Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2021

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2021

What’s Going On in Upper Bucks?

Now to August 18

UBACE Student Band free youth organization looking for musically talented students 6th to 12th grade to join Upper Bucks Alliance for Creative Expression. First practice begins August 18, 7pm-9pm at Haycock Community Ctr. FMI: ubace.org

July 30

“Onward” Movie in the Park:7pm-10pm (pre-show entertainment, movie at sunset) Free event at Univest Performance Ctr, 301 W Mill St, Quakertown. Entertainment, Rita’s Italian Ice for snacks. FMI: 267-372-7275

July 31

Craft/Vendor Event 8am-2pm at Springtown Fire Co, 3010 Rte 212. Light food & drinks sold by the fire company.

Good Time Motorvators’ By the Moonlite Car Show at 5pm-9pm. (r/d Aug 1) at Pennridge HS, 1228 N 5th St, Perkasie. Food, music, trophies, etc. FMI email: goodtimemotorvators@yahoo.com Springfield Twp Histor. Soc. Open House 9:30am-12noon at Church School, 2165 Rte 212, Pleasant Valley (GPS Coopersburg) across from Trinity Lutheran. View historical documents, etc. Free to all. FMI: Tom 484-308-1510

July 31 to August 7

Quakertown Fire Dept Carnival (6-10pm, Sat 5-10pm) Memorial Park, 4th & Mill Sts. Rides, games, food. Music: Alex Buono Band, Flirtin with the Mob, Shake, Rattle & Soul, Qtown Band. Fireworks on Friday. FMI: Check us on Facebook.

August 1

Ice Cream Festival 3pm-8pm at St. Luke’s Old Williams Church, 20 Church Rd, Hellertown. Food, games, live music. FMI: 610-838-0897.

Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” (comedy/ live music) 5pm-7:30pm at Theatre on the Verge Amphitheater at Green Lane Park, 2298 Green Lane Rd. Free admission, donations accepted. Bring chair/blanket to sit on.

Pre-register: 215-234-4528

PA BLAST Con (Bringing Learning And Superheroes Together) 11am-4pm. Details: pablastcon.com. Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115.

‘Oldies Dance’ w/DJ Jimmy Kelly (opens 6:30pm, dance 7pm-10pm) at Green Lane Fire Co, 214 Main St, Rte 63, Green Lane.

Couples/Singles welcome. Cash bar, free decaf coffee, bring snacks. $10/adm. FMI 215-453-9841.

August 8

August 15

Summer Craft Fair-Larissa’s Knack 4 Krafts & Fur Mama Creations. 10am-4pm. Candles, woodworking, home décor, more. Located in North lot of Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115 Outdoor Hymn Sing & Ice Cream Social, 6:30pm at First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Rd, Quakertown. Bring lawn chair, held rain/shine. FMI: 215-536-7510.

‘Little Red Rooster Blues Band’ Concert 6pm-8pm at Theatre on the Verge Amphitheater at Green Lane Park, 2298 Green Lane Rd. Free admission, donations accepted. Bring chair/ blanket to sit on. Pre-register: 215-234-4528 “Robert Eric Band” -Concert SundaesMusic in the Park at 7pm, Community Park, 95 W Reliance Rd, Souderton. Bring chairs, pets welcome! indianvalleyartsfoundation.org/ concertsundaes

“Maddie Pearl” 1pm-4pm, Free Concert at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115 “Barefoot Bobby & the Breakers” (family fun) r/d Aug 22-Concerts in the Park 2pm-4pm at Al Reese Park, 100 W Park Ave, Silverdale.

FMI: silverdalepa.org or 215-257-5550.

“Zydeco-A-Go-Go” -Concert SundaesMusic in the Park at 7pm, Community Park, 95 W Reliance Rd, Souderton. Bring chairs, pets welcome! indianvalleyartsfoundation.org/ concertsundaes

August 9

August 18

Family Education Program on Addiction first three Mon. of month 7pm. Understand the impact on everyone involved. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. FMI: 215-527-3077. Register: 800-221-6333.

Craft Show by Jennifer Lynn Events, 11am4pm. Local artists/crafters at North Lot of Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115 “Travis Wetzel” -Concert Sundaes Music in the Park at 7pm, Community Park, 95 W Reliance Rd, Souderton. Bring chairs, pets welcome! indianvalleyartsfoundation.org/ concertsundaes 45th Collectors Car Show/Flea Mkt 10am3pm (r/s) Register day of show 8am-noon.

