July 31, 2017

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Ridge Spring Farmers' Market is still going strong.  We had 10 vendors and I sold out by 10:30. George Raborn sold out of his purple hull Crowder peas before 10:00. The produce is fresh the baked goods are great and the sense of friendliness is wonderful. If it is in season, it is there, including okra, peas, corn, tomatoes, peppers, cantaloupe, watermelon, plants, peanuts, and much more. Come check us out.  We are up and running by 8:30 but some are there before 7:00 AM.

AUGUST 6, MOUNT CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH HOMEOMING:  On August 6, Mt. Calvary will celebrate 187 years of doing ministry.  At the 11 am worship service we will welcome The Reverend Mary Sue Dreier, Professor of Pastoral Care and Missional Leadership, Director of LTSS

Academic Programs.  A covered dish luncheon will immediately follow worship.  Please your favorite dish to share and join us in welcoming Pastor Dreier.  Questions?  Ask Pastor Christi.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:   End of the first full month with our new Pastor, Ashley and we couldn’t be more pleased. Today’s message was all about rest, replenish then moving on. Look for our church to be doing just that. Pastor Ashley will not be at church next Sunday but will be back the 2^nd full Sunday of August and Communion will take place. Join us, we’ll save you a seat. The Big Red Box (BRB) is back from vacation and hungry for school supplies. These supplies will be taken to Ridge Spring Elementary School to help supplement what was not purchased. If you would like to help, please leave your donation on the porch of either the Church or Family Life Center and a member will make sure it makes its way into the BRB! The Prayer Box is located on the porch of the FLC. If you have a prayer request, need a call from our Pastor, please use the material there to write it down and place in the box. It is checked right before Service on Sunday. Service is 11 a.m. on Sunday unless otherwise noted.

Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School Registration will be August 9  9:00 am - 4:00 pm and August 10  Noon - 7:00 pm

The Mount Alpha Educational Union will have a Back to School Blast on August 12, 2017 at the Ridge Spring Star Community Center from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The Presenters for the occasion will be Mr. Kenneth Johnson, Mrs. Callie Herlong; Mrs. Sharon Padgett; and Ms. Joyce Davis.  School supplies will be given and lunch. Everyone is invited.

 Leonard Bell is offering Market Boxes on Thursdays at the Johnston Farmers Market. Each box will contain a variety of, in season, fruits and vegetables as well as offerings from other farmers and artists at the market. If you are interested in ordering a box they are $20 and available for pick on Thursday around 5pm. Please call Mr. Bell at 803-646-2169 or Janet Burgess @ 803-275-8030

The Art Center by Joanne Crouch

     An Introduction to Pottery for children will be held August 14-18 from 3:30-18.  Class includes instruction and all supplies for $15 per day.  Please wear old clothes or wear an apron.  This class requires pre-registration.  Text Joanne Crouch at (803)480-0576 or contact instructor Kim Ruff at artmaker@aol.com.
  Get started on Christmas early with Christmas in August at the Art Center on Thursday, August 24^th from 5:30-7:00.  Using pinecone petals, gold leaf and a gourd to make an ornament that can be used on your tree or displayed year-round.  Cost is $30 ages 10 & up.  Text instructor, Joanne Crouch at (803)480-0576, call (803)685-5577 or email joanne.crouch26@gmail.com (mailto:joanne.crouch26@gmail.com) to pre-register for this class.  Pre-registration is required for this class.
     We are excited to announce the beginning of our adult pottery class at the Art Center.   The first class is a two-hour session on Monday, August 14^th 6:30-8:30.  Spots are limited.  The class instruction and all supplies are provided for $35.  Class pre-registration is required to be in this class.  Text Joanne Crouch at (803)480-0576 or email Kim Ruff at artmaker@aol.com.   Bring your water bottle and an apron.  More class will be available in the future. 
     Ridge Spring Rocks!  The Art Center is initiating a movement that takes the simple rock and paints images on them.  The rocks are then hid around town.  When the rock is found, a picture is taken and put on the group’s facebook page.  The finder then hides the rock for others to find.  If you need help getting started, please contact the Art Center on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-4 for more information.  Please join Ridge Spring Rocks! on facebook.

