Saluda Property & Real Estate

A Quick Saluda Market Update

(compares last year's sales with the same period this year as of July 31, 2014). 

Sales              Closed   Pending 

Homes 2014     17            8                 

Homes 2013     18            0      

Land 2014          5            2                   

Land 2013        12            0 

Foreclosures-REO-Short Sales (Homes) 

Saluda - 0 properties  

Polk County - 4 properties  

Henderson County - 43    

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.

New Market Trend Reports for Saluda 

(Provided through Western NC MLS)

Local Market Insight June 30, 2914 

The North Carolina Homeowners Alliance is the voice for homeowners at the North Carolina General Assembly providing support policies that protect home values for hard working North Carolinians to NC legislatures.

They can only be effective if property owners join together to make sure the politicians know you want them to protect your investment and your property rights. Home Alliance will keep you up to date on issues like your mortgage interest deduction, property rights and other critical tax policies. The decisions made by elected officials can directly impact your home value...and your wallet. Click here to learn more.

Saluda Downtown Foundation (formerly Small Town Main Street) meets Tuesday, August 5

Saluda Business Association meets Tuesday, August 5 at 5:30 at Saluda Library.

Saluda Community Land Trust meets at 3pm, August 6 at the Pavilion at McCreery Park.   

Town Council meets the second Monday of the month at 7:00pm in the meeting room above the Saluda Library.

The Historic Saluda Committee The regular meeting with Oral History Committee will meet Friday, August 8 from 2 to 4pm at the Saluda Library.  The public is invited to attend.   

Contra Dancing, Saturday, August 9 at 7:30pm, Party Place & Event Center. 

Saluda Garden Club will meet August 18 at 10am at Saluda Library and carpool to a garden tour.  

Women's Club will meet August 12 at 10am at the Saluda Library.   

The Saluda branch of Tree City USA meets at 5:30pm on 4th Thursday of the month in the Saluda Community Library.

Al-Anon Family Group meets every Tuesday, 6:30pm at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville St.   

Polk County Extension Club  

The Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the pavilion at McCreery Park in downtown Saluda.

To honor Charlie, once again, the free meal of barbecue, beans, slaw, drinks, and desserts will be served to the sound of Mountain Roots Band with Jeff Hayes.

Generous donations in the past have allowed us to invite everyone to the Pig Out at no charge.  We still need your help!  If you would like to contribute, please make your check payable to Saluda Pig Out and take it to Macon Bank at 108 Main Street in Saluda or to Judy Ward at Thompson's Store, or mail it to Saluda Pig Out, P. O. Box 265, Saluda NC 28773.  You may also make a donation as you enjoy your meal at the Pig Out!

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the Pig Out on September 13!

Pets are not allowed in the Pavilion area.

Don't forget to bring a dessert!

Charlie Ward July 1, 1920 - August 1, 2008

The 3rd Annual Ella Grace Race to end PKD (polycystic kidney disease) 5K Run/Walk will be Saturday, 09/27/2014 at 9 am at the Saluda Party Place & Event Center.  Register online at active.com (keywords Ella Grace Race).

For any questions, please call Shena Mintz at (828)-674-9788 or email at shenamitz@gmail.com.   

The family of Ella Grace funded and built the Ella Grace Mintz stage in McCreery Park in memory of the infant daughter of Sean and Shena Mintz. This stage is being used for the Top of the Grade concerts and other community events. 

Downtown Saluda Foundation  

Saluda was designated as a "NC Small Town Main Street" September 2012.  Since then, involved Saludians have formed committees to organize and plan projects and events to meet Saluda's future revitalization and success. The Small Town Main Street program focuses on organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring.  Saluda Lifestyles will update what this dynamic group of volunteers is planning.

After two years as Small Town Main Street (STMS), the organization will be making changes as it takes over the helms from Sherry Adams, program director for Small Town Main Street. The STMS will co-exist with the Saluda Business Association, and the new name will be the Downtown Saluda Foundation. New by-laws and application for non-profit status for both organizations are being prepared with help from Judy Thompson. The next meeting will be on August 5 one hour before the Saluda Business Association's monthly meetings that occur the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm.

Click here to download a new City of Saluda quarterly newsletter, Saluda News You Can Use.

Click here to visit the City of Saluda's new Facebook page.  

Saluda Tailgate Market

Fridays 4:30-6:30

May 2-October 31, 2014

If you have questions, contact Shelley DeKay at 828-606-5713.

By Shelley DeKay 

 "Top of the Grade Concerts" at McCreery Park in historic downtown Saluda Friday, August 8 and August 22, 2014,  

Concerts are scheduled for second and fourth Friday through September. All performances will be held on the Ella Grace Mintz Stage from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Top of the Grade at McCreery Park. 

On August 8, Sound Investment will perform oldies and beach music great for dancing or for just singing along with the music. Click here to read more. 

One of Western North Carolina's premier dance bands, Bayou Diesel will get the crowd on their feet and moving with their famous Cajun/Zydeco and New Orleans Mardi-Gras dance music Friday, August 22, 2014, 7pm to 9pm.

Providing the high energy dance music that has so long personified the base of Louisiana culture and their "joi d' vivre," the group features several squeezebox accordions, a rub board, and a solid rhythm section with French and English vocals.  The group takes the audience quickly to the sounds of Mardi Gras and the celebration of traditions that go back centuries. The mantra has always been "Laissez les bon temps roulers" or as everybody knows "Let the Good Times Roll!"

Formed in 2005, the group has recorded two CD's: "The Bayou Diesel Band" and "Sold Here" and plays often at festivals and clubs in the Asheville region. In 2013, Bayou Diesel performed at the world famous Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC.

