Monday, August 31, 2015

August 31, 2015
Ridge Spring News

HARVEST FESTIVAL WILL BE IN THREE WEEKS!!!!!
BINGO IS SEPT. 17
GOSPEL NIGHT & CAKE & PIE CONTEST IS SEPT. 18
FESTIVAL SATURDAY IS SEPT. 19

The new mayor and council will be sworn in on September 8 at 6:30 in the Episcopal Church Hall. Our new mayor is Pat Asbill with council to include: Capers Asbill, Richard Christie, Geneva Harris, and Crys Lybrand. No one was opposed when petitions were returned so the Saluda County Election Commission declared these petitioners as the winners of this year's election. The public is welcome to the swearing in ceremony. 

It was a first for the town when the Trojans arrived in the Town Square for a town-wide pep rally last Thursday evening. Coaches, principals, assistant superintendents, parents, and spectators were gathered to hear the town roar for its football team, band, and cheerleaders. Chants of "Go Trojans" could be heard echoing down the side streets. It was a thumbs-up for the organizers who plan to have a second pep rally in Monetta soon. 

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church: Soldiers of Faith of SC, Southern Gospel Trio coming to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 164 Mt. Pleasant Road, Ridge Spring, on Sunday, September 6th @ 6:30 pm.  Come and enjoy! 

Joe Watson says he has been fortunate in finding the money he has while picking up trash, but the amount is decreasing.  First he found a twenty dollar bill, Next came 35 cents.  The bottom was reached Wednesday when he found a lonesome one cent piece.  We hope things will pick up

Harvest Festival T-Shirts are on sale at Town Hall, Off the Beaten Path and at the Farmers’ Market. 

Vickie Baker, Robin Roberts, and Theresa Harmon, owners of Off the Beaten Path on Main St. in Ridge Spring have recently purchased the Eidson house on Ward Ave. in Ward for a bed and breakfast and event place.  The Gables Inn and Gardens has four spacious bedrooms in an historic house available to offer you a relaxing weekend.  A hot breakfast is included.  The gardens offer a beautiful place for any kind of events from small parties to large weddings.  Small business luncheons, meetings, retreats, and just plain get away can be planned.  There are many activities in the area to include golf, horseback trail riding, the Wild Turkey Federation, antiques, and shopping.  Call us at 803-685-0099 to book your events or weekend get away!  


Effie Martin:
Parade of Babies: Sponsored by the Ridge Hill Baptist Educational Association Woman's Auxiliary. The purpose of the program is to raise money for the students in college that are members of one of the churches in the association. The program was held on Saturday, August 29. The money raised was $ 12,210.00. Thank everyone that participated. The Moderator is Rev. Donald Hall and Effie T. Martin is president of the woman's Auxiliary. The churches in the association are: Jerusalem, Mt. Alpha, Calidonia, Pine Hill, Ridge Hill, Reedy Branch, Ridge Branch, Mt. Pleasant, Monetta, Coleman Ridge, & Rock Hill.

Mount Alpha Educational Union is sponsoring cursive writing classes on September 8, 15, 22,& 29 at the Ridge Spring Star Community Center from 6:00 pm. to 7:00 pm. There is no cost for the classes. Anyone interested in cursive writing may come, there is no age limit. 

Girl Scout Troop 2081 is inviting the public to a ribbon cutting ceremony at the playground next to the Star Center on Saturday, September 5 at 10:00 A.M.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:

Ridge Spring United Methodist Church, RSUMC, would like to thank the ENTIRE community, businesses, churches, and individuals for such a grand turn out during the Fire Department Water/Gator Aide Blitz. Over 300 bottles of product was collected as well as nearly $300! The Fire Department couldn’t be more pleased. Again a huge thanks to those who helped, who got the word out and who donated. It was a real community effort.

RSUMC is on Face Book. Visit our page, like us and keep up with events and activities. 
On the porch of the Family Life Center (building next to the Church) is a prayer request box. It is checked prior to Sunday Services and requests are added to the Morning Prayer. Sunday Service is at 11 a.m. unless other wised noted. Join us!

