Saluda Property & Real Estate

A Quick Saluda Market Update (comparing all 2011 sales to date with all 2012 sales as of January 31, 2012)

Sales               Closed   Pending

Homes 2012         3           2
Homes 2011         1           0
 
Land 2012            1          0
Land 2011            0          0

Homes and land sales have increased compared to this time last year.  A positive indicator for real estate sales in Saluda. Data taken from Western NC multiple listing service.

Please visit cathyjacksonrealty.com to see all Cathy Jackson Realty Featured Home and Land Listings and search the entire Western NC MLS.

SAVE THE DATES!!Thurs. March 22-Open House at the newly improved Saluda Center from 5:00-7:00 pm. All are welcome! Thurs. March 29 at 6:00 pm, Reflections of Grace will be at the Community Potluck.

"SOUPER" BOWL SUN. Feb. 05 @ 5:30 pm, an inside tailgate party. The Center will provide chili, water and tea. All are welcome to attend.

A presentation of the "Avalon Light System" will be given on Thurs., Feb. 02 from 3:00pm until 5:00 pm. All are welcome to attend. Please contact Kent or Linda Holden for more information at 678-373-0101.

Line dance each Monday at 12:30 pm.

Book club meeting on Monday, Feb. 06 at 2:00pm.

Bridge every Tuesday from 10am-2pm.

Movie matinee will be the first Thursday each month at 12:30 p.m. This month "The President's Speech" will be shown. All are welcome to attend.

Community Potluck on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6:00 pm. Entertainment for the evening will be Tom Fisch. Bring your favorite dish and enjoy an evening with friends.

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.

With a reduced exhibit fee of $50 and as a non-juried event, festival organizers are expecting a large number of entries.  Some types of work (i.e. jewelry) will be accepted on a limited basis.  Early entries will be given first choice of booth location.

With a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation, Saluda Fund, an impressive line up of musicians will perform. 

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 2 at 3:00-5:00 pm at the Saluda Center.

Enjoy a special presentation on creating Balance in Your Body with the Avalon Light & Sound System. Learn how light & sound dissolves stress, manages pain, and increases circulation in your body to achieve a greater level of energy and wellness. Receive a complimentary 20 minute Light session when you attend.

Be there and learn how to Balance Your Body with LIGHT!

Contact Kent and Linda Holden at 678-373-0101 for more information.

The Lanier Library in Tryon is seeking entries for the Sidney Lanier Award Poetry Competition.  This annual competition is open to poets from North and South Carolina whose works have not previously been published in book form.  The deadline for entries to be mailed is February 15, 2012.

$800 in prizes will be awarded in the adult competition and additional prizes worth $175 will be awarded to the winning entries from high school students.  Other poems worthy of an honorable mention will also be recognized.  The judges of the competition are the North Carolina Poet Laureate, Cathy Smith Bowers, and the award-winning poet and non-fiction author from South Carolina, John Lane. 

Prizes will presented at an award ceremony, to which the public and all participants will be invited, at the Lanier Library on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 2 pm.

For entry forms and more information about the competition, visit the Lanier Library's Web site  at lanierlib.org.

Established in 1890, the Lanier Library was named for the esteemed Southern poet Sidney Lanier, from whose home in Tryon the library received some of its first volumes.  It is one of only sixteen membership libraries remaining in the United States and strives to nurture new poetry and literature from promising Southern writers.  The Library sponsors numerous programs throughout the year, including a  series of presentations by authors, musicians, historians, and others, which is held at noon on the third Tuesday of every month.  All programs are free and new members are always welcome.

Frances Flynn

Lanier Library Publicity

More than 216,000 North Carolina residents served in Vietnam, and some 1,600 made the ultimate sacrifice in that war. Now, the USO of North Carolina and Charlotte Motor Speedway, with support from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, will honor their service with an incredible Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration on March 31 for the military members and their friends and families.

Vietnam veterans never received the type of homecoming celebration that today's troops receive as they return from service. To honor those who served and the military members who returned from combat, the USO of North Carolina is holding a long overdue homecoming celebration. Hosted by the USO of North Carolina and Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Vietnam Veterans Homecoming Celebration 2012 is set to be an unforgettable experience featuring live entertainment, displays and demonstrations, military salutes, and much more!

Veteran Service Organizations will be on-site to assist veterans. Please bring your DD Form 214 so they can help, if needed.

For more information and to reserve a ticket please click here.

Veterans Cary Pace and Leon Morgan want all Saluda veterans to join them in this homecoming. If you need transportation, please contact Cary at 828-749-9678 and Leon at 828-749-1514.

We've been fortunate so far this winter not to have had our usual ice storm(s). But it ain't over yet! We can prevent a lot of damage to our trees by following a few tips from the Arbor Day Foundation.

