Saluda Property & Real Estate

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

  August 31, 2012)

Sales               Closed   Pending

Homes 2012        17           5
Homes 2011        21           1
 
Land 2012            7           2
Land 2011            8           0

Foreclosures-REO-Short Sales

Saluda - 3 homes

Polk County - 19 Homes 

Homes sales continue to hold steady.  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.

The annual Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out is scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2012, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm in the Pavilion at McCreery Park.  If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, please contact Terry Baisden at 828- 749-3789 or email to terrybaisden@tds.net.

This barbecue for the town of Saluda was started many years ago by Charlie Ward to thank the residents of Saluda for patronizing his store.  Charlie passed away on August 1, 2008.  This event has become a town tradition for Saluda citizens, a symbol of Charlie's gift of giving, and a memorial to Charlie himself.

All Saluda residents are invited to gather at McCreery Park to honor Charlie with good food, good fun, and good music! Please bring a dessert!

In Memory of Charlie Ward  

July 1, 1920 -August 1, 2008 

September 11, 2011 is the 11th anniversary of 9/11.   

This is a time to remember and say "thank you" to all our heroes--those we know about and those we don't.

Saluda salutes its Veterans, Saluda Fire and Rescue, the Saluda police department, and family and friends in active military duty.  

 Roll Up a Sleeve as a Labor of Love Before Summer Ends

The Red Cross is calling on all eligible blood donors - now more than ever - to roll up a sleeve and give as soon as possible. All blood types are needed, but especially O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative in order to meet patient demand this summer.

Monday, September 17

Polk Community Blood Drive held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church

(150 Melrose Avenue; Tryon, NC))

12:30 am - 5:00 PM

Please call Janet Peterson or Joyce Stott at 828-894-5073 for further information or to schedule your appointment.

All presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $3000 gift card!

             FREE GIFT TO DONORS!

We are doing the Ella Grace Race to end PKD (polycystic kidney disease) in memory of our little girl, Ella Grace Mintz, who was born on 01/24/2012 and only lived 18 hours. We want to help educate our community and raise money for the PKD foundation. Approximately 1 out of40,000 people have this rare kidney disease.

The race is a 5k run/walk, Saturday September 22nd, 2012 at the Saluda Events and Party Place (formerly the Saluda Jamboree). You can visit the website link for early registration or come the day of the race between 7:30-8:45am. The Race STARTS at 9:00am.

For more information, please email Shena Mintz at: shenamintz@gmail.com.

By Shena Mintz 

The Saluda United Methodist Church will host its annual Turkey Dinner on Saturday, November 10, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Saluda School Cafeteria.  Tickets will be sold beginning Monday, September 24.  Once again, you can enjoy a great turkey dinner at the great price of $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12 years of age.  Take-out plates will be available.  Please contact Terry Baisden at 828-749-3789 or email terrybaisden@tds.net for more information.  

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 sales is in need of more volunteers. The Basement  is open every Saturday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm and every Wednesday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Please call 749-9245 if you would like to volunteer. Donations accepted. 

Thrifty Barn is OPEN Wed.-Sat., 10am-4pm, donations accepted  on Wed. Please call 828-749-3320 for more information.

The Saluda Center is located at 64 Greenville St. Phone is 828-749-9245. 

For more information, call the Saluda Center at 828-749-9245 or Mary Lu Price at 828-749-3455. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Market opens every Friday from 4:30 to 6:30pm.   

What you will find at the market:

• Camp Creek Farm Poulon Rouge Chickens, Lamb Ribs, and Trout  
• Organic greens, long cucumbers, and crazy summer squashes from Lee Mink of Leap Farm  
• Brownies and pound cake to put under those blueberries from Piece O' Cake 
• Wylie's lemonade
• Pork sausage, zucchini, and yellow squash from Charlene's garden
• Deerwood Farms is always there with chicken, pork, and summer veggies
• If the summer bugs are getting you, visit Sacred Farm Herbals for natural remedies for body, pets, and garden
• Bee Log honey is harvesting lavender and sour wood honeys. We missed her last week but hope she is there this week. One can only go so long without a little honey. 
• Dan and Marti Wells have Saluda grown peaches, plums, and a variety of veggies
• Decatur has purple potatoes, squash, and sunflowers
• Randy Case has corn, cabbage, potatoes, and onions
• Wells Sheely promises to show up again with Three Arrows Farm beef
• Our own Wildflour bakery has pizza crust, granola, pockets and treats.  
• Claire's beautiful zinnia bouquets 

And eggs, eggs, eggs.

Photo by Randall Arms of Saluda. He credits his guardian angel for protecting his home when this mighty Chestnut Oak fell across his yard.

In memory of a giant: A huge chestnut oak uprooted and fell across Pacolet Street in August. There was no property damage and no personal injury.

Becky Shropshire, who lives in the area where the tree fell, and is knowledgeable about trees and plants, observed that the root system appeared to have deteriorated. She remembered that, when she was in the sixth or seventh grade at Saluda School, her class compiled a list of examples of the oldest and largest trees in the Saluda community. The chestnut oak was on the list.

The tree was estimated to have been possibly around 200 years old.

We grieve for a beautiful old tree that has died from natural causes, as did the chestnut oak, but it's sad to see a beautiful old tree, healthy and with many years of potential productive life, left lying on the ground-mutilated and dead. Why? Possibly, because the owner had no appreciation for the value of a tree.

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.

SCLT is busy, busy, and busy.... We can use your help!

