Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...TRYON—The Thermal Belt Friendship Council has received a grant from the Mary F. Kessler Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation to support development of a cultural heritage zone in Tryon’s historic Eastside community. The initiative, known as the Eastside Cultural Zone Project, seeks to preserve stories, landmarks and contributions that shaped the neighborhood’s resilience and history. The collection, called the Beryl Dade History Project Collection, will serve as a centerpiece for future exhibits and community discussions. Planned activities include engaging local historians, restoring historic photographs, installing markers at significant sites and formally recognizing the area as a Cultural Zone. “We at the Thermal Belt Friendship Council are delighted to continue our partnership with Eastside community members and organizations,” said Council President Donna Tatnall.