Saluda Property & Real Estate

A Quick Saluda Market Update

(compares last year's sales with the same period this year as of September 30, 2013). 

Sales               Closed   Pending 

Homes 2013     20         8      

Homes 2012     21         0     

Land 2013         16        3           

Land 2012         10        0

Foreclosures-REO-Short Sales

Saluda - 3 properties 

Polk County - 19 properties 

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.

Robert Pace

 1923-2010

This issue of Saluda Lifestyles is dedicated to the memory of Robert Pace.  Robert passed away October 1, 2010. 

November 2    Green River Narrows Race

December 13   Hometown Christmas   

The Saluda United Methodist Church will host its annual Turkey Dinner on Saturday, November 9, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Saluda School Cafeteria.  Tickets are on sale now.  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.  

Don't Turn into a Pumpkin!

Join Blue Ridge Contra Dancers Tuesday, October 22 at 7PM for some fall fun!      

We are lucky enough to have one of our favorite callers, Keith Eustis, join us again. Nationally known, she is a crowd favorite. And we are also welcoming The Crutchfield Project, a group that plays a lively mixture of unusual old-time fiddle tunes, played with gusto and with the usual instruments.

We will be at the Party and Event Place, 221 Friendship Church Road in Saluda. Lessons from 7-7:30PM with dancing from 7:30-10PM. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 under 18.  

For directions, please visit partyplaceandeventplace.com. For more information or to sign up for our email list, please visit blueridgecontra@icloud.com. See Blue Ridge Contra on FaceBook and for a sample dance visit Gallery.

See us on Facebook at Blue Ridge Contra Dancers! See you at the dance!

One-stop or early voting for the 2013 November 5 municipal election begins on October 17 and ends on Saturday, November 2 at 1 pm. All early voting will be done at the Polk County Board of Elections, located on the second floor of the Womack building in Columbus. Residents may also register to vote if they register while early voting. In order to vote on Election Day, November 5, residents must register by October 11 at 5 pm.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Hours at all polling places are from 6:30am to 7:30pm. The sites are as follows:

Columbus Municipal-Columbus Town Hall

Tryon Municipal-Log Cabin-Harmon Field

Saluda Municipal-Fire Department

For more information about voting registration, please call Karen Lawrence, Deputy Director of Elections, Polk County at 828-894-8181.

The Saluda Tailgate Market finishes our regular season on October 25. That leaves only four Fridays for you to come shop and enjoy the wonderful fall produce our local growers have for you. Don't miss any of them! The apples are plentiful, as are greens, winter squashes, potatoes and other root vegetables. We have goat cheese, mushrooms, pork, Saluda raised beef, trout and lamb. Stock up on preserves and baked goods for the winter. Come relish the perfect fall weather, greet your neighbors, and tell your favorite vendors how much you appreciate their dedication to our market. Mark your calendars for our one special Holiday Market the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 30, 12-2pm. We hope to include local, agriculturally focused craft along with trees and wreaths, along with our usual fare. See you at the market!

To learn more about how to sign up to vend or sign up for the weekly e-news letter, please visit saludatailgate.com or contact Shelley DeKay 828-606-5713.

You are invited to support the Saluda 5k9 - an event for dogs and their human companions in Saluda, NC on October 12, 2013, for a donation of at least $2S.00 or a canine related gift or gift certificate.  All donations are tax deductible.  Proceeds will benefit the Saluda Community Land Trust.

The mission of the Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) is to preserve Saluda's rural character by preserving farm and forest land in and around Saluda.  More information about SCLT can be found at saludaclt.org.

Please make checks payable to SCLT.  Mail checks, items, or gift certificates along with application to:  Saluda 5k9, c/o PO Box 1126, Saluda, NC 28773.  Call Ellen Rogers at 828-329-6790 if you would like to arrange for a pickup of your donation.  Click here to download an application.

A Thrifty Barn Basement is open every Saturday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm and every Wednesday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Donations are accepted on Wednesdays.

A Thrifty Barn is open Wed. through Sat. from 10:00 am-4:00 pm.  Donations are accepted when we are open.

If you are in need of some medical equipment, please call 828-749-9245. We may be able to loan you what you need.

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.   

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

Please help this year be even more successful for Polk County's Big Sweep.  The cleanup will begin on October 26 at 9:00 a.m. and last until 12:30 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Fishtop Access parking area on Green River Cove Rd.   

Volunteers can contact Polk County Coordinator, Mark Byington, at 864-979-7436 for more information or go to the Big Sweep website at ncbigsweep.org to learn more.

The 18^th Annual Green River Narrows Kayak Race will be held on Saturday, November 2 at high noon. Over 100 racers, passing through the most majestic section of the river, and 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. It is said this is the "greatest show in all of sports." The energy is electric and the fun factor is always high.

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

What happened to the summer? Did we even have a summer? SCLT has worked hard between rainfalls to get summer projects done. Trails have been cleaned and are ready for your walking enjoyment. Kudzu has been attacked this summer, and we are now using cool weather control methods. Twin Lakes has had three successful "Open to the Public" gatherings, and the list goes on. A huge Thank You to all volunteers who have helped to make our projects successful.

