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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? February 1 to 3
“Alice in Wonderland Jr.” (Th/Fr 7pm) (Sat 2pm & 7pm)Strayer Players Music production. $5 gen. admis. Pre-show tkts on sale at 6th grade ctr. Strayer Middle Sch, 1200 Ronald Reagan Dr, Quakertown
February 2 Groundhog Day February 3
Reading Goes To The Dogs 2pm-3:30pm at Quakertown Free Library, 401 W Mill St. Children of all ages are invited to come read to certified therapy dogs. Movie Night & Pizza (gluten free avail) 5:30pm-8:30pm at St. John’s Lutheran, 4 South Main St, Richlandtown. Music, followed by inspirational animated movie for all ages. 215-536-5027, stjohnsrpa.org POQ Bowling “9 Pin No-Tap Tournament” 9:30pm-11:30pm (ck-in 9:15pm) at Earl Bowl Lanes, Quakertown. Prizes to top male & female bowler, as well as 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place teams. $125/team. prideofquakertown.org Badge Squad: Phanatic 10am-4pm (best for ages 8-12) at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. Siblings welcome! Details: 215-257-9718 Chicken Pot Pie Dinner 4pm-7pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown, 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd. $8/adults, $5/ages 5-12, free under 5. Snow date Feb 10. Info/ directions: stjohnsofspinnerstown.org or 215-536-0734 Homemade Soup Day 11am-2pm, Dublin Fire Co, 194 N Main St. Soup, sandwiches, hotdogs. Eat in or take-out. $7/quart, order only on Soup Day 9am-11am at 215-249-3740 All-U-Can-Eat Ham Dinner 3:30pm-7pm or sold out. $9/adults, $5/ages 5-12, take-out avail. Zion Lutheran Fellowship Hall, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill. 215-538-7911 day of dinner. Basket Bingo (doors open 11am) at Souderton HS Cafeteria, 625 Lower Rd, Souderton. $20/adv tkt, $25/door. Info: 610-299-6239
February 4
Firehouse Breakfast 8am-12:30pm at Springtown Firehouse, 3010 Rte 212. $7.50/adults, $4.50/ages 5-8, free under 5. 2nd Annual Puppy Bowl for puppies 2pm at Molasses Creek Dog Training. Free event! Football fun, games & prizes. More info: 267-934-6999. Molassescreekdogtraining.com
February 5-10
Interactive display for Black History Month during library hours at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. 215-257-9718 Bucks Co Civil War Round Table meeting 7pm at Doylestown Boro Hall, 57 W Court St. “Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, & Natl Union Party Convention, Baltimore MD 1864.” Free event, 215-822-1562
February 7
“Backyard Fruit”: How to grow ... in your own backyard, 7pm-8:30pm by BC Foodshed Alliance at Plumsteadville Grange, 5901 Old Easton Rd. 215-621-8967 or BucksFoodshed.org
Informational COYOTES PRESENTATION given by PA Game Commission 7pm at Haycock Twp Community Ctr, 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. Info: Andrea 215-536-3641
February 8
“Storytime on the Road” 10:30am w/ librarian from Samuel Pierce Library in the café at Landis Supermarket, 543 Constitution Ave, Perkasie. Stories, songs, rhymes, & fun. 215-257-9718 Badge Squad: Phanatic 4pm-5pm (best for ages 8-12) at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. Siblings welcome! Details: 215-257-9718
February 9
Oscar Hammerstein Valentine’s program: (12noon catered lunch, 1pm program). Pennridge Community Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. $7/pp, info: 215-453-7027.
February 9 & 10
“Beauty & the Beast” performance at Penn Central Middle School, Silverdale. (Fri 7pm) (Sat 2pm & 7pm). Tkts at showtix4U.com or at the door for $5. Info: 215-258-0939.
February 9 to 11
Restaurant Weekend at the QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. Special meal deals all weekend. (Sushi, Japanese, PA Dutch, Spanish, Puerto Rican, pizza, more.
February 10
Reservation deadline for bus trip to see “Jesus” at Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster. Details: Jim 610-847-2305 or UB Senior Ctr 610-847-8178 Concert-Broadway By Request 7pm at Church of the Holy Spirit, 2871 Barndt Rd, Harleysville. Free will offering & reception to follow. (helps fund UK trip this summer) Info: churchoftheholyspirit.us/ concert-broadway-by-request RASA registration (Richland Area Softball Assoc.) 10am-1pm for ages 5-18 yrs old at Dairy Queen. Online regis. is rasasoftball.com
February 11
Breakfast 7:30am-12noon at Upper Black Eddy Fire Co, 1716 Firehouse Ln. $8/adults, $4/ages 5-10. Under age 5 is free. $3/re-orders. 610-982-5710, ubefire.com Cash Bingo opens 12noon at Eastern Upper Bucks Senior Ctr, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville. $15, lunch & snacks avail. for purchase. Door opens 12noon. 610-847-8178 20th Annual Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance (ages 4-10yrs) 1pm-3pm at UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Mbrs/$20 couple, Non-mbrs/$27 couple. Games, crafts, fun. Info: 215-536-YMCA
February 12
AARP meeting 1pm at Upper Bucks Activity Ctr, 2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. Speaker: Robert Leight on the Underground Railroad. 215-536-3066 West Rockhill Histor. Soc. meeting 7pm, “Highland Park” (history & architecture of the cottages), 1028 Ridge Rd, Sellersville.
February 14 Valentine’s Day
Children’s Discovery Rm Open House 9am-3pm (ages 2 ½ -6 yrs) Interactive exhibits, puppet theatre, costumes, crafts, animal stories, take home gift. Conservancy, 1 Skippack Pike, Schwenksville. 610-287-9383, perkiomenwatershed.org
February 15
“Ocean Animals” Science Program 1pm2:15pm (for ages 3-6 w/adult) at Conservancy’s Brownstone Barn, Rte 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Pre-regis. w/payment required. perkiomenwatershed.org or 610-287-9383
February 16
Valentines’ Dinner Dance at Pennridge Community Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. (6pm buffet, 7pm-10pm dancing) $22/pp. Reserv. required at 215-453-7027
February 17
Escape Room: Wild About Reading 3pm4pm (best for grades 3-6) at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. Details: 215-257-9718, registration required. Can register at buckslib.org Amped Up Bingo (for QMPO) at Quakertown HS, 600 Park Ave. Doors open 4:30pm, games 5:30pm. Food for sale. Tkts:$20/adv, $25/door. Info: waysmeans@qmpo.org Breakfast Buffet 8am-12:30pm at Benner Hall, Cherry St, Richlandtown. $7.50/adults, $4/ages 6-12, free under 6.
February 19 Presidents Day February 20
SEPTA Key Photo ID Card Event 1pm-4pm at District Office, 10 S Third St, Quakertown. Free card for age 65+, Septa no longer accepts Medicare cards. Please call 215-536-1434 to set up an appt. You will need to provide Pennsylvania ID.
February 21
Martha Washington portrayed by renowned Alisa Dupuy at 1pm. FREE program. Pennridge Commun. Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. 215-453-7027
February 22
Storytime on the Road at Perkasie Borough Hall, 620 W Chestnut St. Stories, songs, fun! All are welcome! Details: Samuel Pierce Library: 215-257-9718 “Ocean Animals” nature program for 3-6 yr olds w/adult, 1pm-2:15pm at Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy’s Brownstone Barn, Rte 29 & Haldeman Rd, Schwenksville. Pre-regis. w/paymt required. Info: Linda 610-287-9383Wine & Cheese Reception & Open House 5:30pm, followed by “Spring Mkt Home Buying Seminar……” at Coldwell Banker, 1448 W Broad St, Quakertown, 215-536-6777February 23 Dance to DJ Gary Wiley 7pm-11pm at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, Rtes 113 & 152, Silverdale. No reservations needed, $12, snacks provided, BYOB. 215-453-4027 Designer Purse Bingo (doors open 6pm) at Perkasie Fire Hall. BYOB, $35/pp. Tkts: Jeremy at treasurer@pennridgesoccer.com
February 23 & 24
Volunteers needed for New Spiritual Care Program for residents w/dementia. Training sessions (Fri 12noon-4pm) (Sat 8am-4pm) Phoebe Richland Campus, 108 S Main St, Richlandtown. Must attend both. Info: 610-927-8554 by Feb 8.
February 24
Unlimited Pancake Breakfast 8am-10:30am at Quakertown HS cafeteria, 600 Park Ave. ($6/pp) info@qtownpantherfootball.com Free Shredder Event 12noon-2pm at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. Info: 215-536-4115 Digital Family Storytime 10:15am (best for ages 3-8) at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. Siblings welcome! Details: 215-257-9718 WWWA Wrestling 6:30pm at QMart, 201 Station Rd, Quakertown. 215-536-4115
February 25
All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast 8am-12noon at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. $7/adults, $5/ages 4-7. Info: 215-536-2224 or haycockfire.org
February 27
Yoga Storytime w/Jess 10:15am-11am (last Tues. of month thru June) (best for ages 4-6) at Samuel Pierce Free Library, 491 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. Siblings welcome! Wear comfy clothes. Details: 215-257-9718
March 3
Reading Goes To The Dogs 2pm-3:30pm at Quakertown Free Library, 401 W Mill St. Children of all ages are invited to come read to certified therapy dogs.
March 4
Designer Bag Bingo (benefits QHS Scholarship Fund) 1pm at West End Fire Co, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown. $25/adv, $30/door. Tkts: mrupert55@hotmail.com or 215-536-6649
March 11 Daylight Saving Time March 14
Nockamixon State Park Presentation by DCNR 7pm at Haycock Twp Community Ctr, 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. Info: Andrea 215-536-3641
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Flea Market 8am-2pm at Haycock Twp Community Ctr, 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. Info: Andrea 215-536-3641
March 20 First Day of Spring March 21
“Jesus” at Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster. $110 (Show & lunch at Shady Maple Buffet) Bus leaves Eastern UB Seniors Ctr, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville at 10am, return 7pm. 610-847-8178 deadline Feb 10 for reservations.
Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 • 582 S. West End Blvd• Quakertown, PA 18951
February 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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2018 Baseball Registration for ‘Baseball For Special People’
This program is for mentally and physically challenged people ages 5 through 100 years old or any one who has an IEP at their school. You can print forms from our Facebook page BFSP and mail them to the address stated on the forms. If you do not have the internet, forms can be mailed to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please call President Paul Gerhart, Jr. 267-992-4973.This program is a family oriented program that wants parents and siblings to volunteer. The teams are from ages 5-13 and 4-100.
Pack 55 to Pilot ‘Family Scouting’ Cub Scouts have been a part of the Boy Scouts of America since 1930. It started with boys ages 9 to 12, who met with a Den Mother in members’ homes. Over the years, the program has changed to meet the changing needs and wishes of families. Meetings are held in a building provided by the sponsoring organization to ensure 2-deep leadership and easier supervision. Boys can participate with an adult family member starting in kindergarten. Now we are looking at another change to meet family needs. In today’s world, there are many children who live in a single-parent family, or have a parent who works evenings during Scout meetings. That means that siblings are brought along to meetings so the parents can help lead. Pack 55 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown is one of the Packs that welcomed these siblings, whether girls or boys. Little brothers looked forward to the time when they would be old enough to earn badges like their big brothers. Sisters participated in family camp outs in spring and fall and played games with the boys, but were never able to earn any badges. Some of them joined Girl Scout troops, but some preferred the activities provided in the Cub
Scout and Boy Scout programs. Some families dropped out of Scouts completely because their schedules didn’t allow time for their sons and daughters to go to different programs. These things have helped lead the BSA to pilot Family Scouting. Each charter organization can decide if they want to open their program to all children in the family, both boys and girls. Pack 55 is one of the units that wants to include girls. As the program starts, girls will be in their own Dens (groups of 4 to 8 children of the same gender in the same grade). When we have 4 or more girls from the same grade (currently K through 4), we will be able to move to Family Scouting. Each Den will meet weekly to work on the requirements for their rank, and all will meet for a monthly Pack Meeting, where badges are awarded and special events occur. If we do not have the necessary number of girls by February, we will need to wait until August to pilot Family Scouting. If you know of any girls in grades K through 4 that are interested in Family Scouting, please contact Alice Breon, Pack 55 Committee Chair, at 267-374-1000, or kirbydirector@yahoo. com. Fifth grade girls can join the program in August of 2018.
UBFP Monthly is made possible by the businesses and organizations you see on these pages. Remember to thank them for supporting your community’s voice.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
2018 Toyota Highlander Toyota’s Highlander midsize SUV is rarely advertised and publicized, yet it’s the company’s most well-rounded ute that now sports a new and more powerful V6, a new 8-speed automatic transmission and a slew of standard safety features for 2018. Offered in FWD, AWD and in trim levels LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, Limited Platinum and new SE that was tested. There’s also a hybrid version. The AWD SE offers sporty looks, special trim features, unique 19-inch wheels, roof rails, athletic stance and specially tuned suspension for handling agility. Powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that produces 25 more horsepower, now puts out 295-hp and 263 lb/ft of torque. When coupled to the new 8-speed automatic trans, the combination gets EPA ratings of 20 city, 26-highway mpg with Auto Stop/Start. With a hefty 4,690-pound curb weight, the powertrain can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Incidentally, this is the same powertrain found in the Lexus RX350 that costs about $5K more. The hybrid version uses the same V6 and when combined with an electric motor produces a total of 306-hp and EPA mileage estimates of 30 city, 28-highway mpg. If opting for the LE, it comes standard with a 2.7L, 4-cylinder with 185-hp and 184 lb/ft of torque and couples to a 6-speed automatic for EPA mileage estimates of 20/24 mpg. That powertrain would seem to be a bit underpowered considering its weight. After a low 19.5-inch step-in you’re treated to an attractive interior sporting leather seats with contrasting stitching, easy to operate HVAC controls, an 8-inch touchscreen serving the rearview camera, navigation, audio and Entune infotainment system and a nifty dashlong shelf to stow small items.
Among the various operating switches on the dash is an AWD Lock switch. It’s part of Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Control AWD system that when engaged, holds a 50-50 torque split under low-speed driving conditions such as snow and ice covered roads. It disengages upon reaching 25 mph. There’s also a Snow mode switch that uses the systems’ computer to control vehicle stability and electric power steering and a Power mode switch that provides additional acceleration in mountainous regions where the air is thin. With a bench seat in the second row, Highlander can seat a total of eight. Substitute the bench for second row captain’s chairs as was in our tester, and there’s seating for six. To access the third row, which is only suitable for kids, the second row slides fore/aft for easy ingress/egress. Back in the cargo area and behind the third
row there’s 13.8 cubic feet of space. Flip them and space increases to 42 cubic feet and upon flipping them, 82.6 cubic feet. More meaningful, there’s 78 inches of cargo depth with all seats folded. We must mention that Highlander is available with Driver Easy Speak system that is an intercom of sorts allowing the third seat riders to hear the driver say in normal tones “Johnny stop pinching your sister.” It eliminates having to yell. One nice feature here is that the hatch window can be opened separately from the hatch door. This is convenient if needing to extract a small item from the cargo area like a soccer ball or work gloves, without having to open the entire hatch. With the higher output engine, acceleration is adequate both from a standing stop and during highway passing maneuvers. It would be interesting if Toyota could put a turbo on the V6 to compensate somewhat for its hefty curb weight.
