April 26, 2016

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder.

. The Annual RS Fire Dept Benefit in memory of Michael Adamick will be held Saturday, May 7, at 5:00 PM until at the RS Fire Department. Food, music, and an auction are all happening at this event.  Tickets are $10 and can be bought in Ridge Spring or from any RS fireman. 

Friends of Ridge Spring will meet Thursday at 5:00 PM at the Library.

SIDEWALK TABLE TASTINGS AND DEMOS
             RIDGE SPRING, SC Hwy 23
                   Saturday, April 30th
                Demos 10:00 until 3:00
          Shoppes open 10:00 until 5:00

Come enjoy some of the best in chocolate, homemade breads, and pecan goodies. Some of these goodies are beyond amazing in flavor!
Watch as artists, do-it-yourselfers, and merchants demonstrate how to projects for your pleasure. The list of demonstrations is growing daily. For starters we have  how to make or do Garden Pot planting, Chalk Painting, pyrography  on gourds, vintage style paper recipe book, lavender essential oil Linen Spray, and demo of wood cleaning product for antiques and fine furniture.
Donna Fleetwood will have an array of Dove Chocolate products for sampling including chocolate meatballs. WOW, you won't want to miss this. She will be set up inside of OLDE TREASURES.
Pecan goodie tastings will be inside THE NUT HOUSE. All other demos and tastings will be along the sidewalk in front of the shops on East Main Street: RIDGE ANTIQUES and DRY GOODS, OFF THE BEATEN PATH, and OLDE TREASURES.
If we are fortunate, we may have some recorded street music. Come out for a Festival Style atmosphere on a much smaller scale.

The Ridge Spring Farmers Market: FORS will be holding a vendor luncheon on May 7, 2016 at 11:30am. The luncheon will be held at the Parrish Hall at the Episcopal Church in Ridge Spring located at the end of Green Street. We ask each guest to please bring a side dish to add to the meat dish we will furnish. At the luncheon, ideas and information for the upcoming Farmers Market will be shared. We invite all past, present and interested, future vendors to come fellowship with us. Farmers Market opening is getting closer.

Meet the Candidates: The Saluda Investment Club will host a “Meet the Candidates” Forum May 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 at Persimmon Hill.  The public is invited.  Light refreshment will be served.

Rick Hairston and Canines for Service: The Women’s Study Club of Ridge Spring would like to extend an invitation to all civic minded groups in our area. We will be hosting an informative presentation by Rick Hairston with Canines for Service. He will have a service dog to demonstrate a few of the things they are capable of doing. He will also give a talk along with a slide presentation explaining a few of the things their organization does. He will be available for questions as well. This organization is located in Wilmington, NC, and is kept going completely by donations and grants. They have four different branches: Canines for Service, Canines for Veterans, Canines for Literacy, and Canines for Therapy.

Our club has been donating to this organization since 2013 when Mrs. Alma Holston, Mrs. Faye Powell, and Mrs. Denise Boatwright heard Rick and “Titus” (his service dog until this March when they lost Titus to cancer.) We were all so amazed at the work these animals are able to accomplish. It takes years of training, and a lot of money, before a dog is placed with a patient. Our hope is that some of the other organizations/clubs in the area would see the need for these dogs and want to help support the training and placement of these dogs. We will have sandwiches, chips, tea, water, and a dessert available.  The meeting will be in the Fellowship Hall of Ridge Spring Baptist Church on Thursday, May 12^th, at noon. The sandwiches will be available beginning at 11:45am. If you have questions or are interested in attending the meeting, please contact Denise Boatwright at 864-445-1121 or email her at dbshorse@aol.com.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: We asked and you delivered!! Over 400 pairs of shoes have been collected in the 2016 shoes4water campaign. These shoes will go to South American or Africa to be sold for pennies in villages. That money will stay in the village to help drill wells for clean water!! But we can do better. We have until the end of the week, April 29^th to reach the goal of 500 pair. Can we reach it? We think we can. Leave shoes on the FLC porch. Be part of something bigger and help people who are shoeless get shoes and people with no clean water have some.  

Services for RSUMC are at 11 a.m. unless other noted. We do have 5^th Sunday Services. RSUMC has a Face Book page. Like us and see what’s going on. Last count, RSUMC had 89 likes.

Jeff Clamp, Band Director Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High School: Congratulations to the Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle / High School band members for doing a great job at the Solo and Ensemble Festival this past weekend at Aiken High School.  RS-M scored either Superior or Excellent in 9 out of 10 events.  From the high school Katara Coleman and Nick Jones each scored Superior ratings on their solos and the trio with Tyler Rowe, Katara Coleman, and Nick Jones scored an Excellent rating.  From the Middle School scoring an Excellent rating on their solos were Joanna Kaiser, Mikala Middlebrooks, Jason Orantes, and Kandon Hastings.  Lincoln Edwards and Brayan Valeriano earned a Superior rating for their duet and Kenyon Ligons and Denard Wise also earned a Superior rating on their duet.  Special thanks to RS-M Elementary / Middle Chorus Teacher Ms. Becky Hughes for playing the piano for all of the soloists.

