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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2015
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? February 1
Firehouse Breakfast 8am-1pm, Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212, Springtown. $7/adults, $4/ages 5-8, free under 4 Breakfast 8am-12noon at American Legion Post 255 Aux, 75 N Main St, Sellersville, 215-257-9801 Groundhog Story Nature Program, 2pm, $3/ pp, Churchville Nature Ctr, 501 Churchville Ln, 215-357-4005 churchvillenaturecenter.org Kids’ Free Movie Night 6pm at Juniper Street Bible Church, 317 Juniper St, Quakertown. free popcorn & beverages. Info: juniperstreetbiblechurch.org
February 2 –
Groundhog Day Restaurant (School) Fundraiser 5pm-9pm at The Perk, 501 E Walnut St, Perkasie, 215-257-8483
Valentine’s Dinner/Comedy Evening, dinner at one of 5 restaurants, followed by a 3-hour show in Quakertown, ($20/comedy only) ($45/dinner & show), details at 610-3469663, alyouth.org All-U-Can-Eat Roast Pork Dinner 4pm-7pm (or sold out) at Zion Lutheran, 2966 N Old Bethlehem Pike, Zion Hill. $9/adults, $5/ages 5-12, take-out avail. Info: 215-538-7911 day of dinner Simple Gifts Concert 7pm & Workshop 3pm (free), Chestnut Hill Church in Coopersburg, more info at 610-967-1196, chestnuthillchurch. org, simplegiftsmusic.com
February 8
AAUW program “Quilts of the Underground Railroad” 7pm-9pm at Wesley Enhanced Living, 200 Veterans Ln, Doylestown, also a display at Peddler’s Village, aauw-pa.org
“Climate, Weather & Birds” (new speaker series) 2pm Delaware Valley College Life Sci. Aud., enter from New Britain Rd for parking. Speaker: Dr John Mertz. Info: Audubon Soc. 215-297-5880, BCAS.org 17th Annual Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance, (for girls ages 4-10), 1pm-3pm at UBYMCA, Fairview Ave, Quakertown. Call 215-536-YMCA for details & costs. Winter Search Party Nature Program, 2pm, $3/pp, reserv. requested. Churchville Nature Ctr, Info: 215-357-4005, churchvillenaturecenter.org Piano Concert, also a talented singer, 3pm at Peace-Tohickon Lutheran, 100 Old Bethlehem Rd, Perkasie (off Rte 313), free to all, peacetohickon.org
February 5 & 19
February 9
February 3
Winter Nature Walk 1:30pm-3pm at Nature Ctr, Doylestown, free, canceled for bad weather, 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org Snow Moon Walk & Campfire, 6:30pm8:30pm at Nature Ctr, 170 N Chapman Rd, Doylestown. (not for under 7 yrs), $5/adults, $2/ages 7-16. Pre-regis. required. 215-3457860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org
February 4
Outdoor Discovery Program for 3-5 yr-olds. 10am & 1:15pm sessions. Pre-regis. required. $5/donation suggested. Sign up for one or both sessions. Nockamixon State Park Education Center, 215-529-7307
February 7
BC Audubon Owl Prowl, 7pm at Honey Hollow preserve in Solebury, learn about regional owls, hot chocolate after the walk, $5/ donation. Ck BCAS.org day of event for any changes. Questions? 215-297-5880 Soup Day 11am-2pm at Dublin Fire Co, Rte 313. Call today ONLY between 9am-11am to order, $6/qt, eat-in also avail. $5, info at 215-249-3740 Bluebird Workshop (build a nestbox) 1pm2:30pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. $15, pre-register, 215-345-7860, peacevalleynaturecenter.org, r/d Feb 8
Toys From the Past, 7pm at West Rockhill Twp Bldg, 1028 Ridge Rd, Sellersville, West Rockhill Historical Society
February 11
Planning Your Financial Security w/Atty Peter J Gilbert (free workshop) 3pm-4:30pm at Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmer’s Ln, Sellersville. Reserve seat at 215-257-6701 CAROL For Heart Program, 12:30pm, Heart health presentation by Jeannine McKeogh, fun & interactive, knowledge is power. Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, 215-256-6900
February 12
Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner 4:30pm-7pm (or sold out), $9/adults, $5/ages 6-12, $9.50/ take-outs, Lower Milford Twp Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg, 610-967-0411
Citizens for Constitutional Govt presents a free program about taking action against Common Core, 7pm in CFC bldg., 4000 AM Dr, Quakertown. Open to public, ccg-pa.org Job Fair 3pm-7pm at Classic Staffing, 246 W Broad St, Quakertown. An evening of open interviews, pizza & refreshments, 215-538-1198
February 13-16 Annual Great Backyard Bird Count, info at www.BirdCount.org
February 14 –
Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance/Dinner 6pm at Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212, Springtown. BYOB, $30/single, $50/couple. Tkts: 610-346-8383 Dinner Dance 6:30pm buffet, 7:30-11:30pm live band. $20/pp, cash bar, American Legion Post 255, 75 N Main St, Sellersville. Call 215-257-9801 to get tickets
February 15 Trumbauersville Lions Club Meat Shoot, 12:30pm at Trumbauersville Betterment Club, info at 215-536-6754
February 16 –
Presidents’ Day Blood Drive, 2pm-7pm at Perkasie Fire Co Hall, 100 N 5th St, Perkasie. Call 1-800-RedCross or email Stephanie Ferrara: photogirl2676@gmail.com for regis. info
February 18 “World’s Greatest Musical Impersonator Show” at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. Eastern Upper Bucks Seniors, 8040 Easton Rd, Ottsville. Tkts $61.50, ($55 if more than 20 people), reserve: 610-847-2305 Bats: Their Battle w/White-Nose Syndrome, 7pm, Nockamixon Park Educ.Ctr, 1542 Mountain View Dr, (Marina entrance off Rte 563) Quakertown. Free talk, no registration required, 215-529-7307
February 22 All-U-Can-Eat Breakfast 8am-12noon at Haycock Fire Co, 850 Old Bethlehem Rd, Quakertown. $7/adults, $4/ages 4-7, free under 3, haycockfire.org, 215-536-2224 Coach/Vera Bradley Bingo, doors open 12noon at Benner Hall, 1260 E Cherry Rd, Richlandtown, $20, $25/door. Call 215-536-6649
February 23
“Member Trunk Show” Keystone Quilters meeting, 7pm at Quakertown Christian School, 50 East Paletown Rd, Quakertown, $5 visitor fee, keystonequilters.org/index.html
February 25
Geocache Walk 1:30pm at High Bridge Trail. Learn about geocaching w/Nockamixon Park Naturalist. Walk is free & lasts about an hour. Details/regis: 215-529-7307
February 26
Caregiver Support Group Meeting, 4pm5pm at Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln, Sellersville. (managing loved ones with dementia) Directions/details: 267-429-3931 iPAD Advanced class 6pm-8pm at Encore Experiences, 312 Alumni Ave, Harleysville, $5/mbrs, $10/non-mbrs, register at Welcome Desk, 215-256-6900
February 27
Mardi Gras Dinner Dance (6pm buffet, 7pm dance w/The Blue Notes) $22/dinner/dance, $10/dance only, reserve dinner by 2/23, at Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie, 215-453-7027
February 28
Beef & Beverage for Quakertown Youth Baseball Assoc., 6pm-10pm, $25/tkt, door prizes, basket raffles, 50/50, at Benner Hall, 1260 E Cherry Rd, Quakertown
March 1
Baskets/Bags Bingo at Christ Lutheran, 69 Main St, Hellertown. Doors open 1pm, food available, 610-838-8772, 610-838-0400
March 7
Dublin Fire Co Soup Day, call today ONLY at 9am-11am to order, $6/qt, eat-in also avail. $5, info at 215-249-9242
March 14
Fishing Expo 8am-3pm at Quakertown Fire Co, 505 W Broad, Qtwn, $3/adults, free age 12 & under, breakfast & lunch available, $15/ space, 215-538-3755 or qfc1.org for info/application, r/d March 21
March 15
Vera Bradley Bingo 1pm, doors open 11:30am, Advance tkts $20, lunch available, Upper Bucks Senior Ctr, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Sq. Pike, Quakertown, 215-538-7817
Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 312 W. Broad St, Quakertown
Ongoing Events & Resources 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 for details at 610-282-1840 Veterans invited 1:30pm, second Sunday each month at John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322, 41 Belmont Ave, Quakertown, 267371-9636 Bring DD 214 for proof eligibility. PetSmart Adoption Day on 2nd Saturdays, 11am-3pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West End Blvd, Qkrtwn, 215-538-2843 lastchanceranch.org Neighbors Adoption Day, 2nd Saturday each month, 10am-1pm, Neighbors Home & Garden, 38 Main St, Hellertown, 610-838-7000 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.orgMeet the Dogs at LCR, 12noon-3pm, Saturdays (weather permitting), 9 Beck Rd, Qkrtwn, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org. Singles Connection for adults meets Thursdays for social evening, 7pm at Silverdale Brethren in Christ Church, 165 W. Main St, Silverdale. 215-593-9995 carolonline1@ verizon.net Doylestown Singles Soc. Intermediate Bridge Club meets every Tues. 7pm at a private residence in Doylestown. Info at 215-340-7604 or shalstrick@comcast.net
Support & Service Groups
Sisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month, stef@sistersu.com Bullying Prevention Support Group 6:30pm-7:30pm every Wed at UBYMCA in Quakertown. Free. advance registration required: 215-750-7220 Caregiver Support Group Meeting, 4pm5pm, 4th Thurs. every month, at Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, 340 Farmers Ln,
Sellersville. (managing loved ones with dementia) Directions/details: 267-429-3931 Decoding Dyslexia Upper Bucks Info Group 7pm-8:30pm, (3rd Wed. of month) Quakertown Hospital, 1021 Park Ave, Taylor Conf. Room B, ground floor, decodingdyslexiapa.upperbucks@gmail.com SOS Bereavement After Suicide – Family Support Group meets 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 meetings last Thurs. of every month, Independence Court of Quakertown, 1660 Park Ave, (meal provided), RSVP: 215-541-9030 to attend a meeting. Upper Bucks Clinic, free medical care Mon & Wed 5:30pm-8:30pm to uninsured low-income residents of Upper Bucks Co w/ no medical insurance & meet guidelines. Info: 215-538-4774, 267-404-7100 Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Group, 3:30pm-5:00pm, meets 2nd Thursday every month, Phoebe Richland Health Care Ctr, 108 S. Main St, Richlandtown. Free, more info: Social Services 267-371-4517 NOVA (Network Of Victim Assistance) Support Groups, Information, Guidance, NOVA hotline 1-800-675-6900. www. NOVABucks.org Overeaters Anonymous meets every Thursday 10am-11am, West Swamp Mennonite Church, 2501 Allentown Rd, Quakertown, No dues, free babysitting, 267-784-2152
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday at 7pm, Grand View Hosp. info at 215-923-7900 Bedminster Nar-Anon meets Tuesdays 7:30pm-8:30pm, Deep Run West Mennonite, 1008 Deep Run Rd, Perkasie, for family/friends of those struggling w/addiction, Bedminster.naranon@yahoo.com Doylestown Nar-Anon meets Wednesdays 6pm at Summit Behavioral Health, 702 Hyde Park, Doylestown. Call 215-589-7111 for directions and info. A Woman’s Place (support for domestic abuse/violence) 24-hour Hotline 1-800-220w8116, www.awomansplace.org Kiwanis meetings 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month, 12:30pm at Dominick’s Pizza, Quakertown Quakertown Lions Club meets 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 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 Thursday 7am-8:30am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, membership info: James Dodson – jamescovie@yahoo.com Believers in Business (Qtwn Chapter) meets 2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054
Community Meals
“Fourth Sunday” Breakfast every month, 8am-1pm, all-you-can-eat buffet, $8/adults, $4/ kids, (Easter Egg hunt in April), Lwr Milford Fire Co, 1601 Limeport Pk, Coopersburg Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318Free Community Meals 6pm at
Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-538-7555 Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Quakertown, 215-536-4447 Free Community Dinner first Thurs. of month, 5:45pm at the Yerger Bldg across the street from Trinity Lutheran, 102 N Hellertown Ave, Quakertown
Bingo
Bingo at Encore Experiences, 2nd Saturday of month, 1pm-4pm, lunch available to buy, (lots of $$ specials), 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 Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2nd Mon. of month, door opens 5:30pm, games 7pm, kitchen open, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, 215-536-3066 Bingo at West End Fire Co every Wed, doors open 5:30pm, (refreshments avail, smoke-free), cash prizes, 1319 Park Ave, Quakertown, 215-536-6130 Bingo at Richland Twp Fire & Rescue every Tues. doors open 5:30pm, 64 Shelly Rd, Qtwn. 215-536-7226 Bingo at Great Swamp Fish & Game every Sat. night, 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) opens 5:30pm, 2 N. Main St, 215-257-4028 Bingo at Tylersport Fire Co. every Tues. opens 5:30pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Jackpot Bingo at Red Hill Fire Co Social Hall 3rd Friday every month, opens 6pm, games 7pm, 82 E 5th St, Red Hill Bingo at American Legion Post 397 every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, opens 6pm, snacks available, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624
February 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Quakertown Senior Committed to Fight on Cancer, Hosts Benefit
On June 11, Quakertown Community High School senior Amanda Hafler will walk across the stage at Stabler Arena and accept her high school diploma - but not before she hosts The 3rd Annual Vera Bradley Bingo, a fundraiser to benefit Relay for Life, a program of the American Cancer Society. “This event has been tremendously successful for the past two years and has really become a part of me,” says Hafler, a five-year participant in Relay for Life. “I cannot begin to put into words what the opportunity to work with Relay for Life participants, cancer patients and survivors, and a very supportive community has meant to me.” In fact, when making the rounds visiting colleges, one of the first questions Hafler asked was whether or not each college had a Relay for Life team. “That was definitely a top requirement for Amanda,” says her father, David. “She really wants to continue her work at the college level, which I think says a lot about what a wonderfwul experience this whole thing has been. We are very proud.” Scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2015, 1:00 p.m., at The Milford Township Fire Hall, the event boasts a variety of the colorful and popular fabric bags, valued at over $2,000. An added bonus is the involvement
of The Upper Bucks Senior Activity Center, housed in The Milford Township Fire Hall. Director Sara Kelly and members of the Senior Center will offer the food concessions on the day of the event as a fundraiser for their programming. “I’m so happy that once again, the Senior Center is allowing us the use of their facility. Not only will this event benefit Relay for Life, but it will also help out the senior citizens of our community,” says Hafler. In addition, members of the National Honor Society of Quakertown Community High School will assist, providing these high-achieving students with the opportunity of community service hours, a requirement of membership. The 3rd Annual Vera Bradley Bingo to Benefit Relay for Life offers 20 games of bingo, raffles, a Chinese auction, and door prizes. Each bingo game will feature a different Vera Bradley bag. Even “tie” prizes are Vera Bradley products! Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be available. Advance tickets are $20. For more information, or to get tickets, call 215.538.7817 or email relayvbbingo@gmail.com. To see all of the prizes, like us on Facebook: The 3rd Annual Vera Bradley Bingo to Benefit Relay for Life. submitted by barbara schwenk hafler
UBCTS Diesel Tech Program Receives National Accreditation The Diesel Technology Program at Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) in Perkasie, Pennsylvania, recently earned full accreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The Diesel Technology Program has been master accredited in the following areas: Diesel Engines, Steering & Suspensions, Brakes, Drive Trains, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Heating & Air Conditioning, Preventive Maintenance Inspection, and Hydraulics. To achieve this coveted recognition, the school’s diesel training program underwent rigorous evaluation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas such as instruction, facilities, and equipment were used. “This is great news for diesel-minded young people and their parents,” said Donald Seyfer, former NATEF Chair. “Because this program increases cooperation between local education and industry leaders, it gives added assurance that UBCTS’s graduates will be employable entry-level technicians. As a result of the quality education provided by UBCTS, the motoring public will benefit since better repair technicians will join the work force.”