10 Important Steps to Selling Your Home
The test car was shod with 19-inch Toyo tires making the ride smooth and almost as slick as its sibling the Lexus RX350. And it’s a quiet ride with the suspension soaking up major and minor road imperfections. Handling wise, it’s a big, heavy vehicle so it can’t be expected to offer sports car characteristics like a Porsche Cayenne or other high-end sporty SUV. But it is wintry weather capable with its 8.0-inch undercarriage clearance that is higher than many crossovers and beneficial when traversing deep snow. Highlander’s base price of $41,150 included a long list of standard safety features such as lane departure with steering assist (if going over the white/yellow lines, the system steers you back into your lane), pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, driver’s knee airbag and more. In fact, the tester only had three extra cost options of paint protection film ($395); rear bumper protector ($139); and all weather floor/cargo mats ($249) that added to bottom line of $42,893 with delivery. Best of all, Highlander received a top 5-star overall safety rating; four for driver, five for passenger frontal crash; five each for side crash and four for rollover. All excellent scores for a proven vehicle that has been around for some time. The Highlander also comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. 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.
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
Selling a home is very different from buying a home. Buying a home generally involves emotions and feelings, selling a home typically centers on what listing agents like to call maximizing profit potential. Price your home accurately. For this, you should enlist the help of a reputable listing agent. Don’t choose your cousin’s sister-inlaw, for example, who dabbles in real estate. You’ll fare much better if you select an experienced real estate agent who sells a fair number of listings, preferably in your neighborhood. Your agent will analyze comparable sales and prepare an estimate of value often called a CMA, for comparative market analysis. It is OK to compare the Zestimate at Zillow but note the variances your agent will point out because your listing agent should have the experience and education to provide you with a more accurate opinion of value. Ask your agent to advise you on preparing your home for sale. Most homes show better with about half of the furniture removed. If a buyer walks in the door and wonders if anybody lives in the house, you’ve done your job correctly. Consider home staging to boost your selling power and appeal .Painting is the single most effective improvement you can make. Don’t let dings in the woodwork or scraps on the walls make your home reflect deferred maintenance. Choose the best day to list your home. This time period will vary depending on your local community, the weather, time of year, and a host of other factors, including the state of your present real estate market. It’s not like that movie Groundhog Day. You basically get one chance to present your home in hopefully its best light the first day on the market. Ask about your agent’s standard commission before you get too far down the line. If it’s reasonable, consider the big picture and benefits to you to hire this individual. Check track records for performance. Don’t expect a full-service agent to discount. Getting into a contract is only the beginning; you need to make it all the way to closing.Your home will not sell itself, despite what you may read or hear or the propensity of real estate websites to make the process appear as easy as the click of a mouse. It’s not. You don’t know what you don’t know. To get the most money from the sale of your home, you will most likely rely on the professionals you have hired to sell your home. Do not try to pit agents against each other to compete for commission or you’ll increase the chances you’ll end up with less than what you were expecting.
Be flexible with showings. If home showings are too much of an imposition, consider going away the first weekend your home is on the market. It can feel a bit intrusive to allow strangers to trek through your home and check out your soft-closing drawers in the kitchen. The best way to sell your home is to let a buyer inside with her buyer’s agent to tour in peace and quiet.Leave the house when buyer’s agents show up. Anything you say can and will be used against you, plus, buyer’s agents prefer to show without interference. Allow an open house if your home is conducive to an open house. Not every home is a viable candidate for an open house. If your home is located in an area close to major traffic, that is generally indicative of a reasonable expectation that the open house signs will pull in visitors. Ask your agent if she advertises the open house online. Many a home buyer has had no desire to buy a home until she spots an open house and subsequently falls in love. Insist on professional photography. Of course, if you have hired a top-notch listing agent, your agent most likely already provides professional photos. It’s not enough to just get the angle right in the photo, the most popular photos are rich in color and depth, and they entice. Ask to approve the virtual tour or photo tour before it publishes. Review your listing online. Look at your home listing on various websites to make sure the information conveyed is accurate. Agents do their best to ensure accuracy, but since it is your home, you know the details better than anyone. If you spot a feature that is missing, contact your agent immediately and ask for an inclusion. Try to respond promptly to a purchase offer. Many offers contain a date by which the offer expires. Notwithstanding, it can drive buyers crazy if they are forced to wait for a seller to decide whether to accept their offer or to issue a counter offer. Remember, if you are selling because you need to buy a new home, you are no different when you are a home buyer yourself. Line up your movers early. If you are thinking about moving at the end of May, for example, which is the busiest time of the year for movers, you might find it is impossible to locate movers for the day you want. You can start packing before your home hits the market, which will give you a head start on the process. It will also give you peace of mind to be prepared. Selling can be stressful enough. Sue Deily has been a Realtor® for 31 years, resides in the Upper Bucks Area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery Counties. Contact her at suesellshouses@gmail.com or 215-872-9865.
February 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Is Spousal Support Automatically Granted During Divorce Proceedings? Miriam Haskell: A Big Name in Costume Jewelry
Some of the most desirable personal adornment collectibles are the ever-popular objects within the category of vintage costume jewelry. Called junque jewelry by some, these surprisingly well-produced bracelets, brooches, necklaces and earrings are all too often incorrectly described as cheap when in fact many of these pieces are not only desirable but quite valuable. A common mistake occurring in antiques shops, thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets is the selling of valuable costume jewelry pieces for mere pennies on the dollar. Don’t disregard costume jewelry because you may be throwing away a small fortune. The real story is that there is real money in fake jewelry and one of the big names in costume jewelry of the early to late 1900s is Miriam Haskell. Spotting a fine piece of Miriam Haskell costume jewelry starts with recognizing the quality materials, well executed jewelry settings, and matching sets of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets or brooches that became a staple of the Haskell design firm. Miriam Haskell costume jewelry is defined by colorful set stones, gold filigree work, and delicate seed pearls. Haskell offered nature-inspired forms via lookalike baroque pearls, glass seed pods, and tiny seashells. Miriam Haskell and the firm’s lead designer, Frank Hess were the heart and soul of the company. The team highlighted nature and its many interesting forms through their designs. High society ladies of the mid 20th Century enjoyed modern minimalist and machine aesthetic jewelry pieces. By 1926, the firm was manufacturing vintage jewelry designs in New York and selling them with vigor. Miriam Haskell remains best known for producing costume jewelry designs featuring electroplating, inset stones, and hand beadwork. Quality materials included European beads, hand-picked seed pearls, and Bohemian crystals. The firm was one of the first to incorporate plastics and lucite into their costume jewelry designs. Following World War II and throughout the 1960s, Miriam Haskell achieved widespread
market success with various collectible costume jewelry pieces ranging from bobby pins to bracelets. Miriam Haskell’s jewelry was worn by some of the most famous fashion icons of the day like Coco Chanel, Jackie Kennedy, Joan Crawford, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn. The prominent maker’s mark and the high-quality materials make Miriam Haskell pieces unmistakable. The firm’s mark “Miriam Haskell” is typically found on the clasp, pin back, or inside piece of her jewelry. Some Haskell pieces were unsigned in the early days of production however the firm always produced objects that were trendy like Art Deco ear clips in period black and white geometric designs. Haskell jewelry designs were influenced by Egyptomania, the craze for all things Egyptian, after the excavation of King Tut’s tomb which took place in 1922. Then, Haskell jewelry pieces featured bejeweled mummies, beadwork sphinxes, and hardstone scarabs set in bracelets or armlets. Later, figural pendants of seed pearls, rhinestones, and filigree grew in popularity during the post-World War II period. By the late 1960s and 1970s, Haskell introduced colorful beaded lariats and oversized statement pieces. The Miriam Haskell company, after decades of production of some of the finest costume jewelry, was sold in 1990. Today, authentic and clearly marked Miriam Haskell costume jewelry pieces range in value from $250 to $12,500 on the online market depending on many factors. Many can be found at popular online sales outlets like 1stDibs, Etsy, Ruby Lane, etc. While diamonds are a girl’s best friend, vintage pearl jewelry bearing the Miriam Haskell name are the cat’s meow! Celebrity appraiser, Dr. Lori Verderame is an internationally syndicated columnist, author, and award-winning TV personality who stars on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island and Discovery’s Auction Kings. With a Ph.D. from Penn State Univ., Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events to worldwide audiences. Visit www.DrLoriV.com/events or 888-431-1010.
UBACE Finds New Home
The Upper Bucks Alliance for Creative Expression (UBACE) has found a new home! Starting February 7th UBACE will be holding our weekly Wednesday band practices at the Haycock Township Community Center. UBACE President, Mike Sherman, said “We are excited to move into our new space and look forward to using this space to grow our program in the years to come. The Haycock Community has welcomed UBACE with open arms and we cannot wait to make this new space our home.” Band practice is open to all students in grades 6th – 12th who are looking for a creative outlet for their music abilities. UBACE provides young students with opportunities that enable awareness of, appreciation for, and active participation in the performing arts in
a safe, drug-free environment. We welcome musicians, singers, artists, actors, photographers, songwriters and anyone interested in graphic, performing and recording arts. Band practice is led by Music Director, Ted Miller, who has been a musician for over 35 years. During band practice, Ted always seeks to find the right balance between fun and structure, where the kids enjoy what they are doing and have opportunities to be singers, musicians, and leaders while they are getting prepared for their next live performance. If you would like to visit us to see what UBACE is all about please send us a message on Facebook, email us at ubacemusic@gmail. com, or stop by a Wednesday night practice at the Haycock Township Community Center, 1014 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown.
BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. Under Pennsylvania law, married persons are liable for the support of each other according to their respective abilities to provide support. The idea behind spousal support is to assure a reasonable living allowance for a dependent spouse between separation and the entry of the divorce decree. However, there are some conditions attached to the entitlement of a spousal support award along with a number of defenses which would prohibit a spousal support award. Required Conditions: 1) There must be “adequate legal cause” for a spouse to leave or separate. This is a very vague area of the law that has not been sufficiently defined by the courts. Generally speaking, a voluntary withdrawal from the marriage by a spouse without justification for leaving would defeat a right to receive spousal support. “Adequate legal cause” is analyzed and defined on a case by case basis. Previous examples of “adequate legal cause” include abuse, drug abuse, cross-dressing, extra marital affairs and abstaining from sex for years at a time. 2) The parties must either be physically or financially separated. If after the divorce action has been filed, the parties are still residing in the same residence with the one spouse paying all or majority of the household bills, the dependent spouse will likely not be entitled to a spousal support award. Defenses to a spousal support award: 1) Desertion When a spouse departs the marital residence on a whim or maliciously, there is no duty of support. 2) Adultery While this category seems straightforward, our courts have muddied the waters with their decisions on adulterous conduct and support awards. Traditionally, the law precludes a spousal support award when one spouse is proven to have an affair, even post separation. However, courts now seem to impose a balancing act and are less concerned with the adultery grounds. I can say from personal experience that some judges do not favor this support defense even in light of undisputable evidence.
3) Indignities This category refers to a series of events where one spouse engaged in a course of conduct rendering the other spouse’s condition intolerable and life burdensome. This is a very broad category that is again defined on a case by case basis. (Recognized examples of indignities include years of drunken behavior, urination on furniture inside marital home, abandonment of marital duties, physical and mental cruelty.) 4) Cohabitation When a spouse leaves the marital residence to cohabitate with another individual, they are not entitled to spousal support. 5) Marital Misconduct This again is a broad category that could range from forging a spouse’s name to filing a baseless Protection From Abuse action and discretion is solely with the trial court. 6) Living in Martial Residence As I mentioned earlier the purpose of an award of spousal support is to allow a reasonable living allowance for the dependent spouse. If the dependent spouse is able to live rent free in the marital residence, he/she should not be entitled to a spousal support award. 7) Lack of Consent or Good Cause for Separation This defense goes hand in hand with the “adequate legal cause” condition. If a spouse is simply unhappy and wants to leave the other spouse, he/she will not be entitled to spousal support absent a showing of unbearable behavior by the other spouse. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief understanding of the principals surrounding the defenses to a spousal support award. However, these are general statements and do not cover all the legal intricacies of this area of law. If you are having problems or issues regarding a similar situation, consult an experienced family law attorney. . Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a solo practitioner located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite 208, in Dublin, Pennsylvania who specializes in estate planning & administration, family law and business law. You can reach him at (267) 227-9138. To receive monthly newsletters, law updates and special offers, subscribe to his email list here: http://www.fravel-law.com/contact/
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church
First United Methodist Church
Quakertown United Methodist Church
meets at Strayer Middle School in Cafeteria 1200 Ronald Reagan Drive, Quakertown 267-772-0288 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf
501 Market Street, Perkasie 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie.com Pastor: Scott Dorn Mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, positively impact our community and world.
1875 Freier Road, Quakertown 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Dr. Thomas S. Robinson III Sunday morning worship: 8:00am, 9:00am 11:00am Sunday School for all ages 10:00amCommunion on first Sunday of the month at all services.
Christ Church 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!
Christ’s Lutheran Church
1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopcke 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Free Drive-in Movies Friday evenings June through August, Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church
Church of the Incarnation
44 S. 8th Street, Quakertown 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!
Evangel Assembly of God
401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Where God’s Love Changes Lives
First United Church of Christ
Fourth Street & Park Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4447 info@firstUCC.net www.firstUCC.net facebook.com/FirstUCCQuakertown Co-Pastors: Douglas & Joyce Donigian Traditional worship Sunday 9:15am, Alternative worship Sunday 5:15pm, Community dinners every 3rd Thursday 5:30pm
Good News Church 424 Juniper Street, Quakertown 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.
Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: The Rev. Catherine Kerr 10:00am Sunday Eucharist
Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 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.
Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 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.
MorningStar Moravian Church 610-282-1908 234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Jay Petrella Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information.
Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown 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.”
Ridge Valley United Church of Christ 905 Allentown Road, Sellersville 215-257-7244 rvucc.pastor@verizon.net www.ridgevalleyucc.org Pastor: Rev. Steve Myren We are a vibrant, welcoming Family of Faith. Worship: Sundays 9:30am. Ridge Valley: Growing Together in God’s Love.
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Worship service 9:45am, Sunday School 9 9:45am - children 3 years through 6th grade. Nursery: 6 months through age 8.
St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter 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 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Pastor: Rev. John Steitz 8 am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9 am Sunday School all ages, 10:15 Worship in Sanctuary, Prayer Shawl Ministry 1st & 3rd Tuesdays from 1 to 3 pm.
