It is not the moon, I tell you. It is these flowers lighting the yard. ~ excerpt from Mock Orange, by Louise Glock

April has been such a busy time in Saluda, that Im sending in an extra Saluda Notes & Notations column to Jeff at the Bulletin to see if hes got room for all the Saluda happenings this month. Spring has sprung in Saluda, although we are still cleaning up ice storm damage, the trees and flowers are making folks smile again! Spring break just finished, and Saluda School will be busy with those happy kids.

* * *

A big thank you goes to Chuck Hearon and Walter Hoover, who have been working on McCreery Park across the railroad tracks from Main Street. Chainsaws in hand, and with Walters famed gardening knowledge, the two have put many hours into pruning and trimming up the pink flowering cherry trees that were badly damaged from ice. Those cherry trees insisted on blooming, though…despite the wreckage. Chuck and Walter deserve a pat on the back. The park is looking much better.

* * *

Our Saluda Community Land Trust will have its annual meeting at the Saluda Church of the Transfiguration, April 29 at 6:30. Keynote speaker will be kudzu expert Newt Hardy, on ways to control the creeping green monster.

Yours truly will be there and have a little something to say: you can believe that it will be simple and brief–no long-winded speeches from this one! There will be an election of officers also.

Come hear what good deeds are going on for SCLT, and what theyve got planned! Wine will be served, and delicious treats from Wildflour Bakery will be featured. Current board members include Betsy Burdett, President; Nora Parks Anderson, Carolyn Ashburn, Nancy Barnett, Debbie Hahn, Dave Prudhomme, Elena Robson, Susie Welsh, and Bob West. If you might be interested in joining the board and doing some worthwhile work for Saluda, please let any of the board members know.

* * *

I owe Doris Marion, our city clerk, a big hug and belated condolences on the loss of her mother. Please remember Doris in your thoughts; she has been an important part of our town for many years and always has a kind smile and helpful attitude when you walk into City Hall beside the police department. Her helper, Monica Pace, has the same great attitudewere lucky to have them!

* * *

On May 15, 2010 from 10-5, the 7th Annual Saluda Art Festival happens. This year features jury-selected artists from the Western North Carolina area, including many from Saluda; a special Saluda Artists Gallery will be featured at Saluda Senior Center on Greenville Street near McCreery Park.

Polk County High art students will show art work. Well-known musicians will be performing during the day.&bsp; The festival will have live demonstrations of art crafts: glass blower Amelia Brenner, painter Jeff Pitman, sculptor Harris Fortier, woodturners Dave Prudhomme and Stoney Lamar, potter David Parris, weaver Betsy Burdett, blacksmith George Matthews will be featured.

A childrens art tent is available to keep the younger set entertained. The King Pup Radio Show will air live during the day and highlight performances include Deep Gap, Drovers Old Time Medicine Show, Charles Wood and Generation Gap bands. For further information, visit saluda.com.

* * *

Anita Ogden Moore has a broken ankle, so think about her. Hopefully, with better weather, shell be on the mend soon.

* * *

Our Saluda shops are on spring hours, and I hope all of you will get out and stroll our charming and friendly Main Streetand suport local businesses.

Did you know that you can find unique treasures all throughout Saluda?

I dont have room to mention every shop individually…but here are some of the things you might find on your adventure: antique stone-carved beads and jewelry, fine antique landscapes in gilt frames, silk-tasseled hand-made pillows, copper candlesticks, hand-made soaps, books of all kinds, Tibetian singing bowls, fresh USA-grown roses that actually smell wonderful and have huge blooms the old-fashioned-looking kind you dont find in the big-box store….little collectibles, plants and gorgeous hanging baskets, quality womens clothing including linen items, baked treats and good food (our restaurants will feed you well during your stroll!), homemade ice cream, dog treats, Coon Dog Day t-shirts, local art work, fishing poles, camping supplies, glass, vintage clothing and other goodies, unique pottery and craft, old tools, baubles, shabby chic furniture, and so much more.

What a treat over mass-produced plastic things that fall apart in a minute!

* * *

Look forward to the Saluda tailgate market starting May 7 on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30. Local produce, flowers, and all sorts of good stuff can be found. Homemade soup, breads, sweets for the sweet….and plenty of smiles. You cant beat that.

* * *

On April 22nd at 2 p.m. Autumn Care of Saluda will honor volunteers with a Volunteer Recognition Tea. The public is invited. Autumn Care is at 501 Esseola Drive (749-2261).

* * *

If you have something of note for this column, feel free to e-mail me at bbardos@gmail.com; or call me at 749-1153. Happy Spring!