Charlie Ward passed away one year ago August 1, 2008.  Charlie's stories are still being told and his loving and caring spirit lives on in those he left behind.

 

 

 

Market inventory includes approximately 72 residential properties including those For Sale By Owner.  108 land/lots are for sale. 

 

The "Saluda Real Estate Market Trend Report" comparing Saluda real estate market to Henderson and Polk County will be available to download at SaludaLifestyles.com by August 15.

Senior Center is open to the public and welcomes all Saluda citizens (at any age) to join in the activities and programs offered.

 

To see the regularly scheduled activities at the Senior Center please click here. 

 

Mon. Aug. 17 @ 1pm, Centennial News w/ Charlene Pace.

Wednesdays 
Wed. Aug. 05 & Aug. 12 from 9:30-10:30am, Rev. Rob Parsons brings,
"Wonderful Wednesday", to the Center, bringing children and seniors together.
 
Don't forget Wed. movie matinee @ 2pm. (5) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, (12) Secondhand Lions, (19) Maid in Manhattan and (26) Patch Adams. Popcorn and drinks available for $.50 each.
 

Thursdays
Thurs. (13) Travel w/Bill Klippel, "Visions of England", @ 1pm
Thurs. Aug. 27 @ 6pm, Potluck dinner and tribute to John T. Coates.
 
Fridays

Fri. is Game Day from 10am-2pm, Trash train, Scrabble, Sudoku, etc.
Fri Aug.21 @ 6pm, Cookout and Beach music.
Fri. morning Chair exercise has been changed from 10:00am to 9:00am
 
Marguerite Hankins and Chris Rutiglianos' art work  will continue to be on display through Sept. 08.
 

Please call a day ahead to reserve lunch for any program you plan to attend and would like to have lunch @ 749-9245.
 
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 A Thrifty Barn are always welcome. There is NO membership required to attend the Senior center

Don't forget to check out A Thrifty Barn, Wed. 10am-4pm, donations & sales, Thurs. and Fri. 10am-4pm, Sat. 9am-3pm. Basement sales Sat. Mar. 07 & 21. Volunteers always needed, call 828- 749-3320 for more information.

Volunteers always needed.  Call 828-749-3320 for more information.

Saluda Community Land Trust meets the first and third Wednesday at 3 at the meeting room at the Pavillon at McCreery Pak. The only meeting in August will be the 19th. For information please call Betsy Burdett at 828-749-2161.

Have questions or want to know more about the Saluda Community Land Trust-- "Skillet"?  Go to our website at saludaclt.org or call 828-749-1560.  Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, August 19th at the Pavilion at McCreery Park at 3:00.  All interested are invited to join us then.

A community reception for Vikki Mollette will be held Sunday August 9th from 2-4 PM at the Saluda Fire & Rescue Facility. Vikki's friends and patients are invited to drop by and thank her for her professional care and contributions while at the Saluda Medical Center. Please direct questions to Bob or Linda Bailey at 828-749-1584.

 

Creative Hula Hooping at the Saluda Community Library
 
A beautiful summer afternoon on a cool green hillside in Saluda.  Bright rings of color rolled down the hill, chased by squealing children.
 
It was the perfect setting for Miss Mel,  from Asheville Hoops, to visited the Saluda Community Library recently to show kids the fun and exercise they could have hula hooping!
 

Kids tried lots of their own moves, individually and in group activities, and saw an amazing demonstration of Miss Mel's hula hoop skills!
 
"Be Creative - with Hula Hoops!" was part of the Polk County Public Library's Summer Reading Program, funded by a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation and the Saluda Community Fund.
 
(PHOTO CAP:  Roaring lions make their way safely through hula hoops of imaginary fire!)

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 Presbyterian

Link to Churches in the Area

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.com
 
Sheila Arias Billeter, experienced and long-time nanny and child care sitter is available.  Please contact her at 828-749-9824 and 828-606-1748.  She is also a pet sitter.

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.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of lost members of our Saluda community.

 

Loftis Howard Thompson, "Cub," 63, of Saluda, passed away Sunday, July 19, 2009. 

H. B. Alexander, 80, of Saluda, died Friday morning, July 17, 2009.

 

Mary Elizabeth Lingel of Saluda, 68 passed away on July 7, 2009.

