September 24, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The 2018 Harvest Festival is really on a roll. Saturday was the Beauty Pageant.  2018 Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant Winners in the Junior Division were

Toddler Miss Charley Frances Driggers; Baby Miss Kyndall Rayne Johnson; Little Miss Sydney Ruth Heath;  Tiny Miss Taylor Ann Bowdler; Wee Miss Tatum Lynn McAlhaney

 The Senior Division winners were  Young Miss Kurston Alice Long; Young Teen Miss Chaney Suzanne Feagin; Teen Miss Jordan Taylor Stone; and Miss Harvest Festival Hattie Grace Summers. In attendance were family, friends and people who enjoyed such  a beautiful event.   The Master of Ceremonies was Bob Jackson, stage director was Qwen Etheredge, sound system by Mike Cook.  The judges were Mrs. Crystal Jewel Crawford, Ms. Samantha Miller and Ms. Karmen Roller.  The Auditor was Ms. Lillie Jackson.  Mr. Patrick Arnold the Harvest Festival chairman welcomed all.  During the evening intermission the Carolina Elite Stompers with Jordan Barrett and Rachel Blair, co-directors with Vonne Doran and Marena Massey entertained with beautifully choreographed routines.

From the Mayor’s Desk: What an exciting weekend we just had! Magnolia Ridge Arts and Antique Gathering and Tractor Show was a great success bringing hundreds of people to town. Many, many thanks to Ridge Hill Baptist Church who held its Community Day at the gazebo. The church turned our gazebo area into a wellness checkpoint, voter registration station, a school materials booth, and a place to get a free lunch. To top the morning off, members of the church helped to paint and dress scarecrows and pressured washed picnic tables in preparation for the Harvest Festival. To top off the morning, they provided the town with gospel music.

The Miss Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant was an overwhelming success thanks to the hard work done by the committee chairs: Patrick Arnold, Qwen Etheridge, and Bob Jackson. We couldn’t have gotten through the event without all the volunteers who showed up to help. This is just the beginning of Harvest Festival Activities. Yet to come is the famous Bingo Night on October 11^th at the Civic Center. Friday will be a new activity, “Recorrido Mexico”, a tour of Mexico through its music, food and dance. Join us for the fun evening beginning at 6:00 on Friday night, October 12^th at the gazebo. The music and dance will represent the four areas of Mexico and will be danced in costume.  Pies and cakes will also be judged that Friday night. Saturday will see the official Harvest Festival and BBQ Battle on the Ridge kick off, followed by the parade, arts and crafts, entertainment, the returned car show, and our country store. Come ready to enjoy some “Q” and spend the rest of the day with us.

The Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering was a huge success this past Saturday.  There were 27 vendors.  The Antique Tractor Club and food from Mt. Calvary Church's men and the Mennonite Bakers added to all perfectly.  So many enjoyed doing it in September that Wendy and Perry were encouraged and agreed to having the event in the spring and in the fall.  It will be held in the spring on the third Saturday in May and on the third Saturday in September.   Next year the Palmetto Tractor Club will also have the Antiques Cars Club and Antique A Model Club with their cars to join them.

On behalf of the Ridge Hill Baptist Church, we are thankful that everyone enjoyed the health fair. It was a part of our annual Community Day. We normally host it at our church but this year, with the help of Mayor Asbill, we moved the event to the gazebo. We wanted to focus on services to help the community such as free health screenings (performed by Dr. Pompey and Dr. Settles), voter registration, school supplies drive for our students and free food and entertainment for all to enjoy. It was truly a great day and it blessed many.

