 7 -10, 2014USTA Southern Level 1A Championships Boys and Girls 16s and 18s Feb. 15-17, 2014USTA Girls 16s National Selection Tournament Private, semi-private and group lessons available year-round. Please call 601-853-1115 for more information. Holiday Garbage and Recycling Collection There will be no garbage and recycling collection on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. If your regular collection day is Wednesday, garbage and recycling will be picked up on Thursday, Dec. 26 and Thursday, Jan. 1. Winter 201319 SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND ANN SMITH ELEMENTARY Grades K-2 • 306 S. Pear Orchard Road 601-856-6621 • www.madison-schools.com/ase Ann Smith Elementary is a kindergarten through second-grade school serving the Ridgeland attendance zone of the Madison County school system. Making a difference, not just a song and dance for ASE counselor When Leona Bishop was a little girl, she loved to sing, dance and act. Perhaps she should’ve gone into theater, but now, working as the counselor at Ann Smith Elementary, she incorporates these interests into her job responsibilities. “I am still a kid at heart! I enjoy using puppets, role play, and dance during my guidance lessons to get students motivated to practice pro-social skills,” Mrs. Bishop explained. “Working with the students at Ann Smith gives me an excuse to continue to enjoy the fun stuff.” Mrs. Bishop grew up in Cleveland, Miss., graduated from Tougaloo College, and received her master’s and specialist degrees in counseling from Delta State University. This is her first year at Ann Smith. As the school counselor, Mrs. Bishop said she works collaboratively with principal Dr. Melissa Philley and assistant principal Eric Brooks “to create a safe place for students to reach their highest level of Leona Bishop, ASE academic achievement… I especially enjoy helping Counselor to implement positive behavior interventions and support, along with conscious discipline, to create an environment where teachers love to teach and students ‘volunteer’ to learn.” Mrs. Bishop is also responsible for safeguarding student records, providing regular classroom lessons on topics such as skills for learning, empathy, self-management and problem solving. Additionally, she offers individual and small- group counseling to address social or behavioral issues and increase the likelihood of success for all students. Mrs. Bishop is married to Roger Bishop, who is vice president of the Ridgeland High School Booster Club. Their daughter, Leah, is an eighth-grader at Olde Towne Middle School. She plays on the varsity softball team and is a member of the band and cheerleading team. Three years ago, their son Roger II, lost the battle against osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. The Ridgeland High School baseball team dedicated the 2010-2011 season to him, playing under his motto, “smile and fight,” and winning the 5A championship. “During our most trying time, God blessed us with such an outpouring of encouragement from our Ridgeland High School and New Hope church families.” Mrs. Bishop said she became a school counselor because, even more than singing and dancing, she wanted the opportunity to encourage others challenged by life circumstances and make a difference in the lives of youth. When it comes to helping children, she said that the “biggest agent of change in the life of a child is an appropriate, caring adult who builds and maintains a positive relationship that instills a sense of value and self-worth. When educators and families work together to communicate this message of worthiness in children, greatness is possible.” 20 Ridgeland Life Preschool open house Do you have a future Titan living under your roof? Mark your calendar then. The preschool open house at Ann Smith is on Friday, Jan. 31. You’ll have an opportunity to take a tour of the school, observe a kindergarten classroom, meet the principal and other faculty, talk with Titan parents and have your questions answered. Upcoming events at ASE Dec. 3: Mazzio’s Night. A portion of all sales at the Ridgeland Mazzio’s will go to the ASE PTO. Dec. 21-Jan. 3: Winter break Jan. 6: Students return Jan. 7: Mazzio’s Night. A portion of all sales at the Ridgeland Mazzio’s will go to the ASE PTO. Jan. 7-17: Canned food drive Jan. 20: MLK service project Jan. 31: Preschool open house Feb. 4: Mazzio’s Night. A portion of all sales at the Ridgeland Mazzio’s will go to the ASE PTO. Feb. 17: Professional development day Feb. 24-28: Read Across America Feb. 27: Family reading night March 4: Mazzio’s Night. A portion of all sales at the Ridgeland Mazzio’s will go to the ASE PTO. SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND Let’s go walking, ASE! More than 300 students, parents, city leaders and community members joined Ann Smith’s third annual Walk to School Day parade on Oct. 9. Ann Smith was one of thousands of schools in more than 40 countries celebrating International Walk to School Day, promoting pedestrian safety, environmentally friendly forms of transportation and health and fitness. “We started participating in Walk to School years ago to promote the advantages of walking to school,” said Sissy Lynn, who has organized the event for the last three years. “We consider our event to be a celebration of sorts, where our community leaders have the opportunity to walk to school with us—to inspire our students to lead healthier, more active lives. Walk to School Day has become quite a tradition at ASE. It’s an awesome experience to see hundreds of parents, and special guests walking together along Ridgeland’s use trails.” Last year Ann Smith was honored with the “Step It Up” award by the Mississippi Department of Transportation for their participation in Walk to School Day. The parade began on Pear Orchard Road in the parking lot of The Annex. Olde Towne Middle School and Ridgeland High School cheerleaders were there to get the crowd excited about the .9 mile walk ahead, and Rochelle