Trinity Great Swamp UCC
Spinnerstown Rd & County Line Rd Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis Sunday School classes for all ages (preK - adult) 9:15 am. Family activities throughout the year
Trinity Lutheran Church
102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9am Traditional Service, 11am Contemporary Service. 10:15am FaithQuest, 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 by email at terri@ubfp.org
February 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
BY REV. LYNETTE R. CHAPMAN February brings several of our winter holidays – little breaks from the monotony of snow and ice and dreary days: Presidents’ Day, Groundhog Day, and, of course, Valentine’s Day. Many of you know that Valentine’s Day is named for St. Valentine and has a history deeper than cards and flowers and boxes of chocolate. But you may not know what that history is. Valentine of Rome was an early Christian priest. He died in 269 – which is after the time of Paul and the apostles, but before the time when the canon was put together, becoming the Bible we know today. During Valentine’s lifetime, Christianity was still suspect at best and outright illegal at worst. In fact, Valentine was known for assisting Christians who were being persecuted under the Roman Emperor Claudius 11. He was caught marrying Christian couples and helping Christians escape the persecution and subsequently, was arrested and imprisoned. Although Emperor Claudius originally liked Valentine, he was condemned to death when he tried to convert the Emperor. Apparently Valentine was not a guy who played it safe! Valentine was beaten with stones, clubbed, and, finally, beheaded on February 14, 269. (A far cry from hearts and cupids and flowers!) In the year 496, February 14 was named as a day of celebration in Valentine’s honor. It was a day to remember sacrifice for the sake of the Church and of the Gospel. However, Valentine has since become the patron saint of engaged couples, beekeepers, happy marriages, lovers, travelers, young people, and greetings. Add those things to a consumer-driven society with lots of romantic expectations and marketing – and somehow we get the Valentine’s Day of today. What Saint Valentine of Rome and Valentine’s Day in America have in common, however, is love. For Valentine, it was love of God and
eye making them difficult to kill. This second instar can move from plant to plant, infecting plants in close proximity. They can also be spread by the circulating air of a fan. Once the crawlers settle to feed the females form a light yellowish protective covering which enlarges and darkens as the insect grows to maturity. Eggs will be laid under this mature scale and the cycle will begin again, repeating in as little as two to three weeks. A dark brown colored scale indicates that the eggs have hatched, the female has died and has left her skeleton behind. The male’s only purpose is to mate. As with any infected plant, immediately isolate the plant to prevent the spread of the insect. Non-insecticidal treatments can be used to control a light infestation. Adult scales can be removed with a soft brush. Isopropyl alcohol brushed onto the leaf with a cotton ball or swab can be effective. Nymphs often hide between plant leaves and stems and are sometime difficult to reach. A light spray of alcohol can reach these spaces. Test one leaf of your plant first as many plant leaves can be damaged by alcohol. Be persistent with this control method. Unless you are emotionally attached to the plant the best method of eradication is to discard it. This option may not be preferable. Since the infestation most likely is not confined to the plant above the soil line it is a good idea to remove the plant from its pot, lightly spray the roots to remove the affected soil and repot the plant and repot in fresh soil. If you are not successful with cultural controls there are several insecticidal soaps, and horticultural oils available. These are considered safer than insecticidal options. If you wish to use them, there are several insecticides labeled for scale on ornamental plants. As with any chemical option, read the label and follow application directions carefully. Consider that a heavy infestation may not be eradicated by any method. You can still call, email, write or visit us with your home gardening questions and concerns! Bucks County Master Gardener Horticulture Hotline is closed until March 2018. You can still call, email, write or visit us with your home gardening questions and concerns! “Ask a Master Gardener” Penn State Extension Bucks County Neshaminy Manor Center 1282 Almshouse Rd Doylestown, PA 18901 Email: BucksHotline@ag.psu.edu FYI: From the opening of the Garden Hotline in March, Bucks County Master Gardeners have served over 700 home gardeners with their gardening questions! Please mention that you heard about us through the Upper Bucks Free Press!
of God’s people, love of the Good News of Jesus Christ even when it cost him his life. It is that love that we should celebrate – not just on February 14th—but throughout the year. G. K. Chesterton said, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” Jason Gray, a contemporary Christian musician puts it this way in his song, “More Like Falling in Love”: “Give me a rule, I will break them; give me a line, I will cross them. I need more than a truth to believe. I need a truth that lives and moves and breathes. To sweep me off my feet, it’s gotta be more like falling in love than something to believe in, more like losing my heart than giving my allegiance.” For Jason, and for many young Christians, faith is caught up in experience of God and experience of the holy. In this generation, believing is more like falling in love with God and less like subscribing to a certain set of ideas about God. But it’s my hope that no matter our generation, no matter how old or young we are, we too can fall in love with the One who loves us. This year, Valentine’s Day coincides with Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season which leads up to Good Friday and Easter and tells the story of God’s love for the world shown in Jesus’ death and resurrection – his sacrifice of love. Christians are known for a lot of reasons – and not all of them good. But I pray that every one of us who claims to be a follower of Christ can be known by our love – for God and for the people and the world God made. Falling in love with God should change us and make us better people – people who are willing to give of ourselves like St. Valentine for the sake of others. So, Happy Valentine’s Day! Blessed Ash Wednesday! May you live God’s love for all you meet, and may God’s great love for you surround you every day. Lynette Chapman is the pastor at STrinity Lutheran Church, Quakertown. She can be reached at lynettechapman@comcast.net
BuckyGrams:jan:garnet, feb:amethyst, mar:aquamarine, apr:diamond, may:emerald, jun:alexandrite, jul:ruby, aug:peridot, sep:sapphire, oct:opal, nov:citrine, dec:turquoise Hidden Message: Happy Birthday! Bucky Block: Head over heels in love!
“A garden is the best alternative therapy”- Germaine Greer The catalogs have arrived and it’s time to plan your garden. Even if you are not a seed grower you can make good use of the catalogs to determine which flowers and/or vegetables you want to grow. All of the reputable catalogs include good information about each variety, including growing conditions, size, color and maturity date. This information gives a home gardener all they need to choose the right plant for the right place. Don’t have a large space? Many companies are showcasing both flower and vegetable varieties suitable for container gardening. Raised garden bed kits have become readily available in lawn and garden and home improvement stores. These kits are easy to assemble and require little set up time. Some catalogs offer tiered circular options. If you put down a layer of good quality weed barrier it is not always necessary to remove turf grass. Now is a good time to choose the location of your new raised garden bed. Several layers of newspaper or cardboard, moistened and weighted down with rocks or bricks will get a good head start on preventing the growth of the turf grass, making it easier to remove or cover the turf grass in the spring when you are ready to install your raised garden bed. If you are handy with tools, make your own raised garden bed, but be careful to use only untreated wood. Four to five inches of soil is sufficient for most plants. Some root crops will require more depth. Seed packets or catalog descriptions will supply this information. House-bound and bored? Catalogs are the perfect inspiration. Get together with some friends and have a “drool and plan” session. Even talking about gardening in the cold weather of February is therapy! What do I do with the Poinsettia I got as a gift for Christmas? We have covered this in a previous column, but it bears repeating. The easiest answer is to add it to your compost pile. But, if you are adverse to killing a plant like I am, it can go outside to play in the summer garden. With some patience and care your Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherimma) can be coaxed to re-bloom next winter. Here is a Penn State Extension Fact Sheet “Care of Holiday Plants” to help you decide if it is worth your time and effort: http://goo.gl/ydvNQo. What is this on my Orchid? Soft Brown Scale (Coccus hesperidum) is the nemesis of many indoor plant growers. This pesky insect has a short life cycle which makes it difficult to eradicate. The adult female lays her eggs under her shell. The larva (or nymph), also known as crawlers, hatch and leave the female to feed. Crawlers are difficult to see with the naked
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
Carol A. Kelly, 69, of Kintnersville, died Mon., Dec. 18 at Doylestown Hospital. She was the loving wife of George E. Kelly for 49 years. Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Howard Beaumont and Elizabeth (Longstreet) Kleppinger. She attended Council Rock High School and graduated in 1965. She was employed as a lunch lady at Strayer Middle School, retiring in 2005. Carol loved snow mobiles and traveling places with her husband and best friend, George. Surviving with George is her brother: Howard Beaumont of NJ; several nieces and nephews; and numerous close friends. She was predeceased by her son Christopher and brother Kurt. Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army Thrift Store: 477 N West End Blvd, Quakertown, PA 18951. www.nauglefcs.com Albert J. Johnson, 76, of Quakertown, died at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital on Tue., Dec. 26. He was the loving companion of Dorothy “Dot” Ridge for 47 years. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late George and Ruth (Thompson) Johnson from the Manayunk section of Philadelphia and was a 1960 graduate of Roman Catholic High School. He was a US Army veteran during the war in Vietnam and later worked as a laboratory technician for GlaxoSmithKline in Upper Merion for over 25 years. Albert was an avid hunter and fisherman which inspired him to relocate to Upper Bucks County more than 15 years ago and to become a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. Surviving with Dot is his sister, Georgette Sweet of Quakertown; brother, Martin Johnson, wife Patricia of Phoenixville; sons, Michael S. Johnson and Timothy P. Johnson; and ten nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gregory Johnson, wife
~Obituaries~
Diane of Richmond, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Isidore’s Catholic Church at 603 W. Broad St., Quakertown, PA 18951.
Edwin W. Lingerman, 78, of Perkasie, passed away on Dec. 30, 2017 at Grandview Hospital due to cancer. He was the loving companion of Sandra Simitz of Perkasie. Born in Northeast Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Andrew and Anna Lingerman. Edwin served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. After the military, he was employed at Conrail, retiring after 37 years. Surviving with Sandra are his sons: Edwin M. of Warminster and Paul of Wrightstown. A celebration of his life will be held Sat., Feb. 17, 1-4 PM at the Quakertown Train Station, 15 Front St, Quakertown, PA 18951. Memorial Contributions can be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or the Epilepsy Foundation. www.nauglefcs.com Catherine R. Yeakel, 67, of Quakertown, died Sun. Dec. 31 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Dean R. Yeakel. Born in Allentown, she was a daughter of Richard & Celia (Bender) Reed. She was a 1968 graduate of Pennridge High School and worked in banking a number of years, retiring from Quakertown National Bank. A master quilter, she was a past president of Keystone Quilters. Surviving with her husband are sons Derek, wife Janelle of Quakertown and David, wife Kelli of Susquehanna; grandchildren Larissa, Rubi, & Luci; siblings Carol Cope, Paul Effrig, Susan Russell, Allison Russell, Cindy Leach, and Mickie. She was predeceased by a son Darin and sister Deborah Long. Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or donatenow.heart.org. www.nauglefcs.com Lawrence M. “ Larry” Frederick, 79, of Wellsboro, formerly of Quakertown, died Mon. Jan. 1 in Green Home. Born in
Quakertown, he was a son of the late Charles and Emma (Mease) Frederick, Jr. He worked as a tool & die maker for over 40 years for Midguard Inc., Green Lane before retiring. He was a former member of the Milford Twp. Fire Co. Surviving are his sons, Brian of Quakertown & Terry of Coopersburg; grandchildren Cheryl Braud, husband Steve of Quakertown & Devin, wife Jessica of Hellertown; great-grandchildren Chase, Nina, Scott; brother Clarence, wife Dorothy of Sellersville; sister Dolores Weierbach, husband Willard of Coopersburg; sister-in-law Patricia of Trumbauersville, & companion, Karen Confer of Wellsboro. He was predeceased by son Scott and brother Gerald Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or at donate3.cancer.org www.nauglefcs.com
Rosemarie Crouthamel, 81, of Richlandtown died January 4, 2018 in Manor Care Bethlehem, PA. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of the late Joseph & Helen (Kocicz) Nemeth. She is survived by a daughter Debbie. Three sisters Josephine Stradling (Edward), Dorothy Hunsberger, and Diana Hunsberger. 9 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Predeceased by two sons Richard & Mike, two brothers Joseph & Jeffrey and a sister Helen Schrantz. www.crstrunk.com Julia Lynn Smith, 38, of Souderton died January 2, 2018 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. She was the wife of William Smith. Born in Doylestown, PA she was the daughter of John Stephens of Perkasie and Deborah (Smakula) Hetherington of Weatherly. She loved all animals. Julia enjoyed music such as Fiona Apple, Damien Rice, Pink, and Linkin Park. She also enjoyed Greek Food and watching movies. Most of all Julia loved her family and friends. “Along with all Julia was able to accomplish in the short time she was with us, hers was a life abundant of bright potential, tied to a struggle that made her a star in our eyes. In addition to her husband and parents she is survived by a daughter Azailya Lynn Smith at home. Her step father William Hetherington of Weatherly. A brother William Hetherington and a sister Ashley Hetherington both of Weatherly. Also life-long sisters Kathy & Nicole. Julia’s wish to be cremated was fulfilled and a memorial service celebrating her life was held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crtrunk.com) In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association 150 Monument Rd. Suite 100 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 or to any Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue. Charlene S. Cassel, 87, formerly of Coopersburg, died on January 6, 2018 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest. Her family gathered around her for prayer, singing and encouragement. Charlene was born in Duluth, MN, on May 28, 1930 to the late Laurs and Olivia (Solberg) Sorensen and was graduated from Denfeld High School, Duluth and Wheaton College, IL. She served as a teacher and as the faithful wife of Pastor Carl C. Cassel. They enjoyed more than 64 years of life together in the Lehigh Valley moving from Coopersburg to Fellowship Community, Whitehall in 2015. Charlene is a member of Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg, where she served in many ways. Survivors: She is survived by her husband who along with three sons enjoyed, appreciated and benefitted from her positive life. Sons David Cassel of Arlington, TX; Stephen Cassel and wife, Kathy of Coopersburg with grandchildren Hannah, Jacob, Elizabeth (Ellie); Nathan Cassel and wife, Susan of Wheaton, IL with grandchildren Karl, Olivia, Britta, Lars. Charlene is also survived by a brother, Sheldon Sorensen and wife Agnes of Minneapolis, MN Contribution: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, PO BOX 166, Coopersburg, PA 18036. Jeffery S. Delp, 60, of Quakertown, previously of Perkasie, died Sat., Jan. 6 at his home. He was the loving husband of Sun Hwa (Park) Delp for 17 years. Born in Sellersville, he was a son of
the late Robert W. and Myrtle V. (Smith) Delp. Jeff was a 1975 graduate of Pennridge High School. He earned his engineering degree in refrigeration from Frick Industrial Refrigeration and worked at Merck for 35 years. Jeff was involved with the NRA, enjoyed competition trap shooting, sky diving, and hunting. Surviving with Sun are his son: Wayne Marquis; grandson, Damion A. Marquis; brothers, Michael, wife Bernice of Ottsville and Randy, wife Kathleen of Quakertown; brother-in-law, Mike Park, wife Joanne; nieces and nephew: S. Richelle Sowa, Rhonda K. Grieser, Roslyn M. Zurfluh, Jennifer MacMillan, Krista Kent, Jenny Park and Jay Park; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and Damion’s mother and step-father, Caitlyn and Brandon Lewis. He was predeceased by step-mother Gloria S. (Stover) Delp and nephew, Jason Delp. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543. www.nauglefcs.com
