Plans are underway for the annual Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out scheduled for September 10, 2011 from 4 to 7.  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   

This town BBQ was started by Charlie Ward many years ago to thank the residents of Saluda for patronizing his store.  Charlie passed away August 1, 2008. 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.

In Memory of Charlie Ward  

July 1, 1920 -August 1, 2008 

Students from Dale McEntire's morning class at Isothermal Community College will have their work on display during the month of September. The exhibit is titled,  "Sunflowers and Friends."  A reception for the artists will be on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 5-6:30pm. All are welcome to attend.

Line dance each Monday at 12:30pm.

Book club meeting on Monday, Sept. 12 at 2:00pm.

Single Women United potluck dinner will be on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 6:00pm.

Community cookout will be on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 6:00 pm.

Bridge every Tuesday from 10am-2pm.

Please refer to the Saluda Center calendar for all regularly scheduled activities.

There is no membership fee.

If you would like to receive the Saluda Center calendar via email, please contact

 Donna at saludacenter@hotmail.com to be added to our email list.

A Thrifty Barn's 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.

In May, 2010, the Board of the Saluda Center gratefully acknowledged the receipt of a $5,500 grant from the Saluda Community Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation.  The Grant was to complete a landscape and beautification project at the Saluda Center complex that would include the main building, the old scout hut, and the Thrifty Barn.

The Saluda Center Board is pleased to announce that the project has been completed.  

Before landscaping.

After landscaping.

An anonymous donor established this competitive grant fund in 2006 to celebrate Saluda and benefit Saluda organizations that are serving the residents of Saluda.  The donor feels that Saluda is "the most unique place on the planet; there is a sense in people of being where they belong."  Saluda Center Board President Judy Ward adds, "We are grateful to receive these funds, proud of the project they are supporting, and proud to be a part of this unique community."

The grading and landscaping was done by Colt Love, owner of Silver Creek Lawn and Landscape in Columbus, NC.

The vision of the Polk County Community Foundation is to advance philanthropy and improve the quality of life for all citizens in Polk County, North Carolina and the surrounding area.

The mission of the Polk County Community Foundation is to:
 * Support charitable and beneficial activities in the community
 * Provide and administer a variety of planned giving programs
 * Serve as responsible stewards of all funds entrusted to it
 * Provide initiatives in recognizing areas of community needs
    and supporting solutions         

The Polk County Community Foundation can be contacted at:

255 South Trade Street, Tryon, North Carolina 28782

828-859-5314 fax: 828-859-6122

Sunflowers and Friends

Once again the Saluda Center is proud to exhibit the work of local artists.  The art of the morning class at Isothermal College is an exhibit you will really enjoy.  The title of the show is "Sunflowers and Friends," with many paintings of sunflowers, as well as "friends."

The students in the class are all local painters from Columbus, Tryon, Mill Springs, Green Creek, Shelby, and Saluda.  These painters use many media, such as oil, pastel, acrylic, and watercolor.  The teacher is Saluda artist, Dale McEntire, who shows his works in this area and others.

The exhibit will be ready for viewing on September 6, 2011 during regular hours at the Center.  A reception will follow on Thursday, September 8, from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. 

The Saluda Center is located at 64 Greenville Street, Saluda, NC.  Please contact Mary Lu Price at 828-749-3455 for more information. 

The dates for our Single Women's Group Pot Luck Dinners will now be on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6pm at The Saluda Center in order to accommodate those who wish to attend the Saluda Planning Board Meetings on the 2nd Thursday.

Our next pot luck dinner is Thursday, September 15th, 6pm, Saluda Center. Sonya Monts from The Dancers Extension will present our program on Zumba Dancing Gold. All single women in our area are invited to join us.

In addition, we are proud to announce that Nancy Johnson, who spearheaded our main project of supporting our Saluda military men and women, entered a float for the 2011 Coon Dog Day parade that won First Place Civic Award. The names of our soldiers were proudly written on banners that were carried by them or their families. The award is a beautifully hand carved "Coon Dog" that is on display at the Saluda Center. Many thanks go to all the gals that helped Nancy, and most especially to Larry Larsen, Cove Creek Home Repair, Moving and Mower of Saluda, who provided his truck and trailer for the patriotic float.

By Judy Ward & Anita Moore

Single Women United is a group of all single women of all ages (full and part time residents) in the Saluda area. There is an open invitation to join our group for the Pot Luck Dinners on 3rd Thursday of each month at The Saluda Center. For Information: Judy Ward 828-749-1349 or Anita Moore 828-749-3335.

Pace Receives Diploma

66 Years Late

In January of 1943, Calvin Pace had completed high school at Saluda High School in Saluda, NC and was looking forward to graduation ceremonies with his class.  That all changed on January 5, when he was called into the service, missing his graduation and the chance to walk across the stage.

On Monday, August 15 Pace finally got that chance, thanks to the staff at Autumn Care of Saluda.  "When he told us the story about not getting to walk across the stage, we just had to do something about it," said Joyce Coggins, Activity Director.

Ronette Dill, Saluda School principal (left); Polk County Schools Superintendent Bill Miller; Calvin Pace and Polk County Board of Education Chair Geoffrey Tennant. (photo submitted)

Thanks to the Polk County School System, Pace walked across the stage at the Saluda School and received a diploma from Bill Miller, Polk County School Superintendent.  "We couldn't find a real diploma from that time period," Miller said, "but we made something befitting the occasion."

