It’s been a challenging summer for everyone as we deal with the impact of COVID-19.

Many meetings and events are still being canceled due to the virus. We recommend you check with the appropriate organizations close to the time for events or meetings, even if cancellations have not been announced.

The biggest casualty of the virus is the Lower Milford Township Fall Festival, which was to be held Sept. 26, but has been canceled.

The Upper Milford Township Historical Society has canceled its meetings for September and October, also due to the virus.

Faith Presbyterian Church, Emmaus, has canceled the Women of Faith Craft Fair for December. Organizers will notify everyone when a decision is made regarding the December 2021 fair.

In Upper Milford Township, the playgrounds are open, but with signage reminding people they are at an at-risk and personal responsibility place. The parks are open per guidance from the state department of health, the township solicitor and the township board of supervisors.

Upper Milford Township thanks the township public works department, which installed new playground equipment at the township building earlier this year. It replaces the aging equipment that had been there since the township building was Kings Highway School.

Meeting schedules in Upper and Lower Milford townships are gradually getting back to normal.

Upper Milford Township supervisors will hold their regular meetings Sept. 3 and 17 in person. The meetings will also be available via Zoom.

The recreation committee will hold its regular meeting Sept. 21 outside the township building, weather permitting.

The joint environmental advisory council will meet 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at Lenape Park. The planning commission will meet 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28.

There will be no zoning hearing board meeting in September.

Lower Milford Township supervisors will meet 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17. The historical commission is scheduled to meet 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8. The planning commission will meet 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14. The recreation and open space committee meeting scheduled for Sept. 9 has been canceled.

Lower Milford Township officials remind residents masks are still required in the township building.

Upper Milford Township offices are open for in-person service, also with masks required. They ask only one person at a time be in the vestibule area and only one at the window at a time. The drop box is still outside for anyone who does not feel comfortable coming inside and township staff can assist by email or phone.

The Lower Lehigh AARP, Chapter 4150, normally meets noon, the first Thursday of the month, in the Upper Milford Township municipal building. If you would like more information, contact Dorothy at 610-967-3284.

The Ladies Auxiliary of Citizens Fire Company of Vera Cruz usually meets 7:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month at the Vera Cruz Fire Department Social Hall. Their next regular meeting will be Sept. 24. For more information, email ladiesaux@vcfd28.com

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. My deadline is the Wednesday prior to the first Wednesday of the month.