Saluda's historical landmark, the Saluda Inn has long- awaited new proprietor's Joni and Richard Rauschenbach to complete massive renovations and restorations.

With most of the work being completed this fall, the Inn hosted Saluda's annual Christmas Home Tour sponsored by the Saluda Senior Center. This was the first time Saluda residents had an opportunity to tour the Inn and walk the halls.

About The Inn
The original part of the home was built by the first practicing doctor in Saluda. Dr. E.B. Goelet came to Saluda just after the railroad in 1881. This gentleman also owned the Saluda’s only pharmacy. Mrs. Louis LeLand of South Carolina acquired the home in 1914 and expanded the original Queen Anne style home to become a boarding house. Mr. Leland owned Saluda’s first telephone company. The Charlton LeLand, as the inn was known back then, was one of the largest inns established in Saluda and operated longer than any of its contemporaries. After the Leland family sold it, widow Susan Leland Craig ran it as a boarding house. She maintained a garden and sold produce for extra money. She also used the property for editing and printing the Saluda Magazine, which was the first established newspaper of the town.

Throughout the years of operation as a boarding house, it opened its doors to the physicians and patients of the acclaimed Children’s Sanatorium. The Children’s Sanatorium was instrumental in bringing many ill children into the Saluda area to the mountain climate for specialized medical care that was not readily available in the big cities. During the depression most of Saluda’s 40 inns and hotels burned down. The Inn was able to maintain a steady clientele of “family” guests until the mid century. After that, the operation was sporadic and in 1984 it was sold to a group of investors and was primarily run as a rental property. At the time the Rauschenbach’s purchased the Saluda Inn in 2004 it was in a total state of disrepair. Over the next two years with the expert help from local builder Darryl Russell, electrician Brent Keubler and plumber Dave Thomas the building was raised and leveled, the interior was essentially dismantled and put back together and all plumbing and electrical systems were updated. Throughout the renovation careful consideration was given to maintaining its historical integrity and it was recently designated as a National Historic Property.

The Rauschenbach’s continue to run it as a retreat for family reunions, religious groups etc. and are considering expanding to nightly room rentals in the future. Some groups have been coming for 20 plus years, and have made the Saluda Inn their vacation home for the week or weekend every year. The Rauschenbach’s are happy to own a building that brings people close together in a time when so many families hardly know each other anymore. Saluda is a wonderful setting for the inn and a great place to raise a family.

About The Inn Keepers
After receiving his EdM from Harvard, Rich Rauschenbach lived in NY and taught German and mathematics and coached swimming. He now works as an IT consultant in the medical industry. He also recently graduated as Chief of his rookie class in Asheville and has accepted a position with the Asheville Fire Department. When he is not working, either on the Inn or as a consultant, he is volunteering at our fire department or out training for triathlons. He will be competing in an Ironman this August in Louisville, KY.

Joni (Mahaffey) Rauschenbach is a SC native, and a USC graduate. After working in the wine and restaurant industry for many years, she headed out west to pursue her culinary interest at Johnson and Wales University in Vail, Colorado. She met Rich there while he was on a ski trip and moved to NY. She continues to work in the wine industry as a consultant and sales representative and travels throughout the east coast.

Wylie Everest Rauschenbach was born in NY, but considers himself a NC native. At age 4, his personal ambition is to “never grow up.” He is a big fan of fire engines and matchbox cars.

For more information, you can contact Joni at 828- 749-9698 or visit their web site at www.saludainn.com

About the Inn and Inn Keepers submitted by the Rauschenbach's.

The Saluda Inn hosted a "media event" in January and invited media outlets from all over NC and SC. Attending the event were representatives from Mountain Express, Florence News Journal, Creative Loafing, and Saluda Lifestyles.

Saluda residents also attended and were quickly steered into the kitchen to prepare a meal of pizzas, salads, and desserts. A few guests who don't spend time in the kitchen were instructed by Joni and made very creative pizzas.

