It may be cold outside, but the Upper Milford Youth Association reminds us it’s time to think spring! Registration for recreational spring soccer, ages five to nine, is now open. Register at www.umya.org using the “Register Online” link in the upper left hand side navigation menu. Details for the soccer programs can be found on the home page as well as the under the “Register Online” link.

It’s also time to register for UMYA girls softball. The divisions are: Pixies – ages six to eight; Pony – ages nine to 10; and A’s – ages 11 to 13. Registration closes March 15. Don’t wait, teams fill up quickly.

If you are interested in coaching/helping or have questions, check UMYA.org or contact UMYASoftball@gmail.com.

Also, UMYA really could use volunteers to help with all its sports programs. Reach out to Randall Faurl directly at umyasoccer@gmail.com.

The Upper Milford Historical Society will meet 7 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Upper Milford Township building. Bill Wood will present the tragic story of Bill Howe, a Civil War deserter who was hanged at Fort Mifflin Aug. 25, 1864, for desertion and the murder of Abraham Bartolet. The public is welcome.

The Lower Milford Elementary School building has new life and new purpose. Many residents of Lower Milford were concerned for the future of the building upon the decision of the Southern Lehigh School Board to eliminate a school in the township. The property was purchased by the Community Baptist Church congregation, who will host a dedication of the building 3 p.m. Feb. 18. They have graciously extended an invitation to the Lower Milford community. The invitation may be viewed at this link: http://www.communitybaptistpa.com/seven-steps-of-grace.

The Vera Cruz Community Association meets 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the fire company. All are welcome. For information, contact Betsy Eltz at 610-965-8627.

The Western District Fire Company on Route 100 will serve breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 4. For information on the breakfasts, call the fire company at 610-966-3541 or Carol Shade at 610-966-3902.

The Upper Milford Fire Company’s ladies auxiliary meets 7 p.m. March 5. New members are always welcome.

The Ladies Auxiliary of Citizens Fire Company of Vera Cruz will meet 7:30 p.m. at the Vera Cruz Fire Department Social Hall.

Vera Cruz senior citizens will meet 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Vera Cruz Fire Company. All are welcome.

Lower Milford Township supervisors will hold their regular meeting 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15.

Other Lower Milford Township meetings are as follows; unless otherwise noted, the meetings will begin 7:30 p.m.: recreation and open space board, Feb. 14; historical commission meets Feb. 13 if needed. Check with the township office to find out if the commission will meet this month.

Upper Milford supervisors will meet 7 p.m. Feb. 15.

The Upper Milford planning commission will hold a workshop meeting Feb. 13 and its regular meeting Feb. 26.

The recreation commission meets 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19. The Joint Environmental Advisory Council meets 7 p.m. Feb. 26 in Emmaus.

The open space committee meets 7 p.m. Feb. 14. The emergency services committee meets 7 p.m. Feb. 21.

Looking ahead: The Emmaus Lions Club is hosting a “Nite at the Races” and basket raffle fundraiser March 10 at the Alburtis Area Community Center, 220 W. 2nd St. Doors open 5 p.m. and the first race runs 6:30 p.m. The donation will gain entry to a night of fun, food, drinks and door prizes. There is a menu of a variety of food, including meatballs, hot roast beef, sausage sandwiches, salads and more. Coffee, sodas, beer and wine are included, or you may bring your own bottle.

Tickets are available at Buss Paints in Emmaus or the Alburtis Community Center or call Lion Henry Heil at 610-966-5220 or any Lions Club member. Seating is limited.

If you have news or information for this column, which runs the first Wednesday of every month, please call me at 610-838-8923 or email me at bruce.swan@rcn.com.