Autumn Care of Saluda is a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center serving Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.  For more information call 828-749-2261 or visit their website at autumncareofsaluda.com.

The August 2011 issue of Saluda Lifestyles carried an article on the magnificent

hemlock on the property of Bob and Clara Hutt (the former Jones property)  

off Mountain Page Road.

Another of Saluda's oldest trees, recognized in commemoration with the town's 130^th anniversary, is located at the Old Chicken House on Mountain Page Road.

Green leaves on the beautiful red maple will soon turn to shades of gold and russet as autumn's cooler temps do their magic.  No one seems to know for sure what the age may be, but opinions range from 200-250 years.  The current owner bought the property in 1990, and the tree looked as if it had reached maturity by that time.  The trunk divides about three feet up from the ground.  It grows on a hillside and the trunk's exterior has interesting configurations on the downhill side, with huge roots holding it firmly into the earth.  Knots protrude and twisted limbs wind their arms around the divided trunk.  The diameter of the trunk just below its division measures approximately 72 inches-the canopy, 80 feet.  It has earned a place as one of Saluda's cherished trees.

Thank you,

Ruth Anderson

The Saluda Dog Society is pleased to announce the organization is active and growing by leaps and bounds!  Our group meets once a month to collaborate in support of local dogs and cats needing protection, assistance, rescue and rehabilitation in our community.

The most recent rescue was "Bridge Dog" on Monday, June 13, and we are thrilled to report that she is well, rehabilitated and now adopted by a loving family here in Saluda who named her "Bridge."  Along with the humans in her new household, she has a new and trusted love, a Golden Retriever named Ray, along with a cat.

Here she is on her way to her new home!  She says "thank you" to all her friends who helped her start a new and happy life.  July 30, 2011.  We welcome and appreciate your suggestions, information and participation.  You may call Pat Waring at 828-749-1332.

Let's unite to protect and support the loving pets and local animals in our lives.  Our next meeting is on Monday, September 12 at 1:15 pm in the Saluda Library. Enjoy the remaining days of summer!

Isn't this weather change wonderful? Cool mornings and evenings are such an inspiration to get outside and do some communing with nature. Whether you are going to go for a hike, volunteer to help your community with outdoor projects or just putter about in your yard, it does seem to be the weather that makes these activities more enjoyable.

SCLT has scheduled hikes on the first and third Sunday of each month, weather permitting. We meet at the parking lot of the library at 2pm. For more information please contact Nancy at 828-749-4661 or Chuck at 828-749-9886.

Thanks to a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation, we will be working earnestly on kudzu for the next year. That's right, even during the winter months, as weather permits. We have several sites picked out, some of which are continued from last year. Kudzu control takes several years of hard work before breathing that sigh of relief. Even then, you are always on the look out for that one hidden sprig waiting to grow.

Thank you Polk County Community Foundation for believing in our kudzu control efforts!

We have had several calls from our friends and neighbors wanting advice or offering their kudzu as a work site. Our plan is to address each site during the next 12 months. We will be using different methods based on conditions at each individual site. Each kudzu patch has learned to survive and thrive due to its environment, and we will be using these factors to help with treatment.

What can you do in the meantime? Check your power poles and power lines for kudzu. If you have a problem find out which the company owns it. Call them and report your problem and the exact location. We have found that the response time is inspiring.

Kudzu can travel so fast you can almost watch it grow. The sooner you can get it removed from a pole, stop it from climbing your trees, or traveling across property lines the quicker you have addressed the problem. Control! It's never too late to start and the sooner the better.

We will be doing our Adopt A Highway project again on September 6^th at 9am, meeting at the parking lot of the library and working as teams along two stretches of Highway 176. Come and join us! We will provide safety vests, bags and guarantee that you will find many things to laugh and smile about as we all chip in to keep our roads "trash free".

We are always in need of volunteers and new members. You can volunteer for a specific project as your time permits. Membership is our sole resource of daily maintenance for our organization. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3), so any donation is tax deductible.

Please feel free to contact us about any of our projects by calling our office at 828-749-1560 and leaving a message, and we will get back to you promptly. Also be sure to check out our updated website saludaclt.org.                  

In August, the Saluda Garden Club enjoyed a tour through two of our neighbors' gardens. Thank you Ray Brummett and Bob Bailey for sharing your gardens and explaining how they evolved.

September 19 is our next meeting. We will be going on a field trip to Bullington Garden Center in Hendersonville. We will meet at the library at 10 am and carpool from there. The public is invited to join us.

As always, we are still caring for the gardens at Spring Park. We each have a love and fellowship with this special place and invite you to walk through the garden and enjoy this beautiful historic site.

Remember to be gentle, leave every plant where it is. Every rock has a purpose, and each step is a reminder of times when people came to this spot to be refreshed and to share a tale of their travels.

For more information, please call Anita Severn at 828-749-3155 or Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900.   

 

Saluda Elementary School

Information Update September 2011

Fri., Sept. 2       PTSO Meet & Greet  8:15am Media Center

Mon., Sept. 5    Holiday---No School

Thurs., Sept. 8   Fall Pictures by Strawbridge Studios

Mon., Sept. 12   After School Academy begins

Mon., Sept. 12   School Board Meeting  6:30pm at Stearns

Tues., Sept. 13  Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts Assembly

Thurs., Sept. 22 Family Fun Night

Fri., Sept. 23      Books Are Really Fun Distribution #1

Fri., Sept. 30      Box Tops Collection Day

Visit the Principal's Page at Saluda School  for more details about September's events.