OLDE TREASURES welcomes new dealers Sid and Nita Keisler from Gilbert. Many of you may know them from years of doing business in their family store, Keislers. 
They bring with them a country storefront backdrop for their booth which is reminiscent of their store in 1907. They named their booth For Looks or Cooks. Sid handles the cooks part and Nita the looks part. Sid specializes in cast iron cookware and has quite a selection for your eyes to feast on. He salvages pieces that aren’t cooking worthy and makes other useful things such as clocks. He also re-seasons old cast iron pieces. Bring your special piece in and let him give you a price for revitalizing it. Nita loves teapots and has some beautiful ones for sale in their booth. She has also put together a great display of antique and vintage linens. They even have a Singer Treadle Sewing Machine that works great. Everything in their booth is vintage or antique and is selling well. Come see for yourself, once an item is gone; it is gone.

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church : “HARVESTING FOR HIM” EVERYONE IS INVITED -  Fourth annual shoebox packing party will be held Sunday, October 7 beginning at 12:30 pm with lunch provided by LMM.  Packing Party starts at 1:15 pm and afterwardsthere will be  Games for the Kids at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Fellowship Building.  To make sure we prepare enough food, please RSVP by signing the list on the narthex bullentin board or calling Donna Hatcher at 275-4839.  Grandparents, this is a wonderful event to attend with your grandchildren.  Social Ministry is providing soap, washcloths, toothbrushes, pencils, erasers, & pencil sharpeners for each box. Other items needed: crayons, coloring books, combs/brushes, underwear, socks, shirts, small toys, stuffed animals, small water bottles, eating utensils, single subject notebooks, writing paper, journals, hair accessories, flash lights w/extra batteries, dolls, sunglasses, colored pencils, etc. This ministry blesses children around the world with gift-filled shoeboxes that become opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: On September 30, 2018 Ridge Spring United Methodist Church (RSUMC) invites local church congregations to a 5^th Sunday Community Sing. This will be at 11:00 a.m. regular church service time. The program will last approximately an hour. If you would like to participate please contact Pastor Ashley Buchanan at:aebuchanan@umcsc.org. We ask no more than 2 songs per group and/or individual. Join us for what will be a fun filled hour of praise and song.

FORS met Thursday night.  Plans for Christmas Open House are in the works for our community.  More information will be forthcoming when we get closer to that wonderful holiday. FORS stands for Friends of Ridge Spring.  We work on promoting our community.

Art Center in Ridge Spring Classes

Mosaic: On Sept29^th   at 8:30,  Barbara Yon and members of AARS will demonstrate the basics of mosaics.  Students will apply cut glass to the risers of the steps at the Art Center.  There is no charge for this event.   Contact Barbara Yon at byonart@yahoo.com or a member of the AARS if you would like to participate in this event

Pottery: Kim Ruff, instructor   On October 15, a clay Christmas tree class will be held on Monday, Oct15^th from 6:30-8:30.  Cost is $35 and includes all firing and glazing.   Kim’s class will allow the students to make additional small pieces to use all the clay that is allotted for the class.  Contact Kim Ruff at makerart@aol.com or Joanne Crouch at joanne.crouch26@gmail.com to register.

.Stained Glass Vernon Rpbinson, instructor-October 19^th and 20^th 10-4.  Students will make a 8 x 10 suncatcher.  Mr. Robinson is very crafted in his skills.  Class will be very small so spots are limited.  Cost is $250  with  ½ will need to be paid when participant signs up.  Contact AARS or contact kedrynevans@gmail.com , (910)583-2219  or Vernon Robinson (803)640-4527  for details of how to become a part of this class.

Location:  Ridge Spring Art Center Hwy. 23 108 Maintenance Shop Circle, Ridge Spring SC  29129.  Behind the Ridge Spring Art Center. 

Josie Rodgers: It has been exactly 8 years since my sister was murdered. Eight years since I talked to her, texted her, heard her voice, ask her questions, felt her hug, heard her laugh. Our lives completely changed that fateful September. I will never forget the phone call in the wee hours of the morning. I hate to hear the phone ring at night. Every time I take the kids to the pediatrician, a shiver runs through my body because that is the ER where she died. When I hear of couples having domestic violence issues, I am torn between sheer frustration and hopeless despair because so few get the help they need. I certainly don’t have all the answers, but there is one thing I do know. Victims must receive police protection and financial help to be able to leave, survive, and provide for themselves. This was not available for my sister. Don’t let it happen to someone you love.