October 17^th

Come join us at the Saluda Fire Department for a chili dinner! There will be four different types of chili (including vegetarian) along with fixings, chips and drinks. We will have a short program about kudzu control and special guest speaker Becky Shropshire who will share information about her search and rescue dogs who work with finding lost and missing people. Becky is a Saluda native and is president of the rescue team, Southern Pride Search Dogs. We plan to start at 6pm; this event is free and open to the public. Bring your children; they'll enjoy meeting the rescue dogs!

Walks in the Woods

October 6^th...Waters of Camp Creek Upper Trail

2 miles of moderate hiking. Enjoy the spectacular colors of fall from the upper portion of the trail.

October 20^th...Walk the trails of the Saluda Nature Park and see the progress SCLT has made restoring this beautiful area.

We meet in the parking lot of the Saluda Library at 2PM, with carpooling from the Library encouraged. As always, we ask that you please wear appropriate clothing and be sure to let your trail leader know if you have any medical concerns that might need addressing. Bring water and enjoy a great time to be outdoors!

Twin Lakes

Want to have a place for you and your family to take a day off and wet your feet? SCLT has been doing a great amount of work to preserve Twin Lakes, an area that has deep history with the Saluda Community. If you are interested in reserving this spot for a festive occasion, or would just like to take the day off with family and friends, please call our office at 828-749-1560. This is a reservation only facility, and a donation is greatly appreciated.

The next SCLT meeting will be Wednesday,  October 2^nd at 3 pm. We will meet upstairs in our office which is located at the Presbyterian Church. The public is always welcome.

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 its 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.  The October meeting will be Monday, October 21.

For more information about the Saluda Garden Club, please call Patty Martin at 828-817-9518. We are always looking for new members to join our fun!

An interested group of citizens and members of Saluda City Council were made aware of the benefits derived by communities throughout the United States who become designated as Tree City USA.  The message was brought to a Saluda City Council meeting several months ago by US Forest Rangers from Polk County who work closely with the Arbor Day Foundation.  The Tree City USA project began in 1976 through Arbor Day Foundation and has spread across our country to currently more than 2400 towns and cities.

A surge of interest has evolved as Ranger, Eric Muecae, met with an "interest group" on August 20, 2013 at the Saluda Community Library.  He discussed questions asked previously by those not familiar with the program.

A major concern-intervention by any individual or group which would dictate regulations pertaining to trees or privately owned property.  He clarified that only trees on city property would be considered by the organization.

Another concern was cost to the city entailed by membership in Tree City USA desgination.  The allocation is only $2 per capita for all towns and cities.  Money already budgeted annually for necessities, such as storm damage clean-up or regular debris removal of limbs and pruning, are included in meeting the nominal expense.

A second meeting on September 15 was also held at the Saluda Community Library.  Copies of the agenda for the meeting were distributed and a discussion continued on topics introduced by Ranger Muecae at the previous meeting, as well as new ideas proposed.  As work progresses on fulfilling requirements for Tree City USA designation, the Rangers' offers of assistance were noted and will be appreciated.  A suggestion was made that the group should plant a tree very soon attesting to the group's sincere appreciation of trees and its determination to fulfill the requirements for taking our place among the many who have succeeded in achieving this recognition.

Submitted by Ruth Anderson 

 A Tribute to Horace Pace

On August 20, 2013, Saluda lost one of its beloved icons, Horace Pace. To view a 6-part interview on YouTuber with Horace, we invite you to visit our website: historicsaluda.org for the links.  

Help Set the Trend, New HSC Auto Stickers Available!

For only $3, you can help fund future HSC projects and at the same time help set a trend. These stylish non-fading automobile stickers, featuring the HSC logo, can be purchased through local merchants and at City Hall. Buy one to be cool or be square!

Want to Revisit the Historic Saluda Home Tour of Henderson Street?

CD Released! "Saluda: Voices from the First 100 Years"  

Get your copy of the oral history audio documentary, "Saluda, NC: Voices from the First 100 Years." Over 30 years ago when Anne Osborne and Charlene Pace were working on their book Saluda, NC: 100 Years 1881-1981, they conducted interviews with some of Saluda's oldest residents. Luckily, these interviews were captured on what we now consider to be "old fashioned" cassette tapes and were donated to the Oral History Committee. Snippets from these interviews were woven into a story line and compiled into this CD. Funding provided by the Polk County Community Foundation's Saluda Community Fund. The CD can be purchased ($10) through local merchants and at City Hall. You can also purchase it on-line at saludalifestyles.com. All proceeds go toward future projects. Click here to watch the YouTube promotional video.

DVD Available for Sale by Local Merchants

Home, Hearth and History: Stories of Old Saluda can be purchased ($20) through local merchants and at City Hall. You can also purchase it on-line at saludalifestyles.com. All proceeds go toward future projects.

Meetings

The Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) will meet on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Saluda Public Library in the upstairs meeting room. The Oral History Committee will also meet jointly with the HSC. The public is invited to attend. 

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

We are all concerned consumers these days.  We read the back of all our food products for their contents: the Calories, Sodium, Cholesterol, Carbohydrates, and Total Fat percentages of all our food products.

However, when it comes to feeding our pets, dogs and cats, we often do the opposite by buying low quality dog and cat food based on the fancy TV commercials and the pretty pictures that most nationally named dog food brands present.  If you stop and read the back of each dog food that you buy from your local supermarkets, you will see that these brands of dog and cat foods do not contain the same foods that appear in the commercials or on the front of the colorful bags.