Book Review by David Marshall James:
 “Can I Go Now?  The Life of Sue Mengers, Hollywood’s First Superagent” by Brian Kellow—In a 1967 CBS-TV special, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball portrayed night-shift maids at the William Morris Agency, delivering the duet, “Chutzpah.”
     Chutzpah:  Two-time William Morris employee Sue Mengers had it in aces, deuces, and spades, flashing rock-heavy rings from pal David Geffen (who charted some of the 1970s beggest hits through his record label), with a joint in one hand and a Gauloise cigarette in the other.  Baby, it was the ‘70s!  And Sue Mengers rocked them like her friendship rings from Geffen, representing Ryan O’Neal, Ali MacGraw, Gene Hackman, and many other icons—the twinkliest of those she called her “twinklies” being Barbra Streisand, whom Sue first met back in New York, before La Babs did “Funny Girl” on Broadway in 1964.
     If you missed Sue in her trademark caftans (chocolate-chip cookies exact their tollhouse and sybaritic Sue scarfed them in bed), pink-tinted glasses, and brushed out tresses, then you must not have been reading People magazine, because Sue made the pages almost every week.  Her dinner parties were frequent and legendary during her 40-year residency in L.A., after beginning as a secretary in NYC.  Jack Nicholson remained a mainstay of her table from beginning to end, with such old pals as Gore Vidal and Joan Collins dropping by for the chicken pot pie (for real!). Brian Kellow’s biography captures Mengers in all her uninhibited, expletive-wielding glory.  She succeeded in living life large—and twinkly.

                                            Rene Miller RSM Elementary School
WELCOME! Our Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary faculty and staff would like to welcome all students and parents to the start of the 2015-16 school year. We are excited to have the opportunity to assist our students into becoming leaders and lifelong learners. We are looking forward to another fantastic year!

Procedures for Car Riders: Please be reminded that you may begin dropping off your child/children at 7:30 a.m. Please drop them off at the gym side entrance of the school. Afternoon: dismissal begins at 2:30 p.m. Please follow the car line procedures and refrain from early sign-outs. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
PTO FALL COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER: Beginning today, our PTO is conducting their only fundraiser for the Fall by selling tubs of cookie dough. This fundraiser was a huge success last year. Please support them as they work so hard for our students and school. Please note the date to turn in money and order forms is the morning of MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th. The PTO will not accept any orders turned in prior to that date. Orders will not be accepted without the money enclosed.

Reminders:
Sept. 8: Last Harvest Festival Planning Meeting before the Harvest Festival
Sept. 17: Harvest Festival BINGO
Sept. 18: Cake and Pie Contest sponsored by Bank’s Drugs
Sept. 18: Gospel Night
Sept. 19: Ridge Spring Harvest Festival
Sept. 26: AARS: silk scarf painting class with Libby Bussinah
Oct. 3: WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner
Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 12:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every 2nd Monday:  RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center. 

Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission 

Monday, August 24, 2015


August 24, 2015
Ridge Spring News
Harriet Householder
It was my fault for the mix up about the emails that I mentioned last week.  I did not mean to insinuate that it was the carrier’s fault.  All is straightened out and emails are working just fine.  Sorry for the mix-up.

The Farmers’ Market was full of crowder peas, purple hull, pink eye and just crowder peas. Of course there were other fruits and vegetables.  Come check us out this Saturday.  Some get there earlier than others but 8:00 AM or after will be great.  Pictures are up on facebook, too, Town of Ridge Spring.

Pat Asbill: Come and help the Trojans start the year off right with a pep rally in the town square on Thursday evening August 27th at 7:00. Meet your football team, new coach, new principal, cheerleaders, and band members. Support the home team, go Trojans

 Many, many thanks go to the Ridge Spring Library volunteers, without whose help, we could not keep the library in operation. Our volunteers are: Rosemary Broom, Shelby Yonce, Jean Gregory, Judi Taylor, Phil Yon, Preston Winkler, Susan Carvahlo, Jeannie Boatwright, and Pat Asbill. We keep the library open according to volunteer's availability.
THE HARVEST FESTIVAL IS GETTING NEAR.
Several of us are working on getting the Country Store set up on Saturday September 19.  It will be at The Fire Station on Green Street.  We will open around 8:00 and have fresh produce form local farmers.

At the same time we will be selling the cakes and pies that competed in the Cake and Pie Contest that was held Friday evening.  I hope you entered one of the categories.  These four categories: the layer cake, pound cake,  pie and children’s brownie.  Have them at the Fire Station by 5:45 or at the Sponsor’s store Bank’s Drugs by 5:30.

