Kim Adams, Greenville , SC

John D. Adams, Brevard, NC

Laura Addington, Hendersonville, NC

Dave Allen, Hendersonville, NC

Walter Arnold, Hendersonville, NC

Gabriela Baumgartner, Moore, SC

Jean Jacques, Benoist, Mill Spring, NC

Sharon Berg, Simpsonville, SC

Phil & Veda Bickley, Lake Lure, NC

Elda Brown, Brevard, NC

Bruce Bunch, Greenville , SC

Betsy Burdett, Saluda, NC

Chris Carroll, Tryon, NC

Jim Carson, Saluda, NC

Charlotte &  Arnold Caughman, Spartanburg, SC

Jan Cothran, Asheville, NC

Mike Cowan, Asheville, NC

Jocelyn Davis, Columbus, NC

Suzanne Evon, Weaverville, NC

Jeremy Fore, Rogersville, TN

George Getty, Greenville , SC

Bill Gramley, Lewisville, NC

Kari Hopkins, Burnsville, NC

Hazel Ann Houser, Mooresboro, NC

Angela Johnston, Mooresville, NC

Shelley Johnston, Fairview, NC

Maggie Joynt, Dillsboro, NC

Robin Kirby, Saluda, NC

Katie Knopp, Asheville, NC

James Long, Greenville , SC

George Matthews, Saluda, NC

Eva McCray, Saluda, NC

Rosemary McLeod, Spartanburg, SC

Mike Merritt, Travelers Rest, SC

Don Mobley, Saluda, NC

David Parris, Saluda, NC

Bobbie Pell, Marshall, NC

Jeff Pittman, Fletcher, NC

Ron Ponce, Greer, SC

Ray Prague, Saluda, NC

Lucille Rogers, Asheville, NC

Charles Slate, Greenville , SC

Doug Smith, Candler, NC

Patricia Stalb, Central, SC

Katherine Stomsky, Hendersonville, NC

Amy Sullivan, Flat Rock, NC

Cindy Trisler, Mars Hill, NC

Jim Warren, Pelzer, SC

NOTICE!! The Saluda Center Home-Delivery Meals Program needs your help. We need a permanent driver on Thursday each week and also more substitute drivers. Being a volunteer driver would require 1-1 1/2 hours of your time. Please call Donna at 828-749-9245 if you can help. Thank you!

Free line dancing class every Monday at 12:30.

SAVE THE DATE! Richard Brantley will begin Bible as Literature on Wednesday, June 1 at 1:00 p. m.

Bingo on Fridays from 1pm-2pm.

Book club meeting. on Monday, May 2 at 2:00pm.

Single Women United potluck dinner will be on Thursday, May 12 at 6:00pm.

Bridge every Tuesday from 10am-2pm.

Movie matinee on Friday, May 20 at 12:30pm.  

Saluda Center will serve food during the Saluda Arts Festival from 11 to 2.  Hamburgers and hotdogs along with ice cream sundaes will be available.

Bulb Sale - There will be a bulb sale to raise money for the Saluda Center during the month of May.  Look for a table at the Saluda Arts Festival to order beautiful bulbs to plant.

These bulbs are top quality and will bloom in the spring.  There are daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, amaryllis, and narcissi from which to select. 

Are you a Medicare beneficiary in need of assistance? Donna Carson, Polk County Coordinator for SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program) is available to assist you by appointment. Please call Donna at 828-749-9245, if you need assistance. This is a FREE service.

Notice! A Thrifty Barns' basement is looking for household donation items.

A Thrifty Barns' basement is OPEN Wed., 10am-4pm, donations accepted and basement sales every 1st and 3rd Sat. from 9am-3pm. A Thrifty Barn is OPEN Wed.-Sat., 10am-4pm, donations accepted  on Wed. Please call 749-3320 for more information.

The STPA observed National Arbor Day, April 29, by planting a tree provided by the Arbor Day Foundation and delivered to members and local organizations.

We are requesting nominations for the tree(s) in the Saluda community, both inside the city limits and outside, which are the oldest.  This recognition will commemorate Saluda's 130^th birthday.

Many of our native residents or those who have had homes here many years will remember trees, still alive, which have been significant in their lives since childhood.

Nominations should be received by June 30, 2011.  Please provide your name and best way to contact you, the kind of tree and its location, your estimate of its age, and memories of the tree you can share.

Please contact us by mail to Judy Sienkiewicz, 3 Bernwood Drive, Taylors, SC  29687; email JTS1@charter.net; or Ruth Anderson, PO Box 744, Saluda, NC 28773, phone 828-749-9718.

Thank you.

Ruth Anderson

Spring has sprung and the town is indeed springing into action with all the hustle and bustle of this beautiful time of year. We find ourselves once again faced with the planning and preparations for our favorite annual event- Coon Dog Day!

In addition to the usual challenges of putting on the festival, we find ourselves tackling the task of organizing the Coon Dog Day 5K Race in-house this year. We were informed recently that the group who put on the race last year would no longer be able to handle the event, so the City, along with the help of Saluda Mountain Jamboree, has decided to save the tradition of the 5K. It is quite a task! Linda Whitaker and I are definitely open to suggestions and/or assistance with the run, so if you or someone you know would be willing to volunteer to help us organize the run or provide us with assistance the day of the race, please let me know! We are not runners ourselves, so I could use some help from you seasoned runners who know all about races. You can email me at admin@cityofsaludanc.com or give me a call at 828-749-2581 or contact Linda at the Jamboree if you would like to help with this. At this time we are asking for sponsors to help with the expenses. (Timing equipment, certified race fees, trophies, tee shirts, energy snacks for the runners, etc. and VOLUNTEERS TO HELP ON COON DOG DAY!!) Volunteers will get the same tee shirt that the runners will get in their registration packet.  The SPONSORS will have their name on the back of the tee shirt, plus two large posters on the stage downtown.

We will take money, or volunteers, or anyone who wants to run the race!! Help us keep the 5K Run alive and a part of Coon Dog Day! 