All dogs and cats are meat eaters. They are not vegetarians that can survive eating plant foods only.  For a dog and cat to properly maintain a healthy and nutritional weight, they will require a balanced food that contains a medium protein and fat levels. Most dogs that are not working dogs will do just fine with a percentage of 18 to 22% protein and 10 to 12% fat.

Food products that are often the main ingredients in most national dog food brands are based on CORN--corn meal, corn gluten, soybean meal, and by-products, not to mention a lot of other ingredients that most of us can't pronounce.  The dog and cat foods that contain colorful chunks of red, green and yellow kibble contain food coloring.

Another misrepresentation of food content is accomplished when they write on the ingredient labels words that most consumers will assume the dog and cat food contains... meat or chicken or beef... but this is followed by the word "By-Products."  As shown here: Meat (By-Products) or Chicken (By-Products) or Beef (By-Products).  By-Products may contain beaks, chicken legs, feathers, diseased animals, euthanized animals, food contents scraped off the floor of meat packing, and "render" animals. These types of ingredients contain very low quality types of food.

There are many great dog and cat food brands that offer real meats like lamb, turkey, chicken, bison, venison, cattle beef, and salmon, as well as some grains, such as brown rice, barley and oatmeal,  and along with real vegetables such as peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes and vitamins.  All of these are essentials for the health of our dogs and cats.

Depending on the breed and size of your dogs, feeding them twice a day from 1 1/2 cups per serving and smaller amounts for smaller breeds is sufficient.  Please remember to always offer all your dogs and cats clean fresh water daily.

Many of the ailments and allergies that our dogs and cats develop is usually a result of the type of food that they eat. Always consult with your Veterinarian for a proper diagnose of any problems or allergies your pets may show.

 in addition there is one very important piece of information for all owners of large to medium breeds of dogs:Great Danes, Mastiffs, Labs, Shepherds, Poodles, Huskies, Hounds, and any deep-chested, medium, and large breeds of dogs. Since most dogs eat their food very quickly, it is very important that you do not allow your dog to immediately resume excessive exercises or romping and playing with a full stomach. This type of activity directly after eating their meal may result in "Bloat" which is a life threatening situation that may endanger your pet. Always confine your dog in a quiet area or crate or kennel for a minimum of one hour or more, before allowing them to play.

Consult your local Veterinary or 24 hour Emergency Animal Hospital immediately if your dog shows any signs of bloat.

John Murias

Home Sweet Home Dog Training & Care, LLC

carolinadogcare.com
(828) 697-0327 

For those who still want to assist in rescues and care of homeless dogs and cats, there are ways to stay involved!  We have a "Local Critters Connection" outreach.  

Please connect to Gentle Hands Grooming Facebook page to see posts shared about lost and found dogs (and/or cats) in our local area.  Please consider joining my rescue E-mail list used SOLELY as an extension of outreach if there is a lost or found dog in the area, or if you are willing to help with hanging posters and making calls. You many also want to consider joining my foster outreach E-mail list as a potential foster for dogs or cats (assisting Foothills Humane Society as well).  Contact Katrina Thissen at mountainkatt@hotmail.com to be placed on either e-mail list.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or support for lost and found dogs in the area.  Take care of all our Furry Friends!  

Thank you for all your support.
Katrina

Nectar Yoga And Wellness Center

Saluda's Premier Yoga Studio

Upcoming events at Nectar:

Register Now

September 9th- October 28th $99   

Exploring The Chakra's Through Yoga - Don't miss this all time favorite series.
Raphaela's last series of the year

Saturday Morning Yoga Class

Therapeutic Massage

Treat yourself, or someone you love, with the healing gift of massage. Regular massage and self care are proven to reduce illness, stress, and aging while greatly improving your daily feelings of well-being and joy.

By appointment. House calls available. 

*Three Yoga Classes Weekly

*Private Yoga Instruction

*Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

*Intuitive Counseling

*QRA: A healing and diagnostic technique that leads to optimal health

Chandler and Raphaela are extensively trained in yoga, massage, counseling, and QRA, sharing a combined history of study and practice that spans over 20 years.

Saluda Community Library

Tuesday, October 1st, 4pm 

Afternoon Adventures: Board Games!

Come play your favorite games such as Monopoly, Battleship, and chess.

Snacks will be served.

Thursday, October 3rd, 12:30pm

Storytime: Let's Dance!

Sonya Monts from The Dancer's Extension will teach a short dance lesson.

Thursday, October 10th, 12:30pm

Storytime: Fire Prevention Week!

Firefighters from Saluda Fire Department will visit and give us a tour of their fire truck.

Tuesday, October 15th, 4pm

Afternoon Adventures: Halloween Cupcake Decorating!

Bring your creativity; we'll provide materials and instructions.

***Please register by October 11th; space is limited.***

Thursday, October 17th, 12:30pm

Storytime: It's Pumpkin Time!

Make a pumpkin out of colored pasta.

Thursday, October 24th, 12:30pm

Storytime: All About Apples!

Make a yummy apple stack snack and drink apple juice.

Thursday, October 31st, 12:30pm

Storytime: Monster Mash!

Make a scary monster mask.  