Primitives at the Ridge Invites you to their Annual FALL Gathering on  August 28th and 29th from 10 am ‘til 4:30 pm.   The shop will be full of pumpkins, gourds, pilgrims, turkeys, fall foliage and lots of other things!  We will be closed Thursday, August 27th to get ready. Check out facebook.com/primitivesattheridge for a sneak preview!  Our address is 502 E. Main St., Ridge Spring, SC 803-685-7399/803-645-5443.

Come celebrate the harvest at Ridge Springs 34th Annual Harvest Festival. Ridge Spring is a small town located in the heart of what locals call The Ridge Region of South Carolina. This region is known for its agricultural history and we look forward to celebrating and thanking our farmers each and every year. Come and join us as we celebrate and enjoy the parade, arts and craft, music, food, and a whole lot more at the 2015 Ridge Spring Harvest Festival.

I have learned why there has been a misunderstanding about how many years the Harvest Festival has been happening.  The first Harvest Festival was actually the Bicentennial Celebration.  When community leaders decided to do it again they named it the Harvest Festival.  Again they decided to change the first one which was actually the centennial celebration changing it to be the first Harvest Festival.  So it is really the 34th not the 33rd

Guess who will have Harvest Festival T-Shirts at the Farmers' Market this Saturday-ME?  Come by and get your T-Shirt if  you cannot get by Town Hall, Ridge Antiques and Dry Goods, Cumbee Place, or Off the Beaten path.   Children’s shirts are $10 in (med & large).  Adult short sleeves are $12 &  long sleeves are $15 (small to XXlarge).

Saturday September 12 will be the Ridge Spring Sidewalk sale for the businesses in town.  Come check out the bargains you will find on the sidewalks of Main Street.

Mr. Clamp and the RS-M Band Booster Club would like to thank the Harvest Festival Committee for their generous contribution of $1,500 to our band program.  The donation will go a long way toward replacing the band's helmets that were stolen along with the trailer and other items a few years ago.  The True Blue Band should be sporting their new helmets at the first competition on September 19th.

JOANNE CROUCH: Don’t miss a chance to play in the mud this Saturday, August 29th from 9-1.  Donna Minor will be leading a workshop, “What a Hoot”.  Participants will make and underglaze a coil pot with owl features.  The studio will bisque fire, clear glaze and fire finished works to be picked up the following week.  Cost is $35.   To register, call (803)685-5783 or email rmdm287@comporium.net. The Art Center of Ridge Spring is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4.  Check out the website for fall classes being scheduled at this time.  Our address is http://sites.google.com/site/artassnridgespring.

From Ridge Spring Police Chief Michael J. Raffield’s Desk:
 Citizens beware, there is an additional scam that has recently been reported to law enforcement. The scam works like this, a person calls on the telephone targeting the elderly and advises that the “yellow card” that you completed for medical financial assistance was accepted or approved. The caller will then try and set up a physical meeting at the home.
            Please remember that the United States government and the majority of reputable businesses will not call you soliciting personal information over the telephone, nor will they ask for your financial credit card or bank routing number over the phone. Please do not give out information over the telephone either. The government and professional businesses will send their communications through the mail, and if you are ever in doubt please ask a family member or ask your local police department.
            If you would rather check on the situation yourself, look up the business telephone number and call them directly, and see whether or not they are participating in any telephone programs. Recent scammers have also called people stating they had outstanding balances and identified themselves as the power company, the county tax department, the water department, and etc...
Please also be careful while conducting any computer financial transactions and before you remit payment make sure the web address bar has the https://, the (s) indicates that the web payment is being made on a secure network, and is following the best practices for internet security.

Kyle D. Blankenship, Ed.S., Principal, RSM  Middle/High School
Welcome Back to School @ RSM M/H: The first week back at school for RSM Middle/High was a wonderful experience. We welcomed new and returning students as well as celebrated our new teachers and support staff. Pastor Vollie Gibbs and those from Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church were so kind to raffle off some welcome back teaching supplies such as tissues, pens, paper and other teacher-necessities, as a thank you and a welcome back gesture to the talented teaching staff at RSM Middle/High.

Our football team is ready to start the season against rival Saluda HS this upcoming Friday, August 28th @ 7:30 pm at RSM High. To share our excitement about our Fall sports teams (football, volleyball, cheerleading and the band) with the community, we will be coming together to have a Fall Sports Rally at the town square in town on Thursdy, August 27thstarting at around 6:30 pm. There is no cost to attend and we hope to see many community members there to enjoy themselves and support the school. We also hope to see everyone at the HS football stadium on Friday night. The game starts at 7:30 pm and is only $7 to get in and you are guaranteed to see a great matchup.
Speaking of athletics, the RSM Booster club generously provided the athletic program with a gift of a new sound system for our stadium so all of our football fans can enjoy our games even more each Friday night we play home. We were very thankful.