ART CENTER OF RIDGE SPRING BY Joanne Crouch, AARS president:  Our members have really been busy. There are many competitions during this time of year. Barbara Yon won “Best of Show” at the North Augusta Art and Heritage Center in the show that is running until the end of the month. DS Owens won 2nd place and Ron Buttler won Honorable Mention. At the Anderson Annual Juried Show, Donna Minor won a purchase award and Ron Buttler won a Merit Award. DS Owen, Barbara Yon and Joanne Crouch had some pieces accepted for the Art Around Town in Anderson. AARS will again participate at the Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering on May 21st. Look for signs off of 23 to attend this event. The Art Center is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10­4. Check us out on FB and on our website. The Art Center is a great place to display and sell your art. Contact Joanne Crouch at joanne.crouch26@gmail.com for more information.

Josie Rodgers: Gracie’s Gowns (est 2012) is a nonprofit organization based in Virginia that creates special, personalized hospital gowns (with snaps that don’t interfere with X-ray or MRI) for children battling cancer and other life-threatening conditions.  There is no charge to these precious patients.  This group runs on donations only.  Several years ago, I contacted them and gave them information about Leagrace, and they created a pink cupcake gown for her with her name embroidered on it.  Gracie’s Gowns has grown from a community service project to a multi-faceted nonprofit that does much more than the gowns:  tubie covers, un-diaper bags, butterfly beads, stuffed animals, and so much more.  Last Saturday, they sponsored a lantern release in memory of each child who received a gown and passed away over the past year.  We have a picture of Leagrace’s lantern:  it is white and looks like a magnolia.  It has her name and her condition as well as her birth and death dates.  I’m sure the release of these many lanterns at dusk was a beautiful yet very sad moment.  It is painful to realize how many, many children are affected by life-threatening conditions and how many of them leave us all too soon.  Thank God for people like those at Gracie’s Gowns who make the pain more bearable by helping and making them feel special when they are alive and fighting and by honoring their memories when they are gone.  Visit www.graciesgowns.org for more info or to learn how to donate or help.

RSM High: On Wed., April 13, Interact Club members of RSM High were inducted into the organization by leaders of the Twin City Rotary Club of Batesburg-Leesville.  Rotary Club Members introduced themselves and shared with students what attracted them to the service-oriented club.  Members include Alika Oakman, Ariday Figueroa, Linet Figueroa, Jermois Morris (President), Dominique Lee (VP), Cassidy Gerry, & Ally Poe.

RSM High celebrated its 3rd quarter Renaissance Rally Tues., April 12.  Students with perfect attendance, honor roll students, and "Grade Jumpers" were heralded.  Students of the month for February and March were recognized, along with faculty members for those months.  Several seniors spoke to underclassmen about what they wish they would have known as underclassmen.  Our goal with Renaissance is to encourage our students and faculty to reach for academic and characteristic excellence in the effort of making our school a great place to learn.

The FFA greenhouse is full of potted marigolds, lantana, and begonias. The price of the pots is $2. We also have hanging baskets with geranium and lobelia with a few petunias mixed in for character $10.  Flats include begonias, impatiens, vinca, and more.  

 Reminders:

In May, the Ridge Spring Volunteer Fire Department will have their Annual Benefit in memory of Michael Adamick.  This is a wonderful time to support our local volunteers. 

The third Saturday will be MAGNOLIA RIDGE ANTIQUE AND ART GATHERING. This will be held on MAY 21^st from 9:00 AM UNTIL 4:00

This leads into June with the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale. Have you begun to clean out those closets in preparation for that big weekend?

Recycling Center Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-7; Saturday 7-7; Sunday 3-7

Closed Tuesday and Thursday

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 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Library Toddler Time Mondays at 10:30

3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm

1^st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

April 18, 2016

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder.

WATER AND SCE&G PAYMENTS ARE BEING TAKEN AT RIDGE SPRING TOWN HALL. 

From the Mayor's Desk: Last week was a difficult one for those who live in Ridge Spring. Many thanks go to Chief Raffield who was able to apprehend one of the robbers within minutes. The Saluda County Sheriff's office was here almost immediately and helped with the investigation as well. The investigation is on-going with two men in custody.

