Ridge Spring News: May 2019

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

May 24, 2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Peach Tree 23 will be held on May 31-June 1.

Farmers' Market will be on Town Square

Vouchers given out on June 6 at Town Hall

Come rain or shine the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale is here!!!!! The Highway 23 is 44 miles long and goes through Modoc, Edgefield, Johnston, Ward, RIDGE SPRING, Monetta, and Batesburg-Leesville. Friday and Saturday are the days to come. Ridge Spring has rented over 115 spots for vendors. Who knows what you will find. You know the saying, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Make sure your truck is empty.

Trip to the World War II Museum: On May 11-13, Joe Cal Watson, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, and his daughter, Mary Edmonds, traveled to New Orleans to visit the World War II Museum. The bus trip was led by Douglas Hastings, a Vietnam veteran from Georgia who coordinates trips for veterans,. There were eight World War II veterans on the trip. At 96, Joe Cal was the next to the oldest; one vet was about 20 days older than Joe Cal. There were also Korean and Vietnam vets on the trip. The World War II Museum is fantastic. It tells the story of both the European and Pacific theaters and the home front. The exhibits draw you into events: for example, you walk through snow-covered fir trees in the Battle of the Bulge, palm trees in the Philippines, and the interior of a aircraft carrier in the naval war in the Pacific. The exhibits encouraged Joe Cal to share some personal experiences with Mary. He also noted that two members of his very small graduating class at Ridge Spring High School were sadly killed in World War II, Haskell Miller and Guy Fallow. Guy Fallow, who was killed at D Day, was born on the 4th of July. Joe Cal and Mary ate some great seafood and met some warm and friendly people.

Jeff Clamp Band Director, Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle /High School: On Saturday, May 18th the Aiken County Band Directors Association hosted the annual Da Capo Band Clinic at Leavelle-McCampbell Middle School. Five students represented Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle School at the clinic, which is basically an All-County Band for 6th-grade beginning band students. Students were chosen by nomination and ranking from their band directors. RS-M 6th grade students Quamaine Allen, Jarvis Bush, Cassandra Oakman, James Smith, and Maryann Sterling participated in the clinic. The students gathered at LMMS with students from most of the other middle schools in Aiken County. They rehearsed music all morning and performed five songs in a concert for the public that afternoon. Congratulations to these students for their hard work this year.

Sadie L. Davis: Mt Alpha Baptist Church Vacation Bible School You are invited to attend Vacation Bible School from June 3rd through June 6th^.from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The Theme will be World Changers: Acts 6-8 "Leading Through Action".

Juniper Restaurant: We were invited to cook lunch at the SC Governor's Mansion on May 22 for the Palmetto Cabinet! We had a great time and really enjoyed getting to cook with Chef Jared Hudson! I We featured some great Certified South Carolina farms that included Adluh, Hickory Hill Milk, Titan Farms, WP Rawl, Watsonia Farms, Cottle Strawberry Farm, and Manchester Farms Quail!

“Farm Fresh Faith”

Come one, come all to grow a Farm Fresh Faith through a study of God’s work in Joseph’s life during Vacation Bible School here at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. We begin Sunday, June 2nd followed by Four Fantastic Wednesday Nights; June 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th. The time is 6:00 - 8:30 pm nightly with suppers served in the Fellowship Hall. There is a place for everyone at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Vacation Bible School.

Remember Ridge Spring is a "Small town with benefits". I was getting gas at the filling station and saw Amancio Palma from Titan Farms. I asked him if peaches were at the Packing shed (Old term from my past) because I wanted to give peaches to those who would be at the promotional talk about Ridge Spring. It would be to a group at the Lexington United Methodist Church. He brought me a half bushel before I left the shop to go to Lexington. We do help each other out and I am thankful. When I finished, they knew about our town, Titan Farms, and peaches.

Harriet's Garden is closing at the end of June. Come check out bargains or just visit. I have been open for 17 years.

