Ridge Spring News: March 2018

Monday, March 26, 2018

March 26, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Happy Easter

The Ridge Spring Fire Department Benefit in memory of Michael Adamick will be held on Saturday, May 5th beginning with a BBQ dinner at 5:00 PM to be followed with an auction at 6:00 p.m. and live entertainment by Steele Justice Band with festivities held at the new fire house near the town square. Tickets may be purchased for $10.00 per plate for dinner, auction and entertainment at the following locations: Ridge Auto, The Nut House, the Town Hall or local firemen/women. Many, many thanks to previous donors of this special town event. It is so appreciated by the hard working volunteers of this community. The fire department will soon be accepting donations for this year's auction.

Needed to change this to the second big event. The second big event in Ridge Spring will be Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering featuring the Palmetto Tractor club. This will be held May 19, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

FORS: The Friends of Ridge spring received a grant of $500.00 from AgSouth to help promote our Farmers' Market. The market will begin the second Saturday of June. Have you begun dreaming of those fresh tomatoes, peaches, corn and so much more. Thanks Sherald Rodgers for your hard work, too. Last year we received the grant, purchased aprons for the vendors, and purchased a sign that will go up this year at intersection of Hwy #1 and Hwy # 392.

Helpful Hands Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be 1pm Saturday, March 31st at the Brush Arbor Park 1099 Keys Pond Rd. Helpful Hands will also have Sunrise Services 8:00 AM Sunday, April 1st. Breakfast will follow Sunrise Service . Sunday School will be at 10:30 am Worship Services 11:45 Helpful Hands Ministries is located at 109 Pecan Grove Rd. Ridge Spring directly behind the Circle K Gas station . Rev. Dr. George W. Key is Founder and Overseer .

The Nut House and Country Store now has fresh asparagus.

Check out the discounts on items at Haley Bee's Boutique because of the change in seasons. The spring and summer items need room to come in.

From the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation: Top commodity rankings in the United States Lists : South Carolina ranks #2 in peaches, #5 in cantaloupes, #6 in peanuts and #6 in watermelon. SC is second only to California in peaches and ours are better.

Juniper: Join us for our annual Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 1st 11:00-2:00 pm. This event requires reservations. Seating times available are 11:00, 11:30, 12:30, 1:00 pm.

Ridge Hill Educational Association: The Ridge Hill Educational Association, in collaboration with Ridge Spring Monetta High School and Morris College, invite you and your congregation to participate in an educational information and opportunity event on Saturday March 31 starting at 10:00 AM. The event will be held in the cafeteria at Ridge Spring Monetta High School. All parents, high school seniors, juniors, and recent graduates who are not currently in a program of study are urged to attend.

Morris College is an HBCU located in Sumter, South Carolina. It is a supportive, nurturing institution that is highly committed to the success of its students. There will be a team of representatives in attendance who will share information about the college and great educational opportunities that the school offers. Attendees will be able to ask questions and apply for admission to Morris College on the spot.

Ridge Hill Education Association takes great pleasure in bringing this event to our community. This is a historic opportunity for our area; let us take advantage by attending and by helping to spread the word in advance of the event.

Art Center in Ridge Spring by Joanne Crouch

Kim Ruff will host a class making a Garden Angel (male or female). This class will be held on Monday, May 14^th at 6:30 at the Art Center. Students may make a herb pot and possibly some garden stakes (“dill”, basil, etc). Class cost is $35 and includes clay. glazing and firing. Students can bring apron to protect clothing. Contact Kim Ruff at (803)315-9203 or by email at makerart@aol.com or Joanne Crouch at (803)685-5577 or by email at joanne.crouch26@gmail.com.

A quilter from Wagener will teach a 5-week quilting workshop starting Monday, April 9^th. Students will have a choice of 10-12 am, 2-4 pm or 6-8 pm for the class each week. Pick your preferred time. There will be hand and machine quilting taught. The first night will be spent discussing supplies. Cost will be $25. Contact Barbara Yon at (803)685-5386 or Joanne Crouch at (803)685-5577.

Saturday, March 31, a Girl Scout troop, will come to the Art Center to make gourd birdhouses. The gourds for this project were donated by a gourd farmer in North Carolina.

DS Owens won an Honorable Mention for his photography at the Spring Fest Show at the North Augusta Art Center.

Hours of operation at the Art Center are Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2. Join us for our membership meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30.