The Blue Ridge Rounders will entertain Polk County Public Library patrons Thursday, October 3 at 5:30pm with top of the line Old Time Appalachian Music.   Bob Buckingham, accomplished instructor on fiddle and banjo, sets the stage with tall tales as they play traditional tunes and songs of their own making. This event is the sixth in the yearlong HeartSongs series co-sponsored by the library & the Friends of the Library organization.  The performance is free and open to the public.

 

Upcoming School Events

Mon., Oct. 7     Assembly:  Duke Energy "Showdown at Resource Ranch"

Wed., Oct. 9    International Walk to School Day

Students & parents are invited to meet at Saluda Community Library at 7:35am & walk to school!

Wed., Oct. 9    Assembly:  "Superhero Science"

Thurs., Oct. 10End of the 1st Six Weeks Grading Period

Fri., Oct. 11      No School---Teacher Workday

Wed., Oct. 16  Report Cards

Thurs., Oct. 24Fall Informance  5:30-7:00pm

This will be a time for students to share what they have been learning with family & friends.

 Thurs., Oct. 31  Half Day for Students

School will dismiss at 11:30am today.  Lunch will not be served.

Visit Saluda School for additional school news.    

Principal, Ronette Dill   

Don't forget to collect Box tops! Box top collection containers are located in the Saluda Public Library, Saluda Post Office, and Saluda Elementary School Office.  

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 

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

"Saluda, NC: Voices from the First 100 Years" in CD format. Original recordings of interviews with Saluda's oldest residents documented in the book, Saluda, NC: 100 Years 1881-1981. These interviews were transferred to a CD by Historic Saluda. Price: $17 includes shipping and handling. 

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. 

Summer ended like it started with an all day rain and a Northern wind that blew away the remnants of summer.  The Fall Equinox brought clear blue skies and crisp, cool days. Acorns are falling, colors are changing, misty fogs are rolling into the valleys, winter hours are being posted, and a sense of change is in the air.

Throughout the mountains, small towns are getting ready for the fall foliage, and the great number of people who will visit to savor the splendor of nature's brilliant spectrum of color.

Fall is one of the best times of the year to get out and play.  It's a time to watch nature and wildlife get ready for the coming season.  With cooler temperatures, it's a great time to hike and bike the many mountain trails, to picnic by a waterfall with colorful leaves swirling around in a brisk wind, and to visit fall festivals.  It's a time to prepare the soil for next year's flower and garden beds and a time to smell the fresh unturned earth when kicking through a pile of crunchy leaves. You can still take a kayak trip down the Green River or "take the ride of your life" on The Gorge Canopy Zip Line.

The favorite talk around town is about winter weather predictions and when the colors will peak. 

Saludians welcome all the "leaf peepers" and anticipate your arrival with open arms and warm hearts.

Saluda is the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains from the low country and a great place to stay while touring the fall colors. 

Click here to reserve accommodations in Saluda. 

Fall Color Information Links 

Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau Color Report  

1-888-247-9811  

The Official Visit North Carolina Travel Web Site 

1-800-VISIT-NC (1-800-847-4862) 

The Weather Channel Fall Foliage Report 

The Fall Foliage Network 

Mark your calendar now for the annual Autumn Care Country Fair, Thursday, October 3rd from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

There will be lots of food, music and fun for the Saluda community. 

See you at the fair!  

Autumn Care Nursing and Rehab of Saluda provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services as well as skilled nursing services. To learn more, visit our website at autumncareofsaluda.com.

501 Esseola Drive, Saluda, NC 28773, 828-749-2261.

Art and Music Fair at Nostalgia Courtyard, October 19. Come out and shop from local artists and craftspeople and enjoy the entertainment. It was absolutely wonderful last year and there are even more vendors this year.  Buy local and support these talented artists.

The "Top of the Grade" Concerts are the 2^nd and 4^th Friday through October on October 11 and 25.

All performances will be held on center stage from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at McCreery Park.   

Attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets.  Food, soft drinks, and coolers are allowed.  Events are rain or shine; so you may need to bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast.  In some cases, rain events may move to the Pavilion. The events are free to the public, and audience donations to help support the concerts are welcomed.

Food and beverages will be available on site. 

Sound Investment is an energetic band focused on reproducing classic rock 'n roll music, especially from the 1960's and 70's.   

Their music appeals to  the young and old, providing just the right beat for dancing. From Sound Investment, you will hear the sounds of the Beach Boys, Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Sam & Dave, The Four Tops, Young Rascals, Temptations, Righteous Brothers, Kinks, Supremes, Johnny Rivers, Doobie Brothers, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and many more.    

A special performance with Sound Investment and Aaron Burdett will conclude the 2013 season of Top of the Grade Concerts on October 25.  

The Saluda Business Association is a major sponsor of the event.

For music scheduling, please contact Judy Ward at judyward@charter.net or 828-674-5958.  For sponsorships, please contact Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876 or cathy@cathyjacksonrealty.com.