Josie Rodgers

RSM High: We held our first Senior Awards Night last Thurs, and it was amazing! The bleachers were filled with parents, family, and friends. The graduates wore their caps and gowns, and over a million dollars in scholarships were awarded. Jason Rodgers, student body president, led the Pledge and welcomed the audience as well as gave advice to his fellow graduates. Principal Blankenship honored each graduate by describing their plans after high school. He also announced the honor roll and the honor graduates. Various members of the community, business leaders, and scholarship committee members were on hand to present awards and scholarships. After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed delicious refreshments and fellowship with each other. The graduates watched a senior slide show and took over the mic later to sing and dance. The highlight of the dancing was Mr. Briggs Smith, son of our guidance counselor. He really entertained us with his moves! Many thanks to those who made this event so awesome including Monica Smith, Angela Rodgers, Angela McDowell, Coach Lipsey, and Ms. Douda.

Last Friday, RSM held its first ever Senior Decision Day on the football field. Seniors created posters representing their post-secondary plans and presented them as the underclassmen watched from the stands. After, all the students participated in games and dancing. And yep, Briggs was at it again, showing these teens how to really dance! Many thanks to Angela McDowell, Amanda Derrick, Monica Smith, and Kerry Jackson.

RSMH Athletic Booster Club is sponsoring a Golf Tournament on Sat. May 25. This will be a 4-man Captain’s Choice at Indian Trail Golf Course in Batesburg. Entry fee is $50 per player and includes 18 holes with cart, soft drinks, water, meal, & prizes. Sign-in is at 8 am with shotgun start at 9. Prizes awarded for First Place, Longest Drive, & Closest to Pin. For more info, contact Brian McCormack at 803-960-0508 or mcfalcons@comporium.net.

RSM Elem (Tonya Rodgers): Kindergarten Registration: Students must be five by Sept 1. Visit ACPSD.net ~ About Us ~ How to Enroll ~ 5K Registration or stop by any one of 20 Aiken County elementary school for detailed information.

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 June. You will need to bring your ID. Having access to PowerSchool/Parent Portal will also allow you to view your child’s grades.

Edmentum: Online summer learning from June 17 - Aug 1for all rising 2^nd – 9^th graders. Interested parents should register their child by May 31 at:

( http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/summerchallenge2019 ). Email questions to:

( alogan@acpsd.net ).

Review from David Marshall James: "The Sentence Is Death" by Anthony Horowitz

London TV and novel (including the young-adult Alex Rider series) author Anthony Horowitz scores another winner with his second Daniel Hawthorne mystery, following last year's "The Word Is Murder."

Hawthorne's more than a bit of a cipher himself, a sort-of modern-day Sherlock Holmes who has been dismissed by the police force but who is so adept that he's called in to consult on difficult cases.

Horowitz appears as himself in the narrative, in a metafictional construct. That is, he presents the plot as if it were a true crime happening in real time, tagging along with Hawthorne, who wishes to be chronicled by a sort-of modern-day Dr. Watson. The better to feel like Sherlock himself, eh?

This literary device allows the author plenty of editorial room to discuss what's au courant in and around the capital, from its neighborhoods to its constabulary to its cultural scenes.

Hawthorne's latest assignment involves a highly successful London divorce attorney who has been knocked over the noggin, repeatedly, with an insanely expensive bottle of wine, then given the coup de mort with the jagged edge of the broken bottle.

The crime scene is set up to point the blame at the ex-wife of a recent client. Horowitz earns his laurels in fashioning this divorcee author, what with her of-the-zeitgeist, in-the-moment pronouncements and lauded-to-Parnassus (if not best-selling) writings, including a collection of haikus that becomes a major plot point.

So, did she do it, or do you just wish she did, because she's as annoying as a gardening rash?

Yet, wait: There's a back story concerning the murder victim that takes "Tony" (not his favorite nickname) and Hawthorne to the Yorkshire dales in a first-class train compartment. Was the murder victim once responsible for another man's drowning in a spelunking "accident"?

The novel offers six or seven serious contenders as suspects in the crime, and Horowitz-- through ever-increasing plot developments-- makes them all seem guilty. Some of them even lie about their alibis-- to Hawthorne, no less. We pity the fools.

