Sometimes Christmas arrives in the summer.

In July local state legislators announced fire and EMS grant awards to help support first responder organizations throughout the state and local fire companies and EMS crews are among the recipients including Citizens Fire Company of Upper Milford, based in Vera Cruz, Upper Milford Western District Fire Company, near Zionsville and Lower Milford Township Fire Company No. 1 near Limeport.

According to a media release from the office of Rep. Milou Mackenzie, R-131st, a dozen fire and EMS organizations in the district were awarded close to $184,000 total funding through the 2020-2021 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

“It was a blessing from the state,” Mike Ruyak, treasurer of the Upper Milford Western District Fire Company, said in a brief telephone interview July 28. “It helped us get through rough times.”

Organizations applied for the grants by submitting such documents as bills for heating and electricity, fuel for emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and personal protective equipment required during the pandemic, Ruyak said.

COVID-19 shutdowns and protocols impacted fundraisers volunteer groups rely on to keep the lights on and buildings open. For example, monthly breakfasts held by the Upper Milford Western District Fire Company bring in about $1,200 and chicken barbecue events can raise about $2,500, Ruyak said.

Yearly insurance costs alone for the company run about $32,000, Ruyak estimated. Electricity can cost $8,000 to $9,000 annually and heating may be as much as $5,000 a year.

The grant money will help reimburse the volunteer company for expenditures in 2020, Ruyak said. He joined the company as a firefighter in 1974 and became treasurer in 1979, a position he has held ever since.

Fundraisers remain vital to volunteer organizations.

Lower Milford Township Fire Company No. 1 continues to raise money through its online hoagie sales, according to coverage in the July 28 edition of The Press. Upcoming expenses reportedly include a new fire truck and equipment. The sales are the primary fundraiser for the company. Visit the Lower Milford Fire Company website for additional information.

While you’re online, visit the Lower Milford Township website for updates on the return of the annual fall festival scheduled 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 25. The event will be held rain or shine. Vendor applications are available through the website.

The annual festival traditionally features food, crafts, music and wagon rides and is held on the grounds of the township building, 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road. According to the online township newsletter, the festival will concentrate on events for children with a focus on local farms.

Speaking of festivals, the 69th annual Vera Cruz Homecoming will be held noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 15 at Mystic Chain Park, Main Road East, Upper Milford Township. The event will feature music performances by The Large Flowerheads and the Rehrig brothers as well as a cakewalk, games and food.

A special homecoming church service will be held 9 a.m. at Vera Cruz Evangelical Congregation Church, 5501 Vera Cruz Road.

On Aug. 23, the Joint Environmental Council, a partnership of Upper Milford Township and Emmaus borough, will host a knotweed removal effort at the Harold G. Fulmer Nature Preserve. The event begins 7 p.m. and volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, clippers and bug repellent.

The Upper Milford Historical Society will host a presentation by Wendy Grube on 18th century plant medicines used in Pennsylvania German culture 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the township building, 5671 Chestnut St. Grube will talk about how plants and extractions were used for herbal therapies and medicines. Visit the society website at www.uppermilford.org for information.

Lower Milford Township Supervisors will meet 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19. The meeting will be in person at the township building, 7607 Chestnut Hill Church Road.

Upper Milford Township Supervisors will meet 7 p.m. Aug. 5 and 19. Participants may attend in person or online. Visit the township website for details.