For those I have not been fortunate enough to meet yet, or those who may not know, my name is Mr. Kyle Blankenship, and I am honored to be the new principal of Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle/High School. I had the fortune of working in this community a few years ago and am truly thankful to be back again. Please feel free to contact me at any time or to visit our schools and see the excellent teaching that occurs daily.

Josie Rodgers:
 The grind is on! The beginning of school brings us back to reality with schedules and sports and days filled with activities and work.  Gone (for a while) are the days of sleeping in, staying in our pjs, lounging by the pool, and staying up late to watch movies and snuggle.  Now it’s up before the sun, running all day, sports and practices, homework, late suppers, and early bedtimes.  However, we are thankful to be allowed to attend great schools, awesome teachers, knowledgeable coaches, and the opportunity to grow and learn and change. 
The return to school also means that colleagues I haven’t seen are wrapping their arms around me with Leagrace’s passing being so fresh and sharp.  I am so very blessed to work at two schools with such wonderful people:  RSM Middle/High and Aiken High have lavished me and my family with positive words, comforting messages, warm hugs, and offerings to help.  Our Wardlaw Academy family has done the same for my family.  I still cannot express how deeply we have been affected by the outpouring of love and support.  This is what keeps us going, keeps us striving to focus on making the most of each and every day while we have our loved ones with us.  I can assure you that we don’t take a moment for granted. 


Book Review by David Marshall James: 
In “X,” her 24th Kinsey Millhone mystery, Sue Grafton crosses her “X’s,” dots her “i’s,” and makes all her letters clean and clear enough to please a school marm of yore.  Sure enough, she includes an admonishment about today’s dearth of good penmanship in this mystery novel, which finds the Santa Teresa, California, P.I. tying up the strands of a literal puzzle left by the late Pete Wolinsky, a gumshoe with whom she worked when she was earning the required hours for a California P.I.’s license.
     Seems Ms. Millhone judged Pete hyper-harshly.  Moreover, her quality of mercy shines in the case of a feuding, uber-wealthy divorced couple.  Yet sometimes a cigar is just a cigar:  case in point, Kinsey’s and landlord Henry Pitts’s latest neighbors.  They make Gladys Kravitz look like Mr. Rogers in cardigan and tennies.
     At this late date and letter, Kinsey has learned that justice is more a matter of gray—of pragmatically employing one’s gray matter—than black and white.  What, indeed, is the big picture in which each of her cases finds context?  Grafton could have cheated a smidge and titled this novel “X Is for ’Xpert” as a well-deserved authorial self-homage.  As for Kinsey, she’s still a work in progress, which makes her all the more endearing.


Reminders:
Aug. 27: Sports Rally on Town Square
Aug. 29: Back to school Carnival
Aug. 29: AARS Pottery Class
Sept. 17: Harvest Festival BINGO
Sept. 18: Cake and Pie Contest sponsored by Bank’s Drugs
Sept. 18: Gospel Night
Sept. 19: Ridge Spring Harvest Festival
Sept. 19: AARS: silk scarf painting class with Libby Bussinah
Oct. 3: WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner
Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 12:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every 2nd Monday:  RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center. 

Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission 

Monday, August 10, 2015

August 10, 2015
Ridge Spring News
Harriet Householder
The Ridge spring Farmers’ Market is slowing down a bit.  Leonard Bell gets there about 8:00.  Mrs. Carr said the weather has ended her produce that she has been bringing.   Peaches are still at the market.  Tomatoes, corn and baked goods and much more  .  Don’t forget the boiled peanuts.  Sherald is taking orders for crowder peas for they will be coming in this week.  He is able to keep the deer out by using hot pepper spray that he is making.  Check us out round 8:00 and after.  Samantha McClure has a cook book with many recipes for using chocolate and she is cooking her way through the book.  She made soda bread by the old recipe too.
Last week Joe Cal Watson who is 91 years old had a former classmate from the elementary school years come visit him.  My mother, Harriet Brunson Fripp Barnwell, taught Joe so she also taught the classmate in fourth grade.  Mom kept pictures of her early classes, 1933.  I went to her album and found a picture of Joe’s Classmates.  His name is His name is Ben Kilgo. Joe said, “Your mother taught us in the fourth grade and his father was our minister.
RS United Methodist Church is sponsoring a Beat the Heat Blitz for the RS Fire Dept.  On Sat., Aug. 22, you may bring waters and Gatorades to the fire dept anytime between 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.  This event is at tremendous help for those men and women who battle blazes, save lives, and help out community in all kinds of ways. For more information, contact Nanette Hughes.  Next Sunday August 16, 2015, Pastor Sandra King will offer communion at RSUMC. This is open Communion and ALL are welcome.