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) by Polk County Government for an artist to paint two military portraits, one for the Womack building and one for the new Howard B. Greene Human Services building in Mill Spring.

The subjects of the portraits are Polk County's Medal of Honor recipient Bryant E. Womack and World War II Veteran Howard B. Greene.

Eligibility: Open to all professional artists.

Requirements: Submit a resume, list of professional references, and a maximum of 10 digital images of recent relevant work saved to a CD or thumb drive or via email. CDs and drives must be labeled with the applicant's name and contact information. Images must be numbered, include the applicant's name, and be accompanied by a brief description, title, date completed, medium, dimensions and current location.

Deadline: Detailed proposals must be received no later than September 23, 2011, in the County Manager's Office, 40 Courthouse St., P.O. Box 308, Columbus, NC 28722, or via email to rwhitson@polknc.org.

Local author, Corinne F. Gerwe is off to an exceptional start with her first fiction novel. Publisher, Blaine Loomer of Wubbit.com says that her book has exceeded all expectations and now is in its second printing.  Orders for Corinne's book have come from all over the east coast.

The story takes place in a small mountain town named Serena.  As she describes places and people, there's no doubt that the backdrop for this mystery is Saluda.  Trying to figure out what Saluda residents may be fictionalized as characters in the story, is harder to do. 

The story draws you in visually, and stirs the imagination as you anxiously await the next turn of events.  This is a book that will keep you up late at night so you can see how it's going to end. 

This book would make a great addition to your personal library or as a gift to anyone who loves a little fantasy and lore that takes place in Saluda.  

Corinne will be on the "WSPA Your Carolina Morning" show on September 17 around 9am and has several book signing tours scheduled in October.

The Saluda Business Association was chartered in 1995, and its mission is to preserve and promote Saluda.  Here's some of the work the Saluda Business Association does to draw tourists to Saluda which fuels Saluda's economy and keeps it a healthy and vital community.

• Owns and maintains the saluda.com website which serves as the official town guide.
• Sponsors, coordinates, markets, and provides volunteers to work the Saluda Tailgate Market.  Developed and maintains the saludatailgate.com website.
• Sponsors and produces the Saluda Arts Festival.
• Sponsors and produces Hometown Christmas stroll.
• Funds and maintains the Christmas lighting on the buildings downtown.
• Develops and funds the printing of the Saluda Rack Cards that are distributed to 10 visitor's centers throughout western NC and interstate welcome centers.
• Develops, updates, and funds the three Business Display Maps on Main Street.
• Funds and reprints the Historic Walking Tours by Walter Hoover. 
• Funds and creates the Saluda advertisement in the Blue Ridge Parkway directory.
• Co-funded the new Polk County Map including providing the artwork.
• Purchased a building to serve as a self-service Visitor's Information Center that will be placed at Atkins Produce by I-26.
• Purchased the new iron benches on Main Street.
• Sponsors and funds the re-printing of the "Saluda 100 Years" book authored by Charlene Pace.
• Sponsors and funds the re-printing of the Saluda School's 4^th grade class "Through Your Eyes" books.
• Coordinates with the NC Department of Transportation to place strategic road signs to draw tourists into Saluda.
• SBA  members represent Saluda in the Foothills Economic Partnership Group
• SBA  members represent Saluda in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and influenced the Historic Town page on their website.
• SBA members attend Saluda's City Council meetings to represent the businesses in any issues that may impact the business community.

Melinda Young of the Polk County Tourism sent this to let us know the benefits of the SBA's marketing investment and how it affects Saluda businesses:

"Also, wanted you to know that I got a call from people staying at a cabin in Candler who had seen Saluda's ad in the Blue Ridge Parkway directory.  After talking, they decided just to come to the First Peak Visitor Center so they could get all the info and make a plan.  A group of 8 parents and kids from Miami descended upon the visitor center for at least a half hour.  They were a rowdy, fun-loving bunch.  From here, their plan was to go to Pearson's Falls, then to Saluda for lunch, then tubing on the Green River with a brief hike in the Green River Gamelands--if they had any energy left.  

So, bottom line, we drew a group staying close to Asheville to our area, and they played hard and spent money.  They only had 3 days in the area, and we drew them in on Day 1.  It was awesome.  I'm sure the ad has drawn others, but it was great to see the impact that 8 people spending the whole day around Saluda could have."

The SBA meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm at the Saluda Library.  There are several types of memberships from Full membership to Associate membership.  For more information about the SBA and types of membership, please contact Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900 or email sswelsh@tds.net.

Click here to visit saluda.com.  

Thanks for upporting your local, independent Saluda businesses. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

Week One: FB 101: Creating a fan page and basic Pages Overview

What you will learn:  Create and properly setting up Facebook fan page for your business, Learn the relationship between your personal account and business page, Overview of the Pages setup options, Overview of the Personal account setup options, Learn Basic Posting, Liking, Tagging and Commenting and how to use Pages for your business.

Perfect for:  Those who are new to Facebook and want to setup a fan page for their business, nonprofit, band or musicians, local businesses (restaurant, gallery, bed & breakfast, hotel, etc. - any brick and mortar store).  Also perfect for those who had someone else setup their fan page but they want to learn how to administer their own page by learning the basics first.  Useful to those who want to create and manage pages for others.

Week Two: FB 201 - I have a fan page but what's next?

What you will learn:  Getting your vanity URL, How to post to your page from anywhere, Landing pages, Marketing your page (getting that little blue F on your website, etc.), Facebook analytics/insights - demographics & results, Using Facebook Apps and Third Party Apps for business, Using Events and Questions in Facebook

Perfect for: Those who have pages setup and have fans but feel they are not really utilizing all of the features.