Josie Rodgers School News

RSM Elem: We are excited about our fall book fair which opens on Fri., Sept. 21, and ends on Fri., Sept. 28. The book fair will be open from 8:15 to 3:00 each day.  We will accept cash or checks made payable to RS-M Elementary. If sending a check, no change can be given.  Please remember that we charge 7% sales tax.

 PTO Happenings: A special thanks to the PTO for adding sand to our playground and mulch around the school. The PTO is selling RS-M T-shirts in three designs. The shirts are $10.  Students are selling World’s Finest Chocolate candy bars through September 27.

Sonic Night Fundraiser in Batesburg on Mon., Oct. 1, from 5 pm – 7 pm. Come out and grab a bite to eat. A portion of all sales will be donated to the school.

RSM High: The school is boasting a new sport under the coaching of new math teacher Chuck DiZinno: cross country. Runners include Arturo Contreras, Isaias Figuero, Kaylah Guinyard, Katelyn Kirk, William Moyer, Kelsie Storey, Kendra Storey, Alex Valencia, & Zach Wyszynzki. On Thurs., Sept. 20, the Trojans hosted their first meet with Saluda with 23 runners in all competing. Zach and Arturo came in 9^th & 10^th, respectively, which Isaias came in 14^th.  For the girls, Keslie, Kendra, Katelyn, and Kaylah came in 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, & 8^th places respectively.  More meets are planned

The Senior Beta Club and the National English Honor Society members are selling World’s Finest Chocolate. With over 46 members, you are sure to find some of that delicious stuff somewhere close by! Proceeds help with graduation expenses, convention, American Education Week, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more!

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Sometimes when looking for a bargain on plants, they are more dried out than you realize. Two weeks ago I got several. I watered each pot with plans to plant as soon as possible.  When I got them out of the pot they were really root bound and really, really dry in the center, not on the edge of the plant.  I had to soak them in a tub of water before I could plant them. If a plant floats in the water, submerge it til it stays down. I also cut off most of the blooms to help the plant take root.  I did leave a few blooms so they would go to seed and perhaps help them repopulate the plot.  Who knows if the plants will come back.

REMINDERS

Sept. 30: RSUMC sing along

Oct. 7: Mt. Calvary Shoebox packing party

October 11-13: Ridge Spring Harvest 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

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

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

Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Every 1^st Thursday:  Audibel Hearing Center in the back room of Bank

Every Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7-8 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

Every 4^th Saturday:  The Helpful Hands Food/Clothing Bank

September 17, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

I am sending this column early (Friday September 14)for there are concerns about deadlines this coming week because of Hurricane Florence.  I hope and pray we all make it through this with little or no damage.  I also hope  and pray we are on the heeling end by this coming week.  Let us come together help each other when and where we can. 

News from Ridge Spring Harvest Festival: Everything is on track for The 2018 Miss Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant. The beauty pageant will be held September 22nd. Scarecrows had a face-lift this week with a fresh coat of paint, new eyes, noses and rosy red cheeks. We will be decorating the town for the Harvest Festival on September 29th around 9:00 AM. We are asking anyone that would like to help to show up at the gazebo for marching orders. 

  We are packing the newly named Ridge Spring Plaza (the area formerly known as the town square) with 20 cook teams in the BBQ Battle for the Ridge! We will be distributing 1280 pounds of Boston Butts, so there's going to be some extra. We will begin taking orders soon for individual pounds and whole butts. Send us a check, pay at the town hall or this year you will be able to complete your order online at www.ridgespringharvestfestival.com. 

  Car Show, Arts/Crafts/Antiques/Exhibitors, Free kids rides and games, parade, dance groups and live music throughout the day, a bunch of great BBQ, Batman..... how could you stay home? See y'all at the Harvest Festival!