Shawna Heid, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church: As most of you know by now, Shaun Steele, son of Jesse & Debra Steele, is a 28 year old battling colon cancer.  Shaun is married to Alex, daughter of Dana & Tracy Stone.  They have a precious 18 month old daughter named Harper Quinn.  Shaun has endured chemo and radiation to enable his tumor to be removed surgically.  His surgery was completed only to discover more cancer.  Shaun will receive massive chemo in an effort to stop the cancer.  Your prayers and financial support are needed during this fight against cancer

The WMU of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit to raise funds to assist with medical and living expenses as Shaun is unemployed during this battle.  The benefit is scheduled for Saturday, October 3 from 12:00 - 4:00 pm in the Family Life Center at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.  Cost for the dinner will be:
                                                            3 & under       -           Free
                                                            4 - 12 years old -       $4.00
                                                            13 and older -             $8.00
            Tickets may be purchased at Mt. Pleasant Baptist church on Sunday mornings & evenings and Wednesday nights 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  Also, church members will have access to tickets.  Live music will entertain all attending as well as a Cake Walk will be held from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.  Pick a cake made from scratch for $20.00 if you land on the CAKE circle.  In addition, a Silent Auction will be viewed from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.  Bids will cease at 3:00 after which the winners will be announced.  More information will follow on items for bid “at the right price.” Mark your calendar for this special day of fellowship and financial support for Shaun and his family.  A day to remember!  For more information you may contact :  LaRose Smart , Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church WMU Director (803-685-7071).

Coach McCormack: We will also be having a Fall Sports Rally in the town square in town on Thursday, August 27th @6:30 to celebrate the fall sports teams and to kick off the football season against Saluda High on Friday night.  
We will be having a fall sports meet the team night/Booster Club meeting at 7 o'clock in the gym on August 17th. We need to have all parents of fall athletes to attend. We will introduce coaches, distribute sports schedules, and discuss ways to increase parent participation in the Booster Club and other Athletic projects.

Harvest Festival:  The tees are in!  Children’s shirts are $10 in (med & large).  Adult short sleeves are $12 &  long sleeves are $15 (small to XXXlarge).  Contact Noel at Cumbee Place.

AARS:  For the second time, we are offering a silk scarf painting class with Libby Bussinah on Sat., Sept. 19 from 9-2 for $45 including all supplies. The Art Center is open each Friday and Saturday from 10-4.  Monthly membership meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month.  Membership fees are $25 for the year.

The Johnston Farmers’ & Artists’ Market continues each Thursday afternoon on Calhoun Street in front of the Library/Warehouse from 4 - 6 pm.  Locals are offering fresh fruits & vegetables, handmade soaps, apothecary items, fresh milk, lots of baked goods (including sourdough, cinnamon and oatmeal breads), Lion's Club brooms, notecards and prints by local artists.

Jane Autrey Insurance has a word for parents.  This is the time of year to make preparations for back to school. Remember that if you have a child going away to college and taking a car, you need to change the "garage" address on your insurance policy for that car. If I can be of service to anyone please call 803/685-0090 or come by. We are located behind Cumbee Place; come by for a quote.

