Saluda Property & Real Estate

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

  October 31, 2012)

Sales               Closed   Pending

Homes 2012        24           4
Homes 2011        26           1

         Land 2012            10           1         

Land 2011            10           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 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 are on sale now or can be purchased at the door.

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.  

Pick a day. Pick a restaurant.

Pick up your fork!

30 area restaurants are stepping up to the plate as they partner with hospice of the Carolina Foothills to raise awareness during National Hospice & Palliative Care Month.

During the week of November 4 - 9 invite your friends & family to dine at your favorite restaurants for some good food and some good will. While you dine, take a photo and send to us at dine@hocf.org.

Saluda Restaurants Participating:

Sunday, November 4 - Wildflour Bake Shop 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Thursday, November 8 - The Purple Onion 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. & 5 - 9 p.m.

Friday, November 9 - Green River BBQ

For More Information:

828.894.7000, 864.457.9122

It's about Living! www.hocf.org

Each restaurant will be donating a percentage of their sales to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 1pm at the Saluda Center.

Family nurse practitioner, Nancy Shatto has over 30 years' experience blending the best of both Western (conventional) medicine and holistic medicine. She has recently joined the Saluda Medical Center full-time and enjoys using all appropriate modalities for patients' needs.

From regular conventional medicines to homeotherapy, education, down to earth treatments, and counseling, it is fun and educational to develop tools for wellness.

'Give Something That Means Something' with the Red Cross This Fall

Wednesday, November 14

Autumn Care of Saluda Blood Drive (501 Esseola Stree; Saluda, NC)

1:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Please call Tisha Davis at (828) 749-2261 for further information or to schedule your appointment.

Beginning the Friday after Thankgiving, November 23, the Saluda "bell ringers" will again be on Main Street in front of M.A. Pace store to begin our our 7th year of manning the kettle for The Salvation Army.

We had a great crew of volunteers last year, and through their efforts, we had our best year with over $2,100 collected.  I'm sure we will have another great year this Christmas Season.  We welcome anyone who would like to "Join the Army," The Salvation Army, for a two hour "Tour of Duty."   Our times to ring are 11am-1pm,   1pm-3pm, and 3pm-5pm.  We ring on Friday and Saturday from Thanksgiving till Christmas.  We are the only group in our district (Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties) that volunteers for the entire Christmas Season.  We always look forward to seeing our "veteran bell ringers" return each year and would certainly welcome new members. You can join us as an individual or with your spouse or a friend and ring together.  We always have two red aprons and two bells.

This year's volunteer appreciation lunch will be at the Salvation Army headquarters in Hendersonville on Wednesday, November 14 at high noon.  All "bellringer veterans" or first-time ringers are welcome and urged to attend. There is no charge.  We do need to give them a head count about a week before so they can plan accordingly.

One other note.  We have always kept an account of our collections. They call us and tell us how well we did after each weekend and we pass it on.  So, over these last six years, we have kept a running amount from year to year. Therefore, I'm happy to tell you that one weekend this season, we fully expect to reach a $10,000 mark in collections.  Now I ask you, "do we live in a community that has a heart for those in need?"  You bet your boots we do!

We invite anyone who gives a Christmas donation to The Salvation Army to come by and put it in the Saluda kettle, and we will see that it gets there promptly.

 
To join us, leave your name with the folks at M.A. Pace store or call Max McGinnas at 828-749-9111 or Neill Bultman at 828-749-1264.  

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. 

The Saluda Tailgate Market, sponsored by the Saluda Business Association, has finished the May to October season. Our third year was wonderfully full of all this region has to offer: locally raised trout, beef, chicken, lamb, vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, baked goods, jams, jellies, honey and lots of eggs. Heartfelt thanks go out to you, the fantastic Saluda community, for your continued presence every Friday, rain or shine or steaming heat. Our vendors tell us they love this market because the people are so friendly and such enthusiastic shoppers.

For those of you who will have a hard time going the full 6 months before we start up again the first weekend in May, we have created two special fall markets. We will meet in the tailgate market lot on two Saturdays: November 24, and December 15, from 1 to 3pm. Put these dates on your calendars and bring your friends. We hope to have seasonal produce, frozen meats, cheeses, baked goods, jams, and jellies for your holiday gift baskets. If you are a vendor or craftsperson using agricultural products for holiday decorations, we welcome your application. Please download it here.  

Special thanks go to the faithful volunteers who gave up 6 months of Friday afternoons and more to make this market happen. It would truly not be possible without each one of them: Beth Carson, Nora Parks Anderson, Chuck Heron, Walter Hoover, Howard Troxler and all of the others who filled in for us when we really had to be away. Lynn Sprague, from the Polk County Agricultural Economic Development office, provided tireless support with the van and the tents.

And finally, for the vendors and farmers, who shared their produce, talents, and "know-how" with us, gratitude abounds!  

The October meeting of the association focused on tree pruning. Our discussion followed guidelines on how and when to prune, as well as not prune, available from the arbor Day Foundation.

Contrary to prevalent, popular opinion, the Foundation advises that trees be pruned only when there is a valid reason. The following were discussed as valid:

• To remove dead or diseased branches.
• To remove fast-growing "sucker" growth and to remove limbs that cross and rub against each other.
• To remove branches that interfere with roofs, walk-ways, utility lines, etc.
• To retain a central "leader" on trees which should have one.
• To remove lower branches of shade trees that interfere with roads, walk-ways, and driveways. This procedure raises the crown of the tree.
• To encourage flower, fruit and nut production.