Culp, project director for the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition, led the group in warm-up exercises. The Tobacco-Free Coalition also provided walkers with healthy snacks at the end of the parade. Rochelle Culp, project director for the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition, and the Olde Towne Middle School cheerleaders energize the crowd as they get ready for the parade up Pear Orchard. Max Smith, Molly Rodgers and Powers Culver lead the parade carrying the Walk to School Day banner. “Teaming up with Ann Smith Elementary and International Walk to School Day is a perfect fit for Terrance the RAT and the MTFC Coalition,” Ms. Culp explained. “It is an opportunity for us to spread the word about the ill effects of tobacco use and how walking can assist with overall good health.” The RAT (Reject All Tobacco) Program is funded by a grant from the Mississippi State Department of Health. As the crowd trekked up Pear Orchard, more parents and students joined the parade at designated spots along the way. Once at the school, Mayor Gene McGee signed a proclamation declaring October Walk to School Month in Ridgeland. Mayor McGee is an avid cyclist and often bikes to work, clocking in an average of 150 miles on his bike a week. “I am so proud of the students, parents and teachers at Ann Smith Elementary for leading the way in our city in support of a healthy lifestyle,” Mayor McGee said. Other notable parade participants include Representative Rita Martinson, Senator Will Longwitz, Alderman-At-Large D.I. Smith, Alderman Chuck Gautier, WAPT meteorologist David Hartman, Chief of Police Jimmy Houston, Madison County Schools Board member Philip Huskey, retired P.E. coach Richard Blaumuller, or “Coach B,” and several city department heads. Of course, not all families’ morning schedules allowed them to participate in the Walk to School Day parade. Knowing this, ASE principal Dr. Melissa Philley designated a time during the day for each class to take a walk around the campus, giving all students a taste of the Walk to School Day fun. Winter 201321 SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND It’s time for Titans to ‘tone up’ A Day Of Service What better way to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., than to spend the morning serving your community? Ann Smith families will gather on Monday, Jan. 20, to help sort and pack non-perishable food items for donation to the local food bank. Once that task is complete, volunteers will participate in a campus cleanup effort. Last year, approximately 50 people volunteered their time for this event. Don’t miss this opportunity for fun and service with fellow Ann Smith families. Information about the day of service and canned food drive will be going home in students’ folders. Did you know that children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day? Is your child getting enough? The Titan Tone Up program at Ann Smith will begin in February. Through the Titan Tone Up, children are motivated to get enough exercise through weekly rewards and a program-ending field trip. Last year, more than 200 students participated each week in the program, earning prizes while getting fit and having fun. “February is an opportune After last year’s Titan Tone Up kickoff time for the Titan Tone Up, assembly put on by the Mississippi as the weather can discourage Tobacco-Free Coalition, students received green bracelets with the physical activity,” said reminder, “health rules.” Pierce program organizer, Marci Williams. “It’s also about the Nelson (from the left), James Woody, Giselle Bennette, Presley Durham and time that most people start Avery Warrington show off their new sliding on their New Year’s bracelets. resolutions. The Titan Tone Up comes along just when families need the motivation the most, because we need to be physically active year-round, not just when it’s nice outside.” Chocolate fundraiser a sweet success Stephanie Edwards and her daughter, Savanna, help pick up trash around the playground at last years’ service day. Thank you to all those who supported Ann Smith’s fall fundraiser either by selling World’s Finest Chocolate or by saying “yes, I’ll have a bar,” when one of those cute Ann Smith kids came by selling. This year, Ann Smith exceeded its goal of raising $17,000. These funds support teacher improvement, playground updates, student enrichment programs, and other PTO programs and activities enjoyed by the students and faculty at Ann Smith. Congratulations to Kennedy Brown, Ann Smith’s top seller for the second year in a row. For her efforts, Kennedy was awarded a new tablet computer. 2013–2014 PTO Board Jenny Culver, president jenny-culver@hotmail.com Erin Rodgers, secretary Stephanie Edwards, parental relations Shirley Johnson, fundraising Marci Williams, ex. vice president williams.marci@gmail.com Semantha Grogan, treasurer Tom Grogan, treasurer Kelly Ann Wells, public relations Tammra Cascio, academic affairs Merry Lunsford, academic affairs Andrew Rainey, parental relations 22 Ridgeland Life Aarin Schnackenberg, public relations SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND CASE21 Challenges Students to Reach and Exceed Goals This year, Highland has begun implementing CASE21 Assessments, which are benchmark tests designed to help teachers evaluate individual student needs and improve academic achievement. Several other schools within our district used this resource last year with great success. CASE21 gives reliable, predictive results. The assessments, created specifically for Madison County Schools, are tightly aligned to the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks and College and Career Readiness Standards. Following each test, highly detailed reports are provided to teachers and administrators within 48 hours so teachers can work with individual students as needed to reinforce or reteach skills. “CASE21 is a program that supports student learning using data, common formative assessments and