New shops in town include: Shaman’s Way, at 54 East Main Street (in the alley by M.A. Pace General Store), a bulk food store specializing in nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, dried fruit, Himalayan salt and raw Shea butter. Saluda Bike & Hike will open March 1 at 459 Hwy 176 across from Tickle Family Health Center. Saluda restaurants and shops are open, and while some have winter hours, will be glad to see you.

The Saluda Welcome Table every Tuesday: dinner is served for anyone who’d like to come enjoy companionship and connection from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Saluda United Methodist Church fellowship hall. The meal is free; donations appreciated; all welcome.

On February 2, artist Richard Baker will host a Ground Hog Day party/fundraiser for Steps to Hope from 6-9 p.m. at his studio at 18 Church Street. Donations to Steps to Hope will be appreciated; treats will be served. Feel free to wear a costume and bring your favorite sweet snacks to share for a great cause.

Plan ahead for dancing! Blue Ridge Contra will have a dance at The Party Place (right off I-26/Ozone Drive) Feb. 15; music will be by the Skeeziks. Beginner lessons are at 6:30 p.m. with the dance from 7- 9:30 p.m.; a small fee is charged.

Get well wishes and hugs go to our beloved Saluda artist Bill Ryan, who has been under the weather. Bill and Jim, have been a big part of what makes Saluda special. Many years ago, all my houseplants froze to death when we were without power for over a week after one huge ice storm hit. Bill and Jim told me to bring my truck over after that, and loaded it up with houseplants so I wouldn’t be plant-less.

Saluda sympathy goes to the family of Ron Poole. Ron was famous for his love of decorating: homes, floral arrangements, gardens and more. He also was one heck of a cook, known for his delicious Southern cooking — Ron will be greatly missed. Sympathy also goes to the family of Grace Justus Thompson.

Happy January birthday to Foster Archer, Brandy Bradley, Alex Bardos, Carolyn Ashburn, Scott Kinard, Donna Bond, Greer Eargle, Wyatt Alan Pace, Irma Anderson, Paul Aaybe, Rich Rauschenbach, Melissa Igoe, Connie Kuckelman and Phyllis Arrington.

Thank you for reading this column; as ever, the goal is to make you, dear reader, feel like you’re enjoying a cup of hot tea with me, and small town life in a friendly little mountain town called Saluda. You can contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 749-1153, visit my website at bonniebardos.com for more writing and art, or find me on facebook.