Preparing a meal in the gourmet kitchen of the Saluda Inn can definitely be a family affair!

Above picture is Joni Rauschenbach preparing to serve wine to her guests.

Now into the 26th year of Orchard Inn history, we wish you well and offer the following special getaways for 2007.

Valentine Escape (February 9 & 10 or 16 & 17) Relax and unwind with your valentine in our quiet, romantic setting. Your weekend promises to be rejuvenating. Complimentary champagne, breakfasts and an upstairs room for two nights, $290

Wine Weekend (March 9 & 10 or September 7 & 8) Tour some of the world's best vineyards, right in our living room. Two days of outstanding food and wine await. Wine, dinner for two both evenings, breakfasts and an upstairs room for two nights, $475

Shakespeare Weekend (March 16 & 17) Sit by the fireplace with distinguished Sewanee Professor, Dr. Pamela Macfie, as she brings Shakespeare to life with her award-winning teaching style. Program, dinner for two both evenings, breakfasts and an upstairs room for two nights, $400

Container Gardening Workshop (April 14) Plant yourself on our sunny deck as Master Gardener Rebekah Cline leads a day of helpful instruction. Please call for details.

Also remember to make your reservation at The Orchard Inn for the Saluda Art and Music Festival (May 19), the Fourth of July, and Coon Dog Day Parade (July 7), our December Dickens Dinners, and our New Year's Eve Gala.

Come see us! Kathy and Bob Thompson, Charley and Robert Thompson

On Saturday, February 10th, a "Candlelight Dance" will be held at The Saluda Mountain Jamboree to get Valentine's Day celebrations off to a good start. The music and entertainment will be presented by Chris Coloson and Mr. C's Mobil Music. This will be a special night for couples and singles to enjoy the golden glow of a romantic, classy country atmosphere. The music will be performed for dancing and listening 8 - 11 pm and the admission is $8.00 per person. Visit www.saludamountainjamboree.com for more information.

Curtis Wright Oufitters will be offering a 5- week Beginner Fly Tying class on Saturdays from February 17 thru March 17. Learn to tie five different patterns, including the Wooly Bugger and Royal Wulff.

Curtis Wright provides all fly tying tools and customers pay for all materials at a 20% discount. The cost of the course is $75/per person with a minumum of 3 and a maximum of 6 people.

Curtis Wright Outfitters is also offering a 1/2 day fly fishing class on Saturdays in February (3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th) from 1pm - 4pm for $75 per person with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 people per class. This class will provide an overview of fly fishing equipment, trout species, habitat, entomology ("bugs"), reading water, knot tying, and casting.

Contact Curtis Wright Outfitters at 828-749-3444 to sign up.

Frank and Amy Beeson are organizing a benefit concert and auction scheduled for Saturday, April 21, 2007.

The concert features "The Shane Pruitt Band" at The Tryon Movie Theatre, Trade Street, Tryon NC at 8:00pm.

Auction is at 7:00pm and preview at 6. Auctioneer is Terry Cacciopo of Tryon Auction. Contact Frank Beeson at 749-3210 to arrange for auction item deliveries and pick up.

Proceeds will go toward the $12,000 medical bills of Jeb Bolton. Jeb owns Jeb's Pet Grooming in Tryon and has undergone cancer treatment and has no health insurance. She is a regular shopper in Saluda and financial supporter of music concerts in the area.

Tickets are now available for $20.00 each. call 828- 749-3210 for reservation and other information.

Morgan Auction & Realty provides real and personal property sales and business liquidation. The firm auctions antiques and collectibles two and three times a month. Next scheduled auctions are February 3 and 17 at 7pm. The Auction House is located conveniently off Ozone behind the Apple Mill.

Artist, Jim Carson has scheduled his spring plein air workshop in Saluda from Thurs., May 31 through Sat.,June 2. Also included is a "get acquainted" party at Jim's home on Wed.night,May 30.

