Saluda businesses open their doors to celebrate the holidays with music and refreshments. Stroll along Main Street, Nostalgia Court, and across the bridge and be entertained by talented musicians while enjoying holiday treats.

Venue and Musicians
Green River Barbeque--Aaron Burdett – Guitarist, Singer, Song Writer
Saluda Presbyterian Church (8:00 pm) --Mountain Winds Flute Ensemble
Saluda Library--Top of the Morning Suzuki Players
Salamander--Grace Reber- Bagpipe
City Park--Pascal Reber-Bagpipe
Saluda Police Department--Cass Haskell & Larry Keith – Guitars
Purple Onion--Robert Seiler – Keyboard
Heartwood--Jhon Akers – Classical Guitar
Saluda Grade Caf�--Cam Japhry – Traditional Irish Music
Saluda Fine Arts--Todd & Eric Neel – Guitar and Mandolin
M. A. Pace’s--Saluda School Chorus
Somewhere in Time--Mike Reeves & Rich Bauer – Guitars
Tosh’s Whistle Stop--Matt Templeton – Guitar
Curtis Wright Outfitters--Jim Hall – Dulcimer
Ryan & Boyle Antiques--Mary Reeves – Celtic Harp
Wildflour Bakery--Kathrine Raymond & Friends – Vocal

Following the stroll at 8:00pm, the Saluda Presbyterian Church will host the annual Ecumenical Service deliverd by Rev. Tony Sayer and Rev. Gene Witherspoon.

On Saturday, December 9 at 9:30 to 12:00, the Saluda Business Association and Saluda Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor the Christmas Children's Workshop at the fire department on Greenville Street. Children will make Christmas ornaments and decorations. If you have any questions, please contact Katha Underwood at 749- 2468.

Saluda Main Street Snow was painted by Beverly Pickard and prints are available at Saluda Fine Arts for $25.

When I was a boy and Christmas rolled around, we went out in the woods and got any kind of evergreen to drag home and decorate. There was no such thing as a perfect Christmas tree. If it had limbs missing on one side, we would either push it into a corner or cut off some lower limbs and tie them in the vacant spots.

But times change and so do Christmas trees. Now they are all near perfect. Mainly because they are either fake or they've been trimmed so the limbs are the appropriate length. My wife puts up a fake tree and sprays it with pine deodorizer to give it a real fakeness.

When my three daughters were young and we were living in the city, I decided to take them to a Christsmas Tree Farm to harvest a real tree. There were hundreds of trees so I described the perfect tree to them...told them when they found one to grab a limb and stand there saving the tree for me to come cut down. They made a mad dash in three directions. I soon found them, not together but each with her own choice. Two trees looked great. Either one could be a keeper. But my middle daughter, Lisa, was holding the most pathetic looking tree I had ever seen. I tried to tell her that no one would ever pick a tree like that. But she said unrelentingly that's why she wanted it. She felt sorry for this ugly Christmas tree that would not find a good home. (Later in life she picked boyfriends much the same way...guys she felt sorry for. The type most of us call "losers.")

I tried my best to coax her away from the ugly Christmas tree, but she held on tight with her sticky sap-soaked little hand. Tears were beginning to trace down her cold cheeks as she sniffled and tried not to cry. I'll admit that I am somewhat of a Pussycat...you have to be when you have three daughters. So I said, "O.K. We'll take one near- perfect tree and we will also take this one that Lisa has found." My wife thought I was nuts but I had an idea. We took both of the trees home on top of the car. We put one up in the living room and decorated it. Then Lisa and I went into the garage and I told her my plan to make the ugly tree into a beautiful specimen. She got a spool of red ribbon. I cut limbs off the tree and we made all kinds of decorations with the limbs and the ribbon. We had two bunches of greenery for the mantle. We had a nice group of greenery for the dining room table. We made a big swag-type "wreath" for the front door. We even had one for the mailbox. The Christmas tree that didn't look so good was now all over the house...and it looked very, very good in its reincarnations. Lisa was happy and we all learned that you don't have to be a perfect tree to be beautiful at Christmas.