Plans are underway for the Town BBQ scheduled for September 12, 2009. 

 

Donations and volunteers are needed.  If you are interested in being part of the planning or want to contribute, please contact Judy Ward at 828-749-1349 or judyward@charter.net.

 

This town BBQ was started by Charlie Ward many years ago to thank the residents of Saluda for patronizing his store.  Charlie passed away last August 1. This event has become a town tradition organized and funded by Saluda citizens for Saluda citizens.  It truly has become a symbol of Charlie's gift of giving. 

September 13 - October 24, 2009
 
SCULPTURAMA 2008 was such a phenomenal success that we were urged to offer the event again this year.  Artists from all over the Southeast juried into SCULPTURAMA 2008 entered 90 wood, clay, metal, found objects, fabric, stone and mixed media sculptures. This year we are offering an even greater incentive for sculptors to enter the show.  ALL entries will be available for sale during our Bonus Market Day event, Friday, September 4th from 10 am to 7 pm in Gallery One & the Mural Room at the Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC).
 

Collectors, Market Day will be a fine opportunity for you to have the first chance to purchase one-of-a-kind works of art from established as well as emerging artisans. 

Sculptors, Market Day means one additional sale day to show your work to the public. 

 

Congratulations Ty Underwood for scoring a never achieved before 5 out of 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) art exam at Polk County High School. Ty is the son of Gary and Katha Underwood of Saluda.

 

Clark Thompson thought Lifestyles subscribers might be interested in reading a letter from Retired Navy Captain Jerry Crumly, one of the McGuire's Pipe and Drum members.  Captain Crumly is very complimentary about the Coon Dog Day Celebration and Saluda hospitality in general. Please click here to read the letter.

 

You know we are deep into summer when Kudzu hugs the roadsides with tendrils reaching for the other side, when Joe Pye weed stands tall alluring butterflies to the mauve-colored blossoms. When road-side signs leaning a little cock eyed offer "Corn or Tomatoes For Sale."  

 

This summer reminds me of the good ole summer days when 80 degrees is the normal high.  Nights are so cool sleeping with an open window is a common practice.

 

Go out and listen to the songs of summer?  A symphony of sounds are playing all day and all night.  The orchestra of katydids, cicadas, grasshoppers, crickets, bees, beetles, and birds strum their music of summer. 

 

The most amazing thing, though, is that you can actually hear summer in Saluda!

 

The 46th annual Coon Dog Day (CDD) was successful and enjoyable for all who attended.  In spite of technical difficulties during the street dance,  the crowd turned the lemons into lemonade.  Thanks to all for responding in a "Saluda" way. The planning and execution necessary for CDD is massive for such a small town and this year we were working short-handed in public works as well as public safety.  The City staff have been reduced due to the poor performance of the US economy for the last couple of years.  This meant they all had to step up and work longer, harder and make additional personal sacrifices this year to make it happen.   They deserve a thank you and a "pat on the back".    The whole CDD efforts are overseen by Commissioner Leon Morgan.  Erny Williams, Doris Marion, Monica Pace and Chief Jim Cantrell spent many hours in preparation and directing what few people and resources that are available.  Please let them know how much your appreciate their efforts.
 
It was a pleasure to see Martha Hardin as our "Grand Marshall" for the parade.  Our hearts and prayers are with her and her family after the recent loss of Everett.
 
Even with the extraordinary effort for CDD, the business of the City still required additional long days after the weekend was over.  The staff had to prepare for and attend a special called meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday after CDD.  The meeting was needed to review the results of an internal review of City policies and enforcement.  Every year the City undergoes a financial audit that addresses how we have run the business of the City.  There are certain limitations to the financial audit and our internal review was more detailed and comprehensive.  I want to recognize and thank Commissioner Laura Fields and Commissioner John Morgan for their effort and attention to this important effort.  The outcome is that we have begun the process of updating policies that were outdated or needed clarification.  In addition, we have put into motion actions to address deviations and procedures that conflict with policies or best management practices.  As a small City, we have been in need of updating for some time and I'm glad to see that we are getting there.  Having said that, I think it's important to remember that a process of continuous improvement needs to be our culture in governance.   The nature of governance does keep the process necessarily deliberate.
 
