Saluda Lifestyles - Monthly Ezine all about Saluda, NC

Where Time Stands Still
January 1, 2009

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In This Issue
Saluda School
Senior Center Schedule
Saluda Library
Saluda Church Services
Saluda Classifieds
The Women's Club of Saluda
Meetings to Remember
Saluda Community Land Trust
Reflections from the Mayor
Arts Festival Call for Participation
A Special Condolence
Saluda's Winter Greenery
What's Happening
Get Healthy at the Meditation Station
Saluda Senior Center News & Events
What Ever Happened to Fruitcakes by Joe Adams
Saluda Scoop
Art Clues
Saluda Garden Club
Where Have All the Winter's Gone?
Having Fun in the Snow 
(within 2 hours of Saluda )
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing
Visitor Information Links
Music and Entertainment
The Purple Onion
Area News Media
Tryon Daily Bulletin
Saluda Lifestyles
Past Issues of Saluda Lifestyles

Saluda Property & Real Estate

Winter is the Time
to look at vacant land and lots....
 
Why?
Because the creepy, crawly things are burrowed deep in the ground and
You can See Everything!!! 
 
Click on the links to get more information about these properties.
 
 
 Raw Land and Lots
 
 
Modular Homes Allowed
 
Ranging from $65,000 to $85,000
 
 
Mountain Vista View Lots
Lot 9-2.77 Acres MLS#413190 $165,000
Lot 23-1.07 Acres MLS#418414 $145,000
Saluda School
 
  Joe Adams

Happy New Year from Saluda Elementary School!
 
Saluda Elementary School would like to thank the individuals, businesses and community groups that helped make the holiday season brighter for those in need!
 
We are thankful for your kindness and generosity!
 
Upcoming Events

Jan. 5    Students return to school

Jan. 16 End of the 3rd Six Weeks

Jan. 19 Optional Teacher Workday

Jan. 20 Optional Teacher Workday

Jan. 21 Required Teacher Workday

Jan. 22 Report Cards!

Jan. 22 Parent Workshops



Be sure to visit Saluda School to learn more about our school!  Classroom websites are updated monthly!

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 Gentle NIA (non impact aerobics)
10:00 Line dancing
12:30 Yoga
 
Closed January 19 MLK Holiday
 
Tuesday Activities Schedule
10:00 Bridge
2:15 Chair Exercise
5:30 Yoga
 
Wednesday Activities Schedule
10:00 Trash Train
12:30 Gentle Yoga
4:30 Computer Class
5:30 - Wii Bowling
 
Thursday Activities Schedule
9:30 Knitting Group
12:30 Gentle Yoga
 
Closed January 1 New Year's Day!
 
Friday Activities Schedule
10:00 Trash Train
10:00 Chair Exercise
5:30 January 23 - Movie Night "The Bucket List"
 
Sunday Activities
9:15 Silent meditation
 
------------------------
Home-delivered meals are available to persons 60 or older who are home-bound and in need of a hot nutritious meal daily.  If you or someone you know qualify for these meals, please call 828-749-9245 to get on the list for meal delivery.
 
Don't forget to check out "A Thrifty Barn" Wednesday 10am to 4pm, Donations and sales Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 9am-3pm.  Basement Sales December 6 and 20 from 9am to 3pm.
 
Volunteers always needed.  Call 828-749-3320 for more information.
 
Saluda Community Library
Paul Koenen
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
The Saluda Community Library offers Preschool Storytime each Wednesday morning at 10:30 am, and Bouncing Babies and Toddlers in Tow each Thursday morning at 9:30 am.
 
Library programs will resume on January 7th.
 
For more information about programs at the library, call 828-749-2117 or 828-894-8721 or visit the library website @ www.public.polknc.org.
 
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

methodist church

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
Adult SS 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am

Saluda First Baptist Church
Workship Service 9:45am
Sunday School 11:00am
Wednesday Meal 5-6 ($3)

Wednesday Services and Academy Classes 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Saluda Methodist Church
The Reverend Rob Parsons
SS 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am

Saluda Classifieds
For Sale - Saluda Memorial Park Cemetery Lots.  Lots 45, 46, and 47 and Graves 5,6 and 5,57878 purchased Feb. 12, 1976. For more information please contact Carolyn Ganley at 252-945-1757 or 919-736-4040 home, or write to Carolyn Ganley at 506 Park Ave., Goldsboro, NC,  2753 or mendingway@rocketmail. 
 
