Ridge Spring News: November 2019

Monday, November 25, 2019

November 25, 2019 (LATE,SORRY)

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy family, peace and football.

On the Saturdays of December 14 and 21 Leonard Bell will be on Ridge Spring town square from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon with collards, mustard greens turnips and sweet potatoes.

The Holiday Season is here and we have our bells on. Ridge Spring Holiday Extravaganzas are onto more events. There will be Black Friday and Small Business Saturday on November 29 and 30. To top it off, there will be Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gazebo on December 1. Hope to see you in town.

ART ASSOCIATION OF RIDGE SPRING & GALLERY

Pen Turning Class

Saturday, January 11 & 25, 2020 10 AM - 11:30 AM, 12 PM - 1:30 PM, 1:30 PM - 3 PM

One student per each hour & half session. Please email {Marlene_Sides@yahoo.com } or Call: 706-829-4929 to book your session and directions.

Cost: $35 [Includes all supplies to make a custom ink pen] Session will be held in Larry’s workshop. Teacher: Larry Sides

Our hours at the Art Center are Friday and Saturday 10-2pm. Check us out on our website https://ridgespringlovesart.weebly.com/ or Facebook at Art Association of Ridge Spring & Gallery. If you want to check out some of our art in another space, we have art for sale at Security Federal Bank. The holidays are almost here and art makes a wonderful gift! Stop by the Art Center or the bank to get some great gifts for friends, family or just for you!

Ridge Farmers Mutual now carries Orangeburg Milling Co. feed,

Review from David Marshall James: "Nothing Ventured" by Jeffrey Archer

"Spot on," "Right-o," and "Jolly good show" to this first novel in a new series by the much accomplished Jeffrey Archer.

The author sets the clock back to the mid 1980s, in London, spotlighting up-and-coming detective William Warwick, whose family background should have taken him to Queen's Court, not Scotland Yard, as his father is a highly regarded Queen's Counselor amidst the bewigged and robed defenders of the laws of the realm.

However, it's William's older sister, Grace, who makes Papa proud on that front, stepping up to the bar, as young William follows his heart's desire into the Metropolitan Police Force, walking a beat with an "old timer" mentor for two years before sitting his detective's exam.

Because of his avocational and academic background in art history, WW lands in the Art and Antiquities department at Scotland Yard, where the leading case, going on seven years, involves the theft of Rembrandt's most famous painting, The Syndics of the Clothmakers' Guild, from the Fitzmolean, a London museum given over to the Dutch Masters.

Here, Archer plays a little loose with the facts; nevertheless, there is such a painting, and there is a Fitzmolean museum in London, yet the painting is actually on display in Amsterdam, along with masterpieces by other Dutch Masters.

And we don't mean cigars, for those who treasure the memory of Rembrandt's Syndics on boxes of the onetime ubiquitous restaurant- and drugstore-counter feature.

Naturally, WW is going to get in on the art heist, along with assorted other cases of less grandiose dimensions, including a fellow who's forging authorial autographs in allegedly signed first editions for antique bookstores, as well as a case of allegedly sunken historical treasure.

Then, there's a murder allegedly committed by the father of someone who becomes close to WW in the course of his investigation of the Rembrandt, which makes for a smashing subplot.

Archer keeps the action juggling on multiple fronts, never suffering a dull page. For readers of well-versed novelists, Archer may not be a Dutch Master, but he's most definitely a master. And you can peel the cellophane off that cigar and smoke it.

The Ridge Hill Educational Association, in collaboration with Ridge Spring-Monetta High School and Morris College, invites everyone to participate in an educational information and College opportunity event on Saturday, March 31^st starting at 10:00AM. The event will be held at Ridge Spring-Monetta High School in Monetta, South Carolina. All parents, high school seniors, juniors, and recent graduates who are not currently enrolled in higher education are urged to attend.

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

Josie Rodgers:

Teachers and staff got a first look inside the facilities of our new school! We were thrilled with the beauty and expanse of the building and rooms! The gym is huge with large classrooms all around for agriculture, health science, band, and PE. The main building is spacious and bright with offices and classrooms all around. The library took our breath away, even as unfinished as it was. The view from the massive windows overlook the pasture across the road sprinkled with Yon Angus cattle. It was amazing! The English dept staked out our rooms in the left corner, but Dr. Webb hasn’t assigned classrooms yet (we like to tell him what we want!). The corner classrooms have windows all around and are bright with the afternoon sunshine, and the other classrooms are spacious and bright as well. The next day, I hastily began packing

On Sat., Nov. 30, from 4-6 pm, come out to the Ridge Spring Arts Center for hot chocolate and crafts! Children can spend an evening in their PJs at our very own North Pole where we will read a favorite holiday story, create crafts, and enjoy hot chocolate and snacks.