Upon completion of the evaluation, NATEF recommended that UBCTS be accredited by The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE is a national nonprofit organization which tests and certifies repair technicians, in addition to accrediting automotive training programs. Joseph Yerkes added, “During the past few months, we have worked closely with NATEF to make certain that our program would meet strict industry standards, and now we are delighted to join the ranks of the ASE accredited training programs. Students will be assured of a quality education, and shop owners will be assured of getting quality job applicants.” UBCTS’s Executive Director, Bernard J. Wagenseller, stated that “UBCTS offers some of the most advanced technical programs in the nation. Pennsylvania leads the country in Career and Technical Education (CTE) and this region leads Pennsylvania. Our students earn post-secondary level certifications as well as credits toward 2 and 4 year college degrees. Graduates leave UBCTS with the high level skills necessary to secure prestigious technical careers. Collectively, our 20 technical programs tell one of the greatest success stories in education in Bucks County.
Golden Lawn Toilet to Raise Funds, Awareness for Pediatric Cancer A golden toilet will soon be appearing on lawns across the Pennridge area, courtesy of some enterprising Pennridge High School students. Don’t worry though - it’s all for a good cause.What might sound like a silly prank at best is just the opposite. The idea is to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer. Community members will be able to make a $15 donation to have a “golden throne” placed on a friend or neighbor’s lawn. In exchange, the recipient then pays $10 to have it removed or $25 to surprise someone else. This fundraiser is just the beginning of a number of activities the PHS Mini-THON organizing committee has planned. Many may be familiar with this group’s “big brother,” THON, a dance marathon for pediatric cancer held at Penn State University. Both THON and Mini-THON benefit the Four Diamonds Fund, a resource for families with children undergoing cancer treatment at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Four Diamonds helps to pay for research, counseling, and most importantly, the cost of treatment and medicine for families. Last year alone, THON and hundreds of Mini-THONs at schools across the state $14.2 million was raised from . Since Four
Diamonds was created in 1972, a total of $134 million have been raised. The Pennridge Mini-THON will hold various fundraisers and activities, culminating in a 12-hour dance marathon in the spring. The group has set a fundraising goal of $20,000 and they only hope to increase that amount in years to come. Stay up to date at facebook.com/PennridgeTHON.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2015
Hair Hare Turn Tern Towed Toad Wail Whale Mousse Moose
Links Lynx You Ewe Knew Gnu Bore Boar Dough Doe
Aunt Ant Hoarse Horse Foul Fowl Dear Deer Beatle Beetle
Tic Tick Faun Fawn Lam Lamb Guerrilla Gorilla Flee Flea
The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue of UBFP.
At Latitude 60 degrees South, you can sail all the way around the world.
February 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
5
Bucks County Audubon Society Returns to Roots, Schedules Lecture Series
In 1969, a group of local residents interested in the conservation of wildlife and the environment met on the campus of Delaware Valley College in Doylestown. Drawn from all over Bucks County, this nucleus of concerned citizens formed the Bucks County Audubon Society (BCAS). For a number of years thereafter the Society held its monthly meetings in the Mandel Science Building on the DelVal campus. The meetings featured a variety of speakers making presentations on topics of interest to conservationists. Meanwhile, BCAS was busy in other arenas as well, founding the County’s first recycling program, fending off a plan to build a nuclear power plant on Newbold Island on the Delaware River in Lower Bucks, sponsoring a set of wildlife films narrated by their producers at Council Rock High School, embarking on an ambitious schedule of field trips for its members, and beginning a series of environmental education programs presented at Tuckamony Farm on the Honey Hollow Watershed, a National Historic Landmark, in Solebury. Much has happened to the “environmental movement” and to the operations of BCAS since then. After great successes in helping promote passage of federal and state legislation assuring the future of clean water, clean air, and the protection of wildlife species in danger of extinction, even promoting changes in the American lifestyle, including mandatory recycling of solid wastes, and the elimination of toxic lead from gasoline and household paints, the movement has seen a dimming of public concern about environmental issues, or possibly a shift in the best way forward in preserving resources, as other interests have captured the public eye. For BCAS these changes were noticed in declining attendance at its monthly public meetings and declining membership. Then, in 1980 BCAS was presented with an opportunity it could not refuse. For a number of years BCAS had offered well-received environmental education programs to local school groups at Tuckamony Farm on Rt. 263 in Solebury. Owners of the Farm, the Crooks family, had also generously provided BCAS with space in their barn for the Society’s offices. In 19–, the Philadelphia Electric Company, which owned the adjacent farm, made it be known that they wished the sell that farm and would be open to”work with” BCAS if the Society was interested in purchasing the property. Working closely with the Bucks County (now the Heritage) Conservancy, BCAS managed to pull together a plan that enabled the organization to purchase the farm. BCAS then immediately undertook a major fund-raising campaign to enable it to convert a magnificent stone stable on the property into its current Visitors’ Center, located on Creamery Road
between Rt. 263 and Meetinghouse Rd. in Solebury. With the acquisition of a permanent home and a re-focus on its youth education programs at the Solebury location, BCAS then stopped offering its monthly public programs, since moved from DelVal to the Free Library in Doylestown. Fast-forward to December, 2014. Former Congressman Jim Greenwood, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Audubon Society(NAS), requested an opportunity to meet with BCAS leaders to discuss the possibility that BCAS would in some way support the NAS initiative recently published on future climate changes and their anticipated impacts on the distributions and survival of North American bird species. Congressman Greenwood met with Mary Penney, Managing Director of BCAS, and John Mertz, member of the BCAS Board of Directors and founding President of BCAS in 1969. Mertz an Emeritis Professor of Environmental Science at DelVal, saw in this topic an opportunity to reach a broader base of the community on the campus of DelVal on a trial basis. With the eager support of several of DelVal’s top administrators he was able to secure the brand new auditorium in the College’s newly opened Life Sciences Building for monthly meetings in February through May of 2015. Mertz himself will kick off the series on Sunday, February 8 at 2:00pm with a presentation on the general origins of global climate patterns and their impact on the distribution of life on the planet. The next program in the Series will be followed on Sunday, March 22 when NBC10 meteorologist Michele Grossman will present a talk on climate and weather modeling and what we have learned from those efforts. On April 19 former Congressman Jim Greenwood will be joined by National Audubon Society Vice President, Gary Langham to make a presentation on the NAS efforts to model future climate changes and the anticipated impacts that will result in the fortunes of North American birds. Finally, on May 17 there will be a presentation on recent population changes among North American migratory birds and factors that may have influenced those trends. The presenter in this case has not yet been announced All four of these presentations are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Sunday afternoons. They are free and open to the public. Ample parking is available in the parking lot in front of the Life Sciences Building off of New Britain Road. “We are excited to bring this series to DelVal where it all began for BCAS back in 1969,” said Mertz. “We hope this will help motivate a new generation of concerned citizens among the DelVal student body as well as attract the general public to this fine, centrallylocated venue,” he continued.