Office Space Available at Nostalgia Court.  Includes 510 Sq Ft, two rooms, private bath and entry, and parking. Monthly rent is $352 (including electricity and water).  Contact Debbie Thomas as 828-749-9224.
 
Lion's Club Brooms Available at City Hall.  See Doris Marion or call 828-749-2581. Regular brooms $6.00, Heavy duty brooms $8.00.
 
Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill is for sale. Larry and Debbie wish to retire. Please contact Larry and Debbie Jackson at 828-749-2321.

The Women's Club of Saluda

The Women's Club will not have a meeting in January.
 
The Women's Club of Saluda is 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 join us at one of our meetings.  We meet the second Tuesday each month, at 10 am in the Presbyterian Church.  We welcome visitors each month.  Please call Marti Wells at 749-9538 for details.
 
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 will meet Tuesday, January 6 at 5:30pm in the Meeting Room of the Saluda Library.
 
Saluda Community Land Trust meets the first and third Wednesday at 3 at the meeting room at the Saluda Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.  The next meeting is January 21. For information please call Betsy Burdett at 828-749-2161.
  
Saluda Community Land Trust News
The board members of the Saluda Community Land Trust want to thank all its members for their support during the past year.  We have accomplished several of our goals-establishing the Robinson Community Garden, completing the North Pacolet River study, planting trees in the new Saluda parking lot, working with Saluda School and the DOT on Safe Routes to Schools plans, and helping several citizens of our community preserve their land through conservation easements. 
 
Thanks too to our community members who helped us raise over $350 with our "Be a Dear, Buy a Deer" holiday reindeer sales. 
 
Our mission for the coming year is to continue working to "Preserve Saluda's Rural Small-Town Character".  If you would like to know more about our land trust, please go to our website at saludaclt.org or call 749-1560.  We meet at 3:00 on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.  Our January meetings are on January 7th and 21st in the Fellowship Hall office at Saluda Presbyterian Church.  We hope you will join us.
 
Wishing everyone a great and green new year from the Saluda Community Land Trust!
Reflections from the Mayor
What I believe is that Saluda is a place where a person can live a balanced and rewarding life.  To live a balanced and quality lifestyle, we must have a simple and uncomplicated route to taking care of our economic needs, our spiritual wholeness and our need to be a part of a community.

 

The Holiday season is a great time to reflect on these things before we embark on the new year.  And in doing so, I also must consider my role as part of the governing body for Saluda and what role government can play in helping to provide the infrastructure that can allow our community to thrive with respect to a balanced lifestyle.  If you're still reading, please bear with me for a bit.

 

When considering the economic needs of our citizens, it is important to know the possibilities and limitations that exist.  Also, it doesn't hurt to know a few facts.  One fact is that the average income of our Saluda households is the highest in Polk County.  Tryon is second and Columbus is third in household income.

 

At this point in our economic history, we are not a self-sustaining economic unit nor are we likely to achieve such a status anytime soon.   Most of our citizens meet their economic needs not within the community but through opportunities elsewhere.  However, there are several individuals, partnerships and families that are a part of our community and make up an important economic core that contributes to the success of our community.   

 

The obvious business core is in the businesses that are on Main Street and Ozone Road, but it's important to note that we have just as many if not more businesses that are home based including financial services, construction companies, arts and crafts, consultancies, real estate and many other business endeavors.  Our economic community is diverse and has been growing steadily over the last decade.  And it is sophisticated in that many of the business people running these businesses are well-educated with national and international networks. 

 

Saluda's economy has clearly progressed and evolved in recent years.  It is dynamic and changing both on Main Street and in the cottage industries that exist.  Part of the reason for the diversity that exists is evolving and changing infrastructure and in particular the availability of the latest technologies.  We have immediate access to communications and information through high-speed internet connections, one of the major tools for any business.   Our Saluda Library has one of the few Bill and Linda "Gates" Computer Labs and most of us have digital mobile phone service.  We are a long way from the Saluda that I knew when I first came to know this wonderful place in the mid-1970s. 