Saturday morning, the Clemson team made a presentation to a full room of participants about their ideas on increasing tourism in the area. Some of the suggestions included updating the farmer's market, establishing a bike and walking trail, or adding an amphitheater. Other suggestions came from the audience.

The Ridge Spring Farmers Market: FORS will be holding a vendor luncheon on May 7, 2016 at 11:30am. The luncheon will be held at the Parrish Hall at the Episcopal Church in Ridge Spring located at the end of Green Street. We ask each guest to please bring a side dish to add to the meat dish we will furnish. At the luncheon, ideas and information for the upcoming Farmers Market will be shared. We invite all past, present and interested, future vendors to come fellowship with us. Farmers Market opening is getting closer.

Down Town RS: Save the date:  April 30th. The Shoppes on E Main Street in Ridge Spring are having Sidewalk Table demonstrations and tastings. Here are some definite vendors and there may be more to come.
Demonstrations:

Garden Pot  (Harriet Householder)
How to use chalk paint (Ridge Antiques and Dry Goods)
Pyrography on a gourd (wood burning design) - Art Center
Wood Elixir Furniture Cleaner- Olde Treasures
How to make Linen Spray with Essential Oils - Olde Treasures
TBD - Off the Beaten Path
Tastings:
Homemade baked goods - Samantha McClure
Pecan goodies - The Nut House
Dove Chocolates - Olde Treasures

News flash!  Plans are underway to bring a great awareness across the state of SC and beyond of what treasures lie along the path of SC Hwy 23. From Batesburg-Leesville to Modoc it is filled with history, art, small businesses, beautiful scenery, charm and even a National Forest with bike and walking trails. Our campaign is called SEE SC 23. In order to be successful we will need participation from all the merchants along this road. We are also reaching out to corporations and individuals for financial support.  As quoted frequently by John F. Kennedy, “A rising tide lifts all boats."  Our goal is to encourage families and individuals to redirect some of their shopping and entertainment dollars to the awesome businesses (of all types) along this route. 
Merchants and/or chamber members from Batesburg-Leesville, Monetta, Ridge Spring, Ward, Johnston, and Edgefield are working together to create an awareness ad campaign for the good of all. 
Exciting things to come!

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Shoes, shoes and more shoes are appearing on the porch of the Family Life Center, (FLC) but more are needed. As of this weekend, we are just shy of 1/5 of the goal of 500 pair. Remember: shoes must be in pairs, tied, bagged or rubber banded, have no tears, rips, mold or mildew and all types, sizes, male, female, kids shoes will be accepted. Look for members of the church April 23^rd from 10 a.m. until Noon at the RS Fire Department accepting donated shoes! Come be a part of something big, help to shoe the shoeless and provide water for the thirsty. If you can’t make it on the 23^rd, shoe collection will run until the end of April.

Mrs. Allean Coleman Hammond of Aiken, SC Celebrates 100 Years: Mrs. Allean Coleman Hammond who lives at 622 Marlboro Street, NE, Aiken SC with her granddaughter Tara Wildy will be 100 years old on April 24, 2016. Her church, Jerusalem Baptist Church located at 4185 Columbia Highway North (US 1) in Ridge Spring, SC, will honor her with a celebration "Mrs. Allean Coleman Hammond Day” on that Sunday April 24th. The celebration will start at 10:15 a.m. during the morning worship service. A reception at noon will follow the service.

Sadie Davis:  We were entertained Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Ridge Spring Community Center by a play written by Deborah Davis.  The title of this play is “The Family Healing”.  Deborah is a graduate of Ridge Spring Monetta High School, Monetta, SC.  She attended Midland Technical College and majored in Criminal Justice and is presently attending Columbia College.  The play conveyed the various problems that can become “giants” in a family.  If the problems are not resolved, the relationship will disintegrate.  Some of the family’s “giants” were drug abuse, prostitution, adultery and finances.  The Grand- Mother’s death forced the family to make a decision and reunite.  They finally realized that accepting JESUS was the key to their problem.  As a result of their Grand-Mother’s death and accepting JESUS, the family relationship was restored.

This play can be a message for families today.  If we accept JESUS into our lives and live accordingly to His will, any “giant” can be conquered. Jerusalem Baptist Church Choir entertained us with inspiring gospel songs and Camren Samuels, a fifth grader, recited the poem, “Hey Black Child” by Countee Cullen.   Chloe Hammond operated the stage curtains between scenes. The cast included the following: Grand Mother, Margaret Holmes, Aunt Tracey, Vivian Coleman, Aunt Connie, Consuelo Merritt, Michael, Gary Smith, Uncle Richard, Joseph Butler, Pastor Troy, Monica Jones, McKayla, Cicely Mathis, Brian, Jerry Mason, Rachael, and Angie Hammond.  I encourage families today to remove “giants” from your relationship by seeking and accepting JESUS.