RSM Elem: Congratulations to Spelling Bee winners: 1^st place Dylan Harris, 2^nd place Caylah Doss, 3^rd place Nikki Cockrell.

RSM High: The gridiron Trojans pulled out another amazing win in the third round of the play-offs against Blackville. The teams had to go into three overtimes before the Trojans sealed the victory 28-24. This means the Trojans will play for the upper-state championship on Fri., Nov. 30, against rival Wagener-Salley in Wagener. The Trojans lost to the War Eagles earlier in the season, but this is a new game! We love that 2 Aiken County Schools teams have made it to the final four in the upper-state! Kick-off is 7:30.

On Fri., Nov. 15, about 80 RSM band students in grades 6 -12 attended a concert at the Aiken Community Theater sponsored by Aiken Performing Arts. The performing group was Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band named after one of Fleetwood Mac's most popular albums. They performed several songs from the album Rumours and had question and answer sessions between each song.

On Sat., Nov. 16, four members of the RSM True Blue Marching Band traveled to Newberry College for Join the Band Day. Joanna Kaiser, Makayla Lee, Gabi Maltese, & Ta'Neisha Patterson joined over 100 students from high schools across South Carolina and Georgia to perform with the Newberry College Scarlet Spirit Marching Band. They performed in the stands during the game between Newberry College and Limestone College, and they performed a tribute to our veterans at halftime with the Newberry College Marching Band. The students also got to witness an exciting 14-7 victory for Newberry over Limestone.

Chuck Dizinno, Cross Country Coach: The Trojans boys cross country team placed 10^th out of 12 teams at the State Championship Race Tues., Nov. 19! Isaias Figueroa led the team by placing 39^th in 22:10 on the 3.1 mile course. Close behind was Gabriel Rueda-Flores, Vincent Romero, & Luis Mendez-Perez, all breaking 25 minutes. Joel Yoho, Wyatt LaDue, & Jose Rivera rounded out the top 7 for an epic day in RSM Trojan sports history. They are the first team to compete at the State meet in only the second year of the cross country team’s formation.

RSM’s Top Notch Trojans were honored last week with a pizza & ice cream party. TNTs are students who are on the honor roll, have fewer than 5 tardies, AND have no disciplinary infractions. We had 58 students earn this award and receive certificates and buttons as an additional reward. We are aiming to have even more for 2^nd quarter!

Last week, a rep from Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, GA, stopped by to meet with the CATE students. Tanisha Johnson talked with the students about all the opportunities available for them within ABAC, a leading agricultural and health science college. They offer associate and bachelors degrees in both sciences, both of which have 98% placement. In addition, tuition, room, board, and books are about 1/3 the cost of SC’s 4-year colleges.

The Beta Club and NEHS honored faculty and staff for American Education Week by providing a delicious breakfast for them last Wed. Club members brought casseroles, pastries, biscuits, grits, and more to help start the day off right. On Friday, HOSA provided a salad bar lunch for faculty and staff in recognition of American Education Week. These events reinforce the fact that the Trojan family is close, loving, & giving. Trojan Pride!

After Thanksgiving, the Beta Club and NEHS will be selling Christmas and Exam Grams for $1 each. The Christmas stocking cards or pencil shaped cards will include a special message and paired with a special treat. These will be delivered to students during ILT exam week. Contact a Beta or NEHS member for more info.

On Tues., Dec. 10, the NEHS and Beta Club will sponsor Cookies and Stories with Mrs. Claus at 6 pm. This is a FREE event provided for our community children. Kids can play games, create crafts, enjoy snacks, and listen to Mrs. Claus read stories. They can even giver her messages for Santa!

Congratulations to senior Trojan football player Collier Sullivan for being named the All-Region Defensive Player of the Year! Others named to the All-Region team include Nehemiah Brooks, Daniel Harris, Remedee Leaphart, Dantrell Weaver, and Travionte Dean.

On Tues., Dec. 10, the NEHS and Beta Club will sponsor Cookies and Stories with Mrs. Claus at 6 pm. This is a FREE event provided for our community children. Kids can play games, create crafts, enjoy snacks,

RSM’s Farm to Table: Place your orders by Wed for produce on Friday! Contact Janice Douda or the school.