It's easier to spot problems on deciduous trees in winter, such as "...crossing limbs that rub, unwanted sprouts, dangerously tight limb junctions or crowded limb spacing. " Dead limbs can be dangerous and can also provide entry for decay into the heartwood of the tree. Relieving the added weight from these problems by pruning can help prevent the weight of ice from bending and breaking limbs. Pruning in winter can make clean-up easier.

Conifers are subject to many of the same problems as deciduous trees resulting from ice storms. An Arbor Day Foundation newsletter from a previous winter suggests, "Don't give up on conifers damanged by storms. As soon as possible, use rope, strong cord, or wire to secure them upright to stakes or sturdy parts of the tree. Spring growth will usually provide the strength needed to maintain the upright position."

The Arbor Day Foundation always encourages getting advice from a certified arboriculturist, assured by membership in the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

For information on the Preservation Association, please call Ruth at 828-749-9718 (leave a message for return call) or Judy and Chuck at email JTS1@charter.net.

Thank you,

Ruth Anderson

The Saluda Community Land Trust is gearing up for the spring. We are planning a very busy schedule once warmer weather is here. We will further develop our new trails, schedule public hikes, continue our Adopt A Highway cleanups and prepare the community garden. And of course, we will continue to work with our neighbors in the ongoing battle to fight kudzu. These are just a few of the things on our list of "To Do" list for this year.

SCLT meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 3pm. For the month of February, we will be meeting at our office located upstairs in the Presbyterian Fellowship Hall. Our meetings are open to the public and we welcome your attendance.

We are always looking for new members and are looking to attract a few new board members this year. If you are interested in playing a part in saving Saluda's natural resources let us know.

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

The Saluda Garden Club will be meeting on February 20 in the upstairs conference room of the Saluda Library. The meeting starts at 10am.

We will be going over program ideas for the coming year and making plans for planting in Spring Park.

The public is welcome. We are always looking for new members to join in our fun!

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

What's New on historicsaluda.org

As the Historic Saluda website continues to grow, new things are constantly being added. To keep you up to date with what's new, the home page will feature links to newly added material. Since this is a new site, almost everything on there has been added fairly recently, but here are a few of the newer additions:

• Recent oral histories of Mildred Thompson Skelton, James Gilbert and Lula Staton, and Donnie Pace.
• A slide show featuring audio and photographs from the March 2011 historic church tour.
• Film footage of the May 2011 Saluda Art Festival.
• Interviews held during the September 2011 Charlie Ward Pig Out, remembering Charlie.
• A three part film featuring an afternoon on Smith Hill with descendents of Dr. Smith and special guest Dr. George Jones, filmed in September 2011.
• Film footage from the October 2011 "Visions of Saluda" art show.

Don't miss:

• The 1996 video of Kathleen Garren Stephenson Jelley describing the Pace House, home of Kathleen's grandfather, Ransom Woodruff Pace.
• A slide show featuring OB Garren, one of Saluda's first mayors who took many of Saluda's first vintage photos and built many of Saluda's fine old homes.
• A slide show from the June 2011 Historic Saluda Tour of Homes.
• Lots and lots of photographs.

Funding for the HSC website is made possible through the sales of the DVD, Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda. This living website will grow and grow as the years go by while we continue to archive the information we collect. We invite you to be a part of this by sharing pictures and stories of Saluda. Contact Cindy Stephenson Tuttle at cindystuttle@gmail.com.

The HSC Recognizes 130th Birthday Celebration Committee

L to R: Jack Coates, Lynn Cass, Charlene Pace, Greaton Sellers, Caroline Farris and Cindy Tuttle

At its January meeting, the Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) recognized Saluda's 130th Birthday Celebration Committee for all their hard work during 2011 to help celebrate the town's birthday. All year long, events were held in celebration of the town's birthday, including, but not limited to, a historical church tour, nature walks, a celebration auction, an old timey square dance, a town pot luck dinner with birthday cake, a bus tour of Saluda's Inns, an antique car show, a Visions of Saluda art show and the sponsoring of the first ever Saluda Christmas parade. The committee also assisted with other events traditionally held in Saluda, such as the Charlie Ward Pig Out and the Saluda Arts Festival. The HSC expressed particular appreciation to the 130th Birthday Celebration Committee for several opportunities which allowed the HSC to either partner or use the event to accomplish goals of the HSC. Examples of this included the film premiere for Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda, which occurred in July in conjunction with the old timey square dance and the historic church tour hosted in March by the 130th Birthday Celebration Committee. A slide show, which includes pictures and the audio recorded during the two days of the church tour, can be viewed at historicsaluda.org, along with other Saluda special events. Members of the 130th Birthday Celebration Committee included Terry Baisden, Catherine Ross, Judy Ward, Greaton Sellers, Caroline Farris, Charlene Pace, Linda Whitaker, and Nora Parks Anderson. Thank you from the HSC for a job well done!

