Joe Adams
 
Saluda Lifestyles
Where Time Stands Still
April 1, 2008 
In This Issue
In Loving Memory
Senior Center
Saluda School Calendar
Saluda Library
Saluda Church Services
Memorial for Susan Dart McCutcheon
Meetings to Remember
The Women's Club of Saluda
Low Country Boil
Mulch Needed
Saluda Garden Club
Polk County Democratic Convention
City Notes-Mayor Gibson
Saluda Is Blooming
What's Happening
Spring at DuPont Forest
Joe Adams - The Robots Are Coming
Lions and Tigers and Bears
Saluda Scoop
"The Old Home Place"
2008 Saluda Arts Festival
Saluda's Miss NC USA
Jamboree Holds Fund Raiser
Saving Our Slopes
Saluda Community Land Trust
Coon Dog Day Poster Contest
Wilkes Returns to Saluda
Nicest People In the World
Quick Links
Request NEW UPDATED Saluda Service Directory Available
Music and Entertainment
The Purple Onion
Area News Media
Tryon Daily Bulletin
Saluda Property & Real Estate
 
Click on the Pictures to get more information about these properties.
 
Witherspoon
3BR, 3BA, 2200 SF, 1.15 Ac
$325,000
 
 
Phillips
3 BR, 3BA, 3739 SF, 2-car garage, 3.5 ac, Views
$450,000
Saluda Lifestyles
Past Issues of Saluda Lifestyles
In Loving Memory

David Alkin

David L. Akin, age 67, a native of Saluda passed away in Florida on March 20, 2008.  After leaving Saluda, he and his wife Elsa continued to visit Saluda frequently staying in their camper at Orchard Lake Campground.  He wrote stories about "Aunt Phoebe" that was published in the Saluda Signal.  David was a loving father and husband and most recently resided in West Palm Beach, FL. He retired from FP&L after 27 Years of service. He is survived by his loving wife, Elsa M. Akin, children, Mark L. Akin, Tracy Barrett, Andy Hevia, predeceased by Alex Hevia and six beautiful grandchildren.  To express condolences and/or make donations to Hospice of the Palm Beaches, please visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries.
Saluda Senior Center
New Senior CenterSenior Center is open to the public and welcomes all Saluda citizens (at any age) to join in the activities and programs offered.
 
Monday Activities Schedule
9:00 NIA
9:30 Walking Group
9:30 Line dancing
12:30 Yoga
 
Tuesday Activities Schedule
10:00 Bridge
2:15 Chair Exercise
5:30 Yoga
 
Wednesday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group
10:00 Trash Train
12:30 Gentle Yoga
5:30 Vinyasa Yoga
 
April 16 7-9 Saluda Community Land Trust Meeting
 
Thursday Activities Schedule
9:30 Knitting Group
5:30 Vinyasa Yoga
6:45 Beginner's meditation
 
April 10
-2:30 Board Meeting.
 
Friday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group
10:00 Trash Train
10:00 Chair Exercise
 
April 11- Birthday Celebration. 
 
 
Sunday Activities
9:15 Silent meditation
 
Volunteer Week
April 27-May 3
 
------------------------
The Senior Center serves warm nutritious lunches Monday through Friday from 11:30-12:30 at a cost of $3.00 a person and for senior's, a contribution would be appreciated.

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.
 
For more information about activities at Saluda Senior Center call Donna at 828-749-9245.
 
Basement Sale at A Thrifty Barn first and third Saturdays of the month.........great bargains!
Saluda School Calendar
 

Saluda School

 
April Calendar

Apr. 4PTSO Meeting 8:00am in the auditorium

Apr. 4Hobby/Career Day

Apr. 5Campus Beautification 10am-12pm 

PTSO to provide free pizza & drinks.

Apr. 9Class & Spring Pictures

Apr. 9Grades 3, 4 & 5 to Asheville Symphony

Apr. 11 Kindergarten classes to WNC Nature Center

Apr. 14 Grades 4 & 5 to Tryon Fine Arts Center-"Legends of John Henry"

Apr. 14 School Board Meeting  6:30pm at Stearns Education Building

April 17 Spring InformanceParents and community members are invited to visit Saluda Elementary School this evening.  Student work will be on display.  Also, several grade levels will schedule short presentations to share examples of their academic studies.

April 19-27 Spring Break 

Saluda Community Library
Paul Koenen
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
Computer Classes have started up again at the library every Monday 1-3. Learn how to use email, browse the Internet, and other fun computer programs.
 

APRIL CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

 

Wednesday, April 2

Preschool Storytime 10:30 am

Friday, April 5

Bouncing Babies 11:00 am

 

Saturday, April 5 

WATCH FOR THE CAT IN THE HAT

& OTHER SURPRISES IN THE

"TRYON APRIL FOOL'S PARADE"!! 10-12 am

Wednesday, April 9

Preschool Storytime 10:30 am

Friday, April 11

Bouncing Babies 11:00 am

 

"CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

 OF NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK!"

