Reflecting on the year 2009, the Pea Ridge Community Center has been very busy. Much fun, food and fellowship have been focal points of the years events along with numerous improvements to the facility.

In January, February and March, the group brought winter meals of homemade soups, stews, cornbread and desserts. Leftovers were boxed and delivered to the sick and shut-ins of the community.

In February and October, many Polk County patrons attended the country ham and sausage fundraising breakfasts. During March, twenty-five ladies attended an English Tea at the home of Brenda Bean, held as a fundraiser for the Academic Scholarship Fund.

In April, county commissioner Cindy Walker presented information on the recycling program in Polk County. Green Creek grape producer Frank Lilly was guest speaker in May with a power point presentation on growing grapes and making wine.

At the June meeting, Officer Russell presented details of the Sheriff Departments Community Watch Program. In August Cindy Ramsey, former director of ICC, gave an interesting outline of courses and activities offered at the Polk Campus.

At another monthly meeting, Co-Producer Dean Campbell showed the documentary Dark Corner. He presented much information about upper South Carolina and the edge of Polk in the early 1900s.

Both July and August meetings included hefty supplies of hand-churned ice cream, cake and other embellishments. This brought out larger crowds than normal although at all monthly meetings, refreshments and snacks are served.

The group says they are very interested in finding ways to bring more community residents and outsiders to the monthly meetings and activities. The community center says they are for all community patrons, as well as meeting new friends from surrounding areas.

There are no membership dues just a gathering place for persons interested in the betterment of the area. The community center says that their purpose is to improve the educational, cultural, and social needs of the community.

Each week, local Boy Scout Troop #128 meets in their facility. The members have helped with maintenance of the building and grounds. They also assisted with the recent fundraiser breakfast. The facility is often available for reunions, showers, etc. For rental information, call 894-3127.

At its meeting on November 12, suggestions were given for topics to be presented at the 2010 monthly meetings. Possible topics included the Mill Spring School Project, kudzu and fire ant control, Pea Ridge history, donating organs, litter control and continuing our efforts to recycle.

The Pea Ridge Community Center holds their monthly meetings at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. January and February meetings are at 6:30 p.m. because a soup and cornbread meal is held.

On Thursday, December 10, a Christmas Potluck begins with a time for socializing at 6 p.m. and the meal at 6:30 p.m.

The Pea Ridge Community Center is located off Hwy. 108 on Big Level Road, 3-1/2 miles east of Mill Spring. Everyone is welcome. For information, contact President Daryl Hardin at 828-894-8376.