Quakertown Fire Dept. Elects Chief, Officers The Quakertown Fire Department has announced its’ officers for 2015. Brian S. Guenst has been elected as the new Chief of the Quakertown Fire Department. Guenst is a thirty-one year member of the department and has served the last eight years as Deputy Chief. He will serve a two-year term which began on January 1st. Guenst was elected last fall by members of Quakertown Fire Co. No. 1 and West End Fire Co. He succeeds Douglas Wilhelm. Wilhelm served the past fourteen years as Chief and did not run for reelection. Guenst will oversee the department which is comprised of the two stations. He will be in charge at all fires and other related emergencies within his response area. Additionally, he will act as a representative to Quakertown Borough and the other communities served by the Department. Also elected to two-year terms are Deputy Chief Scott Cassel, Battalion Chief David Reinhart, and Battalion Chief Kevin Nuebert. Junior officers include Captains Jim Mindler and Jason Haring, and Lieutenants David Erwin, Chris Lehman, Dalton Seifert, and
Tim Hunsberger. Serving as Fire Police Captain is Paul Yoder. Matt Pearson is Fire Police Lieutenant. Additional appointments made by Guenst include Safety Officers Linda Reinhart and Tim Horner, and Training Officer Doug Wilhelm. Executive Officers elected include President Jeffrey Stump, Vice-president Arvil Erwin, Treasurer Linda Reinhart, Secretary David Werst, and Trustee Harold Rupell. The Quakertown Fire Department is an all-volunteer organization that consists of approximately 125 members including firefighters, junior members, and auxiliary members. It serves all of Quakertown Borough as well as portions of Richland and East Rockhill Townships. Last year the department responded to 400 fire calls and over 550 emergencies. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the West End Fire Co. at 215-536-6130 or at www.westendfire.org Quakertown Fire Co. No 1 can be contacted at 215-536-3743 or at www.qfc1.org
Fire Company Dinners We receive an appeal letter each year from our local Fire Companies. In the past years local townships have added a line item in their budgets for support of Fire Departments that service their townships. Both of these are important for our local boroughs and townships to maintain proper fire protection and should be supported enthusiastically by their residence. Back in the days after World War II, many of the local townships did not have fire protection and had to rely on the borough fire departments (Quakertown, Richlandtown, and Trumbauersville) for protection of their residents. Most of the townships were composed of farms with small village centers. Many of the townships started fire departments by buying surplus equipment from the various Armed Forces that were being dispersed after the war. Communities built Firehouses on donated land or land purchased at a reasonable price by an interested resident. Fund raisers were held and “Charter Members” gave their all to build a Fire Hall to support their now growing community. Bucks County saw the need for proper training and expanded their training program. The Charter Members built their firehouses to not only to house their “Used” trucks, they also added a kitchen and a “Hall” to hold dinners to raise money to pay the mortgage and buy “New” equipment. Many of the GI’s who returned took advantage of the GI Bill to further their education and build a small cape cod or ranch home in the townships surrounding Quakertown. Employers such as Bethlehem Steel, US Gauge, Philco Ford, and Merck drew many to this area. The Pa. Turnpike Northeast Extension was built in the mid 50’s and Route 309 was expanded from 3 lanes to 4 lanes in the 60’s. Growth was inevitable! So begins the advent of Firemen’s Carnivals and Dinners. Before the presence of the fireman’s dinners, the only dinners that were held were grange dinners with an accompanying stage show and occasional church dinners. I remember going to Milford Square for the Spring and Fall dinners with wonderful Pa. Dutch homemade lettuce with bacon dressing, fillings, and pies. Clarence Rosenberger would take your families headcount number and give your parents a slip with a number on it for a later call to be seated. Meanwhile the aroma of the Beef, Ham, or Turkey and that wonderful filling drifted through the waiting area making the wait an agonizing ordeal. The kitchen was
full of women working together to prepare the food and clean the dishes. Amongst the talk coming from that area in the Pa. Dutch Dialect occasional laughter would erupt. This was truly a labor of love and fellowship. Teenage girls helped the firemen prepare the tables and “keep the food coming”. This was repeated week after week because back then firehouses were about the only place to hold large wedding receptions. Bands such as Dale Sine’s- The Mel-o-dee Aces, Chet Williams’The Occasions, and Fred Reith’s-The Starlites played live music. Volunteers were always there to support working for the firehouse working putting many hours towards the end of the week and all day Saturday. Things have changed! Today about the only dinners in our area I am able to be able to support by attending is the Prime Rib Dinners at Trumbauersville and the Ham Dinners at Sellersville Fire Company A fire company in Lehigh County hosts Pork & Sauerkraut dinners during the week quite frequently. I can remember, to name a few, seeing Ida Rush, Helen Heiter, Evelyn Stauffer, Mame Bean, Mary Frye, Emma Frederick, Minnie Funk, Marion Mohr, Francis Mohr, Betty Baisch, Edna Hillegas, and many other familiar ladies from the area every time I attended a dinner or wedphoto by christopher betz ding reception. Their special Pa. Dutch recipes for the lettuce with bacon dressing, the filling, and yes even the green beans with the added touch of ham pieces and pinches of spices are forever gone. My wife and her sister Noel were two of the girls that helped serve. Little did I know when attending the firehouse dinners I would be marrying one of the servers of those fine firehouse dinners! Today there are too many diversions that take our volunteers away from helping at such functions. I suppose that it is hard for the remaining fire companies who hold monthly breakfast buffets at their stations to get help. These breakfast buffets are the only remaining joint efforts by our fire-persons of today that they have to raise money for their company. I must admit, when I help at St. John’s Lutheran, Spinnerstown’s Pork & Sauerkraut dinner; I really have fun working with the group. I can only imagine that when the fireman and the Ladies Auxiliaries worked together almost every week back in the day, they had a special bond and comradery. Today we also have lost another staple that helped all these fledgling fire companiesThe Firemen’s Carnival. There are still some carnivals being held; but they are not the same as the used to be. I will have another article describing carnivals as they were compared to today’s carnivals in a future article.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2015
What is ‘Self-Care?’
Hmmmmm.... where do we begin? Some of us have been so accustomed to taking care of others that we do not even know what self-care means. It means that you put yourself and your needs first when it comes to making a decision in your life. Before saying “YES” and “Of Course I Can…”think about do I want to do this? Is this in my best interest? Why am I doing this? Is this true to me? Am I looking for recognition or validation? Is it out of guilt? Is it because it is what I always do? Am I afraid that they won’t like me? Am I avoiding a confrontation? What I have learned is that we often put others needs over our own because we feel obligated to them. We are fearful of their rejection or criticism. We are overly concerned about what others are going to think of us. Yet what we don’t realize is that in the end we are really what matters. Our wants and needs are just as important. There are times when we help and support because it is the right thing to do even when we may not really want to do it. That is different than putting others first and taking care of their responsibilities and their feelings. It takes time to master this skill of self-care. But if you ask for help and you stop for a brief moment and ask yourself is this what I want to be doing? How does this benefit me? You will find yourself saying “NO” more often and feeling better about yourself. Hopefully you will do things with your time that are impor-
tant to you. I have said this before more often than not we are the ones that get in our own way. Lack of self-care comes from a place of low self-worth for some and for others it is has been a way of conditioning for so many years that we don’t even know the difference. All we know or have been taught is to take care of ourselves would be selfish, that others needs are more important than our own. This is not true. It is all about finding the balance and knowing the truth. What I mean by this is that all of us know the truth about what we want and what is really in our best interest. The trick and difficulty comes in when we have to set the boundary and follow through with taking care of ourselves knowing what the consequences and repercussions could be from others. It takes a lot of courage to ask for what we need, to set boundaries and to especially stand in our own truth. Some of us were never taught how to take care of ourselves. We learned from our peers, family and environment that we grew up in how to self-care or not to self-care. The journey can be simple…. Just by asking ourselves what we want and knowing that we matter just as much as others but MORE sometimes. So be well. Be First in 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.
Area SkillsUSA Students Closing Skills Gap at District Championships On February 4, 2015 from 10 AM – 3 PM over 400 students will compete in 53 handson skill and leadership competitions. This “Showcase of Skills” is a unique opportunity to observe some of the most talented career and technical education students in the area. District Gold Medal winners will advance to state and national competitions. This year, the SkillsUSA Council is partnering with postsecondary educational institutions to award over $60,000 in scholarships to the medalists of seven competitions. The event is free and open to the public. Employers from across the Greater Lehigh Valley are sponsoring this event seeking to cultivate the best talent in their respective fields. In addition to sponsorship, local employers donate competition materials and will be on-site coordinating and judging the contests. A press conference will be held at 12 noon. Students will be available for interviews and tours. The “Showcase of Skills” includes the following 33 competitions held at the Agri~Plex: Advertising Design, Architectural Drafting, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Automotive Service Specialization, Automotive Service Technology, Basic Health Care Skills, Building Maintenance Technology, Cabinetmaking, Cake Decorating, Carpentry, Commercial Baking, Cosmetology, Crime
Scene Investigation, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electric Construction Wiring, Electronics Technology, Esthetics, First Aid/CPR, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Industrial Motor Control, Information Technology Services, Masonry, Nail Care, Nurse Assisting, Plumbing, Power Equipment Technology, Restaurant Service, TeamWorks, Technical Computer Applications, Web Design, and Welding. Twelve leadership competitions will be held at the Best Western on Route 512, and the remaining eight competitions will be held at various sites throughout the Lehigh Valley. Contestants are from the following area career and technical schools: Upper Bucks County Technical School, Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School, Career Institute of Technology, Colonial Academy, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, and Monroe Career & Technical Institute SkillsUSA Council is a nonprofit, 501 (c) 3, organization whose mission is to create a world-class workforce, through professional development of local career and technical education students and partnerships with the local business community, to support local economic and community growth in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Quakertown BPW Group to Hold “Shamrock Paddle Raffle”
The Quakertown Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) organization is bringing a new fundraiser to the area on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at the Upper Bucks Senior Center in Milford Square! The women will be sponsoring a “Shamrock Paddle Raffle!” Sometimes known as a “Quarter Auction,” Quakertown BPW’s “Shamrock Paddle Raffle” will provide every guest with a numbered shamrock paddle and the opportunity to bid on many items donated by our community businesses. Chances will also be sold on a variety of other special items on display the day of the event. Refreshments will be available at low cost. Admission to Quakertown BPW’s “Shamrock Paddle Raffle” is $10.00 and in-
cludes a chance to win the “Kindle, Tablet and Staples Gift Card Basket.” Bring along your quarters to use for bidding on the “Raffle” items. You play quarters to play for each individual item and when your number is selected, you’ve won that item! The doors to the Upper Bucks Senior Center will open at 12 noon on Sunday, March 22, 2015, with the official games beginning at 1 PM. For more information about how the Quakertown BPW’s “Shamrock Paddle Raffle” works and for tickets to attend, please call committee chair Nancy Werner at 215-679-6687. All proceeds will benefit the Quakertown BPW’s outreach efforts on behalf of women in our community.
February 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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When They Sold Hinkel and Biehn
Quakertown’s ‘Big Shoe Store’ In the back of drawer in an old desk in my library I found a Hinkel and Biehn Shoes pencil. It was an advertising item from my grandfather, Toby Hinkel’s, shoe store. He was the third generation of the family to run the business. It was in the three story building across from Sine’s 5 & 10 on West Broad Street in Quakertown. As it says on the pencil, it was “The Big Shoe Store”. It was sold to an out-of-towner in about 1964 after being in the family for almost 100 years. The pencil reminded me of the last week we owned the business. We didn’t know exactly who the chubby, older lady was, but she was definitely an M--. You could never miss a M---. They all had a round, doughy face and ‘horse teeth’ (as my Grammy Hinkel called them). They were descendents of ancient, twin sisters we’d see at the Clark family reunion we went to each summer at the picnic grove near the old family farm outside of Richlandtown. Both sisters had a bunch of kids and grandkids. All the girls, no matter who their father was, had the M--face and teeth to an unmistakable degree. They were cousins of some sort, through my Great Grammy Thatcher. The M--- lady grinned--showing her big teeth--held up her shoebox and said, “Here’s my sticker, boys!” My brother and I just stared at her, I was the oldest and finally said, “Thank you.” She went out the back door of the store, still sporting her big grin. My brother and I were ten and eleven when we sold the shoe store. They had a gigantic, going-out–of-business sale. They were going to make it a ‘buy-one-get-one- free, but Grandpop decided to just sell everything at half price. Every family member had to help out and none of the employees could take days off. The store was jammed with people the whole week; or at least until most of the shelves were empty. School was out, so my brother and I had to help too. We had to stay by the back door and make sure everybody had a ‘Paid” sticker on their packages. We sat by the door to Branch Street. Nobody we saw tried to steal anything but they wanted somebody there all the time anyway. We had to take turns going to the bathroom. There was a main double door on Broad Street and our door to Branch. At our ‘station’ a stairway went up to Grandpop’s office. There was also a door to the ‘Lady’s Section’ and another one to the ‘Children’s Section’ of the store. The Children’s Section they had 2 electric rocking horses that cost a nickel and an X-ray machine where you could check the bones in your feet. The Lady’s Section was almost as big as the Men’s, but all the clerks were women. Joe Soska’s shoe repair shop had its own entrance on Branch Street.Hinkel and Biehn was the biggest, oldest, most famous shoe store around. Great Grandpop took over the business form his father and built the big brick building, one of the largest in town, in 1909. People bought shoes there for generations, so when they heard everything was half price, they all came. The store was noisy and crowed all week. People grabbed boxes off shelves and tried on shoes by themselves because all the ‘help’ was so busy. People even went up onto the second floor balconies, where they weren’t supposed to be. When the store closed each day, nobody went home. There were hours of cleanup and restocking to do. On the third day of the sale, after the store closed and everybody was busy cleaning up, Grammy Hinkel had a nervous breakdown; “the Screaming Mee-mees,” Mrs. Paff, the head ‘Ladies Side’ clerk, called it. Grammy and Grandpop didn’t come to the store during the
sale. My mom said they didn’t want to see it happening. They came to help after the store was already closed. Grandpop was the only one who knew the combination to the safe up in his office. He’d count the money and lock it up until the bank was open. Grammy was up on the balcony in the main part of the store with Mr. Haas. They were straightening out shoeboxes and restocking shelves. My brother and I were down on the main floor, picking up tissue paper and trash that was all over the place, when we heard her. We looked up and saw her gripping the balcony railing. She had a scary look on her face and was screaming. When Mr. Haas put his hand on her shoulder, Grammy flopped down on the floor. My mom and cousin Sue Miller ran up the steps. They helped her out to the car and my dad drove her home. Mrs. Paff and some of the other ‘girls’ said it happened because the family business was sold and Grandpop wouldn’t be rich any more. They said Grammy was used to being a big shot around town, head of the women’s club and stuff. Now she’d just be a regular, old woman. My brother and I thought it was probably because she didn’t want to work in the store at night. My mom didn’t say anything about it because she got the ‘screaming mee-mees’ a lot, too. The next day, we weren’t ready to open at nine, like the sign on the door said. People were lined up down the street waiting to get in. My mom was afraid to, so she gave my brother and me a new sign that said ‘ten o’clock.’ When we taped it up one man yelled and shook his fist at us. We took our positions but stayed out of sight from the window so the people waiting outside couldn’t see us and yell at us again. When it was finally over I remember all the litter, the mostly empty shelves and the employees sitting around looking tired and sad. I remember my mother standing over in the ‘Childern’s Section.’ She was leaning on the X-ray machine with both hands. She was crying and slobbering all over it. My dad scolded her, “Oh, Ginny, knock it off. It’s over.” I remember wishing I could just go home. I hadn’t sunk in yet that I would never have to work at Grandpop’s big shoe store again. They didn’t sell the building, just the business. The new shoe store didn’t last very long. After it closed, too, we hired a carpenter and divided it in half. They rented one part to an insurance agent. The ‘Ladies Side’ became a craft and knitting supplies shop. They moved the office from the balcony level where Grandpop’s safe was, up to the second floor where Mr. and Mrs. Waters had their apartment and the political people rented another office whenever there was an election. Soon, Grandpop didn’t go to his shoe store building anymore because he couldn’t climb the stairs and he couldn’t afford to put in an elevator. People from the dance studio that rented the big rooms up on the third floor didn’t mind walking up a lot of steps. We didn’t spend the money to paint over the giant Hinkel and Biehn Shoes sign on top of the building. Long after the going-out-of-business sale you could still read our family name from way up at Eighth Street as you came down Broad toward downtown Quakertown. But, years later when my uncle finally sold the building, ‘got out from under it’ as he said, the new owner painted the whole side of the building a different color. Now, besides us, only the oldest people in Quakertown can remember my grandfather’s big shoe store. More articles by Jack H. Schick can be found at Searchwarp.com or Soulofwit.com
Quakertown Republican Caucus to Screen, Endorse Candidates
The Quakertown Republican Caucus will hold its screening and endorsement meeting on February 25 at 7:30 in the Community Room of Quakertown Fire Company #1, West Broad Street, Quakertown. Persons seeking the office of Quakertown Borough Councilman Tax Collector, or Quakertown School Board Director should attend this meeting. Five (5) Council seats, 4 – 4 year term and 1 – 2 year
term; Tax Collector - 2 year term; and two (2) for Area 3 School Director positions, 4yr term; are open. Area 3 includes Quakertown Borough and the Richland Township 4 election district. Candidates for the School Director position may be residents of either Quakertown Borough or that section of Richland Township. For additional information, contact Judy Guise 215-536-5196.