More information came from our group's experiences as when to prune. Prune deciduous (with leaves) trees in late winter or early summer after new growth has matured.

Flowers of ornamental and fruit trees follow the same as above. All but peach should be pruned only after flowering. Most trees should have "sucker" growth removed every few years. In our area, we can see these procedures followed by the apple growers.

Coniferous trees (with cones and needles) rarely, if ever, need pruning as with unusual growth or limb damage. The main tall upward leader branch should never be pruned or cut. This causes the normal growth to be stopped or stunted. We see examples on many of the pines in Saluda where their leaders (or tops) were cut leaving ugly trunks now turned into posts which can never recover following this fall's unfortunate "pruning" near the power lines.

Submitted by Ruth Anderson 

SCLT is closing down different activities that have kept us busy throughout the spring and summer. It's sad to put projects to sleep, but we know they will be there waiting for us next Spring! We are now gearing up to continue with our cool weather projects. Trail work is very important during this time of year and also very fun. We will be working hard to maintain and enhance trails that are already in place to give the community places to walk freely.

October was spent enjoying two wonderful nature walks. It has been great to be outdoors and watch as nature shares a new life while letting another rest. The colors of outdoors are enchanting, and everywhere there seems to be a restful peace that is hovering about in preparation for the winter.

Kudzu work is another challenge that will continue throughout the Fall/Winter season. Our plan is to keep working to cut kudzu out of trees and clear the underbrush so that the kudzu will not be able to climb come growing season. The Saluda Kudzu Swat Team will continue working on "Kudzu Thursday" for winter suitable sites. Decrowning is sometimes difficult during the winter months though there are sites that have enough sun to let growth appear. We will work areas per weather/location/and access.

One of our major winter tasks is to create a map for our 28773 zip code. This will be a foldable, standard sized county map. The greatness of this map is that it will span two counties and concentrate on Saluda (city limits) as well as the surrounding areas that make up the 28773 zip code, which is the Saluda Community. We are a unique city that has a zip code that includes 2 counties. There is no map available at this time that shares this information.

If you are interested in any of our activities, please get in contact with us. If you would like to volunteer to help or would like to learn about our many different activities, look on our website saludaclt.org to find a person that you can contact for a specific project. Or call our office at 828-749-1560 and leave a message, we will return your call promptly.

We once again would like to thank the Polk County Community Foundation for helping us with our many projects. PCCF has helped us to be able to take our many projects and make them a reality. Thank you!

We are community based and our goal is to include the community in preserving the natural beauty of Saluda for future generations to enjoy.

SCLT meetings are held at 3PM on the first and third Wednesday of the month and are always open to the public. We will be meeting at our office in the upstairs of the Saluda Presbyterian Church throughout the winter months.

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 Saluda Garden Club will be having their last meeting of the year on November 19^th. Our speaker, John Vining, will be discussing the latest and greatest cultivars. The meeting will be held in the upstairs meeting room of the Saluda Library and starts at 10 AM. The public is invited.

We continue to care for the garden at Spring Park. We each have a love and fellowship with this special place and invite you to walk through the garden and enjoy this beautiful historic site. Even during the upcoming fall season you will be able to see native plants thriving. Remember to be gentle; leave every plant where it is in this lovely spot. Every rock has a purpose and each step is a reminder of times when people came here to be refreshed and share a tale of their travels.

Fall is the perfect time to add perennials or shrubbery to your home landscape.

There are many local nurseries that can guide you on your quest of what is local and where you may want to plant them. If they do not have them in stock, most will tell you where to go to find the plants or will order them for you.

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

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

The Saluda Dog Society is happy to announce the 2^nd annual dog show to be held on Dec. 15^th at the tennis courts at Saluda Elementary School.   There is a category for every dog. Registration will start at 1:00 PM, blessing of the dogs at 1:45, and the show at 2:00. After the show, all dogs and handlers are invited to march in the Christmas parade.   Entry fee is $10 per dog for all classes, and all fees support the SDS. For more information, please call Livvy French at 828-749-3017.

The Saluda Dog Society now has a cell phone number for rescue calls only.  It is 828-785-2496. We can also be reached at Facebook and via email at saludadogsociety@yahoo.com.

Heartwood Gallery

Christmas Community Fund Raiser

Friendship Star Ornaments

2 per package, $14.

All proceeds benefit Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry

Shop Local and Share the Spirit of the Season

Heartwood is located at 21 Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773. Please contact Heartwood at 828-749-9365.  Click here for directions.

Nectar Turns Three

This November marks Nectar's three year anniversary! We feel gratitude for all the support, joy, and transformation this community has shared with us over the past years, and look forward to another year of bliss together.

Out of appreciation for all that this community has graced Nectar with we humbly offer the following specials:

33% off ALL Spa Services, Massage, QRA, Counseling, and Facials...see our website for current pricing at nectarme.com

Yoga For Kids

Join us for an after-school kids yoga program this fall. After the busy, hurried-up world of school, kids can relax and unwind in a safe, healthy, compassionate environment.

Benefits of kids yoga include:
-Flexibility, strength, and body awareness
-Concentration, calmness, and relaxation
-Connection with inner-self, play, and relation to the surrounding world

Classes will be Tuesday from 3:45pm-4:45pm on the following dates:
11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27

Pre-registration is required and the total class cost is $36.