I wrote in an earlier communication about the significant differences in managing a private business and a political governing body.  In a private business, it's natural and effective to make quick decisions and take prompt actions.  Part of the reason for this is that the population of people and systems that are affected by those  decisions are limited and the impacts are often short-term in the grand scheme of things.   Decisions and actions taken by governing bodies most often have broad implications over the long term and have the nature of permanence.  For example,  a zoning or land use ordinance change could set up a string of negative outcomes.  If a person has a plan to use their property in a certain way, has been planning for and investing for years toward his/her goal and a zoning change makes that plan no longer viable, it becomes an almost tragic event.  The plan goes away and the time and effort become wasted.  If they had known this was going to happen, they would spent their time, money and effort differently with a different outcome.  It's hard to put a value on a dream.
 
This is why governance needs to change and progress very deliberately and predictably.  It's important that governance move in lock-step with positive progress and minimize any damage that may occur.   However, governance must change with the times and expectations of the public.  This is where vision is important in public leadership.   Vision is a difficult thing to define.  A lot of people have vision and some have just plain visions.  In governance, the required vision is a combination of seeing and understanding how the cultural, economic, social and public psychology are all moving and interacting in the public.  The vision comes from knowing how to respond to those interactions inside the prevailing realities.   The leadership comes by bringing all the differing opinions and ideologies to a place where there is common ground and common benefit.    Should be a snap, right?
 
Unfortunately, it's not.   The reality is that mixed in with selfless governance are the human qualities of greed, power, ego and self gratification.  These human qualities too often push people to work for self-interest rather than the public or in Saluda's case our neighbors interest.  On an individual basis we tend to rationalize that our self-interests are really in the public interest even if the evidence says otherwise.   After serving in this mostly volunteer capacity as an elected official for several years, I have seen these dynamics at work in everyone I know that has served, no exceptions.  The difference is that many of those that I have served with recognize the dangers and control their ambitions as well as eliminate the temptations as best they can.  Several years ago, Melody and I realized the conflicts than can occur and how they can compromise your integrity and focus.  She in her endeavors with Saluda Community Self Help to convert the old "Tea Room" into a Library when she had to give up her business "Christmas Etc.".  And me in getting my competitors to provide environmental services to the City when we desperately needed the help.  We had to eliminate the threat of financial conflicts of interest to allow us to clearly act for the common interest.  We hope that we have served our neighbors well.
 
Rodney Gibson
Mayor, City of Saluda
 

Keep up to date with city news at City of Saluda's website.

A hand-made quilt by Toni Garcia has been donated to help raise funds for the Senior Center.  Toni previously donated a quilt to the Saluda Library which raised more than $1,000 for the library. The quilt is named, "Patriotic Blues."

 

All proceeds to benefit Saluda Senior Center. Tickets are $5.00 each, 3 for $12 or 6 for $20. Tickets may be purchased at the Senior Center and the drawing will be held on December 12, 2009.

The Saluda Tailgate Farmer's Market has proven to be an overwhelming success.

 

With only four weeks into it, the organizers are excited to have more than 23 local growers participating in the Friday market.

 

The market is sponsored by the Saluda Business Association and Polk County Agricultural Economic Development.

 

On Fridays from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the west end of town, you can find fresh local products, bakery goods, and plants and flowers.

 

 

Interested vendors can access regulations and an application on Saluda.com or cityofsaludanc.com and mail to:  SBA, PO Box 1085, Saluda NC 28773 or call any of the committee members listed below.
 
Beth Carson 828-749-1118
Shelley DeKay 828-749-9365
Carol Lynn Jackson, Manna Cabana  caroljackson@charter.net
Walter Hoover, 828-749-5846
Judy Ward  828-749-1349

 

A special THANKS to Shelley Dekay, SBA member who led the effort in getting the farmer's market started.
(Pictured left is Beth Carson and right is Shelley DeKay.)

I had the best experience this past Friday.  I went to our Farmers Market!  I was greeted by familiar faces and continued to see friendly people throughout my stroll.  I enjoyed seeing everyone with their very own market baskets full of local foods.
 
