Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

Happy Anniversary! Whose? Ours! This month marks the 10 year anniversary of the first issue of the Upper Bucks Free Press. In fact, not unlike our very first issue which came out at the middle of the month, so does this month’s issue. Back then, we were still working to drum up both community support for content and sponsorship advertising to pay for the printing. (I, of course, did not factor in the time it takes to do something like this. My friends can attest that this is often the case.) Our goal remains the same today as it was in April 2010 – to publish content submitted by the community – our neighbors, scout troops, civic organizations, churches, and area businesses. The sort of things that were often overlooked by regional newspapers that were more focused on state and national news. Our slogan then was Local News for You by You. If you sent us tips, articles, columns, events, or photos that would help to inform and celebrate the people and organizations that make it up the Upper Bucks Community, we’d strive to get that into people’s hands. Today, our slogan is Your Voice, our Ink. If it is important to you, it is probably important to others in your community as well and we want to share it! I’ve been looking forward to doing ‘something’ to celebrate our 10 years in print for the past several months. Something to commemorate the sharing of news between neighbors that may never have met, to celebrate milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, and achievements. Something to put our community businesses and groups front and center to remind everyone to support them so that they can continue to support you. Something to cut through all the sensationalism and negative news that appears to dominate the airwaves and newsfeeds. I believe we (you, I, and they) have been successful. Last month was our 120th consecutive issue without missing a beat. Not a single miss. I think that is something to celebrate. What could possibly knock us off track? What could jeopardize what we’ve built? What could break our streak? How about a viral pandemic that has brought our na-

tion’s rhythm to a screeching halt, folks forced to ‘socially distance’ themselves from family and friends, many businesses forced to cut back or shut down completely, school canceled, events canceled for at least the near future. Yes, that might do it. Now you know why we delayed our April 2020 issue two weeks. Forever the optimist, I was sure that the virus that had gripped much of Asia and Europe would subside and we here in the US could spring back into action after a short and minor interruption to our normal daily routines. Guess again. If anything, things have gotten a lot worse than they were in mid-March. It’s a real mess, but you knew that. News reports that it will still get a little worse before it gets better, but I am optimistic that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am very determined. I don’t want to break our streak or interrupt our stride here at UBFP. Thanks to the businesses advertising and the content you see on these pages, we are here for issue #121. Sure, we took a financial hit. We lost, hopefully temporarily, a lot of revenue as a result of closures and a general fear of what the future holds for our neighborhood businesses. I was worried that we might not be able to get an April issue together in time. Well we did and I thank everyone that helped to make it happen. It is important to me, and it is important to many readers who checked in with us to see if we were actually going to print. I encourage you to keep your friends and neighbors that own and operate these family businesses in mind as we all ‘weather the storm’ together. I hope that we can continue to count on you and the rest of our community at large to keep the Upper Bucks Free Press going for another 10 years, without another pandemic, please. Thank you and Best wishes! Christopher J. Betz publisher

QNB Bank Donates $40,000 to Local Education Organizations QNB Bank recently donated $40,000 to local education organizations through the State of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The program awards tax credits to businesses for contributions to Educational Improvement Organizations. Since 2017, QNB has donated $152,750 through the program. For 2020, QNB donated to the following organizations: Allentown School District Foundation, Allentown Symphony Association, Big Brothers Big Sister of Bucks

Valley, Boy Scouts of America - Minsi Trails Council, Bucks County Community College Foundation, Centennial Education Foundation, Communities in Schools of the Lehigh Valley, Inc., Community Bike Works, Flint Hill Farm Educational Center, Inc., Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation, North Penn School District Educational Foundation, North Penn Valley Boys & Girls Club, Inc., Perkiomen Valley School District Foundation, Touchstone Theatre, Valley Youth House

County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh

Committee, Inc., and YMCA of Bucks County.

Hey! Where are the Community Events?

That is an excellent question. They should be here. Well, with the Covid-19 virus pandemic having interrupted and continuing to interrupt our lives, coupled with Governor Wolf’s ‘Stay at Home’ order through at least April 30, there are no events taking place in April. Many were canceled and the rest were postponed. In fact, events in May and June have already been canceled or postponed, including Quakertown Alive’s annual Arts Alive! festival (new date TBA), and the Gretchen Wilson concert that was to kick off Quakertown Borough’s Sounds of Summer Concert series. (She has been rescheduled for August 15.) In an abundance of caution, we are avoiding

publishing information that quickly become incorrect while the pandemic continues to send ripples and shockwaves across our community. We have been made aware of the following scheduling changes as they were submitted: May 30 - Grace Christian School Spring Auction (from March 21) June 20 – Annual Tails & Ties Rescue Gala (from April 4) Oct 10 – Upper Bucks Forum on Aging Senior Expo (from May 7) We’re hoping that in the coming couple weeks, there will be a better forecast of what events will be able to take place in our May issue and beyond.

Souderton Area HS Students Shine at Rotary’s Speech Competition Three Souderton Area High School Students, recently competed in the Souderton-Telford Rotary’s annual 4-Way Test Speech Contest. The topic for the speech was the student’s choice. However, the speech must show clearly the practical application of all four points of the Rotary Four-Way Test. The 4-Way Test - of the things we think, say, or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? The competition results were: 1st place: Rohan Mehta, ($250 prize); 2nd place Ryann Libor, ($150 prize); and 3rd place, Riley Finger ($100 prize). Rohan will now compete in the Regional Competition at a future date.

Riley Finger, 3rd place; Ryann Libor, 2nd place; Rohan Mehta, 1st place; Ed Brubaker, President.

April 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Economic recovery must be earned. And it will be earned by entrepreneurs and it will be earned by small businesses.”

- Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. QNB Bank Seeking Student Art for 2021 Collector Calendar QNB Bank is seeking artwork for its 2021 Student Art Calendar Contest from high school students (grades 9-12) of all schools in the QNB Bank market area. This will be the 25th installment of the QNB Student Art Collector Calendar. The theme for this year is “Flowers, Plants & Trees” and the art format is the same as previous years – a pen and ink drawing. Fourteen drawings will be selected by the Bank to be featured in the calendar. Entry forms with a full list of rules and regulations for the contest

can be picked up at any QNB Bank location or participating schools’ art departments. Artwork may be mailed to: QNB Bank Attn: Marketing Department PO Box 9005 Quakertown, PA 18951-9005 Winners of the contest will be chosen and notified in June. Questions may be directed to the QNB Bank Marketing Department at 215538-5600 ext. 5756.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

Lyme Disease - the Great Pretender Spring is here!! Though this spring is an unusual time, one of the benefits of being home and being forced to slow down is more time with our pets, and more time outside! At our practice we always focus this time of year on parasites, as they love the spring weather too! I would like to tell you a story about a pup named Zeus. He came into see me the other day for limping – he had a horrible sudden limp on his front leg, and was lethargic and not eating. On his exam, I found that he had a mild fever, and was incredibly painful in his leg. Putting all of his symptoms together, and the fact that he is not currently on any flea/tick preventatives, we decided to test him for lyme disease! Lo and behold, he was positive! Lyme disease is unfortunately so common in our area….the deer tick is a tiny little fellow, so can be hard to catch on our pets! With how common it is, it is so important to use flea/tick

preventatives, especially this time of year! As soon as the weather hits 45 degrees for 2-3 days, they are out again! And lyme disease can look like many different things, especially injuries! So we need to protect our pets with monthly preventatives, to prevent the spread of diseases, like lyme disease. I’m happy to report that within 3 days of starting the medication to treat lyme disease, and some pain medications, Zeus was already back to normal! He is romping and playing again, like nothing happened! His owners picked up some flea/tick preventative, and now plan to keep him on it year-round! There are many choices when it comes to flea/tick preventatives – topicals, orals, once a month vs. every 3 months – you name it! Chat with your veterinarian to decide which choice is best for you! Happy Spring! Dr. Mehaffey and partner Dr. Jen Heller own and operate the Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be reached at 267-272-9996. They also founded and run Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.

Harley’s Haven

I too am stuck at home like the rest of you humans . Very hard to entertain myself. We are lucky that our business at our home is with animals not people. We barely see the humans. Right now that is a good thing. I miss my therapy visits to the nursing homes though but my human explained that humans have to stay away from each other for now. Sounds like kennel cough in the dog world. We have to stay away from each other when THAT goes around. Anyway, if you notice from the picture there is a chunk of fur shaved from my side. I think my human thought it would make me look thinner. BOL (bark out loud). Actually my yearly blood work was off on my liver so they did an ultrasound. I have a benign tumor on my liver. I have a pill I am taking now. I am over 16 yrs. old now so I know I will have SOME issues. I am glad my human stays on top of my health. Stay healthy humans

and hope we can all get out for Arts Alive! this year in May. Love MJ

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. Local Banker Graduates from PA Bankers Leadership Institute Kelis

Patrick

Meet Kelis! Kelis [kuh-leese] is the Meet our extremely handsome Mr. sweetest, chunkiest 5 year old girl from Patrick! Patrick joined us a few weeks ACCT Philly. She was brought in as a stray ago from the city shelter, where he had and scooped up by Harley’s Haven about come in as a stray. Poor Patrick was two weeks ago. After being assessed by the wonderful staff at Pennridge Animal trying to settle into shelter life but unforHospital for bloody urine and frequen- tunately found himself on the urgent due cy, it was found that Kelis had two large to not feeling well. Thankfully one of our bladder stones that would need surgical wonderful foster homes offered to give removal. Somehow, she passed one stone this boy a chance! Patrick, a hound/terrier on her own, but the other was surgically mix, is around 4 years old and is a little removed and she’s doing wonderfully! dog in a big dog’s body! He is very gentle Kelis LOVES belly rubs and enjoys a good game of “chase the ball’, and she but doesn’t realize his size at all (foster loves saying hi to people! She must have mom said he thinks he is Maltese size). lived in a home before, as she knows the Patrick is great with kids and other dogs, commands “sit,” “stay,” and “come” and cats are unknown, but can be a rumble seems house trained. Kelis has not been tumble player (again, he doesn’t realize cat tested, but we feel that she would do his size!) He loves toys and is learning better in a home without cats and small that it’s okay to share his toys with his animals. Kelis would love another mellow dog sibling though, as she tends to be a people and other dogs. He loves to greet toy hog or she could be your one and only! you with a hug and a lean whenever you Either way, she is just excited to begin her come home! He really just wants to be new life, happy and healthy! near his human. Looking for a furever friend? Give Harley’s Haven a call at (267) 354-5204.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Lisa Otery, Senior Vice President of Deposit Operations at QNB Bank, recently graduated from the 2019-20 PA Bankers Leadership Institute. Through six two-day sessions over 15 months, the PA Bankers Leadership Institute utilizes a multi-dimensional leadership training model, which takes participants “behind the curtain” to examine the success that comes from a strong organizational culture and assess how it relates to performance, leadership, engagement and communication to achieve results. Participants are guided by banking leadership experts, including Dr. Linda Eagle, president and co-founder of Global Bankers Institute, and Dennis Budinich, senior vice president, chief culture officer at Investors Bank. “The Pennsylvania Bankers Association is proud to continually offer the PA Bankers Leadership Institute,” said Duncan Campbell, PA Bankers’ president & CEO. “Through its unique model, the program develops leaders who will sustain, maintain and grow Pennsylvania’s banking industry, which is vital to the economic future of the commonwealth.” Lisa Otery has served the banking industry

for over 30 years. In her role at QNB, she is responsible for the efficient operation and

supervision of her department. In addition to her role at QNB, Lisa assists the current board members of the Jack Henry-Silver Lake MidAtlantic Regional User Group where she had once served as President.

Pending Sales Showed Strength Can That Continue?

By all accounts the housing market showed stability at the start of 2020. In February, construction numbers rose and sales surged, beginning the busy real estate season strong, and contributing to overall positive sentiment this year. Contracts gained ground, as well, the National Association of REALTORS® reported this week, with pending sales up 2.4 percent in the Pending Home Sales Index, based on contract signings. On an annual basis, contracts rose 9.4 percent, and in all four major regions in the U.S. Now, as global health is threatened, so, too, is the healthy housing market. The coronavirus’ effects may potentially soften, according to Lawrence Yun, chief economist of NAR, due to the economic stimulus. While there will be fallout undoubtedly, how deep the impact remains unclear. “February’s pending sales figures show the housing market had been very healthy prior to the coronavirus-induced shutdown,” says Yun. “Numbers in the coming weeks will show just how hard the housing market was hit, but I am optimistic that the upcoming stimulus package

will lessen the economic damage, and we may get a V-shaped robust recovery later in the year. Once this predicament is behind us and the habit of social distancing is respected, I’m encouraged there will be continued home transactions though with more virtual tours, electronic signatures, and external home appraisals.” Recently, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced flexibility to mortgage requirements, allowing appraisal “alternatives,” among other provisions. Broadly, the industry is leveraging technology in transactions, especially e-signature and virtual walk-throughs. A lot of new precidents are happening as we navigate through this unprecedented time. If the coronavirus nets a quieter spring, Yun anticipates buyer demand to unleash, but later in the year. Many of the home sales that are likely to be missed during the first part of 2020 may simply be pushed into late summer and autumn parts of the year,” says Yun. Stay tuned! Sue Deily has been a Realtor for 34 years, resides in the Upper Bucks County area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties. Contact her at suesellshouses@gmail.com or 215-872-9865.

