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.Somewhere, between the breeze
and the faraway sound of a train,
comes a line of birdsong, lightly
threading the heavy cloth of dream.

~ Joyce Sutphen, “Soundings” from Naming the Stars

 

In this life, there are things that we treasure and often take for granted—the sound of trains, birds singing, our loved ones, a closet of too many clothes. Ruby-sweet strawberries warm from the sun, half-and-half for our morning coffee…electricity to turn the coffee pot on every day.

 

Store shelves laden with everything we want—along with those finds we didn’t realize we want until we see them. A library. A post office. A bank. We blithely think we’ll always have these things without a second thought, until the day comes when the train whistles stop, the hiss of brakes gone on a whispered breeze. Shelves are not always stocked. And so on… 

 

On May 20, First Citizens Bank in Saluda will close, and bank employees moved to other locations. Names of banks come and go. I for one, am sad to lose the “family” that works there, a huge part of what makes Saluda “Saluda.” Whether you walk in or drive through–the smiles and greetings, the dog treats and candy treats wait. If you call, you talk to someone friendly right here, not in a foreign country—and you get help. Imagine that! 

 

Those friendly faces know your dog’s name, your kids, and you know theirs, how so-and-so is faring health-wise or a thousand other little things that make a big thing of the heart. On May 16, 5 p.m., there’ll be a “Thank You” party for our bank friends at Lola’s above Thompson’s Store—folks are welcome to bring treats. 

 

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

 

The Historic Saluda Committee (HSC) meets on May 13, at 2 p.m. at  Saluda Library in the upstairs meeting room; the public is invited.

 

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) keeps active with land conservation, trails, projects, and more: visit saludaclt.org or call 828-749-1560 for information. You can support SCLT with donations, volunteering, and through Amazon Smile. Contact “Trail Boss” Chuck Hearon at chearon1942@gmail.com about ideas or willingness to lead a hike, or help clear trails. The next Walk in the Woods is  May 15 to Ollie’s Falls, a moderate walk along Joel’s Creek; there’s an optional steep spur to Turtle Falls. Meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m. to carpool.  SCLT’s annual meeting is May 18 from 6-8 p.m. at Lola’s Celebration Venue at Thompson’s Store. The event will be outside behind the store if the weather is good, or inside upstairs if not. A light meal will be provided while projects/progress on SCLT’s many endeavors are discussed. 

 

Saluda Pop-Up Pantry is Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Saluda Presbyterian Church, 54 Carolina Avenue (behind Saluda Library). To volunteer at the Pantry, call Saluda Church of the Transfiguration, at 828-749-9740.  You can mail tax-deductible donations to Saluda Pop-Up Pantry, P.O. Box 428, Saluda, NC 28773 or donate online at www.saludapantry.com.  

 

The 17th Saluda Arts Festival is May 21 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

 

Pavers for Pace Park is a community fund-raiser supporting the 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 or Catherine Ross at carnc@charter.net or 828-749-3534. 

 

Happy May Birthday to Amy Copeland, Corinne Gerwe, Chris Anderson, Mark Jackson, Cary Pace, Lisa Hipp, Trevor Young, Jemme Latell, Paul Marion, Jesse Thomas, Margaret Sease, Elizabeth Baldwin, Chad Baldwin, Lynn Cass, Thelma Jones, Betsy Burdett, Melia Bradley, June Taylor, Robin Kirby, Kevin Matthews, and Stella Barnett. Add your birthday to the list! 

 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 817-6765, P.O. Box 331, Saluda, NC 28773, Facebook, or visit bonniebardos.com