All the telltale signs that autumn is on the way are evident throughout the Valley on a daily basis. Nights are cooler, pumpkin spice flavored treats and drinks are everywhere, football games, marching bands, parades and fall festivals fill our weekend schedules. Jeans, hiking boots and sweaters will soon replace the shorts and flip-flops except for the hale and hearty few who boast “I wear shorts all year!”

While I am certainly not of that ilk and need a jacket while shopping at the grocery store in the heat of summer I am ready to welcome autumn when it officially arrives Sept. 22.

On Sept. 19, the Emmaus Main Street Partners welcome visitors of all ages to its Farewell to Summer celebration 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Emmaus borough. The annual celebration of the change of seasons takes place on Main Street and the Emmaus Triangle where food trucks, vendors and activities like a bring your own T-shirt tie-dye station, police and fire Touch-A-Truck experiences and a meet and greet with Moana and Spiderman are just a few of the interactive family-friendly activities scheduled.

The Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company’s station 31, 950 S. Ott Street, Allentown, will host a family-friendly open house 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the fire apparatus, meet local firefighters, see live demonstrations and learn about fire safety.

Halloween candy has been filling the isles of grocery stores for weeks so it’s not too early to mention upcoming trick-or-treat events. Salisbury Township will hold its first ever Trunk or Treat event 2-4 p.m. Oct. 31 on the grounds of Salisbury Middle School, 3301 Devonshire Road. The township is looking for residents, organizations and businesses who are interested in decorating a vehicle and handing out treats. Space is limited and registration is required by Oct. 16. If you would like to get in on the fun you can register at www.salisburylehighpa.gov/forms/trunk-or-treat-registration.

The Emmaus Public Library has a lot going on in addition to the construction of a new and improved entrance and plaza area. On Sept. 26 the library will host an immunization clinic in partnership with the Giant Pharmacy Mobile Immunization team. The clinic will offer a variety of immunizations for all ages including flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, RSV, shingles and tetanus boosters 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register for this event at emmauspl.org/calendar.

Mark your calendar for Community Heroes Day at the library which will be held 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 1. First responders will be on hand to meet with residents to answer questions, provide safety tips and offer an up-close view of vehicles and gear. In the case of inclement weather, a rain date of Oct. 15 has been set.

The weekly Plant-A-Row program at the library will continue until Oct. 5. Drop off your donations of fruits, vegetables and herbs Sunday evenings after 6 p.m. or Monday mornings before 10 a.m.

Picture day at Salisbury Middle School will be Sept. 17 and Salisbury Elementary School students will smile for the camera Sept. 21.

On Sept. 16 the Salisbury Township School District board of directors will hold a curriculum and technology meeting 7 p.m. in the administration building, 1140 Salisbury Road, followed by a regular school board meeting.

The township’s yard waste drop-off centers are open for disposal of yard waste and branches. The Devonshire site will be open Sept. 17 and 19 while the Franko site will be open Sept. 21, 24 and 26. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily!” Zig Ziglar