professional development,” said Marilyn Naron, HES principal. “CASE21 Assessments help us ensure that students have mastered the curriculum and are prepared for the next level of learning.” CASE21 will help the school reach its goal of moving all students to the next level – helping them not only meet but also exceed expectations. “As you can imagine, we’re thrilled to be able to offer this resource to our students,” continued Naron. “CASE21 is a powerful solution for 21st-century learning.” HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY Grades 3–5 • 330 Brame Road 601-853-8103 • www.madison-schools.com/hes Laptop Donations Provide Additional Technology Opportunities This year, Madison County Schools has provided HES with 52 new laptops. Teachers are encouraged to check out the laptops to use technology to complement other types of learning in the classroom. Additionally, Atmos Energy, as part of their philosophy of giving back to the community, donated eight refurbished laptops to Highland. We’d like to thank Madison County Schools and Atmos for investing in this technology to provide additional learning opportunities for our students! Pictured are (from left, back) third-grade teacher Holly Treadway and her father Andy Treadway, operations manager at Atmos Energy; (front) Evan Piel, Chelsie Fleming, Rhyan Pickens and Alanna Wall. Highland Students Walk At School HES students participated in Walk at School Day, Oct. 10, the day after International Walk to School Day. All students and teachers gathered in front of the school, walking together to celebrate the benefits of physical activity. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann sent a letter to Mrs. Naron thanking the school for its efforts to promote physical fitness, saying “This is a great event that your teachers and students are participating in at Highland Elementary. It is so important to keep our children healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle. Exercise and safety play such an important role. This reminds students and teachers the health benefit of regular daily activity as well as the need for our students to be able to have a safe environment to walk and bike.” Winter 201323 SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND Ridgeland Walmart Rewards HES Teachers The Ridgeland Walmart honored 20 Highland teachers by giving them each $50 Walmart teacher rewards cards to use for supplies, snacks or other items for their classrooms. Wendy Isbell, Walmart store manager, spoke to a room full of Highland teachers thanking them for their dedication and sacrifice as they shape students into tomorrow’s leaders. Walmart’s Teacher Rewards Celebration is designed to help offset money that teachers spend out of their own pockets for classroom supplies during the back-to-school season. Pictured are (seated, from left) Frances LaPlant, Kristy Wagner, Sommer Welgos, Brenda Price, Mena Burnett; (standing) Walmart shift manager Ramondo James, Walmart shift manager Danny Tharp, Walmart store manager Wendy Isbell, Diane Anthony, Brenda Hill, Annette Reiter, Craig Whitfield, Cindy Goodwin, Karen Humphreys, Cherie Crane, Jennifer Britt, Ellen Litton, Michelle Cheatham, Teresa Logan, Dottie Abrams, Lori Flood and Tim Bermond. Titan Tone Up Motivates Students to Become More Active Beginning in February, HES will participate in Titan Tone Up, a fitness rewards program designed to encourage students to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Titan Tone Up was launched last year as a joint initiative between the PTOs at Ann Smith and Highland, and was a huge success. The efforts at both schools through Titan Tone Up and other health-related events played a big role in Ridgeland being named “Mississippi’s Healthiest Hometown.” 24 Ridgeland Life Highland Student’s Poem Featured on National TV “Green Screen Adventures,” an educational show on the MeTV network, featured a poem by Highland student Ariyana Jones. Jones submitted the poem through the show’s website, and her piece was selected to be brought to life by cast members. The episode featuring Jones’ poem, “I Love Horses,” aired this summer. Ariyana and her mother credit fourth-grade teacher, Latoya Lewis, who motivated Ariyana to read using the school’s accelerated reading program, and librarian Pictured are Ariyana Jones Karen Humphreys, who led the (front); Marilyn Naron, school’s creative writing club last fall, for helping Ariyana develop her principal (back, from left); and Latoya Lewis, fourthwriting skills. grade teacher. “I like the way Mrs. Lewis pushed her students to meet their goals,” said Ariyana’s mother Arcadia Smith. “And through Ms. Humphrey’s creative arts club, Ariyana discovered she likes to write and illustrate her own work.” When Jones moved to Ridgeland a little more than three years ago, she was behind in reading according to Madison County Schools’ guided reading levels. With some hard work at home and the help of dedicated teachers at Ann Smith and Highland, Jones quickly caught up and is now excelling. “When we first moved here, Ariyana was a little below grade level in reading, but we worked really hard at home to help her catch up,” said Smith. “And now look. She’s on the honor roll and has discovered her gift for writing. While Ariyana’s always been a good student, her potential and abilities have extended further than what we knew she was capable. That’s what Ridgeland’s high standards and expectations brought out in her.” Principal Marilyn Naron couldn’t be prouder of Ariyana’s accomplishments. “It just goes to show what a hard-working student, like Ariyana, can achieve,” said Naron. “It also proves what an impact our teachers have on our students’ success.” “Green Screen Adventures” is a national award-winning children’s television show that brings stories and illustrations to life on the screen using story theater, game shows and puppetry. You can view the episode that featured Jones’ piece by going to this link: