For those who have a Valentine, many of our shops and restaurants are planning to help you celebrate the day of love: visit downtown to ask or take a look at Cathy Jackson’s saludalifestyles.com for lots of Saluda information and see the delicious menus our restaurants are planning, as well as entertainment!

Art notes: Saluda artist Beverly Pickard is featured in “Saluda Lifestyles” this month — congratulations, Beverly. On Feb. 16, I’ll have “After Valentine’s Day” open studio from 1-3 p.m. at my “Art House” 285 Greenville Street; there’s parking available at fire department.

Great news: the Ground Hog Day party/fundraiser for Steps to Hope last Saturday at Richard Baker’s studio raised more than $900. Thanks to all who came out despite a dusting of snow and helped, whether it was to bring treats, set up, take photos or donate. Another big thank you goes to internationally-recognized artist Verne Dawson (Bubba), son of Verne Sr. and Biddie Dawson of Saluda for donating two beautiful books of his paintings to the people of Saluda. These are now available at the library for us all to enjoy.

If you’re a Saluda area craftsperson or artist interested in a Saluda-area open studio tour this year, let Richard Baker or Robin Kirby know…or you can email me, and I’ll gladly pass it along.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) has set the date for their annual meeting, so mark April 3 on your calendar; time and place to be announced. In March, it’ll be sign-up time for garden plots at Robinson Garden. Volunteers are always appreciated, so contact SCLT to see what you can do to help at 749-1560 or visit  www.saludaclt.org

Blue Ridge Contra will have a dance at The Party Place (right off I-26/Ozone Drive) Feb. 15; music will be by the Skeeziks. Beginner lessons are at 6:30 p.m. with the dance from 7- 9:30 p.m.; a small fee is charged.

Please remember Beth Carson for the recent loss of her mom; and Arlene Klippel for the loss of her mom, Marge Crabbe.

February birthdays include: Wylie Rauschenbach, Wesley Pace, Biddie Dawson, Amy Beeson, Chris Gianino, Ginny Jones. Jenna Igoe, Suzanne Igoe, Pam Thompson and Catherine Raymond.

As ever, thank you, dear readers in Bulletin land for reading this column. The goal is to make you feel like you’re enjoying a hot cup of tea with me — 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 749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com.