March 27, 2017

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Juniper is excited to announce that we have been invited to cook at the distinguished James Beard House in NYC! Our dinner is scheduled for June 20, 2017 we will share our journey in preparing for this event on our Facebook page and on Instagram #JamesBeardBound. This is an incredible opportunity and honor for us and we cannot wait; for more information on James Beard and his incredible contribution to the culinary world check them out at jamesbeard.org  Juniper's Easter Sunday Brunch is April 16th 11-2pm make your reservations today!! Brandon Velie  was the chef on WLTX-TV showed how to fix salad which included the greens from the tops of beets and spring chicken served over grits.  Local vegetables included were asparagus, beets, strawberries, and then local Adluh grits.

TRENTON, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The head of a large peach farm in Edgefield County says he will need nearly 500 fewer workers this year after last week's hard freeze destroyed 85 percent of his crop. Titan Farms is responsible for 50 percent of the peach crop in South Carolina, which took a big hit. On a good year, Titan Farms' CEO, Chalmers Carr, says workers box up and ship out two million boxes of peaches. This year, he's expecting that number to be around 200,000 late in the season. The state is the second largest producer of peaches in the United States only behind California. But that loss is hitting some of the region's smaller communities that depend on the fruit to bring in business.

Monday, March 20, 2017 RIDGE SPRING, S.C., (WRDW/WAGT) -- Peach farms in Ridge Spring produce more than 1,500 jobs, but his year there is no need for that many workers. Chalmers Carr, CEO of Titan Farms, says he's already sent home a few hundred workers.

"We've actually have to send home workers and we won't have nearly the amount of workers we had. Last year we had 640 employees, this year we're looking at about 150" said Carr.

Thursday's freeze killed 85% of Titan Farms' crop. On a good year, the farm ships 2 million peaches, this year, hopefully 200 thousand.

"Right now we have no peaches in April, May, or June, and what few peaches we do have will be in July or August" said Carr. Carr says this is a very tough hit because his farm produces 50% of the state's locally grown peaches. This means stores in the area will have to find their peaches elsewhere.

"They're not going to have these peaches at least early in the season and quite possibly not at all because whether we have enough to ship or not is still being determined" said Carr.

"Unfortunately the consumer is going to be looking for west coast product, which we don't think is nearly as good."

South Carolina is the second leading producer of peaches in the U.S. The crop brings in about $3 million dollars per year for the state, but this year will be significantly less. Carr says he hasn't seen anything like this since 2007.

Sometimes one is just fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.  My husband Bob and I joined John Faye Berry and grandson Alex  for a super lunch at Juniper Restaurant right there in Ridge Spring.  Alex is attending Clemson and Bob and I both finished there. When we asked John Faye about his connection with Clemson, he began telling us the story of his trip to Clemson when he was a junior at Ridge Spring High School.  Tom Wright was the Ag teacher and also helped with the FFA, Future Farmers of America organization.  He took John Faye to the Clemson  College Farm and Home Week.  There he competed for a calf.  Understand this was to be done on the football field now known as Death Valley.  The competition was that there would be 10 calves weighing between 300 and 450 pounds turned loose and fifty boys would line up at the other end of the field to catch them, put a halter on their calf and take it to the judging table.  All calves had been caught but the last one.  That last one was charging to get away and John Faye was going to get him and he did. He wrestled him down.  He got that calf down on the ground and then realized that halter was over a ways from where he and the calf were.  He asked Tom Wright to get it for him but the rules did not allow that and Tom Wright told him "NO", it was up to him.  After the calf and he rested a minute, he did drag this 400 lb. calf over to where his halter was, got it on  him, and then dragged the calf and himself over to the table.  He got the calf.  He took it home, cared for it and the calf became a pet to him.  When his father Raymond Berry wanted to sell it, John just couldn't , but his father agreed to pay John for it.  That is when John Faye agreed to let the calf go. 

Barbara Yon recently received "Honorable Mention" for "Summertime Blues" at the North Augusta Spring Fest March, 2017.

Sorry for the error about Easter and not Eastern: Rod Lewis, Hollywood Baptist and Director of Missions for Ridge Baptist Association: April 17 will be the Spring Fest at Saluda Park with Easter egg hunt, and the inflatables, games, egg dying , food, 10:00 AM until noon.

AARS Art Center of  Ridge Spring: We are currently looking for students  for the Monsters to Dinosaurs Hand building Pottery workshop on June 12th-16th from 9-12.  The week of instruction will be taught by Kim Ruff.  Cost is $100 for the week-$80 for the second child from the same family. Reserve spots at the Art Center on Fridays or Saturdays from 10-4.  You may also contact Kim Ruff by email- makerart@aol.com.  Check out the work of local artisans for that unique gift for someone special or for yourself.

