By Bonnie J. Bardos

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

 

~ Margaret Mead

 

Where did August fly off to, dusty suitcases and all? September arrives on the porch, spider webs and bright summer zinnias welcoming her visit. Along a quiet side street, sparkling raindrops glisten overhead on arching bamboo branches as morning sunshine emerges from fog blankets. River trots along, sniffing every little thing along the path. He’s been a happy boy since his last eye surgery is now behind us and stitches are out!

 

Our peaceful reverie is rudely interrupted by trucks roaring down Greenville Street, disturbing the peace. River, we need a damn noise ordinance ’round here, I mutter in a most unpeaceful, curmudgeonly way. Now, I’d support signs for that. Having taken the winding way to Lake Lure last weekend, I did note that I love our area better, although the lake is lovely, as is the flowering bridge. Saluda is the best spot of all. (No one paid me to say it, promise.)

 

Noise ordinance enforcement signs are posted, banning loud trucks and noisy motorcycles with pipes. Some folks, a lot of folks, worship things that roar full blast, polluting airwaves, deafening senses. Maybe they just don’t like to hear themselves think. Maybe they just like attention. I also muttered to River my thoughts about Duke’s “Modernization Project.” Cut the noise, forgo monster power lines. Less is more. Geez, I should run for office, I’ve got all the answers!

 

Could be those delicate sparkles on bamboo branches whispered, as mountain fog drifted under morning sun. Nature speaks loudest of all.

 

Saluda Tailgate Market is Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street.

 

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, with dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church.

 

Top of the Grade Concerts conclude at McCreery Park’s Ella Grace Mintz stage on Friday, Sept. 11, 7-9 p.m. with a grand finale performance by 6 String Drag. These concerts are coordinated by Saluda’s Downtown Foundation, with funding through a community grant from Polk County Community Foundation. Thank you to all who support these free concerts!

 

Mark your calendar for the Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out, Sept. 12, 5-7 p.m. at McCreery Park with music by Mountain Roots Band with Jeff Hayes. If you’d like to donate, please make your check payable to Saluda Pig Out and take it to Macon Bank, 108 Main Street, or give to Judy Ward at Thompson’s Store, or mail to Saluda Pig Out, P.O. Box 265, Saluda, NC 28773.

 

Saluda Train Tales will be told by Dr. Fred McConnel at Saluda Historic Depot, 32 Main Street on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. On Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m., Saluda artist Jim Carson will be featured at an opening reception to help raise funds for the Depot. Dale McEntire will be featured in October.

 

The last open swim at Twin Lakes this year is Sept. 7, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Walks in the Woods will be on Sept. 6 (Old Homeplace) and Sept. 20 (Cove Mountain Ridge). Meet at 2 p.m. at Saluda Library to carpool.  Keep up with all that Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) does by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560.
Saluda School’s theme for 2015-16 is “Full Steam Ahead” incorporating science, technology, engineering, math and a community partnership centered around the historic train depot. You can help support our school by donating box tops at the library, post office or school office. The school’s principal is Ronette Dill. The school is partnering with Saluda Historic Depot this year and teachers will bring students to tour the building.
Happy 48th anniversary this month to Rich and Rita Igoe!

 

Happy September birthday to Wayne Thompson, Connie Woodruff, Courtney Hoots, Merci Weitzen, Dale McEntire, Joni Rauschenbach, Sonya Monts, Linda Kaye Hayes, Carol Kenfield, Debbie Fisher, Leslie Jespersen, Linda Mintz, Sheila Billeter, Cary Pace, Ross Arrington, Hop Foster, Chuck Hearon, Alexia Timberlake and Clark Thompson.

 

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. It’s my goal to make you feel as if you were enjoying a visit on the porch swing on a golden September afternoon. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. You may also visit me at bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.