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

Throughout his childhood, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends summered in Saluda.  Rob Parsons has been visiting this area with his family since he was two.  Rob's great grandparents owned a home in Saluda until the Great Depression forced them to sell and to move permanently to Miami.  Life is funny that way because it was from Miami, nearly 80 years later, that Rob, an Orlando boy born and raised, would move his own family back to Saluda.  His childhood connections run deep in Rob, bringing him back to the area to attend Furman University.  Rob worked at several camps during the summers including Camp Summit (now a part of the Dupont Forest) and Camp Blueridge (now Camp Highlander) where he met Tony Sayer who would later be serving as the minister for the United Methodist Church in Saluda at the time that Rob moved his family here in 2000.  These early roots play a significant role in Rob's service to the Saluda community today.

Rob met his wife, Ali Heston at Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT. Ali was studying ethics and he was studying ministry.  They are now proud parents of daughter, Micah, 20, who is studying film at American University (Washington, DC) and is currently studying abroad in Prague. Son, Caleb, 18, is in his first year at Emory University, and daughter, Zoe, 13, is in 8^th grade at Polk County Middle School.  When his first two children were toddler and infant, Rob purchased a piece of property in Saluda that he intended for retirement.  The pull to Saluda was too great, and days after the birth of Zoe in 2000, they moved into a small house behind the cemetery. 

Kayaking the rivers in and around Saluda, running half and full marathons, backpacking, rock climbing and filmmaking is how Rob spends his spare time.  He has participated in Asheville's 48-Hour Film Festival since its inaugural year in 2007, winning "best actor" in that very first film festival.  He loves paddling and has accomplished a five-year goal to kayak the Green River Narrows.  Rob loves to share his joy of and ability to kayak.  He has taught his two oldest children, several Saluda kids, and several other area kids as the mentor for their senior project at Polk County High School.

Rob served as a pastor in Florida for ten years before moving to Saluda in 2000, following Tony Sayer as minister of the United Methodist Churches in Saluda and Columbus eight years later. Rob feels the whole county is his parish, not just the Methodist church congregations.  This is evident in the Summer Sizzling program he helped start in partnership with Saluda Elementary School to provide learning and childcare opportunities to children in the community.  The Tuesday night Welcome Table is another example of serving the community through provision of food, fellowship, and a place to serve.

Stone Soup is opportunity to worship outside the confines of a building and traditional liturgy. People from all denominations find this an alternative for meeting their spiritual needs.  Picking blueberries at Shining Rock Wilderness or going down to the river provides a backdrop of awe and friendship, giving people a spiritual experience outside in nature.  Worship can grow beyond the limits of our imagination.  In addition to serving as the minister for Saluda and Columbus United Methodist Churches, Rob serves as a chaplain for Hospice of Carolina Foothills and for many years has taught Humanities at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Saluda is a place people chose, whether they have stayed here all their life or moved here on a hope and a dream.  Saluda has the best backyard in the nation with the Green River to paddle, trails to hike, bike and run, farms to tour, and mountains to explore.  Saluda is more spiritual than we realize. It is a "thin place," which  in Celtic theology describes a space between Heaven and Earth where we experience the divine.  Rob knows he is blessed everyday here.  He extends his service and commitment to Saluda as thanks and in reverence to the joy of community in its many configurations.  

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

Click here to read  Top 10 Reasons to Support Locally Owned Businesses.

Kathleen's Gallery, which features locally made art and crafts, is now carrying books by local authors. Mark Schweizer writes hilarious liturgical mysteries that are set in a fictional mountain town near Boone, NC where the chief of police is also the choir director. I have read all of Schweizer's books from "The Also Wore Tweed" to "The Treble Wore Trouble," and I have to admit that I laughed so hard that tears rolled down my cheeks!

You can also find "Simply Southern Ease" by Cappy Hall Rearick. Cappy is a part time resident of Saluda, and "Simply Southern Ease" is a charming collection of her syndicated columns about life in the south.

 "Fantastic Recycled Plastic" by David and Robin Edgar demonstrates (in words and pictures) that with a little imagination and creativity there is so much more you can do with laundry bottles before they are taken to the recycling center.

Kathleen's is located between M.A. Pace and Somewhere in Time on Main Street and is open Monday through Saturday.  For more information, please contact Kathleen at 828-749-2640 or

artzycarson@gmail.com. 

American Craft Week at Heartwood Gallery

This year's American Craft Week celebration, to be held October 4-13, 2013, will bring together individuals, small businesses and organizations from all fifty states in recognition of the countless ways handmade objects enrich our daily lives and contribute to our national aesthetics and economy. Every day, thousands of American artists share their vision and talent by producing amazing hand-made decorative and functional objects. American Craft beautifies our homes and public spaces and celebrates our national history. It supports small businesses, creates jobs, and sustains healthy communities. Take some time this week to seek out the many places in our area that promote American Craft and see what beauty awaits.

At Heartwood we celebrate American Craft every day, all year, every year. This year the gallery focus has been on adornment with the addition of new jewelry cases and new artists. For American Craft Week, we offer comprehensive collections of four western North Carolina jewelry artists: Q Evon, Laura Cardwell, Tamela Wells, and Deb Karash. All of these women excel at their craft with imagination, skill, and attention to detail. We hope they will delight and inspire you.

 

Located at 21 East Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773, 828-749-9365.  Click here for directions.

