With weather forecasters predicting the autumn colors to peak by mid October, shops, lodging and restaurants are gearing up for an early fall season.

Cool evening temperatures combined with light frosts and sunny days are the perfect ingredients for a fabulous fall color show. Higher elevations have already started showing their colors.

If you are planning to visit Saluda and Western North Carolilna for the fall color show, then you may want to contact the US Forestry Service for a fall update. The number is 800-354-4595 or link here to get up- to-date reports of the fall color show.

Main Street in Saluda was painted by artist, Beverly Pickard and prints are available at Saluda Fine Arts at 46 East Main Street, 828-749- 3920.

My calendar tells me that summer is over; fall has begun. It means it's time to put away the hand- cranked ice cream churn that I have. I make ice cream but I only do it in summer when there are fresh peaches to add to all the cream. I make ice cream because my grandfather made it, and my father made it. I'm trying to carry on a family tradition which always made me so happy when I was a boy.

Of course my grandfather had fresh cream from his cow and fresh eggs from his chickens. And we picked the ripe peaches right off the tree to go into the ice cream maker.

There was ritual to the whole process...my grandfather did all the handywork of packing the ice and putting the rock salt on in a way that didn't let it seep into the container. The kids gathered around and we took turns cranking the ice cream. At first it was easy, then it got progressively harder. Sometimes we would complain. But my grandfather would say, "Ye who do not sweat at the crank do not eat peach ice cream." So we stayed at the crank. After we had the ice cream made, my grandfather would insist that it had to "set" so we couldn't eat it right away. This was actually the hardest part...waiting for the ice cream to harden.

I was hoping that my grandchildren would carry on this ice cream making tradition. They come to Saluda in the summer time and I get the ice cream maker out. They crank for a while because they want the ice cream. But one of my young grandsons asked me, "Why can't we just buy Ben and Jerry Ice Cream like everyone else?"

When I think of how much it costs to buy all the ingredients nowadays (I don't have a cow or chickens in the yard to lay eggs!), I wonder that myself. My ice cream must cost $25 a gallon. But I'm not going to quit making it as long as I can crank the handle.

Saluda Mountain Jamboree
If you missed the "Ozark Jubilee" you missed a great performance of music and comedy. On Sunday, Sept. 24th at The Saluda Mountain Jamboree, this Branson show entertained a group from Larry's Tour Company, as well as, folks from our area too.

The Kyocera Company held their annual picnic at the Saluda Mountain Jamboree on Saturday, Sept. 16th. There were over 200 employees and family members in attendance who enjoyed the food, games, music and rides that was provided by "Special Events" out of Atlanta, GA. The weather was beautiful and after everyone was tired and full of spare ribs, hot dogs, and cotton candy, there was an afternoon of BINGO inside. Everyone agreed that the lawns, grounds and Jamboree building was a perfect place to have their annual picnic.

The Jamboree has a great dance with live music every Saturday night. The Jamboree is also booking holiday parties, weddings and receptions. Please contact them at 828-749-3676 or link to the web page provided in Quick Links.

Friday Night Art Party in Downtown Saluda

Saluda artists invite you to welcome the oncoming of fall in Saluda Friday, October 6, 2006 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. The Friday night "Art Party" started this summer will continue through the fall.

Strolling down historic Main Street you will experience fine, folk, and fun art while soaking in the "sounds of Saluda" musicians.

Participating galleries will be offering free spirits and refreshments.

Your Arts Desire, located in the Nostalgia Courtyard with the Wildflour Bakery, will be featuring the work of Dave Prudhomme, who will be sharing an interactive ceramic mural project. Guests will be invited to make a tile as part of the work, which will then be fired and displayed in local venues.

Fiber art by Virginial Carroll is featured at the Gardeners' Cottage and Brass Latch located in Nostalgia Courtyard.

Sherry Dinkins will present her folk art at The Wildflour Bakery at 173 E. Main during their regular Friday Pizza Night.

Enjoy live music at Tosh's Whistle Stop Cafe next to the railroad tracks at 101 E. Main.

Classical guitarist Jhon Akers will perform selections from "The Story of Carl Sandburg and Andres Segovia" at Saluda Fine Arts at 46 E. Main. Also at Saluda Fine Arts, Diane Tucker, author and illustrator of a children's book, "Petambi in China" will be available to sign her book and show her art.

At the other end of town the Heartwood Gallery at 21 E. Main will feature the work of jewelry-maker M.E. Bailey and Benjamin Iobst will demonstrate Tibetan Singing Bowls at the Salamander at 7 West Main.

For more information, please contact Sam Lovelace (Your Art's Desire) at 749-3154 or 864-457- 6166.

Morgan Auction & Realty provide real and personal property sales and business liquidation. The firm auctions antiques and collectibles two and three times a month. Next scheduled auctions are October 7 and 21 at 7pm. The Auction House is located conveniently off Ozone behind the Apple Mill.