On September 10 at 9am, we will be meeting at the parking lot of the Saluda Library for Adopt-A-Highway Clean Up. It really is fun, and we would love it if you can come out and join us in this endeavor. We work in two teams on both entrances of Hwy 176 into Saluda. We have been doing this project for several years and it has paid off. The entryway to our city looks clean and cared for. For more information about this project, or to check if there is inclement weather changes, please contact Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900.

Scheduled trail hikes are on the first and third Sunday of the month. Meet to carpool at the Saluda Library at 2pm. Nancy Barnett will lead the September 2 hike along the ridgeline of the Pacolet River. This hike is moderate to strenuous taking 1-2 hours. On September 16 Betsy Burdett will lead a moderate hike on Old Cove Road down a section of the Old Green River Cove Road. Always remember to wear appropriate clothing, bring water, and let your trail leader know if you have any health issues that need to be addressed. For more information about our hikes, please contact Chuck Hearon at 828-749-9886.

SCLT, in partnership with the City of Saluda and Saluda Dog Society, have worked hard to provide citizens and visitors with a Dog Park. The Dog Park has grown and is enjoyed by many! There is more work to be done and we are looking for volunteers to help improve the area. If you would like to help with this project, please contact Dave Prudhomme 828-749-9172.

Kudzu....Kudzu....Kudzu....What can we say about Kudzu? Well, you have to thank Duke Energy and Asplundh for helping! They have been doing a great job throughout Saluda cutting back invasive's and trimming trees that are too close to power lines. Kudzu is the number one problem. What does it love more than anything? It wants to climb! Not crawl, but climb.

This is the perfect opportunity for landowners and neighbors to come together and decide on a plan of action to control kudzu that has now been made easier to get to. It really isn't hard. It does, however, take time and energy but will be rewarding.

Soon kudzu will be going into reclusion, which is a good time to cut it out of trees and do any other aggressive acts that can be done: use the spray method, mow, or dig it up. All methods will work with consistent treatment.

Saluda Kudzu Posse will be back at the Saluda Inn for the Thursday "digging it" party in the month of September. We gather from 8:30 to 10:30 and do what we can to decrown and to get the crawling vine out of bamboo and trees. Decrowning is the best method of eradication. Come join us and get the satisfaction of knowing that together we can control this green monster and can stop it from overwhelming us. It is most satisfying! There are extra tools and gloves, if you do not have your own. Learn what you can do with your kudzu problem.

Our meetings are open to the public, first and third Wednesday of the month. We meet at 3pm and for the month of September will be meeting at the Pavilion in McCreery Park.

Please feel free to contact us about any of our projects by calling our office at 828-749-1560 and leaving a message. We will return your call promptly. Also be sure to check out our updated website saludaclt.org. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

The purpose of this club is the beautification and improvement of Saluda and it's surroundings. Special emphasis is given to the landscaping, annual plantings and care of our historic Spring Park.

Saluda Garden Club meets the third Monday of the month at the Saluda Library. Except for special events and outings, meetings start at 10 am.  Next meeting is September 17. 

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

The Tryon Garden Club at Pearson Falls is offering a Fall series of walks focusing on wildflowers, ferns, trees and shrubs and vines. The first of four walks will be conducted by Pearson Falls Docents on Tuesday morning, September 11. The focus will be on Fall blooming flowers and vines including Asters and Cone Sunflowers. Participants are asked to arrive by 10:15 for registration. Class begins 10:30 until noon.

On Tuesday morning, October 2, Alan Graham from the WNC Botany Club of Hendersonville, will lead a walk to identify trees and shrubs, including pertinent characteristics of each. Time is from 10:30 until noon.

Arborist, Todd Mullen, will give a talk and demonstration on Care of Trees For the Home Gardner. His afternoon class begins at 3:30pm until 5 on Monday, October 8. Disease control, pruning, watering techniques and anything else one wants to know will be discussed.

The final class on Monday, October 15 at 3:30pm will be a walk on vines, shrubs and trees with local Polk Extension Director, John Vining. Identifying invasive undesirables as well as native species will be pointed out.

A nominal fee will be charged per class, plus admission for non-club members. For information please call Annie @ 864-457-7278. Registration forms can be picked up at the entrance to Pearson Falls off Hwy. # 176, between Tryon and Saluda. Pearson Falls can be reached at: 828-749-3031. Registration forms are also available on line at pearsonsfalls.org.

Pearsons Falls is owned and operated by the Tryon Garden Club. For information about joining the Tryon Garden Club please contact Delia Tittle at 828 859-8372.

Submitted by Wyndy Morehead 

"Friday Night Live" 

Saluda businesses welcome residents and visitors to downtown Saluda on Friday nights.   Most shops will extend business hours until 8pm. Saluda Fridays will be September 28, October 26, and November 23 so be sure to mark your calendars. Look for signs to those merchants offering entertainment, exhibits, refreshments, and sidewalk specials. 

"Historic downtown Saluda buzzes on Friday evenings as shoppers leave the Saluda Tailgate Market and enjoy dining at Saluda restaurants.  Downtown businesses want to create the opportunity for these shoppers to continue their browsing and shopping by keeping the shops open longer," says a spokesperson for the Saluda Business Association.

This "Friday Night Live" event is sponsored by the Saluda Business Association.  For more information about Saluda, please visit saluda.com.

Please visit www.saluda.com to learn more about the SBA.  

Nectar is a Yoga and Healing Arts Center located in the heart of Saluda

Nectar Yoga Schedule

Monday's 6-7:30pm

Wednesday's 8:30-10am

Saturday's 8:30-10am

* Classes are ALL LEVELS, therapeutic modifications are offered to anyone and everyone.  

