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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
What’s Going On in Upper Bucks? August 2
August 8
August 15
Flea Market 9am-1pm at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie, 215-453-7027 A Summer Bash 6pm-11pm at VFW Forrest Lodge, 2118 Old Bethlehem Pike, Sellersville. Live Band, DJ, raffles/giveaways/prizes (age 21+), $20 tkt includes food. Cash Bar, info: Ron 267-718-8604 Used Book Sale 10am-2pm at Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, 350 Main St, Red Hill. Info: 215-679-2020 Puppy Event 10am-2pm at Salfid Rescue, 1113 Three Mile Rd, Perkasie. Lots of puppy kisses & lots of puppies to be adopted. Lots of info on adult rescues, too. Free lemonade & cookies!
“The Lego Movie” free movie at dusk, Veterans’ Park, Pumping Station Rd, Richland Twp. Food avail. 215-536-4066 or tim@richlandtownship.org
Dance w/King Henry 7pm-10pm, $10 at the door, snacks & drinks provided. UB Activity Ctr, Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown, info at 215-536-3066
August 3 “The Quakertown Band” Concert in the Park, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Memorial Park, Quakertown. 215-536-5001 x113 (r/d next day) Dragonflies & Damselflies Nature Program, 2pm, $3/pp, more info at 215-357-4005 or churchvillenaturecenter.org
August 4 STARWATCH 8pm, Bucks-Mont Astronomical Assoc. offers opportunity to gaze through powerful telescopes, etc. FREE program, Nockamixon Park. Cloud/rain date 8/7, info: 215-529-7307
August 5 National Night Out in Quakertown 6pm8pm. Fire Dept Block Party at 8pm. Detailed info at 215-536-5001 x113
August 5 to 9 Quakertown Fire Dept Carnival, Memorial Park, Mill St, Qtwn. Nightly entertainment, info: 215-536-5001
August 8 & 9 Goschenhoppen Festival (PA Dutch) at Henry Antes Plantation, 318 Colonial Rd, Perkiomenville. Details at 215-234-8953 or goschenhoppen.org
August 9 Mother’s Market 9am-1pm at Trumbauersville Fire Co, 142 N Main St, T’ville. (yard sale style), buy/sell unneeded kids clothes/toys, reserve space/info: kellydhinkle@yahoo.com, 215-527-7011 ALS Charity Softball Event, gates open 4pm, Patriots Park, 1026 St. John St, Allentown. Free adm., raffles, music, etc. Details: donnasdugout.org, r/d August 10 Chicken BBQ 11am-4pm at Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212, Springtown. $9/per dinner. To pre-order, call 610-346-8383
August 10 “The Boogie Dogs” Concert in the Park, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Memorial Park, Quakertown. 215-536-5001 x113 Grandparents’ Day 2pm-4pm at Pennridge Commun. Ctr, 146 E Main, Perkasie. Moon Bounce, face painting, clown, balloons, sundae bar, pix, & more, free. 215-453-7027 Natl S’mores Day Campfire Program, 7pm, $7/adult, $5/under 12. Details/info at 215-357-4005 or churchvillenaturecenter.org
August 11 “What Is It &What’s It Worth?” West Rockhill Historical Soc. meeting, 7pm at West Rockhill Twp bldg., 1028 Ridge Rd, Sellersville. Appraisal one item per person. Speaker: Ellen Schroy, all welcome!
August 7
August 13
Rise & Shine Networking Event, 7:30am9am at Penn Foundation, 807 Lawn Ave, Sellersville. No charge, register at 215-7239472 or online at indianvalleychamber.com by August 4 Healthy Eating w/Einstein Medical 10:30am11:30am, $50 Jackpot Bingo 12:15pm-3pm at Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Quakertown., 215-536-3066, (regular Bingo 8/14, 8/21, & 8/28) “Gesture Without Motion” (rock, blues, & folk) Free Concert, 7pm-8:30pm at Upper Saucon Twp Park, 3231 Preston Lane, Center Valley, 610-282-1171 Historic Quakertown Walking Tour, 5:45pm, followed by dinner at McCoole’s. Tkts/$60, call 215-545-0391 for details.
Summer Daze Party w/Gary Dee, 11:30am Buffet, 12:30pm Party ($12/pp Buffet & Party) ($6/pp Party only) Sign up by Aug. 8. Milford Twp Fire Hall, 2183 Milford Square Pike, Qtwn, 215-536-3066 Atlantic City Air Show (by Eastern Upper Bucks Seniors), $30 w/Caesar’s $25 Casino pkg. Bus leaves 7:45am from 2040 Easton Rd, Ottsville. Info: 610-847-2305 or 610-847-8178 “Lehigh Valley Italian-American Band” Free Concert, 7pm-8:30pm, Upper Saucon Twp Park, 3231 Preston Ln, Center Valley
August 14 Live Summer Cooking Demo, 6pm at Saucon Valley Commun. Ctr, 323 Northampton St, Hellertown. Class costs $8. Enroll by 8/11. Call 610-838-0722 to reserve
Fretz Family Reunion Marks 126th Anniversary The relatives of Weaver John and Christian Fretz will be having a family reunion on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 9 am in St. Matthew’s Kellers Church in Perkasie to celebrate the
126th anniversary of the very first Fretz Family Reunion. Lunch will be covered dish with rolls and drinks provided. Bob Wood will be presenting Inside the Old Mill. All are invited to attend.
August 16 Perkasie Olde Towne “Under the Stars” Car Show (antique, classic & custom cars on display), info at Perkasieoldetowne.org Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection, 9am-3pm at Quakertown HS, 600 Park Ave (rear lot), details at 215-536-5001 x113 3rd Annual Upper Bucks Brewfest, 12noon5pm, at the Quakertown Train Station, 15 Front St, $45/at gate, call 215-536-2273 for discounted advance tkts & details. Upperbucksbrewfest.com
August 16 & 17 Roasting Ears of Corn Festival, Museum of Indian Culture, 2825 Fish Hatchery Rd, Allentown. Open 10am-6pm. $7/adults, $5/ ages 8-17. Music, dance, activities, cooking, info@museumofindianculture.org
August 17 38th Annual Coopersburg Collector Car Show/Flea Mkt, 10am-3pm at So. Lehigh Living Memorial Park, Rte 309 & Fairmont, Coopersburg. 31 Car Classes, Awards! Info: 1st-pa-mustang.org/ Quakertown Band Free Concert (America’s favorite band music) 2pm-4pm at Al Reese Park, 100 West Park Ave, Silverdale, refreshments available, 215-257-5842, r/d Aug 24 Breakfast 8am-12noon at Community Fire Co No. 1, 333 Delaware Rd, Riegelsville, info: 610-749-2737
August 19 Souderton Pool Party 11:30am-1pm, Wile Ave & Reliance Rd. ($2, mention “Generations”), extra $5 gets a small hoagie, chips, drink, & dessert. Regis. required at 215-723-5841
August 20 Peach Festival 6pm-9pm at St. John’s UCC, Main & Church Sts, Richlandtown. Lots of tasty food & games, musical entertainment, r/d August 21, info:215-538-0875, stjuccrichtown@verizon.net
August 21 SOLEHI Antiques Fair 5pm-9pm at Faith UCC, 5992 Rte 378, Center Valley. Adm/$5, refreshmts available, info: Tracy 610-282-2248
August 22 “Monsters University” Movie in the Park 8pm-11pm (activities at 8pm, movie at 9pm)
at Memorial Park, Mill St, Quakertown, details at 215-536-5001 x113 Luau Dinner Dance at Pennridge Community Ctr, 146 E Main St, Perkasie, (6-7pm buffet) (7-10pm dance to Blue Notes), Dinner & Dance/$20, Dance only/$10. Reserv. by 8/18 at 215-453-7027
August 23 Pig Roast 1pm-6pm at 2000 Oak Dr (behind Trumbauersville Firehouse), Tkts: $20/adv, $25/at door, $12/kids. DJ, band, games, silent auction, kids’ activities. Tickets: 215-538-1314 Flea Mkt/Craft Show 8am-3pm at Living Memorial Grounds, Rt 309 & East Fairmount St, Coopersburg. Space/$12 advance, $15/day of event. 610-282-1776 or 1-800-405-2773 or uslionsclub.com Chicken BBQ/Silent Auction/Gospel Music Fest (and more) 7am-4pm at Souderton Mennonite Homes, 207 W Summit St, Souderton. Info: 215-723-9881 or livingbranches.org Flea Market 8am-2pm at Natl Guard Armory, 225 E Park Ave, Sellersville. $10/ space, $15/with table. Refreshmts available, call 215-234-4729 to reserve.
August 24 Community Dinner in the Park (hosted by Quakertown United Methodist) 5pm-8pm at Panther Park. Dinner, music & games, more info at 215-536-4992 Fundraiser/meet-n-greet for Jack Hansen (for State Senate) 12:30pm-2:30pm at YoFresh, 680 N West End Blvd, Quakertown. Info/RSVP: Liz 215-393-7579 or HansenforPAsenate.com
August 27 Fashions to You (traveling women’s clothing store), 10am-1:30pm at Generations of Indian Valley, 259 N Second St, Souderton, 215-723-5841
August 27-31 Upper Black Eddy 8th Annual Carnival, 6pm-11pm. Sponsors/vendors call Chuck 215-534-4890 for info. Bands to play for recognition only, for entertainment call Ed 610-442-5657
August 31 “Triumphant” performance by Dove Award & Grammy Nominated Artist, 7pm at First Baptist, 1600 N Fifth St, Perkasie. $10/tkt, online at fbcperkasie.org or 215-257-3378 x102
September 6 Annual Chicken Barbecue 4pm-7pm, eat-in/ take-out, $9/adults, $4/ages 4-10, Quakertown United Methodist, 1875 Freier Rd, Qtwn. Craft Fair/Flea Mkt at Souderton Firehouse. Vendors contact Tara: 215-721-1354
Sandy Ridge Garden Concert Series to feature Q’town Band
The Sandy Ridge Community Garden Concert Series – a free outdoor concert series in Doylestown – is going to feature the band “Once Called Saul,” a band originating from Quakertown. They will be performing on August 25 at the Doylestown Mennonite Church at 7:30. The event is free and people
are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music outside. The music will be played inside in the event of bad weather. The Christian Rock band “Once Called Saul” is one of four groups to be featured during the month of August at the Doylestown Mennonite Church.