          Officers for AARS 2017-2018 are Joanne Crouch, president; Kedryn Evans. vice-president; Carolyn Boatwright, secretary;  Barbara Yon, treasurer; and DS Owen, bookkeeper.  The Art Center is open on Fridays and Saturday from 10-4.  Come and enjoy the work of local artist. 

DETAILED FACTS ABOUT THE COMING ECLIIPSE

You can easily damage your eyesight, permanently, during the eclipse. The only safe way to view the eclipse directly is through sufficient eye shielding, which could include:

            1. specialized eclipse glasses, designed explicitly for solar viewing,

            2. looking through welder's glass/goggles/hoods, where you need shade 14 or                            higher glass to be safe,

            3. or through a telescope/binoculars equipped with a specialized solar filter                                  placed over the outer lens.

The Sun will appear to be obscured by the Moon, little by little, over the course of approximately an hour. As the Sun becomes a crescent, followed by a thin line, followed by just a few points-of-light, you may be tempted to take your glasses off and look at the Sun directly. Don't! Even a few seconds of looking at these drops of sunlight directly can leave you with years of afterimages, holes in your retina or even permanent blindness. (Libraries around the country are donating out some two million pairs of glasses, if you don't/can't buy your own.) Only during absolute totality is it safe to remove your glasses.

Totality will only last about two minutes for most observers who make the trek. The shadow of the Moon will fall on the Earth for a combination of two reasons: the Sun is relatively far from Earth (aphelion, where Earth is farthest from the Sun, occurs on July 3) while the Moon is relatively close to Earth (perigee, where the Moon is closest to Earth, occurs on August 18th, just 3 days prior to the eclipse

Prepare for things to get chilly. When 80% of the sunlight is blocked, you won't notice a difference in brightness, but your skin will. The Sun is so brilliant that the unaided human eye can't tell the difference even when the Sun is 99% obscured. But sunlight reaching Earth outputs a total of approximately 700 Watts-per-square-meter in the infrared, where human skin is sensitive. By comparison, a fully overcast sky might block only about 65-70% of the heat from the Sun, something your skin will definitely notice. If you've never experienced it before, the lack of heat coming from the Sun can feel both surprising and disturbing. Prepare for this the same way you'd prepare for sundown; temperatures may drop by as much as 20-to-30 degrees Fahrenheit in some places over the course of an hour or two.

During the partial eclipse, create and look for bizarre shadow effects. If you ever noticed sunlight filtering through the trees, a pinhole, or other small spaces, you may have created bits of light that look like tiny circles. These are actually filtered images of the Sun itself! During a partial eclipse, these will appear as small crescents instead, showing you the part of the Sun that's peeking out from behind the Moon only. One of the best ways to view this phenomenon with no equipment is to face your back to the Sun, hold your hands over your head, and extend your fingers, with your right hand's fingers crossing over your left's at 90 degrees. The shadows that are cast between your fingers, normally showcasing the space between them, will instead show the effects of the Sun being partially blocked by the Moon.

Josie Rodgers:

Sports at all schools are in full gear this week, many with extended or two-a-day practices.  Everyone is getting excited!  I am excited!  I love volleyball and football!  It’s a very busy season for my family with a cheerleader/volleyball player and 2 coaches in the family.  Yes, I’ve taken up cheer coaching again, this time at Wardlaw.  I am so excited that my good friend Melanie Wash is taking this journey with me!  She was a Coquette at USC and has so much energy and creativity!  It’s going to be a fun year!

The Saluda County Library Summer Reading Program:  On Fri., July 11, enjoy a presentation from the Charleston Aquarium @ 11 am.   Readers of all ages (including adults) can stop by the library (Saluda or Ridge Spring) to pick up summer reading logs.  There are prizes for all ages, including babies, children, teens and adults! Call 864/445-4500 ext. 2264 for more information. Summer Reading Events are free and for all ages!  