First PA Mustang Club at Macungie Memorial Park, 50 N Poplar St. 610-248-9739 or email 1stpamustang@gmail.com

August 10

August 2

August 13

Family Education Program on Addiction first 3 Mon. of month 7pm. Understand the impact on everyone involved. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. Register: 800-221-6333.

August 4

“Jake’s Rockin’ Country Band” Summer Concert Series, 7pm-9pm at Perkasie’s Menlo Park, 425 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. FMI: perkasieborough.org/our-events or 215-257-5065.

“Jesse Garron & Band” (Elvis tribute) FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts, 7pm at C&N Amphitheater, 425 Wells Rd, Doylestown.

FMI: doylestownrec.com or 215-348-9915.

August 6

“Pokemon Detective Pikachu” (PG) Free Drive-In Movie begins at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, 1 Luther Ln, Trumbauersville.

Snack stand will be open. Everyone is welcome! FMI: 215-536-3193.

August 6 & 7

Rummage Sale & Bake Sale (Fri 8:30am4pm) (Sat 8:30am-2pm) at St. Luke’s Lutheran, 470 Church Hill Rd, Kintnersville.

August 7

Italian Hoagie Sale 10am until sold out. $6/ ea. Pre-orders (encouraged) must be made by noon Aug. 5. Call 610-346-7401 or text 610-248-2843. Passer Community Ctr, 2580 Richlandtown Pike, Coopersburg.

“Magic & More” (11am & 1pm Gemini Entertainment) (12noon & 2pm Al Grout), two free Magic Shows (also games w/prizes for kids) North lot of Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115.

19th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Car Show 3pm7pm at Quakertown Airport, 2425 Milford Sq Pike, Quakertown. $20 to enter car. FMI: 267-614-1366

“Bach at Noon” virtual concert 12noon-1pm

by Bach Choir of Bethlehem Online. FMI:bach. org.event.bach-at-noon or 610-866-4382

August 11

“Reservoir Hill Band” (mix of blues, country & rock) Summer Concert Series, 7pm-9pm at Perkasie’s Menlo Park, 425 Arthur Ave, Perkasie. FMI: perkasieborough.org/ourevents or 215-257-5065.

“Sensational Soul Cruisers” (Motown) FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts, 7pm at C&N Amphitheater, 425 Wells Rd, Doylestown.

FMI: doylestownrec.com or 215-348-9915.

“Bring Your Own Kayak” 8:30pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown for a delightful evening paddle. Pre-regis. needed. $10 (mbrs free) 215-348-6270 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org/ events-calendar “The Hooters” perform 5:30pm at Univest Performance Center, 301 W Mill St, Quakertown. Tkts: Quakertownevents.com ‘2nd Friday in Quakertown’ from 6pm10pm at The Gathering Place, 351 W Broad St, Quakertown. Live music, food truck, games, BYOB. “Sonic the Hedgehog” (PG) Free DriveIn Movie begins at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, 1 Luther Ln, Trumbauersville. Snack stand will be open. Everyone is welcome! FMI: 215-536-3193.

August 14

Christ’s Community Café! Free ‘to-go’ style lunches 9am-11am at First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown. Stop by and grab one while supplies last.

“Polysynthetic Band” 10am-12:15pm, Free Concert at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115

August 16

Family Education Program on Addiction first three Mon. of month 7pm. Understand the impact on everyone involved. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Rd, Perkasie. FMI: 215-527-3077. Register: 800-221-6333.

“Little Red Rooster” (blues) FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts, 7pm at C&N Amphitheater, 425 Wells Rd, Doylestown. doylestownrec.com or 215-348-9915.

August 19

Community Dinner (3rd Thurs) 5:30pm at First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown.

FMI: 215-536-4447.

August 20

“Spiderman Far From Home” (PG-13) Free Drive-In Movie begins at dusk, Christ’s Lutheran, 1 Luther Ln, Trumbauersville.

Snack stand will be open. Everyone is welcome! FMI: 215-536-3193.

