COMMUNITY CONNECTION JANUARY 2

18th Annual

Readers Choice Best Of Culinary Awards!

It’s that time again! The Valley knows where to go when it comes to great food - and we are here to make sure everyone knows it! Here’s how it works: Tell us who YOU think has the best in the categories below for the Upper Perkiomen Valley! The Community Connection will tally up all responses received and issue Best of Certificates to our readers favorites. One lucky entry will be randomly picked to receive a $100.00 gift certificate to Weis Markets! It’s that simple! Let’s tell everyone who has the Best of the Best in The Upper Perkiomen Valley!

Best Pizza:

Best Cheese Steak:

Best Hamburger:

Best Wings:

Best Coffee:

Best Dessert:

Best Hoagie:

Best Soup:

Best Ice Cream:

Best Breakfast:

Best Family Restaurant/Cafe:

Best Dining out Restaurant:

Best French Fries:

Friendliest Service:

Best Pastries:

Best Atmosphere:

Best Tavern/Bar:

Best Chinese Food:

Best Health Food:

Best Smoothie:

Best Milkshake:

Name:

Address :

City: State: Zip:

Phone (day):

Comments:

Only

the vote.

and

of

Phone (evening):

Wood Fired Pizzas

900 Degrees - Hand Tossed - 10 Inch Personals

Neapolitan

Toppings

Pepperoni

Sausage

Fresh Mushrooms

Fresh Bell Peppers

Red Onions Bacon Broccoli

Specialty Pizzas $18.00

Margherita

Hand Crushed Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Fresh Basil

Pub Pie

Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushroom, Peppers, Onions

Chicken Bacon Ranch

Buffalo Chicken

BBQ Chicken

White with Ricotta, Broccoli, and Garlic

Vegetarian Special

Mushroom, Peppers, Onions, Broccoli, Spinach, Tomato, Garlic

White With Ricotta, Spinach, and Garlic

Shareables

Cajun Pork Potstickers

Beer Battered Onion Rings

Mozzarella Sticks

Best Fries

Jalapeno Poppers

Salads

Traditional Garden

Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Roasted Peppers, Onions, Kalamata Olives

Add Chicken $6.00

Caesar Salad

Romaine, Garlic Croutons, Shredded Parm

Add Chicken $6.00

Spinach Feta Salad

Walnuts, Onions, Tomatoes, Honey Mustard

Add Chicken $6.00

Soups

Chicken Noodle Soup

Sausage and Pasta Faggioli

Chili

Fire Toasted Sandwiches

served with Fresh hand cut Fries

Sausage , Peppers, Onions

Chicken Parmesan

Brooklyn

Grilled Chicken, Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic of Modena

The Modern 1/2 Pound Pub Burger

Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Bacon, Modern Pub Sauce

Chipotle Chicken Sandwich

Montery Jack and Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Chipotle Aioli

CheeseSteak Sandwich

0.50/each

Butterfly Shrimp Basket (8 Shrimp)

Chicken Tenders Basket

Sticky Ribs Basket - Korean BBQ

Tapped Out Shrimp (8 Shrimp)

Double Fried Chicken Wings (10 Wings)

Wood Fired Chicken Wings (10 Wings)

Choice Of : Hot, Mild, Korean BBQ, Honey Mustard, Thai Chili

Served With Ranch Or Bleu Cheese and Celery

Kids

Kids Tenders

2554 Geryville Pike, Pennsburg, PA 18073 (215) 692-4672

Learn a new game or activity such as pickle-ball, card games, knitting, or create new photo albums from your life photos. Learning a new skill helps stimulate brain cells which improves your overall well-being.

5 New Years Resolutions to help us as we age.

Join an exercise program at your local senior center to help stay strong and balanced, improve heart health and your overall physical functioning.

Join a hobby group at your local senior center to make new friends and relationships. Keep your mind young by connecting with others!

Call a loved one or an old friend that you may have lost connection with. Reigniting past happy memories improves your overall memory function and keeps us young.

Keep your home a safe and secure sanctuary to age in comfortably. De-cluttering and removing hazards in your home will improve the overall quality of your daily life and reduce unnecessary stress. Our Certified Home Safety specialist can help you identify safety hazards that are easily overlooked.

Start 2024 with your best self in mind and make your home a safer place to live as a New Years resolution.

• Install proper lighting inside and outside your home.

• Identify fall hazards such as throw rugs in your home.

• Be prepared to have someone shovel snow for you.

Still not sure if your home is as safe as it could be?

Family Caregivers can help! Our Certified Home Safety specialist will do a comprehensive safety assessment of your home and provide feedback on any safety issues, ensuring a safe and secure home for you to age in place.

