To some of you my name may sound familiar, since I have written a few articles in recent weeks. I started freelancing for the Northwestern Press in May, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to write again.

I graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications with a concentration in print journalism. In lieu of pursuing a career in journalism, I returned to my restaurant job after graduation.

There I continued a career in restaurant management at the Pine Barn Inn, Danville.

After 12 years with the Pine Barn, I moved to the Lehigh Valley with my fiancé, Brian. We have plans to tie the knot in our back yard in September. In conjunction with the geographic change, I am also switching career gears. Thanks to the Northwestern Press, I am fulfilling my once lost love for writing.

Growing up in the Bloomsburg/Danville area, I assumed the landscape in and around Allentown resembled more of a metropolis.

I was pleasantly surprised by the lush green fields and beautiful farms greeting my arrival in Germansville.

As a recent transplant, I am excited to learn about the history and culture of the Lehigh Valley. Even in a small township like Heidelberg, there is always something going on somewhere.

I have been trying to keep up with the schedule of summer shindigs.

As a columnist, I am looking forward to spreading the word of Lowhill's local happenings. I will be sitting in on township meetings, talking with zoners and hopefully meeting some residents.

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Barbara Kistler keeps the community calendar of volunteers at the Christ's Church at Lowhill Food Pantry, 4695 Lowhill Church Road.

Volunteers are needed during the morning of June 18.

Contact Barbara at jandbkistler@verizon.net.

The food pantry is accepting fresh and frozen food donations, personal care products (soap, toothpaste, diapers, etc.).

Donations may be dropped off 9-11:30 a.m. the Tuesday before the third Thursday and from 9-11 a.m. on the last Saturday of each month or call 610-737-8758 to make arrangements.

Fresh produce will be accepted not more than one day prior to distribution days to prevent spoiling.

There are two local banks serving as drop-off points for non-perishable food and personal items.

New Tripoli Bank, New Tripoli and Claussville Road, accept items every weekday.

First Star Bank, Routes 309 and 100, is also accepting items.

The food pantry serves families 9 a.m.-noon on the first Saturday of each month and 4-7 p.m. on the third Thursday .

Senior citizens are served 10 a.m.-noon on the Wednesday before the third Thursday.

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If you have an activity or anything you feel is important going on your neck of the Lowhill woods, call me at 570-594-3031 or email me at mich21kent@yahoo.com and I will spread the word.