August 21

Bounce & Boogie (inflatable fun for kids & adults) 11am-3pm. Two huge inflatables, 40’ Mega Obstacle Course, 24’ Dual Slide. Live band music. Free event at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115.

“Sunset Skyz Music Duo” 12noon-3pm, Free Concert at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115 Upper Bucks Brewfest! At Park at 4th, Quakertown. 1pm-5pm. VIP Entry 12noon.

Tickets on sale now! Also cornhole tournament, music, raffles, vendors, food trucks. FMI: UpperBucksBrewfest.com or 215-536-2273 22nd ‘Under the Stars’ Car Show 4pm-8pm.

Over 400 antique, classic & custom vehicles Special exhibit “The British are Coming” FMI: Borough Hall 215-257-6875.

‘Oldies Dance’ w/DJ Jim Tighe (opens 6:30pm, dance 7pm-10pm) at Green Lane Fire Co, 214 Main St, Rte 63. Couples/Singles welcome. Cash bar, free decaf coffee, bring snacks. $10/adm. FMI 215-453-9841.

August 22

“Avilion” 12noon-2pm, Free Concert at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115 Basket Bingo (open 11:30am, games 1pm) Sellersville Fire Dept, 2 N Main St. Tkt:$25/ adv, $30/door (incl. 24 games & lunch) Email: sfdbasketbingo@yahoo.com or 215-257-4028 x305. Filled Longaberger baskets, wrought iron & pottery. Many extras! Ticket Required

“High Noon” Concert Sundaes-Music in the Park at 7pm, Community Park, 95 W Reliance Rd, Souderton. Bring chairs, pets welcome! FMI: indianvalleyartsfoundation. org/concertsundaes

August 25

10th Annual Upper Perk Bird/Wildlife Festival (exhibits, hayrides, music, food) 11am-3pm, Amphitheater at Green Lane Park, 2298 Green Lane Rd. Free admission, donations accepted. Bring chair/blanket to sit on.

Pre-register: 215-234-4528 “Flying Ivories” (interactive piano show) FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts, 7pm at C&N Amphitheater, 425 Wells Rd, Doylestown.

FMI: doylestownrec.com or 215-348-9915.

‘Villages of Hilltown Twp’ 7pm by Historical Society at Hilltown Twp Municipal Bldg, 13 W Creamery Rd & Rte 152, Silverdale. Free, donations accepted. FMI: 215-559-4055

August 27

“The Beach Boys” perform 5:30pm at Univest Performance Center, 301 W Mill St, Quakertown. Tkts: Quakertownevents.com

August 28

Just Clowning Around! Free event 11am3pm, Balloon creations, Magic, Comedy & Juggling shows, Carnival games w/prizes.

Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. FMI: 215-536-4115.

August 29

Red Cross Blood Drive 10am-3pm in Dept 201 at Quakertown Farmers Mkt, 201 Station Rd. (redcross.org code word: qmart for appointments) Free Concert in the Park: Quakertown Band will play 6:30pm-8:30pm at Univest Performance Ctr, 301 W Mill St, Quakertown.

“Timothy Bentch”-Concert Sundaes-Music in the Park at 7pm, Community Park, 95 W Reliance Rd, Souderton. Bring chairs, pets welcome! indianvalleyartsfoundation.org/ concertsundaes

Sept 1

B.C. Choral Society (Sondheim & Hammerstein) FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts, 7pm at C&N Amphitheater, 425 Wells Rd, Doylestown. FMI: doylestownrec. com or 215-348-9915.

September 4

“Vulture Day” 2pm-3pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. No fee, pre-registration required.

Activities, games & a walk to view these important birds. FMI: 215-348-6270 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org

September 6 Labor Day September 11 Patriot Day

Haycock One-Room School 71st Reunion, St. Paul’s Lutheran, 837 Old Bethlehem Rd, Applebachsville. (12noon lunch), (1:30pm meeting). Bring covered dish, drinks & ice cream provided for dessert. FMI: 215-2068563 or 215-536-4747 Quakertown Historical Soc. Market Day Antique Extravaganza & Car Show 8am-1pm at Burgess Foulke House, 26 N Main St. Vendors/$20, Cars/$5 suggested donation.

FMI: 267-772-1891.

Park-Side Food Truck Festival 12noon-6pm at The Park at 4th in Quakertown. Lots of food, fun, music, vendors, beer garden, yard games & much more.