Life is full of obstacles, To learn more about all the programs that Family Caregivers has to offer please give us a call or go to our website! 215 - 541 - 9030

but your home shouldn’t be.

Easy Resolutions for You and Your Dog

By Marion O’Neil

Is Fido getting fluffy or fat? It’s important to use an 8-ounce measuring cup to ensure your dog isn’t taking in more calories than he needs. No more eyeballing meals. Try not to free feed by keeping food in the bowl all day. Older pets and those who have been neutered usually have lower energy needs than young, intact dogs. Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your dog’s life stage is a great way to keep them at optimal weight.

Yearly examinations by your veterinarian are a key component of good preventive care. Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging dogs and much easier to manage when detected in the early stages of the disease process. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask questions, for advice or to update your dog’s food intake.

Brushing your dog’s coat serves many purposes. It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture. Less vacuuming is always a plus for me. It helps distribute oils from the skin to the fur keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Daily grooming is a good way to find bumps, lumps, or boo-boos.

Any brushing is better than no brushing, but daily toothbrushing is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay. Be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs. Water additives or all natural dental chews designed to reduce tartar can also be a helpful in keeping teeth clean and fresh breath.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals. In other words, keeping your dog’s brain active can actually make it healthier! Teaching your dog new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons

firing. Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.

Over the course of a year a lot can change: people move, get new phone numbers, and for get to update their dog’s tags or microchips information. Often, they only remember once the pet is lost. If any of your contact information has changed don’t wait update their tags and mi crochip information today! It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way safely home.

BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

Maximizing Your Home’s Potential: Preparing for a Successful Sale

In the recent real estate market, homes have been swiftly changing hands, often fetching prices well above their initial listing. However, the current trend is witnessing a subtle shift. Houses are lingering a bit longer on the market and not necessarily commanding the top dollar they once did. In such a dynamic scenario, getting your home ready for sale becomes crucial to ensure that it stands out and fetches the best possible price.

Small yet impactful changes can significantly enhance your home’s apparel and increase its value before it hits the market. One of the primary areas to focus on is aesthetics. Simple upgrades like a fresh coat of paint, strategic lighting enhancements, and updated hardware can breathe new life into your space. These changes might seem minor, but they carry substantial weight in creating an inviting and well-maintained environment that buyers will find attractive.

Another critical aspect often overlooked is the organization and decluttering of your home. Potential buyers are more likely to envision themselves living in a tidy and uncluttered space. A clutter-free home allows them to see the property’s potential and visualizes their own life within its walls. Therefore, starting the organization process well in advance of listing your home is vital.

For homeowners contemplating renovations with the intention to stay, it’s important to consider the potential impact on the home’s resale value. While personalizing your space is essential, understanding how these changes could affect the property’s future sale is equally crucial. Some modifications might add significant value, while others could make your home too unique, potentially deterring prospective buyers. Striking the right balance between making your space your own and preserving its resale value is key.

Whether you’re planning to sell soon, designing your dream home, or considering a renovation, it’s essential to weigh the impact of your choices on the property’s future sale. To guide you through this process, I offer a complimentary design consultation. From preparing your home for a future sale to designing your space or planning renovations, I am here to assist you in making informed and value-boosting decisions. Feel free to reach out for expert advice and to ensure that your home reaches its full potential.

phone: 888-397-7352 x1349

email: renee.pratt@exprealty.com

instagram: @reneeprattdesigns

Find your dream home today.

PHONE: 888-397-7352 X1349

EMAIL: RENEE.PRATT@EXPREALTY.COM

INSTAGRAM: @RENEEPRATTDESIGNS

RENEE PRATT REALTOR

Fun and flavorful recipes from our kitchen to yours!

Best Ever Pork Roast and Sauerkraut

Juicy and packed with so much flavor!

While pork roast and sauerkraut is a traditional New Year’s eve or Day recipe, I enjoy this recipe all year round. The aroma fills the house and brings back memories of a simpler time when Sunday dinner was still all the rage. Nowadays when I want the ultimate comfort food, this is my go to meal. Feel free to adjust the brown sugar depending on how much “bite” you want from the sauerkraut.

If you make this recipe, drop a photo on our Facebook page. We would love to hear from you!

Pork and sauerkraut. Ingredients Instructions

• 4 pound pork loin roast

boneless and at room temperature (don’t skip this step!) – this should take about 20-30 minutes from being in the fridge

• 2 pounds sauerkraut

• 1 cup chopped Vidalia onion

• 1 peeled apple, chopped

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 cup water *optional

• 2 Tbl olive oil

Adding Apples:

I add the apple to help curb the bitterness of the kraut plus it adds such an incredible depth of flavor to the kraut! It’s a must try in my book! If you like it more bitter.

