March 22,  2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Fallaw Farm has fresh asparagus at their farm and at the Nut House and Country Store.  Spring is in the air.

The Friends of Ridge Spring met Thursday at town Hall.  The report of the Quilting on  the Ridge showed that it was a very successful weekend for our town. The event was sponsored by FORS who paid for the quilt to be raffled, advertising, and the bags and the water to go into the bags. Noel Steele gave an important financial report.  The event made a small profit for the group. There are 6 events sponsored by FORS and two sponsored by Magnolia Ridge.   This helps to attract visitors to our area. Mayor Pat Asbill told us of a wonderful book written by James Scott who is the son of Mac and Rosa  Johnson.  He is a Lt. Colonel in the Army and is stationed in Korea now.  He will be returning this summer and we  hope to have a book signing event.  His book is inspiring. 

The work on the renovation of the Town Plaza is getting closer. 

The large oak trees report:  The one closest to the Gazebo is hallow and the other two are greatly compromised.  They will have to be replaced. 

New parking spaces will be added, with paver bricks and pavement.  Plans are at town hall.

These plans are being financially supported by the Town, Saluda County and the Upper Savannah. 

The plans are designated phase one, phase two, and finally phase three..  

Comporium is closing its office in Ridge Spring soon.

Rikard's Roadside Bar-Be-Que: We have set a date for our grand opening and music get together which is April 27th.  Anyone that would like to come pick and grin let us know.  We are going to have 2 bands for sure and around 6:00 pm we are going to have a hog calling contest with prize money. The Grand opening will begin around 12:00 noon and we will end it at 8:00pm.  We are located at 903 West Main Street, Ridge Spring.

Harvest Festival Committee: We had a meeting Tuesday, March 12^th 7:00p at the Town Hall. We are assigning committee heads and commitment levels of our people. We need more volunteers and committee members. Please ask 2 people to attend the next meeting in April or give a commitment for a specific event.  Remember - More hands make light work.

Titan Farms: So honored to have been a stop for the Clemson University College of Ag, Forestry and Life Sciences spring break tour! They've been touring farms all week and we were lucky enough to have been a part of it! Go Tigers!

Classes at the Art Center in Ridge Spring, Joanne Crouch

Watercolor: (experienced watercolorist only) April 26^th and –Friday, Saturday-10-4-

2 day workshop with Anne Hightower Patterson White-$130.  Fee must be paid by Friday, April 19^th to secure the class. Anne is a accomplished artist and her workshop, “Where do I go from here?”, will help the artist solve those problems that plaque their watercolor art.

Saturday, April 13^th 1:30-4:00-“Jewelry fit to a Tea”-Joanne Crouch-Students will make a necklace using recycled tea bags and used coffee filter to make an original art piece.  Dyes, encaustic wax and items from the hardware store will be used to make your one-of-a-kind piece.  Cost is $25.  All items will be included along with a tutorial for the class.  No previous experience required.

Monday, April 15^th Bird Feeder-$35-Kim Ruff-6:30-8:30.  Ages 10 & up.

.Monday, May 13^thJoyful cups-$35-Kim Ruff, $35. A hand built cup that has a statement of joy for its maker.  A second cup could be made as a companion- both will be stamped and painted with stroke n coat glazes.

Ridge Spring Monetta Elementary School:

All Natural Pageant: The pageant will be held on March 29 at 6:30 pm.  The cost to attend is $5.00.  The pageant is a fundraiser for PTO.

PTO Cookie Dough Fundraiser:  Orders and money are due March 29.  Please bring your money and orders to room D-8 from 7:15 am - 8:30 am.

4K Registration:  You may register your child for 4K through March 29 from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm.  The child must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2019.  The following documents are required to register your child and must be brought with you on registration day: Two proofs of Residency = Documents such as Utility Bills, Cable Bills, Cable Bill, Mortgage Statements, Rental Agreement, Birth Certificate (Official Copy), South Carolina Immunization Form, Medicaid Card, and Proof of Income (W2 or Paystub).

Spring Musical:  Our spring musical will take place on April 5 at 8:30 am.  Students are encouraged to wear western clothes, including western hats, plaid shirts, bandannas, and boots.  If your child does not have western clothes to make him/her look like a cowboy or cowgirl, please do not purchase anything special. Simply have your child wear a brightly colored t-shirt with jeans or dark pants.

Morning Procedures:  All visitors must stop by the office to get a pass.  The area in front of the office is for bus unloading.  Please do not drop students off in front of the office unless it is after 7:45.  The drop off areas for car riders are by the gym and in the semi-circle near the lower end of the school.

Afternoon Carline Procedures:  If you are the first car to arrive, please pull all the way to the end where the red flag is on most days.  Please do not get out of your car.  If you would like to walk up to get your child, please park in the bottom parking lot.  This will ensure that cars are able to continue loading.  To ensure the safety of our students, please don’t park across the road.  Car riders should not be crossing the highway.   