RSM Middle:  Monica Johnson, coach: the middle school cheerleaders will have shirts for RSM classes of 2024 -2018 on display at registration on Aug. 8-9 for pre-order. These would be a great gift for the RSM students in your life!

            RSM High: The RSM Varsity Cheerleaders are off to a great start.  They are preparing for their cheer camp with W.A.R. Athletics.  The girls are refreshing their skills and learning new fundamentals to bring spirit to the school. During the summer, the squad spent time practicing, building a bond, and getting to know their coaches: Kelly Bedenbaugh & Tisha Ward.  Look out for great fundraisers to come and support the ladies of RSM Varsity Cheerleading Squad. They will kickoff the year with a faculty car wash, ad sales, and training to come for the classy Little Lady Trojanettes. Go RSM Trojans!

We a new media center specialist, Patti Powell.   Ms. Powell taught at Silver Bluff for the past 17 years.  She taught English IV, AP Lit, and yearbook.  She was also a senior sponsor, prom coordinator, and dept chair.  This will be her first year as a library media specialist, and she brings a great deal of experience and creativity to RSM.  Her goals are “to get students involved and connected to the media center and to foster a love of reading.”  Ms. Powell also says, “We will be having book clubs for both middle and high school, reading promotions with prizes throughout the year, Battle of the Books for middle school, as well as other special promotions.”  Ms. Powell is from North Augusta and has twins in college:  Eleanor, a secondary English ed major at USCA, and Geoffrey, an architecture major at Clemson.  Ms. Powell has already been working at the school and is excited to meet everyone and get started on a wonderful year!  Parents and students can email her  at ppowell@acpsd.net.

The first day for RSM teachers is Wed., Aug 16, and the students will start the following Wed., Aug. 23.  The school calendar and daily schedule have changed a bit, so be aware of times and dates!

Harriet's Garden Tips:  The caterpillars are now attacking parsley.  This year I am trying to have two separate plots of parsley.  That way one can be for them to eat and one can be for me. I will have to let you know if that works.  Keep deadheading.  Drop the dead blooms in the flower bed to see if they will reseed for next year.  My Rose Campions does.

REMINDERS

All Summer Saturdays: Ridge Spring Farmers' Market

August 5: Watson Family Reunion 

August 21: Total Solar Eclipse

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30;         Thurs 8:30 am –12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm; Sat 9-12

Ridge Spring Library Toddler Time Mondays at 10:30

Saluda County Library Hours:  Mon/Wed 8:30 am-5 pm; Tues/Thurs 8:30 am – 6 pm;   Fri 8:30am – 5 pm; Sat closed new fax machine and can send toll free

Narcotics Anonymous Fridays at RS Library at 7:00 PM

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

First Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

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

Third Thursday of the Month: FORS at Library at 5:00; no meetings in July & August

July 17, 2017

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Kristy Cheshire: *EMERGENCY*One of my biggest fears has come true: I'm in Kansas for Army training, and 2 of my dogs are missing from Ridge Spring. Ryan came home from night shift this morning to find a hole dug and Tryton and Zura gone. If ANYONE sees them, PLEASE take them in. They are FRIENDLY!! Call me 803 307 1708

Monster Trucks is coming to the lawn at Town Hall on the 21st of July beginning at about 8:45 or just at dark. The movie is free to everyone. Just bring your chairs, blankets, and the kids. The movie is being sponsored by the Art Association, the Friends of Ridge Spring, Cone's Meats, Edwards Heating and Cooling , the Saluda County Chamber of Commerce,  and Rowland Kitchen and Associates. Refreshments may be purchased. Can't wait to see you and Monster Trucks on the lawn by Town Hall. 

The Ridge Spring Farmers' Market is still going strong.  We had 11 vendors selling fantastically fresh produce: peaches, tomatoes, corn, zipper peas, squash, okra, peppers, watermelons, cantaloupe, cabbage, fresh bread, pies, rolls, cinnamon buns and breads, peanuts, plants, and more.  Sherald had baskets of tomatoes that were ripe for canning.  CPT Catering and Concessions should be there this Saturday as well as honey, cast iron pots.

 Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Update:  We are up to 8 of South Carolina’s top BBQ cooking teams! We are capping it off at 15, but if anyone local would like to throw their hat in with the BIG boys of SC BBQ they are welcome to go to our website, www.ridgespringharvestfestival.com and fill out the Cook Team Application and follow the payment instructions and send it on in!   1^st place prize = $750, a custom trophy and their BBQ team flag flown over Ridge Spring for 1 year!

Watson Family Reunion: Save the date for the Watson Family Reunion on August 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the old packing shed behind the Watson House on Main Street in Ridge Spring. The annual reunion is an opportunity for descendants of John or William Watson and other friends to visit with cousins, learn more about ancestors, and visit cemeteries and other sites associated with the family. The cost for lunch will be $20.00 per person. We need your payment by July 21 so that we can make arrangements with the caterer. Checks should be made to Joe Watson. You can carry your check to Joe or mail it to him at 450 Pecan Grove Road. If you have questions, contact Joe Watson at 803-685-7815 or Mary Watson Edmonds at marywedmonds@gmail.com or 803-790-7780.

Saluda County Library Summer Reading Program 2017:  Our Summer Reading Program It is for all ages (even adults).   Questions? Call 864-445-4500 x226.  Thursday, July 20th, 10AM – The Story Ship – Construction Junction Show!

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:

In June 50 health bags were made and taken to the Christian Ministry Center located in Batesburg. This Ministry services 11 zip codes including Ridge Spring, Monetta and Johnston. Both the bags included: bath towel, wash cloth, soap, tooth brush and paste, bandages, combs and emery boards. We were glad to be able to provide these items but sadden that some of our neighbors lack basic needs.

The Big Red Box (BRB) is on vacation the month of July. Look for information in this column for items to be collected in August. The prayer box is located on the front porch of the Family Life Center (FLC). A church member checks the box prior to Sunday services and prayers requests are added to our list. Located next to the prayer box, are business cards with our new minister’s information and service times. Please take one. Sunday service is at 11 a.m. every Sunday unless otherwise noted.

Our new minister Ashley Buchanan delivered another fine message this Sunday. This is Ashley’s first appointment and she will minister to congregations at RSUMC and Spann United Methodist Church in Ward. We once again made a joyful noise as Ashley led us in worship. Join us next Sunday to worship and fellowship as we begin this joyous journey with Ashley. We will save a seat just for you!

Josie Rodgers

RSM Middle:   I hope everyone who visited Walmart last Sat purchased World’s Finest Chocolate from the cheerleaders; I got a few bars.  They are working so hard to raise money for camp, uniforms, and other expenses.  You can help by purchasing from Pelican’s SnoBalls every Friday night (6-8 pm) until July 28.  Just tell them you are there for RSM, and they will donate a portion of your purchase to the middle school cheerleaders!  Contact Monica Johnson for more information. 

            RSM High:  Several faculty members will head to various places this week for training.  Principal Kyle Blankenship, English teacher Kerry Jackson, and I (also an English teacher) are heading to Nashville for a High Schools that Work conference.  Sarah Hudson (math) and Kelly Bedenbaugh (English) head to the University of Georgia for intense AP training.  The following Monday, I will be attending a training workshop at Columbia College for our updated Teacher Cadet curriculum; I am really looking forward to visiting my Alma Mater and meeting with other Cadet teachers, some of the best teachers in the state!  Other teachers have or will be attending other trainings and workshops.  Our education never stops because we want to do the best for our students. 

The first day for RSM teachers is Wed., Aug 16, and the students will start the following Wed., Aug. 23.  The school calendar and daily schedule have changed a bit, so be aware of times and dates!

The following was written by Nadine Stair, age 87, Courtesy of the Venerable Fredrick Colclough Byrd.