Enjoy the Bliss of Being Special Spa Package  $99 (Usually $170)/ 120 Minutes
Each session includes
- Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage
- Classical Ayurvedic Hot Oil Massage (Abayanga) with herb infused oil to deeply penetrate and nourish body/mind/spirit specific to this particular time of year
- Spa Facial using only the highest grade organic products

Health Check

Have chronic health issues? Can't get to the root of the problem?  Want to heal and not simply mask the symptoms?  QRA applies groundbreaking technology that uses muscle testing combined with Ayurveda/TCM to discover the root of the issue. A personal herbal protocol is individualized for your healing needs, bringing you into balance once and for all. Take advantage of our Summer Special! Full Diagnostic Consult usually $120, This Month Only $55, Individual Symptom Diagnostic $25
(i.e.  Sleep disorder, Digestion, Hormone imbalance, Weight loss/gain)

Historic Saluda Website Additions

• How old is my house or building and how can I tell the old from the new?
• What style is it? An introduction to Saluda Vernacular Architecture.
• Details, Details, Details! Why roof lines, trim and colors matter.
• Landscaping hints for historic streetscapes and cottage gardens.

We hope everyone in town will participate. Stay tuned for more information. If you are interested in this exciting project, or have suggestions for a better project, please call Gloria Testerman at 828-749-2024. Committees are just being formed. All proceeds will go toward the restoration of the old City Hall.

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, Biddie's Antiques, 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.

For more information about the Historic Saluda Committee go to historicsaluda.org or contact us at historicsaluda@gmail.com.

The Saluda Dog Society now has a cell phone number for rescue calls only - it is 828 785-2496. This number is for people to call to report dogs or cats that need rescue.   We can also be reached at Facebook and via email at saludadogsociety@yahoo.com. Donna Rhodes, chairman of the Rescue Committee has put together a rescue kit which she keeps in her car.

Current Rescues - The committee has had a busy summer with the rescue of dogs and a domestic rabbit. Fred (The Bassett), Shaggy and Fritz (a Dachsund) were all rescued and have found "forever homes". Rose Bud (a Mountain Fiest) was found by Susan Stanley running down Hwy. 176 and brought to SDS and returned to her owners.

Adoptions - The rabbit was badly injured and taken to Saluda Veterinary Hospital where Dr. Matthews worked his magic and is helping her to regain use of her paralyzed front legs. The veterinary staff has adopted her and named her "Leona." She works as staff at the hospital.  

"Ginger", a stray (part golden, part border collie mix) wandering for 2 weeks in the Hobblestik Subdivision on Pacolet St., brought together the neighborhood while they attempted to rescue her. She is being fostered by Pat Waring who says she is the most loving little dog who wants a "forever home" also. Lisa Baugh brought the plight of this special animal to the attention of the Saluda Dog Society who worked with Beth Pace to rescue her.  

"Prissy", a lovely white young shihtsu was brought to Gentle Hands Grooming after being found lost in the Green River area.

Thanks to Marylu Price, two Yorkies were found running loose in the fields in Lynn where she was told they had been there for several days. Donna rescued them and placed them at Foothills Humane Society.  

Foster homes for these abandonded and lost animals are very much needed - can you take one in for a day or two until their owners are found?

As you see, there are so many strays showing up in this area and the old Scottish saying has been changed to: "It takes a village to save a dog or cat."  Without the help of our Saluda friends, many of these animals would not be with us today.  Thank you all for caring!

Meetings - Everyone is welcome to attend our general meetings which are held four times a year, with the next one in November.  Watch this column for date and speaker.  Iit will be held on a lovely fall Saturday afternoon around midday. Our last meeting had a great program presented by Miriam Hughes of Flat Rock on dog training and dealing with dog issues. She has a dog training business called MissBehavior.

 "Ginger"

Rescued August 14, 2012 in Saluda, Ginger is a very loving, young female who is looking for a home. She loves to nuzzle and get love from her humans, chases the ball, walks obediently on a leash and gets along with other dogs and is a good companion in the car. She weighs 31 lbs and has a silky coat.

Thousand Forests Montessori School has opened in Saluda this August. The half-day program will follow a Montessori curriculum designed to serve the unique intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of the 2 1/2 to 6-year-old child.

Allison Daugherty, the school's founder and lead teacher, was inspired by her own experience attending a Montessori school as a child and by observing her mother's Montessori classroom later on.

To register for the information session or to learn more about the school, call 828-606-2899, email aedaugherty111@yahoo.com, or visit athousandforestsmontessori.com.  The school is located on West Main Street across from the Green River BBQ. 

Renowned artist, Bill Jameson, has donated a beautiful framed oil painting, "Fall on the Green River," to be raffled off to benefit our library.  Size is 22x28.

Please visit the library to view the treasure and purchase your tickets. Tickets are $5 and will be drawn December 8 at the 2012 annual Hometown Christmas.

Do not miss your opportunity to own a Bill Jameson masterpiece.

 

Wow! It is hard to believe that summer vacation is over and a new school year is underway.   Our school campus is buzzing with the excitement of the new school year! The Saluda Elementary school community has several things to celebrate:

1-   Saluda Elementary has once again received the designation as a North Carolina Honor School of Excellence! As a matter of fact, our school ranked #8 out of the 575 PreK-5 schools in North Carolina for the 2011-2012 school year. For detailed information about NC school designations, visit www.ncpublicschools.org.    

2-   Thank you to the community volunteers from four Saluda churches, who once again provided a four-week summer enrichment program (Super Sizzlin' Summer Adventures) for fifty Saluda Elementary students! Volunteers provided healthy and delicious breakfasts and lunches, in addition to daily academic and enrichment activities. Also, several Saluda businesses downtown provided special "treats" for the SSS Adventures participants. Thank you to all of you, who helped make this program such a huge success!  