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Operation Inasmuch, a day of community service for SC Lutheran churches, was this past Saturday. Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church sponsored two events. The church partnered with Shepeard Blood Center to hold a blood drive in Ridge Spring. Sixteen people presented to donate and ten pints of blood were collected. Our thanks go to those who participated and to the RS Fire Department for allowing us to have the blood drive at the Fire Department.  At the blood drive, three bags of food were collected.

Also, a group of adults and children gathered at the church to pack kits for the homeless. Over 70 kits were packed. Kits will be distributed to homeless individuals and others in need by church members and other organizations in our communities. Thanks go to the organizers and to those who helped put the kits together.

In May, the Ridge Spring Volunteer Fire Department will have their Annual Benefit in memory of Michael Adamick.  This is a wonderful time to support our local volunteers. 

The third Saturday will be MAGNOLIA RIDGE ANTIQUE AND ART GATHERING. This will be held on MAY 21^st from 9:00 AM UNTIL 4:00

This leads into June with the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale. Have you begun to clean out those closets in preparation for that big weekend?

Rene Miller, RSM Elementary School

First in Math: Our students are competing against themselves, students in our school, and all across the nation to boost their math skills. We will update biweekly in the school newsletter to let you know who is in the lead within our school. For the week ending April 8: Our school has completed 619,497 math problems. We have earned 206,499 stickers. The team of the week is Mrs. Byers’ 4th grade class. The player of the week is Cheyenne Aimar. She earned 440 stickers. She is in Mrs. Byers’ 4^th grade class.

The top team for each grade level is: Kindergarten: Mrs. Hallman’s class; 1st Grade: Mrs. Carson’s class; 2nd Grade: Ms. Shrader’s class; 3rd Grade: Mrs. Dressel’s class

And 4th Grade: Mrs. Byers’ class

4K Spring Registration for 2016-2017: Registration for 4K will end on April 29th. Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please bring: Official Long-form birth certificate, Current immunization record, 2 proofs of residence,  W2 and paystub or Medicaid card and one of the above documents (W2 or paystub), and Parent ID.  All documents must be collected and registration forms completed by April 29th or your child will not be considered for admission to our 4-K program. Any questions, call Mrs. Abellan at 803-685-2006.

Reviewed by David Marshall James:

"Dressing Marilyn" by Andrew Hansford with Karen Homer 

   This has become my insta-fave book about Marilyn Monroe, because it is so representative of the dream and the drive that propelled her into the stardom that she so fervently craved.  Had she lived, MM would have been 90 at the beginning of June. 
   As an up-and-comer at Twentieth Century Fox studio on the edge of Beverly Hills during the early 1950s, Monroe sought the guidance of resident (and Oscar-winning) designer William Travilla, and theirs became a friendship fashioned in the cinematic heavens.  Travilla dressed such stars as Ann Sheridan, Loretta Young, Judy Garland, Linda Gray (for "Dallas"), and Donna Mills (for "Knots Landing"). 
   MM reached her sensational stardom in Travilla's designs for many of her most-famous films, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953), "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953), "Bus Stop" (1956), and "The Seven Year Itch" (1955), in which he outfitted MM in the uber-iconic, "Isn't it delicious!" stand-over-the-subway-grate-and-catch-the-breeze dress. 
   Many of this volume's stunning "test shots" have seldom, if ever, been published. The biggest jaw-dropper (and that's saying quite a mouthful, here) has to be the $4,000 creation that didn't make the cut for the "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" production number from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."  This faux-diamond-dripping piece has to be seen to be believed.  It's a real 180-degree twirl from the readily recognizable, deceptively simple, pink gown in which MM proclaimed the virtues of men who bestow big baguettes upon their "little pets." 
   Author Andrew Hansford has been granted unprecedented access to Travilla's collection of patterns, design sketches, notes, and actual dresses. Some of the fabrics used in MM's gowns are no longer available, or are difficult to locate.  Ditto the craftsmanship involved in their creation, including intricate pleating and complex "underneath support." 
  You'll be oohing and aahing at MM modeling Travilla's glam designs. My fave: The gown in which she sang (yes, she did her own vocals)  Irving Berlin’s "After You Get What You Want" in "There's No Business Like Show Business" (1954).  Isn't this delicious-- a book that does both MM and Travilla justice, a book that both would have surely loved?

Reminders:

Recycling Center Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-7; Saturday 7-7; Sunday 3-7

Closed Tuesday and Thursday

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 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Library Toddler Time Mondays at 10:30

3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm

1^st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

April 11, 2016

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder.

WATER AND SCE&G PAYMENTS ARE STILL BEING TAKEN AT RIDGE SPRING TOWN HALL.  WE HAVE NOT MOVED YET!