Harriet's Garden Tips: This is a good month to think about building a cold frame, which is like a halfway house for seedlings as they make their way from the windowsill or under light table to the outdoors. The cold frame is basically a bottomless box made of wood stone or brick with a transparent or translucent cover. It is an unheated greenhouse. I had several at my shop and put tomato seedlings in them in February but they grew too tall. So I changed the date to late March. It really works. I did dig down a little so they plants were somewhat below ground.

REMINDERS

November 29: Black Friday Deals Shoppes of Ridge Spring

November 30: Small Business Saturday Visit the small shoppes of Ridge Spring

December 1: Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gazebo

Jeannette Carr Memorial: 864.656.5896, www.clemson.edu/isupportcu, Jeannette Carr Memorial, Annual Giving Office, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631

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

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 Ridge Spring

Sunday, November 17, 2019

November 18, 2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Mayor Pat Asbill: FINALLY!!!! Construction will begin on the town parking lot on December 2nd. We have been a year getting to this point, but we will hopefully be finished with phase one by March 1st. We hope to move right from the parking lot, phase one, into phase two which will begin with the open air farmers' market. Phase two will include the market , a veterans' memorial, and a splash pad. The memorial and splash pad will be on hold until we find the money to construct them. We have sworn in two new council members, Qwen Etheridge and Patrick Arnold. They have already had two council meetings and are quickly learning what their positions will include. We welcome two new stores in town: Carolina Pickens , which is already open and the Blue Canoe, which will open in the old bank building very soon. We invite you to shop locally for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Check the town's Facebook page or website for plans for December 1st tree lighting. There are big plans about for our children on both Saturday and Sunday

On Sunday November 24th at 2:00 PM there will be an Old Time Revival sponsored by Helpful Hands Ministry. The Guest Pastor is Dr. James Abraham from Bethlehem B/C, Graniteville, SC. The revival will be held at 109 Pecan Grove Rd., Ridge Spring, SC. Dinner will be served.

Carolina Pikins has opened in Town. It is in the old Broadus Johnson and Son Variety store which is beside the 23 Mercantile Shoppe which is next to the post office. Dana Dawkins and Sylvia Gilbert run the shop and they are open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The shoppe's theme is Farm House Decor. Welcome to the community.

Friends of Ridge Spring sponsored a luncheon for the Ridge Spring residents who were 90 plus years old. Lunch was served at the Ridge Hill Baptist Church's Life Center. There were six who attended with their guests. E. Phillips Boatwright with his son Skeet Boatwright, Joe Cal Watson with his daughter Mary W. Edmonds, Grady Wise with daughter Sherlene Wise and granddaughter Patrice R. Wise, Pearl Holston with son Larry Holston, Louise Thrailkill with friend Denise Martin, and Betty Ann Cone with son Converse Cone. The preparers of the meal were Steve Thomas, Sherald Rodgers who provided fresh greens out of his garden, Effie Martin, Gerald Watson and me. Steve Thomas opened the doors and welcomed us to his Church and Life Center. Thank you. We also added up the years of the guests and it came to 559 years of living and thankful for the years.

Mt. Alpha celebrated the Veterans Day last Sunday, and I had the good fortune to take Joe Cal Watson to the event. Joe was the only World War II veteran, but there were many more. One from Korea and many from Vietnam. Even to the present times for one was on active duty. Two of the veterans were women. One veteran did serve his whole time in Hawaii but was glad to get home. Many served in combat and stated that you come back a different person. Yet all were patriotic in their memories, thoughts, and being thankful to be in our country. It was beautiful. Effie T.Martin sponsor the Veterans Day celebration at Mount Alpha Baptist on Sunday, November 10, 2019. The following veterans were given Get Away Travel Kits: 16 veterans from Mount Alpha; 2 Rock Hill; 1 Ridge Hill; 10 Pine Hill, 9 Reedy Branch; 3 Jerusalem, 1 Coleman Thankful; 1 Monetta Baptist, 8 Ridge Branch; 1 Calidonia; and 1 Mount Peasant and one from RS United Methodist Church.

Review from David Marshall James: "A Dangerous Man" by Robert Crais

Thrills abound, L.A.-GPSed, in Robert Crais's latest (of more than 20 books) novel, which begins innocently and simply enough.

Isabel Roland, 22, is still living in the Craftsman-style bungalow she grew up in, an only child in a for-all-appearances idyllic West Hollywood neighborhood filled with bicyclers, dog walkers, and strollers (baby to bigger). Sadly, she's already lost both parents but maintains pals-since-kids and their 'rents within walking distance of her child "hood."