3-   Our faculty and staff welcomed 33 new students and one new teacher on the first day of school! Mrs. Tara McDonald is the new second grade teacher.    

4-   The gymnasium floor was professionally stripped, sanded and refinished this summer! It looks absolutely magnificent!

NC Public Schools will put their best foot forward this school year as the stat's READY initiative is launched in every classroom. The READY initiative provides students and educators with new curriculum standards, new student assessments, a new school accountability model, and new educator effectiveness support. This is the first time that the state has changed all of these components simultaneously in a comprehensive way, kindergarten through 12^th grade. To read more about all these changes, visit ncpublicschools.org and click on the appropriate link under "News."

Upcoming Events

Mon., Sept. 3    No school-Labor Day holiday  Thurs., Sept. 6  Fall Pictures by Strawbridge Studios  Mon., Sept. 10  School Board Meeting at Stearns  6:30pm  Tues., Sept. 18  Interim Reports  Tues., Sept. 18  Assembly: The Energized Guyz  Sat., Sept. 22  First Day of Autumn

Fri., Oct. 5        End of the First Six Weeks of School

Mon., Oct. 8      No school-Required Teacher Workday

Mon., Oct. 8      School Board Meeting at Stearns 6:30pm

Tues., Oct. 9     Report Cards

Ronette Dill, Principal 

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 

Vera Shepard Pearson Bishop, 83, passed away August 20, 2012 at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Vera was born in Melrose, NC.

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. 

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.   

Price:  $40.00 includes shipping.

Price:  $40.00 includes shipping.  

Please click here for secure online ordering. 

Happy Birthday, Margaret Moffat   

September 2, 2011

Early morning fog gives way to the breaking day and the cool, crisp morning air warms up with the heat of the lingering summer sun.

Wrap up your summer with these NC mountain events. 

The 66^th Annual NC Apple Festival is in downtown Hendersonville August 31 through September 3. 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 7 through 16.

Join us for a Laurel Mountain Open House, where you will tour a home designed by a Charleston, SC, artist, and custom built by Saluda builder, Don Mintz.  

Paintings by Charleston/Saluda artists, Bill and Anne Jameson,  Kathy Clark, John Albrecht, and Merrie Southgate will be exhibited throughout this beautiful home.

Please join us Sunday, September 2, 2012 from 1:30 to 4:30 for views and more views. 

Sponsored by Cathy Jackson Realty, Saluda, NC

Greaton Sellers, Broker, 843-819-3046

greaton@cathyjacksonrealty.com

Please click here for directions.

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

Although Mort hailed from Mt. Pleasant, SC before arriving in Saluda, he was born and raised in NC. He grew up in Charlotte and has family roots in Tryon and Rutherfordton. After graduating from Lees McRae College, he joined the Air Force in 1966 and was stationed in Goldsboro where he served under Colonel Chuck Yeager, the first pilot to break the sound barrier.

After serving in the Air Force, Mort went back to Charlotte and graduated from the University of NC at Charlotte. Mort and his wife, Caroline, have one son who lives in Greensboro with his wife, Abby, and Mort and Caroline's two grandchildren, Addison Claire and William Whitfield.

Like many people who discover Saluda, Mort and Caroline were invited to Saluda to visit friends that they had just met after a recent move to Mt. Pleasant from Charlotte in 1974. They thoroughly enjoyed their visit in the mountains, even though it was February and they had to grill out because the power was out.

After that visit, they came to Saluda periodically, and when Caroline's parents retired in the 80's and rented a cottage in Saluda, Mort and Caroline's visits became more frequent. They fell in love with Saluda and knew this was where they wanted to retire. They retired here in 2006. Prior to retiring, Mort served as the Director of Delinquent Tax in Charleston County SC for ten years.

Retirement gave Mort an opportunity to work on his hobbies like building and repairing furniture, fly fishing (mostly standing in the water), and reading. Caroline and Mort like to entertain in their Treehaven home on Main Street.

After working since he was 13, retirement became boring for Mort so he decided to venture out to see if he could find gainful employment. His first choice was to work in Thompson's Store & Ward's Grill. One of the reasons that Caroline and Mort decided on Saluda was because of Charlie Ward. To this day, Mort quotes Charlie Ward, "You know buddy, you are the kind of people we want to move up here." Working in the store makes Mort feel closer to Charlie.

He thought he knew a lot of people in Saluda but working in the store has made him realize how many people he didn't know. He meets a ton of people each week and loves talking to them. He practices what he calls the "WWCD rule" - What Would Charlie Do? If somebody comes walking in the store after closing hours, then the store stays open and we serve them with a smile.

Mort and Caroline like the smallness of Saluda, the fact that you know most of the population and that the residents look out for each other. They like the energy and sounds of Main Street.  

Children playing at the school and cars passing by are pleasing sounds to Mort's ears. You may have noticed Mort walking Jesse James and Bell Starr down Main Street. These two golden retrievers were rescued by Mort and Caroline and live a "dog's life" in Saluda.

The biggest change that Mort feels is the loss of Charlie Ward, Robert Pace, John Rhodes, Charlie Fears...the people that made Saluda what it is. Mort feels that as long as we remember these icons, then the younger generation will get to know them through our memories, and we will become the "people that make Saluda" what it will become.

For Mort, he is quite content to fulfill his days by working at Thompson's Store, visiting with all the patrons, learning about new wines to present at wine tastings at Thompson's Store, and being a part of the "heartbeat" of Saluda.