Online registration is now up and running for the race, so be sure to see event details and register at Coon Dog Day 5K and send the link to all your friends and family interested in running this year! Paper registration forms are available at City Hall or, upon request, by email. We are working hard to make this year's run better than ever with great prizes for winners and nice performance T-shirts for every participant.

We are also looking for a 5K run T-shirt design; so if you or someone you know is artistically inclined and would like to submit a fun T-shirt design for us to use this year, please contact me. Community involvement is what makes Saluda such a special place, so get involved and be part of this great tradition!

This year will, once again, be full of a variety of food and local craft vendors, the classic coon dog events at the school, our favorite hometown parade, and live entertainment all day- including the annual night street dance with the Lonesome Road Band.

Please help us make the 48th annual Coon Dog Day the best yet by making a tax-deductible donation to the City specifically for the festival. Donations help pay for entertainment provided for both young and old, sound system, the trolley shuttle service that allows so many people to park and enjoy the festival, and the many other costs associated with

putting on such a great day for this community. Checks can be made payable to the City of Saluda and sent to:  Attention:  Coon Dog Day, City of Saluda, PO Box 248, Saluda, NC 28773 or hand delivered to city hall.

As always, thanks for all you do to make Saluda such a great and unique place to work and live!

Best Regards,

Monica R. Pace
Administrative Assistant
City of Saluda
PO Box 248
Saluda, NC 28773
828-749-2581 Phone
828-749-2373 Fax  www.cityofsaludanc.com  

The sun is out and so are we!

The month of April allowed for 3 glorious hikes which were enjoyed by both the people of Saluda and our neighboring communities. These hikes were in conjunction with the celebration of Saluda's 130^th birthday.

It feels great to get back outside after a long winter. Right now is the perfect time for volunteers to help with trail work, which is a never-ending project, and one that not only provides you with a sense of participation, but also helps you feel that these trails are yours.

We will be back in full force working on our "kudzu site" starting late May and continuing on through the summer. The crowns should be showing up soon, and the plan is to continue using Thursday mornings from 9 am to 11 am before it gets too hot. As the summer approaches, we will work 8 am till 10 am. The work takes place on the corner of Ozone and Thompson Road. You are invited to come and do a little "crown killing" or just to observe and ask questions about your own problems with this encroaching invasive.

Don't forget about kudzu kollege (yes it is spelled that way), which is held the last Saturday of each month in Spartanburg. For more information about this go to www.kokudzu.com. The best way to remember this website is that we all want to "knock out kudzu". 

We have an updated website now! There is a place where you can sign up for updates of our projects and activities that puts you on an email alert. For more information go to saludaclt.org.

SCLT meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 3pm, and meetings are open to the public and held at McCreery Park in the Pavilion.  All are welcome to attend. 

For more information about SCLT and their projects call, 828-749-1560 and leave a message.  Someone will return your call promptly. Visit the website to keep up with current projects. 

We are always working on a project that may be the perfect volunteer job for you! 

Did you know that Spring Park is on the National Register of Historic Places?

Directly behind City Hall on Church Street is a small park with a rock-lined spring as its focus.  This spring was referred to in deeds associated with the Saluda City Hall property at least as far back as 1896.  It was one of several springs which supplied central Saluda with water during the town's earliest years.  Like many of the other springs, it was later covered.  In 1980 the spring was reclaimed and the area around it was converted to a small, contemplative park.  Stone steps lead down to the spring which is lined with a rock wall.  A wooden fence outlines the north edge of the park, and a tree near the street provides shade.

The Saluda Garden Club maintains Spring Park and invites you to take a stroll and enjoy this peaceful site. Please remember that it is open to the public but needs to be used gently. Everything there needs to stay right where it is in order to maintain balance.  

Saluda Garden Club meets the third Monday of the month at 10am at the Saluda Library except for special events or outings.

For more information, call Anita Severn 828-749-3155.

The next pot luck meeting will be May 12 at 6:00 at the Saluda Center. The Rev. Paula C. Morton from the Transfiguration Church will speak about her service as a chaplain with the armed forces. Please bring a dish and join us.  The group continues to work on projects to reach out to Saluda's men and women in the military. 

Please continue to send names and addresses of anyone serving from Saluda to Anita Moore at anitaomoore@gmail.com. 

 

It is hard to believe that there are less than 30 days left in the 2010-2011 school year! 

As the days grow longer and warmer, many more children and adults are coming out to enjoy the walking trail, tennis courts, new playground equipment and basketball court.  For school safety reasons, these areas are closed for public use during regular school hours (7:45am-3:30pm).

If you are on school grounds after school hours, on weekends or holidays and see any signs of vandalism, please call the Saluda Police Department at 828-749-2691.  We have worked diligently over the past few years to add rain barrels, picnic tables and gardening areas to our school campus and find it very disheartening to return to signs of vandalism.

If you have completed your spring cleaning and have items to sell, please participate in a Community Yard Sale sponsored by Saluda School's 5^th graders.  The next sale will be held on Saturday, May 7 from 8:00am-12:00pm at the tennis courts.  The $10 site rental fee will help fund the student overnight trip to Charleston, SC in June.

Kindergarten registration will be held on Tuesday, May 10 beginning at 6:00pm in the auditorium.  We have several literacy activities planned for students and parents.  If you have a child/children who will be 5 years of age, on or before August 31, 2011, please contact the school office at 749-5571 for more information. 

Upcoming Events

May 3   5^th Six Weeks Report Cards

May 4   Spring Pictures (individual & class)

May 6   Dress Down for Charity

May 6   Teacher Appreciation Day

May 7   Community Yard Sale-$10 site rental

May 10  Kindergarten Registration

May 19  NC Teaching Fellows to visit

         Variety Show 6:00pm in the Auditorium

May 20 Interim Reports

May 30 Required Teacher Workday

May 31 Box Tops Collection Day

May 31 End-of-Grade Testing begins

June 3  Dress Down for Charity

June 3  PTSO Meeting 8:15-9:30am

June 4  Community Yard Sale-$10 site rental

June 5-7 5^th Grade Trip to Charleston

June 7  K-2 Field Day

June 8  Grades 3-5 Field Day

June 9  PreK Awards

June 9  Clogging Recital 6:00-7:30pm

June 10 Last Day of School

K-2 Awards at 8:30am, 3-5 Awards at 9:45am

June 13-24  Summer School

Visit Saluda School to learn more about the North Carolina A+ Schools Program. 