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: During the month of March the Big Red Box will be accepting donations of non perishable food items. Juice boxes, micro wave meals, crackers are just a few of the items that can be used for the Back Pack Ministry. Please help to make sure members of our community have something to eat over the weekend. Items may be left on the porch of the Family Life Center and a church member will make sure to place them in the BRB. RSUMC wants to thank the Ridge Spring community for its continuing support of its outreach efforts. We are all in this together. The free series on the Book of Revelations is at 6:30 every Tuesday at the Family Life Center. Do not need to register. Church is every Sunday at 11 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

Carmen Holley, M. ED, Fine Arts Teacher, Ridge Spring- Monetta High School: Mrs. Holley and Ms. Riley's Digital Media Arts class visited SCETV, South Carolina's Public Broadcasting, Storytelling and Education Network, in Columbia South Carolina Friday, March 17th. The mission of the company is to share the history and culture of various institutions and people of South Carolina.  Students visited Master Control, where shows are either shared with ETV or by ETV to other stations.  They learned that digital sound effects are actually better inserted into videos after they are made, rather than sound being included with video. Ms. Desiree Cheeks, Graphic Artist for SCETV, showed students many different studios; a music studio, a radio studio where the walls were either acute or obtuse, but not right angles for optimal sound quality.  Students visited studios with different types of lighting, one with 1500 pound doors to ensure sound tightness.  Ms. Cheeks answered many questions about the broadcasting, communication, and arts industries and sent students away with a thought, "Everyone wants to be in front of the camera but consider a career in broadcasting, communication or graphic arts because there are many more opportunities behind the camera."

Rene Miller RSM Elementary School

Pageant Winners Congratulations to all our RSM all natural Pageant winners. They were as follows: Wee Miss: 2nd Runner Up, Sophia Ildefonso; 1st Runner Up, Madison Simpkins; Winner, Harmony Whittle. Little Miss : 2nd Runner Up, Zoe Ford; 1st Runner Up, Jamiyah Williams; Winner, Gracie Temples. Pre-Teen: 2nd Runner Up, Natalie Mitchum; 1st Runner Up, Gracelyn Padgett; Winner, Kaileigh Smith. Wee Master: 2nd Runner Up, Kedron Abraham; 1st Runner Up, Marcellus Wideman; Winner, Aaden McCormick. Little Master: 1st Runner Up, TaShaun Myers; Winner,Ty’Zai Smith. Pre-Teen Master: Winner, Jarvis Bush.

4K Circus Canceled The 4K Circus that was originally scheduled for this Friday, March 24 was canceled. It will be rescheduled at a later date, after Spring break. We will keep you posted.

RSM Musical: RSM Elementary will present Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Junior at 8:30 am in the gym on Friday, March 31. Students may wear regular school clothes for this production.

Josie Rodgers

Basketball is not my favorite sport, but it has been exciting to watch Gamecock Men’s and Women’s basketball as they move through the NCAA Tournament, showing the nation what Carolina is made of.  Everyone is so proud of these teams!  I know that my dad (Jim) is watching from above.  He loved every Gamecock sport and knew all the details about every player and coach.

RSM High:  Alfredo Cabana Mendez was selected as a Delegate representing the State of South Carolina at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. He was recognized because of his outstanding grades, his leadership potential, and his desire to contribute to the field of science and technology.

The Interact Club will host a pancake dinner Thurs., April 20, from 6 pm – 8 pm in the high school cafeteria.  Dinner will include 3 pancakes, 2 sausages, and orange juice for $5.  The money will be used by students to implement projects in the community.

Review from David Marshall James:  “In Such Good Company” by Carol Burnett

 Bump up the lights, because Carol Burnett is ready to answer your questions about making her CBS variety show, all 276 episodes, from 1967 to 1978.

   In addition to regulars Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner (early on), and Tim Conway (later on), Burnett recalls the incredible talents who guest-starred or made appearances during the show's run:  

   Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, Bob Hope, Martha Raye, Mickey Rooney, Jimmy Stewart, Gloria Swanson, and Lana Turner.

   Also, future Oscar winners Liza Minnelli and Shirley MacLaine.  Future Broadway superstar Bernadette Peters was a frequent guest.  Then there were comedy legends Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, and Jonathan Winters.

   Among the musical guests were Ray Charles, Petula Clark, Sammy Davis, Jr., Cass Elliot, and the Jackson Five (multiple times, including during an earthquake).

   Plus, together and separately on many occasions, Steve & Eydie.  That's Lawrence and Gorme to you Millennials.  The late, great belter Eydie Gorme is being increasingly rediscovered.  Go to Youtube to witness her performances of "What Did I Have?" and "What I Did for Love," both from the Burnett show.

