Note from the Executive Director, Tara Bland
2016 was an amazing year for the SALT Block Foundation (SBF), as we successfully completed many projects.  Visitors to the Block now enjoy new wireless access, a beautifully refurbished auditorium, connecting sidewalks on the south side of the property and an outside stage area for Catawba Science Center Naturalist presentations.  In March, the SALT Block Auditorium was named the Drendel Auditorium.  Friends and colleagues of Frank Drendel donated generously to the to the SBF endowment in his honor.  We look forward to completing several projects in the coming year.  In the spring, attendees to the Block will find a small community garden, supported by Hickory Greenway Harvest and an aquaponics facility, supported by Piedmont Natural Gas and Catawba Science Center, visions achieved through thoughtful collaborations.  Other additions to our Block include the expansion of the Hickory Choral Society's space, as well as new handicap ramps for access from the Hickory Choral Society Wing to the Aquarium/Planetarium and West Wing.  Steps on the north side of the property from the Arts & Science Center to the West Wing will be added, as well as ten additional parking spaces.  Please excuse the inconvenience during this construction process.  We are beautifying the Block and ensuring that our facilities and grounds are safe for you.
Christmas Social 2016
Michele Francois, Janet and Warren Hicks having fun in the photo booth.

Andi Banks, William Karslake and Joyce Corbett enjoying social time.

Dr. Wayne Powell, Mrs. Joyce Powell and Lise Swensson discuss the Hickory Museum of Art. 
Did you know...?
Over the past year and a half, the SALT Block Foundation's auditorium sub-committee developed plans for updates to the Drendel Auditorium to ensure a fully functional facility for our guests use. The auditorium is now adorned with beautifully constructed window cornices and curtains, stage curtains and valances, a new 30 foot frame screen, new HD 1080-DLP theater projector and updated sound and lighting.   A very special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Pope Shuford for providing the funds to complete this project in its entirety, which is dedicated in memory of Luther Snyder "Luke" Garrison III.  Our sincere thanks to Valdese Weavers for generously donating the fabric for the curtains. 
Join the BLOCKheads
Are you interested in working with a vibrant group of individuals who support Science, Art, Literature and more?  (SALT:  Science, Art and Literature Together)  The BLOCKheads would be the group for you.  The Blockheads' (SALT Block Foundation's Social Committee) mission is to enhance the sustainability and long tern success of the SALT Block Foundation and the five non-profit resident organizations that the Foundation supports.  The Blockheads pursue activities that are fun and focused on igniting interest in and stimulating the engagement of the public with the SALT Block Foundation and its residents. Contact Tara Bland today to join the fun, tbland@saltblockfoundation.org or (828) 324-4906 x303.












Upcoming Events
graphic-calendar-yellow.jpg
Check out these Community Calendars for Upcoming Events:
Save the Date
calendar-banner-yellow.jpg
Derby Party 2017!
Mark your Calendar
Saturday, May 6th
SALT Block Foundation | 828-324-4906 | tbland@saltblockfoundation.org | http://www.saltblockfoundation.org
243 Third Avenue NE Box 7
Hickory, NC 28601