What Do Low Oil Prices Mean for Investors?
As you’ve no doubt noticed, your trips to the gas station have been a lot more pleasant these past several months. There’s not much doubt that low oil prices have been welcome to you as a driver. But when oil is cheap, is that good for you as an investor? There’s no clear-cut answer. But consider the following effects of low oil prices: • Positive impact on economy — When you spend less at the gas pump, relative to recent years, what will you do with your savings? Like most people, you’ll probably spend most of it on goods and services. If you multiply the amount of your increased spending by the millions of other Americans who are also saving money on gas, you can see that you and your fellow consumers are likely adding billions of dollars to the economy. Typically, a strong economy is also good for the financial markets — and for the people who invest in them. • Different results for different sectors — Different sectors within the financial markets may respond in different ways to low oil prices, even if the overall effect is generally positive. For example, businesses such as consumer goods companies and auto manufacturers may respond favorably to cheaper oil and gas. But the picture might be quite a bit different for energy companies. You could spend a lot of time and effort trying to adjust your investment portfolio in response to low oil prices. In fact, you may well want to consult with your financial professional to determine which moves might make sense for your individual situation. Yet there’s actually a bigger lesson to be learned here: Don’t overreact to temporary develop-
ments. The recent decline in oil prices has certainly had an economic impact, but no one can predict how long these prices will stay low or what other factors may arise that would affect the financial markets. That’s why you can’t reconfigure your portfolio based on particular events, whatever they may be — oil price drops, interest-rate fluctuations, political squabbles at home, natural disasters in faraway lands, and so on. If you can keep from being overly influenced by specific events, you may be able to gain at least two key benefits: First, by not making trades constantly in reaction to the headlines of the day, you can avoid piling up heavy fees and commissions —costs that can reduce the return rate on your investments. Second, you’ll find that if you aren’t always thinking about what’s going on in the world today, you can focus your investment efforts more intensely on where you want to be tomorrow. The most successful investors set long-term goals and don’t focus on factors they cannot control, such as oil prices, interest-rate changes or other economic events. Instead, these investors make adjustments, as necessary, to accommodate changes in their goals as well as other changes, such as revisions in tax laws — but they basically stick to their same approach for the long term. So be aware of low oil prices, but don’t get so “pumped” about them that you sludge up your consistent investment strategy — because that strategy has the energy to keep you moving toward your important objectives. submitted by Bob Podraza in the Edward Jones
West Broad Street, Quakertown. reached at 215-536-3635 or bob.podraza@edwardjones.com office on
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2015
Keystone Elk Country Alliance Lenape/Wapiti Chapter Notes
by dick helm Last year I wrote different articles in the Upper Bucks Free Press about your local chapter (Lenape Wapiti located right here in the Upper Bucks/Upper Montgomery County area.) This time of the year we are busy planning for our annual banquet held locally at Bear Creek Mountain Resort (Formerly Doe Mountain) in rural Macungie, Pa. to be held April 11, 2015. For those who attended our previous two banquets, a notice of this our third banquet will arrive by mail with order blanks for meals and raffle tickets. Exciting events are planned for this, our third banquet, including exhibits, menu changes, fabulous raffle and game prizes, and an informative update as to what is happening in our Elk Herd and at our Elk Center. Added this year is a chance to win in a raffle that will entitle the winner to participate in a “Elk Calf Roundup” to tag and collar calves with a Pa. Game Commission Biologist in our Elk Herd in North Central Pennsylvania! For those who choose to inquire and receive an application for the banquet we are offering a chance to be in a drawing for a 55” Flat Screen TV for early submittal of Raffle Ticket purchases. Our Banquet rifle this year will be a Henry Rifle that will be the first in a series of this famous rifle for future banquets. For those shooters who always wanted a Zeiss telescopic sight – you guessed it; we will have one available to win this year! I mentioned exciting plans. Many people who attended our previous two banquets raved about the farm raised Elk that was on our menu. They mentioned that they would attend the Banquet just to enjoy this Chef prepared dish. Well, we were very lucky to be able to
once again arrange for this popular menu item. (Over 70% of the banquet attendees order this item.) In addition we will be offering “Wild Boar” for this our 3rd banquet. Where else can you enjoy a wonderful meal, an opportunity to support a good cause that benefits your home state, and share a night with others who feel as you do and then have a chance to come home with a fantastic trip or prize worth much more than you spent for the evening. This year we are dedicating and naming our banquet as “The Big Bull Banquet.” As you know; the Pennsylvania Elk Herd and management program in Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, and Potter Counties has been very successful through the efforts of the Pa. Game Commission, KECA, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and The Wild Turkey Foundation, among others. We are lucky to have hunters from our area who were fortunate enough to either “Win” tags or draw tags and scored on harvesting large “Bull Elk.” A few of those hunters will be at our banquet and will bring along their Elk Mounts for you to view in this rustic banquet facilities. For a wonderful meal, an opportunity to support Pa.’s Elk Herd, and a night of entertainment that will certainly be a highlight outing of the year for you—Contact Sharon & Martin Snyder at 215-538-2946 or friarmert@ comcast.net. A cover letter outlining the details of the banquet and an application for tickets for the meal and raffle will be sent to you! Don’t delay as tickets for this event will go fast and not forgetting, if you submit an application with raffle ticket purchases as outlined in the cover letter—you could win a 55” TV. for your early submittal.
The most serious charge which can be brought against New England is not Puritanism but February.- Joseph Wood Krutch
News from John Rivers VFW Post 11322
by Paul Gerhart, Jr. When reading an informative community newspaper you might come across the name, John Rivers Veterans Center, and if you are a loyal reader of the Upper Bucks Free Press, you probably know who we are and what we do in the community. For those who are new to our community and the ones that are not sure what our organization does in the Quakertown area, here are a few things our organization accomplished in 2014... For one, The Buck’s County Veterans ID Program, helping Veterans receive discounts from local participating establishments. Our Outreach Program, helped support veterans and their families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The Veterans Benefit Program, this program supplies information on death benefits, low cost burials (lots of free stuff here) medication, medical claims, etc. The Center has also collected, winter hats, gloves, socks and hygiene products that are distributed to homeless Veterans with the help of other organizations. The Outreach Program works because of our generous neighbors. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Churches Boy Scout Troop # 55 of Quakertown supplied food items. Our wonderful Quakertown Cares organization supplied much needed items for Thanksgiving. The people who came through our doors dropping off requested items, donors who sent in much needed funds and to our Members who gave of their time and money to make this one of the best Veterans Organizations in the country, to all the people who have helped us during 2014, We thank you. The John Rivers Veterans Center helps Veterans and their families with support in various ways. One of the ways is to offer
Veterans and their families the tools they need to receive benefits that might be due to them. Our web site, www.johnriversveteranscenter. com will be updated shortly with more up to date information on Veterans services. Enter our name in your browser and it will take you to our website. If you know of an important event in a Veterans life, “a milestone,” give us a ca ll. We can be reached at 215-529-0500, please leave us a message and a telephone number and we will return your call. In closing, if this article peaks your interest in our organization you could be the Veteran we are looking for. We are looking for Veterans who are willing to pay it forward, members who do not mind working to better our community. If you have been overseas and in harm’s way or in a combat situation you need to join this can do organization. If you are not a Veteran, you still can help us. Some of our fundraisers require lots of people. We are looking for people, who are outgoing, fun loving and willing to help us support our community. The John Rivers Memorial, VFW Post # 11322 meets the second Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Our next meeting is on February 08, 2015, if you would like to j:)in us at this meeting and discuss how you can help us or how we might help your organization, call us, we would love to have you at our meeting. As always, if you cannot help in person, donations are always welcome. If any of the above information is of interest to you, please call Paul Gerhart, Jr. at 267-992-4973. Donations can be sent to: The John Rivers Veterans Center, Attn: Jack B., 41 Belmont Avenue, Quakertown, PA 18951. Jack can also be reached by email at jb.jrvc@jrm.voweb.com.