Preheat oven to 325F, place rack in the middle. Pat the pork dry and sprinkle the entire roast with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add in olive oil. Sear all sides until golden brown approx. 5-8 minutes per side.

In a Dutch oven with a lid, place the sauerkraut over the bottom. Sprinkle over onions, apples and brown sugar. Place the seared pork roast on top of the sauerkraut. If you’ve drained your sauerkraut, add water. If you did not you do not need the water. You want at least a cup of liquid in the pot.

Cover tightly with a lid and bake for about 2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads between 145F-150F. While it’s cooking check the pot to ensure that it’s not drying out. If needed, add more water. Remove from the oven once the thermometer reads 145F-150F. Carefully remove the roast from the pan and place on a cutting board covering loosely with foil.

Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes:

Adding Brown Sugar

Adding sugar is completely optional as it to how bitter/ sour you like your kraut. If your Kraut is really bitter, add the full amount of sugar. Start with a 1/4 cup if desired.

Prevent it from drying out

You need to ensure that your pot has a tight seal. If it does not, add foil to cover the pot and then the lid. If you do not have a lid, ensure that the foil is fitted snugly.

THE "RHOAD" TO HEALTH

Dan Rhoads provides health insurance, life insurance, and investment advisory services. He’s been working in financial services since 2016.

Everything that Dan does under “Health & Wealth” is based on his belief that individuals and families deserve clarity, security, and personal freedom in preparing for their healthcare and retirement

needs. Access to those qualities should not be dependent upon your employer.

He educates his clients on how insurance and investing works. His level of honesty and the depth of the explanations that he provides will help you.. And he really knows what he’s doing, saving people money on insurance and guiding them on how to grow and protect

HEALTH & WEALTH...

their life’s savings. This level of trust and transparency is what wins him clients’ trust.

Call him at (484) 460-3922, and you’ll see why so many people keep coming back for his support, renewing their benefits, year after year.

Specific services that Dan provides include:

Health insurance

Dental/Vision

Medicare

Life Insurance

Investment portfolios

Retirement planning

Disclosures: In his capacity as an insurance broker, he may provide recommendations regarding purchase of health and life insurance products and may receive commissions and incentives accordingly. Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through Simplicity Wealth, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Subadvisory services offered through Simplicity Solutions, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Accounts are secured with SIPC - protected investment banking services. Insurance services offered by Dan Rhoads are separate and unaffiliated entities from Simplicity Wealth and Simplicity Solutions.

WHAT DOES COMMUNITY MEAN TO US?

What is community? A group of people? A place? A mindset? We believe it’s all of the above. It’s a group of like-minded people who join together to make a place more than a geographic location, for the betterment of one another and their region. We believe in great relationships, and in our magazine motto, “Because we know local matters” Behind every coupon and marketing strategy is a desire to help a local business survive and thrive.

Why? Here are just a few of the reasons:

• If we don’t have small, independently run businesses in our community, we don’t have a “community.”

•Local businesses give each community a unique flavor or personality. From sponsoring local events, to donations, small businesses are the backbone of the community.

•Owners of local businesses hire residents as their employees and contribute to the area’s financial stability.

•Shoppers are more likely to receive one-on-one help at a small business and build ongoing vendor relationships and lasting friendships.

•Stability filters down to every level – to the support of local teams, pride in our downtowns, to stronger and better schools and chambers…in essence, to communities that thrive!

Warm this winter Keeping

Everyone wants to save on their heating bill, so here are 10 ways to cut heating costs and keep your home warmer in the cold season!

During the chilly months of fall and winter, no matter what heat source you use—oil, gas, electricity, or wood—you can cut costs by adopting temporary measures to keep the thermostat turned down. Here are some money-saving tips for cutting the cost of cold snaps.

Keeping Down Heating Costs

Keep doors and vents open in each room to keep air circulating properly throughout your home. In most cases, when heating your home, it’s best to keep the doors and vents open; closing the vents or doors can actually make your heating system work harder and less efficiently, and may cause leaks in the ductwork or other problems. Move furniture back from the heating vents so that you get all the heat you’re paying for!

Hang blankets over the windows at night.

Get insulated curtains in your windows to trap heat. Or, just tape or thumbtack the sides and bottom of blankets to the walls or windowsills to maximize the insulation value. (Press the tacks or tape under the bottom of the sill and over the top of the frame to hide any damage to the finish.) Remove the coverings on the south side of the house during the day to let in the warming sunlight.

