Trophy Husbands Perform

at Top of the Grade Concert August 18

The Top of the Grade Concert series concludes the 2023 season August 18 with the Trophy Husbands on the Ella Grace Mintz Stage in McCreery Park from 7 to 9 pm.

The Trophy Husbands are a group of five friends from Western North Carolina who play an eclectic mix of music. Enjoy great guitar licks and seventies covers.

Please remember to bring a lawn chair. You may bring wine and beer to the concert but please limit your consumption to the seating area. No alcohol is allowed on the playground or in the parking lot. Remember to place a to-go order at one of Saluda’s fine restaurants so you can enjoy a picnic and live music in the park.

Many thanks to the concerts’ platinum sponsors: Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Realty, Autumn Care of Saluda, Fishtop Cabin, Heartwood Gallery, Pam and Clark Thompson, and RiverStreet Networks; gold sponsors: Don Mintz Builders, Green River Construction, The Orchard Inn and Newman’s Restaurant, The Purple Onion, and www.VisitSaludaNC.com; and our silver sponsors: Green River Adventures, Hall House Vacation Rental, and Looking Glass Realty.

The Top of the Grade Concert series is overseen by the Saluda Downtown Foundation, Inc.

with support from the City of Saluda. The Saluda Downtown Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the arts, beautification, historic preservation, cultural development and exchange, and economic development in downtown Saluda.

Scott Varn is Guest Speaker for Train Tales

Scott’s topic for the Friday, August 25 Train Tales presentation is the history of the Bumcombe Turnpike built between 1824 and 1828. The Turnpike opened the mountain region of North Carolina to settlement, stagecoaches, mail delivery and eventually railroad transportation. 

Because of his keen interest in history, Scott Varn retraced the Buncombe Turnpike in 2021. He traversed the Turnpike by foot, horseback and by boat, which gave him interesting insights regarding its history. Scott will be sharing old photography, artwork and stories of his journey along the old Bumcombe Turnpike route. 

Scott Varn is a Fine Arts and Media Arts graduate from the University of South Carolina, with a focus on printmaking, film, and animation. Scott has a long history of incorporating the technology into the arts. He was integral in the early digital renaissance, working with software companies like Aldus, Adobe and Quark to develop software for artists and designers before it became standard.

Although he has spent years weaving the arts into many high-tech fields, he never lost his love of studying history and the classic art mediums. He remained a painter and printmaker, but also focused on being a long-time environmental educator, a Scoutmaster and nature counselor. He made the connection to them all when discovering the 1800s publication Picturesque America (PA). He understood its impact, so bringing the influence and lessons from PA to the modern world became his passion.

Now serving as the founder and Executive Director of Preserving A Picturesque America (PAPA), Scott has the opportunity to bring all of his skills to bear, as he has become a guiding spirit to artists and all lovers of the natural world who want to protect it.

Saluda Train Tales will be held on the evening of Friday August 25^th. The program begins at 7PM and doors will open at 6:30PM.  Please note that we are holding Train Tales on the fourth Friday rather than the third Friday in order to not conflict with the Top of the Grade Concert. 

DESIGN YOUR OWN LANTERN

5-hour session

Create four panels of your own design for this sturdy black metal lantern that holds a wax candle or battery candle. You can go abstract, organic, four seasons, nature themed, whimsical or detailed. These are well constructed lanterns purchased from Ikea and enhanced with your creative composition. Class size is limited.

$150 includes lantern and glass, instruction and firing. 

Wednesday, August 16, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 5, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 26, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

NEW CLASS!!!

Learn to cut a circle in glass then embellish it with glass fragments, stringer, crushed class and cane. This two-layer round will be fired to a full fuse then stretched through a ring in the kiln to form a colorful one-of-a-kind vase. During the class you will also make glass cane (rods) in a vitragraph kiln. These twisty rods can be added to your vase for a bright pop. $95 includes all materials, instruction and firings.

Wednesday, August 23, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 6, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

THE GARDEN LOLLIPOP – NEW CLASS! 

3 hours

Learn to cut a circle out of glass and create a 13” lollipop that fits onto a black metal stand for your garden. Make it transparent for the sun to shine through or an opaque piece that stands out with bold colors. Garden art can be kept out all winter long.

$145 includes all materials, stand and firings

Tuesday, August 29, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 Wednesday, September 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

NEW CLASS!!!

GLASS BATIK AND THE MAGIC OF SILVER FOIL

Learn to apply and emboss layers of powdered glass that results in a surface resembling pottery. You will create several pieces that can be formed into small plates or embellished for wall hangings. You will also learn how to apply silver foil and powders.

$145 includes all materials and firings.

Thursday, September 14, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Call the Studio to register for a class, studio time or schedule your group. Space is limited so that everyone gets attention and the guidance they need. Be prepared to surprise yourself and to HAVE FUN!

Susan Cannon, glass artist and enthusiast, gallery owner and instructor

In The Courtyard

at Saluda Moon Glass Studio and Gallery!

Musings Under the Moon

Tales, Tunes, Truth and Trivia

Saturday August 26th, 6:00-7:30

A Pot Luck Celebration!!

Bring a dish and lets have FUN!!

(Come at 5:30 to set up)

Bring your own lawn chair, and wine or beer

This is Our Last Show this year!

LIVE Music at The Purple Onion

Thursday Evening @ 7:30 p.m.