April 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Stay Healthier with Hope Why the positive pessimist? I’m naturally a pessimist, but even I can learn to think positively with practice! I wanted to share the below article from National Public Radio (NPR) with you because it hits home for me personally in more ways than one. While I understand the need to save lives in the immediate future and hope every day we can minimize the impact of this pandemic, I also worry there will be more sicknesses and deaths that will be indirectly caused by the chaos that the COVID-19 response causes. And I don’t believe it’s only Cancer patients like me who will be impacted. Unemployment, Poverty, and Homelessness will continue to rise…all of which are contributing factors to a higher risk of serious illness. And if people aren’t going to the doctor for whatever reason (affordability or lack of insurance, to stay “safe” from the virus, or because medical professionals & resources are being tapped to fight the immediate pandemic), many other conditions cannot be treated and/or may not be discovered in time: • Cancers, Tumors, etc. • Heart conditions • Stroke risks • Organ recipients/donors • Any condition that requires medications or medical supplies • Outpatient Surgeries (ones considered “urgent” like the one I would be having on my back next week if not for the pandemic) • Mental health issues • and many, many more! Even for non-corona virus emergency cases there may not be rooms, medical supplies, medications, or medical professionals available for critical care that is not related to the pandemic. Those deaths may not be counted in the death toll, but these indirect deaths may continue to rise for weeks, months or even years to come. All of this causes me anxiety and even mild depression (I was stuck in my recliner many weeks before self-distancing was a thing). But the one thing I can say is that I understand what many of you might be going through. You are not alone. And we will get through this and be a stronger community because of it. Life will change forever. There will be a new normal. But life might change in positive ways that we can’t possibly imagine, yet. It’s unfortunate that we find ourselves unable to control our own lives, but we have to remember to count our blessings and focus on anything and everything positive in our lives. For me, one good thing coming out of all this

is that I’m reconnecting with my family. Let the family dinners commence! Last night was Italian night, and we had linguini with marina, meatballs, and grilled chicken. And to make it fun, we put on Pandora’s “Italian Cooking Music Radio” station so we could pretend we were at Tony’s in New York City. I’m looking forward to Family Game night tonight with TGI Friday’s curbside takeout. We will either attempt to agree on a board game (not likely), or maybe we will play uDraw Pictionary on the Wii. There’s also been talk of a casino night in the near future. If your kids are grown-ups or if you are home alone, don’t be afraid to call someone. Chat anytime of the day that’s convenient for you both or even schedule “dinner” together by FaceTiming during mealtime. This can also be a great way for grandparents to stay in touch with little ones…since they are more apt to sit and talk while they are busy eating (tip provided by my cousin, Melissa). In addition to “scheduling” family fun time, I’ve noticed my teens are arriving early for dinner to chat while we’re cooking, and they aren’t running away immediately after woofing down (and probably not even tasting) the food. We are in this together as a family unit, and it feels really good. It didn’t happen overnight, though. I think we argued with my 14 year old son to understand why when the guidance was “groups under 10 people” that he couldn’t go and hang out with friends. And no matter how many times you say, “YOUR MOM IS HIGH RISK!” it just doesn’t sink in to the invincible teen. We had to be consistent, and we had to say no (more than once) even though it didn’t always feel good. I know it’s tough to be on this roller coaster ride. And please keep in mind that you can’t tell someone is high risk by looking at them, and recent studies report much higher numbers of people who show no symptoms but are still testing positive for corona virus. So please stay home if you can, and support all those who can’t! There will be many highs and lows over the coming weeks and months. All we can do is live in the good moments, prop each other up (even if that’s a quick phone call, text, or social media post to a loved one to let them know you are thinking of them). And if you are able to volunteer your time or talents, there are many different initiatives available from donating funds to making masks for the people on the front lines – find something that makes you feel more in control each day, and you’ll stay healthier with hope! https://www.npr.org/825937343 For more from The Positive Pessimist, visit KellyJax.com

Japanese Anime for Collectors BY DR. LORI VERDERAME

As Tokyo, Japan prepares to host the world at the 2020 Olympic Games with a new tourism ad campaign of Asian art and antiques juxtaposed with contemporary art, visitors to the Olympic Games will be struck by the importance of animation art or anime in the bustling Asian city. For collectors, anime has a long history and great appeal. While the first Japanese animated film, The Story of the Concierge Mukuzo Imokawa was produced by Hekoten Shimokawa in 1917, the popular animated TV series called Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka (Japanese, 1928-1989, a.k.a. The Father of Manga) prompted the rise of commercial animation in Japan with its initial 1963 broadcast. Through the late 20th Century original Japanese anime was based on comics and fairy tales like Anpanman, Crayon Shin-chan, and Space Battleship Yamato among others. The 1990s saw animation change from cel to digital animation techniques with recent examples like Knights of Sidonia and Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter. Over the last ten years since 2010, full length feature animated films were all the rage like Detective Conan and Your Name crushing box office sales records. In 2017, Japanese animation earned almost 1 trillion Japanese yen or 9,134,000,000.00 US dollars in the world market, thus making the animated art form a major player in providing entertaining TV and internet content worldwide. For collectors, anime collectibles are doing well in the marketplace both nationally in Japan and on the international market too. For instance, a signed original illustration drawing

in marker of Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka, circa 1980 sells for $5,000. Other collectibles from a pair of sneakers to figures in mixed media range in value from $500 to $2,500.00. For instance, a 2012 KAWS Astro Boy (Grey) painted cast vinyl figure in its original box by Medicom Toy and OriginalFake of Tokyo sold for $2,600 in a Chicago auction recently. If you are a visitor to Tokyo, you will have no problem experiencing anime. I was excited by the anime I experienced on my recent trip there. Actually, anime is basically everywhere. From public monuments like the Mobile Suit Gundam bronze statue near KamiIgusa station to the GeGeGe no Kitaro tea shop near the entry gate at Jindai-ji Temple, animation art is highlighted throughout the city. Many enjoy the world of Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland and the Hello Kitty and Shimajiro monuments at Tama center Shimajiro Square complete with related manhole cover designs featuring Hello Kitty holding an umbrella. Artists worldwide have made the famous Japanese anime Hello Kitty a household name. A Tom Sach’s sculpture from 2001 depicts a seated Hello Kitty made of bondo, acrylic, and ink on bronze signed and numbered in an edition of 25 which sold for $20,000 at auction in New York city. If this is out of your price range, get your hands on a serial animated colored newsprint magazine from any Tokyo convenience store which will only set you back a few dollars. Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s #1 hit show, The Curse of Oak Island and weekdays on the Doctor and the Diva. Dr. Lori presents her Antiques Appraisal Comedy Show to audiences nationwide. Visit DrLoriV.com/ events. Call (888) 431-1010.

COVID-19: This Global Pandemic Should Make Everyone Think Long and Hard About Having an Estate Plan BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. These are unprecedented times. Our towns, states, countries and now the entire globe have been ravaged by an invisible threat that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, and that number continues to climb at an alarming rate. This virus has also drastically changed our daily lives for the foreseeable future. And how many of us saw this coming? I know I certainly didn’t. That is exactly the reason why having an estate plan is so important. Estate plans allow us to plan for the unexpected. That may mean an unexpected death, an accident that leaves with irreversible damage, terminal diagnosis, etc. And what is more unexpected than a global pandemic that is claiming the lives of thousands of Americans each week? We may not be able to control the final outcomes of our lives, but we can make sure we are prepared. If you have not prepared an estate plan for yourself, get the

ball rolling and contact an experienced estate planning attorney. We can only guess at what the future holds. Most of us have never lived through anything like the COVID-19 crisis. I hope everyone is staying safe and practicing social distancing. To all essential workers, thank you! Like all dark times, this too shall pass. We will weather this storm together. If you would like to discuss your estate planning needs whilst under the “Stay at Home Order” I am happy to set up a video conference appointment at your convenience. Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a Bucks County attorney located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite 101B, in Dublin, Pennsylvania. He specializes in estate planning & administration, family law, business law and real estate law. To set up a consultation, call his office at (267) 2279138. To learn more, visit his website at www. fravel-law.com

Trusting the Times Trust is defined as “a belief that something is reliable, good, honest, effective, an assured reliance of character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something and/or to expect with confidence”. This concept can be so powerful when we are working on ourselves because it is like a promise that we make that everything will work itself out and we will eventually feel better about ourselves and our life. Trust also greatly impacts how we handle and manage our daily interactions and life stressors. It provides a sense of balance when we may want to be impulsive and reactionary in our personal and professional relationships. So, what about trust? The journey we are on in our lives, the choices and decisions that we are making every single day. We make choices and decisions in hopes that we have made the “right” ones and in our best interest and for those around us. The problem arises when our logic and emotion become intertwined. Logically we tell ourselves that this is what we need to do but our emotions might tell us otherwise; i.e. we are going “Is this right?” It is important to ask what is my goal? What do I wish to accomplish? What are the pros and cons of this situation or task that I am in conflict? And then trust your instincts to the best of your ability. Even if you were to make a mistake you can turn it around and say I trust that this happened for a reason for me. Trusting ourselves and how we interact with others is not an easy task

by any means. The more we work on ourselves the greater the ability it is to know what to do because you will trust that you know yourself better than anyone and know what it is right for you in that moment. Tomorrow may bring about new thoughts and ideas but stay in today for whatever decision that needs to be made and trust just for this day it is right for me. This is why counseling or being able to talk to someone who knows you can be really helpful. They can help you to clarify your thoughts and feelings and help you to understand as much of the whole picture as possible in order for us to feel that we can “trust” the situation or decision that are creating a dilemma for us. The grey area for some of us comes in is when things are out of our control that is when having faith or some form or spirituality will support you in the concept of trust. So, believe in yourself, your journey, your feelings, your choices and your decisions. If for some reason it turns out differently than you had “hoped” for or expected “trust” that there is a lesson to be learned and it will be revealed in its own time. Trust that you have the answers and that whatever it is that you are searching for or want to happen in your life will when it is supposed too!! My belief is that “All persons are truly greater than they think they are.” Susan V. Brewer is a Certified Life Coach and Psychotherapist in the Upper Bucks County Area. She can be reached at 215-872-4219. Visit her website at www.balancelife4u.com.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

Martha J. Kulik, 94, of Quakertown died February 19, 2020 in Quakertown Center. She was the wife of the late Ellwood C. Kulik. Born in Lansdale, PA she was the daughter of the late Jacob & Edith (Lutz) Leister. Martha was a graduate of Lansdale High School Class of 1942 where she played the position of wing on the Field Hockey Team. She was a secretary to the V.P. of Claims for Harleysville Insurance Co. She also worked for the Lansdale Water Company. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, and traveling especially vacationing at Lake Wallenpaupack. She was also an excellent cook and baker. Martha also sailed to Europe with her friend Vicky Sampiere on the United States Liner. She is survived by a daughter Beth A. Kulik of Quakertown, a sister Edy Koenig (Robert) of Lansdale. She was predeceased by a brother Arthur and a sister Helen Angelillis. Services were held on Friday, February 28, 2020 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Interment will follow in Zion Hill Cemetery, Zion Hill, PA Leo D. Finley, Jr. age 66, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday February 23, 2020. Born in Perryville, PA he was a son of the late Leo Finley Sr. He served our country in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was a member and current Commander of the American Legion Post 242 in Quakertown. He was a Machinist working for RR Donnelley for many years. He is survived by his step-daughter Melissa Jasinski of Telford. Services and interment at Washington Crossing will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Legion Post 242, 610 E. Broad St, Quakertown, PA 18951. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral &

~Obituaries~

Cremation Service Ltd. of Quakertown, PA. (215-536-3343). To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com

Ellen L. Schroy, 69 years old, formerly of Quakertown, PA, died Friday, February 28, 2020. She was born in Quakertown Hospital to her parents Lawrence Robert Tischbein and Naomi Elizabeth (Koch) Tischbein. She was the wife of the late Jeffrey Lynn Schroy. Ellen was a graduate of Quakertown Community Schools, Class of 1968. Ellen was a secretary at Cowan Associates. Later she became assistant editor and then editor of Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles series, with many titles bearing her name. She traveled extensively for this position and enjoyed participating in antique appraisal clinics for many years, especially for local historical societies, such as Milford Historical Society and Hilltown Historical Society. Ellen was a Shareholder at the Richland Library, serving on the Board of Directors and as Board Chairperson and also Board Secretary. She also served on many committees and as Recorder for Richland Monthly Meeting where she was a member. She is survived by son Mark D. and wife Michelle M., with whom she resided in Middletown, DE, and her beloved granddaughter Ann Marie, two sisters Janet Adams of Dallas, TX, and Linda Fluck (Brian) of Quakertown. As per Ellen’s wishes, funeral services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ellen’s name to Richland Library, 44 S Main Street, Quakertown 18951. Richard V. Scheetz, 90, of Quakertown died February 28, 2020 in Pennsburg Manor, Pennsburg. He was the husband of Sevilla G. (Long) Scheetz. They were married 64 years last July. Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late Richard R. & Mamie R. (Roth) Scheetz.

He retired from the former U.S. Gauge after 39 ½ years of service. Following his retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife. He was a lifetime member of the Springtown Rod & Gun Club, and a member of the Milford Township Fish & Game. He enjoyed fishing and raising plants in his small greenhouse. Richard was also an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown. Richard was a U. S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean War and member of the Quakertown American Legion Post 242. In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons John R. (Kathleen L.) of Quakertown and James D. (Susan) of Zionsville. A brother Charles W. Scheetz. Four grandchildren Joshua A. Scheetz, Jared J. Scheetz, Jessica L. Bannwarth (Michael) and Amber A. Metz (Michael), three step-grandchildren Crystal Harrison, Joshua Paul Lorenzen, & Kevin O’Brien, three great grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren. Predeceased by two brothers Kenneth R., Henry J., and two sisters Virginia R. Sittler & June G. Lewis. MEMORIAL SERVICES ARE POSTPONED. PLEASE LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES (www.crstrunk.com). In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Ave. Quakertown, PA 18951 or the Springtown Rod and Gun Club P.O. Box 52 Springtown PA 18081.