Participate in a artistic community event. Festival goers will help design an artistic piece by throwing Goblies (paintballs) at a large prepped canvas with the town logo on it. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Mayor Pat Asbill will throw out the first ceremonial pitch of the paintballs.

Visit our Country Store this year at the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival, October 13th. It will be open early and throughout the day at the Ridge Spring Fire Department. We will have local produce for sale from the farms in the area. This is a great opportunity to stock up for winter! IF you are interested in selling your farm's goods at the Country Store please visit our website for more information.

Volunteers needed for the Harvest Festival Beauty pageant on September 22nd. If you are available and are willing to help out for a few hours please call Town Hall 803-685-5511

Olde Treasures is excited to bring you news of our newest dealers, Sid and Nita Keisler from the Gilbert area. They are seasoned in working with and servicing customers through over thirty years of business in a family owned convenience store. You will love their set-up, pictured in this email and all of the "treasures" they bring to the shop. They are already selling well, and as you know most of what you find in Olde Treasures is one at a time availability. You may be able to find another one, but not necessarily anytime soon.

Upcoming this month is the ninth annual Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Show. It is usually held in May but due to weather it was rescheduled for September 22 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is located at the farm on Mt. Calvary Rd at the intersection of Hwy 23 and Hwy 39 in Ridge Spring, just across from the John Deere dealership. For directions, call 803-617-8751. You don't want to miss this. Approximately thirty dealers, food and baked goods galore. After experiencing the show, head to Olde Treasures where you can find plenty of relics and trending items for your home, business, and next project.

We are open Thursday through Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.  Other days by chance, Appointments ALWAYS welcome.  The address is 612 E. Main Street, Ridge Spring, and phone numbers are 803.685.7634 or 803.361.0040.

The Saluda County Farm to Table and Honey Tasting: September 29 at 6:00 PM at Ward, the Dinner is a fundraiser held annually in Ward, SC to raise money for scholarships for area youth interested in careers in agriculture. Last year's winners were Saluda High School Senior McKenzie Maffett and Ridge Spring-Monetta Senior Darren Abney.  This year's chef will be Chris Hamilton, owner of Higher Ground Char House and long time restaurateur in the Midlands Area..

Yon Family Farm Fall Sale will be held October 27.  They will be selling 300 bulls and 100 females forage developed angus cattle11:00 am at the farm in Ridge Spring

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: On September 30, 2018 Ridge Spring United Methodist Church (RSUMC) invites local church congregations to a 5^th Sunday Community Sing. This will be at 11:00 a.m. regular church service time. The program will last approximately an hour. If you would like to participate please contact Pastor Ashley Buchanan at:aebuchanan@umcsc.org. We ask no more than 2 songs per group and/or individual. Join us for what will be a fun filled hour of praise and song.

Josie Rodgers

By the time this goes to print, I hope we are all back on track and recovering from Hurricane Florence. I remember the devastation from Hugo when my oldest daughter was only 4 months old. We all remember the catastrophes for our most recent hurricanes.  May we continue to reach out to those who need us because we have been on the receiving end.

RSM High: Construction continues! We’re seeing lots of digging and moving and fencing!  It’s real! We can’t wait for our new school!

The Senior Beta Club and the National English Honor Society members are selling World’s Finest Chocolate. With over 46 members, you are sure to find some of that delicious stuff somewhere close by!  Proceeds help with graduation expenses, convention, American Education Week, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more!

The RS-M True Blue Marching Band will compete Sat., Sept. 22, "Mustang Classic" at Midland Valley High. 

Fri., Sept. 21, is College Application Day.  Seniors will gather in the computer lab to complete free college applications to many of our colleges in the state.  Note that not all colleges participate in this type of event.