Ridge Spring has had enough cold weather and it is time to warm up just a bit.  Spring is a wonderful time to get going on all those items you were going to do.  Look what is coming next month.   In May, the Ridge Spring Volunteer Fire Department will have their Annual Benefit in memory of Michael Adamick.  This is a wonderful time to support our local volunteers. 

The third Saturday will be MAGNOLIA RIDGE ANTIQUE AND ART GATHERING. This will be held on MAY 21^st from 9:00 AM UNTIL 4:00

This leads into June with the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale.  The first weekend in June is getting closer and closer.  Have you begun to clean out those closets in preparation for that big weekend?

This Saturday a group of students from Clemson who has studied our town will meet with interested people on ways to help attract tourists to our area.

Jeanette Carr saw me and was kind enough to share her recipe for Asparagus. You need a nice bunch of asparagus washed and the tough ends trimmed or broken off.  Preheat the oven and your flat pan to five hundred degrees.  Roll asparagus in a small amount of olive oil, salt and pepper.  Bake for ten minutes.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve.  This is simple but DELICIOUS!!!

Joe Cal Watson celebrated his 93^rd birthday Saturday.  He looked great.  He had his quilt, medals, and pictures for all to see.  He was delighted with all the well-wishers.  The cookies were also delicious. By the way, my Sunday School Class of the late 1950s and early 1960s had a reunion and we walked from Juniper Restaurant to the Nut House remembering the stores that used to be on Main Street.  We are so fortunate to have most of them filled today with super people.

The Ridge Spring Star Community Center will presence a play entitle "The Family Healing" written by Deborah Davis. The play will be Saturday, April 16, 4:00 P.M.

The price of the tickets is $ 5.00.The doors will open at 3:30 P.M.

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

1186 Mt. Calvary Rd., Johnston

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church has two events this Saturday, April 16, as part of Operation Inasmuch - a day of community service.

Packing of kits for homeless individuals - This will take place at starting at 9:30 am at the church. Adults and children are invited to help. Some of the kits will be distributed directly to homeless people. Others will be given out for individuals to have in theirs cars to be handed out wherever they see the need.

A Blood Drive with Shepeard Blood Center will be held from 11 am until 3 pm at the Ridge Spring Fire Department. Walk-ins are welcome. A part of the Blood Drive, we are also having a food drive. You can bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to local food banks. Our thanks goes to the Fire Department for allowing us to have Blood Drive there.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:

 During the month of April Ridge Spring United Methodist Church, RSUMC, will be collecting shoes. Kids shoes, adult shoes, flops, boots, dress shoes any type of shoe as long as it does NOT have, holes, tears, mildew or mold for Shoes4Water. Shoes4Water is an organization that collects wearable shoes, sells them in villages and towns in South America, Haiti and Kenya and the money is used to drill wells for drinking water.

A collection barrel and the Big Red Box will be on the porch of the Family Life Center waiting for your donation. Shoes MUST be in pairs, laced, tied or bag(one pair to a bag). Help RSUMC collect 500 pairs of shoes for this worthy endeavor. Water for the thirsty, shoes for the shoeless. More information: 685.6071

Samantha McClure joined me on Main Street Saturday.  We will be back this coming Saturday with tomato plants, breads and other goodies from 10:00 to ???.   My banana bread that I bought was gone by Monday.

ART CENTER OF RIDGE SPRING

By

Joanne Crouch, president

Come visit us.  We are working on many projects at the Art Center.  In the foyer, we have designated that area as our Gift Shop.  Items in that location are $50 or less.  Please consider shopping for that special someone there.

Students enjoyed the Alcohol Inks class on Saturday, May 9^th.  Please check out the pictures on facebook. 

Many of our members are competing with their art.  Barbara Yon, Ron Buttler, DS Owen, and Donna Minor won awards in North Augusta.  Donna Minor and Ron Buttler have been awarded prizes at the Anderson Arts Center.  We will have more information on that later.  The reception and award ceremony is Saturday, April 16^th. 

Polymer Clay Class instructed by Candace Bush will Saturday, April 16^th from 9a-1p; fee $35.00; Students will need to bring a clay extruder to class (Makins or Walnut Hollow brands are reasonably priced).  These can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, Michaels or Amazon. 

The Art Center of Ridge Spring is open each Friday and Saturday from 10-4.  Contact joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or artassnridgespring@gmail.com or call (803)685-5577 and leave message to reserve place in classes. 