If you are a teacher of an exceptionally gifted school-aged student, you may want to consider having him/her prepare for the Asheville Symphony Young Artist Competition!

More information will be available on the ASO website by July.  For now, here is the "nuts and bolts" information~

Who?  School-aged performers, ages 9 to 18 (excluding college students), who play the piano, any orchestral instrument or classical guitar.  Accepted repertoire includes any concerto or stand-alone work with orchestral accompaniment.  It must be memorized.

When?  The auditions for DVD-screened applicants will be on Saturday, March 24, 2012.

Where?  Grace Covenant Church on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville.

Prizes?  Monetary prizes will given to the first, second and third place winners.  In addition, the top prize winner will play with the Asheville Symphony at Conductor Daniel Meyer's discretion.

Questions?  The details are still being worked out, but if you have immediate questions, please call Margery Kowal at 828-691-7237. 

And be sure to check the ASO website in July for detailed information and application forms.

While Saluda continues its year-long celebration of its 130th birthday, the Saluda Medical Center is celebrating too.  We are pleased to announce the addition of our new provider, Bobby E. Tipton, Jr., ANP-BC,CPNP-PC.  He is a full-time provider and would welcome the opportunity to treat you.  He is adult and pediatric certified and has experience in urgent/acute care.  For an opportunity to meet Bobby, call SMC at 828-749-4411 and set up an appointment.  

SMC is celebrating an anniversary, too--its thirty-fifth.   The addition of Bobby Tipton to SMC's staff is another example of the board and staff working hard to ensure that residents of our city, county, and beyond receive quality medical treatment.  Many of us enjoy commemorating anniversaries and special milestones.  If you'd like to honor Saluda, its residents and achievements over the past 130, please consider a gift to the Saluda Community Fund, managed through the Polk Community Foundation (255 South Trade Street in Tryon, 828-859-5314.) This fund was established by an anonymous donor who feels Saluda is "the most unique place on the planet, and that there is hardly any problem this little place can't solve."  Obviously, this is a belief demonstrated by the Saluda Medical Center as it grows and responds to changing medical needs through assistance to our citizens.

We've been having some beautiful warm days lately. So warm, we have turned on our air conditioner a few times. Luckily, ours seems to be working just fine, but nothing is worse than finding out yours doesn't on that hot afternoon.

But how do you find the right HVAC contractor to call who will come when you need him and won't rip you off? The exterior of your house needs painting this year and you don't have the skill, tools or desire to try to tackle that project yourself. You need a professional painter. Where do you even begin to find the right one? Open the yellow pages and point? That's just gambling. There are several on-line referral services now, but in my opinion, they are only marginally useful. Their so called "background checks" are minimal at best. And any contractor can ask a few friends to write a good review on a web site. Asking your friends and neighbors is a better idea. They may have used someone they like. Most contractors of all types do most of their business through referrals. We are only as successful as our last happy customer! But finding a neighbor to give you the name of a good electrician after the ice storm or a plumber that comes on the weekend is sometimes hard to come by.

What then? Ask a general contractor. We use these contractors every day. We have our own "go-to" guys, from painters to electricians, and we are happy to give you their name and number. We know who is reliable and who does the best work. If you don't know a general contractor, contact your local Home Builders Association. They can not only give you a list of names, but information on each contractor as well. In Henderson county contact www.hendersonvillehomebuilders.com or www.ashevillehba.com for Buncombe County and surrounding areas.

Todd Kirby is a Saluda resident and general contractor. Contact Todd for more information on reducing energy costs in your home at kirbycustombuilders@yahoo.com or visit kirbycustombuilders.com.

Watch out Food Network!  The Autumn Rehab Department could be producing the next great cook!

Our Rehab Department has introduced a weekly trans-disciplinary Cooking Class for our residents.  Small groups of residents challenge their skills by preparing and cooking favorite recipes, enjoying small group, family style dining and just kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying the aroma of freshly cooking foods.

According to Matilda Patrick, OT, the group is about way more than just enjoying a home cooked meal.  "There are a huge number of skills involved in preparing, cooking and eating a simple meal," she said.  "Our residents have often had those skills diminished or lost due to health problems.  The new cooking group allows them to gain confidence in relearning the skills and finding new ways to do routine tasks."

And there is also the chance to try new foods.  Danny Davis had never had a taco before joining the group.  "He ate 3 tacos the first time we cooked them and now refers to himself as "Taco Davis", Patrick said.  The class impacts a lot of non-food activities as well.  Participants have been observed opening up and interacting with others on new levels, sharing work tasks, assisting peers and engaging in conversations on a level not seen before their participation in the group.

"The Cooking Class draws a lot of interest," Price said with a laugh, "mainly from the staff!"

 Click here to see more of the Rehab Cooking Class.

Autumn Care of Saluda is a leading provider of rehabilitation and skilled nursing services in the Carolina Foothills.  For more information contact the facility at 828-749-2261, or visit their website at autumncareofsaluda.com.

Seniors Insurance Help Available at Autumn Care

US Post Office Store Hours

Mon-Fri 9:00am-1:00pm and 3:00pm-4:30pm

Sat 9:30am-11:00am Sun closed

Get directions by clicking here  

102 E MAIN ST SALUDA, NC 28773-7812 

Mark your calendars and plan on these events throughout 2011.

May 7 - Biddie's is offering a 13.0% discount on sales

May 10 - "Jamming in the Park" on the 130^th day of 2011.  Tuesday, May 10, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm. Join the celebration with a picnic in McCreery Park.  If you play a musical instrument, sing, dance, tell stories, or have a talent that is entertaining, plan to bring a picnic supper to the park and join the jamming or just enjoy the many talents of others.  Picnic boxes available at Green River BBQ, Saluda Grade Café, and Ward's Grill, and Purple Onion.