John Rivers VFW thanks the following for sponsoring it’s Christmas Ornament project. Individual Sponsors
Mr. &Mrs. Paul Gerhart, Jr. Casey Swinny Mr. &Mrs. Ed Brous Mr. Charlie Brous Mr. &Mrs. Jerry Sisian Mrs. Mary McBride Mrs. Cathy Heller Mrs.& Mrs. Shawn Trotter Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ross Mr.& Mrs. Lester Schaeffer Mr. Edward Kulik Mrs. Marie Griffith Mr. Greg Shannon Mrs. June Grove Mr. Barry Seifert The Children of William Cherry
Mrs. Joan Ruffenach Mr. & Mrs. James Landis Mrs. Patricia Young Mr. John Goodman Mr. Tom Trenwith
Mrs. & Mrs. Carmen LaCava Mr.& Mrs. Ken Kruger Mr. & Mrs. E. Aichele Mrs. Pat Bossert Mr. & Mrs. Dean Witt Mr. & Mrs. Dale Clark Mr. & Mrs. Justin Ruth Mr. & Mrs. Walt Orlowski Mr. Vince McChesney Elena Synder Mr. & Mrs. Jim Black Mr. & Mrs. McKelvey Mr. & Mrs. Don Barwis Mr. Joe McGrath,Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Walters Mr. Bob Hosier Larry Smock Mrs. Roseanne Kelsall Mr. &Mrs. James Ravertt Mr. Fred Reith
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Christian Mr. Pete Mink Mr. Skip Fitzgerald Ilona Rashnel Ms. Marguerite Wilkins
Business Sponsors JME
Remodeling Wal-Mart Giant Food Stores Weiss’s Food Markets Nase Kraft Post 255 Sapori Italian Restaurant Anderson Lawn & Snow Removal
McDonalds MTN Trumbauersville Borough Quakertown ARMYNAVY C&C Catering Dr. Werner Pennridge Family Dentistry
Mrs. Windy Bleam & Lillian Smith
Perkasie Pizza & Pasta McLaughlin Physical Therapy
Mr. Matt Lampack
Friends of Senator Bob Mensch
Notes from American Legion Post 242 The support group to the Post known as the Sons of the Legion held a fundraiser in January that turned out to be a successful endeavor. They held a Sunday Morning Breakfast here at the Post. They wish to thank the members and the public who made this a success. By popular demand they asked for permission to hold monthly Sunday Morning Breakfasts for February and March. So here is the scoop! Sunday Morning Breakfast at the Post – Open to the Public - FEBRUARY 8TH AND MARCH 8TH, held between 9AM to 1PM. GREAT BREAKFAST MENU! We urge you to come out to support our Sons of the Legion in their endeavor to help the Post as we support our Post, our Veterans, and our Youth. During the winter months we have very few public events. For 2015 we will have the Annual Memorial Day Parade and Services, the 9/11 Services, Veterans Day (Nov 11th)
Services as well as our Blood Drive, Two Annual Ticket Sales for Veterans and Youth Activity, Motorcycle Fund Raiser, and Special dinners with “Meat Wheel” fundraisers. For the past few years your Post has been busy refurbishing a local Boy Scout Camping area (In Haycock Twp) that was passed on to us to be guardians (Camp Qwabasko-might be spelled wrong). Many local businesses and Boy Scout Troops have supported us in this task. We will be telling you of this exciting rejuvenating task and its progress and supporters in future articles. As you can see; 2015 will be a busy year. As a Post of over 650 members we certainly could use more help in all this work. It is a real shame that all this work is done by a few! Come out and help—it can be fun working with your fellow veterans in doing good for veterans and the community we live in!
February 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Meet Bucks County Author Kit Grindstaff
Kit Grindstaff’s bio says she was born near London, and grew up surrounded by rolling hills, old English villages. After a brush with pop stardom, she moved to New York and became a successful song writer. She now lives with her husband in Bucks County Pennsylvania. Her award-winning debut novel, The Flame In The Mist, is a spooky, magical mysteryadventure for fantasy lovers, ages 9 to 90. It takes place in a fantasy world of Anglavia. Anglavia is ruled by the tyrannical Agromond family. The main character Jemma Agromond, realizes how evil they really are, she runs away only to be confronted with her true destiny. Only she can bring peace to Anglavia, but at what price? Erik: What steps do you take when writing a book? Ms. Grindstaff: As soon as I conceive of a story, I have a rough idea of beginning, middle and end. The details fill in as I write. Before I begin writing, though, I explore the main characters, making lists of traits, and creating back stories to dig for conflicts, motivations, and possible plot and character arcs. Then, I always outline; but I like to write freely within that structure. That way, the characters can take on a life of their own, and often move the story in ways that surprise me – and hopefully the reader as well! I always keep the end in mind, though, and if those characters get too unruly I’ll take back the reins and steer the story where it needs to go. Ultimately you have to remember who’s the author! Erik: Where did the idea for the Rattusses (Jemma’s telepathc pet rats) come from? Ms. Grindstaff: Jemma’s life at Agromond Castle being pretty bleak, I wanted to give her some light relief, and more constant companionship than her limited time with Marsh and Digby. So who – or what – could offer her that in a moldering old castle? Rats! (Magical ones, of course.) As for being telepathic, they just happened that way. From word go, Noodle and Pie knew when Jemma needed help or comfort, and Jemma understood each twitch of whisker and tail. The specifics of their communication, though, developed over several drafts. Incidentally, they were common-or-castle brown rats until a very late draft. Their golden fur was a “Eureka!” moment—obvious, right? After all, they are emissaries of Light! Erik: Anagrams play a big part in the story. What was the inspiration behind them? Are you really good at them, like Jemma?
Ms. Grindstaff: At the outset, I wrote down a list of Jemma’s traits: some like me, some not. For example her flame-red hair and sea-green eyes (not like me), and her love of food (like me, though I’m not a fan of entrails). I’ve always loved word play and anagrams, and that popped onto the list too, though I had no idea at first how important they’d become to the plot! I don’t think I’m as good at them as Jemma is. I can only decipher them because I made them up. Erik: The twists in the book not only kept me on the edge of my seat, but also really surprised me. Your writing style really fits with the plot and setting of The Erik: When did you start writing, and how have your surroundings influenced you? Ms. Grindstaff: I’ve always loved writing. As a kid: short stories. In my teens: anguished poems, then pop songs – the writing of which is still my long-time profession. I had a growing hankering, though, to write fiction. Eventually I took a couple of writing courses, and The Flame in the Mist was born. Growing up English, in the land of spooky old churches, graveyards and castles, and misty winters, was hugely influential! I’d include literature as ‘Surroundings’ too: I loved adventures, mysteries, classics like Dickens and The Woman in White (lots of fog and ghosts), and mystery paranormals like The Turn of the Screw. Anything steeped in atmosphere. Erik: The Agromonds are a treacherous family. What helped in “shaping” them? Ms. Grindstaff: The Agromonds’ personalities are exaggerated versions of people I’ve known, combined with British archetypes: The snob for Nocturna; the conflicted Lord of the Manor for Nox; the typical spiteful girl for Shade, and Feo… poor Feo! Sprinkle in a dark lust for power (look no further than any empire as a model), et voila! the Agromonds. I’m also fascinated by the “shadow” side of personality: things people don’t want others to know about them, or even hide from themselves; their secrets and lies (a big theme in the book, as you know). Those hidden things (kept in the dark) are often what twists people and manifest as evil. So I played with that idea in creating the Agromonds. It also influenced the dark-light theme: by becoming aware of those secrets (bringing them to the light) and uncovering the truth, Jemma is able to escape the darkness and find the life she’s always longed for. Erik: Thank you Ms. Grindstaff! Ms. Grindstaff: Thanks so much, Erik, for your awesome questions! They were fun to answer. For more about Kit Grindstaff, please visit Kitgrindstaff.com! For more on books visit ThisKidReviewsBooks.com!
Quakertown Police K9 Unit Receives $250
Quakertown Alive! donated $250 from the bounce house proceeds at the 2014 Autumn Alive! event to the Quakertown Borough Police Department's K9 Unit. The bounce house and donation were coordinated by Joan Pavlica and members of the first class of Quakertown's Citizen Police Academy volunteered their time to staff the bounce house. (above) QA! vice-president Mike Cygan and Officer Bryan Lockwood with his partner, Kito. photo by michele buono
‘Sweethearts,’ heart shaped wafer candies displaying printed messages, were first created in 1866. As we enter the new year of 2015 I thought I would offer a very concise Q and A overview of Medicare. (Note: All of the answers below have variables and nuances depending on the situation and individual.) Because it is a government run program, will Medicare offer me inferior care? No! Though Medicare administers the program, all care is provided by private doctors, hospitals and laboratories. Medicare will pay approximately 80% of all costs with Medicare supplements covering the balance. What exactly does Medicare cost? Medicare (Parts ‘A’ and ‘B’) will cost you (in 2015) $104.90 per month. To supplement Parts ‘A’ and ‘B’, On average, Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs) can cost under $50 per month, and Medicare Supplement Plans can cost between $100-$175 per month. Are there large deductibles that must be satisfied before coverage begins? No! Officially there are some deductibles that Medicare wants you to pay (for example, $147 per year for medical services) but typically the Medicare supplement plans would pay these deductibles for you. What about pre-existing conditions? To purchase Parts A and B, there are never medical pre-existing conditions. And when you first go on to Medicare, you may choose any Supplemental Plan also with no pre-existing condition limitations.
If I choose to take Social Security benefits early at age 62, may also sign up for Medicare? No! Enrolling in Medicare cannot be earlier than age 65 unless you are officially disabled and collecting Social Security disability payments. Will Medicare cover my younger spouse and/or other dependents? No! Family coverage doesn’t exist in Medicare. Also, if your spouse and you are both on Medicare, you each pay premiums separately and there are no “married couple discounts.” Must I enroll in Medicare when I turned 65? No! You do not have to enroll in Medicare and there will be no penalties if you are covered by employer-based insurance from your job or your spouse’s job. Do I need to enroll in Medicare every year? No! Your coverage rolls of over from year to year for Parts A and B as well as your Supplemental Plan Will Obamacare affect my coverage? No! When Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) was signed into law in 2010 some changes were made that improved Medicare preventative care services and drug coverage, but in essence, Obamacare is for folks under 65 and Medicare is for folks over 65. Contact me for our new free report: ‘The Top 10 Facts about Medicare Supplements.’ Howard Peck is the owner of ‘Senior Insurance Solutions’ based in Green Lane PA. He’s a Pennsylvania Licensed Insurance Broker who specializes in all things Medicare. He can be reached at 267-923-528 and hnpeck@comcast.net
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2015
The Forgotten Aspect of Amplification: SERVICE
Q: Who was Cupid’s mother? A: Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
Where Can I Get my UBFP? QUAKERTOWN Aamco American Heritage FCU A-Plus Mini Market Borough Hall Beer City Brick’s Sales Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Dairy Queen Dominick’s Pizza Earl Bowl Lanes Embers Cafe First Niagara Bank First Savings Bank The Free Press Bldg. Giant Food Mkts (309/313) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Independence Court James Michener Library Joanne’s Frame Shop John’s Plain & Fancy Liberty Thrift Store McCoole’s Restaurant Melody Lakes Moyer’s Shoes Pep Boys (service area) Philly Soft Pretzel Factory Quaker Cleaners
Q’town Family Restaurant QNB Bank Redner’s Market Roma Pizza Sal’s Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sine’s 5 & 10 St. Luke’s Bone & Joint Swann’s Pantry Upper Bucks Senior Center Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Classic Hair Designs Fino’s La Cantina Spor’s General Store SPINNERSTOWN Spinnerstown Hotel E J’s Barber Shop PLEASANT VALLEY Country Kitchen SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grand View Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner
PERKASIE Dam Good Cafe Giant Food Markets Landis Food Markets Olde Towne Convenience Pennridge Chamber Pierce Library QNB Bank TELFORD Indian Valley Library Landis Supermarket Lisa’s Pizza SOUDERTON Care & Share Shoppes Mr. B’s at Calvary Church SILVERDALE Green Street Barber Shop OTTSVILLE NAPA of Ottsville COOPERSBURG Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop Turkey Hill Market Last Chance Ranch Thrift SPRINGTOWN Reflections Hair Studio Village Center Automotive
A hearing aid is a medical device to be prescribed and fitted to an appropriate hearing impaired person by a board certified and licensed audiologist. The hearing aid is actually a digital (computerized) artificial ear. Think in terms of someone whom is absent of an arm being fitted with a prosthetic arm or without a leg utilizing a prosthetic leg. The intent is not to correct, but to assist the afflicted individual in compensating for the availability and use of the natural appendage. In the case of hearing, one of your five senses. In today’s society, most consumers are price driven for product purchases. We have been bombarded with discount pricing in a variety of products and services. Among the many common items are cars, suits, crackers, deli meat, toilet paper, ice cream, toothpaste, etc. You name it, there has been an advertisement of some sort touting a specific dollar amount off, percentage discount, buy one get one, close out type of deal to entice the purchase. For some unknown reason, there are a few stores that treat amplification in the same manner. They have viewed hearing aids as a cheap, blowout, consumption based product to be hocked for a buck. Some portion of the public has bought into the mentality of price point purchasing on a product rather than the medical device it truly is. When have you seen your local hospital, orthopedic specialist, or physical therapist publish ads running a special, this week only buy two arms and get a spare leg free using a coupon? Typically, some retail store front may sell another product and just happen to sell hearing aids as a sideline. Other big companies operate stores running large newspaper ads offering a specific loss leader device for $395. New to the platform are some big box discount retailers trying to cash in on hearing aid sales like selling closeout televisions. The big box operations have their customers out in the open next to shoppers passing by making other purchases. There is no privacy. It is being done with eyeglasses near the checkout counter. The truth of the matter is the aforementioned scenarios involve good people whom just happen to be only salespeople. They are not board certified and licensed audiologists. Would you gladly have a discount colonoscopy next to the cereal aisle if you could save a buck? For the store front business, big companies, and big box stores they have equated amplification as a product to be shot-gunned onto the consuming public to make quick money by selling in volume without concern or responsibility for a person with a disability. The major component in having amplifica-
tion properly fitted to a patient by a board certified and licensed audiologist is SERVICE. This service includes the development and implementation of a program encompassing counseling, aural rehabilitation, and computerized adjustments for the life of the devices. In the office of a private practice audiologist, the patient is afforded service in a setting demanded and commensurate of the handicap being treated. The professional completes the audiological evaluation and reviews the test results and makes recommendations. The patient has ear impressions made for custom devices or measured for the receiver-in-the-canal or open ear fitting. Once the patient is physically fitted with the devices, the audiologist initiates the custom acoustic fitting to ensure a proper fit so the patient achieves the benefit desired. Discussion is held with the patient as to their expectations perceived and what they may actually derive from the daily use of their new hearing aids. The audiologist will cover not only the care, use, cleaning and maintenance of the devices, but counsel them. This counseling will include, but not be limited to: hearing and understanding in quiet, watching television alone and with others, awareness as to increased range of distance for intelligibility, limitations of understanding at a distance, detection of distant speech and sounds, strategies to use the visual modality in supplementing aided hearing, understanding speech in the presence of a variety of background noise, and more. The audiologist always encourages the patient to return to the office for follow up counseling, aural rehabilitation, and computer adjustments to further refine the successful fitting and daily use. If you want to waste your time and money, please allow yourself to succumb to the retail cloud of buying a hearing aid and throwing into the dresser drawer. However, if you truly wish to address your receptive communication difficulty, acquire the assistance required, and have professional service to help you at any time during the process, contact your local board certified and licensed audiologist today. If you or someone you know suspects a hearing loss or difficulty in communication, contact an audiologist today! Mr. Murphy has had a bilateral mild-tomoderate sensor-ineural hearing loss all his life and is a binaural in-the-canal hearing aid user. Mr. Murphy has been in practice in Pennsylvania since receiving his Master of Education in Audiology from University of Virginia in the Spring of 1987. Mr. Murphy is affiliated with a number of hearing related national and international organizations.