   In addition to recalling such personages, Burnett details the "minimusicals" and movie parodies for which the show was famous.  And infamous:  Rock Hudson loved the spoof of "Pillow Talk" and later guest-starred.  Doris Day was less than enthused, and she never appeared.

   Joan Crawford enjoyed the send-up of "Mildred Pierce" but didn't go for the one of "Torch Song."  

   Behind-the-scenes celebs included designer Bob Mackie, who costumed each and every episode.

   Burnett also discusses the recurring sketch characters, the most popular of which were Ed & Eunice, plus Mother Harper, who were featured more than 30 times, and then later in spinoffs and specials.  

   San Antonio native Burnett writes that she automatically read the character of Eunice with a Texas twang, although their region of origin wasn't specified by the writers.

   Incidentally, Cary Grant cornered Burnett at a party and proceeded to tell her that he hated the sketches with "those horrible people."  

   At least he watched the show-- in such good company.

REMINDERS

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

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

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

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

Third Thursday of the Month: FORS at Library at 5:00

March 20, 2017

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

The concern we all feel about the farmers and the peaches is palpable. It was below 32 degrees for three days.  So much of our economy in Ridge Spring is agriculture oriented.  I am afraid we will really feel the impact this summer.  BUT we will survive!!!!

I hope we are through with the mix-up weather.  My tomato plants have their true leaves on them so I can transplant and fertilize.  Are you planning your garden?  Remember Ridge Spring has a Farmers' Market on Saturdays in the summer months.  Bring your excess produce and sell it.  You can also buy really fresh produce, backed goods, plants, and more.  Peach Tree 23 is the first Saturday in June and then the Farmers' Market begins to next Saturday.

The Ridge Spring Harvest Festival date has been set and it will be October 12-14.  It will be on the same weekend that it was this past year. Patrick Arnold, with the support of the committee, was able to get on the South Carolina BBQ Circuit .

 The art exhibit by "The Five" now hanging at Aiken Center for the Arts, which includes new works by Judy Adamick and Anne Rauton Smith, will remain until March 25th.  The Center is located downtown Aiken at 122 Laurens Street SW and is 0pen Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This Saturday March 25th at 6:00 pm, Boy Scout troop 555 is having a flag ceremony to retire 30 flags. The ceremony will be held at the Ridge Spring Fire Dept. Jamie Berry is the Scout master.

Michel Crim: For March the Ridge Spring-Monetta Young Farmer meeting  was hosted by Yon Family Farms, a Jewel on The Ridge. A short tour and a hay ride, highlighted the day to day operations of a South Carolina Cattle Ranch.

Rod Lewis, Hollywood Baptist and Director of Missions for Ridge Baptist Association: April 17 will be the Spring Fest at Saluda Park with eastern egg hunt, and the inflatables, games, egg dying , food, 10:00 AM until noon.

Rene Miller RSM Elementary

4 Registration: 4-K registration for the 2017-2018 school year started on March 6 and will end on April 28. Parents must bring the following items for children to be considered for the program: -Official (long-form) birth certificate (shortform will not be accepted.) -Updated immunization record -2 proofs of address (electric bill, water bill, mortgage/rental agreement) -Either the child's Medicaid card OR a W2 form and pay-stub (if child does not have Medicaid) -Parent ID

Special Guest: 4K and 5K kindergarten classes enjoyed a visit from Ms. Mary and Ms. Nancy from Beulah UMC in Gilbert. They shared several stories and presented each student with a book of their own. We would like to say a special thank you to them for their visit.

Middle School Blitz Aiken County Public School District will be hosted a Middle School Open House Blitz on Thursday, March 9. This was for parents and students in grades 5-8 so they could learn what our schools have to offer for the 2017- 2018 school year. It was hosted on the campus of the following schools: Aiken Middle, Kennedy Middle, Schofield Middle, North Augusta Middle, Paul Knox Middle, Langley-BathClearwater Middle, Leavelle McCampbell Middle, A.L. Corbett Middle, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle, Jackson Middle, and New Ellenton Middle

Thank You! RSM Media Center would like to say a BIG thank you to the Woman’s Study Club of Ridge Spring for their generous donation of $2000. Special thanks to Mrs. Alma Holston and Mrs. Faye Powell who presented Mrs. Miller with the check.