May 21- Saluda Arts Festival  

May 22 - Women's Club Low Country Boil  

June 4 - Historic Saluda will host Saluda Home Tours. Details and times to be announced.  

June 8 - Historic Thompson's Store & Ward's Grilll One-Year Celebration 3pm  

June 12 City Wide Softball Game for all at the Saluda School Diamond!

June 24 - Free Square Dance Lessons; Saluda Mountain Jamboree 7Pm-9:00pm

June 25 - Saluda Fire Department Open House with refreshments 10:00am to 2:00pm.

July 1 - Free Square Dance Lessons; Saluda Mountain Jamboree 7:00pm to 9:00pm. 

July 2 - Oral History DVD will be shown and will be for sale; Saluda Mountain Jamboree 5:00pm - 6:30pm.  Celebration Square Dance at Saluda Mountain Jamboree from 7pm-10pm.  $5 donation.

July 4 - Celebration birthday cake and pot luck at McCreery Park from 6-8pm with Jeff Hayes Bluegrass Band  

July 9 - City of Saluda Coon Dog Day 

July 29 - Macon Bank Open House with Refreshments 

August - "Saluda Art Images" at Saluda Center all month.

August 10 - Horace Pace Video

August 14 - Children's Concert at the Purple Onion with Sol Driven Train 

August 17 - Author's of Saluda  

August 24 - Charlene Pace: Stories of Saluda Past 

August 31- Martha Ashley's Bus Tour of Saluda Inns 

September 10 - Charlie Ward's Memorial Pig Out

September 12 - Masonic Lodge Open House and Presentation 

October 15 - Celebration Antique Car Club. Antique store highlights. 

October 31 - Halloween Stroll and Ole' Timey Dress Up

November 29 - Saluda School Pageant "Saluda's Past" at 6pm Saluda School Auditorium

November - Turkey Dinner by the Methodist Church, and Singing for the Soldiers.  Details and times to be announced.

December 4 - Free Christmas Concert at the Jamboree

December 9 -Hometown Christmas stroll

December 10 - Celebration Christmas Parade at 2pm.

December 17 - Celebration Christmas Home Decoration Contest.  Judging on December 17, must be within Saluda city limits, outside decorations and lighting.  Prize:  Commemorative 130th Plaque.  To enter, email Catherine Ross at carnc@charter.net. 

Call Terry Baisden at 828-749-3789 if you have any questions about these events. All events are subject to change. 

130th Celebration May Events

May brings these events in celebration of Saluda's 130^th birthday.

May 7 - Biddie's is offering a 13.0% discount on sales.

May 10 - "Jamming in the Park" on the 130^th day of 2011, Tuesday,  May 10, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm, join the celebration with a picnic in McCreery Park.  If you play a musical instrument, sing, dance, tell stories, or have a talent that is entertaining, plan to bring a picnic supper to the park and join the jamming or just enjoy the many talents of others.  These area restaurants are participating with picnic specials:

Ward's Grill:  Two hot dogs, chips, and a drink for $6 OR three chicken fingers, cole slaw, potato salad, and a drink for $7.  Call in order beforehand or order the day of picnic.

Green River BBQ:  Smoked turkey salad sandwich on whole wheat bread with homestyle potato chips, chocolate chip cookie, and a drink for $7.99.  Call ahead or pick up anytime.  Say it is for Jamming in the Park Picnic.

Purple Onion:  "Jamming in the Park Picnic Pizza" being offered at a 10% discount.   

Saluda Grade Cafe:  Click here to see their box menus.  

Click here for more 130th events.   

Click here to "Keep the Celebration on Track." 

With more than 45 juried artists, this year's arts festival promises to be the best ever in eight years!  Festival is from 10am to 5pm. 

Fine artists from all over western North Carolina and South Carolina will exhibit and sell oil, water colors, acrylic paintings and drawings, wood working, photography, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, stained glass, metal working, and more.  

Enjoy watching live demonstrations of landscape painting, weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing.

Children will create their own works of art with an expanded Children's Tent. 

Creating even more excitement for the festival is the entertainment lineup that includes:  

1pm - 3pm Swayback Sisters

The Swayback Sisters are Laura Blackley, Nikki Talley & Lyndsay Wojcik. This Asheville based roots trio decided to join forces and create a diverse musical experience for themselves as well as their audiences. While each sister is proficient in her songwriting and crafty guitar work, the real treat is the blending of their voices in three-part harmony.

3pm - 5pm One Leg Up 

Based in Asheville, North Carolina, One Leg Up performs a vibrant mixture of upbeat Gypsy Jazz, Latin, Swing and original jazz compositions and is a favorite of club, concert, and festival stages throughout the southeastern United States.

11am at Saluda School Auditorium

Spring Concert from the Dancer's Extension

The music for the 8th annual Saluda Arts Festival is provided by a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation's Saluda Fund.

Volunteers Needed for Saluda Arts Festival.  Please consider volunteering to help with the Saluda Arts Festival.  Two-hour shifts are planned for many jobs, like monitoring the Saluda Local Art Exhibit, selling festival T-shirts, greeting and helping Artist set up and many other tasks that help the festival run smoothly.  It is fun, and you will be right in the middle of the festival.  Please contact Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534 or email at carnc@charter.net.

Sponsorships are available for this year's arts festival.  The deadline to be a sponsor is May 1, 2011. A special banner will be on display recognizing the festival's sponsors as well as being recognized in the Tryon Daily Bulletin and Saluda Lifestyles.  Sponsorships are:  Rembrandt-$25, Monet-$50, and Picasso-$100, Van Gogh-$250.  Please send your sponsor donations to Saluda Business Association, PO Box 1085, Saluda, NC 28773 or contact cathy@cathyjacksonrealty or 828-817-2876.  

Arts Raffle.  Saluda Arts Festival is proud to raffle four pieces of art by Saluda artists, with the proceeds benefiting educational and public art projects.   Here is the artwork that will be raffled: 

Original painting by Dale McEntire

Giclee by Jim Carson ("2010 Best Overall Award Winner)

Giclee by Beverly Pickard

Pottery by David Parris

Plan now to attend this year's Saluda Arts Festival.  Visit saluda.com for accommodation and lodging information. 