2019-2020 Online Registration:  Registration will be completed online for next school year.  You must have access to PowerSchool/Parent Portal to register your child.  Please contact Mrs. Workman in the office before May.  You will need to bring your i.d.  Having access to PowerSchool/Parent Portal will also allow you to view your child’s grades.

Yearbooks:  Yearbooks will be sold through the website Treering.com.  You can purchase a yearbook at anytime by going to Treering.com and using the school's validation code.  The cost of a softcover yearbook is $22.00.  You have the option of customizing two pages in the yearbook for your child.  The yearbook will be shipped to the school and given to your child by the end of May.  The school will not be purchasing extra yearbooks, however, you may purchase yearbooks after the school's deadline, May 2, but there will be an added shipping charge.  

Validation code: 1014410540564413

Review from David Marshall James: (Lucille Ball died 30 years ago, this April 26th.  Here's Lucy, in a rerun of James's review of a 2017 memoir.)

  "Lucy Loved Me:  A Memoir" by Paula Stewart

   "John Huston sent me a case of this Mayacamas wine as an apology for the hot-tub incident.  Today, each bottle is worth more than $400."

   "I loved this gold Oscar de la Renta given to me by Zsa Zsa Gabor.  Of course, it needed major alterations."

   "The gold deco-jade and sapphire bracelet given to me by the Duchess of Windsor.  Burt and I spent many evenings performing for the Duke and Wallis."

   Such captions-- and this volume is liberally illustrated with private photos-- set the  tone and the tenor for a delicious East & West Coast dish (it's no surprise that the author is a gourmet cook-- Lucille Ball loved her spaghetti sauce, secret ingredient:  anchovies).

   It's as spicy as a bowl of chili from Chasen's, as tangy as a slice of grapefruit cake from The Brown Derby, and as lip-smacking as a plate of ribs from P.J. Clarke's.

   The author first encountered Lucy when the recently divorced, between-TV-series star cast her as her younger sister in the Broadway show "Wildcat" (1960), otherwise famous for its showstopper, "Hey, Look Me Over."

   Thus began a 30-year bond that saw them through a panoply of respective highs and lows, all highlighted in this remembrance.  In addition to her stage, TV, and film performances, the blonde beauty Stewart was wed (before his 1960s hits with lyricist Hal David) to musician/songwriter Burt Bacharach, then later to comedian Jack Carter.

   Stewart admits to kaputting her marriage to Bacharach, although they have remained friends, and she laments her many bad 'n' sad times with Carter.

   Well, Lucy did warn her about him.  Nevertheless, the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Carter stood up with Lucy and comedian Gary Morton when they were wed by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale at the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, 1961.

   Although Stewart set Lucy up with second husband Morton, she never expected Lucy to marry him.  Boy, does the author evermore let into Morton in this memoir.  She doesn't just throw shade; she stages a total eclipse.

   Lucy's followers won't be surprised when Stewart states that Lucy never stopped loving first husband Desi Arnaz, whom she finally felt compelled to divorce because of his out-of-control womanizing and drinking.

   As for the redheaded icon, she has seldom been presented so glowingly, by such an affectionate friend, in a memoir that's a must-read for her fans.

Harriet's Garden Tips:  Spring is in the air.  One of the hardiest annuals that sometimes seem to be perennials are begonias.  I have planted several annuals too early and they die but the begonias survive.  I have Black Eyed Susans sprouting but will not take them outside to grow for several weeks for they are easily damaged by low temperatures.   Hope you have cut back your liriope for they are sprouting now.  Fertilize those bulbs and pop off the dead blooms for they cannot produce seed.  Be patient in planting those beautiful annuals.  Fire ant beds are immerging.  If stung a home remedy is put bleach on the bite as soon as possible. 

Harriet' Garden will be opening this weekend March 28, 29, and 30.  Stop by and check out the flowers.  Hope to see you.

REMINDERS

April 9: Harvest Festival Meeting

May 4: RS Volunteer Firemen's Benefit

May 31-June 1: Peachtree 23 Yard Sale

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

Security Bank Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9-12  1-5, Wed. 9-12

Ridge Spring Town Hall: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm, Sat. 8:30am - 12:30pm

March 16,  2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Town of Ridge Spring was decorated with quilts and more quilts.. There were two winners of prizes.  The raffle winner of the quilt was Suzanne Barns and the sewing machine door prize  was Joyce Outz .Both were excited and delighted to get their prizes. Again nthe sewing machine door prize was donated by Creative Sewing Machine Center. 

The next event will be Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering in May.  More details in the coming columns.

Friends of Ridge Spring will meet Thursday evening at 5:30 PM at Town Hall.  All are welcome.

