November 26, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Nut House: Our crackers are back up and running and we can now crack customer's pecans for just 35¢ per pound. Due to the new configuration of our equipment, we kindly ask that you give us 24 hours to process your pecans!

Leonard Bell will be at the Town Square on December 8, 15, 29 for you to get fresh collards, turnips and turnip greens, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.  He will be t here sometime around 11:00 AM.  Enjoy!!!

The Ridge Spring Christmas Tour of Homes sponsored by The Green Thumb Garden Club and assisted by the Ridge Garden Club will be held Sunday afternoon December 9 from 2:00PM to 5:00 PM.  Tickets are $10.00 for the tour.  They may be purchased at any of the homes or the Ridge Spring Baptist Church.  Also directions to the homes will be given with the tickets.  Homemade cakes and apple cider will be served at Lib Cumbee's Event Venue.  The homes on tour are Magnolia Shadows Bed and Breakfast, Rod and Julia Lewis' home, Inez Randall's (Sheppard Jones Home), and Lib Cumbee's Event Venue.  Ridge Spring Baptist Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church and Spann United Methodist Church in Ward will be open and decorated.  Enjoy!!!!.

Rikard's Roadside BBQ is now serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays beginning around 7:00 AM.

Harriet's Garden is closed for the winter.  I will still be working with cuttings and planting seeds.  If my car is there stop by. 

Harvest Festival Committee: The Christmas Tree lighting will be held on Sunday December 2 at around 4:30.  There should be goodie bags and Santa Claus will arrive in time to hear from all the girls and boys.

Joseph Calhoun Watson was invited to the Clemson Carolina Game that was played November 24 2018.  He was nominated to be recognized for his military service by his brother's daughter's daughter who is a student at Clemson.  Joe received 4 tickets and a parking pass to attend the game.  He took his daughter Mary and her two sons.  A golf cart met them at the parking lot and took them to the stadium.  He received at half time a plaque that read Recognition of Joseph Calhoun Watson, Thank you for your service from The Clemson Athletic Department.  He was seen on the big TV screen in the stadium.  When he returned to his seat, many congratulated him  and shook his hand.

Joe was to have graduated with the class of 1944.  He had been promised if he joined the reserves he would be able to finish with his class, but after a year, he was called up to active duty.  He only needed one more semester, too.  After the war in Europe ended Joe was stationed at leHarve and Reims France to help in handling supply lines that were going back home, especially the troops.  When he did get back in September 1946, he went straight to Clemson, and  graduated in April with the class of 1947.

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church's annual Fill the Truck Food Drive for the Johnston Food Bank started Sunday November 25. We will be collecting non-perishable food items and paper products through Sunday, December 9. In addition to the non-perishable donations, we will be purchasing 150 hams. All the food will be delivered to the Food Bank in time for the December food distribution.  Anyone wanting make a donation, may leave their food at the church on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays in addition to Sundays before the last day of collecting.

Last Saturday during Christmas Open House Mrs.Ora Broadnax visited me at the shop.  I mentioned the Quilt weekend that FORS will sponsor in March and wondered if she had any quilts.  The answer was no but she remembered how she and her family worked on quilts during rainy days.  They would use that round box that cheese came in as a hoop.  Cloth came from floral sacks of chicken feed and/or hog feed.   Sometimes the cloth salesman came through and material was bought. He measured it by placing the cloth at his nose, then stretching out to the tip of his finger and that would be a yard.  (I remember my mother doing the same thing to see  how much material she had.)  The quilt  was hung from the rafter and rolled down when it would be raining so all could work on it.  Then rolled back up at night for the next day may be a work day.

Josie Rodgers

Thanksgiving was a wonderful time with family and friends showing gratitude to our heavenly Father for our many blessings both great and small. My Granny came and spent a couple of nights with my mom. She can’t leave her beautiful tortoise shell cat “Happy” for too long. Happy is Granny’s constant companion, but she’s quite the trickster when it comes to being found when it’s time to go home! I did not partake of the chaos on Friday; instead, River, Annalee, Aiden and I stayed home and decorated and played games. We are currently working on a 550-piece Santa puzzle from last year. Pooky’s tree is adorned in her special ornaments as well as pink additions. The next step is talking Coach into getting out our sleigh and reindeer and putting them together. These were all hand-made (deer by Mark and sleigh by Bernard Trotter some years ago). I love this season of peace, happiness, and good cheer!

The Ridge Spring Christmas Tree Lighting will be held Sun., Dec. 2 at 4:30. A very special guest is expected, and boys and girls can tell him their special Christmas wishes.