*Cover Charge*

August 3rd ~ Lonesome Road Band

The Lonesome Road Band regularly travels as a three piece group, featuring banjo, guitar, and bass. In a nutshell, the band plays country and folk, but that wonderfully rustic country that walks you down a dirt road, with a pleasant breeze tickling your face, while the grasshoppers chirp. Founded back in 1995, the band has gone through a few changes in members, but has never lost its heart and soul – thanks in abundance to its founder Larry Keith. The charming yet stark fervency of The Lonesome Road Band’s music instantly takes audiences back to a time where songs told the world of man’s great love and great sorrows. Huddled around a vintage mic, the group would be right at home next to the Soggy Bottom Boys in “O Brother Where Art Thou.”

https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=293740&restref=293740&experienceId=166863

August 10th ~ Time Sawyer

Time Sawyer’s name reflects the pull between the past and the future. The character Tom Sawyer evokes the rural background and love of home that the band shares. Time is a muse for songwriting; it’s the thread that runs through life, bringing new experiences and giving us a sense of urgency, while still connecting us with our past. A folk-rock band whose songs call out the attitudes and behaviors that lead to our divisions – the way that we show understanding to our friends and family, without thinking about how folks outside our social circle are experiencing their own problems, and are, at heart, just like us.

https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=293740&restref=293740&experienceId=166869

August 17th ~ Riyen Roots & Kenny Dore

Riyen Roots and Kenny Dore are an American blues, soul, and roots duo. Riyen Roots is currently among the busiest performing acts in the southeastern US. – having played 150+ annually for the past fifteen years. Riyen features unique rhythms on guitar, truly original song stylings, and a voice suited for blues. A renowned master of tone, hearing Kenny on blues harmonica is a true pleasure. Accompanied by Kenny Dore, the duo are an adventure into the deep well of the southern soul brought to light via gritty, heartfelt songs. 

https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=293740&restref=293740&experienceId=166871

August 24th ~ Asheville Junction

Asheville Junction is a bluegrass/Americana band from the high country of North Carolina. Their lively, entertaining shows feature hot fiddlin', vocals, harmonies and much more. Folks find themselves singing, clapping, and toe-tappin' along to the music. Asheville Junction formed when mother-daughter duo Tierra and Maria Raiti moved to Asheville and joined up with long-time local musicians Brad Pope on upright bass, Tim Comstock on mandolin and Ken Sager on dobro.

https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=293740&restref=293740&experienceId=166875

August 31st ~ Bill & The Belles

Bill and the Belles is a Johnson City, TN-based band known for combining a stringband format with their signature harmonies, candid songwriting, and pop sensibilities. The group has a knack for saying sad things with a bit of a smirk, and anyone who’s been to one of their shows can attest that you leave feeling lighter and refreshed. This is a band that revels in the in-between: deeply engaged with the stringband tradition and eager to stretch those influences to a contemporary setting. And while Bill and the Belles’ latest chapter offers a bigger, moodier, and more decade-ambiguous sound, they maintain their status as the most refreshing stringband around.

https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid=293740&restref=293740&experienceId=166877

Greetings from Saluda Studios! We have settled into our new space and have truly appreciated the warm Saluda welcome from so many who have stopped by. We look forward to exciting things to come this Fall season, and will be sharing more information soon.

Featured Artist of the Month - Mike Wurman

On Sunday, August 27th from 2-5 the Preserving A Picturesque America Gallery will host a gathering with wine and light fare. If you have not visited the gallery, this will be a wonderful time to come by, enjoy a glass of wine, and meet our featured artist member for August, Mike Wurman.

About Mike….

  After moving to Asheville, NC, to pursue a career as a pencil artist, Mike developed an overwhelming uncertainty in his abilities as an artist, and as an individual. His passion to create had vanished, so he packed up his pencils and resigned from drawing. In 2014, a hike across the summit of a bald mountain called Max Patch, reignited the flame to create as he came upon the iconic Appalachian Trail. Immediately he was overcome with desire to draw once again.

However, it wasn’t going to be as easy as picking up a pencil. He was also being called by the trail itself to make the 2,200-mile pilgrimage from Georgia to Maine. Two months later, with no backpacking experience, carrying two sketchbooks and an assortment of pencils, he left from Springer Mountain, Georgia and headed north. His journey on the trail not only strengthened his belief in himself, but it also gifted him with an undying love for nature that he’s eager to share with others.

Mike continues to work in pencil, but he quickly learned it was time to branch out of the black and white world of graphite and truly convey the vivid imagery he experienced on the trail each day, so he taught himself a colorful new medium, pastel.

My art truly is 2,200 miles in the making. When I took that first step on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia on my way to Maine, I was searching for positive self-assurance in myself and my abilities. Along the way, I discovered more about myself and the world around me than I ever anticipated. The most significant discovery, something I always felt I lacked as an artist, was passion. Once I found that, everything seemed to fall into place. With every new piece I complete, my ultimate goal is for the viewer to experience emotions as if they were on their own self- fulfilling journey.”

Mike has some amazing work on display at our gallery, so please come by to check it out!

Our gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday 12 - 6, Saturday and Sunday 11-5. 

We are closed on Monday and Tuesday. 

If you would like to visit the gallery during non-business hours, please let us know. Contact Scott Varn at 828-273-5383.

As the summer winds down and fall is upon us, Saluda Studios plans to offer some art classes and workshops, so please stay tuned for dates and times. We also have the gallery space available to rent for small gatherings. Please call Sam Varn at 828-713-2130 for details if you are looking for a space to host a small family celebration, a luncheon, wedding reception, or whatever your needs may be for a small venue.

Twist and Gout

By Cappy Hall Rearick

It’s date-night at the Senior Center and my husband Babe and I are seated at a table not quite big enough for a Chihuahua. If we can manage to squeeze onto the over-crowded dance floor, we’re gonna boogie to music made famous by The Drifters, Little Richard and Fats.

Let the good times roll!

