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By Bonnie J. Bardos

• Having eyes, but not seeing beauty; having ears, but not hearing music; having minds, but not perceiving truth; having hearts that are never moved and therefore never set on fire. These are the things to fear, said the headmaster.
  ~ Tetsuko Kuroyanagi

Days are becoming shorter as September glides closer; nights cool and soften into peaceful mornings here in Saluda. I listen for the sound of children playing at the school, ears cocked like a dog’s, waiting for that rise in laughter floating through the breeze. There’s something that never fails to make the heart smile when listening to little kids playing. Even when you’re at the certified curmudgeon stage of life.

School has restarted, bit by bit: some at school, some at home. This year’s been strange for us all, but kids are more resilient than we think. I’m hoping the past months have gotten them out to listen to cicadas, crickets, birds, the sound of creeks dancing over rocks; to feel the wind rustling through tree leaves. Nature gives lessons, teachers come in all forms.

I’m hoping young hearts are moved and come to understand truth stands right there if we can perceive it in the perfect stillness of the forest around us.

Keep up with Saluda Community Land Trust’s latest projects: visit saludaclt.org or call 828-749-1560 to learn more. You can support SCLT with donations, volunteering, and through Amazon Smile. Upcoming “Walks in the Woods” are September 6 to Saluda Mountain, Passage of the Palmetto Trail ; and September 20 to Green River Cove Trail. Meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot, 2:00 p.m. SCLT’s trails can benefit from regular clearing and pick-up; if you’d like to help, contact Trail Boss Chuck Hearon at (828) 817-0364 or chearon@skyrunner.net

 

The Community Pop-up Pantry is open for drive-through each Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Saluda Presbyterian Church parking lot. Send donations to Church of the Transfiguration, designated for Pop-Up Pantry, 72 Charles Street, Saluda NC 28773. Donations of fresh produce from gardens would be welcome! For information or to volunteer, contact saludapantry@gmail.com

 

Pavers for Pace Park are still available! Honor someone you love and support this community fundraiser to help completion of public restrooms in this pocket park on Main Street (in the alley by M. A. Pace Store). Forms can be obtained from City Hall, City of Saluda website, or can be requested from Catherine Ross at carnc@charter.net or call 828-749-3534.

 

Saluda Historic Depot & Museum is open Thurs.-Sat. 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sun. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saluda Train Tales are canceled until September; the next date will be September 18, 7:00 p.m. with Ray Rapp’s “Back on Track”. If you’d like to be a museum docent, contact a board member or Judy Ward at 828-674-5958.

 

Saluda Library hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m..

 

Saluda School reopened this week, following safety guidelines. Students and staff will go through temperature/health screenings before entering buildings each day. Students may start arriving at 7:30 a.m. and will be considered tardy at 8:00 a.m. Parents/guardians will not be allowed to walk students into the building or classroom. Whether students are in the classroom or virtual studying: welcome back!!!

Visit Saluda.com to see updates on local businesses, re-openings, plus take-out/online ordering information.

Saluda Sympathy goes to the families of Pat Waring and Anthony Pace.

Happy August Birthday to B.J. Kent, Paul Stoney, Jen Pace, Zack Pace, Don Mintz, Caroline Tindal, Nora Ward, Samantha Ward, Reeda Ward, Natalie Aabye, Verlie Murphy, Peter Eisenbrown, Coleman Bradley, Ryan Bradley, Libby Archer, Rodney Thompson, Cathy Jackson, Bill Jameson, Tayloe Francisco, Troy McAfee, Patricia Carmichael, Syman Thomas and Ron Bennett. Add your name to the birthday list—it’s a long- time promise that no ages are mentioned—unless you’re under 2 or over 100!!

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, 828-749-1153, or visit bonniebardosart.com