RSM High: The Beta Club and English Honor Society are sponsoring Cookies and Stories with Mrs. Claus on Wed., Dec. 5, at 6 pm. Children of all ages are invited to this free event to enjoy holiday snacks, crafts, and games as well as special time with Mrs. Claus herself! 

RSUMC: In November the Big Red Box is collecting holiday meal items. These will be either taken to a local food bank or to a family in need. If you would like to participate, please leave nonperishable items on the porch of either the church or Family Life Center.

Review from David Marshall James:  "The Dead Ringer" by M.C. Beaton

   In one sense, the English Cotswolds have come a long way since Miss Marple sleuthed the village mystery into literary legend.

   Then again, there's a lingering medieval feeling to some of the Cotswolds villages, dating back to the cornerstone laying of single-tower Norman churches, hamlets where residents once believed in witches and other supernatural entities, in spite of the Christian presence.  Chalk it up, perhaps, to inbreeding.

   Such would seem the case in Thirk Magna, with its historic church and odd collection of bell ringers. They're front and center in M.C. Beaton's latest Agatha Raisin mystery, a broad riff on "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," what with its bells and corrupt clergy.

   Beaton also focuses heavily on the Bishop of Mircester and his fawning Dean, a pair to rival Monseigneur Claude Frollo in Victor Hugo's classic.  Agatha's on the sidelines of the Bishop's descent into Thirk Magna until she becomes the unwanted object of his affection.  Meanwhile, Thirk Magna's church ladies are just itching to "get under the purple," as they put it, as "The Bish" is quite the dish.

   Lucky for Agatha that she resides in a far more congenial Cotswold village, nearby Carsely (fictitious, as are Mircester and Thirk Magna), where she's even a BFF of the vicar's wife, Mrs. Bloxby, although the Reverend Bloxby, of quite another mind, refers to her as "that Raisin woman."

   Beaton's latest novel concerns itself, as do its many predecessors, with matters of the twice-wed Agatha's heart, when she's not stumbling upon murder victims.  Yet her romantic conundrum enlightens her solution of the crimes.  Nevertheless, the author doesn't sell the expected fun short.  Agatha, who pulled herself up from the Manchester slums, can still brawl, figuratively and literally, with those unwise enough to cast a gauntlet before her.

   Nothing like La Raisin raisin' cane.  A double gin-and-tonic hoist to her then, along with some pub-grub lasagna (her comfort libation and quick-grab meal).  Also:  "Jolly good show" honors to Agatha-- and her creator-- for her literally lifesaving use of cigarettes.  Murderers, after all, can be hazardous to one's health.

Harriet's Garden Tips: Friday while I was at the shop and it was really cold, I had to water my pots.  The wind was blowing and wind helps plants dry out faster.  If there is ever a freeze, the water in the pots will drop to 32 degrees but not lower.  The surface temperatures can drop below 32 but the water will not.  Water then becomes an insulator.  Get those bulbs in the ground.  Move shrubbery now and keep those weeds under control.  Poinsettias are beginning to show up in stores.  Next week I will give you a neat way to put them in arrangements. 

REMINDERS

December 2: Christmas Tree Lighting at 4:30

December 8, 15, 29: Leonard Bell on the Square

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

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

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

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

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

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

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

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

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

Leonard Bell will be on town square Monday and  Tuesday from 10:00 to 1:00 selling turnips, collards, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

November 19, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

From the Mayor’s Desk:

 Happy Thanksgiving from all Ridge Spring employees. We have finally finished with the replacement of all water meters and have updated all records on the computer. The work was done with very little notice from most customers. For those who did have problems, we addressed them quickly and without further issues. 

The Town has applied for a grant from Upper Savannah Council of Governments to update the parking area and add parking spaces. We should hear as to whether we were selected for the award very soon. We did have good news from last week’s election as the 1 cent sales tax passed for Saluda County which included $175,000.00 for Down Town Revitalization for Ridge Spring. This will be in addition to the potential CDBG grant.

The Civic Center Committee met a few weeks ago to look at updates needing to be made at the Civic Center to make it usable for events and rental. One thing that will change will be that alcohol will be permitted in the building. The committee is made up of George Key, Patrick Arnold, Qwen Etheridge, Drake Yon, Linda Edwards, Michael Rogers, and Lib Cumbee. The work on the Civic Center will be done in three phases and will depend on the funding that we are able to secure.

Welcome to our two new businesses: Roadside BBQ , and Glass Dragonfly. Stop by each and check out what we are offering locally.