Thomas F. Koons, 56, of Zion Hill died Saturday February 29, 2020 in the Hospice Unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Karen L. (Seachrist) Koons. They celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary last October. Born in Quakertown he was the son of Jean E. (Lucas) Koons of Quakertown and the late George F. Koons, Jr. Before his illness he was a lead designer for Gardner Cryogenics. In his early years he was employed by Rosenberger Dairy’s. He was a graduate of Quakertown Community High School and a member of both the marching and jazz bands. He was a model train enthusiast and collector. Thomas loved to vacation to Disney World and Knoebels Amusement Park. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zion Hill where he was a former member of the church council and choir. He especially enjoyed playing Taps for the church Memorial Day service. In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by two sons Doug of Zion Hill and Ryan Reed of New Hope. A brother James A. (Deborah) of Quakertown and two brother in laws, Ed Wagner of Quakertown and Tommy Seachrist of Doylestown. He was predeceased by a sister Faye A. Wagner. MEMORIAL SERVICES WERE POSTPONED PLEASE CONTINUE CHECKING OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES, (www.crstrunk.com) Memorial contributions can be made to the church P.O. Box 81 Zion Hill PA 18981, The Diabetes Foundation, 150 Monument Rd. Suite 100 Bala Cynwyd PA 19004 or to the American Cancer Society, 3893 Adler Place Bethlehem PA 18017. Dr. Lloyd H. Waxman, age 74, of Kintnersville, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 2, 2020 at his home. He was the husband of Julie Fagan, with whom he shared 34 years of marriage. Born in New York, NY he was a son of the late William Waxman and the late Sylvia Kestenbaum Waxman. Lloyd and Julie met at Harvard Medical School where they both worked. Lloyd then worked as a Senior Scientist at Merck in Lansdale, PA followed by West Pharmaceuticals in Exton PA until his death. Lloyd received his B.S. and MS from Temple University and a Ph.D from Harvard. In addition to his wife Julie, he is survived by Jordan and Loren Waxman and Julaina Waxman Rivera. In lieu of flowers, contributions for his memorial may be made to https:// www.tmcfunding.com/funds/lloyd-waxman-memorial/4414/ . Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com Lauren E. (Schrader) Zavatter, age 31, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly on Monday, March 2,

2020 as a result of an automobile accident. She was the wife of Ryan D. Zavatter and the loving mother to Jaxen Cole. Born in Allentown, PA she was the daughter of Melissa Ruser of Center Valley, PA and Craig Schrader (Jill) of Center Valley, PA. She was the sister of Jake Schrader of Center Valley. Lauren graduated from Quakertown Community Senior High School and attended Bucks County Community College. In addition to her husband, son, parents, and brother, she is survived by her maternal grandparents, Philip and Ann Marie Ruser of Quakertown, PA and her paternal grandparents, Carlton and Lorraine Schrader of Whitehall, PA. She is also survived by her loving aunt, uncles and cousins. Services were held Saturday, March 14th at 11AM at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. Of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Allen “Durrell” Keller, 75, of Quakertown, went to his Lord and Savior on March 5, 2020 after heroically battling with glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer. He was the husband of Linda Ann (Strawsnyder) Keller. They celebrated 43 years of marriage last October. Born in Quakertown, PA, he was the son of the late Winfield and Sevilla (Painter) Keller. He was known by his middle name “Durrell” by family and friends and most of his classmates at Quakertown Community High School, from which he graduated in 1965. Allen was drafted into the army and served in Vietnam in the 1/92nd Field Artillery unit. Upon his discharge, he became a pipefitter at Bethlehem Steel in Bethlehem, where he worked for 33 years until the company closed its operations in Bethlehem. He was active at St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church in Perkasie during his lifetime, serving for many years on the Evangelism committee and on Church Council. “Durrell” enjoyed being with his family, taking care of the family property (especially working in the fields on his tractor) and traveling. He spent many summers on the beach at the Jersey shore, playing with his family or watching his grandchildren. Survivors: wife Linda, daughter Liane Reiss (Eric), son Adam (Bobbie), son Marc (Alyssa), and step daughter Rachelle Renninger (Patrick); grandchildren Addison, Lorelai and Kenna Keller, Paige and Grady Reiss, Aiden and Arianna Renninger; brothers James (Dolores) and John (Linda) and Reynold; sister-in-law Diane Bloch (Randy); 10 nieces and nephews. Allen was preceded in death by brothers, Harold and Carroll, and sisterin-law Carole. A calling hour was held on Thursday, March 12 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Rd. Perkasie, PA 18944 Wilmer K. “Mike” Ziegler, age 89, of Perkasie, passed away Thurs. Mar. 5, 2020, at Brookdale Senior Living, Dublin. Born Feb. 18, 1931, in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Henry and Anna (Wenhold) Ziegler, and husband to Romaine (Rothrock) Ziegler, to whom he had been married 66 years at the time of his passing. Wilmer was employed for 42 years with the former Ametek U.S. Gauge, of Sellersville, as an Experimental. In addition to his wife, Wilmer is survived by: sons Michael W. (wife Nancy), Randall S. (wife Carol Pierce), Floyd L. (wife Robin), and Lloyd F. (wife Wanda); daughter Tabitha R. Holloway (husband Douglas); grandchildren Justin, Brandon, Courtney, Joseph, Brittany, and Tiffany; as well as 3 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 11:00 am on March 9, 2020, at St. Andrew’s UCC, 615 E Walnut St, Perkasie, PA 18944. Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Union Cemetery, adjacent to the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s UCC at the address above. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. Of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

April 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Jessie Ann Fluck, 89, of Quakertown passed away March 6, 2020 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. She was the wife of the late William P. Fluck. Born in Milford Township, Pa she was the daughter of the late Charles & Alice (Felker) Brader. She was a printer for the former U.S. Gauge/Ametek Division before retiring. Jessie was a life member of Great Swamp Fish & Game and enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing BINGO, slot machines, gambling, crafting, bus trips, and her family. She was one of the first surviving triplets in the Lehigh Valley. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Trumbauersville. She is survived by a son Scott (Debi), two brothers Walter Brader & Raymond Brader, her triplet sister Jean Nace Three grandchildren Travis & Lindsey Fluck and Jennifer Rabenold (Chad), three great grandchildren Logan Snyder, Matthew & Marissa Amore. She was predeceased by a daughter Karen Quinn, two brothers Charles & Kenneth and three sisters her triplet sister Joyce Schoch, Dorothy Spencer & Peggy Heimbach. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Bucks County Association for the Blind 400 Freedom Dr. Newtown, PA 18940. Raymond J Meehan, age 79, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 6, 2020 at his home. Born in Easton, PA he was a son of the late James Joseph Meehan and the late Dorothea Louise (Barber) Meehan. He served our country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was the Chef for The United States Navy, and the Philadelphia Shipyard. He was a limousine driver in recent years during his retirement until his passing. He was predeceased by his life companion Elizabeth “Betty” Nace and her daughter Theresa Lynn Nace. Survivors include his daughter Michele C. Meehan (Jesse) of Philadelphia, PA, his grandkids, Lyndsay Bezpalko of Reading, PA Alexandra Rhoads of San Jose, CA, Angela Morton (Richard) of Wesley Chapel FL, and his great-grandkids, Marissa, Chase, Gage and Bella also of Wesley Chapel FL. Services and interment were private. Contributions in his memory may be made to the PURPLE HEART OR THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. Of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Howard L. Mitchell, age 96, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, died on March 6, 2020 at Independence Court Retirement community in Quakertown, PA. He was the husband of Helen A. (Robinson) Mitchell who died in 2011, and with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. Born in Chalfont, PA, he was

~Obituaries~

a son of the late Owen Mitchell and the late Lilly (Tyson) Mitchell. Howard faithfully served our country in the Army during WWII and the Marines during the Korean Conflict. Survivors include three daughters, Velma Everwine (Robert) of Millville, NJ, Bonnie Jones of Louisiana, and Wanda Diehl of Reidsville, NC; one son, Robert Mitchell (Sharon) of Coopersburg, PA; one sister, Alberta Mininger of Franconia, PA; eight grandchildren, Stanley, Tara, Debbie, Keith, Michael, Kevin, Melissa, and Brandyn and ten great-grandchildren, Kayla, Jessica, Alexis, Claire, Amariah, Aiden, Alannah, Liam, Cooper and Avery. Services were held Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Beulah Cemetery, New Britain. Contributions in his memory may be made to Rettsyndrome.org 4600 Devitt Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45246 or at www. rettsyndrome.org/get-involved/donate/ donate-now. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. Of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Dr. William Rutherford Firth Jr., age 71, of Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday March 6, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Deborah (Brooks) Firth, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late William Firth Sr. and the late Rose (Smith) Firth. He was the owner and lead surgeon in private practice, at Comprehensive Dentistry. In addition to his wife Deborah, he is survived by his son, William R. Firth III, his daughter Melanie R. Firth; his two brothers, Edwin G. Firth, and Robert J. Firth, and his aunt, Edna Smith Ullman. He also has been lovingly supported by extended family, Ann and Giovanni Panno, and John T. Wambold, who have graciously shared their 5 children, Anthony, Giovanna, Michael, Sedona and Zoey, in his life. Memorial service was held Wednesday, March 11 at 11AM at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Church, 321 Wyandotte St, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. (215-536-3343) of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Carol Ann Rogers, age 57 of Sellersville, PA, passed away suddenly on Tuesday March 10, 2020 at her daughters home. Born on January 30th 1963 in Easton Pa., she was a daughter of Beverly Tenasse & the late Bill Bukowski. She attended Phillipsburg High School in NJ. She enjoyed being a home maker and a mother. Surviving siblings include Carl Tenasse, Robert Tenasse & Santo Tenasse. Her surviving children are Amy Carter, Wayne Rogers and Melissa Lewis. She has a total of 9 grandchildren Izaak Rogers, Elijah Carter, Khalik Lewis, Nevaeh Carter, Keelan Rogers, Nevan Rogers, Grayson McIntyre, Violet Rogers & Madelyn McIntyre. Services

and interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made at Carol’s community funding site at www.tmcfunding.com/funds/ carol-ann-rogers-funeral-fund/4413. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. (215-536-3343) of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Janet Tarantino Drago, 84, of Quakertown died March 10, 2020 in her home. She was the wife of the late Harry Tarantino. Born in Springfield Twsp., Bucks County she was the daughter of the late Daniel W. & Elva (Beahn) Weaver. Before retiring she worked at the luncheonette at Sines 5 & 10 in Quakertown. Prior to that she worked in the luncheonette of the former Woolworth’s in Quakertown. She also enjoyed playing the lottery and shopping. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Zion Hill. Janet is survived by her four children Antonio H. Tarantino, Diana Buhman, Christopher J. Tarantino, & Robert J. Tarantino. Six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a step-daughter Betty Tarantino and a brother Dan Weaver. Services will be announced. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. Joan Constance (Baker) Dilks, age 86 years, died Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at her home in Quakertown, PA. Born October 1, 1933 in Philadelphia, she was the only child of the late Mifflin J. and Anna (Jankauskas) Baker, and the widow of the late James J. Dilks. Joan lived in Quakertown for the past 17 years. Prior to Quakertown, Joan lived 40 years in Valley Forge. Joan is survived by: daughters Beatrice D. Quaintance (husband Curtis), Jane D. Wagner, Carole J. Watts (husband Todd); son James J. Dilks (wife Sandra); grandchildren Eric J. Quaintance, Jamie E. Vegso, Andrew C. Quaintance, Grace E. Wagner, Robert J. Wagner, Alexandra K. Dilks, Monica J. Bird, Mary C. Watts, Victoria A. Dilks, James M. Dilks, Anthony J. Dilks, and Elizabeth C. Dilks; and great-granddaughter Teresa E. Kraft. In addition to her parents and husband, Joan is preceded in death by: daughter Kathleen T. Flannery (husband Mike), and grandson William Vegso. Memorial Mass was held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, at Saint Isidore Roman Catholic Parish. Interment at Washington Memorial Chapel Cemetery. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

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Carol “Lynne” Jaklik was born on November 30th, 1947. Lynne went to Heaven on March 11th after battling septic shock. Lynne was born in Philadelphia, PA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Sarah White and her brother, Charles White. Lynne is survived by the father of her children, Alfred Wallace of Perkasie. Her children Lisa Hickey (Kevin) of Quakertown, Laura Wallace of Sellersville, Erika Storey (Josh) of Quakertown, Christa Wallace (John) of Warrington, Justin Wallace of Perkasie, Matthew Wallace of Sellersville, Jenna Flannery (Ryan) of Dauphin, and Debbie Kiser (Chris) of Sellersville. Her grandchildren Jonathan, Janae (Aidan), Trevor, Ashlyn, Rebekah, Josiah, Devon, Jillian, Makayla, Elijah, Nathaniel, Alyssa, John Morgan, Jayne, Christian, Cayden, Gabriel, Asher, Owen, Silas, Carter and Julianna. Lynne started her career as a secretary at Penn Mutual. She then had a lucrative career selling wicker and Estee Lauder products. A beloved Mom, Mom-mom, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Gone but never forgotten. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. (215-536-3343) of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. With heavy hearts the family announces the peaceful passing of Guido Thomas “Lil Bull” Toro, 79 of Quakertown, formerly of Philadelphia. Guido died peacefully on March 12, 2020 in Grand View Hospital, Sellersville. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Elvira “Vera” (Barnabei) Toro. Born in Philadelphia he was the son of the late Guido, Sr. and Viola (DeDominicis) Toro. He was a career military individual retiring as an quality assurance specialist as a federal employee in Morristown, NJ. His other work history included 28 years with the national guard as a part time – full time technician at the Willow Grove Air Base. Also one year at Lockheed Aircraft and as a welder for two years at the Budd Company. He was a US Navy Veteran serving active duty from 1960 till 1964 then two years inactive duty. All total “Lil Bull” served 26 years military and 30 years as a civilian for the military. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and skiing. He attended St. Isidores Catholic church in Quakertown. In addition to his loving wife he is survived by two loving daughters, Laura A. Toro of Bensalem and Pam Klotz (Jack) of Springfield PA. A brother Enio “Tony” Toro of AZ and two sisters Lia Gallagher of FL and Lydia McMenamin (Ed) of Millville, NJ. Three grandchildren Nicholas Daniel Crosby, Stephen Thomas Klotz and John David Klotz. Several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Foundation 150 Monument Rd. Suite 100 Bala Cynwyd PA 19004.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