He
can be reached at hearingdoc@aol.com and by phone at
215-230-9000.
Have a place in mind where you’d like to pick up your UBFP? Let us know! We’re always adding new distribution points throughout Upper Bucks. Call Terri at 215-529-8915 ext. 11 or send an email to terri@ubfp.org.
QNB Bank Promotes Sharon Rotenberger QNB is pleased to announce the promotion of Sharon “Sherrie” Rotenberger to the position of Senior Vice President/ Retail Banking, Branch Manager. She is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the Bank’s Downtown Office, located at 3rd and West Broad Streets in Quakertown, as well as business development within the community. In addition, several Branch Managers of the Bank’s other offices, including Dublin, Perkasie, Souderton, Wescosville, the Quakertown Commons Office inside GIANT, and the Universal Banker at the Warminster Business Office will now report to her. Ms. Rotenberger, who resides in Quakertown with her family, has been with the Bank for over 29 years. She is a Board member of and on the Events Committee for Quakertown Alive!, as well as part of the Professional Business Women’s Group in Quakertown. BuckyGrams sweetheart,flowers,candy,love,dinner,hugs,jewelry,romance,roses,chocolates,red hearts Hidden Message Have a romantic evening! BuckyBlock love is in the air
February 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
11
Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road, Quakertown 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Russell J. Atkinson Sunday morning worship - 8:00am 9:00am 11:00am, Sunday School for all ages 10:00am, Communion offered first Sunday of the month 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 Grace Bible Fellowship Church 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N., Quakertown 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Pastor: Ron Kohl, Sr. Pastor September - May: 9am Sunday School for all ages, 10:10am Morning Worship, Evening Worship 1st & 3rd Sundays 6:30pm, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm 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. Evangel Assembly of God 401 Arch Street, Perkasie 215-453-1565 • www.perkasieag.org Pastor: Rev. Gary Saul Where God’s Love Changes Lives MorningStar Moravian Church 234 S. Main Street, Coopersburg 610-282-1908 coopmoravian@aol.com Pastor: Lance Fox Sunday services 10:00am. Small, friendly Protestant church. Community mission: Serving free dinners once per month. All are welcome. Call for information. Good Shepherd Church (Episcopal) 1634 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown 215-822-3930 Pastor: The Rev. Catherine Kerr 10:00am Sunday Eucharist 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. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville 837 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown 215-536-5789 stpauls@netcarrier.com www.quakertown.net/stpauls Pastor: Rev. David Heckler We believe in sharing God’s love in joyful service. Come and see. All are welcome. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie 215-795-2965 office@kellerschurch.org www.kellerschurch.org Pastor: Robert E. Mitman Worship 7:45 &10:15am, Sunday School 9am, Koinonia Cafe 8:30pm, Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday, Children’s Church 2nd & 4th Sunday. Emmanuel Episcopal Church 560 S. Main Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-3040 emmanuelchurch11@yahoo.com www.emmanuelquakertown.org Sunday services at 8am and 10am, Visitors and new members always welcome! Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: Barbara Moran A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling. Join us at 10:30am Sunday. Halleleujah! Church of the Incarnation (Anglican-Episcopal) 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, Wednesday 10:00am First United Methodist Church 501 Market Street, Perkasie 215-257-4626 fumcperkasie@verizon.net www.fumcperkasie@verizon.net Pastor: Steward Warner Mission: Share God’s love, Make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ, positively impact our community and world. St. John’s Lutheran Church 19 South 10th Street, Quakertown 215-536-3593 stjohnsquak@verizon.net www.stjohnsquak.org Pastor: Ray Miller Sunday Worship 8 and 10:30am, Sunday School 9:15am. Welcoming, Reaching Out, Serving. Elevator available Trinity Great Swamp UCC Spinnerstown Rd & County Line Rd Spinnerstown 215-679-7710 tgsucc@verizon.net www.tgsucc.org Pastor: David R. Ellis / Matt Gorkos Sunday Worship Services 8am (Communion 1st Sunday of month) and 10:30am. Sunday School classes for all ages (preK-Adult) & family activities 9:15am. Trinity Lutheran Church 102 N. Hellertown Avenue, Quakertown 215-536-4345 www.trinityquakertown.org Pastor: Lynette R. Chapman 9 am traditional services, 10:15am Sunday School, 11am contemporary service, Handicapped Accessible, Family Friendly Church, Dynamic Music Ministry, Kidspiration Services. Holy Spirit Anglican Church 1133 W. Orvilla Road, Hatfield 215-453-7452 rtufton@verizon.net www.holyspiritanglicanhatfield.org Pastor: Rev. Robert Tufton We are a traditional conservative Evangelical Christian church. Pennridge Christian Fellowship 720 Blooming Glen Road, Blooming Glen 215-257-7309 kallebach@pennridgecf.org www.pennridgecf.org Pastor: Thomas Vargis Sunday worship 10:30am, Sunday School after song service for infants to age 12. Wed evenings 7pm with prayer, crossroads youth and (Sept-April) boys and girls clubs. Everyone is welcome. Richland Friends Meeting (Quaker) Main St at Mill Rd & Park Ave, Quakertown 215-538-7555 Friends@RichlandQuakers.org www.RichlandQuakers.org Clerks: Kathy Redding, Jack H. Schick Non-Denominational guided meditations Wed, 7pm Sunday worship 10:30am “Absolute freedom of thought and worship is our faith and practice.” Morning Star Fellowship 429 S. 9th Street, Quakertown 215-529-5422 Pastor: John Decker www.mstarqtown.org Services at 9am & 11am, Children’s Ministry provided, EastWest Cafe open with free coffee. Celebrate recovery Wednesday 7pm. Check website for more info. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Pastor: Rev. Patti Thomas Starting Sept 14: 8am Rejoice & Praise Worship in Parlor, 9am Sunday School - all ages, 10:15 Worship in Sanctuary, Crossroads 1st Sunday each month 9am in Fellowship Hall. St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com Pastor: Axel Kaegler www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Founded in 1734, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown is the oldest Lutheran church in Bucks County. St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley 910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net www.stjohns-ridgevalley.com Pastor: Amy Hotter Worship: 8:30 am – Traditional, 10:15 am Contemporary w/ Praise Band, Sunday School 9:30 am, Visitors always welcome “You are invited to share our joy!”
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2015
Last Chance Ranch Rescues One Abused Pig, Saves 5 Lives
Foundation Seeks “Friend of Education” Nominations
Do you know someone who has had a positive impact on Pennridge students over a long period a time? Someone whose hard work and dedication is worthy of public recognition? If so, please submit a nomination for a 2015 “Friend of Education” award from the Pennridge Community Education Foundation. Applications are due Monday, February 23. It could be a teacher or administrator. A staff member or parent. A volunteer, school director, custodian, or bus driver... anyone (individual or organization) who has made indelible contributions to our school community. Previous winners have included Penn
Central Middle School Principal Dr. Thomas Rutter, Deibler Elementary School Principal Deb Brady, longtime coach and athletics director Wayne Helman, teachers Randy Swope, Patty Yost and Kathy Moyer, secretary Suzie Wolfinger, school director Dr. Peter Yarnell, Superintendent Dr. Robert Kish, parent volunteer Jackie Firuta, and the Pennridge-Perkasie Rotary Club. Who will it be this year? That’s up to you: the faculty, administration, staff, and community of the Pennridge School District. Visit pennridgefoundation.org for more information and a nomination form.
State Senator Mensch Busy with Committee Assignments State Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24), has been appointed to serve on several key committees for the 2015-16 legislative session. “It’s in the committees that much of the work producing sound legislation is done,” said Mensch. “This is where bills are vetted, examined, amended and improved. I look forward to serving on these committees during what looks to be a challenging and exciting legislative session.” Senator Mensch will serve as Vice Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. In addition to the new post, the Senator was again appointed to the vital Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Mensch will continue to serve on the Aging and Youth, Game and Fisheries, and Public Health and Welfare committees. In addition, Senator Mensch Chairs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
(LBFC) which is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative service agency consisting of 12 members of the General Assembly. The LBFC conducts studies and provides recommendations aimed at eliminating unnecessary expenditures while ensuring that state funds are being expended in accordance with legislative intent and law. Senator Mensch also co-chairs the Senate Economy, Business and Jobs Caucus -- a special panel created to develop initiatives aimed at creating and sustaining good jobs in Pennsylvania. Senator Mensch was elected by his Republican colleagues in November to serve as Majority Caucus Chairman for the 20152016 legislative session. As chairman he will preside over Republican caucus meetings to discuss bills and amendments and to develop caucus strategy. More information on Senator Mensch can be found at www.senatormensch.com.
St. Isidore Students Learn about Diabetes, Raise Funds to Fight It
Second grader Sophia Berger presents information about diabetes to the entire St. Isidore School. Sophia, herself, is diabetic. Her audience (pictured) shows the assembly of students on “Dress Down $1 Blues Day” on Friday, January 16. Proceeds went to support Juvenile Diabetes research. photos submitted by robin conboy
When Last Chance Ranch (Quakertown) founder Lori McCutcheon received an urgent call from Animal Care and Control in Philadelphia about a critically injured pot belly pig last month, there wasn’t a second’s hesitation about bringing the animal in. What she found was a sweet, good natured girl who was most likely about to become someone’s Christmas dinner. With horrendous four-inch deep gashes to her neck and a missing ear possibly made by an axe CheezeDoodle, as she was promptly named, was cleaned up, put on antibiotics and watched closely around the clock. “She was in pretty bad shape and most likely would have been euthanized anywhere else,” says McCutcheon. “But her spirits were so great we knew she had a lot of life left in her and we just had to give her the chance she deserved.” As volunteers began working with her, they not only discovered a charming ‘pig’ personality, but that she was completely housebroken. She quickly became a kennel favorite at LCR and was making steady progress every day. “We’re amazed at how forgiving and trusting she is. Obviously in excruciating pain, CheezeDoodle still had no doubt we were there to help and love her,” says McCutcheon. “She’s a sweetheart and seemed very grateful for all we were doing for her.” Just how grateful was CheezeDoodle? On January 24th she gave a great big – and shocking - ‘thank you’ to LCR staff and volunteers by delivering 4 adorable piglets! “We had no idea that she was expecting! Despite her grave injuries, she managed to carry those sweet little babies and give us the surprise of our lives,” adds McCutcheon. “We here at LCR are thrilled beyond belief that we were not only able to save her life, but four more as well! Of course, LCR had to name CheezeDoodle’s new “snack pack”…. Trisket, Chip, Pringle and Chex!