DVD Available for Sale by Local Merchants

Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda can be purchased ($20) at the following locations: Saluda City Hall, Cathy Jackson Realty, Green River BBQ, Macon Bank, The Purple Onion, the Apple Mill, Heartwood Gallery, Duck Alley, Green River Adventures, Manna Cabana, Polk Fresh Market, Saluda Public Library, Saluda Inn and Wine Cellar, the Oaks Bed and Breakfast, Orchard Inn, M.A. Pace General Store and Historic Thompson's Store. You can also purchase it on-line at saludalifestyles.com. All proceeds go toward future projects.

The Historic Saluda Committee Needs You!

The Historic Saluda Committee is looking for new members! At its last meeting, we approved by-laws, which will have to be approved by the city commissioners at its February meeting. All members shall own property in the Saluda community but you do not have to live here fulltime to be appointed as a committee member. It would be preferable for members to have an interest in Saluda's history, historic preservation and in furthering the cause to preserve Saluda's unique character, and you must be able to attend the meetings. The term is for three years. Some of the members of the current HSC will be rotating off, and the remaining ones will serve one- and two-year terms. The Historic Saluda Committee is an advisory committee to the Saluda Board of Commissioners, and the Commissioners will appoint the new members. Some of our past and current projects are assisting with City Hall Restoration, Historic Saluda Tour of Homes, Oral History Project and an inventory of historic homes throughout Saluda. If you are interested in serving, please go by City Hall and fill out an application to serve.

 Meetings

• The Historic Saluda Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, February 10, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at the Saluda Public Library. The public is invited to attend.
• Oral History Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday, February 10, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. at the Saluda Public Library. The public is invited to attend.

Cindy S. Tuttle, Chair

cindystuttle@gmail.com 

Historic Saluda Oral History Committee

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food, for friendly talks beside a warm fire. In the midst is February, the month of hearts, flowers and love! We hope you enjoy days of joy, light and love as you share the warmth of this special month.

Latest from the Barks & Wags News...and more:

Great News...!!! The sweet, loving dogs Bernie & Rosie have been formally adopted by their fostering family and a cat, a new buddy for them. We are thrilled that they are settled in their new home. Congrats to Bernie & Rosie!!!

The latest on PupPup--now around the community for a couple of years--he has established his own routine and remains difficult to rescue. We remain concerned about his general health and will continue all established efforts for a safe rescue using the rescue pen protocol.

We had several calls for rescues December into January, and we continue to move forward together to aide and rescue our community animals.

SDS is pleased to announce a guest speaker will be joining our February meeting. Larry Jandrew, co-owner of PetSource, will share the latest information on animal nutrition.

Saluda Dog Society works closely with TAAG (Transylvania Animal Alliance Group) in rescuing animals, locating foster homes, and assisting in adoptions. There is much to do in working with TAAG, and if you are interested in providing a temporary foster "home" for a dog or puppy, please contact Jan Daugherty at 828-749-3617 or email at jandaugherty111@yahoo.com for more detailed information. TAAG desperately needs volunteers...get in touch with them today!  

--------------------------------

A poem of love and rescue...for this month of hearts and love (by Terri Onorato).

Rescue Me

Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well.

I will respond to you.

Rescue me not out of pity but out of love.

I will love you back.

Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.

I will learn what you teach.

Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future.

I will relax and enjoy.

Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life.

I will appreciate your gift.

Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience.

I will please you.

Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become.

I will grow and mature.

Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me.

I will never let you down.

Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust.

I will be loyal and true.

Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion.

I will stand by your side.

Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to sooth your spirit.

I will cherish you.

Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend.

I will give you unconditional love.

Rescue me with true love in your heart and I will give you these things all the days of my life.  

Quotation for February:"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."-- Josh Billings

We welcome and appreciate your suggestions, information and participation. Support us to rescue or assist other animals in our community and to protect and support our loving pets. You may email SaludaDogSociety@yahoo.com or call Pat Waring at 828-749-1332.

If you have a favorite story or photo or a fun video to share about a special animal, please send them to Linda Holden at SaludaDogSociety@yahoo.com

Our next meeting is on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 1:15 pm in the Parish Hall of the Episcopal Church. Mark your calendar for the first Friday of each month in 2012 for future meetings.

Remember....it takes a village to save animals. Together we can!

May the love and joy of February light your path each day!

 

February Update from Saluda Elementary School

PTSO needs your support! PTSO is selling value cards as a fundraiser. These value cards support local businesses. PTSO funds are used to provide each student at Saluda Elementary School with 5 free books each year. PTSO also sponsors an annual Read-A-Thon and other student-related activities, such as clogging and the annual 5^th grade trip to Charleston, SC. Please visit the school office, City Hall or Green River BBQ to purchase a value card.

Michelle Burrows, Executive Director of the NC A+ Schools Program, visited Saluda on Tuesday, January 16. She was very complimentary of both our school and town. On March 27, the Principals and Coordinators from A+ Schools in the western portion of North Carolina will attend an A+ Retreat at our school!