Take Time to shop locally; our small businesses depend on you. Shop Ridge Spring on Small Business Saturday.

Art Center & Shoppes of Ridge Spring

Black Friday & Small Business Saturday

November 23-24 from 10;00 to 5:00

Join the shops in Ridge Spring from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM for some good old fashioned Christmas shopping fun. Three antique shops, Olde Treasures, Ridge Antiques and Dry Goods, and Pat's Corner. There are also two boutiques in town, The Glass Dragonfly Boutique and Haley B's Boutique. You can stroll through Stuff and Things, as well as buy lots of great confectionaries and meats from The Nut House. Cones Meats is open with good selections. We have two eating establishments Rikard's BBQ and Miguelito's ( Juniper will be closed for Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend). Check out our town for some really awesome Christmas and other occasions gift selections, furniture, and decorating items. There is local art work at the Art Gallery.  Come by and get your pansies, violas, and/or snapdragons.   Come by chance, you'll return by choice.

The Art Center in Ridge Spring: Having trouble with your Christmas shopping this year?  The Art Center has many gift ideas for you.  Can’t make up your mind?  We also have gift certificates available.  We have something for all the folks on your list. Hours of operation are Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2. 

Melissa Stover:  with appreciation and supportive help of American legion The Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Troop burned about 20 flags in the official ceremony. The troops plan to have one in the spring Boy Scouts leader is Chris Crouch and the Cub Scout leaders are Melissa Stover and Gary Therrell.  There are Six Cub Scouts and seven Boy Scouts 3 Eagle Scouts, 3 Life  and 1 Second Class.  Adults with the Boy Scouts are Chris Crouch -Scoutmaster, James Rush Jr. Asst. Scoutmaster, Russel Altman and Jamie Berry who help They both meet at same time 7 o’clock the  second and fourth Monday of the month at  Ridge Spring  Baptist Church.  In the past the wrong email address was given.  The correct one is: mostover310@gmail.com  This is the information I was not sure about yesterday,

Carmen Holley, M. ED Fine Arts Teacher, RSM: Ridge Spring- Monetta High School Art Students visited The Columbia Museum of Art Thursday, November 8th to view 'The Ways of Life' Exhibit.  Students explored art spanning from ancient Mesopotamia to the modern-day United States as we discuss how art shapes our understanding of cultures around the world.  Students ate lunch at Columbia Riverfront Park.

Harvest Festival Committee: The Christmas Tree lighting will be held on Sunday December 2 at around 4:30.  There should be goodie bags and Santa Claus will arrive in time to hear from all the girls and boys.

FORS: The Friends of Ridge Spring met Thursday evening with a lively group.  Ideas kept coming about ways to help our community and to help our businesses attract more customers.  February holds a great possibility for a future event.  The group will not meet in December but will pick back up in January.  We are even discussing plans for the quilting weekend in March.

Leonard Bell will not be at the Ridge Spring Farmers Market Saturday but was there Monday and/or Tuesday with collards. 

  

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: November 11^th a day to remember those who serve and continue to serve. We were blessed with not only a meaning message but the White Table was set up. John Burger, Coast Guard, ret., shared what it item placed on the  Table signified. It was powerful! 

In November the Big Red Box BRB, will be collecting holiday meal items. These will be either taken to a local food bank for to a family in need. If you would like to participate, please leave non perishable items on the porch of either the Church or Family Life Center.

 Thanksgiving is such a wonderful event in November as is the annual Clemson vs Carolina football game. Again this year RSUMC will let those with a favorite team make a monetary donation to show team spirit. This will be collected in the Little Red Buckets. The money will help to support the Wesley Campus Ministry at Lander College. If you like to participate stop by the Church or give your donation to a church member. Results will follow.

 There will be NO Church Service on November 25, 2018. Church Service will be at 11 a.m. on December 2, 2018. This is Communion Sunday, all are welcomed at our Table.

Josie Rodgers: RSM High: First quarter Top Notch Students were celebrated last Friday with pizza and ice cream sandwiches in the media center. To be considered a Trojan Top Notcher, a student must make the A or A/B Honor Roll, have zero discipline issues, and have fewer than 1- tardies for the quarter.

Review from David Marshall James:  "The Whispers" by Greg Howard

   To say that 11-year-old Riley James is going through a rough patch is like saying that the Hindenburg had a bumpy landing.

   His Mama has been missing for fourth months from their rural South Carolina home.  As a result, his Dad has become even more distant than usual.  Meanwhile, his older brother is pukier than ever.