Have something to share with your community? Send us the details! info@ubfp.org • fax: 215-839-3421 312 W. Broad St, Quakertown 215-529-8915
August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Ongoing Events & Resources Cub Scout Troop 55 (grades 1-5) begins “Magic of Scouting” 7pm-8pm on Sept. 4. Join us, info at 215-536-6963 Garden Treasures Scavenger Hunt (throughout August), then Garden Party Sept. 3. $3/pp, details/register at 215-723-5841 or Generations of Indian Valley, 259 N Second St, Souderton July 1 to August 29 – Summer Shape Up Contest at Encore Experiences at Harleysville, 312 Alumni Ave. Each class earns points, person w/most pts at end of August wins $50 gift card. Details at 215-256-6900 June 23 to August 15 – Variety of weekly & daily Nature programs at Peace Valley Nature Ctr, 170 N Chapman Rd, Doylestown. Info: 215-345-7860 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org Drive-in Movies at Christ’s Lutheran, One Luther Lane, Trumbauersville, 215-536-3193, Fri. nights at Dusk: (8/1 Madagasgar 3, free potluck dinner @ 6:30) (8/8 Monsters University) (8/15 Percy Jackson: Lightning Thief) (8/22 Heaven Is For Real or Forever Strong) “A Book That Shaped Me” Contest for 5th & 6th graders runs through August 11. Top winners go to Natl Book Festival in Wash. D.C. Info: loc.gov/bookfest/kids-teachers/ booksthatshape.html GrubStake Raffle Fundraiser for Pennridge Community Ctr. Supermkt & restaurant gift certif. Tkts on sale through Oct. 8 at $1 each, 6/$5, 13/$10. More info at 215-453-7027 or manager.pcsc@verizon.net 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, 267-371-9636 (bring DD 214 for proof eligibility) PetSmart Adoption Day is 2nd Saturday each month, 11am-3pm, PetSmart, 620 N.West Blvd, Quakertown, 215-538-2843 or lastchanceranch.org
Last Chance Ranch Volunteer Orientation/ Tour, 1st Saturday each month, 10am-11am in front of Horse Barn, 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 lastchanceranch.org Meet the Dogs at LCR, 12noon-3pm, 1st Sat. each month (weather permitting), 9 Beck Rd, Quakertown, 215-538-2510 or lastchance ranch.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 or email carolonline1@verizon.net Doylestown Singles Soc. Intermediate Bridge Club meets every Tues. 7pm at a private residence in Doylestown. Info at 215340-7604 or shalstrick@comcast.net
Support & Service Groups SSisters U Monthly Meetings 7pm-9pm the third Thurs every month at Stella’s, 200 N Main St, Sellersville, info: stef@sistersu.com Bullying Prevention Support Group 6:30pm-7:30pm every Wed at UBYMCA in Quakertown. Free. advance registration required: 215-750-7220 Decoding Dyslexia Upper Bucks Info/ Support Group 7pm-9pm, 3rd Thurs of month (exc. Dec 2014) Quakertown Hospital, 1021 Park Ave, Taylor Conf. Room B, ground floor, decodingdyslexia.org 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 Bikers Against Child Abuse of Bucks County meets 11am the second Sunday every month at Hilltown German Sportsmen’s Club, 1622 Hilltown Pike, Hilltown. For info, email: Teaseofbaca@aol.com 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 lowincome residents of Upper Bucks Co w/no medical insurance & meet income eligibility guidelines. Info: 215-538-4774 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. www.oa.org or Bob 610-762-3779 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 1-800-2208116, 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
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2nd & 4th Friday each month, 7:30am9am at John’s Plain & Fancy Restaurant in Quakertown, info at 610-762-8054
Community Meals Free Community Dinner third Wed. of month. 5:30pm-6:30pm, Christ Community Bible Church, 1830 N. Ridge Rd, Perkasie, 215-257-7318 Free Community Meals 6pm at Richland Friends Quaker Meeting on second, fourth & fifth Weds. every month. Mill Rd & Main St off Route 309, Qtwn, 215-536-0395 Community Meal-every third Thursday of the month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, First UCC, 4th & Park, Qtwn, 215-536-4447 Free Community Dinner third Mon. of month, 5:30pm-6:30pm, Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie, 215-249-3689. Call before 3pm w/ questions of transportation needs Free Community Dinner first Thurs. of month, 5:30pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 9th & Main Sts, Quakertown
Bingo 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 Plumsteadville Fire Co. every Monday, opens 5:30pm, games 6:30pm (refreshments avail.) 5064 Stump Rd, 215-766-8250 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 5pm, games 6:40pm, 125 Ridge Rd, 215-257-5900 Bingo at Red Hill Fire Co Social Hall 3rd Sunday every month, opens 12noon, games 1pm-4pm, 82 E 5th St, Red Hill Bingo at American Legion Post 397 every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, opens 6pm, snacks, 935 Main St, Hellertown, 484-851-3624
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
Hearing Aids: One or Two?
Harvest Time
Last month I wrote about how it was back in the 50’s and 60’s when we planted the seeds in our family garden and truck patch. Now I am going to try to jog your memory of how it was at harvest time both in the family garden and the small Upper Bucks County Farms. First crop to come in were those peas we planted on St. Patrick’s Day. We would harvest the pea pods and when we brought the “Peck Baskets” to Mom she would gather chairs in a circle under the cherry tree for a pea-shelling event. We would all have an “Acme” paper bag next to us for the shells and a bowl that was on our lap for the peas. In the center was the brown agate bowl where everyone would dump his or her bowls when about half full. In between the chairs were the peck baskets of the peas just picked. You would pick up the pod, “Pop-it” then run you thumb down the inside loosening the peas that fell into your bowl. There was always a contest to see who had the most peas in the pod. A real prize was a “nine count” pod. My parents would take the brown agate bowl in the house to start the canning process. A real treat was our evening meal, which consisted of “Fresh Peas”; cut boiled potatoes, and onions in a thickened milk sauce making up a Pennsylvania Dutch Treat. It wasn’t exactly soup but it was the main meal and we NEVER had leftovers of this special treat. From time to time Mom made this as the main course; but it wasn’t the same as that first freshly picked peas and potatoes. The same ritual took place when we harvested the String Beans. The only difference was the pulling of the strings and breaking up the beans into three or four small pieces. The special first meal was fresh string beans with Ham and of course potatoes. Other beans were just “strung” and kept whole for canning. My favorite string beans were the yellow beans and to this day I enjoy the taste of yellow beans over green beans. My wife’s family had the tradition of having beans made into a vinegar and sugar side dish for the family table to be eaten as we do pickles today. Lima Beans were the toughest beans to get out of the pods. Corn harvesting was a challenge, as you had to beat the “raccoons” to the punch because they had a special sense telling them when the corn was ready. My dad would plant the corn in weekly sequence so we would have regular harvesting throughout the late summer with the biggest harvest in August for canning purposes. Mr. Carbough would hook up his special “Potato” plough to roll up the ground exposing the potatoes that were hidden underground. The “Cut” Potatoes were used first. You guessed it—we once again had that special pea
and potato stew the night of the potato digging. My dad would store the potatoes in the darkest part of the ground cellar in what was our homemade crib to be used throughout the winter. They only lasted until about Christmas. After that he would buy full bags of “Lehigh Potatoes” down at the “Fendue” (Quakertown Farmer’s Market). I remember the farm life at the farm I was born (literally born at the farmhouse) outside Richlandtown. We lived there until I was 7 years old. The rule of thumb was that the winter wheat would ripen around The Fourth of July. Matter of fact corn also was to be “knee high on the Fourth of July” also for a possible good harvest of corn. In the beginning the “Ritter’s” would gather the wheat sheaves and bring them to the Barn Bridge Hill to be run through the “Thresh Machine”. The grain would fall out the bottom into a trough then into a bin. The straw would continue out the back and later be used as bedding for the cows. Usually you could tell they were threshing by the hum of the choppers and the singing of the belt that was hooked up to the Minneapolis Moline Tractor. But the true sign was the dust cloud rising high in the sky from the operation. Later on they had a combine that did the work right in the field. One of the farmers would sit on the side and fill the bags then drop them off to be picked up by wagon later. Part of the corn crop was cut early and mixed with other items to be blown up in the “New” ringed silo next to the barn. Once again you could hear the hum of the Silage Chopper blowing the silage into the silo. It too was belt driven by the Minneapolis Moline tractor. I wrote about how the corn was harvested by the one row picker in a past article. At that time they would gather up the stalks that were cut off and stacked in bundles in the field. I was on the farm when the “Ritter’s” would bail their hay using their New Holland Hay Bailer. All these belt driven pieces of equipment were very dangerous and many farmers, farmhands, and the farmer’s children suffered serious injuries in their occupation. School sessions were set so that the 180 days were attended between September and early June so the “Boys” could help with the planting and harvest. If you weren’t a member of a farm family; teenage boys could always get jobs when “Bailin” or “Bagging” took place. Many would drive the tractors to help plant or cultivate the crops. Today our area is practically void of those wonderful family farms and as we still see the planting and harvesting being down by the large tractors with their air-condition cabs and multi-row equipment we admire those who till the soil and have the earth give us life sustaining sustenance. Farming is still Number One in Pennsylvania!
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Until the late 1980’s, the common accepted practice most of the time was to fit hearing impaired patients with one hearing aid instead of two. This was true even if the audiological results showed a hearing loss in both ears and elevated speech discrimination to be good. Clinical research, published literature, and dispensing practices have established an updated and appropriate fitting standard. In comparison with the visual modality, for centuries individuals with eyesight problems typically wore glasses. That is one pair of lenses mounted into a holder placed at the front of the face with attachments at each temple. The person with a deficiency in each eye can have a correction made and see better than before. The same process exists with hearing loss. The patient has a complete audiological evaluation by a board certified and licensed audiologist. When the auditory thresholds (hearing from low to high pitch) are out of the range of normal and the ability to understand most of the words from a standardized speech discrimination list are fair or better, two hearing aids are indicated. The patient is fitted and provided appropriate counseling and aural rehabilitation to meet their communication requirements. Follow up sessions may be needed to acoustically adjust the digital devices to ensure success. Many patients upon learning their hearing can be helped with amplification assume one hearing aid is all they need. This is not the case. Some may not grasp that one hearing aid for one ear will not help the second unaided ear. It does not work that way. Imagine someone with a need for glasses (two lenses), but wearing a monacle. I have encountered some patients with hearing loss in both ears and the speech discrimination is excellent in one ear and poor in the other. In those circumstances, one hearing aid will provide the most benefit. It is not perfect, but better than not wearing any hearing aid at all. To fit a hearing aid on an ear that is incapable of understanding speech clearly tends to create confusion in listening and diminishes any benefit from the other aided ear.
Many patients with hearing loss needing and utilizing two hearing aids do quite well. After a few follow up visits to digitally customize the setting in each aid, the wearer experiences great improvement, including: • Better sound balance • Better ease of listening • Ability to filter down
on background noise while listening to speech • Not requiring the speech to be as loud to be understood • Ability to understand speech in most situations • Improved quality of receptive speech and music • Ease in localization to sound source
For a patient to wear one hearing aid when two are recommended, their experiences are: • Ability to hear sound better than without any aid at all • Inability to understand speech better in background noise • No sound balance • Lack of quality in one-eared listening • Unable to detect the direction of speech or sound
Each patient’s case is different. The first step in finding out what is correct for you or someone you know, is to get the hearing evaluated by a board certified and licensed audiologist. If hearing aids are indicated, get them and wear them. Hearing aids do not correct hearing loss or restore hearing that has gone. Hearing aids are just that…..an aid to help you hear better. From my experience, the number one factor in a patient’s success is they need to be motivated to want to get the hearing aids and wear them every day. If they are not motivated, they are surely wasting their time and money. Do something for yourself. Improve the quality of your life. Get your hearing evaluated 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.
August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Upper Bucks Kids Learn Science Hands On at GSK Summer Program BY CHRISTOPHER DORNBLASER The annual GSK Science in the Summer program kicked off last month at the Michener Branch of the Bucks County Free Library in Quakertown. The Science in the Summer program teaches kids about different science topics, with this year’s being “electricity” and “physical sciences.” There were four classes offered, two classes for children grades 1-3 and two classes for children grades 4-6. The program ran from July 14 to July 17, with 45-minute sessions every day, where students would conduct experiments and work in their workbooks. The program typically had 16 students attending everyday. The Science in the Summer program is
18-year veteran instuctor Rosemarie Carr gets the kids involved with hands-on science experiments last month at the Michener Library in Quakertown. The GSK Science in the Summer program engaged over 5000 students in 123 libraries this Summer alone. photo by christopher dornblaser
entirely free for students and is very popular with there being a lottery system for children who wish to participate in the program. The program is offered at over 123 libraries with almost 5,000 students participating in the program this summer alone. “For a lot of kids it is the first time they are exposed to hands-on experiments,” GSK Science in The Summer spokesperson and Trumbauersville mother, Beth Basile, spoke highly of the program. Basile’s five children have all been involved with the program, causing an immense interest in science among them. “This program really sparked an interest and opened up their world to science at a young age,” Basile spoke of the effect the program had on her children. Basile’s older children have expressed an interest in science, with her one son, Sean, currently studying at Duke University to be a doctor. Basile claimed that the program is a “huge asset to the community” as she especially liked how the children were given materials following the conclusion of the program, such as goggles and workbooks – all for free. “For a lot of kids it is the first time they are exposed to hands-on experiments,” she said. Rosemarie Carr, who oversaw and ran the experiments the students were conducting, instructed the program in Quakertown. Carr, in her eighteenth year of instructing with the program, said she never tires of that “ahh” discovery moment. “I do think they are surprised at what they uncover,” she said.