Rene Miller RSM Elementary School

2018 Title I Spring Planning Meeting: You are invited to attend Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary School’s Spring Title I Planning Meeting. The meeting will be held on April 19 at 12:00 p.m. in Tonya Rodgers’ classroom. We will work on the school’s 2018-2019 Title I plan. The school welcomes any input from teachers, parents, and community members. We look forward to seeing you on April 19.

Spring Musical: Our school-wide Spring Musical will be here before we know it. All grades will be participating in our program of Disney –The Movies The Music. If your child has any Disney clothes or shirts, this would be a perfect time for them to wear it. We will perform on Thursday, March 29 at 8:30 a.m. in the gym.

RSME Miss and Master Pageant: The pageant will be held in the RSME gymnasium on March 22nd at 6:30 pm. Audience members can purchase a ticket for $5 at the door the night of the pageant. Come out and support our little kings and queens!

Josie Rodgers

We had quite a scare last Fri., Mar. 23, when 3 RSM siblings were injured in a very bad auto accident. These were kids very close to so many hearts! They are cut, bruised, and sore, but praise God, they are home and recovering! This story could have had a tragic ending, but God’s hand was one them and his protection surrounded them. We are so grateful that these kids were spared! We love them so much! We are all continuing to pray for their quick healing and thanking God for each day we are given.

RSM High: RSM Middle High’s Day of Caring will also be April 14. The project will be construction a little free library at the front of the school. This project is an outreach opportunity to the community that promotes the district’s literacy initiative. The library will be maintained by the school’s media specialist and will include reading material for all age levels. In addition to books, the media specialist will include brochures of tips for parents to promote literacy in their homes. Because RSM High will be a farm-to-table school, we will eventually include a seed swap in the free library with brochures that have nutrition and gardening tips. Please bring a hammer and safety goggles. We will also need post hole diggers, shovels and electric saws. The project begins at 8 am.

Review from David Marshall James: "In the Presence of Greatness: My Sixty-Year Journey as an Actress" by Patty Duke & William J. Jankowski

"You know, I went to the doctor last week, and he said I should cut back on my martinis." Thus recalls Patty Duke, quoting one of the scores of celebrities she looks back upon in this memoir. Any guess as to whom? Would you ever, even think of answering ... "Helen Keller?"

Who do you think supplied the Foreword to this collection? Would you ever, even think of answering ... "Gloria Vanderbilt?"

The surprises await along the long and winding road that PD traveled during her career, taking her from a child actress (several times opposite GV) to winning a Best Supporting Actress Oscar at age 16, for portraying HK in "The Miracle Worker" (1962).

If you've watched the"Feud": Bette and Joan" limited series, you'll recall that that was the Oscar ceremony whereupon Joan Crawford accepted the Best Actress award for Anne Bancroft ("The Miracle Worker"), to whom Bette Davis lost for co-starring with Crawford in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" Duke recalls meeting both legends that evening, as well as Gregory Peck, who won Best Actor for "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Although "Valley of the Dolls" (1967) was considered a stinkeroo, it made tons of money and has since become a cult classic. And it supplies PD with chapters on Judy Garland, Susan Hayward, and Jacqueline Susann. And, of course, the horrifically murdered Sharon Tate.

Game Show Network fans will be enthralled by PD's memories of frequent appearances on Gene Rayburn's "Match Game" and Dick Clark's "Pyramid."

The author of two previous memoirs, "Call Me Anna" and "A Brilliant Madness," here PD turns the spotlight on celebrities with whom she has worked or has otherwise been associated, including Lucille Ball, Richard Burton, Helen Hayes, and Laurence Olivier. She also includes her two sons, Mackenzie Astin and Sean Astin, both of whom became successful actors.

This is the sort of recollections collection that every celebrity ought to compile. Special thanks to Duke's friend and collaborator, William J. Jankowski, for encouraging the late actress to do so.

Harriet's Garden Tips: The weeds are multiplying all by themselves, no fertilizer is needed for them. I found an old book titled Your Household Guide from 1951 sponsored by the Green Thumb Garden Club of Ridge Spring, SC. Here are a few that might work. Mix coffee grounds with dirt to set geraniums in. It increases both growth and bloom. Use a pail of clean, dry sand as a storage place for small garden tools. This will retard rust. Martha Stewart demonstrated on her show how mixing oil in the sand should clean and protect larger tools such as shovels. I have thought about that but never tried it.