Clarence L. Funk, 87, of Quakertown formerly of Bethlehem died January 7, 2018 in his home. He was the husband of the late Betty J. (Strohl) Funk. Born in Bethlehem he was the son of the late George H. & Maizie Funk. He was an appliance repairman for the former Nicholas Hardware before his retirement. Clarence enjoyed birdwatching, fishing, and gardening. He was a member of the Quakertown Jehovah Witness and enjoyed his church family. He is survived by three sons Robert (Janet) of Breinigsville, Theodore of Bangor, and Richard (Karen) of Allentown. A daughter Beth Cressman (Ron) of Clearwater, FL. Two brothers Eugene “Lee” (Joyce) of Ocala, FL, and George of Beauford, SC. Seven grandchildren Tammie, Misty, Adam, Ashley, Samantha, Mark, & Lindsey. Three great grandchildren Landon, James, & Alani. Services were held on Friday, January 12, 2018 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Chapman C. Johnson, Jr, 77, of Quakertown, died Mon., Jan. 15 at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital. He was the loving husband of Marion Marie (Pidgeon) Johnson. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Chapman C. Johnson, Sr. and Adelaide Levinia (Blackson) Johnson. Chapman graduated Quakertown High School in 1958, where he was a member of the track and cross country team. He was an independent operator in the trucking industry. Surviving with Marion are his children: Chapman “Chip” III, wife Lisa Ann of Coopersburg; Denise Johnson of Jamaica Queens, NY; brothers: David of Quakertown; Richard Jones of Philadelphia; Sisters: Carole Eddings of Quakertown, Cecelia “Peggy” Casey; Donna Watson of Philadelphia; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; god daughter: Johari Miller of Quakertown and many nieces and nephews. From Denise: Job Well Done, Chappie. www.nauglefcs.com Brandon C. Talkach, 23, of Zionsville, died Mon. Jan. 15 from injuries received in a vehicle accident. He was the son of Shawn L. Talkach of Coopersburg and Tammy (Bathololmew) Talkach of Zionsville. He was a 2012 graduate of Southern Lehigh High School and Lehigh Career & Technical Institute with a carpentry degree. He was a production technician with Mack Trucks, Inc., Macungie for over three years and previously worked for Reeb Miller, Bethlehem. Brandon was an avid Quarter Midget race car driver racing at Blue Mt. and West End fairgrounds. He was a lifetime member of the Blue Mt. Quarter Midget Assoc. Brandon enjoyed his trucks, four wheeling, and kayaking. Surviving with his parents is his step-mother, Tammy Breisch-Talkach, girlfriend Emma Zangli, maternal grandmother Helen Batholomew, paternal grandparents Melvin & Janet Allen. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Carl Batholomew. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hospital of Phila. Foundation, P.O. Box 781352, Phila., PA 19178-1352 or give.chop.edu nauglefcs.com
February 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
~Obituaries~
Peter Joseph “PJ” Dunbar, 24, beloved son, grandson, brother and cousin, passed away Mon., Jan. 15, 2018. Born in Doylestown, he was a son of Patricia Lazorko-Dunbar of Revere and James Dunbar of Upper Black Eddy; and step-son of James Stahley. Despite the tough exterior, PJ had a very caring heart. He was very close with his late grandparents, Pete and Angela Lazorko; and loved spending time with his 2-year-old cousin, Inteuz, whom he adored. PJ was also somewhat of a comedian. Everyone he met enjoyed his humor and wit, and he could always make a person laugh when they least expected. Surviving with his parents is his sister, Jaclyn Selitto, husband Angelo; brother, James T. Dunbar, wife Candyce; cousin and close friend, Tobias Riccardi, wife Courtney; grandmother, Dale Wetherill; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Sandy Martin DeVito, 65, of Cape Coral, FL, previously of Quakertown, passed on to be with her Lord on her birthday, Jan. 16, 2018, of cancer. She was the loving wife of Joe DeVito. She was a registered nurse working in geriatrics. Surviving with her husband are her sons, Eric & Curt; grandchildren Logan & Alivia; brother Craig and his wife Carolyn; niece Nicole & nephew Curry. The family will receive family and friends Thurs. Feb. 1, 5 – 8 PM at the Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rod., Quakertown. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Assoc. of PA, 2200 W. Hamilton St, Ste 318, Allentown, PA 18104 or www.lung.org www.nauglefcs.com Mary Ann Emert, 91, of Sellersville, previously of Quakertown, died Wed. Jan. 17 in Grand View Hospital. She was the wife of the late Donald E. Emert. Born in Trumbauersville, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Helen (Kujawa) Gregg. She worked as a sales clerk in retail. She is survived by her son, Donald, wife Pam of Toledo, OH; grandchildren Jennifer Hunsicker & Aaron Emert; great-grandchildren Garret and Gage; & sister Helen Jarrett. She was predeceased by a sister Regina Volensky. A graveside service was held 11 AM Sat. Jan. 27 in Tohickon Union Cemetery, Weisel. www.nauglefcs.com Thomas J. Blase, 68, of Ottsville died January 21, 2018 in his home. He was the husband of the late Janet (Edwards) Blase. Born in Abington, PA he was the son of the late George F. & Lillian T. (Koons) Blase. He was a retired Auto Body Technician. He loved trains and was a collector of Pre War Lionel Trains. He was a long time member of Trains Collectors Association. Thomas also enjoyed gardening and Bonsai trees. He is survived by a son Thomas E. (Lisa) of Perkasie a daughter Teresa M. Rushton of Philadelphia. Two brothers Joseph Blase of Warminster and Robert Blase of Ottsville. Four sisters Barbara Preston of Quakertown, Georgine Mills of Davisburg, MI, Rosemary Frum of Hatboro, and Elizabeth Nelson of Springfield, VA. Four grandchildren Thomas, Nicholas, Ashley & Samantha and four great grandchildren Thomas, Jimmy, Samantha, & Emilio. Predeceased by a brother James. A memorial service will held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk. com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Call 1:00-2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society 480 Norristown Rd. #150 Blue Bell, PA 19422. Jane Brown Ross, fondly known as “Janie” to her close friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2018 at the age of 69. Jane was born on December 27, 1948 in
Quakertown, PA. She excelled at swimming in her youth and graduated from Central Bucks High School. Jane went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Jane was a long time resident of Brigantine, NJ where she enjoyed endless days on the beach with friends and raising her two children. Jane’s maternal wings far exceeded just her children though. She embraced step children, nieces, nephews and countless others as if they were her own children. Jane spent her final years in Ocean View, NJ where she could be close to her children and grandchildren. Jane will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters Robin and Natalie, her brother Ken (Pam), and her four grandchildren, Sara, Santo, Sienna and Emily. Jane will also be forever remembered by her nephews Steve, Eric, Shawn (Kelli), Justin (Lindsey) and her dear friends. Jane was predeceased by her parents Kenneth and Florence Brown, her daughter Kimberly Ross and her sister Ann Zayes. Jane was beautiful inside and out, and her smile could light up a room. She was a kind, caring, selfless person with a quiet inner strength that was admired by all who knew her. Jane loved baking, movies, dogs, travel and the beach, but being a Mother and a Grammy gave Jane the most joy. Her family was her guiding light and her generous spirit and strong faith in the divine will live on in her children and precious grandchildren. Jane requested a private burial and funeral. The family wishes to thank all of those who were so special to Janie and please think of her when you’re enjoying a sunny day at the beach, Christmas with your loved ones or a smile from those you hold most dear. Arrangements provided by Naugle Funeral and Cremation Service, Quakertown, PA. www.nauglefcs.com
Gladys F. Ganong, 80, of Quakertown died January 22, 2018. She was the beloved wife of the late Harland Ganong. Born in Staten Island, NY she was the daughter of Horst and Florence (Gamge) Fennel. She enjoyed knitting and embraced others by teaching them how to knit including a class at Michaels. She also enjoyed cooking and camping. Gladys was a life-time member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed being with her family and friends. Gladys was a legal secretary before retiring. She is survived by her children Jeanne Mitchell, Mark Nielsen, and Robin Lundholm (Rob). Seven grandchildren Sherrie, Cherri, Laurie, Daniel, Lisa, Gage, and Alyssa. Five great grandchildren Brittany, Bradley, Juliet, Kaylyn, Benjamin. Predeceased by a daughter Geraldine Snedeker. Graveside Services were held on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hawk Mountain 1700 Hawk Mountain Rd. Kempton, PA 19529. Shirley F. Willauer, 83, of White Haven formerly of Quakertown died January 22, 2018. She was the wife of the late Joseph R. Willauer. Born in Bechtelsville, Pa she was the daughter of the late Wilmer & Katie (Kemp) Gerhart. She was last employed as a manager for the men’s suit department at the former Hess’s in Quakertown, prior to that she was an Administrative Assistant at Air Products in Trexlertown. She was a member of the Quakertown United Methodist Church in Quakertown and also an active member with the church’s United Methodist Women Group. She enjoyed sewing and baking. Shirley is survived by two daughters Sue Andress (Ronald) and JoAnn Pasternak (Michael). A brother Willard (Dorothy). Five grandchildren Ronald, III, Joshua (Amanda), Justin (Danielle), Mikey, and Bryanna. A great grandson Lincoln. Graveside services will be private and 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 Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951 or Alzheimer’s Association Lehigh Valley Office 617A Main St. Hellertown, PA 18055.
Neva J. Cutler, 84, of Quakertown, died Tue., Jan. 23, at Hidden Meadows on the Ridge. She was the loving wife of the late Norman J Cutler. Born in Pickens, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Brian and Ethel (Clark) Anthony. Neva used to golf everyday and loved going to the casinos. Surviving are her children: Vicki Capecci, husband Bert of Philadelphia; Wanda Graser, husband Jim of Alburtis; Thurman “Tom” Pace, wife Terri of Quakertown; Grandchildren: Diane, Tony, Dennis, Jennifer and Michelle; Great-Grandchildren: Michael, Nolan, Ryan, Samantha, and Jacob; Brothers: Wallace, Harold and Jimmy all from South Carolina; Sisters: Margaret Reeves, Rosie Youngblood and Gayle Holcumbe all from South Carolina. She was predeceased by a brother Benjamin Anthony. Memorial Contributions can be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102 Philadelphia PA 19106. www.nauglefcs.com Gail E. Brosius, of Quakertown was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior on January 25, 2018 at the age of 82. She was born in Norwich, NY on July 19, 1935. She lived in the West Chester and Downingtown area and worked in retail, office management, and real estate. After moving to Trumbauersville, she started her own successful real estate appraisal business which she operated until her retirement. Gail was an avid horse lover all her life and enjoyed fox hunting with the Whiteland Hunt. She also enjoyed snowmobiling in NY and Canada with the Upper Bucks Snow Mobile Club. She was an active volunteer, in the community, with her husband, as members of Trumbauersville Lions Club, raising money to help the less fortunate in their community. Gail loved her Lord and was a faithful prayer warrior for her family and friends. She was a long time member of Faith Baptist Church in Sellersville and an active member of their Senior Saints program. She loved to entertain, opening her home to many who became like family. Her favorite times were when she was surrounded by those she love the most and who loved her. She will be dearly missed by her husband Richard L. Brosius, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Sharon wife of James Reed, of Ephrata, PA, a dearly loved Gram to her 3 grandchildren Robin wife of Donald Mitchell of Catonsville, MD, Stephen husband of Ryan Reed of Phoenixville, AZ, and Holly wife of Bryan Snyder of Ephrata, PA and a proud Grammy to her 8 great grandchildren, Collin, Abby, Brayden, Hannah, Chloe, Josie, Jack, and Lilah. In her last days she shared how proud she was of her wonderful family, how much she loved each one of them, and considered them, God’s greatest blessing, in her life. A memorial service was held on Tuesday,
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January 30, 2018 in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Call Tuesday 1:00-2:00 P.M. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Faith Baptist Church 700 North Main St. Sellersville, PA 18960 or to the Trumbauersville Lions Kidney Foundation P.O. Box 33 Trumbauersville, PA 18970.
Anthony P. Rossi, 98, of Quakertown died January 19, 2018 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. He was the husband of the late Concetta (DiFrancesco) Rossi. Born in Atlas, PA he was the son of the late Dan & Lena (Swaldi) Rossi. He was a Business Agent for Amalgamated Clothing of American and a presser at the former Harvey Clothing Factory before his retirement. Anthony was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown. Anthony was an avid golfer scoring eight hole in ones in his career. He is survived by two sons Daniel (Sharon) of Bethlehem and Anthony (Karen) of Quakertown. Two grandchildren Jason (Diana) and Justin (Amy). Four great grandchildren Lucas, Alexa, Lorenzo and Ryan. He was predeceased by a brother Albert and a sister Angelina Dallabrida. A Memorial Mass was held on Thursday January 25 in St. Isidore’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in the form of Mass cards to St. Isidore’s Catholic Church 603 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. Arrangements in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown. Stuart B. Hutchinson, Jr., 85, of Bethlehem, formerly of Springfield Twp., died Sun. Jan. 28 in his home. He was the husband of the late Louise (Mendenhall) Hutchinson. Born in Chestnut Hill, he was a son of the late Stuart B, Sr. and Evelyn (Nelson) Hutchinson. Stu graduated form Doylestown High School in 1950 and attended Penn State. He served with the US Army during the Korean War. He retired as a vice president of the former Lehigh Structural Steel Co., Bethlehem in 1992. Previously, he worked over 25 years for the former Bethlehem Fabrications, Inc. He was a past president of the Jr. Achievement of the Lehigh Valley and a member of the Bethlehem Jaycees and Sales & Marketing Club, Bethlehem. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Bethlehem. Surviving are his daughters, Bonny Becker, her husband John of Flemington, NJ and Jill Weaver, her husband Peter of Coopersburg; grandchildren Mark, Bryan, Ryan, Justin, Brandi, & Brielle; great-grandchildren Emma, Lila, Liz, Harper, & Haylee; brother Douglas, wife Dee of Quakertown; and numerous cousins, nieces & nephews. Funeral services will be held Sat. Feb. 3, 11 am in the Naugle Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. Family & friends may call at the funeral home Fri. evening Feb. 2, 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 3893 Adler Place, Ste 170, Bethlehem, PA 18017 or cancer.org. www.nauglefcs.com
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
~Obituaries~
Mary S. Homa, 73, of Quakertown, passed away early Wed., Jan. 10 at Grand View Hospital in Sellersville. She was the loving wife of Thomas Homa for 31 years. Born in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of the late Arthur G. and Lynne “Kae” (Slocum) Miller. For 32 years, Mary worked as a teller and head teller for the former Provident National Bank, Harleysville National Bank and First Niagra Bank. She was a former member of the Quakertown Historical Society. Mary loved gardening, and liked to collect teddy bears (especially Boyds Bears), Annalee dolls (the mice were her favorite) and Longaberger baskets. She also enjoyed traveling, and her two favorite places to vacation were Prince Edward Island in Canada and Branson, Missouri. Surviving with Thomas are her children: Kurt H. Tommuscheit, Jr. of Quakertown; Kevin A. Bliss; Thomas Homa, Jr. of Honey Brook; Jacqueline D. Homa of Philadelphia; Helen L. Mann, husband Troy of Honey Brook; grandchildren: Thomas, Autumn, Connor, Lukas and Natascha; brothers: Robert Jeffrey Miller of Philadelphia; Scot Miller, wife Clair of Genesee and Michael Miller of Santan Valley AZ; also, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur G. Miller, Jr. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. www.nauglefcs.com Robert E. Roberts, Sr., 85, of East Greenville, passed away at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital early Tuesday, January 16. He was the loving husband of the late Mary M. (Carter) Roberts. Born in East Rockhill, PA, on October 16, 1932, he was a son of the late William H. and Myrtle (Corum) Roberts. He was a graduate of Quakertown High School. Robert served with the US Army in Alaska during the Korean War. He worked as a brick mason for the former New Jersey Shale Brick Manufacturing Company in Somerville, New Jersey for many years before retiring. Surviving family member are: Children: Robert Roberts, Jr., late wife Flossie of Camden, DE; William Roberts,
wife Dee Ann of East Greenville, PA and Tracey VanderWoude, husband Todd of Fort Worth, TX; Grandchildren: Jayson, Timothy, Taneka, Vanessa, Samuel, Jayson, Michelle, Cristina, Jennifer, Jeremy, Jasmine, Brandon and Tashina; along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Siblings: Anna Jones, Patricia Boyd, Loretta Lewis and Myrtle Colon. He was preceded in death by his daughters: Annette Odom and Rosemari Roberts; grandson Joshua Chobot; and brothers: Ralph, Granville, Richard and Silas Roberts. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., Quakertown is assisting the family. www.nauglefcs.com John M. Grey, 81, formerly of Kumry Road in Trumbauersville, died at Pennsburg Manor early Thursday, January 25. He was the loving husband of the late Lauretta G. (Weiss) Grey. Born at the family homestead in Trumbauersville, he was a son of the late Joseph and Eleanor (Rutkowski) Grzegorzewicz. For over 40 years John was a machinist with Bracalente Manufacturing Co. in Quakertown, retiring around 1994. He was a life member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown, and the North Penn Gun Club. John was a Phillies fanatic, and two of his favorite pastimes were playing darts and fishing. Surviving are his daughters: Teri Smith, husband Thomas and Gina Ritter, husband Gary, all of Quakertown; grandchildren: TJ, Joe, Mike, Tami, Angela, Ashley, Amanda and Adam; great-grandchildren: Madison, Gavin, Virginia, Nevan, Zander, Julia, Luke, Meredith, Mia and Evelyn; brother, Joseph Grey of Quakertown and sister, Anna Pratka of Bethlehem. He was preceded in death by a son, John Grey; grandson, Gary; and siblings: Frank, Eleanor, Stella and Jenny. Memorials may be sent to the American Kidney Fund: www.kidneyfund.org or the American Heart Association: www.heart.org . www.nauglefcs.com
What Should You Do With Your Tax Refund?
