Deck the Halls!

Here's wishing every one a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday season!

We were visited by some wonderful Christmas Carolers from Crossroads Church over the weekend. Of course, we all sang along!

Later in the day, at our annual Ridge Christmas Party and gift exchange, we had a suprise visitor all the way from the North Pole.

A Safe and Prosperous New Year to all!

On Common Ground

Several years ago, I met with Reverend Danell Wheeler from Common Ground Corona. She wanted to do something for Peppermint Ridge. From this meeting, the monthly birthday celebrations were born. For well over three years, Danell, Jean, Karen, Trina, Terri and several others from the Common Ground Interfaith Spiritual Center threw a party for the Ridgers every third Friday of the month. We danced, played bingo, ate wonderful food and had an amazing time with wonderful friends. Volunteer Trina created beautiful handmade birthday cards for each Ridger celebrating a birthday that month. The birthday celebrations were looked forward to by all!

As often happens, Danell became stretched thin with the demands of running Common Ground. Volunteers were unable to commit as the day to day challenges of their own lives became more pressing . We were facing the heart breaking possibility of discontinuing our Monthly parties.

And as often happens, God stepped in. At the same time, we were contacted by Saddleback church. They were looking for a way to serve. We had just the opportunity for them! Common Ground sadly hosted their last birthday celebration in December 2010- and without missing a beat, Saddleback Church picked up the reins and hosted their first monthly birthday celebration in January 2011. They put their own spin on it, while keeping the feel and flavor of the celebrations alive. These parties are all about celebrating our fabulous Ridgers and enjoying the company of our wonderful friends.

I am so grateful to Common Ground (who are still very active with Peppermint Ridge) and Saddleback Church for starting and continuing our parties! We couldn't do it without our community! We are all truly "on Common Ground."

Spring Time!!

I am so excited to welcome Spring! I can feel the excitement and anticipation of new life, new hope, warmer days and second chances. We are planning many fun activities for the Springtime, including our continuing Monday Night Fitness program, where we will take our workout outside on nice evenings, Our Venturing Crew program, with the help and support of our Sister Crew, Crew 107, and don't forget parties, parties, parties!!!!
The horseback riding program is going STRONG, with 21 riders now! We have a fabulous group of volunteers, including Tracy P who leads an arts and craft project every month. She recently ran into an "Angel" at the Cajalco Michael's Craft Store. This woman, who wanted to remain anonymous (her first name is Judy..that is all the info she gave), upon hearing the mission of Peppermint Ridge, donated $100 on the spot to purchase arts & crafts supplies for our program. Good people are out there!!!! I will post further updates about specific programs here at the Ridge very soon!