Wild food expert Alan Muskat recently held a mushroom and wild food workshop at Meanwhile, Back in Saluda. Guests hiked the paths and trails at Meanwhile, gathering mushrooms and wild plants along the way. Muskat, nationally known as The Mushroom Man, both entertained and informed participants during the class. Meanwhile, Back in Saluda will host two more workshops with Muskat on September 8^th and 9^th. The cost is $45 per person. To register or for more information, visit NoTasteLikeHome.org.

Other workshops planned for this Fall at Meanwhile, Back in Saluda include: "Play with Mud," a cob oven workshop with local potter Josh Carter, "Mans-Giving" which promotes outdoor and survival skills, "Make Fire" where participants will build their own fire-starting kits, "Wood-Fired Bread Baking," and a scavenger hunt for grown-ups which teaches navigation and orienteering skills and concludes with a wood- fired cooking celebration.    

Meanwhile, Back in Saluda is located in rural Saluda and offers cabin rentals, camping and exciting, educational workshops. See web site MeanwhileBackInSaluda.com  or Facebook for photos and more information or call 828-749-2480.    

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

Hello again from everyone at the Saluda Grade Café! Now is the time of year when thoughts of school are back in the air...so Teachers get ready! Speaking of getting ready have you packed your lunch lately?

Remember when our moms would pack our lunch boxes with yummy food, a sweet and something from her heart? Well ...guess what? Saluda Grade Café does that! We now have available our box lunches which include a tasty heartfelt meal even with a little sweet treat at the end! Chicken Salad Platters with Fresh Fruit and Freshly baked Scone, a hearty in house Roasted Beef Sandwich on our Parmesan Foccacia Bread. How about a Turkey wrap with Crisp Spinach, Juicy Ripe Tomato and Provolone Cheese? These are just some of the New Lunch Box Menu items we offer! Order ahead for your Office Meeting, Book Club, Lunch Bunch, or anytime you need a special taste of delicious food from the heart. Thank you Ladies of the Lunch Bunch for helping us spread the word! Glad you enjoyed your lunches! Call and order 10 or more ahead and we can arrange delivery within the area. Special arrangements can be made to bring them outside of Saluda too! We can do large orders as well! Need 40? 100? No Problem!

Here's a happy reminder that Friday's at 7-ish we have Alan Dillman, Todd Neel, Bob and Amy Buckingham and Friends putting a pep in our step with lively Old Timey Tunes! Their musical talents weave us back to the days when, if there was music, great food and friends gathered together, then there was Joy!   Come join us for great evenings of Joy!

Just a reminder as well, that Saluda Grade Café will close September 3 and September 4. We will reopen for dinner on September 5 at 5:00pm with a whole new dinner menu! If you have any "Fan Favorites" that need to either stay on the menu or make a return visit, let us know. We are on Facebook and would love to hear from you. Wait 'til you try our new House Cured, Thick Cut Bacon! Whoopeeee! It's Fantastic!   Keep your eyes open for more changes coming, too.  They're going to be great!

Thank you to Bob and Linda Bailey for our new Web site, Brochures and Business Cards...Bob and Linda are a success making others succeed!

Visit us on the web at saludagradecafe.com or on Facebook.

See you Soon!

Call 828-749-5854 or email us at saludagrade@hotmail.com.  They are located at 40 East Main Street.  Click here for directions.     

The Orchard Inn

Join us in our elegant mountain retreat for dinner Thursday, Friday or Saturday evenings or breakfast almost every day between 8:30-10 am, by reservation. Enjoy farm to table fresh, locally sourced, organic when possible, exceptionally well prepared meals by our Austrian chef. Our fine dining restaurant has stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and our terrace is a wonderful place to sip a glass of wine while taking in all the gifts this beautiful area has to give. Plan to sit a while to enjoy one of Saluda's best views.  

The gracious hosts look forward to welcoming you to their little slice of heaven. Be sure to reserve a place at our annual Oktoberfest weekend, Sept 20-22, and enjoy some traditional culinary specialties such as: Fritatten Soup, Pork Roast with Sauerkraut and Dumplings, Bratwurst, Wuerstel, Zweibel Roast Braten with Potato Roesti, Weiner Schnitzel with Potato Salad, Apple Strudel,  and Spaten Oktoberfest Beer.

Visit the Orchard Inn at orchardinn.com. 800-581-3800.  They are located on Highway 176, Saluda, NC. Click here for directions.

The Art of Breakfast  
As all our guests discover, "I love to cook!" 
 
From my first experience helping prepare Sunday breakfast with my Dad, to the craft of fine dining that I learned from working at some of Michigan, Florida and North Carolina's best restaurants, I learned that dining is an art. 
 
Food preparation is very gratifying and extremely satisfying when it comes to our guests.  Every feast includes fresh fruit (local and seasonal), a breakfast meat (apple wood cured bacon, fresh ground country sausage or lean ham) and an entrée that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the pallet.  
 
In our personal travels, we have stayed at inns where your day starts with a bagel and a fruit cup. And that might be fine if you need to get out the door and on your way to work.  But breakfast at The Oaks is an event, and friends that stay with us for up to a week will never be greeted by the same meal more than once. 
 
"I challenge myself to come up with a different menu every day," explains Dale, the owner and chef.  "I try to alternate meals between sweet one day and savory the next - something square, something round.  A great deal of thought and preparation goes into every presentation."
 
"Accommodating guests with special dietary requirements or food allergies is never a problem."  Dale promises, "With advance notice we can put a smile on everybody's  face!"
 
Visit our reviews at theoaksbedandbreakfast.com, then come and taste what they're all raving about!    

Dale Potruski    

Room rates at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast have remained the same for the past four years and still include a full gourmet breakfast served in our perfectly adorned Victorian home. See it all at theoaksbedandbreakfast.com, or visit us on facebook. Contact the innkeepers at 828-749-2000 or email theoaksbedandbreakfast@gmail.com.  Located at 339 Greenville Street.  Click here for directions.  