Members of the band are Ben Bjorlie-Drums, Steve Burnside-Accordions, vocals Paul Leech-Bass, Miriam Allen-Rub-board, vocals, David Zoll-guitar, vocals.

to view a YouTube of their performance. 

Top of the Grade concerts are coordinated by the City of Saluda's Small Town Main Street program and funding for the Friday night concerts is through a community grant from Polk County Community Foundation.  All concerts are free to the public thanks to a Free Community Events grant.

2014 Top of the Grade Concert Schedule

August 8 - Sound Investment

August 22 - Bayou Diesel

September 12 - Sound Investment

September 26 - Scoot Pitman

Have the life or memory of a loved one immortalized or have your name engraved on a brick paver at Pace Park as a recognition as a contributor to this new community park.  This park will be in the alley by M.A. Pace General Store and will be the location of a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Interpretation Sign and future public restrooms.

 

$40 each, payable to City of Saluda, three lines of copy with a maximum of 14 letters per line.  Download an application here.

 

Drop off applications and payment to City Hall or mail to City of Saluda, 6 Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773.  Proceeds will go toward building public restrooms. 

 

Update on Pace Park Development

The city has installed a sewer and water tap in Pace Park to prepare the area for the Blue Heritage Area sign and the pavers. Landscape Architect, Sandy Byers has donated his time putting together ideas for the park area and restrooms. This will continue to be updated as we move forward with development of the park. Retaining blocks have been installed on the driveway side of MA Pace's store. The first four blocks will serve as seating in the park. We are looking for some similar blocks that are not as wide that can be used on the other side of the park next to the brick wall. --Mayor, Fred Baisden  

 

Now is the time to purchase your paver as the infrastructure is being developed and the laying of pavers will begin. 

  

For any additional information, please contact Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534 or carnc@charter.net.  

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Stay Informed - Get on a List!
Stay informed by visiting the city website, cityofsaludanc.com. Minutes from previous month's town council meetings are posted on this site. To receive monthly notices about town meetings, please email Monica Pace at admin@cityofsaludanc.com and ask to be placed on the email list.

Follow us on

Don Mobley of Botes & Stuff held a silent auction for three stumps during Coon Dog Day. These stumps are from the dead Norwegian Red Maples standing in front of Ward's Grill for over 30 years.  A "Letter of Authenticity" signed by Mayor Fred Baisden accompanied each stump. $240 was raised and the proceeds from the auction will go toward Pace Park development.  

Botes & Stuff is located at 20 W Main Street and phone is 828-606-7042.

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

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. 

Tuesday Evenings 6-7 pm

Saluda Center - Yoga Studio

Tai chi practice has been shown to increase mobility, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase balance, reduce the discomfort of arthritis and strengthen the immune system. You do not have to memorize long elaborately choreographed forms or commit to become a Tai chi master to enjoy these benefits.   Regular practice of certain core tai chi exercises that emphasize the fundamentals of movement, breath and awareness can provide one or more of these benefits depending upon your interest.  Class emphasis is tailored to the needs and interests of those in attendance.

"Loosening up" exercises maintain and restore range of motion in the joints and are also therapeutic for arthritic conditions. Simplified form work and stepping practice improve balance and functional movement while introducing the fundamental principles of energy circulation. Breathing exercises target relaxation, reduce stress and prepare the focus for meditation and deeper energy work. Basic qigong practices are relaxing, meditative, reduce stress, calm the emotions and provide an introduction to the experience or awareness of chi.

Rob Bruce began his formal study of chi based movement practices in 1996 with Qigong, and expanded his study to include Tai Chi in 1999. Certified to teach Golden Flower Tai Chi in 2004 and Eight Treasures Qigong in 2006, Rob taught at various locations in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area from 2004 until moving to Saluda in 2013. He has experience and special interest in working with people who are recovering from joint injuries and/or surgeries, as well as those coping with the movement challenges from Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Rob is also a licensed massage therapist and certified personal trainer.

Donations accepted.

Comfortable loose fitting attire recommended.

Contact Rob at 828-435-0816 or RBTBRC@YAHOO.COM with questions.

The goats have come and gone.

In a joint effort with the City of Saluda and Saluda Community Land Trust with funding provided by Polk County Community Foundation, once again the Eco Goats were put to work. They struggled through days of rain but were able to make a difference at the Water Treatment Plant in clearing out the kudzu and other invasives.

Wells Farm in Horse Shoe, NC will be bringing them back later in the year to do another cleansing of the area. We thank everyone who helped to support this project, especially those who took pictures, wrote articles, fed Reba the dog and fixed the gate.  

What a fun way to be able to see how animals contribute to keeping our environment clean and in control.

Walks in the Woods

Sunday, August 3 is walking the trails around Twin Lakes. Easy to moderate walk, about half a mile.

Sunday, August 17 will be an easy walk of about two miles out and back at Bradley Nature Preserve located in town.

We will meet in the parking lot at the Saluda Library at 2 pm and carpool. Bring water and wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes suitable for water crossing. If you have any special medical concerns, please let your trail leader know. This is always a wonderful time to get with friends and family and enjoy the great outdoors here in our own community.

Twin Lakes

Don't forget that if you are interested in reserving Twin Lakes for a special gathering or just for a day to spend having fun in the sun, please call SCLT office at 828-749-1560 in advance.

Community Garden

Have you ever seen the Community Garden look so wonderful? Through much care and tender gardening, the hard work of those who are taking such good care of their crops has been an inspiration to all! If you haven't noticed, take the time to check it out. It's located on Henderson Street; you can't miss it.