The latest news and the unusual offerings provided by Saluda shops, restaurants, outdoor recreation, artists, and craftspeople.

Green River BBQ  

Get your picnic box at Green River BBQ for "Jamming in the Park," May 10 from 6pm to 8pm. Picnic box includes: Smoked turkey salad sandwich on whole wheat bread with home style potato chips, chocolate chip cookie, and a drink for $7.99.  May call ahead or pick up anytime.  Say it is for "Jamming in the Park Picnic."

Every Day and All Day - Narraganset Pints $1.50!

Tuesday - Thursday- All appetizers $2.00 off.

We have gone to our summer hours. Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday's noon-3pm.  

Historic Thompson Store has many new items and new employees.  Stop by and meet Mort Farris and Tim Barber.  They are getting great reviews on their meat cutting skills of fine cuts of steak. Fresh, local  produce is starting to come in and plants ready for your garden beds.  Come in and purchase a ready-to-eat meal with pastas, salads, and frozen gourmet meals. Contact the store at 828-749-2321 or visit Thompson's Store online.  Thompson's Store & Ward's Grill will be celebrating their first anniversary of the re-opening June 9 - 11.  

Get your "Jamming in the Park" picnic at Ward's Grill. 

Buttercup Cottage is offering a "One, Two, Three" special in celebration of Saluda's 130^th birthday.  The weekend of May 21 and 22 purchase ONE (or more) tickets to the Women's Club's Low Country Boil Dinner for $50, stay TWO nights at Buttercup Cottage at the regular rate, and get the THIRD night free.   Enjoy the Saluda Arts Festival on May 21.  The next day, have a great meal and lots of fun at the Saluda Women's Club's Low Country Boil dinner...entertainment by the Lonesome Road Band.  Ask for the "ONE, TWO, THREE" special. Third night must be consecutive.  Contact Marti Wells at 828-749-9538 or email marti@saludabuttercupcottage.com.  Visit their website for rates and availability. 

Salamander Celebrates 7^th Anniversary

Salamander starts its 8^th joyous year of business in Saluda this month!  Cynthia and Ben feature the handmade work of over 100 American artists from 26 states - including 23 North Carolinians.  And we offer fair trade fine handcraft from artists in Peru, India, Mexico, South Africa, Nepal (Tibetans), Kenya, Ghana, Bali and Thailand.

The Salamander experience means an eclectic and quality mix of jewelry, glass and metal art, basketry, pottery, handbags, hats for men and women, musical instruments, wooden toys, beeswax candles, organic body care (and more).

Cynthia's discerning taste in books promises great reads in new and classic titles for adults and children.  Whether it's cooking, gardening, true adventure, natural history, or body-mind-spirit rejuvenation - we've got a book for you.

And if our taste is as good as yours, you'll like it here because we sell what we love.  That means we personally select everything, right down to each greeting card, and offer only the wines and music we enjoy.

So come see Cynthia's exquisite gardens and spend some fun time with us.  Salamander is at 7 West Main Street, Saluda.  828-749-3466

Wildflour Bake Shop

Happy Spring! Could it possibly be any more beautiful? And is there any better way to start a gorgeous day than with a fresh scone from Wildflour Bake Shop?  Molly makes both sweet and savory...or you might try a bagel, a cinnamon roll or the ever delicious sticky bun!

Not an early morning fan?  Lunch is just as yummy, and there is something for everyone....amazing homemade soups, the absolute BEST quiche,  hearty sandwiches on
Wildflour bread, and daily specials. 

DO NOT FORGET MOM!!!!!  We will be open Sunday, May 8.  You can bet there will be special sweets to show her you care.

Notice the activity upstairs....paint cans, ladders, the occasional buzz of a saw....Debi in her paint-spattered overalls? Spring is a great time for "sprucing up" and we are doing our best to get our old space ready so the little Bake Shop can move up with the wholesale bakery and have more room for everyone!  Keep an eye on us...it won't be long now!     

Bake Shop Hours:  Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday      8am - 4pm
Saturday  8am - 3pm
Sunday    9am - 2 pm

* Give us a call and your order will be ready!   

Check us out online at wildflourbakerync.com on for daily specials or use the good ol' fashion way...828-749-3356.   

Saluda Grade's spring menu is ever evolving as fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits come into season; look for Lamb, Cornish hens and an array of Fresh Fish too!

Lunch on May 5^th Cinco De Mayo will feature yummy Quesadillas, Burritos and even more Mexican inspired specials.

Sunday May 8^th is Mothers Day! We will be open form 11am till 7pm.  Saluda Grade will be taking reservations for any size party on this very special Sunday.  Look for our specials to include Shrimp and Grits, Cornish Hens, and of course, we can't forget our Egg Torta with Egg Crepes, Sautéed Spinach, Provolone Cheese, Black Forest Ham, and Sweet Peppers layered in a puff pastry crust. So don't forget to make your reservations early. Call us at 828-749-5854!!!

May 10^th is a jam packed full of fun Tuesday! Jammin At the Park starts at 6pm. Order your picnic box anytime between now and 3pm on May 10^th!  Here is the menu:

 130^th Celebration

Jamming in the Park Picnic

May 10, 2011

6:00pm-8:00pm

SALUDA GRADE CAFÉ

PICNIC IN THE PARK MENU

Crazy Squirrel Salad with Mixed Greens, Fresh Oranges, Goat Cheese, Spicy Pecans,Avocado and Balsamic Vinaigrette,  (Add Grilled or Blackened Chicken...add  $3.00)

Picnic Salad Boxes come with Roll and Cookie

Grilled Vegetable Foccacia Sandwich ~ Grilled Summer Squash, Roasted Eggplant, Sweet Peppers, Grilled Red Onion, Lettuce, Tomato and Pesto Mayonnaise

Chicken Salad Wrap ~Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries, Apple and Watercress

Italian Foccacia~ Ham, Provolone, Lettuce, Tomato and Artichoke-Olive Salad on Saluda Grade Café's Fresh Baked Foccacia Bread

Picnic Sandwich Boxes come with Potato Salad and Cookie

All boxes $10.00

Come join us on May 21 at the Saluda Arts Festival!  Saluda Grade Café will again have a booth full of food and laughter.  I (Kaye) had so much fun last year, I couldn't resist the chance to get out into the sunshine and be with the people!  Our booth will be serving you yummy Wrap Sandwiches, Chicken Salad Platters, Vegetable Foccacia Sandwiches, Chips, Freshly baked Cookies, and Brownies.  Those Brownies, warmed by the sun are so gooey and chocolatey!  Saluda Grade Café will of course be open for regular lunch and dinner business just across the street, where there will be a full menu, wine, beer, more fun and laughter, and...air conditioning!  See you there! 