Leonard A. Snellman, 79, of Quakertown died March 12, 2020 in his home. He was the husband of Annette (Cox) Snellman. Born in Lansford, PA he was the son of the late Edward J. & Eleanor L. (Price) Snellman. He was in the Maintenance Department of the U.S. Gauge retiring after over 40 years of service. He graduated for Liberty High School Class of 1958 in Bethlehem. He was a lifelong collector of Lionel trains and also enjoyed racing, especially watching his grandsons run the 600 Modifies and Sprints. As a teenager he enjoyed going to Camp Greenwood at Lake Hauto. In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Timothy and his wife Christine of York, PA, a daughter Leslie Coons and her husband Leonard of Jim Thorpe, PA, two sisters Betty Ann Bastian, widow of Wilbur of Merrickville, ONT and Sandra Hobson wife of Charles of San Francisco, CA and a brother Alan and Nancy Bell of the Villages, Fl. Two grandchildren Leonard, III, & Cody, One great grandchild Adalynn “Jr.” Coons. A niece Ferne McGrath and her husband Randy of Quakertown, and many other nieces and nephews. Predeceased by a grandson Cory. CALLING HOURS WERE POSTPONED, PLEASE KEEP CHECKING OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES (www.crstrunk.com) In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in memory and honor of his deceased grandson to: Carbon Opiate Task Force or to the JDRF-Delaware Valley Chapter, (jdrf.org/delawarevalley chapter/) 555 Croton Rd. Suite 111 King of Prussia PA 19406. Christian R. A. Bedford, 22, passed away March 14, 2020 after a long illness lost his battle to substance disorder. Born in Allentown he was the son of Robert G. Bedford of Trumbauersville and Angela S. (Afflerbach) Bedford of Quakertown. He was a member of St. Peter’s Tohickon U.C.C. in Perkasie. In addition to his parents he is survived by three sisters Mollie C. G. Bedford of Sellersville, Bondrea Perry (Samuel) of Long Branch, NJ and Rhiannon Bedford of Long Branch, NJ. Maternal grandparents Janice & Herman Afflerbach of Milford Square. He is also survived by many other loving relatives. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Charles & Virginia Bedford. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Stepping Stones Recovery Foundation, www.steppingstonesrecovery.org Earl W. Miller, 72, of Quakertown formerly of Coopersburg, Baltimore, and Richlandtown died March 14, 2020 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. Born in Allentown, PA he was the son of the late Daniel W. & Mary M. (Bleam) Miller. He was the owner of the former Earl Mils Floral for 25 years in Coopersburg. Earl also was a part-time delivery driver

~Obituaries~

for Alcomo’s in Richlandtown and a floral designer for Pondelek’s in Hellertown and the former Hilltop Florist in Perkasie. Earl also enjoyed researching family genealogy. He was a member of Finland Mennonite Church and a former member of West Swamp Mennonite Church where he was on the worship and music Commission, the Mission Commission, a Sunday School and VBS Teacher and sang on the worship and praise team and the Sr. choir. He is survived by a brother Harold C. “Hank” Miller (Joyce) of Sellersville. 2 nephews and 5 nieces along with great nephews and nieces, great great nephews and nieces. A sister-in-law Elsenia of Hatfield. Predeceased by two brothers Daniel R. & Clarence H. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Finland Mennonite Church 1750 Ziegler Road Pennsburg, PA 18073. Kevin Eugene Sylvester, age 70, died Sun., March 15, 2020, at Penn Hospice Rittenhouse, Philadelphia. Born June 25, 1949 in Abington, he was the son of the late Eugene Sylvester and Molly (Vozzy) Golden, and the husband of Annette (DeVito) Sylvester, to whom he was married 48 years at the time of his passing. Kevin attained his PhD from California Coast University, and served his community for 3 decades as a Psychologist. In his free time, he was an avid reader, devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. More than anything, though, he adored his family, who will miss him dearly. In addition to his wife, Kevin is survived by: daughters Rachel Sylvester-Bauman (husband James Bauman), and Victoria Sylvester (husband Luke Moyer); granddaughters Paige and Hanna Bauman; and sisters Gail Bartlett (husband William), and Maureen Ambler (husband Robert). In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by: stepfather Thomas Golden. In lieu of services at this time, a memorial service will be planned for June 2020. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. (215-536-3343) of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

Mary Elizabeth (Fryzuk) Lagdan, age 92, of Quakertown, PA, formerly of Lawncrest, PA in Northeast Philadelphia, passed away Sunday March 15, 2020 at Lutheran Community Retirement community in Telford, PA. She was the wife of the late John Lagdan who died in 1983. A Canadian citizen born in Toronto to the late John and Wasylyna (Dudla) Fryzuk, she moved to Philadelphia June 22, 1951. She worked at Five Point Bridal Shoppe as a professional seamstress for many years. She enjoyed sewing and designed her daughters wedding dresses. She was an avid bowler whose team won several trophies. In addition to her parents John and Lena, she is predeceased by a daughter Susan, and a sister Helen. She is survived by daughter Mary Ann December and her husband Kim, son John Lagdan, son-in-law James Abrams,

brothers Pete and Steve Fryzuk and sister Anne Maniw. Services and interment will be held privately. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. of Quakertown. Condolences may be shared at www.nauglefcs.com. Robert George Smell, 82, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed on March 18, 2020. He went to be with the Lord peacefully at home holding his wife’s hand and surrounded by family. Bob was the loving husband to his high school sweetheart, Dolores M. Smell, for 62 years. He was born with lots of love as a Valentine’s baby on February 14th, 1938 in Quakertown Hospital, Quakertown, PA. He was the son of the late Willis P and Sadie M. (Reiter) Smell. Bob is survived by his wife: Lorey of Dublin, children: daughter Judy Markley of Perkasie and son Jeff Schmell (wife Sherri) of Sellersville, grandchildren: Steve Moyer (fiancé Amie Galambos), Tyler Schmell, Sadie Markley, Nolan Schmell, Eliza Schmell, and Bryce Schmell, and one great-grandson: Avery Moyer. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Dublin Fire Company in memory of Robert Smell, 194 Main St, Dublin, PA 18917. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. of Quakertown. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

Alfonso J. Lewandowski, 87, of Quakertown died March 16, 2020 in Grand View Hospital, Sellersville. He was the husband of the late Barbara (Shelmire) Lewandowski. Born in Philadelphia he was the son of the late Peter & Anna Lewandowski. He was a punch press set up man retiring from Mack Trucks in Macungie. Prior to that he worked for Weston Instrument Co. in Worcester, Pa. He was a former member of the Perkiomen Valley CB Radio Club. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, hunting, and fishing. Alfonso attended the Church of the Incarnation in Quakertown. He is survived by a daughter Lois A. Shelly of Fleetwood, PA, a son Glen D. (Barbara) of Green Lane, his companion Alice Watkins of Hatfield. Five grandchildren Jeremiah Lewandowski, Jessica Lewandowski, Samantha Krum (Kevin), Nicole Musselman (Chad), and Annalyse Treat. Two great grandchildren Trevor & Kenzie Musselman. Predeceased by his siblings Thomas, Frances, Frank, Cecelia, Agnes, & Lucy. A graveside service was held on Friday, March 20, 2020 at Holy Cross Cemetery 1325 Quakertown Road, Pennsburg, PA 18073. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association 5455 N. High St. Columbus, Ohio 43214. Joyce K. Rosenberger, 85, of Quakertown, passed away on March 18, 2020. She was the loving wife of the late Robert H. Rosenberger. Born in Quakertown, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Clara (Kehs) Mumbauer. Surviving is her children: Yvonne Kuehl, husband Dennis of TX, Lucille Stevenson, husband Jim of FL, Mary Diehl, husband Rick of Quakertown, Leanna Stromer, husband Jarl of FL, and Joel, wife Lisa of Quakertown, grandchildren: Corey, Elijah (Samantha), Jordan, Rebecca, Emily, Joshua, Amber, and Justin, and great-grandchildren: Mason and Madison. She is predeceased by siblings: Lester, Foster, Ruth, Walter and Grace. Interment services will be held privately. A public visitation and memorial service will be announced for a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to West Swamp Mennonite Church or Mennonite Central Committee. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. George Douglas Stuart, age 77, died Thur. March 19, 2020, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest.

Born March 27, 1942, in Quakertown, he was the son of the late George V. Stuart and the late Ruth (Wentz) StuartTompkins, and the beloved husband of Rosemarie (Stastny) Stuart, to whom he was married 56 years at the time of his passing. A 1960 graduate of Quakertown High School, George went on to graduate from Bethlehem Business School. After marrying Rosemarie in 1964, George served his country in the Pennsylvania National Guard for 6 years. For over 40 years, he was employed as an automobile salesman, for both Gutshall’s Chevrolet in Hellertown, and then Strohl’s Chevrolet in Fogelsville. George will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. In addition to his wife, George is survived by: brother Patrick Stuart (wife Debra), of Lehighton; several nieces and nephews; and Shih-Tzu “Bailey.” www.NaugleFCS.com. Dorothy “Dolly” (Moyer) Martin, age 94, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday March 20, 2020 at Independence Court in Quakertown, PA. She was the wife of the late Lester A. Martin who died in 1993, and with whom she shared 48 years of marriage. Born in Worcester Township, PA she was a daughter of the late Vincent Moyer Sr. and the late Susie (Anders) Moyer. She is survived by two daughters, Joanne Stoneback (Rick) of Quakertown, PA and Dorothy Alona Gerling (Leonhard) of Keystone Heights, FL; four grandchildren, Tracy, Kelly, Sandra and Karl and 6 great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Sean, Kyle, Tyler, Haley and Avery. She was predeceased by one sister, Shirley Godshall and a brother Vincent A. Moyer Jr. Graveside services will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to First United Church of Christ, 151 S Fourth St, Quakertown, PA 18951. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service Ltd. of Quakertown. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com Ima Jo Kachline, 84 of Quakertown died Friday March 20, 2020 at the Lutheran Community at Telford. She was the loving wife for 65 years of the late David F. Kachline. Born in Houston, MS she was the daughter of the late John W. and Ola Inez (Langley) Anderson. Before her retirement she was a school bus driver for Levy Bus Co. for 25 years. She had a love for her job and especially the children she drove. Ima enjoyed reading and taking bus trips with friends especially to the beach and casinos. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown. She had a special love for her family including the “Kin Folk” in Mississippi. She was the loving mother of five daughters, Linda Clymer, Terri Ufferman (Greg), Susan Hippeli (Paul), Joanne Trumbauer (Dave) and Barbara Schlupp (John). Loving grandmother of 12, Ryan Clymer (Debra), Melissa McConnell (Richard), Jenn Boyd (Ben), Ashlee Ufferman, Kelly Evers (Scott), Sara Khalil (Malek), Adam Hippeli (Danielle), Wesley Trumbauer, Brett Trumbauer, Krista Yim (Jung), Kelly Schlupp and Keri Schlupp. She was also the loving great grandmother of 12. She was predeceased by a brother James Anderson. Due to the recent health concerns graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. Please visit www.crstrunk.com to leave online condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. Quakertown. Russell Thomas Fiugalski, age 52, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on Saturday March 21, 2020 at Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice in Marlton, NJ after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Philadelphia, PA he was a son of Russell Lewis Fiugalski (Barbara) of Southeast Philadelphia, PA and Judy M. Anderson (William) of Quakertown, PA. Russell was a Truck Driver in the logistics industry for many years. He loved riding his motorcycle and was a current member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle

April 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Club. He also loved vacationing at Wildwood, NJ. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his companion Ashleigh McAllister of Elmer NJ; two brothers, James R. Anderson and William T. Anderson (Andrea Hicks) all of Quakertown, PA; and one sister, Janet M. Fiugalski (Tim Duquette) of Newport Ritchie Florida. A visitation and memorial service will be announced for a later date after the pandemic has passed. Private interment services will be held in Perkasie, PA. Contributions in his memory may be made to his memorial fund at www. tmcfunding.com/funds/russell-tfiugalski-funeral-fund/4434/. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (215536-3343) of Quakertown, PA. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Giovanna Ingravallo, 79, of Quakertown died March 22, 2020 in her home. She was the wife of Vito Ingravallo. Born in Mola-Di Bari Italy she was the daughter of the late Luca & Grazia (Demonte) Guardavaccaro. She was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. In addition to her husband she is survived by a son Patrick of Quakertown, two daughters Caterina Weierbach (William David) of Quakertown, and Grace of Bayonne, New Jersey. One sister Caterina, and five grandchildren Michael, William, Nicholas, Emily, & Bella. Private Services will be held at the convenience of the family. A memorial mass will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www. crstrunk.com) Quakertown. Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association 399 Market St. Suite 102 Philadelphia, PA 19106. Natale A. Vivian, 82, of Rieglesville, PA died on March 25, 2020 in Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, PA. He was the husband of Roberta J. (Rollhauser) Vivian. Whom he was married to for 59 years this past October. Born and raised in Trenton, NJ he was the only child of the late Ernesto & Barbara (Cicchetti) Vivian. Natale was a graduate from Lafayette College with BS in Electrical Engineering. He was employed 36 years at the Bethlehem Steel Company where he started in the Loopers Program before becoming a Maintenance Foreman at the BOF and eventually served as Superintendent of Maintenance before retiring. Natale was active with the Springfield Township Lions Club, The local Boy Scouts of American and served as a board member on both the Upper Bucks Vocational Technology School and the Palisades Youth Wrestling Program.

~Obituaries~

He was also a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Rieglesville, PA. In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons Natale R. (Debbie) of Catasauqua, PA, Christopher A. of Riegelsville, PA and Andrew D. (Karen) of Barto, PA. and the proud grandfather of four grandchildren Jason, Parker, Nicholas, and Noah. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942. Irene Edna (Detweiler) Martin, age 90, died Wed. March 25, 2020, at St. Luke’s Hospice House of the VNA, Bethlehem. Born Aug. 29, 1929 in Bedminster Twp, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Anna (Tiefenthaler) Detweiler, and the widow of the late Alfred G. Martin, to whom she was married 51 years. Irene is survived by: son Allen Martin; daughters Donna Weaver, Wanda Wolf, Ruth Kline, and Betty Martin; brother William Detweiler; sister Ethel Buzdygon; as well as 8 beloved grandchildren and 10 adored great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by: granddaughter Tracy Weaver; brothers Russell, James, and Richard; sisters Anna and Joyce; and stepson Gerald Martin. Services will be private and at the discretion of the family. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (215536-3343) of Quakertown, PA. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Patricia Inez Gonzalez, age 55, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 25, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospice House of the VNA in Bethlehem, PA. Born in El Paso, TX she was a daughter of Avelina (Yanez) and the late Jesus Gonzalez, Sr. Patricia graduated from Spring Garden Special Education in Bethlehem. Patricia liked watching Me TV, watching Wizard of Oz, loved Elvis Presley and loved dogs and cats. In addition to her mother, she is survived by siblings, Cynthia, Jesus Jr., Gina Reichl, Jose, Gloria Smith, Juan and Gerardo Gonzalez. She was predeceased by sister Ann Irene Gonzalez. Due to state restrictions of the COVID-19, services and interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to Aunt Helen’s Cats In Need, 1747 Williams Street, Hellertown, PA 18055 or Facebook page www.facebook.com/pg/ dossidoe/about/.