Please feel free to contact us about any of our projects. Call our office at 828-749-1560 and leave a message. We will return your call promptly. Also, be sure to check out our updated website saludaclt.org.

Wilkes Saluda Lakes, commonly known as Twin Lakes, will be open for family swim on the following Wednesday afternoons from 12:00 - 4:00pm, throughout the summer:

August 6, 13, 20, 27

September 3

Swim at your own risk. Donations appreciated.   

Twin Lakes is a conservation property of the Saluda Community Land Trust. For more information or to reserve it for a private function, please contact the land trust at 828- 749-1560 or email info@saludaclt.org.  

Our August meeting will be a tour of three gardens in the Lake Hosea area and is sure to be an event you won't want to miss. The first garden will feature lush greenery with many native plants and a spectacular water feature. The second is rustic and in various stages of development and the third is wonderfully tranquil. We will meet at the Saluda Library on Monday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. to carpool to Lake Hosea. Members and guests are welcome to bring a sack lunch for enjoyment after the tour. A screened porch will be available for our use during lunch.

If you are interested in joining or would like to attend meetings and/or special events, please contact Patty Martin at 828-817-9518.

Some events may be cancelled or rescheduled.  We try to give advance notice, but inclement weather or scheduling difficulties may occur.  You may confirm meetings and events with Patty Martin 828-817-9518.

Someone asked me the other day, "Why are you so passionate about preserving trees when our mountainsides are so thickly forested?"

I admit, trees and woods-in fact all plant growth that creates our wonderful natural environment-is one of my greatest obsessions. I see the logging trucks pass by with huge logs stacked high; trees, healthy trees, cut down to make way for more developments, more roads, more Walmarts, more parking lots.

We see more wildlife run out of their native habitats and moving into residential areas to seek food and shelter - even into homes, at times.

If we don't find a satisfactory way soon to restore a balance between humanity and nature, will we destroy the environment we may be enjoying today? Perhaps our survival?

For more information, call Ruth at 828-749-9718.  Leave message and phone number for return call.

Submitted by Ruth Anderson   

Free Workshop "Trunk of Trouble!"

What's in that old trunk at home? Have family photos? Family Bibles? Love letters from an old beau?  Have you felt in the dark about how to care for your treasured documents? We have the solution for you; come learn about basic preservation steps that you can take at home with this presentation by Heather South, Archivist from the Western Regional Archives.  The "Trunk of Trouble" lecture will delve into common problems and troubles experienced with storing and caring for our family archives and give tips and insights for better handling and preservation of our documents and records for the future. This session isn't your typical lecture and is sure to be entertaining and educational. Bring an item from home. Be sure to attend on Friday, August 8, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in the upstairs meeting room of the Saluda Public Library.

Oral History Project Continues

The Historic Saluda Committee would like to thank Jack Coates (John T. Coates III) for recently sharing his story with members of the Oral History Committee, Charlene Pace and Cindy Stephenson Tuttle. Jack shared his memories of growing up in Saluda, reminiscing about how he and his friends could sneak aboard the train to get to Hendersonville to catch a movie. He recalls seeing wooden storefronts on the buildings in town and how they once had wide spaces between them. He could even recall seeing a few horse and buggies when he was a boy. Jack's grandmother owned Crystal Springs, once a boarding house, now a private residence owned by his sister, Martha Ashley. Crystal Springs was the second home in Saluda to have indoor plumbing, with Melrose Inn being the first. Coates Pond, named for the family, behind Crystal Springs, is still a favorite swimming hole today. Jack grew up on Coates Street, which was also named for his family. Video coming soon!

Preserve Your Family's Heritage

The Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) has been granted a secure space in the Saluda Public Library to store historical documents and artifacts. Items are now being archived in preparation for a future Historic Saluda Museum. Donations of originals or copies of vintage photographs depicting the history of Saluda's families and places are now being accepted. Also being accepted are documents, deeds, art, books, quilts, antiques or other relevant artifacts of historic interest that are in good condition. Contact us at historicsaluda@gmail.com or notify the City of Saluda who will advise a member of the HSC - 828-749-2581. We will gladly pick up donated items.

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!

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, August 8, 2014 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

Come experience the joy of making music with your friends and neighbors, Sunday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the old church on Irving Street in Saluda (past the tailgate market lot and up the gravel road). This new gathering is free and fun for everyone, from ages zero to 100!

Our group has decided to sing every other Sunday with songs being led by a variety of enthusiastic singers in our community! Please communicate with Amy Wood (828-713-2227) or Dori Ray (828-808-8334) if you are interested in leading a song or have songs you would like to hear performed. Let all our voices be heard!

Parking

Please meet at the farmer's market lot to carpool with other jammers! Thank you.

The newly restored church, St. Matthews, is available for folks to come and lift up their voices in song or gather together to create more harmony in our community. What wonderful opportunities await the eager hearts and minds of Polk County! A great and warm thank you to Betsy Burdette!

Call Dori Ray at 828-808-8334 to learn more and get the next scheduled time. 

Photos by Mark Schemerling 

Join our team of trained naturalists as we go on an adventure this summer. Through hands-on, experiential instruction, campers will gain a deep understanding of the natural world and have the opportunity to explore the peaks, creeks, and wild woodlands that make western NC so magical.

Camp Muddy Sneakers is a co-ed day camp for rising 4^th-7^th grade students focused on inspiring curiosity, connecting children with nature, staying active, and cultivating a sense of stewardship. Campers will learn about the ecosystems and natural history of the area while exploring protected lands around the community. Each session will maintain a small group setting with low camper to instructor ratios.