December Yoga Series  "As the Days Begin Getting Darker Come Discover the Light Within."
This series will be held Monday evening from 6pm-7:30pm on 12/3, 12/10. and 12/17.  Cost for the entire series is $36. Join us to rekindle the fire within!

Remember current yoga classes are:

Monday 6pm-7:30om
Wednesday/Saturday 8:30am-10am

Health Check

75% of all illness and disease remains avoidable with simple preventative measures. As the cold encroaches come in for a QRA checkup and boost your immune system to experience a cold/flu free Fall and Winter.

QRA (Quantum Reflex Analysis) is a highly effective, unique system that tests the bio-electric status of the body's key organs and glands using a blend of acupuncture points, herbal remediation, and university-proven Applied Kinesiology muscle testing.   

"Saluda, NC: Voices from the First 100 Years" to be Released in November

Here is what's new on our website:

• From her oral history interview, LaFaye "Faye" Russell Chandler remembers a special treat from John Gordon's store, the cleanest car in Saluda (and how it stayed that way), snow days in the 1950s, and the weekend Saluda square dances.
• Bill Andrews witnessed the burning of the Mountain House, one of the first hotels in Saluda, and he tells the story in this audio recording made shortly before his death in 2002.

There is always something new to explore on the Historic Saluda website. Check it out.

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.

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

Submitted by Cindy S. Tuttle, Co-Chair, Historic Saluda Committee

Just 44 days left to purchase your tickets.   

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 14 at the 2012 annual Hometown Christmas.

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

 

It is hard to believe that we have already completed nine weeks of school! Time flies when you are having fun! Keep reading to find out about a few of the exciting things that happened at Saluda Elementary this month.

On October 10, the Petal Pushers Garden Club toured the school campus and heard from Master Gardener, Laura Smith-Williams, about the gardening projects the club is sponsoring for students in After School Academy.

Saluda Fire & Rescue personnel brought two fire trucks and presented fire safety lessons for every grade level on Friday, October 12. The students were thrilled to receive a child-sized fire hat at the end of their safety lessons!

Kindergarten students walked with their teachers and parent volunteers downtown to Saluda Community Library for a special story time with Joy Sharp on October 17. Also, kindergarten students enjoyed a special classroom visit from author Fran Hawk who shared her book, Count Down to Fall, on October 19.

Students, parents, teachers, friends and family enjoyed a delicious spaghetti dinner on Thursday, October 18. After dinner, everyone spent time visiting classrooms and viewing student projects and artwork displayed in the hallways.

Wednesday, October 31 will be a Half Day for students! Every student will get to choose a free book from PTSO's Books Are Really Fun room before dismissal at 11:30am. Teachers will participate in professional development sessions during the afternoon hours.   

Upcoming Events

Nov. 23         5^th graders to see "Twelfth Night" performance at PCMS

Nov. 4           Daylight Savings Time ends---Fall back one hour!

Nov. 10         Methodist Church Turkey Dinner in school cafeteria

Nov. 12         Veteran's Day---No School!

Nov. 13         School choral group to sing for Women's Club Meeting

Nov. 12-13    National Blue Ribbon Schools Ceremony in Washington, DC

Nov. 16         National Blue Ribbon Schools Celebration

Nov. 19         School Board Meeting 6:30pm at Stearns

Nov. 20         End of the 2^nd six weeks of school

Nov. 21-23    Thanksgiving Holidays---No school!

Nov. 26         Assembly: Russian Spectacular

Nov. 27         Report Cards

Principal, Ronette Dill

Visit Saluda School for additional school news.   

Does this look familiar? Each box top is worth .10 cents! Last school year, students and the community earned $1,500 for Saluda Elementary School. Money was used to provide books to students to encourage reading at home. Help us this year by clipping and submitting your box tops. Box top collection containers are located in the Saluda Public Library, Saluda Post Office, and Saluda Elementary School Office. You can also give your box tops to a Saluda Elementary School student to help their school win monthly rewards.

Thank you for your support!

Marci Cannon, Box Top Coordinator

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 

Margaret Moffat, 96, passed away on October 14, 2012. 

Maudie Faye Johnson, 79, of 672 Laurel Drive, Saluda, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012.

Frances Burton Hogg Heister Lambert,

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. 

Fallen leaves are blanketing a patchwork quilt of brilliant colors over the mountains, and there is a special quietness in the air. With the first glistening frost, comes a smell of wood smoke and the sound of black birds echoing through the bare tree limbs.

Merchants are taking a well-deserved respite between a busy season of leaf lookers filling the town and holiday tourists and shoppers.

Gardeners are busy pruning, planting, and preparing the soil for next spring's blooms.

The calm of November permits time to reflect on the past year and to count your blessings. A time to say "thanks" to Saludians who have served you at restaurants, shops, the bank, the post office, all the volunteers who give their time, town officials, and Saluda's Fire & Rescue who work at serving your needs.  

Many Saludians feel thankful every day that they were fortunate to discover Saluda, where the pace is slower, and neighbors and friends take the time to show their gratitude to one another.

Our first official contra dance is a week away! Please plan to join us at beautiful Sunnydale on Wednesday, November 7.   

LIVE MUSIC by Alan Dillman, Doug Rostick, and friends.

CALLING by Becky Walker

LOCATION:  Sunnydale, a wonderful, historic facility with a wooden dance floor and plenty of room.  334 Trade Street in Tryon, NC next to the IGA Grocery. Parking in front and across the street (not in the Dollar General lot).