Olde Treasures is excited to announce that our vendor, Early Rose Vintage is bringing us Junk Gypsy paint!   It is out for you to purchase now.  They are also currently working on a class schedule for beginning, intermediate and advaced furniture painting classes.  If you are interested, contact Olde Treasures.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: During March the members of RSUMC will be gathering and assembling hygiene/health bags. These will be delivered to Christian Ministry in B/L. Hard to believe some walk into the Ministry with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. The bags include but are not limited to: full size towel and wash cloth, tooth brush/paste, bar soap and other hygiene items. The entire list of items is taped on a front window at the FLC or you may contact a church member. If you’d like to help leave donations on porch of either FLC or Church. The day which we assemble bags will be posted in these columns.  Like us on Face Book. Join us for Sunday Services. The season of Lent is a time for self-reflection. Join us, as Pastor Ashely takes us on this journey through her messages

Art Center in Ridge Spring Joanne Crouch

CLASSES:

Watercolor: (experienced watercolorist only) April 26^th and –Friday, Saturday-10-4-

2 day workshop with Anne Hightower Patterson White-$130.  Fee must be paid by Friday, April 19^th to secure the class. Anne is a accomplished artist and her workshop, “Where do I go from here?”, will help the artist solve those problems that plaque their watercolor art.

Saturday, March 23^rd-Chipcarved Gourd Birdhouse-Linda Lake, $45 includes all supplies including a chipcarving knife that retails for $15-$18.  Recommended for ages 12 & up.  Deadline for registration is March 8^th.

More classes are scheduled for April and May. Contact Joanne Crouch to register for classes.  Contact info:  joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or (803)685-5577 and leave message or you can register at the Art Center of Ridge Spring behind the Civic Center when we open in March.

Saturday, April 13^th 1:30-4:00-“Jewelry fit to a Tea”-Joanne Crouch-Students will make a necklace using recycled tea bags and used coffee filter to make an original art piece.  Dyes, encaustic wax and items from the hardware store will be used to make your one-of-a-kind piece.  Cost is $25.  All items will be included along with a tutorial for the class.  No previous experience required.

Monday, April 15^th Bird Feeder-$35-Kim Ruff-6:30-8:30.  Ages 10 & up.

.Monday, May 13^thJoyful cups-$35-Kim Ruff, $35. A hand built cup that has a statement of joy for its maker.  A second cup could be made as a companion- both will be stamped and painted with stroke n coat glazes.

Josie Rodgers

Johnston Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant applications are now available. The pageant is Sat., Mar. 30, @ Johnston Elementary School. There is a $500 scholarship for the Miss winner (ages 17-20). For more info, contact Janice Cleveland.

RSM Elem: Please help us spread the word! 4K registration will finish on Fri., March 29, at the elem school. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2019. The first 50 children who register and complete a screening will receive a prize! The following documents are required to register your child: 2 Proofs of Residency, Birth Certificate, SC Immunization Form, Medicaid card (if applicable), and Proof of Income (paycheck or W2). Contact the school for more info.

RSM High: The Woman’s Study Club of Ridge Spring recently donated $2000 to the middle & high school library. The club received a $1000 grant from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of South Carolina Progress Foundation & raised $1000 to match the grant so then the $2000 gift was given to the library. Librarian Patti Powell received the check from Faye Powell, education chair of the club.  Principal Kyle Blankenship and AP Jody Moots were also present.

RSM High: The Trojan Track Team competed in their first regular season meet Mar. 13 at Batesburg-Leesville. RSM was the only 1A team competing against 2A, 3A, and 4A schools. The girls came in 7^th with points being scored by Katelyn Kirk placing 5^th in the 1600 meter race. Destiny Glover placed 7th in the shot put and 5^th in the discus throw. The boys placed 6th overall by beating Newberry. The freshmen superstars, Jevon Morris and Vincent Romero, scored 14 of RSM's 29 total points. Jevon Morris placed 2nd in the discus with a throw of 115 feet 4 inches, while Cameron Davis had a personal best throw of 83 feet 7 inches. Vincent Romero had a personal best in both the 1600 and 3200 meter runs, where he placed 12^th  and 3^rd respectively. De Daniels placed 4^th in the high jump with a personal best for the season by clearing 5 feet 2 inches. The meet ended with a great show in the 4 x 400 meter dash with Cameron Davis and Da'Quon Hicks leading the relay. Also, 7^th grader J'Krayh Taylor & 9^th grader Jamaal Daniels completed the race for 3 points towards the team effort. Great job to all participants.

Review from David Marshall James:  "The Vanishing Man" by Charles Finch

   After apparently closing his Charles Lenox mystery series, set in mid-Victorian England, the erudite Charles Finch has brought back his detective, age 26, before the events of Finch's-- and Lenox's-- first novel, "A Beautiful Blue Death."