American Legion Post 242 April 2020 Update BY DICK HELM As we face the current health crisis, we want to let you know that we are following all guidelines of closure, attendance, and participation that are outlined by our officials. We urge you to check the sign posted in our front lawn to find out Post Openings as they occur. This brings to mind the current call by Federal, State, and Local Governments to have self-imposed and in some cases, mandatory restrictions. To those in the generations that followed the last period of draft for the service and did not have to serve, I am giving an example of living a restricted life for the betterment of our Country. Many such as I at the age of 21 back in the 60’s and 70’s knew we faced the possibility of “Being called up.” (I wish to include the Veterans who have since the draft ended, volunteered and served especially in Hostile areas.) I had a good job at Berman Leasing Company and was fortunate to be driving a “Ford Convertible.” Life was good! As I came home from trout fishing at Cook’s Creek in April 1965, my mother stood anxiously on our front porch with a letter we all knew would soon be coming: my Draft Notice to report May 7, 1965.My life would be changing!

Many of my fellow trainees (Draftees and Enlisted men) at Fort Jackson, S.C. who went to basic sleeping in 8 man tents instead of barracks faced restrictions and hardships if they served later on in Vietnam. They went out to the field in Huey’s (Helicopters) or were on posts near the front line. They gave up all common items found at home base when in a combat situation. Eating Rations, having limited sanitary conditions, facing danger for either short or long periods of time. Why? They were proud citizen soldiers wanting to make sure we continue our way of life. Some gave their all and we will ALWAYS make it a priority to honor them. The rest of us Citizen Soldiers served proudly and returned to United States whether from Vietnam or in my case from Europe and have experienced the wonderful freedoms and privileges that only we have here in the U.S.A.! Now it is not only my generation that is asked to sacrifice again; it is ALL of us. We are again able, as we were then, able to endure. Can you? In our next issue we will hopefully be able to let you know of plans for Memorial Day (Public involvement), our Spring Drawing, and other pertinent information on what is open and what is being delayed at Post 242. Most important of all - God Bless America!

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (215536-3343) of Quakertown, PA. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Margaret G. Treffinger, age 77, of Richlandtown, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 26, 2020 at Phoebe Richland Healthcare Center in Richlandtown. She was the loving partner to Floyd “Epp” Miller. Born in Quakertown, PA she was a daughter of the late John and Gertrude (Ort) Gares. Margaret graduated from Quakertown High School in 1960. Following graduation, she attended cosmetology school in Norristown, then worked several years as a beautician. She worked at Quaker Safety Co, in Quakertown for 7 years and previously worked at DeLoux, Inc. in Sellersville for 10 years. She is survived by her son Thomas Treffinger, her daughter Tammy Kratz, her grandson Andrew Kratz and his wife Stephanie, and her granddaughter Victoria Kratz. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Kayden, Olivia, and Parker. Others in her family include her sister Sue Farrell and her husband Harry, her niece Judith Northrop and her nephew Jonathan Farrell (and their families) and several cousins. Due to state regulations and the COVID-19, services and interment will be held privately. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. of Quakertown, PA. To view online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Robert Abraham Yeisley, age 91, died Fri, March 27, 2020 at Phoebe Richland Healthcare Center, Richlandtown. Born Oct. 19, 1928, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Robert A. and Esther Anna (Baker) Yeisley, and the widower of the late Shirley J. (Matzer) Yeisley. Robert was employed at Moore Business Forms, where he worked as a paper press machine mechanic until his retirement in 1990. He enjoyed reading, gardening, woodworking, and refinishing furniture. Being at home with his family and pet dogs was his true joy. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. Robert is survived by: daughters Elaine Breiner and Cheryl Breese; grandsons Garrett and Justin Breiner; 3 great grandchildren; brother Wayne Yeisley; and sister Esther Montoney. Services will be private and at the discretion of the family. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (215-536-3343) of Quakertown, PA. To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com.

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Glenna Mae (Nace) Austin of Quakertown, passed away March 27, 2020 at Phoebe Richland in Richlandtown after suffering from dementia for several years. Glenna was the wife of the late Curtis L. Austin Sr. Born in Trumbauersville, she was the daughter of the late Isaac and Florence (Meng) Nace. Glenna loved spending as much time as possible with her family and any additional time outdoors in her gardens. If asked, she would joyfully tell you of her life and family in Trumbauersville. She is survived by two sons, Thomas (Betsy) Austin and Curtis (Karen) Austin Jr and a daughter Cheryl Lanteigne. She adored her grandchildren, Christopher Austin (Lauren), Clinton Austin (Shannon), Joshua Austin, Kenneth McIlvaine, Maleana McIlvaine and Joseph Lanteigne. Glenna also had two great grandchildren Merrick and Maisy. Along with her husband, she was predeceased by one sister, Ruth Dietz and 4 brothers, Marvin, Orvis, Elmer and Willis. Graveside services will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Glenna Austin Fund, First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. (215536-3343) of Quakertown, PA. To view her online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com. Donald E. Turner, 62, of Coopersburg died April 3, 2020 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Christine (Vargo) Turner. They were married 43 years last September. Born in Bristol, PA he was the son of Donald C. & Marilyn (Dolan) Turner. He was a Maintenance Forman for the Quakertown Waste Water Treatment Facility before retiring. He was a former volunteer for West End Fire Company in Quakertown. When his children were younger he was active with little league baseball and softball. In addition to his wife and parents he is survived by a son Jason Turner and a daughter Janet Turner, two sisters Kathy Ferris (Robert), and Karen McCarter. Three grandchildren Zoe, Katie, & Josh. Predeceased by a brother John. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society Lehigh Valley Unit 3893 Adler Place Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Upper Bucks Free Press Mourns Loss of Staffer Baron von Snickerdoodle, affectionately known to friends, family, and coworkers as ‘Snickers’ passed away peacefully on March 17, 2020 at the age of 20. Snickers came to work at the Upper Bucks Free Press in early 2012 following his retirement from his position as housecat for 12 years when his family was no longer able to keep him on staff. He has served in a wide range of functions at UBFP, including that of doorman, food taster, meeting organizer, night watchman, as well as in his favorite job of office paperweight. Snickers was the only full time employee at UBFP spending 24 hours a day on the job. Snickers volunteered part time as a therapy cat for a local psychologist in an adjacent office for a few years and was much appreciated by therapist and clients alike. He also volunteered as a resident advisor for several months at the Upper Bucks SPCA in Quakertown prior to coming to UBFP. It was Snickers’ wish that, in lieu of flow-

ers, that donations be made to your favorite animal rescue or even better, consider rescuing a pet to join your family, or in his case, your workplace.

Pandemic

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Little Library

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Honoring Essential Workers BuckyGrams: tulip, daffodil, crocus, forsythia, pansy, snapdragon, lily of the valley, iris, creeping phlo

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church

Evangel Assembly of God

Meets in Strayer Middle School Cafeteria 1200 Ronald Reagan Drive Quakertown, PA 18951 484-523-3333 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf

401 Arch Street Perkasie, PA 18944 484-860-8269 Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am, Adult Sunday School 9:30am, Wednesday Evening Prayer & Bible Study 6:00pm, Where God’s Love Changes Lives

First United Church of Christ

101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Fourth Street & Park Avenue Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net Facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Contemporary Service 11:45am, Alternative worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm

Christ Church United Church of Christ

Christ’s Lutheran Church

1 Luther Lane Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-536-3193 christselca@verizon.net www.christslutheran.com Pastor: Carolann Hopcke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies 1st & 3rd Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church. Find us on Facebook!

Church of the Incarnation

44 S. 8th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-3787 Ardores@verizon.net www.IncarnationQuakertown.org Pastor: Most Rev. Thomas J. Kleppinger Traditional worship, Biblical faith Sunday 10:30am, Holy Days as announced.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday service at 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome!

First United Methodist Church

501 Market Street Perkasie, PA 18944 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Suzanne Wenonah Duchesne Sunday Worship Schedule: 10 AM weekly. We invite you and your loved ones to join us.

Good News Church

424 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. An alternative to the ultra-contemporary Sunday Worship and Children’s Church 10:30 am, Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm, World Evangelism Fellowship affiliate.

Grace Bible Fellowship Church

1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Evening 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:30pm; Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:30am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult Bible Study 7pm.

Juniper Street Bible Church

317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115 Lead Pastor: Martin McPherson Associate Pastor: Bob Stevenson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org Contemporary Worship Service: Sunday 10 am, Prayer meeting for Quakertown Service Wednesday 7pm, Other services as announced. Watch us live on Facebook Sunday mornings at “Juniper Street Bible Church”

Morning Star Fellowship

429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-6422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry provided, EastWest Cafe open with free coffee. Celebrate recovery Tuesday 7pm. Check website for more info.

Quakertown United Methodist Church

1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Lori Wagner Sunday morning worship: 8:00, 9:00, 11:00am Sunday School for all ages 10:00am Communion first Sunday of each month.

Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker)

Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-7555 Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org Clerk: Jack H. Schick Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.”

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown

1565 Sleepy Hollow Road, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Worship: 9:45am; Sunday School 9 - 9:45am 3 yrs - 6th grade; Nursery 6 mo - age 8.

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley

910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am w/praise band. Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available. Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible. All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville

837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown 215-536-5789 stpauls@netcarrier.com www.stpaulsqtown.org Pastor: Rev. David Heckler We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net 9am Sunday School for all ages, 10:15 Worship in Sanctuary, Prayer Shawl Ministry 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 1 to 3pm.

Trinity Lutheran Church

102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9am Traditional Service, 11am; Contemporary Service, 10:30am; FaithQuest, 10:15am; Handicapped accessible, Family friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Living God’s Love for All.

Victory Fellowship Church

120 Ridge Road, Telford 215-453-9988 victoryfellowshippa@gmail.com www.victoryfellowshippa.org Pastor: Dr. Virgil A. Mobley Full Gospel.A friendly, loving, and joyful church where the presence of God is in His house. Check out our website.

To have your place of worship included in this directory, please contact Terri Roger at 215-529-8915 ext 11 or email at terri@ubfp.org

Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org Ongoing Events & Resources FEAST Food Pantry at Christ’s Lutheran, 1 Luther Ln, Trumbauersville. Every Tues 11am-2pm, every Thur 6pm-8pm, 3rd Sat 11am-1pm. Use door right side at bottom of ramp. FMI: 215-536-3193 Free Dog Adoptions for Veterans & Active Military Members! Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue waives adoption fees. Ck website for more on Pups for Vets program. HarleysHavenDogRescue.com Morning storytime activities for infants thru age 6 at Samuel Pierce Library in Perkasie. Call 215-257-9718 for specific days, times & age group for your child. Allentown Art Museum is Free every Sunday, 12noon-4pm. Located at 31 N Fifth St, Allentown Hoagie Sales 2nd Mon of month (except July/August) Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St. Advance Orders Only due Wed. before. $6.00-$6.25, Order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com Petco Adoption Day, 1st Sat of month, 1pm-4pm. Petco, 242 N West End Blvd, Quakertown, lastchanceranch.org PetSmart Adoption Day, 2nd Sat of month, 11am-2pm. PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, lastchanceranch.org Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Sat of month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215538-2510, lastchanceranch.org “Words Come Easy” Drop-in Writing Workshop at Haycock Community Ctr, 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. (Tues 7-9pm) Cost/$10. More info at lyndagene@goblinfarm.net

Veteran Organizations & Activities

Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. All veterans invited to join. Call Frank 215-679-7770 John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 meets 1:30pm, 2nd Sun of month, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, All Vets welcome, 215-529-0500 (bring DD 214 for proof eligibility) American Legion Post 210 meets 7:30pm, 1st Mon of month at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown. All Vets welcome, doylestownpost210.org Meghan’s Foundation Yoga Class for Veterans meets 6pm every Wed at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown. All Vets welcome, meghansfoundation.org VFW Post 175 meets 7pm, 2nd Mon of month at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown. doylestownpost175vfw.org Central Bucks Detachment Marine Corps League (MCL) meets 7:30pm, 2nd Wed of month at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown. All Marines welcome. American Legion Post 210 Auxillary meets 1pm, 3rd Sun of month at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) meets 7:30pm, 3rd Mon of month at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 17 meets 6pm, 4th Mon of month at Albert R Atkinson, Jr. American Legion Post 210, 315 North St, Doylestown. davmembersportal.org

Support & Service Groups

Cancer Support Group at Generations of Indian Valley meets 11am-12noon, 4th Fri of month. $3 donation/pp, per session. Space is limited. FMI/register at 215-723-5841. Sisters U Monthly Meetings 3rd Thurs of month, 7pm-9pm in Perkasie. Email: info@ sistersu.com,

AARP meets 12:45pm, 2nd Mon of month at Upper Bucks Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. 215-536-3066, upperbucksac.org Family Education Program on Addiction meets 1st three Mondays monthly, 7pm at Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Facilitators provide guidebook on understanding addiction, impact on family, next steps, support networks. Regis: 1-800-221-6333 SOS Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets 7:30pm-9pm (1st Wed each month) at Quakertown St. Luke’s Hospital, Taylor Conference Room A. Contact 610-657-0811. Compassionate Friends Support Group (loss of children, siblings) meets 7:30pm-9pm the 2nd Tue of month. St. Luke’s Hosp, 1021 Park Ave, Quakertown. (Taylor Conf. Rms A & B) tcfquakertownpa.org or 484-408-7314 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the 3rd Monday of month. First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 Caregiver Support Group meets last Thurs. of month. Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave. RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic (for uninsured eligible residents), 595 W State St, Doylestown. Call to schedule an eligibility appt. 215-345-2260. aschealthclinic.org Alzheimer’s Support Group at Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, details: Social Services 267-371-4517, nkoval@phoebe.org NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900, NOVABucks.org Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tues 7pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, (family/friends of those struggling w/addiction) Bedminster.naranon@ yahoo.com A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220-8116, www.awomansplace.org UB Kiwanis meets 1st Wed of month 7:30am at Panera Bread, 4th Wed of month 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown

Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wed of month, 7pm at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant, Quakertown Quakertown Rotary Club meets (1st & 3rd Tues 7:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant) (2nd, 4th, & 5th Tues 6pm at Spinnerstown Hotel) Business Networking International (BNI) meets Thurs 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy in Quakertown. Membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com

Community Meals

Free Community Meal 2nd, 4th, & 5th Wed of month, 6pm. Richland Friends Quaker Meeting, Mill Rd & Main St (off Rte 309) Quakertown, 215-538-7555 Free Community Meal 3rd Thurs of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm. First UCC, 4th & Park, Quakertown, 215-536-4447 Free Community Meal 1st Thurs. of month (Oct-June) 5:45pm. Yerger Bldg across from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown Free Community Meal 3rd Mon of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Call 215-249-3689 for possible ride.