DONATION: Please share $8 with us to pay the musicians and caller.

TIME:  Beginner lesson at 6:30.  Dancing from 7:00 until 9:30.

When: November 24, 2012

Location : Saluda Fire Department, 64 Greenville St.,  Saluda, NC

Event Times : Registration 11:00 AM ~ 1:45 PM

Parade : Starts at 2:00 PM Sharp.  Police Escort for the entire way.

Registration Fee : $10.00 per person or a $10.00 or more NEW toy.

This event will feature barbeque, music, door prizes and more!

This is held the last Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. To find the route, please click on the map link. Please turn out and cheer the riders on.

All motorcycle riders are invited to participate in this ride. Motorcycle riders come in from both North and South Carolina to make sure that children in need get a toy for Christmas.   

The route the riders follow starts in Saluda, NC, at the Saluda Fire  Department parking area with room for up to 1000 + bikes.  They move out in parade fashion and travel down highway US-176 to pass through Tryon, NC, while in route to Landrum, SC.  Arriving in Landrum, SC, the riders turn left and go through the town of Landrum, SC crossing over Interstate 26 in route to Green Creek, NC. Once they arrive there, they then turn North on NC-9 to Mill Spring, NC.  Then riders turn West on NC-108 to Columbus, NC, and terminate at the front steps of the Court House.  There will be ample parking in front of the Court House for the motorcycles to park in normal diagonal fashion. The toys are placed on the steps and wall for all to see and admire.  The column of bikers each year is about 10 miles long.  They travel at about 40 mph on the entire route in staggered 2 by 2 fashion.

The Polk County Sheriff's office would like to thank all of the motorcycle riders that participate in this event and hope that it will only grow larger each year.

For more information contact Barry Gee 828-817-3084 or email bgee1960@yahoo.com.

The 17^th Annual Green Rivers Narrows Kayak Race will be held on Saturday, November 3 at high noon.  While passing through the most majestic section of the river, over 100 racers from all over the World, will compete for the first place trophy. The spectators that make the trek down Pulliam Creek Trail (off of Big Hungry Rd) will witness someone kayaking The Gorilla every minute for almost 2.5 hours. We say this is the "greatest show in all of sports." The energy is electric and the fun factor is always high.

This year the awards party will be held on the recently finished deck and historic barn behind Historic Thompson's Store & Wards Grill in downtown Saluda. Come out and join us for live music, beverages, and the awards for the one largest kayaking race in the world. There will also be a highlight reel of the day's race. The festivities will be happening between 6pm-11pm, Saturday, November 3, 2012 everyone is invited.

Check out greenrace.amongstit.com for spectator directions and more information about the happening of the day.  

By Chelsea and John Grace 

Get Ready for the Ride of Your Life!

Tim and Sara Bell of Green River Adventures are pleased to announce "The Gorge," a tree-top canopy tour over the Green River Gorge.

Our outpost overlooks the famous Green River Gorge and is adjacent to 10,000 acres of Green River Gamelands.

Our course descends 1,100 vertical feet from start to finish over 125 acres of Mature Forest.

• 6,500 feet of Zip Lines
• Tree-Based Platforms
• Sky Bridges
• Free-Fall Rappels

Be the first to know. Be first to fly.

Now is the best time to make your friends jealous. Join our newsletter for an exclusive offer. Be among the first 500 people to get a sneak peak flight before anyone else! Sign up now!

Employment Opportunities

To apply for a position, please send an email to tim@greenriveradventures.com including a cover letter and résumé. Visit greenrivergorge.com to view all positions needed. Job opportunities are for:

• Outpost Manager
• Canopy Tour Trip Leader
• Canopy Tour Guide
• Reservations/Retail
• Driver

Congratulations, Sara and Tim for bringing this great outdoor adventure to Saluda. 

Visit website. 

Join "The Gorge" conversation on 

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

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. On cooler evenings everyone gathers around our large stone fireplace before and after dinner. The Inn also has 9 rooms upstairs all with private baths and lovely mountain views, and 5 private cottages with decks or screened in porches, jacuzzi tubs, and gas fireplaces. The Inn was built in 1926, sits on 12 acres, is listed on the National Register of Historic places, a member of the distinguished Select Registry and Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. All rooms are tastefully decorated with antiques and period pieces, and our linens are ultra luxurious. The gracious hosts look forward to welcoming you to their little slice of heaven.

Come Ye Thankful People Come! Treat your sweetheart or several generations of your family to a traditional AND relaxing Thanksgiving Dinner at the Orchard Inn. Space is filling up, so make a reservation soon for our memorable feast which begins at 2 pm. $62 per person. Special 3-night packages are available in the Inn as well.

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

Maggie's Old Saluda Store

Margaret Woods would like to thank all Saludians who attended the two grand opening October weekends in Saluda. 

The store is open from 9am til 5pm with extended hours later as the restaurant takes shape, hopefully by mid-October.

Located at 1487 Ozone Drive, Saluda, NC. 828-749-3503.  Click here to visit their website. 

Sweet Earth Mountain Antiques and Resale has now moved into a corner of Joni's Artisanal Wine Shop next to Wildflour Bakery at Nostalgia Courtyard.  Biddie's Antiques has moved out and several other gift, resale, and antique booths are moving in!  There will be quite a diverse mix of art, clothing, yard art, glassware, furniture, jewelry, hand crafts, home decor items, and more.  As for my booth, there will be new items moved in every week. I have a whole building to sort through and may even do some consignment and charitable donation options, too, to add to the fun. Come in and take a look.  I also buy, sell, and trade.