http://greenscreenadventures. tv/i-love-horses. SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND New Specials Engage Students in Hands-On Learning Highland is pleased to be offering new special classes on Tuesday mornings to rotate with music, P.E., computer and library. Several of these classes actively encourage student learning through discovery and hands-on lessons. One such class uses LEGOs to engage students. After reading a book, students will break into small groups to build a LEGO world to connect to the story. Students then research additional information on Kindle Fires, do math calculations using LEGOs, write and illustrate a story about their LEGO world, and present the final product to the other students. These new special classes give every student an opportunity to expand in areas such as STEM, the arts and humanities. At right: Using LEGOs helps motivate students, while incorporating STEM learning into the classroom. Pictured building their LEGO world are third-graders (from left) Quantrell Brown, Dorothy Boswell, Jaleigha Samuel and Maranie Phann. Winter 201325 SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND OLDE TOWNE MIDDLE SCHOOL Grades 6–8 • 210 Sunnybrook Rd. 601-898-8730 • www.madison-schools.com/otm STEM teacher Mr. Bill Richardson (left) and Olde Towne Middle School students Liliam Camacho and Kobe Grant exhibit an emblem created on the new 3D printer in their classroom. OTMS is one of the few middle schools in the state that has a 3D printer; it was purchased with a Nissan grant awarded to Mr. Richardson. Homecoming Parade Winners OTMS sixth-graders won first-place in the community division of Ridgeland High’s homecoming parade. Family Game Night was the homecoming theme; their float, “Operation,” brought the game to life while promoting our city’s emphasis on health. At right: Olde Towne sixthgraders present their winning float. 26 Ridgeland Life New 3D Printer opens more Technology Doors Olde Towne Middle School STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) teacher Bill Richardson was awarded a Nissan Grant to purchase a 3D printer and supplies. He applied for the Nissan grant last spring with the hope of offering his students advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD) in conjunction with 3D printer output. Richardson explains, “3D printers are changing the way people create prototypes and design parts and objects. This 3D printer uses ABS plastic to create three-dimensional objects based on computer designs. As students learn CAD they also unlock ways to look at business applications of 3D printers. Anything from house plans to medical devices can now be built to prototype, tested used in everyday life. Students’ show keen interest in 3D printer applications, proposing the production of unique phone cases and sports equipment, from pads to mouth guards. From an economics standpoint, students learn this technology could create items they use every day, often at a price well-below retail cost. Mr. Bill Richardson continues to expand the technology opportunities for Olde Towne Middle School students as he chalks up more “firsts” at the county, state and national level, including the Near-Space balloon program, numerous first-place awards at the Mississippi Technology Student Association competition last year, the first year of the club’s existence at OTMS, as well as a finish at the National TSA competition. Olde Towne is one of a very few middle schools in the state to enjoy access to a 3D printer and the only middle school in Madison County. At the high school level, there are 3D printers at the Madison County Career and Technical Center. SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND OTMS Creative Writing Club hosts Ramsey Editorial cartoonist and author Marshall Ramsey was the guest speaker for the Olde Towne Middle School Creative Writing Club meeting in October. He encouraged the students to exercise their creativity frequently, as it will strengthen with use. The drawings from Ramsey’s newest book, “Banjo’s Dream,” were featured in the presentation as were two of his short stories. Ramsey shared the origins of some of his story ideas telling the students that the best stories often come from unlikely places. Ramsey related the story of how he became a writer and cartoonist. As with most writers, he experienced rejection along the way. He stressed the importance of persistence in writing and enjoyment of the creative process. The Creative Writing Club meets monthly, encouraging students to write and share their work with fellow students and the community. The club’s sponsor is language arts instructor Lisa Shaw. Club members (back row left to right): Olga Goupalova, Gebria Allen, Marshall Ramsey, James Chatmon, Skylor Craft, (front row left to right) Anthony Banks, Olivia Perkins, Lauren Oeth, Julia Jia, Bailey Buegel. VEX ROBOT TEAM OTMS is now a Technology Student Association (TSA) VEX Robotics Team participant. The VEX robotics team will participate in several tournaments and the TSA state championship. If the team qualifies, they will go to Nationals in Washington DC in June 2014. Students will use the VEX robotics design system to compete in matches and skill competitions this year. Olde Towne Middle School Concerts The community is invited to OTMS winter concerts. Audience members can be assured of a lovely cultural event. Concerts are held in the Ridgeland High School Auditorium and admission is free. Join us and enjoy our award winning young musicians. Dec. 3: 7 p.m. OTMS Band Concert Dec. 5: 6 :30 p.m. OTMS Choir Holiday Revue Winter 201327 SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND RIDGELAND HIGH SCHOOL Grades 9-12 586 Sunnybrook Road 601.898.5023 www.madison-schools.com/rhs Fundraising underway for “Do Right” scholarship honoring Lee Boozer The Ridgeland High School PTO has established the “Do Right” scholarship in honor of the school’s first principal, Lee Boozer. Two $1500 scholarships are awarded to selected seniors on an annual basis. The scholarships are