Tangible Progress in Downtown Quakertown Revitalization Effort I was fortunate to catch Quakertown Borough’s new Economic Development Liaison, Ed Scholl for several minutes today between meetings. It seems there’s plenty of activity with Quakertown Alive!, the Upper Bucks Chamber, Quakertown Borough Council, and even some County level resources. There finally appears to be some real contiguous momentum to working toward revitalizing Quakertown – downtown and elsewhere. Communication has been improving among interested parties including the organizations I just mentioned, but also between residents, property owners, and business owners with each other, as well as with the organizations and elected officials with the resources to set plans in forward motion. I’ll share a few quick points I find of particular interest: Ed Scholl and the Borough are working toward an increased use of social media tools such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, among others. Far from being the mere novelties these things have seemed to be in the past, the truth is an increasing number of people like to communicate via chats, texts, tweets, postings, blogs, reblogs, Candy Crush (ok, perhaps not), etc. People are using these tools, so the borough is going to reach them where they are – online. Ed also emphasizes that working on improving downtown and elsewhere in the borough is everybody’s business. The Borough will proactively work with these tools to get the word out for your business, civic group, fraternal organization, or sports organization. Knowledge is power and communication is key. Time to get the conversations started! Ed and the Borough will be meeting with PennDot next month with some very real talk about our traffic problem around here, not the least of which would be the heavy truck traffic. Studies and recommendations are actively being used and considered to put real plans in motion. Some of the better suggestions lately have come from the downtown merchants meeting held in late June. See… they’re listening! Regarding the plans underway for the “Triangle,” development plans are indeed
moving forward. A consultant has now been assigned to oversee the project making sure all i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed, particularly where stringent deadlines and requirements with grants are involved. David Halliday, the developer with Village Centre Properties that intends to build in the Triangle, has decided that he is going to move forward with development plans regardless of what is determined by PennDot and the Borough as far as traffic patterns and layouts are concerned. He is indeed more committed than ever to participating in the revitalization plan and doing what he can to play a role in jumpstarting those efforts. Could we actually get public transportation here in Quakertown and to and from our neighboring communities in all directions? It appears to be possible and perhaps probable. The Transportation Management Association (TMA) of Bucks County has been communicating with the borough, as well as other municipalities both inside and outside of Bucks County. TMA believes the time is right to act, especially if the region joins together. The mass transit plan, should it come to fruition, will come in the form of bus, more specifically Jitney, service which would trolley people around town and also connect Quakertown Borough with other communities also in the throes of their own revitalization efforts. These may include areas like Coopersburg, Perkasie, Sellersville, Souderton, Telford, Richland Township, etc. Less isolation and better physical connection to other towns may improve chances of positive progress by actually working together. There is plenty to consider, of course, in putting a plan like this together, finances not the least of the concerns. Apparently, if our community really wants it to happen, it is actually feasible and can be a reality faster than previously thought. So, as you can see, there are indeed things happening. Be sure to stay informed and involved as decisions are made. Help to guide the change. It is your community, after all. Christopher J. Betz UBFP publisher
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QNB Marks 137th Anniversary with Founders Day Fanfare
QNB Bank celebrated its 137th Anniversary on July 16 with its annual Founder’s Day celebration at the bank’s downtown Quakertown Branch. The Quakertown Band performed and the Quakertown Lions served their signature hot dogs compliments of the bank. Attendees were also treated to water ice, soda, clowns, face painting and balloons. photos by christopher dornblaser
Everence Financial of Souderton Awards Three Students Scholarships Everence, a financial, insurance and banking services organization rooted in faith and values, offers its scholarship program each year as a means of encouraging young people to explore the integration of faith and finances while helping them on their educational journeys. This year’s $500 scholarship recipients are: • Abigail Anderson, of Covenant Community Fellowship in Harleysville, PA., pursuing a degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA. • Jacob Ford, of Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, PA., pursuing a degree at New York University in New York, NY; and • Sarah Nafziger, of Vincent Mennonite Church in Spring City, PA., pursuing a degree at Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. These students are among 42 recipients of Everence college scholarships for the 20142015 academic year. About 200 students from
Sarah Nafziger
Jacob Ford
across the country applied for scholarships – a benefit of being an Everence member – for the coming academic year. Recipients were chosen based on academics, leadership, community involvement and responses to an essay question. “We look for students who succeed in school but go beyond that to get involved in their communities,” said Phyllis Mishler, Member Benefits Manager for Everence. One student received a $3,000 scholarship, three received $2,000 scholarships and 38 others received $500 scholarships for the upcoming school year. Visit everence.com for a complete list of scholarship recipients and their photos. Everence offers banking, insurance and financial services with community benefits and stewardship education. Everence is a ministry of Mennonite Church USA and other churches. To learn more, visit www.everence.com/ souderton or call 215-703-0111.
Abigail Anderson
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
Wineberry Picking in Upper Bucks
6th Annual Water Chestnut “Harvest” Tedious, yet Gratifying On July 8th, 9th and 10th Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Keep Bucks County Beautiful, Bucks County Conservation District and a number of area resident volunteers celebrated July as Lakes Appreciation Month by participating in the 6th annual invasive plant removal project at Lake Towhee County Park in Haycock Township. The group motored and paddled through and around dense stands of native plants in the lake to weed out the invasive plant water chestnut (Trapa natans), pulling each plant out by hand. Water chestnut was first documented in Lake Towhee in 2009 and has been spreading rapidly ever since. As the plant spreads across the water’s surface it chokes out native vegetation and disrupts the balance of the lake ecosystem,
Scott Heidel (PADEP) and BCCD intern Lauren Brousseau pull invasive water chestnut into their boat at Lake Towhee, in Haycock Township. photo courtesy morgan schuster
and it makes navigation increasingly difficult. After learning how to identify water chestnut, most of the volunteers split up into
different sections of the lake while others remained on land to assist boaters with unloading what they pulled. The removed plant material was then transported to an approved composting location. Extra attention was devoted to the lower portion of the lake, where the water chestnut is more sparsely distributed but poses the greatest threat of re-introducing the plant downstream to Lake Nockamixon. A total of 71 participants contributed 504 hours to the removal effort. Over three workdays, a total of 5 dump truck loads or approximately 50 cubic yards of wet plant material was removed (the equivalent of a nearly 2 commercial-sized dumpsters!) from the lower 25 acres of the 50-acre impoundment. These pulling events were completed in early July to remove as much of this year’s population as possible before it produces seed. Water chestnut spreads so quickly mostly because of a high reproductive rate - each single plant removed this year equates to 120 fewer future plants! Special thanks to Nockamixon State Park for providing a dump truck and drivers to assist in removing the plant material, as well as loaning several kayaks, paddles and lifevests for volunteers’ use. Thanks also to Bucks County Department of Parks and Recreation for their behind the scenes support of these events. Finally, an extra special thanks to the many members of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection staff and local volunteers who contributed their time and energy to this messy but gratifying task! For more info on water chestnut, visit: www.pserie.psu.edu/seagrant/publications/ factsheets/waterchestnut2012reduce.pdf
Friday, August 15th • 9 am to 8 pm
BY JACK SCHICK We pick wineberries in Haycock Township every summer. Some years, if we’re enthusiastic and the weather is good, we get a bushel basket full, freeze them and have them on ice cream for months. Rubus phoenicolasis, as scientists scholastically call the plant (we, incorrectly, just call them red raspberries), grow wild all over Upper Bucks County. There is a lot of public land in the township, and we’re part of the public, so we help ourselves to the renewable resources. We try to pick patches that grow close to the road, but so do other people. Since we’re greedy and want more than our fair share, we end up stumbling around deeper into the woods and bramble patches to fill our takehome buckets. Consequently, the sensations I associate most with berry picking are: itchy, burning scratches on my hands and forearms; sticky, discolored fingers; bugs crawling on me and salty perspiration running down my back and face. July can be hot and humid and berry picking is a tedious task. Wineberries are a non-native species in Pennsylvania. They were imported from their native China, Korea or Japan as an ornamental plant and for breeding hybrid raspberries. The species quickly ‘escaped’ cultivation and became a naturalized, almost invasive species in many parts of Europe and eastern North America. They are probably the most common wild ‘raspberry’ found in this area. Rubus phoenicolasis has a perennial (lasting more than two years), root system which produces biennial (lasting two years) stems or ‘canes’. In the first year the new, un-branched stems (primo-canes) grow to a height of 3 to 9 feet and produce leaves with 3 to 5 leaflets, but no flowers. In the second year the stem doesn’y grow taller, but produces side shoots which bear smaller leaves which always have three leaflets and are white on the underside. Wineberry plants produce flowers in the late spring on short, bristly ‘racemes’ (a stalk with stems equally spaced around and along its length) on the tips of the 2nd year side shoots. The flowers are ¼ to ½ inch in diameter with five purplish red to pink petals and a bristly calyx (husk). The berries, which are about 1/3 inch in diameter and ripen in mid-summer around here, are orange or red. Technically they aren’t berries at all, but an ‘aggregate fruit’ with many ‘drupelets’ (the fleshy part of a fruit—each little ‘bead’ in a raspberry or wineberry is a separate ‘fruit’ with a seed). As the wineberry fruit develops, it’s protected by the ‘husks’, which are covered with fine hairs that ooze tiny drops of a sticky fluid. The hairs are red, giving the plant its name (phoenicus means ‘red’ in Latin). Since insects often get stuck in the fluid, many people thought the wineberry was a carnivorous plant. However, a recent study discovered that the sticky ‘mucilage’ has no digestive enzymes,
the surrounding tissue cannot absorb nutrients, and the plant has no protein-storage cells. Also, wineberries tend to grow in rich soil and have no need to get nutrients from dead bugs. These days, wineberries are seldom cultivated, being smaller and less desirable than black or red raspberries and blackberries, which are found in the region. However, wild wineberries are very common along roadways and the edges of fields. They are easily identified and have no poisonous look-alikes in North America, so even amateur pickers, like us, feel safe gathering them. The species propagates through seeds, but also, the tips of canes touching the ground will root and form new plants. They spread like crazy—even if you do pick and eat most of the seeds. Wineberries prefer moist soil and grow well in wooded areas, so the old Great Swamp of Upper Bucks is a great environment for them. That pleases the heck out of us and other berry pickers. The taste of wineberry fruit is somewhere between tart and sweet. They can be used in any recipe that calls for raspberries. I can confirm that they are great with vanilla ice cream; but, be prepared to floss the tiny seeds from all the “drupelets” out from between your teeth. Due to their abundance, they are very popular with weekend berry pickers. Some people ‘look down on’ wineberries, considering them a poor man’s raspberry, but that’s fine. It leaves more for us. Berry picking can be a very dangerous endeavor. Like its classier relatives, wineberries belong to the rose family and have thorns, as do most ‘real’ raspberry plants. No matter what you do while picking, you’re going to get scratches and thorns—on your hands, arms and probably your face. You can try wearing long sleeves, but the berries are too small and delicate to have any success while wearing gloves. Anyone from around here knows how rocky the soil in Haycock is. Footing in the berry patches is usually precarious. Tangled vines, bent over canes, ankle twisting rocks and moist, crumbly soil contribute to the frequent slips, stumbles and falls. I prefer to use plastic bags for gathering (like the ones you put your donuts in at Wawa). Too many times, I’ve dumped my bucket when I’ve taken a fall, and had to re-gather the berries off the ground. There are many invasive species growing across Upper Bucks. The multifloral rose is one that particularly comes to mind because it is downright vicious. As a hunter, outdoorsman and berry picker I have a particular dislike for that one. But, the Japanese Wineberry is one I can tolerate. I can’t say that gathering them, especially in the greed provoked volume we do, and in the muggy July weather in the rock strewn terrain of Haycock, is always a pleasant task, but when I pour the red juice out of the bottom of the baggie and over my ice cream then scoop out a few tablespoons of the bright, flavorful wineberries to dump on top, it seems worth the effort.