As soon as the band plays, “I Love Beach Music,” Babe yanks me onto the pygmy-sized dance floor before I can say poodle skirt and saddle oxfords.

Twirling like he’s come down with a serious case of Saturday Night Fever, he swings me so hard that I crash into two other seniors who appear to be fresh graduates of the Twinkle Toes Dance Class.

She is clutching a white patent-leather pocketbook as if she’s hiding the Hope Diamond inside of it. So, help me, she is wearing saddle oxfords and Bobbie Sox.

“Let’s put some distance between Fred and Ginger and us,” I shout at Babe, hoping my voice carries over the high-performance sound system lacking reduction capability. He’s wearing a goofy expression on his face and dancing like nobody’s watching.

When I poke him a bit too hard, he plows into an old man whose dancing partner is none other than a walking stick. The man wheels around, bares his teeth and snarls but Mr. Saturday Night Fever keeps right on dancing. We need to either get away from Kujo or go to Urgent Care for a rabies shot.

Weaving a path through the gyrating bodies, we make it back to our miniature table where two frosted mugs of beer await us. I take a sip of mine but forty seconds later, Babe’s is history. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand like Barney Gumble, he stares at me as if trying to figure out who I am and whether he’s about to get lucky.

“What’s up with you? We came to dance not sit.”

I roll my eyes. “We had to take a break after you bumped into that old guy with the cane. He was about to whack you upside the head with it.” I gesture at the man.

Babe looks at him, shrugs and says, “No way.”

“Babe, I saved you from the wrath of a Gray Panther who was mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore.”

Babe focuses his eyes on the snarler. “I can take that twirp. No problem.”

I look at the diminutive man and then at my 200-plus pound of a husband. “Ya think?”

He drains the last three drops of his beer and then stands up like he’s going after the old dude.

I grab him. “Babe! No! Sit back down before you do something stupid.”

He stares at me like I’ve got grits for brains. “I’m going for another beer.”

At that, the band starts playing a lively version of Carolina Girl and before I can say Myrtle Beach, Babe is pulling me onto the jam-packed dance floor.

Beach music rocks the room and this time we are both dancing like nobody’s watching. We are sharing floor space with the patent-leather purse clutcher and her wizened, bifocaled partner. Through some kind of weird synchronicity, the four of us are thrown headlong back to the summer of 1958 when girls wore crinoline petticoats and ponytails, and guys wore varsity letters and no ponytails.

Elvis was the prince, not as yet anointed The King. Little Richard was little and Fats Domino was not. The Drifters drifted out their songs to us and we caught them while drifting into tomorrow.

Long live rock and roll!

SUMMER TRACKS Continues

New View Realty of Tryon is Summer Tracks 23^rd Season Presenting Sponsor. This evening’s concert sponsor is Stott’s Ford. A full schedule including performers bios and photos can be found at www.summertracks.com.

All shows begin at 7 pm. In case of rain, concerts will move across the street inside Tryon Fire Dept. Manzolina’s on Wheels Eatery will be selling grilled hotdogs, sandwich wraps, ice cream, snacks, water and soft drinks. Alcohol consumption is allowed in the park but is not for sale.

Please remember, no dogs. Audience donations along with many local business and individual sponsors make these shows possible.

Summer Tracks 2023 Season brought to you by New View Realty:

August 11: Unspoken Tradition

https://www.unspokentradition.com

August 25: Abby Bryant & The Echoes

https://www.abbybryantandtheechoes.com

SLIP collaborates with local mission: Towel Ministry

Most of us try to enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of our homes during the dogdays of summer. In the spirit of "neighbors helping neighbors," however, there are folks that use the sunshine and warmth at this time of year to help their neighbors in need.

  Towel Ministry is a mission-oriented ministry that began in the Outreach Committee at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Saluda in 2019. The parish hosts teens, ranging from middle school to college-aged, to gather with the intent to help our elderly neighbors with deferred maintenance and renovations at home. Every June, the work teams are sent to local Saluda area homes that need yard work, interior and exterior paint, pressure washing, deck repair, roof work, ramps built, and some minor plumbing and electrical.

  Each year Towel Ministry collaborates with Saluda Living in Place to help find a few homeowners that need some tender love and care. Once these potential homeowners are identified, Towel Ministry representatives inspect the homes and identify suitable work projects. When the mission workers arrive in Saluda, they work, eat, and play together with the common goal of helping out their neighbors.

  The campers have always slept at Transfiguration. This year, Towel collaborated with Saluda United Methodist Church, so that the girl campers could sleep at Wesley Cottage.

  The work that's completed at the homes is exemplary, and the homeowners are very appreciative, but the greatest reward that all Towel Ministry campers and the homeowners receive is new friendships. The campers are bonding with each other. They bring their lunches to the work sites. They also bring lunches to the homeowners. This is when they sit down together, break bread, and tell their stories. It's a memorable time for all and truly a blessing for everyone.



  If you need assistance with deferred home maintenance during June 19-23, 2024, please contact The Rev. Chip Broadfoot (828) 845-5326, Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. Towel Ministry will gladly consider all projects. Also, the campers usually return each year, so the opening for campers is usually small, but if you have a 14–18-year-old that would like to apply, you can contact The Rev. Broadfoot for that as well. It's a great way to get service hours.

Veterans’ Breakfast News

Veterans’ Breakfasts have been scheduled for every first Wednesday of the month at 09:00 hours. Our attendance has picked up and Ashley Sandahl has been the chef of these delightful gatherings. Unfortunately, due to upcoming renovations we must move our venue from the Saluda Fire House to maybe even a new weekday morning to find a new host. We will be announcing a new location and potential day and time as soon as the arrangements have been made. If you are aware of a new potential host, please contact SLIP at (828) 749-0049.