Reviewed by David Marshall James:

“The I Hate to Cook Book” by Peg Bracken

 
   Although this 50th anniversary edition of Peg Bracken's bestseller has been updated by her daughter, Jo, references to a bygone day abound.  For instance, a candy bar can be had for a nickel. A "good bakery cake" can be purchased for not much more than one dollar, and a bottle of Sauterne is only going to set you back about the same!
   Yet, aside from the probability that you're never going to prep a lamb chop or veal (as our foremothers did during a more carnivorous era), time has done little to alter the usefulness of this volume.  Indeed, it's retro-delish, right down to the pen-and-ink drawings by Hilary Knight, illustrator of the "Eloise" books. 
   Peg intended to free up wives (and now, doubtless, husbands-- well, anyone as far as that goes) from being tied down to the kitchen for excessive periods of time. After all, why toil hours fixing a meal that your family is bound to consume in ten minutes?  Moreover, you'll savor the time you save. Peg obviously applied hers to an extended cocktail hour, and the more time she could spend with her guests, the better. 
   Among her humorous, down-to-earth words of wisdom and helpful household hints, she provides: 
(1) An entree recipe for every day of the month. Don't overdo a dish, regardless of how good it is, she advises. 
(2) Tips on how to handle leftovers. The trick is not to have too many in the first place, she states. 
(3) Menus for dinner guests. 
(4) Menus for ladies' luncheons. 
(5) Menus and nifty ideas for children's birthday parties. 
(6) Throw-together recipes for impromptu drop-ins and on-the-spur-of-the-moment occasions. 
(7) Suggestions and accompanying recipes for what to carry to potlucks. 
(8) Canape suggestions and accompanying recipes. 
   It's downright amazing what's packed into this suddenly indispensable volume. You feel as if Peg really wanted to help you free up your life in a tasty way, which was not any easier for the housewife of her day, who was expected to entertain at home at the drop of a (pillbox) hat.  This new/old cookbook deserves a handy-dandy spot in your kitchen. (Ms Edna Watson gave me this book as a shower present before I married Bob and I loved it!!!)

The RSM High School FFA greenhouse is full of potted Marigolds, lantana, and Begonias. The price of the pots is $2.00. We also have hanging baskets with geranium and lobelia with a few petunias mixed in for character $10.00 Our flats are begonias, impatiens, vinca and others.

RSM Elem (Rene Miller): 4K Spring Registration for 2016-2017 will run through April 29 from 9 am – 2 pm. Please bring  official long-form birth certificate,  current immunization record,  2 proofs of residency,  W2 and paystub or Medicaid card, and one of the above documents (W2 or paystub), parent ID.  All documents must be collected and registration forms completed by April 29^th or your child will not be considered for admission to our 4-K program. Any questions, call Mrs. Abellan at 685-2006.

Josie Rodgers

RSM High:  Damien Dennis traveled to Charleston to compete in the HOSA conference and won 1st place in interviewing skills for students with disabilities, defeating the current title holder from last year. Damien will be traveling to Nashville in June for Nationals!

The Ridge Spring-Monetta Young Farmer Organization will hold its April meeting on April 14 at 7pm in the Agriculture Building, located on The Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Campus.  The public is invited to attend. Speaker Bob Eason will present the topic “Farm Security.” Mr. Eason has over 30 years’ experience in the Security Industry.  He also has a farming background having lived in rural Laurens and Newberry Counties and worked in the dairy industry in Newberry County.  A meal will be provided.  If you’re planning to attend, please contact the Ridge Spring-Monetta Agriculture Department by April 12 @ 803/685-2100 or email advisor Michael Crim @ tcrim@acpsd.net with the subject: YF Meeting. RSVP by April 12, 2016.

On April 18, several FFA students will compete in the SC FFA Low State Region Career Development Event in Buford.  These students include Cyrus McGuffin (Prepared Public Speaking), Juan Martinez (Extemp. Speaking), Carlos Moreno (Sophomore Creed), & Dawson Nickolass Odekirk (Freshman Creed).

Reminders:

Recycling Center Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-7; Saturday 7-7; Sunday 3-7

Closed Tuesday and Thursday

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 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Library Toddler Time Mondays at 10:30

3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm

1^st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

 

April 4 Ridge Spring News addition

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

1186 Mt. Calvary Rd., Johnston

As part of the SC Synod's Operation Inasmuch, a day of community service, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church is sponsoring a Blood Drive with Shepeard Blood Center. It will be held, Saturday, April 16 from 11:00 am until3:00 pm at the Ridge Spring Fire Department. Currently, there is a need for 0 Negative blood. For more information about the Blood Drive, you can contact Donna Hatcher at 803-275-4839.

During the Blood Drive, we will be collecting non-perishable food items for local food banks.

Also, on April 16, Mt. Calvary will be packing kits for the homeless. These kits are small, well-filled items that perhaps will help in meeting the immediate needs of daily survival for homeless individuals - things we take for granted. The kits will be distributed to homeless people in our area. Individuals will also be encouraged to take one or two to put in their car to give whenever they see someone asking for help - an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.