REMINDERS

March 30: American Legion Boston Butt Sale

March 31: Morris College Meeting at RSM High School

May 5: RS Fire Depart. Benefit

May 19: The Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Festival

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

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

Monday, March 19, 2018

March 19, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Spring is popping out all over. Easter is near and Spring Break for all. There is the Masters that will fill our two Bed and Breakfasts, Gables Inn and Gardens and Magnolia Shadows, and hopefully bring visitors and diners (foodies) to our area. I bet some will enjoy our hospitality. With the support of our Saluda County Council, the Friends of Ridge Spring (FORS) received a part of the ATAX monies. We will use this money to attract visitors or tourists to our town. THANK YOU, SALUDA COUNTY COUNCIL!!!

The next big event in Ridge Spring is Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering featuring the Palmetto Tractor club. This will be held May 19, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Farm is on Mt. Calvary Rd. near the Intersection of Hwy #23 and Hwy #39 in Ridge Spring. For more information call 803.617.8751 or email magridge12@gmail.com. Web site is MagnoliaRidgeSC.com

Dotted across the countryside from coast to coast, few symbols represent vintage Americana like a heritage barn. The barn is where farm life is centered from generation to generation and, oftentimes, celebrations held. Each barn has a unique story, much like the Certified Angus Beef brand and its family farmers and ranchers.

In 2018, the brand is celebrating 40 years of bringing the best Angus beef to consumers. The Barn Artist, Scott Hagan, of Jerusalem, Ohio, will paint the brand’s logo on 40 barns across America, an old-school marketing approach that’s a tip of the hat to the farmers and ranchers who created the brand in 1978 and lead it today.

“This effort is a tangible symbol of the valuable, and interconnected, roles our partners play in guiding the Certified Angus Beef brand from farm to table,” says Tracey Erickson, vice president of marketing. “It’s an honor for us to join their efforts in honoring our roots – family farmers and ranchers who have always been at the heart of this brand.”

The first barn was painted the week of Jan. 15 in Ocala, Fla., at Baldwin Angus Ranch, which is located along the well-traveled I-75. Hagan will spend 2-3 days at each barn site to complete his work before moving on to the next barn. Gatherings are also planned onsite with the ranchers, brand partners and community leaders, like in Ocala where Sonny’s BBQ served lunch.

“When I look at a barn, I see it as a canvas and a bit of Americana in days gone by,” Hagan says. That’s why he is so passionate about discovering each barn’s unique story and their intricate, historic structures. Through his own 20 years in business, Hagan has painted hundreds of barns across 19 states, including the Ohio Bicentennial logo on a barn in each of the state’s 88 counties leading up to that anniversary in 2003.Source: Certified Angus Beef

The Ridge Spring Harvest Festival met Tuesday at Town Hall. New people came and new committees are forming, new and old ideas abound with excitement in the air. Keep in mind that to support this annual endeavor, we need to increase the flow of visitors. Your ideas and willingness to participate are welcomed. Patrick Arnold is chair and heading up the BBQ Event.

Juniper: Join us for our annual Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 1st 11:00-2:00 pm. This event requires reservations. Seating times available are 11:00, 11:30, 12:30, 1:00 pm.

I want to make sure you read this information about our town employees and the extras they do. Picked up off the streets of our town in the year 2017 were the following: Corpses of:

3 armadillos

9 birds,

15 cats,

2 dogs,

1 rabbit

3 snakes,

6 raccoons,

2 deer,

27 squirrels

7 opossums,

as well as 8 cell phones, 7 hub caps, 3352 aluminum cans and 156 trash cans full of trash. I say, "THANK YOU!!!!"

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Another fine Lenten message from Pastor Ashley and a perfect take away to start a new week. We are at the Gate waiting. Next week we enter. Something to think about.

Josie Rodgers

St. William Catholic Church will hold a Chili Cook-Off on Sun., Mar. 25, at 5:30 pm. Various chili chefs will compete for the title of Best Chili. Guest judges will choose the best, but all attendees will be able to taste as many chili dishes as they like and vote on Hottest Chili, Sweetest Chili, and Most Unique Chili. For more info, contact Candice Miller (CandiceHMiller@eaton.com).

RSM Elem (Rene Miller): Registration for 4K will end on April 13. There are limited slots available.

RSM Elem’s Day of Caring is will be April 14. If you are good with handiwork and outside projects, we need you! We are also accepting financial donations to purchase materials and supplies for this project. Contact the school at 803-685-2000.

The Spring Musical will take place in the gym on March 29, at 8:30 a.m. The theme for the musical is the music of Disney.

The RSME Miss and Master Pageant will be March 22 at 6:30 in the gym. Admission is $5 at the door.

RSM Mid: We welcomed a new baby Trojan to the family on March 8. Iris Alexandrea entered the world weighing in at 7 lbs 11 oz. Proud parents are teacher Mrs. Cayce Spire and her husband Steven. We are still awaiting the arrival of Mrs. Lindsey Jones’s baby girl!