The workshop is entitled "Painting Fast And Loose" and will feature wonderful outdoor painting sights, concentrating on simplifying shapes and applying paint quickly and confidently. There will be an emphasis on color harmony,painterly marks and composition.The cost of the workshop is $300. To learn more click on the link provided and visit Jim's web site or call 828 749-3702.

The popular Green River Boys perform at the City Club Grill Restaurant February 9 and 23 at 6:00pm. You can contact the City Club Grill at 749-1800.

The Purple Onion Sunday Evening Concert Series is February 4 at 7:00pm. Reservations are required. 828-749-1179. Check their schedule on the Quick Links provided to see their Thursday and Saturday night entertainment line up.

Saluda School's first and second grade classes are planning to parade downtown on Thursday, February 22 as a culminating activity for their Chinese New Year study. They are making paper dragons and learning a Chinese ribbon dance.

The school's annual Read-A-Thon will be held March 19-30.

Annual meeting of Democratic Precinct 4, in Saluda
Every Polk County Democratic precinct is scheduled to meet in February. Saluda's Democrats in Precinct 4, will hold their meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, at 7 p.m. at the Saluda Library. All registered Democrats are encouraged to be present to elect new precinct officers and to discuss upcoming events important for all Saluda voters.

At the same time and place, in another meeting room, Democrats from Henderson County's Raven Rock Precinct, Saluda, will also hold their annual precinct meeting.

Priscilla Eichelberger, chair, Precinct 4 Democrats

Meetings to Remember
Town Council meets first Monday of the month at 5:30 in the meeting room above the Saluda Library.

Saluda Business Association meets first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 in the meeting room above the Saluda Library.

Residents at Autumn Care Nursing Home in Saluda would love your company to visit and talk, polish their nails, play a game of checkers, read to them, walk outside, pet your cat or dog, and just give them a friendly smile. To learn how you can volunteer, please contact Joyce Coggins, Grace Thompson, or Dawn Pearson at 749-2261.

The Lions Club in Saluda is starting up again with a new look and feel. A Lion’s club is a group of community-minded people who care about the neighborhood where they live or work. Regional Director, Bob Roland is asking Saluda residents to attend a meeting planned in February to discuss and determine the type of services and projects that the Saluda Lions Club could provide to the community. This is a chance to work with other like-minded leaders in Saluda and make a difference in the lives of others. Please contact Tangie Morgan Ciarvolo at 749-1514 for meeting information.

The Saluda Business Association is pleased to announce its fourth annual Arts and Music Festival scheduled for May 19, 2007 on historic downtown Main Street in Saluda.

The 2007 Arts Festival will feature more than 50 talented artists and craftspeople from Western North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina. The event will run from 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday, May 19.

A music venue has been added this year and festival organizers plan on providing musical entertainment throughout the day on Main Street. At closing, the festival will wrap up with a musical performance from a concert band to be announced.

Cultivating and promoting its heritage in the arts, the town of Saluda invites artists and craftspeople to participate in this premier event celebrating the talent of local artists. The exhibit areas will be reserved on a first come, first served basis.

Art work will be judged and monetary awards will be given in several categories.

To enter the festival or for more information, please contact Cathy Jackson at 828-817-2876, Beverly Pickard at 828-749-3920 , Shelly Dekay 828-749- 9365, or email to info@saluda.com. You may also click here to download an application.

Saluda Music
Amy and Frank Beeson wish to assure everyone that they will be continuing the concert series "under the stars" at the caboose. They will kick off their fourth season on Saturday, May 5, and run through Saturday September 30.

These concerts are financially supported by the listening audience, and by private donations.

Stay tuned for a complete schedule of concerts.

If you would like to be involved on a volunteer basis, have questions, or would like to sponsor a program, please call 828-749-3210.

When I was five years old, I used to go to church with the widow next door. We didn't have a car and, truthfully, I went to church with her because she had a beautiful Ford convertible...a little coupe with a rumbleseat. And when the weather was good, she would put the top down and also open up the rumbleseat so I could ride back there.