If you would like to help, items needed for the kits include: small bottle of water, small can of fruit, plastic fork/spoon with napkin, small pkg. Kleenex, washcloth/bandana, comb/brush, collapsible tumbler or small cup, small can Vienna sausages, peanut butter/cheese crackers, breakfast bar, antibacterial hand wipes, travel size toothbrush & toothpaste, deodorant.

Kits will be packed starting at 9:30 am on April 16 in the Fellowship Building at Mt. Calvary. Adults and children are invited to come and help.

April 4, 2016

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder.

Everyone is invited to help Mr. Watson celebrate his 93rd birthday here at the Nut House on April 9th. Drop in any time between 10 and 4 to join the fun celebrating this eventful day. The official cake cutting will at 12 noon but any time will be great! Look forward to seeing you then.

The Ridge Spring Star Community Center will presence a play entitle "The Family Healing" written by Deborah Davis. The play will be Saturday, April 16, 4:00 P.M.

The price of the tickets is $ 5.00.The doors will open at 3:30 P.M.

The Hummingbirds have arrived.

More new about Mr. Joe…  Joe Watson received a quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation.  The mission of this foundation is to cover service members an veterans touched by was with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.  Since its founding, Quilts of Valor has awarded over 118,000 quilts to American Veterans and Military Personnel. 

Each quilt is formed by loving hands joining bits of fabric together one piece at a time.  A QOV may be fashioned by only one or two individuals or through the combined efforts of many women and men.  “We believe that as we sew the love, caring and gratitude flows from our hearts through our hands into the developing quilt.  We, as quilters, want you to know that through our quilts you will be forever in our hearts.  We want you to know…”  Joe received this quilt at the reunion held in Columbia for the Battle of the Bulge veterans.

Local artists, members of AARS, were very successful Thursday March 31^st at the North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center in North Augusta. Barbara Yon won Best of Show, SC on Thursday, March 31^st DS Owens won second place at the North Augusta Arts and Heritage Center and Mr. Bubbles by Ron Buttler won Honorable Mention.   Congratulations to all who participated.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:

During the month of April Ridge Spring United Methodist Church, RSUMC, will be collecting shoes. Kids shoes, adult shoes, flops, boots, dress shoes any type of shoe as long as it does NOT have, holes, tears, mildew or mold for Shoes4Water. Shoes4Water is an organization that collects wearable shoes, sells them in villages and towns in South America, Haiti and Kenya and the money is used to drill wells for drinking water.  A collection barrel and the Big Red Box will be on the porch of the Family Life Center waiting for your donation. Shoes MUST be in pairs, laced, tied or in a bag (one pair to a bag). Help RSUMC collect 500 pairs of shoes for this worthy endeavor: “Water for the thirsty, shoes for the shoeless.” For more information: 685.6071

The asparagus crop is in.  Check out the signs on highway #1 and highway #23 to get to the Fallaw Farm for fresh asparagus. The Fallaw Family has been growing asparagus since 1912.  By the way in the 1940s Monetta was known as the asparagus capital of the state.  Chef Brandon Velie had asparagus Risotto as one of his dishes during his cooking class and it was delicious.

Asparagus is delicious by itself in a soup or an addition to any recipe calling for vegetable.  I found one on facebook that was different.  It calls for asparagus to be placed on an aluminum foil-lined cookie sheet. Drizzle with butter, sale and paper.  Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top.  Place in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.  Remove and top with ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese and some Italian seasoning.  Place back in the oven for 6 more minutes.  Can you believe roasting asparagus?

I was on Main Street Saturday and will be there from 9:00 until 11:00 AM this coming Saturday if it does not rain.  There will be at least four varieties of tomatoes:  better boy, whopper, celebrity, and Chef’s choice orange.  Other blooming plants will be on the table, too. 

Rene Miller, RSM Elementary School

4K Spring Registration for 2016-2017 will run through April 29 from 9 am – 2 pm. Please bring  official long-form birth certificate,  current immunization record,  2 proofs of residency,  W2 and paystub or Medicaid card, and one of the above documents (W2 or paystub), parent ID.  All documents must be collected and registration forms completed by April 29^th or your child will not be considered for admission to our 4-K program. Any questions, call Mrs. Abellan at 685-2006.

