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Our task must be to free ourselves…by widening our circle ofcompassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” ~ Albert Einstein

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Dear Readers! If you’re like me, you’re still scratching your head over where the old one went so fast—while hoping this new one brings better times!

Of course, many of us are making those ubiquitous lists of resolutions, so I’ve made some for us all, after observing that some folks need a few not-so-gentle hints. Here we go…

#1: QUIT BURNING leaves! Yes, YOU—it’s time to evolve and do better for this earth. Leaves are organic gold for gardens—so bag ’em up and share.

Arrange them in borders along the edge of yards, gardens or woods out of the way… let leaves decompose peacefully. Mother Nature will thank you. When you burn leaves, you’re polluting the air as well as wasting a great resource.

The heavy smoke causes the rest of us to have to close windows on a nice day and it chokes our lungs. It’s not been long since we had a burning ban, and even now the under-layer in forests is still dry. Humans cause nearly 85% of wildfires, many which start from burning leaf piles. Feel free to share this with anyone who remains clueless about burning.

#2: If you get the chance to spend time with loved ones, friends or family—do treasure every moment. Don’t be in a huge rush to play with your cell phone or jump up and leave. It may be the last time you see them—nothing can be taken for granted these days. The gift of time is the most precious gift of all: the present.

#3: Quit keeping score on who did what, who didn’t. Just love and learn that forgiveness is a lot easier than the weight of carrying grudges that get heavier every year.

#4: Keep a heart full of gratitude, kindness, and take a moment to reflect on those things that matter most.

Saluda School resumes classes on January 3. Watch those big yellow buses out on the roads—there’s no need to pass like you’re a racehorse chomping at the bit!

There’s still time to honor a loved one with an engraved brick paver for Pace Park. Proceeds go toward building public restrooms at this community park located downtown near M.A. Pace Store; for information, contact Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534 or carossnc2@gmail.com.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) would benefit from your donations for the new year ahead, or your time as a volunteer for their many community projects. Make your resolution to help! Contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit www.saludasclt.org.

Saluda Pop-Up Pantry is Tuesday from 1-6 at Saluda Presbyterian Church, 54 Carolina Avenue (behind Saluda Library). Masks/safety precautions are taken.

Coats/winter wear and blankets are available to those in need. To volunteer, call Saluda Church of the Transfiguration, 828-749-9740. You can mail tax- deductible donations to Saluda Pop-Up Pantry, P.O. Box 428, Saluda, NC 28773 or donate online at www.saludapantrycom.

Happy Anniversary to Thompson’s Store as well Heartwood Gallery!

Happy January Birthday to Brandy Bradley, Carolyn Ashburn, Scott Kinard, Donna Bond, Greer Eargle, Wyatt Alan Pace, Irma Anderson, Paul Aaybe, Phyllis Arrington, Kenneth Justus, Cheryl Harbin, Avery Lena Mintz, Connie Scicluna, Ann Dudley, Charles Conner, Kristin Mode, Susan Parke, Rodney Gibson, and Frank McNutt. Add your birthday to the list—it’s a promise that no ages will be mentioned unless you’re under 2 or over 100!

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 817-6765, P.O. Box 331, Saluda, NC 28773, on Facebook, or at bonniebardos.com