Slow Flow and Sound Healing with Erin

Date: 8/13/2023

Time: 10:30 am- 12:00 pm

Cost: $40 (Early Bird $30 through 7/23)

  Connect to your body, breath and the sounds around you. Heal through movement, and the vibrations of the melodies and sounds that surround you.

   Enjoy a slow flow yoga practice with restorative elements led by Erin. While Aoife provides a soundtrack for the soul. Welcoming singing bowls, drums, guitar, and Gaelic melodies. 

Self-Investment $40

Early Bird pricing of $30 valid through 7/23 

Yomassage - restorative yoga & group massage with Ashley  

Date: 8/14/2023

Time: 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm

Cost: $45

 Yomassage is a healthy blend of restorative stretch, massage, mindfulness and meditation all wrapped into one balancing experience and customized to each individual and their specific needs. Each session begins with settling into a themed meditation. As each person moves into various restorative stretch poses a trained therapist or supporter will come around to help make adjustments to ensure that each person achieves the most comfortable variation of each stretch in a safe way. While in each pose, the massage therapist will come around and expertly provide massage to different sections of the body to help achieve a better and deeper stretch. Yomassage is great for the mind, body and spirit.

Yoga Basics with Morgan

Date: 9/23/2023 - 10/14/23

Time: 12:00 pm- 2:00 pm

Cost: $140 (Early Bird Pricing of $125 ends 8/7)

  Looking to deepen your practice and understanding of yoga? Then join Morgan for Yoga Basics!

   Yoga Basics is a well-rounded look at the fundamentals of yoga. The discussion topics, yoga sequences, meditations, and breathing practices are simple and accessible for those completely new to yoga, while offering a deeper understanding to those who are exploring their practice further.

  You will:

learn safe and accurate alignment

discover new ways to make yoga poses feel good in YOUR body

increase flexibility, mindfulness, and overall mind-body connection

learn the essentials needed to feel empowered to show up to any yoga class

A comprehensive workbook with the poses, sequences and breathwork is provided.

Call us at 828-595-9747 or email us at info@leyogawnc.com for more info.

Laughing Elephant Yoga

1171 Spartanburg Highway

Hendersonville, NC 28792

828-595-9747

laughingelephantyoga.com

News from the

Visitors Center

Did You Know?

That last month we had Coon Dog Day in Saluda and it was a howling great day. Here are a few visitors that we welcomed to the Visitor Center. We had 426 “people visitors” during Coon Dog Day. On a typical busy summer Saturday, we may have 100 visitors. We didn’t count the number of canine visitors, but there were quite a few. The dogs seem to like the cool, concrete floors on this hot, steamy day. Also, we had fresh water and treats. 

There are many activities going on in our area in August. Those activities are posted in the Visitor Center. If you have events or activities that you would like to post in the Visitor Center, please send them or email them to Lynn Casey at caseysaluda@gmail.com

The Visitor Center, located at 20 W. Main Street, has a nice open room with information about Saluda and the surrounding area and two ADA-compliant restrooms. The Center features a slideshow created by the Saluda Historical Society that highlights Saluda’s history.

The center is operated by an all-volunteer staff and all operating expenses are split equally between the Saluda Downtown Foundation, Saluda Business Association, and the Saluda Tourism Development Authority.

Additionally, we’d like to invite visitors and residents alike to visit the Center to learn about Saluda’s Historic walks or scenic drives, get hiking trail maps and area maps. We also have “Things to do in Saluda” list, restaurant menus, lodging choices and a variety of business pamphlets.  We continue to put out a call for more volunteers for short shifts to provide information and keep the facility clean and organized. The shifts are easy and fun, you meet nice people, and you will be properly trained before starting. Please consider volunteering or just drop by during hours to say hello!

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the

Visitor Center please contact Lynn Casey at caseysaluda@gmail.com.

Pop-Up Pantry

Bountiful Partnerships

When the Pantry first opened its doors in 2019, we realized that while MANNA and the other organizations providing food to the pantry addressed food insecurity on an immediate level, fresh vegetables and fruits so vital to good nutrition and healthy eating habits were in limited supply. Evidence has proven that food pantries providing healthy food initiatives increase fruit and vegetable consumption, improve diet quality, and increase food security. Fresh fruits and vegetables are very costly in grocery stores and many cannot afford these items, especially those who are experiencing food insecurity.

  To change this dynamic, shoppers needed to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. We applied for and were awarded grants from Dogwood Health Trust and Pisgah Health Foundation to partner with local farmers so that shoppers would have fresh produce each week from which to choose. These funds enabled us to initiate our Farm to Neighbor program. We then applied to Polk County Community Foundation for funds to continue the Farm to Neighbor program. PCCF saw the benefits of this initiative and have graciously awarded us grants for the last two years to continue this program. 

 Susan Casey oversees this program and works with local farmers who supply produce. Each week she contacts local farmers to see what fruits and vegetables they are harvesting.  She also visits local Farmer’s Markets to purchase what is available. We are fortunate to have Susan as part of our team because of her relationships with the farmers and vast experience gleaned from her days at the Purple Onion. She also has a knack for setting up the produce table every week.

   We are thankful to the following local farmers who supply produce to the Pantry:

Saluda Grade Farm

Charlene’s Garden

Terra Linqua

Tiny Bridge

Larry Stepp

   During the spring and summer months the Pantry’s produce table is overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables. Shoppers who were reluctant to choose certain items not knowing how to cook them or what the item might be are now choosing these items regularly.  Our volunteers are always ready to answer questions and help shoppers learn how to prepare vegetables and their health benefits. 