Week Three--How to Bling your Facebook Page

What you will learn:  How to make your Facebook page more appealing, How to add additional tabs or a Welcome tab, How to add a shopping cart on your Facebook page·  How to link to or add other applications to Facebook - Twitter, Linkedin, YouTube, Constant Contact, Etsy, MailChimp, etc.

Perfect for:  Anyone who wants their Facebook page to look more appealing.

Dates: Wednesday, September 7th, 14th and 21st from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.  

Peter & Beth's house, 128 Homewood Drive, Saluda

Cost: The costs of the workshops are $20/each for a total of $60.  Each workshop is 2 hours in length, giving you a total of 6 hours.  Facebook may be fun and free when you use it personally but you will be surprised at all the features and capabilities it offers to business owners.

Description:  The objectives of each workshop are outlined on the DIY Tech Geek website.  Click here to view the details and objectives.

Registration:  You may register by clicking on this link.

 What you will need:

• Laptop with wireless - This is a hands on workshop so each person attending will need a laptop that has wireless capabilities.  If you don't have one, please borrow one.
• If you have already created a Facebook business page, be sure you have access to it.  We will be working on those pages.  If you have not created one, we will do so during the first workshop.

CLOSED NOON ON SEPT 3 AND SEPT 5 FOR LABOR DAY!

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.

October 15 - Celebration Antique Car Cruise In. Antique store highlights. 10am Downtown on Main Street.  

October 28-29 - Visions of Saluda Art Exhibit at the "Upstairs Room" at Historic Thompson's Store. 11am to 7pm.  

October 31 - Halloween Stroll downtown at 3:30pm.
November 12- Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner by the Methodist Church, and Singing for the Soldiers.  Saluda School Lunchroom 5:30pm to 7pm. 

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

December 4 - Free Christmas Concert at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree at 7pm.

December 9 - Christmas Tree Lighting; 7:00 pm. Downtown Main Street.

December 9 -Hometown Christmas Stroll from 6pm to 8pm. 

December 10 - Celebration Christmas Parade at 2pm.

December 17 - Celebration Christmas Home Decoration Contest.  Judging will done on December 17, must be within Saluda city limits, outside decorations and lighting. 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. 

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.  

September 2, 2011

 Suddenly September in Saluda 

A purple Kudzu blossom dangles from the vine and permeates the air with a grape soda-like aroma.  While Joe Pye weeds stand tall, butterflies hover over the mauve-colored flower.  The air is electrified by the high pitched hum of the cicada and delicate, orange Jewel weed graces the road sides.  Rustling leaves dried out from the hot August sun blow across the road by the wind dipping down from the North while squirrels are scurrying around gathering the early fallen acorns.

There's still a lot of fun in neighboring communities.  Click on the links to see event schedules.

The 65^th Annual NC Apple Festival is in downtown Hendersonville September 2 through 5. Click here to see all of the events and activities.

Along with the wild rides, farm animals, and funnel cakes, the NC Mountain State Fair hasn't lost its mountain heritage of exhibiting mountain art and crafts. Enjoy the fair at the WNC Ag Center, Airport Rd, Fletcher from September 9 through 18.

130th Birthday Celebration September Events

Celebrate 130th Birthday in September with picnics and more. 

September 10 - Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out from 4pm to 7pm at McCreery Park.  Bring a dessert. 

September 17 - Masonic Lodge Open House and Presentation at 10am.  The Masonic Lodge is on Ozone.  

September 27 - Music in the Park Picnic; McCreery Park; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  The 130th Birthday Celebration Committee invites you to join us for a "Music in the Park Picnic." Plan to share your particular skill whether it is singing, playing a musical instrument, dancing, or storytelling.  Bring a picnic supper, sit back, and enjoy Saluda's local talent or take this opportunity to show off your talents.  

Click here to see an update of the photo scrapbook of celebration events throughout the year.  

Click here for more 130th events.   

Click here to "Keep the Celebration on Track." 

Thirty-three years ago, Pam and I were married in Pensacola and decided to visit my childhood home in Saluda. For quite a while, she had been listening to my blabbering about what a really neat little town it was. However, I must admit that I had been a rather infrequent visitor myself and was not aware of the devastating effect the completion of I-26 had had on the town's economic health.  Where before hundreds of cars passed slowly through the business district on a daily basis, suddenly most of the traffic was rerouted past Saluda at breakneck speed on this new superhighway. 

Our first visit occurred in 1978, and we still vividly recall the shock of seeing the community's vitality in such a lethargic state. Apparently, a number of local businesses had failed to survive the impact triggered, in large part, by the successful construction of the interstate through Howard Gap. The resulting loss of traffic left many empty buildings standing like lonely sentinels on Main Street. Among the few survivors were M. A. Pace's Store, Western Auto, Thompson's Store/Ward's Grill, City Hall, and several others whose names our collective memories fail to recall. However, what we will never forget is seeing the decline of my once vibrant hometown.

Fast forward since that period, and one must marvel at the economic rebirth of Saluda that began to occur not too long after completion of the interstate highway. Feeling threatened by what they saw happening not only to their own town but to many small towns across the country, a number of local folks began taking positive steps toward revitalization. Economic collapse of our little community, historically known as the "Gem of the Blue Ridge", was no longer an option.