You may not get much of a thrill from filing your taxes, but the process becomes much more enjoyable if you’re expecting a refund. So, if one is headed your way, what should you do with the money? The answer depends somewhat on the size of the refund. For the 2017 tax year, the average refund was about $2,760 – not a fortune, but big enough to make an impact in your life. Suppose, for example, that you invested this amount in a tax-deferred vehicle, such as a traditional IRA, and then did not add another penny to it for 30 years. At the end of that time, assuming a hypothetical 7 percent annual rate of return, you’d have slightly more than $21,000 – not enough, by itself, to allow you to move to a Caribbean island, but still a nice addition to your retirement income. (You will need to pay taxes on your withdrawals eventually, unless the money was invested in a Roth IRA, in which case withdrawals are tax-free, provided you meet certain conditions.) Of course, you don’t have to wait 30 years before you see any benefits from your tax refund. If you did decide to put a $2,760 tax refund toward your IRA for 2018, you’d already have reached just over half the allowable contribution limit of $5,500. (If you’re 50 or older, the limit is $6,500.) By getting such a strong head start on funding your IRA for the year, you’ll give your money more time to grow. Also, if you’re going to “max out” on your IRA, your large initial payment will enable you to put in smaller monthly amounts than you might need to contribute otherwise.
While using your refund to help fund your IRA is a good move, it’s not the only one you can make. Here are a few other possibilities: • Pay down some debt. At some time or another, most of us probably feel we’re carrying too much debt. If you can use your tax refund to help reduce your monthly debt payments, you’ll improve your cash flow and possibly have more money available to invest for the future. • Build an emergency fund. If you needed a new furnace or major car repair, or faced any other large, unexpected expense, how would you pay for it? If you did not have the cash readily available, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments. To help avoid this problem, you could create an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. Your tax refund could help build your emergency fund. • Look for other investment opportunities. If you have some gaps in your portfolio, or some opportunities to improve your overall diversification, you might want to use your tax refund to add some new investments. The more diversified your portfolio, the stronger your defense against market volatility that might primarily affect one particular asset class. (However, diversification, by itself, can’t protect against all losses or guarantee profits.) Clearly, a tax refund gives you a chance to improve your overall financial picture. So take your time, evaluate your options and use the money wisely. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones office on West Broad Street, Quakertown. He can be reached at 215-536-3635 or at bob.podraza@edwardjones.com
American Legion Post 242 Update BY DICK HELM I recently received notification that my Commemorative Proof Silver Dollar honoring the 100th anniversary of World War I was shipped. This issued silver dollar of not more that 350,000 coins struck, features a Doughboy, moving forward in a “Soldiers Charge,” in a stone-like pose gripping a rifle with twined barbed wire in the lower right on the obverse. The reverse features Poppies mixed in with barbed wire. Later on in spring I will receive another proof dollar in a double set with a special Army medal showing two Army soldiers firing from the trenches. The First World War introduced the US as a world power to be reckoned with. Unfortunately many from our area went “Over There” never to return home. Amongst the troops lost was Wallace Willard Keller. He remains in a national cemetery in France. One year after war the “American Legion was formed.” Wallace Willard Keller will always be remembered, as his name is part of your Quakertown Legion Post moniker. Lest we forget, Quakertown Legion Post
242, the Wallace Willard Keller Post, had the honor of having a display in our local school, Quakertown Community High School, for a long period of time. We thank them for their inclusion in educating the young people in the history of this country that not only changed the world but also changed the history of the United States. In May when we read the many names of the men who gave their all during this conflict we too will commemorate the motto “Lest we forget” by instilling in our community the familiar names of many original families who settled this area as well as some folks who arrived in the new settling waves at Ellis Island of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. All these persons were freedom loving people-All who were willing to serve! Our Post will be planning that May event from this moment on. We ask you to mark down on your calendar, May 28th 2018 for you or your family to help honor these fallen soldiers on this 100th Anniversary Commemoration. Our monument here in Quakertown is quite unique, as it is that of a Doughboy. Please come and join us that day. LEST WE FORGET!
February 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
“Had it not been for the help you gave me to pay my bill, I don’t know what I would’ve done.” “I want to say thank you again and let you know that I am truly grateful for this program.” “I greatly appreciate your and Casa Guadalupe’s kind help this past very cold winter.” January and February are usually the coldest time of the year. They’re months of short days, long nights, snow, wind and ice. While these months do have their charm, we all know they can be tough to get through sometimes. For people who are struggling with personal challenges, like illness or the loss of a job, life can seem even bleaker at this time of year. Bills loom larger, and things we once took for granted suddenly become constant sources of concern. Fortunately, help is at hand, even in the darkest hours. And it’s easy to help those who need it, if you’re fortunate enough to be able. One way to get – or give – help is called Operation HELP. That’s an energy assistance fund founded by PPL Electric Utilities in 1983. Since then, it’s helped 94,000 families – including some in this area – by making their financial challenges a little lighter. (The quotes at the start of this article come from customers in the Lehigh Valley who received assistance from Operation HELP.) It works like this: Income-eligible customers can apply for grants that help pay any type of energy bill. The grants go directly to the customer’s utility. Community agencies across
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PPL Electric Utilities’ 29-county service area administer the program. Help is available year-round as funding permits – though, since winter is a peak time of year for energy use, demand is likely to be especially high around this time. Operation HELP is funded by the company, its employees, retirees, and generous customers. We’ve done everything from holding golf tournaments to selling cookbooks to build support for the program over the years, and we thank those who have donated in the past. In February, PPL Electric Utilities will hold its annual Operation HELP fundraising drive. You’ll receive information with your monthly statement. We hope you’ll consider giving, if you’re able to. You can also donate online at pplelectric.com/operationhelp. If you believe Operation HELP can help you with your energy bills, you have a few choices. You can visit pplelectric.com/operationhelp to learn more about the program and find the name of an agency that administers the program in your area. (The agency may be able to refer you to other programs that can help, as well.) Or, you can call PPL at 1-800-DIAL-PPL (342-5775), and we’ll help guide you. If other PPL customer assistance programs can help, we’ll tell you about those as well. We appreciate any support you can give. It will make a difference in helping someone else get through these long, cold months, or another period of personal need. Carol is the Regional Affairs Director for PPL Electric Utilities in Allentown, PA. Reach her at CObando-Derstine@pplweb.com
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info@ubfp.org • 582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951
The Throat of Winter
It was cold around here this holiday season. A couple of mornings when I went out early, the thermometer in my car proclaimed ‘Below Zero’. We contended with snow cover and icy, salt coated streets for weeks. Our long underwear saw the washing machine more times in a month than they had in years. At my place, we suffered dead car batteries, frozen door latches and windshield wipers, and even a frozen bath tub drain in our addition. Our oil burner ran with consistent, expensive regularity and additional space heaters (which were nearly monopolized by the dogs), inflated our electric bill. I won’t say it was one of the worst cold spells I’ve weathered. I lived in Wyoming for twelve years. There’s a different concept of cold out there in the Rocky Mountains, though. They use sand instead of salt on the roads, because (if you remember Mr. Fahrenheit’s experiments—zero degrees is the lowest temperature at which water can be kept liquid by adding salt). It was the longest I remember it staying below freezing in quite a while, though. When I was growing up in Quakertown, back in the 50’s and 60’s, I remember a few bad winters. There was an electric thermometer in front of a savings and loan on Broad Street between Fourth and Fifth Streets in those days. I remember sitting in my dad’s car at the Sunoco station, shivering and peering through the frosty windows. The thermometer read Zero. I remember thinking, “It hasn’t been Zero around here in a long time.” I remember the schools being closed for a week when we got a couple of feet of snow and it was windy. I remember being able to ice-skate from the Rocking Horse Bridge at Elm all the way to Main (except the part of the Licking Run between Fourth St. and Hellertown Ave. where factory discharges kept the water warmer). Things change, though. Because of (alleged) human caused global warming, and the fact that a large part of the area now has impermeable ground cover (asphalt and buildings), which causes quick runoff and leaves the Licking Run empty half the time, skating on the creek is not as common as it used to be. [I guess video games and iPods have something to do with that, too]. Recently, winters around here have been more frustrating annoyances than debilitating traumas. I’m reminded of the year my mother came out to Casper, Wyoming to spend Christmas with her grandkids. For the entire holiday week, the warmest high temperature we saw was nineteen below zero. Thirty-three, thirty-five and thirty-nine below were some of our overnight lows. That’s a debilitating trauma! But then, Wyoming has only three seasons (as they say): winter, July and August. This winter, I was in the middle of a plumbing project and had the front bathroom out of service when the back one froze up. My wife seemed traumatized. She didn’t actually say much, but that hairy eyeball she gives me made
it clear that I’d better get at least one tub and shower working. “Hey, the toilets work,” I pointed out. But, saying “It’ll eventually thaw. This isn’t Wyoming,” was not an acceptable solution. It was one of those Below Zero days. I was dressed as warmly as was physically possible, but it was breezy and it didn’t help much. I used a pick to chip away frozen garden mulch to get at the vent to under our addition. I pried off the metal frame and the screen that keeps squirrels out of the space under the floor and peered in. It wasn’t actually a crawl space. There was only a foot and a half of room. I could see where the insulation had fallen off the tub’s drain pipe, but there was no way to get at it. All of the ones we had were in use, so I had to run up to Ollies and get some more electric space heaters. That was more difficult than I expected. Somebody left the windshield wipers on (it was me), and when the car (unexpectedly) started right up, one wiper left its rubber stuck in the windshield ice and the other stripped out its socket and didn’t move (it cost well over $100 to replace the blades and an arm). I ran an extension cord out a window (sealing the gap with towels), wedged the space heater through the vent hole and under the addition. I was concerned about leaving it sit there running on high next to the wooden floor joists while drawing twelve amps of current, but got that hairy eyeball again when I said something. There was a GFI on the outlet, so I forced myself to relax (but checked on it regularly). It worked! In a few hours the soapy water, which had been sitting in the tub overnight, drained. Before the cold spell was over I recognized a couple of odd ironies. I’m not sure if it relates to my age, to the blood thinning medications I take or (I like this one best), to the wisdom I’ve developed after over 60 years as a fulltime student in the school of hard knocks. I usually enjoy winter (don’t react well to our heat and humidity). I’m an alpine skier and always get a season pass to Bear Creek (Doe Mountain to you older folks). One day, I had all the equipment out, lubed and waxed. It was about 15 degrees that day, and windy. “It’s too cold to go skiing,” I decided. Another day, it was a little warmer but snowing like mad. “It’s too snowy to go skiing,” I wimped out again. Oh well, spring is around the corner. It’ll be mud and rain, then. Then it’ll be summer with its humidity and mosquitoes; then autumn, then winter again. We’ve got four seasons here and have to learn to cope with them all. “O the throat of winter is upon us / The barren barley fields refuse to sway / Before the husky hag of early darkness / In her hoods of snowy grey. / Winter, winter, winter / Are you but a servant of the bad one?” (from ‘Throat of Winter’ by Marc Bolan of T.Rex) Winter a servant of the Devil? I don’t think so. We’re just getting soft and old. Jack Schick is a long time Quakertown
area resident and regular contributor here at UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com
Love is in the Air
There were a few events that happened during the month of February that put a little spice into living in the country. The main event was “snow.” We could expect snow showers, a few inches of snow, or a full-blown blizzard. As children, we looked forward to snow because that meant building snowmen, snowball fights, snow angels, and snow forts. Oh, I cannot forget the snow ice cream my mother used to make. Rarely do I recall having days off from school because of snow unless it had snowed thirty inches and our roads were not plowed for five days. During February, temperatures ranged from very cold to above average. February could be about as unpredictable as March. But, no matter what happened, we were excited because we knew spring was on the way. During February, in the 1950s, we celebrated the birthday of George Washington on his actual birthdate, February 22nd. I especially liked the myth about George chopping down his father’s cherry tree, and I even thought it was true at the time. The artwork in our elementary school books made it very believable. I admired him for telling his father the truth – “I cannot tell a lie…I did cut it with my hatchet.” I could relate to his hatchet because my mother used one to split kindling for our wood burning stove. Unfortunately, I also used it for the same purpose as I became older. Remember now, I was a city baby who had been misplaced to the country. Some of those chores were not part of my DNA. All of that aside, George Washington’s birthday was a big event in February, especially for us school children. The other big event was Valentine’s Day on February 14th. I remember, and still have some of the Valentine’s Day cards my older brother sent to our mother. They were large cards, beautifully designed with raised pink or red satin hearts featuring dainty white lace around the heart. Some of them even had a light floral fragrance. And they were always accompanied by what else but a box of Whitman’s chocolate candy. On the inside of the lid was a map indicating the flavor of each piece of candy that sat in its own individual gold compartment. I remember my mother reading the flavors to me, so I could choose which one I wanted. Of course, I wanted them all, except the taffy which I did not like.
