Store:  828-749-2311

Cell:  828-699-4717

Email:   

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. 

 
Save These Dates Now!

  
Sun. Feb. 07, Super Bowl Party @ senior center. Doors open at 4pm. Donations accepted.
 
Sat. Feb. 27 @ 12pm, Mushroom Workshop on the deck @ senior center. Learn to grow your own Shitaki mushrooms in oak logs. You will make a Shitaki log and receive a previously made oyster mushroom log. Call to register @ 749-9245.
 
Beginning Monday, February 15, the second in a series of American Contract Bridge lessons for beginning and advancing players will be taught at the Saluda Senior Center.  This second series is Play of the Hand, the most exciting part of the game, and will emphasize how to make a PLAN before you start to play and then putting it all together.  This series of classes will be held each Monday morning for eight (8) weeks from 9-11 AM at the Saluda Senior Center.
 
Beginning Thursday, February 18, the first of the series of American Contract Bridge lessons for beginning and advancing players will again be taught. This first series is Bidding andwill focus on being able to bid more accurately with concentration on opening 5-card majors. This series of classes will be held each Thursday morning for eight (8) weeks from 9-11 AM at the Saluda Senior Center.
 
These classes will be taught by Tollie Ross, a certified bridge teacher. Tollie has been teaching bridge to adults, teenagers, and children for some eight years. He taught Spanish and German for 40 years and has just retired from Darlington School, a private college prep school in Rome, Georgia. His philosophy in teaching is "let's have fun."  The instruction material was written by Audrey Grant, a professional educator who happens to be a bridge player. Please contact the Saluda Senior Center at 749-9245 or Edie Campbell at 749-1212 for more information. 
 
Don't forget Wed. movie matinee @ 2pm. (3) Indiana Jones-Kingdom of the Skull, (10) Rumor Has It, (17) Flight plan, and (24) Ray. Popcorn and drinks available for $.50 each
 
Thurs. Feb. 11 @ 1pm, Travel with Bill Klippel, please call a day ahead to reserve lunch.
 
Thurs. Feb. 18 @ 6pm, Single Women United will have a potluck dinner. Bring a dish and enjoy a fun night. The theme is Mardi Gras.
 
Thurs. Feb. 25 @ 6pm, Community potluck w/ program from Saluda Fire Dept.-Home Prevention.
 
Artwork of Polk County High School students will be on display Fri. Feb. 19 through April 01. Please come by during Center hours Mon.-Fri 8:30am-2:30pm to see their display.
 
Lunch is served daily at the center from 11:30am-12:30pm, call a day ahead to reserve.

Planning Board of the City of Saluda meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30pm a Saluda Public Library meeting room.

 

Saluda Community Land Trust will meet February 3 and 17 at 3:00 at Saluda Presbyterian Fellowship Hall.  For information please call Betsy Burdett at 828-749-2161.
 

Gentle Yin Yoga             
Wednesday - 12:30pm 
Thursday - 12:30pm and 5:30pm 
Friday - 10:00 am (beginner's gentle class)
 
Power Yoga
Wednesday - 6:15 am
 
Chair Yoga
Tuesday - 2:15pm

Classes are for any and all levels, absolutely no flexibility is required.All classes are held in the studio below the Senior Center. If you have any questions please call Cassandra at 828-749-3794.

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Nectar is a healing/consciousness space located in the old The Meditation Station.  We offer Yoga, Herbs, Massage, Elixirs and a full Oxygen Bar.

Hours
Monday 12:30-6:00
Tuesday 12:30-7:00
Wednesday 9:00-2:30
Thursday 12:30- 7:00
Friday 12:30-6:00
Saturday 10:00-2:00
Sunday Closed

Yoga Schedule
Monday 12:30-1:30 (Vinyasa/Flow)
Tuesday 5:30-7:00
Wednesday 9:00-10:30
Thursday 5:30-7:00
Friday 12:30-1:30 (Vinyasa/Flow)
Saturday 10:00-11:30

*All classes are Mixed level and Anusara Inspired

Classes are $12 and $10 for Saluda locals.  Class Packages are also available.

You can reach us at (828) 216-3421 and visit our Website on its way at www.nectarme.com.

Health Challenge -Seek Sunshine
 
During these dreary winter months, when the sun does come out, so should we.  Any day that has some sunshine we need to get out and soak up the rays.  (unless your Doctor has told you to stay out of the sun completely)
 
Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight.   Resent studies have shown that many of us have a vitamin D deficiency, especially in the winter.   Vitamin D deficiencies can cause fatigue, muscle and joint pain, sleep problems, compromised immune systems, and depression.   It only takes a few minutes in the sunshine, without sunscreen, to keep our vitamin D levels up.
 