   Then, at school and at church, he has been largely adjudged "sweet" by those whose business ought to be minding their own concerns and addressing their own faults, beginning with "judging not."

   Yup, life is all about fish sticks and tater tots Chez James, on the edge of a small S.C. town, with a cornfield beyond the backyard and deep woods beyond that.

   At least Riley can depend on his "semper fi" canine BFF, Tucker.  Also, his maternal grandparents live next door, and his Grandma can cook like a Holy Roller on preacher-come-to-dinner Sunday.  However, she has become easily distracted by her burgeoning supply of prescription bottles, what with Riley's Mama missing and all.

   Naturally, the entire family would make a monumental turn for the better, if only she would reappear.  To that end, Riley believes he can contact her through the Whispers, the tiny flying creatures that legendarily dwell deep within the woods.  Or so Riley's Mama's bedtime stories would have them.

   His few friends-- neighbors Gary (and tag-along younger brother, Carl) and Dylan-- at least pretend that they buy into the lore concerning the Whispers.  Dylan has even heard of them, but believes the stories are just tall tales about short entities.

   As this Middle Grade novel progresses, the above three boys and the omnipresent Tucker join Riley in a long-weekend camping jaunt into the woods, in search of the Whispers.  With any luck, they'll lead Riley to his Mama, or at least inform him where she is.

   Georgetown, S.C., native Greg Howard manages this conceit so that the reader is filled with wonder over Riley's quest.  In his third and best novel thus far, Howard brings Riley's search for the fantastical-- along with all the mysteries, great and small, that have developed during the course of the narrative-- to a most satisfactory destination.

   Moreover, at more than one juncture during the novel, particularly after the journey into the woods commences, there is a Capote-esque feel to the sights and situations.  Howard writes best when he settles back and trusts his Southerness.  Should he continue to do so, he could edge closer into a literary niche that Capote left vacant four decades ago.

Harriet's Garden Tips: The pressure of garden work has let up somewhat now, but there are still some chores that must be done.  After the first killing frost, spent annuals should be dug and if leaves are dead, cut back the perennials.  Dig up all unhappy looking shrubs.  This is a good time to plant new shrubs and trees for they will have the advantage of winter rains - which we have had a lot.  This week my rain gauge measured 3.5 inches.  Now for the problem of the soil being dry enough to plant those new shrubs.  Prepare your hole by digging a $10.00 hole for a $5.00 plant.   Make it big enough for the roots to spread easily once planted.  Enjoy all seasons!!!!

REMINDERS

November 23-24:Black Friday and Small Business Weekend

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

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

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

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

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

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

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

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

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

November 12, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Art Center & Shoppes of Ridge Spring

Christmas Open House

November 17 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Join the shops in Ridge Spring for Christmas Open House, Saturday, November 17th from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM for some good old fashioned Christmas shopping fun. 
Three antique shops, Olde Treasures, Ridge Antiques and Dry Goods, and Pat's Corner. There are also two boutiques in town, The Glass Dragonfly Boutique and Haley B's Boutique. You can stroll through Stuff and Things, as well as buy lots of great confectionaries and meats from The Nut House. Cones Meats is open with good selections. We have two restaurants, as well as the newly opened Barbecue Place. Check out our town for some really awesome Christmas and other occasions gift selections, furniture, and decorating items. There is local art work at the Art Gallery.   Refreshments are being served at many shops. Come by and get your pansies, violas, and/or snapdragons.   Come by chance, you'll return by choice.

The Nut House: The wait is over! Cracked and in shell nuts are now available! Hang in there a few more days for pieces and halves from this year’s crop 😋 Pecans are also available online at https://www.nuthouseandcountrymarket.com/store/…/Pecans.html

The Town of Ridge Spring has placed the flags of each branch of the military around the gazebo and have placed flags on the lampposts.   What a beautiful tribute to our veterans. Ridge Spring Town Hall is now open on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00.

Juniper was closed Friday night for they were participating in A Chef's Extravaganza at Woodside Plantation Country Club.  Sous Chef Dwayne Ligon was the participant.  He was number five of the seven course meal and he fixed braised rabbit with butternut squash with sage from Harriet's Garden and pasta with fresh shaved parmesan.  The proceeds went to the Program Helping Hands.  Keep up the good work, Dwayne!!!

