WESTMINSTER, SC - What a wonderful morning Saturday was, there was a cool nip in the air yet a very warm fuzzy feeling as many friends greeted each other at Ingles in Westminster. The store doors were opened a bit before the announced 7:00 a m. I was there in the parking lot at 6:33 and walked in along with many others saying “Hello and Thank You” to Keith Wilbanks and the many many other Ingles employees and customers. I was literally shouting “Oh Happy Day” as I walked up and down the wonderfully wide isles... I bought several items on my first trip including two delicious breakfasts to go. Beulah, Cathy and Holly were among the many who served up the good food.

Then I went back for the 10 o’clock ceremony took place. There was Mr. Bob Ingle himself walking among the crowds shaking hands and hearing “thank yous” from all who were there shopping. Mr. Ingle loudly thanked all who were there shopping. In the crowd included Mayor Derek Hodgin, his wife Jane and their 9-day-old son Blaise Erin Hodgin. Mrs. Ethel Smith who is a very youthful 99-year-old Westminster resident and Ingles shopper held Blaise for a picture. I asked Mr. Ingle what number was our store and he said very proudly, “NUMBER 199” and somehow the nines just stood out.

In the crowd that gathered for the 10:00 ceremony was Mr. Sandy Sandifer who never gave up on Westminster and worked so hard and diligently for us to have a grocery store; then there was Mr. Sammy Dickson who was another who worked long and hard for us. Westminster’s own congressman Gresham Barrett was there mingling also. I am sure he was a great help as was Mr. Bill Whitmire who was present Saturday with his wife Kathy. I saw many of our city council members and several of the new faces that announced recently.

The parking lot was filled all day and the smiles never were sparse. It was a glorious day for the Westminster area residents. As I told Mr. Dick Mangrum of WGOG Radio who by the way is a wonderful supporter of our residents, when he asked me how I felt, “Westminster is blessed to have the support of the surrounding area” Of course Mary Beth King from The Westminster News was present with her camera.

I am happy to say one more time…Thank you Mr. Ingle and "Oh" what happy days lie ahead for us all as we are able to shop locally if we choose to do so. Thank God for His many blessings to us.

“Well Ms. Rolann how did you like the choir at the Westminster First Baptist Church on Sunday night? I am seventy-seven years old and I have never seen or heard a choir as good as the one we have. It is hard to believe what that man has done since he came there just a short time ago; the minister-of-music is Eddie Algood and he is good!!” M L McGuffin---Amen to what M L says It is the absolute best I have ever heard. What a Blessing for us here in Westminster.

“Rolann, I was a 1957 graduate. We were the first graduating class in the new

building on Walhalla Highway that was torn down recently. We celebrated

our 50th anniversary in April at the Comfort Inn in Clemson with most of

our class members present.”

I know these were at the '07 Gathering: Dave Funderburk, Herron Cobb,

Helen Suttles Marcus, Mary Ann Busha Hutcheson, and Evelyn Burton Marcus.

I think Betty Cox Cobb came for a few minutes, but I didn't see her.

More could have come after we left, but these are all I saw there. Dave drove

out from Stone Mountain Georgia, so it was good to see him again, as well as all

the others from our class. You did a great job getting all that together.

Thanks, Evelyn Burton Marcus

John and Jane Sullivan of Raleigh North Carolina had dinner a week or so ago in Cary North Carolina with Catherine Ann and Danny Sewell and Helen Cleveland Rogers from McColl.

I am still thinking of the happy day I spent at The Westminster Baptist Church on September 22 at the Xtreme Ladies Day Simulcast. It was wonderful Dianne Kinard told me that they were planning another one for teenage girls. SUPER.

Well I got to have a spend the day with Mary and Glen Shelton last Thursday in Fort Mill. Fran Harper Willimon and Jack and Vicky Freeman went from here. Jenny Jones Booth from Charlotte and Dan Cobb from Tega Cay met us for a wonderful hot dog supper. Mary had made the Yarid recipe of chili and YUM was it good.

During the afternoon after having a wonderful Italian smorgasbord lunch, we went to the U S National Whitewater Center in Charlotte where we gazed at all there…one may run, bike, paddle, climb as the spirit moves them. . Then off we went to The Nut House and bought up several bags of goodies. From there we went to the Shelton’s home and had some mighty fine chocolate cake and ice-cream and just a few minutes later we had the hotdogs with all of the trimmings.…We had another wonderful day with the Sheltons. We are going to have to make it a town event soon. Agree! We have plans to go back for the Clemson Carolina game day. I have promised to take steaks from Wilson’s!