   This prequel, the author's latest book, finds Finch writing at the top of his form, with a plot involving the most powerful duke in the realm, who resides near the Houses of Parliament in a Thames-view manor with a seemingly endless supply of velvet-curtained drawing rooms decorated with museum-worthy objets d'art.

   However, none musters the rarity of a certain portrait, bearing a riddle leading to an even greater artifact.

   Per the portrait's sitter and further details, we're not going to cut a caper-- nor the mutton to it-- to paraphrase the subject, a very famous British author.  Let's even say The Most Famous One.

   Goodness gracious, the millennials probably think we're referring to J.K. Rowling.  As much as we applaud her Potter books, let's remember that Finch's novel is set in 1853, and guess again.

   It's a doozy of a story, filled with jaunts all over London as well as to country castles and churchyards. 

   Where germane, Finch frequently supplies the stories behind the origins of such words and phrases as "cottage," "clue," "cock-and-bull," and "tips."

   For comic relief, there's a prepubescent Etonian in residence Chez Lenox for two weeks.  This young cousin is prone to patter with pompous noblemen, including the aforementioned duke.

   To pull everything together, Finch compares and contrasts father/child relationships, back to the subject of the duke's mysterious portrait up to Lenox's own, deceased, father.  That theme dovetails with that of the sentimentality prevalent during the Victorian Age-- a period that Finch does proud.

Harriet's Garden Tips:  My tomato seedlings are up 3 inches.  I have started Celebrity, Better Boy, and Whopper.  My tomato plants look great.  I also have pepper plants.  I have run out of room in the shop because all the seeds are coming up.  I am repotting the tomato plants now. I will have done it two or three times before selling time-which is getting closer and closer.  The peach trees are gorgeous.  I hope they survived the short freeze.  Those weeds are getting a head start too.  Get out there and pull, pull and pull some more up.  Pine straw is a wonderful bed cover, too.  So rake a friend's yard with the understanding that the pine straw is yours.

REMINDERS

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

Security Bank Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9-12  1-5, Wed. 9-12

Ridge Spring Town Hall: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm, Sat. 8:30am - 12:30pm

March 8,  2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The Town of Ridge Spring was decorated with quilts and more quilts.  Quilts of history, old, new, and just quilts that need to be seen.  They were in shops, the Civic Center and the Art Center. The display of the machines in the Civic Center were awsome.  Pat Asbill's antique quilting frame was on display too. There were two winners of prizes.  The raffle winner of the quilt was Suzanne Barns and the sewing machine door prize  was Joyce Outz .Both were excited and delighted to get their prizes. Again nthe sewing machine door prize was donated by Creative Sewing Machine Center.  

The next event will be Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering in May.  More details in the coming columns.

Ridge Spring Star Community Center presents 2 short skits on March 16; shows will be at 3 pm and again at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $5. Enjoy A Waste of a Good Seat by James D. Brown of Ridge Spring and The Meeting by Effie T. Martin. For ticket info, call 803-685-5179.

Art Center in Ridge Spring Joanne Crouch

CLASSES:

Watercolor: (experienced watercolorist only) April 26^th and –Friday, Saturday-10-4-

2 day workshop with Anne Hightower Patterson White-$130.  Fee must be paid by Friday, April 19^th to secure the class. Anne is a accomplished artist and her workshop, “Where do I go from here?”, will help the artist solve those problems that plaque their watercolor art.

Monday March 18^th Easter Egg Plate-6:30-8:30, Kim Ruff, pottery, $35.

Saturday, March 23^rd-Chipcarved Gourd Birdhouse-Linda Lake, $45 includes all supplies including a chipcarving knife that retails for $15-$18.  Recommended for ages 12 & up.  Deadline for registration is March 8^th.

More classes are scheduled for April and May. Contact Joanne Crouch to register for classes.  Contact info:  joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or (803)685-5577 and leave message or you can register at the Art Center of Ridge Spring behind the Civic Center when we open in March.

Saturday, April 13^th 1:30-4:00-“Jewelry fit to a Tea”-Joanne Crouch-Students will make a necklace using recycled tea bags and used coffee filter to make an original art piece.  Dyes, encaustic wax and items from the hardware store will be used to make your one-of-a-kind piece.  Cost is $25.  All items will be included along with a tutorial for the class.  No previous experience required.

Monday, April 15^th Bird Feeder-$35-Kim Ruff-6:30-8:30.  Ages 10 & up.

.Monday, May 13^thJoyful cups-$35-Kim Ruff, $35. A hand built cup that has a statement of joy for its maker.  A second cup could be made as a companion- both will be stamped and painted with stroke n coat glazes.