Yes, he's a pip, as is Horowitz (author and participant), as is the Jabbette-the Hutt police DI who loathes Horowitz, as is the author's London Eye, as is the solution to the crime. That's five pips-- right, Sherlock?

Harriet's Garden Tips: ( from last year) April showers bring May flowers. How true!!! Daylilies are really hardy. Have you seen them growing in ditches and along the roadside? They are called daylilies because that beautiful bloom lasts one day. There are newer varieties that bloom continuously for longer periods of time. I love to mix daylilies in flower beds. They divide easily and just survive. We have two wonderful daylily places in town. The Daylily Depot and Loris and Bobby Yonce have and sell beautiful varieties of them. In 1944 my mother was visiting may father at Fort Hood, Texas when she walked by a lady selling what turned out to be daylilies out of her trunk. Mom could not get a plant but the lady promised to send Mom some seeds for $1.00 or it might have been a quarter. That began my families love of daylilies.

REMINDERS

May 31-June 1: Peachtree 23 Yard Sale

June 6: Vouchers distributed at Town Hall

June 8-Labor Day: Ridge Spring Farmers' Market on Saturdays

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 - 11:30pm

Monday, May 20, 2019

May 17, 2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Peach Tree 23 will be held on May 31-June 1.

Peaches are on sale!!!!

Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale is getting really close. Still have 20 Spaces Available for Rent.

The weather was perfect for the annual Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering. I enjoyed it again. Saw new faces and old friends. There will be one in September, too..

Grant money to redo the parking lot (plaza or town Square) is in and the Town is now waiting on approvals from Upper Savannah and DHEC. Good news for the work will not begin until after Harvest Festival. The Farmers' Market will be on Town Square or Town Plaza. To save parking spaces throughout the construction, the workers will only work on half of the park at a time so there will always be parking spaces.

The hours for Town Hall on Saturday are 8:30 - 11:30, not what I had been reporting, my mistake.

We like to promote "shop local" but I must brag about the Nut House and Country Store's Pecans that can now be found in Food Lion stores across South Carolina. So you can still shop local by buying the best pecans anywhere in SC.

“Farm Fresh Faith”

Vacation Bible School

As a child and being Episcopalian, I went to Camp Gravatt for summer camp. We would have family reunions there too. So Look what is happening there now a fishing tournament that I can participate in. Who knows? "Sign up your two person team for 10th annual Gravatt Fishing Tournament, Saturday June 8 from 7:30 to 1:30. This event is a family friendly so take this opportunity to share to the outdoors with youth you care about. Your 2 person team can choose to fish from the bank, from a Gravatt canoe or your own canoe, or you may bring your own boat (trolling motors only). This tournament will be catch and release only. Awards will given in many exciting categories. Register early; spots will fill up fast. All registrations include lunch and tournament t-shirt. Keep up to date with tournament news at www.campgravatt.org or on the Gravatt Environmental Education Program Facebook Fan Page. Questions? Call 803.648.1817 or email program@campgravatt.org"

· 2 person shore fishing team- $40

· 2 Person Gravatt Canoe Team- $60

· 2 Person Bring Your Own Boat Team (trolling motor only)- $90

· 1 Person Shore Fishing Team- $35

Art Association of Ridge Spring: We have always been proud of our artists' and the talent they show and share with the world. We want to raise up a big cheer for Barbara Yon who received 3rd place in the Organic category at the Aiken Artists' Guild Members show for her piece titled "Perfect Storm". Way to go, Barbara! You can see this painting and lots of other art from our Ridge Spring members at the Aiken Center for the Arts from now until June 14th. Or, of course, you can come by our Art Center and see lots of wonderful art by our local artists. We are open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 2.

We also want to thank La Ruchala A. Murphy and Cathy Lee from the South Carolina Art Commission for coming to the Art Center and conducting an informative class on starting a business with your art. The turnout was good and everyone left feeling like they had learned something and that we as artists are not alone with the challenges we face in a business world. We hope that more sessions like this will be made available in the near future. Thanks, again!

Josie Rodgers RSM Middle/High School

RSM High: Congratulations to our All-State Baseball players: Kelson Palmer, Tyler Stone, Hayden Cherry, & Regan Cherry.