Histor

Wine tasting will be the first Thursday on September 6 at 6pm in the upstairs rooms. Featured wines are from Shelton Winery from Dobson, NC.  

Look for the deck to be completed by early October with more events for the fall.  Continue to shop local, and come in and see more new items that are in Historic Thompson Store, NC's oldest grocery store--gourmet mustard's and a new line of flavor oils and vinegars. Plus come in and see our new French Wines and our specialty cheeses.  We appreciate your business and continue to take request for new items.

If you are looking for the place for your next event, come and view our Historic Boarding House Venue upstairs.  We can accommodate small or large groups and can help to plan your event. 

With school back in, and business slowing down, it is time to reward our locals with our Appetizer and Small Menu Items for $5.99:  BBQ Nachos, Chicken Quesadilla, Fried Green Tomato and Shrimp Stacker, BBQ Stuffed Potato Skins, Chicken Wings, Portobello Mushroom Fries, Piglets, or Buffalo Shrimp! All day, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays!

Fried Pickles and Buffalo Fries, $4.99 all the time!

We are getting some very nice local Fall draft beers. Come have a beer with us and watch some football!

Narragansett Pints still $1.50 a pint all day everyday! 

As soon as the weather gets a chill in the air, we will be changing some of the items on our menu. Our favorites to return will be Homemade Brunswick Stew and Smokehouse Chili! 

We are still open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-9pm and Sundays noon-3pm. 

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.   

Happy September!  You've got to love this month....not too hot, not too cold...glorious color...fresh garden goodies....crisp, clear starry nights...the lull between the "tour-ons" and the "leaf-peepers". .. and my anniversary (Happy 40th, Dave! My how time flies when you're havin' fun.)

Treat yourself to a beautiful morning in our courtyard with a cup of Leopard Forest coffee, one of Molly's amazing muffins or scones, and a moment of pure pleasure!

Join us on Friday night for pizza or Sunday morning for brunch.

We always look forward to seeing our regulars at the tailgate market on Friday afternoon. The local apples are in and I am ready to bake some of Wildflour's Carolina Apple Bread!

One last reminder...please mark your calendars for Saturday, October 20th. We will repeat last year's fantastic Artist & Music Fair at Nostalgia Courtyard.  There are still two booth spaces available as I write this.  If you are interested, call and reserve your space today! (828-749-9224)

Come by the shop...visit us at the Saluda Tailgate Market (Fridays 4:30 --6:30pm)...and follow us on .   

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.   Keep up with specials on   

Salon Rachelle

With a big "Thank You" to Saluda residents, Rachel Box, owner of Salon Rachelle ll, regretfully announces the closing of the salon in Saluda, but welcomes her clients to Salon Rachelle in Tryon. Call 828-859-5299 for appointments.

The Benke, located at 34-C W. Main St., will be closing at the end of "the leaf season." Everything in the store will be discounted at least 20%, and if you bring this article with you, another 5% discount will be added to total purchases.

Gail said, "The greatest joy of having a shop downtown has been meeting the full and part-time residents, other merchants, and visitors to Saluda. Thank you for patronizing the shop, and I hope to see you before closing."

Gail will continue to sell for others on Ebay. Give her a call at (864) 313-7823 if you have valuables you no longer need and the children don't want. She specializes in sterling and silver-plate, fine china, crystal, and rare collectibles.

We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer. It has been so busy here at Cabin Fever, I am wondering where the summer has gone.

We have several new projects to work on this fall and already have a busy October. In the mornings, you can already feel Fall in the air, and the days are beautiful. The leaves will be changing before you know it, and you will soon need a jacket.  It is apple picking time, and we invite you to reserve one of our rustic cabins to bring your family for a fun filled weekend.

Our July music weekend was wonderful, and we are grateful to all our guests that supported it. We really enjoyed meeting each of you. We have met so many wonderful guests this summer who are now new friends. We look forward to your future visits and invite local Saludians to refer their family and friends to visit Cabin Fever during the fall. 

Please let us know if you would like to sign up for our newsletter that comes out a few times a year by emailing at cabins@cabinfevernc.com.  Don't forget to like us on facebook.

for directions. 

Maggie's Old Saluda Store will participate in "Friday Night Live" on September 28, October 26, and November 23. The new business is located in the former Saluda Wine & Cheese building on Ozone.  They are planning a grand opening in October. Click here to visit their website.    

Eva at Evening Shade Pottery invites you to the new location in the Pebble Dash building. Stop by and see the ever changing array of pottery and gifts that have been added like the oil and dip mixes to give as gifts or serve with your next get together.

All the pottery is fully functional, microwave, and dishwasher safe. Enjoy Fall, and start shopping now for Christmas! See you soon.   

Visit Eva McCray's Evening Shade Pottery at its new location at 30 Church Street, behind the Purple Onion and Spring Park. Visit website. Contact Eva at 828-749-3249 or email at eva@eveningshadepottery.com. 

Leon Morgan was inducted into the Saluda School Hall of Fame August, 17, 2012. His award and certificate are on display at M.A.Pace General Store on Main Street.    

Take a quick break from your day for a 20-minute Mini Spa. You can include up to 2-3 of your girlfriends! Receive head-to-toe relaxation and spa treatments, including a prescription facial customized for you. The Mini Spa itself is free. Any purchases of spa products will go toward a donation to the Saluda Center. Must schedule your 20 minutes ahead of time! Call Nedra Kanavel at 828-384-8421 to find out what times are available between 1-7 p.m. on Sept. 11 and 12-3 p.m. on Sept. 18.