April 13-19

Sign up for a new Library Card this week,

or bring in your current one, and receive

a Library Goody Bag!!

 

Wednesday, April 16

Special "Library Time"

Preschool Storytime 10:30 am

Friday, April 18

Bouncing Babies 11:00 am

 

*NO PRESCHOOL STORYTIME APRIL 23*

 

Friday, April 25

Bouncing Babies 11:00 am

Wednesday, April 30

Preschool Storytime 10:30 am

For more information about programs at the library, call 828-749-2117.

 
Painting of the Saluda Library by Paul Koenen and can be purchased at Saluda Fine Arts. A percentage of the proceeds go to the Saluda Library.
Saluda Church Services

Joe Adams

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.
Check their website for more programs and schedule changes Transfiguration
 

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

Saluda First Baptist Church
Welcome new pastor, David Webb
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

Susan Dart McCutcheon Memorial

Susan Dart McCutcheon

Susan Dart McCutcheon passed away last December and her family wishes to celebrate her life in Saluda with "a time of remembrance."  This memorial will start at 11 AM on April 26 at the Old Home Place (10 Fox Paw Lane-off Holbert Cove Rd). Lunch will be served after the memorial service.  The family needs an idea of the number of people to expect so if you plan to attend please RSVP to mmccutch@gmu.edu or call 703-243-3643.

 

Susan was a preservationist and loved the land.  She and her husband Jack, have preserved more than 400 acres on Holbert Cove Road.  To honor her, a clean up along a section of Holbert Cove Road is planned.  The litter pick up starts at 10 AM on April 27.  Bags will be placed at key places along Holbert Cove Road and participants can start work whenever and wherever they want.  The family will cruise by with refreshments and favors over the next hour.  This is also part of the North Carolina DOT Spring 2008 Roadside Cleanup campaign.  The family will be dedicating a stretch of Holbert Cove Road to Susan under the Adopt-A-Highway program at that time.

Meetings to Remember
 
Town Council meets second Monday of the month at 7:00pm in the meeting room above the Saluda Library.
 
Saluda Business Association's next regular monthly meeting will be Tuesday, April 1 at 5:30pm in the meeting room at the Saluda Public Library. (No fooling!)
 
Saluda Community Land Trust meets every third Wednesday at 3 at the meeting room at the Saluda Public Library.  For information please call Betsy Burdett at 828-749-2161.
 
Saluda Planning Board meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7pm in the meeting room of the Saluda Public Library. 
 

 

 

The Women's Club of Saluda

 

 April Meeting

 

When:April 8, 2008,10 am

Where:  Presbyterian Church (behind the Saluda Library)

Program

  Mary Ann Merrill

"African Adventure"

 
 

We are a service/social organization dedicated to helping Saluda

become an even better place to live.  We include year-round residents and part-timers of all ages.  We work to raise money to support our projects and have a little fun along the way.

 

Our primary goal is to provide scholarships to deserving Saluda students.  In addition, we support the Medical Center, the Fire Dept. and the Senior Center--all in Saluda, as well as other deserving organizations.

 

If you'd like to come see what we are all about, please visit one of our meetings.  We welcome visitors each month.  Please call Marti Wells at 749-9538 for details.

Low Country Boil
The Saluda's Women's Club  presents the Low Country Boil Saturday, May 3 at 5:30pm.  It will be held at Camp Wayfarer, Red Bird Song Lane off Hwy 176 between Saluda and Hendersonville.
 
Great food!
Great music by the Lonesome Road Band!
Great frivolity with neighbors and friends!
 
Tickets are $50 person.  Proceeds benefit the Saluda Scholarship Fund, the Saluda Medical Center and Saluda Volunteer Fire Department.  We call it "Donating by Dining."
 
Tickets are available in front of Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill or Macon Bank on Friday and Saturday in April.
Mulch Needed
The Saluda Community Tree Preservation Association cemetery committee needs donations of mulch to put around trees planted in Saluda Cemetery.  Any amount will be appreciated.  Please call 828-749-9718 to arrange for pick up.  Leave a message. 
 
Saluda Garden Club
 

girl gardenerBradford pears and redbuds are sure signs it's time - time for gardeners to warm up for warm weather ahead.  Get started with some smart tips to make your gardening easier, more productive and more enjoyable.

 

1. Just in case it gets too cold after tender shoots have come up, use tomato cages for protection.  Cover with pillowcases or feed sacks until temperatures rise.  No damaged plants!

 

2. Try ashes in vole holes.  Voles are very sensitive to smell according to one gardener who has successfully eradicated these creatures by putting cigarette ashes (maybe fireplace ashes too?) into their holes and washed them further into the holes with water.  Voila!  No voles!

 

3. Prevent accidental injuries from scissors by using canine dog clippers to nick hard coated seeds.

 

4. Having bad luck with wildflower seeds?  If they haven't already been planted this   year, they will now need to be refrigerated for 6 to 8 weeks before sowing.