Saluda's camp session will take place August 11- 15. To register, please visit campmuddysneakers.org or call Camp Co-Director Lindsay Green: (828) 862-5560. We will have a drop off (8:30) and pick up (4:30) at Saluda Elementary. Then we will spend each day exploring publicly or privately protected land around the community going to a different location each day.

Camp Muddy Sneakers is collaboration between Muddy Sneakers (www.muddysneakers.org) and the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (www.cfaia.org).

 

Saluda Elementary School

School Starts in August! 

It is hard to believe that summer break will be over in just a few weeks and students will begin the 2014-15 school year on Monday, August 25!

If you know of any new students who are not already registered for school, please have their legal parent(s)/guardian(s) contact the school at 749-5571 to receive registration information.

The 2014-15 school supply list is on the school website: sal.polkschools.org

Parents and students are invited to drop by the school cafeteria on Thursday, August 21 between 2:00pm and 4:00pm to meet the faculty and staff and to visit classrooms.

We are looking forward to another exciting year at Saluda Elementary School!  

Visit Saluda School for additional school news.     

Principal, Ronette Dill    

Located at 214 East Main St.,  Saluda, NC 28773

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.  

Remember when school starts...

To keep Saluda School children safe, please remember that the school campus and grounds including steps from Seminary St. to Main St., tennis courts, playground, and ball field are not available for community-wide use during school hours.  All visitors must check into the office before visiting any buildings or using any school campus properties.  We appreciate the community's support in keeping our kids safe while at school. 

Saluda Community Library

No events at the Saluda Library in August!

The following events are at the main Polk County Library in Columbus on Highway 108.

Friday, August , 7-11pm

Teens Take Over

Come take over the library after hours! This event is part of 2014 National Teen Lock-In, so we'll be competing against other libraries to win the photo scavenger hunt and Minute To Win It competition. We'll also have pizza, make your own ice cream sundaes, and crafts! Plus a late night virtual chat with Marissa Meyer, author of The Lunar Chronicles series. Teens who wish to attend this event must register in advance and have a signed permission slip from a parent/guardian.

Tuesday, August 5, 5-7pm

Summer Reading Program Wrap-Up Party

Join us as we celebrate the end of summer! Come in your best Hawaiian clothes for a luau on the library deck. Kevin of The Jolly Balloonsmiths will be making balloon creations! We'll also have food, games, crafts, and the grand prize drawings. Children and families who wish to attend this event must register in advance.

Tuesday, August 12, 2-5pm

TeenDivergent Party

Come dressed in your favorite faction's colors for a costume contest, crafts, food, and of course the movie (based on the best-selling young adult novel by Veronica Roth)!

Thursday, August 14, 5:30-7:30pm

Drum Circle

Some instruments are provided but you can bring your own as well. All ages are welcome! This event is held in the Community Room or on the Readers Deck, weather permitting. The drum circle is on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.

Thursday, August 21, 4-5pm

Teen Book Club

The club meets on the third Thursday of every month. For our August book, we're reading The Maze Runner by James Dasher. Come to the meeting to discuss and you'll also get a free copy of September's book.

Thursday, August 21, 5-6pm

Teen Craft Night

Local jewelry artist Julie Arrington will demonstrate how to make earrings and assist teens in creating their designs. All materials will be provided! Teens who wish to attend this event must register in advance.

Thursday, August 28, 5:30-7:30pm

Drum Circle

Some instruments are provided but you can bring your own as well. All ages are welcome! This event is held in the Community Room or on the Readers Deck, weather permitting. The drum circle is on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.

To sign up for an event that requires registration, contact Jen Pace, Youth Services Librarian, at 828-894-8721 x227 or jpace@polklibrary.org.

If you saw them Coon Dog Day and did not want to fight your way through the crowd, there is another opportunity to purchase an ABSaluda tee shirt and do a good deed at the same time!

Banks Wannamaker (of Luther, Dorraine and Mary Jo fame) is donating 10% of the shirts sold to the Transfiguration Outreach Ministry. We won't make a lot of money but every little bit helps us help others!

Please call or text Mary Ann Hester at 864-325-9292 or email mahester1@charter.net to place an order. The shirts are $15 each or 3 for $35. Sizes are M, L, and XL They make great presents to wear as shirts or pajamas!

MAY 

Saluda Tailgate Market -(May through October)

Top of the Grade Concerts -- (May through October, 2^nd & 4^th Friday)

SEPTEMBER

Green River Games- Extreme multisport event. September 5-7   

Charlie Ward's Memorial BBQ - September 13 

NOVEMBER

Green Race - A world Class V kayaking race. 1st Saturday in November.

Turkey Dinner by Saluda Methodist Church 

DECEMBER

Hometown Christmas - Open House and Music. 2nd Friday in December

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. 

When August rolls around, summer crops are in and Saludians are feasting on fresh summer vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, squash, and beans. Queen Ann Lace is plentiful this year and gracing fields and road sides. Many native flowers and plants are making a slow showing this summer after the cold winter, and the tall Joe Pye Weed that butterflies love is making a late appearance. Rivers and waterfalls are flowing strong and mountains are blue-green with lush, verdant foliage.

Hummingbirds are now very active and emptying their feeders on a daily basis. The promise of a bounty of blackberries and raspberries have come true, and Saludians are hastily picking them everywhere.

Summer vacations wind down in August, and thoughts of school and the end of summer creep into our thoughts. Today's fast paced world may catch you up in its flurry of activity, and instead of rejoicing and experiencing the last days of summer, thoughts of what comes next may be on your mind.  

If you haven't had a chance to "roll out the hazy, lazy, crazy days of summer",  then a visit to Saluda's downtown Main Street, to the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, or rivers is a great place to stretch out your summer days.  

Queen Ann Lace photos courtesy of photographer, Nancy McDonald.