A few minutes in the sun, in the morning, helps our body clocks to set and tells our bodies when to be awake and when to sleep. Exposure to sunlight can help prevent SAD, seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression caused by the lack of exposure to enough light.
 
So, on days that we get sunshine, make a point to try to get out and enjoy it for a little while.  You may see all kinds of health benefits.

Kathy St.Clair Angier
Pk-5 PE and Dance
Saluda School

The Polk County Mobile Recycling is at the Tickle Family Health Center and Spa every Tuesday from 7 to 12.  Jennifer Patton staffs the unit and is there with a friendly smile to help you.

Saluda Presbyterian

Link to Churches in the Area

The new Saluda  Visitors Center is officially open.  Gail and David Nonnamaker generously donated space at Southern Blessings for this center.  They funded a large sign that is placed in the parking lot and Department of Transportation has put up the blue and white "Visitor's Information" signs on the interstate exit ramps. 

 

Judy Ward and Barbara Seiler are organizing the center and the next phase is to display pictures of "ole timey Saluda."

 

We could still use more racks for tourist brochures and rack cards.

 

The purpose of the center is to educate toursit and visitors about Saluda restaurants, lodging, shops, outdoor recreation, events, and history of Saluda.

 

 

 

  

 

Didn't Receive January Issue of Saluda Lifestyles?

Driving down the road looking over the pastoral fields and mountain tops of glistening white snow, I thought how elegant the long-laying snow had added to Saluda's charm. 

 

Unlike, any year I remember, the icy snow still covered the shady wooded areas and roadsides for almost 30 days.
 
Accompanying a first-time visitor to Saluda during this drive, I was reminded of my first visit to Saluda.  Through her eyes I remembered how Saluda enchants people on a first visit.   Saluda's unspoiled way of life is calming and refreshing.   It's hard to describe why Saluda feels the way it does.  
 
It's many things--Chatting with the 80-year old proprietor of  a 100 year-old general store who works six days a week and takes time to learn all about you.  The comfort of a warm cup of soup sitting at the round table in the front of the Saluda Grade with sun beaming on your face.  Taking a stroll down Main Street on a quiet winter day.  Listening to the music at the Purple Onion with Saluda friends and neighbors.  Watching friendly shop owners turning visitors into regulars.  Sitting on a bench watching passersby.  A friendly wave and smile as you pass on the street.  Joyful sounds of kids playing at the playground and the school.  Touring the shade covered streets of 100-year old Victorian homes.  Stopping at the library to get a good book to curl up with.  A visit to the post office that serves as a gathering place to meet and greet neighbors. 
 
Saluda is a healing lifestyle and that's why people choose to be here.

Saluda has always been a healing place since the turn of the 20th century.  Folks from the low country of South Carolina traveled on passenger trains to Saluda to escape summer's sweltering heat and mosquitoes.  Because of its healthy mountain air, Dr. Lesesne Smith opened a baby hospital in Saluda and babies came from all over to be treated for respiratory problems.
 
Today, Saluda has a variety of health and wellness providers in which Saluda citizens appreciate.  They are:

 

The Saluda Medical Center, located a short distance from downtown Saluda, is a non-profit rural health center providing comprehensive quality medical care to all individuals, regardless of age, income, or health insurance status.  The full range of medical services provided by the Center includes primary and continued patient care, well exams, disability exams, employment, Department of Transportation and sports physicals, immunizations, pediatric and geriatric services, and minor surgical procedures.

Deb Phillips, LCSW and Jim Hall, PhD, are two therapists in Saluda, whose office is upstairs from the Gardener's Cottage.  Both Deb and Jim have many years experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups. They are committed to healing relationships, with ourselves and others, and working to help people live meaningful and mindful lives.  They can be reached at 828-749-3003.

 

Mary H. Farrell, LMBT Originally from Maryland by way of Florida, Mary has called Saluda home since 1997 when she moved here with her husband, The focus of her work at this time is Swedish massage, deep tissue massage (using trigger point therapy, medical and neuromuscular techniques) and energy balancing. Mary maintains her good standing in Saluda through her involvement in community projects and as a member of the Saluda Business Association and Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). 101 Cullipher Street, Suite 3 Saluda, NC 28773  828-749-1197.

Autumn Care of Saluda. Three quarters of a mile from Main Street is Autumn Care of Saluda, a 99-bed skilled nursing facility. Our goal is to assist patients to become independent and return home and to make a home for those who remain with us as residents and family. Located at 501 Esseola Drive.  828-749-2261. Glenn Pierce, Administrator, [email protected].