Ridge Spring has a brochure that is paid for by the Friends of Ridge Spring.  It has a map of the town,  a list of businesses as well as a list of churches, services, and other located places such as Town Hall, Civic Center, etc.  The town has run out of these brochures so it is time to edit and reprint.  How sad that one business had to be deleted, Off the Beaten Path, BUT we added two more, The Glass Dragonfly and Rikard's Roadside Bar-be-que.  

I had the opportunity to take Joe Watson to the Bridgestone Celebration of Veteran's Day.  There were at least 8 veterans from World War II, several from Korean Conflict, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and other deployments that have taken place over the years. All branches were represented.  I do not think I ever heard the Coast Guard's anthem but I recognized all the other branches' anthems.  The rain was a distraction but their hall was large enough to hold us all.  Thank you, Bridgestone, for honoring our veterans.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: October was a busy month for Ridge Spring United Methodist Church (RSUMC).  We love being part of this vibrant and welcoming community and Festival. Also in October we met with our District Superintendent for our annual ‘check up’ and we did just fine. He was impressed with our outreach efforts and encouraged us to continue. If you were a member or had family who was a member and are interested in one, please contact Nola Burger. November 4^th was All Saints Sunday when we remember members of our Church family who have died. Sadly this year we remembered one but made it a celebration of breast cancer awareness. Pink was the order of the day and there was plenty of it. We continue to collect dried and unusable markers. Those may be left in a container on the porch of the FLC. Church Service is at 11 a.m.  There will be NO SERVICE ON NOVEMBER 25, 2018.

Jeff Clamp, Band Director at RSM Middle/High School: Several members of the RS-M True Blue Marching Band got the opportunity to spend some time at Newberry College recently.  On Tuesday, October 30th the Newberry College Music Department hosted "Music Leader Day" for high school Junior and Senior band members.  Juniors Jonathon Cumbee, Kandon Hastings, Joanna Kaiser, and Makayla Lee and Seniors Cheyenne Hartley and Kelsey Moore represented RS-M High.  The students met Newberry College's music faculty, took a campus tour, attended master classes where they were instructed by members of the college music faculty, attended "mini concerts" by the Newberry College Madrigals and Jazz Band, and rehearsed with the NC Wind Ensemble.  At the end of the day the students received information about and were given the opportunity to audition for music scholarships to Newberry College.

On Saturday, November 3rd Cheyenne Hartley, Jonathon Cumbee, Chesley Cooper, Joanna Kaiser, Montana Hartley, and Kyla Padgett joined other high school students at the Newberry College Scarlet Spirit "Join the Band Day".  The students rehearsed with the Newberry College marching band, attended a pep rally, and performed in the stands and on the field at halftime with the Newberry Scarlet Spirit Marching Band.  The students and Mr. Clamp are very thankful to Newberry College for offering so many wonderful opportunities to high school music students, and they are looking forward to future trips to Newberry College.

Just a reminder about Magnolia Ridge: Wendy Arndt has announce that Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering will be twice a year.  The one in the fall was so successful that now there will be two.  The dates for next year will be May 18 for the spring and September 21 for the fall. 

James E. Williams Jr.: We are excited to introduce you to a new program coming to the town of Ridge Spring, SC. Vision of Love Community Outreach has been a much needed asset to this community and the citizens of Ridge Spring. The goal of this program is to be an outlet of strength, empowerment, and support to both the young and the old. Adult Daycare, enrichment program, arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, science games, day trips, homework, math, stem/ELA recreation and much more will be offered. The program will be  held at the Cumbee Place,401 E. Main Street, Ridge Spring, SC 29129, (803)594-3587, visionoflove.sc@gmail.comThe goal of this program is to be an outlet of strength, empowerment, and support to both the young and the old.

Josie Rodgers: RSM High: On Nov. 8, RSM honored our veterans with an assembly full of sentiment and respect. Wagener-Sally High’s Color Guard presented the Colors, and WS and RSM members of the JROTC led the entire program. Guest speakers included Sgt. Heath Hawks, Kiowa Aimar, & our own teacher Ronald Toth. All veterans in attendance were recognized. There was a table set for a single soldier, adding to the recognition of those lost during wars, including a wreath ceremony. Finally, the entire student body along with guests and visitors, sang “God Bless the USA.” A reception for the veterans was held in the library after the ceremony. Many thanks to Ms. Melinda Brown for organizing such a special day for the 5^th year.  The Trojans football team traveled to Timmonsville last Friday for the 1^st round of the play-offs. Going into the 4^th quarter, the Trojans were down 17-0 but came back to WIN 21-17!  Now THAT is some football! This Friday, the Trojans will travel to Dixie for the 2^nd round!

