SHARE:  

September Mid-Month 2024

Now, you can buy your So Saluda T-Shirt online!

Just click on the above image.

art...beauty...theatre...poetry...life

Our Town is a three-act play written by American playwright Thornton Wilder in 1938. Described by Edward Albee as "the greatest American play ever written.” A landmark in American drama, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Our Town tells the story of a small town, Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, in order to tell us the story of every town, the whole world over.

Narrated by the “Stage Manager”, we follow the Gibbs and Webb families, residents of Grover’s Corners, through twelve years of life changes — from the mundane in Act I, “Daily Life,” to the romantic in Act II, “Love and Marriage,” to the devastating in Act III, “Death and Eternity.” Through the young lovers Emily and George, their strong and loving parents, and the many other Grover’s Corners’ locals, Wilder delivers universal truths about what it means to be human.

“Oh, earth,” Emily Webb exclaims towards the play’s end, “you’re too wonderful for anyone to realize you.”

With humor, wit, and exceptionally powerful storytelling, Our Town offers a unique opportunity for audience members to make precisely that realization.

 

Our Town will be directed by Gerard Prendergast and auditions are November 5th and November 7th at 6PM, or by appointment. Show dates are April 4, 5, 11, 12. Please email Ashley Sandahl at ashleyonstage@gmail.com or call (828) 817-6515 with questions. Audition registration details and side materials will be posted by October 1. 



Saluda Outfitters/Green River Eddy’s Tap Room & Grill Free Live Music

Fri., Sept. 13, 7-10 p.m. | CircuitBreakers is a rock’n’roll band that includes five of the six Lazrluvr band members. If you love the award-winning Lazrluvr band, then you are going to love CircuitBreakers, too.


Sat., Sept. 14, 7-10 p.m. | Crystal Fountains Quartet is an Americana, folk, bluegrass band from the Charlotte area and Brevard. The group plays traditional bluegrass as well as original music with elements of jazz, blues and rock.


Sun., Sept. 15, 2-5 p.m. | Mutual Love Club, a husband-and-wife duo from Black Mountain, plays a mix of Americana, Rock’n’Roll, R'n’B and Traditionals, both cover songs and original material of the same genres.


Wed., Sept. 18, 6-9 p.m. DJ Honeybee Karaoke with Morgan Bass is held every other Wednesday.


Fri., Sept. 20, 7-10 p.m. | The JackTown Ramblers perform bluegrass, string band, swing and gypsy jazz arrangements all in one performance. One of the region’s favorite bands, this group of talented musicians provides powerful instrumentation and vocals.


Sat., Sept. 21, 7-10 p.m. | J.C. Tokes Family Band brings genuine Americana with loads of originals and a lot of retro cover tunes. Tokes and his band hail from Madison County and bring with them a blend of Appalachian rockabilly-blues, cosmic folk-country and retro rock’n’roll.


Sun., Sept. 22, 2-5 p.m. |Rudy’s Rhythm & Blues delivers dynamic bluegrass with contemporary flair that is steeped in tradition, while balancing a cutting-edge sound. Rudy Cortese is a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and entertainer, on 5-string banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. He and his duet partner, Elizabeth Kronlage, live in Leicester.


Fri., Sept. 27, 7-10 p.m. |Calculated Error is an upbeat, cover band sure to play some of your favorite songs no matter what genre you are into! Whether it’s rock, pop, or country, you are sure to hear a song you love with a Calculated Error twist.


Sat., Sept. 28, 7-10 p.m. |Next of Kin is a multi-generational Spartanburg-based band that brings vibes of soft rock, pop, blues, country and soul.


Sun., Sept. 29, 2-5 p.m. |Rene Russell is an Indie/folk/rock singer/songwriter that keeps her audiences engaged with her 12-string guitar, bass-style thumping, claw-hammer pulling finger-picking techniques.

Mountain Song Chorus: A Joyful Community Chorus Bringing People Together!

 

CALLING ALL SINGERS age 16 and older:

 

· Join us for our FALL 2024 SEASON.

· Rehearsals each Monday 6:30 to 8pm beginning September 9.

· At Saluda Center, 64 Greenville St, Saluda NC 28773.