If I had my life to live over, I'd dare to make more mistakes next time. I would limber up.  I would be sillier than I have been this trip.  I would take fewer things seriously.  I would take more chances.  I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.  I would eat more ice cream and less beans.  I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who lived sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.  Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them.  In fact I'd try to have nothing else.  Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day. I've been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat and a parachute.  If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.  I would go to more dances.  I would ride more merry-go-rounds.  I would pick more daisies.

Review from David Marshall James"He's Got Rhythm:  The Life and Career of Gene Kelly" by Cynthia Brideson and Sara Brideson

   If Fred Astaire seems to have been born into top hat and tails, Gene Kelly seems to have arisen from the cinematic seas in a sailor suit.

   Or, in khakis, loafers, and a polo-style shirt:  His preferred everyday garb, which he sometimes carried over into the MGM musicals he made from 1942 to 1957.

   A number of male screen dancers have come and gone (many on to directing, with bum knees, ankles, and arches, though Kelly costar George Murphy even went as far as the U.S. Senate), including such other Kelly costars as Dan Dailey, Michael Kidd, and Donald O'Connor.

   Then there were Gower Champion, Bob Fosse, and Bobby Van, all briefly at MGM during the early 1950s.

   However, Kelly just clicked with audiences, all-American and athletic, handsome and exuberant, and abundant with Irish charm.

   Or, maybe it was his "Pirate Ballet" from "The Pirate" (1948), the most erotic dance from any MGM musical.  Daisy Duke don't have nothin' on Gene's ripped shorty-shorts.  His "Nina" from the same film-- probably his best screen number aside from puddle-splashing and ballets-- even includes pole-dancing.

   During the late 1930s, Kelly became a big Broadway star.  Before that, he practically grew up taking lessons in dancing schools in his native Pittsburgh, where he developed a regional reputation as an instructor, director, choreographer, and performer.

   He tried law school, but had much more success studying dance in Chicago, where he performed at the World's Fair in 1934.

   As his biographers here relate, Kelly arrived at MGM, age 30 and newly married to actress Betsy Blair, at a golden moment in time.  Musical producer Arthur Freed was in full swing, and Gene would also join forces with director Vincente Minnelli.    Ultimately, the trio's "An American in Paris" won the Best Picture Oscar in 1952, up against "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The African Queen."

   Later in 1952, "Singin' in the Rain," directed by Kelly and Columbia native Stanley Donen, displayed the "MusicalLeo" at its apex.  As the authors note, Kelly's films have been even more popular in Europe, which is largely fascinated by this unique American art form.

   Although he continued working into his seventies, the authors detail how Kelly lost his footing at MGM after the ousting of studio chief Louis B. Mayer.  Kelly longed to appear in the film version of the Broadway show that he originated, "Pal Joey," but that went to Frank Sinatra in 1957.  Nor would the studio loan him out to play Sky Masterson in "Guys and Dolls" (1955).  What could Metro have been thinking?  They could have made tidy sums on both loan-out's.

   Post-Metro, Kelly returned to Broadway to direct Richard Rodgers's and Oscar Hammerstein's "Flower Drum Song" (1958).  Later, however, he turned down the opportunity to direct the film version of R&H's "The Sound of Music" (1965).

   He did direct "Hello, Dolly!" (1969) yet wound up referee-ing Walter Matthau and Barbra Streisand, who were at each other's throats throughout the production.

   Along with Kelly's career achievements and disappointments, the authors cover his well-documented anger-management issues, manifested in a taskmaster's drive and a lightning-hot competitive streak, which drove him to fits in party games and on the volleyball court.

   Were his issues, recalled by many coworkers, the result of a perfectionist personality or of a brooding Irish temperament, or both?  Or of something more?

   In this solidly written and researched biography from the University Press of Kentucky, the authors recount Kelly's happy, sometimes idyllic, childhood in Pittsburgh.  He held great affection for his parents, his wives, and his three children. Thus, the root of Kelly's dark side remains a mystery, especially since he often spoke of his great good fortune.

   Whatever the source of this worst part of his nature, he and Astaire stand unchallenged as the greatest cinema dancer/actor/singers of all time.