Positivity bred positivity and soon other people started discovering Saluda, bringing with them their talents and tastes in fine foods, arts, and crafts, as well as their love for the historic homes and quaintness of such a friendly community. Others selected this quiet and caring place as a retirement site. Several decades later, it had all seemed to finally mesh together and the local economic health was back stronger than ever. Businesses could hang around longer as more and more visitors discovered the charm of Saluda, and the increased spending also encouraged new startup ventures to give it a shot.

Recently, the effects of the national business downturn began reaching into our little corner of the world, leaving Saluda to once again deal with consequences similar to those faced several decades ago. The mounting evidence of this damage can readily be seen by the number of businesses failing locally, and future recovery is likely to be painfully slow and difficult to watch.

This current economic morass reminds me of an occasional comment expressed by some of our residents who rightfully have concerns about growth possibly overwhelming our town. Ironically, it usually comes not from native residents but from individuals who have relocated here. They seem to oppose promotional efforts such as the Historic Saluda sign on I-26 or billboards promoting our unique town. I usually respond by asking the question, "Aren't you thankful the gate wasn't closed when you were allowed to come in?" There is a fine balance between controlling growth and maintaining the economic health necessary for community businesses to survive. It doesn't take much imagination to visualize the plight of Saluda had not the reopening of M. A. Pace's Store and Thompson's Store/Ward's Grill occurred in a timely manner.

The other comment I occasionally hear is, "I just wish Saluda could be like it used to be before all these changes." Are those people referring to the time period mentioned earlier when many of the businesses were closed, and the few remaining were hanging on for dear life? Surely, that isn't what they really want for Saluda.

Pam and I, along with managing partner, Judy Ward, are investing in business upgrades which we hope will increase the chances of Thompson's Store and Ward's Grill surviving for at least another 121 years. Our optimism is fueled in large part by those individuals and groups working tirelessly to create and support numerous community events that make Saluda such a special place.

I, for one, am impressed and offer my heartfelt thanks to those still making Saluda the "Gem of the Blue Ridge."

By Clark Thompson   

Thompson's Store is located at 24 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Saluda.   

Contact the store at 828-749-2321 or visit

Share your memories at the Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out.

The Historic Saluda Oral History Committee will be at the Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out on September 10, 2011 from 4 to 7 to capture your favorite memories of Charlie Ward and the Historic Thompson's Store. Eljapa Media will be on hand to capture your stories on film for all posterity. Bring your favorite memories and photos to share! This is your chance to help preserve a piece of history!

Clark Thompson gives website to Historic Saluda Committee

There is simply nothing like collaboration! Knowing that the Historic Saluda Committee wanted a website, Clark Thompson with the Historic Thompson's Store graciously offered saludamemories.com to Kim Clark, Charlene Pace and Cindy Tuttle recently over breakfast at Ward's Grill. The concept of saludamemories.com is similar to what the committee wanted, and with all that Clark has on his plate at the store, he was glad to hand it over to the committee to give it new life. With the help of Kim Clark with Eljapa Media and guidance from Cindy Tuttle and the Historic Saluda Committee members, the new version of the website should be up and running soon. Stay Tuned. Thanks Clark!

Oral History Project

First and foremost, our priority is to continue to capture the stories. To keep on track, interviews will begin again this month. For the immediate future, you may see these interviews on our up-and-coming website in a mixture of formats including video, pictures and audio. A second DVD will be something you can look forward to in the more distant future. In the meantime, if you wish to purchase the first and highly acclaimed DVD, Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda (for just $20), you can find it at the following locations: Saluda City Hall, Cathy Jackson Realty, The Purple Onion, Heartwood Gallery, Duck Alley, Green River Adventures, Manna Cabana, Polk Fresh Market, Saluda Public Library, Saluda Inn and Wine Cellar, Pace's Store and Historic Thompson's Store. You can also purchase it on-line at saludalifestyles.com.

Historic Preservation Tip of the Month

Don't replace those old windows! If you own one of Saluda's fine old homes, you may be wondering about window repair or replacement. Before you start, check out this excellent resource. We hope this will help you weigh out all your options before replacing your windows and help keep your property a historic gem!

Preservation NC says, "Repairing and maintaining, rather than replacing, historic wood windows means long-term savings for the property owner and long-term benefit for the environment." To learn more,  please click here.

Meetings

• The Historic Saluda Oral History Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, September 9, 2011, at 12:30 p.m. and will meet at the Saluda Public Library. The public is invited to attend.
• The Historic Saluda Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, September 9, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. and will meet at the Saluda Public Library. The public is invited to attend.

Have someone in mind that has an interesting story to tell about the old days in Saluda, email me at cindystuttle@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you.

Cindy S. Tuttle, Chair

Historic Saluda Oral History Committee

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

Apple Festival Special from Cabin Fever

Cabin Fever is offering an "Apple Festival" special.  Book 2 nights and get the 3rd for 1/2 price. Reserve your cabin at cabinfevernc.com or call 800-767-7368. Make sure you ask for the "Apple Special."

Tan-Tastic Tanning Salon has new hours beginning September 1, 2011.  Hours will be:

9am to 7pm, Monday through Thursday

9am to 6pm,  Friday

10am to 4pm, Saturday

Closed on Sunday

September specials include 25% off on lotions and "One Month Tanning Package" with 3 upgrades for $30.00.

A nail tech will start providing manicures, pedicures, and gel nails starting September 15 and will be on location Mondays and Tuesdays.  Make your appointment now by calling 828-749-1000. Walk-ins accepted.