 

One thing that has been constant over the years has been the heart of the people of Saluda.  Saluda people have always and I hope will always be "givers."  They give their time, compassion, money and experience.  When you wonder what it takes to create and maintain a real community, much of the answer lies with the energy of volunteers that work altruistically for their neighbors.  The legions of volunteers and those that support the efforts of volunteers seem limitless at times.  These volunteers have given us so much including but by no means limited to (please accept my apology if I miss anyone):

 

  • Saluda Volunteer Fire Department
  • Saluda Medical Center
  • Saluda Senior Center
  • Saluda Business Association
  • Saluda Community Land Trust
  • Saluda School
  • Our Parks and everything in them
    • Garden Clubs
    • Veterans
  • Saluda Library and Community Center
  • Historical Designation of our Downtown and other Saluda legacy buildings
  • Scenic Highway designation
  • Poll workers for our elections
  • Support and input to our many governing committees:
    • Zoning Board of Adjustment
    • Planning Board
    • Multiple Citizen Advisory Committees

To all these people currently and in the past, a simple thanks is clearly not enough.  However, I wish to extend the gratitude of an entire community to you because without you, we would have no community.  It would just be another town.

 

There is one more aspect of our ability to find a balanced quality of life and that is the strength of our spiritual community.  Saluda's churches and religious organizations have always been active in the community supporting both the volunteer community and families and individuals in need.  This is in addition to the compassion, love, and support they provide for their individual flocks.  They have given selflessly with the resources that they have available to them over and over again.  But, more importantly, they tend to the faith of the people of our community.   It is from the fundamental faith of our people that the values of the community evolve.  It is through these values that we try to resolve our place and our mission on this earth.  Clearly, the values supported by Saluda's spiritual leadership enhance the sense of community and the quality of life we enjoy.

 

It is my hope that the current and future leaders of our town will continue to recognize and support those things that make us a great community where we can live a balanced quality of life working together to ensure that tomorrow's Saluda is an even better place to live.

 

Happy New Year!

Rodney Gibson

December 2008


Call for Participation - Saluda Arts & Music Festival 
Joe AdamsCultivating and promoting its heritage in the arts, the Saluda Business Association invites Artists to participate in its sixth annual Arts and Music Festival scheduled for May 16, 2009.
 
For information and exhibit application please contact: Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900 or email at [email protected]    
 
Or go to Saluda.com and download an application after February 1. Application and payment due by April 1, 2009.
A Special Condolence
Saluda lost Elsie Kinard on December 12.  Read her obituary here.
 
Elsie was always smiling and was known to give an encouraging word and always had a positive attitude.
 
She will be missed by many who knew her especially her husband and Saluda's Police Commissioner, John Kinard and her beloved son, Scott.
Saluda's Winter Greenery

Saluda is showing its winter colors. Fallen leaves have covered the forest ground clearing a view through the bare tree branches. Showing off the mountain's winter greenery are tall pines, cedar, cypress, hemlocks, magnolias, and winter greenerybamboo trees swaying in the winter winds while rhododendrons, mountain laurel, holly, fern, and ivy sprawl under the giant hardwoods.  Many birds have migrated south and most of the animals are napping for the winter.  Only the gray squirrel is seen scurrying here and there continually collecting winter berries and nuts.
Winter is a quiet
time in Saluda.snow in saluda
What's Happening
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.
 
The Purple Onion will be closed until January 15.
 
January Music Schedule
January 15 - Aaron Burdett
January 17 - Phil & Gaye Johnson
January 22 - Chuck Brodsky
January 24 - Deep River 
January 29 - The StereoFidelics
January 31 - The Acme Living Room Orchestra 


Green River BoysThe Green River Boys invite you to Shaffer's Roadside Grill.  They are scheduled to perform January 9 and 23 at 6:00pm.  Check their schedule at  Green River Boys.  
 
 
saluda mountain jamboree
 
Saluda Mountain Jamboree
 
Saluda Mountain Jamboree
The Saluda Mountain Jamboree just finished another great New Years Eve Party!!   The "Potluck Club" from Saluda was one of the largest groups at the party.  Thanks folks, for spending your New Years Eve with us!!  And it was a fun evening with lots of bubbles and balloons.  I am already working on next year's theme,  so start looking and planning ahead!! 
 
The next big event at The Jamboree will be February 7th.  The "Soul and Rhythm Classics Review" will include 6 or more acts performing throughout the evening.  Great performers such as, Billy Scott, Larissa Holiday, Nature Blu, Clay Brown, Ceasar,  & Unisoghn, all in one great evening!!  This special event will be sponsored by The Beach Music Association and is shaping up to be one of the biggest nights of the season!!  The performances will thrill and entertain with all the songs, sounds, and soul of the classic era that is timeless. Harry Turner, president of The Beach Music Association, will be here to emcee the event.  The dance floor will be open, but if you just want to sit and listen, it will be a night of entertainment you can't miss.  The tickets will be $15.00 and the time will be 8:00 pm until----!!  More information about the event will be posted on the website: www.saludamountainjamboree.com as they are completed.  Don't let the winter time hum-drums keep you sitting at home, this one will get you jumping!
 