Calendar of Events

Feb. 10 Visitors from A+ Schools (Claxton & Central Elementary)

Feb. 14 Half Day for Students (Dismissal at 11:30am)

Feb. 16 Family Fun: Dance and Dinner-To-Go

Feb. 17 Dental Health Lessons by Dentist Richard Reid

Feb. 21 Assembly: The Energized Guyz (Duke Energy)

Feb. 24 No School

Feb. 29 Box Tops Collection Day

Visit Saluda School for additional school news.

US Post Office Store Hours

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

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

Passport Service is available at the Saluda post office.

Get directions by clicking here  

102 E MAIN ST SALUDA, NC 28773-7812 

Believe it or not, spring will be here before we know it. Now is a great time to think about making repairs and improvements to your home. Whether you need a new roof, want to paint your home's exterior, or finish your basement, chances are you will need to hire someone to make those improvements. You might already have an idea of who you want to use. You may call around for prices. But there is one step most people overlook before calling for bids: establish a scope of work.

What is a scope of work? It contains the details of your project, including a detailed description of what you want done, materials you want to use, and the process of executing your project. Many homeowners believe choosing the lowest price means the contractor is willing to do the project they want for less, but it can also mean they are willing to do less of a job. Some examples are not priming trim before painting, sealing your deck without washing, or improperly installing your shingles. All of these things save the contractor time and you money, but in the long run can burden you with years of repair costs and risk voiding manufacturer's warranties. I have seen this happen all too often. Establishing a scope of work and having each individual contractor bid off that scope of work ensures everyone is bidding the same job. This will guarantee the best price for your project and that it will be done correctly. How do you establish a scope of work?

Pick one contractor, probably the one with the highest recommendation, and tell them you want a bid and also to establish a scope of work. They will probably charge you for this because of the time that is involved, but it's worth it. Once they turn in their price and scope of work, give a copy of the scope of work to the other contractors from which to bid the job. Once you choose a contractor, make sure they stick to that scope of work and don't cut corners. You can do this by turning your scope of work into a contract. There are many free contract forms on line drawn up by attorneys that will allow you to use the scope of work as an attachment. Establishing a scope of work will keep your project on budget and guarantee quality workmanship with superior building products.

Thank you, and happy remodeling.

If you have any questions or would like to establish a scope of work for your project, contact Todd Kirby at kirbycustombuilders@yahoo.com or call at 828-606-0942.

Portrait of Maxine Wilkerson by Mike Belleme for Carolina Public Press.

"May the work I've done speak for me.

May the life I live speak for me.

May the service I give speak for me."

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

A new Saluda calendar for 2012, containing 16 pictures of old steam engines and trains, is available for sale.  Price is $15.  Call Charlene Pace at 828-749-2641 to place your order. 

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. 

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.   

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. 

This Beetles song expresses sentiments of Saludians in February. As one of the lyrics says, "Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.  It's easy," is felt by Saludians, both natives and those who got here as fast as they could.

February is heART month! A reminder to eat healthy foods, exercise, relax, and enjoy life more. We also celebrate Valentine's Day and express our love for one another through cards and gifts of flowers and chocolate.

It's a time to celebrate the ARTs in Saluda. More than 50 talented visual and performing artists and writers live and work in Saluda. The Saluda School is a North Carolina A+ magnet school which integratwa the arts into the curriculum. The Saluda Business Association has announced a "Call for Artists" to participate in the ninth annual Saluda Arts Festival scheduled for May 19, 2012. You can see their work in restaurants, galleries, and shops and enjoy performances at Saluda venues as well as venues in the surrounding area. You can pick up books by local authors at M.A. Pace and Thompson's Stores.

Spending Valentine's Day in Saluda will be good for your heart. As the song says, "All you need is love, love, love is all you need," and there's a lot of that going around Saluda.

Look for the heart to see special Valentine's Day offerings. 

Saluda Faces recognizes Saluda citizens that you may see often and wonder who they are, what they do, and why they live in Saluda.

Catherine Ross burst into the Saluda scene in 2005 arriving here from Houston by way of Asheville. A Texas native, she was looking for a small town similar to the one she spent summers in with her grandparents. First settling in Asheville, she quickly realized that Asheville wasn't that small and started exploring different towns in the area. She discovered Saluda unexpectedly by getting off the interstate and rolling into town, and it was love at first sight. The railroad track paralleling Main Street was just like the one in the small Texas town that held such sweet childhood memories for Catherine. 

You have probably seen Catherine around town even though you may not know her name. Once here, she immediately volunteered wherever she was needed. Since her arrival, she has been on the board of the Saluda Center, the Saluda Medical Center, chaired and worked on the Saluda Arts Festival committee, was on the 130^th birthday celebration committee, was president of the Saluda Business Association, and is currently the Treasurer of the Saluda Business Association.

A sign of Catherine's tenacity and her ability to get things done was proven when the Saluda Business Association purchased a small building from the City of Columbus for the Saluda Visitor Center. The challenge was to hire someone willing to haul the building up the Saluda Grade to Saluda. Even after the carrier was pulled over by a state trooper and asked to wait until noon to continue up the grade because it was a day after a holiday, Catherine didn't give up and waited patiently (well, maybe not patiently) to make sure it was delivered.