Wine and books just seem to fit together, so please come for a complimentary wine tasting (or purchase by the glass) and meet some of Saluda's talented authors and their books! From 3-6PM at Meanwhile Back in Saluda on Saturday, August 23, there will be lots of wining and signing.

Corrine Gerwe, Cappy Hall Rearick and Ken Webb will be on hand to sign books specifically for you. Or, signed books make excellent gifts. Check your Christmas and birthday lists for reader friends!

Corrine Gerwe will be signing Blood Runs Cold on the Black Side of the Mountain, a story of sin and redemption set in the magical Appalachian Mountains. She also will be signing The Strange Case of the Doyle Diary Murders, set in her own sometimes spooky but much-loved home. Using Doyle's work and adding Celtic lore set in wilderness of Western North Carolina makes this an intriguing murder mystery!

Cappy Hall Rearick will be signing Simply Southern Ease where readers will find nothing just simple or just southern. This hits the universal common theme of a women's mind with wit, humor and insight. She will also be signing The Road to Hell is Seldom Seen, a story set in the Mississippi Delta in the 1930's which tells the story of a spirited young woman determined to rise above her start in life and to become someone better.

Mr. Carter's Sword by Ken Webb is prose that has been compared to Hemingway meeting James Bond, high praise for a first novel. An award winning editor and reporter, Webb weaves a story from the Vietnam War that mostly takes place in South Carolina on Halloween and has readers on edge till the end.

So please come sample some wine and writing; you will find they both are satisfying for the soul!

Taking place September 5-7th, 2014, the Green River Games is a multi-sport competition and outdoor festival based around the infamous Green River Gorge. Biking, kayaking, running, stand up paddling, and beer...what could be better? Our event and the permits secured have paved the way for new user groups to build and enjoy trails on these beautiful public lands. The message of extending access, bringing light to the incredible athletes of our region, and celebrating the terrain is what we are all about. Be sure to like our Facebook page to stay up to date as we release details about the events and festivities surrounding this weekend of Green River fun!

Visit Green River Games for registration information.

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

The staff at Saluda Family Restaurant on Ozone Drive would like to thank the people of Saluda, NC for their ongoing support since we opened the doors under new management on July 4, 2014. We plan on serving good home cooked food for a long time to come. We have had many encouraging comments from all our customers. Come see us.

Hours:

Mon-Fri: 7am to 9pm

Sat-Sun: 7am to 2pm

Live Gospel Music Friday night.

828.759.2000

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As you drive up our winding tree lined driveway, you feel immediately that you are off the beaten path and arriving someplace very special. The Inn is perched on a hilltop surrounded by trees that date back to the Revolutionary War, and combined with gentle breezes, offers a cool respite from the dog days of summer. Passing from the antebellum front porch into our spacious and airy great room. the stress of the real world melts away and Orchard Inn serenity begins. Framed in local art and photography with Persian carpets and antique furniture, the ambiance is eclectically comfortable and quite stunning. Before you lies the dining room with floor to ceiling windows that look out onto Warrior Mountain, Tryon Peak, Melrose Mountain and our pristine woods. Step out onto our shaded terrace with wisteria and grape vines growing overhead and relax with a cool glass of Rose or local craft beer.  

The restaurant is also open every Sunday from 11:30-2:30 for a fabulous brunch either in the dining room or outside on our lovely terrace. Our brunch is never a buffet - everything is made to order by Chef Alec who trained in a Michelin star restaurant in France and professionally served by our friendly wait staff. The combination of our serene environment and exquisite cuisine will delight you, so become a part the Sunday tradition and experience it for yourself!

Trip Addvisor - 2012 & 2013 Certificate of Excellence and by Restaurant.com - 2012 Top Rated Restaurant. 

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

New volume of "Rattle & Friends" at Thompson's Store. Purchase Volume 3 for $10.00 or a complete set for $24.00.

"Free Veteran's Breakfast"

Wine Tasting in the Grill August 7, 4 to 6pm.

Having a party and need a "Meat & Cheese" tray? Purchase for $35.00, 3 lbs of deli meat and 1 lb. of cheese. Please call by 11:00am to place an order.

Planning an event, come and take a look at the boarding house venue. We can help with all your party needs.

We still have plenty of the 51^st Coon Dog Day t-shirts. Sizes are 3t to 3xl and prices are from $12.00 to $17.00 each.

Join us for breakfast or lunch and then come visit the "oldest grocery store in NC." We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you, soon.

Always remember to take home "Charlie's Homemade Sage Sausage." Ask about all our other homemade items in the store; you will be glad you did.

Thrifty Tuesday with the 10% off $25.00 purchase.

Historic Thompson Store, open Monday-Thursday 8am to 5:30pm; Friday and Saturday, open to 6pm. 

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

The store and grill are located at 24 Main Street, Saluda, NC. Click here to visit the website.  Click here for directions. Phone is 828-749-2321.

Green River BBQ

Daily Specials for August: $5.99

Tuesday: Small Chopped Pork sandwich with slaw, tea or coffee

Wednesday: Guiness Bratwurst on a Pretzel served with spicy mustard and slaw, tea or coffee

Thursday: Burger with homestyle fries, tea or coffee

Friday: 2 Piglets with slaw, tea or coffee

Pint Narragansett and Pabst Blue Ribbon $1.50

Sam Adam's October Fest Draft is in, so come and get it while it lasts! And it never lasts long!

We are now offering a Flourless Chocolate Torte that is Gluten Free! Many items on our menu are gluten free and are labeled to the side.

We will be open Monday Labor Day 11am-3PM! 

