I am a man: little do I last
and the night is enormous.
But I look up:
the stars write.
Unknowing I understand:
I too am written,
and at this very moment
someone spells me out.

~ Octavio Paz, “Brotherhood”

Last Wednesday night, that dinner bell led me to the warm cozy Wildflour Bakery for pizza night. You see, many folks think Pizza Night is on Friday, but I’m here to tell you the secret’s out: it’s on Wednesday, too.

There’s something immensely comforting to the heart to walk in, order up a fresh hot pizza, peruse the free take-one leave-one-later book stack, then get a big grin and hug from a handsome young man named Abe who you watched grow up along side your own son. I’m as proud of that young ‘un as my own.

Abe Thomas, Debi Thomas’ son, helps his mom run the long-time Saluda bakery at Nostalgia Courtyard. Having returned from a round of working in corporate America, Abe decided there’s no place like home. You know, that young man has it right. Give him a hug if you see him on Pizza Night.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, with dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcome; donations accepted.

Keep in mind that Saluda Community Land Trust would love to have you volunteer or be a member. Our SCLT folks are an active group. Learn more about Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560. Also, Saluda Center would be glad to have your help too, whether Meals On Wheels, or another project. And Saluda School can always use tutors and volunteers of all kinds, just inquire. Volunteers make the world go round—hats off to those who volunteer!

The 20th Annual Green River Narrows Kayak Race is noon, Nov. 7.

The City of Saluda will hold an open house at the renovated City Hall building on Nov. 7, 2-4 p.m.

Nov. 7 is Saluda Railroad Day, featuring events at Saluda Historic Depot all day. Plan on holiday shopping at the Depot at the inaugural Saluda Holiday Gallery featuring a variety of arts and craft items, Nov. 7-Dec. 31, Thursday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m. An opening reception is Nov. 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Veteran’s Day Ceremony is Nov. 11, 3:30 p.m. at Memorial Park.

The annual Saluda United Methodist Church’s Turkey Dinner is Nov. 14 at Saluda School cafeteria, 5-7 p.m. Church members serve roast turkey, homemade gravy (my favorite) and all the fixings including dessert (my favorite, too!). It’s a great evening to see hometown folks, along with so many others coming in for home cooking and community.

Ward’s Grill will have a free veteran’s breakfast on Nov. 19 until 10 a.m.

Garden notes: It’s time to turn over summer gardens, divide plants, plant shrubs or trees, add compost to the soil and clean bluebird houses. Fall leaves make fine additions to compost or rake into a pile at the side of your yard and let them decompose; no need to burn them. I tossed Halloween pumpkin remains in my heap; earthworms think that’s a feast!

Saluda sympathy goes to the families of Tyler Thomas and Hazel Johnson Jaeger.

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, Wendy McEntire, Aaron Burdett, Richard Baker, Donna Potruski, and Jane 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 sunny late fall afternoon, gold and scarlet leaves painting the ground in rich shades. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. You may also visit bonniebardos.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.