September 12

“Bountiful Bugs” Naturalist Foray 2pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown. No fee.FMI: 215348-6270 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org “Project 31 (rock & roll dance & funk, Motown) r/d Sept 19-Concerts in the Park 2pm-4pm at Al Reese Park, 100 W Park Ave, Silverdale. FMI: silverdalepa.org or 215-257-5550.

September 16

“Bring Your Own Kayak” 8:30pm at Nature Ctr in Doylestown for a delightful evening paddle. Pre-regis. needed. $10 (mbrs free) 215-348-6270 or peacevalleynaturecenter.org/ events-calendar Community Dinner (3rd Thurs) 5:30pm at First UCC, 4th & Park Ave, Quakertown.

FMI: 215-536-4447.

August 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Have something to share with your community? info@ubfp.org • 215-529-8915

582 S. West End Blvd • Quakertown, PA 18951

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2021

The 100 Year Flood of 2020 Recently, I received an email from my Quakertown High School, Class of 1970 president (and ex-neighbor), Jay David Williams. At his home in the Mountain West, Dave reads the Upper Bucks Free Press on-line and enjoys the mutual memories I often share there. Dave specifically mentioned an article I wrote about the Licking Run Creek. Along that little stream, which runs the length of Quakertown Borough, Dave seems to have had nearly as many adventures as I did, during our formative years.

For the most part, I’ve enjoyed living along the Licking Run Even though, these days, it dries up most summers. I appreciate the wildlife: suckers swimming upstream to spawn in spring, frogs croaking on a summer’s evening, snapping turtles laying eggs in my gardens, ducks paddling by. It’s often calmed my nerves as I sat in the yard staring at reflections in the slowly flowing water while pensively muttering “Om.” However, the creek has given me plenty of headaches, too, mostly in the form of a perpetually wet basement. It’s made that space almost useless for storage or any activity. If there’s a power failure during a heavy storm, I soon have a puddle starting. If there’s a misaligned spouting, the runoff percolates through

the cinder blocks and overwhelms the sump pump. If the pump float sticks while I’m on vacation, it’s soon knee deep in water.

Since I’m in the Licking Run’s flood plain, the federal government requires that I buy flood insurance, with its annually inflating premium. For decades, I’ve complained every July when payment is due. But, it’s like my auto coverage and earthquake insurance on my place in California; it seems a waste of money till the disaster hits.

One day last August (2020), disaster did strike along the Licking Run. We got 7 inches of rain and the mythical, 100 year flood arrived. Over a period of a couple of hours I nervously watched the water rise. It swelled out of the banks and gradually crept up the yard toward the house. When the neighbor’s pile of mulch bags disappeared down stream and their backyard deck floated loose and drifted up against our fence, I knew it was trouble.

I’ve always argued that having a fire is better than having a flood. A flood can stop a fire, but nothing can stop a flood. As the Licking Run continued to rise that afternoon, as it spread out across adjacent yards and fields, I donned my rain gear and grabbed a shovel.

In a desperate effort to save my basement, I dug up slabs of sod from the yard and stacked them around the exterior entry. By then, the subterranean inflow had already overwhelmed my sump pumps and the water was up to the

second basement step.

When another downpour hit, all my efforts to dike the cellar stairwell turned fruitile (a coined word I use—it was both fruitless and futile). The Licking Run continued to rise until it topped the exterior stairwell and began cascading down the steps and walls. It continued for the next hour, until my basement was filled to the rafters. During a flash thunderstorm in the mid-1960’s (less than 100 years ago), was the only time I’d seen a worse flood in my part of Quakertown.

I had a potential ecological disaster on my hands. I don’t know whose bright idea it was, but from the time I moved in, the fuel oil tank had been stored in the basement. Oil is lighter than water, so as the water rose, the tank broke loose from its anchors, twisted and bent the pipes and floated up against the basement rafters. A Quakertown fireman, surveying the damage to homes along the creek, came by. He told me to call 911 if I smelled fuel oil leaking.

Fortunately, I never did.