Be on the lookout for our Small Bites Menu after Labor Day! That's when we add a value menu for the weekdays to celebrate our locals that dine with us year round! We sure do appreciate you!

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 Bakery   

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 

Meanwhile Events for August 

~  Celebrating 1 Year Anniversary all month!  ~

Our sincere thanks for a great first year!

~ Anniversary SALE shelf on selected bottles all month! ~ 10% off one bottle/15% off two/20% off three/25% off four or more!

August 1, Friday:  Wine Tasting (5 - 7 PM) Open till 10 PM - One Year Anniversary!

Help us celebrate!  Courtney Ondrais of Tryon Distributing will be here for a Wine Tasting during pizza night at Wildflour Bake Shop.  Wine by the glass and craft beers available all day. Open till 10 PM on Friday nights.  

August 8, Friday:  Wine Tasting (5 - 7 PM) Open till 10 PM

Allen Clark of Empire Distributing will be here for a Wine Tasting.   Pick up a Wildflour Pizza to take to the park or meet your friends & eat here. Taste two new wines and one new sparkling!  Stop in before the music in the park or drop by afterwards.  We are open till 10 PM on Friday nights during the summer.

August 15, Friday:  Wine Tasting (5 - 7 PM) Open till 10 PM

Janelle Payne of Empire Distributing will be on site for a Wine Tasting. Visit the Saluda Tailgate Market (4:30-6:30); then enjoy Tasting a new wine while meeting friends & family at Wildflour Bake Shop for supper.

August 22, Friday:  Wine & CheeseTasting

(5 - 7 PM)  Open till 10 PM

Derek Rubio of Skyland Distributing and Katie Moore of The Cheese Store of Asheville (at the Weinhaus) team up for a Wine and Cheese Tasting.

Stop in before the music in the park or drop by afterwards.  We are open till 10 PM on Friday nights during the summer.

August 23, Saturday:  Saluda Writers Guild Book Signing (3 - 6 PM)

Meanwhile's shop will host the Saluda Writers Guild book signing.  Join us  to hear about new books, buy books for your shelf or gifts and meet the Authors.  Complimentary Wine Tasting and drinks available by the glass during the signing.  

August 29, Friday:  Wine Tasting (5 - 7 PM) Open till 10 PM

We have an extra Friday in August and will use it for the return of our Music Jam Session Night.  Bring an instrument to play or sit back and enjoy the music.  Good food from Wildflour Bake Shop - it is Pizza Night! Bring the family, meet friends and join in the fun.  

Meanwhile Summer Hours:

Open 10 AM till 6:00  PM,  every day, and open late on Friday

Open 10 AM till 10 PM Friday for Wildflour Pizza Night

Call us (749-9463) and we will stay later or meet you earlier.   

We now have Wildflour Bake Shop bread and pastries on Monday and Tuesday and after 3 PM each day when Wildflour closes.  NEW in the shop: Hickory Nut Gap Sausages & Chicken, 7 Bones BBQ Sauces, Watermelon Rind Pickles (Locally made!), beef from Mountain Valley Farm (Polk County Meats!), Pesto & Hummus made with Saluda herbs!  

Meanwhile is available for birthday parties, meetings and other private events. Call us for details.

Meanwhile is located next to Wildflour Bake Shop and The Gardener's Cottage in Nostalgia Courtyard. 

171 East Main Street, Saluda, NC 

Wine Shop Phone:   828-749-9463

email:   meanwhilewineshop@gmail.com   

See us on .  

      

 

  

Random Arts will continue to bring new and exciting events, workshops and sales to you this month, as well as a whole new selection of clothing from our buying trip to the Womens' Wear Show in Las Vegas.

 

Womens Clothing and Accessories

Be sure to stop in and see our new arrivals of trendy and age appropriate jackets, warm leggings, layered tunics, tops and our very cool, colorful and funky socks! You'll need more than one pair, and you'll have to get a pair for your friends. With that said, the sale rack is filling up with a huge selection of items at 50%- 75% off as we make room for all the new clothing.

 

Workshops

San Diego artist, Helen Shafer Garcia arrives at Random Arts on Aug 8 for 3 great classes including watercolor on Masa paper, natural book binding and Penciling with Color. Each workshop is open to beginners as well as advanced participants and project samples are in the shop for "close up" viewing. Pre-registration is necessary.

 

Zen Doodle continues to attract a large number of interested artists on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. We meet from 10am till noon and beginners are welcome. The August schedule for this FREE event is Aug. 4 and Aug 25 (No Zen on the 3rd Tues. this month.)

 

Gifts & Home Accessories

New to Random Arts is our colorful selection of vinyl floorcloths, funky light fixtures, Blue Q  "back to school" art packs, pencil cases, tote bags, novelty gifts and fragrances from Thymes. Gift packaging is our pleasure and we happily accept Visa & Master Card Debit and credit cards as well as your personal check. 

 

Bring your friends and family to see us at the corner of Louisiana and Ozone. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 10am till 5pm (other days by chance or appt.).

 

Look for our OPEN sign, stop in and see what we are all about. Please like us on Facebook or find us online.

 

Located at 481 Louisiana Ave @ Ozone

Email: randomarts22@gmail.com

Phone: 828-749-1165  

 

 

Absaluda T-Shirts A Big Hit

Banks Wannamaker made a big splash during Coon Dog Day with new T-Shirts that read, "Absaluda, the grill, the grade, the gorge, the green river." Sizes are med, large, xlarge (100% cotton/preshrunk). Price $15/each. For more information or to order a t-shirt, please contact Banks at 843-906-3009 or lbwannamaker@gmail.com.  