However, Isabel's routinely familiar life takes a swerving hard turn when she's pushed into a car with two strangers, right out front of the bank where she works as a teller.

Luckily, Joe Pike (ripped, from his sleeveless sweatshirt to his abs)-- a bank customer whom Isabel rather fancies-- has just emerged from a transaction, and he witnesses Isabel's abduction.

With Pike-- a bad-A special military contractor, gun-shop owner, and semi-silent partner in a P.I. agency-- in pursuit, Isabel is soon standing on the pavement, wondering, "What the H just happened?"

But the opera is far from over for Isabel, as she's the beneficiary of some long-dormant secrets that have come to fruition like a Southern California citrus crop.

Fortunate for her that she has garnered a personal superhero in Pike, along with his not-so-silent P.I. agency partner, Elvis Cole.

Let's rock 'n' roll, Elvis Cole.

Isabel's secrets keep dropping like overripe oranges, wicked surprises ensuing. Crais juices up the action with snappy dialogue and off-the-beaten-track characters, tempering Pike's steeliness with an array of personalities bit-in-the-butt by lots of "that's life" living.

Nevertheless, it's nice to know that there are still knights in shining armor (make that bulletproof vests) to rescue damsels in distress. It's a plot that's been playing for centuries, however fictional.

Josie Rodgers:

I mentioned Alyssa Derrick’s equine accomplishments last week, but here are more specifics about her awards. Alyssa competed in the Lexington 4H All-Breed Horse Show and won several awareds: 1^st place in Ground Pole Over Fence, 2^nd place in Ground Poles Equitation, 1^st place in Ground Poles Under Saddle (Champion in this division!), 3^rd place in Walk Trot Pleasure, 3^rd place in Walk Trot Under Saddle (Reserve Champion in this division). We are so proud of this 8^th grader at RSM Mid, daughter of Russell & Amanda Derrick.

Amick Farms is holding a job fair Tues., Nov. 19, from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. General production positions are needed. For more info, contact the Human Resources office at 803-532-1400. Location is 2079 Batesburg Highway, Batesburg.

RSM Elem: The PTO is sponsoring a Holiday Craft Fair on Sat., Nov. 23, from 9 am to 2 pm at the school. You can rent a school table for $25 and display your crafts and goodies or rent a 10x10 space using your own table/canopy for $35. Indoor and outdoor spaces are available. You can shop from a variety of homemade baked and canned goods as well as handmade gifts and décor. Retail product vendors and local services will also be on hand. Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon. For more information, contact Katrina Rodgers at rsmpto422@gmail.com or Kristine Sasser at ksasser@acpsd.net.

RSM High: On Mon., Nov. 11, the school honored veterans from all branches with a special assembly. Students provided special music and introductions. Guest speaker Sergeant Joshua Cooner was on hand for the keynote. There was also a table set that honored those who died serving our country. Afterward, veterans enjoyed a delicious lunch spread provided by the school.

On Tues., Nov. 12, the Farmer and Agribusiness Association held its Nov meeting and featured a presentation from representatives of Mccormick’s John de la Howe’s new mission for the coming year. The school plans to become the first state-supported agricultural high school in the country. Students from all over SC will board at the school and be part of “a comprehensive curriculum based on agriculture.” RSM FFA members and parents were in attendance as were several F&AB members. John de la Howe – School for Agriculture is a “state-funded, public, residential high school focused on providing a unique and challenging agricultural education program. Students receive hands-on training in the fields of agriculture, agribusiness, forestry, land management, food science, and more—all aimed at assess the needs of modern farms.” This new program is limited to rising sophomores and juniors and will include day students as well as residential. For more info, contact JDH at 864/391-2131.

On Fri., Nov. 15, Ridge Spring Mayor Pat Asbill was our Principal for the Day. Asbill, a former English teacher at the school, visited classrooms and spoke with teacher and students about the improvements the school has made as well as the excitement surrounding the move into the new facility. Dr. Webb hosted lunch with the Mayor and the RSM High Principal’s Student Advisory Board, and the group discussed plans and ideas for improving the school even more.

Congratulations to the Trojans football team for a big victory over Whitmire in the second round of the playoffs. Despite the freezing temperatures and pouring rain, family and friends were out in force to support the Trojans and experience an incredible victory. Fans witnessed amazing performances by Collier Sullivan, Dantrell Weaver, Rem Leaphart, Bret Smith, Tray Dean, Nehemiah Brooks, Cameron Davis, Demerius Daniels, & Ant Nerulus. This week, the Trojans will travel to Blackville-Hilda for another round. Kick-off is 7:30.

