Almost too late to walk in the woods, but I did,

anyway. And stepping aside for a moment

from the shadowy path to enter

darker shadow, a favorite circle of fir trees,

received a gift from the dusk:

a small owl, not affrighted, merely

moving deliberately

to a branch a few feet

further from me, looked

full at me—a long regard,

steady, acknowledging, unbiased.

~ Denise Levertov, “Creature to Creature”

There were fewer of them this year − those veterans who served in far lands like Europe, Korea, Vietnam, and places far from home. Down at Memorial Park in Saluda, the old guard still gathers to remember on Veterans Day each November, saluting Old Glory with great honor and a sense of humility. Many are now gone, some couldn’t make it. Those who still come sit in metal chairs. Some stand on the periphery. Some sit in vehicles, windows down, listening, watching. Along Main Street, some folks stroll, little kids skipping along, a stroller here and there. Some line up, watching across the railroad tracks. There’s a sense of life going on amid the somber occasion.

Once again, our Bill Holbert leads the crowd in singing “God Bless America.” It takes him a minute to make it to the podium, but he does it with great dignity and pride, smiling as he gets us all to sing, even me, who can’t hold a tune.

Every year, I go stand quietly with the others, civilians and veterans, in remembrance of my dad who served in World War II, in remembrance of all who served. We don’t forget. Fallen leaves crackle under my feet on the walk home, kicking a path through them brought wetness to the eyes, a sense of something lost, not to ever be taken for granted or forgotten. And down along Main Street, those little kids skip and folks stroll along.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday. Dinner is served from 5:30 -6:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All are welcome; donations accepted.

Learn more about Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560.

Help pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child on Nov. 18, 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Saluda, 749-3231. Items will be supplied; helping hands appreciated!

Visit the Holiday Gallery for special gifts at Saluda Historic Depot, 32 W Main St., through December, Thursday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

Saluda’s Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration’s Second Annual Holiday Bazaar will be Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the parish hall, 72 Charles Street.

Saluda Garden Club meets Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. at Saluda Library.

Mark your calendar for the Saluda Holiday Tailgate Market on Nov. 26, 2-4 p.m. at the tailgate market lot. Remember Small Business Saturday! Support your Saluda small businesses by shopping in town on Saturday, Nov. 26.

The annual Polk County Toy Run is Nov. 26 starting from Saluda Fire Department, 64 Greenville St. Register from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The motorcycle parade begins at 2 p.m.

Community potluck and bingo will be Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. Plan to attend and bring a covered dish.

Saluda School will be closed Nov. 23-25.

Get well wishes and hugs go to Catherine Ross.

Happy Birthday to Rich and Rita Igoe, Karen Johnson, Nancy Barnett, Dawn Pearson, Charles Pearson, Dusty Jespersen, Gwen Garren, Stoney Lamar, Jim Boyle, Tom Ellwood, Wendy McEntire, Aaron Burdett, Donna Potruski and Jane Thompson.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column! It’s my goal to make you feel as if you are enjoying a visit in a sweet small town on a sunny fall afternoon. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. You may also visit bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.