 

5. Mixing pesticides and fertilizers from concentrates are usually based on gallon quantities.  For those who prefer to mix less, perhaps a cup, measure product in drops. To calculate:  since one cup is 1/16 of a gallon and there are 60 drops in a teaspoon, divide 60 by 16 and the result is 3 ¾ teaspoons.  Round up to four teaspoons and add a bit more water. 

 

These tips are from the readers of Fine Gardening Magazine.

 

Spring ParkWhen you pass by Spring Park next time, be sure to notice the artfully, forged handrails crafted by Bill Crowell of Saluda Forge.  These are a beautiful addition to the Park and in part a contribution by the artist.  Many thanks to Bill for this very special mark he has made on our community.

 

The field trip last month was cancelled however, an excellent program on ground covers was presented by Master Gardener, Jeanine, from the Garden Patch in Columbus.  The wildflower trek is now scheduled for the April meeting on the 21st.  Everyone interested should meet at the library parking lot at 10:00.  Bring umbrellas in case of slightly inclement weather and bring cameras in any case.

 

Happy Gardening

Sandra Rocks

Polk County Democratic Convention

All Saluda Democrats and Unaffiliated Voters who want to vote in the May 6th Democratic primary are invited to attend the Polk County Democratic Convention at the Polk County High School cafeteria on Saturday, April 19th, from 9 - 11 a.m.  Light breakfast will be served  by the Polk County Democratic Women's Club as you enter.   Democratic  primary candidates for the state and national offices who appear on the May 6th primary ballot, or their representatives, will be invited to speak briefly.  There will also be introductions of the unopposed Democratic Party candidates who will run on our Nov. 4th election ballot:  Congressman Heath Shuler of the 11th NC district,  and our NC District 113 State House candidate, Tom Thomas, of Brevard.  Delegates to attend the district convention will be elected during the business meeting.  This free event  also features a traditional, good-natured rivalry among the precincts, who compete in presenting the most funds  to the PCDP for the mythical title of "Top Fund-raising Precinct."  The funds collected support only Polk County Democratic candidates, and the local party activities surrounding the November 4th election.   State and national candidates must raise their own election funds from private donors.

 

Though only the delegates elected at the March annual meeting by each precinct are recognized to vote on county party issues at this meeting, all are welcome and encouraged to attend.  The event promises to be both fun and informative for Saluda voters vitally concerned  with the important election races for 2008.   And - -there will still 

be time to attend the Steeplechase or enjoy all of  Saturday afternoon!

 
 

Submitted by Priscilla Eichelberger

City Notes

Saluda's Water Future

by Mayor Rodney A. Gibson

   

I know many of you have been reading and following the developments concerning a proposed county-wide water system.  The issue is not only important to Polk County, it is also a long-term concern of the City of Saluda and our residents.  It is no secret that our water and sewer rates are among the highest in North Carolina and as water becomes a more scarce natural resource, we should expect that it's value will continue to increase meaning higher cost to us.   With the current and seemingly long-term drought conditions, that message has been coming through loud and clear.   Additionally, we are now seeing the encroachment of the Governor and the State Bureaucracy in management of our existing water resources using emergency powers to dictate their view of what the City of Saluda and other communities should be doing. 

 

From the City of Saluda's perspective, this is not a new concern.  We have been planning our "Water Future" for some time.  Our first step was to get the water and sewer "Enterprise" on a sound financial footing and find ways to be efficient and effective to hold down costs to our customers while assuring them a stable and certain source of drinking water and wastewater treatment.  I know it seems as though our costs are high, but fixing history does not come cheap and we are now well positioned to control our future.  We have and are making investments that will improve our cost management.

 

Key to our "Water Future" is the ability to find additional sources of water to end our total dependence on Hendersonville.  The relationship with Hendersonville as our potable water supply has been and continues to be a good one.  Hendersonville's willingness to be flexible and supportive of our efforts has gone beyond the call-of-duty many times and we should all be appreciative of their efforts.  They are aware of our long-term plans to expand our options and are supportive of that effort to do so.

 

For the better part of 4 years, Saluda has been an active participant in pursuing solutions in conjunction with the Towns of Tryon and Columbus as well as Polk County.  We each have our own issues to resolve concerning water and sewer but there clearly are common-ground areas that exist.  We have prodded along with a spirit of compromise, that in itself is historic for Polk County. However, it has become increasingly evident that the approach favored by Polk County leaders is not compatible with the approach favored by Columbus, Tryon and Saluda leaders.  And the Polk County option appears to be the most expensive option available not only to the Towns but also to the County-only residents.

 

The  Polk County approach would have undesirable impacts not just on future water costs but on the flexibility our Towns would have in dealing with future growth in and around our communities.  Whether intended or not, Polk County's approach becomes unacceptable to those of us that are experienced with managing water and sewer systems in our communities.