It’s American Education Week, and the Beta Club and NEHS will honor all faculty and staff on Wed with a delicious breakfast.

RSM’s Farm to Table: Place your orders by Wed for produce on Friday! Contact Janice Douda or the school.

Harriet's Garden Tips: Bring in your rain gauge to avoid freeze damage. Drain and store water hoses to extend their lives. Protect your investment in garden tools. Clean them up and repair or replace broken ones. Plant lettuce and hardy vegetables such as beets, cabbage, and spinach in cold frames for winter or early spring crops. Harvest Kale by picking just a few leaves from teach plant; this will encourage continued production of new leaves.

REMINDERS

November 23: Pre-Thanksgiving Community Luncheon at Star Community Center

November 29: Black Friday Deals Shoppes of Ridge Spring

November 30: Small Business Saturday Visit the small shoppes of Ridge Spring

December 1: Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gazebo

Jeannette Carr Memorial: 864.656.5896, www.clemson.edu/isupportcu, Jeannette Carr Memorial, Annual Giving Office, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631

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

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 Ridge Spring

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 - 11:30pm

Monday, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Thursday November 14 from 6:00 to 9:00 Juniper Sets the Night on Fire. All proceeds go to help support our local Volunteer Fire Department. 803.685.7547. Reservations are requested.

The Holiday Season is here and we have our bells on. Ridge Spring Holiday Extravaganzas will start with the Shoppes of Ridge Spring Christmas Open House on November 16. Refreshments will be served, too. Then there will be Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. To top it off, there will be Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gazebo on December 1. Get ready.

On Sunday November 24th at 2:00 PM there will be an Old Time Revival sponsored by Helpful Hands Ministry. More about the event next week.

On a personal note, Mt. Alpha celebrated the Veterans Sunday and I had the good fortune to take Joe Cal Watson to the event. More about it next week.

ART ASSOCIATION OF RIDGE SPRING & GALLERY

Landscapes Near and Far: Gwen Power has brought to the gallery a new series of original watercolor paintings of landscapes. Twenty-five paintings from reference photographs by her sister portray scenes in Aiken and Saluda counties, North Carolina, Florida, Alaska, Canada, Costa Rica, and Greece. Come see how many of these places you can identify. These small, unframed paintings make affordable one-of-a-kind gifts and can be easily and cheaply shipped. Stop by the Art Center on Friday or Saturday and get a leg up on your holiday shopping.

Don’t forget our hours are Friday and Saturday 10-2pm. Check us out on our website https://ridgespringlovesart.weebly.com/ or Facebook at Art Association of Ridge Spring & Gallery.

23 Mercantile: There have been a few changes to our November workshop schedule! The workshop on Tues., Nov. 19, will be held at Farmhouse Market & Antiques at1610 West Main Street in Lexington instead of 23 Mercantile in Ridge Spring from 1:00-3:00 pm. Marian Warner, FrenchicⓇ stockist, carries the paint at the Lexington location as well. There have been many requests for paint workshops at Farmhouse Market & Antiques, so we hope this change in location will make it easier for some of you to attend.

November workshop dates and times are as follows: Tues., Nov. 12, 11-2 in Ridge Spring; Sun., Nov. 17, 2-4 in Ridge Spring; Tues., Nov. 19, 1-3 in Lexington at Farmhouse Market & Antiques; Sun., Nov. 24, from 2-4 in Ridge Spring.

Review from David Marshall James: "Nothing to See Here" by Kevin Wilson

What in freak's sake would you do if your twin 10-year-old's spontaneously combusted-- without injury to themselves, only to things close enough to burn?

Exploit them a la Dumbo, in the circus?

Lock them away from the World in an asbestos-padded fallout shelter?

Or be real zen about it all, a la Roseanne? "Bessie, grab the marshallow bag: I feel like some s'mores." Or perhaps, "Roland, hold out your hands, and let's make grilled cheese sandwiches."

If you're terribly rich and connected, dating far back, like Sen. Jasper Roberts (D-Tenn.), you might well look on your progeny as an awful inconvenience, destined for the full Rosemary Kennedy treatment. After all, if one aspires to be POTUS, one can't have the kiddies re-burning the White House like the British during the War of !812.