The Lake Sheila Community is holding an annual Yard Sale
Saturday, October 14 from 9-4. Participating homes will be waving yellow balloons on their mailboxes. Directions: Take Greenville St. from Main St. and travel 3 miles (name changes to Mountain Page Rd). Take a left on Trammel Gap Rd. (if you get to the SC line you went one mile too far!). Travel about 1 mile on Trammel Gap Rd. and you will start seeing signs.

Saluda Artist, Jim Carson
is planning a "Plein Air" workshop in Saluda on Friday,Oct.13 through Sunday,Oct.15.The "Painting Fast And Loose" workshop will emphasize simplifying shapes, color harmony, and composition. Link to Jim's web site from Quick Links to get fees and sign up information.

Computer Clinic Resumes at Saluda Public Library
the first Monday of the month from 1- 3. Learn how to use email, search the Internet, use word processing, and other productivity tools. For more information, please contact the library at 749- 2117.

The popular Green River Boys perform at the City Club Grill Restaurant October 13 and 27 at 6:00pm.

Plein air painter, Bill Jamesonis conducting a five-day painting workshop in and around Saluda from October 16-20. Around Saluda you will paint mountain vistas, waterfalls and streams. Instruction will be offered for all painting levels in oils, acrylics and watercolors.

For complete details and registration please contact Bill at 828-749-3101 or visit his web page provided in the Quick Links.

October Workshops at Random Arts
Fri. 6th - FREE Mini Workshops 11am & 2 pm - Artist Trading Cards
Fri. 13th- FREE Mini Workshops 11am & 2pm - Spritz Me Baby - Leaves and Fishes
Sat. 14th - Fabulous Soldered Mica Book 10 am till 4pm $50
Fri. 20th - Free Mini Workshops 11am and 2pm - Easy Photo Transfers
Fri. 27th - FREE Mini Workshops 11am and 2pm - Rust it to me
Sat. 28th - Kristi Steiner - My Hearts Desire Altered Book 10am till 4pm $90 (incl. lunch)

It is necessary to pre-register for all workshops in advance. Fees are returnable if your cancellation is made at least 48 hours prior to workshop date (less a 20% service fee). If the class is cancelled by Random Arts for any reason, your fee is completely refundable. Fees are due at the time of registration. Sorry, no exceptions. We accept personal checks (with proper ID), Visa, MC and Discover. Fees can be mailed to: Random Arts PO Box 7 Saluda, NC 28773. You can call us to register: 828-749-1165 or email: randomarts@charter.net

Be sure to check the music schedules for the Purple Onion, Frank and Amy's Front Porch Coffee Bar, and Tosh's Whistlestop Cafe by clicking on the Quick Links provided.

Art Fall begins at Saluda Fine Arts - a new season of free Sunday afternoon art events. During October and November the gallery will be open every Sunday at 2 PM, and the events will begin at 3 PM.

On Sunday October 1, Gloria Ross will present the first Art Fall event, a demonstration of her methods of sculpting with soapstone and clay. Visitors will be provided with materials to practice their own sculpting art.

Gloria began sculpting 15 years ago after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She was told by the doctor that she needed to exercise her arms and hands regularly. The exercise devices used to flex and pull seemed to increase her depression and boredom. Then a sculptor friend of hers gave her a sliver of soapstone about 6 inches long and 3 inches thick. When Gloria returned a week later with a beautiful piece of sculpture, her friend recognized that she had special talent and gave her the gift of a class at Converse College in Spartanburg, SC.

She continued to study art at Converse and since then has been recognized as a significant and excellent artist. She has won many awards, including first place in several juried shows.

Gloria frequently donates her work for charity to such organizations as The Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and the Animal Welfare League.

“Art has been wonderful for my health, both psychologically and physically. Art takes your mind off yourself. It gives me pleasure when someone sees my art and is inspired to do something of their own,” said Gloria.

Please visit our web site for the complete October Art Fall calendar.

Paul Koenen donated a beautiful watercolor of the "Saluda Library" to the library for all to enjoy. One day a visitor to Saluda, who prefers to remain anonymous, saw the painting. He likes Saluda; he likes the library, and he likes the painting. Turning these feelings over in his mind he came up with an idea. At Saluda Fine Arts he asked, “Would it be possible to make prints of this painting and sell them to benefit the library?” When he heard the answer, “yes,” he offered to pay for the first group of 10 prints, 5 to be matted, 5 to be matted and framed. You can purchase these prints at the Saluda Public Library and at Saluda Fine Arts. Each print is signed by the artist. Matted prints are $50 Prints that are matted and framed are $95 The library will receive 100% of the proceeds.

Everyone in invited to join the Saluda Garden Club at Spring Park behind City Hall to plant perennials and pansies that will show a display of color during the winter months.

The work will begin after a business meeting at Saluda Presbyterian Church at 10:00 a.m. on October 16.

To get information about the Saluda Garden Club please contact Margaret Moffat at 749-9229.

Winners of the "Fare Extraordinare," Judy and Charlie Ward and four of their friends will feast on an elegant dinner prepared by members of the Saluda's Women's Club. The club sponsored the event to raise funds to support college scholarships, Saluda Medical Center and Saluda Volunteer Fire Department

The Saluda Business Association is planning Hometown Christmas for Friday, December 8. This is an annual stroll down historic Main Street enjoying Christmas decorations, music, and refreshments served by Saluda businesses. The stroll will start at 5:30pm. Mark your calendars!

