Saluda School notes: Box-top collection containers are located in the Saluda Public Library, Saluda Post Office, and Saluda Elementary School Office. Spring break runs from April 22-26.

Picnic time. To kick off the North Carolina Small Town Main Street Program, the Promotions Committee is hosting a “Jamming in the Park Picnic” on April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at McCreery Park Pavilion. Bring a picnic; music and good times on a spring evening.

Art notes: Susie Welsh has an art opening at Kathleen’s Gallery on April 26 from 5-8, featuring dogs of all sorts. A portion of sales will  benefit Foothills Animal Shelter. Art Trek Tryon is coming up on April 27-28 with over 35 area artists opening studios. Art Trek artists will be featured in a gallery exhibit at Upstairs Artspace from April 26 through May 25; a preview party will be held at the Upstairs on April 26 from 5-8 p.m. Mark your calendar for the Saluda Arts Festival on May 19. Volunteers still needed! The festival is dedicated to the memory of Saluda artist John Waddill, a special part of the festival and creator of the festival’s logo.

Congratulations to our very own singer/songwriter Aaron Burdett who was selected as a finalist in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merlefest. Aaron has a Kickstarter fundraiser going and can use contributions toward funding a new CD.

Happy April birthday to: Martha Ashley, Melody Gibson, Dave Prudhomme, Kaye Vazquez, Cindy Keeter, Betty Anna Brown, Marion Fairey, Hope Pace, Diane Pace, Ruth Anderson, Greaton Sellers, Clay Arrington and Bonnie Bardos.

Saluda sympathy goes to the families of Robert Banks; Maxie Callaway–Catherine Ross’ father; and Jeanne Cummings, mother of Marti Wells.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. Keep in mind if you have something of note, feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com