Sheila Billeter

November at the Saluda Grade Café 
November is still exciting at the Grade! Lots of Roasted Vegetables, Bread Puddings, Lamb, Cornish Game Hens and yes,...Braised Pork Belly!! Chicken Pot Pie and Sheppard's Pie are also great Fall Foods to fight chilly weather.

Fall is a time of Celebration! A time of Harvest and Thankfulness! November 22 is Thanksgiving and Saluda Grade Café is known for its Thanksgiving Feasts! A time to spend enjoying family, friends and great food! Selections will include...

Roast Tom Turkey with Sage Dressing and Giblet Gravy, served with Brown Sugar Sweet Potatoes Casserole , Vegetable Medley, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Pearl Onions and Cranberry Orange Relish

Rosemary Cornmeal Fried Sunburst Farms Trout with Honey Rosemary Butter

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Three Peppercorn Bourbon Sauce and Caramelized Onions

Vegetarian Filo Hobo Bag filled with Butternut Squash, Spinach, Goat Cheese and Black Beans!

Entrees will be served with Hot Spiced Cider, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Pearl Onions, Vegetable Medley, Mixed Green Salad with Gorgonzola Cheese and Pears...Your choice of Pumpkin Pie, Bourbon Pecan Pie or Warm Brown Sugar Apple Crisp. Coffee and Iced Tea, too.

Saluda Grade Café is taking Thanksgiving reservations at...11:30, 1:00, 2:30, and at 4:00 for any size party. 828-749-5854 We are looking forward to seeing you, your family and friends for a great day of Thanksgiving!! P.S. We can also do complete or partial Thanksgiving Roast Turkey Dinners to be picked up. Loaves of Bread, Whole Cakes, Pies and Cobblers are also available! Oven space is limited so call early!

A special Thank you to all our Musician Friends for gathering at The Grade on Friday nights and sharing their talents!   Old Time Music starts at 7:00! Come out and enjoy great local food and music!

Keep in touch with us via Facebook to see pictures of what Saluda Grade is cooking up...Pictures of Caterings, Yummy Food and Friendly Faces!

Happy November family and friends! We are Thankful to be in Saluda!!

Kaye, Mario and the Staff of the Grade  

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

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

Shaman's Way, a bulk food store has opened at 54 East Main Street (in the alley by M.A. Pace General Store) and is specializing in bulk foods like nuts, seeds, grains, dried fruits, herbs, and spices.

Here's a recipe for an Immune Building Tea to protect against colds with winter approaching quickly. Ingredients include: alfalfa leaf, echinacea, ginger root, and blessed thistle. Combine all, let steep in hot water, and enjoy. Check out more tips on using natural herbs as remedies on Facebook. Pick up all these ingredients at the Shaman's Way.

For more information, please contact proprietor, Julie Harris at 864-322-3742 or email at jah5571@bellsouth.net.

Histor

Join us for a Wine Tasting on November 8 from 4 to 6pm in the Upstairs Boarding House. We will be introducing "Seekers."  For your Thanksgiving enjoyment, we are adding specialty items such as:  Fruit Breads, Variety of flavors of Chutney, Cheese, Amish Butter, and Best of all--the Best Cut of Meats In Town.  Remember, your Thanksgiving Dinner would not be complete without "Charlie's Sage Sausage."  

Need to relax after getting the children to school, come downtown and have Breakfast or Lunch in the Grill. Monday to Friday, we have a Lunch Special with our freshly made sides prepared by Melissa & ladies. The grill is open daily from 7:00am to 3:00pm.  If you are going out early on Saturday, we open at 6:30am.

Our Historic Boarding House Venue is open for your next event.  Are you thinking of a Christmas party or dinner party?  Come by and check out our Upstairs and let us help make your next event special for all.  Contact Judy Ward at 828-749-2321. 

November Special

We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, November 22. 

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!

Narragansett Pints still $1.50 a pint all day everyday! 

The chill is in the air and we are adding Fall and Winter items to the menu. Our favorites to return are 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.   

Leftovers gone, but not your guests?  Just order some awesome pizza from Wildflour on Friday night, grab some wine from Joni's Wine next door and pick out a favorite movie, make it a game night, or pull out the old photo albums!  Don't forget: You get $5 off when you order 2 large carry out pizzas.  

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   

Random Arts    

Soon it will be the holidays, as well as the gift giving season, and whether you are an "indie" crafter or a "like it and buy it" shopper, you will be sure to find everything you need at Random Arts at the corner of Louisiana and Ozone. From unique hostess gifts, funky and fun greeting cards to everyday crafting supplies, you will be sure to find exactly what you need right here. 

 

Random Arts, has recently added a unique line of women's wear to their eclectic mix of assorted goods for creative mindfulness. Being creative starts with you, so why not show it off with a fashion statement as well. Call it Boho, if you will. It's trendy, artsy, young at heart, and affordably priced. It's been noted that our customers have been seen all over town wearing the latest styles and getting great compliments.

 

Along with this new clothing line, comes a huge selection of colorful and textured scarves for every season, as well as designer jewelry and accessories. Stop by and see what's new and experience all that is "new" at Random  Arts.

 

You can reach Random Arts by email: randomarts@charter.net or by phone: 828-749-1165

Our hours are:

Thursday, Friday and Saturday

10 am till 5pm.  Other hours by appointment.  