 

The outgrowth of all this has been that the Towns are jointly pursuing an alternative approach that will not only give us lower costs but provide us solutions much sooner than Polk County's approach.   Additionally, it allows us to control and manage the future of our individual communities.  The citizens of Polk County living outside the Towns will also have access to water when they need it at reasonable cost should the Polk County leaders desire. 

 

 

Saluda Is Blooming Out All Over

 

Joe Adams

 

Walking or slowly driving down Pearson Falls Road, walking the Palmetto Trail, or driving down (slowly) any country road, you will see in bloom Crab Apples, Shadblow, Dogwood, Golden Ragwort, Wood Phlox, Virginia Bluebells, Mayapples, Pussy Toes, Blood Root, several varieties of Trillium, several varieties of Violets, and Red Buds.

 

To see where and when wildflowers are blooming in the mountains, click on this link Spring Flowers Blooming Calendar

 

Remember the golden rule about viewing wildflowers, "Leave them as you found them so that others can enjoy them, too."

What's Happening
purple onion
The Purple Onion
Fred Whiskin is on the piano every Friday night at 7pm. Check out the Purple Onion's Thursday and Saturday night line up by clicking on the link provided in Quick Links.
 

Montana Skies will be appearing at the Purple Onion on April 13 as part of its Sunday Night Concert Series. You will not believe the instrumental virtuosity of this Atlanta-based duo.  While they have appeared at the cafe before, this is an opportunity to appreciate them in a "listening" environment.

Performance starts at 7 o'clock.  Tickets are limited and are $15 per person. Call the cafe  for reservations at 828-749-1179.   Learn more about Williams at Montana SkiesClick here to listen to their music.

Monday Night Flights at the Purple Onion offer three glasses of wine for the price of one.
 
    

Orchard Inn Front PorchIt's springtime at The Orchard Inn! Relax in a rocking chair with a cool drink as you breathe in the fragrant mountain air and enjoy a stunning view. The Orchard Inn, a National Historic site, offers an comfortably elegant retreat in Saluda for those visiting the Art Show (May 17th) or just looking for a restorative getaway -- find out more at The Orchard Inn or call 1-800-581-3800 or email innkeeper@orchardinn.com.

 

The Green River Boys invite you to Shaffer's Roadside Grill (formerly City Club and Grill).  They are scheduled to perform April 4 and 18 at 6:00pm.  Check their schedule at  Green River Boys.
 
 

Saluda Mountain JamboreeSaluda Mountain Jamboree  

 

The Jamboree has started selling tickets for a VERY SPECIAL performance that is scheduled for May 3.  The award winning country artists group, "SHENANDOAH" will be on stage here in Saluda for a spring concert.

 

"SHENANDOAH" has had 3 gold albums, 13 number one hits, numerous top ten hits, received CMA and ACM awards, as well as, the coveted Grammy award.  Some of their hits include: "Two Dozen Roses," "Church on Cumberland Road," "Next to You, Next to Me," "Sunday in the South," "Moon Over Georgia," "If Bubba Can Dance, I Can Too," "I want to be Loved Like That," and the list goes on and on.

 

This is sure to be one of the biggest events for The Saluda Mountain Jamboree and it will be just in time to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of The Jamboree. Reserved seats are $25.00 and general admission is $20.00.

 

99.9Kiss Country Radio will be advertising this concert and giving away 10 reserved tickets the week before they go on sale.

 

Please make plans now to be at The Saluda Mountain Jamboree on May 3.

 

Keep in touch with all the happenings at The Jamboree by visiting their website: www.saludamountainjamboree.com and make every Saturday night a special night At The Saluda Mountain Jamboree.

 

The doors open at 7:00 pm and the music is 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm.  More information at the web Saluda Mountain Jamboree or call 828-749-3676.
 
Random Arts Upcoming Workshops
 

April 4th & 5th Annie Fain Liden -

Spirit House: Explorations with a Triptych Book Structure

 This book structure, also called "gate fold" or "triptych," is a hard cover,  multi-needle Coptic book structure with a wonderful twist. The completed book is essentially two books facing each other, both sewn to the same back cover allowing the books to open out like a set of French doors. We will add a more sculptural element to our books by shaping our covers and text pages to reflect the shape of a house and sew a button  or bead to each cover, like door knobs, to act as a creative closure for 

the book. A perfect workshop for the beginning or experienced bookmaker

 looking to "breaks the bounds" of the average journal, sketchbook, or artist book structure. 10-4 both days $150. Be sure to check out Annie's web site for information on this talented artist.

 
Random Arts On The Road
11th - 13th Charlotte Quilt Show - Charlotte, NC
10th - 12th -
Inspired Artist Show - Concord, NC
 

May
Sat.3rd, Art and Soul Retreat - Hampton, VA Michael DeMeng
Fri.9th - Assemblooks $145. 10-4 includes instruction, lunch & some supplies
Sat.10th - Morpheus Box $145 10-4 includes instruction, lunch & some supplies
Sat.31st & Sun June1st - Cheryl Prater & Debbie Crane

More workshops are schedule throughout the year and the descriptions and photos are available on Random Arts.

