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I wonder if the sap is stirring yet,
If wintry birds are dreaming of a mate,
If frozen snowdrops feel as yet the sun
And crocus fires are kindling one by one:
Sing, robin, sing;
I still am sore in doubt concerning Spring.

 

~  Christina Rossetti

 

An early January morning, in the soft moments after dawn spread her wings, a flock of robins appeared at my birdbath and garden ponds. 

 

Fluttering, drinking, bathing, chirping busily among themselves while hopping around for breakfast, they lifted my winter heart toward the hope of spring. 

 

Not a-one of them told me where they were traveling from, but just having so many stop by for a surprise visit did my soul some good. If any bird is a happy one, it’s Christopher Robin and his family stopping by to say good morning. 

 

That robin with a cheerful nature and rosy-orange breast is a promise of better days ahead along with daffodil spikes and hopeful dandelions peeking out.  

 

Saluda Winter Market is held at Saluda Center, located at 64 Greenville Street, on 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through April. 

 

Saluda Library’s featured artist for January/February is local artist Oliver Hoyt. 

 

As part of the Step Back in History program series, the Historic Saluda Committee is offering a repeat of ‘Preserving Your Family Treasures–Trunk of Trouble’ on  January 14, at 10 a.m. in the upstairs meeting room of Saluda Library. This free program will be presented by Heather South, lead archivist with Western Regional Archives, a branch of the State Archives of North Carolina. The preservation of books, paper, photographs and more will be discussed. 

 

Saluda Living in Place (SLIP) will have Dr. Lisa Broyles share ways to beat the winter blahs brought on by shorter days and reduced sunlight on Thursday, January 26. This free and informative program takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Saluda Fire and Rescue on Greenville Street. Contact SLIP at (828) 749-0049 or visit www.slipnc.org/contact.

 

Saluda Pop-Up Pantry is Tuesday open from 1 to 6 p.m. at Saluda Presbyterian Church, located at 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.saludapantrycom; or through Amazon Smile.  

 

Saluda Senior Center announces a new board member, Brandy Newman. Congratulations to Marti Wells, Board Member of the Month. Potluck/bingo night will be held on January 30, 6 p.m. at 64 Greenville Street. 

 

The Historic Saluda Depot and Museum is closed for January and February. 

 

Saluda Sympathy goes to Rheta Foster and the family of Hop Foster—Hop was a long-time member of Saluda Fire Department, and a fixture of Coon Dog Day. You would always see Hop with a smile on his face—he was one who truly would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Saluda won’t be the same without him. 

 

Happy January Birthday to Brandy Bradley, Carolyn Ashburn, Scott Kinard, Donna Bond, Greer Eargle, Wyatt Alan Pace, Irma Anderson, Paul Aaybe, Phyllis Arrington, Kenneth Justus, Cheryl Harbin, Avery Lena Mintz, Connie Scicluna, Ann Dudley, Charles Conner, Kristin Mode, Susan Parke, Rodney Gibson, and Frank McNutt. Add your birthday to the list—it’s a promise that no ages will be mentioned unless you are under 2 or over 100!  

 

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