Community:

Congratulations to Saluda’s very own talented Aaron Burdett, for winning Our State Magazine’s singer/songwriter competition with his song, “Going Home to Carolina.”

Encore! Local goods and fall produce can be found at a special holiday Saluda Tailgate Special Market on Saturday, Nov. 24, 1-3 p.m., West Main St. parking lot. The whole weekend, including Friday is to celebrate Small Business Saturday, and many of our delightful Saluda shops and restaurants will be open longer hours. Please shop local! You can have a lovely meal, enjoy live music, art, craft, fresh produce and so much more right here in this small jewel of a mountain town.

While visiting around town, stop by to see the new booths run by different vendors filled with antiques, charm and interesting goodies at Joni’s beside Wildflour Bakery. I found an antique wood shoe last, a mystical green glass bead necklace, and other interesting treasures spread throughout the shop when visiting Joni for a bottle or two of wine from her ‘affordable’ section. In town, we’ve got several new shops; well worth a stroll.

Get your motorcycle shined and spiffed up for the Polk County Annual Toy Run, Nov. 24, starting at Saluda Fire Department, 64 Greenville Street. Registration starts at 11; the parade starts at 2 p.m. For more information contact Barry Gee 828-817-3084.

Please remember the family of Louise Thompson Staton — Louise and her sister Myrtle Phillips are part of my Saluda memories of Greenville Street neighbors: how close they were; and how Louise doted on her grandson, proudly taking him to and from school.

Happy birthday to Rich and Rita Igoe, Karen Johnson, Marsha Jenkins, Nancy Barnett, Dawn Pearson, Charles Pearson, Dusty Jespersen, Gwen Garren, Stoney Lamar, Jim Boyle, Tom Ellwood, Frank Beeson and Wendy McEntire. Add your birthday to the list!

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column; I am thankful for YOU. Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 749-1153: I love hearing from you! You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com for more writing and art, or find me on facebook.