· A full concert of songs by THE BEATLES. Don’t miss the fun.

· Fast, fun rehearsals with songs you'll love, performed with excellence.

· Fall Concerts tentatively: Thursday 11/ 7 and Sunday 11/10. JOIN US!

 

Mark C. Powers: Director ——Stephen Stone: Accompanist

Enroll and see more info at www.MountainSong.info



Height

by Julien Strong


Each year I lose a little more of it,


the spaces between the vertebrae


slowly sighing closed


like an accordion that after


a full day of playing dances


lets out a long atonal breath—


the exhalation


of every song it ever made


as the musician prepares


to lay the instrument


gently in its box.




Julien Strong on "Height"

I used to be almost 6'2" and only realized how attached I was to that number when, like my tall parents before me, I began shrinking. "Height" came to me one night as I was falling asleep. When I turned the light back on to jot down the word "accordion," the entire poem appeared. 

Featured Poet


Julien Strong is the author of four books, including the poetry collections The Mouth of Earth (University of Nevada Press) and Tour of the Breath Gallery (Texas Tech University Press). Their poetry has appeared widely, including in The Nation, The Southern Review, Poetry Daily, River Styx, Southwest Review, and The Sun. An Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Central Connecticut State University, they live in Hamden, CT. Website: www.julien-strong.com



Community News

MEET THE CANDIDATES


It’s not easy staying on top of the local elections. But there is one podcast that's trying to fill the gap.

 

Polk Lore is running a series of interviews with candidates hoping to win the right to represent the people of Polk County this November. County commissioner Paul Beiler’s interview is already streaming.


Queued up are three of his challengers: Ray Gasperson, Karen Pack, and Libby Morris. Episodes featuring candidates for the Saluda seat on the Board of Education, incumbent Rob Parsons and challenger Rick Stich are also in the pipeline, as is an interview with Caleb Rudow, the Democratic candidate for NC District 14 of the US House of Representatives.


Interviews with Pam Gennant, the Democrat seeking the other Polk County seat, NC 14, and Michelle Anatalec, who would like to replace Jake Johnson as the representative for State District 113, have been scheduled.


And more will follow.

 

You can find links to all the major podcasting platforms at polklore.com



SALUDA  LIVING  IN  PLACE 

(SLIP) 

IS THRIVING!!!

 

First and foremost, SLIP has a new telephone number: 864-823-7756 So to get more information about our programs, who we are, what we can offer you or your neighbor, just call 864-823-7756. If a live person does not pick up on your call, please leave a message and a volunteer will respond as quickly as possible.  OR:  check us out online at www.slipnc.org. Either way, we want to hear from you, engage with you, and partner with you to make our community safer and more fun. (If that’s possible).

 

The second way that SLIP is thriving is that we are growing.  The requests for use of one or more of our three-legged stool of services: transportation, home rehabilitation, and visiting with our neighbors in need, is increasing.  We are receiving more requests for assistance in the Saluda 28773 zip code than ever before.  So if you have some spare time and a big heart for our senior neighbors, contact Cindy Hemenway, Volunteer Coordinator, at 828-747-1958.  She can help you get plugged in.

 

Last but certainly not least is the monthly SLIP education seminar.  The next one will be held on Wednesday, September 18, at 10 a.m. at the Saluda Center.  Mr. Cliff Marr, Director of the Polk County Board of Elections, will be the speaker.  We all know what a challenging election lies ahead of us this November.  Mr Marr, a seventeen-year veteran of the “Election Business” as he calls it, will speak about all the lengths to which his office goes to assure the security of ALL votes and voters in our county.

 

Beginning his career in Henderson County as a technician who worked on the voting machines themselves, he became the Director of our county’s Board of Elections nine years ago.  An editor’s note here: I, Karen Neff, have been through the extensive training ALL poll workers undergo to volunteer their services (usually for 15 hours on election day).  Mr Marr and his staff have left no stone unturned when it comes to preparing for the ‘what ifs’ of this election season. The training is very detailed and is based on election laws but also includes information based on what Mr. Marr has learned over his years of experience.

 

Come to learn.  Come to have your questions answered and your concerns addressed.  Come to meet and greet your friends and neighbors.  See you on September 18th.