August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
7
15th ‘Art of the Barn’ Tour Draws Success The Art of the Barn Tour & Show, proudly presented by Bucks County Audubon Society and 2014 lead sponsor, Sylvan Stoltzfus Builders was a rounding success and drew visitors from as far away as Florida and South Carolina. There were nine stops on this year’s tour – the 15th year of the Barn Tour and only the fourth year with artists showing and selling artwork at barns along the way. A favorite barn on this year’s tour was Ross Mill Farm, complete with a historic stone barn and nearly
150 pot belly pigs that greeted visitors and even demonstrated their artistic talent by “painting” with their snouts! Tour goers enjoyed attending a pre-tour lecture on Friday, July 11 at 6:30pm with Sylvan Stoltzfus, owner of Sylvan Stoltzfus Builders. Sylvan Stoltzfus grew up on a dairy farm, and has been constructing barns since the age of sixteen. To see more photos, visit: www.bcas.org/bcasaotb2014.html
Yard Sale Don’ts
Have you ever spent a Saturday morning going to yard sales? Here are some tips for making the most of your yard sale shopping spree. Don’t forget the Cash Yard sales are not like a quick trip to the convenience store. You will need more than just your keys, cell phone, and credit card. You will need coins, money in small denominations/small bills, and an open mind in order to take home the best from a yard sale. Don’t force a yard sale seller to break a $100 dollar bill, it could be the end of your negotiations to get a bargain. Don’t Sell Everything Some things aren’t supposed to be sold on the front lawn. Don’t sell original art, jewelry, solid wood furniture, or precious metals at yard sales. These objects need a strong market to reap their true value. There are not enough people shopping at a local yard sale to attract high prices that these objects deserve. Yard sales are NOT the place where you will get big bucks for your heirlooms. Don’t get up Early! I have made it a lifelong rule that there is no good reason, other than a house fire, to get up before 8 AM. Plain and simple, don’t get up at the crack of dawn to try to beat everyone to a yard sale. You won’t miss a thing. Shop during Lunch You can get the best prices around lunchtime as most yard sale hosts are ready to call it quits. By 12 noon, sellers are exhausted. They have been up since the crack of dawn putting out stuff for the yard sale and the morning is the busiest time for them. By lunch time, they don’t care what you pay for that Wedgewood cachet pot as long as you take it with you. It is a great time to negotiate or even get extra stuff for free. Tag it! Some things should be tagged and some things like oversized items should be left untagged to leave room to negotiate with a potential buyer. Some people like to have a $1 table or a $5 table at their yard sale but this opens up the temptation for some buyers to get a bargain price just by moving an item from a higher priced table onto a lower priced table. Don’t Buy Damage Condition is a key to value. If you pick up a completely tattered linen from a yard sale
thinking that it is some great 19th Century quilt made by a group of Amish seamstresses, you are probably paying hard earned money for the same rag that you’d let your husband use to wax the car. Just because it’s someone else’s tattered piece, doesn’t make it a wonderful antique. Don’t fantasize about a yard sale find. If a yard sale item is in poor condition, leave it on the lawn.
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Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local. Don’t Buy Parts I always say that buying parts is for auto mechanics not yard sale shoppers. Don’t buy incomplete sets or games with missing pieces at yard sales. Buy objects with all of their original parts and their original boxes whenever possible. Instruction booklets, packaging and original boxes increases the value of a board game by as much as 15 percent. Don’t let it go until you know... what it’s worth! As an antiques appraiser with a PhD and decades of market and appraisal experience, I know that most hosts don’t bother to find out what their objects are worth before they schlep them from the attic or basement out to the front lawn. That is the best way to lose a bundle. Know the value, get an appraisal first, and make the most of yard sale season. Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents appraisal events to audiences worldwide. Dr. Lori is the expert appraiser on the hit TV show, Auction Kings on Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook.com/ DoctorLori or call (888) 431-1010.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
Pennridge Teens Fight Human Trafficking Bob Podraza, AAMS®
(Next to Fischer’s Tuxedo) If you would like a free review of your 401k, IRA, Mutual Funds, 215-536-3635 Stocks, Bonds, Annuities or any of your other investments to see if they are appropriate for your long-term goals, bob.podraza@edwardjones.com please call or stop by today.
Avoid Expensive Errors When Paying for College It’s just about Back-to-School time again. If you have young children, you might be hustling them to the store for backpacks and binders. But if you fast-forward a few years, you can envision driving your kids a little farther — to their college dorms. And when that day comes, you’ll want to be financially prepared. So you’ll want to avoid making costly mistakes when preparing for, and paying, those big bills. Here are some of the most common of these errors: • Not saving enough — Only half of all families with children under 18 save any money for college, according to a recent study by Sallie Mae, the country’s largest originator of federally insured student loans. You might find it easier to save for college if you automatically move a set amount each month from your checking or savings account to a college savings vehicle. • Not considering vehicles with growth potential — The same Sallie Mae study found that more parents use a general savings account than any other method of saving for college. But since most savings accounts these days pay only a minimal rate of return, you will have trouble getting the growth potential you need to achieve your college savings goals. Consider working toward your college savings goals by investing in a vehicle specifically designed for college, such as a 529 plan or a Coverdell plan. There are differences between these plans, such as contribution limits and tax treatments, but both allow you to invest for growth potential. As with any investment account, there are risks involved, including market risk. • Stopping your savings once your chil-
dren are in college — Unless your children plan to take an awful lot of credits, they’re not going to finish college in just one year. Consequently, you’ll want to keep investing in your plan or other college savings vehicle while your children are in school. • Taking out 401(k) loans — Your employer may allow you to take out a loan against your 401(k) to help pay for college. But this may not be a good idea for two reasons: First, when you remove money from your 401(k) — even if you plan on eventually paying it back — you will slow the potential accumulation in your account, thereby depriving yourself of resources you will eventually need for retirement. Second, should you leave the company, you might have to repay the loan within a limited number of days. • Not using available tax credits — Depending on your income, you might qualify for the American Opportunity tax credit, which is worth up to $2,500, provided you spend at least $4,000 on college expenses. Check with your tax professional to see if you qualify for this credit and how to most effectively incorporate it. And be careful you don’t waste the credit, because you may not be able to use it and your plan distributions at the same time. Paying for college can be challenging — but if you can avoid making the above mistakes, you’ve got a better chance of getting your kids through school without derailing the progress you’d like to make toward your other financial goals. Submitted by Bob Podraza of Edward Jones on Broad Street in Quakertown.
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BY KIMBERLY KRATZ At crunch time when other students prepared for finals or dreamed up their summer plans, Pennridge freshman Kellie Drugotch and Brittany Engel spent one June Saturday helping to raise funds and awareness in support of anti-human trafficking efforts. As a part of their DaVinci project for the Golden Rams’ academic team, the two set up shop at Perkasie’s Down to Earth Café, to chat with patrons and request donations. The DaVinci project provided an opportunity for participating students to challenge themselves, to be creative, and to learn about a topic of their own choosing in more depth than in the classroom setting. From January to June, one class period each Friday was designated for students to work on their chosen project, which culminated in a presentation before fellow classmates. Additionally, selected students presented their projects at Pennridge High School to their families and community members on “DaVinci Night.” Drugotch and Engel first learned about the existence of modern day slavery, commonly referred to as human trafficking, when they watched a documentary in humanities class that piqued their interest in the topic. The DaVinci project gave them an opportunity to further explore. “The thing that shocked us the most was probably the fact that slavery is still happening in our country. We have heard stories about slavery in third world countries going on, but never realized it was right in our own community,” said Drugotch. Today’s global socio-economic conditions make it easier now than at any time in history for trafficking to occur. Costs to traffickers are at a historical low. In 1850, what many consider the height of global slave trade, the average cost for a trafficker to purchase a slave (in today’s dollars) was about $40,000. In 2008, it was about $90, according to “Free The Slaves,” the global anti-trafficking organization for which Drugotch and Engel collected funds. Modern day slavery takes many forms: domestic servitude, child labor, undocumented labor in restaurants, on farms, in hotels and in factories, and sex trafficking. People are enslaved through force, fraud, or coercion—the legal definition of trafficking. About half of them are children. Profit for traffickers remains high. One human can net a trafficker anywhere from $4,000 to $540,000 per year. There is a limitless supply of marginalized people attempting to escape the grips of poverty, civil unrest, or domestic abuse. Absent the rule of law, traffickers have little to fear. Generally, legislation that would help trafficking victims has lagged in many states. It took over two years for Pennsylvania to pass a bill requiring the National Human Trafficking Hotline phone number to be prominently displayed in certain establishments such as rest stops and welcome centers, massage parlors and spas, restaurants with a liquor license, etc. Rep. Paul Clymer (R) and Senator Daylin
Leach (D) each sponsored companion bills in the house (HB235) and senate (SB338), and worked to garner support. In a press release about the 2012 passage Leach said, “I’d like to thank all of the organizations and individuals who helped raise awareness of the importance of this bill. Rep. Clymer played an integral part in making the Human Trafficking Hotline bill a law and without his help, none of this would have been possible. Additionally, groups like Polaris Project, Covenant House, Women’s Way, and The Wayne Foundation lent their support and helped us move this important legislation forward. This was a true team effort.” On July 2, 2014, Senate Bill 75 passed, which extensively revised Pennsylvania’s law on human trafficking “in the areas of prosecution, prevention, victim protection, evidentiary confidentiality, limitation of actions, victim impact statements and classification of sexual offense; and making editorial changes.” Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT) and Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Advocacy Work Group responded to this landmark piece of legislation saying, “Currently, Pennsylvania is one of only two states in the country, the other being Colorado, that lacks a comprehensive legal definition of human trafficking. Senate Bill 75 will address this critical need, strengthen protections for victims of human trafficking, and will help to bring the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice.” The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHRTC) tracks statistics of inbound contacts that via phone calls, E-mails, SMS text messages, or online tip forms. With 668 inbound phone calls during 2013, Pennsylvania ranked as the 9th highest call volume of all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Each year, the volume of contacts to the NHRTC increases. This may be because there is a greater level of public awareness to report or question, more ways in which to report, increased levels of human trafficking activity, or any combination. The press brings trafficking arrests and rescue of victims to the fore. But human trafficking is a complex social problem that requires a change in public perception of its victims through education of law enforcement and health care professionals who typically encounter them first, as well as the general public. Trafficking victims need to be rescued and they need physical, emotional, and rehabilitative support afterwards so that they can be integrated into society with education and job skills training. Drugotch and Engel learned about human trafficking and were compelled to do something about it, but they want every reader to know, “There are 27 million slaves in the world right now. They are people with names, faces, hearts, and feelings JUST like us. We can dream about our future, about tomorrow, they can’t. We are the ones who hold their future in our hands. We have a voice and we should use it to make a difference to those who don’t.” The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-3737-888 or text BeFree (233733) to report suspected trafficking activity or to get help and information.
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Pennridge High School Freshmen Brittany Engel (left) and Kellie Drugotch bring awareness to a growing problem in nearly every sector in our society – Human Trafficking. photo by kimberly kratz
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August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Traffic Tickets Q. I just received a traffic ticket. Should I plead guilty, try to represent myself, or hire a lawyer to represent me? A. Many people who receive traffic tickets for offenses such as speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, running a red light, etc., choose pay their tickets in full or represent themselves in court, rather than hire an attorney. While the upfront cost of hiring an attorney can be more than the fine on the ticket, paying a traffic ticket or being convicted could result in additional unforeseen costs and consequences. If you have received a traffic ticket and are considering paying the fine, is important to note that by paying the ticket you are pleading guilty to the traffic violation. Pleading guilty or being convicted of a traffic violation could not only cost money in the form of the fine, but could also result in points on your driver’s license, increased car insurance premiums, a license suspension, employment consequences, or even mandatory jail time. The points system is unique in every state. Some traffic offenses in Pennsylvania do not carry points on a driver’s license. However, most traffic offenses do carry points, with the number of points varying by offense. Once a driver receives six points for the first time in Pennsylvania a special written exam must be passed within thirty days. The next accumulation of six points results in stiffer penalties. Accumulating points could also result in a license suspension. Often, traffic violations result in skyrocketing insurance premiums that could make
insurance unaffordable for some people. And, for those who need their licenses for work purposes, a traffic violation could result in serious consequences. In addition, in Pennsylvania, a traffic offense conviction could result in an automatic license suspension. These offenses could include driving without insurance, reckless driving, and passing a school bus. The unfortunate reality in Bucks County is that most of my clients are unable to get to and from work without a driver’s license and thus risk losing income, or worse, their jobs. Finally, a conviction while driving on a suspended or revoked license could result in mandatory jail time. There are likely potential defenses against a traffic violation and an experienced traffic attorney could review the circumstances surrounding the violation and seek to help you get the not guilty verdict you are looking for, or help get charges reduced or dismissed altogether. While the upfront costs of hiring an attorney may appear to be greater than the amount of the ticket, the additional monetary costs and consequences of a traffic ticket make hiring an attorney worth it. Peter M. Williams is a Bucks County, Pennsylvania attorney with offices in Lower Bucks (Levittown) and Upper Bucks (Quakertown). He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Bucks County Bar Association. Mr. Williams has eleven years of experience assisting his clients with their important civil, criminal, and real estate matters.