Review from David Marshall James:  "Naughty on Ice" by Maia Chance

   A Currier & Ives Christmas scene awaits detectives Lola Woodby and Berta Lundgren when they trek up to a snowy Vermont village to perform "a discreet retrieval."

   Seeing as how the duo run "a discreet retrieval agency" down in New York City, that is.  Once upon a time, Berta worked as Lola's cook, and Lola was Jazz Age-ing it up in a headed-south marriage.  Well, the times they are a-changin'.  The ladies have won the vote, but they can't toast their success-- at least not legally.

   Still, the "nippy" is flowing into the Vermont village, and good Canadian pour at that.  However, the Currier & Ives-iness of it all is ripped when a wealthy Cleveland Society Matron tipples a Negroni at her vacation-house party and expires.

   It's 1923, and rum-running is all the rage, and one simply cannot trust what's in the hooch, but our CSM has quaffed a cyanide-laced cocktail.  Furthermore, no one seems to give a good gobsmack, not the CSM's three self-involved adult children, nor her almost scandalously younger fiance, nor her aunt, nor her brother ... and the list (of suspects) rolls along.

   Still, the local constable-- who seems to have been graduated from the Keystone Kops Academy of Criminal Injustice-- believes Lola and Berta were in on the murder, and aims for them to stick around at the local Inn, on their own nickel.  At least the village's Winter Carnival, including a ski-jump competition, is about to commence.

   The plotting may be as familiar as the Maple Chew in a Whitman's Sampler, but mystery author Maia Chance-- in her fourth Discreet Retrieval Agency novel-- spices and spikes it up with plenty of cheer.  Indeed, her jaunty, Jazz Age style goes down like a slice of well-soaked fruitcake accompanied by an Irish coffee-- accent on the "Irish," with lots of whipped cream.

   And a cherry on top-- it is, after all, The Holidays.

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Have you gotten all your bulbs in the ground.  They are on a deep discount sale now so if you want  more now is the time to buy and plant.  Old garden roses or old fashion roses are grown on their own roots.  If the top of the plant is lost, the roots will produce the same plant.   Get those pansies and violas in the ground, too.  Camellias and sasanquas are in bloom and are gorgeous.  Cuttings are done in the summer so take note of which ones you want to grow. Enjoy the garden for it is still alive with beauty.

REMINDERS

November 15: Friends of Ridge Spring Town Hall 5:30 PM

November 17: Ridge Spring's Christmas Open House

November 23-24:Black Friday and Small Business Weekend

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

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

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

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

Fridays & Saturdays:  AARS hours 10:00-2:00 or by appt, free admission

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

Third Thursday: FORS at Town Hall at 5:30 PM

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

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

November 5, 2018

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Art Center & Shoppes of Ridge Spring

Christmas Open House

November 17 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Street vendors are welcome.  No garage stuff, please.  Arts and Crafts are welcome.  Refreshments will be at many of the shops. 

Sunday is Veteran’s Day, a time to honor all veterans from all conflicts.  It began at the close of the Great War which was actually World War I.  The war ended and treaties signed on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month.  Memorial Day is to honor those who died in war but Veterans’ Day is to honor all who fought.  How fortunate we are to have our flag and to display it so well.

Thursday  night was the Firemen's Annual Benefit at Juniper Restaurant.  The food was great, of course, and the servers (firemen) were superb.  The entertainment was two firemen getting completely in uniform to enter a burning building in 2 minutes.  This included the breathing  apparatus and all skin covered with protection.  Two competed and were successful for they did it in less than 2 minutes.  The fire trucks were on the street for all to inspect.  What a great night.  All proceeds go to our volunteer fire department. 

Marlene Kenner won 11 fist place ribbons and 1second place ribbon at the  Aiken County Fair  Second place was for her bread and butter pickles. First place ribbons were for 1. Muscadine jelly, 2. Scuppernong jelly, 3. Whole figs, 4. Fig jelly, 5. Chow-chow, 6. Canned yellow peaches, 7. Canned pears, 8. Yellow squash pickles, 9. Peach preserves, 10. Pear preserves, and 11. Apple pear jelly.  Marlene is handicapped but with the help of her husband Leon they were winners are the FAIR. WOW!!! And Congratulations.  Marlene also won third place in the Pie division at the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival.