Random Arts is located at 481 Louisiana Ave., Saluda, NC 28773.     Click here for directions.  

The camp fires keep you warm as you join your friends to make s'mores after a day of hiking and enjoying the leaves. Then you head to your cabin for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow you may decide to visit town and an apple orchard. Then it's back to your cabin for another fun evening before heading back to reality.

As the beautiful fall season passes, we head into the holiday season. We are getting ready for that, too with beautiful lights and great visits from family and friends. We are hoping for snow this year. Our children wanted snow so bad last year. That was one of the things that excited them about moving to the mountains.

We will have another Cabin/Biltmore package ready for the holidays and feel free to give us a call about these packages. If you are headed this way, don't forget your jacket. 

for directions. 

Joni Artisanal Wine and Beer is going through some changes. Amy Beeson who owned Biddies Antiques has had her final sale and gone into retirement, leaving behind a large empty space attached to the wine shop. Amy Beeson will be missed by Joni, Wylie, George and the rest of her great customers. She will continue to do estate sales and enjoy her retirement. GOOD LUCK AMY!

The empty space that Amy has left behind has started its transformation. I am excited to tell you that we have some of the most creative people in town coming together to set up shop. Inside, you will find Shelia with Sweet Mountain Selections. She has an eye for finding things of great value and intrigue.   Next to her, you will find 3 artists crammed into one space, offering metal, fiber, nature and art. Julie Pace-Arrington, Alex and Kelly Trumble and Karen Johnson have come together to create a truly unique space.   Julie has a knack collecting wilderness and turning it into a piece of art - you will love her birdhouses and wall pockets filled with moss and dried flowers. Alex and Kelly couldn't be more different. Kelly is a fiber genius with hats, bags, and ornaments. Alex can do the unimaginable to metal! Come check out his table top bottle trees, alphabet and lighted signs.   And then, there is the mysterious Sherrye who has an eye for vintage, primarily clothing, but much more! You may know her from Saluda Skin Spa. For those who haven't visited her shop on Ozone, you will be amazed at what she has put together - now you can see it at the wine shop. Last mentioned, but first booth to see at the shop, Joan who has a very similar style to Amy. Elegant and higher end antiques. You'll find silver spoons and crystal and a high chair fit for a king. Joan may be a familiar face; she's my Mom! She will also be taking consignments.

A quick word on Joni's wine shop...we celebrated our year anniversary. "Thank you's" go out to all of you who have made an expressive effort to support our small, independent and local business. We are truly grateful and recognize that it couldn't be done without your efforts. Owning a small business in a small town has some large challenges - called the SUPER STORES. It is so much easier to pick up your wine while you are at the big stores along with your deodorant, garbage bags, socks, air filters and so on....however, when you shop at an "indie" store, you are supporting a person, not a corporation. So, Thank you again!  

Together, we have created a fabulous shopping space that expresses art, nostalgia, style, fashion and great energy. The shop is located at 171 East Main Street, next to Wildflour Bakery, Brass Latch and Gardener's Cottage. Our regular hours are Tue-Sat 11-6 and Sunday 12-3. Closed on Mondays. HOWEVER, we have some very enthusiastic team members who like to be open more, so ride by and see if the open sign is out and stop in.

Macon Bank - Banking Your Way!

At Macon Bank, we're all about convenience.

We offer:

• ATMs - conveniently located for cash withdrawals
• Bill Pay - set up to pay your bills online automatically
• Online banking - check account balances, transfer money between accounts
• PopMoney - pay your baby sitter or send money to your college student from your computer with just an email address or smart phone number
• Macon Bank Mobility - from your Droid or iPhone, pay your bills, check transaction history, transfer money between accounts, look up bank and ATM locations

We make it easy for you to bank anytime,  anywhere, on your schedule.

Macon Bank. The People You Turn To. The Bank You Trust.

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

Music Venues for Saluda Home Town Christmas™ - Friday, December 14, 2012 - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Saluda Community Library - Suzanne Haskell and Friends - Flute Ensemble

Purple Onion - Fred Whiskin - Piano

Heartwood - Ben Smith and Friend - Cello and Violin

Ward's Grill - Paul Cataldo - Guitar

Thompson's Store (Upstairs) - Sonya Monts - Dancers Extension

Evening Shade Pottery - Kyle and Cassidy Sorenson - Guitar and Vocal

Saluda Grade Café - Alan Dillman and Friends - Traditional Music

Wynn & Associates - Betsey Smith and Angela Thomas - Violins

Kathleen's Gallery - Joah and Daphne Bickley - Violins

Honking Tonker's Gallery - Jeremy Duncan - Keyboard

Macon Bank - Jan Daugherty, Students, and Friends - Strings

The Oaks B&B - Tony Thompson - Piano

Saluda Hometown Christmas™ is sponsored by the Saluda Business Association.  

If you have not entered a float, and would like to be a part of the parade, please contact Judy Ward at 828-749-2321. 

Christmas Fun for your kids!!!!   Put it on your calendar right now!

We're inviting all of Saluda's kids to be a part of something great...the Saluda Children's Christmas Workshop that's happening on December 15, 2012 from 9:30 am till 1:00 pm at the Saluda Fire Hall on Greenville Street. They'll make gifts and ornaments for their family and friends. Participating kids must be 5 years or older to attend and be accompanied by an adult. (Parents, please don't bring children under five due to the difficulty of some of the projects.) If you want to give a little, you can bring non-perishable food items and contribute to our local food pantry.