What was exciting for me were the Valentine cards we got at school. If you were in elementary school in the 1950’s, you will recall those little cards we exchanged. Some were individual, and some were perforated, and you had to tear them apart. The teacher would send home a list of your classmates’ names and you spent an evening writing twenty-five names on Valentine cards. It was very special to get so many cards in one day. In the middle elementary grades, my mother would help me make my cards. She would cut a perfect heart from construction paper, and then I would glue white paper doilies onto the heart which in turn was glued to the inside of a folded piece of construction paper. I can still remember writing “Happy Valentine’s Day, Suzy” on the front, and on the heart inside, “From Jacque.” Now, that was a tedious job. Our teacher would give each of us a small box of tiny conversation hearts candy with words like Love, Hug Me, My Gal, Kiss Me, and Be Mine. They caused a lot of teasing – Eddie loves Jan, and Sarah was going to kiss Billy, and Tammy wants to hug George. They also created lots of giggles for boys and girls. It has been many years since my children were in elementary school, so I don’t know if they still exchange Valentine cards or not. I would hope so because it is a great memory to carry throughout your life. February 14th is a day of cards, flowers, jewelry, candy, romantic dinners, and engagements. But, it can also be a day that we show love to one another. It can be a day that we acknowledge a homeless person on the street by buying them a cup of coffee or a meal and wishing then a Happy Valentine’s Day. It can be a day that we take our elderly neighbor a single red rose with a card that says, “I Love You.” Love comes in many forms, and we can express it in many ways. I think love had been lost along the way, and it is time to fill the air with it again. As we approach Valentine’s Day. 2018, I wish you all a day filled with Love. “Love… bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” Jacque Holliday is a long time freelance contributor to UBFP. She always welcomes your comments via email at jacque@ubfp.org
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
Employment Opportunities
You’ve Got Maids Hiring commercial nighttime cleaners & daytime residential cleaners. (215) 529-7837 Edible Arrangements - Hiring Seasonal Help. Good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and reliability a must. Stop by store for info and to apply. 582 S. West End Blvd, Quakertown Upper Bucks YMCA - Part Time Sports Attendant, Full Time Janitorial /Maintenance, Part Time Teacher’s Aid (Childcare Center), Part Time Art Teacher All include full Y membership. Call 215-536-YMCA (9622) or stop in to apply. 401 Fairview Avenue, Quakertown. Upper Bucks Free Press - Marketing & Sales Opportunities. Experience not necessary. Communication skills, reliability, and ability to work independently a must. Great fit for students, homemakers, and retirees. Email: cjbetz@ubfp.org to inquire. Geoff’s Towing & Garage - Professional tow truck operators. Looking for guys that go the extra mile! Neat appearance, courteous and professionalism is a must! Looking for Rollback operators and medium duty Wrecker and heavy-duty Wrecker drivers with a Class A. Must have medical card . Full-time or part-time positions available. Hours vary. This is NOT a nine-to-five job. Some nights and weekends a must! Pay based on experience, tow certifications a Plus. Must be at least 25 years old, pass random drug testing and have a clean driving record. Send resumes to geoffstowspeed@aol.com or call Geoff at 267-733-2690 Kulp Roofing - PT office assistant, must have a patient and friendly personality. Applicant must be available 20-25 hours per week. Responsibilities include answering phones, scheduling, some computer knowledge is helpful, specifically MS Word. Please visit Kulp Roofing at 216 D Apple Street Quakertown Pa to fill out an application M-Th 8a-4p. Independence Court - Senior Personal Care Community is currently seeking a part-time evening and every other weekend wait staff to join our team. Responsibilities include setting and clearing tables and serving meals to residents in a courteous and professional manner. Interested Applicants apply in person at 1660 Park Ave. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-538-7050 E.O.E.
1927 Two and One Half Dollar Gold Coin Ever since I was a small boy I always collected various things. Today I carry over that habit still keeping an eye out for toys, antique or unique weapons, and coins. I would venture to say that my oldest collections were stamps and coins. The desire for stamps has diminished and I still hold on to the stamps I collected as a boy including war stamps and what was known as plate blocks of commemorative stamps. Sam Kile and I both took an interest in coin collection and vied with one another to fill the blue books (purchased at Sine’s 5 & 10) of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Matter of fact one day at school Sam, who was ahead of me at the Woodson Milk Machine in the cafeteria put his nickel in the machine for a carton of milk (Cost was three cents) and when he got his two pennies change, one of them was a 1917D! This was quite a rare coin. Darn I just missed that one by one place in line! I was born in 1943 and during that year the U.S. Government made the pennies out of steel so they could use the copper for the war effort. I always kept any “steel” pennies or traded off for them with others. Today I have about 600 of them. Many folks kid me about having my first dollar I ever earned. You guessed it—I do! When I received my first pay from Clarence Croman of about $2,50 for picking beans at $,25 an hour I took it to Merchant’s National Bank and opened a savings account with $1.00, bought a Silver Dollar, and kept the remaining $.50 for spending. I still have that particular Silver Dollar. My article today is about one such coin I have. It is a 1927 2 ½ Gold Piece. It has an impression of a Native American on the front and an eagle on the back. I would say the condition is excellent. Matter of fact, that year coin of that denomination is the scarcest of that series as only 388,000 were made. Also Roosevelt took the Gold Standard off and wanted all gold coins cashed in. To this day I buy proof sets every year. My collection is kept in a large Safe Deposit Box in the bank nowadays and I rarely get to see them. I even have an uncalculated Carson City Silver Dollar from the 1800’s. The only coin I leave at home in our gun safe is that 2 ½ Dollar Gold Piece. Now I will give a history of that coin. Back in 1933 my parents were united in marriage and after their ceremony held in the Parsonage of St. John’s Lutheran in Richlandtown, they had a reception at the Souder farm (My mom’s homestead as her mother was a Souder). My mother’s grandmother went upstairs and came down with that 2½ dollar gold piece and gave it to my parents as a wedding gift. A few weeks after their marriage, my parents both lost their jobs due to the severity of the depression. I have related how they lived at that farm until shortly before my sister was born and how the folks struggled back then in a past article. During
that hardship they “Didn’t” cash in that gold piece. Later my mother had a problem with her Gaul Bladder and when a new operation procedure was introduced her doctor told her to have it performed. Back then some of the clothing factories had no unions and therefore no form of medical insurance. My parents lived on rent so had no collateral for a loan. My dad knew the president of Bucks County Bank & Trust and he gave him a loan “On a Hand Shake.” Today that would be unheard of. Of course hospital charges were a lot less as there were large wards at Quakertown Hospital with many people in a ward. My mom was in the hospital for about two-weeks. Still they struggled and paid of the loan without cashing in that gold piece. My brother had a bad allergic attack and was hospitalized. They found out he couldn’t eat shellfish and he had just eaten scallops at our yearly restaurant trip to Meyer’s Restaurant on Rte 309. Still my parents did not cash in that gold piece that was kept “For a rainy day.” I could mention other interesting times that the gold piece was never used but this column limits me. My mom passed away first and then after my dad’s passing my brothers, my sister and I split up those items dearest to my parents according to their wishes. The only thing left was the gold piece. Their instructions were to value it and if one of the family wanted it they would prefer that that person purchase it and the funds split. We did so, and I offered to purchase it. I too have kept that as a “Rainy day” coin and never had to cash it in. (I would never do that, I would sell it to the family first) I kept that coin here at home as my collection grew and common sense security warranted the collection to be placed in a Safe Deposit box. The only thing about a Safe Deposit Box is that you can not just go to it and admire the collection. It is a shame that this has to be. I kept the gold piece here at home so that when I want to look at the beauty of the coin and have a moment of remembrance of the struggles and love that kept that coin in the family, I can. After a recent hunt I put the rifles away and opened the container where it is kept in the safe and once again remembered the story. After I pass away I will pass this coin on to someone in the family that I feel will not sell it because of it being very valuable for its numismatic scarcity and beauty. But more important to keep it for the beautiful story of how it remained with our family from that first giving of the few coins that my great grandmother had to her granddaughter. Also to the rainy day coin never spent because of the positive attitude of my parents that there really was no day that could not be overcome. This coin that is a small “Mite” as spoken of in the Bible is not only beautiful to the eye; but it is more beautiful in the heart for its showing of that positive attitude and love. Dick Helm is a regular contributor. He can be reached at dickhelm@ubfp.org
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. Pack 55 to Pilot ‘Family Scouting’
Cub Scouts have been a part of the Boy Scouts of America since 1930. It started with boys ages 9 to 12, who met with a Den Mother in members’ homes. Over the years, the program has changed to meet the changing needs and wishes of families. Meetings are held in a building provided by the sponsoring organization to ensure 2-deep leadership and easier supervision. Boys can participate with an adult family member starting in kindergarten. Now we are looking at another change to meet family needs. In today’s world, there are many children who live in a single-parent family, or have a parent who works evenings during Scout meetings. That means that siblings are brought along to meetings so the parents can help lead. Pack 55 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Quakertown is one of the Packs that welcomed these siblings, whether girls or boys. Little brothers looked forward to the time when they would be old enough to earn badges like their big brothers. Sisters participated in family camp outs in spring and fall and played games with the boys, but were never able to earn any badges. Some of them joined Girl Scout troops, but some preferred the activities provided in the Cub Scout and Boy Scout pro-
grams. Some families dropped out of Scouts completely because their schedules didn’t allow time for their sons and daughters to go to different programs. These things have helped lead the BSA to pilot Family Scouting. Each charter organization can decide if they want to open their program to all children in the family, both boys and girls. Pack 55 is one of the units that wants to include girls. As the program starts, girls will be in their own Dens (groups of 4 to 8 children of the same gender in the same grade). When we have 4 or more girls from the same grade (currently K through 4), we will be able to move to Family Scouting. Each Den will meet weekly to work on the requirements for their rank, and all will meet for a monthly Pack Meeting, where badges are awarded and special events occur. If we do not have the necessary number of girls by February, we will need to wait until August to pilot Family Scouting. If you know of any girls in grades K through 4 that are interested in Family Scouting, please contact Alice Breon, Pack 55 Committee Chair, at 267-374-1000, or kirbydirector@ yahoo.com. Fifth grade girls can join the program in August of 2018.
February 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue.
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
Brushing your Pet’s Teeth – Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Valentine’s Day & Your Dog Why do our dogs bounce off the walls when we come home? It’s not because they really need to go to the bathroom. It’s because they love us. My youngest pup, Kai, has an entire routine when I let her out of her crate. She sings like a baby Chewbacca - “awh-ewh-woo–woo”! She uses her entire butt to wag her tail that’s banging off everything. You’d think she just won the lottery. It really feels like she unconditionally loves me. Hell, my husband barely acknowledges my return home unless I have groceries. Dogs show us they love us all the time. They have an entire house to choose a resting place but they choose to sleep right by our feet. Why is it a parade every time we go to the bathroom? We really don’t need the company but our dogs want to be with us. They don’t care if we didn’t brush our teeth or combed our hair. According to Business Insider, U.S. pet owners spend roughly $681 million dollars on their pets for Valentine’s Day; that’s a lot of kibble! We go to big specialty stores and buy everything from heart-shaped cookies to doggy perfume. I’m sorry, but the quality and ingredients of these treats are questionable besides being overpriced. The last thing my dog wants
is to smell like perfume. This Valentine’s Day why not look for something a little different your dog. Something he will love and won’t break the bank? How about freeze-dried banana chips. Canned beef tripe if you can’t find fresh (smells horrible but your dog will love it). Try some homemade Tuna Fudge Dog Treats, your dog will love you for it! Tuna Fudge Recipe: • 2 -6 oz. cans of tuna do not drain (you can substitute canned salmon) • 1 ½ cup whole wheat flour • 1 tsp. garlic powder • 2 eggs lightly beaten • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese • Mix all ingredients together using a mixer or food processor • Spread onto a greased 9”x 9” pan. Bake in a 350°oven for 20 minutes • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or cut into little squares and freeze for tasty little training treats When Kai gazes into my eyes to see if I see her, and I do, I can’t do it without smiling. Face it we love them just as much as they love us, Bone appetite! Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI owner and trainer of Molasses Creek Dog Training of Quakertown, and trainer for Runaway Farm Pet Hospital, Pennsburg
Harley’s Haven
I know, I know….it’s not as easy as it sounds. Trust me, I know! However, there are a few pointers and suggestions that can make it less of a chore for you and your pet! (this includes cats here people!) 1. Choose the right tooth paste – use this to your advantage. There are so many options out there now; fish flavored, chicken flavored, beef flavored – you name it! The flavors help make the whole process that much more acceptable for your pet, so don’t be afraid to try a few different flavors to find one that he/she seems to like! But remember here that you should be using a PET toothpaste, not a human one – there are additives like fluoride in our toothpastes that can make our pets sick! 2. Start very slowly – at first just let them taste the tooth paste, and that’s it! You can put it on your finger, or with a treat, in a bowl, whatever works! Just start small so they get used to the flavor, and look forward to tasting it every day! 3. Now find the right toothbrush – there are many options here as well! You can go with the old standard of a regular human toothbrush, but they also have dog and cat specific ones that shape better to their mouths and are easier to use. There are also finger brushes (my personal favorite) that have bristles on a little finger cap that really lets you easily get even
into the back of their mouth to brush! Again, try out a few and see which one seems to work the best for you. 4. Get them used to the toothbrush and the action of brushing – this is the hardest part, for sure. Start with just letting them feel the toothbrush with the tooth paste on it. Then after a few days, have them feel how the toothbrush feels against their teeth. Next do very small amounts of movement on their teeth…etc etc. Work your way up (SLOWLY!) until they are comfortable with you actually getting in there and brushing all around all of their teeth. Lots of praise here, and patience! 5. Get into a routine – ideally you should brush EVERY DAY. Think about it – you brush your teeth every day, right? So though it seems daunting, that should be the goal. Now if you can get into a habit of doing it even every other day, that is still proven to prevent tartar build up – but the key here is regular brushing! Brush yours, then brush theirs! Sounds easy, right?? I know some pets really hate it, and it seems totally unrealistic – but start small, little goals, and I think you can all do it! In honor of dental months – give it a try! Your pets’ teeth will thank you! 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 Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.
Orchestra Festival Coming to Pennridge More than 100 talented musicians from school districts throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties will gather at Pennridge High School next month for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 11 Orchestra Festival. Co-sponsored by the Pennridge and Palisades School Districts, the three-day festival (February 8-10) includes 112 students who earned a seat in the orchestra based on a sight-reading excerpt, a randomly selected section of a solo they prepared and three-octave scales. The students will spend two days rehearsing under the direction of Maestro Gerardo Edelstein, a renowned conductor and music educator. On Thursday, students will re-audition for seating and to determine their eligibility for Region Orchestra. The festival will conclude with a concert on February 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the Pennridge High School auditorium.
A native of Argentina, Maestro Edelstein has extensive experience conducting symphonic music, opera and choral works in four continents. Audiences, musicians and press alike continuously praise him for his sensitive, charismatic and energetic performances. Currently, Edelstein serves as director of orchestral studies at the Pennsylvania State University. He is the conductor of Penn State’s Philharmonic and Chamber orchestras as well as the music director of the Music at Penn’s Woods Summer Orchestra Festival. In addition, he is music director of the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for the concert are $10 each and may be purchased at the door or ordered in advance. Checks should be made payable to Palisades School District and sent to the attention of Marissa Guarriello, Palisades HS, 35 Church Hill Road, Kintnersville, PA 18930.
2 Lions Achieve Highest Honor
BY LION DICK HELM
Meet Boo!
Another cute girl waiting for her home! Boo is 1-2 years old, and is a pitty mix as well! She is a little shy meeting new people, but warms up and loves her family! She is sweet and playful, and has a goofy and fun personality! Contact us for more info today!
I am very excited to be part of the “Night To Shine” event at Morningstar Fellowship Church in Quakertown. It is on Feb 9th and it’s a prom night for people with special needs. I was there last year too. My Canines for Christ Therapy dogs and I did this last year too. We will be posted in the sensory room. It is our job to help calm anyone who gets over excited or just needs a hug. I get to wear my fancy clothes so I am very excited. I would now like to focus my attention to the electric sign on 309 and 663 inter-
Meet Nina!