Josie Rodgers

RSM High:  Eleven members of the National English Honor Society took time from their lunch break and went to RSM Elem to read to various classes.  On the bus ride over, the students were fairly quiet, unsure of stepping into classrooms to read to younger students.   After they returned from the classes, they were smiling, excited, and chatting about their time with the children!  It was refreshing to see them so excited about spending time with these younger ones.  When we arrived back at RSM High, Mr. Blankenship had provided pizza, drinks, and snack cakes for the group.   Many thanks to the following for making this happen for our club:  Rene Miller, Angela Rodgers, Kyle Blankenship, Paul Widener, and Mr. Harley. 

The Interact Club will host a pancake dinner Thurs., April 20, from 6 pm – 8 pm in the high school cafeteria.  Dinner will include 3 pancakes, 2 sausages, and orange juice for $5.  The money will be used by students to implement projects in the community.

The FFA hosted a meeting for the USDA on Tues., Mar. 21.  The program presented by the USDA focused on production agriculture as a profession, “Farming is a Risk Business.”

REMINDERS

April 17: Spring Fest at Saluda Park

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

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

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

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

Third Thursday of the Month: FORS at Library at 5:00

March 13, 2017

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

What about that snow???  I saw puddles with pine pollen on the edges and then snow surrounding the puddles.  Is that a juxtaposition or something like that?  Maybe just ironic is the point.  AND then there is the temperature...The flowers are in spring mode with the blooming and new growth appearing.  Agriculture is our major industry for our region. Somehow I hope and pray that all will be well for us all. 

Have you  noticed the renewed purple martin houses near the Gazebo?  The pipe was already there.  Henry Salter had fixed an old metal wagon wheel so that it had three layers of hooks. Mike Cook and Bryan Taylor got the wheel down.  O. T. Price went to at least three stores to get plastic gourds, painted them red, white, and blue and repainted the wheel. When it was ready to be put back up, Mike and Bryan with the help of  SCE&G and their bucket truck got it up there. That pole was really high.  Hope the purple Martins will enjoy all the mosquitoes we will have this year with the warm winter we have had.  This week is going to be rough on our farmers and the peaches.  Even the strawberries may be hurt with the drop in temperatures.

Harriet's Garden will reopen March 16th which is this week.  I have started eight varieties of tomatoes and they will be for sale at the shop when the WEATHER is warm enough, say around May.  Two are heirloom and 6 are not.  They are whopper, better boy, celebrity, chef orange, sweet million, chocolate cherry,  Cherokee purple, and Mr. Stripey.  I did not plant any patio tomatoes for they did not sell last year.

Off the Beaten Path: Have you gotten your green for this Friday?  Stop in to see us at Off the Beaten Path on Main St. in Ridge Spring and let us help you get prepared for St. Patrick's Day.  We have clothing, jewelry and even green soaps and lotions.  You can get your things personalized with a monogram or name.  Some things are done right in the store. We are also excited to welcome new artists to the store.  Ridge Spring's own Robin Moore has incredible pictures you have to come see.  We look forward to serving you for all your needs!  We are open Mon-Tues. 11-3 PM, Thurs.-Sat. 10-5 PM.

The Gables Inn and Gardens has some open dates available for a summer slip away time. Plan your anniversary, birthday or just a quiet weekend away. Special package activities are available for things to do on the area. Call us now to schedule your time away! 803-685-0099

Juniper Restaurant will have an Easter Brunch on April 16th. 

The Ridge Spring Harvest Festival met Tuesday night.  New faces were there as well as those who  have been there, too.  The plans for next year's Festival are under way.  We are trying to bring back fireworks and other successful venues.  Of course there will be Bingo on Thursday night.  Country Store, cake, pie  contest with an addition of a class of cupcakes, games, entertainment, parade, and much more.  We are all very thankful that Ann Marie Taylor agreed to continue as chairman with Patrick Arnold as co-chairman.  Without their leadership where would we be? The committee wants to get on the BBQ Circuit and we may need to change the date but not the month. 

The Art Center of Ridge Spring is sprucing up.  Artists are re-arranging work, adding new pieces of work and adding new classes.  We are open from 10-4 on Fridays and Saturdays.

What:  Superheroes to Dinosaurs Pottery Week; Instructor-Kim Ruff; Where:  Art Center of Ridge Spring; When:  June 12-16   9-12; Ages:  1st-6th grade; Costs:  $100 for the 1st child/ $80 for the second child!!!   Small snack served each day.  

Contact Joanne Crouch by email.  Contact Joanne.crouch26@gmail.com or Kim Ruff  at makerart@aol.com to reserve spot.  Tuition must be paid in full by June 1st.  Limited spots available.  Tuition may be paid at the Art Center of Ridge Spring  on Fridays or Saturdays from 10-4.  