To
submit a question for
Mr. Williams
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Mr. Williams for a free initial legal consultation, please call 267-583-3690 or email: pwilliams@peterwilliamslaw.com to contact
Wilhelm Named Pennridge Citizen of the Year
BY CHRISTOPHER DORNBLASER Volunteerism and Humanitarianism,” Clymer Lenape Park, in Perkasie, was quite busy read from a citation provided by the House of on July 6, 2014, as that day marked the 42nd Representatives, which was signed by Clymer, Pennridge Community Day. A beautiful sum- Speaker of the House Sam Smith, and Chief mer day, the event ran from 12-6 pm, and kicked Clerk Tony Barbers. Senator Chuck McIlhinney and Senator Mike off with an opening ceremony honoring Craig Wilhelm. Wilhelm was awarded “Pennridge Fitzpatrick also sent their congratulations to Citizen of the Year” for 2014. Representative Wilhelm, with Fitzpatrick presentung Wilhelm Paul Clymer spoke highly of Wilhelm while with a flag of the United States that was flown presenting the award to him. Clymer and over the Capitol Building. “I want to thank everybody for coming out Wilhelm had some family history going back almost 60 years when they lived within close here today, I said I think this was one of the proximity to each other in Sellersville. Clymer referred to Wilhelm as that “little tyke who was always mischievous” when they were growing up. Clymer stated that Wilhelm’s involvement with the community is done “because he cares.” Wilhelm, a life-long citizen of Sellersville and a Pennridge High School graduate is heavily involved in the Upper Bucks County community. Wilhelm has quite the his- 2014 Pennridge Citizen of the Year Craig Wilhelm speaks of his tory: He worked with appreciation of those whom who serve the community and his pride in his family funeral home being counted among them. photo by christopher dornblaser business, joined the United States Army in greatest honors I have ever received,” Wilhelm 1964, served in Vietnam in 1966, received the said upon accepting the award, “but you can“Combat Infantryman Badge” for his service, not do it without the support of a lot of people served the borough of Sellersville operating – your family and friends, people in the fire its water system for 37 years before retiring in service, my fellow legionnaires – they’re the October 2010, and currently serves the borough ones who help you get something like this and I as the Emergency Management Coordinator. greatly appreciate it.” Wilhelm has coached for the Pennridge Little “I am very proud of my service to my counLeague, and was previously a member of the try, back in Vietnam, I’m proud of my service Sellersville Fire Department. He has also to our community, but again – it’s with the help helped with the Bucks County Fire School, of a lot of people that you receive something the Pennridge High School marching band, the like this.” Perkasie Fire Company Ambulance Corp, and Pennridge Community Day’s opening cerhe is the commander of the Nase-Craft American emony concluded with the announcement of Legion Post 255 for the past 16 years. Wilhelm the essay winners from Grades 4-6. Many were is also a certified fire inspector and currently selected to read their essays to the audience and serves the Borough of Trumbauersville as the the winners were awarded money for their esborough’s Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement says. The rest of the day contained plenty of Officer. He is the Deputy Chief of the Delaware food, ranging from funnel cake to water ice to barbecue, inflatables for young children to enValley Judges Association. “Mr. Wilhem tirelessly endeavors to better joy, games and even canoe races, which could the lives of his fellow citizens, and thereby be viewed from atop the bridge in the park. has distinguished himself as a stirring example There were also vendors with interesting items of the most cherished traditions of duty, such as jewelry and small toys. The event ran compassion, and sacrifice. Motivated by the from 12-6 pm on July 6, with fireworks conneeds for others he embodies the true spirit of cluding the event at 9:15.
Where Can I Get my UBFP? QUAKERTOWN Aamco American Heritage FCU A-Plus Mini Market Borough Hall Bottom Dollar Foods Beer City Brick’s Sales Classic Staffing Chick Fil-A Dominick’s Pizza Downtown Dogs Earl Bowl Lanes Embers Cafe First Niagara Bank First Savings Bank Flashpoint Acupuncture Frank’s Pizza The Free Press Bldg. Giant (Qtwn Plaza) The Grundy House Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Independence Court James Michener Library John’s Plain & Fancy Liberty Thrift Store McCoole’s Restaurant McDonalds Melody Lakes Moyer’s Shoes Pep Boys Philly Soft Pretzel Factory Quaker Cleaners
Q’town Family Restaurant QNB Bank Quaker Cleaners Redner’s Market Roma Pizza Sal’s Pizza Randa Seven-Eleven Sine’s 5 & 10 St. Luke’s Hospital Swann’s Pantry Tom’s Help Desk Upper Bucks Sr. Ctr Upper Bucks SPCA Upper Bucks YMCA Upper Bucks Chamber Wells Fargo Bank Yum Yum Donuts TRUMBAUERSVILLE Borough Hall Fino’s La Cantina Spor’s General Store SPINNERSTOWN Spinnerstown Hotel E J’s Barber Shop PLEASANT VALLEY Country Kitchen SELLERSVILLE A & N Diner Grandview Hospital Hidden Meadows Roy Ann Diner Village Market
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 Coopersburg Diner Giant Food Markets The Inside Scoop QNB Bank Turkey Hill Market Weis Markets SPRINGTOWN Reflections Hair Studio Village Center Automotive
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.
I always knew that the Children’s Developmental Program was a great place to kids to learn, but whatever class these 2014 CDP graduates took in their “senior year,” sign me up!
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
Acceptance One of my favorite prayers comes from the AA Big Book. It goes like this “Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. If I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation- some fact of my life unacceptable to me and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place or thing as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing absolutely nothing happens in God’s world by mistake; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and my attitudes.” This prayer has helped me in many ways to not create a crisis and to accept the situation as it is for that moment. Even if you do not believe in God you can take it out and it will still make sense and give you a sense of calm. You may have to say it a few times if you are really upset and confused but it will help you gain a new perspective on your life and your current situation. It always amazes me how we can become disappointed by others because of the expectations we have of them. What I have discovered is that when we expect others to behave or act in a way” that we would” that we are usually saddened by the fact that they do whatever they want regardless of how we may feel. So this is where acceptance comes in to play. We learn to accept the fact that just because we may have high expectations of ourselves that we can not
expect others to have those same standards. So it is helpful for us to adjust our thinking and what it is that we know about that particular person, so that we can grasp the reality that “they do not think or act the way that we do”. You will find that you will become less frustrated when you are able to put it in perspective and separate the two issues and the persons involved. This is what will create balance in your life when it comes to your expectations of yourself and others. Sometimes when life seems chaotic and unforgiving, acceptance can quickly get your life back in perspective. Acceptance takes faith and a belief that we can only change what is in our ability to change. Knowing what to accept and what not to accept can be defined in simple terms by asking ourselves, “Is what is happening to me within my control? Can I change what is going on?” Once you answer these questions, the concept of acceptance makes sense. When we know ourselves meaning who we are, our strengths and weaknesses, dislikes and likes, we are able to accept what life hands our way because we accept that what is happening in our life may be for a reason or for a higher purpose, for us to learn something, to grow as a person, ect. Acceptance is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself when life seems overwhelming and unfair. 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.
7th Annual Parvin SoccerFest Best Yet
POQ’s 4th Dash & Dip A Huge Success Saturday, July 19th, 2014 marked the date of Pride of Quakertown’s 4th annual 5K and 1 Mile Kid Run (Dash & Dip). The weather was wonderful just overcast skies for the start of the race, but the sun came out in time for all the runners and their families to enjoy the Quakertown Pool. 237 runners participated in a great run and a refreshing swim! Pride of Quakertown thanks all the sponsors, volunteers, and participants for a great and worthwhile event. All money raised from this event will be put into the Pride of Quakertown Scholarship Program.
Corporate sponsors include: Kwik Goal, Pita Girl, Gateway Funding, QNB, Univest, Applebees, RAK Sound, Benchmark Dynamic, Bai, Road ID, Pride Abstract, and Quakertown Borough.
Sandy Parvin (left) and Chrissy Hensel perform a preflight inspection of the 300 balloons to be launched in honor of, in support of, and in memory of victims of cancer. Nearly $700 was collected from launch participants to be used in cancer research.. The launch occured right at 6:00 PM. Sarah Parvin’s sports jersey number was 6.
BY C. BETZ and C. DORNBLASER The 7th Annual 24-hour Sarah Parvin Memorial SoccerFest kicked off the weekend of July 26 and 27 at the Quakertown Soccer Fields on California Road, Quakertown. The 24 hour marathon tournament and fundraiser memorializes Sarah Parvin, a local girl who succumbed to Small Cell Ovarian Cancer with hypercalcemia in 2006 at the tender age of 12, having only been diagnosed with the disease less than a year prior. This year’s event had roughly 200 teams participating in over 550 soccer matches throughout the weekend at the Quakertown Soccer Club. The teams consisted of both youth and adults. No goals were counted, as the tournament was not about the competition, but contributing to the cause. The event also featured other activities such as live music, dunk tanks and moon bounces for those non-soccer individuals to enjoy. Participants camped out in tents near the fields during the weekend. Proceeds from the event benefit the Sarah Parvin Foundation, which in turn forwards much of the funds to the Brody
Cancer Research Lab at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. That organization has a sharp focus on learning about and defeating this and other cancers. Spirit Awards were presented to those portraying high commitment to the foundation’s cause. Among them were team “Young Guns” which raised and donated about $5000 over the past few years. Awards were also presented to Ed Scholl, Kevin Woulfe, Tom Kramme and Robin Haff, Haff, who passed away in March 2013, had been the medical director for the annual tournament. Each was integral in organizing and coordinating the annual event and growing it to the success it is today. Among Sarah’s final words before passing were “Do not cry for me. I am not unfortunate, I am lucky.” Indeed her strength and spirit live on through the efforts of the Sarah Parvin Foundation and all of its benefactors and program participants. Perhaps the funds raised in her honor and memory will one day help to improve the fortunes of others stricken with her disease. Learn more at sarahparvinfoundation.org.
The QSC Strikers U10 visit with Sandy Parvin and settle in for a 24 hour marathon soccer tournament.
August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Christ Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane, Trumbauersville 215-536-3193 Pastor: Carolann Hopke 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 June, July, August Sunday Worship: Combined service 9am; Nursery & Toddler classes 9am; Children’s Church 9:30am; Wednesday: Teens for Christ 6:30pm; Kid’s Club, Young Adult & Adult Bible Study 7pm Good News Church 424 Juniper Street, Quakertown 215-536-4393 Pastor: David Markey, Jr. Sunday service & childrens church 10:30am Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm. Friendly, Biblebased, Christ-centered, Spirit-led 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 St. John’s Lutheran Church 4 South Main Street, Richlandtown 215-536-5027 secretary@sjrpa.org www. sjrpa.org Pastor: Susan Sosnin Sunday morning worship at 9:30am with holy communion first and third Sundays of the month. Sunday school 8:30am 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 Summer Worship June 1 - Sept 7 9am, Holy Communion First and Third Thursday. Regular schedule returns Sept 14
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 Summer Sunday Worship Schedule: 8am in the Grove, 9:30am in Sanctuary. In case of inclement weather, services held indoors. 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.
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!
