Community:

Saluda Tailgate Market continues at West Main Street public parking lot on Fridays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., many Saluda businesses are open later on Friday, so browse the market’s fall produce, enjoy a meal, shopping and music.

The next Top of the Grade Concert with Spencer & The String Ticklers is Sept. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., McCreery Park. Bring chairs; food available.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday; dinner from 5:30-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcome; donations accepted.

Make plans to support the Oct. 12 Saluda 5k9 race for dogs and their people. Proceeds benefit Saluda Community Land Trust; visit saludaclt.org or call 828-749-1560.

There’ll be a community potluck and bingo at Saluda Center, Sept. 30, 6 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share. Remember if you’re homebound and can’t prepare meals or are recovering from surgery, are 60 years and over, call Saluda Center to join the Meals on Wheels Program. Also, medical equipment is available to loan. Ask for Donna for information at 828-749-9245.

Yes, it’s true: there’ll be opera in Saluda. On Oct. 10 the University of South Carolina’s Music Department and Historic Thompson’s Store will bring a magical evening opera/dinner to the Back Alley Deck and Boarding House Venue. Contact Judy Ward at Thompson’s Store 828-749-2321 for information and reservations.

Help Saluda School by donating box tops at the library, post office or school office.

Happy “46” Anniversary to Rich and Rita Igoe!

Happy September Birthday to Dale McEntire, Joni Rauschenbach, Sonya Monts, Linda Kaye Hayes, Carol Kenfield, Debbie Fisher, Leslie Jespersen, Linda Mintz, Sheila Billeter, Cary Pace, Ross Arrington, Hop Foster, Chuck Hearon, Alexia Timberlake and Clark Thompson.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. It’s my goal to make you feel as if you were enjoying a visit on the porch swing on a golden late-September afternoon. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 828-749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com for more writing and art, or find me on facebook.