This will be hand-building class.  Quilting with a frame with Ann Forrest Watkins

Monday, March 13 6:30-9:00 with a $50.00 fee.  Contact Ann Watkins at helpinghearts4u@yahoo.com.  Everything supplied unless you have a favorite thimble, etc that you would like to bring.

Rod Lewis, Hollywood Baptist and Director of Missions for Ridge Baptist Association: April 17 will be the Spring Fest at Saluda Park with eastern egg hunt, inflatables, games, egg dying , food, 10:00 AM until noon.

Mt. Alpha Baptist Church, in Ward, S.C., celebrated its annual Black History Program, Sunday, February 26, 2017.  The theme was “Pursuing Your Goal”. The first part of the program dramatized the story of Rosa Parks played by Chloe Hammond, Joseph Butler as Dr. Martin L. King, other church members played the role as protesters, and young children carried signs and singing, “I won’t Let Nothing Turn Me Around”.  Luella Minick narrated the Rosa Parks’ story. Earl T. Bryant III played the role of former President Barack Obama and cited a portion of his 2009 Inaugural address. Angie Hammond portrayed Mahalia Jackson, “The Queen of Gospel, by sharing “tidbits” of Mahalia’s life and singing portions of her songs.  Bronda Davis shared her poem entitled, “The Giver”

Two motivational speakers shared their stories as “Overcomers” who fought the odds, never gave up and became successful career women.  Joyce Davis is now a Licensed Registered Nurse working as a Nurse Administrator/Manager 1-RN in the Columbia Area Mental Health Emergency Service Unit.  Robin Mitchell is a Licensed Nurse Practitioner and employed at the Aiken Regional Hospital, Aiken S.C. The two ladies told  the youth to “pursue your dream, work hard, don’t give up, pray and talk to God regularly and don’t let life’s challenges stop you from becoming successful”. Be an "Overcomer”!  Rev. Griffin, the pastor, shared his spiritual message and encouraged the youth to “stay focused, keep God in your life, pray, keep the faith  and ask God for guidance”. If youth leaders are interested in inviting these two ladies to challenge your youth as a motivational speaker, you make contact Sadie L. Davis at (803) 685-7938.

Josie Rodgers

RSM High:  The Miss Odyssey Pageant was last Saturday.  Young ladies in grades 6-12 competed for various titles in the “Happily Ever After” themed show.  Emcees were Miss Odyssey 2016 McKenna Palmer, Junior Miss Odyssey Jordan Stone, and reigning Mr. RSM Jason Rodgers.  Winners were as follows:  People’s Choice Award ($1 votes), Rachel Burger; Miss 6^th Grade, Trinity LaBrew;   Miss 7^th Grade, Hannah Tindal; Miss 8^th Grade, Titianna Morris; Miss Scholastic ($250 scholarship), Alicia Key; Miss All-Around ($250 scholarship), Rachel Burger; Miss Freshman, Akira Bell-Weathers; Miss Junior, Rachel Burger; Miss Senior, Alicia Key; Miss Odyssey, Alexia Smith.  Entertainment was provided by Jordan Stone (dance) and David Sowell (vocal). 

RSM Elem (Rene Miller):  4-K registration for the 2017-2018 school year ends April 28. Parents must bring the following items for children to be considered for the program: Official (long-form) birth certificate (short form will not be accepted), updated immunization record, 2 proofs of address (electric bill, water bill, mortgage/rental agreement), either the child's Medicaid card OR a W2 form and pay-stub (if child does not have Medicaid), parent ID.  For more info, please ask for Mrs. Abellan or Mrs. Mims-Herrera.

The RS-M Elem Natural Pageant will be held March 16 @ 6:30pm.  Registration fee of $20 & application fee are due by March 3. The pageant is open to girls & boys in Miss and Master categories.  Admission to pageant is $5.  See Mrs. Cockrell for more info.

Rene Miller, RSM Elementary

Day of Caring: Fostering kindness in our school community is what we strive to do daily. We would like to thank the following who showed acts of kindness on our recent Day of Caring: Stella and Dane's father, Mr. Edwards and their brother, Lincoln; Emma and Gavin's father, Mr. Fulmer; Kamiyan's father, Mr. Jerry; Hailey and Lacey's mother, Ms. Rodgers; Jamiyah's father, Mr. Williams; and Ms. Mims-Herrera, RSME Parent Involvement Assistant. We would also like to thank the following businesses for donating materials to our school: Price's Metal Shop of Ridge Spring; Sherwin Williams' Paint Shop of Aiken; Amick's Farms of Batesburg .

 Author visits: RSM enjoyed a visit from Author Ronda Friend. She shared with us some of her real life stories from her childhood and how she has written these stories in her books. Her books all stress good character. Students and teachers were involved in her presentation by singing songs and learning a song in sign language.