GOURDART

Jeffrey Clamp: On Friday, March 1st the Aiken County Band Directors' Association held it's annual Aiken All-County Band Clinic.  Six students represented RS-M Middle and High School.  This year marked the highest number of students from RS-M to audition for and earn a spot in the All-County band, as five of the six who auditioned actually made the band.  7th grader Chris Story was nominated and selected for the Junior Concert Band.  7th graders Landon Hastings and Natalie Maltese and 8th grader Paola Trinidad auditioned for and earned a chair in the Junior Symphonic Band (the top middle school band).  Freshman Kyla Padgett and Junior Jonathan Cumbee auditioned for and earned a chair in the Senior All-County Band.  Congratulations to all of these students for their hard work.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Over 100 items of soup were delivered to the Helpful Hands Mission for their food pantry. Instant soup, large cans, small cans, ramen noodles that hopefully fill the tummies of some of our neighbors. A check was also delivered to help with the Ministries.  During March the members of RSUMC will be gathering and assembling hygiene/health bags. These will be delivered to Christian Ministry in B/L. Hard to believe some walk into the Ministry with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. The bags include but are not limited to: full size towel and wash cloth, tooth brush/paste, bar soap and other hygiene items. The entire list of items is taped on a front window at the FLC or you may contact a church member. If you’d like to help leave donations on porch of either FLC or Church. The day which we assemble bags will be posted in these columns.  Like us on Face Book. Join us for Sunday Services. The season of Lent is a time for self-reflection. Join us, as Pastor Ashely takes us on this journey through her messages.

 Sometimes going through my parents and my husband's items,  I find something I would like to share.  It is a typed page about the Green Thumb Garden Club I found in my mother-in-law's papers that my husband had.

 

"The Camellia Garden Club of Ridge Spring was organized under the direction of Mrs. J. P. Murphy, and sponsored by the Ridge Garden Club, with Mrs. M. S. Watson, President.  The organizational meeting was held in the Home of Mrs. J. P. Murphy.  The first meeting of the club was held May 20 1952, and the name of the club was changed to the Green Thumb Garden Club, to avoid confusion with the Camellia Garden Club already listed in the West Sand Hills District.  It was endorsed by the Yellow Jessamine Garden Club, Saluda, S. C., Mrs. A. L. Bradley, Pres., and the Good Earth Garden Club, Mrs. C. C. Webster, Pres.   It was approved by Mrs. Leroy S. Epps, State Membership Chairman and Mrs. W. Jack Bryant, State President.    The Club was federated February 26, 1953.  The charter members were Mrs. D. S. Cone, Jr., Pres. ,Mrs. Charles McDowell, Sec., Mrs., Lee Roy Cone, Treas., Mrs. Kester Bodie, Mrs. Jimmy Davis, Mrs. Sydney Hartley, and  Mrs. R. S. Householder, Sr."

How many names do you recognize?

Josie Rodgers

We are all ready for some spring weather! The peach trees and daffodils got a jump start, and I pray the peaches are unharmed. We need a little sunshine and some time to dry out! I’m not complaining, however, because I’m certainly not ready for hundred degree weather and drought conditions! As I type, the sun is trying to peak out from behind the clouds! Time for some vitamin D, people! Let’s celebrate!

Johnston Peach Blossom Beauty Pageant applications are now available. The pageant is Sat., Mar. 30, @ Johnston Elementary School. There is a $500 scholarship for the Miss winner (ages 17-20). For more info, contact Janice Cleveland.

RSM Elem: Please help us spread the word! 4K registration will finish on Fri., March 29, at the elem school. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2019. The first 50 children who register and complete a screening will receive a prize! The following documents are required to register your child: 2 Proofs of Residency, Birth Certificate, SC Immunization Form, Medicaid card (if applicable), and Proof of Income (paycheck or W2). Contact the school for more info.

RSM High: The Woman’s Study Club of Ridge Spring recently donated $2000 to the middle & high school library. The club received a $1000 grant from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of South Carolina Progress Foundation & raised $1000 to match the grant so then the $2000 gift was given to the library. Librarian Patti Powell received the check from Faye Powell, education chair of the club.  Principal Kyle Blankenship and AP Jody Moots were also present.

Review from David Marshall James:  "Before She Knew Him" by Peter Swanson

   This is the sort of in-the-burbs, happening-in-your-hood suspense novel that Harlan Coben writes when he's doing what he does best.

   Plus, this latest suspense novel from author Peter Swanson offers autumnal trappings, dreary rainy days, and New England seasonal sights and smells that juxtapose with the darkening, secrets-rising inner landscapes of its characters.

   Two couples, now next-door neighbors, meet at a block party, then soon partake in the customary "let's do dinner" suggestions.  Everything goes cheerfully, if not without a few yawns from the new husband in town, Lloyd. 

   Then, his wife, Hen-- an artist and young-adult-book illustrator-- passes her eagle eyes over the mantel tchotchkes in neighbor Matthew's study, and the game is afoot.  For Hen notices a fencing trophy that belonged to a college student who was dispatched in an unsolved murder a few years back.

