“What use to learn the lessons taught by time.

If a star at any time may tell us: Now.”

~ Howard Nemerov, excerpt from “The Consent”

Last night, addled by time change, I bundled up in fuzzy robe plus well-worn L.L. Bean slippers, and took River Dog out for a last-minute chance to water bushes before bedtime. Naturally, that’s when he pulled the infamous collar-slip trick, so off I headed toward the dog park to round up the rascal, praying no one would spotlight my fine fashion wear! Circles from streetlights lit the way. On one hand, I was glad to see while stumbling after River, but on the other hand, there was an overload of brightness on what should be a peaceful fall night, no chance to watch for stars peeking through dark velvet overhead. So, once again, it’s time for one of my favorite past notations about night sky and light.

November brings in clear nights spangled by dancing stars above. I’m bringing out these words on light pollution/night sky written a few years back, since a number of folks have revisited the light pollution issue lately in the Bulletin. Some things just bear repeating.

When do we say too much is too much, instead of just wanting and demanding more? It is innate human nature to always want more than we have; yet, what is wrong with being happy in the moment, being content? When do we learn to do with a bit less? At night, when you fly over the United States, the cities and urban sprawl areas glow with light. Florida has become one big light, in the night darkness of space. It’s as if we are determined to pave, to light up every inch of wildness, to develop and dominate every forest, every natural scene. It becomes harder and harder to really get away from it all. Gas stations install brighter lights, blinding.

Streetlights are often too harsh, too prevalent. Most people don’t seem to think about light control around this area, but forward-thinking areas of Southern California, as well as other areas in the U.S., have developed light ordinances, to conserve energy and to protect the night sky view. In some towns, you really can see stars! A great way of thinking! 

Along with numerous other ‘night’ creatures, the world’s vanishing firefly populations have become endangered from artificial light sources. Fireflies thrive on natural dark. Their magic can’t be replaced. Nor can that of being outside on a dark November night, surrounded by galaxies of twinkling stars to watch, dream on.

Saluda Welcome Table is each Tuesday at Saluda Methodist Church from 5:30-6:45 p.m.

The annual Saluda United Methodist Church’s Turkey Dinner is Nov. 11 at Saluda School cafeteria, 5-7 p.m.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) needs volunteers; donations are always welcome. Contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit www.saludasclt.org. 

Saluda Living in Place (SLIP) will have Dr. JoAnne Helppie present “A Potpourri of Geriatric Medical Information” at Saluda Fire Department, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m.

Saluda Historic Depot, 32 West Main Street, will have Saluda Train Tales on Nov. 17, 7 p.m., with the granddaughters of Mr. Patterson who was an engineer on the Helper Train. Museum hours are Monday- Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m. More information is online at  saludahistoricdepot.com.

The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration’s Third Annual Holiday Bazaar is Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall, 72 Charles Street.

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

Thank you, dear readers, for reading this column. You can contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, 828-749-1153, or bonniebardosart.com.