Saluda Grade Café also should have our new boxed lunch menu in effect by mid May. The restaurant will be delivering boxed lunches around town in Hendersonville and Fletcher. Minimum of 10 boxes per delivery. So, if you work out of town and would love to enjoy a Saluda Grade lunch, call us for a menu and delivery.

I (Kaye) need your support for a mission trip coming in June to Uganda. Please be praying for a successful and safe journey as I go out to feed the children of Africa!! Financial donations would also be much appreciated and are tax deductable.  All monies collected will be used for this trip. Thank you for dreaming the dream with me!!

So, from those of us at Saluda Grade, we hope your May is full of Blessings, Grace and Joy, and don't forget to look us up on Facebook!!

Call us at 828-749-5854 for more information and to make reservations, or email saludagrade@hotmail.com. Visit our website at saludagradecafe.com.    

The Old Chicken House

Welcome, spring!  We're open for the season and look forward to seeing old and new friends.  Regular schedule is  Friday and Saturday  11-6 plus anytime the signs are out on the road in front.  To request a special time for you, please call 828-749-9718.

Thank you,

Ruth Anderson

Don't forget! See Amy at Biddie's Antiques for Mother's Day flowers.  Call her at 828-749-9254.  Flowers for any occasion.  Custom bouquets or by the stem

When: Saturday, May 7th, 2011

 ·  Event is open to the public, but WNCW Radio Vista members have first dibs on trips.

·  Radio Vista members: RSVP to Green RIver Adventures by Monday April 25th, then spots are open to the public on Tuesday April 26th.

·  Info on becoming a member of the Radio Vista Society: WNCW Support or stephanie@wncw.org

·  Reservations are required for all trips: call 800.335.1530 or Green River Adventures to book ASAP.

Where: Our New Outpost- 111 E Main St. Saluda, NC 28773

Schedule of Events:

8:30-- Upper Green River Rush (1/2 Day) High Adventure

9:00-- Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking (1/2 Day Lesson)

12:00-- Massages by Averee Savage

1:00-- Stand Up Paddle Boarding (1/2 Day Lesson)

1:00-- Test Drives by Prestige Subaru

1:00-- Lower Green River Adventure (3 hr trip) Family Friendly

2:00-- Lower Green River Adventure (3 hr trip) Family Friendly

6:00-- Dinner by Green River BBQ

6:00-- "The Broadcast" takes the stage

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Our 5th Annual Spring Green Bash is made possible by:

Prestige Subaru- The most friendly, easy to deal with dealership on the planet. If you haven't heard about the "Green River" deal at Prestige in Asheville- ask us about it! Or, contact Scott Willbanks at Prestige.

WNCW 88.7- Winner of The Mountain Xpress "Best Radio Station" 12 years in a row.... we couldn't agree more!

Green River BBQ- The world's best BBQ is only a short walk from Green River Adventures- and we'll have it here for you on May 7th!

Highland Brewing Company- Our favorite local product.

Yes, the hummingbirds are back in Saluda from their winter vacation in the tropics!

Here at Charles Street Garden we had our first returnee to appear on April 13.

While I had already gotten a call from my birder sister from the South Carolina low country reporting a sighting on March 28, these fascinating creatures had enough sense to stay away from Saluda until the weather settled down a bit.  But, while we are extolling the powers of hummer intellect, let me set the record straight that they are not all so wise.  We had one hummer to stay around the garden until December 8.  Mental capacity may not be the entire explanation for this exceptional phenomenon.  That straggler may have been here to recuperate or to store up the necessary energy for the long trip south to join the many species of stay at home tropical cousins.

While we have had our three feeders out as early as mid-March to attract and hold early arrivals, there are other ways to achieve that end.  Many people think that hummingbirds subsist on nectar alone.  Far from it.  Their primary diet consists of small insects with flower nectar and sips from feeders being a bit of liquid dessert.  With that said, there are many plants which will provide that dessert and, thus, increase the hummingbird population in the immediate setting.  Among the best flowers to include are salvias, sage, columbine, honeysuckle, cypress vine, trumpet creeper, bee balm, cannas, four o'clocks, hostas, penstemon, native impatiens, and petunias. 

Just a few hints concerning feeders:  A simple combination of one part sugar to four parts water boiled for one to two minutes and changed every three to four days, especially during hot weather, is most welcomed by these birds.  And, remember-no red food coloring!  Always clean the feeders with hot water between refills.  As long as there is plenty of natural food available, hummingbirds may seldom frequent feeders.  Keep the feeders out anyhow, keep them well attended, and remember not to be hasty in taking down feeders in the fall.  Birds passing through will stop and delight you for a few days at that migration time.  In addition, do not believe the old wives' tale that hummingbirds will not depart if feeders are not taken down before severe cold weather sets in.  One unexpected additional bonus in hanging these feeders is that chickadees and orioles will often come for a sip.

Among the many birds at Charles Street Garden, the ruby-throated hummingbird is a garden jewel that fascinates the guests in our bed and breakfast garden suite.  Encourage our feathered friends with plantings and feeders in your own garden and be still and take note of these incredible creatures.

The very best way to get ideas for creating art

and the very best opportunity for appreciating art is to:   

Attend the Saluda Art Festival on Saturday, May 21, 10 - 5

Beverly Bowden Pickard

www.beverlysart.com

bbpickard@charter.net

828-749-1248

 June ART CLUES will be

Creative ways to paint with oil pastels.