Cover cracks around doors and windowsills with rugs, newspaper, towels, or other insulation.

Window-sealing kits can be bought at hardware stores, too.

Use electric space heaters in living or work areas.

These are more efficient than the furnace for localized heating, and they will allow you to set the thermostat lower for the whole house. Always be sure to use space heaters in open areas only.

Put on layers.

The real trick to staying warm is to dress in layers, so get a few pairs of long underwear and longsleeve undershirts that you can wear in addition to your regular lounge clothes. Don’t underestimate the heating power of a wool sweater! Don’t forget about slippers! And if you’re really chilly, wear a cap or hat! (even to bed!)

Add layers to your furniture.

Don’t forget to add warm blankets to your sofa and flannel sheets on your bed and even extra rugs to your floors (especially the bathroom)!

Change your furnace filter.

A dirty filter increases your heating bill. It’s worthwhile to change your filter every month if needed! It goes without saying that an annual furnance tune-up is well worth the money saved.

Lower the thermostat.

For many heating systems, if you are home during the day, it is best to keep to the lowest comfortable temperature; an often recommended setting is 68°F. When you are asleep or away for several hours, however, it makes sense and cents to lower the thermostat about 8 to 10 degrees. Tip: A programmable thermostat will make the adjustments for you. (Note: If you have a heat pump, a more moderate, constant setting works best; or use a programmable thermostat specifically designed for heat pumps.) During extreme cold snaps, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature that your furnace can handle (the furnace will work better at lower temperatures), and keep it at that temperature both day and night. (Remember that setting the thermostat higher than your goal won’t make the home heat faster.) If you are planning to be away for a few days, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F, to help prevent water pipes from freezing during cold weather.

Check the damper.

Shut the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Check the seals around the damper to make sure that thay are tight.

Drink a warm drink.

Though consuming the hot liquid will only warm you marginally, holding a warm mug in your hands can really help!

ReCurve wants to thank our loyal customers and friends for your support these past few months! While we are sad to be leaving the Upper Perkiomen Valley, we are happy to report we are moving to a new location in beautiful Skippack Village!

Our official last day in Pennsburg is January 27th, so be sure to stop in and shop! Watch our facebook page for news and updates as we transition to our gorgeous new home!

Things to do in January

The festivities are over — all the family dinners, open houses, parties... poof, done! Here are a few things to do around the house this month while you have some downtime.

1. Review presents and hostess gifts

Of course your friends and family love you and were grateful for your hospitality, but no doubt you don’t really need all the tokens of affection you received. Surely someone else could make better use of that collection of tea, those pot holders or that picture frame? Hold on to what you love, by all means, but get rid of the rest by dropping it off at open link or The Community Thrift store.

2. Tapers, tea lights, scented...

Candles make the season and since you’ve probably gone through a whack of them, replace your stock now. They don’t have a shelf life so it’ll be one less thing to shop for next year.

3. Move the furniture

You may be surprised what you find there. Take the cushions off sofas and chairs, vacuum along the wall behind the furniture and then turn your attention to the inside of the furniture itself. After the hosting you’ve done, no doubt it needs it.

4. Sort your CDs

Are there songs or compilations you wish you’d had at your last get-together? Are there CDs you just never listen to anymore? Now’s the time to get rid of those and make a list of the titles you want to add to your collection. Look online –- some of your favorites may be on sale now.

5. Clean out the fridge

All those half bottles of olives, maraschino cherries, and other garnishes that you use only for special occasions… Those opened containers of sauces, dips and marinades that don’t work with weekday meals… why hold on to them? The next time you need them, they will probably have passed their best-before date. Either plan menus around them or get rid of them and don’t feel guilty about it.

6. Inspect your seasonal decorations

When you put them away, look for missing hooks or broken bits on balls and wreaths. You can probably fix them yourself, but if you can’t, get rid of them now and use this as an excuse to go shopping again. There will no doubt be serious bargains to be had.

7. Restock the liquor cabinet

You may have used up a lot of your mix and stand-by offerings like vodka, rum or scotch. It’s always nice to have a few sweet after-dinner bottles as well, and they may also be close to empty now that the guests have gone.

8. Take care of your dinner party accessories

Polish the silver and pack it away carefully. Check table linens for small holes before washing them and putting them away. Don’t bother putting them away if they need to be mended. It’s easier to take care of this stuff now, rather than adding it to your to-do list when you’re in the throes of getting ready for the next holiday.