A 2001 West-Oak Graduate who suffered from an accident in April of 2007 is now at home after months of miracles at the Burn Center…Home Address: T.J. McKechnie 385 Dixie Hills Trail Westminster, SC 29693

Lillie Ross says, “One of my favorite toppings for my cereal is blueberries. What a wonderful fruit!! According to a study done by the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, of the 40 different fruits and veggies they tested, this little fruit contains the most antioxidants. One half cup of blueberries can give you twice as many antioxidant nutrients than most people get in a whole day. And this half-cup has only 40 calories, lots of vitamin C and nearly 2 grams of fiber-the frozen ones without sugar are great!!”

Karen and Bryant Sharpe treated their son and his family and Karen's Mom and Dad to a week at "Tickled Pink" in North . Myrtle Beach last week.

It is time in all communities for Alzheimer's walks and also the Diabetes walks are in the process of happening. Join in when you can.

Leslie and Ronald Dodson asked me to ask you to mark your calendars for November 10-11 –A Bike Rally will be held at Westminster Church of God on Hampton Street. Call 647-2042 for more information. Free meal Sunday.

Bill and Dottie Lewis went to Alabama to visit family. While there Bill attended a game at his Alma Mater Troy and saw them win over Oklahoma.

Westminster residents are still grieving the loss of their friend Knox Singleton. His wife Marjorie reminded me in a note that Knox really enjoyed visiting his hometown long after he had no relatives to visit, just friends. We appreciate that Knox Singleton supported the rebuilding of the train station (DEPOT) and his home church Westminster United Methodist Church with his prayers and offerings.

Elaine Hoblit, Dorothy Mainous and Jenne Comfort attended a United Methodist Women’s Conference at St. Andrew Untied Methodist Church in Easley on Saturday morning

Julia Ballenger spent several days recently in Sugar Hill at daughter Kay's house.

Ruth Canupp e-mailed: “Class of WHS '46 who attended the recent Gathering were Ruth Hardy Canupp-Jean Cobb Lambert -Raymond Jones----Pat McWhorter Jones - Tommy Mason -- Broadus Vinson - Our mascots Bob and Joe Scott were there. Randolph Lee went from grammar school and about the 9th grade with Jean Cobb and Gladys Martin but circumstances required him to drop out of school but he always comes because that was the grade he was suppose to finish with. It was a wonderful event. Just wish we could get together more often.”

Class of WHS 1959 members who were at recent The Gathering were: Mary Grogan Lamb. Evialee Carroll Hunter, Frances Sydney (Fran) Harper Willimon, , Willene Green Turner, Peggy Turpin Simpson, Rolann Cleveland Lee, Jack S. Freeman , Gene M.Sheriff.

THE FANTASTIC SHAKERS will be in Walhalla Friday, October 12, 2007; 7-9 PM Tickets $20.00.

Brenda Carlton sent me her son’s address. Carlton Jonathan U.S. Army HHC 1-118 Inf.BN. 41st Blvd. APO AE 09320. He would like to hear from us all.

In response to my question How many do you think came for the Balloon Launch during the Apple Festival? Roger and Sue Norwood responded: “We didn't have a lot of folks (about 15 kids and a total of 70 with adults launched balloons). BUT, we had the most wonderful privilege to hear Mrs. Susan Gainor and Leanna Taylor speak. Mrs. Gainor spoke of the club itself and how it encourages kids to read and succeed.and of her having known Kimberley. Leanna - Kimberley's friend spoke of Kimberley's reading and of their friendship. She warmed the hearts of everyone talking of the Winterfest Queen contest and how they were both glad to share the stage that day. (It wasn't a competition to them two girls but something to do together.)

Leanna showed us all kids can grow up and stay sweet, humble, and joyous. It was great to hear Kimberley is so fondly remembered by her friends 4 years later. I hope Leanna remembers us her senior year because after hearing her that day our family will be in her cheering section! Thank you ALL (too many to mention) for your help with a SPECIAL thanks to you Leanna.”

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Mickey Wood and to the Pressley family in their sadness. God bless you all.

Happy Anniversary wishes are extended to Judi and Homer Price who celebrated recently.

Karen and Bryant Sharpe celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Oct. 1st. Congratulatiosn to you!

I enjoyed meeting Joann Hazel Busch via telephone conversation recently. She was asking me about my experience with a doctor I have been to for one of my ailments.

It was good to have a chat with Greg and Denise Oliver in Seneca recently. Denise and I have been teachers in the special education depart lots of years. Greg and I often met up on county events of interest for news stories.

Congratulations to Mayor and Mrs. Derek Hodgin upon the birth of a son Blaise Erin last week. The Hodgins have three lovely daughters. Jane told me that precious Blaise made his entrance three weeks earlier than expected. Mother and son are doing well.