 

Experience unique hospitality along your spiritual journey at the Snail's Pace.  Tailored to your spiritual needs they offer:  a slower pace to pray, create, or "just be," quiet days, spiritual guidance, personal or group guided retreats, and personal or group silent retreats.  Contact the Snails Space at 828-749-3851 or [email protected].

 

On December 24, 2008 John G Russell, also know as JR or Batman or Isaac Creek Builders was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  He has had radiation, surgery, and chemo treatments. His tumor has worsened and has even spread into his spine.  On top of this, his wife, Janice lost her job in 2007 and has been taking care of John.  Finances are rough, as you can imagine.  Many repairs are needed in their home and many people are willing to donate their time in doing the repairs but are financially unable to provide the materials.  The repairs would make it a safer environment for John and his family.  John has always been a giver and has done many great things for people in our community, and now he and his family need help themselves.  If you are able to help this family who have given so much to others, please send your charitable relief to his daughter Ashley Crissone, 109 Sunrise Drive, Mill Spring, NC  28756.  You can contact Ashley at 828-899-5491.
 

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Fire damaged the home of Saluda citizens, Norma and Charlie Emory.  An account has been set up at Macon Bank in Saluda to help with the family with building supply costs.  Donations can be sent to Macon Bank at 108 East Main Street or PO Box 98, Saluda, NC 28773, attention Angie Blackwell.

  
This is the third year of the Robinson Community Garden in Saluda on the corner of Henderson and Poplar Street. This is your chance to be a part of this exciting community activity.
 
The garden this year will again have access to city water to insure successful gardening.
 
Plots are 10 feet by 20 feet of usable space. The cost of a plot is $30.00.
 
To reserve a plot contact: [email protected] or call Marilyn Prudhomme at 828-749-9172. There will be an informational gardening meeting on March 23rd at 6:30 PM at the Saluda Public Library.                     
 
Come and be a part of the fun of gardening with your neighbors.
 
The garden is sponsored by SCLT, Saluda Community Land Trust. 

Saluda city council appointed John Morgan as its major pro-tem. Other Department Head appointments were;  John Morgan remains water/sewer commissioner, Leon Morgan continues as parks, streets, and cemetery commission, Johnnie Kinard remains as public safety commissioner and newly elected George Sweet was named the sanitation, buildings and library commissioner.

The city council will hold an annual retreat on Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7. 

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

Cultivating and promoting its heritage in the arts, the Saluda Business Association invites you to enter your work in the seventh annual Saluda Arts Festival scheduled for May 15, 2010.  Showcasing fine arts and crafts from local and regional artists, the Saluda Arts Festival draws thousands of spring tourists visiting Western North Carolina. 

 

This is a juried art event offering cash awards to a diverse range of 2D and 3D artwork. 

 

The art show celebrates Saluda's art heritage, historic buildings, and the natural beauty of its mountains and waterfalls.

 

Completed applications and digital images must be postmarked  by February 15, 2010.  Notification of acceptance will be mailed in March.  Please visit saluda.com to see more information and requirements and to download an application. 

For questions, please contact Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900 or Catherine Ross at 828-243-8696. 

 

Foster the "Old Guy" has authored two books, "Wild Fields" published in 1983 and "Down with Up and Up with Down," published in 1994.  Foster is working on his next book with over 100 pages already written.

 

Foster is a carpenter and built many homes in Saluda.  His last cabin took him 14 years to build and he completed it a few years ago.

 

Happy Birthday, Foster!

It's not uncommon to think about family members that are no longer with us during the holiday season, especially those with whom you had a very close relationship. My experience over the holidays was a little unique in that I was thinking about a few family members I had never met. A few years ago, Gordon Pace from the Pace Society of America sent me an eighteen page document outlining the ancestors of my great-great grandfather, Ransom Woodruff Pace, totaling 9 generations. This document traces the lineage all the way back to the birth of Richard Pace in Wapping, England and his subsequent immigration to Jamestown, Va. Due to its complexity, I had never taken the time to thoroughly read it page by page. Right before Christmas, I was reviewing Generation No. 4 (Generation No. 1 begins with Ransom W. Pace) pertaining to John Pace who was born about 1725 in Prince George County, Va. and died in October of 1780 in Surry County, NC.
 
Surry County caught my eye. Though I am a part-timer in Saluda, I live out my other days in Stokes County which is a stones throw from Surry County. Being a transplant to Stokes County, I have never felt that I had any family ties in the area, other than my in-laws. My husband's family goes back generations in Stokes County or the Yadkin Valley region and I have always felt a little slighted when his family speaks of their roots in these parts. Upon further examination of the genealogical document, I learned that John Pace and his brother Richard moved to Edgecombe County, NC around 1760 after purchasing about 200 acres from Thomas Hart near Beaver Dam Swamp Creek. Upon Richard's death, John moved to Surry County. It is alleged that John and two of his sons, Thomas and Richmond, were Tories during the Revolutionary War and remained loyal to King George. All three were thought to be killed in action at the battle of Shallow Ford in October 1780. Though this has not been proven, John Pace was to have served under Gideon Wright whose unit was involved in the battle.
 
