CIVIC CLUBS ORGANIZATIONS &

2nc Mounted Infantry

Re-enactors devoted to promoting an authentic portrayal of soldiers and civilians during the American Civil War. 2ncmi.org.

Aarp Polk County Chapter 2182

Sponsors Tax-Aide (free tax preparation) and 55/Alive Safe Driving Course. Call Polk County Library for tax aide information, 828-894-8721.

Adawehi Wellness Village

Adawehi is a thriving intentional community built around health and wellness. Adawehi includes several residences, a conference center, organic grocery store, greenhouses, holistic health practitioners, wellness classes, walking trails, and more. 828-2907523, 93 Adawehi Lane, Columbus, NC 28722, Adawehi.com.

AFS INTERCULTURAL PROGRAM USA / POLK COUNTY CHAPTER

Sponsors a high school foreign exchange program. AFS.org, PO Box 100, Tryon, NC 28782

AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE (ARES)

Voluntary organization of licensed radio amateurs who have registered their capabilities and equipment to provide communications as a public service to the community in the event of a disaster. 828-606-6922, polkcounty.org/ham

Big Brothers Big Sisters

The BBBS mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth and help the children served reach their full potential. 828-429-7626, bbbswnc.org

CHILDREN’S THEATER FESTIVAL

Also known as Super Saturday, the theater festival is a daylong festival in March presenting high-quality performances in puppetry, drama, magic, music, mime, dance and storytelling. 828-782-3080, tryonsupersaturday.com

Community Chorus

Singers from the surrounding area provide two concerts each year. Facebook: search Carolina Community Chorus.

DAFFY-JILLS GARDEN CLUB

Maintains gardens at the Columbus Doughboy statue, the Tryon Post Office and the pollinator garden at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. They also decorate the Polk County Library at Christmas. Daffy-Jills meets on the first Thursday of every month at 1:30pm. Daffyjills.com, Facebook.com/daffyjillsgardenclub.

Democratic Party Of Polk County

The executive committee meets the first Thursday at 7 p.m., The Women’s Club the last Monday at 6:30 pm. All residents of Polk County, regardless of age or political affiliation, are welcome at meetings. 828-817-2999, 64 Ward St., Columbus. polkncdemocrats.org.

Door Of Hope Ministry

Door of Hope Ministry, Inc. is a counseling ministry based in Columbus, NC, with a satellite office in Ephrata, PA. The ministry operates Hannah House, a place of rest, safety, and counsel for girls and women who have been wounded, abused, and broken. 1710 Lynn Rd., Columbus, 828-393-0019, Doorofhopeministry.com.

Equestrian Trail Coalition Of Western Nc

ETWC’s mission is to develop, preserve, and protect equestrian trails, promote trail stewardship, preserve nature’s beauty through land conservation, encourage camaraderie among equestrian enthusiasts and positively impact the region’s economy. Rachel Butterworth-Tice, 828-447-9600.

Extension Community Associates

Empower individuals and families to improve their quality of living through continuing education, leadership development and community service, as part of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. 828-894-8218.

Foothills Association Of Master Gardeners

Partners with the community and the county extension service for educational and training activities to promote gardening. Alumni members have completed the NC State Extension Service Master Garden Program, PO Box 187, 60 Gibson St., Columbus, NC 28722, polk.ces.ncsu.edu/extension-mastergardener-volunteers/

Foothills Chess Club

Provides an opportunity for chess players of all ages and abilities to learn more about the game and play games in a relaxed setting with other chess players in the area. Doug Morris, 828-8943336, dmorris3336@charter.net.

Foothills Music Club

The purposes of the Foothills Music Club are to encourage musicians in their art by providing opportunities to perform and improve their musicianship and to provide scholarships to young area musicians to support their musical endeavors. Jeanette Comer, 828 894-5988, foothillsmusicclub.org

FOOTHILLS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Welcomes individuals with Parkinson’s, caregivers, or those who have a loved one with Parkinson’s, serving all of Polk County and northern Spartanburg and Greenville counties. 864-404-8001

Foothills Quilt Trail

In the Landrum area, the trail of 38 colorful quilt blocks brings together local history, city art and heritage crafts adding charming touches to the exterior of buildings. 864-457-3000, 100 N. Shamrock Ave., Landrum, foothillsquilttrail.com.