The drama dept, under the direction of Ms. Kerry Jackson, competed in the 49^th Annual Garcia Theater Project last Friday. The group presented My California by Lisa L’Amour. Awards included Melvin Gibson, Best All-Around Technician; RSM, Best Costumes; & Niozjia Richardson, All-Star Cast.

The Trojan Track and Field team competed Sat., May 4, at the Upper State meet. Qualifying for state competition on May 11 will be 10th grader Destiny Glover, who placed 3^rd with a season high throw of 75 ft, 1 in. Freshman Jevon Morris also placed 3^rd in the discus for boys to qualify for state. Just missing the cut, 10^th grader De Daniels placed 5^th with a season best high jump of 5 feet 4 inches, and 9th grader Katelyn Kirk placed 5^th in the mile as well as 8^th in the half mile. Senior Arturo Contreras placed 8^th in the 400 meter hurdles with a personal best time. Our 4 x 800 meter team of Khalil Smith, Arturo Contreras, J'Krayh Taylor, and DaQuan Hicks, beat Wagener Sally for the first time this season. The 4 x 400 team consisting of Khalil Smith, Jamaal Daniels, Jaquez Reed, and Ben Kirk had their best time of the year. Cameron Davis finished 8^th in the boys shot put, and Jakobe Erving placed 11^th in the discus.

The RSM Band’s Spring Concert is Tues., May 14, at 6 pm in the gym. Please come out and support our band students.

RSM Elem (Tonya Rodgers):

Kindergarten Registration: Students must be five by Sept 1. Visit ACPSD.net ~ About Us ~ How to Enroll ~ 5K Registration or stop by any one of 20 Aiken County elementary school for detailed information.

Edmentum: Online summer learning from June 17 - Aug 1for all rising 2^nd – 9^th graders. Interested parents should register their child by May 31 at:

( http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/summerchallenge2019 ). Email questions to:

( alogan@acpsd.net ).

Important Dates:

May 27^th – Memorial Day Holiday (no school)

May 31^st – Trojan Pride Celebration

June 3^rd – Awards day for grades 1 – 4

Second Grade – 8:15

Third Grade – 8:55

Fourth Grade – 9:35

First Grade – 10:55

June 4^th – 4K/5K Promotion Ceremony

½ day – students dismiss at 11:00 am

June 5^th – Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony

½ day – students dismiss at 11:00 am

June 6^th – Last day for students

½ day – students dismiss at 11:00 am

Elementary Dress Code: Warm weather has arrived! Please be reminded of the dress code. All shorts, skirts, and skorts must be at least 2 inches below fingertips when standing. The dress code can be found at https://www.acpsd.net/Page/1544.

PTO Surveys: Please return surveys to your child’s teacher no later than June 3^rd.

Review from David Marshall James: "Dead Man's Mistress" by David Housewright

A Minnesota resort town on Lake Superior, an aging beauty bereft of three missing and hitherto-unknown (and valuable) paintings, and a cast of characters worthy of the Old Vic (since we're in Minnesota, let's say The Guthrie)-- plus St. Paul police detective-turned-millionaire-turned-rogue-P.I. Rushmore McKenzie: 'Tall adds up to quite a tale.

McKenzie receives his latest mission from Perrin Stewart, friend and museum curator in The Cities. And he's not about to pass up the chance to meet The Muse/Inamorata of Minnesota's most commercially successful painter.

"That Wykoff Woman" might as well be Helen of Troy to generations of Minnesotans. Her face may not have launched a thousand ships; however, she did inspire a series of paintings, "Scenes from an Inland Sea," in which she sometimes appeared nude.

Butt, always artistically so.

Now, she's claiming that she's been in secret possession of three of the "Scenes" since the artist, Randolph McInnis, died decades ago, and they've gone missing.

What follows is a twist-a-rama in grand McKenzie style, complete with the sort of mayhem that emerges when he starts kicking and stirring things up, this time in Louise Wykoff's adopted hometown on Lake Superior.

David Housewright's sixteenth McKenzie novel is as good as any of his others, which means it's top-shelf in the detective-fiction genre. Not only do his plot pieces come together in a puzzle-icious design, his characters beckon the reader deeper into the story. The standouts include the widow of the artist behind the whole proceedings.