Tickets are still available for the BBQ Benefit for Joey Fox – Saturday, March 18   - 4 – 7 pm The Lutheran Men in Mission at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church are sponsoring this benefit for Joey, a member of our church, who has leukemia. Tickets can be purchased from: Church Office (685-7523) Monday thru Wednesday 9:30 am – 2:30 pm; Maxwell & Halford Drug Store-Johnston; Larry Hatcher (275-4839); Eric Carlson (275-3140); and Joe Derrick (803-480-0067). Anyone who would like to make a donation can sent it to Mt. Calvary to the attention of LMM. Checks should be payable to Mt. Calvary LMM. The benefit will be held in Mt. Calvary’s Fellowship Building. The church is located at 1186 Mt. Calvary Road, Johnston 29832.

Review from David Marshall James:  "Bette & Joan:  The Divine Feud" by Shaun Considine

   Granted, this title is vintage (originally published in 1989), but it remains a first-rate read, a most-worthwhile companion to the "Feud:  Bette and Joan" series that commenced Sunday, March 5^th, on the FX cable channel.

   Bette and Joan would be the Misses Davis and Crawford, respectively, whilst the feud in question would pertain to old grievances building up to their 1962 costarring venture, "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?," a quickly filmed grotesquerie that just as quickly became a camp classic, complete with Rodent a la Baby Jane for luncheon, accompanied by the line, "Blanche, there are rats in the cellar!"

   When asked to finance the picture for a mere $1 million, Warner Bros. chief Jack Warner-- for whose studio the actresses' films had made untold millions-- responded, "I wouldn't give one dime for those two washed-up old b-----s."

   The picture went on to gross more than eleven times its production costs, yet  Warner still made money, because he had a distribution deal.

   Kept waiting to hear that quote in the premier episode of "The Feud," particularly in the applicable scene with Warner and "Baby Jane" director Bob Aldrich, but alas.

   In spite of such omissions and some fact-fudging (fake facts?), the premier proved a mucho-delicioso glam-fest laced with its own camp ("It's an honor just to prune Miss Crawford's bush"), along with a surprisingly toned-down performance from Miss Davis's popeyed sister-in-cinema, Susan Sarandon.

   Nevertheless, the show belonged to Jessica Lange, who looked fab in some mighty fine glad rags, which she didn't just wear-- she owned them.  Jessica/Joan's home lived up to her wardrobe, and the atmospheric, deeply lit sets fit the bill, as if the entire proceedings were filmed in 1940s tri-packTechnicolor.

   Not even Kathy Bates as Joan Blondell nor Judy Davis (still looking like Judy Garland, whom she portrayed in "Me and My Shadows") as Hedda Hopper could upstage the stars.  Was surprised to see bright-blue-eyed Mark Valley as the dark-eyed, heavily browed actor Gary Merrill, Davis's final husband, but he was kept dimly lit.

   Considine's book will set you straight.  For instance, Miss Davis DID send a congratulatory telegram to Miss Crawford upon her Best Actress Oscar win for "Mildred Pierce" (1945).  Terse, but congratulatory.

   However, the real reasons to watch "The Feud" are:  The Leading Ladies, as well as the depiction of a Hollywood glamour in its twilight during the early 1960s.  Like Bette and Joan, it was really something during its heyday.

REMINDERS

March 18 BBQ Benefit for Joey Fox at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

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

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

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

Third Thursday of the Month: FORS at Library at 5:00

March 6, 2017

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Harvest Festival plans are in the air.  Will report next week about the meeting on Tuesday March 7 at the Ridge spring library at 7:00 PM.

Benefit for Ricky Rodgers- March 11 4:00 to 7:00PM RS Civic Center:

The benefit will be selling Chipped BBQ plates including: cole slaw, baked beans, bread, and tea.  The plates are $10 each and are to be purchased in advance to allow us a head count. We are also raffling off a Yeti Cooler. Raffle tickets are $5 each. The drawing will be held at the benefit. You do not have to be present to win.

All proceeds go to the Cancer Fund for Ricky Rodgers. An account has been opened at First Citizens Bank for anyone wanting to make a donation, or you can contact one of the below coordinators. Donations, Ticket Purchases or Questions contact:

Joe Rodgers-864-992-2257; Phyllis Shealy-803-369-4553;Joni Pope- 803-687-4006; or

Jenifer Gentry- 864-323-4140

Tickets are still available for the BBQ Benefit for Joey Fox – Saturday, March 18   - 4 – 7 pm The Lutheran Men in Mission at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church are sponsoring this benefit for Joey, a member of our church, who has leukemia. He is currently awaiting a bone marrow transplant.  Tickets are $10/plate (pulled pork, slaw, baked beans, bread) – eat in or take out. In addition to dinner, we will have a Bake Sale with lots of homemade goodies and a Silent Auction. A number of items will be up for auction including a condo for a week at Fripp Island, gift certificates, basket of “Southern Things”, artwork…. Tickets can be purchased from: Church Office (685-7523) Monday thru Wednesday 9:30 am – 2:30 pm; Maxwell & Halford Drug Store-Johnston; Larry Hatcher (275-4839); Eric Carlson (275-3140); and Joe Derrick (803-480-0067).