To confirm this bit of family history, I consulted a cousin on the Pace and Garren side, Dr. George A. Jones, who is a historian and founder of the Henderson County Genealogical and Historical Society. Here is what he said:
 
The County Court of Surry Co, NC considered John Pace (father) and Richmond (son) to be Tories and confiscated their property, which was later sold by the County Court at public auction. Two of John's sons, Jeremiah and Edmond, bought some of the property at the sale. Sarah (the mother) was granted her dower rights in the property. Later Burrell petitioned the State Legislature trying to recover some of the property admitting that his father and brother were Tories. The Legislature did not look with favor on his petition. I have no information on Thomas Pace.
 
It is unclear at this point where in Surry County John Pace and his family may have lived but Shallow Ford, or Shallowford as it is now called, is exactly fourteen miles from my doorstep in Stokes County. The location of the historical marker for the Battle of Shallow Ford is within the borders of Forsyth County but Shallow Ford itself is now on the boundary that divides Forsyth County from Yadkin County and no longer considered part of Surry County. Shallow Ford is exactly as its name implies; a shallow rocky area of the Yadkin River that made for easy crossing. More interesting historical information about Shallow Ford can be found on the website www.ncmarkers.com.
 
Over the holidays my husband, daughter and I visited the site of the historical marker, which is located at a bridge which crosses the Yadkin River right outside of Lewisville on Shallowford Road. According to the marker, we were 600 yards south of the site where my great (5x) grandfather may have been killed. The day we visited was cold and icy with snow still covering the ground. We walked a little way toward the river but did not go all the way down since it was so slippery. I looked out over the Yadkin River and a chill ran over me. The blood of my family may have been shed in or near this very river. The three of us made a deal we would return when the weather warms up and maybe try to walk to the site of the battle. I now feel a deep connection to an area which I never thought I had a connection.
 
As many of my Pace cousins already know, one of John's other sons and my great (4x) grandfather, Burrell Pope Pace, Sr., Generation No. 3, is credited for settling Pace's Gap, which later became known as Saluda. Prior to this, he enlisted in the Patriot Army in 1776 and was elected to the rank of Sergeant in Col. John Henton's regiment. In January, we visited the Henderson County Heritage Museum. There in bold letters was the name Burrell Pope Pace, credited for serving as a Patriot in the Revolutionary War. Since learning of the drastically differing viewpoints of the Pace family during these early days in our country's history, I have wondered what conversation may have been like at their family holiday celebrations. We can only imagine.
 
Submitted by Cindy Stephenson Tuttle
Please email [email protected] for feedback or column ideas. 
 
 

As a member of the dwindling Thompson family that used to be so common in earlier Saluda, I am also concerned about the continuing loss of our collective family histories over time and the lack of a suitably secure storehouse for such records, including but not limited to family photos, letters, personal items, etc., as well as historical information regarding the old homes, businesses, public events, and especially our beloved railroad that was so vital to the formation of the city itself. We should all be grateful to citizens such as Charlene Pace, Herbert Pace and Charles Herron for their dedication to this cause, but their best efforts can only scratch the surface in capturing the vast quantity of history stored in the homes and minds around the area. Someone once said, "When a person dies, it's like a fire destroying a library." All that information is lost forever. If we are to save it for our future generations, we need to start now in establishing a non-profit organization with the collective enthusiasm and fundraising ability to get a plan started. A first priority should be the video/audio recording of personal memories of our older citizens and let's be sure to include our summer families as well.  The cost would be minimal, requiring only the time it takes to conduct the interviews. Our town doesn't need the loss of another Lola or Charlie Ward before extensive taping begins to occur.

 

I have just created and activated a website called saludamemories.com which will allow individuals to post personal memories, photos, audio/videos, etc of Saluda for posterity. Hopefully this site will facilitate the preservation of individual experiences associated  with living or visiting the town.  We will be adding categories as more information comes into the site. Your assistance in spreading the work will be appreciated.

 

If anyone feels there is merit to any or all of these suggestions, please contact your friends and ask for their active support. You can also contact me by e-mail at [email protected]. with your own ideas.
 
Now is the time to get started and I'm signed up. Will you sign also?  
 
R. Clark Thompson
President
Thompson-Briggs Developers, Inc.
700 S. Palafox Street - Suite 245
Pensacola, FL  32502
 
BUS (850) 432-8812
CELL (850) 723-3282
FAX (850) 438-7500
www.thompson-briggs.com