   Seems the victim was a neighbor of Hen and Lloyd.  Seems he was also a student at the private school where Matthew teaches history.  Seems Mira, Matthew's wife, is more often than not out-of-town, selling educational software.

   Everyone notices Hen's reaction to the fencing trophy, no Tallulah Bankhead she.  Hen immediately pegs Matthew as a murderer; meanwhile, Matthew suspects that she suspects him.  Meanwhile, Mira has software on the brain.  Look up "ostrich" in the dictionary, and her picture ought to be there, up to her neck in sand.

   Meanwhile, Lloyd is pooped out with Hen's proclivities for Gladys Kravits-ing about such murders.  Moreover, Hen is taking "meds" for some manic behavioral manifestations during her college years.  Call her unreliable as a witness-- sadly.

   Those are the fundamental dysfunctional dynamics of these two couples.  Swanson builds his novel with a sure hand, as everyone's secrets bob up like apples in a no. 2 washtub at a traditional New England All Hallow's Eve fest.  (It's a shame Swanson couldn't have worked Halloween into his narrative mesh-- Hen would make a killer Lizzie Borden, all puns intended.)

   Well, that could have gotten campy in a hurry, and the author possesses a deft touch with the au naturel, everyday creepy.  And there's plenty going on, including a nice twist near the end that the reader will probably catch on to, as is only right.  If it were just some wild shot out of the blue, it wouldn't be in keeping with the characterizations.

   Swanson's skillful mixture of mood, character, and setting has served him well before, as it does here.  Call him a master of the fireside thriller.  Just be sure to keep an eye on what goes on the mantel.

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.  I noticed the pink ones bloomed first and the yellow ones next.  Planting them in the fall lets me enjoy them  in the spring.  Tulips never seem to look as good and as big as they did the first year of bloom.  Moles and voles or the rats that run in their tunnels love to feast on tulip bulbs. So I pull them up each year and put them on the compost pile.  Quick reminder: deadhead your bulbs as the blooms die and don't forget to fertilize those bulbs to help them store up 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

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

Security Bank Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9-12  1-5, Wed. 9-12

Ridge Spring Town Hall: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm, Sat. 8:30am - 12:30pm

March 1,  2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Quilting on the Ridge

March 8 and 9

One more time: The Town will be decked out in quilts.  Start at the Art Center,  108 Maintenance Building Circle (behind the Civic Center) and purchase a bag of Goodies for $5.00.  View the painting of a quilt block.  Visit the Civic Center where Creative Sewing Machine Center will have a long arm machine and other sewing and quilting machines on display and a sewing machine as a door prize a Viking Emerald 116. The beautiful quilt made by Anne Curley is on display at the Security Federal Bank.  Tickets are one for $1.00 or six for $5.00.  The Goodie Bags will include ticket, bottle of water, 2 Girl Scout cookies from Harriet's Garden, something from the Nut House, quilt square, coupons from Haley Bee, Ridge Antiques, Pat's Antiques, brochures and more.  

Ridge Spring Star Community Center presents 2 short kits on March 16, 2019 . Tickets are $5.00. Two showing at 3 P.M. and 5:30 P..M. the title of the skits are "A Waste of a Good Seat" by James D. Brown of Ridge Spring and "The Meeting" by Effie T. Martin. For tickets information call 803-685-5179.              

Jeffrey Clamp: Congratulations to Paola Trinidad of Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle School for being selected to participate in the 2018-2019 SCBDA Region 2 Band Clinic.  The clinic was held Friday, February 22nd and Saturday, February 23rd.  Auditions for the All-Region and All-State Bands were held in mid January, and through audition Paola earned first chair in the middle school alternate band.  She is the first student from RS-M in over ten years and only one of very few in school history to be selected for the All-Region Band. 

The Farmer's Market  will be located at the Civic Center after the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale.  Come get your fresh produce. The Ag Department has begun sending out letters for farmers who plan to accept vouchers. 

The Friends of Ridge Spring's manager of the Farmers' Market Sherald Rodgers received the AgSouth grant of $500.00 to help promote our market.  The market will start the Saturday after Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale June 8.  Thanks, Sherald for the work and success.

Art Center in Ridge Spring Joanne Crouch

CLASSES:

WATERCOLOR (experienced watercolorist only) April 26^th and –Friday, Saturday-10-4-

2 day workshop with Anne Hightower Patterson White-$130.  Fee must be paid by Friday, April 19^th to secure the class. Anne is a accomplished artist and her workshop, “Where do I go from here?”, will help the artist solve those problems that plaque their watercolor art.

Monday March 18^th Easter Egg Plate-6:30-8:30, Kim Ruff, pottery, $35.

Saturday, March 23^rd-Chipcarved Gourd Birdhouse-Linda Lake, $45 includes all supplies including a chipcarving knife that retails for $15-$18.  Recommended for ages 12 & up.  Deadline for registration is March 8^th.