Open Auditions at Tryon Little Theatre
TLT's production of the very funny adult comedy, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", by Rebecca Feldman with music and lyrics by William Finn from a book by Rachel Sheinkin. Performance dates: September 11-14 and 18-21.

Three young women* and 3 young men (must have young high school look).  Two adult males, one around 30, the second older. One female, any age over 30. *One must be able to play her own musical instrument.

Audition dates: July 18 at 7pm and July 19 at 10am at Tryon Little Theater's Workshop at 516 S. Trade St. in Tryon. Please come to auditions with sheet music of your choice, at least 16 bars, and be prepared to demonstrate your ability to move/dance.  A comedic monolog is encouraged but not required. Character descriptions and audition script selections are available at the Book Shelf, 94 N. Trade, Tryon, for 24 hour check out.

Saluda Faces recognizes Saluda citizens that you may see often and wonder who they are, what they do, and why they live or work in Saluda. If you would like to refer someone for Saluda Faces, please email info@saludalifestyles.com.   

Margaret Smith Miller moved from Charleston, SC to Saluda in March, 1992. She had originally come up to Snail's Pace with a Bible study group and fell in love with this quaint, lovely place in the mountains of North Carolina. She took a walk down Louisiana Ave. one morning, while at Snail's Pace, and said to herself,  "I could live here."

At one point in her married life, she told her husband, Gene, that she would like to live in Holly Hill, a small town just upstate of Charleston, "because I've always wanted to live in a small town and I love the name Holly Hill."

Before leaving for summer camp at the age of seven, she asked her mother for suggestions for a nickname, like so many of her friends had. Her mother suggested Meg, but she didn't care for that name.

One summer, she brought her youngest of three children, Coleman, up to summer camp near Saluda. While in Saluda for the two weeks of camp, she stayed at the home of one of Gene's clients. She rode around town and came upon a brown cottage for sale called "Holly Hill." The terrace door had a plaque that read "MEG," Mary Elizabeth Greiner. Well, "that hit me right in the face-- MEG and Holly Hill." As things worked out, she ended up purchasing "Holly Hill" from MEG in 1992. A true guidance from heaven, she has been a blessing to our community ever since.

She started two businesses while in Saluda: Saluda Interiors and Miss Margaret's Cookies and Cheese Melts.  After a few years, her mother came to live with her and she cared for her mother for 5 ½ years.  She died three months shy of her 94^th birthday. "What a privilege and honor to do that for a parent," said Margaret.

Margaret once volunteered every week at Autumn Care and was a member of the Caroline's, a singing group who sang in retirement centers and nursing homes from Spartanburg to Asheville.  

At present, Margaret is serving on the Board at the Saluda Center and enjoys living in Saluda.  She also enjoys the way of life in Saluda, the pace of life, and the native Saludians. Those that come into the Saluda area need to embrace and enjoy what is here and not try to change things. That is Margaret's philosophy.

By Greaton Sellers   

Boy Scout Boot Camp

By Mary Ann Hester

Want to lose 15 pounds in six weeks and get daily weight lifting opportunities and facials and get paid for it? Just join Boy Scout Boot Camp right down the road from Saluda!

As one of the two cooks at Camp Bob Hardin (CBH) for Boy Scouts, I envisioned fixing breakfast and lunch for grateful counselors and campers and then taking a healthy hike and swimming in the lake. My fellow cook who stayed in a camp cabin with her 8 year old daughter had also dreamed similar thoughts of the two of them enjoying time outdoors.

Our dream and the vision were, uh, about 100% wrong. I was hired to fix breakfast and lunch. It sounded like an adventure so I was totally up for the challenge. Being on site from 6AM to 1PM would not interfere with the rest of my life and would be a good way to earn a little money and have a good time. Wrong again, pretty much on all accounts.

The Boy Scout counselors were at Camp for the entire time; campers changed each week, arriving on Sunday night and leaving Saturday morning. We hit the ground running as we fed counselors the first week and then the campers rolled in.

We started cooking for 170 campers plus staff. We familiarized ourselves with the commercial kitchen equipment by doing a lot of things right and some things wrong. Pouring hot gravy from the tilt skillet (that was really a two by three foot vat with a spout to drain) impresses you most when it runs over and hits your hand and leg. The commercial ovens are quite impressive as you take 17 sheets of bacon out of the 425 degree oven and hope the grease does not come back on you. The ovens were so hot that even restaurant grade gloves could not keep out the heat so our mantra became "hot pan headed your way" and we meant it. Of course, you did get a free facial each time you opened the door.

The week they tried to kill us, we had 362 people that needed three meals a day. This had to be a record number as they had to go out and buy more dining tables. CBH has a tradition of "Taco Tuesday," and we had no idea how sacred this meal was until we messed with it. We could not make and serve tacos to 362 campers so we substituted another entrée. Well, that Friday at lunch we were all shown a video done by the counselors that demonstrated how important the "Taco Tuesday" tradition was and how disappointed they were to have it deleted from the menu. The cook staff (again the two of us) took serious offense; we were working and burning our fingers to the bone and we felt that we were being scolded.

The next week, we dropped in number to 250 hungry folks so that we declared it "Thoroughly Taco Tuesday." For breakfast we had tacos with sausage. Lunch was tacos with hamburger. Dinner was tacos with pulled pork.

They thought it was fun but got our point not to mess with the vast cooking staff!

When you see food in the quantities that we served, it makes you not want to look at food ever again. Thirty cartons of eggs cooking make me glad I have no sense of smell, but the visual cues were still there in three warming trays spilling over with scrambled eggs. So I ate cereal for breakfast and then I had some for a late lunch at home. And the large quantities of frozen food from SYSCO do not come lightly; it was not unusual to lift 40 boxes of frozen food in a day which weighed at least 40 pounds each.