   Postscript:  Some of the "Dancing with the Stars" regulars often seem barely able to contain their blazing tempers.  Derek Hough demonstrates a competitive edge as sharp as a freshly honed scimitar; he obviously possesses a visceral aversion to losing. Indeed, if anyone could portray Kelly in a biopic, it would be Hough.

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Friday was the  hottest day so far this year.  So how does your garden grow?  Mine wants to hang in there for each time I try to water thoroughly the garden does come back.  A good rule of thumb is check your plants in the mornings.  If they look wilted then they are really in need of lots of water.  Weeds do not seem to wilt though.  Keep pulling them up.  Many weeds are producing seeds, so now throw them in the trash, not on the flower bed somewhere.  They will be  happy to reseed themselves.  Keep deadheading and taking note of what survives the heat, the sun, the shade, and your soil.  Some folks are planning their fall gardens.  More about that next week.

REMINDERS

All Summer Saturdays: Ridge Spring Farmers' Market

July 21: Free outdoor movie at Town Hall

August 21: Total Solar Eclipse

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Saluda County Library Hours:  Mon/Wed 8:30 am-5 pm; Tues/Thurs 8:30 am – 6 pm; Fri 8:30 am – 5 pm; Sat closed

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

First Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Third Thursday of the Month: FORS at Library at 5:00; no meetings in July and August

July 10, 2017

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Ridge Spring Harvest Festival meeting tomorrow Tuesday July 11

at the Ridge Spring Library at 7:00 PM

Watson Family Reunion: Save the date for the Watson Family Reunion on August 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the old packing shed behind the Watson House on Main Street in Ridge Spring. The annual reunion is an opportunity for descendants of John or William Watson and other friends to visit with cousins, learn more about ancestors, and visit cemeteries and other sites associated with the family. The cost for lunch will be $20.00 per person. We need your payment by July 21 so that we can make arrangements with the caterer. Checks should be made to Joe Watson. You can carry your check to Joe or mail it to him at 450 Pecan Grove Road. If you have questions, contact Joe Watson at 803-685-7815 or Mary Watson Edmonds at marywedmonds@gmail.com or 803-790-7780.

AND you can get fresh vegetables at the Ridge Spring Farmers' Market each Saturday.  This past Saturday we had 11 vendors and a food truck.  There were so many choices: corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, PEACHES, tomatoes, eggplants,  peppers, string beans, beautiful flowers, boiled peanuts, and more.  CTP Catering and Concessions was the food truck and owned by Will Tolbert.  He had his daughter and son with him and the food was delicious. . Bonita Orendorf and family had cookies, breakfast cinnamon buns, pies including pecan and breads.  We had two more vendors, one with cast iron pans and honey, and Mr. with his blue Australian heeler puppies. Another vendor was Frank Daniel with plants for sale. CTP Catering will be at the market on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays as well as the honey and pans vendor.

The Clemson Mobile Unit (SC Witness Project) is providing a mobile Mammogram at Riverside Community Center, Bouknight Ferry Road, Saluda SC on July 17th and 18th. Private insurance, Medicare, and  Medicaid are accepted and some individuals may qualify for free service. This is for ages 30-64. For additional details and appointments contact Eilien Brown at 864.227.3711, Jacqueline Talley 864.361.3595 or Melanie at 864.710.6661.

This past weekend Juniper's dinner menu featured  Adluh Manchester Farms Quail, Titan Farms, Watsonia Farms, WP Rawl, Hickory Hill Milk, Warbler Creek Farm, Warbler Creek Farm Tomato and Clemson University Blue Cheese.  This is farm to table stuff.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:

 Ridge Spring United Methodist Church (RSUMC) has had a busy late spring and early summer.

In May 50 hurricane relief health bags were made and taken to the United Methodist Volunteer in Mission’s warehouse. Those along with 100 tarps (many of the homes were destroyed these provide temporary shelter) will be taken by cargo ship this summer to Haiti.