More classes are scheduled for April and May. Contact Joanne Crouch to register for classes.  Contact info:  joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or (803)685-5577 and leave message or you can register at the Art Center of Ridge Spring behind the Civic Center when we open in March.

The Green Thumb Garden Club of Ridge Spring celebrated 65 years of service.  One of the projects of the Green Thumb Garden Club is the preservation of Immanuel Lutheran Church.  The address of the Church is 206 Boatwright Street.  It was organized on March 20, 1921, cornerstone laid August 2,1922 and construction completed April 1923.  The final service was held on May 4, 1986. The Church was deeded to the Green Thumb Garden Club on August 28, 1986. The Church is of the Gothic Revival Style. The church is an ongoing preservation and restoration project. Meetings are occasionally held at the church and the church is open for other occasions.   There is a By-Way Blue Star Marker on the church property.

Josie Rodgers:

I just started a new book written by RSM’s own James Scott, known to most as “Foots.” James graduated with Mark from RSM High in 1988 and has written the story of his life based on the tragedy that happened to him, his mom, and his siblings. Many of you know James, who has excelled in the military and raised a beautiful family. The book is Changing Faces, available on Amazon. I am several chapters in and have no doubt I’ll finish this week. Even Mark is reading his buddy’s book! Prepare to be touched, saddened, inspired, and changed. 

This Wednesday, Chef Brandon Vile and Dwayne Ligons of Juniper will be at opening night for the Charleston Wine and Food Festival. The festival runs Mar. 6-10 and highlights well over 100 various culinary specialists.

RSM Elem: Please help us spread the word! 4K registration will begin on Mon., March 4, and finish on Fri., March 29, at the elem school. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 1, 2019. The first 50 children who register and complete a screening will receive a prize! The following documents are required to register your child: 2 Proofs of Residency, Birth Certificate, SC Immunization Form, Medicaid card (if applicable), and Proof of Income (paycheck or W2). Contact the school for more info.

RSM High: RSM has had its first 2 soccer players to sign to play at the next level.  Seniors Alfredo Cabana-Mendez and Oscar Martinez have committed to play soccer at USC-Salkahatchie for the next 2 years. The young men were joined by their families, teammates, RSM head coach Janice Douda, and USC-S head coach Bill Glass at last Wed’s soccer game vs 96. The team went on to defeat 96 7-0. Alfredo is the son of Valentina Gomez Alvarado. Oscar is the son of Oscar Martinez and Maria Hernandez. Both young men plan to major in electrical engineering.

(Pattie Powell): RSM High welcomes new staff! John Jeffery is the new safely monitor, and Joedy Moots is the new assistant principal. Welcome to the Trojan family!

Thank you to the Woman’s Study Club of Ridge Spring, in conjunction with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of South Carolina, for their generous donation to the RSM Media Center. Members of the Woman’s Study Club applied for, and received a grant from the GFWC in the amount of $1000, which the club matched from proceeds of sales of Cones Meat seasonings. Our students now have even more new books to read!

Lacy Pou's "Heartstrings" and Katelyn Matranga's "Forbidden Love" were submitted to Converse College's exhibition called "Young Women in Art.” The girls' artwork is displayed at Milliken Art Gallery in Spartanburg during the March. The girls are invited to a reception honoring all of the participants of the show at Converse College on March 9.

On January 31, representatives from Call Me Mister came to RSM to promote their program. The term MISTER® is an acronym for Mentors Instructing Students toward Effective Role Models, and is primarily a mentoring program where young minority students will be mentored into effective leaders and will become mentors themselves to their students. The overall goal of the program is to increase diversity in the classroom, but it is also the goal of the program to give minority students the hope of aspiring to be teachers, and to become leaders in their community.

      RSM’s Culture Club presented its annual Black History Month Celebration on February 22, 2019. The event was organized by Mrs. Felicia Key. Cameron Davis acted as Master of Ceremony, and several staff members and students showcased their talents through the spoken word, musical selections, and drama. Highlights included Kaylah McDowell presenting her original poem, Mrs. Johnson giving her inspirational speech about integrity, and Chesley Cooper playing a musical selection from Louis Armstrong.

A More History of Ridge Spring Government:

.Act of Incorporation, Ordinances and By Laws of the town of Ridge Spring, Edgefield County, SC.  Members of Council  R. B. Watson ---Intendant,  Wardens: J. C. Watson, J. H. Quarles, J. A. Merritt, L. P. Rutland, April 1883.