 

 

Joe AdamsJim Carson Outdoor Painting Workshop--Jim Carson will hold his spring "plein air" oil and acrylic workshop, entitled "Painting Fast And Loose/ Eliminating The Unnecessary" in Saluda, on Thursday - Saturday, June 5 - June 7. The outdoor workshop will focus on simplifying large shapes and applying paint quickly and confidently, with an emphasis on color harmony, painterly marks and composition. The cost of the workshop is $300, which includes a "get acquainted" gathering at Carson's home on Wed. night, June 4. For more information, visit Jim Carson or call 828 749-3702.  Carson is represented locally in Hendersonville by Wickwire Gallery.

 

Spring at  DuPont Forest

Tour de Falls

spring in dupont forestOn Mother's Day weekend, the Friends of DuPont Forest will again sponsor the Tour de Falls, a 12 mile tour by shuttle bus to four of DuPont Forest's most spectacular sites: Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia.  The Tour will take place on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11.  Easy-to-enter shuttles will leave from the Tour de Falls parking area from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day  This weekend has been planned to provide families and those who cannot hike the distance required a chance to see the beauty of the forest, some of its spring wildflowers, as well as some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Southeast.  Three of the sites have shelters with picnic tables and benches.  Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras, picnic lunches, to take short hikes, or just enjoy the beauty of the falls and lake.  The waterfalls and lake provide beautiful backdrops for family or scenic photographs.  FODF will have volunteer members on each shuttle and at the four stops to assist where needed and to answer questions.  At Lake Julia, the last stop before returning to the parking lot, refreshments will be served in the rustic lodge overlooking the lake.                  
 

DuPont Forest is located in both Henderson and Transylvania counties.  The parking area for the tour is located adjacent to the Buck Forest entrance on Staton/DuPont Road.  No advance reservations are required.  A $10 per person donation is requested.  The Tour generally takes about 2 hours, depending on how long participants choose to spend at each stop.  Participants will also have the chance to see several FODF-sponsored projects, including a staircase to Triple Falls, new shelters and picnic tables at High and Triple Falls, and a new path and viewing area at Bridal Veil Falls.  "This has become a very popular event," stated Gloria Clouse, President of the Friends of DuPont Forest.  "We have many repeat visitors, including some from other states who schedule their visits to the area based on the dates of the Tour de Falls."

 

Friends of DuPont Forest is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the 10,400 acres of DuPont State Forest.   For more information contact the FODF at 828/692-2929 or 828/884-2006, or visit the FODF website, www.dupontforest.com.   That website has directions to the Buck Forest parking area.

 

The attached photo of bluets at the base of Bridal Veil Falls is by Jeff Jennings.

 

Submitted by Karen Cutright, k&pcutright@tds.net

              

 

The Robots Are Coming!
by author Joe Adams

Joe Adams

It's bad enough that we have to worry about illegal aliens taking jobs away from Americans.  Nowwe have to worry about Robots!  The Japanese are planning to send more than 100,000 our way by 2010. And what are they going to be doing?  Caregivers for the elderly!

 

I'm an elder and I didn't ask for any shiny metal robot to take care of me.  I want HUMAN contact not some whirring mechanical robot bringing me my coffee.

 

And I don't think the Japanese have forgiven us for dropping The Bomb, so I especially don't want a robot from Japan.

 

Robots are big already in Japan and China.  But mainly they work in factories building cars.  They'll put an apron on those and ship them over here for caregivers.

 

I need somebody who can shave me...and I'm not trusting some Japanese robot to do it...especially one that's singing show tunes from Sweeney Todd.  In Japanese.

 

Of course giving a robot a squirt of WD-40 would probably be cheaper than feeding a human caregiver.  But I still don't want anything to do with them.  I can get my own coffee, thank you.

 

If you see a Japanese looking robot in a boat out on Lake Sheila...sink the sucker.  It's probably my caregiver trying to escape.

 
 
If you enjoy Joe's column in Saluda Lifestyles, please let him know. You can email him at americaohyes@gmail.com.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh No!!

Well, the only critter we saw was a skink , but oh what a day.  Cathy Jackson and I left the office at 12:30 to walk the boundaries of a 22 acre parcel of land we have listed for sale.  The property lies between Lake Hosea, Heatherly Heights Road, and the Greenville Watershed.  We entered the property from the Lake Hosea side, walked the boundary line to the top of the ridge.  Walked the ridge past the North Carolina/South Carolina line and onto Heatherly Heights Road.  We turned back into the woods to find the property line that would lead us to our car.  That was the last time we knew our location.

 

We walked and we walked until we found a creek and since we knew this side of the property ran along a creek, we decided to follow it downstream.  After an hour and a half of following the creek and not coming upon our car, we knew we were lost.  We heard no dogs, no birds, nothing but the wind.

