Welcome! My name is Carla Jones and I will be writing a biweekly column on the happenings in Eastern Salisbury.

I'm a local resident and have lived in Northeastern Pennsylvania, most of my life. I've written for The Morning Call, in Allentown, convinced a few of my past employers to let me write for their newsletters and authored a non-fiction eBook entitled, "Death by Rheumatoid Arthritis."

Presently, I volunteer as a media specialist for Operation Christmas Child, a non-profit project of Samaritan's Purse, the largest Christmas project in the world.

Lately, I've been enjoying my busy, new role as PTA president. It's been an honor and a privilege to serve our children and support our teachers. Thankfully, this is a group effort which includes many hardworking participants such as our principals, teachers, school secretaries, volunteers and our PTA executive board. I truly appreciate these tremendous helpers.

One of the many things that I've learned from this endeavor is how necessary it is to support the PTA or PTO. Most parents are unaware of the many activities that our PTA/PTO's fund. Previously, as a member, I was not closely linked into the PTA's workings; I pondered the significance in receiving an onslaught of multiple fundraiser flyers. Now, I clearly understand the rationale of this paperwork.

The PTA and PTO pay for assemblies, celebrations, teacher/staff appreciation luncheons and T-shirts for students and staff, after school clubs and solely responsible for the total sum of bus fees for field trips.

It was an additional eye-opener for me to learn how many volunteers and how much time is needed to keep the many annual events and fundraisers alive.

Whatever your preference, whether it be donating a food item, writing a check or giving up a half an hour or more of your time, I encourage all parents and guardians, to get involved in contributing to your child's PTA or PTO.

At Harry S Truman Elementary School, A Leader in Me gathering was held for the students. During their first gathering, the student leadership team was introduced and teachers guided students in learning the hand motions to the "7 Habits" school song.

HST students and staff will come together the first day of each week to highlight leadership qualities.

HST will host its "Back to School Dinner" for students and parents 6 p.m. Sept. 13 in the school cafeteria. This free event will include tacos and nachos with cheese. Dinner will be followed with fun tunes spun by DJ Brian 7 p.m. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share and meet Principal Barbara Samide.

Cub Scout Pack 146 and Boy Scout Troop 146 are looking for boys in grades one through 12 to join Scouting. Cub Scouts, for boys in grades first through fifth, meet 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursdays at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eastern Salisbury, 1707 Church Road, Allentown. Boy Scouts for boys in grades six through 12 meet 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the church. For additional information on Scouting, contact leaders Dave and Pat Yemm at 610-791-0983 or email dlyemm@aol.com.

Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eastern Salisbury will hold a fellowship supper to celebrate the 254th anniversary of the church 5 p.m. Oct. 5. There is a charge. Volunteers are needed to help set up, prepare the dinner and clean up. The church is also seeking donated baked goods for this event.

Jerusalem Church is also selling Bon-Ton Community Day books to be used Nov. 15 and 16. If interested in volunteering, donating or in buying a Community Day book, contact Louise at 610-866-1611.

The Franko Drop Off Center will be open the second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday of each month from March through December. Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fall 2013 Curbside Branch Collection Program is scheduled to take place Sept. 16 to 20. Residents should place the branches at the curb after 6 p.m. Sunday. Branches may be no longer than 5 feet long and 5 inches in diameter. Branches should be bundled and tied with twine. Open containers (no lids) can be used for small branches.

Compost and mulch is available to all Salisbury residents at no cost at the Franko Drop Off Center and the Devonshire Drop Off Center. Mulch and compost are provided to residents who visit the sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents must bring and fill their own buckets with the materials desired to supplement their gardening or landscaping projects. Quantities are limited.

A satellite office of State Rep. Justin J. Simmons, R-131st, is currently located at the Salisbury Township Municipal Building, 2900 South Pike Avenue, Allentown. An outreach specialist will be available 9 a.m. to noon the first Tuesday of each month. For information or to make an appointment, call 610-861-5201.

As we silently pause and remember those brave volunteers and other American citizens who gave their lives on this Patriot Day, let us not forget their purpose or what they sacrificed. Let's revere them, by reflecting on the synonyms of the words "volunteer and sacrifice." Volunteer - One who gives in freewill, is unforced, volitional, uncoerced. Sacrifice - To suffer loss of, give up, to renounce, immolate, offer. (Source – Merriam Webster's Dictionary)

Let me know what you think needs to be spotlighted in Eastern Salisbury. Email your story ideas and suggestions to cvj237@verizon.net.

I look forward to hearing from you.