Josie Rodgers

RSM High:  The FFA greenhouse is full of potted marigolds, lantana, and begonias. The price of the pots is $2. We also have hanging baskets with geranium and lobelia with a few petunias mixed in for character $10.  Flats include begonias, impatiens, vinca, and more.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

The Ridge Spring-Monetta Young Farmer Organization will hold its April meeting on April 14 at 7pm in the Agriculture Building, located on The Ridge Spring-Monetta High School Campus.  The public is invited to attend. Speaker Bob Eason will present the topic “Farm Security.” Mr. Eason has over 30 years’ experience in the Security Industry.  He also has a farming background having lived in rural Laurens and Newberry Counties and worked in the dairy industry in Newberry County.  A meal will be provided.  If you’re planning to attend, please contact the Ridge Spring-Monetta Agriculture Department by April 12 @ 803/685-2100 or email advisor Michael Crim @ tcrim@acpsd.net with the subject: YF Meeting. RSVP by April 12, 2016.

On April 18, several FFA students will compete in the SC FFA Low State Region Career Development Event in Buford.  These students include Cyrus McGuffin (Prepared Public Speaking), Juan Martinez (Extemp. Speaking), Carlos Moreno (Sophomore Creed), & Dawson Nickolass Odekirk (Freshman Creed). 

Review From David Marshall James:

"Seasonal Recipes from the Garden" by P. Allen Smith 

   With all the produce from summer gardens (as well as fields and orchards) soon coming in en masse (Southern translation: In big messes), this handsome cookbook-- the first by TV host and gardener/landscaper extraordinaire P. Allen Smith-- seems like a natural what-all and how-to guide. 

   You'll even find multiple ideas for the dreaded zucchini-- that garden gift that keeps on giving-- that's probably spirited away in your fridge crisper. Smith's recipe for Zucchini Greek Pie looks truly mouth-watering.  Indeed, the food photography for this volume earns a blue ribbon with gold braiding, in and of itself.  And Smith includes much more than the tempting salad, soup, and side-dish recipes that you would expect, given the title. 
   The author, being a Southerner, places a decided emphasis on family heritage, on heirloom recipes ranging from Cornbread Dressing to Sweet Potato Pie, from Blueberry Muffins to a truly old-fashioned Blackberry Jam Cake.  Other such traditional dishes abound, with desserts aplenty, from Apple and Apricot Cakes to a Citrus Honey Cheesecake, to Smith's best estimation of a Lemon Meringue Pie once served by a restaurant back in McMinnville, Tennessee, near his childhood home.
   The author thoughtfully supplies a standard pie-crust recipe that can be used with many of the preparations. Still, he advises cooks not to turn off to something because it requires a pie crust-- feel free to purchase ready-to-bake pastry. 
   You can entertain in style with dozens of these dishes, from the New Orleans favorite Grillades and Grits to Shrimp Creole to multiple variations on poultry, pork, fish, and beef.
Smith takes you to the grill for both meats and vegetables, and, since he has access to clutch upon clutch of fresh brown eggs-- even supplying them to a local restaurant in Little Rock, Arkansas-- he has abundant suggestions for savory tarts and frittatas. 
   Because this is literally a guide for all seasons-- with soup-to-nut course suggestions and some wonderful-looking adult beverages-- it will take you pretty much wherever you want to go-- breakfast, lunch, or dinner-- any day of the week. 
    Smith enjoys discussing the history of various foods, their etymologies, how to preserve their freshness, what varieties work best with what dishes, and naturally how to grow fresh produce. 
If you can't nurture a pot of fresh basil, mint, thyme, or rosemary-- makes sense with the cents, though-- Smith's credo is to buy what is fresh and locally grown. 
   As for all those friendly gifts of zucchini-- try Smith's Zucchini Bread, which makes two loaves. You can freeze it, or better yet, give back to your thoughtful friends.  Maybe then they'll part with some fresh tomatoes. 

The upcoming Peach Tree 23 yard sale is close. If you are a farmer with produce to sell you must let Mayor Pat Asbill know as soon as possible.  The Farmers’ Market opens the next week but we can still sell stuff on the square for that day too.

The RSM High School FFA greenhouse is full of potted Marigolds, lantana, and Begonias. The price of the pots is $2.00. We also have hanging baskets with geranium and lobelia with a few petunias mixed in for character $10.00 Our flats are begonias, impatiens, vinca and others.

MAGNOLIA RIDGE ANTIQUE AND ART GATHERING will be held on MAY 21^st from 9:00 AM UNTIL 4:00 PM. To save a spot please call 561.262.7475 or email bevarndt36@gmail.com

Reminders:

Recycling Center Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1-7; Saturday 7-7; Sunday 3-7

Closed Tuesday and Thursday

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 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Library Toddler Time Mondays at 10:30

3^rd Thursday:  FORS at Ridge Spring Library 5:00 pm

1^st Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

 Wednesday:  AA meets at Recovery Works

 Monday & Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7 pm at Recovery Works (enter on Ponderosa Drive; park in Visitor Parking Area)