Joe Adams

The cell phone battery was weak but strong enough for one or two calls so we recited a list of people we might call for help.  We decided to call our city administrator, Erny Williams, and thankfully he answered his phone.  We explained the situation and Superman was on his way.

 

He and our police chief, Tonya Lindsey, drove to our car and blew the car horn hoping it would be the beacon to lead us safely out of the woods.  We heard nothing at all.  They needed back-up and called the Rescue Team.  Now we had the City Administrator, the Police Chief, the Rescue Squad, and EMS setting up a command post and out looking for us.

 

Darryl Russell of the rescue squad told us to go back to the creek and follow it downstream and they would be out searching for us.  It wasn't so easy to follow his directions.  The creek doesn't flow in a straight line.  Rhododendron bushes grow in thick masses along both sides of the creek.  And still we could hear nothing.

 

Cathy and I walked and sang way off tune and laughed but didn't find our way out. It began to get dark down at the creek bed and in the rhododendrons. On our hands and knees we crawled upward and toward the sun and when we reached the knoll, we fell back to rest.  As we lay resting, we thought we heard a distant siren.  We jumped to our cold, wet feet and started yelling and moved as quickly as we could.  We had to dodge the brambles, we had to go over and under the trees, we had to cross the creek, but we could still hear the siren.  We kept yelling.

 

And then we saw the truck and the four wheelers!!  They didn't see us.  They didn't hear us! We  kept yelling.  All other sounds stopped.  No siren, no truck, no four wheelers. The noise started back and it was coming our way. Thank you Superman and crew!!!

 

Submitted by Debbie Johnson

 

Saluda Scoop
The latest news and the unusual offerings provided by Saluda shops, restaurants, artists, and craftspeople
 
Cathy Jackson Realty is doing some spring cleaning.  Anyone interested in free sales training manuals or videos, please stop by and pick them up.  They are located at 46 E. Main Street (between Random Arts and Saluda Grade).
 
duck alley progressDuck Alley's new building is really shaping up and blends well with the Depot Station architecture.
 
 
 
 
 
Saluda Mountain Crafts MarchSaluda Mountain Craft's
building is now owned by Don Mintz Builders.  Don has remodeled the building to look like a "country general store."  He is looking for occupants or someone to rent the whole building.  Give Don a call at 828-674-8882.
 
Wildflour Bakery Cafe served its last meal on March 30.  The cafe will be closed until someone buys it.  Debbie Thompson will continue her retail sales of bakery items and her famous breads at the same location. For more information about the cafe please contact Debbie at 828-749-9224.
 
Be sure to check Saluda's lodging accommodations if you plan to attend Tryon's Steeplechase April 19, 2008 sponsored by the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club.
"The Old Home Place"
 In 1997, Susan Dart McCutcheon wrote and published, "The Old Home Place" which tells "the story of a house and the people who lived in it." The Home Place
 
The people were the Johnson and Thompson families who lived in Holbert Cove.
 
The McCutcheons purchased "The Old Home Place" in 1979 and placed the site on the National Register of Historical Places in 1994.
 
All proceeds of the sale of the book go to the Saluda Community Library.  Copies can still be purchased at the library. 
 
Photo by Don Wilson
2008 Saluda Arts & Music Festival
 
Joe AdamsMake plans now to attend the 5th annual Saluda Arts Festival Saturday, May 17 from 10am to 6pm. 
 
It promises to be an exciting day in Saluda with more than 50 artists exhibiting oils, water colors, pastels, stained glass, sculptures, woodworking, iron and metal works, jewelry, pottery and a variety of other handmade creations.
 
Audiences will be delighted by the music line up for the festival.  Here's the schedule.
 

10:00 Polk County High School Percussion Ensemble

10:45 Polk County Middle School Jazz Ensemble

11:15 The Lone Derangers

12:45 Aaron Burdett

 1:30 Phil and Gaye Johnson

 3:00 Stereofidelics

 4:30 Front Porch Blues Band

 
Artists and artisans will be happy to know that the deadline to submit an application to participate has been extended to April 30, 2008. More information and applications are available on Saluda.com. For more information, please contact Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900 or Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876.
 
Note:  Check Saluda website for available lodging information.  Book early!
 
Saluda 's Andrea Duke
National Competition
 

Andrea Duke

Andrea is the daughter of Brenda and Alan Duke who reside in Saluda, North Carolina.   Andrea will compete in the nationally televised MISS USA Pageant on NBC with the final night being held on Friday, April 11th. 
 
Make sure you mark your calendars for April 11 to watch the pageant and support our home-town champion!
Paxten Needs Your Help
Fund Raiser April 4
Paxten Mitchell is a little 3 year old boy who is very ill with a rare and agressive type of leukemia and he is fighting for his life.
 
Some of his treatments have not been covered by his insurance company, but Paxten's parents have continued to bear the medical expenses, trying to give him every chance for a recovery. The Saluda Mountain Jamboree is having a fund raising event on Friday, April 4th from 7 - 11 pm. to help this family with his medical costs. Paxten's Father is a Fireman. He is employed by the Asheville City Fire Department. His Mother is a nurse, but had to quit her job to give their son all the time and attention that he needed. Both Mom and Dad work in professions to help and to serve others.
 