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street, Sellersville 215-257-7268 stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Pastor: Rev. Patti Thomas 9am Worship in Sanctuary (too hot? then in fellowship hall), Prayer Shawl Ministry is held 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 1 to 3pm. (summer schedule June 15 - September 14)
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!
St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown 1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 215-536-0734 Pastor: John Bersten www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Outdoor summer worship service 9:30am; bring lawn chairs/blankets. In inclement weather and first Sunday of the month (communion) service held in church’s multipurpose room.
Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.
Area College Students Make Dean’s List, Graduate Three Upper Bucks students made the Dean’s List at their Universities this past spring. Emily Galuppi, of Quakertown, received Dean’s list from Misericordia University, which is located in Dallas, Pennsylvania. James C. Gant, received the honor from Virginia Military Institute, which is located Lexington, Virginia. Jessica Hudoka, of Quakertown, made the
Dean’s List at Immaculata University, located in Immaculata, Carly Marie Muscarella and Taylor Shelby Thompsons, Pennridge high school graduates, graduated from Dickinson College, which is located in Carlisle. Ryan Moran, of Perkasie, graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, which is located in Lancaster.
Q: What do you call a fake noodle? A: An impasta!
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
The “Curse of the Demon”
a Legitimate Precaution by a Frightened Lad
The 14th annual National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. will be held this year on Saturday August 30th from 10AM to 10pm at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. If you’ve never been to the National Book Festival, I can tell you, it is a sight to behold! The Library of Congress hosts the festival and President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, are honorary chairs of the event. It is a festival meant to celebrate all literature, not just children’s. As the Library of Congress’s website page for the National Book Festival states: “This year’s festival will feature authors, poets and illustrators in several pavilions. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, hear special entertainment, have photos taken with storybook characters and participate in a variety of activities.” The Library of Congress also says, on the “Festival Information” page: “From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., more than 100 authors, illustrators and poets will make presentations in pavilions dedicated to Children, Teens, Picture Books, Contemporary Life, Culinary Arts, Fiction & Mystery, History & Biography, Poetry & Prose, Science and Special Programs.” For kids, they have many categories, like Picture Book, Middle Grade, and young adult. I am especially excited about a new graphic novel session that will be held later in the day! With at least 100 authors to meet, from any genre, it is any book lover’s dream. National Ambassador for Children’s Literature Kate DiCamillo will be there along with many of her colleagues. I am going this year, and I am super excited to get the chance to meet some of my favorite authors (alongside Kate DiCamillo, of course), Peter Brown (Will You Be My Friend?), Brian Biggs (Everything Goes), Jeffrey Brown (Darth Vader and Son), Jack Gantos (Rotten Ralph), Anne Ursu (The Real Boy), Molly Idle (Flora and the Flamingo), Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants), and much more! I can’t wait to meet them all, even if it means getting there at 3:00AM! Not only does the festival have tons of book signings, it also has tons of events! Some of them include; Poetry Slam, Great Books to Great Movies, Let’s Read America and the
pavilion of the States that celebrates the “literary traditions of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.” They also have special events that are made to help kids get into reading and just to have fun. The last time I was there, they had a “Magic School Bus” and Ms. Frizzle was there. They also had former NFL player turned author Chris Draft there with a pre-festival event called “Let’s Read, Let’s Move!” It was fun. I can’t wait to see what they come up with this year!
The National Book Festival is a wonderful way to mingle with other book lovers and meet authors. And, of course, you can’t forget the fact that you can pick up some great books – some of them for free! A great plus is that you can bring books from home to be signed. You don’t need to buy the books there, although there is a market place where you can find all kinds of books! Washington D.C. is a fun place to visit. You can spend all day visiting the free of charge museums and monuments in our capitol. The book festival is even more reason to visit this month! If you go, be sure to look for me, I’ll be the kid in the This Kid Reviews Books T-shirt! For more information on the National Book Festival, please visit the Library of Congress’ website at www.loc.gov. For more on books and reading go to ThisKidReviewsBooks.com!
MacGinnis (the bad guy) and Peggy Cummins. It was an adaptation of M.R. James’ story, “Casting the Runes.” The plot revolves around an American psychologist (Andrews) who was investigating a satanic cult in England that was suspected of committing several murders. Later, I read that there had been disagreements between the producer and director during production. Chester decided to show the demon at the beginning and end of the film. Tourneur said, “the audience should have never been completely certain of having seen the demon.” That evening at the Palace, I sided with Tourneur. I would have preferred to be left guessing. Having seen the demon at the beginning, I wasn’t able to follow the plot. I just knew the monster was coming again, and probably right before I had to go out into the dark and walk home alone. To get the demon after you, you had to have a parchment with a rune written on it by the cult boss secretly passed to you. When you took it out and read it, the parchment flew out of your
hand and burst into flames. When that happened, it was too late. The demon was on its way. It had big teeth and claws and ripped you to pieces (not real fast, though—the bad guy screamed a lot when it got him). The ‘fact’ about the parchment had a lasting affect on me. I’m still always on the lookout for people trying to secretly pass me stuff. Nobody gets close enough stick something my pocket! I don’t remember exactly when they did, but I felt bad when the Palace and Karlton closed (I saw Psycho at the Karlton, but that’s another story). I liked being able to walk out-town to the movies on a Friday evening. I have nostalgic memories. When I grew up, I bought most of my appliances at Dimmig’s Electric before they closed and moved out of the old Palace building. Every time I was in there for a refrigerator or washer, I thought about Elvis movies and the Curse of the Demon--or, about smooching in the back row. I don’t go to the movies often, anymore. It’s more about TV, rental stores and Pay-Per-View than the $40. I’ve been married for over 42 years, too, so smooching in the movies is one of the last things on my mind. I’m not as scared by the Curse of the Demon as I was. But, I have to admit, I still don’t like walking down railroad tracks at night. Who knows what that smoky light coming might be? There’s no sense in taking chances.
More articles by Jack H. Schick can be Searchwarp.com or Soulofwit.com
found at
answers to puzzles on that other page BuckyGrams: robin, sparrow, crow, blue jay, cardinal, chickadee, goldfinch, mourning dove, hawk, owl, hummingbird, woodpecker Hidden Message: common backyard birds Box Puzzle: Try to Understand.
The National Book Festival 2014
When I was a kid, I could see a movie at the Palace or Karlton Theatres in downtown Quakertown for twenty-five cents. I don’t remember when it jumped to thirty-five cents, and by the time I was in junior high school it cost half a buck (I graduated QCSHS in 1970). It was maybe another fifty cents for snacks. Even that was pretty cheap to sit in the back row ‘necking’ with a girl. You don’t see much smooching in movie theaters anymore. At forty bucks a whack (with popcorn, candy and a drink), you don’t want to miss a minute of the show. Until I was fourteen or so and did (occasionally) have a girl, I went to the movies with buddies or by myself. My parents usually worked on Friday evenings; either at my grandfather’s shoe store, Hinkel and Biehn, or later, at Fields Shoes. Both were on West Broad Street. Even when my dad worked for Sears, up at the Plaza, I was pretty much on my own Fridays. At a quarter, or even two quarters, a movie was the best bet, no matter what was playing. It was about five blocks to the Palace, at Branch and Front Streets, from my place in the Third Ward—if I cut through the ice plant parking lot and crossed the railroad tracks between the old trolley abutment and the borough’s power plant coal pile. After the show I’d go out the side exit and cross the tracks again to get home. Except in the summer, it was always dark by then. Sometimes it was a difficult hike. I don’t care how many times you tell yourself, “It was just a movie,” it seldom works when you’re eleven. Whatever monster was in the film, it had magically moved to Quakertown. I remember one movie in particular, Curse of the Demon. At the end, the bad guy was torn to shreds by a flying monster that appeared out of a ball of smoke while he was running down the railroad tracks. It spooked me bad. I made it out the back door of the theater okay, but I couldn’t get myself to cross the tracks. Even crossing up at Broad Street under the streetlights seemed like too much of a risk. The demon was out there somewhere. I knew it. Instead, I went over to Hinkel and Biehn and hung around till I could get a ride home with my mom. The movie was called Night of the Demon when released in the UK on December 17, 1957. It was originally a sci-fi/horror ‘double bill’ coupled with 20 Million Miles from Earth. In America, the studio changed the film’s name to Curse of the Demon to avoid confusion with The Night of the Iguana. The film toured drive-ins and theatres as a double feature with The Revenge of Frankenstein. Thankfully, it was only a single feature when I saw it at the Palace. I don’t know if I could have stood a Frankenstein picture, too. I would have had to stay at the theater overnight. Night of the Demon was distributed by Columbia. It was an independent production by Hal Chester, directed by Jacques Tourneur. It starred Dana Andrews (the good guy), Niall
August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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What Is My Dog Doing? Whether we know it or not, our furry Fidos have taken on jobs besides keeping us company. Even though my dog has never filled out an application for a specific job, she has taken matters into her own paws. She has appointed herself as guardian of the O’Neil estate. Her job is saving me from stray cats, nosy, seed-stealing squirrels, vegetablepoaching groundhogs, and of course, the notorious Fed Ex carrier. If you’re a hot air balloon you just better stand down! I swear she must think I’m hard of hearing. She feverishly barks, “Someone just rang the doorbell, friend or foe?”. I think to myself, “Thanks for the heads up because you can never be too careful about the Fed Ex carrier”. There’s an elevated, shady spot under my old maple tree in the front yard. This perch gives her a great bird’s eye view of my hay fields. Of course, this is her favorite spot because she is able to scan several hundred feet in all directions. It’s also an excellent spot to thwart off any uninvited visitor before they could break through the invisible walls of the fortress. I don’t under any circumstances encourage Ziva to chase any of the local varmints. Even though she was never hired to watch over my birdfeeder, I secretly chuckle when she evicts a seed-stealing squirrel. When Ziva is on guard duty her first order of business is to secure the perimeter of the
house. She has this quirky, compulsive ritual she performs every time right before she hunkers down after sentry duty. She’ll sniff the ground, circle once, twice, three times then she’ll start scratching with her paws before she finally sighs and plops down. What is my dog doing? It’s like watching a superstitious baseball pitcher before he throws the ball. First he touches his lucky rabbit’s foot, his hat, now the brim while wiggling it about on his head. He grasps the ball while smashing it into his glove about five times. He looks to his left then to his right. He spits on the ground then looks at the catcher and if you’re lucky - then he’ll throw the ball. Good Lord! I thought my dog was coming down with a case of OCD. With a little investigation I found out my dog’s behavior is perfectly normal. Even though our dogs have been domesticated for quite some time they may still have retained some of their ancestral survival instincts. Circling and tramping down the grass may in fact shoo off any buried bugs, snakes, or other creepy crawlies. Scratching the earth may do two things: remove poking twigs or pointy rocks, it may be an attempt to get some relief from the heat. This neurotic behavior is simply a nesting ritual. We humans are guilty of this ritual every night. Don’t we fluff our pillows and toss side to side before we are comfortable? Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA is the trainer at and owner of Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC in Milford Township, PA.
Adoptable Pets Upper Bucks SPCA
Baloo is a 7-8 year old neutered male. This distinguished older gent is gentle and loves a good petting. He seems to be good with other cats here at the shelter and has not been around dogs. Baloo should do well in a home with responsible children of all ages. He is litter boxed trained and tested negative for feline leukemia. Did someone say play ball? I’m there. Marz is a 2 year old ale and am a very active Cattledog who loves catching balls, Frisbees and any other toy you throw. I’m smart but that goes without saying. I can be a shy guy with men but I warm up if you play ball with me or give me treats. Other animals may not appreciate my herdy nature but I would be great in the outfield. I know an experience Cattledog home would know just how to keep me occupied. These and so many more fine companions in all species, shapes, sizes, and colors that are seeking their new forever homes at the Bucks County SPCA’s Upper Bucks shelter located at 60 Reservoir Road, Quakertown. Call 267-347-4674 for more information, or visit www.bcspca.org.