Actually I liked going to Sunday School. I was an only child and always looked forward to any gathering of children. I was a lot more interesting in talking than listening, so this sometimes presented a problem.

I won my first Bible in my Sunday School class. I was able to memorize John 3:16.

It was a verse that we had studied in class. When I say "we" I use the term loosely. I spent most of my time talking to other kids while the teacher read the Bible and told us what it meant. When she finished, she turned to me and said, "Joe, why don't you tell us what you need to do in order to go to Heaven."

I was stumped. I had not been paying attention. But since she kept waiting for an answer, I tried to come up with one. Finally I said, as confidently as I could, "If you want to go to Heaven, you've got to love God."

I was taken aback by her violent outburst. She pounded her fist on the table and yelled, "No! No! You do NOT have to love God. That's not what John 3:l6 says. You don't have to love him. You have to BELIEVE. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. YOU'VE GOT TO BELIEVE."

I sat there quietly with my head hanging down. Then I lifted it toward her and said, "I don't think it would hurt to love God, too."

She frightened me in to learning John 3:16 by heart...and winning my Bible. But, truthfully, I don't think everyone is cut out to be a Sunday School teacher.

Walk through the door of this Cape Cod style home and enter a wonderful respite from your hustle-bustle world. You will find comfort and warmth on all three levels. The main level offers a living room centered around the fireplace, a dining area which opens to the screen porch, the kitchen, a cozy library where you can retreat with your favorite book, and the guest bedroom and bath. The lower level is the perfect gathering place for family and friends to mix and mingle. And the top level offers privacy for the master suite. This home is situated on a small garden size lot within a very short distance of Saluda’s Main Street.

Saluda Senior Center Thanks Volunteers
The Saluda Senior Center and The Thrifty Barn wish to express thanks to all who have assisted in such a successful and productive year for the Center. Special thanks go to ALL volunteers, at both the Saluda Senior Center and/or The Thrifty Barn, whether via donations of personal time or goods to be sold in The Thrifty Barn. The 2006-year's success is due largely to the many volunteer hours offered by the citizens of the Saluda area.

The continued success of both the Center and The Thrifty Barn depends on the continued generosity of volunteers. In particular, volunteers are needed in the Basement Sales area, which is open the first and third Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00p.m. Please call The Thrifty Barn at 749-3320 or Joyce Wetherell at 443-528-6681 to offer your volunteer time.

Peggie Morrison, Publicity Chairman, Saluda Senior Center

Saluda Library Quilt Raffle
Saluda summer folk, Toni Garcia quilted "The Saluda Grade" as a fundraiser for the Saluda Library. Winner, Joy Sharp who is the Polk County Library Children's Services Coordinator has donated the hanging back to the library to use in its annual Art Auction.

The quilt raffle raised $622 for the library. Thanks to all who purchased a raffle ticket and to Joy for contributing it to the Art Auction.

The City of Saluda and Saluda Police Department
want to express gratitude to everyone in the community who joined in efforts to collect toys for the toy drive this Christmas. There were nine families in the community of Saluda that benefited from all of your thoughtful efforts. A special appreciation also goes out to Mountain Page Baptist Church who combined their toy collection with the city. Church members, young and old went on a caroling hayride and distributed toys on Saturday, December 23 to several families. The remaining families came by the Saluda Police Department during the week before Christmas and had their pick from all of the wonderful donations. Again, we cannot express our gratitude correctly in words for the thoughtfulness of such a fine community.

Tonya Lindsey Saluda Chief of Police

The Senior Center serves warm nutritious lunches Monday through Friday from 11:30-12:30 at a cost of $3.00 a person.

The Senior Center welcomes all Saluda citizens to join in the activities and programs offered. You don't have be a "senior" to participate!

