An ad in last week’s paper was a wake up call for yours truly.

On page B2 of the Focus section, the news came courtesy of Herbein’s Garden Center; eight weeks until Christmas.

Are you making preparations?

Organizers at Old Zionsville United Church of Christ, 5981 Fountain Road, Old Zionsville, can lend you a hand with your holiday to-do list with their 24th annual bazaar and filled basket auction 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 13.

Shoppers are welcome to browse through the wares of participating crafters and vendors, check out the auction baskets and buy tickets for a chance to win favorite baskets. A bake sale also will be offered, however, lunch will not be served due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Also on Nov. 13, Scouts will collect and sort donations to the annual Scouting for Food drive 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Upper Milford Township municipal building, 5671 Chestnut St. Please donate if able to do so. Recent years have brought challenges for many, including many neighbors.

If your holiday preparations also include your yard, note that Upper Milford Township is offering residents a roadside yard waste collection Nov. 8 to 12. There is a cost.

Township residents wishing to use the service must buy a yard waste pick up sticker for each container or bundle and display the stickers on the items for pick up.

Only the following materials or items are eligible for the service: leaves, tree and plant trimmings, garden and flower bed plant materials, tree limbs and branches less than 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter.

Stickers are available at the Upper Milford Township office 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or prepaid by mail.

For information, visit the township website at www.uppermilford.net.

While outside, you also may want to check the condition of the reflective address marker displaying your house number, important information for first responders and other visitors. Should you need one, fire companies in Upper Milford and Lower Milford townships offer the markers. There is a cost.

Vertical and horizontal styles are available.

Visit the website of the townships where you reside for additional information.

As you begin to contemplate the menu for Thanksgiving, keep in mind the fresh produce, baked goods and other treats available through area farmers’ markets and participated in by many local farmers, including those in Upper and Lower Milford townships.

The farmers market continues weekends through Thanksgiving at the Upper Milford Township building.

According to the Emmaus Farmers Market vendor list, Bee Well Blooms, of Coopersburg, is among Lower Milford Township area participating vendors. The Emmaus Farmers Market is held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Triangle Park, rain or sine, through November. Winter hours, December through April, are 10 a.m. to noon the second and fourth Sundays of the month.

The Upper Milford Township offices and the Lower Milford Township offices will be closed Nov. 25 and 26 for Thanksgiving.