Harley’s Haven
Meet May! May is an adorable, charming little terrier mix, who will worm her way right into your heart! She is about 35-40 lbs, and is a bundle of love! This poor little girl ended up down in the Philadelphia shelter, starving and sad...but when we saw her face, we couldn’t leave her there! Now, she is happy and fit! She loves other dogs and is a great player - she loves to wrestle and chase! She is also great with kids, and has no interest in cats. She is a happy, well-rounded girl who needs her happy ever after - is it you? Meet Pita! This adorable chihuahua is still with us! He is a middle aged guy, we are guessing around 6-8 years old, and is a true gentleman. His foster mom says that he is the perfect dog - he loves other dogs, is completely house trained, crate trained, and is a mellow guy! He is content to just be with you, and would make the perfect companion! Don’t let another month go by...help us find this little gem his forever home!These adorable pups are available for adoption through Harley’s Haven. Call 215-527-7432 to arrange to meet them.
Sorry to all my fans that I was so busy last month I let the deadline slip by and did not get my article in on time. Here is a picture of me in my 4th of July outfit. I may use it for Labor day too so keep an eye out for me then. I hope you all got to stop by my church’s Mega Block Party on July 19th. I stayed home. Being over 10 years old I decided to forgo the possible heat and sent Momma Jean to work it all day. I also want to remind you all to take your dogs to lunch while we have this great weather. You can use the outdoor tables at
Karlton Café, Sunday’s, Sines, Downtown Dogs, McCoole’s, Panera Bread, Embers, and Kathy’s Country Kitchen. All of these places told me well behaved dogs are welcome. Hope to see you out and about. Love M.J.
Pennridge Animal Hospital Holds Open House, Grand Opening
Drs. Beth Mehaffey and Jen Heller welcomed nearly 500 visitors July 19th to the Grand Opening and Open House for the Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road, Perkasie. (left photo) Dr Beth Mehaffey with her son and future veterinarian, Connor, showing off his spider man face painting. (right photo) The entire staff of Pennridge Animal Hospital and some awesome volunteers who helped out the day of our event! photos submitted by beth mehaffey
Yearly Exams & Vaccines for our Pets
Preventative Care Really Does Work Wellness
visits are more
important than you think!
There
are many times that
we find something unexpected on a physical exam the
8
– like
Rottweiler heart murmur,
year old
with a new
5 year old cat with abscess. Finding things like or the
a tooth root
comfortable that it was normal.
Vaccines
are another huge part of the
yearly wellness visit, but it is way beyond the scope of this column to cover them all in detail! vaccines
What I will say, is that I consider ‘core’ and ‘lifestyle’. The core
vaccines are the distemper combination and rabies vaccines in a dog, and the feline combination and rabies vaccine in a cat.
I
These
these on a routine physical exam can often
are the vaccines that
save our pets from future pain or illness, and
cat should receive, as long as there is not a
BEFORE the issue is causing them significant harm. The goal of a yearly exam is simple – it is basically to look for changes. Monitoring allow us to intervene
our pets from year to year allows us to look for changes that could be a warning sign for a larger underlying issue.
The Rottweiler If that dog had a heart murmur that was a grade 3, mentioned above is a good example.
but the dog has had a murmur its entire life and it has not changed, that is not nearly
medical reason not to.
think every dog or
The
other vaccines,
or lifestyle vaccines, in dogs include: lyme, leptospirosis, canine influenza, and bordetella.
The
only non-core vaccine in cats is
the feline leukemia vaccine.
There is a smat-
tering of other small vaccines, but these are the main ones for our area.
Depending
on
your lifestyle, your dog or cat may or may
not be at risk for what these vaccines protect against.
Having
an examination and a
discussion with your veterinarian on a yearly
as significant as the dog that last year did
basis allows you the opportunity to discuss
not have a murmur, and now this year does.
the vaccine options and to decide together
Also, routine blood work as part of a yearly exam is another great example. A cat that
which ones your pet needs!
has had blood work done every year and has
vaccine out there
consistently had its kidney values at the high
not one size fits all!
end of normal is much easier to know that is
to be discussion time so have a talk with your
normal, than an older cat with no previous
veterinarian and learn about the vaccines to
blood work with the same values. know if it is normal or the ney disease?
More
How do we beginning of kid-
testing could definitely
give us more information to help us decide,
but it wouldn’t even be necessary if we had previous years of blood work to make us feel
Every
pet is dif-
ferent, so don’t feel pressured to get every
–
veterinary medicine is
The exam time is meant
know which ones you and your pets need.
Dr. Mehaffey
Dr. Jen Heller Pennridge Animal
and partner
own and operate the new
Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be 267-272-9996. They also founded and curate Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue. Hospital
on
reached at
14
• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
~Obituaries~ Joan Weisenberger, 65, Quakertown died July 4 in her home. Born in Philadelphia she was the daughter of the late Gerard A. & Elizabeth (Lee) Weisenberger. She was a vice president of the commercial loan department at PNC Bank before retiring in 2010. She was a member of St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Quakertown and grew up in St. Benedict’s Parish. She was a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1967. She is survived by her older sister Elizabeth Fisher (Ernest), younger brother Gerard “Jerry” a niece Celeste Andrew (Brian), nephew Charlie Foley (Kerry), grand nieces and nephews Kellyn, Kassidee, Chaise, Mollie, and Riley. Predeceased by a brother Joseph. Joseph D. Meyers, 77, of Quakertown, died Monday, July 7, in St. Luke’s-Quakertown Hospital. He was the loving husband of Rosemarie “Rosie” (Ravier) Meyers for the past 54 years. Born in Quakertown he was a son of Johanna (Trenker) Meyers Whipple, of Sellersville and the late Joseph A. Meyers. He served in the Army from 1956-1962. He was a chef co-owner of the former Meyers Restaurant, Quakertown for over 50 years. After the restaurant closed, he was a school bus driver for First Student transporting students with special needs. Joe was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trap shooting, as well as just taking in nature with his family. When he couldn’t be outdoors, he enjoyed bowling and shooting pool. He was a member of the North End Rod & Gun Club, New Tripoli, the American Trap Shooters Assoc. and a life member of the NRA. He was a member of the Quakertown Lions and a former Jaycee. He attended Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, Coopersburg. Surviving with his wife are his children, Bryan, Joan M. Allen, husband Thomas, Debra K. Hunter, husband Allan, grandchildren Michael, Keri, Korene, Ashley, Eric, great-grandchildren Calie & Nathan; brother Gerald “Jerry”, and sister Janet Bracalente, husband Thomas, all of Quakertown. Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be made to the Temple Bone Marrow
Transplant Clinic 7604 Central Ave. Phila, 19111. Ann Sniah Drasher Gruver of Sellersville, formerly of Quakertown, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2014 at Rockhill Mennonite Community, Sellersville. She was born on September 5, 1923, the ninth of ten children, to the late Clayton and Edith (Creasing) Drasher, in Hazelton, PA. On April 13, 1942, Ann married J. Milton Gruver, moved to Quakertown and enjoyed over 60 years of marriage until Milt’s death in 2002. Ann was a professional homemaker who enjoyed dancing, Clark Gable movies and baking wonderful pies. Her biggest joy was being with her family. Included in her lifetime achievements are building a house with her husband, caring for her mother-in-law, and raising her beloved children and grandchildren. She attended worship services at Rockhill Mennonite Community. Ann is survived by her five children: Marcie McSherry (Tom), of Murrieta, CA, Dottie Bleam of Pennsburg, Edie Stull (Clarence) of Perkasie, John (Liz) of Quakertown, and Ralph (Helen) of Lansdale; a sister Edith Eshelman (Benjamin) of Virginia, eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters, a son-in-law and a grandson. John M. Drescher, 85, of Quakertown, died Thurs., July 10 in his home. He was the loving husband of Betty (Keener) Drescher for the past 62 years. John was a well-known author, teacher, and pastor in the Mennonite community, authoring 37 books, serving as pastor in a number of Mennonite churches, as an editor of a church magazine, and as a campus minister at Quakertown Christian School. He was a member of Finland Mennonite Church, Pennsburg. Surviving with his wife are his children Ron, wife Inez of Monterey, TN; Sandy DrescherLehman, husband John of Green Lane; Rose Longacre, husband Rich of Quakertown; Joe , wife Janice of Middletown CN; David, wife Rhonda of Morrisville, NC; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother Luke M, wife June of Harrisonburg, VA and sister, Ruth Glick, husband James of Kidron, OH.
Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Quakertown Christian School, 50 E. Paletown Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951 or Finland Mennonite Church, 1750 Ziegler Rd., Pennsburg, PA 18073. Russell Hangen, 93 of Quakertown died July 14, 2014 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. He was the husband of the late Fern (Mumbauer) Hangen and the longtime companion of the late Kathryn Lipovsky. Born in Lehigh County he was the son of the late Robert & Eda (Hildabeitel) Hangen. He was a carpenter and the co-owner of the former Hangen Brothers. He was a U.S. Army Air Force Veteran. Russell was a member of Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. Survived by two sisters Eleanor Minninger, and Joyce Shoemaker and her husband Clarence. Predeceased by siblings Robert, Kenneth, Emma, and Pauline, and step brother Charles and two step sisters Bertha and Clara. Edward Kupstas of Quakertown passed away after a long courageous battle with illness on Thursday, July 17, 2014. He was 86. Ed was born in Plymouth, PA. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Navy as a catapult operator on the U.S.S. Randolph and the U.S.S. Coral Sea. After an honorable discharge, he got his pilot’s license at Smith Flying School. He then attended King’s College in Wilkes Barre, PA. Ed had several jobs, which included commercial fishing in Maine, being an inspector for Alcoa Chemical and being a bartender near Lake Wallenpaupack, where he had many fond memories and stories to tell. He also worked as an assembler for General Motors where he retired in 1992. After retirement, Ed joined the Knights of Columbus as a recording secretary and became a lector at St. John the Baptist Church in Ottsville. Ed enjoyed traveling. Among his favorite trips was to Hawaii. He also traveled to England, Scotland, Sweden, Bahamas and Trinidad. Just before he became ill, he enjoyed a trip to New York to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Ed was the son of the late Frank and Nellie Kupstas. He is survived by his two sisters, Bernardine Seiger and Winifred Scalzitti. Although he never had children, he was just like a father to his nieces and nephews Patti Stets, Renee Lloyd, Sonia Hurley, Tony Scalzitti, Dino Scalzitti, and Gino Scalzitti. He was a Great Uncle and like a grandfather to Shawn Stets, Eric Lloyd, Dennis Lloyd, Brian Lloyd, Jennifer Bennett, Kevin Hurley, and Gage Bennett. He was like a father-in-law to Rob Stets, Tom Lloyd and John Hurley. “Uncle Eddie” loved to share his knowledge and was always there when anyone needed him. He will be sadly missed, but has left us with many happy memories and lessons learned. Walter R. Wolf, 91, of Pennsburg died July 16, 2014 in his home. He was the husband of Carrie Elizabeth (Wonsidler) Wolf. Born in Finland, PA he was the son of the late William F. & Clara (Reimert) Wolf. He was a mechanic for C. J. Wonsidler Brothers. After retiring he worked at the Perkiomenville Auction. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Red Hill. In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter Shirley M. wife of David Moskauski of Quakertown. A sister Beatrice Oppelt of Red Hill. Predeceased by 15 siblings. Evelyn J, Shelly, 86, of Quakertown died Sat., July 19, in the St. Luke’s VNA Hospice House. She was the widow of Burton D. Shelly. She was a secretary for H. C. Kulp Jewelers, Quakertown for 20 years before retiring in 1977. Born in Center Valley, she was a daughter of the late John & Leah (Koehler) Bleam. She was a member of the United Mennonite Church, Quakertown where she had served as secretary of the women in mission, as a youth director, and Sunday school teacher and the West End Fire Co. auxiliary. Surviving are daughters Susan Bordner, husband Jonathan and Karen, all of Quakertown; grandchildren Nathan, Craig, Jeremy; greatgrandchildren Kendyl, Jaydon, Kiah, Kason, Trinity, Bentley, Axel; sisters Anna Geiger, Quakertown, Ruth Smith, Kintnersville, Janet Schmoyer, Pennsburg; & brother John Bleam, wife Barbara, Atglen. She was predeceased by a sister, Jane Mack. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Zion Choral, c/o Robert Pickering, 111 S. 8th St., Quakertown, 18951. Richard Mahlon Cope, 74, passed away peacefully July 21 at his home in Haycock Township, Bucks County, where he lived his whole life. Richard was the loving husband of Jane