The "Party With A Beat" Saturday night series is out of the starting gate with some fantastic bands on the calendar.  Some new groups and some of the favorites that we have seen and heard before. AND once again, on  August 1st,  "The Mighty Tams" will be swinging through The Jamboree!!---Plus, several private parties are already booked.   Well  folks,  I gotta get busy--2009 is gonna be another year of great "happenings" at Saluda Mountain Jamboree---SEE  YOU  AT  THE  PARTY!!
 

January Music Schedule 
 
January 3rd----------------Southern Pointe
Januray 10th --------------Legacy
January 17th ---------------Kelly Road Band
(Saluda Night Out!--a special time for Saluda residents to get together)
 
January 24th ---------------Southern Pointe
January 31st ---------------Free Flight
February 7th--------------SPECIAL EVENT see below

The doors open at 7:00 pm and the music is 8:00 pm until 11:00 pm.  More information at the web or call 828-749-3676.
 

At the Saluda Inn and Wine Cellar
Thursday, January 15 at 7pm Snow Blind Tasting - Reservations required.
Friday, January 16 at 6:30pm Wines by the glass or flight.
 
For reservations or more information please call Saluda Wine Cellar at 828-749-9698. 

 
Random Arts Upcoming Workshops
In January and February in the new upcoming year we will have workshops on Fridays and Saturdays and we will be open only to those attending the workshops.

Beginning in March '09 we will continue our workshop schedule and be open to the public at random hours. Calling first will eliminate disappointment if you are traveling a distance to shop with us.

JANUARY
Sat.17th - Woven Book Cover Workshop $40
Sat. 31st - Patti Digh author of Life is a Verb, here at Random Arts

FEBRUARY
14TH - Martine House - Fiber Artist (TBA)
21ST - Louise McClure - Charm Bracelet
27-29th - Diva Retreat at Snails Pace in Saluda
Phone 828-749-1165
email: [email protected]
blog: randomartnotes.blogspot.com
web site:randomartsnow.com
 
Tryon Arts & Crafts
Workshop Schedule
We hope to see you at some of these great workshops. For more information on each workshop please visit our web site at Tryon Arts and Crafts. For questions or more information, please call Dianna at Tryon Arts & Crafts:  828-859-8323  or Charlotte at 864-473-0317
 
January Workshops:
 
January 17 & 18, 2009, Ellen Miles is instructing a Dichroic Glass Jewelry workshop.  If you have never worked with fused glass, now is your chance!  If you have, then let's do more.  Working with glass is a lot of fun and a bit contagious.

January 17, (Sat. only)  Beginning Wire Wrap - jewelry, Charlotte Caughman.  This workshop covers the basics for getting started with wire wrap jewelry  including basic methods, equipment & wire.

January 31,(Sat. only)  Argentium Silver Fusing - Jewelry, Charlotte Caughman.  Learn about the wonderful properties and advantages of this silver while creating a beautiful, textured, chain necklace or bracelet.

In February we have Dan Haga returning for more silversmithing and Ann Gleason for hand built pottery.

As always, the early bird gets the worm, so sign up soon!
Get Healthy at The Meditation Station
The Meditation Station - January 2009 Schedule
The Meditation Station is located on Hwy 176 across from the Green River Barbecue.  Classes are $10 except where noted.
 
Tuesday
1/6, 1/13,1/20,1/27    8:30 - 9:15 Am 
Yoga With Kim Lauer.  Please bring mat if you have one.
1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27  10:00 - 11:15 AM
Intro. Meditation With Kate
1/13   7:00pm  Chakra Meditation
1/20  7:00pm  Laughing Meditation.  Please bring blanket or mat.
1/27  7:00pm  Energy Work
 
Wednesday
1/7, 1/14, 1/21,1/28 Introduction To Meditation    11:00am   
Yoga With Kim    6:00pm - 7:15pm

Thursday
1/8, 1/15, 1/22,1/29 Yoga With Kim      8:30-9:15 am    
Guided Meditation With Kate  10:00 -11:15 
1/8, 1/15  7:30 pm Drumming Circle   -  $5.00 / donation
No experience necessary! Bring your drums, rattles, any musical instruments welcome. Get in touch with spirit & rejuvenate yours.
 