Mary Ann McInnis sweeps onstage with a flourish, never surrendering her broomstick. She isn't so much the keeper of the flame as she is the herder of the cash cow.

Housewright gifts the reader with a richly ironic denouement, saving the best piece of chocolate in the box for last. Nevertheless, the reader doubts he'll ever do more than make a quick run through this fascinating burg again. At least Minnesota is known for its lakes (and shoreline settings), so there should be plenty of other suitable spots where McKenzie can shoulder his Glock and get his noir on.

Harriet's Garden Tips: With much sadness I am announcing the closing of Harriet's Garden at the end of June. With my husband Bob's death and my age, too, it has gotten to be too much. I have loved the 16 years I have been here. My therapy has always been getting dirt under my fingernails. It has been so much fun. Thank you for being part of the past 16 years. I will still be a part of Ridge Spring, will write the news for a few more years, enjoy keeping the beauty at my shop, and enjoying life. If my car is there, I am probably there. Stop by.

REMINDERS

May 31-June 1: Peachtree 23 Yard Sale

June 6: Vouchers distributed at Town Hall

June 8-Labor Day: Ridge Spring Farmers' Market on Saturdays

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 - 11:30pm

Monday, May 13, 2019

May 10, 2019

Ridge Spring News

Harriet Householder

Peach Tree 23 will be held on May 31-June 1.

Peaches are on sale!!!!

Mother's Day is special to so many. I hope we all enjoyed remembering our mothers as well as appreciating those who helped us get to where we are today.

Just remember to join us at Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering this Saturday, May 18th. Magnolia Ridge is located at the intersection of Hwy #23 and Mt. Calvary Road. Feel free to call for directions. I personally will have my usual spot with beautiful plants, hanging baskets, and vegetable plants such as tomatoes and peppers. The artists will include Judy Adamick and Ann Rauton Smith. Both ladies have several paintings hanging in Juniper Restaurant. Then there is the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Men serving breakfast and lunch Spend the day at Magnolia Ridge Farm and enjoy primitives, antiques, crafts and art available to purchase from many vendors, All vendors are situated on the farm under wonderful old oaks. Food and drinks are available. Tractor show to entertain the men and kids.

Mayor Pat Asbil: If anyone living in Ridge Spring is interested in running for the offices of mayor or council, please stop by Town Hall and pick up an application. The application process no longer requires a petition to run. Your application should be accompanied by a $5.00 application fee and returned to Town Hall by date and time on the application. The plans for the plaza have been finalized and will go to bid as soon as DOT and Upper Savannah Council of Governments give final approval. May is a very busy month in town with Magnolia Ridge Antique and Arts Gathering and the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale. The Friends of Ridge Spring is sponsoring a book signing in July for James Scott who authored the book Changing Faces which is a biography of James' growing up in Ridge Spring and his career in the Army. The Harvest Festival Committee is making plans for the October Festival and needs volunteers to help with, Bingo, manning booths the day of the festival, assistants for the beauty pageant, and help with the kid's rides. Each committee could use a volunteer to help. Call Town Hall to volunteer and your name will be passed along to the chairman who will contact you.

Joe Cal Watson is going on a commemorative trip again and with his daughter Mary Edmonds. They are traveling to New Orleans to visit a Museum relating to World War II. Several year ago they visited several European sights and participated in ceremonies commemorating World War II Veterans. His trip motivated me to visit Omaha Beach where my father landed on D-Day plus 6 which meant June 12. By the way his name was Archie, too. (Archibald )

Art Center Class: Joyful Cups with instructor Kim Ruff will be held Monday, May 13 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Art Center. It is for ages 10 and up and the cost is $35.00. 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.

RS-M Elementary

Kindergarten Registration: Students must be five by September 1^st. Visit ACPSD.net ~ About Us ~ How to Enroll ~ 5K Registration or stop by any one of 20 Aiken County elementary school for detailed information.

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 June. You will need to bring your i.d. Having access to PowerSchool/Parent Portal will also allow you to view your child’s grades.