Please join us at the beautiful Saluda Inn on Thursday, September 19 for our first annual fundraiser! 

 

The evening will be filled with delectable local foods, a live and silent auction and the purposeful joy of coming together to address food insecurity in our community. 

 

We’re grateful to have many auction items to offer including a golf foursome at Kenmure and artwork by several local artists. Capacity is limited so don’t delay. 

 

Tickets can be purchased at saludapantry.com as well as at Heartwood Gallery and the Saluda Pantry on Tuesdays from 9-1.  



La Terza Classe Canceled

We have just received word that due to the illness of one of the primary band members they will be unable to make their US tour this fall. Unfortunately, that means the concert is canceled. We are so disappointed!!

 

Carunchio Has a Great Video!

Massimo Criscio, head of the Carunchio Sister City program, has created a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560471320757) on the Sister City connection established between Carunchio and Saluda, North Carolina. There is a YouTube channel, introducing the local Carunchio "celebrities,” such as the pharmacist, the baker, sausage maker, etc. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560471320757

Saluda started such a project several years ago, but Carunchio finished theirs first. We’ll get there and think we have identified a talented young Saluda woman to help. More to come on the Saluda video as we progress. Meantime, go meet the shopkeepers in Carunchio!

 

Upcoming Trips to Carunchio

May 25, 2025, Gluten Free Week

June 21,2025 Annual Flower Festival

Go to our website, saludasistercity.org under TRIPS for all the information.

 

For any questions, contact Judy Thompson at 828-489-6578 or JDT@JDThompsonLaw.com. Visit our website at saludasistercity.org and sign up for the every-other-month newsletter so you don’t miss anything. You can also become a member and support the work we do with the children and for the community.



Cool News from the Saluda Senior Center 

“Your community center in Saluda!”

 

To reserve the Center

Call Louisa Williamson 803.707.8747.

 

About The Saluda Senior Center…

The Center is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that hosts activities and provides a gathering place to meet the needs of the Saluda community. Donations are cheerfully accepted and tax-deductible. Although “senior” is in our name, events at the Center are open to all -- This is your Saluda center!

 

The Saluda Senior Center

64 Greenville Street

Saluda, NC 28773



Greetings So Saluda Readers,

 

The NAR Settlement: Buying a home is a big deal, and it can be hard to navigate all the details. Recently, some changes have been good news for homebuyers, and I want to explain them to you.

 

One important change is that you will need to sign a written ‘agency’ agreement with your agent before visiting a home. This agreement spells out the terms you've agreed on with your agent and makes it clear what services you'll be getting and for what price.

 

The agreement will also detail how your agent will be paid. It will clearly state the amount or method of compensation, and it won't leave things open-ended. Your agent won't be able to receive more compensation than what's agreed upon in the contract.

 

This written agreement requirement applies to both in-person and virtual home tours, but you won't need an agreement if you're just chatting with an agent or if you attend an open house. Attending open houses is a great way to view homes before committing to hiring an agent.

 

It's also important to know that any compensation your agent receives is negotiable, and they have to be upfront with you about it. While the seller can offer compensation to your agent, this offer is no longer shared on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the platform used to share information about properties for sale and find available listings for prospective buyers. The good news is, you can still benefit from seller concessions, like offers to pay your closing costs.

 

These changes went into effect on August 17, but some things remain the same. REALTORS® are obligated to work in your best interest, and they have to be transparent with you about compensation. They're there to guide you through the homebuying process and help you understand your options.

 

. . . . . . . . . . . .

 

Here's what's been happening in our town in the last 30 days. 