This event, which is sponsored by Mountain Life Realty & Management, Inc., has been going on for over twenty years and with the assistance of 16 "Workshop Helpers" from Saluda, we provide you with art projects, personal instruction, and supplies. All you have to do is show up to have lots of fun and take home some wonderful art projects and gifts.

Christmas is a special time of year...full of opportunity to share, be creative and give. The Workshop Helpers are willing to share their time to teach you how to be creative so you can give to those you love. Come be a part of something very special in Saluda. We're looking forward to seeing you.

If you have any questions or would like to be a helper, just call Laura Fields at Mountain Life Realty on Main Street at 828-749-4420 or 828-697-3878.

"I do not presume to explain how to paint, but only how to get enjoyment." (Winston Churchill)

Meet Don Blackwell. Don teaches drawing at Isothermal Community College in Columbus. He also is a very accomplished woodcarver. In addition, he works in watercolor, air brush, and pyrography. He is presently teaching three courses at the college: Pen and Ink, Intermediate Drawing (Mixed Media), and an Open Studio class. Beginning in January, he will continue with these classes, also adding a Beginning Drawing class, an additional section of his Open Studio class, and a Woodcarving class. (Watch for the ICC Course Brochure which will come out in late December.)

Don was born and raised in Hendersonville and was in the Air Force as an Air Force artist. He lived in Alaska for 26 years, gaining a love and appreciation for nature which is seen in his art, and still has a cabin there. He met his wife Phoebe, also a talented and prolific artist, while in the Air Force. He has been teaching art since 1989. They moved here from Hawaii in 2004, and he says, "I love it here," and that "what is fascinating about this community is the number of extremely talented artists who live in this area and many did not realize they had the talent. It is a pleasure to find and develop that talent."

Don's students come from several neighboring counties, as well as Polk County. Carol Sands, a resident of Brevard and an artist in Don's Mixed Media class, feels that Don's classes have "opened a whole new world" for her. Both she and Ed Jacunski, an artist from Rutherford County, agree that the secret is Don's positive guidance, and that, in addition, he encourages his students to learn from each other. They feel that a big plus is that you "start with the beginning course and that Don then takes you through the steps [each additional class] and ties all of it together." His Open Studio artists agree with these statements wholeheartedly. As several students in Open Studio stated at the end of one class recently, "It is the joy that Don has in his art that is so special." This joy is contagious!

In talking to Don, he says that he "believes wholeheartedly that ICC, Polk campus, is the best learning institution he has ever had the pleasure of being associated with and that the possibilities for additional continuing education opportunities are limitless." He feels that the staff is "first rate" and that they do everything possible "to help faculty and students to reach their goals." He adds that this is a "unique institution" that "makes a serious effort to offer courses that people want and need."

To learn more about Don's classes or to register, call Isothermal Community College at 828-894-3092. To see his art, visit Kathleen's in downtown Saluda.

A selection of courses beginning in late October/early November are: Intermediate Drawing, Open Watercolor Studio, Suncatchers in Stained Glass, The History of Ireland, Chinese Government Policies, Practical Horsemanship for Women, Survey of Irish History, Photo Elements III, Facebook for Business, Social Security-Your Questions Answered.

By Betsy Sellers

If you're a small-business owner, you've got a lot to think about today, but you still need to consider your future. That means you need to set up a retirement plan and one option to consider is an Owner-only 401(k).

This plan is easy to establish, easy to administer and, most importantly, gives you many of the same benefits enjoyed by employees of a company that offers a traditional 401(k) plan.  This includes tax-deferred earnings, tax-deductible contributions, and a variety of investment choices.

Furthermore, a Solo 401(k) can potentially allow you to make greater contributions, at an identical income level than other small-business retirement plans.

An Owner-only 401(k) may be a good choice if you have no full-time employees, except possibly your spouse or business partner. However, it's not the only plan available, so, before taking action, consult with your tax and financial advisors to determine if an Owner-only 401(k) is appropriate for your needs.

But don't wait too long.  To take any tax deductions from your Owner-only 401(k) for 2012, you'll have to establish your plan by December 31.

Click here to view

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

On the advice of our realtor, we "learned to love Saluda."

We were excited about finding a beautiful Victorian Inn that just came on the market and, as it turns out, the realtor had spent her early married years in a small cottage just off of Main Street. She charmed us with memories that made us wonder if such a place really existed.

On our first excursion, we discovered shops, galleries and bistros and met shopkeepers, artists and restaurateurs. On one such encounter, we walked into M. A. Pace General Store. The store was from its inception, as it is today, an authentic general store, dedicated to such merchandise that served the needs of those that settled in the area.

It was there that we met Robert Pace, Proprietor, seated behind a counter cluttered with books, cards and a giant old-time cash register. Robert's face would light up when we walked in that day and every day after. He had a special kindness and a wealth of stories, which he loved to share. 

Robert reminisced freely about his childhood home (about a block or so from the house that we would buy), and how he and his brothers would run into town to meet the trains and the people they would bring.

He told us of how, when our home was a boarding house, a "pretty little red-haired girl" played on the porch, and how he would ride back-and-forth on his bike, hoping she would notice.

He kept our granddaughter entertained one afternoon by having her put price stickers on packs of gum and sweeping around the store - paying her in candy.