Friday
1/9  1/16  1/23  &  1/30  9:30 am - 11:00 am
Chakra Meditation 1/9
Guided Mediation 1/16
Energy Work With Crystals   1/23, 1/30

Saturday
1/10, 1/17, 1/24   
2:00 - 3:30pm  Kids Ages 6-12  Meditation Circles

See class descriptions for more information or send an e-mail to [email protected] to be added to the monthly schedule mail out.

Please visit our Web site The Meditation Station. Click here.
 
Senior Center News and Events
holiday galaThe annual Holiday Gala and Silent Auction was a tremendous success with over 100 in attendance! The food prepared by Saluda Grade was absolutely fabulous, wonderful music was provided by Carl Gilmer and Patricia Robinson, delicious wines from Green River Barbeque and hot apple cider provided by Atkins Orchard was greatly appreciated on such a cold night. Thanks  to all who attended, donated and worked tirelessly to make this years Gala the success it was.
 
Artwork of students from the Saluda School will be on display at the Senior Center beginning on Tues. Jan. 20 '09. Come by to see the students' artistic expressions during Center hours Mon.-Fri. from 8:30am-2:30pm.
                         
If you know of any individuals age 55 or older that are restricted to home because of illness, injury or immobility, please inform them about our "Meals on Wheels" program. For information and assistance, please call Donna at the Senior center.
 
The Senior center would like to remind area residents that we have medical equipment for loan. Equipment ranges from bathtub seating to walkers and wheelchairs to a motorized scooter.
 
Movie Night occurs once a month on the fourth  Friday night of the month starting at 5:30pm. Admission is free, of course, the movie would not be complete without popcorn and a cold drink. This month's feature is "The Bucket List" on Fri. Jan. 23 @ 5:30pm. All are invited.
 
February 2009 is going to be important to all of us. That is the month that all broadcast stations will stop broadcasting an analog signal. People who do not have TVs that receive digital signals will get only static and snow from their sets. If you want to have continuous service from your TV, there are three options afforded you. 1. Obviously you can purchase a new TV. 2. You can subscribe to a cable or satellite service. 3. Or you may purchase a converter box. If you have an analog TV set, option 2 or 3 will work. If you don't want cable or satellite you have option 3. Converter boxes will cost from $40-$70, but there are coupons you can obtain to reduce the cost. If you purchased a TV prior to 2002 there is a good chance it does not have a digital tuner, so you will have to consider the options. The Senior center has applications for obtaining a discount coupon to purchase a TV converter box. The coupons are good for $40 off the purchase price. For more information go online www.DTV2009.org or call 1-888-DTV-2009 or stop in the center.
 
Remember the Senior center offers exercise programs all through the week. Fall and winter may keep us inside a bit more, but we need to stay active. Stay active and fit with us. There is an assortment of Yoga programs from gentle to strength. NIA offers breathing and flexibility set to music, while Chair exercise emphasizes posture and flexibility. Please check the calendar for days and times.
 
Lunch is served daily at the center from 11:30am-12:30pm, call a day ahead to reserve. A Thrifty Barn is loaded with fabulous bargains all the time. Volunteers for the meal program and the Thrifty Barn are always welcome. There is NO membership required to attend the Senior center. 
 
What Ever Happened to Fruitcakes?
by author, Joe Adams
Joe AdamsFruitcakes used to be as common as Christmas trees in December.  But they seem to have gone out of culinary style.  I still get one every year from a friend of mine in Pennsylvania, but he is a die-hard traditionalist who refuses to quit making them.  He's down to making only two a year now . . . one for himself and one for me.
 
I look forward to its arrival...it weighs a ton because he loads it with rum.  If you slice one piece you can usually squeeze out a jigger of rum.  Now that's what I call fruitcake.
 
My friend wraps the cake in cheesecloth and selects a nice tin to mail it in. The cheesecloth takes on a rusty look and I keep thinking it is The Shroud of Turin . . . I keep expecting an image of Jesus to appear.  Or at least the Virgin Mary who was supposedly a great fan of fruitcakes.
 
Scientist thought they found a large fruitcake in King Tut's Tomb, but it turned out to be a jelly doughnut.
 