Sat., Sept. 22 is our Day of Caring. Our project is Building Raised Garden Box Planters & Raised Garden Planter Made From A Wooden Pallet. We need at least 10-20 volunteers. Volunteers are asked to assist with building garden box planters that are mobile (as we continue construction on our new HS) and can easily be moved to different locations. Volunteer equipment needed: hammers, nails, gloves, tape measures, saws, and levels. Materials needed:

Pallets (need these the most. If you are a business, these wouldn’t cost you a penny!); 2 10′ pressure treated deck boards; 1 box of 1 1/4″ deck screws; 6-7 cedar fence boards; soil to fill the planters; landscape fabric; seeds! Individuals/organizations interested in donating supplies for this project are encouraged to contact the school’s principal, Kyle Blankenship, at 803-685-2100 or email at KBlankenship@acpsd.net. Please meet at the school’s greenhouse, outside of the gym entrance, 10 J. P. Kneece Drive, at 9 am. All volunteers must sign a waiver at that time. We will aim to wrap up the project around noon. Sign up at the school or at SignUpGenius.com

Art Center in Ridge Spring:  Classes

Gourd Art  Sept 25^th @ 6:00- Create a pumpkin (gourd) that will be part of your fall décor for many years to come.  This is for ages 10 & up.  Costs will be $30 which includes all supplies.  Contact Joanne Crouch at joanne.crouch26@gmail.com to register.

Mosaic  On Sept29^th   at 8:30,  Barbara Yon and members of AARS will demonstrate the basics of mosaics.  Students will apply cut glass to the risers of the steps at the Art Center.  There is no charge for this event.   Contact Barbara Yon at byonart@yahoo.com or a member of the AARS if you would like to participate in this event

Pottery Kim Ruff, instructor   On October 15, a clay Christmas tree class will be held on Monday, Oct15^th from 6:30-8:30.  Cost is $35 and includes all firing and glazing.   Kim’s class will allow the students to make additional small pieces to use all the clay that is allotted for the class.  Contact Kim Ruff at makerart@aol.com or Joanne Crouch at joanne.crouch26@gmail.com to register.

.Stained Glass  Vernon Rpbinson, instructor-October 19^th and 20^th 10-4.  Students will make a 8 x 10 suncatcher.  Mr. Robinson is very crafted in his skills.  Class will be very small so spots are limited.  Cost is $250  with  ½ will need to be paid when participant signs up.  Contact AARS or contact kedrynevans@gmail.com , (910)583-2219  or Vernon Robinson (803)640-4527  for details of how to become a part of this class.

Location:  Ridge Spring Art Center Hwy. 23 108 Maintenance Shop Circle, Ridge Spring SC  29129.  Behind the Ridge Spring Art Center. 

Review from David Marshall James:  "Don't Make Me Pull Over!:  An Informal History of the Family Road Trip" by Richard Ratay

   Not too long ago in America, the interstate highway interchanges gleamed with roofs of orange and teal, with Las Vegas-worthy neon signs boasting orange arrows and topped with stars rivaling those in the night sky.

   The orange roofs-- with Simple Simon Meets the Pieman weathervanes-- housed Howard Johnson's, serving 28 flavors of ice cream if you weren't already stuffed from the Tuesday night fried catfish fillets, or the Thursday night fried clam strips, all-you-could-eat dinner.

   Well, you didn't want to pass up the mint-chocolate-chip ice cream, a marvelous digestif.  Besides, you couldn't find such a flavor then in your grocery-store freezer case, although HJ's did carry some frozen-food lines.

   Do you recall their Toastee's?  The cornbread ones?  The blueberry?  Maybe the orange variety? Warm up those lip smackers and slather them with butter for a Sunday-morn delight.

   The teal roofs covered the Stuckey's, which were akin to the gift shops in today's Cracker Barrel's, but Stuckey's was the McDaddy of the country-store-tchotchke motif, begun by a Georgia pecan farmer hawking his bountiful crop to Florida-bound tourists, right out on the side of the road.

   It didn't hurt that his wife had a super-duper recipe for pecan logs.  Never underestimate the allure of a pecan log, or aisles full of "homemade" jellies and relishes, or of cup-towel-shouldered waitresses dashing out counter-platters of three eggs, any way you wanted, plus sides.