We would run homemade chicken soup down to him on cold winter days, and when Donna would bake, there was always a pie for Robert. Somehow, there was great pride in giving back to a man who gave so much.

Robert passed away on October 1, 2010. Donna and I miss him dearly and think of him every day.

M.A. Pace General Store remains a landmark on Main Street and is kept pretty much as Robert had kept it and his father before him.

Visit this historic property and others while staying at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast - open year-round and dedicated to preserving the history of this beautiful town. Visit our websitefor more information, or call 828-749-2000 for reservations.  

Upon graduation from Saluda High School in '57, my dream for the future was to get the heck out of town. Starting at 8 years of age, I had become the man of our house since my two older brothers had left home. The hated chores, about which I have previously written, such as milking cows, slopping hogs and chopping firewood, along with family poverty, had made me determined to seek a better future somewhere else. I also dreamed of a warmer climate.

That summer began like previous ones. I had a job at Thompson's Store working six days each week. Lola and Roy Ward paid me $30 per week for a minimum of 60 hours in labor. From 7:00 in the morning until 8:00 at night, they expected any employee to be there the entire time except for a one hour lunch break.

Having no money for college and no real vision for the future, I accepted a job offer that September with my family's construction company in Leesburg, Florida, owned by my brothers and father. After dreaming that my economic condition would improve, imagine my surprise when I became the only white laborer in the company.  While my weekly pay had increased from $30 to $35 for a shorter 40 hour work week, now my living expenses were shocking. Back in Saluda, I had lived at home, was fed, had clean clothes, etc. all at no cost. Now in Florida, one of my brothers allowed me to live with him and his family, but I had to pay $10 per week in rent, $5 for supper meals, and $5 for washing and ironing my clothes. After withholding for taxes, I was lucky to have $10 left each week to maintain my  '51 Ford, buy clothes and personal supplies, purchase breakfast and lunch food, and afford an occasional movie date. It didn't take long to realize this wasn't exactly the future I had envisioned. Hauling bricks and concrete blocks, mixing mortar, digging footings, pouring concrete, and hauling lumber in the stifling Florida heat and humidity was just not to my liking. So, after almost a year of this job to nowhere, I decided to ask my brothers for a promotion out of the labor pool.  

The conversation went something like this: To my brother Perry, with whom I lived, "Perry, I need a better job with more pay. I can't keep living like this. The way it is right now, I don't earn enough to pay my bills and have a social life; plus you guys are my older brothers and should help out your kid brother."

"You need to speak to your other brother Charles about this."

Charles was my Billy goat gruff brother. His response to my pleadings, "What kind of better job?"

"Well, I think I would like to learn to be an apprentice carpenter."

"Okay, where are your tools?"

"I don't have any because I don't make enough money to buy them."

"Then get back out there, you're still just a laborer."

At that time, we were constructing a school on blazing hot sand in summertime Palatka, Florida where the tap water had a horrible sulfur odor and taste, and the air hung heavy with the lovely fragrance that only a paper mill can emit.  

Meanwhile, the extreme heat required water breaks for us laborers every 30 minutes.  That was a defining moment in my life. All of a sudden, North Carolina didn't look too bad after all. I decided to take a week of unpaid vacation and visit my mama back in Saluda. While there, I begged Lola to rehire me for the summer, and when she agreed, I felt like I had been released from purgatory.  In subsequent phone conversations with my brothers, it became apparent that they had used the laborer's job as their way to encourage me toward a better future. With their subsequent commitment to assist me with a college education, I soon realized this was an offer too good to let pass. By the time fall came, I had been able to save enough money from the store job which, when combined with help from my brothers and mama, covered the first year's expenses. However, due to lack of courses offered at Saluda High, I was provisionally accepted as a freshman at North Carolina State and was required to take several non-credit courses to catch up with the other students from larger schools.

During that first year, I was called in for student counseling, and after a battery of tests, was advised that I had only one chance in a hundred of graduating at that school. I was strongly encouraged to transfer to the University of North Carolina where I could pursue a curriculum in liberal arts rather than the tough math and engineering courses I would be facing at N. C. State.

Five years later, I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree, and the rest is history!

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

Our second daughter, who is now in her forties, was always a unique child.   She was so cute...black hair and a big smile.  People often mistook her to be a cute Eskimo.

Although she wasn't a fat baby, she was heavy.  My wife and I would laugh when people would try to pick her up.  They really had to strain.  We just said she was "big boned."

When she went to school, she was taller than kids her age.  She was relatively thin during most of high school and college.  But still the scales weighed her heavy.

She is quite the sportswoman....swimming, volleyball, soccer.   But it plagued her that she was always overweight.  She would diet, but with little long term success.

The last time she visited us, she quite seriously confessed to me:  "I think I am a Viking.  I am sure my DNA would prove it."

She pointed out that she had more than a dozen aunts and cousins who were more than 6 feet tall.  She was sure their DNA would show them to be Vikings as well.

"I'm not getting on the scales anymore," she told me.  "I'm concentrating on being healthy and happy.  I'm going to be a Viking Queen."

I told her I thought that was a great idea.  "Just don't start wearing a horned hat like
the Vikings did."

She now swims every day, training for the Senior Olympics.  When she is old enough, she wants to be ready.  And if they call her a Viking Queen, she will be happy.

If you see a tall woman paddling a kayak on Lake Sheila (and if she is wearing a Viking hat), it is probably her.  Especially if she has her volleyball team with her or her cousins. They're all Viking Queens.

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