My father's church sold fruitcakes every year for years and years.  Claxton Fruitcakes.  He was supose to sell the cakes to raise money but instead he would buy 5 boxes of them and then he gave them away to people instead of selling them.  If you were his son, like I was, you would get at least l0 of these babies. They were shaped like big sticks of butter.  I tried my best to offer pieces or even whole cakes to people, but no one bit.  I could eat one a month so I took to freezing them and breaking them out as the year progressed.  They could have used a little rum but since it was a Methodist church that was selling them, rum was a no-no.  One  summer I used one as fishing bait.  The fish didn't bite.
 
At Christmas I used to buy two round fruitcakes . . . one large and one small. I would put them on a cake plate, small on top of the other one.  Then I would drizzle white icing over them and put a large red candle in the center hole.  It made a magnificent centerpiece for the Christmas dessert table, although no one ever cut into the cakes.  I got the cakes at the dime store . . . and whatever happened to the dime stores??  Well, they have Dollar Stores now so maybe they sell fruitcakes.
 
I should have signed up for The Great Fruitcake Toss they have every January in Colorado.  Those people know how to get rid of unwanted fruitcakes . . . throw them over to Utah.
 
One of the best teleplays I ever saw was based on Truman Capote's story of making fruitcakes every year with his crazy cousin.  They would make one and send to the President of the United States.  They had to collect nuts and shell them; get the waxed fruit; go to some old Indian to get some booze to soak the cake in.  Then they would wait to get a thank you letter from the President.  Sweet story.
 
I know companies are still making fruitcakes ... Assumption Abbey is one of the most famous.  And Collins Street Bakery in Texas makes a nutty one that's really delicious.  And Dancing Deer makes a "harvest" cake that's a more contemporary type of fruitcake.  But as long as my friend Charlie from Pennsylvania keeps making them, I am set in the fruitcake department.  And in the rum department as well.

                                *** 

BUTTER BEANS FOR THE SOUL, a funny book by Joe Adams about growing up in the South is available at the Pace General Store in Saluda.
 

If you enjoy Joe's column in Saluda Lifestyles, please let him know. You can email him at [email protected].
 
Saluda Scoop
The latest news and the unusual offerings provided by Saluda shops, restaurants, artists, and craftspeople
 
Many shop and business owners may be on "Winter Hours" for the next two months.  They are taking a respite to relax, rejuvenate, and restore in preparation for the spring and summer season.  You may want to call ahead!  
 
Biddie's Antiques - The Next Generationbiddies
In 1980, My mother Biddie Dawson, decided after 30 years of PTA meetings, cub scouts, girl scouts and full time mom, she would pursue her passion and open her own antique shop.
 
Biddie's Antiques opened on Main Street in Greer, SC., and it was a success from the very beginning.
 
In 1988, Mom and Dad became full-time residents at their home on Pearson Falls Road, and Biddie's Antiques began its 20-year history in Saluda. Mom's sense of humor, personal service and fine antiques brought people back again and again.
 
In August of this year, my husband Frank and I returned to our home in Saluda. Shortly after that, Mom said she was thinking of retirement and asked me if I would like to take over her shop.  My first reaction was one of nervous excitement. I was excited about continuing in a shop I had loved all these years, and I was nervous about my ability to fill Mom's shoes.  This has always been a family business. Mom always had help from Dad, and I will have help from my husband Frank, and my brother Verne.
 
In addition to fine antiques and more modern pieces, we will also have vintage musical instruments.
 
On New Year's Day, the next generation will begin at "Biddies Antiques and Modern D�cor", in its new location, 78 E. Main St.  Mom will be there. Please come and celebrate with us.
 
Submitted by Amy Beeson
 
 
 
bonnie bardos goldenOpen Studio!  Saluda artist, Bonnie Joy Bardos announces Open Studio/Art House Saturdays starting at her house at 285 Greenville Street beside the Saluda Inn, starting the second Saturday in January 2009  from 11-3. By appointment, or whenever the "Open Studio" art palette sign is hanging outside! Drop by and see new works in progress and more, and have lunch at one of our fine Saluda restaurants. Right here in town, you can see my work in several of them: Purple Onion, Saluda Grade, and Tosh's Whistlestop cafe;  also at Bravo Design and the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon. Over 25 of my latest paintings are now on display through March at Trinity Street Gallery in historic Abbeville, S.C. along with Linda Seagrove's whimical clay art. I wish everyone a Happy New Year, and thank all who support Saluda art and artists!