RSM High: Congratulations to Lacy Pou for winning 1^st place in the Low State FFA Region Prepared Public Speaking. Lacy researched and wrote her speech and recite in front of judges and then answer questions after her speech. Also, Zoey Bryant won 3^rd place in the Creed recitation and question session. The students’ FFA advisor is Michael Crim, agriculture teacher at RSM High. The competition took place at Branchville High.

Several members of the RS-M High School Band visited RS-M Elem on Thurs., Mar., 15. Band Director Mr. Clamp spoke with the 5th grade students about joining the band in 6^th grade, and several of the high school students played their instruments for the students so they could hear what the different instruments sound like. The high school group then played "The Tempest" and several football short cheers for the students.

Last Friday, sophomores spent the day at Aiken Tech learning about the school’s programs and options.

Review from David Marshall James: "The Secret Adversary" by Agatha Christie

Nearing its centennial, Agatha Christie's first Tommy & Tuppence mystery is as authentic a venue as any to experience the glam of the 1920s, London style.

She takes the reader to The Ritz, The Metropole, The Savoy, and Claridge's. One of the characters-- a multimillionaire American-- purchases a new Rolls Royce, a mere twenty grand back in '22.

Then, there's the flip side of the glittering gold sovereign-- bolshevism. The U.K., wracked by four years of "the war to end all wars," is suffering a severe economic downturn. Housing is scarce. Jobs, just so. Even army officer Tommy Beresford and his childhood bud, Prudence "Tuppence" Cowley, who's been doing the army-nurse thing in a London hospital, are hard by and at it for employment.

Tuppence has gone through scut and scullery at the hospital, but she's keen to be in the big city, where she can shorten her skirts and smoke her ciggies away from her dad, who's an archdeacon out in the boonies, her mum, and her four sisters.

Over a count-your-farthings tea, Tommy and Tuppence hatch a plan to advertise for "adventure"-- for hire. And adventure they find, whirling down a White Rabbit's hole into a plot to overthrow the Crown.

Christie lays on the cream (indeed, fresh cream was one of her favorite comestibles), with twists and turns done up in a breathless pace. Her plot rolls like the aforementioned Rolls. Oh, yes: That vehicle goes tearing off in a bullet-ridden chase. Bolsheviks pursuing a Rolls-- gotta love that!

The slang is yummers, yet it's fairly astounding how fresh Christie's work remains. She doesn't loiter in cloisters as Dorothy L. Sayers is prone to do; rather, Christie's kinetic energy keeps her novel in hand, not under the bed lamp. It's a jolly good show.

Harriet's Garden Tips: My tomato seedlings are up 3 inches. I have started Celebrity, Better Boy, and Whopper. I remember seeing on one of the early Martha Stewart Shows what she did and it still holds true. She started the tomatoes early. Then she would repot them and cover them up until only the tops showed. Then she would do it again and again. When time to plant outside came she had a tomato with a root system equal to the top of the plant. My tomato plants look great. I also have pepper plants. I did get these from the Farmers' Market, but I am repotting them to sell at a later date. Isn't spring fun. I will also grow from seed, too.

REMINDERS

March 30: American Legion Boston Butt Sale

May 19: The Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Festival

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

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

Monday, March 12, 2018

March 12, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

THE RIDGE SPRING LIBRARY Has officially reopened in the Ridge Spring Art Center Building. Here are the new hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wednesday and Thursday Closed; Friday 10:00 - 4:00; Saturday 10:00 - 1:00.

Quilting on the Ridge was a wonderful success. The Art Center had several quilts as did the library which is now in the same building. Each store had a few, even Harriet's Garden which is now open. Florence Householder had two extra in the chest for storage. I learned three things in particular, you need to refold your quilt every few years for the seams will wear and begin to fray. One of the quilts that had been wrapped in tissue still showed wear at the folds. Another thing was that all quilts for preservation need to be handled with cotton gloves. If you need to wash one, get quilt soap and wash by hand in the tub. Let dry outside like they always did in the past.

Ridge Spring had its own coffee truck Friday and Saturday. "I Crave Cafe" owner Carlos Velez added smiles for a lot of people. Hope he comes back soon. He is usually across form Wendy's in Batesburg-Leesville beginning at 6:00 AM.