   The winter months present a challenge to find farmers who grow vegetables during the colder months. Susan reaches out to sources beyond Saluda who provide a variety of nutritious winter vegetables such as mixed greens, carrots, and potatoes.

   The Farm to Neighbor program is a win-win for our shoppers and local farmers. We are grateful for the grantors who funded this initiative and for our community support that has enabled us to make a difference in the lives of those who shop at the Saluda Pop-Up Pantry. We couldn’t operate the Pantry without their generosity and belief in our mission.



Please visit our website at saludapantry.com to learn more about the Pantry and how you can get involved or if you wish to donate. We also post updates on our Facebook page - Saluda Pop-Up Pantry.

The Saluda Book Club will meet Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Saluda Community Center, 64 Greenville Street. Our August selection is River of the Gods by Candice Millard.



This account of the 1857 expedition to find the source of the Nile River is exciting and intriguing as the explorers, Richard Francis Burton and John Hanning Speke, compete for glory. 

Please join us for a lively discussion as we delve into this fascinating true life novel! All are welcome!

The August meeting of the Women's Club of Saluda invites interested ladies to join us as Kay Harkins, a clinical psychologist, discusses coping with life's difficulties. 

All are welcome!

The meeting will take place in the fellowship hall of the Saluda Methodist Church, 132 Greenville Street, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 14, 2023. 

Come a bit early to enjoy refreshments and chat with members!

Claire Loves Italy!

After a week of cooking and touring fun at the Palazzo in Carunchio, our summer exchange student, Claire Thompson, moved in with the Carunchio mayor and his family. Claire reported that she especially loved learning from Chef Dino and hanging out with the locals at a coffee shop. She is working on her Italian and will next be going to stay with the local truffle hunter’s family. She’ll learn how the dogs are trained to sniff out the truffles and will go on a truffle hunt. We can hardly wait for her return so we can hear all about her adventures. Here’s the proof that she can make a pizza from scratch and even stretch the dough on her knuckles! And the view from her window!

Rooms Available October 8 for Spa Week

For October 8, Massimo is offering his usual week at the Palazzo and is celebrating the opening of his new spa by including spa treatments at no additional cost.  Massage, facial, hot tub with incredible view, steam room and more…. all for 2,400 euros including transportation between Rome and Carunchio, all meals and outings, cooking lessons and unlimited red wine with meals.  These last rooms will go fast. Check out the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QtdVsK4Tgg

4 Rooms Available for Olive Harvest October 29

It’s the usual week of touring and cooking in Carunchio, but this week should catch the excitement of the annual olive harvest. 

Better Communications are Coming!

We will soon have a Saluda Sister City website, brochure and periodic newsletter. Yea!  This should take us to a new level of involvement. Many thanks to those who have been loyal members while we get more connected. And many thanks to Board member Ashley Sandahl for contributing her invaluable “IT” knowledge and skills.

For more information, contact Judy Thompson at JDT@JDThompsonLaw.com, 828-489-6578.

My Fellow Saludans,

  We made a difference in the life of a child. Our Project Ice Cream at Saluda Elementary really wasn’t about ice-cream at all. It was about inclusion. It was about sharing the joys of a Friday afternoon treat with friends. It was about NOT being left out. It was about being equal in school regardless of background. School is supposed to be a safe place for students in both a physical AND emotional way. Principal Tobree Mostel said,

“Every child has the same opportunities, regardless of socioeconomic status. This is just one more way to show students that schools go beyond academics. We are also here to help students develop a sense of self and provide positive experiences.” Every Sunday during the school year, Principal Mostel makes a call with general announcements for the upcoming week and makes sure to include “This week’s ice-cream is sponsored by ___. Thank you, ____, for giving our kids another reason to smile!” 

  So, you want the numbers? Here you go. The goal was to have enough for every Friday from January until the last Friday of the 2022-23 school year. Well, it ended up starting earlier and will go through the next school year. We raised $7534.00. Spent $2477.00. Leaving us with $5057.00 at the time of this writing. 

  THANK YOU to all who participated. Your kindness, generosity of spirit and giving, and community care were both not surprising, yet felt deeply. 

Sincerely,

Jaine Nelson

Child Advocate



Free Digital Marketing Seminar for Saluda-Area Businesses

In today’s world, getting as close as you can to the top of Page 1 of Internet search results is critically important and valuable. Fortunately, there are 5 proven ways to improve your results at no cost and requiring only about 15 minutes a week.

The Digital Marketing Success seminar offered to Saluda-area businesses at no charge will show you how.

“These techniques work. We learned them from Gary Heisey (seminar presenter) and we were amazed by the simple yet highly effective, and free, techniques he teaches. We highly recommend this seminar if you want to improve your page ranking!” — Jay and Joel, Saluda Inn.

The program is being offered to all Saluda-area businesses, including vacation rental property owners at no cost.

Location: Saluda Senior Center (64 Greenville St.)

Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Cost: There is No Cost to attend thanks to a sponsorship by the Saluda TDA (Tourism Development Authority) for the benefit of all Saluda-area businesses.

Mark your calendars and reserve your spot now as space is limited.

Register today at https://forms.gle/tbkypEsEKAvKePXC6

or call Scott Cardais at 704-661-5393 for more information.

WALKS IN THE WOODS

August 6 - Missing 40 This 1-mile loop of moderate, wooded trail walking, will take about 1-2 hours. The trailhead is located on Pearson Falls Road just above the concrete bridge over the North Pacolet River. The trail is well blazed, kid and pet friendly, and has several easy water crossings.

August 20 - Green River Cove Walk along Old Cove Road that went from Saluda to Green River in the 1920’s.The trail follows a stream down to Fish Top Access. The walk will be easy to moderate, occasionally steep, but with great views!