Josie Rodgers
It’s back to school for teachers this week!  Most will be working to get their rooms ready, prepare the first week’s plans, and participating in inservice training.  RSM Mid/High will begin with a new principal, Kyle Blankenship, who is very excited about the coming year.  Kids, enjoy your last week off!  Next week, it’s your turn!  Get those supplies ready and get those minds open for learning and growing!
We are still struggling to deal with the loss of our precious Leagrace.  Sometimes it doesn’t even seem real that she’s gone.  We have good days and bad days.  But thank the Lord we have such great faith to know she’s with Him and doing fine.  And we have the best extended family and friends who continue to lift us up, check on us, and keep Leagrace alive in our hearts and conversations.  Don’t be afraid to talk about her to us.  We love talking about her even though we are pained with missing her so much.  Talking about her helps us keep her memory alive and keep us laughing about all the wonderful things she would do!  We are still so grateful for the outpouring of love from everyone.
RSM Elem: Registration Dates are as follows:  Aug. 11: 9-4; Aug. 12:   12-6. Reg will take place in the gym.  Bus registration will be at RSM Mid/High cafeteria on July 29 from 10-2 and July 30 from 1-5.
Each child that participates in the school’s summer reading program will be rewarded with a ticket to a RSM varsity football game and a varsity basketball game. Information and reading log will also be available from our website.
RSM High News:   A Fall Sports Rally will be held in the town square on Thurs., Aug. 27 @ 6:30 pm to celebrate the fall sports teams and to kick off the football season against Saluda High on Friday night. 
A fall sports Meet the Team Night & Booster Club meeting will be held at 7 pm in the gym on August 17. All parents of fall athletes to attend. We will introduce coaches, distribute sports schedules, and discuss ways to increase parent participation in the Booster Club and other athletic projects.

Retro Book Pick from David Marshall James:  “The Doorbell Rang,” first published 50 years ago, places Rex Stout’s orchid fancying/gourmand/exquisitely erudite P.I., Nero Wolfe, front and center in a mystery in which he takes on the entire FBI.  As related by fellow P.I. and employee Archie Goodwin, Wolfe’s man on the street, the case is undertaken because a wealthy client is willing to front one-hundred grand, plus expenses.  She’s sent out thousands of copies of an FBI expose; surprise—J. Edgar Hoover is having her tapped and tailed, and she wants Wolfe to prove as much and have Hoover cease and desist. 
    Wolfe must determine a way to approach the case on a local level, by addressing a chink in the FBI’s armor.  So, he and Archie commence a fishing expedition, for herrings red and otherwise.  At last they stumble across an unsolved murder that casts the agency in a questionable light.  The contemporary details of New York City life outside Wolfe’s brownstone on West 35th Street are every bit as inviting as the sumptuous meals concocted by his personal chef, Fritz Brenner.  Stout’s series, which ran for four decades, proved a departure from the hardboiled detective novel of its era in that Wolfe is the antithesis of such P.I.’s as Sam Spade, Philip Marlowe, and Mike Hammer.  Indeed, he’s the kind of eccentric who could play the dark side as a criminal mastermind in their fictional realms.  However, well-to-do widows can keep an astute P.I. in enough pate, caviar, and fine cognac so that he’ll exercise his powers for the greater good.
Personal note: Shelby Yonce told me she had good news and bad news.  The good news was that they got 1.3 inches of rain at their home place.  The bad news is that a snake slipped down her chimney and landed on her fire place hearth.  Fortunately she saw it there and Junior took it out of the house.
Nonie's handmade children's boutique is still looking for people that makes things for children like clothes and accessories, toys, blankets etc. Call Noel Steele at 803-609-7152. We are looking to open in October.
Reminders:
Aug. 23: Beat the Heat Blitz
Sept. 17: Harvest Festival BINGO
Sept. 18: Cake and Pie Contest sponsored by Bank’s Drugs
Sept. 18: Gospel Night
Sept. 19: Ridge Spring Harvest Festival
Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 12:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every 2nd Monday:  RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center. 
Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission
RSM Elementary Summer hours:  Mon – Thurs 8 am – 4 pm
RSM High Summer hours:  Mon – Thurs 8 am – 4 pm


Monday, August 3, 2015

August 3, 2015
Ridge Spring News

Ridge Spring Farmers’ Market was great again.  The heat is beginning to take a toll on the produce but you can still get the freshest.  Two vendors had figs, too.  Denise Boatwright and Samantha McClure had baked and properly wrapped items that were delicious.  Carter and I eat breakfast there each Saturday, too.  The Georgia rattlesnake watermelons were selling.  Leonard Bell, Jeanette Carr, Sherald Rodgers, Bobby and Loris Yonce, Jerrold Watson and I were there with fresh peaches, peppers, watermelons, corn, cantaloupe, beautiful flowers, boiled peanuts and so much more.  Lee Ann Perez- One Ash Farm and Dairy gets there around 10:00 with her specialties. Come join us through Labor Day.