The Orchard Inn

The glorious colors of fall grace the views of our surrounding mountains, creating an artist's palette of golden hues. Join us for Brunch with a view every Sunday from 11:30 - 2:30 and enjoy our magnificent surroundings while sipping a delightful MoscaPesca (Moscato with fresh peach pulp) and treating yourself to true culinary artistry. Every table in our dining room has a fabulous mountain view, and weather permitting, there are also tables available on the lovely outdoor terrace. Sunday Brunch features a new addition to our talented culinary team - Michelin trained, Chef Alec Eman. Alec will be the maestro of the kitchen every Sunday, and he brings great passion for reconstructing traditional dishes in a modern creatively artistic way. The 3-course brunch starts off with a fresh fruit plate and straight from the oven rosemary popovers with honey butter, then a choice of 5 different exquisitely prepared entrées, and a choice of 2 incredible desserts. Everything made to order - no buffet. $24.95 per person, reservations appreciated but not required.

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

Histor

Fall Specials:  NC apples 99 cents per pound.

Weekly from our market-all natural Hormel Deli Meats,  purchase a pound and receive "70 cents" off - come in and check out our specials.

"Wine & Cheese Tasting" Receive $3.00 off a bottle, Thursday, October 3, 4 to 6pm upstairs in the Charleston Room.

Coming in for the weekend and do not want to cook-check our frozen meals, pizzas, pasta and more!!!!  Life is busy and sometimes hard to get to the store; give us a call and we will get your order together for pickup---828-749-2321.

Historic Thompson Store, open Monday-Saturday, 8am to 6pm

Ward's Grill, open Monday-Friday, 7am to 3pm, Saturday, 6:30am to 3pm

Fall is a great time for football and BBQ  Enjoy your favorite BBQ while watching your favorite teams on our large flat screen TV's. 

Hours:

Tuesday-Saturday, 11am to 9pm

Sunday - Noon- 3pm

Daily specials:  $4.99

Tues. -  small chopped pork sandwich, slaw,tea or coke

Wed. - small chopped chick sandwich, slaw, tea or coke

Thurs. - Black Angus Bacon Burger, FF, tea or coke

Fri. - 2 piglets, slaw, tea or coke

Pint Narragansett 1.50

We offer 10 local draft beer choices, and we carry Angry Orchard Hard Cider on tap!

Now offering a wonderful Ribeye Sandwich served on grilled French bread with any toppings you would like!

All of our burgers are Certified Black Angus and grilled to your liking on our grill top! 

Click here to see our menu online. 

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.   

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 

The Wine Shop and Local Market events for October include an introduction to Bliss Yoga led by Julie Sutton. Join us at 8:30 AM on Monday, October 7 and Monday, October 14, for Bliss Yoga. On Saturday, October 19 from 2 - 4 PM, join us for a wine and cheese tasting featuring Vineyard's Edge Goat Cheese.  Visit the shop during the week for Ashebots robotics crafts to support local students.   Meanwhile now carries pickles from locally owned Green River Picklers and mustard from Landrum.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday  10 AM - 6 PM

Friday  10 AM - 8 PM

Sunday 12 noon - 5 PM

Monday  Closed

They are located next to Wildflour Bakery in Nostalgia Courtyard.

Wine Shop Phone:   828-749-9463

email:   meanwhilewineshop@gmail.com  

Michael Nelson of Citadel Fence Repair wants to remind you that fall is a perfect time to replace or repair your fencing, gates, or dog runs.  He specializes in commercial and residential work and installs all types of fencing and repairs.  He can do emergency repairs and insurance claim work.  He also does mobile welding service.  With over ten years of experience, Michael guarantees his work and no job is too small.  Give him a call at 828-817-5483 or email to citadelfencerepair@gmail.com.

Fall on the Grade

Fall is in the air.  The air is crisp and cool.  The leaves create a kaleidoscope of colors before they finally fall to the ground.  The smell of pumpkin resonates from kitchens and coffee shops everywhere.  Apple orchards are abuzz with frenzy over the fall harvests.  We love this time of year, and we want to share the heart of the season with you.  Come visit us at 108 East Main Street, and while you are here, enjoy some nice warm apple cider, cookies, and handpicked, locally grown apples.  After all, these things are only at their best when they are shared with others. 

Stop by Macon Bank at 108 East Main Street and talk to our friendly, knowledgeable staff.

We can help you with all your financial needs.

This is a family friendly event that takes place Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13. Tour de Falls is intended to provide families and those with limited hiking abilities an opportunity to tour the DuPont State Recreational Forest. This is a lovely way to treat the family to a beautiful tour of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Southeast via shuttle buses.

The Event Parking Area is located at 1300 Staton Road in Cedar Mountain, NC 28718, GPS (35.18636, -82.637734), a short distance from the High Falls access and parking area. Look for the Tour de Falls directional signs as you near the event area.

Buses will leave the event parking area approximately every 30 minutes from 9 am until 2:30 pm. Visitors may get off the bus at each stop to take photos and explore the area. The tour takes 2 l/2 hours or longer, depending on how much time is spent at each stop. No pets please.

A donation of $6 for ages 6 to 17 and $12 for ages 18 and up is requested. Tour De Falls is a "Making Memories Opportunity" to spend the day outdoors with the family and to enjoy the cool weather and fall foliage. More info: 828-692-2929.  Visit Dupont Forest to learn more about the tour.  http://dupontforest.com/

Harvest Season Offers Lessons to Investors

It's harvest time again.  And while you may not work in agriculture, you can learn a lot from those who do - especially in your role as an investor.