An avid photographer, Catherine has taken many pictures of events and sites around Saluda that have been published in Saluda Lifestyles, on the Saluda.com website, and other media outlets. Some of her photos were on exhibition in the "Visions of Saluda" art exhibit in October. In addition to her photography talents, Catherine loves to cook and try out new recipes on her friends.  She also uses her creativity to make unique notecards. 

Catherine thinks that Saluda is different because of its people. Even though there is always a difference of opinions, Saludians care about each other and pull together when protecting the values and culture that have made it so precious to so many natives and newcomers.

Catherine is back in Houston caring for her aging parents and making new lifestyle arrangements for them. She is anxious to get home to Saluda. If you would like to send her well wishes, you may email Catherine at carnc@charter.net.

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

On January 28, we celebrated our first year since re-opening Thompson's Store. We are proud of our first year as Historic Thompson Store, and we want to say thank you to everyone.  We invite you to come in and continue to request and see different items we are trying to bring to the Saluda area.  Remember our Wine Tasting each month on the first Thursday of the month.  We have everything you need for the perfect Valentine Day Dinner.  Come in and purchase your favorite cut of steak along with the perfect wine.  Mort and Brandon are ready to help make your selection the best.  We also have the best "blue cheese" to add to your steak or salad.  If you are looking for a "Sweetheart" basket, we have the items you need for that special someone.  Come in and eat at the Grill. Valentine's Lunch Special:  Ribeye steak w/ two sides, drink and dessert for $10.00 + tax. Remember, if the snow comes and we lose power, we will be open. Like Clark says, "Let the good times roll."

After a short break in January, The Orchard Inn is open to the public again for dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights--always serving fresh and delicious European inspired cuisine that is locally sourced, organic when available, and creatively prepared. Marianne and Monica are back in the kitchen, collaborating to create the most amazingly healthful, yet sumptuous, meals. Reserve a place in our romantic dining room for dinner on Valentine's Day when we'll be serving a fabulous 4-course meal,  including a rose for the ladies and a complimentary glass of champagne for lovers. Rooms upstairs in the Inn are being offered at a discounted price of only $120, which also includes a gourmet breakfast for 2 the next morning. Call us at 828-749-5471 and treat your significant other to a romantic night out and memorable fine dining experience.

Visit the Orchard Inn at orchardinn.com. They are located on Highway 176, Saluda, NC. Click here for directions.

February 5, 2012 is Super Bowl Sunday. We will be open from 11am- 5pm. Have you planned your Big Game Day Menu yet? If not we can certainly make things easier! Call ahead to order your Game Day Food and we will have it ready to pick up anytime on Sunday before 5. You can pick it up when you come in for lunch!

Bacon Cheese Dip with Crusty French Bread

Warm Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Salsa and Chips

Hot and Spicy Smoked Chicken Legs with Blue Cheese and Celery

Hearty Beef and Red Bean Chili

Of course we can also do any of your other favorites too, maybe some Chicken and Sausage Gumbo? Just give us a couple of days notice! You'll also need some sweets too...Brownies, Cookies or how about a Peanut Butter Pie? Call us at 828-749-5854.

Saluda Grade Café is now also taking reservations for Valentine's Day! We will have special menus all weekend...February 10-12 and we are also open from 11-3 and 5-9 pm on Tuesday, February 14! Each year at Valentine's Day, I think how romantic and awesome the restaurant is and how each year tops the last! There will be a Special Dessert Menu starting on the 10^th and running all the way through the 14^th! Yummy Molten Lava Cakes, Champagne with Fresh Raspberries, Strawberries with Zabaglione, Crème Brulee, White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Mousse, Cream Puffs dipped in Dark Chocolate and so very much more! Make reservations now to treat your loved ones! For a couple of years now we even had several large parties of friends getting together just to celebrate! (They treated each other to Champagne and Raspberries and the Chef added in some Chocolate dipped Strawberries!) Valentine's Day is for everyone...Married, Dating, Single, Mom, Dad, Son or Daughter, Best Friend or Co-worker! On Tuesday night February 14, each couple will receive a special Valentine's Surprise! Book your reservations now! Call 828-749-5854 or email us at saludagrade@hotmail.com.

Happy February from all of us at the Grade!!

Salamander and Valentine's Day are a great combination. 

Flowers are wonderful, but what do you put them in?  How about a colorful handmade Ikebana vase that will hold a few flowers in an artful presentation.  You can buy three stems, or just one, and in a few seconds have something that looks great (if Ben can do it, anyone can).  Flowers last a LONG time in these vases.   And because you don't need many, you'll save money so it's easy to enjoy flowers all year long.  Also, when you borrow flowers from your neighbor's garden, you won't have to take as many!  We have a variety of colors and shapes of this made-in-America pottery to suit every home and workplace. 