Salon Rachelle II will open at 31 Pearson's Fall Road in Nostalgia Courtyard September 19, 2011.  Rachel Box, proprietor and hair stylist will offer haircutting, colors, manicures, and pedicures.  The shop will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am to 5pm.  Phone number will be in effect by then and number is 828-749-2600.  Rachel also owns Salon Rachelle in Tryon and the Merle Norman Studio.  If customers are interested in the Merle Norman products, then they may order from her.

Biddie's Antiques is moving to their new location in Nostalgia Courtyard, next to Wildflour Bakery, where they are now OPEN FOR BUSINESS with all new inventory, and the finest coffee and espresso.

 

The shop on Main Street will continue to operate through the end of the year, or until a new tenant can be found.  Lease inquiries for the 78 E. Main St. store should be directed to 843-722-7613.

 

Until then, please visit Frank and Amy in both locations. You won't be disappointed.

 

 

Historic Thompson's Store announces new items for sale in the market.  Great for tailgate parties!  Homemade:  pimento cheese, chicken salad, potato salad, cornbread salad, and cole slow.  They also plan on stocking fall plants and flowers.

Thompson's Store is located at 24 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Saluda.   

Contact the store at 828-749-2321 or visit

Thompson's Store online.

   

September represents an exciting new entrance into our beautiful Fall season including new menus starting Labor Day weekend and live music in the weekends to follow.  We will be open September 1^st -4^th; then we will be closed for a short break September 5^th-8^th. We will reopen for dinner starting at 5:00pm September 9^th.  In the proceeding days, we will be back to our regular scheduled hours Tuesday-Saturday!

         

We will also be introducing live music starting Saturday, September 10^th, featuring music by one of our favorite original bands, the Skeezits. Old time music that is uplifting and spirited, they will start at 7pm with no cover charge. Then, the next weekend on Saturday, September 16^th, we are so excited to have the Radio Robbers, a trio featuring Jennifer Kelly-vocalist, Howell Clyburn-acoustic guitar/vocals, and Stephen Gordin -guitar/lead vocals. The Radio Robbers feature original folk and country with some blues music. They also will be starting at 7pm and also with no cover charge! 

 

We are so excited and are looking forward to seeing you to help us celebrate our new menus, live music, cold local beers, a wonderful wine selection to compliment our amazing food, and great service. So from all of us at the Saluda Grade Café, have a blessed Fall season, and we can't wait to see you!

 

Contact us at 828-749-5854.  Visit our website at saludagradecafe.com.

 

 

Green River Adventures Demo Kayak and Gear Sale is moving forward a full month so you can enjoy your "new" gear while the rivers are still warm!

Their full fleet of Liquidlogic Kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards, Werner Paddles, Astral PFD's, Shred Ready Helmets, and Snap Dragon Sprayskirts will go on sale Labor Day Weekend.  As always, this is the place to get outfitted, without breaking the bank.     

Boats and gear are available on a "first come, first serve" basis on Saturday the 3rd.  If you've got a particular boat in mind, you can reserve it for a 5% service charge.  Just call the outpost, and let us know what to hang on to for you.  Reserved boats and gear are available for pick up on the day of the sale - September 3rd.  

Contact at 800-335-1530 or visit at Green River Adventures.  

Warrior Mountain Produce

Green River BBQ  

If you haven't tried our Beef Brisket on Grilled Onion Roll with our homemade Horseradish sauce, you must! Our smoked beef brisket is slow smoked with mesquite wood for over 12 hours and is so tender and very flavorful. We offer this everyday, and it is our daily special on Wednesday's for $5.99 which includes a drink.

Also don't forget about one our most popular appetizers, Portobello Fries.  lightly breaded Portobello Mushrooms sliced thick and fried ever so lightly.  They just melt in your mouth!  Fried Green Tomato and Shrimp Stacker is just as popular, fried green tomatoes and fried shrimp layered and stacked on a bed of lettuce and finished with a wonderful Creamy Chipotle Sauce. Not only is it a great appetizer, but it is often ordered as a meal--just the perfect size for a lighter fare and just as filling.

Another favorite is our Buffalo Chicken Wings served with our Homemade Blu Cheese Dressing. Pair with one of our local draft beers or a pint of Narraganset that is always priced at $1.50.

Contact Green River BBQ at 828-749-9892 for takeout orders or visit them at Green River BBQ.  Visit their Facebook page to get extra daily coupons! 

Watch for the Blue Gypsy Watering Hole to open soon on Main Street... Keep up to date with opening dates and menu items on .

WE WILL BE OPEN LABOR DAY! We are here with fresh baked breads and pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches and more.            

Thursday   8-4
Friday & Saturday 8-5
                 Sunday 9-3

Dine inside, on the porch or in the courtyard.....rest, relax and enjoy!

Wildflour Bake Shop  828-749-3356
Wildflour Bakery  828-749-9224
Check us out online at wildflourbakerync.com for daily specials or use the good ol' fashion way...828-749-3356.   Search for us on 

Evening Shade Pottery

Wow, we have been here in Saluda almost two years. Time flies when you are enjoying life!  We absolutely love this town and all you folks in it.

I would like to say, "thank you" to all who have stopped and visited the pottery shop, when we were on Ozone Dr. and now at our new location "Downtown Saluda." Even though the shop is in the alley, I am seeing an improvement in foot traffic. Some days are you may get muddy feet, but as long as you all are okay with it, I don't mind.

The alley though is slowly getting a new facelift. Not sure what it will eventually look like, but it will surely be better.  So, keep checking on the alley and all the new pottery that gets added as well.