Friends Of The Polk County Public Library

Promote, support and inform the public of the resources, services, facilities and needs of the library. 1289 West Mills St., Columbus, friends@polklibrary.org, polklibrary.org.

Gospel Express Ministries

The initial focus of Gospel Express was a prison and singing ministry and has expanded into a multi-faceted evangelistic and discipleship ministry throughout North America, with a variety of personnel and family ministry teams, and now includes international ministries in Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and India. 1710 Lynn Rd., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-859-7003, gospelexpress.com.

Greater Gowensville Association

Open to those interested in the past, present and future of the greater Gowensville community. The association sponsors a fall festival the second Saturday in November. Lynne Pfaff, 864-680-0681.

Green Blades Garden Club

Organized in 1952 and federated in 1958 with National Garden Clubs, the mission of the Green Blades Garden Club is learning through guest speakers and area excursions. 864-457-6160, facebook.com/greenbladesgardenclub/

Green Creek Ruritan Club

Ruritan is a civic service organization with the purpose of creating a better understanding between people and, through volunteer community service, making America’s communities a better place to live and work through fellowship, goodwill, and community service. Meets every third Tuesday at 7 at Green Creek Community Center cafeteria, Paul Stacy, 828-863-4304

Green River Watershed Alliance

Works to address the health of our waterways with initiatives that promote clean water, responsible stewardship/management and sustainability of our most valuable natural resource. Sky Conard, 704-299-1424

Guardian Ad Litem

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) advocate is a trained community volunteer who is appointed, along with a Guardian ad Litem attorney, by a district court judge to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the court system by the Department of Social Services. 828-6944215, 1347 Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792. Facebook: NC Guardian ad Litem of Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania Counties

House Of Flags Museum

Provides a unique venue dedicated to promoting patriotism, flag etiquette and historical understanding of our nation as told by our 300 flags, accomplished through a blend of unique historical exhibits, guided tours, educational programs and student activities. Robert Williamson, 828-894-5640, 33 Gibson St., Columbus, NC, flagmuseum@gmail.com, houseofflags.org.

Kiwanis Club Of Tryon

Dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Fundraisers support Terrific Kids, Aktion Club, Super Saturday, Imagination Library, college scholarships, Kiwanis International Project to eliminate maternal/neonatal tetanus. Meets Wednesdays at 12 p.m., 210 Melrose Ave. Tryon, NC, tryonkiwanisclub.com, Facebook: Kiwanis Club of Tryon

Landrum Garden Club

Strives to stimulate interest in gardening and, through cooperation with other organizations, to aid in the protection and conservation of natural resources, to undertake programs of beautification in the community and to encourage the improvement of roadsides and parks. Mary Jane Giles, hrjgiles@aol.com.

Landrum Quilters

The Landrum Quilters meet at the Family Life Center of Gowensville First Baptist on the second Thursday at 9:30 a.m. A bee takes place on the fourth Monday at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome. The club’s purpose is to promote an interest in the heritage art of quilting. The club sponsors a quilt show in June and an Airing of the Quilts. Landrumquilters.com.

Lanier Library Association

One of only 16 membership libraries in the country. Established in 1890, it is the oldest civic organization in Tryon and new members are always welcome. Programs are held throughout the year and most are open to the public free of charge. 72 Chestnut St., Tryon, 828-859-9535, thelanierlibrary.org.

LENNIE’S FUND INC.

A fund specifically for major cases involving sick or injured animals, oftentimes when a specialist may have to be involved. 828-859-5835, erizzo4@hotmail.com, 245 Ioka Hills Rd., Columbus, NC 28722.

Lions Club Of Landrum

Organized in 1959 to aid the visually impaired and handicapped. Serves Landrum, Campobello, Gowensville, New Prospect and surrounding areas in S.C. Provides financial help to local school districts for drug and alcohol prevention programs. PDG Bob Walker Landrum Lions Club PO Box 367 Landrum, SC 29356. 864-457-3328, 864-590-0409, bwalker@landrumins.com

MASONIC LODGE #278 A.F.M. (LANDRUM)

A fraternal organization that holds meetings on the second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and falls under the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free Masons of South Carolina. Officers are elected in November. Michael Collins, 864-457-3115, 8264230-9806, mc3115@aol.com, 200 N. Shamrock Ave., Landrum, SC 29356.