Bingo

Bingo – Upper Bucks Senior Activity Ctr every Thurs 12noon-3pm at 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown. $50 Jackpot first Thur. of month when applicable. 215-536-3066 Bingo - Richland Twp Fire/Rescue every Tues, open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Quakertown. 215-536-7226 Bingo - Great Swamp Fish/Game every Sat, open 4pm, (kitchen open) 2650 Schukraft Rd, Quakertown, 215-536-8820 Bingo - Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs (except July) open 5pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo - Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues, open 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Bingo - American Legion Post 397, 1st & 3rd Fri of month, open 6pm, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624

April 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

Naomi’s Shoe Box

I confess. I developed a relationship with ‘another woman’ recently. It was one of those shallow, brief, ‘ships-in-the-night’ type relationships. I got over it quickly. Everything’s okay, now…particularly since the woman has been resting for almost 30 years in Union Cemetery here in Quakertown. At a recent Quakertown Historical Society archives work session my job was to go through a shoe box stuffed to bulging with newspaper clippings. I was to sort them into piles of interest to or us, perhaps of interest to neighboring historical societies, or onto ‘Dust Bin of Time’ heap. Some articles were clipped together, some were in plastic sandwich bags, but most were loose. A couple of letters and envelopes, a few half-sheets of paper with names and dates, library reference volume numbers and pages and a few genealogical notes were among the yellowing clippings. The only starting point was the names “Rice” and “Pfleiger” written on the box-end. I checked the letters first. They were addressed to Mrs. Edwin Sacks at 200 Hellertown, Ave. Quakertown. When I grabbed a handful of clippings, a dozen two-line obituary snippets fluttered loose like confetti. I started sorting, like with jigsaw pieces. Mrs. Sacks wrote underlines or dates on some articles. They spanned 1953-1972, most in the ‘50’s/’60’s. She was especially interested in the Rice and Reiss families. Most referenced the Lehigh Valley. There were some local names: Kinsey, Trumbower, Nace, Wolfinger, Trauger. There were no Sacks’. There were some interesting articles in the stack but most were mere statistics. Later, I did an Internet search for Mrs. Sacks with no luck. I was curious how the ‘gender thing’ was so blatant, even in the 1960’s, that I couldn’t find her first or maiden name. At Find-a-Grave.com, through, I found husband Edwin Forrest Sacks—and his wife: Naomi E. (Hoffle) Sacks. Naomi was born July 23, 1904 and died July (?), 1991. She’s in Union Cemetery in Quakertown, with Edwin. A big step! It appears the Sacks’ had no children. Naomi had a younger brother William Hoffle and an older half sister, Tillie Morgan (buried, respectively, at St.John’s Spinnerstown and Union Cemeteries). Husband Edwin, on the other hand, had 13 brothers and sisters. I found Edwin’s obituary. He was born in 1905 and died at a nursing home in Richlandtown in August, 1991--less than a month after Naomi died. I had the inclination but not the time to chase Naomi deeper into The Cloud. I couldn’t figure out where Naomi Sacks’ interest in Rice/Reiss and Pfleiger came from. There was a checked off list of every Rice in the Allentown phonebook and other research notes. The fact Naomi wrote ‘used’ on the back of some of the articles made me think she’d at least started a genealogy or biography. Naomi started filling her shoe box when she was nearly fifty and childless. Maybe she was just touching her roots or reaching out to relatives. Maybe some of the scores of names I encountered were just friends. Besides scanning the basketful of obituary slips, I perused the longer articles Naomi chose to collect. One clipping ‘said’: May 17, 1955, Elmer Rice of 44 S. 6th, Q-town, was in a serious car-crash at Park and Main. Elmer was treated for chest injuries at Quakertown

hospital. His wife, Delores, had scalp injuries and abrasions. Their car suffered front end damage but Paul Clark’s, of Allentown, was totally wrecked. [There’s a traffic light there, now]. Naomi followed several generations of the Nace family. In September, 1959, Pfc. Richard Nace (of R.D. 2 Quakertown), conducted the 72nd Artillery Group Band at special shows across Germany. He also played with the Quakertown Band, the Melody Aces Dance Band and was director of the Richlandtown Drum and Bugle Corps. Then, in 1963, Naomi saved a double-column photo of four-year-old Kevin Nace of Coopersburg who was scheduled to lead the Quakertown Citizens Band at a concert in the Junior High auditorium, Sunday, March 31st. I’ll bet you an Historical Society T-shirt that Naomi attended. In February 1959, Naomi showed interest in a petition Mary I. Reiss of Richlandtown filed to have her husband declared dead. Paul Reiss bought his wife a ticket to a play at Leithsville Community Center, April 25, 1938. When she got home he and some of his stuff was gone. She never saw or heard from him again. Mary and Paul’s two boys had been adopted out. Daughter Virginia Reiss Bryan lived in Dublin Borough. Naomi clipped another article a few months later. The petition was approved and Mary got the $1,800 that had been tied up for 21 years! Naomi Sacks, like many of us do, suffered life’s tragedies. I came across a February, 1960, clipping that tells of a 63 year old Quakertown area woman, Florence Allison. She’d been ill and was found hanging by bed sheets in her attic stairway. A 1964 clipping, almost exactly four years later, tells that 23 year old Barbara L. Reis of Fountain Hill was found dead in bed of an overdose. Why Naomi saved those memories we can only guess. When I read one article she’d saved from May, 1965, Naomi Sacks became more alive to me. I felt a deep, almost intimate emotional connection with her--a woman I had only a hazy ‘relationship’ with across the mists of time through her shoe box. My heart ached with hers, and with those of all others who have suffered similarly. In Coopersburg, it was four year old Cathy Reiss’s birthday! While her mom was talking to her dad in the yard, Cathy climbed into her grandfather’s car to ride with her brother to his kindergarten. Cathy grabbed the emergency brake release to help boost herself up. When the car moved the open door knocked Cathy down and the front tire rolled over her, crushing her to death. She was DOA at Allentown Hospital. Much more ‘real life history’ lies hidden in Naomi Sacks’s shoe box. The lives of ordinary people are what brings life to our history. The Quakertown Historical Society encourages everyone to clip clippings, write journals and family biographies, research your roots, jot down your stories. Send us copies of what you find. We’ll gladly include it in our archives so that years from now Quakertonians will know something about you, me, Naomi Sacks and other regular old people who are the soul of our town. Please send anything you might know about Naomi E. Hoffle Sacks (1904-1991) to the Quakertown Historical Society or me. Jack Schick is a long time Quakertown

area resident and regular contributor here at

UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com

Perkasie Mayor Proclaims April 13th “Helper Recognition Day” Perkasie’s Mayor John Hollenbach issued a very special proclamation at the Borough’s Council Meeting on Monday April 6th. In recognition of community members in essential occupations who are working through the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Hollenbach’s proclamation names Monday April 13th, 2020 as “Helper Recognition Day”. “Every day since the coronavirus pandemic began, a number of people have been risking their lives for the greater good: doctors, nurses, grocery store clerks, delivery and truck drivers, police officers, Borough crews —the list goes on and on,” says Mayor Hollenbach. “Most of us are being told to stay home and distance ourselves, while they continue doing their jobs. The government calls them “essential workers”. I call them heroes, and I’m sure we are all very grateful for their help.” The Proclamation is one way that the

Perkasie Borough Council and Mayor can show the community’s appreciation for its frontline workers, but they are encouraging everyone to do more. “Perhaps everyone could spend a few moments in reflection on April 6th and think of a way to acknowledge one or more helpers in our community,” suggested James Ryder, Perkasie Borough Council President. Some ideas to show your thanks might be to make a sign and post it in your front yard or a window, to organize your street or neighborhood to flash your lights, or ring bells, or clap and cheer all at the same time, to send a gift card or care package, or to make and mail thank you cards to a local essential business. The full text of the Mayor’s proclamation is below. Questions from the community about “Helper Appreciation Day” should be directed to the Borough Offices at admin@ perkasieborough.org or (215) 257-5065.

Put Tax-Smart Investing Moves to Work

The tax return deadline has been extended until mid-July, but you may have already filed your taxes. If you were not entirely happy with the results, you might start seeking ways to change the outcome for next year. And one area to look at may be your investment-related taxes. To help control these taxes, consider these moves: • Take full advantage of tax-deferred investments. As an investor, one of the best moves you can make is to contribute as much as you can afford to your tax-deferred accounts – your traditional IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan – every year. If you don’t touch these accounts until you retire, you can defer taxes on them for decades, and when you do start taking money out, presumably during retirement, you may be in a lower tax bracket. • Look for tax-free opportunities. Interest from municipal bonds typically is exempt from federal income tax, and, in some cases, from state and local income tax, too. (Some municipal bonds, however, may be subject to the alternative minimum tax.) And if you qualify to contribute to a Roth IRA – eligibility is generally based on income – your earnings can be withdrawn tax-free, provided you’ve had your account for at least five years and you don’t start taking withdrawals until you’re at least 59-1/2. Your employer may also offer a Roth 401(k), which can provide tax-free withdrawals. Keep in mind, though, that you contribute after-tax dollars to a Roth IRA and 401(k),unlike a traditional IRA and 401(k), in which your contributions are made with pretax dollars. • Be a “buy and hold” investor. Your 401(k) and IRA are designed to be long-term investments, and you will face disincentives in the form of taxes and penalties if you tap into them before you reach retirement age. So, just by

investing in these retirement accounts, you are essentially pursuing a “buy and hold” strategy. But you can follow this same strategy for investments held outside your IRA and 401(k). You can own some investments – stocks in particular – for decades without paying taxes on them. And when you do sell them, you’ll only be taxed at the long-term capital gains rate, which may well be less than your ordinary income tax rate. But if you’re frequently buying and selling investments you’ve held for less than a year, you could rack up some pretty big tax bills, because you’ll likely be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. • Be prepared for unexpected taxes. Mutual fund managers are generally free to make whatever trades they choose. And when they do sell some investments, they can incur capital gains, which will be passed along to you. If this is a concern, you might look for funds that do less trading and bill themselves as tax efficient. While taxes are certainly one factor to consider when you invest, they should probably not be the driving force. You need to build a diversified portfolio that’s appropriate for your risk tolerance and time horizon. Not all the investments you select, and the moves you make with them, will necessarily be the most tax efficient, but by working with your financial and tax professionals, you can make choices that can help you move toward your long-term goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Bob Podraza on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or at bob.podraza@edwardjones.com

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue.

Think Local. Play Local. Be Local.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Ark Animals Arms Best Friends Bicycle Tires Cheeks Chopsticks Crutches Cufflinks

Dice Ears Eyes Feet Gloves Hands Headlights Kidneys

Knees Knitting Needles Legs Lips Lungs Newlyweds Nostrils

Pigtails Shoes Skates Skis Socks Thumbs Twins Wings

April 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

“I think there are as many kinds of gardening as poetry.”

John Addison, English poet, playwright, essayist

This year, March showers have brought spring flowers. Early blooming Crocus, Daffodil (Narcissus), Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) and Hyacinths (Hyacinthus) have brought a welcome sight during these difficult times. Bring an arrangement inside to provide some color to your dining table. Lenten Roses (Helleborus) look especially beautiful floated in a glass container. Due to the Covid19 Pandemic restrictions, Penn State Master Gardeners have been required to cease all public volunteer activities. However we can still be here for the gardening community through printed and social media. No matter how you garden, you can take this time of isolation to garden. Take a walk around your flower beds. Make a note of changes that you would like to make and jot down regular spring garden tasks to be performed. Start a journal listing all that you would like to accomplish. If you already journal, consult last year’s entries to refresh your memory. In my journal from March 22, 2014, daffodils were only up 2-3”. Mine are in full bloom as I write this article on the same day in 2020. Plan a new flower or vegetable space (there are new varieties specifically to be grown in containers) • Try something new this year. New varieties of plants are offered by mail order. Experiment! • Divide perennials such as grasses, Hostas, Phlox and Irises that have become overcrowded • Replant the extras in a different location or share with a neighbor or friend (leave the plants on a porch or in a driveway for safe pickup) • Move a plant that is not thriving in its current location • Install a rain barrel (kits are available online) • Remove weeds • Refresh the soil in your window boxes and containers • Apply compost and mulch flower beds (shredded leaves from spring cleanup makes great mulch) • Remove a plant that is no longer viable

• If the soil is ready, plant spring veggies such as peas, onions and lettuce (soil should be moist but not caked or oozing water when squeezed) • Paint untreated wood surfaces to deter Carpenter Bees • Inspect shrubs for emerging pests and treat if needed • Continue to search for Spotted Lanternfly egg masses and destroy them • Hook up garden hoses and garden watering systems • Remove burlaps coverings from protected shrubs • Edge beds • Feed shrubs, roses, and hydrangeas If you are lucky enough to have all your spring gardening chores completed or you just need a break take a “virtual” tour. Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware offers virtual tours of their stunning gardens online. The spring ephemerals are blooming and are a delight. On a recent walk (before the stay-at-home order from our Governor) my husband and I spotted Trout Lillies (Erythronium) and Skunk Cabbage (Symphlocarpus foetidus) emerging. An Ephemeral is a plant that blooms early in spring only for a short time. At the time of this publication the Spring Beauties (Claytonia virginica - pictured) will be in bloom. These delicate pale white to pink flowers with pink stripes bloom in masses among the leaf litter of our native woodlands. Mt. Cuba also has a large collection of Trilliums . Enjoy nature and stay safe. Photos courtesy of Penn State cooperative extension News articles “Rain Barrels for Water Conservation and “Notable Native Herbs for 2020: Spring Beauty and Witch Hazel Our home gardening hotline reopened as of March 30th. Emails are being answered by our trained Master Gardeners remotely from 9 am to 4 pm Monday thru Friday. For fastest service use email. You can still call if you prefer. Leave a message and we will return your call. Phone: 267-417-3195 “Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Road Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksMG@psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!