   Those neon orange arrows tracking off the big, no. 4-shaped green signs capped with stars weren't on Broadway, but in such locales as Evergreen, Alabama (where, trivia buffs, Harper Lee caught the nearest train to Monroeville headed for New York City), and every Greenville in the South.

   The first Holiday Inn arose on Summer Avenue in Memphis, at one time the major east-to-west entrance artery into the city.  Small wonder that founder Klemmons Wilson owned movie theaters beforehand, and his now-gone signs (there's an engraving of one on his tombstone) all featured marquees.

   If your wedding party was ensconced at a Holiday Inn, you could be certain that the marquee would read, "Congratulations, [say] Elizabeth and Richard!"

   If you're a millennial, it's time to stop texting and figure out that reference.  Or, better yet, read this book, which covers the above topics and all sorts of history relating to the family road trip, which reached its zenith during the 1970s, with the interstate highways somewhat complete.  If you ever trekked across north Georgia back in the day, you'll recall that 40-mile strip of I-85, just west of Atlanta, that took freaking forever to complete, precipitating a detour through Hogansville and Newnan.

   The detour-from-forever was mostly redeemed, however, by Sprayberry's BBQ in Newnan, home of the famous lemon icebox pie.

   Well, the interstates giveth and the interstates taketh away, but Sprayberry's is still smokin'.  Here's to your next road trip, and whether on highways or back roads, be sure to stop and sample a slice of Americana.

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Instead of tip this week I thought I would let you know what those very long, white, plastic, container-like bags were at the Feed Mill in Monetta.  One of their silos was damaged and they needed a place to store the silage.  The Yons are doing the same thing by using the huge bags to store silage.  Neat idea.

REMINDERS

Sept. 20: FORS meeting at Town Hall

Sept. 22: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering

                 Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant

October 11-13: Ridge Spring Harvest 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

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

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

Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Every 1^st Thursday:  Audibel Hearing Center in the back room of Bank

Every Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7-8 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

Every 4^th Saturday:  The Helpful Hands Food/Clothing Bank

September 10, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Ridge Spring Farmers' Market is getting smaller but still present.  Leonard Bell brought a bushel of Crowder peas and before it was unloaded a lady bought them all.  A lady behind her could not believe they were all gone while she was standing there.  Better luck this coming weekend.  The Yonces had fresh mountain apples and mountain cabbages.  Scuppernongs were available too.  George Raborn who has had peas in the past said everything is dried up.  No peas or butter beans available.  He did have parched peanuts and sweet potatoes both red and white that had been dug the day before.  We asked him how long were his two rows were thinking it might be to the stop sign or maybe even the gazebo, but he said about as far as from the parking lot where we stood to Ridge Farmers' Mutual.  WOW that is a long row for me and he has two and half.

Sept 22 Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Festival.

All vendors returning and looking forward to a fall event.

The Farm is located at the intersection of Rd 23 and Rd 39 and Mt. Calvary Rd, in Ridge Spring.  Feel free to call for directions.  This event begins at 9:00 AM.  A day filled with antiques, art, breakfast and lunch, Italian ice, baked goods, Plants, The Palmetto Tractor club and so much more. We host an incredible setting and enjoy wonderful energy for all. 23 of our vendors have returned since the first show and we have added some new ones along the way!! This is a family affair offering a great venue for seller or buyer or collector. Contact Wendy with any questions 803 617-8751

The Saluda County Farm to Table and Honey Tasting: September 29 at 6:00 PM at Ward, the Dinner is a fundraiser held annually in Ward, SC to raise money for scholarships for area youth interested in careers in agriculture. Partners in this valuable fundraiser include the Saluda County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Ward, the Gables Inn and Gardens, and the Clemson Extension Service. Two scholarships were awarded to area youth this year. Tickets may be purchased on line.