MASONIC LODGE #482, POLK COUNTY UNITY

Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday. Meal served at 6:30, meeting at 7:30. 622 Ozone Dr., Saluda, NC, Jim Steckel, jrsteckel@gmail.com

Nc Retired School Personnelpolk County Chapter

Meets the second Monday in September, November, January, March, May and July. Promotes social, economic and professional status of members, provides opportunities for continued learning and works toward solution of common problems. Retired school personnel from any state may join. Judy Banks, jbchinook55@gmail.com, ncrsp.org.

Operation Hope

A cooperative ministry of churches in the Greater Landrum area providing emergency assistance in the areas of utility, medication, clothing and non-perishable foods. 108 W. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC 29356, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m., 864-457-1005. Thrift Store: 206 E. Rutherford Street, Landrum, SC 29356, Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., 864457-2812.

Pea Ridge Community Center

Established in the late 1950s to support community involvement and growth. 207 Big Level Rd., Mill Spring, NC 28756. Daryl Hardin, 828-894-8376, wdarylhardin@gmail.com

PEARSON’S FALLS

A wildlife and bird sanctuary comprised of 268 acres of native forest, granite, spring-fed streams and a moderate 1/4 mile trail to a 90 ft. waterfall, with over 200 species of rare wildflowers and plants, mosses, lichens, shrubs and trees. Owned and maintained by The Tryon Garden Club. 2748 Pearson Falls Road, Saluda. Pearsonsfalls.org.

Pisgah Chapter Of Trout Unlimited

Chartered in 1969, serves Polk, Henderson and Transylvania counties with the mission to “conserve, protect and restore cold-water fisheries and their watersheds.” Supports Troutin-the-Classroom programs, and contributes to Rivercourse Conservation and Fly-Fishing Youth Camp. pisgahtu.org

Polk Baptist Association

The PBA consists of 24 churches and a Spanish mission. Our mission statement is “Helping Churches Grow Together and Accomplish Their Mission.” Office hours are 8 a.m.-12 p.m, 828-894-3787.

Polk County Beekeepers

Support local beekeepers in Polk County with education and information. Monthly meetings February-September, third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., David Smith, d.smith.7363@gmail.com, 828-275-2873.

POLK COUNTY 4-H YOUTH ORGANIZATION

In 4-H you can go to camp, start a business, ride in a bike rodeo, take part in an international exchange, raise an animal, create a blog, participate in community service, develop your resume, learn about healthy eating and build lifelong friendships. For youth ages 5-19. Helen Blackwell, 828-894-8218, helen_clark@ncsu.edu

Polk County Campus Icc Foundation

A non-profit organization incorporated in 1982 to raise, invest and endow funds for the Polk campus of Isothermal Community College. It is independent from the ICC Foundation in Spindale. 828-894-3092, polkcountyiccfoundation@gmail.com, 1255 W. Mills St., Columbus, NC 28722.

Polk County Community Foundation

Dedicated to advancing philanthropy and improving the quality of life for Polk’s citizens, PCCF makes grants to area nonprofits, gives scholarships, holds endowment funds for nonprofits, and establishes funds to accomplish the charitable dreams of individual donors. 255 S. Trade St., Tryon, NC, 828-859-5314, polkccf.org.

Polk County Historical Association

Preserves Polk County’s heritage, offers first-hand experiences with events, documents, people and artifacts, sponsors free programs with guest speakers. Museum is open Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 60 Walker St., Columbus. 828-894-3351, polknchistory.org

Polk County Republican Party

The mission is to help elect politicians committed to the principles upon which this republic was founded by educating voters about current issues, the U.S. Constitution, the timeless conservative principles of limited government, strong family values and personal responsibility. Meetings are held the second

Thursday at 6:30 p.m., 33 Peak St., Columbus, NC 28722, polk. nc.gop

Polk Vocational Services

PVS provides rehabilitation, development and employment services to adults with barriers to employment. Offers vocational assessment and job placement services. 451 Industrial Park Dr., Columbus, NC 28722, 828-894-3041, polkvocational.com

QUESTERS THERMAL BELT CHAPTER #1408

Study group to appreciate antiques, encourage preservation, promote education in the fields of historical preservation and restoration. Betsy Miner, 864-457-3016, questers1944.org.