ORDINANCES

By the Town of Ridge Spring

April 17th, 1883

Specifying the Duties of the Marshal

Section 1. A town marshal shall be elected by Council, whose duty it shall be to attend all meetings of the council, to serve processes, levy executions, collect fines, report defaulters, arrest disturbers of the peace, and perform the general duties of a Constable; cause to be removed all rubbish from the streets calculated to obstruct the free passage of crossing , or prove offensive to the health or comfort of the citizens residing therein; and to enforce under the direction of the Council the several Ordinances which may from time to time be adopted in reference to the streets and alleys of the town; he shall hold his office for such terms as the council may prescribe, not exceeding one year, and receive such compensation for his services as Council may enact.  Provided, that he shall be liable to be removed from his office at the pleasure of the Council.

Section 2.  The Town Marshal shall also have charge of the Town Hall, wells and other property of Town, subject to the authority of Council.

Section 3. IT shall be the duty of the Marshal to make immediate reports to the Intendant of all defaulters against the Ordinances of the town to take charge of all persons committed to the Guard House or other place of custody and to make provisions for such prisoners whilst under confinement for which he shall be entitled to receive such rate of compensation as shall be prescribed by Council.

Section 4. Before the town Marshal shall enter upon the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation in the presence of the Town council to wit: "I, A.B., do solemnly swear or affirm that I will truly, faithfully, and to the best of my ability, execute the office of Marshal of the town of Johnston, without favor , fear, prejudice or partiality, and I will obey and execute to the utmost of my power, the command and orders of the Intendant or any of the Wardens of the said town, for the purpose of  carrying into execution the Ordinances of the town of Ridge Spring, So help me, God."

Section 5: It shall be the duty of the Town Marshal to go through the town of Ridge Spring on every Sunday once in the forenoon and once in the afternoon, in order to suppress any riotous or disorderly conduct within the same for which purpose he is hereby authorized and required to enter into any public house, or retail shop, or other house , building, lot enclosures, where any riot or disturbance, or other disorderly conduct may be committed; and any person or persons shall upon such occasion refuse to or interrupt or abuse the Town Marshal shall, for each and every such offence, forfeit and pay a fine not exceeding fifty dollars.

Section 6. The Town Marshal shall be subject to a fine not exceeding twenty dollars for every neglect of duty, to be judged by Council, and to be deducted from his salary; or when higher fines or penalties are pointed out in the several Ordinances requiring of him particular services or functions, he shall for every neglect thereof incur such higher penalties, respectively, to be adjudged and deduced as aforesaid.

Review from David Marshall James:  "The Wedding Guest" by Jonathan Kellerman

  Call it "Dragnet," without the deadpan.

   Uber reliable mystery/thriller writer Jonathan Kellerman has been presenting-- among stand-alone selections and collaborations-- novels featuring psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware for more than 30 years.

   We should all be so perspicacious-- and entertaining-- as time does its march.

   Dr. D frequently consults with LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis, he of the straining belt and throbbing neck veins.  Lt. Sturgis will not disprove the old saying about cops and donut shops anytime soon, although he's more than likely to hang at his desk with the remains of a box than warm up a stool in some all-night fried-dough-orofare.

   As the chapters progress, the MD and LT cruise the neighborhoods of Los Angeles and its environs, tracking down the latest lead, or the most recent hunch, or some person of interest.  Kellerman's novels often supply such LaLa Land tours, a tasty lagniappe (like a thirteenth donut in one of Milo's boxes) to his storylines.

   Here, Dr. D and the LT are dealing with a victim they can't even identify.  The maid of honor discovers the murdered young woman during a wedding reception.  That's gotta be a downer on a bride's day, especially if she's a "zilla," as Kellerman's woman in white most certainly is, one of many memorable characters who zing up this novel.

   Indeed, characterization is one of the author's strongest points.  No telling what sort of person Delaware and Sturgis are going to encounter next, and in what kind of neighborhood.

   Their front-seat dialogue rolls like Dr. D's bad ride, a vintage Cadillac Seville.  These are not two electronics thumbers; they're of a much different generation:  actual conversationalists. 

   However, as many zings as the duo set a-pinging, it's Mrs. Bride Zilla who gets off the best line in the book, utterly unprintable in this venue.  Nevertheless, we're appropriating it as a party favor for having attended the wedding-- now, it's your turn.

Harriet's Garden Tips: Because of the good advice from my husband confirmed by Billy Rodgers, I have kept seeds in the freezer.  I do have some seeds dating back to 2013.  When I ordered parsley seed I got 10,000 seeds so I have plenty left. I have been going through my frozen seeds and checking  how long it takes for maturity.  One plant I like is thunbergia which is known as the black-eyed Susan vine.  To maturity it takes 10 weeks.  I planted seeds in 24 cups hoping to get enough vines up to make good hanging baskets. I hope they will be ready for the Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering that will be held in May.  I have also planted tomato seeds.  Thyme takes forever so I am taking cuttings.  Spring is getting closer and closer.

REMINDERS

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

Security Bank Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9-12  1-5, Wed. 9-12

Ridge Spring Town Hall: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm, Sat. 8:30am - 12:30pm