Joe Cal Watson is a veteran of World War II and the Battle of Bulge.  He attended the reunion of those who were veterans of the Battle.  There are about 6 or 8 veterans in attendance as well as associates who are relatives and/or friends of the veterans.  The associates are part of this organization. Joe's daughter Mary Edmunds was able to take him.  The meeting was held at the NCO Club at Fort Jackson.  The speaker talked about Vietnam, the  caves and the tunnels, many having been dug from the time when French had been there.  Many were full of poisonous snakes, reptiles and booby traps. 

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: School supplies were delivered to RSM Elementary: 34 boxes of crayons, 14 T-shirts, 24 boxes of zip lock plastic bags plus paper, erasers, note books and MORE! A check for $185 to help with the purchase of kinder mats and other needed supplies was also delivered. Thanks to those who helped, it was fun! The look of surprise on the face of the secretary when she saw what was collected was priceless, especially when told the attendance averaged 12 a Sunday.  Mark the date: September 30, 2018 for 5^th Sunday Community Sing. This will take place at 11 a.m. during regular church Service. Join us for an hour of praise and joy.

Jeffrey Clamp:  The RS-M True Blue Marching Band kicks off its competition season on Saturday, September 15th in the "Blue Machine Invitational" at Edisto High School in Cordova, SC.  The schedule for the competition has not been released at this time.  Here is a complete schedule of marching band competitions for the 2018 True Blue Marching Band:

Saturday, September 15:  "Blue Machine Invitational" at Edisto High School

Saturday, September 22:  "Mustang Classic" at Midland Valley High School

Recently I heard a story that is absolutely true.  Back before UPS, FEDEX, and one-day delivery, the Graniteville Mill needed a part that was in New York City.  They needed it immediately and I mean by evening.  The one guy who could solve this problem was asked to solve it of course.  He called New York with the following instructions: Put the part in a taxi cab, call and get a seat on the next plane to Augusta or Columbia, have the part put in that seat, and he would have it picked up in Augusta or Columbia.  Did not get that part of the story straight but that is called ingenuity.   The part arrived by evening and the mill could get started running again.

Harvest Festival News

Tri-County Auto and Truck Club: We are now accepting applications for the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Car and Truck Show! Please tag someone with an AWESOME car or truck! Ridge Spring Civic Center October 13 from 8-2.

BBQ Battle for the Ridge. The teams are set to do battle for the cash, the trophies and the title of BBQ KING OF RIDGE SPRING on October 13th!  I have heard there are 18 to 20 teams. That Saturday morning, the teams will be served breakfast that is top notched.  That is because of who will be cooking it.

Mmmmmm. Don't you just love the smell of a cake baking in the oven? Time to get out that apron and bake up some delicious cakes, pies, cookies and cupcakes! What's your specialty? We want you to enter your fav into this year's Ridge Spring Harvest Festival Cake, Pie, Cookies and Cupcakes

Miss Harvest Festival Pageant is back by popular demand! We are going to have a great time. Entry fee per contestant is only $35! General Admission age 6 and up $5 and 5 and under $2. Please visit https://www.ridgespringharvestfestival.com/participants-ven… for more information and to download the application. See y'all at the Miss Harvest Festival Pageant!

There will be Arts & Crafts, Antiques & Exhibitors Fair at the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival on October 13th in the Baptist Church yard. If you would like to participate click here to download and fill out the form. We would love to have you.

Art Center in Ridge Spring Classes:

Pottery

       Kim Ruff, instructor   On October 15, a clay Christmas tree class will be held on Monday, Oct15^th from 6:30-8:30.  Cost is $35 and includes all firing and glazing.   Kim’s class will allow the students to make additional small pieces to use all the clay that is allotted for the class.  Contact Kim Ruff at makerart@aol.com or Joanne Crouch at joanne.crouch26@gmail.com to register.