Local potter, Robin Bryant, will be holding an Open House and Holiday sale Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3. Robin moved to Saluda last spring from Haywood county where she was a student at Haywood Community College in their Professional Crafts program. Her work is all hand made with a functional and elegant appeal. It is fired in a gas kiln and is durable for everyday use. Look for great holiday gift ideas such as coffee mugs, beautiful scalloped bowls or a unique serving tray. Robin's work is also available at the Heartwood Gallery year round. The show will be at the home of the artist, 10am-5pm Saturday, 1pm-4pm Sunday. She is located in the Mountain Page Community close to the Greenville Water Shed. From Saluda, turn on to Greenvillle Street, travel 3 miles. Turn right on to Red Horse Lane. Take the second right on to Grant Lane. The home studio is immediately to the right. Look for signs.

Friday Night Art Party in Downtown Saluda
Linda Seagroves will be Your Arts Desire's featured artist for Saluda's Art Party on Friday, December 1. Linda is the brainchild behind Your Arts Desire,Saluda’s art co-op made up of local artists.

Linda is a locally known clay artist who features whimsical sculptures and does hand built "fun"ctional wares.

Linda also teaches classes and workshops in a number of organizations around the Polk County area and teaches kids clay art through Polk County Schools after-school program, The Builders Club. “I love teaching the kids about the different techniques of clay. I have found if you give them a chunk of clay and a little encouragement they will amaze you with their imaginations and creative abilities. There are so many great little artists around the area,” says Linda.

Come out and join Linda as she demonstrates a few of her techniques. Linda is also offering a chance to create an Art Work of your own, a chance to win free merchandise and a chance to win a free one- hour one-on-one clay art workshop with her at Your Arts Desire, You will find Linda most Fridays at the co-op working on her clay art. Beginning in January, Linda will be offering classes on Friday at Your Arts Desire. Join Linda Friday, December 1 for refreshments, demos and lots of fun from 5pm- 7:30pm at Your Arts Desire located behind the Wildflour Bakery and below The Brass Latch.

Morgan Auction & Realty provide real and personal property sales and business liquidation. The firm auctions antiques and collectibles two and three times a month. Next scheduled auctions are December 2 and 21 at 7pm. The Auction House is located conveniently off Ozone behind the Apple Mill.

Begin the Holiday Season at The Orchard Inn with a festive Dickens'Dinner! Set aside December 8, 9, 13, 18, or 20 for a magical holiday evening at our 20-acre mountaintop retreat. Enjoy the Chef's finest five-course dinner with readings from A Christmas Carol. Seating is at 7:00 p.m. and will end in candlelight by the roaring fire. The Orchard Inn offers fine wines and beer and suggests jackets for gentlemen. Cost for the evening is $59 per person, plus tax and gratuity. After dinner, treat yourself to an overnight at the weekday rate. Call 1-800-581-3800 for reservations or additional information.

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S EVE IN STYLE AT THE ORCHARD INN Weekend Special: Saturday, December 30 through Monday, January 1.

Join us for an elegant, quiet new year's eve by the grand fireplace at The Orchard Inn. The weekend will begin on Saturday evening with a delicious four- course dinner prepared by Chef Robert Thompson. After a full breakfast Sunday morning, enjoy hiking, napping, game playing, reading or church-going. That evening, the New Year's Eve Gala (black tie optional) opens with lavish hors d'oeuvres at 7:00 and a sumptuous seven-course dinner at 8:00. The music of Guy Lombardo will surround us as we bring in 2007 in civilized style. The weekend concludes with a leisurely breakfast Monday morning on our comfortable dining porch. Rates for the weekend start at $625 per couple, which includes lodging, breakfasts, dinners and gratuity. New Year's Eve dinner and celebration without lodging is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Saluda Mountain Jamboree
To top off the holiday season, Saluda Mountain Jamboree and the band "Legacy" will present the New Years Party "Maui In The Mountains" on Saturday, December 30th from 8 - 12 PM. This event will bring you "in out of the cold" to a tropical island oasis! The special guest will be "Elvis" with several of his top "Blue Hawaii" hits. A guest ticket includes: premium party favors, heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet, lots of music, dancing and fun. Price of the ticket is $20.00 per person and should be purchased in advance. Groups should purchase their tickets early to insure that they can be seated together. Champagne, choice wines and select beers will be available for purchase at the bar. This will be the biggest event of the year, so get your tickets NOW!!

Three Saluda artists: Bonnie Bardos, Karen Dickson, and Samantha Lovelace is holding an "art open house" at Bonnie Bardos' unique Victorian home at 285 Greenville Street in Saluda, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 15.