Rotary Club Of Tryon

A service club with the motto “service above self” shared by 1.2 million Rotarians around the world. In recent years through the RCOT Foundation, the club has awarded over $60,000 a year in local and international grants and scholarships. Tryon Presbyterian Church, 430 Harmon Field Rd., Tryon, NC 28782. rotarycluboftryon.com.

Saluda Garden Club

Meets the third Monday of every month for programs, education, and resources for garden lovers at the Saluda Library. Except for special events and outings, meetings start at 10 a.m. The club’s purpose is the beautification and improvement of Saluda and its surroundings. Special emphasis is given to the landscaping, annual plantings and care of our historic Spring Park. Susan Cannon, 828-749-3852.

Score Of Polk County

Polk County’s premier service of free and confidential small business mentoring and workshops. Our mentoring volunteers have years of experience in multiple business disciplines to offer our clients. 828-693-8702, scorepolkcounty@gmail.com, westernnc.score.org.

ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

The auxiliary supplements the hospital’s finances to provide money for new equipment and various items to improve service and care. 101 Hospital Dr., Columbus, NC 28722, stlukesnc.org.

ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Established in 1991 to promote the highest quality of local healthcare services by raising funds for equipment, facility improvements, educational programs and the foundation’s endowment. 89 W. Mills St., Suite B, Columbus, NC 28722, 828894-2693, foundationslh.org

Thermal Belt Amateur Radio Club

The Thermal Belt Amateur Radio Club provides emergency radio communications for Polk County and the Landrum area when called for by the American Red Cross and or the Polk County Emergency Management. The club holds a NET every Monday Night at 7:30 pm on the TBARC Repeater-145.330 (-600) PL 91.5. This NET is open to all radio amateurs within the repeaters coverage area. To contact the TBARC: Robin Michael, KV4AL, P.O. Box. 1016, Tryon NC, 28782, 828-817-0467, polkcounty.org/ham

Thermal Belt Friendship Council

The Council promotes stronger relationships and diversity in Polk County through social activities that bring diverse groups together. Activities include potluck dinners, Christmas caroling, a monthly group luncheon at various area restaurants, a free annual community picnic at Harmon Field, and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., birthday celebration. Meetings are at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday at Roseland Center. Donna Tatnall, 828-859-7099, friendshipcouncil.homestead.com, PO Box 414, Lynn, NC 28750.

Thermal Belt Stamp Club

Open to stamp collectors of all ages and interests. Meets the first and third Monday of the month at HomeTrust Bank in Columbus at 7:30 p.m. to learn about philately and to trade stamps. William Anderson, 865 Warrior Dr., Tryon, NC 28722, PO Box 16, Lynn, NC 28750.

Tryon Garden Club

Established in 1928, the garden club develops and conducts educational programs, and members are committed to contributing to the beautification of Tryon. The club owns and maintains the 268-acre Pearson’s Falls in Saluda. The club meets the third Wednesday. PO Box 245, Tryon, NC 28782, 828-7493031, pearsonsfalls.org

Tryon Parks Committee

Promotes the use and maintenance of the towns’ ten park areas. John Vining, 828-859-6534, 301 North Trade St., Tryon, NC 28782.

Tuba Christmas

Held on the first Saturday of December, TubaChristmas at Polk County High School is filled with more than 60 brass instruments, tubas and euphoniums. Players come from WNC and beyond to perform this free concert, 828-894-0197, tubachristmas.com.

Western Carolina

Classic Radio Club

WCCR meets the third Monday at 2 p.m. at Isothermal Community College Polk Campus in Columbus to listen to old time radio shows aired during the golden age of radio. PO Box 311, Lynn, NC 28750. Bob Reynolds, 828-859-9388

Did we miss your organization and you’d like to be included next year? Do you need to make changes to your current listing? If so, please email us at news@tryondailybulletin.

Polk Central Elementary

Grades PreK-5

Kim McMinn, Principal

2141 S. NC Hwy. 9, Mill Spring, NC 28756

828-894-8233 http://www.polkschools.org/pcs/

Saluda Elementary School

Grades PreK-5

Tobree Mostel, Principal

214 E Main St, Saluda, NC 28773

(828) 894-1040 http://www.polkschools.org/sal/

Sunny View Elementary School

Grades PreK-5

Preston Allen, Principal 86 Sunny View School Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756

(828) 894-1050 http://www.polkschools.org/sve/