Did you know? Upper and Lower Milford Townships were originally part of Bucks County in a larger territory called Milford Township.

In 1738, they were pulled out of Milford Township to become Upper Milford Township, the first township in Lehigh County.

In December 1852, they were made separate townships.

This information and more can be found in a pictorial history book recently released by the Upper Milford Township Historical Society.

October is here, and that means Halloween events will start. Get yourself in the spooky mood at Haunted Woods 2012, in Zionsville. This is the final year for this fun event, held at 7125 Carls Hill Road. Visit 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 5 and 12; Saturdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27; and Sundays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Proceeds will benefit Bethlehem Special Olympics and Keystone Soldiers in Leesport. Follow signs from Route 29/100, or go to www. hauntedwoodszionsville.com for directions. For more information, call 610-966-3688 or email Thepack1648@ yahoo.com.

For more Halloween fun, the Vera Cruz Halloween parade will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 17. Vera Cruz is now accepting parade registrations. The route is Main Road East, Main Road West and Vera Cruz road. The parade stages at Mystic Chain Park, Main Road East, 6 p.m. Highlights of the parade include the Emmaus High School Marching Band and the Geryville Hobo Band. The Vera Cruz Community Association will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, baked goods and drinks at the intersection of Main Road East and Vera Cruz Road. Cash prizes are awarded for individual marchers, groups and floats. Preregistration is encouraged for groups and floats. Call Chris Barebo at 610-967-1666 or email cvbii@ptd. net. The rain date is Oct. 18, same time and locations.

The Upper Milford Western District Fire Company is sponsoring Family Fun Night 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Friendly's, Trexlertown. For more information, call 610-967-3284.

There will be a Monte Carlo Night at the Upper Milford Western District Fire Company, Route 29, Zionsville, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10.

The Western District Fire Co. #1 Ladies Auxiliary meets 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at the firehouse. They are always looking for new members and new ideas.

Lower Milford Fire Company, 1601 Limeport Pike is holding a pork and sauerkraut dinner Oct. 11 and a spaghetti dinner Oct. 25. Both run 4:30 to 7 p.m., or until sold out. Eat in or take out.

The Vera Cruz senior citizens regular meetings are 1 p.m. Oct. 4 and 18.

Chestnut Hill Church, 6870 Chestnut Hill Church Road, Lower Milford Township, will hold its annual yard and bake sale 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at the church. It is also electronics and universal waste recycling day at the church.

Pickup for the Vera Cruz Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary shoofly pie sale is 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 9 at the fire company.

I got my copy of the township history book and it is full of wonderful old photos from Upper Milford's past. You can contact the township office to get your copy.

The Upper Milford Youth Association meets 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16.

Following is the regular Lower Milford Township meeting schedule for October. All begin 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Supervisors, regular meeting Oct. 18; workshop Oct. 4; Zoning Hearing Board, 7 p.m. Oct. 3; Historical Commission, Oct. 9.

The October meeting of the Emmaus/Upper Milford Township Joint Environmental Advisory Council will be 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in Emmaus Borough Hall.

The Upper Milford Township Open Space Committee meets 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the township building. The public is welcome. There are currently some vacancies on the committee. If you are interested, contact the township office.

The Upper Milford Recreation Commission meets 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17.

Upper Milford Township supervisors meet Oct. 4 and 18. They have a workshop 7 p.m. and the regular meeting 7:30 p.m. If you cannot get to the meetings, the minutes are now available online at the township website.

The Upper Milford Historical Society meets 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the Upper Milford municipal building. For information, call Vice President Neil Moser at 610-966-4376.

Upper Milford Western District Fire Co. #1 will hold its breakfast buffet Oct. 7.

Upper Milford churches are sponsoring a Light in the Night Safe Zone Block Party 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Upper Milford Township building. Families are invited for games, food and other indoor activities.

The Vera Cruz Community Association will meet 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, at the Citizens Fire Company social quarters on Main Road West. Everyone is welcome.

St. Peter's Union Church will hold its second annual Blessing of the Animals and Pet Fair 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at the church, 7863 St. Peter's Road. It will be outside in the grove, weather permitting, or inside in case of bad weather. The blessing will be from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Bring a donation of pet food, or a small monetary donation for parking. Pets should be leashed or secure in a carrier. All kinds of pets are welcome.

St. Peter's will hold its fourth annual basket and pottery event Oct. 28 at the church. Doors open 11:30 a.m. There will be 20 games of bingo, including specials and a variety of raffle items. To purchase or reserve advance tickets, contact Joy Weida at 610-762-2380 or email jndweida@ptd.net, call Eleanor Kline at 610-845-2855 or the church office at 610-966-3030.

St. Peter's annual fall bazaar will be held at the church 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10. To rent a table, call Janet at 610-845-8070 or the church office at 610-966-3030.

The Lower Milford Historical Society meets 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Lower Milford Township building. For more information, go to their website, LowerMilfordHistory.org.

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