For example, just as farmers maximize the growth of their crops through fertilizer and irrigation, you can give your portfolio the opportunity to grow by "feeding" it the right mix of investments.

And, just as farmers await the results of their work, you, too, need patience as you wait for results from your investments.  Investing for the long term and focusing more on long-term results than short-term success can help you as you work toward your objectives.

Finally, farmers help control risk by planting a variety of crops. By putting some drought-resistant crops in the ground, they won't face ruin when the rains don't fall. As an investor, you could sustain large losses if you only owned one type of financial asset, and that asset class dropped sharply. But spreading your dollars among an array of investments may help reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio.

Think about how farmers meet their challenges - and put this knowledge to work when you invest.

For additional information on timely topics, please join us for our "Coffee Club" the 4th Friday of each month at Jongo Java Coffee House, 117 S. Main St. in Hendersonville.  Coffee and pastries are on us!

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

Soon leaves will change to brilliant hues of gold and crimson, snow will fall and thoughts of the joyous Christmas season will begin. A Christmas parade is a great way to begin the holiday season.

The third annual Saluda Christmas Parade will be held in Saluda on Saturday, December 14 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 November 15.   Applications can be found at Historic Thompson's Store, Somewhere in Time or click here to download an application.

For more information, please call Judy Ward at 828-749-2321. 

The NC Small Town Main Street promotions team is pleased to invite you to the Saluda Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 15, 5pm to 8pm hosted by the Orchard Inn, Saluda, NC.

The elegant warmth, Christmas decorations, and hospitality of the Inn will create the perfect setting to spark your holiday cheer. 

Only 100 tickets will be sold.  Tickets can be purchased by calling Terry Baisden at 828-749-3789 or emailing terrybaisden@tds.net. You may also pick up tickets at Thompson's Store/Ward's Grill or Cathy Jackson Realty.

The $40 /per person ticket includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, two free tickets for beer and wine, sweet tea, apple cider, and hot chocolate.  Cash bar available.  There will also be a drawing of the tickets for a fabulous door prize.

Free parking and shuttle service to The Orchard Inn will be from the Tickle Family Health Center & Spa located at 438 East US Highway 176.  Only people with physical disabilities or needing assistance will be permitted to park at the Inn.

The Orchard Inn is located at 100 Orchard Inn, Saluda, NC 28773, 800-581-3800, orchardinn.com.

Formal attire.

For questions, please contact Terry Baisden at 828-749-3789 or email terrybaisden@tds.net.

Tryon Garden Club Fall Classes 2013

At Pearson's Falls Glen, 2748 Pearson Falls Rd, Saluda, NC

There is one class left that is being offered to help you learn plant identification and usage for your personal enjoyment. The money collected from each class goes toward trail maintenance.

Fall Classes 2013

Subject: Identification of Fall Wildflowers, Shrubs and Vines, and Medicinal Plants

Fee:   $15 covers all three classes or $5 each class, plus gate admission of $5.00 for adult non-members.  Limit for each class is 15 participants.

Location:  Meet at the Garden House at Pearson's Falls 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the walk.

Materials: Bring your own notebook & pen. You will be given a checklist of plants.

Important! 

Pre-Registration Is Required Because Class Size Is Limited.   Late Registrants Should Call To See If There Are Openings For A Specific Class.

For Questions Call: (828) 749-3031 - Pearson's Falls

Click here to download an enrollment form. 

My husband, Don Mobley, owns Botes & Stuff Woodcraft store on Main Street in Saluda.  He has various wood-crafted products in his Studio.  He also is privileged to see many people come through to look around. That is the highlight of his day!

One day, a couple from Tryon, NC came in.  They were in Saluda to just "look around."  They had just had dinner at the Purple Onion. (Good taste again!)

Don just happened to have some beautiful benches he had made out of Black Walnut. The lady, whose name is Tracy, just fell in love with one of the benches.  By the way, she has very good taste!

Well, after looking for quite some time, they decided to come back at a later date. And they certainly left much happier than when they came.

A week or 2 later the Gentleman, Billy, called Don and asked if he still had the bench.  Sadly, Don said, "No, but I will be glad to make you another one."  They discussed prices and set a date that the bench would be ready.  Billy told Don he wanted it for his wife's birthday.  And it was to be hush-hush as he really wanted to surprise her!  He then asked if it could be engraved. "Of course," Don said.

So Don called a friend, who does that type of work, and the bench was engraved. It looked beautiful.  It was engraved with a big heart and it said: BILLY N' TRACY, How sweet, thoughtful, and how VERY romantic!

On Tracy's birthday, Billy brought her to Saluda and they had breakfast at Ward's Grill. (Darn they have good taste).   He then said to Tracy, "Let's look around." They walked down to Botes & Stuff where Don was waiting for them.

Well, needless to say, Tracy was stunned.  She was so surprised, she cried.  I just happened to stop by as they were loading the bench into the back of their truck.  I noticed they had their bicycles in the back. I asked what the rest of their day was going to be like. They were going to go riding.

What a wonderful birthday present. And the fact that he was spending the whole day with his wife just makes you believe in love.  Who says Romance is dead! I guess we have to keep the faith. There are some wonderfully Romantic men in Polk County.