The Harvest Festival is September 17-19.  The date has ben changed to help get it moving again.  Some things have been dropped but any others have not.  There will be BINGO, Gospel Night, the parade, entertainment at the Gazebo, the Cake and Pie Contest sponsored by Bank’s Drugs, the Country Store, Crafters and vendors, simple rides and more.  Mark your calendar.
The T-SHIRTS are in.  Prices are children’s shirts $10.00 in medium and large.  Adults are short sleeve for $12.00 and long sleeve are $15.00 each in sizes small to XXXlarge.  There are no sweat shirts but there are long sleeve T-shirts.  Contact Noel at Cumbee Place.

Jeff Clamp, Band Director, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High School: The RS-M Band Boosters will be having a yard sale / car wash on Saturday, August 8th at the Ridge Spring Fire Department.  The yard sale / car wash will be from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  All items in the yard sale and the car wash will be by donation.  Bring a bag or box and fill it up with yard sale items and donate whatever you feel is fair and get your car washed while you shop.

Effie Martin: Mount Alpha Union is sponsoring a Back to School Blast at the Star Center on August 8 from 10:00 A.M. to noon. The workshop speakers will be Trudy Boyd from the Security Federal Bank in Aiken, Gabriela Burrell on Health, Mr. M.J. Raffield on safety. School supplies will be given out after the workshops. You MUST attend the workshop to receive school supplies. Lunch will be served.
Mount Alpha Baptist Church in Ward,SC will be having their revival August 2nd -6th. Sunday, Wednesday &Thursday Rev. Dr. Michael Ross will be the speaker. Monday & Tuesday Rev. Otis Cunningham,Sr will be the speaker. Sunday afternoon service will begin at 1:30 pm and nightly service  will begin at 7:30 pm.

JOHNSTON FARMER'S & ARTIST'S MARKET continues each Thursday afternoon on Calhoun Street in front of the Library/Warehouse from 4 - 6 p.m.  Locals are offering fresh fruits & vegetables, handmade soaps, apothecary items, fresh milk, and lots of baked goods (including sourdough, cinnamon and oatmeal breads). Lion's Club brooms, notecards and prints by local Artists.

Jane Autrey Insurance has a word for parents: I would like to remind everyone that this is the time of year to make preparations for back to school. Remember that if you have a child going away to college and taking a car you need to change the "garage" address on your insurance policy for that car. If I can be of service to anyone please call 
803-685-0090 or come by. We are located behind Cumbee Place, come by for a quote.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:  Ridge Spring United Methodist Church is sponsoring a Water/Gator Aide Blitz to help the Ridge Spring Volunteer Fire Department. On August 22, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the RS Fire Department, Church members will accept donations of water and GatorAide (cash donations are also accepted). If you would like to donate before August 22nd, leave water and/or GatorAide on the porch of the Family Life Center next to the Church, DuBose Street or you may leave it with Jim Campbell at Ridge Auto. Checks or cash donations may be mailed to the Church. Come on Ridge Spring, let’s help our firemen stay hydrated while they are protecting the community!!! Look for posters and flyers around Town announcing the Blitz!

Don’t forget the prayer box is located on the porch of the FLC. The box is checked and requests placed on the Sunday service pray list. Ridge Spring United Methodist Church has a Face Book page. Check us out, like us and keep up with the activities of this small but vibrant congregation.
Church Service is at 11 a.m. Sundays unless otherwise noted. Join us.

Josie and I share our news. She has said so eloquently about the family’s loss and all who knew her the loss of such a wonderful princess. 