As the Baroness Schraeder gleefully espouses to Max Detweiler in "The Sound of Music" (1965): "Darling, haven't you ever heard of a delightful little thing called boarding school?"

Say, in the Andes.

Yet, Tennessee author Kevin Wilson sets his latest novel just a stone's throw from the Appalachians, and the story isn't as much about Sen. Roberts as it is about his re-starter wife, (the twins' Mom has checked out on pills; they've been staying, for a hefty fee, at her parents' secluded abode) Madison Billings Roberts, and her BFF, Lillian Breakers.

Nothing's traditional about Lillian's and Madison's relationship, dating back to another boarding school, for well-heeled (Manolo-ed in moolah) young ladies on a Tennessee mountaintop. The author, a professor of English at Sewanee, has experienced one or two of the latter in his lifetime.

And he keeps his quirky, often laugh-out-loud funny tale on bedrock, via expert characterization and dialogue, along with a flowing, seemingly effortless, style. Although this isn't the latest thriller, you may stay up all night and some hours afterward, eager to learn what the Fates hold in store for Miss Lillian, who becomes governess to twins Bessie and Roland.

No kidding when "The Sound of Music" was referenced a few paragraphs back.

When Lillian isn't putting out fires, literally and figuratively, she's getting her life together. Wilson embeds allegories great and small, as well as symbols and social commentary, into his story, but he doesn't bang you over the head with any of it.

You can just enjoy the novel and walk away from it. Or you may wish to linger on the mountaintop and give it s'more thought. After all, you are in the Smokies.

Josie Rodgers:

Congratulations once again to Alyssa Derrick and her equestrian skills! Alyssa and horse Sweet Skippin Tara competed in the 4H Horse Show and won 5 ribbons in the 6 events they entered. These awards an Overall Champion ribbon and Reserve Champion ribbon. Remember, Alyssa is quite new to the horse competition and is already dominating her events! Alyssa is the daughter of Russell and Amanda Derrick of Ridge Spring.

RSM Elem: Join us for Literacy Night “Get in the Game-READ” Thurs., Nov. 14, beginning at 5:30 pm. After signing in, head to classrooms at 5:45. K4 – 1^st grade will be in the library; 2^nd and 3^rd grade in Room D-15; 4^th and 5^th grade in Room D-8. At 6:45 closing, grab some snacks on your way out. A Volunteer Workshop will be held at 6 in Room D-5. If you would like to volunteer or go on a field trip with your child, you must attend a volunteer workshop; this is the last one for this semester. No more workshops will be held until after Jan. 14, 2020.

The PTO is sponsoring a Holiday Craft Fair on Sat., Nov. 23, from 9 am to 2 pm at the school. You can rent a school table for $25 and display your crafts and goodies or rent a 10x10 space using your own table/canopy for $35. Indoor and outdoor spaces are available. You can shop from a variety of homemade baked and canned goods as well as handmade gifts and décor. Retail product vendors and local services will also be on hand. Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon. For more information, contact Katrina Rodgers at rsmpto422@gmail.com or Kristine Sasser at ksasser@acpsd.net.

RSM High: Congratulations to the Trojan football team for defeating the Great Falls Red Devils in the first round of the state play-offs. The Trojans won a blowout 40-0. This week, the Trojans will travel to Whitmire to take on the Region Champion Wolverines.

Congratulations also to Collier Sullivan (RB) and Travionte Dean (DL) who will play in the 7^th annual Border Bowl on Jan. 11, 2020. The Border Bowl teams consist of the best senior players in SC and GA and is played at Laney Stadium. Other area players included on the SC roster are Jay Baker, Jequan Harris, Stanley Hill, Josh Pixley, Robert West, & Justin Williams (STHS); and Noah Bell & Dallan Wright (Saluda).

Last Thurs, USC-Aiken players brought a presentation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the Ridge. The student body enjoyed the play as the actors brought the action from the stage to the middle of the gym floor so that our students could see and hear better and get into the action. The actors were hilarious and quite talented and even stayed for a Q&A session with our students. Thanks to Ms. Kerry Jackson, our drama instructor, for bringing this event to our school.

RSM’s Farm to Table: Place your orders by Wed for produce on Friday! Contact Janice Douda or the school.

