Around twelve years ago, I decided to start writing down things that were happening in my life, sort of a journal, and after the encouragement of a couple of very special friends, I began a newsletter, Ridge Rider News. I sent the first issue to three families, now there are approximately 110 households receiving the newsletter.

Ridge Rider News Online was created in order to allow all readers with Internet access the opportunity to choose the convenience and speed of the Internet over US Mail.

Occasionally, I write with strong emotions on subjects dear to me, and I encourage persons who have a different point of view to let me know. I don't publish the comments of any who disagree without their permission.

Usually, I try to find a way to work a little humor into a story or a newsletter, but I am not always able to do so. My fishing buddies, Jim Hess and Lee Gordon, came up with the idea to create the character known as Bodock Beau. Beau has been appearing since October of '97, and has been well received by readers.

June 01, 1996 First issue mailed to three households.

November 22, 1996 Mailing list expands to 15 households

April 29, 1997 Mailing list increased to 30 households.

May 10, 1997 Ridge Rider News goes Online.

June 07, 1997 Five-week's celebration of 1st Anniversary begins.

October 11, 1997 Fictitious character, Bodock Beau, introduced to readers.

December 06, 1997 First issues containing readers' memorable Christmases began and continued throughout the month. This marked the first appeal to a wide audience to contribute a remembrance.

May 23, 1998 First RRN cookout. Attendance 48 people.

June 06, 1998 Third year of publication begins.

July 16, 1998 First RRN subscriber to be claimed by death, Stephanie Daniel.

October 30, 1998 Mailings now sent to 36 households. RRN Online is known to be read by 7 households readers.

February 27, 1999 Weekly issues of RRN (hard copy) sent to 44 households.

November 29, 1999 Open House at Dogwood Circle Residence

December 18, 1999 Mailings are sent to 51 households. RRN Online is known to be read by readers in a dozen households.

March 03, 2000 Office Employees of Havertys in Madison, MS share RRN.

July 22, 2000 Ridge Rider Celebration and fish fry.  Sixty-one attend gala in Dogwood Circle.

April 07, 2001 Mailings of RRN are sent to 58 households.

July 28, 2001 Anniversary celebration and fish fry attended by 135 people.

January 11, 2002 First edition printing of RRN 2001, a loose leaf binding, presented as a gift.

January 18, 2002  First copy of RRN 2001 sold. Mailings of RRN rise to 78, includes 63 copies via U.S. Mail and 15 copies via email.

May 08, 2002  Mailings of RRN reach 84 households.  Sixty-five copies U.S. Mail, 19 copies via email.

July 27, 2002  Sixth Anniversary Celebration and Fish Fry attended by 120, including Bluegrass Band members and families. Out of area attendees included Bill Jett of Jackson, MS, Rick Greene and Leslie Townsend of Brandon, MS.   

February 01, 2003  RRN sent to 100 households.  Sixty-six copies U.S. Mail, 34 copies via email.

July 07, 2003 Eighth year of publication begins as Seventh Anniversary Celebration nears.

July 19, 2003  Seventh Anniversary Celebration and Fish Fry  attended by 103.  Entertainment provided by Fred and Bobby Carter of Mulberry Florida.  Out of town guests included Powell Prewett, Jr. of Oak Ridge, TN and Linda and Martin Reeves of Gulfport, MS.

January 23, 2004   RRN sent to 111 households with 10 or more additional households reading the newsletter online.

July 30, 2004  Eighth Anniversary Celebration and Fish Fry  attended by 107. Special guests from out of state - Bob McGehee, GA; Mark Grube, IL; Paul Goodwin, WI.

July 01, 2005  Subscription fee initiated for printed copies sent via U.S. Mail.  Annual fee is $25.00. Donations from online and email readers make it possible for several on fixed incomes to continue receiving RRN for another year.

July 23, 2005  Ninth Anniversary Celebration and Fish Fry  attended by 120. The editor's hair stylist and wife, Travis and Sharon Johnson, were the only out of state attendees other than family members.

February 26, 2006  RRN emailed to 60 households, hardcopies to 34 households, and enjoyed online by at least 10 additional households. 

June 03, 2006 Tenth Anniversary Celebration and Fish Fry  attended by 113. Entertainment was by the Barney Harris Blues Band, with Jason Carter as singer and solo slide guitarist. Out-of-county guest included:

• Hortense Wakefield - Caledonia, MS
• Travis and Sharon Johnson and Edward – Memphis, TN
• Jonathan and Cathy Kalish and sons – Tupelo, MS
• Fred and Vickey Murphree – Tupelo, MS
• Jim Hess – Vicksburg, MS
• Lee Gordon and Jason Gordon – West Point, MS.

February 10, 2006  RRN emailed to 62 households, hardcopies to 29 households, and enjoyed online by at least 10 additional households. 

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