Juniper hosted a benefit for Charles Anderson who is recovering from an automobile wreck. Charles has been a employee at Juniper for quite a while and so many of us knew him. It was pointed out that whoever was sitting at your table knew Charles so there was a connection for all of us. The place was packed and had more than one seating. Yon Family Farm donated meat, Watsonia donated vegetables, and US Foods helped too. The food was delicious , the music by the Henrys was great, but the best treat was seeing Charles.

Juniper: Join us for our annual Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 1st 11:00-2:00 pm. This event requires reservations. Seating times available are 11:00, 11:30, 12:30, 1:00 pm.

At Juniper I had asparagus soup with the asparagus coming from Fallaw Farms. Spring is here!!!!

Ridge Antiques and Dry Goods: We have new dealers in the shoppe and you definitely do not want to miss the high quality offerings they bring! Stop by and extend a warm welcome to Debbie & Mike Faithful and take a look at beautiful furniture, art deco, comics, Elvis memorabilia and even valuable military helmets

American Legion Post 133: The Post is selling Boston Butts on Good Friday, March 30, Easter Weekend. The proceeds will sponsor local students to Boy's State. Contact any Legion member for tickets or call Phillips Boatwright at 685.7753. Ticket are $35.00 each and the Boston Butts can be picked up at the Legion Hut on Pecan Grove Road on March 30 between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Have you ever wondered what the employees of the town might pick up off the streets of our town. Brian Taylor sent me this information. In 2017 they picked up the corpses of the following: 3 armadillos, 9 birds, 15 cats, 2 dogs, 1 rabbit,, 3 snakes, 6 raccoons, 2 deer, 27 squirrels, and 7 opossums, as well as 8 cell phones, 7 hub caps, 3352 aluminum cans and 156 trash cans full of trash. I say, "THANK YOU!!!!"

The Study Club of Ridge Spring donated $2000.00 to the Ridge Spring Library. The library Director of Saluda County, Lisa Lyon accepted the money on Thursday March 8. The money went to purchase 169 books, for all ages, to be added to our library.

Joanne Crouch: Quilting on the Ridge was very positive for the Art Center. It has been quite some time since we had folks lined up at the door waiting for the doors to be unlocked. Sales were good. We sold 40 bags at $5 each. There were over $500 sold in raffle tickets. Kathy Hutchison won the quilt in the raffle. On Saturday, March 24, a local Girl Scout troop will paint gourd birdhouses. Class schedule will be released soon. Please let us know any classes that you are interested in so we can try to put together a class for you. Barbara Yon has work in Hailey Bee’s and off the Beaten Path. Carolyn Boatwright and DS also have work at Off the Beaten Path. DS and Joanne Crouch have work at the SC Artisan Center in Walterboro. DS also has work at Outback in Aiken. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact a member or attend our April membership meeting on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:Another fine Lenten message from Pastor Ashley and a perfect take away to start a new week. God ‘rolls’ up his sleeves to be there for us. We need to roll as well to be the best we can be: R – rest, O – Observe, L – Listen and L – Lead. In March the Big Red Box will be collecting non perishable food items. These will be donated to the Helpful Hands Food Minister Food Bank. If you are interested in donating, leave items on one of the porches and a member will make sure they are in the BRB. Also this month we will be collecting empty plastic Easter eggs and candy. These need to be in by Palm Sunday, April 25^th to be delivered to Helpful Hands for their Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Church Services will be at 11 a.m. EXCEPT Easter Sunday which will be at 8:30 a.m. All are invited. Enjoy March Madness, but also be part of March Goodness!

Josie Rodgers

RSM Elem (Rene Miller): Congratulations to Terrell Carson, RSME’s 2018-19 Teacher of the Year! Mrs. Carson has been teaching for 18 years, all at RSM. She has a BA in early childhood education from USC-Aiken and a masters in literacy from Lesley University. She and her husband Michael have two children: Mikayla (9^th grade) and Jayke (4^th grade).

Registration for 4K will end on April 13. There are limited slots available.

The Spring Musical will take place in the gym on March 29, at 8:30 a.m. The theme for the musical is the music of Disney.

The RSME Miss and Master Pageant will be Mar. 22 at 6:30 in the gym. Admission is $5 at the door.

RSM High: Crystal Preston, senior basketball player will play in the North South All-Star Basketball Game on the North Team at Lexington High School on Mar. 17.

The Teacher Cadets are thoroughly enjoying their time at RSM elementary each day. They each go to a class and help the teacher do whatever is needed that day: tutor, read, play, etc. Many thanks to the following for being such wonderful cooperating teachers: Retta Havird, Kipp Palmer, Ranell Shealy, Sharon McCain, Lisa Bouknight, & Tonya Rodgers. These professionals also earn recertification credit for their time.