Harriet's Garden Tips: (Last Year's tip again)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 16: Shoppes of Ridge Spring Christmas Open House

November 29: Black Friday Deals Shoppes of Ridge Spring

November 30: Small Business Saturday Visit the small shoppes of Ridge Spring

December 1: Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gazebo

Jeannette Carr Memorial: 864.656.5896, www.clemson.edu/isupportcu, Jeannette Carr Memorial, Annual Giving Office, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631

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

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 Ridge Spring

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 - 11:30pm

Monday, November 4, 2019

November 4, 2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

We need to remember why November 11is called Veteran’s Day. It began with “The War to End All Wars” World War I. The powers to be decided that all guns would go quiet on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month to end The War. How were we to know that in less than 30 years there were would be another war known as World War II? So instead of being Armistice Day it became a day to honor all veterans of all services. The Town of Ridge Spring will the flags of each branch of the military around the gazebo and place flags on the lampposts. Those flags were purchased from the proceeds of the Ridge Spring Harvest Festival at the request of the American Legion Post 133. What a beautiful tribute to our veterans How fortunate we are to be here today to celebrate this day.

ART ASSOCIATION OF RIDGE SPRING & GALLERY

Christmas Tree/Gift Box Clay Class will be held Monday, November 11th at 6:30. Cost is$35.00 (All supplies included) Teacher: Kim Ruff

Contact joanne.crouch26@gmail.com to sign up or stop by the art center.

Don’t forget our hours are Friday and Saturday 10-2pm. Check us out on our website https://ridgespringlovesart.weebly.com/ or Facebook at Art Association of Ridge Spring & Gallery.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Welcome to November and wonderful to start off 1^st Sunday of the month with an inspiring message from Pastor Ashley. Always have something to ‘take away’. Plus we were able to share Communion. The Methodist Communion is open to everyone. You do not have to be a member of our Church or that matter any church. Communion is shared the 1^st Sunday of the month. Join us next month.

The Big Red Box (BRB) overflowed with items for Killingsworth. Pillows, cleaning supplies and paper products made their way on Tuesday. They were much appreciated. Thanks to everyone who helped.

Thanks to 1^st Sunday offering 12 gas cards (each card $20) were purchased and delivered to the Aiken Cancer Treatment Center. Hopefully this will help those who need treatment get to their appointments.

Look for us on Face Book. Service is at 11 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

Paula Bowers, The Ridge Clay Arts Studio & Gallery: On Friday, November 15th, we have our first "Date Night" called "Tapas, Cabernet & Clay"! We will have Ridge Spring's Juniper and Chef Brandon creating and serving delicious tapas paired with wine and guests will be able to create their own "Tapas Plates" from clay! This event is

is a reservations only activity. Please call us today for more information or to make your reservation! The Ridge Clay Arts, 402 Calhoun Street, Johnston. 803 334 7060. $60 per person, $120 per couple. Saturday, November 16th is our 2nd Annual Holiday Studio Crawl & Pottery Sale! Get a head start on your holiday shopping with our local potters! Four Pottery Studios and 10 Local Potters selling their beautiful pottery! For more information, call The Ridge Clay Arts 803 334 7060.

Review from David Marshall James: "Bloody Genius" by John Sandford

This mystery/police-procedural mainlining cop-with-the-soul-of-a-poet Virgil Flowers packs a lot of heat: Tabasco-saucy dialogue, fired-up action and plot; and plenty of friction jolting the characters.

Between Virgil (an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) and Sandford's other novel-series star character, Lucas Davenport (now a U.S. marshal), there are 41 volumes, counting this one.

Go figure, then, that Sandford ought to have this genre down to a science-- and an art-- and he most certainly does here, with much of the story weaving in and out of the University of Minnesota and its neighborhoods.

That includes the murder that pulls Virgil out of the boonies (on girlfriend Frankie's farm) and up north to The Cities. The felling occurs at the main library of the U, where M.D. and professor of neuroscience Barthelemy Quill (Sandford seems to be inspired by Melville and Dickens with the appellation) is smashed on the noggin with his bells-and-whistles laptop.

It's a testimony to the layering quality of Sandford's writing that more than a few paragraphs could be expended on the symbolism of that foul deed.

Not to disparage the safety of campus libraries, though. The prof has sneaked in after hours, up to some serious hanky-panky at his swanky study carrel.

The Minneapolis P.D.-- in the person of Detective Margaret Trane-- can't pin the murder on any obvious suspect; hence, the summoning of Virgil, who's an unlikely favorite of the governor. It takes awhile for Trane, prickly-heated over having her turf co-opted, and Flowers (who basically just wants to do a good job and then hightail it back to the countryside) to warm up to one another, adding further pepper to the plot.