Saluda County Historical Benefit Deer Hunt: The SCHS will hold a half-day or whole-day benefit deer hunt on over a thousand acres of land on Clouds Creek in Saluda County on Nov. 10th.  A meal will be provided between hunts.  Interested hunters may receive additional information by calling (803) 685 5020 or by email at cebpadgettpd@pbtcomm,net

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: October was a busy month for Ridge Spring United Methodist Church (RSUMC). Our Pastor Ashley gave the opening prayer at the welcome portion of the Harvest Festival. The Church took an AD in the Festival brochure and we placed water and church information in from the Family Life Center. Decorations in keeping with the Harvest theme were placed in front of the FLC. We were part of the Festival parking and our yard was FULL! We love being part of this vibrant and welcoming community and Festival. Also in October we met with our District Superintendent for our annual ‘check up’ and we did just fine. He was impressed with our outreach efforts and encouraged us to continue. You might have seen Church members walking around the Festival in nifty T-Shirts in different colors with the Methodist logo and motto on the front and our Church on the back. If you were a member or had family who was a member and are interested in one, please contact Nola Burger. November 4^th was All Saints Sunday when we remember members of our Church family who have died. Sadly this year we remembered one but made it a celebration of breast cancer awareness. Pink was the order of the day and there was plenty of it. We continue to collect dried and unusable markers. Those may be left in a container on the porch of the FLC.

Church Service is at 11 a.m.  There will be NO SERVICE ON NOVEMBER 25, 2018.

While eating lunch at Juniper with Joe Cal Watson, he discussed some memories of World War II.  They traveled from port toward the front line in a 40-8 car.  That meant the rail car could hold 40 men or 8 horses. Later he and his men were really cold and wanted to start a fire.  Orders were to cut no bushes for they were in their Allies' territory.  He saw a utility pole and decided he could chop that down.  When he got to this pole, he found out it was made of cement. Pup Tents were very cold indeed.

Security Federal Bank held its first Customer Appreciation Day on October 19, 2018.  The town and its customers enjoyed to hot dogs, drink, chips, and cookies. We all look forward to next year.  Thank you for being in our town and on Main Street!!!.

Ridge Spring Town Hall is now open on Saturdays.

Spann Church in Ward held its 14th Annual Singing on October 28.  Just over 100 people joined in congregational singing of old and familiar hymns.  Rev. Ashley Buchanan and former pastor, John Kneece led the singing and Wallace Watkins played the piano.  Special music was provided by Rev. Ashley, former pastor, John and Donald Adams.  Following the program there was a time for fellowship and refreshments were served on the grounds.  On November 4th, All Saints' Sunday, Spann remembered Judy Sutton, who passed away last year.  On her first visit to Spann she knew that she had found her church and she was a faithful member.  Her faith during her illness was an inspiration to all who knew her.  An oak tree, planted in the church yard, was dedicated in her memory

Have you noticed the fields of tomatoes?  They are being picked green or pink.  That is how we have tomatoes during the winter - they are stored and allowed to ripen slowly off the vine.  

Wendy Arndt has announce that Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering will be twice a year.  The one in the fall was so successful that now there will be two.  The dates for next year will be May 18 for the spring and September 21 for the fall.  Last Saturday she also was teaching a riding clinic at her jump field. Her team will be competing in Raleigh NC at the benefit horse show for Duke Children's Hospital.

Carmen Holley, M. ED, Fine Arts Teacher at RSM High School: Jesse Osbun-Shirey won Honorable Mention with the Ruth Patrick Steam Art Contest in Aiken.  Jesse 'invented' a replaceable eye that can be inserted into the eye socket for the blind.  The Science, Technology Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics – or STEAM – competition was open to all K-12 public, private, and home schooled students in the CSRA. Almost 150 entries were received from more than 20 schools in the CSRA.

James E. Williams Jr.: We are excited to introduce you to a new program coming to the town of Ridge Spring, SC. Vision of Love Community Outreach has been a much needed asset to this community and the citizens of Ridge Spring. The goal of this program is to be an outlet of strength, empowerment, and support to both the young and the old. Adult Daycare, enrichment program, arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, science games, day trips, homework, math, stem/ELA recreation and much more will be offered. The program will be  held at the Cumbee Place,401 E. Main Street, Ridge Spring, SC 29129, (803)594-3587, visionoflove.sc@gmail.comThe goal of this program is to be an outlet of strength, empowerment, and support to both the young and the old.

Boy Scout Troop 555 and Pack 555 are collecting old, worn out American flags to retire. The troop and pack will be conducting a flag retirement ceremony on November 10 at 4:00 pm at the fire station. If you have a flag you would like to retire contact Melissa Stover mstover310@gmail.com or you can drop it off at Ridge Spring Baptist Church's fellowship hall on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7:00-8:00 pm

Ridge Spring Farmers' Market: Leonard Bell will be there and those greens will start coming in soon. Who knows who may be joining him on the plaza.