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16

• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

Employment Opportunities

Borough of Quakertown - Seasonal positions. K.I.D.S. Camp Counselor, Community Pool Lifeguard, Blue Water Café Staff. Positions are from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Applications available online.quakertown.org/employment. Applications due by March 20. Also accepting resumes for a Parks & Rec Intern 215-536-5001 x136

Krause Home & Lawn Care - an award winning company, is looking to hire a few dependable and hard working individuals for 30-50 hours per week. May involve weekend work. Would prefer experience in landscaping and/or handyman fields, but not required. Pay is commiserate with experience. We offer Aflac insurance after 90 days, workman’s comp, paid vacation, company vehicles to be used during work day, competitive pay. We prefer a clean driving record to operate our company vehicles. Experience driving a truck with a trailer is a plus! We’re looking for people that are willing to learn, able to work outside, and have a great work ethic! Contact Kevin at 267-261-7671. Kulp Roofing & Construction - We are currently in need of experienced individuals for our roof repair team, gutter team, and window team. Individuals must be motivated, punctual, detail-oriented, professional and loyal. Contact us to schedule an interview. We are looking for long-term, year-round help. Roofing is not a requirement for any of these positions except “Roof Repair Technician”. Applications accepted at our office at 216 D, Apple St., Quakertown, PA, Call 215-538-0618 Spor’s General Store - Hiring PT Kitchen, dishwasher, cleaning, waitstaff, ice cream window, etc. Contact: bspor@sporsgeneralstore. com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville Classic Hair Designs Established salon seeking experienced stylists, nail technician, and massage therapist. Are you a motivated & creative? We’d like to meet you! We use top quality products and offer education, paid vacation, flexibility and a relaxing atmosphere to work. Send your resume to classichairdesigns1@gmail.com.

New Vitae Wellness & Recovery Join our amazing staff of caring Med Techs, PCA’s, Mentors, Drivers, Housekeepers, and Kitchen Assistants who work in our personal care homes in Quakertown and Limeport/Coopersburg. If interested in immediate employment, please call (610) 965-9021 ext. #239 or an online application at www.newvitaewellness.com/ careers. Look for our upcoming job fairs on March 19th at our Limeport location from 1-4 pm and March 20th at our Recovery Center in Quakertown from 12-4 pm.

YMCA of Bucks County - Calling Camp and Aquatic Professionals! Looking for an opportunity to make a difference in your community? YMCA of Bucks County is hiring in your neighborhood. Apply: ymcabucks.org You’ve Got MAIDS is looking for exceptional employees. You will be paid well and treated very well! If you love to clean, please apply. We would be happy to meet you for an interview. Monday through Friday Full-Time and Part-Time. Also Nights & Weekends available. Full-Time: Paid commission (average $11 to $15 hr), Monthly bonus program, Paid Holidays after 6 months for Full-Time, Paid Training, Earn Paid Time Off, No experience necessary. (215) 529-7837 Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service - Funeral home support staff needed. Event set up, funeral processions, flower handling, extensive interaction with the bereaved. Must be a people person. Email Matt Grieco at mgrieco@janauglefcs.com

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go...”

- Dr. Seuss

Lazer Limousine is growing and starting an office in the Quakertown area. We have a diverse fleet, from sedans to bus, to handle any number of passengers. Flexible schedule. Give us a call and let us show you what professional chauffeuring is all about. 267-371-7857

Think Local. Work Local. Be Local. Laboski Elected as Treasurer for Eastern PA Soccer Association

Bucks County attorney Gavin R. Laboski, Esq., has been elected treasurer for the nonprofit Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association (EPSA), one of two soccer associations in the Commonwealth that govern all adult leagues from the professional level down to Sunday morning leagues. Laboski, who grew up in Quakertown and played soccer in high school and at college, is pleased to be able to serve the community in this role. “Soccer is exciting to watch, an excellent character builder for young people and a lifelong activity that can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages and skill levels. I’m happy to be serving on this organization’s executive committee.” Laboski has been providing legal services to the people and businesses of Bucks County since 1996. He opened his Quakertown firm in 2015 after four years with the Bucks County District Attorney’s office and 15 years with a well-regarded Doylestown firm.

April 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

17

This Too Shall Pass rice, beans, olive oil, Crisco, butter, eggs

I am a 1940’s baby, so I have seen a few things during my lifetime. I did not live through the Depression, but I remember my mother talking about it. Certain foods were rationed during that time: “sugar, coffee, meat, fish, butter, eggs, and cheese were the main foods rationed to prevent hoarding, to prepare for war efforts, and to try and help stabilize the economy.” As I got older, I heard her talk about how she made ends meet when they were rationing food and other products during the war. I was born toward the end of WWII and war ration books had been issued a couple of years before my birth. They contained removable stamps good for certain rationed items, like sugar, meat, cooking oil, and canned goods, as well as fuel, automobile tires and other commodities. Once a person’s ration stamps were used up for a month, they could not buy any more of that type of food or product. I still have a few ration books that my mother received from her husband who was in the Army. As I grew up, my mother struggled but she was always able to provide food and shelter. We did not survive on a steak and lobster diet, but we were well fed. My mother was an excellent cook and she knew how to take a few ingredients and prepare a banquet meal. The only time we had a three-part entrée on our plates was for Mama’s mouth-watering Sunday dinners of golden brown, crispy fried chicken; buttery hand-mashed potatoes; creamy brown gravy, and whatever vegetable du jour she would get from the garden. Of course, the meal also included golden, flaky biscuits or homemade rolls. During the week, unless it was a special occasion, she would prepare what is now referred to as casseroles, Slow Cooker Meals, or most recently, Sheet Pan dinners. We called it a Pot-uh (a Pot of). A pot-uh green beans and ham hocks with potatoes; a pot-uh Cabbage with carrots, potatoes, and sometimes corned beef; chicken and dumplings; vegetable soup with fresh garden vegetables; chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles and garden vegetables; homemade sauerkraut with hot dogs and mashed potatoes. Or, real macaroni and cheese, meat pie with a golden-brown crust, or chicken pot pie. We ate lots of veggies from the garden which included those dark green, leafy vegetables such as “kale,” mustard, and collard greens. In addition to her stash of canned vegetables in the cellar, we also had canned peaches and pears from our fruit trees, applesauce from a local apple orchard, and preserves from all the wild berries in the woods. Once a month my mother went to town for staples which included baking products,

(when our chickens were not laying), and seasonings. The butcher and milkman came to the house with meat and dairy products. It is said that history repeats itself; how true. The present situation in our nation is comparable to that period, but for a different reason. Many people are out of work. They are being laid off and some have lost their jobs permanently. Some employers may not be able to reopen their businesses when this Coronavirus epidemic has passed. Our economy is going to be in dire straits, and we will have to learn how to live in our new normal. Lifestyles will be adjusted, and the things that we have become accustomed to and taken for granted in America will be put on hold. There will be home foreclosures and car repossessions. The homeless population in America will increase drastically. Even those with substantial savings and sound investments will need to be wise. Does this sound like a dismal future that will result from this pandemic? Yes, it does. Can we survive it? Yes, we can. The entire world is in this together and we will learn to work together and help one another. We will remember the homeless in our community and help them in whatever capacity we are able. We will remember the most vulnerable among us, our elderly population. We will check on them to see what their needs may be. We will work shoulder to shoulder, and we will come back stronger than we have ever been. I choose to believe that our new normal will make us better people, kinder people, more compassionate people, and more loving people. We can do this. We will do this -TOGETHER because united we stand, divided we fall. Meanwhile, and most importantly, we will PRAY! We will pray for the leadership of the country, the state government leaders that have to make decisions for their states, for the scientists who are working hard to find a vaccine for this disease, for protection of all medical personnel in hospitals and other health care facilities, for first responders, for those who must work on essential jobs, for families who have lost loved ones to this catastrophic disease, and for those who have tested positive for COVID-19. Above all, remember that with Faith, Hope, and Prayer, God is still in control and, THIS TOO SHALL PASS Protect yourself and others. STAY AT HOME Jacque Holliday is a long time freelance contributor to UBFP. She always welcomes your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org

QCSD Students Participate in STEM Design Challenge

BY GARY WECKSELBLATT

Students from Pfaff and Richland Elementary Schools recently participated in the STEM Design Challenge at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Zach Garger, a K-12 Instructional Coach and the Quakertown Community School District’s Math and Science Content Specialist, said the event is a “unique experience” for elementary school students. “It gives kids at the elementary levels an opportunity to participate in STEM activities,” Mr. Garger said of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math subjects that are part of the activity. “They have the ability to use their creativity, to use their imagination, and to solve real-world problems.” The challenge for each team was to create a way to conserve energy in the future. For example, transforming energy from one object to power another or creating a new type of energy to power a city. Their task: Create a model of their energy conservation idea out of K’Nex pieces, and be creative. The four-student teams could use up to 1,400 K’Nex pieces, and use at least one motor. But none of the pieces could be brought to the competition already joined, and they only had two hours to put their project together. Each team was also required to write a journal (a diary of the team’s journey) and a blueprint for the competition, and be ready with a maximum two-minute presentation about how their model answered the challenge. “It was a lot of fun, and the kids did a great job developing their projects,” said Mr. Garger, who was a judge at the event. One Pfaff team, made up by Cole Limone, Alex Dakuginow, Brian Zeek and Eli Lowrie, designed a car and house that would work off of clean energy from a windmill. They created a wheel that would spin from the wind and send the potential energy to their car to use as kinetic energy. Another Pfaff team of Sunny Draper, Cassidy Landis, Alexis Mosser, and Paige Longacre, developed a program to stay fit with clean energy. They designed an exercise room

in a house. When people ride on the bike and other equipment it powers a wheel that generates energy to the house for electricity. The concept focused on staying healthy and creating clean energy all in one. The teachers who helped the students with their projects are Peach Draper and Adam Smith from Pfaff and Stephanie Traumuller from Richland. They were with students during the school day, recess period and after school.

The Richland Rockets team of Alex Day, Luka Duric, James Wehrheim, Malakai Jones and Gavin Rodgers constructed motion-based playground equipment, such as swings, merry go round, zipline, seesaws and more, to generate energy that is stored and used as a source of power throughout the community. In doing so, there will be less pollution and more savings on electric bills. The Richland Bluebirds team of Nathan Steinberg, Caiden Bratton, Misha Meer and Emily Albright created an energy-conserving playground involving pressure plates and an energy storage hub to offer a source of power to schools/communities. Through constructive play, energy will be stored and used to reduce pollution and ultimately live in a healthier world. The Bluebirds were recognized for their outstanding teamwork. “They’re the real heroes here,” Mr. Garger said of the teachers. “They held pizza parties for the kids and really went the extra mile,” he said. “They went above and beyond the call of duty to give kids this unique experience.”

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” - Charles Schultz

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • April 2020

Acura MDX Hybrid

Fun for Your Kids and the Dog All I hear from my grandkids is, “I’m bored.” We try to entertain them by playing board games, arts and crafts, anything to keep them off the TV, video games, and out of our hair. Here are a couple of suggestions to keep your kids and dog happy and busy during these stressful times. The Find-It Game- Have the kids create a treasure hunt for your dog. Hold your dog while the kids hide treats or kibble around the house or the back yard. When they’re ready, say to the dog “find it.” At first, make it super easy for the dog to find the treats; then gradually make the treats a little harder to find. The dog can really get good at this. Indoor dog obstacle course- Use things in your home to make a new and exciting game they both can enjoy. Building an indoor dog obstacle course doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. All it takes is a few dining chairs and a large blanket. Line up two rows of chairs back-to-back to create a tunnel. Leave enough space in the middle of the rows for your dog to safely run in between. With a little coaxing and

a tasty reward at the other end your pup will be zooming in and out while the kids giggle. Grab a pillow or two depending on the size of your dog. This is for your dog to jump over. You can stack the pillows in an entryway. Bigger dogs should be capable of clearing the pillow no problem, but smaller breeds you should be more cautious. Simply have your dog sit in front of the pillow, then throw a treat or kibble over to the other side. You can use a couple of books with a broom stick too. Just be careful for your dog’s safety. You don’t want to cause your dog any injuries by repeatedly jumping too high a hurdle. The height of the jump should be half the height of the dog at his shoulders to be on the safe side. The zig-zag course. Set up a serpentine of small obstacles on the ground, like boxes or chairs. Get your dog to zig zag around the obstacles using the “follow the leader” with a couple of treats. Remember to give your dog regular breaks from the kids. Stay healthy everyone. Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner and instructor for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown. She www.molassescreekdogtraining.com

Bucks County IU’s Fab Lab Produces PPE to Fight COVID-19 The Bucks County Intermediate Unit’s Mobile FAB LAB may be parked on the sidelines while schools are closed, but the equipment it normally takes around the county for students to use is not sitting idle. Thanks to some dogged investigation by a staffer, the IU’s equipment will soon be used to produce face shields for workers on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. Dr. Lindsey Sides, the Bucks IU’s Supervisor of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Education, heard from her connections in the science and technology world that some 3-D printers could be used to help fabricate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for medical personnel and first responders. With that bit of information, Sides embarked on a mission to find out how the Bucks IU’s FAB LAB equipment could help. After many searches and attempts to connect with groups and people for guidance, Sides received an email back from Amy Kuceyeski, an Associate Professor of Mathematics and Radiology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Kuceyeski had mobilized a team at Cornell to work on how they could use their 3-D printers to make face shields. The Cornell team was not only able to perfect a simple and effective process, but they were willing to share their design plans, specifications, and instructions. Additionally, Sides was also able to connect with Fab Lab NOLA, a sister fabrication laboratory from New Orleans, Louisiana. They were also investigating making PPE with their equipment and shared some of their specifications and knowledge from their learning process. Armed with all this information, Sides joined forces with Megan Boletta, the Bucks IU’s FAB LAB Program Coordinator. They ordered fabrication materials, made prototypes, and documented processes. Within just a few days, they produced a prototype, which they took to the Bucks County Emergency Operations Center in Ivyland for review and approval. It passed with flying colors and production began immediately. “We are so excited and gratified to be able to use this equipment to help protect

and support those on the front lines against this COVID-19 epidemic,” saidSides. “In the spirit of ‘sharing it forward’ we would also be happy to give our design instructions to anyone else who may have this equipment and want to help produce these as well.” Using the FAB LAB’s seven 3-D printers (models are by Sindoh and Dremel), along

with their Epilog laser cutter, Sides and Boletta can produce about 200 face shields in a week. They will be provided to the Bucks County Emergency Operations Center for distribution based on need throughout Bucks County. “Being able to produce these masks and provide them free of charge is an honor,” said Dr. Mark Hoffman, Bucks IU Executive Director. “We are extremely proud that our STEAM education team has taken this opportunity to find a way to support the fight against COVID-19 by helping to keep medical personnel and first responders safe.” Design instructions are available that either use only a 3-D printer, or that use both a 3-D printer and a laser cutter. If anyone is interested in making only the headpiece, the Bucks IU will take those and add the face shields to finish them. For more details, contact Dr. Lindsey Sides, Bucks IU Supervisor of STEAM Education at STEAM@BucksIU.org or call her at 215-348-2940, extension 1460.