It's hard to think about Christmas when we are still enjoying all the wonderful activities summer has to offer, but Christmas is just around the corner. Soon leaves will change to brilliant hues of gold and crimson, snow will fall and thoughts of that joyous season will begin. A Christmas parade is a great way to begin the holiday season.

Due to overwhelming response from last year, another Christmas Parade will be held in Saluda on Saturday, December 15 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  The parade is limited to the first 50 applicants so get your application in early. The due date is October 15.   Applications can be found at Historic Thompson's Store, Somewhere in Time or click here.

Floats will be judged and awards will be given for: Most Unique, Best Christmas Spirit, and Most Humorous. The parade will feature floats, Santa, bands, fire engines, dogs (and their owners), plus lots of fun for family and friends. Join the fun and be sure to get your application in by October 15.

Contra is a Gaelic/English inspired folk dance with live music, a caller and a very easy repetitive pattern. Partners face each other in a long line down the dance hall and then dance a repetitive pattern as part of a group of four dancers.  That pattern is followed by a progression to join the next couple making a new group of four where the pattern is repeated, and it continues down the line.

There are contra dance groups in nearly every community and we want to try to organize one in Saluda.  We would like to know who might be interested in learning and who has contra dance experience.  

It is very easy to learn and good exercise (much of it from the smiles on your face!).  If you want to be included in the mail list as we get this started, please email Judy Thompson at judyinsaluda@mac.com.  Please share this information with anyone you know who might be interested.  For more information go to Contra Dance or just put "Contra Dance" in your browser.  Let's Dance!!!

Contra dancing in Glenside, PA

The Essence of Fall event at the Party Place & Event Center is on October 19.  This year the event is being sponsored by Andrea Gray and Jessica Freemen in honor of their mother, Vanessa Mintz.

This is a Ladies Only Evening of food, fun, auctions, music and fellowship.   The Vanessa Y. Mintz Fund was established to honor Vanessa's love of her community and her dream to support missionaries, help women and children, and make a difference in the lives of others.  

Proceeds will go to the Vanessa Y. Mintz Fund through the Community Foundation of Henderson County.  By hosting a table for $200, you will receive 8 tickets for you and your guests that includes your evening meal.  You may decorate your table between 6 - 9 pm on the evening of Oct. 18 or from 9-until noon on Oct. 19.  Tables must be completed by noon for the judging.  First, Second, and Third prizes will be given for decorated tables.  Make your tables as elegant as you want as long as it is a Fall Theme.  You will need dinnerware, flatware, glasses, and cups and saucers, and linens for an 8-place setting.  The center piece on your table will be auctioned to the highest bidder at the end of the evening.   

This year we ask that you dress in semi-formal attire to make the evening a special occasion for everyone, and please ask each guest to bring a Christmas ornament to exchange with other guests.  Last year's Essence of Fall was a huge success and a fantastic evening for all the ladies.  

More details and registration are available by contacting  Kathie Mixon- 828-749-3651,  Linda Whitaker - 828-749-5121,  Andrea Gray - 828-329-4152, or Jessica Freeman - 828-768-5540.

Submitted by Linda Whitaker 

It's late Saturday morning, and my good friend, the surgeon, has just come off his shift and stopped by on his way home for a few ounces of Peach Schnapps. You may re-read that sentence as often as you like; the truth isn't even REMOTELY like what you might read into those words. But medical buddy and I had a good laugh about it.

You see, our wives are terminal volunteers. Neither has ever met a local "need" they did not want to fill with their own efforts, along with those they coerce from their friends. Men are less blatant about this sort of thing, but my wife, The Empress, and her cohorts are shameless. And that's a good thing.

Every community has needs that its government cannot serve. Volunteerism is the better and far more efficient answer. For years, I have watched The Empress and her friends accomplish wonderful things in answer to many local needs. Volunteers are usually selfless, dedicated-to-whatever-the-cause individuals with a mission. They cut through nonsense, skip needless red tape, and get the job done. And they have fun doing it. And they aren't running for re-election. It's the definition of a win, win situation.

I don't know about you, but my wife and I were raised to give back. Our parents were busy, involved people who recognized that the ability to volunteer, to help others, was not just a responsibility, but a gift. They taught us by example to share, and by so doing, to give back to the communities in which our families prospered. It is a profound lesson for us all. And I am proud to say that our own children seem to have learned it.

The current "need" for which my surgeon friend's wife required the schnapps is an annual gourmet picnic and performance benefitting Flat Rock Playhouse. Mrs. Surgeon had been lassoed into baking things for the picnic by my wife. The Empress has been twisting arms for this particular event for years and years. What's amazing to me is that, after all this time, people are perfectly well aware of what she's up to and still take her calls. But that's how volunteerism works: friends helping friends for everyone's benefit. Everyone has a good time, and it makes the world go around.

You don't have to write a check to help; volunteer! Donations are wonderful and necessary, of course, but your time and commitment can be just as important. Whatever your passion, you can bet that it has a host of opportunities just begging for the attention of volunteers. Join them! You'll be glad that you did. And you will have helped; you will have given back. And that is indeed a good thing.

Submitted by Bill Humleker

Next week, we observe Labor Day which honors working men and women. As an investor, you'd like to think that your income-producing investments are working hard, too. But with short-term interest rates so low, what can you do?

You may need to consider longer-term vehicles, which typically pay higher yields. However, long-term bonds carry interest-rate risk - the possibility that interest rates will rise, causing the value of existing bonds to fall.