A variety of artwork will be on display throughout the house: original paintings and hand-painted Saluda Christmas ornaments by Bonnie Bardos, Sam Lovelace's jewelry, accompanied with art and unique fashions by Karen Dickson. Wine and light refreshments will be served along with holiday cheer. The event is free and open to the public. For further information, contact Bonnie Bardos at 749-1153.

Curtis Wright Outfitters will be offering fly fishing classes for beginners on Saturdays in December (2nd, 9th, 16th). The class will be an overview of fly fishing equipment, trout species, habitat, entomology, reading water, knot tying, and casting. Curtis Wright will provide all equipment and materials. Cost is $75 per person with a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 6 people per class.

Curtis Wright Outfitters is also offering a beginner fly tying class in January and February. The class will be offered on Saturday mornings from 10:30am til noon for 5 weeks beginning on January 16th. Cost is $75 per person plus materials at a 20% discount. Curtis Wright will provide all tools.

Please contact Curtis Wright at 828.749.3444 if you want to sign up for the fly fishing or fly tying class.

The popular Green River Boys perform at the City Club Grill Restaurant December 8 and 22 at 6:00pm. You can contact the City Club Grill at 749-1800.

On board at The Purple Onion's Sunday Evening Concert Series is Billy Jonas performing at 7pm. Tickets are $15 per person. Attendance limited to 100 people.Reservations are encouraged and can be made at the caf� and/or by calling with a credit card number (Visa/Master Card only). We will keep a reservation list at the caf� and will check you in at the door on the night of the performance. Phone is 828-749-1179.

Beer, wine, coffee and perhaps some desserts will be available but no meals. The restaurant will be set up in a combination of concert-style seating and tables. This will be a listening concert so that you can fully enjoy the incredible talents of Billy Jonas. A link to his website is provided in the Quick Links.

Tosh's WhistleStop Cafe is helping Polk County High School Chorus to raise money for a spring trip. During Hometown Christmas, the cafe will host a "Fundraiser Dinner" from 4 to 8. For $12 the dinner will include:

• Fresh roasted pumpkin soup
• Herb roasted chicken breast
• Orange pecan sweet potatoes
• Vegetable medley - dinner roll
• Choice of iced tea or coffee

Each year the Saluda Senior Center Board of Directors holds a "Holiday House" to raise proceeds for the Senior Center. "Holiday House" features a home or inn in Saluda and this year it will be held at The Saluda Inn. This is a great opportunity to tour the inn and feast on hors d'oeuvres, wine, and beer provided by local restaurants. The event is December 10 from 5 to 8 pm. Cocktail attire with black tie optional. Reservations are required by calling the Senior Center at 828-749-9245. Required donations are $60 a person or $100 a couple. RSVP by December 5. Parking and shuttle service provided at the Senior Center.

This Holiday Season, don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars and robbers a better chance to do their dirty work. Criminals love the holidays as much as everyone else, but chiefly because it's an opportune time for crime. Homes jammed packed with glittering gifts. Stores, malls and downtown streets teeming with unsuspecting shoppers. People rushing around, stressed out and careless, looking for last minute gifts, trying to get everything done. It's enough to make a criminal giddy with holiday joy.

If You're Traveling: Get an automatic timer for your lights.
Ask a neighbor to watch your home and park in the driveway from time to time.
Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign you're gone.

If You're Out for the Evening: Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone is home.
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave even if it's just for a few minutes.
Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You're Shopping: Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check, or credit card whenever possible.
Deter pick pockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages.
Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

If a Stranger Comes to the Door:
Beware, criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. And it's not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others' generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there's no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren't satisfied, don't give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.

Take a Holiday Inventory The holidays are a good time to update your home inventory. Take photos or make videos of items, and list descriptions and serial numbers. If your home is burglarized, having a detailed inventory can help identify stolen items and make insurance claims easier to file. Make sure things like TVs, DVDs, stereo equipment, cameras, camcorders, jewelry, computers, power tools, etc are on the list. Remember to check it twice!!!

Last but, not least , don't let holiday stress get the best of your holiday spirit. Make time to get together with family, friends and neighbors. And think about reaching out in the spirit of the season and helping someone who's less fortunate or lonely. Do your part to make the holidays a safe and happy time for everybody - except the criminals.

Happy Holidays
Chief Tonya S. Lindsey
Saluda Police Department
(Some of the tips provided by NC Crime Control & Public Safety)

Toni Garcia's hand-made quilt,Saluda Grade, is being raffled to raise funds for the library. The drawing will be held at the library December 8 during the Hometown Christmas stroll. Tickets can be purchased at the library.

