“We hurry through the so-called boring things in order to attend
to that which we deem more important, interesting. Perhaps the final
freedom will be a recognition that every thing in every moment
is ‘essential’ and that nothing at all is ‘important’.”
– Helen M. Luke
Living in a small town, you realize how much all things are connected: both good and bad. On the good list, knowing the names of dogs and kids is a plus, or who has what car and where they’re going in it. I’ve always said that it was a sure bet that someone else knew what I’d have for supper before I did. All jokes aside, it’s also a blessing to be part of others’ lives—sickness, death, births, weddings—it all goes together like pieces of a metaphorical puzzle.
If there are strangers lurking or problems around, people spread the word. Historic   Thompson’s Store, an integral part of downtown Saluda, was broken into early Monday morning: a 4’ button-style porcelain Coke sign stolen (the outside one was stolen three years ago), along with coins and a laptop. My bet is the sorry scoundrels are the same varmits who did the deed last time, thumbing their noses at the nearby police department, were familiar with the store, and had a van—at least something that they could easily hide that large sign in to make their getaway.
They’re stealing from all of us: we’re in this together–most of us didn’t pour all that money in renovating that historial building, but reap benefits of being able to enjoy it, and stroll into a place where they know your name. So, it is personal and effects all of us. I went on ebay and hunted through listings for 4’ vintage Coke signs, looking around at what was for sale and what state it was in; and will troll Craigslist too. As a kid, I always loved Jupiter Jones and  Dick Tracy’s sleuthing: and even the smallest detail can be a lead. By looking around and paying attention, we might help track that sign down.   It’s out there somewhere.
​Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, with dinner served from 5:30-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcome; donations accepted.
The Robinson Community Garden (sponsored by Saluda Community Land Trust) on Henderson Street is ready for gardeners: next sign-up date is April 10. For information, contact Dave and Marilyn Prudhomme at 828-749-9172 or e-mail dclp@tds.net. Saluda gardener Walter Hoover will help those who need practical guidance at Robinson Garden; he can be contacted at 749-5846. You can contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit their website at www.saludaclt.org
The Historic Saluda Committee with the Oral History Committee meets Friday, March 14 from 2-4 p.m. at Saluda Library; the public is invited.
Artists: if you’d like to participate in the 11th Saluda Art Festival on May 17, the deadline to enter is March 15; for information,  contact Susie Welsh at 828-749-3900, sswelsh@tds.net or Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534, carnc@charter.net.
On March 15 from 4-7 p.m., Saluda Fire Department Auxiliary will hold a BBQ dinner/bluegrass/gospel fundraiser for six-year-old Ben Leslie, a cancer victim and son of Mary and Curtis Leslie of Saluda. For information or to donate to the raffle, please contact Charlene Pace at 828-749-2641.
Saluda Small Town Main Street meets 9 a.m. at Saluda Library, March 18.
Saluda’s Tree City USA meets at Saluda Library 6:15 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month.
Mark your calendar for the community potluck and bingo evening at Saluda Center, March 31 at 6 p.m.; bring a favorite dish to share.
Happy March Birthday to: Faye Chandler, Genell Jespersen, Charlene Pace, Valerie Mintz, Sheldon Mintz, Curtis Pace, Anita Odgen Moore, Lloyd Thompson, Charles Weinhagen,   Kevin Kerr, Dorrie McKinnley, Catherine Ross, Jane Fox, Beverly Pickard, Monica Pace, Ken Justus, and Elizabeth Justus.
Thank you dear readers, for reading this column! As ever, the goal is to make you feel like you’re enjoying a front porch visit and small town life in a friendly little mountain town called Saluda. You can contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 828-749-1153, visit my website at bonniebardos.com for more writing and art, or find me on facebook.