9. Deal with your pictures

Take that film in if you used a traditional camera or download the precious ones if you’ve gone digital. If you wait till after the next celebration, you’ll feel overwhelmed by them all. Sit down now and edit the great ones from the less-than-stellar and make a plan for them all. As you create a file, e-mail them to people who were in the shots, as a way of saying thank you for celebrating with us. (You’ll kill two birds, as they say; see number 10.) And if you’re going to hang on to all the shots yourself, pick up a few photo albums now.

10. Send thank-you cards

Keeping on top of holiday notes can be tough when you’re in the middle of planning, celebrating and shopping. But now that things have slowed down, there’s more time to draft short missives of gratitude. Do it — you’ll feel good about it.

HANDY HINT

HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT

Once you learn how to make this vanilla extract recipe, you’ll never go back to storebought again! This homemade vanilla is rich in flavor but very simple to make for baking or for gifts. You can also customize the flavor by using vodka, rum, or bourbon as the base. Simply add vanilla beans to the above liquor of your choice, and in approx. 6 months you will have homemade vanilla extract! For more info on how to make some of your own amazing vanilla extract, visit https://livingthenourishedlife. com/homemade-vanilla-extract.

Answer to December Puzzle

Hey kids, color me!

ccm MONTHLY EVENTS

Submit your events to donnao@ccmonthly.com prior to the 12th of the month

JANUARY 20 · 11AM

CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT

East Greenville Fire Company Social Club, 401 Washington St, East Greenville Event is indoors. 1.00 DRAFTS and food is available for purchase. Round Robin Style Pay with 4 games and Single Elimination. Cash Prize. Bags are Provided by the Department. Fundraiser for the Firefighters for Equipment and Gear. $60.00 per team of 2 people

JANUARY 20 · 4PM-7PM

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Trinity Great Swamp UCC, 9150 Spinnerstown Road, Spinnerstown

Our Dinners are Back! Spaghetti Dinner with full Salad Bar (all you can eat), Saturday, January 20, 4pm – 7pm. Trinity Great Swamp UCC, 9150 Spinnerstown Road, Spinnerstown. Adults - $15.00, Child (4 – 12) - $10.00, 3 and under are free. Takeout available. Call 215-679-7710 with questions.

JANUARY 21 · 11AM -3PM

WINTER CRAFT SHOW AT THE FARM

Hausman’s Fruit Farm • 2822 Limeport Pike, Coopersburg

Chase the winter chills away with some arts, crafts, and food! Just in time for Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Easter, and Mother’s Day or plenty of items for every day use. Vendor applications available ONLY through Fun-Nominal Events and Debi Rice. Payments ONLY made to Fun-Nominal Events and Debi Rice. No other person or group is accepting vendors. Interested in being a vendor? To become a vendor please message 484-239-4925 or email debi@funnominalevents.com for an application and space availability. Also include what you make/sell so we can avoid duplication.

JANUARY 29 · 5:30PM

VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT NIGHT AT THE UPPER PERKIOMEN VALLEY LIBRARY

The Upper Perkiomen Library, 350 Main St. Red Hill

We’ll be making a heart-shaped wreath with discarded puzzle pieces. Use it to decorate your home or give it to your favorite valentine. Free and open to the public ages 18 and over. Please bring a glue gun. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 215-679-2020

Tor’s Taste T UR

2024. It’s a new year, new me, right? Absolutely not. If you think this is the year I’m suddenly going to listen to the chit chat about needing to reinvent myself just because it’s January you are incorrect, my friend. Instead, I’m pledging to continue to do me, but in a better, more positive, happier, more productive, sweeter, tastier, more gooey way. Wait what? Gooey? Yep, for 2024 we are only interested in ooey, gooey sticky buns, and that’s that.

This month I had a recommendation to check out the scrumptious treats at Aunt Nannie’s Bake shop in Bechtelsville. We picked up a “tandy cake”, some thumbprint cookies and some sticky buns topped with raisins. First the tandy cake was delicious, and I wanted to tell you more about it, but I must immediately get to the sticky buns because I think they were the best I’ve ever had, like so good my soul left my body. These were sooo doughy, obviously fresh, soft, gooey, sweet but not overly sweet, and topped with the most delicious topping sauce! I picked raisins for my topping but you also could order yours plain or topped with nuts! GO. GET. THEM.

I hope you truly believed me when I say they were the best I’ve ever had and are absolutely worth the 30 minute ride back for me! Is your mouth watering yet? In case it is, I’ll give you the info about Aunt Nannie’s Bake Shop. They are located at 913 PA-100, w. They have tons of parking, and plenty of seats in case you want to eat your treats in. Tell ‘em Tor sent ya!