The work for this event is being done by the firemen in an effort to help one of their own. The special bond that all firemen have for one another is the spirit that is getting this event organized and moving so quickly for Paxten. We invite all fire departments in WNC and surrounding areas to come support this family. If your department will allow, please wear a tee shirt or hat that identifies your fire department.
 
This special is open to the public and we hope all communities will help support this child. Donations of food or prizes will be gratefully accepted for the event. Special donation jars or boxes will be located throughout the building.
 
"HillBilly Deluxe" a band from Concord, NC will be here to perform. There will be other entertainment, as well as, food and fun. Proceeds will go to Paxten's family. Admission is $10.00 for adults $5.00 for children under 12. Please come help us help Paxten. You can find out about Paxten's progress by visiting Paxten Mitchell.
 
Please put Paxten and his family on your prayer list. And please come help with your support. Thank You.
 
Submitted by Linda and Bob Whitaker
Convey Your Thoughts About Saving Our Slopes in Polk County
 

The Polk County Visioning Committee is collecting and formulating information about Polk County. They plan to formulate a report from the county survey results and from the input received during the six public meetings that will be held. They will give the report to the commissioners in July. 

 

The Visioning Committee felt they wanted to ask Polk County Citizens for additional information that could not be collected on the surveys. I attended the Visioning Committee's last meeting. I got the impression they are serious about collecting citizen comments and running good public meetings. Also, Save Our Slopes (SOS) received a letter from the Visioning Committee notifying us of the six meetings and requesting our participation.

 

If you have issues you would like the commissioners to consider, please attend one of the 6 meetings and convey your thoughts.

 

Click On This Link to Convey Online

 

Community Meeting Schedule

 

Date    Location

------------------------------

3/31    Tryon Fire Department

4/1      Womack Building, Columbus

4/3      Saluda School

4/8      Green Creek Fire Department

4/10     Polk Middle School

4/11     Sunnyview School

 

By Lisa Krolak

President, Save Our Slopes

Saluda Community Land Trust's First Annual Membership Meeting

Saluda Community Land Trust's First Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16th at 7:00 pm at the Saluda Senior Center.  The Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT or "skillet") was formed in early 2007 with the intent to preserve the character and flavor of our community through the use of conservation easements, the development of community gardens, the establishment of greenways, and the restoration of some of our natural areas.

The meeting is open to all SCLT members, as well as all interested community members.  We will share the accomplishments we have had during our first year, discuss future projects, and welcome input and ideas from those attending.  You will also be able to sign up for a plot in our newly established community garden, should you choose.

 

Please join us for an evening of good conversation, information, and refreshments.  Again, you do not need to be a member to attend, and we welcome all who love Saluda.  Memberships will be available, if you decide to join, but there will be no pressure to do so.  We hope to see you at the Senior Center, on Wednesday, April 16th at 7:00 pm

Coon Dog Day Festival Opens Poster Art Contest to Area Artists
If you have ever been to Saluda's Coon DogJoe Adams Festival you probably brought home two things: great memories and one of their posters. Local Saluda artists have been producing these sometimes artistic - sometimes campy posters for over 30 years and it has become a highly sought after collectors item. In 2006 they opened up the contest to artists of western North Carolina. From last years entries a wounderful design by Laura Norris was selected, and we are looking forward to more entries capture the spirit of this fun and unique festival.

Contestants must submit their artwork by Wednesday, June 4, 2008, to: CDD 2007, CO:Scott Varn, 201 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 or varn@harmonyinteriors.com. Inquiries can be made to the same e-mail address or call 273-5383.

Artwork will be judged by a committee comprised Saluda Community Library officers, artists, and Saluda residents.

The winning artwork will serve as the commemorative poster for the festival and will be used in festival marketing and advertising. The artist will get a copy of the poster, a t-shirt, and will be provided a free 10'x10' booth space at the Coon Dog Day Festival so that they can display and sell artwork. The winning entry will be announced by June 12, 2008.

Proceeds from the poster and t-shirts with the same design will go to benefit the Saluda Community Library. The competition will be juried by artists and residents of Saluda and will be judged on how well the design represents the town and the festival.

The festival itself has been going on for over 40 years. It originally began back in 1963 as a picnic to mark the end of the raccoon hunting season. Today it is much larger, attracting thousands of people annually in celebration of a breed of dog most famous for it's distinctive howling at the foot of a tree. Activities include a firehouse breakfast, crafts, art, food, live music, a parade, street dance, and an AKC dog judging. Also, there is still a nighttime coon hunt contest - not for raccoon pelts, but to test raccoon treeing skills.