September 3 - Vaugh’s Creek Walk this 1.7-mile out and back trail near Tryon NC. This trail follows the creak featuring a small waterfall, native flora and fauna, a Native American marker tree, and a large culvert at the end of the trail.

Walkers meet at the parking lot of the Saluda Library at 2 pm. A SCLT member will keep you aware of the terrain of the trail and share their insights about the history, flora, and fauna of the area.

Prepare for each walk with comfortable shoes, a walking stick, water, and a snack. Feel free to bring your field guides and a camera. Please provide any pertinent medical history to your guide. Many of these hikes will access private property. SCLT has obtained the owners' permission to allow you to access these areas that are normally not available to the public.

Call ahead to determine whether the hike will welcome four-footed companions.

For more information contact

the SCLT office (828) 749-1560

info@saludaclt.org

No Dogs in this Fight

SCLT members joined in the festivities of the 60th Annual Coon Dog Day in Saluda. During the parade we were cheered on by our neighbors as flower seed packets were given out.

Our booth on main street brought many visitors (44 new sign ups

for our newsletter and WELCOME new readers), many folks

were interested in our work in preserving farmland with

conservation easements and also about our fight with our local

plague of kudzu.

CCD Parade

Breaking News! SCLT Members join in the 60th Edition of the Coon Dog Day Parade

and from an underdog position come from behind to win the parade

and take top prize! Best In Show!

KEEPERS OF THE TRUST

The Saluda Community Land Trust was created to help preserve the rural character and open

spaces of our community. Meet Jim Haley, a new board member and one of the many valued

and dedicated persons who serve our community as a Keeper of the Trust.

Jim Haley is a degreed Mechanical Engineer from the University of Florida. Jim, his wife Lisa, and their two grown children have lived all over the US and even in the UK.

Still, he has never forgotten the magical rumble of distant diesels struggling up the Saluda grade; the allure of riding dirt bikes on the mountains; the detailed astronomical views of night sky objects; and the thrill of sliding down waterfalls. These memories

keep him coming back to vacations in Saluda.

After inheriting 39 acres from the original land his grandfather had purchased in Saluda

in 1944, Jim put a conservation easement on it, not only to prevent further development,

but also to use the earned equity to buy another 40 acres nearby. Jim sustainably

timbered that acreage, sold off a few acres, and donated a conservation easement on

the remaining parcel. Fast forward 10 years and Jim has used the same process to

protect about 150 acres of prime Saluda land from development and currently has

another 70+ acres in the conservation pipeline.

Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sustainable forestry and a love of

Saluda to our community. We welcome him as a new member of SCLT’s Board of

Trustees.

SCLT Monthly Board Meeting

SCLT Board Meeting is scheduled for

August 2nd at 4:00.

Please contact the office for specifics.

Please keep Twin Lakes in mind when planning events in the coming year. This outdoor venue can be reserved for birthdays, weddings, and other special events.

SCLT appreciates support from the Saluda Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation.

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. Or send an email to info@saludaclt.org. We look forward to your comments and suggestions.

www.saludaclt.org

Saluda Garden Club

Do you believe in fairies? I believed in the tooth fairy when I was much younger because he or she would leave money under my pillow when one of my teeth fell out. Fairies have been held in high esteem in folklore for many, many years, but perhaps we didn’t think about where they reside or what the inside of their houses look like.  Many credit Annette Ashberry with creating the first miniature garden in the 1950s. Others claim that the first miniature gardens first debuted in the USA in the 1890’s at a world fair. First the garden, then the house, and then came the furniture for the house.

  Many who attended the meeting at the Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery expressed an interest in having a workshop after seeing fairy furniture displayed at the owner’s home. Members will gather at the Saluda Moon Glass Studio & Gallery at 10:00am on August 21^st to learn the basics of creating fairy furniture. The cost for the instructor and materials (all natural) is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. This is a fascinating art form and you will not want to miss out on learning how to make fairy furniture. 

  A variety of activities are planned each year that promote camaraderie and education through programming and community involvement. As you can see from our meeting activity this month, you do not need to be a gardener to join.  

We plan a variety of activities that appeal to everyone. 

Please contact Garden Club President, Susan Cannon, at 828-749-3852

who will provide you with more information. 

Dues are only $25 per year and meetings are held once a month

except during the winter months. 

Events may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather.

REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES OF SUMMER

WITH AN ENGRAVED PACE PARK PAVER

Our engraver is now officially licensed to engrave Military Emblems on your Paver. 

Purchase a paver for those you love or in memory of loved ones.

Pavers for Pace Park is a community fund raiser to support the completion of public restrooms in this pocket park on Main Street. The Park is in the alley by M. A. Pace General Store and is the location of a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Interpretation Sign and public restrooms.

  Bricks are $50 & $60 with one clip-art payable to City of Saluda. You may have three lines of copy with a maximum of 15 letters per line.

Forms can be obtained from City Hall, City of Saluda website, or can be requested from Catherine Ross at carnc@charter.net or 828-749-3534. Applications can be sent to City of Saluda, PO Box 248, Saluda, NC 28773.

Contact Catherine Ross for gift cards to be sent.



Keeping the Firefly Magic Alive: 3 Ways to Help Our Fireflies

Article and all photos by Naturalist and Photographer Sharon Mammoser

Are you among the lucky ones who actually see fireflies in your own yard? Are you still awed by the firefly magic, eager to eavesdrop on their conversation of flashes? It might amaze you to learn that there are 2000 species of fireflies in the world with more than 125 different kinds living in United States, each with its own unique flashing pattern. (Though there are some “dark” fireflies that don’t have lanterns as adults.)