Want candy?  We just received a freshly-cooked batch of that fantastic almond brittle you adore. 

Choosing a Valentine's gift from our large selection of American-made jewelry will also make any sweetheart smile.  Yes, it's all here at Salamander.   7 West Main Street.  828-749-3466.

Valentines Day Special for Two-February 14

For $22.99 you get a Full Rack of Ribs and your choice of 4 sides and Homemade Banana Pudding for two. That is all day long.

We have 2 new items on special!

Beef Brisket PO Boy - Grilled Italian bread served with our Smoked Mesquite Beef Brisket with lettuce, tomato, and our homemade horseradish sauce.  Served with homemade potato chips.

Smoked Jumbo Pork Taco

Mesquite Smoked Pork on top of a large crispy tortilla with lettuce tomato cheddar cheese and you can top that with salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños if you like! 

We are adding a new Draft Beer Special! 

Green River BBQ will be the only restaurant in Western North Carolina to serve Tryon, NC local draft beer, "Bottle Tree." We will be offering this at a price lower than other local craft beers we presently offer.

We still have our daily specials for $4.99, including your tea or soda, and we are still offering all appetizers $2.00 off Tuesday - Thursday in honor of our locals. 

Pint Narragansett 1.50--everyday all day!

Become a Facebook fan and you will receive specials and $$ dollar-off offers!

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!  

Green River BBQ is located at 131 Highway 176 West. Click here for directions.   

February...a time to hunker down and stay warm.   You can warm up from the inside with a delicious, hot bowl of Wildflour's homemade soup. Just check us out on Facebook to see which wonderful flavor we have made for you today!  You can come in for a warm, hearty bowl or grab a quart with fresh Wildflour rolls to take home for a cozy evening meal.

Also new.....we are SO delighted with our new neighbors, and now we have even more reason to celebrate them!  You can select your favorite wine and beer from Joni's, carry it right next door to Wildflour Cafe and enjoy a great meal with a great wine or beer.  Joni is ready, willing and able to help you match your selection to our menu...more exciting news on this in the coming months.

Finally - DO NOT FORGET to order one of Miss Molly's beautiful Valentine sweets for your sweetest of sweets!  Don't just show your love...show your love locally with a gift from one of Saluda's own shops.

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    

Located next to the Wildflour Bakery is Joni's Artisanal Wine & Beer, a wine shop that carries a great variety of wines. Customers are pleased to see the variety and the great price range of $60.00 for 12, $5.00 per bottle! A great bargain for some very enjoyable wines. Check out the selection which includes a cabernet, malbec, chardonnay, pinot grigio and pinot noir. Hours are: Tues-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12:30-3, Monday CLOSED

We are located at 171 East Main Street. 828-749-9698. 

Make your Own Valentines Card at Joni's Artisanal Wine and Beer

This month, when you stop in to pick up your wine and beer, you can add some creativity to your Valentines Day gift. Jane from Random Arts has supplied us with some great supplies to make your own card for your Sweetie Pie! You will have lots of paper hearts, pretty paper, ribbons, glue, scissors and a little of your imagination. Men - surprise your gal! This card might be the one that they will want to save.   

Each card is $1.00

Chocolate and wine are a Valentine's gift you can enjoy together. Black Mountain Chocolate available.

New Art

What do I mean by "new art"? Not modern art or a piece of sculpture just finished yesterday. I'm not thinking of a painting you just bought at a show. "New art" grew out of what was called the "new media," digital art, the use of computer software to create new images and to make changes in existing handmade images.

Computer imaging is available to anyone with access to this media. Knowledge of programs such as Photoshop and Paintbrush opens the door to possibilities for all ages (past babyhood). Schools are, of course, teaching computer skills. Those of us in older generations can learn from our children and grandchildren.

The following is a good example, described by the artist's mother, Joni Mahaffey-Rauschenbach.

"I came home the other day, and this is what Wylie was working on - unprompted! I had mentioned your project to him a while back, but didn't mention more to him - best way to motivate him is to stay off his heels. He calls this 'Mouths.' He would like to eventually put sound attached to the mouth, so that when you scroll over it, it tells a knock-knock joke or makes a giggle. I like that idea."

Wylie is a third grade student at Saluda School.

Another example is from Joe Plever, who is in a Photoshop class in high school. His digital cut and paste is another example of "New Art."

The last example of "New Art" is three photos showing how the first photo was enhanced to make a print of the portrait.

Bob Bailey, a professional in the field of "new art," used the computer to make the photo just right to make prints of "Portrait of Vivie."

Original photo

Cropped and straightened

Enhanced

Thanks to my niece, Alice Templeton, who is on the faculty at The Art Institute of California in San Francisco for her input. From this school a person can get a degree in "new art" - Web and Graphic Design, Advertising, Videogame Programming, Audio and Video Production, Fashion Design and Marketing, and other fields of commercial/digital art.