We still have some 2011 Coon Dog Day mugs for sale, so stop by for a deal.  Remember, handmade Christmas gifts are the going thing!  Send me a picture and I will put your mug on my mug! But hurry, it takes awhile to complete them.

Thank you again for shopping local!

Eva at Evening Shade Pottery

Click here to visit our website.

eva@eveningshadepottery.com

Artists Need Help!

Saluda is blossoming with artists and people interested in art.  This month's Art Clues is designed to help understand some of the work that goes on "behind the scenes."  The art of presentation helps the audience appreciate the art that has been created.  In this column, we will discuss several aspects of art presentation as explained by Bob Bailey, a Saluda resident, computer specialist, and one who prepares art for presentation.

Web Site - Having a well-designed website is a significant step toward giving a large number of people easy access to your art. Suggestions from Bob include :

1.    Keep it simple.

2.    Easy navigation is important.

3.    Be able to click for larger images.

4.    Size matters. Art should be displayed large enough to really appreciate the art and see some real details.

Creating and supervising websites requires artistic skills along with computer knowledge. "Awareness of colors and values in addition to information and the artistry of how it's displayed are significant," suggests Bob, who creates and manages websites for many Saluda artists.

Matting and Framing - Preparing to exhibit paintings and prints involves framing or matting or both.  Over time, Bob has developed these skills and has appropriate equipment.

Bob Bailey at computer. 

Prints/Giclees - Producing reproductions can be significant.  To do this follow these suggestions.

1.    Use your best, high quality most affordable printer.  Several exist.  (Bob uses an Epson.)

2.    Select appropriate paper (matt, gloss, semi-gloss).

3.    Manipulate and adjust the computer brightness and contrast.

(Bob suggests that a little less brightness and some more contrast are usually best.  Can you tell which of these is the original?

     "Original and giclee of Jim Carson's painting"

Exhibits - Artists may need help getting these things organized.

1.    Posters, press releases, and invitations.

2.    Materials handling usually requires a helper to pack art carefully for delivery.

3.    Inventory.

4.    Accounting.

Records - It's important to keep records of your art.

1.    *Photograph or scan each piece of art.*

2.    Maintain appropriate business records.

3.    Keep files that include such things as customers' contact records, exhibits, references, ideas etc.

Thanks to Bob Bailey for his contribution to this column and for being an artist in the field of artists' helpers

Beverly Bowden Pickard
www.beverlysart.com
bbpickard@charter.net
828-749-1248

The 130^th Birthday Celebration Committee is pleased to invite you to enter your artwork in the "Art of Historic Saluda Exhibit" in Saluda, NC, October 28-29, 2011 from 10am to 7pm.  The committee is calling all local and regional artists in all visual art forms to participate in showing and selling your artistic views of Saluda.

Your artwork of Saluda will be on exhibit to the public October 28 and 29 in the "Upstairs Room" at Historic Thompson's Store, 24 West Main St., Saluda, NC.  20% of your sales will be donated to the 130th Birthday Celebration fund-raising campaign.

Exhibit Information and Guidelines:

• There is no cost to exhibit your creation.  The image must be of something in Saluda.  
• You may receive a tax deductible form denoting the amount as a donation to the City of Saluda.
• Artistic rendering and artwork set up on Thursday, October 27 from 1:00 pm -5:00 pm.
• If needed, please bring an easel to display your work.
• All work not sold must be picked up by Monday, October 31 between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm.
• Historic Thompson's Store is located at 24 West Main, Saluda, NC.
• You do not have to be present during the Exhibit hours.
• The "Upstairs Room" will be secured during the Exhibit days.
• Call 828-749-3789 or email carnc@charter.net for more details.  

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Saluda, and the town draws many tourists coming to the mountains to view the brilliant foliage colors at this time of the year.  Saluda's historic district and natural beauty are popular subjects from which to create art.  This is an opportunity for local artists to exhibit and to show and sell their work, while also helping to raise funds for the 130^th  Birthday Celebration.  We encourage all artists, whether amateur or professional, to participate in "Visions of Saluda."

Cappy Hall Rearick - Novels and humor columns have kept Cappy busy for the last few years.  She is the quintessential Southerner who knows our uniqueness and celebrates both its strengths and its foibles.

What Does It Take to Make a Hero? Sometimes it takes a village.

As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 approaches, who among us will not be sadly reminded of that day, and of the firefighters who fought so valiantly to earn the title of hero.

Following the 9/11 tragedies, my friend Dee Matthews, a New Yorker and former resident of a small Pennsylvania town, visited her neighborhood firehouse where seven of its members died that fateful September day. The firehouse had been shattered in more ways than one. After praying with the men, Matthews resolved to bring light back into NYC Engine Company 84 and Ladder 34

Matthews called two friends in Pennsylvania, Pat Stewart and Judy Hand and told them with a voice full of anguish, "We need to help those devastated firefighters. I know my hometown well enough to know they wouldn't want these men to suffer any more than they already have."  Stewart and Hand responded immediately. "Let's adopt them," they said.

On that day, via the telephone, bonded by three hundred miles of fiber optics and fueled with commitment, Operation: Adopted Heroes was born.

Naming the project was easy, but would they be able to find enough support to make a difference? Their little town was as heartbroken as many others throughout the country, and because of this, the three women soon discovered that the entire town was eager to open their arms and jump in to become an integral part of Operation: Adopted Heroes.

Sometimes it takes a village.