Saluda Getaway Package
The Purple Onion, Green River Adventures and Saluda Mountain Lodge have teamed up to offer a fun filled, fabulous weekend package for someone special on your gift list. First, highly experienced guides from Green River Adventures will take your gift recipient on a river trip in inflatable kayaks down the majestic waters of the Green River.green river You may choose the easily navigable waters of the lower Green, suitable for any age and skill level or a high-adrenaline river rush on the 4-mile upper section of the river. After an invigorating trip down the river, they will enjoy a leisurely dinner at the Purple purple onionOnion perhaps beginning with Chef Steph's fabulous fried oysters or ahi tuna pizza and a cold beer or glass of wine. Follow up one of our tasty appetizers with one of the many inspired entrees or pizzas and cap it off with our famous tiramisu, chocolate decadence or blackberry cobbler while listening to some of the best live music in western North Carolina. Finally, after a fun filled day, a comfortable room with spectacular views awaits this lucky couple just a mile away at the Saluda Mountain Lodge.saluda mtn lodge Retail value for the river trip, dinner for two and one night at the lodge is $350, but we are offering the package for $249 during the month of December. Visit any of our websites to purchase the package or call the
Purple Onion at 828-749-1179.
Green River Adventures
828-749-2800
Saluda Mountain Lodge
828-749-4951

The new benches benchare here and have been parked along Main Street.  The older, green benches have been recycled and are scattered throughout town.  Crafted by Bill Crowell of Saluda Forge, the new bences are made of cast iron and were donated to the city by the Saluda Business Association. 
Art Clues

Ideas for Creating and Enjoying Art

 

                    3D Art/Sculpture
Suggestions for Making Your First Clay Sculpture
 
This column describes a basic way to create a simple piece of clay sculpture. The materials and methods are limited, and no glazing or firing are involved.
 
The objects pictured are made with clay, which only needs to air dry or dry in a conventional oven.  To find non-fire (air-dry) clay check online or at craft stores. Pottery made with non-fire clay cannot be used for food. Once dry, sculpture made with this type of clay can be painted if you wish.
 
WARM UP: Get your fingers and head ready to manipulate the clay by starting with what is called a "pinch pot."  This is like warming up before an athletic event or musical performance.
 
Begin with a ball of clay that fits in the palm of your hand.  sculpture 2  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Push the thumb of your other hand half way into the ball.  Start moving the clay by pushing around against your palm evenly from the inside of the "bowl to be."  Stroke and move the clay to make it smooth. Do not pinch it. "Pinch pot" is a nickname, but doesn't describe accurately what you should do. Continue until you have a pleasing shape.
 
 sculpture 3
 
The wall of the pot should be consistently � inch thick.


 
 
SCULPT: Choose an animal most familiar to you, such as a pet, bird or squirrel.
Start by rolling a ball of clay that fits in your hand. Push, pull and add to shape your 3D animal. sculpture 4
 
Push into the clay to shape the body.                
Pull out to make legs, tail, head  etc. or you can add.
Add one piece of clay to another ie head to body, by scoring* both pieces where they will join, then blending both parts until they are attached.  *Scoring means making both pieces rough where they will be joining by, for example, scraping the places with a fork.
 
Keep the legs and other extensions connected to the body so they won't break off when they dry.  A sitting animal may work best. Make the sculpture solid and even on the bottom so that it can sit on a table.  Look at all sides of the sculpture as you work.  Choose whether you want to smooth the surface or leave it as is. 
sculpture 5
 
Enjoy your creation!
 
Thanks to Susie Welsh for joining me in writing this column.

For more information you are welcome to call Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900, Beverly Pickard at 828-749-1248 or Gloria Ross at 864-266-4103.
 
The subject of next month's Art Clues is An Art Diary: recording memorable people, places and events with gesture drawing.
 

Beverly Bowden Pickard
Saluda Fine Arts
www.beverlysart.com
828-749-1248
 
Note:  You can see Beverly's art in Saluda Fine Arts, 46 E Main St, Saluda. NC. 


Saluda Garden Club
By the time you read this, Christmas will be over and the New Year will have just begun.  At last the frenzy of the holidays is behind us and our imaginations begin to "sprout" as every nursery and gardening periodical seems to find its way to our address.  Without exception these tempters are heralding the coming of spring.  How can we not begin to envision the garden of our dreams? 
 