funded by the PTO, band boosters, Mr. Boozer and individual contributions. Boozer led the school from its opening in 2002 until his retirement in November 2012. He regularly encouraged students to “do right,” thus, the name of the scholarship. Scholarship winners are selected based on criteria such as high moral character, leadership qualities, civic and community service involvement, exemplary attendance and discipline records, and GPA of at least 2.5. Contributions to the scholarship fund are tax deductible and are being accepted now at the school. Forward your donation to: Ridgeland High School PTO, 586 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Please include your mailing address or an email address so that a confirmation of your tax-deductible donation may be sent to you. Ridgeland High School senior Justin Ryan was named National Merit Semi-Finalist. Board of Aldermen hears presentation from RHS Ambassadors Ridgeland High School Ambassadors made a presentation about the school to Mayor Gene McGee and the Board of Aldermen at City Hall recently. Ambassador activities include acting as tour guides for new and prospective students, volunteering in the community at events like KidFest, and sharing information about the school with civic and business organizations. 28 Ridgeland Life The 2013 Ridgeland High School homecoming queen is Miss Brittany Weathersby. Congratulations! SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND RHS Yearbook Staff Upcoming Events December-February School Calendar Dec. 10:7 p.m. RHS Holiday Band Concert Dec. 12:7 p.m. RHS Choir Festival of Carols Dec. 12-13, 16: Case 21 Assessments Dec. 17-20: Semester Exams Day, Holidays begin Dec. 20: Jan. 6:Students return to school Jan. 20: MLK Holiday Feb. 15:6 p.m. Beauty and Beau Pageant Feb. 17:Professional Development Pictured from left to right is the Ridgeland High School TITAN yearbook financial staff: Shaylon Arnold, Alexis Moore, Tamaria Taliaferro, Andrea Fields, editors Michelle Nguyen and Avery Huff, Clara Beth Herrmann Raven Manuel. The staff is responsible for raising funds for the yearbook publication as well as producing the school's talent show and Beauty and Beau. RHS Soccer Schedule Home games are listed. Dec. 10: Jan. 7: Jan. 10: Jan. 11: Jan. 17: Vicksburg – 5:30/7 p.m. Richland – 5:30/7 p.m. Lanier – 5:30/7 p.m. West Jones – 5:30/7 p.m. Calloway – 5:30/7 p.m. 9th Grade Basketball Schedule Home games are listed. Dec. 2: Jan. 6: Jan. 13: Magee, 5 p.m. Yazoo City, 5 p.m. Magee, 5 p.m. RHS Varsity Basketball Schedule Home and local area games are listed. Pictured is the Ridgeland High School TITAN yearbook production staff. Front row left to right are: Olivia Jones, Deniesha Waters, Katie McMurtry, Daija Bostic Ashanti Hughes. Back row left to right are: editor Gillian Goodloe, I'Dena Allen, Sydney Griffith, Ellen Springer, Ally Hickey editor Alex Medellin. The staff is responsible for the production of the yearbook. Dec. 2-7:Madison County Tournament at Germantown, TBA Dec. 20: Titan Shootout, 1 p.m. Dec. 21: Titan Shootout, 10 a.m. Jan. 3: J.Z.George, 4 p.m. Jan. 14: Neshoba Central, 5 p.m. Jan. 21: Canton, 5 p.m. Jan. 28: Germantown, 5 p.m. Jan. 31: Warren Central, 4 p.m. Feb. 4: Brookhaven, 5 p.m. Feb. 11: Jim Hill, 5 p.m. Feb. 14: NW Rankin, 4 p.m. Feb. 17-20:Division Tournament at Germantown, TBA Winter 201329 SCHOOLS IN RIDGELAND RHS Newspaper Staff HOLMES COMMUNITY COLLEGE 412 W. Ridgeland Avenue 601-856-5400 www.holmescc.edu Pictured is the Ridgeland High School TITAN TALK newspaper staff. Left to right are: Heather Van Horn, Bree Daniels, Alicia Berry, editors Irina Tran and Holli Gill, Kristen Simmons, Dean Morgan and Jacob Logan. The staff is responsible for the production of the campus newspaper that is printed seven times a year. Holmes Community College offers workforce training at the McGowan Center located at the Ridgeland campus. Courses include human resource management, supervisory/leadership, communication, writing, customer service and a wide variety of computer classes. For a listing of current classes, go to http://www.holmescc.edu/workforce/ classes/index.aspx. CHRIST COVENANT SCHOOL 752 Pear Orchard Road 601-978-2272 www.christcovenantschool.net ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL THE VERITAS SCHOOL A Christ-Centered and Classical Education 1200 Highland Colony Parkway • 601-713-1555 • ww w.theveritasschool.org 30 Ridgeland Life North Campus–Grades 5–12 370 Old Agency Road 601-853-6000 www.gosaints.org RIDGELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY RIDGELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY Madison County Library System 397 Highway 51 • Ridgeland, MS 39157 Telephone: 601-856-4536 Web address: www.mcls.ms Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Fri – Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday WHAT’S NEW AT THE RIDGELAND LIBRARY? A New Teen Center! Thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of the Library, the Teens now have their own designated area to study, use their laptops, meet friends, read and hang out. Proceeds from annual Friends memberships and library book sales promote literacy for children, teen, and adults and supplement purchases of furniture and equipment for the branch. In addition to the new Teen Center, the Friends of the Library made the following contributions this year: • Purchased new meeting room tables • Donated funds in support of the Summer Reading Program, “Dig Into Reading” • Sponsored three community programs and two community book sales • Donated funds to support “1000 Books Before Kindergarten,” a children’s reading program • P urchased Library magnets with branch information for new patrons • Contributed funds to MCLS for DVD locking replacement cases Your support is greatly appreciated. New Teen Center is available at the Ridgeland Public Library. Winter 201331 RIDGELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY AARP INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE Lexie