Saluda itself is famous for having the steepest mainline standard gauge railroad grade in the United States and still has the historic station in the center of town. Most people come to Saluda to enjoy one of the last remaining small towns with active general stores and a relaxed way of life. The winner of the contest will receive recognition as the selected artist as well as a festival booth so that he or she can display and sell his or her own artwork.

For more information contact:

Festival coordinator at City Hall: Doris Marion 749-2581

Saluda Library: Melody Gibson - megsalud@charter.net - 749-9683

Contest submissions: Scott Varn - svarn@harmonyinteriors.com - 273-5383

Submission forms are available at the Saluda Community Library, Saluda City Hall.
 
Theresa Wilkes Returns to Massage Therapy and More in Saluda
Theresa Wilkes, a former summer resident of Joe AdamsSaluda turned permanent resident in 1989, has re-opened her therapeutic massage practice at 101 Cullipher Street (albeit at the other end of the building from her previous office).

 

Some of you may remember that Theresa was one of the first massage therapists in town.  She began her practice in 1992 and ran it until 2002 when she chose to expand her teaching duties at The NC School of Natural Healing to becoming the lead instructor/director/owner.  The school specialized in spirit centered education offering programs in massage therapy, herbalism, meditation and energy healing.  She closed the school last fall and has returned to personal service.

 

Theresa is certified in Neuromuscular Therapy, Cranial Sacral Work, LomiLomi (Hawaiian massage) and Energy Healing.  She specializes in utilizing deep tissue techniques sensitively to ease chronic pain syndromes such as sciatica, migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.  "I believe that when we are in serious pain for prolonged periods, we become alienated from our bodies and begin to live on the edges of ourselves or from the neck up.  When bodywork is performed as a dialog, a way of listening and honoring the body, we get to unwind old patterns gently, completely and to come home to ourselves.  At this stage of my career, I have seen hundreds of people regain their lives after long term pain.  I am honored that I have found a meaningful way to serve others.  And, I am thrilled to come home to Saluda to do that work."

 

Theresa's new office is a beautifully decorated open space in which she hopes to offer classes in meditation, couples massage, intuition development, and energy healing.  The space may also be available to others who might wish to teach small classes.  She is also seeking an office mate since she will only be using the space part time.  If you are a bodyworker, therapist, or someone looking for a quiet work space, please call Theresa at 828-775-5575.

 

Additionally, Theresa has organized an on site massage service called True Embodiment Healing Arts Group with 6 massage therapists from the School of Natural Healing who have the same approach to bodywork as she does.  The group will be available for massage sessions at our local B&B's or homes with a promise to fill any appointment within 24 hours of a request.  If you would like a menu of services or to book a session, please call 828-712-1451.

Nicest People in the World

Can you explain the "random act of kindness"?  What might be the motivation, the cause, and the consequence of such unexplained behavior?  I understand that there are places on the planet where such occurrences rarely happen.  However, here in my home town of Saluda, North Carolina these unprovoked gestures are a daily event. 

 

My first experience was only days after my wife, Donna, and I had taken ownership of The Oaks Bed and Breakfast on Greenville Street.  We were living inside a labyrinth of cardboard boxes.  Before the task of unpacking was to commence, I decided to make my way to the front verandah to clear my head with a breath of invigorating Blue Ridge Mountain air. 

 

It had worked!  Slowly my vision cleared and the synapses began to fire.  It was better than a double espresso!  Fearful that I may get too much of a good thing, I turned to reenter the inn.  There on the antique doorknob hung a familiar looking item-it was a plastic grocery bag. 

 

In the bag was a collection of produce from someone's

garden, all fresh and fragrant.  No note.  No card.  No one to thank. 

 

Interesting.

 

Another time, the woman from across Greenville Street brought over the most delicious Coconut Cream Cake.  Now I am not wild about coconut, but I have to say, this was the most amazing cake ever!  An old family recipe she told me.  (I think I detected the slightest bit of rum!)  Was it my birthday?  An anniversary?  None of that-it was a "welcome to the neighborhood" cake. 

 

 And I am not the only recipient of such unspecified acts of generosity.  A husband and his wife staying at the inn had decided to spend their afternoon shopping the galleries, bistros and boutiques on Main Street.  Having lost track of time, the couple noticed that an unexpected cloudburst would make their walk back to The Oaks a soggy one. 

 

It was then that the shop owner closed his place of business and drove the couple back to the inn.  Did the shop owner lose revenue?  Maybe.  Did he make new friends?  Definitely! 

 

So what inspires this kind of behavior in the residents of this historic mountain village?  (Even I have started dragging  my neighbor's garbage cans back to her garage after trash pick-up on Mondays.)

 

Is it some unwritten law of the Blue Ridge, handed down from one generation to the next?  Maybe it is  rooted in the area's strong religious beliefs.  Or is it be because  only the nicest people in the world live in and visit Saluda?

                                                

I'll tell you what I think it is. . .  I think it's in the air. 

 

By Dale Potruski, The Oaks Bed and Breakfast

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Cathy Jackson
Cathy Jackson Realty
828-749-3504
828-817-2876