When many of us were kids fireflies marked the end of long summer days spent outside in the sunshine. Many of us have fond memories of running around through wet grass in the darkness, laughing as we tried to catch the twinkling beetles, joyful when we could hold the insect in our small hands, watching it in silent wonder as it flickered on and off. We were captivated!

These days neighborhoods are more plentiful, and wild, grassy meadows are hard to find or not somewhere parents feel comfortable letting their kids roam. There’s more pavement, brighter outdoor lights, less wild places within walking distance from our houses. Seeing fireflies on warm summer nights is not as common. Now we may have to get in the car and drive somewhere if we want to experience the firefly magic.

Did you know there are simple things you can do to make your yard more firefly friendly? Here are a few things everyone can do, most of which cost absolutely nothing:

Adult firefly. By Sharon Mammoser.

1. Create an Inviting Habitat

·        If your yard is mostly grass, stop mowing a portion of it, or mow it less frequently. Did you know fireflies spend their days resting in grass or on vegetation, or that females often wait in the grass for wandering males?

·        Create native plant “islands” within your yard. When it’s impossible to eliminate all of your grass, choose to create islands within the grass where you can plant native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees. Native plants add to the insect and animal diversity, supporting many animals big and small.

·        Most importantly, leave the leaf litter. Did you know firefly larvae require leaf litter, or that they live in the leaf litter as larvae for one to three years before metamorphosing into adult fireflies? Firefly larvae are voracious predators, a gardener’s best friend as they feed on many garden pests including snails and slugs. Without undisturbed, moist leaf litter, fireflies won’t make it to adulthood. If it’s not possible where you live to leave the leaf litter on the ground where it falls, rake it up and spread it around your trees, or put it in your native plant islands. Don’t mulch your leaf litter, and don’t bag it up— there are many, many animals, including fireflies, that require leaf litter for part of their lifecycles. Keep all of these amazing animals and nutrients in your own yard— It’s free fertilizer!

Saluda Historic Depot’s 8^th Annual Golf Tournament

We are already planning for the 8^th Annual SHD Golf Tournament. Mark your calendar for October 9^th at beautiful Bright’s Creek, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course located in the Blue Ridge Mountain community of Mill Springs, NC. The tournament will include 18 teams of four players. Registration fee will be $175 per player and includes green fee, cart, lunch, goodie bags and award’s dinner. 

  Registration is easy by visiting SaludaHistoricDepot.com and clicking under Events. You can download the entry application, print the form and send to savesaludadepot@gmail.com. There is a PayPal option to pay with a credit card. You can also send completed forms and payment to Saluda Historic Depot, P.O. Box 990, Saluda, NC 28773. Registration deadline is September 20, 2021. You can also sign up as a sponsor of this event until September 7 on the same website. For more information on registering, please contact Bruce.Hunt190@gmail.com.

All proceeds go to support the Saluda Historic Depot and Museum.

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Where are your used books?? We are now accepting paperback fiction book donations and newer hardback books copyrighted in 2021 or later at the Saluda Historic Depot.

  Books for Good is a used book store located at 50 Heritage Park Drive in Fletcher, NC. The store supports more than 100 charities and the Saluda Historic Depot is one of those charities. Please continue to donate your gently used books by calling Nita High at 828-747-8692 or by dropping off books at the depot.

Volunteers Needed

Do you love trains, antiques, rail history, or are you just a history buff? If you have two hours a week or a month to talk to people from all over the country, come join us at the Saluda Historic Depot and Museum as a docent and tour guide. Training will be provided along with the fact that you will be working with a great group of people who share a common interest---promoting the town of Saluda, its history and the history of the railroad. If you are interested in volunteering, call or text NitaHigh at 828-747-8692.    

Saluda August Train Tales Features Speaker. Scott “Doc” Varn

  The Saluda Historic Depot volunteers are excited to welcome Scott Varn as guest speaker for Saluda Train Tales on August 25^th. 

  Scott, an artists and historian, is owner of the new Saluda Studios located on Hwy 176 just as you enter Saluda. Please join us in welcoming Scott Varn to the Saluda Historic Depot and Museum.

  Saluda Train Tales will be held on the evening of Friday August 25^th. The program begins at 7PM and doors will open at 6:30PM.  Please note that we are holding Train Tales on the fourth Friday rather than the third Friday in order to not conflict with the Top of the Grade Concert. 

Thomas The Tank Engine Celebrates his 78^th Birthday

Thomas the Tank Engine was created by Wilbert Vere Awdry in a series of children’s books in 1945. Since Thomas is 78 years old, he is quite frail. Located on the Depot deck, poor Thomas has suffered repeated damage due to youngsters climbing on top of the engine. We want Thomas to remain next to the Depot and we are requesting that people treat him with care. After all, he is an old man. Please take advantage of the photo opportunity and allow your children to sit inside the cab rather than climbing on top of the cab or engine. Thank you for your cooperation and wish old Thomas a happy birthday when you visit him. The Thomas Rules and The History of Thomas the Tank Engine are posted near Thomas. Take time to read about Thomas’ long life.  

We not only sell ice cream and gifts in the Sweet Shoppe, we also sell Carpenter Bee Traps. Two of our volunteers are hand making the traps and we should have an ample supply this spring. So, stop by the SHD Sweet Shoppe, have an ice cream and purchase a Carpenter Bee Trap for $25. 

All proceeds go to maintaining the Saluda Historic Depot and Museum.



We’re Vlogging! Please like, share and subscribe!