My basket was not big enough for the great finds I saw.  Instead of going all out, I focused on dinner.  We stopped by the Wildflour Bakery tent and got the Spanakopita - Entree!  Next I needed a salad.  Not too hard to find - I went with a mixed tomato variety - when I was done shopping I had 5 different types and colors of tomatoes.  The names and varieties I am not sure of but very impressed by the actual selection and knowledge of the farmers who presented them. 
 
I also decided on a couple of cucumbers - they were beautiful.  Beautiful to me is not shiny and perfect but slightly imperfect with "character" and a little dirt left on them from the ground from which they grew!    These would turn into a Greek-style side to compliment my Spanakopita.
 
No stickers, no wax, no air conditioned store, no VIP cards to scan - what a beautiful experience we have at the Saluda Farmers Market.  When I was preparing my Tomato Salad - I removed the stem of a tomato and under it was a smiley face!  Even the produce left happy!
 
For the Tomato Salad:
 
8 Tomatoes - any variety.  Cut  into chunks and de seeded.
2/3 cup of olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
Pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper. 
Pour all into a bowl and toss lightly to coat.
Any fresh herb you have (just one) - tear into pieces and top.  I used mint - went great.  ENJOY
 
Greek Cucumbers
4-6 Cucumbers sliced into 1/4 inch medallions - skin on.
Salted and set aside to reduce the moisture.  Keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.
When you are ready to serve, place them in a pretty dish and sprinkle with Feta Cheese.  ENJOY!

Submitted by Joni Rashaunbach, Saluda Inn Wine Cellar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Kathleen Garren Stephenson Jelley's personal belongings, I found some old newspaper clippings, yellowed with aged but still very readable. Unfortunately, my grandmother did not jot down the dates on the clippings, but at least she kept them in a safe place. It appears that Saluda was given a social column in a nearby city's newspaper, perhaps Hendersonville. I wanted to share this particular section from an old column found among the clippings because for one, Lucile is my great aunt and for another, I found the prose to be very eloquent as it announces her engagement to Fred Robertson.   Fred was the son of the Sheriff of Polk County at that time. The Pace House is mentioned in the column, which is of interest to those who enjoy reading about Saluda's rich history. Lucile and Kathleen were the daughters of Margaret and O.B. Garren and granddaughters of Ransom Woodruff and Emily Pace, owners of the Pace House. Lucile died in the mid 1960's and the Pace House was torn down around that time. I would imagine that this announcement is from the late 1920's to early 1930's. Lucile was the City Clerk for Saluda for many years.  
 
On Thursday night, the fourteenth, Miss Lucile Garren entertained her numerous friends at the Pace House making a charming young hostess. The decorations were very effective a profusion of hearts being used in honor of St. Valentine. The guests were amused by various games with prizes for those fortunate enough to be the winners, and delicious refreshments were served. Toward the close of the evening a basket was passed filled with hearts tied together in pairs with white ribbon, which on opening revealed the names of Lucile on one side, and Fred, on the other, with the date, Feb. 21, thus announcing the engagement and date of marriage of the hostess to one of the gentleman guests. Congratulations were then given and accepted by the happy couple. On Tuesday night last, the bride-to-be, was the recipient of a miscellaneous shower given by her numerous friends, many of whom were present to help her enjoy the beautiful rain-drops. Games and music and goodies helped to make the evening a delightful one.
 
 
Submitted by Cindy Stephenson Tuttle
Please share your thoughts: cstuttle@windstream.net

Greaton Sellers, formerly with Max L. Hill Co. and AgentOwned Realty (for 23 years) in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., has moved to Saluda, with his wife Betsy, and joined Cathy Jackson Realty.  Born, raised and educated in Charleston, S.C. Greaton graduated from Furman University in 1966, and was in Korea from 1967 - 1968 as a Signal Corps Officer (ROTC) . He returned to his home town to join the family business, Sellers Transfer, Allied Van Lines, until 1986 when he became a Realtor.
  
Betsy and I have had a home in Saluda since 2002 and as luck would have it, we were able to move here permanently as of July 1, 2009.  My plan is to be a Buyer's Representative for my past clients and customers from the Charleston and Mt. Pleasant areas.  I look forward to meeting more of the wonderful folks of Saluda.
 
Submitted by Greaton Sellers