The Senior Beta Club celebrated National Beta Club Week last week with various activities. They signed a Beta Pledge, handed out Beta Shout-Outs to faculty and staff, gave faculty and staff Beta Bucks to be redeemed for services. They will continue their efforts this week by creating a video for the Junior Beta Club and by offering their services around the school.

Review from David Marshall James: "About Face: The Life and Times of Dottie Ponedel: Make-up Artist to the Stars" by Dorothy Ponedel & Meredith Ponedel, with Danny Miller

Dottie Ponedel: The woman behind the cinematic faces of Marlene Dietrich, Joan Blondell, Carole Lombard, Paulette Goddard, and Judy Garland, plus many other luminaries.

When she succumbed to a more-than-two-decade battle with MS in 1979, Ponedel left behind this memoir, published here for the first time, a priceless view of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She begins with her arrival in 1920, with her widowed mother, on the Santa Fe railroad from Chicago, where Dottie had been supporting the family selling "ten-dollar hats" in a downtown department store.

At 90 cents' commission apiece, she and her Mother had put aside a 300-dollar nest egg, which purchased a bakery franchise across the park from their furnished apartment. On a lark, Dottie hooked up as an extra with a movie crew filming in the park, for six dollars a day. She discovered an untrained talent for dancing, which earned her even more as an extra, and she worked steadily throughout the decade, rubbing elbows with such greats as Rudolph Valentino, Mabel Normand, and D.W. Griffith.

As with her dancing, Dottie's aptitude for makeup came naturally. Her career in this new field shot to the stratosphere when she was assigned to Marlene Dietrich, fresh off the boat-- and the train, herself-- from Germany, at Paramount studio. With Dietrich an immediate sensation, every Paramount star began seeking out Dottie, including Mae West.

The author recalls Dietrich with the utmost fondness and gratitude, her generosity and support resulting in a longtime Paramount contract for Dottie, who was able to purchase a house in Beverly Hills, where she remained until her death more than 40 years later.

Soon, Gary Cooper, Carole Lombard and husband Clark Gable, Dietrich, and many other legendary Hollywood figures were hanging out at Dottie's homey abode. She was aces as a cook and a casual entertainer, but says Dietrich topped her in the kitchen.

When the big stars at Paramount began to free-lance for more money, Dottie signed a contract with MGM. She recalls working on Lucille Ball's face when studio hairstylist Sydney Guillaroff walked in with Judy Garland in tow. Garland and Ponedel hit it off immediately, working on "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944), and becoming best friends until Garland's death in 1969.

The author's recollection of their trips to Chicago and New York City, then to London and Paris, include some hysterical anecdotes, such as the time Garland "stole" a wad of cash (money she had earned) from future husband Sid Luft's attache case. The women had no idea how much the foreign currency was worth, and Dottie took off for Rome with the equivalent of ten-thousand dollars in her girdle.

The scores of photos, most from Dottie's private collection, document the historic glamour that she helped to create. One of the rare pictures includes Garland, Ponedel, Jack Benny, and Joan Blondell lunching in the MGM commissary, all with a twinkle in their eyes, just as one would expect of true stars. As the author concludes, "I have a sneaking feeling I'm going to have a ball with the bunch that's up there waiting for me."

Harriet's Garden Tips: Some quick ideas: did a ten dollar hole for a five dollar plant. It is more important to make it wider than deeper. Coffee grounds are good for acid loving plants. Water geraniums with beer to make sensational plants. March 15th is a good time to do drastic pruning to overgrown shrubs. New growth will cover the scars quickly.

REMINDERS

March 13: RS Harvest Festival meeting Town Hall

March 15: Friends of Ridge Spring Meeting at Town Hall

March 30: American Legion Boston Butt Sale

May 19: The Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Festival

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon. Tues. 9:00 - 12:00; Wed. Thurs. Closed;

Fri. 10:00 - 4:00; Sat. 10:00 - 1:00.

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

Monday, March 5, 2018

March 5, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

March 9 and 10 Quilting on the Ridge

Let's get spring started with a tour of the Ridge Heritage Quilt Trail

The many, many peach orchards are in bloom, the azaleas are showing color, the Bradford Pear trees are in bloom and so many other plants are beginning to show color. So spring is a week or two early, we can still enjoy it. March is a windy month, but that is so the pollen can get to the flowers and pollinate. Remember the saying, "March roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb."