However, my dreams are stuck in today and I am looking at the bare spaces in my winter landscape.  To get started Tim Foster and Bruce Schabell (whoever they are) suggest standing in your house near the windows you look out most.  Notice exactly which particular dead spot immediately gets your attention.  That's the place that needs your help, as gardens are most enjoyed from the inside out this time of year.
 
The plants mentioned last month were something that could be done this year.  The plants mentioned here are suggestions to put in for next year's enjoyment.  Jot down the ones that sound enticing and check them out now while you can see them up close and personal.
 
Hellebores, winter jasmine and witch hazels are a few that provide winter flowering.  For berries, include bamboos, Japanese laurels, viburnums and winterberries.  Italian arum and sweet boxes are comfortable in our zone as well and are used for their interesting leaves.  Plants with textured barks and unusual branch structure such as Harry Lauder's walking stick are a must. Finally, tall grasses provide motion and seed heads of perennials provide even more exture.                                                     

In addition to plants in the winter garden, don't forget garden ornaments, sculptures, trellises garden sculptureand bird sanctuaries. Be sure not to overlook anything in your line of sight that requires repair and make the necessary changes.  All of this sounds like a tall order for a winter garden!  But Rome wasn't built in a day and my winter garden doesn't have to be either.
 
Even if I can't quite accomplish all of this or even some of this, I can see the winter landscape in my "Mind Garden" with its own delights any time day or night!
 
The Saluda Garden Club will not be meeting in sls daffodilsthe month of January.  Stay tuned for more information in February.
 
Happy Gardening, wherever you do it,
Sandra Rocks, SGC
 
Where Have All the Winters Gone?
Where have all the winters gone?  Evidently the way of the 10 cent cup of coffee and the Andy Griffith Show. You see 'em every now and then, but not very often.  I'm talking about real winter days, sunny, crisp and 40 something.  Not these rainy, lukewarm leftovers of a summer gone sour.  This year's real winter days have been almost too few to count and already we've been teased with a respectable appetizer of spring.  Now I'm quite sure that most Southerners, - especially the golfers, - in one voice are cheering a resounding, "YES!" But hear the lone, small voice of one exception:  me.
 
Each year it seems our winters are becoming only a fond memory.  And each year I feel a little more deprived of the special pleasures that come only from the cheek-tingling, invigorating Decembers I remember, even after my childhood days were past.  In the humid, soggy summertime, I am the dreamer of hoped-for surprises when the days grow shorter and colder.  I am counting time until the frostbitten fall predicts the coming winter solstice.
 
I like cocooning in the furry softness of the trim on my coat, in the layers of scarves, hats and gloves.  I like leafless, winter trees that canopy the sky in sculpture and flaunt their winter finery as giant icy "snowflakes!"  I like the smells of winter:  the evergreens, the wintergreens, the cinnamon and pumpkin spice.  I want more of the magic of seeing my breath on a chilly night and the excuse of warming up by cuddling  up to someone loved, and the someones I would like to love.
 
Then there's the Christmas Spirit and maybe the chance of a pristine, whitewashed world of snow.  If I'm lucky.  I can escape, for a moment, the realities of life and believe that all's right with the world and everyone in it.  What I just can't believe is that anyone would want to miss winter.
 
Even the gray days in January are welcomed as a chance to hibernate with a good book with no explanations to anyone.  I can shut out the too cold temperatures and be hypnotized by the crackling, popping fire.  I can draw a circle around myself and do some introspective thinking.  I can experience the stillness needed to regroup and renew myself for the coming year.  Even the worst of days can be the best of days.
 
Let's face it.  A real winter here in the Deep South is far from a real winter in Buffalo or International Falls.  Winter in the South is a serendipity, a chance to have a bit of fantasy come to life.  It creates that togetherness we talk about wanting, but never find time for.  Stranded at home by an icy street or an imaginary snowdrift gives us permission to play hooky together.
 
Daffodils and candytuft notwithstanding, maybe it's not too late this year for just one more real winter day.  And even if you aren't a winter lover like me, you might just like it a little better now.  Besides would you really want a steaming cup of hot chocolate frosted with melted marshmallows in July?
 
Submitted by Sandra Rocks
 

2009 starts the third year of Saluda Lifestyles.  Your support, contributions, and positive feedback encourage us to keep this community online e-magazine going.  Thanks for your notes, observations, and comments and most of all for taking the time to open and read this newsletter.  We invite you to send us your ideas, contributions, events, and feedback.
 
Happy New Year! 
Cathy Jackson, Debbie Penney Johnson, and Amy Zollo
 

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