Anyone interested in donating to help CheezeDoodle and her piglets can contact Last Chance Ranch at 215-538-2510 or by email at pets@lastchanceranch.org. Be sure to visit www.lastchanceranch.org for updates! submitted by AnnMarie Petitto
(above) CheezeDoodle the pot belly pig is on
the mend at Last Chance Ranch in Quakertown following a brutal attack in Philadelphia resulting in 4 inch gashes to her neck with an axe or other sharp instrument. (below) It turns out that CheezeDoodle had plenty to fight for. Four little surprises to all but CheezeDoodle appeared not long after her rescue. submitted photos
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Gomez
February 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
13
Adoptable Dogs at Harley’s Haven
Meet Morticia and Gomez!
Gomez
This adorable duo is looking for you! They are a brother/sister pair who was found abandoned in a basement in Philadelphia about 4 months ago - they were severely underweight, and had horrible skin disease, and were terrified! With love and support - they have flourished into adorable sweet puppies and are ready for homes of their own! They are both pitty mixes, who are now about 7 months old. Morticia is a sweet and gentle soul - she is a soft player, and is very gentle with other dogs and all people. Though she is still shy, she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body, and loves everyone. Gomez is more of a typical boy - he loves to wrestle and play!! He is more outgoing, but is still a little shy of new people and new dogs, but warms right up and loves to play! They love each other, but we actually feel they will do better adopted separately so they can continue to grow and get more confident! Please help us find these two deserving babies the homes they deserve! These adorable pups are available for adoption through Harley’s Haven. Call 215-527-7432 to arrange to meet them.
Dental Disease:
The danger behind the YUCK! Morticia
Adoptable Pets at BCSPCA
Meet Twizzler & Muscato!
With his dapper little mustache and elegant tuxedo coat Muscato is one debonair guy. He gets along very well with other cats, and would be happy to be a little brother for a feline already in residence. Come get swept off your feet by this dashing seven month old!
Muscato
Did you know that baby guinea pigs (and sometimes adults) have a behavior called ‘popcorning’? A guinea pig will popcorn - or jump into the air, land on all fours, quickly turn in another direction and jump again- when they are very happy. Come meet Twizzler, a two month old baby guinea pig, and see this adorable expression of joy for yourself. Muscato and Twizzler are at the Bucks County
SPCA’s
Upper
Bucks
Shelter,
60 Reservoir Road, Quakertown. Call 267.347.4674 or visit www.bcspca.org.
Twizzler
A vast majority of my client will come in to their yearly exam with their pet, and will mention their bad breath, and ask what can be done? Bad breath in a dog or a cat is the symptom that is most noticed, but there is a lot more to dental disease than just that! Dental disease is one of the most undertreated conditions in dogs and cats! Some studies say that up to 80% of our pet population has some form of dental disease – whether it is severe or mild. How it starts, is with bacteria sticking to the teeth in a film that is called plaque. As this builds up, minerals in the saliva harden it into tartar. The thing about tartar is – once it is there, it is there, unless we go in and scale it off. What you can see when you peek in your pet’s mouth is only the half of it too! The tartar seen above the gum line is only part of the problem – the more serious tartar is that which accumulates under the gum line. This is the tartar that causes more severe gingivitis, gum recession, and disease down to the root that can lead to tooth loss. In humans especially, they link dental disease to heart disease, and even diabetes – and those links exist in our pets too! So what to do? Once the tartar is there, and the gums are affected, the best treatment for your pet is an oral examination and cleaning. This is when they would go under anesthesia for a full oral exam and mapping of the teeth and tartar, and then a thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, the only way to really know the extent of the problem is to get in there…. but the silver lining is once we are in there
– we can do something about it! Any tartar that is present will be scaled off using an ultrasonic scaler, any teeth that are dramatically affected or diseased would be removed, and the remaining teeth polished and protected. Though dental extractions are common in veterinary medicine, and we hate to remove teeth – they do great! I have had cats that have almost all of their teeth extracted and they are more comfortable, and eat better, once they are gone! They can’t tell us when they hurt, so often we don’t realize how uncomfortable they were until the affected teeth are gone. Once the mouth is cleaned up, or if you have a young dog/cat that is not affected yet, you should get in there! Teaching your pet to tolerate brushing can save him/her and you from the need for dental cleanings. Studies show that if you can brush their teeth regularly (just like us!) – at least 3 times a week – it can dramatically reduce the amount of tartar build up, and therefore the need for further dental work. They have lots of types of tooth brushes and tooth paste to help make it easier, and they often tolerate it better than you would expect, so give it a try! And lastly – give your regular vet a call!! February is DENTAL MONTH!! So most practices offer a percentage off dental cleanings (I know we do – 10% off across the board!). So it helps to make it more affordable! Now get in there and get brushing! Dr. Mehaffey and partner Dr. Jen Heller own and operate the new Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be reached at 267-272-9996. They also founded and curate Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.
I hope I don’t sound like a broken record but Valentine’s Day is this month and we all need to be aware of what our partner wants. There is nothing wrong with getting your loved one a gift card to any of their favorite places. That is a better idea than buying them the wrong size collar, ugh, I mean dress or shirt. My human is going to the Comedy Night at Morningstar Church on February 7th. It benefits the adventure Youth and makes for a real nice night out. I asked but
they won’t let me go. Hope many of you go to the great event. You could even say it’s close enough to Valentine Day that you could use it as your evening out for Valentines. Just a thought. Stay warm and until next month here’s a big kiss from me. Love M.J.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2015
~Obituaries~ DOROTHY
A.
(WEISS) KOEHLER, 89, of Quakertown died January 1, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospital Quakertown Campus. She was the wife of the late Russell P. Koehler. Born in Quakertown she was the daughter of the late Clarence & Lillie (Miller) Weiss. Dorothy was a member of First United Church of Christ in Quakertown where she was a member of the Women’s Guild. She enjoyed embroidery and cooking and was known by her family as a great homemaker, mother, grammy, and great grandma. She is survived by a son David (Christine) of Ida Grove, Iowa, a daughter Debbie Stover (Dean) of Coopersburg. Three grandchildren Todd Koehler (Paula) Danielle Zadnik (Justin) and Andrew Stover (Jaclin). Four great granddaughters Morgan and Vanessa Koehler and Veronica and Arya Zadnik. Predeceased by a daughter Leanne, and a brother Leroy Weiss. 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 RLS Foundation, 819 Second St., SW Rochester, MN 55902-2985, www.rls.org. or to Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. ALBERT
KLOTZ, 87 of Quakertown died January 2, 2015 in St. Luke’s Hospital Quakertown Campus. He was the husband of the late Florence (Tarantino) Klotz. He retired from the Hellertown Borough Water Department. He is survived by three grandchildren Lori Geib, Richard Kramer (Jill), and Steve Kramer (Deb). Two great grandchildren Allie and Amanda. He was predeceased by his children Albert, Jr., Steven and Edna Kramer, one brother and several sisters. C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www. crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951. MARY E. (THOMAS) HIXSON, 97, of Quakertown died January 3, 2015 in her home. She was the wife of the late Dale W. Hixson. Born in Springfield Township, Bucks County
near Coopersburg, she was the daughter of the late John & Maria (Wingard) Thomas. Many years ago she was employed by the former Artistic Glass Company in Trumbauersville. She was a member of Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Quakertown and a former member and served many years as a Deaconess at First Church of the Brethren in Quakertown. In her later years she enjoyed visiting with family and playing Parcheesi. Mary greatly enjoyed and loved her caregivers in the last few years. She is survived by her children D. Wayne (Barbara) of Atwater, CA, Richard L. (Joyce) of Sacramento, CA, Barry J. of Bethlehem, Deanna L. Unger (Sam) of Wabash, IN, John W. (Gail) of Coopersburg, and Sandra L. Wolfinger (Gary) of Quakertown. Eighteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter Sylvia A. Belzner, a grandson Ricky, brother John, and sisters Elda, Evelyn, Jeanette, Susan, Ethel, Kathryn, Lydia, and Lillian., a son in law Wilhelm Belzner, and a daughter in law Susan Hixson. Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 1811 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown, PA 18951. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorial contributions to the Church Mission Fund at the above address. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www. crstrunk.com) Quakertown. DONALD R. ROBERTS, 83, of Quakertown, Haycock Township died January 5, 2015 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown. He was the husband of Eleanor (Palm) Roberts. They were married 58 years last March. Born in Allentown, PA he was the son of the late Erwin & Verna (Smith) Roberts. He was an operating engineer before his retirement for the former Western Electric in Allentown. Donald was a graduate of William Allen High School in Allentown. He was a former Haycock Township supervisor and a cub scout leader. He also enjoyed golfing and hunting. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Post #242, in Quakertown. In addition to his wife he is survived by two sons Keith M. (Pamela) of Chesterton, IN and Kurtis M. (Val) of Quakertown, and a daughter Karen M. Stump (Jerry) of Quakertown. Five grandchildren Stephanie Bryant (Ben), Kyle
Stump (Jenna), Kailyn McClain (Matt), Kurtis Roberts, and Matthew Roberts. Three great grandchildren Carsen Bryant, Audrey McClain, and Kyle Stump, Jr. He was predeceased by a brother Theodore Roberts. C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951 KIM LEAMER MALESKI, 55, of Ramsey, MN, formerly of Quakertown, died Jan. 5 in her home. She was the wife of Larry Maleski. Born in Quakertown, she was a daughter of Lois (Stauffer) Leamer, of Quakertown and the late W. Robert Leamer. Surviving with her husband & mother are daughters, Kerrie, & Sydney; son, Michael; brothers, Keith Leamer, wife Cindy of Mertztown, Kevin Leamer, wife Brandy; sister, Kelly Andre, husband Michael of Fleetwood. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or Masonic Cancer Center-University of Minnesota Foundation, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266 (checks payable to University of Minnesota) Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown www.janauglefcs.com CALVIN R. KERNECHEL, 79, of Quakertown died peacefully in his home on January 10, 2015. Husband of Barbara (Campbell) Kernechel. No calling hours or services as requested. The C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk. com) Quakertown is handling the arrangements. DONALD L. McKNIGHT, 49, of Perkasie died January 17, 2015 in his home. Born in Quakertown he was the son of Neil & Patricia (Crouthamel) McKnight. He was the owner operator of Glass Enhancements in Bedminster, PA. He was a member of the Wheels of Time in Breinigsville, PA and the Road Angels of Doylestown. In addition to his parents he is survived by a son DJ McKnight (Christine), a brother James and a sister Barbara Kreisler (Scott), one grandson Evan and two nieces Elizabeth and Emily. C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951 ROBERT E. SCHLEGEL, SR., 67, of Hellertown, formerly of Quakertown died Sat., Jan 17th at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. He was the loving husband of Gail M. (Kerns) Schlegel for the past 41 years. Born in Easton, he was the son of Ruth (Counterman) Schlegel. Surviving with his wife, are sons; Todd, wife Heather of Hellertown, and Robert Jr.; daughters, Mary Switzer, husband Eugene of Reading, Mary Tarantino, husband Jerry of Quakertown, Dorothy Keller, husband Paul of Phillipsburg, NJ, Tina Sharek of Quakertown, Tara SchlegelDietz, husband Joel of Center Valley and Jamie Winter, husband Bruce of Perkasie; brother Raymond Shook, wife Jean of Nazareth; sister, Yvonne Jacobs of Orlando, FL; eighteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter; Ericka Schlegel and several brothers and sisters. Interment in Whitemarsh Memorial Park at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions can be made to the family c/o Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown, PA. www. janauglefcs.com A.FLOYD TRUMBAUER, 90, of Quakertown
died in his home Sunday Jan. 18. He was the loving husband of Jane (Groff) Trumbauer for the past 68 years. He began working on the family farm at an early age to help support the family. At age seventeen he took over his father’s produce business (Huckster Route) distributing farm produce, eggs, butter, and fresh meat throughout the Philadelphia area, which he continued successfully for almost 1/2 a century. In 1970, he began selling and servicing snowmobiles as a secondary business which evolved into Trumbauers Lawn & Recreational operated by his son, John today. Born in Quakertown, he was a son of the late Elmer, Sr. and Eva (Headman) Trumbauer. Surviving with his wife, are sons; John, Arthur, David, & Douglas, daughters; Joanne Ghazanfari, Cheryl Kline, Susan Rovito, Jean Pierce, & Rebecca Boulo, sister; Ruth Rosch; 20 grandchildren & 18 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Shannon & siblings; Elmer, Jr., Marion, & Robert. Interment in East Swamp Cemetery will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to Morning Star Fellowship / Celebrate Recovery, 429 S. Ninth St., Quakertown. Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family. www. janauglefcs.com