The Quilt Trail: Take part in the Ridge Heritage Quilt Trail and visit the shops of Ridge Spring as they showcase beautiful, handmade, and historic quilts. Participants are encouraged to start at The Art Center of Ridge Spring at 108 Maintenance Building Circle, behind the Civic Center. For an optional $5 registration fee, participants will receive a Ridge Spring Goodie Bag containing a map, one free raffle ticket, and discounts to area stores. Raffle Tickets will be available at the shops for $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.

The Quilt Raffle: Our featured handmade quilt will be raffled off at the conclusion of the weekend. The quilt is by Anne Curley, the maker of the quilt that is being raffled. The quilt is machine pieced but hand stitched. It is from a non smoking home. She said to wash it on the delicate cycle in cold water but she throws a color catcher in with it. Dry on low. She thought it was the perfect one for the raffle! Tickets will be available at the shops for $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.

Olde Treasures will have two Civil War era quilts on display.

Ridge Antiques & Dry Goods is pleased to welcome Debbie & Mike Faithful to our wonderful group of dealers. Their booth is packed with absolutely beautiful antiques and collectibles. Furniture, decorating items, military helmets, glassware and so much more. Stop by and get first dibs on these very nice offerings! Come see...

And don't forget about the "Quilting on the Ridge" event this Friday and Saturday ~ we will have quilts on display in the store as well as raffle tickets for the beautiful quilt that will be given to the winner. It looks to be a grand weekend!

One quilt block is on the Nut House. The history of the Quilt was shared with me by Joe Cal Watson. Grandmother's Flower Garden" Quilt: The Quilt represented in the painting on the side of the Nut House was made by Frances Laura Anderson Steadman.

The pattern of the quilt is "Grandmother's Flower Garden" , which became popular in the early twentieth century. Frances had learned how to make the pattern from her mother. It is an extremely labor -intensive quilt pattern. This quilt includes over 3,800 hexagons, which are each 1 inch across. Frances used the English paper piecing method to make the quilt. She cut a template for each hexagon from paper. Next, she cut a piece of fabric in a hexagon that was about ¼ inch larger than the template. The extending fabric was then folded over the template and basted down. Finally the hexagons were sewn together from the back side. After the border was sewn, Frances did the quilting on a frame she set up in her living room. The painting of a section of the quilt was made by Barbara Yon.

There are two quilts that were made by Margaret Inglish Seawell that the family has in their possession. One of the quilts pattern is used on the Welcome to Ridge Spring sign when coming from Batesburg on Hwy. 23. This quilt is at the library and it was done by Margaret Inglish Seawell, who was born in Moniteal County Missouri on December 5, 1868 and died on March 7, 1957. She was the daughter of Judge Boyd and Catherine Inglish. They moved to St. Louis, Missouri and there Margaret Inglish married Jessie P. Seawell. They had one daughter, Mayme Seawell, who married Harry Householder. Mayme was a millinery designer, who designed ladies' hats for Elaine Millinery Company in St. Louis. Mayme and Harry had one son, Robert (Bob) Householder. He was inducted in the US Army and served in the 3rd Army 85th Infantry European Theatre under Gen. George Patton during World War II. Bob married Florence Kinard from prosperity and moved to Ridge Spring in 1951. There are two quilts and they are being passed on to their children, Robert S (Bobby ) Householder, Jr. and Dr. Patty H. VanWie. It is not known when the quilts were made, but presumably they are at least 100+ years old.

The Art Center of Ridge Spring: Out regular hours will be Fridays & Saturdays from 10:0 until 2:00 PM. Quilting on the Ridge is on March 9th and 10th and will celebrate quilts. Many quilts will be available for viewing in businesses throughout town. There will be heirloom quilts in addition to the art of local artists. Barbara Yon will lead a workshop on painting a quilt block at the Art Center. A drawing will be held for a quilt on Saturday, March 10th at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. You do not need to be present to win. Contact a member of AARS, FORS, or Town Hall for tickets.

Several of us attended the Department of Agriculture class for farmers so they can accept vouchers this summer. These vouchers are given to people over a certain age to use to get fresh fruits and vegetables. A Win for the farmers and a Win for the participants. For more information contact the department at 503.734.2224. If you missed the class that was in Aiken, there are others being offered throughout the state. Just call the number for the schedule. This summer I have two gardens to work, and I hope all works out well. One has already been planted with the help of my grandchildren at their home in Gilbert. Nothing has come up yet.