Anyone who would like to make a donation can sent it to Mt. Calvary to the attention of LMM. Checks should be payable to Mt. Calvary LMM. The benefit will be held in Mt. Calvary’s Fellowship Building. The church is located at 1186 Mt. Calvary Road, Johnston.

Harriet's Garden will be opening soon.  Get ready for beautiful plants to start showing up.  Have you noticed the tulips popping up.  I do love my surprise pots.  Next year, try planting bulbs in th lower part of your planter and then plant your winter bedding plants on top.  I select tulips because I find them striking and then I can toss them into the compost pile for they never seem to be as beautiful as they were the first time they bloom.  I also know there are those who disagree with me.  While I am on gardening, don't forget to deadhead bulbs, fertilize bulbs after they bloom, and mark any that you want to move so you can find them when the leaves are dead.  I have tried to mark the spot with white golf tees but that did not work.  The tees disappeared.

This year has been a bumper crop for pecans.  (I hope it will be the same for peaches.) A friend said they had collected 600 pounds under their three trees in their back yard.  Even I got at least 200 pounds from the two pecan trees at the shop.  I am still finding them in my flower beds.  The squirrels have planted quite a few, too.  They like to plant them in flower pots because the soil is nice and loose. I found a pecan buried in 6 pots that were in a tray of 8 pots.  How did they miss the two pots that had no pecans?

RIDGE SPRING UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Big Red Box is FULL of soup and the final count is 119 with a slight edge to the Falcons. Thanks to those in the community who left soup on the porch of the FLC. These have been counted and along with the others will be delivered to local food banks. Thanks members and community for your help.

Beginning on March 21, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center, Pastor Miriam Hadden will conduct a series on the Book of Revelations. All are welcome to participate. This is a free series and no reservation necessary

Monetta Asparagus Farm:  We are the fourth generation family farmers of asparagus run by the Andrew Fallaw family.  Our asparagus roots go back to the first world war and the height of the asparagus boom that saw Monetta labeled as the asparagus capital of the world.  farms family has had ties to asparagus dating back to 1913. Those days saw the vast majority of land surrounding this area covered with asparagus and box cars being loaded daily with "captains" and "majors" that took the place of small grade and colossal grade spears. Along with the Watsons and other farms, we were part of the Monetta Asparagus Growers Association that at its height had hundreds of farmers. The asparagus varieties have changed to higher yield hybrids but asparagus has stayed in our family these many years while it became unprofitable for many.  The vast majority of asparagus production domestically has waned while internationally it has flourished in countries such as Peru and China.  There remains nothing quite like fresh local asparagus which we aim to provide our patrons for generations to come.  Our asparagus harvesting season is at the mercy of Mother Nature but typically lasts six to eight weeks ending around the end of May.  Our sales building is located at 205 Born Again Road, Batesburg SC right on the outset of the Monetta Town limits.  Just follow the signs on Farm View Road.  Our sale hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily to help us harvest in the early morning to supply fresh cut asparagus daily.  We can arrange to meet at later times for those with 9-5 hours.

Josie Rodgers

Lent has begun, and with that reflection and sacrifice.  Everyone always talks about what to give up for Lent.  How about what to ADD for Lent? Whatever you decide, make it special and don’t feel the need to advertise it (unless you need accountability!).  April 16 will be here before you know it. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead 1 hour this weekend.  Oh how that 1 hour is truly felt this time of year!

RSM Elem (Rene Miller):  4-K registration for the 2017-2018 school year begins March 6 and ends April 28. Parents must bring the following items for children to be considered for the program: Official (long-form) birth certificate (short form will not be accepted), updated immunization record, 2 proofs of address (electric bill, water bill, mortgage/rental agreement) , either the child's Medicaid card OR a W2 form and pay-stub (if child does not have Medicaid), parent ID.  For more info, please ask for Mrs. Abellan or Mrs. Mims-Herrera.

The RS-M Elem Natural Pageant will be held March 16 @ 6:30pm.  Registration fee of $20 & application fee are due by March 3. The pageant is open to girls & boys in Miss and Master categories.  Admission to pageant is $5.  See Mrs. Cockrell for more info.