Embracing the last audible words of Todd Beamer, a 9/11 victim on board Flight 93, the three friends made it their mission statement. "Let's roll," they said to the town, and the town listened.

They knocked on doors throughout the township asking for funds to send to families of the firefighters who had lost their lives and were rewarded by an outpouring of generosity from their neighbors. Each of the seven families was given sixteen hundred dollars raised by the women.

Sometimes it takes a village.

New Yorker Dee Matthews saw that chairs in the firehouse were unstable and past the point of comfort, so fourteen new chairs, built by locals and made of solid oak, were provided. In addition, paint and other supplies were bought to help rehabilitate the firehouse in hopes of lifting the spirits of those brave men grieving the loss of their friends and co-workers.

A local grocery store chain donated enough groceries to provide many meals for the fallen families, as well as to the men at the firehouse.

Students from the high school band and pep team helped box up the food. A trailer was packed with the new chairs, groceries and other supplies. "Operation Adopted Heroes: We will never forget" was painted on the side of the trailer.

Sometimes it takes a village.

As the 2001 Christmas holiday approached, the women once again discussed what they could do to fill in a few of the blanks.

"This will be the saddest Christmas the families ever experienced," they decided. "What can we do to let them know we're still thinking of them and loving them?"

They appealed once more to their friends and neighbors and once again the response was, "Let's roll!"  They gathered up toys and clothes contributed by local residents eager to help. Again, kids from the local high school jumped in to wrap boxes to be delivered to the families before Christmas.  A group of women in town made cotton throws for each of the widows, hand-embroidering the victim's name on each piece. Quilts, made by the Chat and Sew Quilters Club, were given to the firehouse; fruit baskets and hams were sent as Christmas gifts from the local grocery store.

The women, accompanied by local firefighters, were met on the George Washington Bridge by the FDNY group, stopping only once to fight a grass fire together. After meeting up with Matthews in New York, the three women hand-delivered gifts to the firehouse and families of the fallen heroes. They could have sent the gifts by UPS, but they didn't; they packed up cars and vans and drove three hundred miles to present their gifts in person. They showed up because that's what heroes do.  

The small town delegation was taken to Ground Zero by the New York City firefighters where they held hands, cried and prayed together.

Adoption is forever, and the women and their Pennsylvania friends and neighbors support their commitment. "We will never forget" were not empty words. Ten years have gone by since that fateful day, but their adopted heroes and families of the fallen remain close.

While there is no one thing that makes a hero, I am prone to believe that heroism may be contagious. My three truly remarkable friends found it intolerable to do nothing when faced with such monumental sadness. Because of an ongoing commitment to a firehouse three hundred miles away, they succeeded in transforming a small community into a little town with a big heart and, in doing so, made heroes of them all

Sometimes it takes a village.

Click here to read more about Cappy's simply southern quips and stories.  

Kirby Custom Builders has built a custom playhouse to benefit The Housing Assistance Corporation of Hendersonville. The playhouse will be on view at the Apple Festival, September 2-5, where it will be raffled off to one lucky winner. It features details such as prefinished hardwood floors, vinyl windows, low maintenance cement board siding and exposed rafters in its vaulted ceiling. Any child would love to call this their home away from home! The house will be delivered free of charge to the winner (within 25 miles radius of Hendersonville) by Pro Build lumber yard. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and can be purchased at the Apple Festival or from Robin Kirby at robinkirby@live.com.   

The Housing Assistance Corporation provides support to over 3000 families in Henderson County in the way of emergency home repair, major rehabilitation, down payment assistance and apartment rental. More information can be found at housing-assistance.com. 

Kirby Custom Builders is a Saluda based full service construction company. Find us at kirbycustombuilders.com or call 828-606-0942. 

By Todd Kirby

Shop online at the Saluda Lifestyles Mercantile for the following merchandise: 

Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda DVD. Proceeds will go to the Oral History Project for the next sequel.   Price:  $20.00+shipping. 

130th T-Shirts for all sizes for adults and youth.  Proceeds go to the City of Saluda for the 130th Birthday Celebrations.  Price:  $10.00 + shipping. 

Print of The Carolina Special Cresting Saluda Mountain.

The Carolina Special ran for over half a century and was one of the nation's longest-lived passenger trains.  It started in 1911 and endured until its last trip up Saluda Grade on December 5, 1968.

Limited quantities available. Size approximately 17' X 19".  Proceeds will go to Saluda's Historic City Hall Restoration and Oral History Project.  Price:  $45.00+shipping.   

Shucks Pearls

Hometown Limited Edition Series

The Saluda Grade Pearl Necklace was designed in commemoration of Saluda, NC's famous railway grade that was a turning point in the city's growth during the Victorian era.  Price:  $137.00+shipping.

611 on Saluda - DVD.  An assault on America's steepest Class-I grade
"On October 25, 1992, two of American Railroadings' most legendary figures were brought together for the first time. The crowds were standing room only, the weather was perfect, and our legends were at their best."

Video covers two full colorful hours with dynamic sound. Produced by Bob Loehne
©1994, American AltaVista, All Rights Reserved

Price:  $40.00 includes shipping.

Saluda - America's Hometown, A Conversational History DVD.
"Dedicated to the residents, natives and friends of Saluda. My sincere thanks for your guidance, memories, contributions and generosity - we couldn't have done this without you."

Produced by Bob Loehne
©1991, American AltaVista, All Rights Reserved

Price:  $40.00 includes shipping.  

Please click here for secure online ordering.