SISTER CAROLYN KREBS, OP DOMINICAN SISTER OF PEACE, died peacefully in Bethlehem, PA on January 18th. Sister Carolyn was on the Leadership Team and a former President of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de’Ricci. Sister Carolyn was a member of the retreat staff of the Dominican Retreat and Conference Center in Niskayuna, NY for many years and she also served St. Clement Parish in Saratoga Springs, NY from 1985 to 1998. At the time of her death Sister Carolyn was actively involved in parish ministry at St. Isidore Parish in Quakertown, PA. The funeral Liturgy and burial will be at a later date. Memorial donations in Sister Carolyn’s name may be sent to the Advancement Office, Dominican Sisters of Peace, 2320 Airport Drive, Columbus, OH 43219. ERNEST G. CANNON, SR., 67 of Quakertown formerly of Philadelphia died January 19, 2015 in St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Betty (Wilhelm) Cannon. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary last August. He was the owner operator of the former Cannon Paining & Wall Covering in Philadelphia. Born in Philadelphia he was the son of Helen (Burkhart) Cannon and the late George Ernest Cannon. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Quakertown American Legion Post #242 serving on the honor guard and as a past treasurer. Ernest also enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by a son Ernie, Jr. (Jodie Smith-Cannon) and a daughter Michell. Two brothers Jack and Frank, four sisters Dorothy, Diane, Debbie and Phyllis, and seven grandchildren Samantha, Meghan, Michael, Reilly, Owen, Declan and Brody. He was predeceased by his father, a brother Joe, and a sister Esther. Interment with military honors was held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd. Newton, PA 18940. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown, PA 18951 HERBERT T. LIEKE, 67, of Quakertown died Wed., Jan 21st at St. Luke’s, Fountain Hill. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Ferdinand and Marie (Opper) Lieke. Herb sometimes knowns as “Tex” worked for many years at the Friendly Bookstore in Quakertown. Herb was known as a faithful man who loved the Lord. Surviving are cousins; Paula, Sue, Rich, Carole, Clifford and Albert. He will be missed by many friends. Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown. Interment at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd, Quakertown. www. janauglefcs.com CURTIS E. THOMPSON, 83, of Doylestown, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. Born in Kansas, he was the son of the late Raymond and Ethel (Eisenhard) Thompson Wright. Curt came to Doylestown as an infant and spent his life working and serving in the township. He was a founder and lifetime member of Central Bucks Ambulance and Rescue Squad. Curt recently received his 60th year pin for lifetime service to Doylestown Fire Company. He was a township auxiliary police officer and worked as a Bucks County emergency dispatcher for many years. After retiring from the US Postal Service, Curt drove Central Bucks school buses for 18 years. Curt was a US Army Korean War veteran with 60 years American Legion membership. He enjoyed cryptograms, driving, working with all things mechanical, building scale models, travel, and dining out with family and friends. Curt is survived by his daughters, Wanda Buckley (husband John C.) of Waldorf, MD, and Eileen Riley (husband J. Kevin) of Upper Black Eddy; six grandchildren, John, Sharon, John, Zachary, Joshua and Phoebe; eight greatgrandchildren, Liam, Cheyenne, Austin, Natalie, Alyana, Shayla, Jasper and Joseph; a sister, Rosaleen Durborow of Souderton; and a brother, William Wright (wife Mary) of Point Pleasant. He was predeceased by sons David and Kevin. Arrangements are private in respect of decedent’s wishes. www.janauglefcs.com ELSIE M. LEISTER, 96, of Frederick, formerly of Milford Square, died Mon. Jan. 26th at Frederick Living. She was the wife of the late Franklin Leister. Born in Northampton County, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Cora (Beck) Fair. She worked as a seamstress for many years and helped take care of people with special needs before retiring. She served on the Milford Twp. Fire Co. Women’s Auxiliary and helped to start the local 4-H club. She was a longtime member of West Swamp Mennonite Church, Quakertown, where she was an assistant Sunday School teacher, did quilting and knitting, and worked with the bible school. Surviving is her son, Kenneth, wife Judy of Quakertown; daughter, Carol Nase, husband Richard of Sellersville; step grandchildren, Pam,
February 2015 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
~Obituaries~
Jim, Rick, and Jill; eight step great grandchildren. She was predeceased by brothers, Raymond, Charles and John, and a sister Grace. Interment in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Ridge Valley. Memorial contributions can be made to the West Swamp Mennonite Church Elevator Fund. www.janauglefcs.com. BETTY M. (MYERS) HACKER, 84, of Trumbauersville died January 27, 2015 in Pennsburg Manor. She was the wife of Roland E. Hacker. They were married 59 years last May. Born in Richland Twsp., she was the daughter of the late Aaron G. & Nora H. (Hunsberger) Myers. She retired in 1995 after 22 years of service as a cafeteria worker for QCSD
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Strayer Middle School. Prior to that she worked for the former W.T. Grants of Quakertown. She was an active member of Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. in Spinnerstown. In addition to her husband she is survived by a son Dale A. (Tracy) of Quakertown and a daughter Donna E. of Trumbauersville. Three brothers Paul of Fleetwood, Richard (Eileen) of Coopersburg, and Ray of Quakertown, four sisters Frances Hagenbuch of Hellertown, Mildred Graf and Ruth Heffentrager (Ray) both of Quakertown, and Jane Moll of Coopersburg. Two grandchildren Nathan (Nicole) of Gilbertsville, and Tania Mercer (Mike) of Quakertown. Two great grandchildren Braxton Hacker and Adelyn Mercer. Predeceased by two brothers Aaron, Jr., and Earl. The C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. P.O. Box 494 Spinnerstown, PA 18968.
New Vitae Co-Founder Appointed to Governor’s Transition Team Adam Devlin to Serve on Human Services Committee
Top 10 Valentine Collectibles
Valentine’s Day falls on February 14th and honors the Christian martyr, St. Valentine as well as the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno. Persecuted by the Roman Emperor in 273 AD, St. Valentine’s feast day is now highlighted with the gifting of flowers, sharing symbols of love, and sending romantic cards. While St. Valentine presented the flowers from his garden to young lovers in an effort to promote the Catholic sacrament of matrimony, the February holiday that bears his name has sparked the exchange of various works of art and antiques. Some of the most popular Valentine’s keepsakes from the antiques world are: 1. Valentine Cards. These small tokens are exchanged between childhood friends and star crossed lovers alike. Examples from the early 1900s come in the form of post cards and are worth $5-$10. Vintage examples from the World War II era range in value from $10-$20 depending on condition, market, artist, and sentimental message. 2. Courting lamps. The Victorians gave us restrictions on courtship in the form of the courting lamp. The courting lamp had graduated markings on the glass to indicate minutes. The marks showed the amount of time left before the fuel source expired and your lover must be on his way home. Today, these rare Valentine’s keepsakes are worth $50-$100. 3. Candy containers. Glass candy containers from the early 1900s came in all shapes and sizes. They are widely collected and range in value from $50 to several hundred dollars. 4. Chocolate molds. Chocolate molds are very popular, particularly on the day when an abundance of chocolate is exchanged and consumed. Metal chocolate molds which date back to the late 19th Century are the most sought after examples that collectors look for and they are expensive… valued between $500 and $2500 for fine examples. 5. Jewelry. There is nothing quite like getting a piece of fine jewelry featuring gold, silver, or another precious metal and gemstones. Costume jewelry is also a popular Valentine’s gift by makers such as Sarah Coventry, Weiss, Trifari, Coro, Monet, Maravella, etc. 6. Candy boxes. Russell Stover, Godiva, and
Whitman candy boxes on a living room coffee table spoke volumes about this winter holiday. Once these delicious chocolates were devoured, the candy boxes—of decorated embossed cardboard—were saved through the years. Today, candy boxes in the shape of hearts command $2$10 at antique shops. 7. Hair crafts. From circa 18501890, weaving human hair was a popular craft project. Women would save their hair from a hairbrush, place it into a hair receiver and use it later as a material for weaving watch fobs, bracelets, and framed hair flowers. These items were given as presents to loved ones on Valentine’s Day. 8. Dance cards. In the early 1900s, a dance card was a coveted and highly personal object. Some cards were worn like oversized lockets around the neck of the prettiest girl at the party. For some Valentine’s sweethearts, dance cards were made of a metal cover with thin sheets of bone used like paper to write a future dance partner’s name promising him the next dance. These rare pieces of Americana are not easy to find and range in value from $50 to $75 depending on condition. 9. Vintage couture. Winter hats, coats, scarves, and formal gloves from that bygone night on the town in celebration of Valentine’s Day are all the rage. Look for period hats of faux fur or felt, and leather gloves with fanciful detailing at thrift shops, antiques stores, and flea markets. You will have to save your pennies to buy some of these name brand pieces with the highly sought after hats ranging in value from $250 to $500 each. 10. Flower vases. When you receive that wonderful Valentine bouquet, it is wonderful to enjoy the blooms and the fragrance. However, once the roses wilt, the vase from the florist becomes the keepsake. Many of these florist vases from circa 1930 to 1950 have stood the test of time. Ceramic pieces by Royal Haeger, McCoy, and other firms are cherished Valentine collectibles today. In good condition, they command $125 to $150. This Valentine’s Day as you make new memories, don’t forget to cherish the old ones with antiques and collectibles. Ph.D.
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New Vitae Wellness and Recovery is pleased to announce that co-founder Adam Devlin has been selected to serve on the transition team for Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Wolf. Devlin will bring his passion for and expertise in behavioral health to his work on the Human Services Committee, which is charged with advising Governor Wolf on ways to approach the challenges the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services faces as the new administration took office on January 20. “It’s an honor to be chosen by Governor Wolf to serve on his transition team,” said Devlin, whose career in behavioral health services spans nearly 30 years. “The Department of Human Services plays such a critical, yet often overlooked, role in the well-being of Pennsylvania’s people. The entire committee is excited about the opportunity to help shape policies that improve the quality of life for people in every community across the Commonwealth.” The Human Services Committee will identify areas for improvement within the state’s human services programs and policies and help to set goals for the agency’s development over the next four years. It also will make recommendations for appointments to two of the offices in the administration’s cabinet. Wolf has chosen more than 250 professionals from a wide array of industries to serve on his transition committees, which are reviewing policies in sectors such as aging, education, fish and game, banking, health, environment and agriculture. The transition review teams are collaborating with the outgoing administration to better understand the issues and challenges that the executive branch faces. Devlin co-founded New Vitae while attending Temple University in the 1980s. At the time, the closures of state psychiatric hospitals
signaled a need for new options that integrated behavioral health services with supportive residential care. He gradually enhanced TriCounty Respite services, now known as New Vitae
Wellness and Recovery. New Vitae focuses primarily on services for underserved populations, including young adults aged 18 to 25, military veterans, and those recovering from traumatic brain injuries and behavioral health challenges. New Vitae Wellness and Recovery provides rehabilitation, housing, and treatment services in outpatient and residential settings in Bucks and Lehigh Counties, serving individuals and their families from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Maryland. Recovery supports and services include comprehensive residential treatment, outpatient services, young adult services, and residential housing including personal care homes, 24/7 staffed apartments and supported independent living apartments. To learn more, visit www.newvitaewellness.com.
Bucks Co. Opportunity Council Executive Director Steps Down
Allen Childs has decided to step down as Executive Director, CEO of Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) effective June 15, 2015. Under Allen’s leadership, BCOC expanded the impact of its programs serving those in poverty in Bucks County, partnered with world renowned Chef Jose Garces for a unique fundraising event, and sharpened its focus and organization structure to more effectively serve its clients. Upon assuming his role in February 2014, Allen led an assessment and transition of BCOC operations, and the launch of a new strategic planning process that will define how BCOC will leverage its success in connecting people with the resources to thrive, and increase its
impact on the growing poverty condition in Bucks County. Kelly Welchoff Smola, BCOC Board Chair, explained, “We brought Allen into the organization during a pivotal period of transition and look forward to his continued leadership through June. Our Board has begun a thoughtful process of evaluating our options for the necessary steps to secure effective, long-term leadership for BCOC and our clients.” Bucks County Opportunity Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income people in Bucks County achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency. For more information, visit www.bcoc.org
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • February 2015