It's not because they can't get a cap and gown to fit, although that could be a problem if they ever made it to high school.

The problem is much simpler.  They are fairly dumb.

The goldfish are gorgeous.  And they swim better than Esther Williams.  But they are dumb as a stump.  They only have a memory span of 30 seconds according to scientists.  I have no idea how they know this but they claim that whatever you tell them goes in one ear and out the other...if they have ears.  That might be the problem since I've never seen fish ears.

Goldfish rarely get beyond first grade.  They can't hold a pencil, poor things.  Even if they knew the answer, they couldn't write or tell the teacher. "Hold up your fingers," she would yell.  "Blow four bubbles."

There are other problems other than the pencils.  They can't tie their shoes.  No wonder.  No feet.  And getting on the school bus is a major feat.  And once they are on the bus, they tend to slide from one end to the other.  If their mothers were thoughtful enough to put them in a sealed baggie with water, some of the bully boys might start playing toss with the fish.

I sympathize with the goldfish.  I really do.  They're not going to get a good job unless they graduate from high school.  I am retired so I don't have to worry about getting a good job.  I worry that I am turning into a goldfish.  I can't remember anything I'm told more than 30 seconds.  Sometimes, not then.  Of course, maybe I just don't care.  Maybe the goldfish don't either.

Send Joe your comments and thoughts by emailing him at americaohyes@gmail.com. 

Oral History Film Premier Date Set

Home, Hearth & History: Stories of Old Saluda

The Historic Saluda Oral History Committee is pleased to announce a release date for the much anticipated DVD entitled Home, Hearth & History: Stories of Old Saluda. Copies of the DVD will be available at the film's premier scheduled for July 2, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree.  The premier is being held prior to the 130^th Celebration square dance that will be held that same night at 7:00 p.m. Eljapa Media Group has worked with the Oral History Committee to record over fourteen hours of video interviews, copied hundreds of old photographs from private collections, and received more than a dozen original cassette tapes of interviews conducted by Charlene Pace and Anne Osborne for their 1981 book Saluda, N.C. 100 Years 1881-1981. Martha Anderson, Bill Russell, John Rhodes, Dr. George Jones, Charlene Pace, Henry Twiggs, Martha Ashley, Betty Pace Thompson and Ruth Pace Lawter were the first to be interviewed for this first in a series of oral history interviews. It is hoped that future interviews will be compiled into additional DVD's and then archived on a Historic Saluda website.

The Oral History Committee, which is a sub-committee of the Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) operating under the jurisdiction of the City of Saluda, is also pleased to announce that fundraising efforts have been very successful. The City of Saluda pledged seed money in the amount of $2,500 to launch the project and more than $4,000 has been raised through private donations from individuals and businesses. Donors will be recognized in the film credits and many choose to donate in honor or in memory of a loved one. The HSC voted at its meeting in April to continue fundraising efforts in order to carry on the efforts to collect the rich stories of Saluda's senior citizens.

Kim Clark with Eljapa says, "We're fitting all these pieces together to tell the story of Saluda- from amusing personal stories, to touching family tales, to some serious historical scholarship. To make it all flow smoothly, we'll then write and record some narration, and top it all off with a splash of homegrown music."

According to Cindy Stephenson Tuttle, chair of the Oral History Committee, "The DVD will be riveting through its blending of the past with the present. One minute you are going to be watching someone who was only recently interviewed, and the next minute their voice and image may meld with another voice captured on the audio recordings from the 1981 project, and in most cases, those folks have long since left this earth.  As all these folks, past and present, drop the names of people and places, we will throw in pictures and other audio/visual material for added interest. To say the least, this is not your typical oral history project."

As part of the 130^th Saluda celebrations, admission to the film premier at Saluda Mountain Jamboree is free.  However, donations will be greatly appreciated. DVD's will be available for sale that night. The 130^th Saluda Celebration Committee is sponsoring an old timey square dance at 7:00 p.m. following the film premier. A $5 donation will be requested to participate in the square dance.

Members of the Historic Saluda Oral History Committee include Cindy Stephenson Tuttle, chair (co-chair of HSC); Charlene Pace, co-chair; Lynn Cass (chair of HSC), Cathy Jackson, Martha Ashley, Greaton Sellers, Martin Anderson, Anita Moore, Carolyn Ashburn and Kate Barkschat. If anyone wishes to make a donation to the oral history project, they may do so by sending it to the City of Saluda. All donations must be received by June 1^st in order to be included in the film credits for the first DVD. For more information, contact Cindy Tuttle at cindystuttle@gmail.com. A donation form is available by clicking HERE and may be used by both individuals and businesses who wish to donate.

Cindy Stephenson Tuttle, Historic Saluda Oral History Project Chair

cindystuttle@gmail.com

The Historic Saluda Committee will sponsor a Tour of Homes on Saturday, June 4, 2011, from 1 - 5 p.m., as part of Saluda's 130^th Anniversary Celebration and as a fundraiser for preservation projects in Saluda. Historic Smith Hill has been chosen as the site of the tour. There will be six homes, a teahouse and two additional smaller buildings on the tour, all within walking distance of each other.

Tickets are $20 each and are available at City Hall and Heartwood Gallery in Saluda. Parking is available at the First Baptist Church at the corner of Carolina and Henderson Streets, and shuttle vans will be available to take you to Smith Hill for the tour. Tickets will also be available at the Saluda Arts Festival on May 21.

In 1914, Dr. D. Lesesne Smith of Spartanburg started the Infants' and Children's Sanitarium in Saluda as a place where "anxious parents could get skilled attention, careful diet and treatment for their suffering children during the hot summer months." Dr. Smith's wife owned two houses in Saluda so he had a base from which to operate. Dr. Smith also had under his care the Spartanburg Baby Hospital, established in the same year. From an original eight-room cottage, the Sanitarium grew to 12 cottages, a central dining room, a diet kitchen, an assembly hall, and examination and treatment rooms. Dr. Smith, along with Dr. Frank Howard Richardson of New York and Black Mountain, returning from a meeting of the Southern Medical Association, decided that general practitioners needed to be trained in childcare. From the hospital in Spartanburg and the Sanitarium in Saluda grew the idea of a Southern Pediatric Seminar, where from 1921 - 1959, it is estimated that between 3,000 - 4,000 doctors from all over the country and several foreign countries came to Smith Hill in Saluda to study the latest in pediatrics during two weeks every summer.