Cub Scouts: We would like to put that Pack 555 is recruiting new members. Boys and girls are invited to join. We meet every 2nd and 4th Monday at Ridge Spring Baptist Church at 7:00. Any questions, contact Melissa Stover at mostover310@gmail.com

Security Federal Bank will be opening accounts for its customers from 1-5 March 7, 8, 14, 15, 20 and from 9-12 and 1-5 March 26-30. Their plans also include having a soft opening on April 2.

Wendy Arndt, Magnolia Ridge: The 9th Annual Antique and Art Festival is May 19 2018. Horse riding Summer programs available for children or adults beginner through advanced. The flag on the gazebo it is from the winners of the Harvest Festival BBQ.

Josie Rodgers:

The Upper State Champion RSM Boys Basketball Team played the game of their lives at the Colonial Life Arena Sat., Mar. 3, vying for the State Championship title. Though they came up short on points, they were not short on support or pride in their school and community. It was heartbreaking not to take home the state trophy, but we are ever so proud of this team who has done something no other RSM basketball team has done since the 1950s. Coach Mark Wright, his assistants, and his team worked hard all season (and off season) to be able to compete with the elite during playoffs. Hemingway may have gone home with the trophy, but we came home with pride and much love for our Trojans!

RSM Elem (Rene Miller): Registration for 4K will be March 5 - April 13. There are limited slots available.

The Spring Musical will take place in the gym on March 29, at 8:30 a.m. The theme for the musical is the music of Disney.

The RSME Miss and Master Pageant will be Mar. 22 at 6:30 in the gym. Admission is $5 at the door.

RSM High: Congratulations to Crystal Preston, senior basketball player, for being chosen for the North South All-Star Basketball Game. “CP” will play for the North Team at Lexington High School on Mar. 17.

The varsity softball team is having a 50-inning softball game fundraiser on Sat., Mar. 10 beginning at 10 am. Admission is $3, and lunch will be on the grill at 1:00. The players are taking donations per inning that they play. See any JV or varsity softball player to help support this fundraiser.

Bob Householder Our RSM Boys Basketball team played in the Class A State Championship Game Saturday. They lost to Hemingway, but it was the first time the boys team had played a State Champion Game since the 1955 Ridge Spring team won the State Class C championship. Congratulations to this 2018 team's success!!!

Review from David Marshall James: "Much Ado About Murder" by Elizabeth J. Duncan

This classy mystery novel set at a Catskills resort that features Shakespearean plays ought to tickle devotees of Agatha Christie and the classic Cotswolds village mystery.

The bucolic setting, combined with Canadian author Elizabeth J. Duncan's U.K.-philia-- she writes another mystery series, set in Wales-- contributes to the Christie-ness. Let's not forget the resident corgi, Rupert, either.

To further Brit things up, the protagonist is an English ex-pat. Costumer Charlotte Fairfax has worked with the RSC (if your "forsooth's" are a tad rusty, that's the Royal Shakespeare Company).

Charlotte is currently "bungalow-ed up" with a local detective on the resort grounds. Now, that just might brush her up against a mystery or two.

Charlotte's good chum, Paula Van Dusen, resides at a nearby estate, and we do mean estate. She employs a full-time staff, including a gardener for the prizewinning roses and a chauffeur to handle the Rolls, and we don't mean Sister Shubert's.

Paula and Charlotte frequently confabulate over frosty gin-and-tonic's as Paula heads up the Shakespeare Co.'s board of directors.

In this third go-round of Duncan's Shakespeare in the Catskills series, the piece du jour is, of course, "Much Ado About Nothing," and there're gobs ado about the English actress who's crossed The Pond to play Beatrice and her dissatisfaction with multiple directors, younger co-stars, and teabags.

We're not about to divulge the particulars of the plotting. Suffice to say that, if Christie's village mysteries and The Bard are your cup of tea, then this'll be your second cuppa.

Harriet's Garden Tips: Have you seen the tulips coming up in the pots around the shop and at the Nut House? These are my surprise pots. Last year that freeze we had for three days killed all my bulbs. This year it has worked. I do not try to save these tulip bulbs for they do not do well the second year at all. I enjoy planting them in the fall to enjoy the surprise in the spring. I hope you will consider doing that too. Quick reminder: deadhead your bulbs as the blooms die and don't forget to fertilize those bulbs to help them store up food for next spring. If a group of bulbs did not bloom, mark the spot so you can dig up, divide, and replant the bulbs at a later date.

REMINDERS

March 9 & 10: Quilting on the Ridge

March 13: RS Harvest Festival meeting Town Hall

March 15: Friends of Ridge Spring Meeting at Town Hall

March 30: American Legion Boston Butt Sale

May 19: The Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Festival

Ridge Spring Library hours: Reopen soon

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