Decorating the walls of the Saluda Senior Center are original artwork from local residents. Students of well- known artist, Dale McEntire, these artists have created beautiful work. The center invites you to view these paintings. They are:

• "French Connection" by Janice Honeycutt (pastel)
• "Autumn Splendor" by Claudia Seagle (oil on canvas)
• "Tracey Grove Road" by Sally Thomas (oil on canvas)

Monday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group
9:30 Line Dancing
10:00 NIA Class
12:30 Yoga
5:30 Yoga

Tuesday Activities Schedule
10:00 Bridge

Wednesday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group
10:00 Trash Train and NIA Class
12:30 Tai Chi

Thursday Activities Schedule
9:30 Knitting Group
10:00 NIA Class
1:00 Sukoku
2:00 Art class
2:30 Board Meeting

Friday Activities Schedule
9:30 Walking Group
10:00 Trash Train

Special Note: A Thrifty Barn needs people who will pick up and deliver for customers. They would like to have a list of people on call for this service. Payment would be between delivery person and the customer. Please call Joyce at 749-3320

For more information about activities at Saluda Senior Center call Donna at 828-749-9245.

The Saluda Senior Center provides many services to the growing retirement community in Saluda. Volunteers to provide these services are needed. They encourage you to share your time to help deliver meals on wheels or work in A Thrifty Barn retail shop. Please contact Donna at 828-749- 9245.

Basement Sale at A Thrifty Barn first and third Saturdays of the month.....great bargains!

Saluda Fine Arts congratulates artist, Jacquelyn Schechter on her recent international photography award. The Spider Awards received thousands of entries from over sixty countries. Winners were selected by a who’s who Judging Panel from the international photography community, including Magnum Photos, LIFE Magazine, Tate Gallery and the Leica Photo Gallery.

Ms. Schechter’s "Bottled Light," an exceptional image, was entered in the Still Life category. The photograph was taken while she was studying at Penland. "Jacqelyn Schechter’s entry represents black and white imaging at its finest," said the awards creative director, Basil O’Brian.

Ms. Schechter is represented by Saluda Fine Arts, where her winning photograph is currently a featured display.

Beverly Pickard, Saluda Fine Arts

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. Painting of Transfiguration Church was done by Sylvia Jones.

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

The month of January 2007 was a busy and challenging month for the Saluda Board of Commissioners and Mayor. This month included several meetings:

• Regular Monthly Meeting on January 8
• Public Hearing on the Proposed Revisions to the Current Zoning Ordinance on January 16
• Annual Retreat on managing development on Saluda’s Gateway on Saturday January 20

•Update the language and structure of the core elements of the current zoning ordinance to provide clear and simpler language
•Maintain the stringency and intent of the existing ordinance
•Tighten and strengthen management of: mobile/modular homes, certain undesirable activities including: --Sexually oriented businesses, tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments
--Junk yards
--Storage trailers and containers
•Establish a ordinance with a sound core that can be used as a basis for improving management of the more complex and controversial growth challenges of:
--Parking
--Signs
--Historic Business District
--“Gateways” into our City

During January the Board of Commissioners and Mayor listened to and reviewed the comments of many in our community with regard to the proposed ordinance. Letters, petitions and e-mails galore were circulated espousing various viewpoints on the matter of the proposed zoning revisions.

Additionally, we had a lot of open meeting comments at the Public Hearing and Annual Retreat. Those weighing in on the issue included concerned and interested residents, business owners, property owners, summer residents, visitors and some that have only been to our wonderful community a couple of times.

The breadth of the comments seemed to represent all possible viewpoints. However, I’ve long learned that sometimes you have to seek out and look for opinions that don’t always get represented in public forums. We received petitions from those that wanted to strengthen the proposed revisions before it was considered to those that think that zoning should be eliminated. And once again, this community demonstrated to me one of its most important characteristics. The ability of its people to disagree but still be agreeable with one another.

On top of that we received many offers from our community to participate with the process going forward. One thing is for sure, we’re going to take them up on the offers. Our volunteers have been one of the mainstays of our community historically and it’s good to see that this characteristic still exists.