Josie Rodgers:

Mark and I had the best time with our friends at Juniper during the RS Fire Dept fundraiser on Nov. 1. Juniper was filled with patrons coming together to support our local fire dept volunteers. The food was scrumptious (as always) and the entertainment fabulous! The waitstaff was comprised of volunteer firemen and Juniper personnel, many of whom were our current and past students. We had the cutest waiters (Corbin and Drake Yon), and even got to watch “Big Country (Dwayne Ligons, former Trojan football player of Mark’s) race to don his entire fire suit in competition with other volunteers. We laughed and ate and talked and just enjoyed the atmosphere. What a super night!

RSM High: Media Center Specialist Patti Powell sponsored a Halloween story contest for students and staff. Participants wrote spooky stories for a chance at some cool prizes. Winners included Audrey Derrick (high school, “Twisted Secrets Between Two Sisters”), Jesse Oswald (middle school, “The Hum”), and Mrs. Cayce Spire (faculty, “The Janitor”). 

On Nov. 8, the school will honor veterans with a Veterans Day Program. Melinda Brown has worked tirelessly to host this program to show our appreciation to the Veterans of our military. If you are a veteran, you are invited to join us for the program.

On Nov.7, Jenna Beauregard, NCAA Compliance Officer from USC-Aiken will be presenting on NCAA eligibility requirements at 6 pm in the media center. This event is open to any RSM High School student who is interested in playing college athletics and their family.

The Trojans football team will travel to Timmonsville for the first round of the playoffs this Fri., Nov. 9. 

Collier Sullivan was up for the Chick-fil-A Player of the Week for the second time this season.  He won the first time he was nominated! When you see a Trojan in the running, vote!

It’s National HOSA Week, and the RSM group has a month of awesome activities planned! 

Next week is American Education Week. The Beta Club and National English Honor Society will be honoring our educators and showing appreciation for the opportunity for free education in America with several projects.

Review from David Marshall James:  "Sweet Little Lies" by Caz Frear

   'Tis ho-ho-ho time in Merrye Olde London, all puns intended, and it's as cold as a Hans Christian Andersen princess in a brass bustier on the shady side of a fjord.

   The long nights are rendered mildly tolerable for detective Cat Kinsella, through the steady imbibing of white wine.  Her boss, the seemingly unflappable Kate Steele, has sent Cat over-- or is it "down"-- for psychiatric counseling and evaluation following Cat's unhinging at a traumatic crime scene.

   Can a transfer from the Metropolitan Police Force's Murder Investigation Team 4 to some number-crunching desk job be far behind, she worries.

   Cat is a thinker-- an over-thinker, really-- which is not a good thing when laden with worry.  Then the big ball drops, and it's not even New Year's Eve.

   A young woman, not much older than Cat's 26 years, is murdered and dumped in Leamington Square, and it's all too uncomfortably close to Cat's father's place of business.  Moreover, she has suffered with disintegrating feelings for him since a teenage girl disappeared from their vacation village on the west coast of Ireland eighteen years ago.

   There isn't enough vino in Napa Valley to steel Cat's nerves as the murder investigation starts rolling in this first novel by Britisher Caz Frear.  The plot builds nicely, pulling-- then yanking-- in the reader.  Moreover, Frear's sense of modern U.K. life, particularly in London, also holds the reader's fancy.

   She adroitly frames all types of characters, from the MIT4 incident room habitues, to the suspects list, to the witnesses.  Their dialogue elevates the novel to top-drawer modern Britnoir.  The Irish argot slung about in the coastal village contributes a fine treat, particularly when Cat interviews two residents whom she last knew as teenagers.

   With such an ear to lend it, Frear's writing career ought to take her a far piece down a long road.

Harriet's Garden Tips: It is finally November and the bulb tips are beginning to show for t he earlier blooming ones.  Bulbs of narcissus and hyacinths are poisonous. I haven't tried this but I will, cut Nandina berries just as they begin to show a faint blush of pink, and they will keep indefinitely and not lose their berries.  Pick, let them dry naturally.  Plant azaleas now so they may become established before bad weather.  Keep working on those pesky, robust weeds. 

REMINDERS

November 10: BS Troop flag burning ceremony

November 15: Friends of Ridge Spring Town Hall 5:30 PM

November 17: Ridge Spring's Christmas Open House

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

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

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

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

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