Saluda.com is Saluda's web site. This web site is sponsored and maintained by the Saluda Business Association from membership dues. The website is undergoing a facelift and will be launched no later than October 6. Be sure to visit www.saluda.com and give the SBA your feedback. You can send comments and observations to info@saluda.com.

Robert Pace still sells Octagon soap at the M.A. Pace General Store. The all-purpose soap was standard equipment in every household in Saluda at one time. There was a coupon on the top of the bar which could be redeemed for products out of company catalog. Everyone had a stack of coupons bound with a rubber band sitting around the house just waiting to get enough for that special item out of the catalog.

Originally the bar of soap had eight sides but now it only has four like all the rest. It was used for every type of cleaning and some even used it as an antiseptic to sooth bee stings and poison ivy.

Colgate Palmolive owns Octagon Soap. A Hendersonville woman by the name of Peet was also one of the original owners and was a very wealthy person. She and another friend became very involved in religious studies and taught bible studies to five high schools in the area. These two people were instrumental supporting Warrior Mountain Baptist Church. They befriended a young Saluda High School basketball player who graduated in 1938. The two benefactors bought this young boy a 1938 Ford and sent him to Clemson University in South Carolina. Floyd Johnson went on to become a recognized leader in education in South Carolina and was a superintendent of schools before his death.

You can still purchase the all-purpose Octagon soap at M.A. Pace for 99 cents (without the coupons!).

Looking for a downtown residence? Or maybe you are building in Saluda and would like to have a temporary place to live while your dream home is being built.

There is an apartment over the Saluda Grade Restaurant that is just waiting for you. It's spacious 2,000 sqft includes three bedrooms, two baths, living room, dining room, washer/dryer in laundry, and full kitchen appliances--all overlooking historic Main Street. Rent is $925 Contact 828-749-3504 to get more information or see the apartment.

New comer to Saluda, Kim Lauer, will begin teaching a chair-based exercise class called "Bones, Balance, and Bend" at the Senior Center beginning Friday October 6th @ 11:00am in the Wellness room. This class will meet once weekly. Seniors (60+) are free (donation requested) and those under 60 are $8.00 per class. This will be a fun, safe, low-impact way to promote flexibility, strength, bone density, and balance. All participants are advised to check with their doctors before beginning this or any exercise program.

Finding ways to keep healthy becomes more important as we age. As a physical therapist, I feel exercise can preserve independent living. I hope to help all participants feel better!

Originally from Savannah, GA, Kim now lives in Saluda with her husband Mark and two children, Eric and Grace, ages 12 and 4. They enjoy camping, hiking, yoga, and bicycling. Kim and her family chose Saluda as their home because of the small town, friendly atmosphere and beautiful natural setting.

Saluda Realtors(r) who belong to the Hendersonville Board of Realtors(r) is holding an Open House Wednesday, October 18 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Realtors(r) participating are: Cathy Jackson Realty, Morgan and Associates, Saluda Realty, Remax, Vanessa Mintz Realty Services, and Shining Rock Realty. Up to 12 homes will be open for viewing during that time.

You can pick up a flyer and map at any of the participating realtors' office by October 15.

Saluda Versus National Real Estate Market
We all have heard the real estate bubble is bursting and we all know the principle of supply and demand. The National Association of Realtors tells us the sale of all homes is down anywhere from 10% to 25% depending on the location. NAR also informs us the supply of homes is up 60% from last year and is in fact, at a thirteen year high. The national median-price home is now $225,700 which is 1.7 % lower than last year. Once again, the rule of supply and demand rings true: the number of available homes is up and the price is down.

So, how does Saluda fit into these statistics? The North Carolina market for existing homes is actually up 6% over last year. In 2005, a Polk County home was on the market for an average of 119 days at a median listing price of $155,00 and sold at a median price of $151,000. The figures for 2006 show that a Polk County home is on the market for an average of 172 days at the median listing price of $239,700 and sells for a median price of $216,500.

Since a part of Saluda falls into Henderson County, let’s look at those figures. In 2005, the median listing price was $187,945 with the home on the market for an average of 96 days and selling for the median price of $190,293. In 2006, we see the median listing price at $231,855 with the house on the market for an average of 62 days and selling for the median price of $231,855.

Saluda is holding its own!
by Debra Penney Johnson, Broker

Readers have requested that Saluda Lifestyles provide a listing of local church services. This is not a complete list but a representation of the denominations in Saluda.

Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration
The Reverend Paula C. Morton
8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist - Rite I
9:15 a.m. - Sunday School
10:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist - Rite II with music

Saluda Presbyterian
The Reverend Gene Witherspoon
Adult SS 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am

Saluda First Baptist Church
The Reverend Ray Talley, Interim
SS 9:45 am
Worship Service 11 am & 6:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 pm

Saluda Methodist Church
The Reverend Tony Sayer
SS 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am