Mosaic

      On Sept29^th   at 8:30,  Barbara Yon and members of AARS will demonstrate the basics of mosaics.  Students will apply cut glass to the risers of the steps at the Art Center.  There is no charge for this event.   Contact Barbara Yon at byonart@yahoo.com or a member of the AARS if you would like to participate in this event

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Gourd Art

       Sept 25^th @ 6:00- Create a pumpkin (gourd) that will be part of your fall décor for many years to come.  This is for ages 10 & up.  Costs will be $30 which includes all supplies.  Contact Joanne Crouch at joanne.crouch26@gmail.com to register.

Review from David Marshall James:  "The Mystery of Three Quarters" by Sophie Hannah

   Hercule Poirot is still living in London and still solving mysteries for which he is internationally renowned, although his creator, Dame Agatha Christie, died 42 years ago.

   With the cooperation of the Christie estate, Sophie Hannah resurrected M. Poirot two volumes ago-- magnificent mustaches, deservedly robust ego, and all.

   In Hannah's third Poirot novel, we find the Belgian sleuth extraordinaire (magnifique and formidable, as well) between the Wars, in early 1930, several years before his famed murder-solving excursion aboard the Orient Express.

   His present case literally accosts him in the street outside his townhouse, in the form of a most disgruntled middle-aged woman in a cloche (a la mode at the time, Poirot has a distaste for such chapeaux).  Madame is furious that she has received a letter allegedly from Poirot, implicating her in a murder. 

   The gall of it all, Poirot quickly learns that another three such missives, all bearing his forged signature, have been received by three other persons in varying states of distress.  As for the purported murder, the "victim" has indeed perished, age 94, yet officially by accident.

   Nevertheless, Poirot is intrigued:  Was the deceased, in fact, murdered?  Who is penning (actually, typing, and that's an important clue) these anonymous accusations?  Why have these four recipients, seemingly unconnected, been selected for accusation?

   Furthermore, why has Poirot's name been appropriated for this scheme?

   That last question is easy enough for a mere mortal to deduce an answer:  The mysterious letter writer assumes, quite rightly, that Poirot will investigate this matter in his own inimitable style.

   The ensuing story ultimately lands at a rambling country manor with a resident Airedale who insists upon shaking paws with visitors and even insists that Poirot scratch his tummy.  This manor serves as the setting for the alleged murder, and the mystery provides a drawing-room scenario for the "big reveal" to the suspects.

   Hannah moves easily within this milieu, and she might consider taking on more comedic supporting players to balance any tales of woe.  Several such characters, including restaurateur Euphemia Spring and hellishly hyper-efficient legal secretary Emerald Mason, prove most welcome.  Poirot can handle them, and more.

   Why not channel a bit of Dickens along with the Christie?  (BTW:  The British smirk at such American usage of the word "channel."  To them, "channel" means something significantly different.  Oh well, once one crosses The Pond, or the Channel, or whatever the case may be ... as Poirot would put it, "Vive la difference!")

Harriet's Garden Tips:  The Grumpy Gardener in Southern Living Magazine likes to call this time of the year Saugust - just August extended into September.  It is HOT, DRY and not a good time for the garden!!!!  What do you do with this kind of weather - hope for a hurricane?  No hurricane but perhaps a good soaking rain.  A friend of mine has started watering her shrubs.  She counts to 120 for each shrub.  I counted to 60 and hoped that will help.  Watering roses, hydrangeas, azaleas, and even dogwoods means you got to reach those deep roots and keep them deep with a good soaking.

REMINDERS

Sept. 20: FORS meeting at Town Hall

Sept. 22: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering

                 Harvest Festival Beauty Pageant

October 11-13: Ridge Spring Harvest 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

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

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

Every first Tuesday of the Month:  AARS meets at 6:30, 685-5783

Every 1^st Thursday:  Audibel Hearing Center in the back room of Bank

Every Friday:  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings 7-8 pm at The Ridge Spring Library

Every 4^th Saturday:  The Helpful Hands Food/Clothing Bank