By Bonnie J. Bardos 

 

“…The autumn day had spilled the color gold every-where: aspen, cornstalks, ears of corn piled high, coffee mixed with fresh cream, the fur of my dog, Boots, who was sharing our food. And when my father and I spoke, joking with the happy dog, we did not know it then, but even the words that we carelessly dropped were left to shine forever on the bottom of the clear, cold afternoon.”

~Tom Hennen, excerpt from Corn Picking 1956 – Afternoon Break

 

By this time last year, we’d had (whisper) snow and winter arrive early. This year, instead of snow, bouts of rain and mush brought on a steady crop of mushrooms thriving outside (and maybe inside by now). I’ve warned River dog not to eat any of them unless he’s sure of what they are! (That boy would rather have a steak, medium-rare please, instead.)
Every week, there’s been a plethora of different kinds of fungi springing up; some are delicate white fairies, some are big as a dinner plate. Also sprouting up are Christmas carols blasting in stores and airwaves, so I set the old truck radio to WNCW and am holding out at least until December.
River has decided he enjoys riding along with the WNCW tunes, especially if we’re making a visit at the bank’s drive-thru window where tasty Milkbone treats get handed out. He practically crawls on my lap to get closer to the goodies coming his way. If only they handed out Godiva chocolate — I’d be through there every day!
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.

Saluda Historic Depot has holiday shopping with their first annual Saluda Holiday Gallery featuring a variety of arts and craft items through Dec. 31, Thursday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

 

The Historic Saluda Committee meets Nov. 20, 2 p.m. at Saluda Library.

 

Heartwood Gallery is having their annual leaf ornament fundraiser for Thermal Belt Outreach where all proceeds are donated to Thermal Belt Outreach. Also, the City of Saluda is collecting toys and donations for Saluda children in need; donations can be dropped off at City Hall.

Church of the Transfiguration will have a holiday bazaar in the Parish Hall, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Nov. 21.

 

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 28 throughout downtown Saluda, as well as a special Holiday Tailgate Market from 1-3 p.m. Visit saludatailgate.com for more information.

 

The annual Polk County Toy Run is Nov. 29, starting at Saluda Fire Department, 64 Greenville Street. Registration is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and the parade starts at 2 p.m. Get those motorcycles and toys ready! For information, contact Barry Gee at 828-817-3084 or bgee1960@yahoo.com

 

Join the community potluck/bingo night at Saluda Center on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Bring a covered dish to share.

 

Keep in mind that Saluda Community Land Trust would love to have you volunteer or be a member; learn more by visiting saludaclt.org or by calling 828-749-1560.

 

Happy Saluda 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. Please add your birthday to the list; no age mentioned unless you’re under 2 or over 100!

 

Saluda Sympathy goes to the families of Harold Raymond Johnson and Isabel Bradley Reid.

 

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column! It’s my goal to make you feel as if you were enjoying a visit in our small town with a big heart. 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.