Happy birthday Norma Langston, Geoff Smith, Patsy James Smith, Todd Sheriff, Henry Waldrep, Suzanne Cain , Ariana Barker, Beulah Phillips, Charles Brown, Tiffiany Grant,

Get-well wishes are sent to Louise Simpson, Sybil Clark, Joey Tubbs, Ester Chandler, Mickey Williams, Janice Marshall Stancil, Gail Bryson, Joey Bryson, and Doug Cobb.

Sandra Gurley Jones and I had a good conversation recently at Betty’s. Sandra and I have lots of friends in common and it is good to catch up…

Alvin and Wanda Wald told me recently that their youngest son has accepted a very good job in Tennessee. I enjoy hearing of our young people doing so well.

It is always good to see and chat with Sara Cain.

I had a wonderful conversation with Shirley King last week. We go back to when our boys were young and when we were at the games and all.

On last Friday I spent the day at son Jay’s in Piedmont to help Sallie get ready for the twins Katherine and Corbin’s 13th birthday celebration.. It was held in the Great lawn in their Division. There was a D J and a blow up maze plus games and refreshments, which included making somemores. I am sure over a hundred-fifty young people and lots of their parents enjoyed the event.

I met Michelle Alexander Roach last week at Ernestine’s She is Ernestine’s cousin and also married to a cousin of my friend the late Retta Deal Gales.

As I have received many sets of pictures from the Gathering all of which I appreciate so much, I noticed Fred McGuffin was in some of them and I did not see his name in the registration book.

It was good to meet Lane and Stacy Owens at the recent opening of The Artists’ Loft in Seneca.

I got a telephone call from Jim(my) Hull who lives in Greenwood one evening a couple of weeks ago. He said he wanted to share his information on the new Westminster High School. Jim told me that he worked with Triangle Construction Company during the summer between the 1956 school year and the 1957 school year. He said his was the first class to graduate for the new high school over on the Westminster Walhalla Highway in 1957. His class’ graduation exercises were held in the Gymnatorium. He also said the 1957 WHS yearbook was the first one to be called The Trojan.

Jimmy said that he and his wife the former Louise Jones attend the same church as Billy and Sylvia King Hilley and that they see each other every Sunday.

I enjoyed meeting Ellen and Dennis Ritter at Ingles on Saturday. They live out toward Foxwood and attend Tabor Baptist Church.

It was such a joy to meet Steve Carter during the Apple Festival. He came to The Gathering specifically to meet me. I had met him on line and talked with him about his business relating to Lake Hartwell Properties.

Grandtwins Caroline and Lauren are playing soccer and Tonja and I have attended several of their games at The Seneca Baptist Church recreational fields.

Recently Calvin and Peggy Simpson met Glen and Mary Shelton of Fort Mill in Blowing Rock North Carolina for two nights of fellowship together. The foursome enjoyed lots of good sights and delicious food while there.

Charles and Holly Brown of Greenwood visited Ruth Brown on last Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Johnnie Morris told me that she is in the market for some Tupperware ..some dealer is asked to call her. I also have a number for a dealer if you need some.

Here is a recipe from Bobbie Dyar Wernet: Cabbage Casserole....Ingredients: 1 small head chopped cabbage.....1 chopped onion...3/4 cup melted butter....1 egg....1 can cream of mushroom soup....1 stack Ritz crackers...1 cup shredded cheese. Layer cabbage, onion and drizzle 1/4-cup butter over top. Combine beaten egg, cream of mushroom soup and 1/4-cup butter and spread over top. Mix crushed Ritz crackers, cheese and 1/4-cup butter and sprinkle over all. Bake in long casserole at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until well browned. Enjoy!!! Love Bobbie

Statements Not Heard Anymore: Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that. I will wash your mouth out with soap again! It is time for your system to be cleaned out, I'm going to give you a dose of Castor Oil in the morning. If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you will get another one when you get home. Quit crossing your eyes! They will get hung that way! Soak your foot in this pan of coal oil so that cut won't get infected. When you take your driving test don't forget your hand signals each turn. Left arm straight out the window for a left turn, and left arm bent up to the sky at the elbow for a right turn and straight down to the side of the door when you are going to stop. It is "Yes, sir!" and "No, sir" to your elders, young man, and me, and don’t you forget it! While we are at Aunt Mary's and Uncle John's you kids eat when the adults
get through and I don't want to hear "I don't like this stuff.” You better keep your mouth shut and eat everything on your plate. Young man if I hear you repeat one word of this I will beat the daylights out of you, do you understand that.

I joined Pilates two weeks ago and go with Betty Abbott. She also motivated me to join Senior Solutions this week. Call me if you would like information on either.

I have been so blessed this week by your sweet sweet comments about Newsy Notes.

I learn so much from you and what you say you enjoy.

“NOTE” to Remember: THANK YOU to Mr. Bob Ingle and all those at the Westminster Ingles who are now here to serve us in Westminster.”Happy Days are Here again…”