In June 50 health bags were made and taken to the Christian Ministry Center located in Batesburg. This Ministry services 11 zip codes including Ridge Spring, Monetta and Johnston. Both the bags included: bath towel, wash cloth, soap, tooth brush and paste, bandages, combs and emery boards. We were glad to be able to provide these items but sadden that some of our neighbors lack basic needs.

The Big Red Box (BRB) is on vacation the month of July. Look for information in this column for items to be collected in August.

The prayer box is located on the front porch of the Family Life Center (FLC). A church member checks the box prior to Sunday services and prayers requests are added to our list. Located next to the prayer box, are business cards with our new minister’s information and service times. Please take one.

Sunday service is at 11 a.m. every Sunday unless otherwise noted. We are proud to welcome our new minister Ashley Buchanan. This is Ashley’s first appointment and she will minister to congregations at RSUMC and Spann United Methodist Church in Ward. In addition to providing two inspirational messages, Ashley has a powerful and lovely singing voice. Join us next Sunday to worship and fellowship as we begin this joyous journey with Ashley. Welcome Ashley! You have already lifted our spirits!

Another  reminder of the Friday Night Outdoor Movie at Town Hall will be held July 21.  That movie screen is 20'X40' Town of Ridge Spring along with The Saluda County Chamber of Commerce  will set up a movie screen on the lawn at the new town hall to show Monster Trucks, our first free outdoor movie on Friday, July 21. 

Saluda County Library Summer Reading Program 2017:  Our Summer Reading Program It is for all ages (even adults).   Questions? Call 864-445-4500 x226.  Friday, July 14th, 10AM Lew-E the Clown – Building a Better World Variety Show! Thursday, July 20th, 10AM – The Story Ship – Construction Junction Show!

I prefer to have David James write the book reviews but this is my review for The Zookeeper's Wife.  This book has been made into a movie and was at the Nickelodeon Theater in Columbia but I did not get to see it. The story is of how the Zookeeper and his family survived the occupation of Poland by the Nazis during World War II and how they  and other Poles helped the Jews survive and escape the occupiers of their  land. The book is sad, frightening, poignant and uplifting.  How do you survive an invasion, hostile forces, and such evil.  You find hope and you find normalcy in mundane things.  As a child I watched a Kraft or Hallmark Theater Presentation on TV about a Jewish rabbi who had an orphanage in the Ghetto in Warsaw.  He could have escaped but would  not leave his children.  When it was their time to get on the trains to travel to certain death he went with his charges as did his other helpers.  How full of love was that moment in time.  In the book it relates the same story but this time it is written.  His name was Janusz Korczak. I can refer to this now. Every once in a while we need to read history so as to remind us how far we have all come and we must protect the future. 

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Examples of Herbs that are medicinal would include aloe for burns, chamomile tea to calm the nerves and more.  You have to be careful for some herbs really do not do what folklore claims.  South Carolina is the home for the only tea grown in North America.  It is located on Wadmalaw Island in the heart of South Carolina low country.  The Grounds include 127 acres of Camellia Sinensis tea plants.  Look at the ingredients label on herbal teas.  They include lemon grass, spearmint, peppermint, chamomile, rose hips, and hibiscus.  You can grow all of these in your own yard.

Some basic rules for raising herbs are five plus hours of sun, good drainage, deep watering in the morning, ph factor should be between 6.0 and 7.5 (Have soil tested by Clemson Extension), and fertilize soil before planting with 5-10-5 or 5-5-10.  I have found herbs such as thyme, chives, oregano and others grow best in pots and hanging baskets for keeping the weeds out is difficult.  With all the "wonderful" rains we have been getting, weeds love to grow faster than anything. 

REMINDERS

All Summer Saturdays: Ridge Spring Farmers' Market

July 21: Free outdoor movie at Town Hall

August 21: Total Solar Eclipse

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

Saluda County Library Hours:  Mon/Wed 8:30 am-5 pm; Tues/Thurs 8:30 am – 6 pm; Fri 8:30 am – 5 pm; Sat closed

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

First Thursday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Third Thursday of the Month: FORS at Library at 5:00; no meetings in July and August