 Beverly Bowden Pickard

www.beverlysart.com

bbpickard@charter.net

828-749-1248

Saluda has always been a healing place since the turn of the 20th century.  Folks from the low country of South Carolina traveled on passenger trains to Saluda to escape summer's sweltering heat and mosquitoes.  Today, Saluda has a variety of health and wellness providers in which Saluda citizens appreciate.  They are:

The Saluda Medical Center, located a short distance from downtown Saluda, is a non-profit rural health center providing comprehensive quality medical care to all individuals, regardless of age, income, or health insurance status. Greenville St., 828-749-4411.

Mary H. Farrell, The focus of her work is Swedish massage, deep tissue massage . 101 Cullipher Street, Suite 3 Saluda, NC 28773  828-749-1197.

Saluda Healing Center, located in the back of Nostalgia offers a wide variety of services. Dr. Bonnie Williamson, chiropractor, provides chiropractic care for the entire family, neuromuscular re-education and acupuncture.  Lella Holland, licensed professional counselor, provides individual, couples and family therapy 828-749-3875.

Tickle Family Health Center and Spa, assists you with mind and body wellness using integrity and compassion. 438 E Hwy 176, Saluda, NC (828) 749-3434.

Autumn Care of Saluda, is a 99-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. 501 Esseola Drive.  828-749-2261

Drawing of "Healing Hands"by Saluda artist, Beverly Pickard.

For decades, a brief period of each summer offered many opportunities for young Saluda males, both juvenile and adult, to hone their skills in the art of waylaying watermelon trucks.  This practice would have been considered criminal anywhere else, but not in our town. While not officially blessed by older adults, many of them had participated in the same activity during their own youth, so it really was considered a harmless tradition.

Each summer large ten-wheel trucks, carrying heavy loads of succulent melons from the fields of South Carolina and Georgia, had to face the formidable task of climbing Saluda Mountain. With their pedals pushed hard against the firewall and the transmission in granny gear, the trucks were easy picking since their climbing speed was usually no faster than a brisk walk.

This highway banditry began as soon as the melons ripened in the neighboring states.  For several weeks during peak season, a steady stream of trucks drove the torturous Highway 176 through Saluda in route to Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana. As a reminder to any younger readers, Interstate 26 did not exist during the 1940's and 1950's.

The standard heist involved several locals who would park and lie in wait in a dark area at the foot of the mountain to avoid any suspicion from the truck driver.  Once the prey was selected, the driver of the clandestine vehicle would ease out into the highway with no lights on and pull right up behind the truck as it began its arduous climb, usually trailing within a couple of feet of the truck's rear bumper. The passengers would then alight and climb up and over the tall sideboards to reach the prized melons. Some of them would then be tossed into the grassy area alongside the highway in hopes that the cushioned impact would keep them from bursting. However, few survived intact and most were left behind. The few good ones would be picked up and hurriedly placed in the vehicle which was still following the truck at close quarters. Occasionally, we weren't satisfied with the number of intact melons claimed on Saluda Mountain, so our second assault on the same truck began as the driver reached the shorter climb above the old High Bridge over Green River. The activity here was more frantic since there was much less time to accomplish the heist.

On one such occasion, a trucker became aware of the thievery as our vehicle passed him on the mountain climb. We stopped at City Hall to laugh and joke with night cop Carthur Metcalf about our escapades when the trucker pulled in and demanded that Carthur arrest us for stealing some of his watermelons. Carthur informed the driver that he couldn't do that because he had no other witnesses to corroborate the driver's claim. After some heated discussions, the driver insisted that Carthur call our long time Mayor John T. Coates to come down and authorize the arrests. Since it was after midnight, the mayor was not at all happy about being awakened by the voice of this irate trucker.

Once the mayor arrived, he immediately began to berate the trucker, lecturing him on the obvious perils of climbing Saluda Mountain at night with such a load. He made it clear that hopping watermelon trucks was a decade's old pastime for local males and that removing a few was certainly not considered a crime in Saluda. The mayor proclaimed those losses as a cost of doing business on Saluda Mountain during nighttime hours and suggested the driver stick to daytime hauls if he wanted to avoid the risks of future losses.

During another truck heist, a local citizen whose name I was somewhat reluctant to reveal until he recently gave permission to do so, leaped from high atop a load of melons in hopes that his bare feet would land in a soft grassy area. However, it just so happened that one foot landed on a broken beer bottle which had obviously been placed there by Satan. The term "laid open to the bone" hardly describes the horribly deep and jagged cut which spurted forth gallons of blood. The victim frantically wrapped the injured foot with his shirt to slow the bleeding while the still unnamed vehicle driver rushed everyone back to town and the injured party to his home. This young fellow then proceeded to sew up his own foot using a regular needle, thread and alcohol. His explanation was that he didn't want his parents to find out.