This beautiful girl is still looking for her forever home...she is a 2-3 year old pitty girl, who is a doll! She is gentle and sweet, and loves everyone she meets! She would do wonderful as a family pet, and is waiting for you!If you are looking for a furever friend, give Harley’s Haven a call today at (267) 354-5204.
section. I am happy to see they are dressing it up with metal trim and brick work. Those colored lights flashing different colors are so pretty. I really think that I should advertise on it but my human said the sign people said I am too cute and it would be too much of a distraction to drivers to have my face up there. That’s nice of her to make such a flattering excuse but I know it’s because my human is too cheap. I love her anyway. Hope to see you around on my therapy visits.
the members furnish a sit down luncheon for At the January monthly meeting of the the group known as “The Busy Bees.” The Richlandtown Lions Club, Past District members are folks with sight impairments and Governor Charles J. Morton awarded the dis- really enjoy the food and the impromptu protinguished honor award known as “The Melvin gram or talk given by Lion members. In today’s hurried life we find that many Jones Award” to two lifelong members. The two honorees were Retired Reverend D. Craig folks are in need of the help of eye research, Landis and Charles W. Scheetz. Both of these eye care, and working with the youth. members have served diligently for over 50 Richlandtown Lions, as many community years in this benevolent organization. One oriented groups working hard to supply these other current member, Stanley Weikel re- needs ask their members to work many hours to supply these needs. In the hurried life menceived this award a few years back. The three recipients mentioned above have tioned, they find a need within their hearts “To faithfully served in the many fundraisers of the Serve” (The Lions Motto – We Serve) those in Lions organization. Richlandtown Lions Club need. Unfortunately many people want ---and is known for its appearance in the community there are far too others more fortunate who do for the listed functions. Their main fundraiser not take time out “To Serve”. They invite any is the twice a year appearance of members at person interested in helping others to consider our local shopping center for “White Cane helping their current 11 members by calling Day” appeals. Many give generously to this and attending one of their meetings at “The appeal in the Spring and Fall for the many Richlandtown Hotel” to enjoy the camaraderie functions of Lions International involving re- of sharing a meal and the finding the satisfacsearch, donations of corneas to help others see, tion of “Serving. Please contact Rev Landis at and the fantastic hospitals and camp facilities 215-536-5143 for details. Their meeting usuto help those with sight impairments. They ally starts out with the first order of business also supply eyeglasses for those people that are being what they call “The Sports Report.” They talk of baseball, football, hunting, identified as in need in the area. Their other popular programs known to golfing, and other sports events. Many of their the community are their famous Pulled Pork visitors find this unique and enjoyable. They Sandwiches offered for sale, also as a fund then enjoy a savory economic meal together. The three honorees have worked faithfully raiser, at the Richland Township Community Day Festival in the Fall. Richlandtown Lions to help those in need. When they share their dinner together first started they start the the “Bicycle meal with the Rodeo” that has famous Lions blossomed into toast given the main event with water-Not held in conAbove You, junction with Not Beneath the Richland You, But With Township and You. Craig, Quakertown Charley, and P o l i c e Stanley have Departments indeed made each year at their mark in Memorial Park our community giving prizes and they truly and proper are represeninstruction to tative of this children of the Q u a k e r t o w n Past District Governor Charles J. Morton (center) presents motto and richC o m m u n i t y . the Melvin Jones Award to Richlandtown Lions Rev. D. Craig ly deserved this club award. Every year Landis (left) and Charles W. Scheetz (right).
February 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Quakertown Action Park Project Awarded Major Financial Grants Senator Bob Mensch (R-24) and Representative Craig Staats (R-145) held a press conference on January 3, 2018 at the Quakertown Borough’s Council Chambers to highlight two state grants that were awarded to Quakertown Borough to rehabilitate Quakertown Action Park. The Quakertown Action Park is a local initiative to transform the 8.7-acre Main Street Park and the skate park into a state of the art recreation and training facility.Quakertown Borough was awarded a $100,000 grant through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Fund, which is administered by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, to assist with Phase 2 of the project. Quakertown Borough was also awarded a $250,000 grant by the DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Program.This funding will allow for the renovation of the skate park, construction of a parking area, ADA access, landscaping, etc. “This project is the direct result of unwav-
ering community dedication and involvement on many levels,” said Senator Mensch. “It is going to be a tremendous asset to the community, especially for the younger generation, and I am honored to have been able to support this project. I look forward to the start of the project and its completion along with the rest of the community.” “I am an enthusiastic supporter of the Quakertown Skate Park and this exciting renovation project,” said Representative Staats. “The skate park project will enable our community to continue to provide our children with an excellent outlet for physical fitness.” Pastor Dave Kratz, who chairs the Quakertown Action Park Committee and is Executive Director of Free Fall Action Sports, highlighted the importance and benefit of the Park and the community involvement leading up to the press conference. Several students from the Quakertown Action Park Committee also spoke in high praise of the project.
Pennridge HS Student Council Present $5000 to Breast Cancer Support Fund
photo by michele buono
Renovations Complete at Free Press Building
Members of Pennridge High School Student Council recently presented Grand View Health with a check for $5,000 from its Pink Out activities this fall. The money will be used by the Breast Cancer Support Fund to help patients undergoing breast cancer treatment. So far this year, PHS student groups have donated about $10,000 to Grand View Health and more than $38,000 since 2010 submitted photo
Congratulations Alex Wilson on Achieving the Rank of Eagle Scout photo by michele buono
The Broad Street Preservationists recently celebrated the completed renovation of the Free Press Building in Downtown Quakertown with representatives from the borough, Quakertown Alive!, local legislators and businesses. The building houses QA!’s offices and other businesses.
St. Isidore’s Celebrates Catholic Schools Week The Upper Bucks Free Press is made possible by the businesses you see on these pages. Remember to thank them for supporting your community’s voice.
T’ville Lions Game Dinner Benefits Local Athletic Groups St. Isidore School students observed Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and other activities for students, families, parishioners and community members. Even the Phillies Phanatic stopped by to participate. Here he is with the Early Education students. submitted photo
John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 thanks these sponsors who participated in their 2017 Christmas Ornament fundraiser. Individual Sponsors Mr. & Mrs. Paul Gerhart, Jr. Casey Swinney Mr. & Mrs. Paul Gerhart, Sr. Samantha Gerhart Ronald Murray Melissa Callahan Michele Wampole Mrs.& Mrs. Sean Trotter Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ross Mr.& Mrs. John Frazier Mr. & Mrs. Ed Brous Scott Ambrose Mr.& Mrs. Scott McClree Mr. & Mrs. Jack Grove Mr.& Mrs. Pete Mink Mr.& Mrs. John Ford Mr. & Mrs. Leo Bernabei Sam & Carl Norton Mr. Kelly Carver Mr. John Goodman Mr. Tom Trenwith Mr. Conrad Reid Mr. & Mrs.James Newcomer Mr. & Mrs. Larry Smock Mr. & Mrs. Ed Kreibick Mr. & Mrs. Dean Witt Mr. James Burns Children
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Ruth Paul Carper James Smith Mr. &Mrs. Zinn Mr. & Mrs. David Smith Mr. & Mrs. Shawn Yatsko Mr. & Mrs. Bob Christian Mrs. Wendy Bleam & Lillian Smith Mr. Pete Mink Mr. Forrest Fitzgerald Mr. Mrs. Jerry Sisian Dave Dibelius Mr. Mrs. Joe Kelly Lori Mehler Business Sponsors Upper Bucks Free Press JME Remodeling D’Ags Giant Food Stores Weiss’s Food Markets Nase Kraft Post 255 Donley’s Gun Anderson Lawn & Snow Service McDonalds West End Pub United Integrity Group O’Grady’s Restaurant
Premier Signs & Graphics Pennridge Family Dentistry Home Depot McLaughlin Physical Therapy Friends of Senator Bob Mensch Ecco Domani The Rockhill Filling Station RHS Trucking Carl Hess Tattoo’s QNB Bank Lehigh Defense Swann’s Pantry Bux-Mont Awards Franks Pizza Lucky Strike Tattoo Body Dimensions Pizza Hut Bloss Oil Finos Pizza Downtown Dunkin Donuts Rep. Craig Staats Lowes Coopersburg Diner The Brick Tavern Inn Sapori Roy Ann Diner Trumbauersville Borough
Game Dinner Chair Keith Ervin, presents a $1,500 check to Bill Coblenz who represents the Richland Township Area Softball Association (RASA) and PA Panthers Softball. submitted photo The Trumbauersville Lions Club recently years. While affiliated with both state and inheld their 40th Game Dinner, dedicated to the ternational entities the Trumbauersville Lions memory of its founder Silvene Bracalente, at Club prefers to concentrate on the betterment Benner Hall in Richlandtown. The proceeds and support of its local surrounding communifrom the dinner help fund Lions Club Charities ties. They provide financial assistance for eye and the Upper Bucks Kidney Foundation. glasses/exams, medical procedures/equipment The Trumbauersville Lions Club has proud- and support local food pantries, scouting orly served Trumbauersville and the surrounding ganizations, sports teams, and community Upper Bucks County community for over 40 events.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
Ongoing Events & Resources Shoo Fly & Funny Cake Sale made by Landis Supermkt, $8 ea. Order by Feb 25, Pick up March 8 from 6pm-8pm at Quakertown Fire Co, 5th & Broad Sts. Info/order: Dawn 267-249-8834. Baseball for Special People. Program for mentally and physically challenged people, or any one who has an IEP. Teams are 5-13 years old and 14-100 years old. Print forms from our Facebook (BFSP) and mail them to the address stated on the forms. Forms can be mailed to you. For more information, call President Paul Gerhart, Jr. 267-992-4973. Also seeking parents and siblings to volunteer. The teams are from ages 5-13 and 4-100. Connie Mack Baseball sign-up. (Junior Div. ages 12-16) (Senior Div ages 17-39), qcmbaseball.org or website for info. RASA Girls Softball sign-up. Info & online registration for 2018: rasasoftball.com 2018 “Baseball for Special People” registration. (mentally & physically challenged ages 5-100 or w/IEP at school) Forms avail. on FB page BFSP or call Paul @ 267-992-4973. Family volunteers wanted. Teams: (ages 5-13) & (4-100) Haycock Folk/Bluegrass Jam 7pm-10pm, 2nd Friday every month Free, donations accepted. Refreshments. Haycock Twp Community Ctr, 1014 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. Info: Andrea 215-536-2224 or 215-536-3641 Variety of morning storytime activities for infants thru age 6 at Samuel Pierce Free 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 Michener Art Museum Exhibits, “Dedicated, Displayed, Discovered” until Jan 7, “George Sotter:Light & Shadow” until Dec. 31, “A Time to Break Silence” until Feb 4, Located at 138 S Pine St, Doylestown. More info: MichenerArtMuseum.org or 215-340-9800 Quakertown Farmers Market Auctions 1st & 3rd Fri/month w/Les Beyer, 2nd & 4th Sat/ month w/Tom Lorah, call 215-536-4115 for info Hoagie Sales 2nd Monday of month (except July/August) at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 North Main St, advance orders due Wed. before. $5.50-$6.00, info/order: Kim 215-536-1998 or bucks58fire.com PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-2pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org
Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org Veteran Organizations & Activities All Veterans invited to join Forrest Lodge VFW, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. Call Frank 215-679-7770 Veterans invited 7:30pm, fourth Monday each month at VFW Post 3405, at 211 E Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Call 610-282-1840 Veterans invited 1:30pm, 2nd Sunday each month at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, 267-3719636 (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 Veterans 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/ Veterans of Foreign Wars 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 are 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/ chapters/pa/17/default.aspx Support & Service Groups Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-593-9995 or email carolonline1@verizon.netSisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month in Perkasie, info: 267-429-3196, stef@sistersu.com, AARP meets 1:30pm the second Monday of the month at Upper Bucks Senior Activity Ctr,
2183 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. 215-5363066, upperbucksac.com Parent Support Group on Addiction meets 7pm, first & third Wed every month in Red Schoolhouse, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Bedminster. Info: batchof5@yahoo.com Family Education Program on Addiction (held at churches in Bristol, Doylestown, Dublin & New Hope) FREE 3-part series. Learn how to combat it. Call Council at 1-800-221-6333 to register for next available date. Family Education on Addiction meets 7pm, first three Mondays every month in the Red School House, Presbyterian Church Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Free, register 800-221-6333 SOS Bereavement After Suicide, Family Support Group at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital twice monthly, info/details call 215-536-5143 Brain Injury Family/Spousal/Partner Support Group 6pm-8pm the third Monday every month at First UCC, Church Parlor, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-538-3488 or 610-558-1326 Caregiver Support Group meets last Thurs. every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting. Caregiver Support Group 4pm-5pm, meets last Thur. of month, Hidden Meadows, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville, 267-429-3931 Ann Silverman Community Health Clinic (for uninsured eligible residents), 595 W State St, Doylestown. Call to schedule an eligibility appt. at 215-345-2260. aschealthclinic.org Alzheimer’s Support Group, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4512, nkoval@phoebe.org Alzheimer’s Support Group, Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. RSVP 267-429-3931 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, NOVA hotline 1-800-6756900. www.NOVABucks.org Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tues 7pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-2208116, 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 each 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 every Thurs 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am-9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054 Community Meals Free Community Meal third Wed of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 Free Community Meal second, fourth & fifth Weds.of month, 6pm, Richland Friends Quaker Meeting. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Free Community Meal third Thurs of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447 Free Community Meal first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm, Yerger Bldg across from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave Quakertown Bingo Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Sat of month, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, details: 215-256-6900 Bingo at Milford Twp Fire Hall every Thur, 12:15pm (first Thur. of month has $50 Jackpot), 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smoke-free), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues, open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. 215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat, open 4pm, games 6:30pm, kitchen open. Free coffee, 2650 Schukraft & Camp Rock Hill Rd, Qtwn, 215-536-8820 Bingo at Sellersville Fire Co. every Thurs. (except July) open 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. open 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Bingo at American Legion Post 397, 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, open 6pm, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624
Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 • 582 S. West End Blvd• Quakertown, PA 18951 What is My Truth? When working with my clients they often struggle with separating what they believe is the truth vs what others tell them is the truth. This creates a sense of disconnection and fear. How can I not know the truth or believe in myself enough to know I know the truth!! Why do I let others tell me influence me so much that I no longer trust in myself and my decisions? The answer to that lies in our self-worth and knowing who we are. Unfortunately, a lot of people struggle with their self esteem and even knowing what that means. Self esteem is how we feel about ourselves and when we feel good about ourselves we know the truth. The trick is to learn how to detach from others opinions of us. HA! Really this is not easy especially if you are someone who takes things personally. What I mean by this is that you react in a very negative way and feel offended by someone else’s opinion or comment. You take it to heart and believe that they know the truth about you. When in reality you know yourself better than anyone. However, when you have low self-esteem you don’t know the truth about yourself because you do not have a high opinion of yourself. You are often critical of yourself and are conflicted about your beliefs. So, the question becomes what do I need to do to know my truth? How do I trust myself? Last month when I talked about goals I asked that you look at them differently as far as outside of the box “what the norm is”. So, these are questions that can be the goals you work on this year. And you do that by asking yourself questions like What do I like about myself? What do I dislike about myself? Am I a good person? What are my character defects that get
me in trouble? The goal is to be as specific as possible about your likes, dislikes, character defects ect… whatever it is that you want to change about yourself. The more you know about yourself, the more you understand who you are, the more you find your way, the more you get honest the closer you become to knowing the truth about yourself. This can be an exciting challenge and so freeing because when someone says something to you that you do not like your initial reaction might be hmmmm… do they know something that I don’t know but the next thought will be No I know what is going on, I am good!! Truth be told we are all capable of changing and we do not need to let others define who we are because the truth is we know who we are, we just have to get out of our own way and accept who we are good bad indifferent. None of us are perfect we are all human. Sometimes the truth about ourselves is not kind but if we want to change it we can. We do not need to be afraid to want more for ourselves or to feel better about our life. Sometimes the truth about ourselves is that we care too much but we may need to work on that because if others needs become more important than our needs we pay a price. The price can affect our self-esteem because often we will feel that we are not enough or do enough. So, get to know yourself better and stand in your truth. Trust me you will feel so much better about yourself and your life. 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.