Virgil's interactions with other cops; with suspects, including all sorts of academic figures, from students to teachers to staffers; and with "just plain folks" whom he runs across in burger joints and gravy-drenching cafes, run rollickingly along.

Sandford doesn't hesitate to land a raunchy punch, generally for the sake of humor, generously spread throughout the proceedings. There are many nice character touches, including an older gentleman who likes his beer, whom Flowers engages at his hotel bar.

This ruddy-cheeked pilsner-osopher has his finger on the pulse of getting to the heart of a crime. That would be Virgil Flowers' forte as well.

Josie Rodgers:

RSM High: The community is invited to our Veterans Day program on Mon, Nov. 11, at 10:30 am in the gym. We will honor all who have served our country in every branch of the military. All branches will also be on campus to answer questions and mingle with the community.

The Trojan football team RSM hosted HKT for the Battle of the Trojans last Friday. The true Trojans of RSM slaughtered HKT 54-6. It was also a night to honor seniors Cameron Davis, Avante Dobey, Travionte Dean, Jakobe Erving, Daniel Harris, Keflin Jones, Kenyon Ligons, Antorion Nerulus, Colbi Sullivan, Collier Sullivan, Michael Summer (football); Nancy Lopez (cheer); Michael Cumbee, Kandon Hastings, Joanna Kaiser, Christian Key, Makayla Lee, Courtney Maguire, Lacy Pou, Zack Truesdale, Symia Wilson (band).

This week, the Trojans will host Great Falls in the first round of the play-offs. Kick-off is 7:30.

Congratulations to the Lady Trojans volleyball team who traveled to Spartanburg on Oct. 30 for the 3^rd round of the play-offs. They played High Point Academy but were ousted out of the playoffs. They finished the season 12-2 in the region and 16-4 overall. Amazing! We are extremely proud of our Lady Trojans and Coach Johnson for their amazing season!

Coach Gail Johnson was also named the October Teacher of the Month! Coach Johnson teaches math and coaches volleyball and girls basketball.

The Trojan Champs sponsored a pumpkin painting party for their buddies on Halloween. Everyone had fun decorating pumpkins and sampling lots of pumpkin-based foods.

Last Friday, Aiken County’s CATE programs set up presentations in the media center so that freshmen and sophomores could learn all about what the county offers. Programs included those at the schools as well as those at the Career Center. The students took home info to share with their parents in order to plan their schedules for their last few years of high school.

Also last Friday, principal Dr. Webb treated the student body to ice cream and a dance party in the gym for their great start to a new school year. Dr. Webb has been pleased with the students’ buy-in to the ILT (independent learning time) programs and discipline policies. The students enjoyed the ice cream and toppings and had a great time dancing and socializing before lunch time. Dr. Webb’s next plan is to recognize those with high grades, those nominated by teachers (TopTrojans), and those with perfect attendance.

RSM High has teamed up with PalmettoPride, anti-litter and beautification organization, to help turn our high school campus into a litter-free zone. On Fri., Nov. 8, fans representing both schools will be challenged to keep the stands litter free. Students will hand out personal-size litter bags to each fan entering the stadium to use for disposing their trash as an effort to prevent the stadium from being trashed by bottles, wrappers, and other concession items. All fans are challenged to keep our stadium clean!

RSM’s Farm to Table: Place your orders by Wed for produce on Friday! Contact Janice Douda or the school.

Harriet's Garden Tips(2017): I forgot to do a tip last week. As Gomer Pyle would say, "Surprise, Surprise, Surprise" to me. I guess that gives you an idea of my age. I am enjoying the cooler weather. I can get out there and dig up some of those weeds that are small trees. Get them before they get too big. I have noticed that Redbud trees seem to be producing a lot of offspring. Camellias produce seed, too. Aunt Adeline said they are good only for grafting for they do not produce a true copy of the camellia. The blooms may be the same color but do not open up fully. Grafting is a good technique to learn if you are interested in getting quicker blooming camellias. Otherwise root them and they will bloom in about four or five years. I have been doing these tips for two years. I sure must love gardening.

REMINDERS

November 16: Shoppes of Ridge Spring Christmas Open House

November 29: Black Friday Deals Shoppes of Ridge Spring

November 30: Small Business Saturday Visit the small shoppes of Ridge Spring

December 1: Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gazebo

Jeannette Carr Memorial: 864.656.5896, www.clemson.edu/isupportcu, Jeannette Carr Memorial, Annual Giving Office, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631

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

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 Ridge Spring

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 - 11:30pm