We encourage you to purchase raffle tickets to support a good cause and also have an opportunity to win this beautiful hand-made quilt that represents Saluda's heritage.

Sylvia Jones' images of Saluda are familiar to many and may be seen at Saluda Fine Arts. Sylvia now lives in East Flat Rock but was a resident of Saluda for 22 years. While she lived here, she became interested in painting Saluda street scenes. She often used photographs taken by her husband, who passed away 8 years ago, as references for her paintings.

Sylvia "played around" with art all her life. "As a first grader I remember staring at original pieces of art and being fascinated." Her dad, who was an "ole timey by hand" sign painter, encouraged her interest in art and was very supportive, providing her with private lessons as a child.

She has had various experiences as an artist including illustrating children’s clothes for the magazine Creative Needle. She has also done product illustration for a wholesale jewelry company, a furniture company and for GE. In addition she has worked as a calligrapher.

Sylvia’s favorite medium is watercolor, and she LOVES shadows – anything with shadows. She is attracted to Saluda because "it’s a sunny looking happy town, and when it’s sunny there are always shadows." She is inspired by Norman Rockwell, whose work reminds her of old towns, people, characters – real people – like in Saluda.

Though Sylvia is a positive and energetic woman, there is a sad side to the story of her as an artist. She can never paint again. Thirteen years ago she was diagnosed with an eyelid condition called blepharospasm, which prevents her from focusing normally and makes her eyes overly sensitive to light. "What I need physically in order to do art is gone."

The images she painted in Saluda, however, are not gone. They have been preserved as prints, such as the painting above. They are available for sale at Saluda Fine Arts.

Submitted by Beverly Pickard

Saluda Fine Arts is fortunate. Just in time for Christmas we have received some images of Saluda that are new to the gallery. We have four of Sylvia Jones’ Saluda prints, train photos from the 1940’s provided by John Waddill, an original oil painting of a Saluda barn by Bill Jameson, a photo of the Saluda Truck by Mara and Ford Smith and a new version of Paul Koenen’s stylized image of Saluda Main Street, which now includes the library. Other Saluda images in the gallery include Carolyn Serrano’s "Historic Saluda", a pen and ink montage and Carey Pickard’s "Onion Cycles". Our Sunday afternoon art events have ended for this year and will begin again in June 2007. This winter and spring there will be opening receptions for several shows featuring our artists. Watch for the schedule.

Frank and Amy Beeson, & THE FRONT PORCH COFFEE BAR, are currently booking their 2007 concert series. This promises to be the best season yet. Anyone interested in sponsoring any part of this great community event should contact Frank or Amy at 828-749-3252, or just stop by the coffee bar. We thank you in advance.

Frank & Amy at The Front Porch Coffee Bar, announce that they are now offering catered GELATO parties in their shop, or in your home. Parties include, Frank & Amy, and everything you will need to host a cutting edge party, up to five flavors of freshly made GELATO, recorded music, and authentic Italian utensils. In your place or theirs, the experience will be one that you and your guests will talk about for years to come. You can also add a full service coffee and espresso bar, featuring their famous "Black Silk" coffee, plus a delicious light roast blend, and a great Brazilian De Caf. So don't wait-- Call today, 828-749-3252 for information and booking. Price varies according to location, attendance, and service.

Some of you might be wondering where you can find a place to cut your own Christmas tree--short of your own back yard, that is.

Here's a list of tree farms in the area where you can choose your tree, cut it down, and let them bag it for the ride home.

Buncombe County
Clyde Davis Tree Farm - 129 Ball Gap Road, Arden, NC, 28704. Phone: 828-684-0890.
Gentry's Christmas Trees - 1 Hominy Creek Road, Candler, NC 28715. Phone: (828) 667-1271. Email: gentrees@mindspring.com.
Hope Hollow Farms - Weaverville, NC, 28787. Phone: 828-645-4621.
Sandy Hollow Tree Farm - 63 Sandy Hollow Road, Leicester, NC, 28748. Phone: 828-683-3645 or 828-683-2964

Haywood County
Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm-445 Boyd Farm Road, Waynesville, NC, 28785. Phone: 828-926-1575 or 828-506-3513
Wesley Creek Tree Farm - 124 Gibson Branch Road, Clyde, NC, 28721. Phone: 828- 627-8077.

Rutherford County Moore's Christmas Trees - 951 Oak Springs Road, Rutherfordton, NC, 28139. Phone: 828-287-2527.