When the seminar closed in 1959, the property was divided among Dr. Smith's four children. Some of the buildings were torn down, but the ones that remain are now permanent homes, and all but one on the tour are still owned and now lived in by granddaughters and other relatives. The houses have all been restored in the last five years. 

Tree Tops, the home of Nettie and George Sweet was built in 1908 by Mr. Staton for Nettie Hane's sister Ammie Hane Smith. It has been used as a home for the Smiths, Owingses and Sweets, a place for house paying guests at the Sanitarium and as a physician's office, with some additions over the years. After the house passed to the Sweets, renovations began in 1994 to make the house suitable for year-round habitation. Don Mintz's crews did the major work, and George Sweet worked behind the scenes. In 2004, when the Sweets became permanent residents, Ralph Morgan rebuilt the guesthouse and added the carport. "Stagger Inn" began as a chicken house in the Smith's backyard in Spartanburg and was moved to Smith Hill and renovated for Dr. Smith's summer interns. It is now the grandchildren's bunkhouse.

Sleepy Hollow Cottage was built by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kennedy of Spartanburg around 1917 with post and beam construction. Acquired by Dr. Smith in the 1920s, it was used to house nurses for the Infants' and Children's Sanitarium and became known as the "Nurses Home." In the mid-1960s, Tennent Hane of Fort Motte, SC, purchased the summer cottage from his first cousin Porcher Smith. Tennent always told everyone that he measured all of his first cousin's porches to insure that, though Sleepy Hollow was the smallest house on the hill, it would have the largest porch. It is now owned by Tennent's daughter Jenny Hane and her husband, Julian Wiles. In 2005, they began an extensive renovation with the help of Saluda contractor Adam Henry. The porch remains the same.

50 Smith Hill Drive was built by the Matthews family of Charleston about 1910.  The house was part of the Sanitarium and accommodated mothers and children and years later was used for playing poker at night. Various children of Dr. Smith occupied the house until the 1960s.  Louisa Searson, who was married to Daniel Ravenel (a nephew of Dr. Smith) bought the house from Porcher Smith in the late '60s. In 2008, Louisa turned the house over to her daughter, Lavinia Ravenel French, who, with the help of contractor Adam Henry, has spent the past two years renovating and rebuilding the house.

Bon Air was built for Nettie Hane and her cousin in 1896 by Mr. Staton.  It was used as a summer residence and boarding house, as well as a hospital and a school during winter months. When the Smith Hill property was divided in 1960, Dr. Keitt Hane Smith and his wife Vivian became the owners. Their daughter Vivian "Vee Vee" Smith Blackshear became owner of the house upon Viv's death in 1998.  Ralph Morgan, a native Saludan, was the remodeling contractor, and Vee Vee's daughter Vivian Luke, an interior designer, played a key role in the decorating and remodeling. The Children's Dining Hall (the round building - the Tea House) was built around 1920 and stabilized around 2006.

Aurora Lodge (Hamer House) was the first house on Smith Hill and was a summer house for Colonel Sloan of Charleston. One of his granddaughters, Clara Smith Carter, now owns the property. The stately high-ceilinged home has four fireplaces. Babies and their nurses stayed here. The house has gone through several renovations through the years, and Ralph Morgan has completed the most recent one. Vivian Luke of Gainesville has been instrumental in the interior design of many of the rooms. Cameron was used as the kitchen for Aurora Lodge, and the help stayed here.

Seminar Hall was the last building erected on Smith Hill. The many windowed lecture hall was designed to accommodate student chairs, and a raised platform at one end provided every student a clear view of the lecturer. Dr. Keitt Smith gave it to his daughter Lesesne Dickson and her husband Gene, and they converted it to a summer cottage. In 2000, they sold it to Lynn and Mike Cass who began living here fulltime in 2009. C. Terry Holland of Macon, GA, designed the addition and was the interior designer, and Dean Culbreth was the builder. Alex Smith of Alex Smith Garden Designs of Atlanta designed the front garden and Sanford Byers of Byers Design Group of Charleston and Saluda designed the side garden, with Jay Harden of Jay's Landscape and Lawn Service implementing both garden plans.

The Historic Saluda Committee was formed in May 2010. Its primary focus is "to preserve Saluda's past to protect its future." For more information, contact Lynn Cass at 828-749-1975.

By Frank Middleton, a Saluda native

 "Wild winters and mild summers come and go, but spring time brings renewal of the leaf."

A few years ago, (in the 60's), a man that I greatly admired passed away. A resident of Saluda for many years, Mr. Burgie Pace was well known to almost everyone.

My first remembrance of Mr. Pace came when I was very young. It occurred Saturday afternoon on the highway between Saluda and Hendersonville. In those days, trips to Hendersonville were few and far between. To me and most of my friends, Hendersonville represented all the excitement of the "big" city.  Read more... 

Each year we raised and fattened two or three hogs for butchering in the fall, then waited for a strong cold front to move in, usually in late November or early December. The cold air meant the meat would not be susceptible to spoilage during the butchering.

Read more... 

By Clark Thompson

All proceeds raised through fundraising will contribute to Saluda's 130th Anniversary events and restoration of City Hall. 

Jar of Pennies at City Hall  

Guess the amount of money in the jar and win the amount in the jar.  Donate $1 per guess.  Winner will be announced in November and will not have to be present to win.  

130th T-Shirts

T-shirts of all sizes for adults and youth can now be ordered online.  Please click here to place your order.   

Call for Entries - Christmas Parade

If you are interested in entering the 130th Celebration Christmas Parade on December 10, 2PM, please call 828-749-3789 or email Terry Baisden at terrybaisden@tds.net for information.