(Clayton) Cope for 49 years. He was the beloved father of Whitney (Shawn McGrew) of Lancaster County, PA, Monica (Daniel Cooper) of Coopersburg, PA, Lam Nguyen (Mary Rose) of Sugarland, TX, and Krystal (Mike Johnson) of Holland, PA. There are 12 grandchildren who called him Pop-Pop. He was the eldest son of Earl and Irene (Heegle) Cope. He is survived by two brothers: Robert, of Haycock Twp. and Raymond (Linda) of Macungie, PA, and two nephews, Robert Cope (Pam) and Brad Cope (Evelina) both of Quakertown. Rich enjoyed traveling with Jane, especially to the island of St. Maarten, but also through Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America and Asia. Richard accepted Jesus as his Savior at Haycock Mennonite Church and credits that church with nurturing his faith. He graduated from Quakertown High School, class of ’57 and then went into Voluntary Service spending two years at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland as a conscientious objector. He graduated from Moravian College with a degree in Psychology and went to work for the County of Bucks in the adult probation/parole department for 28 years. Rich joined the Bucks North Camp of the Gideon’s International in 1971. He served the camp as president, secretary, and treasurer over the years and regularly was involved with placing Bibles in hotels and handing out testaments to high school and college students. After retiring, his passion was buying and selling stocks and maintaining his various rental properties. Rich enjoyed sailing on Lake Nockamixon and was a past commodore of the Nockamixon Yacht Club. He once sailed in a race from Massachusetts to Bermuda. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, September 27th at 10:30 AM at Swamp Mennonite Church, 2125 Rosedale Rd., Quakertown.Rich had asked that any contributions in his name be sent to the Gideon’s International, Bucks North Camp, P.O. Box 1162, Doylestown, PA 18901. Raymond Neil Hagenbuch, 80, of Quakertown died July 23, 2014 in Grand View Hospital, Sellersville. He was the husband of the late Emilia “Millie” Hagenbuch. Born in Quakertown he was the son of the late Raymond & Blanche (Trumbore) Hagenbuch. He was an appliance repairman for the former Lewis Appliance in Quakertown. He is survived by two sons Steve C. (Nancy), Michael J. (Vickie) both of Quakertown, two daughters Lisa Schaffer of Center Valley and Melanie Moyer (Bob) of Quakertown. A brother Dale Hagenbuch (Helen) of Quakertown. Fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Predeceased by a sister Elaine Carson. Marie Stephenson Roeseler, née Riblet, passed away at home with her family in Snow Hill, Maryland, on July 23, 2014, at the age of 93. Marie was a firecracker, who one family friend admiringly called a “force of nature” after meeting her. No one disagreed. She married Lee Roeseler in 1942 and, with the notable exception of World War Two, they saw each other every day for more than 70 years. In addition to her own children and grandchildren, she served as the hub for an extended family of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She loved them all dearly, and the feeling was mutual. She was an active member of four different communities during her lifetime. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Marie graduated from Hackensack High School and earned her degree at Virginia Intermont College. After graduation, she got a job at a bank in New York City and commuted by bus from New Jersey. One day she shared the bus with Lee, a former schoolmate. That commute led to a seven-decade romance, making it the best bus commute ever. After the war, Marie and Lee moved to Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Their plan was to start a farm with Marie’s sister Dallas Hicks, and Dallas’s husband Charlie. Unsurprisingly, the four city slickers almost immediately realized that full-time farming was not for them. In addition to helping with the chickens, Marie worked at Quakertown National Bank. In the 1980s, Marie and Lee retired and split their time between Petersburg, Virginia, and Lehigh Acres, Florida. Marie was a member of the First United Church of Christ and the Women’s Club in both Quakertown and Lehigh Acres. She and Lee defected to the Presbyterian Church when in Petersburg. God seemed okay with this. Marie loved crosswords, mystery novels, laughter, and people. She had no patience for
August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
Notes from VFW Post 11322
To our Upper Bucks Community, The members of Quakertown’s John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 would like to thank you for your continued support. Over the years your help has allowed us to achieve our mission of serving and supporting our community’s military veterans and their families. Again, thank you. The VFW has programs that support the community. There is the Patriots Pen which is a written essay for grades 6 to 8. We also have a program for grades 9 to 12 which is called the Voice of Democracy. Both programs offer scholarship money for the winners. Other programs offered are for the Police, EMS, Firefighters, Nurses and a Teacher award program. We are always looking for new members to help us meet our mission of serving our fellow veterans. If you are a veteran who served in a combat or hostile area or received hazard duty pay you may be eligible to join the VFW. Please call us to inquire. This year the John Rivers Veterans Center will kick off a new kind of fundraiser. The program will be called The Christmas Tree of Balls. These ornaments will be in Memory or Honor of a Veteran. Most families have had
or are still serving in the United States Armed Forces. What a great way to recognize them with a unique ornament. In the months to come there will be a form in this publication to fill out. During the Christmas holiday time, we will be visiting Veterans in local nursing homes bringing them holiday cheer and goodwill. One of the items each Veteran receives is a lap blanket crocheted by people in our area. If you are interested in making blankets or helping with this program, please visit our website at www.johnriversveteranscenter.com or contact Commander Gerhart for more information. Financial donations are always welcome as well. If interested in participating in any of these programs or opportunities, please leave a message at our post at 215-529-0500 or call the Commander at 267-992-4973. Again, thank you for your continued generous support. Without you it would be impossible for us to meet our mission – “Veterans Serving Veterans”. Commander Paul Gerhart, Jr. John Rivers Memorial VFW Post 11322 41 Belmont Ave. Quakertown, PA 18951
~Obituaries~
bad manners, and she was a darn good card player. She gave great hugs. She was preceded by her parents, Walter and Marie Riblet; her son, Dennis Roeseler; sister Dallas Hicks and her husband Charlie; her brother Donald Riblet and his wife Helen; nephew Robert Hicks and his wife Judy; and nephew James Hicks. She is survived by her husband, Lee Roeseler; daughters Karen Roeseler Shipman and Janice Roeseler Gault and son-in-law Donald Gault; granddaughter Sophie Gault; grandson Matt Shipman and his wife Julia; and great-grandchildren Nora, Fiona and Violet Shipman; nephew Paul Riblet and wife Kathy; niece Nancy Riblet and partner Evelyn Butler; nephew Donald Riblet; niece Patricia Hicks Hartman and husband Barry; great nephews Eric Riblet and Kevin Hicks; and great nieces Rachael Hartman, Erin Hicks, and Maya Hartman. A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Sat., Sept. 20th at Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. Call 12:00-1:00 PM at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. Maude H. Kersman, 97, of Richlandtown, previously of Bethlehem, died Sat., July 26 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center. She was the widow of Frank T. Kersman. He was a facsimile operator for the former Bethlehem Steel Corp. for many years before retiring. Born in Hawley, she was a daughter of the late John Ward and Ruth (Kirby) Haney. Surviving are sons, Gary, wife Denise, of Quakertown and Bruce of Allentown, 4 grandchildren and one great grandson. Joseph W. Blewett, of Quakertown, died Sat. July 26, 2014, after a lengthy illness. He was 91. Joe was born in Reading on Aug. 16, 1922, son of the late Leah (Witmoyer) and John Harvey Blewett. He was a graduate of Reading High School and of West Chester University, where he met future wife Norma Mitzel in the college orchestra. Joe and Norma were married nearly 62 years until her death in May 2013. Joe served his country in the Army Air Corps during World War II, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was stationed in India and was active for many years in the China-BurmaIndia Veterans Association. Joe was a music teacher in the Quakertown Community School District for 28 years, serving as Band Director at Quakertown High School and later at Milford Middle School. He inspired a love of music for generations and was largely responsible for starting the tradition of great music programs in the Quakertown schools, which continues to this day. He retired from teaching in 1982. Joe joined the Quakertown Band as principal oboist in 1955 and was “the heart and soul” of the Band until his retirement from performing in 2010. He served as the band’s Director from 1975 until 1994. He also performed with the Ringgold Band, the Ambler Symphony, the North Penn Symphony, and the Providence Chamber Orchestra. He served as teacher and mentor to several outstanding oboe students as
well. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Quakertown. Survivors: son, Ray Thomas (Thomas Blewett) and his wife, Gayle, of Carlisle; daughter, Lynn Hasson and her husband, Mark, of Quakertown; grandchildren, Laurie Ricketts and her husband Steven, Thomas Hasson, and Katie Thomas; and great-grandchildren, Makayla and Weston. In addition to his wife, Joe was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Harvey Blewett Dorothy C. Harry, 101, of Quakertown formerly of Doylestown died Sunday, July 27, 2014. She was the wife of the late Rudy Harry. She was the daughter of the late Samuel & Mary (Martindell) Coleman. She is survived by four children Shirley Kniese, Betty Mohr, Joan Comly, and Guy, a sister Betty Feriod. Eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren. Paul H. Hubner Jr., 56 of Quakertown, died Sun. July 27th in Lemon Twp., PA. He worked in construction for many years, most recently with Kramer Brothers, Inc., Perkasie. Born in Quakertown, he was a son of the late Paul and Ruth (Kurtz) Hubner. He loved music, especially the blues, and enjoyed playing the keyboard. He often spent much of his time at Lake Carey in Tunkhannock. Surviving are his brothers, Perry, of Greenlane, Peter, of Quakertown, Phillip, wife Jamie, of Coopersburg and Patric, wife Jamye, of Coopersburg; sister, Mouse Kandel, husband Michael, of Coopersburg; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Paulette Warner. Services will be held 3:30 PM Sat., August 16th at Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. Call: 2:00-3:30 PM at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions can be made at www.charitymusic.org or to Charity Music Inc., 40736 Hayes Rd., Clinton Township MI 48038 Esther I. Sigmans, 88, of Milford Square died July 27, 2014 in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of John R. Sigmans. They were married 67 years in May. Born in Applebachsville, PA she was the daughter of the late Preston & Cora (Strawn) Schmell. Prior to retirement she helped with the family business. Esther volunteered for the Milford Township Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary for 32 years. She also enjoyed gardening and the outdoors especially trips to the shore. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pleasant Valley. In addition to her husband she is survived by her three children Sara Landis (Howard) Vivian Nichols (Richard), and Roger (Patti). A brother Ralph Schmell (Sallyann) and a sister Margaret Sigmans. Six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 2170 Route 212 Coopersburg, PA 18036.
15
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215-536-5600 Notes from American Legion Post 242 BY DICK HELM August is one of those low activity months at the Post. One special event is having the first meeting under a new or re-elected commander. This year we have a new commander (Mark Simmon). The Post commander takes on the leadership of the post and all its activities. A leader is only as good as those who support that leader. I ask you to support Mark in his term as Post Commander. It is a huge responsibility and much to my observations in the past few years, the Post Commander does not get the support for his or her committees that they need. We have over 700 members and this should be very easily accomplished. I ask all of the members to consider being on a committee when asked or better yet—Volunteer! We
still have two important services left in 2014. We along with the Quakertown Fire Company have a service on September 11th and we also participate with other local Legions in the November 11th Veteran’s Day services. Why not Volunteer to help in the arrangements for these two important services. Also we encourage the public to attend these memorial services that honor those who died from our area during the September 11th tragedy and those who served on Veteran’s Day. It is a shame to have to mention that we only had about 6 people from the general public besides Post People and the Fire Personnel attend last year’s September 11th Service. Let’s see a rekindling of our American Spirit by attending on Thursday September 11th.
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
BONUS! The letters remaining spell out a word. Can you get it? Ants Birdbath Birdhouse Bunny Bushes Butterfly Chairs Cicada
Deer Family Feeder Fence Flowers Friends Garden Gnome
Grass Grill Hammock Hose Patio Pool Potted Plant
Squirrel Statue Swing Table Trees Umbrella Worms
The answers to the puzzles on this page are found elsewhere in this issue of UBFP.
August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014
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August 2014 • Upper Bucks Free Press •
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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2014