Transylvania County
Cedar Mountain Tree Farm - 1350 Reasonover Rd, Cedar Mtn, NC 28718. Phone: 828-884-5954
Colonial Acres Nursery - 2601 Hannah Ford Road, Brevard, NC 28712. Phone: (828) 884-4330. Email: canursery@citcom.net.
Farley Nursery - PO Box 564, Brevard, NC, 28712. Phone: 828-884-2365 or 828-883-9828
High Valley Trout and Tree Farm - 615 Cathey's Creek Road, Brevard, NC, 28712. Phone: 828-883-3951.
McCall's Tree Farm - 110 McCall Cove Road, Lake Toxaway, NC 28747. Phone: (828) 877-3503. Phone: (828) 862- 4608
Nicholson Tree Farm - PO Box 38, Lake Toxaway, NC, 28747. Phone: 828-883-8570 or 828- 883-8570
Parker Tree Farm - 230 Lyons Mountain Road, Brevard, NC, 28712. Phone: 828-862-4427 or 828-884-4712
Raxter Tree Farm - 1980 Walnut Hollow Road, Brevard, NC, 28712. Phone: 828-862- 3600
Shoal Creek Tree Farms - 796 Shoal Creek Road, Balsam Grove, NC, 28708. Phone: 828-884- 6396.

The picture of the tree above was once part of the Saluda scenery and is courtesy of Elena Robson. A pine Christmas tree has been donated to Saluda. It will be decorated with treats for the birds, and will be on display in the park until it is planted in its permanent location.

Saluda Fine Arts congratulates photographer J. Bart Baldwin for winning First Place and $5,000 in the 2006 "National Parks Photography Contest" sponsored by Canon USA, Inc.

Baldwin competed against more than 10,000 entries in two divisions in the contest, landscape and wildlife. His award was for landscape. His winning photograph, Moments at Night, includes the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Memorial and the Mall, all three of which are listed as "National Parks." You can see this beautiful photograph as well as other work by Baldwin at Saluda Fine Arts.

With over 20 years of experience and studying Fine Art photography, Baldwin has concentrated his efforts studying the form and styles of modern and classic photographers, as well as developing his own unique “vision” and style. He now lives in Irmo, SC.

Dec. 1, 4-6 Book Fair
Dec. 14 Grades 3-5 to PCHS for PCHS Band Concert
Dec. 15 Christmas Bazaar & Interim reports
Dec. 18-19 PTSO Book Distribution
Dec. 21-Jan 2 Christmas Holiday

The Senior Center serves warm nutritious lunches Monday through Friday from 11:30-12:30 at a cost of $3.00 a person.

The Senior Center welcomes all Saluda citizens to join in the activities and programs offered. You don't have be a "senior" to participate!

Decorating the walls of the Saluda Senior Center are original artwork from local residents. Students of well- known artist, Dale McEntire, these artists have created beautiful work. The center invites you to view these paintings. They are:

• "Autumn Road" by Pam Pillsbury (oil on canvas)
• "French Connection" by Janice Honeycutt (pastel)
• "Autumn Splendor" by Claudia Seagle (oil on canvas)
• "Tracey Grove Road" by Sally Thomas (oil on canvas)

Monday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group
9:30 Line Dancing
10:00 NIA Class
12:30 Yoga
5:30 Yoga
Closed December 25-Merry Christmas!

Tuesday Activities Schedule
10:00 Bridge
Closed December 26

Wednesday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group
10:00 Trash Train and NIA Class
12:30 Tai Chi

Thursday Activities Schedule
9:30 Knitting Group
10:00 NIA Class
2:00 Art Class
2:30 Board Meeting (December 14)

December 21 at 10:00am Christmas Celebration at MPI in Tryon.

Friday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group 10:00 Trash Train 11:00 Bones, Balance and Bend-Chair Exercise

Special Note: A Thrifty Barn needs people who will pick up and deliver for customers. They would like to have a list of people on call for this service. Payment would be between delivery person and the customer. Please call Joyce at 749-3320

For more information about activities at Saluda Senior Center call Donna at 828-749-9245.

The Saluda Senior Center provides many services to the growing retirement community in Saluda. Volunteers to provide these services are needed. They encourage you to share your time to help deliver meals on wheels or work in A Thrifty Barn retail shop. Please contact Donna at 828-749- 9245.