I hope she will remember him as well, when his birthday comes around. Although, it will be hard to top what he did for her... such a sweet story.

I am sending good wishes to Billy N' Tracy!

Don n' Kathie Mobley

In 1982, Karen Knight Edwards, also known as Karen E Knight, featured a column in the Thermal Belt News Journal, "Personal Footnotes..."  She had been a summer resident of Henderson and Polk counties since 1946.  An English teacher, she taught in several schools in Florida before moving permanently to Saluda.  The column was to reflect on personal thoughts and observations about events and happenings in Polk County.  This column was found by a Saluda resident and shared with Saluda Lifestyles.  If anyone has any of these featured columns, Saluda Lifestyles would be pleased to publish them. This column featured on April 22, 1982.

Karen E Knight died on September 2, 2010 at the age of 64. 

Change Has Embraced Saluda:  Slowly, Selectively, Comfortably

Pace's Laundromat in Saluda seems an unlikely and uninspiring place to incubate a great essay on life.  Yet it occurs to me here that this and the Post Office Bank Building are the only new structures that I can recall being built in the business section of Downtown Saluda in the last thirty years.  I wonder how many other cities and towns in America change at this same, slow pace.

Click here to read the column. 

Recent publicity about September's mountain fair, along with the North Carolina Apple Festival, brought back a flood of memories from my youth. Coming on the heels of summer's end, both events helped to ease the dreaded demise of the summer vacation. Their timing also coincided with the beginning of the apple-picking season which could be counted on to provide spending money for each event. Deposit refunds for returned coke bottles also added small amounts to the wallet.

Attending the Apple Festival was the far less expensive affair because there were no entrance or game fees. In fact, food and beverage money was all that was really needed since transportation to and from Hendersonville was usually achieved via hitchhiking.

However, the excitement of the Apple Festival paled in comparison to the glitter and gaudiness found at fair week. Since I was not allowed to visit the fair until the age of 12, I still have memories of sitting on our back porch while trying to imagine what it would be like to actually attend one. That anticipation was only enhanced by the beams of two searchlights sweeping across the nighttime sky.          

Contrary to the more wholesome atmosphere surrounding the Apple Festival, fairs in those days had an abundance of titillating side shows and rigged games that could be relatively costly. Right away, my friends and I were faced with the challenge of getting the most from our limited funds. The first was how to successfully gain entrance onto the grounds without having to purchase a ticket at the gate.  Standard operating procedure called for scrambling over or under the perimeter fencing after the onset of darkness. Once through the fence, we would then scatter like chickens to reduce the chances of being caught by security people. Even being captured meant nothing more than an escort outside the fence, only to re-group somewhere else and make the second assault.  I cannot recall being caught more than once on any given evening.

After safely blending into the crowd, the next challenge was to navigate the fairway and search out which sideshows were deemed worthy of our money. Some featured a single exhibit while others had multiple acts or exhibits under one tent.  In those days, a "good" fair always included attractions such as sword swallowers, fire eaters, human pin cushions, giants, knife throwers, tattooed people, motorcycle riders in a round cage, midgets, deformed people, Bonnie and Clyde's death car, Hitler's staff car, two-headed calves,  miniature horses, Burlesque (kooch), and other freak shows. All of this excitement was designed to overload our minds with multiple choices of titillating options as the barkers relentlessly tried to separate our collective money from our pockets.

By far, the most degrading exhibit was that of a so-called hermaphrodite. Out front, the barker would launch into a lengthy spiel while proclaiming the veracity of what was just behind the canvas tent. Before he had finished, an audience of men would be crowding around the ticket booth in a somewhat frantic effort to purchase an early ticket before the best seats were filled. This exhibit was by far the most difficult to sneak into but that never stopped us from trying. Even though there was a minimum age limit of 18 years, we would first test the system by attempting to purchase tickets. Failure there left us with no other choice than to reconnoiter the tent, looking for a flap that could be lifted enough to crawl under. Invariably a watchman would also be circling the tent looking for sneaks like us. In that case, we would try to disguise our intent while patiently waiting until he had turned the corner. Then we would make our move. The gathered crowd of men would not notice us since their attention would be absorbed by the somewhat raunchy scenes on stage.

Shortly following the fair and Apple Festival came our mischief-laden Halloween. One of the more serious pranks involved laying a dummy along the grassy edge of Highway 176. Our favorite spot was across from where Nostalgia Courtyard is now. A rope would be tied to the dummy so it could be quickly hoisted up the bank in case an irate driver tried to retrieve it.  During that era, there were just enough cars passing through nighttime Saluda to require considerable patience on our part.

After swerving to a stop, most drivers would check the "body" and, upon realizing the childish prank, would then continue on. However, the sounds of laughter from high on the bank occasionally would send some drivers into a profanity-laced tirade with threats to call the law. Those threats created even more laughter because we knew that Carthur Metcalf, our nighttime cop and buddy, would just shrug his shoulders.

In retrospect, I think Carthur understood the crushing boredom of a small town, especially for restless young males, and the compelling circumstances for a certain amount of tolerance.  He knew all of us quite well and understood we were just committing mischievous acts, but would never commit any serious criminal ones.

Whether or not that had anything to do with lack of crime in Saluda during those years is for others to debate. My opinion is already clouded. 

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