Josie Rodgers:
As you all know, Princess Leagrace is dancing on the streets of Heaven with her King.  She became sick on July 20, went into the PICU on July 21, had seizures and extremely elevated ammonia on July 22, and by July 24, doctors could detect no brain activity.  This is the most devastating thing that has ever happened to us.  Even though we knew that her liver disorder was forever life-threatening, nothing could truly prepare us for such a crippling loss. Leagrace was such an important part of our lives.  Her laughter and smiles touched people everywhere. Her disabilities didn’t stop her from loving life, laughing at our antics, enjoying watching other children play, and giving the best of herself to us all.  She was known all over for her contagious laugh, gorgeous smile, beautiful eyes, and kicking legs.  She wowed the audience in June with her first dance at PDA’s spring showcase.  There was not a dry eye in the house; we are so fortunate to have that memory.  We are so crushed with broken hearts and empty arms, a pain that will never go away.  However, we take comfort in the fact that she is with Jesus Christ and her Aunt Titi, walking and dancing, laughing and talking.  I’m sure she has a lot to say from her very short 5 ½ years on this earth! My Pooky girl is happy now, not restricted by her disorder or a wheelchair or the inability to speak words.  She is free.  My heart is broken, but she is free.
My family has been overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support shown by our communities, friends, extended family, and schools.  We have received so many touching cards, texts, FB posts, phone calls, and visits.  We were blessed with food and other needs as well as beautiful flowers and plants to honor Leagrace.  Our cousin created a GoFundMe page that has raised money to help with funeral expenses (you can’t get life insurance on a child with a life-threatening disorder), and many others have donated directly to the family or to the wonderful Make-A-Wish Foundation that sent her to Disney World last January.  Ridge Spring Baptist Church was overflowing with friends and family celebrating the life of our little Princess.  We sang “Jesus Loves Me,” “Because He Lives,” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”  When the congregation began singing the first song, I was overwhelmed with the grand volume and turned to scan the church. My eyes barely hit the balcony when I saw a sea of black and gold—the entire FWA football team and coaching staff was there.  I was touched by the attendance of teachers and administrators from the RSM and Aiken County schools, community members, friends from our hometown of Winnsboro, members of RS Baptist Church & St. William Catholic, and the extended Wardlaw family.  Davis Wash sang “Over the Rainbow,” and our cousin Katie read I’ll Love You Forever.  So many people helped with the beautiful celebration as well as the visitations at Leagrace’s Nanny and Papa’s home.  It was certainly a celebration of a life that touched so many others in such a short time.  We are sick with grief, but with the grace of God and the love and support of those around us, we will hold on to our faith and look forward to the day we see Leagrace again!
Jim Pressley (my dad) now has two legs!  I was lucky enough to watch him take his first steps last Thursday. Of course, I had to video it!  And he WALKED into church this past Sunday!  He used a walker, but he was on 2 legs!  It is amazing to see where he is now compared to where he was 2 years ago.  I do believe the man can do anything.  I’m sure Leagrace is looking down on her Papa and is very proud of what he has accomplished. 



Book Picks by David Marshall James:  Should you savor mystery novels and cooking, then several new books ought to tempt your palate.  Diane Mott Davidson is the queen of the culinary mystery, and she’s serving up a collection of recipes from her many mystery novels, featuring Denver, Colorado, caterer Goldy Schulz, in September:  “Goldy’s Kitchen Cookbook.”
     Speaking of Davidson, she is one of the scores of mystery and thriller novelists with recipes in “The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook.”  This delectable volume, slathered with color photographs, offers the side benefit of introducing the reader to a host of new writers.  Also, it’s fun to see what your favorite writers have submitted.  Who knew Harlan Coben likes a good crab dip?    
     Introducing yourself to new authors is also an extra with “The Cozy Cookbook,” a compilation of recipes from a smorgasbord of Berkley Prime Crime writers.  Many of the Berkley books are published in paperback, with artfully designed covers, although the publisher has been making a concerted effort over the past few years to supply more hardcover selections, which are naturally better suited to library use and general durability.
     Among the contributors to “The Cozy Cookbook” is the prolific Laura Childs, author of The Charleston Tea Shop mysteries, featuring (surprise) Charleston, S.C., tea shop owner Theodosia Browning.  This is one of Berkley Prime Crime’s long-running hardcover cozy-mystery series, one of the most tasteful set in the state.
Nonie's handmade children's boutique is still looking for people that makes things for children like clothes and accessories, toys, blankets etc. Call Noel Steele at 803-609-7152. We are looking to open in October.
Reminders:
Aug. 23: Beat the Heat Blitz
Sept. 17: Harvest Festival BINGO
Sept. 18: Cake and Pie Contest sponsored by Bank’s Drugs
Sept. 18: Gospel Night
Sept. 19: Ridge Spring Harvest Festival
Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 12:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; Fri 8:30 am -4:30 pm, Saturday from 9:00 until noon,
Every 2nd & 4th Monday:  Kids' Corner Story Time 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Ridge Spring Library. 
Every 2nd Monday:  RSM Elem PTO meets at 6:30 pm in the media center. 
Every Friday & Saturday:  AARS hours 10 – 4 or by appt, free admission
RSM Elementary Summer hours:  Mon – Thurs 8 am – 4 pm

RSM High Summer hours:  Mon – Thurs 8 am – 4 pm