Alexander of Ridgeland receives free income tax assistance from Tax Consultant Charles McCall. During the 2013 Income Tax Season, our professional AARP Income Tax Assistants prepared 224 tax returns at the Ridgeland Library. Of the 224 returns, 215 were filed electronically and 9 were paper returns. In addition, the team assisted an additional 14 taxpayers who only had tax questions. Free AARP Tax Assistance will be available at the Ridgeland Branch only on Mondays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., beginning Feb. 3 and ending April 14. If your tax return is complex, you will be advised to seek professional tax assistance. Tax assistants volunteer their time to aid residents. CHILDREN’S SECTION ARTIST CORNER Constance Murray grew up in New Mexico at the foot of the Sacramento Mountain range. Her small town upbringing was a visual wonder of mountains, desert and beautiful sunsets. Her interests in the arts include music and visual design. Ms. Murray spent more than 20 years as a graphic designer, working in a variety of industries from corporate giants like Dr. Pepper/7UP to local nonprofits. In her work, Artist Constance Murray will display a sampling she directed of her work at the Ridgeland Library starting photo shoots and worked with December 7 through January. photographers such as the legendary Tru Red. While working with a nonprofit organization in Birmingham, AL, she decided to take photography classes. Ms. Murray loves design not only through photography but graphic design, textile design, jewelry design, singing and writing music. Stop by and see her artistic creations. By Cindy Graves, Children’s Specialist It’s Never too Early to Start Reading The Madison County Library System launched its “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” program last February at each of its five branches. Its goal is to encourage parents to read with their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers as a way to stregthen early literacy skills. To join, pick up a reading log at any of the Madison County libraries. After reading 100 stories, a family can log their progress on a bulletin board at their library. This is repeated until the 1,000 book goal is completed. After six months, the program has had over 100 families complete reading logs. Additionally, the Ridgeland Library has already had one child, August Irving, to complete the program. This program could not have been possible without the generous support of the Ridgeland and Madison Friends of the Library groups. For more information, please stop by any of the Madison County libraries. Remember – it’s never too early to love reading! August and Kathy Irving - first to read 1000 books in 6 months at the Ridgeland Branch! 32 Ridgeland Life RIDGELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY WINTER PROGRAMS Ridgeland Readers This is a fun story-time program for 3-7-year-olds. We meet on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. The program includes stories, songs, flannel board activities, movement and occasionally a craft. Each program focuses on a different letter in the alphabet. Dec. 3, 10 Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28 Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 FamFun Family Programs: A’lelia Rideau, 3 years old, enjoys the Ridgeland Readers program. *Please note: There will be no programs Dec. 17, 24, or 31 in observance of the holidays. Baby Bookends This story-time program is for 0-2-year-olds. We meet on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.. Mother Goose on the Loose is an interactive program for children and their caregivers. We sing rhymes, play musical instruments, read stories, and do flannel board and movement activities. Each program focuses on a different letter in the alphabet. Dec. 4, 11 Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 **Please note: There will be no programs Dec. 18, 25 or Jan. 1 in observance of the holidays. These programs are for the whole family. • “ I Spy Scavenger Hunt,” Thursday, Jan. 30 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Check our online calendar for more details! TEEN TIME: This program is for 6th – 12th graders. We meet on the first Thursday each Doin’ the readers rap! month from 4 p.m.5 p.m. unless noted. This program has volunteer opportunities and features games, comic swaps, snacks & more. Dec. 5 - Make your own “Frushi” (fruit sushi) Feb. 6 – Book Jacket Bingo **Please note: Program in January (To be announced) ART JUNCTION: This program is for 1st -5th graders. Unless noted, we meet on the third Thursday each month from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will focus on a new project at each meeting as well as have a book talk. Jan. 16 - Room Decor Projects Feb. 20 – Upcycled Jewelry **Please note: Program in December TBA. Making music at Baby Bookends. Winter 201333 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Ridgeland Chamber’s Police Appreciation Fund Raising Campaign Tops $5,000 CITY OF RIDGELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 754 S. Pear Orchard Rd. Phone: 601-991-9996 www.ridgelandchamber.com Police Appreciation Campaign Donors Account Services Group Ann E. Smith Elementary Students BankPlus Barnett’s Body Shop Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano Capital Bolt & Screw Company CoatTails, LLC Fat Tuesday’s Interstate Batteries MEA Medical Systems Members Exchange Credit Union Office Products Plus, Inc. People Lease, Inc. Premier Publishing Professional Eyecare Associates/ Optical 2000 Renaissance at Colony Park Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce Ridgeland Resident Debbie Hardy Ridgeland Residents Marvin and Marjorie Sebe Southern Ag Credit, ACA Speed Commercial Real Estate, LLC State Farm Ins. - John Dorsa Susan Burton Real Estate, LLC Terracon Consultants, Inc. The Church Triumphant Wal-Mart SuperCenter #875 34 Ridgeland Life The Ridgeland Chamber celebrated Police Appreciation month by launching a fundraising