RSM High:  The Miss Odyssey Pageant is this Sat., Mar. 11, at 6:00 in the gym.  Admission is $6.  A new Miss Odyssey and Junior Miss Odyssey will be crowned along with several other awards.  Young ladies in grades 6-12 will compete for the various titles as well as scholarships for the upperclassmen.  Scholarships are based on interviews with judges:  Miss Scholastic (contestant with highest GPA), Miss All-Around (contestant involved in school academically and in extracurricular activities/sports, and the Miss Odyssey Scholarship. 

All third-year students took the ACT last Tuesday.  They can send their scores to several colleges.  The teachers and staff worked so well together to make the testing day go so smoothly.

Review from David Marshall James:  "Judy and I:  My Life with Judy Garland" by Sid Luft, edited by Randy L. Schmidt

   Sid Luft-- Judy Garland's third, and longest-wed husband-- still elicits strong responses from longtime La-La Lander's.

   However, he did raise his future wife's career from its near-death experience, putting her in touch with real people in live audiences, not bottom-line-or-bye-bye movie-studio bigwigs.  He states that the 28-year-old performer, who had done almost 30 films for MGM over 15 years, was examined by three psychiatrists in 1950 who claimed she wouldn't live out another full year.

   Yet, away from the pressures at MGM, Garland's prescription-pill (the studio referred to it as her "medicine") consumption to remain "camera thin" melted away, and Luft encountered a voluptuous Garland during a sweltering late-summer in New York City, 1950.  Both were in marriages on-the-rocks:  She, to MGM director Vincente Minnelli; he, to B-movie beauty Lynn Bari.

   Luft, a test-pilot and aspiring movie producer, had engaged in an affair with MGM dancing star Eleanor Powell.  Seven years her senior, Luft first met Garland on the set of "Broadway Melody of 1938," starring Powell and Robert Taylor.  In this production Garland introduced "(Dear Mr. Gable) You Made Me Love You."

   The year was 1937, Garland's 15th birthday, and Gable had gifted her with a gold bracelet with a lucky-penny charm.  She was still wearing the bracelet that summer of 1950, and one of the major calling-cards of this volume is the profusion of such details.  Plus, Luft fills in his personal biography pre-Garland, and it's never dull.

   It's a treat to read about Garland's triumphs:  Her 1951 U.K. tour and sensation at the London Palladium; her 19-week, record-breaking run at New York's Palace Theater, for which she won a special Tony Award; and, of course, her tour-de-force film return in "A Star Is Born" (1954).

   Still, she could never shed her financial woes.  She left MGM owing the IRS $80,000, a debt cleared by her proceeds from The Palace.  Nevertheless, at her death in 1969, the IRS was hounding her to the tune of $450,000.

   Her longtime friend/sometime lover Frank Sinatra helped cover her funeral costs. Daughter Liza Minnelli recently had Garland's remains relocated, from Ferncliff Cemetery in Westchester, NY, to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

   Luft relates much about the Garland/Sinatra connection.  He was their first choice to portray Norman Maine in "A Star Is Born," and he wanted the part badly.  However, Sinatra had yet to regroup from his infamous early '50s career slump, remedied (and chronicled, thinly veiled, in the book and movie "The Godfather") by his Supporting Oscar win for "From Here to Eternity" (1953).

   Twice, before and after that Oscar, Warner Bros. chief Jack Warner vetoed Sinatra as Maine, claiming, "He's finished!"  A Garland/Sinatra "Star" would have been incredible, complete with duets.  Luft systematically dismantles Warner in his memoir.

   Luft delivers bountiful dossiers on a Who's Who of 20th-century notables, from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Luft seems to have had a thing for the Duchess) to Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and John F. Kennedy, whom Garland knew and predicted would be president five years before the event.

   Luft died in 2005, aged 89.  This memoir was going to be published by HarperCollins during the early 1990s, but the deal fell through, and it remained uncompleted until editor Randy L. Schmidt constructed the final fifth from unpublished Luft interviews.

REMINDERS

March 11 Benefit for Ricky Rodgers at the Civic Center from 4-7pm.

March 18 BBQ Benefit for Joey Fox at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church

Ridge Spring Library hours: Mon/Tues 8:30 am - 12 pm; Wed., 8:30 – 4:30; Thurs 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; Fri 8:30 pm -4:30 pm

Ridge Spring Post Office hours:  Mon-Fri. 7:30 am – 11:30 am; Sat 9 – 10 am

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

Recycling Center Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 1-7; Sat 7-7; Sun 3-7; Tues/Thurs closed

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

Third Thursday of the Month: FORS at Library at 5:00