The result of these facts is that I lost 15 pounds and can lift 50 pounds of horse feed like it is nothing!

So think about doing this next year: you can lose weight, get some strength training, get free facials and make a little (very little) money. I am only telling you this so you will have the chance to participate; I cannot keep the Boy Scout Boot Camp all to myself. And do not tell them the Boot Camp aspect of it or they will make you pay.

During the early and mid '50s, Saluda had an active scout troop thanks to Everett Hardin who served as scout master. Occasionally, he would organize an overnight camping trip down in Green River Cove which was a highlight of my scouting experience. Jack Ward would help him drive the camping gear and supplies to the site while we hiked down the mountain. Due to the many hairpin turns in the road, we could outrun the cars to the bottom by taking shortcuts between the loops. This was well before the State of North Carolina purchased vast tracks of land for preservation followed by an influx of residents, so there were numerous locations for setting up camp.

Until Duke Power installed its power line in the Cove in the early '60s, inhabitants there were few and far between. A few families were sporadically scattered along the river; however, I cannot remember any homes or cabins existing from the top of the mountain until the road reached the water.

To the left was Fishtop where sucker fishing was quite popular during the ''running season." Apparently there are several species of suckers, but I do remember that they swam upstream from Lake Adger until reaching a set of falls which prohibited further migration. I assume they were trying to reach safe spawning grounds. At this point, the water was fairly shallow, and the number of fish became heavily concentrated by the barrier created by the falls.

My friends and I built containing walls from river rock to further entrap the fish, then used three-barbed treble hooks to jerk them out of the water since their lips were soft and tended to tear if caught by mouth. When in full run, catching them was simple since most were easily visible in the water. Many people considered them trash fish due to their strong fishy taste, so most of our catches were hauled back up the mountain and given away to anyone willing to accept them.

As the gravel road began to follow down the river, an occasional farm house-along with cockeyed and weathered barns, corn cribs and outhouses-would appear along with small fields of crops bursting forth from the soil that had been enriched over eons by flooding. A few old hermits with names like Posey Henderson, Whaley and John Bradley also resided in these bottom lands and were locally famous for providing most of the excellent quality vegetables produced in the Cove. Apparently, the soil contained the right elements to produce the acidic tomatoes that were prized by locals, as well as summer families. Almost as soon as a load of these succulent beauties arrived at Thompson's and M. A. Pace's grocery stores, they flew out the door like the prized treasures they were. It was common practice for folks to have standing orders for pecks or bushels upon arrival, which also meant the supply was depleted long before the demand was satisfied.  For years, the name "Green River Cove Tomatoes" carried a reputation of excellence impossible to find in today's selections. Following close behind in reputation for quality and flavor were such other vegetables as sweet corn, beans, peas, squash, and okra.

Until around 1960 there weren't enough potential customers to justify Duke Power building a line along the river. However, through extensive negotiations with the existing residents, a compromise was reached in which the property owners would donate and help clear the right-of-way as their contribution to the costs. During several of my college years, I was a summer employee for Duke Power and for one summer was part of the survey crew for the line. Each day, we would assemble at the scout camp with our survey equipment and begin the arduous task of manually hauling equipment down the mountain side to the last stopping point from the day before.

The terrain was extremely challenging with constant threats from bees nests, snakes, ticks, and millions of gnats swarming around the eyes and ears. Fortunately, no one was bitten by a snake, but the sudden attacks from swarms of yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets brought multiple stings almost daily and kept everyone on high alert. If those problems weren't enough to deal with, finding stable footing to escape the bee attacks while lugging heavy tools was a constant problem. Cuts, bruises, and twisted ankles were the other major injury problems to deal with. Then there were the almost daily soaking thunderstorms which included lightning strikes popping all around. We had no place to seek cover so we just stood and became soaked by the torrential showers, then waited for the sun to come back out and create a steam bath of humidity.

Once we finally reached the river, the survey work seemed like a piece of cake. Then we could keep our truck close by when storms threatened. It also reduced the amount of toolhauling for long and difficult distances. Not far behind us came the volunteers cutting the right-of-way.

Each day, we drove back to Hendersonville to return the company truck, and on one occasion my senior survey partner decided that we should attempt to negotiate the long-abandoned pioneer road once referred to as the old Dana Road. He had never driven it but convinced me that such an adventurous trip could bring an exciting end to a long day of hard work. After a very arduous few miles, we finally arrived at what once was a bridge over the Green River, which I have recently been told was located near the site where the I-26 bridge now crosses the gorge. Only a few remnants of the old bridge remained, including several half rotten beams and a scattering of surface planks. It was only then that we realized the dilemma we had gotten ourselves into. With no room to turn the truck around, the arduous task of trying to back out the way we came in was not an option.

After some discussion, my partner decided the only way out was to drive the pickup truck across the few remaining beams and planks. We both agreed that I would gently walk across and then act as a guide while my partner slowly eased the truck onto the bridge. Anxious emotions raged as the urge to get across as quickly as possible was tempered by the risk of catastrophic results should one or more wheels slip off its beam. Matters were made worse by the constant sound of creaking timbers and bits of wood falling into the swift flowing river below.

After what seemed like hours, the truck was finally on solid ground once again. Now that we were safely on the other side of the river, it became quite apparent just how close we had come to horrible disaster. How in the world would we have been able to explain to our manager the loss of a truck loaded with expensive survey equipment, or even personal injury or death by drowning?

Until now, that story has been a tightly held secret except for a few family members and, recalling this incident, reminds me of the expression that the Good Lord sometimes protects fools. Now I'm hopeful that any applicable statutes of limitations have long since expired.

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. 

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