campaign which has raised $5,000.00 for the Ridgeland Police Department. “We wish to thank all our Chamber members and residents of our City who donated so generously to the Chamber’s Police Appreciation Fund Raising Campaign,” said 2013 Ridgeland Chamber President Carla Palmer Allen, CPA Realty. “Because of so many generous contributions, $5,000 has been raised for the Ridgeland Police Department,” she added. A check for the total amount raised was presented to Ridgeland Police Chief Jimmy Houston at the Tuesday, Nov. 5 Mayor and meeting. “In these uncertain economic times, with rising costs and ever-changing technology, it is very important that our officers have access to the most advanced, state-of-the-art equipment to help them do their jobs and carry out their daily motto: To Protect and Serve,” said Ridgeland Chamber Executive Director Linda Bynum. “These donations will go a long way to helping the department purchase necessary equipment, and even possibly save an officer’s life who would lay down his or her own to save ours,” Bynum added“Our Chamber and City have sent a loud and clear message ~ we admire and respect our police officers and the Ridgeland Police Department is the very best in our State.” THANK YOU, Chamber members and Ridgeland residents for your generous contributions and donations. Chamber volunteers presented Ridgeland Police Chief Jimmy Houston and officers with a large sheet cake inscribed “For A Job Well Done!” From left, Officer Andre Minter; Kristy Daniels, Regions Bank and Police Appreciation Week chair; 2013 Ridgeland Chamber President Carla Palmer Allen, CPA Realty; Chief Houston and Corporal Kelly Chapin. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Chamber Makes Survival Kits for Ridgeland Police Officers As part of Police Appreciation Week, Ridgeland Chamber volunteers assembled survival kits for Ridgeland’s 65 sworn officers. The kits contained the following items: BUSINESS AFTER HOURS and EVENTS December 12 Cool Water Catering & Events 1011 Lake Harbour Drive 5 - 7 p.m. ~ January 12, 2014 Annual Awards Banquet Hilton Jackson 1001 County Line Road 6:30 p.m. - Reception 7 p.m. - Dinner ~ February 3, 2014 Madison River Oaks Medical Center 161 River Oaks Drive 5 - 7 p.m. MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY The Ridgeland Chamber Singers visited retirement and nursing facilities in Ridgeland singing favorite songs from the , 40’s and 50’s. Papa John’s Pizza, located in the School Street Shopping Center, donated 160 cheese pizzas which were delivered to all the facilities. Thank you, General Manager Charles Breunig,V for your most generous donation! The pizzas were enjoyed by all the senior residents. Retirement and nursing facilities included The Waterford, Highland Home, The Blake at Township, Ridgeland Pointe, Chateau Ridgeland, The Orchard, The Rose Garden and The Arbor. China Donnell, Activities Director at The Waterford, chaired this year’s Make A Difference Day. The Ridgeland Singers included: China Donnell, The Waterford; Ridgeland Alderman Scott Jones; Lynda Alman, Ridgeland; Carla Palmer Allen, CPA Realty; Lynda Jungkind, Premier Bride & the Premier Bridal Shows; Bobby Cumberland, Madison River Oaks Medical Center; Linda Bynum, Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce; and Ridgeland Chamber Junior Diplomats Heather Van Horn, Michelle Nguyen and Cailin Herring, all of Ridgeland High School. Papa John’s General Manager Charles Breunig stands beside boxes of pizzas to be delivered to Ridgeland retirement homes and nursing facilities. Breunig donated 160 pizzas to residents living in the homes as part of the Chamber’s Make A Difference Day project. Winter 201335 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Madison County Creative Economy Council Hosts Second Annual Business After Hours Madison County’s creative people, companies and institutions, past and present, are a vital part of what described our county. Their collective achievements and talents contribute to Madison County’s unique environment. It’s these same creative people, companies and institutions that also add significant wealth to the County’s economy, in ways that until now, have been recognized. Inspired by the Mississippi Creative Economy study put together by the Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Madison County Creative Economy Council was formed to help others understand Madison County’s creative economy as it exists , helping us to be better positioned to support and further develop this key sector. The Madison County Creative Economy Council is a convergence of organizations with a strong interest in seeking out and promoting all that is good in our County. The effort began in 2012 with a Creative Economy Showcase held at the Madison Square Center for the Arts. The people and organizations that make up the Madison County Creative Economy Council include: Chamber of Commerce Main Street Association Convention and Visitors Bureau & Film Office Flora Area Chamber of Commerce Madison the City Chamber of Commerce Madison County Business League Madison County Chamber of Commerce Madison County Economic Development Authority Madison County Foundation Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce Ridgeland Tourism Commission Susan Marquez Consulting Please visit www.madisoncountycreativeeconomy.com to learn how Madison County’s creative economy is a direct source of economic growth, jobs and wealth. Our website serves as a collective gathering space and bridge to connect our county’s rich history, events, attractions and creative assets. You’ll find a centralized calendar of all county events, and you’ll learn about the many exciting attractions that make Madison County such a special place. From left, Susan Marquez, Susan Marquez Consulting; Jordan Hillman, Chamber of Commerce Main Street Association; Mina Thorgeson, Ridgeland Tourism Commission; Jana Padgett, Convention & Visitors Bureau & Film Office; Abby Lane, Flora Area Chamber of Commerce; Lenita Knight, Madison County Economic Development Authority; Gray Marchetti, Madison County Foundation; Mary Beth Wilkerson, Ridgeland Tourism Commission; JoAnn Gordon, Convention & Visitors Bureau & Film Office; Jodi Maughon and Paige Peterson, Madison County Chamber of Commerce; Lisa Bonds, Flora Area Chamber of Commerce; Pam Mahoney, Madison the City Chamber of Commerce; Linda Bynum, Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce and Jan Collins, Madison County Business League. 