Acura’s MDX SUV is the carmakers top selling vehicle, and the #1 selling 3-row luxury SUV to date. A testament to that is that our daughter and daughter-in-law both own 2019 MDXs. Offered in base, Technology, A-Spec, Advance and AWD Sport Hybrid, the latter retains all of MDX’s premiere traits with hybrid technology for increased fuel economy, but with a sporty touch. For 2020, the AWD Acura MDX Sport Hybrid combines a 3.0-liter, i-VTEC V6 engine with three electric motors, one driving the front wheels and two driving the rears. The combination of gasoline and electric has a total output of 321-hp and 289 lb/ft of torque sending power to the wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. EPA rates the hybrid at 26 city, 27-highway mpg. And with 7.3 inches of ground clearance, the AWD MDX Hybrid can handle some appreciable snow and it comes with AWD Lock in the event the MDX should get stuck. So equipped, MDX has a weight distribution of 57/43. Performance wise, the three-row Sport Hybrid has selectable Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus driving modes. In Normal, the MDX accelerates with a linear explosion of power. Switch to Sport or Sport Plus, and you’ll experience push-you-back-in-the-seat acceleration from a standing stop. Passing 18 wheelers on an interstate is a mere tap on the accelerator pedal. MDX’s heft (4,486 pounds) however, can be felt under strong acceleration. Incidentally, the hybrid battery gets re-

charged in part via regenerative braking. Under hybrid power, the tachometer understandably drops to zero. MDX rides heavenly and quietly on Continental 20-inch tires. The vehicle remains planted in sharp turns and quick maneuvers thanks to Acura’s Active Damper System. It exudes a secure feeling no matter the road surface. Turn the steering wheel an inch in either direction and MDXs’ nose points 20 degrees accordingly. It’s quick and positive and parks easily with a 38.4 turning diameter. MDX Sport Hybrid’s interior can be configured for seven with a second row bench seat or six with second row (heated) captain’s chairs separated by a massive console. We tested the latter and the third row is mainly for youngsters. Access isn’t bad as the second row slides and tilts well forward. MDX Sport Hybrid is outfitted with running boards for a 12.5-inch step-in into the cabin. They’re really not needed as step-in without them is a mere 19 inches. But they do help small kids and seniors for easier ingress/egress. Perforated leather, heated/cooled front seats are sofa soft and supportive. The grey leather in the tester sported contrasting white stitching and piping that gave the seats a sporty, classy

look. But the foremost eye-catcher are the twin 7-inch displays. The top one displays navigation with voice recognition, rearview camera with three views that is operated via a large controller (mouse) on the vertical stack. The lower screen serves the HVAC, apps, audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Pandora and Acura-Link infotainment system. Atop the console is a space saving push button electronic transmission shifter. If coming off a stick shifter on the console, or column, it may take a bit of getting used to. But it’s simple and gears connect instantly. In fact, it’s fun to use. There are dual controls for the HVAC sys-

tem such as airflow and heated/cooled seats. Cabin temperature selection too employs a toggle switch for driver and passenger but can also be selected on the screen. The only item missing from this nicely endowed SUV is a wireless phone charger. Presume Acura engineers ran out of space for one. Back in the cargo area and with the third row upright, there’s 15 cubic feet of space that measures 20 inches deep, 45.5 wide and 29 high. Flip them and space increases to 38.4 cubic feet for 47 inches of depth. Flip the second row captain’s chairs and capacity expands to 68.4 cubic feet for 80 inches of loading depth. Beneath the rearmost cargo floor is a 6.5-inch deep, full-width storage bin. It’s a convenient place to stow small or medium size items out of sight. A low 30-inch liftover eases cargo loading. As for safety items, MDX Sport Hybrid is loaded with the latest technology that includes vehicle stability assist, blind spot alert, collision mitigation braking, lane/road departure/ forward collision warnings and lane keep assist that when engaged, automatically steers the car back between the roadway lines. The MDX Sport Hybrid comes with an extremely long list of standard items with the only extra cost being a delivery charge of $995. As such, the MDX began life with a base price of $59,650 and bottom-lined at $60,645. For overall safety, MDX received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top safety pick and NHTSA awarded it a full 5-star overall safety rating. Both impressive awards. This most capable luxury SUV comes with a 5 year/70K mile powertrain warranty, plus a 4/50K limited vehicle warranty Acura’s MDX in conventional or hybrid form, can be considered the benchmark of comparable three-row luxury SUVs. Nick Hromiak is an automotive enthusiast and freelance writer. We look forward to bringing you his new column each month. He can be reached at nhromiak@verizon.net.

‘Quakertown Cares’ Breaks Record BY JANE THOMPSON-SMITH The 2019-20 “Quakertown Cares” campaign is nearly over, but we will never forget it, because it is already the most successful campaign ever! A total of $48,387 has been donated to “Cares” by community minded, caring businesses, organizations, schools and individuals. Neighbors are helping neighbors more than ever before! “Quakertown Cares” raises money to help those in need purchase much needed necessities such as food and clothing, and aids them in heating their homes. It is a holiday campaign, but collections may be made all year round. “Cares” is also able to help people all year round!

Our latest contributors include the 100 Acre Wood Trust Foundation, which gave $2,000, and Steph Bolyard, who contributed $116 along with an employer matching grant. Quakertown United Methodist Church added $192, bringing its campaign total so far to $2,066! We are so thankful for all who have given and will give to this special campaign, which was to conclude with a breakfast and craft show on Saturday, March 28 in the Quakertown High School cafeteria. The event, sadly, was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. There are hopes to reschedule later in the year.

April 2020 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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A Homeless Encounter in Richland I was running Peyton, my gun dog, at one of the grassy parks on the edge of Quakertown. We got off the beaten track into a cedars and tall grass break adjacent to a vast cattail bed and bog. Meandering through the thickly growing evergreens while trying to keep an eye on Peyton, I noticed something red, back among the bushes. It was a large, zippered tote bag. Then I spotted, not ten feet away and hidden in a cluster of cedars, a camouflage dome tent. I walked around to the front and hollered, “Hello!” A scruffy looking guy, maybe thirty, came out of the tent. I was spooked a little. It was an unexpected situation. I wondered ‘What’s up with this?’ Is he dangerous?’ Peyton arrived on the scene and went into his nasty, “Keep away!” mode with angry barking. He doesn’t attack, but he’s sure scary. I quick leashed him. I was still a little nervous. I had no walking stick or other defense. “What’s going on?” is all I could think to say.” “Nothin’.” He furtively leered. He was smoking a cigarette and standing on a mat in front of the open tent. The grass was matted down and gear and litter was scattered about, so he’d been camped there awhile. He was homeless, I guessed. I quieted Peyton and shortened his leash. “I’m just out running my dog.” The guy was reluctant to speak and projected annoyance. “In the swamp?” I tugged the still agitated Peyton away. I led him out of sight along a worn path the guy apparently used. It zigzagged its way back to the grassy area and the road. On the way, I noticed another camouflage tent set up in a different patch of cedars a few dozen yards from the first. I wondered if I’d stumbled onto a homeless community. I didn’t bother to see if it was occupied, too. As I walked the few hundred yards back to the Jeep, I wondered if I should call the Richland Township Police. I glanced back and saw the guy’s head peeking from behind a bush. He was watching me. ‘Does he have binoculars and can see my license plate? He’ll know what car I drive,’ were my concerning thoughts. I also felt sympathy. I imagined living like that. It was cold that day and I didn’t see a fire place in his camp. It was a mile walk to the Q-mart to get warm. I wondered where his latrine was. I thought, ‘Gees, I could have given the guy ten bucks; even given him a lift to Wawa for cigarettes.’ I imagined how much food he could get at the Q-mart for ten bucks. Then, I got the nervous feeling again. My imagination projected evil onto him. I envisioned him dangerous and shuddered with discomfort. I felt bad for doing that and consciously chose to feel pity, instead. Later, I was with a friend who’s astute in

the law. I asked, “Should I have called the police?” “I’m sure they know about it,” he said. “The tents are well hidden. I’m there a lot and never saw them till now. I don’t know how many there are. There’s hiking trails near by. Sometimes, women jog there . . . alone.” I sensed that nervousness flaring again. “I’m sure the police already know about it,” he reassured me. “It’s not the only place. Somewhere up near the bowing alley there was a homeless camp. I think they cleared them out.” For me, it was a rare face-to-face experience with the homeless here in Upper Bucks County. We once did find a sleeping bag, candles and a Playboy magazine in the carriage shed at the Meetinghouse, and Richland Friends regularly refer people to civil services, but, those people usually aren’t living in a tent in the swamp when they call us. I thought about choice. The Quakertown Ministerium offers Code Blue shelters and other aide, too. Does that guy choose to live like that? Does he have addictions? Does he have a mental disorder? I wondered. I didn’t call the police. And, I did what way too many people do; I stuck my head into the sand. I quit running the dog there for a few weeks. I didn’t want to feel that nervousness and discomfort. I also didn’t want to feel bad for him or to feel I should give him ten bucks. I simply wanted to ignore him. I finally got the nerve and took Payton back there. I approached cautiously and discovered that the guy, his gear and tent were gone. A soda can, cigarette pack and some trash was left. The tent I’d not checked before was tattered and beginning to shred. Litter was scattered about. It hadn’t been lived in, in a long time. I felt relieved that I could roam there again without interference. I didn’t look inside the tent. What of value could be there? I had a small trash bag, but it wasn’t my duty to clean up their messes. I didn’t want to touch it anyway. So, after Peyton sniffed everything out and peed a few times, we moved on. I wondered where the guy went. Did he leave as soon as he was discovered? Was the other tent empty all along? Did the man move into a shelter, or to a warmer clime, or did he move up to near the bowing alley. I scoured the swamp to see if maybe he was still nearby, but he wasn’t. The homeless man has joined the list of the many thousands of people who have passed briefly through my life then disappeared. How many of them have I wondered about, even just once? In interactions with each of them I had choices. I could show kindness, I could show malevolence, or I could show nothing at all. Often our choice to do nothing is as difficult and as condemning as any other option. Jack Schick is a long time Quakertown area resident and regular contributor here at

UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com

In Quakertown Schools, here’s how we’ve responded to this crisis BY DR. BILL HARNER These are terribly difficult days for our communities. Not only are many of us living in isolation - as we must - unable to physically greet our family and friends, but many of our neighbors are losing their livelihoods. With public schools being at the heart of most communities in America, I wanted to provide a snapshot of what we have been doing. In Quakertown, we are very sensitive to what our neighbors are going through, both from a mental health and financial standpoint. Inherent in the privilege to maintain our paychecks by law as public educators, we feel there is an obligation to continue to serve our students and others. I want to assure you that since our school buildings closed on March 13th, district employees have been working harder than ever. Since a week before Bucks County schools were closed, all 13 superintendents have participated in a daily conference call facilitated by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit’s executive director, to discuss what each district was doing in regards to safety issues, how best to feed students in need, how best to communicate with students and their families, and how to jump teaching and learning into a virtual world. Three times a week I’ve been meeting online with business, health care and Quakertown municipal leaders to focus our respective resources on helping families and businesses in all six municipalities during this unprecedented event. A significant part of QCSD’s strategy is tightening our fiscal belt by presenting the School Board a no-tax-increase budget this week, the first in over fifty years. Here in QCSD, it has been a humbling experience watching our education professionals develop and roll out an eLearning plan overnight. At the district level, we met virtually at least once a day to ensure the behind-the-scenes work got done. Immediately after schools were closed, our first set of priorities was to ensure our students were OK, and that we could connect to them. Building principals, the Office of Teaching & Learning, our technology team and Pupil Services staff have connected with families to provide resources for students and faculty. Our food services team is now providing meals to all students - private and public, from three locations. During the first week out of school, the high school administration team reached out to 107 parents of at-risk seniors who have yet to complete QCSD graduation requirements. Summer school started early this year with the objective to have everyone graduate on time. And, Pupil Services administrators have met virtually with nearly 90 sets of parents of students with IEPs and GIEPs that are expiring so we remain in compliance with state mandates. By the end of May, another 290 IEP/GIEP meetings must be conducted to remain in federal compliance. School psychologists are working to support

mandated deadlines for evaluations where we have signed parental consent to evaluate during the shutdown. Character is often defined by doing the right thing, while no one is looking. That’s been happening every day with our teachers. For the first two weeks, they did a phenomenal job staying connected with students! Many posted photos and videos on Twitter with the hashtag #qcsdshareyourlearning and students devoured the contact. Nothing replaces a teacher in a classroom, along with students walking the hallways and having lunch together every day. It builds community, respect, and love! Students love their teachers and our teachers love them right back! It doesn’t stop there. High school coaches are ‘meeting’ with their student-athletes to let them know how much

they care, sending videos about how to stay in shape, both mentally and physically. Many of our teachers, support staff, and coaches are doing this while tending to their own children and challenges at home. Our philosophy in designing our state-mandated Continuity of Education Plan is to provide as many learning opportunities and support to as many students as we can. No doubt, it isn’t “school” as it was one month ago, but it represents our best faith effort to take care of our students. Without it, average predicted learning loss could be up 70 percent of the work completed this academic year. Superintendents across the country are actively seeking the silver lining, the myriad opportunities out there with this COVID-19 crisis. Public education will be positioned to be in a much better place when we get back into our schools. Dr. Bill Harner has been superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District for seven years.

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