To reduce this risk, you could build a "ladder" containing both short-term and long-term bonds. When market rates are low, you'll still have your longer-term bonds earning higher interest rates. And when market rates rise, you'll be able to reinvest your maturing short-term investments at the higher levels.   You must evaluate whether a bond ladder and the securities held within it are consistent with your investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial circumstances.

If appropriate, you might be able to boost your income through dividend-paying stocks. Keep in mind, though, that dividends can be reduced or eliminated and stock prices will tend to fluctuate more.

Low interest rates can be challenging to investors seeking income - but you do have choices.

This is Doug Rostick, your Edward Jones financial advisor located at 1038-A Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28792. (828) 692-5082.

Member SIPC

Douglass M. Rostick | Financial Advisor | Edward Jones 

1038-A Greenville Hwy  Flat Rock, NC 28731

828-692-5082 Fax:888-227-3980

douglass.rostick@edwardjones.com

Macon Bank started in 1922 as Macon Building and Loan Association to give Macon County residents an opportunity for home ownership.

Since then, we have grown to eleven branches, beginning in 1981 with the Murphy Branch and continuing with a second branch in Franklin (Holly Springs Plaza).  Then we added Highlands, Sylva, Hendersonville Main, Brevard, Hendersonville Eastside, Cashiers, Columbus, and Saluda.

Our products and services have also grown to include Savings and Checking Accounts, CDs, IRAs, and HSAs. We have ATMs, debit cards and online banking for your convenience. And soon, mobile banking will be available!

Proud to be a part of this community for 90 years!

Macon Bank, 108 East Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773, 828-749-2550, maconbank.com

Some of my youthful memories from the '50s recall fisticuffs occurring on a fairly regular basis, not between young local males, but between locals and those outside our community with whom they found some reason to square off. The slightest provocation was often enough to spark some of these slugfests. The two community events that seemed to create the most opportunities for these confrontations were summertime square dances and wintertime high school basketball games.

Saturday night dances usually involved surreptitious trips to parked cars where young fellows could take a swig of fortification under cover of darkness. No fancy stuff here, just pop the trunk lid and pass the bottle until each eager set of lips had shared a taste of the hard stuff. No age identification was required either, just enough manly swagger to dare to take a gulp without any chaser. It was understood during these rituals that participants would only take one swallow as the bottle was passed around. This etiquette helped insure that the supply would last well into the evening.

Summertime dances also attracted folks from nearby communities. Peace, however, usually prevailed so long as those visitors and locals wishing to partake of some libational liquid went off in opposite directions. Unfortunately, Saluda had more than its share of young hotheads who seemed to take great pleasure in picking fights with non-locals at these events. In fact, two of the worst brawlers worked as parttime help in Thompson's Store. While neither possessed large physical stature, their strategy of throwing several surprisingly quick blows to the opponent's face usually gave them a decided advantage in the final outcome. Rarely did the unsuspecting victims see from whence the rapid-fired head shots first came.  Of course, Marquis of Queensberry rules were not required reading in our town so these engagements commanded little restraint.

Usually the battles were initiated outside the gym in the presence of crowds of folks just wanting to wipe sweat, take a smoke break or spend a few minutes with their last dance partner. Unfortunately, these confrontations often failed to satiate the fighting appetite of our local sluggers so it was quite common for the outnumbered victims to have to fight their way to the relative safety of personal vehicles, often in the accompaniment of terrified wives or girlfriends.

This combative spirit wasn't restricted just to Saluda. During basketball season, a couple of teams in the area, as well as their fans, were prone to pick fights with opposing teams. For whatever reason, bad blood persisted between Saluda's teams and those from Dana and Green Creek. Home games at Saluda usually remained peaceful. However, the away games always held the threat of physical confrontation.

Despite having a total student enrollment of only 60 or so students per year, Saluda High School traditionally managed to turn out somewhat respectable basketball teams in the '50s. This was our only organized sport, however, so fielding a competitive team was especially difficult against the opposing schools, both in and outside the district, which had larger student populations.

While our coaches stressed the importance of good sportsmanship during a game, invariably one or more players, including yours truly, would get into some brief verbal mouthing with opposing players during the heat of the game. Two specific games involving each team come to mind. The first was a night game at Green Creek where, following their loss, some unruly fans and team members tried to follow our team and coaches into the guest dressing room.  Chaperone Everett Hardin bravely stood at the entrance to protect his players and took the brunt of the attack before cooler heads were able to stop the assault. The very next day, the Green Creek coach brought his entire team to our practice session at our gym and made each player apologize and ask forgiveness.

The second incident occurred at Dana. Lots of yapping between players and fans had gone on for most of the evening and continued unabated after the game. One of the two aforementioned Saluda hot heads and a Dana counterpart agreed to participate in a proxy battle outside the gym after most of the crowd had left. Cars were brought up into a tight circle with headlights providing plenty of visibility. As the two slugged it out, several Dana fans didn't like how the fight was going and attempted to gang up on the Saluda opponent. Next thing you know, there was a full blown melee taking place, although it wasn't long before most participants decided they really didn't enjoy being blindly pummeled from all directions.

Over the years, I have often wondered how any individual could enjoy delivering and receiving such obviously painful facial adjustments. I once posed that question to a longtime Pensacola friend who fought in the 1984 Olympics and remained a competitive amateur boxer into his forties, but he could never offer a clear explanation.

Personally, I'm just thankful that my testosterone numbers never quite reached those levels of combativeness.

Thompson's Store is located at 24 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Saluda.   Contact the store at 828-749-2321 or visit

 TBD

If you enjoy Joe's column in Saluda Lifestyles, please let him know. You can email him at americaohyes@gmail.com.

Signed copies of Joe's book, "Butterbeans for the Soul" can be purchased at Cathy Jackson Realty, 144 West Main Street.