Basement Sale at A Thrifty Barn first and third Saturdays of the month.....great bargains!

Dear churches, businesses and organizations,

A traditional Christmas Feast is being prepared for our neighbors who are alone, or need assistance in the Polk County area.

The Saluda Running Club and many caring individuals throughout the community will be serving a Christmas feast, complete with all the trimmings in the Fellowship Hall of the Congregational Church, 210 Melrose Ave., Tryon. This feast will be served Christmas day from 1-4 pm. The public is invited to share in food and fellowship.

We need your help to make this special experience a reality. Please make every effort to bring those who are alone in your church or friends that you know would be warmed by this meal. Help us spread the word about this meal.

We also need many people to help make this dinner a success. Donations of desserts, frozen turkeys, fresh bone–in-hams, as well as unwrapped new toys for children of all ages are needed. Financial donations are also needed.

Come walk the path of “The Shepherd,” bringing the light of his love to those who may be alone or in the shadows this Christmas. Help provide the most precious of Christmas gifts-- fellowship and love.

For donations make checks payable to: The Shepherd’s Feast and post them to the address below.

For donations or more details contact:Ross Fox PO Box 1481, Tryon NC 28782 (828) 859- 9979 email:rossmfox@hotmail.com.

May the light of Christmas be your guide!

Peace

Ross Fox

"The Shepherd’s Feast" is a non-denominational event, presented by caring members of our community designed to share the light of Christmas with the residents of Polk County.

Readers have requested that Saluda Lifestyles provide a listing of local church services. This is not a complete list but a representation of the denominations in Saluda. Painting of Transfiguration Church was done by Sylvia Jones.

Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
The Reverend Paula C. Morton
8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist - Rite I
9:15 a.m. - Sunday School
10:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist - Rite II with music

Saluda Presbyterian
The Reverend Gene Witherspoon
Adult SS 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am

Saluda First Baptist Church
The Reverend Ray Talley, Interim
SS 9:45 am
Worship Service 11 am & 6:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 pm

Saluda Methodist Church
The Reverend Tony Sayer
SS 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am

The Saluda Board of Commissioners is changing the way we conduct business.

The purpose is to provide our citizens a more effective manner for contributing to our future by tapping into the experience, knowledge and wisdom of our people. During our last monthly meeting on Nov. 20th, we passed a new policy on public comment and input during our business meetings. A full copy of the policy is available at City Hall. The major elements of the new policy include:

1. We will provide two opportunities to comment and provide input during the business meeting.
2. The first opportunity will be at the beginning of the meeting when you can sign up to speak on a subject for up to 3 minutes. There are some limits of course, one of which is that the subject of the comments should not be associated with an item already on the agenda.
3. The second opportunity will be after a motion has been made by a Commissioner and seconded by another member. At this point, discussion is allowed by the Commissioners. We will also allow any citizen to provide input into the discussion. A maximum of two minutes is planned. This should allow the Board to make decisions that are more appropriate.

Another change that we have made involves the order of the agenda. We may make additional changes but this is a starting point. The review of the finance officers report is now integrated with the Department Reports. We think that it makes more sense to talk about Department issues while we are reviewing the budget performance. You can't separate the issues from the costs and this approach provides for a more effective discussion.

The issue of the proposed Golf Cart ordinance was discussed. A spirited review of the aspects, value and issues was conducted with a healthy dose of skepticism. Input was received from the meeting attendees also. The proposed ordinance will be slightly modified and brought back to the Commissioners for a vote either in December or January.

It was brought to the attention of the Mayor and Commissioners by the City Administrator that there is an inconsistency in our current street addressing system and Polk County's 911 system. It was decided that a review of this discrepancy should be undertaken to determine what actions should be taken, if any.

There were several general actions taken on tax findings, personnel and a new answering services. The Commissioners have decided to accept a proposal for a 24-hr per day answering service as opposed to just installing an answering machine. The answering service will have several valuable aspects to providing our citizens direct responses to circumstances 24-hr per day. The answering service will give us the capacity to respond more effectively to situations such as a broken water or sewer line that generally do not immediately threaten life or property but nonetheless need a prompt response. Also, we will be able to provide messages regarding weather or other phenomenon that may affect our citizens. It does not and can not replace the 911 system. If you have an emergency that threatens your health or property such as an illness, fire or crime---dial 911. The answering service cannot and will not function as an emergency clearinghouse. Respectfully and Happy Holidays,
Rodney Gibson