Edmentum: Online summer learning from June 17^th - August 1^st for all rising 2^nd – 9^th graders. Interested parents should register their child by May 31 at:

( http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/summerchallenge2019 ). Email questions to:

( alogan@acpsd.net ).

RS-M Middle/High School

The soccer team took their longest journey ever towards a state championship but fell short to Dixie last Thurs night. This is the deepest into playoffs the team has been since its inception several years ago. Coaches Janice Douda and Amber Chase were extremely proud of the team and are already talking about next year’s run.

The baseball and softball teams ended their seasons in the playoffs last week as well. It was a bittersweet time for the seniors of the teams as they batted their last games. Next year, the underclassmen will be playing on brand new athletic fields. You can witness the progress simply by driving down Highway 1.

Last Wednesday, the faculty, staff, and community had the opportunity to meet next year’s principal at a reception. Dr. Ka’Ron Webb is currently an assistant principal at Chester High but lives in Columbia. He has a son who is a sophomore at Coastal, and 3 younger daughters ages 10, 6, and 2 months. His wife is a nurse. He is excited about the opportunity to lead RSM High into the next phase which includes moving into our new school mid-year. He is also looking forward to working at a small school where relationships are key.

Review from David Marshall James: "Sunset Beach" by Mary Kay Andrews

Atlanta author Mary Kay Andrews has Coppertoned and Noxema-ed herself to a fare-thee-well, netting a beach book that's as welcome as the knocking of the Krispy-Kreme man on the screen door of a beach rental.

We're dating ourselves, but door-to-door doughnut delivery never goes out of style.

And the author delivers it hot and tasty in her latest opus, about a 36-year-old woman who returns to her grandparents' cottage by the shore in St. Petersburg, following the death of her mother.

The place is in dreadful shape, what with its blue-tarped roof and gunkified carpeting, but, if we know an MKA heroine, she's gonna rip it a new one, reinstating the simple yet unfathomable aura of summers-spent-with-grandparents.

Part of the beauty of the novel's construction is that the reader immediately feels for Miss Drue Campbell, what with her bum knee from kiteboarding and her sou-less bank account, which forces her to accept a job with her father's personal-injury law firm (his face graces every bus and bench for miles), even though she has more unresolved issues with him than can be had on a "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reunion.

We're just glad that MKA appears to be a regular housewife of Atlanta, not a real one.

In his defense, Attorney Dad is trying hard to make amends, but he has committed a most grievous procedural error by marrying Drue's former middle-school best bud.

To be sure, the third Mrs. Brice Campbell (Drue's Mom was his starter wife) is office-managing the law firm like some escapee from a low-flung rung of hell.

Did we say we feel for Miss Drue?

The novel finds her attempting to adjust to this new life in an old, familiar setting. Meanwhile, she's up against two mysteries, one involving a firm client whom she believes has been horribly wronged.

The other mystery dates back to the time her parents were first married, when her father was still a cop, burning the candle at both ends at night school.

We weren't expecting MKA's twists, and not just with the mysteries. Indeed, the author pretty well Chubby Checkers her way through the final fourth of the novel.

No matter what your screen porch faces: An overflowing drainage ditch, a pool (plastic or otherwise), a lake, or-- best of all-- an ocean, MKA's new book is the perfect accompaniment.

Harriet's Garden Tips: Marigolds are the chief pest repellent of the garden, so plant all sizes and kinds in different areas. The sulphur containing compounds in the roots are soil improving. Marigolds deter Beetles as do geraniums and work wonder on nearby roses. Nasturtiums lure insects and keep them off nearby flowers. Basil repels mosquitoes, and coriander kills spider mites and aphids. Mint keeps ants away. Now what to keep the deer, squirrels and other larger animals away. I have to admit though we do seem to have more mosquitoes than basil plants can repel. Please check for standing water such as in pots. Change the bird bath water often. These are perfect places for mosquitoes to breed.

REMINDERS

May 18: Magnolia Ridge Antique and Art Gathering

May 31-June 1: Peachtree 23 Yard Sale

June 6: Vouchers distributed at Town Hall

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