A sampling of the opinions and viewpoints expressed:

•Why are we passing an ordinance that doesn’t address the recognized deficiencies regarding parking, signs, historic business district “Gateways.” We should take the time to do this right.
•Can’t we just include some simple, quick fixes before we pass this ordinance? It seems like that would be easy to do.
•Why are we in such a hurry to push this through?
•We don’t have to reinvent the wheel, many communities have good examples that we can use.
•We need to address parking issues in the Historic Business District
•The signage allowed in the proposed revisions is not restrictive enough
•The ordinance doesn’t protect the historic buildings downtown. Someone could come in, tear down one of the buildings and put in a parking building
•We want low density and greenspace provided for in the ordinance. Several years ago, this Board turned down an ordinance that required property owners to provide trees, landscaping, architectural design standards, restrictions on signs, architectural standards and protections for the historic buildings and more controls on residential areas. We should look at that ordinance again.
•Historically, the natives and residents have done a good job of taking care of what we have. Why is it that all of a sudden that this is not good enough? It’s the reason that most of us are still here and others have moved here. The natives respect their land, property and our heritage.
•We need to consider the rights of the property owners and understand that there are limitations on the restrictions that can be imposed that are constitutionally based. Additionally, there are past agreements that have been made regarding zoning districts that must be abided by.
•Requiring greenspace along Ozone Road could amount to “taking” since in some cases it would seriously restrict the value and use of that property.
•There is a lot of confusion about the C-1, C-2 and C-3 zoning districts that needs to be cleared up.
•The zoning ordinance should be structured so that there is a basic ordinance with other specific sections addressing things such as signage, parking, Gateways, etc

Needless to say, this is only a sampling but captures the gist of the general comments that were offered.

After the public hearing, the Board of Commissioners voted not to take action on the proposed revisions until they could sort through the comments and better understand some late-coming revisions that were offered by the Planning Board.

The discussion continued into the Annual Retreat regarding “Gateways.” During this meeting the Board approved a motion to form Advisory Groups to the Planning Board to help address the more complex and controversial growth management issues such as the “Gateways.” The first task is to form a specific Advisory Group(s) that include stakeholders— Property Owners, Business Owners and Residents.

Applications for membership on the Advisory Group (s) are being accepted until our next regularly scheduled meeting on February 12th. If interested, please call Doris Marion (749-2581).

The Advisory Groups will provide input on the facts that need to be gathered as well as growth management options that are available. Joint meetings will be held with the Board of Commissioners, Planning Board and the Advisory Groups until clear direction on the strategy and options to be employed are resolved.

I am encouraged and refreshed by the interest of our community in addressing the broader issues of growth management. I have my opinions on this issue and respect the opinions of those that have taken the time and effort to provide theirs.

Fundamentally, it’s not an issue of whether people are concerned about their future quality of life in Saluda. We all seem to have similar hopes and dreams. There are some that put the emphasis on lifestyle and community, others who seem to be more financially driven (e.g., property values, taxes and the like), some that have their egos wrapped up in it and then there are those amongst us that are politically driven.

All are participants in the process. But, there is a difference of opinion on how to get there. It is the Board of Commissioners obligation to find the way and make the tough decisions—popular or unpopular.

Now, where does that leave the Board of Commissioners on the proposed revisions to the zoning ordinance? There are several issues to resolve:

1. Do all the comments and feedback warrant a significant change in the original plan regarding the proposed revisions?
2. Should the City continue to take the risk associated with the undesirable uses, mobil/modular homes and junk yards that the proposed revisions address while we wait to resolve the more complex and controversial growth management issues such as signs, parking and Gateways?
3. What is the best strategy? Incremental improvements or wholesale comprehensive changes? What’s the history of success in Saluda in this regard?
4. Do we want a pre-packaged solution or one that fits who we have been and who we are now?

It is what it is. It won’t be easy and it won’t be quick. Fortunately, we have dedicated people and a community full of resources.