Meet John Eyer, Emmaus Halloween Parade Marshal

Name: John Eyer 

Town in which you live: Emmaus 

Occupation: Civil Designer for PPL Susquehanna 

Family: Married to Michele (Timar) Eyer; Four children - Stephanie, Melissa, Matthew and Jenny and five grandchildren - McKenize, Reagan, Luke, Aidan and Logan.  

How long have you been involved with the Emmaus Halloween Parade committee?  

Parade committee, 31 years; Vice Chairman and Parade Marshall, last 15 years. 

Tell us about your involvement with EYA (): 

"I got involved with the EYA in 1981 while I was coaching the Fillies softball team. In that time I was vice president, president and presently serve as the chairman of the board."   

Why are you so passionate about the EYA?  

"I feel it is important for us to guide our youth and be role models. We as coaches and mentors need to be sure we instill the right values and hopefully give them some of the tools they will need as they become adults and venture out into the community."        

What motivates you to be so involved in your community?  

"I was born and raised in Emmaus, played for the EYA. Until I came back from Vietnam, got married and had children of my own I never really understood the word 'community.' I realized the thing that makes a community is everyone taking an interest and investing in our children, instilling in them what our communities have to offer and how they play an important role in their community. Too many times our youth are turned off because we really don't listen to what they have to say. One thing I have learned over the years of coaching is most of the time our youth will be honest and open with you if you are honest and open with them."      

What do you like to do in your spare time?  

"Spend time with my wife. It's because of her understanding that I am able to do all of this. I also coach softball for the last 21 years at Emmaus High School, conduct softball clinics, work the chains at home football games, and help out at . I also try to spend time enjoying my five grandchildren. They are what keep me young. So basically I have no spare time."    

What is your hope for the future of Emmaus?  

"My hope and concern for Emmaus is that we do not go the way of the big cities. With the influx from the bigger cities it is difficult to retain the small town feel. It is up to all of us to be sure we welcome and show new families what Emmaus has to offer and get them to become active in the community. This also holds true for many of the long-time residents who feel they did their part for the town, we all need to remain active and work together if we what to keep Emmaus in the splendor we all remember and care about."