36 Ridgeland Life CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee serves as Master of Ceremonies for the Madison County Creative Economy Council’s Second Annual Business After Hours held at the Mississippi Crafts Center on Rice Road. From left, Canton residents Louise and Dr. Gil Spivey; Barbara Varner, Regions Bank and Bobby Cumberland, Madison River Oaks Medical Center. From left, State Representative Rita Martinson; Tina Lakey, CenterPoint Energy; Becky Morgan, Brown Bottling Group and Gray Marchetti, Madison County Foundation. From left, Mary Beth Wilkerson, Ridgeland Tourism Commission and State Senator Will Longwitz. From left, State Representative Bill Denney and State Representative Rita Martinson; Jan Collins, Madison County Business League and Linda Bynum, Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce. 2013 Ridgeland Chamber President Carla Palmer Allen, CPA Realty. Madison County Tax Collector Kay Pace and Ridgeland Alderman-atLarge D. I. Smith. Cotton Kitchen, located at 870 Avery Blvd. in Ridgeland, catered the Madison County Creative Council’s Business After Hours. Winter 201337 WHO AND WHERE R idgeland D epartments Public Works Community Development Fire Department ALAN HART MATT BAILEY JOHN M. MCCOLLUM Director alan.hart@ ridgelandms.org Fire Chief matt.bailey@ ridgelandms.org Director mike.mccollum@ ridgelandms.org PAULA TIERCE Police Department Recreation & Parks Department City Clerk /Human Resources Director paula.tierce@ ridgelandms.org JIMMY HOUSTON CHRISTOPHER CHANCE Chief of Police jimmy.houston@ ridgelandms.org Director chris.chance@ ridgelandms.org Finance and Administration City Meetings Mayor and Board of Aldermen Meeting 1st & 3rd Tuesday - 6 p.m. Work session is held on Mondays prior to Board Meeting - 6 p.m. Architectural Review Board 2nd & 4th Tuesday - 6 p.m. City of Ridgeland City Hall, 304 Highway 51, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 601-856-7113, www,ridgelandms.org Aldermen D.I. Smith, Alderman-at-Large. . . . . . . . . . . 601-707-8845 Bill Dicken - Chairman Phil Ayers, Karen Bishop, Ron Blaylock, Donald Pendergrast, Glenn Ray, Alex Ross, Connie Suber Ken Heard, Mayor Pro Tempore, Ward 1. . 601-856-7727 Beautification Committee First Monday - 5:30 p.m. Brian Ramsey, Ward 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601-506-1979 Jamie Freeman, Peggy Gauthe, Peggy Horne, Phyllis Parker, Lea Anne Stacy Community Awareness Committee Fourth Monday - 5:30 p.m. Drew Malone - Chairperson Janie Boyd, Peggy Gauthe, Shirley Gill, Dawn Hall, Scott Higginbotham, Lee Hutchings, Mike Smith, Darlene Turner Contractors Board of Adjustment and Appeals Lantz Kuykendall - Chairman Terry Evans, Ronnie Hales, David Pursell, Steve Rimmer, Ricky Skeen, Clay Sutherland, Leroy Tubbs, Keith West Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee 3rd Tuesday - 6:30 p.m. Larry Anderson, John Evans, Jay Harris, Wayne Jimenez, James Freeman, Jerry Neill, Gabe Coker Zoning and Planning Board Thursdays, the week of Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting - 6 p.m. Bernie Giessner - Chairman Michelle Caballero, Philip Huskey, Mark Irby, Walter Cox, Larry Miller, Julius Murray 38 Ridgeland Life Chuck Gautier, Ward 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601-856-1291 Kevin Holder, Ward 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601-856-1950 Scott Jones, Ward 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601-856-6861 Wesley Hamlin, Ward 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 601-454-0353 City Directory Animal Control animalcontrol@ridgelandms.org............................................... 601-856-2121 Anonymous Tip Line (criminal investigations division)................................................ 601-853-2006 City Hall/Mayor’s Office................................................ 601-856-7113 Community Development Department (development, property maintenance, zoning, signs, permits)............. 601-856-3877 Community Police Officers (residential/neighborhood concerns and service)..... 601-502-6040 & 601-940-9030 Court Clerk (traffic violations, misdemeanors and fines).................................. 601-853-2001 Emergency (police and fire dispatch center).......................................... 9-1-1 Finance and Administration (business licenses, elections, meeting minutes, budget, public records).. 601-856-7113 Fire Department (non-emergency calls, safety education programs)..........................601-856-7004 Police Department (non-emergency calls, public safety concerns)................................ 601-856-2121 Public Works Depatment (road, garbage, recycling, water, storm water)............................. 601-853-2027 Recreation and Parks (special events, athletics and program registration, park information).....601-853-2011 Utility Billing Department (water, sewer, garbage, and recycling billing) utilitybilling@ridgelandms.org.................................................. 601-856-3938 WHO AND WHERE R idgeland A ldermen To learn more about your elected representatives, go to www.ridgelandms.org/electedofficials/. D.I. Smith Alderman At-Large 601-707-8845 Ken Heard Ward 1 Mayor Pro Tempore 601-856-7727 Brian Ramsey Ward 4 601-506-1979 Scott Jones Ward 5 601-206-5416 Chuck Gautier Ward 2 601-856-1291 Kevin Holder Ward 3 601-238-5361 Wesley Hamlin Ward 6 601-454-0353 Winter 201339 Post Office Box 217 Ridgeland, Mississippi 39158 www.ridgelandms.org Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 80 Jackson, MS