After reaching adulthood, this same young man, Morris Russell, went on to achieve a doctorate degree in education and eventually became a school principal. Now semi-retired, Morris prefers the title of Dr. Jerry M.  Russell. I think a more fitting title would be local raconteur.

Let's hope the revelation of this part of his sordid past has no long term effect on his status as one of our more patriotic residents.

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

Contact the store at 828-749-2321 or visit

Heart Tickles

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.  

"A giggle is like tickling the heart."

Bud eyed the cute young girl across the room. She was serving punch and chatting with guests. Occasionally, she giggled, and he loved it. She must be Dick's date, he thought. His brother always snagged good looking girls.

Myra noticed the young man checking her out. Each time she looked in his direction, his gaze shifted away from her, which made her giggle again. Her date nudged her just as another giggle was about to erupt.

"What's so funny, Myra?"

"That guy over there makes me laugh. Who is he?"

Dick broke into a generous grin. "That's Buddy ... my baby brother, and I don't blame you for laughing. C'mon. I'll introduce you. He can look after you while I find some, uh, fire water."

And so it began ...

Buddy had been home only a day from the seminary where he was studying for the priesthood. He had been ambivalent about becoming a priest, but meeting Myra that Valentine's Day in 1962 erased all doubt. God brought me to this party to meet her, he thought. I knew there had to be a reason ...

Later, much later, when Bud recounted their first meeting, he always said, "My brother asked me to look after her, but he didn't put a time limit on it."

It surprised no one when two years later, on Valentine's Day, Myra and Bud were married. For the next thirteen years, Bud worked two jobs while going to night school; Myra had babies: a daughter and a son born eleven months apart. Maintaining her natural sense of humor when they were little was not always a walk in the park.

"It was like having twins. If one of them got in trouble, the other one did, too. By the end of the day, I was tearing out my hair strand-by-strand but Bud's sense of humor always managed to turn things around. He would come home wearing a Halloween mask, or stand on his head when the kids were cranky. In no time, we were in stitches. Like most families, there were rough patches, but that's all they were. We made it because we never lost each other ~ even when we felt the situation was lost to us."

Not long ago, Myra experienced what she called "a silly party" in her head: her speech patterns were scrambled. Her sentences made perfect sense to her, but sounded ridiculous to others. Most people would have been scared to death. Not Myra. She said, "I'm making a list of the odd things I say so I can create my own dictionary. I'll be famous!"

Her odd speech patterns first became noticeable when she told Bud she needed muffins for her hands because they were cold. 

"Muffins? What do you mean?" 

"Muttons. You know ... for my hands."

Bud's alarm bells went off. Realizing that she'd meant to say mittens, he found gloves for her cold hands and tried to hide his concerns. When the silly parties in Myra's head invited more and more strange "guests" inside to play word games, her doctor suggested a MRI.

"I know I talk funny, but I haven't said anything inappropriate yet. Maybe I should wait till I do," Myra told Bud.

He grinned. "Honey, the MRI isn't scheduled for two weeks. That's plenty of time for you to get ... ahem ... inappropriate. You can practice on me ~ I'll be happy to help you be ... ahem ... less appropriate."

He squeezed her hand and smiled, signaling what they both already knew ~ that no matter how the test came out, the strength of their love and their healthy sense of humor would see them through.

Myra giggled, and when she did, Bud was swept back to Valentine's Day fifty years before when the melodious sound of a young girl's laughter drifted across a crowded room and changed two lives forever.

"When you smiled, you had my undivided attention.

When you laughed, you had my urge to laugh with you.

When you cried, you had my urge to hold you.

When you said you loved me, you had my heart forever."

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

They are very smart birds. They speak two languages. Really. They have one dialect that warns their friends of impending danger. It is very noisy. The other one is quieter, and they use this one in everyday conversation with their friends.

My wife hates blackbirds. She says they intimidate other birds, especially smaller ones.  She also hates the noise. But I'm deaf so the noise doesn't bother me at all. I think the blackbirds remind her of an Alfred Hitchcock movie.

They hardly ever travel alone. If you see one blackbird, you can be fairly certain that one or more are nearby. I have a beautifully illustrated book that claims you can tell the future by how many blackbirds you see in your yard. One bird forecasts a death to come. I think that's right. Two means something else...three, something else. Fortune tellers probably use the book for reading your fortune. I don't put much stock in the book actually.

I don't think my wife likes the idea that birds are smarter than her grandchildren.

Apparently there are more than 50 species of the common blackbird.  Goodness knows how you tell the difference. They are all black. I know they come in different sizes. But they all strut the same way. I love to watch them walk across the yard.

And, my wife is right...they hog the birdfeeder and make smaller birds get out of the way. It is a dog eat dog world, as they say.

Ella Grace Mintz, infant daughter of Sean and Shena Mintz was taken to heaven on the wings of Angels on January 25.

Lucy Foster Conner-Hull, 75, died January 10, 2012 at her home after several years of illness.  She is the sister of Hop Foster. 

The Heart Knows