  Onsite vlogging is a great way to learn about historical places and interesting people who once lived in Saluda and who left an indelible footprint behind. Our most recent video was filmed at the historic Macedonia Baptist Church on July 9, 2023. As it stands today, the church is the original church, but it has been renovated and modernized. It is located off Macedonia Road, which traces its history to the old drovers’ trails of western NC. Many of the founding family members are buried in this cemetery. Located in Henderson County, Macedonia Baptist Church was organized in 1898. The first pastor was Reverend William Henry Jones, who preached for 64 years and is buried directly at the rear of the church. It is said that he requested to be buried as close to the pulpit of this church as possible once he passed, thus the location of his grave at the very rear of the church. Charter member surnames were Fletcher, Williams, Revis, Arledge, Guice, Staton, Gordon and Wagener. The cemetery contains a large number of Guice family members.

In this video we paused to recognize the following individuals who are either buried in the church cemetery or are connected in some way to the people buried there: Rev. William Henry Jones, Zoro Guice, Sr., Sidney Guice, Joseph Hoge Stephenson, Minnie May Guice Stephenson, William Dockery "Dock" Guice, Ella Heatherly Guice, Walter Stephenson, Joseph "Raymond" Stephenson, Sr., Joseph Raymond "Joe" Stephenson, Jr., Mintie Guice Pace, Dulas Guice, and more.

Filmed and produced by Cindy Stephenson Tuttle for the Historic Saluda Committee, you can view by going to https://youtu.be/z8tUfbJ-R9k or visit our YouTube page at www.youtube.com/@HistoricSaludaNC.

Featured Photograph

  Let's talk about this Gospel Quartet! Many churches in the area conducted singing schools through the Vaughn Music Company and often used the shape note method to teach a song. Herbert Pace (far right) and Roy Johnson Sr. (second from right) were among the teachers. The highlight each year was homecoming at Mountain Page Church. Alice Johnson is far left and Mr. Poole is second from the left. (Courtesy of Roy Lee Johnson Jr.)

Join Us in Planning the 2024 Historic Saluda Home Tour. Tour Date Set for June 8, 2024!

We are pleased to announce plans to bring back the popular Historic Saluda Home Tour. If you are interested in helping with the planning, please stayed tuned to our Facebook page for meeting dates. We are delighted that Lauretta Cook has offered to chair this exciting event! Proceeds from the home tour help to support the work of the Historic Saluda Committee.

Our Next Meeting

Our next meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Saluda Public Library. The public is invited to attend. For scheduled meetings, updates or cancellations, please visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/historicsaluda for more information. Join us and see what it is all about!

Who Are We? The Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) is an official committee under the jurisdiction of the City of Saluda. The Saluda Board of Commissioners appoints a seven-member panel and the HSC Chair may appoint additional at-large members. For more information about the Historic Saluda Committee go to www.historicsaluda.org or contact us at historicsaluda@gmail.com. Check us out on Facebook. Follow our oral history project on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@HistoricSaludaNC.

 River DogThe eighth month of the year comes from the emperor Augustus and for us the meaning includes some heat! Our cool Green River is much appreciated as is the ice cream that is sold in town!

  River Dog Run is pretty cool too; literally and figuratively! We crank up the A/C and can give some temporary relief to the sun and soaring temps. We also have “cool” items that can make you smile no matter the temperature.

  It will make you feel cooler to take a gander at Susie Hearn’s dogs! These canines that float lazily or read a book can’t help but make you smile. She even has a Coon Dog that has treed a creature! Her hand building pottery skills combined with the pieces that she finds to display her work are truly memorable.



Long days, bright with sunshine and saturated with the vibrancy of life. Our mountains are lush with vegetation and creatures of all shapes. Our air is warm and wafts the scents of cut grass, dense undergrowth, and a splash of sunscreen. As the sun beams down on us, we take refuge in the shade of our dense forests, reveling in our sparkling water falls, relaxing among the greatest of gifts summer offers - time. More hours to spend indulging in hobbies, wandering a new trail, laughing with loved ones. We hope August finds you well and invite you to come nourish, satiate, and perhaps pamper yourself a little with us. Come indulge in the essence of life and enjoy. 

The Purple Onion Hours

Monday 11-3 & 5-9

Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday CLOSED

Thursday 11-3 & 5-9

Friday 11-3 & 5-9

Saturday 11-3 & 5-9

Sunday 11-3

New S.P.O.T. Hours

Monday - Wednesday CLOSED

Thursday 4-9

Friday 4-9

Saturday 12 -9

Sunday 4-9

Trivia Nights at the SPOT!

Calling out to all you who thirst for knowledge, thirst for camaraderie, and thirst for margaritas! Welcome to a fun night of trivia, hosted at the SPOT.

Join us MOST Sunday nights for Trivia starting at 6 pm.

Bring yourself or bring your friends, either way, bring your A game. Prizes for first and second place.

For upcoming game nights visit https://bit.ly/TriviaAtTheSPOT

Art Rotation

 Our walls are refreshed with vibrant colors and lush scenes from our area. We are truly thankful to live in such a bright area, bursting with talent. We invite you in for a different sort of feast, a feeding of your soul, if you will. See the strokes and movement of brush take life and simultaneously take your breath away.

It’s been a hot summer but Mewdlic’s is here to keep you cool with iced tea, cold beer, and air conditioning.

  Make us your one stop shop for locally roasted coffee, loose leaf tea, craft beer and a variety of wines. Enjoy in the shop, take next door during lunch, stroll the Nostalgia Courtyard or take home with you to have later. Drink local, shop local at Mewdlics.

·        Don’t forget we are open late on Wednesday and Fridays for pizza night until 8pm!

·        You never know there might be live music.

·        On Fridays we now offer a free wine tasting from 5pm- 7pm.

Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages @mewdlics

to keep updated on the happening at the shop.

If you are interested in hosting an event at in our space,

come by or email us at mewdlic@gmail.com