I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is excited for the New Year! This is always a busy time for UMYA as we prepare for the upcoming spring sports season. It is even busier this year, as we are in our second year of a full basketball program that has become a huge success. With Dave Perry as the coordinator, we started a youth program last year for kids in 1st to 3rd grade. This was in addition to our program for 4th through 9th graders. Three years ago we had a total of 29 kids in the program; this year we have more than 90. With the help of the Upper Milford Township, we have been able to secure more court time at Victory Valley Camp allowing everyone considerably more time to develop their skills. As always, we also need to thank the Macungie Youth Association for their generosity in allowing us to share in their gym time. Thanks to all the coaches and parents for their time, and we hope to see continued growth in the program.

Baseball and softball signups are coming up on January 21st and January 24th. Some of the schools do not allow handouts from youth associations so please pass the word.

Some very active UMYA members will be leaving their leadership positions in 2009. We would like to thank Randy Moyer, Ann Martignetti, Wendy Ashby, Tina Burns and Dean Franco for their many years of dedication to UMYA. Randy is stepping down as soccer coordinator this year, and we appreciate all his efforts over the years. Matt Skekel will be our new coordinator. Ann Martignetti is stepping aside as snack bar coordinator. She has been instrumental in getting the new snack bar at Lenape up and running, and we are very grateful. Sharon Dunkle will be taking over for Ann. Wendy Ashby is stepping down as our sponsorship coordinator but will remain as our Secretary. Wendy started the sponsorship program which has been a huge help in deferring the costs of all our programs, and we are very thankful. Mike Capri will be taking over for Wendy this year. Tina Burns is stepping down as our kickball coordinator. Kickball has been a fun addition to UMYA over the years, and she has done a wonderful job. Sue Ellen Hunsicker has volunteered to be the new coordinator. Finally, Dean Franco has stepped aside as uniform coordinator. This is a big and sometimes thankless job, and we thank him for his time. The uniforms will now be handled by each sports coordinator, hopefully with some help!

Finally, Dave Perry will be replacing me as President. I have really enjoyed serving as UMYA President for the last four years, and I am thankful for all the help I have received from the board, coaches, parents and the Township. Upper Milford is a wonderful place to live, filled with many caring and giving people. Thanks again, and I’ll see you at the parks!

Tom Cichocki

Upper Milford Link : http://www.uppermilford.net