 

HOMES SOLD 

961 Memory Lane $475,000 - 96% of asking price

534 (formerly 991) Louisiana Avenue $653,570 - 96.83% of asking price

109 Gaffney Street $340,000 - 97% of asking price

 

HOMES JUST LISTED FOR SALE

269 Daytona Lane, 2 bed, 2 Bath, HLA 1155, Manu Dbl, $129,950

538 Laurel Drive, 3 bed, 2 bath, HLA 1863, Manu Dbl, $340,000

192 S Crescent Street, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1 half bath, HLA 1560, Lake Hosea, $427,500

436 Crescent Street, 3 bed, 2 bath, HLA 1526, $600,000

123 Henderson Street, 3 bed, 3 bath, HLA 2048, City Limits, $750,000

875 Heatherly Heights Road, 3 bed, 3 bath, HLA 2290, Long-range views, $849,000

59 Shand Street, 2 bed, 2 bath, HLA 1184, Multi-family, $879,000

130 Piney Ridge Lane, 5 bed, 5 bath, 1 half bath, HLA 4905, Views, $2,499,000

 

HOMES UNDER CONTRACT (DDP = Due Diligence Period)

40 E Main Street (Azalea Bistro Building)- Closing 9/23

1116 Miller Mountain Road - DDP ends 9/25

38 Pace Street - DDP ends 9/27

 

RENTALS NEEDED 

URGENT - Family of 6 with no pets looking for a 3+ bedroom home. Budget $2,200/month negotiable.

 

. . . . . . . . . . . .

 

The Early Fall Housing Market

 

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates at its next meeting on September 17 and September 18. The federal funds rate currently stands at a 5.25% to 5.50% range, and there are expectations that the Fed will reduce the rate by 25 basis points. While mortgage rates don’t mirror this number exactly, they do follow the trend. Average rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are at 6.1% as of yesterday, September 10th. That number is down from the 6.63% average rate on August 8 and is now well below the average of 7.13% which was what we saw in July, according to Mortgage News Daily. 

 

On a $288,000 mortgage — the amount needed to purchase a typical U.S. home valued at $360,000, with a 20% down payment — the monthly mortgage payment for a 30-year fixed-rate loan at 6.1% interest would be $1,745. This represents a 5% decrease from the peak in May. A one-point change in the interest rate for this mortgage translates to approximately a $200 difference in the monthly payment.

 

If you’ve been considering a move, keep your eyes open this fall for a window of opportunity. From potentially lower rates to more negotiating power, here’s why it may be a great time to buy:

 

The current housing market is showing signs of slowing down, giving homebuyers more negotiating power. There are more homes to choose from compared to last year, and homes are taking longer to sell. This has led to more price cuts by sellers. Additionally, home price growth is slowing, providing an opportunity for buyers to lock in their budgets. Although mortgage interest rates have dropped for now, and may drop again, they may not stay low for long. Buyers who plan to continue — or start — their home search this fall should act quickly and get pre-approved for a mortgage. As the market should slow further in late fall, there may be less competition from other buyers, but fewer new listings to choose from. Overall, this creates a more balanced market, favoring buyers.

 

If you have any questions, know of someone looking for tenants, or would like more information on any of the homes for sale in our area please reach out to your real estate agent, or Ashley Sandahl with Looking Glass Realty at (828) 817-6515 or ashley@lookingglassrealty.com. If you are currently working with another agent, this market update is not intended to solicit your business.


Some Things to Know About This Publication


It is what it is. 


Saluda Lifestyles makes an effort to verify information and does its best to edit for spelling and grammatical errors but some just slip through. 

   

If you know someone who would like to receive this e-version, have them send an email request to saludalifestyles@gmail.com

  

All material contained in Saluda Lifestyles is original work by Saluda residents and others with an interest in Saluda unless otherwise specified. None of the material may be reproduced in whole or in part except by written consent of the editor or by the originator of the material.

  

To submit articles to Saluda Lifestyles, please email greg @ saludalifestyles@gmail.com

  

Saluda Lifestyles is currently being published by

Greg Bryant, PO Box 48, Saluda, NC 28773

saludalifestyles@gmail.com

  

The paintings used to create the Saluda Lifestyles Masthead, are the work of local award-winning painter and painting teacher Jim Carson. Jim generously donated pictures of his work depicting Saluda for the masthead.

A celebration of DOGS.


  • “My fashion philosophy is, if you’re not covered in dog hair, your life is empty.” – Elayne Boosler


  • “No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.” – Christopher Morley


  • “You know, a dog can snap you out of any kind of bad mood that you’re in faster than you can think of.” – Jill Abramson


Kaya - "love is all i know"

LO - "and Play - Love and Play"