“Beyond, outside of me, in the green and gold thicket, among the tremulous branches, sings the unknown. It calls to me.”

– Octavio Paz

Welcome to mid-March Saluda news and notations!

Spring has sprung, green leaves and cherry blossoms brighten the day. Birds sing with gladness that winter is leaving; although as Robert Pace used to say, we might get ‘blackberry winter’ coming ahead and better not to put away the warm clothing just yet!

However, I think we’re all delighted to get sweet spring days with blue sky and warmth on our faces.

A community potluck will be held at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street on Thursday, March 31 at 6 p.m. Tom Fisch will be the entertainment. Bring your favorite dish to share!

The recently-formed Saluda Fire and Rescue Auxiliary will sponsor fundraisers in order to help support the community. Their first fundraiser will be a yard sale held at Saluda Fire and Rescue on Greenville Street on Saturday, April 30.

Donations are currently being accepted at the fire department.

Take a hike! Two nature walks are planned by our Saluda Land Community Trust (SCLT) in April. Nancy Barnett will lead the first hike to Pacolet Falls on April 2, 10 a.m. with a rain date set for April 3, 2 p.m. Located along a ridge in a cove of the North Pacolet River, this hike is on private property and is only open with special permission.

Chuck Hearon will be leading the second hike on April 9 at 10 a.m. on the “Missing 40” acres on Pearson Falls Road (rain date April 10 at 2 p.m.). Both hikes start by meeting at the Saluda Library and car-pooling. If you have any questions, please call SCLT at 828-749-1560.

The Saluda 130th Anniversary committee has planned a community-wide auction at the Saluda Center to raise funds to “Keep the Celebration on Track” on April 23 starting at 10 a.m.

You can donate furniture, jewelry, glassware, household goods and decorative items for the auction. Tangie Ciarvole, a licensed auctioneer, will conduct the auction.

Please call 828-749-3789 for delivery information.

Mark your calendar for the tour of homes on Saturday, June 4, from 1 – 5 p.m., as part of Saluda’s 130th Anniversary Celebration sponsored by the Saluda Historic Committee.

With food costs so high, consider participating in the Robinson Community Garden located on Henderson Street; this is the fourth year for the garden, which is generously sponsored by SCLT and PCCF.

The next general meeting to sign a contract will be Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30, upstairs at the Saluda Library. Plots will be assigned, so be sure to come and get your name in the pot for your garden spot! There’s a small fee, and a commitment of four hours of work on general garden maintenance during the year.

After the meeting, you are welcome to bring a covered dish and share thoughts and ideas over supper. For more information, contact Marilyn Prudhomme at 828-749-9172.

Sympathy goes out to the family of Mack Bradley.

Happy March Birthday to: Charlotte Brady, Genell Jespersen, Charlene Pace, Valerie Mintz, Sheldon Mintz, Curtis Pace, Lloyd Thompson, Charles Weinhagen, Ron Poole and Kevin Kerr. Please add your birthday to the list!

Thank you, dear readers out there in Bulletin land for reading this column! Your comments are always wanted and valued.

Keep in mind if you have something of note, feel free to e-mail me at bbardos@gmail.com; or call me at 749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com.