January 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Quakertown Cares Campaign Update Quakertown Cares continues to receive generous community support for its 20172018 fundraising campaign with a total of $44,459 contributed through December 31. Because Quakertown Cares is a 501(c)(3) charity, contributions are tax-deductible. All recipients reside within the local school district. Every dollar contributed goes to aid our neighbors, as Quakertown Cares is a local, allvolunteer charity. Recent contributions are the following: anonymous Richland Township residents ($2,000 and $200), Oldcastle Farm and Lawn ($1,094), Strayer Middle School staff ($800), Quakertown Business Networking Group ($1,000), anonymous Bethlehem resident ($200), Janice and James Newcomer ($250), Dorothy Bleam in memory of Ronald Bleam ($100), Reverend Cheryl Stoneback ($100), Robert Myers ($50), Janet McClean ($50), anonymous Quakertown Borough residents ($400, $325, $50, $40, and $25), anonymous Haycock Township resident ($100), payroll pledges through Quakertown Community School District ($2,925), Rodney and Janenne Henry ($100), Gloria Wolfe ($50), Walter Brader ($100), Stephen Kimball ($500), Corey Beil ($25), Patty Blair-Sabol ($100), Lauren Boess ($25), Jacqueline Clymer ($50), Diane Cressman ($30), Carol Dzurenda ($100), Nancianne Edwards ($200), Christina Endlein ($25), Bethany Fuller ($50), Heidi Johnson ($25), Kimberly Kreider ($100), Rebecca Kummery ($50), Enzo Martellucci ($200), Janet Pelone ($100), Barbara Philips
($25), Kathryn Riley ($100), Kelly Shaak ($25), Katie Skonier ($20), Cynthia Teprovich ($50), Eileen Bruchak ($100), Kirsten Cochran ($100), Sheila Cox ($100), Elizabeth Coyle ($25), Jenelle DeNato-Hilton ($50), Kerry Foley ($50), Pam Fothergill ($100), Rebecca Neitz ($200), Jonathan Pallone ($25), Derek Peiffer ($100), Crystal Prine ($100), Terry San Angelo ($50), Andy Scappaticci ($50), Wendy Somers ($25), Nicole Zuerblis ($50), Quakertown Elementary School staff ($192), Scott Godshalk and neighbors ($625), Tom and Barbara Bisco ($200), Beachwood Acres Card Club ($100), Jason and Kathy Anderson ($125), Janet and Jerry Bassett ($100), Beth and Craig Arnold with matching employer donation ($125/$250), Mark and Lisa Liddington in honor of Strayer Middle School and Tohickon Valley Elementary School teachers, and Mrs. Earl Wolfe. Quakertown Cares has scheduled its annual pancake breakfast and craft show at Quakertown Senior High School on Saturday, March 10, which will mark the conclusion of the 2017-18 campaign. Assistance, however, is provided to school families, veterans, and senior citizens year round. Follow Quakertown Cares on Facebook and in the Upper Bucks Free Press, which is a sponsor of the campaign. Contributions, which are tax-deductible, may be mailed to: Quakertown Cares, c/o QNB Bank, P.O. Box 9005, Quakertown, PA 18951.
QCO Recognizes Dana Kershner Quakertown Community Outreach would like to give a huge shout out to an outstanding member of our community, and a shining example of God’s love and compassion he has for each and every one of us Dana Kershner is a young Quakertown Mom who has been fighting terminal cancer for the past year. I’m happy to say that her experimental treatment at the Mayo Clinic a few months ago was very successful, and because of that, she’s preparing to return for a second treatment in February! Dana has wanted to give back to our community for some time now, but hadn’t felt well enough. Since her trip to Mayo though she felt she was ready. So during our past two snow-
storms, Dana, along with her children offered to shovel sidewalks for free for any disabled or handicapped neighbors in our community! It turned out they had several requests from very appreciative, elderly recipients referred by QCO members! Dana with all you and your family has been going through with medical treatments and expenses, for you and your daughter Maddy prior to your cancer diagnosis, you are a true inspiration to all of us, and our Community! They also volunteer every Thursday at a local nursing home assisting residents with Bingo by gathering them, helping them locate their numbers, and handing out prizes. QCO and each of us wants to thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Upper Bucks Community Foundation Formed
The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) has established its first geographic affiliate—The Upper Bucks Community Foundation (UBCF). The new Foundation is an extension of the Upper Bucks Grants Committee’s previous role in conjunction with the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. The Committee has a long history of making a positive impact in the Upper Bucks community, most notably, by directing resources from two area-of-interest funds at LVCF, the Erwin J. & Gertrude K. Neusch Fund, and the Richard E. Gasser Fund. “We are so pleased our good friends and colleagues from the Upper Bucks Grants Committee will serve as the advisory board of our first geographic affiliate fund at the Community Foundation,” said Bernie Story, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “As a geographic affiliate, the advisory board will establish its own priorities, direct grants from discretionary funds, and cultivate donors to raise new funds and continue to grow endowments that are already in place.” Long-time member of the Committee Robert Moffett, Esq., a Quakertown-area attorney and member of the Community Foundation’s Board of Governor praised the work of the group. “I have been working with The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation for almost 30 years, and in that time, it has made a remarkable contribution to the nonprofit groups in Upper Bucks County and in all of the Lehigh Valley,” he explained. “We are excited about working together in our expanded role as a geographic affiliate and having an even greater impact in Upper Bucks moving forward.” More than 50% of community foundations in the United States have established community affiliates to serve a defined region. By establishing a community affiliate fund [component’ fund] at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, community leaders can concentrate on addressing local issues, developing donors, and focusing on programs, without being impeded by the legal, administrative, and fiduciary challenges of starting and maintaining a separate foundation.
A History of Grantmaking in Upper Bucks The Upper Buck Grants Committee has been an important philanthropic arm of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. The intimate knowledge of the people and organizations which serve the community is extremely valuable and results in careful and thoughtful grantmaking in Upper Bucks County. For more than 20 years, the Neusch Fund has provided grants to nonprofit organizations that serve and benefit residents in Upper Bucks County. Grants from the Fund are made for education programs, the visual arts, industrial arts, and the preservation of rural life. The Committee has directed 28 grants totaling more than $63,000 in 2016 and 2017 to a variety of organizations. In 2017, the committee awarded grants ranging from $10,000 to $1,600 from the Neusch Fund. Grants supported the Heritage Conservancy’s Wildlands and Woodlands Stewardship Science program, the Quakertown Community Education Foundation’s Artist-inResidence program, Springfield Township’s 275th Anniversary and Community Day, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Churches Joyful Noise Music Festival, Quakertown Alive!’s Arts Pocket Park and Mural project, among others. The Gasser Fund provides grants to benefit programs, organizations, and residents in the Upper Bucks County area that benefit education, interest, and achievements in technology and science fields. The fund provided 13 grants totaling more than $23,000 in recent years. During the most recent grant cycle, the Gasser Fund supported the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania’s STEM Program in Bucks County, Palisades School District’s programmable robotics for elementary school program, and St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital’s Medical Careers program. “The extensive charitable work that each member of the Upper Bucks Grant Committee has put into their lifelong careers greatly impacts the influence of the Neusch and Gasser Funds,” noted Story. “The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation is grateful for the good work and thoughtful direction of the group, who utilize their community knowledge to ignite change.”
Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic: A Comic/Novel Hybrid Sure to Please
I recently stumbled upon a really cool book that came out late last year. It has made it to my favorites list. It’s a unique book that features a world that will amaze any sci-fi, steampunk, or adventure fan. What impresses me the most, however, is the fact that this book is the author’s debut novel. Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic Series: Timeless #1 By Armand Baltazar 624 pages - ages 9+ Published by Katherine Tegen Books on October 10, 2017 Synopsis- Earth has been destroyed and reborn, time fracturing and repairing itself, leaving continents reformed and inhabitants of every era live on the planet. Dinosaurs run through the plains and robots construct buildings. Cultures must learn to work together or perish. Yet not every group wants to get along: some want to return to their original time – no matter the cost. Diego Ribera is the son of New Chicago’s greatest inventor and engineer, and when he watches his dad get kidnapped by a group of time extremists, Diego decides that he must find his father. Embarking with friends upon a mercenary pirate ship, they go on a quest to stop great disaster from occurring before it’s too late. What I Thought- This is an absolute gem of book. There is absolutely nothing about it that
I did not like. The first thing that hits you about the book is not its stunning cover, even if it does have one - the thing that hits you the most is the weight of the book. For an average sized book, it has a weight more like those of its larger counterparts. And I love that. The book is filled with gorgeous full-color illustrations (which are probably the main contribution to the heft of the book). They are original works by the author, and are actually used to tell the story in part, much along the lines of a graphic novel or comic book - just with more text. I like it because the pictures aren’t scenes from the chapter, they’re scenes of the chapter. It’s completely riveting. Baltazar’s writing style is quite satisfying, giving you the perfect amount of details. I really liked how the dystopian world was explained, giving reason to the steampunk and space-tech times - the world ended and something happened, and no one knows how it happened. It’s oddly fulfilling. Besides all of these, the book actually has a solid plot, and was predictable only when you realize that everything bad that could go wrong will, which was fairly understandable. The characters are extremely well-developed, and are a joy to watch as the story unfolds. I sincerely enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait until the second book hits the scene. I was really impressed with the level of craftsmanship that Baltazar expresses within his pages. He treats writing as an art, and he is the artist. Reading his book, you are filled with a wonderful feeling – one you don’t always get to experience while reading. For more on books and reading visit my site: ThisKidReviewsBooks.com.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2018
February 2018 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
QCHS Senior Leo Bernabei 4th in State in VFW Essay Competition BY GARY WECKSELBLATT Leo Bernabei, a senior at Quakertown Community High School, finished fourth out of 3,700 entries in the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Patriotic Audio Essay competition. The award is worth $2,500 for Leo, one of 24 VFW District winners at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel, where the top five finishers were announced Saturday night. He represented District 8, which includes all of Bucks County and parts of Lehigh. “To get this far is really cool,” Leo said during a Monday morning interview at the high school. “Obviously, you’d love to win it all, but the 24 students I was sitting with were the best from each district, and to have your name called as the fourth best of really 3,700, that’s pretty special.” Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner was effusive is his praise for Leo. “His character, commitment to excellence, and ability to be both a gifted writer and orator marks him as a very special person,” Harner said. “Leo has a keen intellect, and I would not be surprised to see him in an important leadership role at the community, state or national level in the not too distant future.” Leo, who has been offered a full scholarship to the Temple University Fox School of Business and Management, is waiting to see if he’ll be accepted to Cornell, Fordham, Georgetown, New York University and Princeton before making a decision. He plans to major in political science or economics. Leo and Samantha Norton, also a QCHS senior, tied with the top essay at the post level. Leo then advanced to the district and state competition. The theme for the 2017-18 essay is “American History: Our Hope for the Future.”
Here’s a portion of his essay: “The American people have always been a forward-looking, problem-solving, optimistic, and above all, patriotic people. No matter our social class, economic elevation, race, or gender, we are all united by the common bond of our love of country. We are willing to give up time, energy, and even our lives to make this Union more perfect. Every time that we recite our Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, we are standing up for the core values of our republic: a just legal system, equal protection for all under the law, freedom of speech, and the pursuit of happiness.” Leo is a veteran of these competitions, having been involved with the program since eighth grade when he placed second at the Post level, and second at the District level out of 800 entries. “I really like political science and public speaking,” he said, “so (the competition) kind of married those ideas. It will help me in future endeavors in those fields.” He already has a taste of college life as part of Moravian College’s Dual Enrollment Program. Last semester he took an introduction to sociology course. This semester the topic is Arab-Islamic Civilizations. He described the VFW topics as “engaging” and said “they spur my research of broad issues such as American values and our national history. But above all, I’m deeply honored to represent those who have sacrificed so much for our great country. The veterans I’ve met through the VFW are some of the nicest people I know, and I’m proud to call many of them friends.” “We’re very proud of this young man,” said Paul Gerhart Jr., commander of John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 in Quakertown. “What an amazing young student.”
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Quakertown Education Foundation Funds Learning Opportunities BY SOPHIA SHAIMAN The Quakertown Community Education Foundation (QCEF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 dedicated to raising funds to be used within the Quakertown Community School District. The members of QCEF come from diverse backgrounds: business and community leaders, school district administration and faculty, retired teachers. The funds are allocated for the enhancement of education, as well as extracurricular and co-curricular programs provided for the students. Teachers who have projects that are outside of the school budget will submit a mini grant request to QCEF, typically up to five hundred dollars. The QCEF receives no funding from the school district, and involves no taxpayer money. Some of QCEF’s greatest accomplishments include: funding additional seat licenses and software for the CNC Router for middle-school shop students and TSA, the Technology Student Association, identifying and supplying materials for real-world experiments in STEM fields, bringing in practicing scientists as guest speakers, and funding a plaque honoring those graduates of Quakertown High School who gave their lives in service of America. One project in particular that QCEF funded was for a vermiculture process. The teacher who submitted the mini grant request, Ms. Sullivan, a teacher at Quakertown High School, says it will benefit her biology and AP environmental science students, in addition to the members of the environmental club. As was written on the mini grant submission form by Veronica Best, a senior who spearheaded this project, “Vermiculture helps
to expand our understanding of the nitrogen and carbon cycles. We also can observe decomposition firsthand and the role that worms play in recycling materials.” In the future Ms. Sullivan, alongside her students, plans to use the nutrient dense soil to create an indoor garden for the school. In addition, QCEF provides funding for partnerships between business and schools to aid students, including those who are at risk of dropping out of school. It is evident that QCEF is an organization that deserves commendation. Bill Tuszynski, the president of QCEF, stated that mission of the non-profit is to “provide enhanced educational opportunities for students.” This is evidenced by their spring project, which will provide books for all of the first graders at the elementary school book fair. In the future, they are looking to be more proactive in the educational opportunities they provide. This could also involve going to PTA meetings to obtain parental input on areas of possible need. Currently, QCEF is requesting for individuals and businesses in the Quakertown community to make annual donations in order to continue promoting unique and meaningful educational experiences. In addition to funding, QCEF is also seeking people to identify areas of need and developing strategies to address those in need; this can be done as a part of the QCEF Board or by serving on one of their committees. They are currently seeking suggestions for programs, resources for the Foundation, and you can become involved by attending several meanings and serving as a community resource. Learn more at qcef.org.