When the rain finally stopped and the water level began to recede, I called my insurance agent. I wanted to get the bureaucratic ball rolling (these days, the NSA, not FEMA, handles flood claims). The idiocy of tearing up my yard to try to save the day became clear as I turned an ankle in the muddy, dug-up mess my backyard had become. Though the electrical outlet was under water by then, my main sump pump never quit running?! By morning the basement was empty, and the desperate situation with my oil tank was revealed.

The insurance adjuster was there in a day or two and, surprisingly, made things smoother.

I called people to get quotes on addressing the repairs and clean-up the adjuster suggested. If everything on his list was not done, I would not be covered in (please no!), in the next flood. It was a frantic stressful time.

The most critical problem was the fuel oil.

Fortunately I have an electric water heater to supplement my hot water heat system. Within a week or two the tank was pumped out and replaced with an above ground one, and most of the clean-up was done. Within a month I had all the electrical switches and fixtures replaced.

And, to address the long-time wet-basement problem, I had a ‘basement dry’ system installed.

Thankfully, reimbursement checks from the NSA arrived promptly. It was certainly welcomed, but some allowances were ridiculously low. For example: approved for oil tank job = $800; cost = $2,200. But, it was ‘better than nothing.’ After the deductibles, I received not quite half the total amount I spent to recover from the Licking Run’s 100 year flood of 2020. That figure, coincidently, amounted to about half the amount I’d paid for premiums over the time I had the policy.

Living next to the Licking Run, for the most part, has been okay, but sooner or later the creek’s gonna rise. I hear the Bitterroot Mountains had a record snow fall this past winter, so Dave Williams had his own weather related problems. I just thought he might like to hear about the old neighborhood’s 100 year flood..

Jack Schick is a long time Quakertown area resident and regular contributor here at

UBFP. Reach him at sjckschc@aol.com

Why I Still Use Treats

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Every time I walk my dogs, I try to bring along a treat pouch with a mishmash of various treats. Maybe I’ll have some kibble, dried liver, some cheese, apple chunks, or dog treats.

Recently, someone remarked, “What, you still need to carry treats for your dogs?” Well, no, of course I don’t need to, but why on earth wouldn’t I? During our walks, I can come across plenty of perfect opportunities to toss my four-legged girls a reward to let them know they have done something I liked.

Like the day we came face-to-face with a half a dozen chickens at a trailhead. What did Kai do when she saw the chickens? Well, in the past, she would have taken off like a bullet towards the chickens, with me skidding behind her on my heels like a cartoon character. At first we both were startled. I wasn’t sure what was making the bushes move. I was hoping it wasn’t something venomous or smelly. Kai was pretty excited and on high alert. Her hair was standing on end. She didn’t bark, but she was pulling me towards the hidden chickens. I

told Kai to follow me with two cues, “Leave It” and “Let’s Go.” I’ll be a monkey’s uncle, she trotted right after me. Of course I had to make it rain treats for being such a good girl.

Yay for me!

I had a hard time teaching Kai not to chase bicycles when we were out on walks. She would bark and lunge as they would pass by us. I appreciate that most bike riders will let you know if they are coming up behind you by shouting “on your left’ before they would overtake you.

A few riders aren’t always as courteous. They just fly by with no warning. I know it scares the heck out me but also they startle Kai, too.

When I would hear a holler “on your left.” I would quickly move over and tell Kai to sit. I usually have a clicker with me when I ‘m using treats. I was able to mark the instant that she didn’t lunge at the bike rider then I handed her multiple treats with plenty of praise. I always say, ”Pay attention to your dogs when they’re being good. It’s easier to teach a dog what to do, not, what not to do.”

Submitted by Marion C. O’Neil CPDT-KA, CTDI, owner and instructor for Molasses Creek Dog Training, LLC, Quakertown. She www.molassescreekdogtraining.com

August 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

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Shade Trees Around the Farmhouse As we drove from New Holland to Centerville Bulk Foods on Scenic Rd in rural Gordonville, Lancaster County to pickup cheese, various noodles, and baking supplies at our favorite Mennonite/Amish run store, I reminisced of Upper Bucks farms back in the day. I usually do this on our frequent trips to Shady Maple Restaurant and Market. Oh how I wished Upper Bucks would again look like that lovely farm area we drive through.

This trip I noticed the large trees surrounding the farmhouses as I remember the same here in Richland and Milford Townships when I was part of the class of ’61. Besides the beauty of these mostly Maple, Ash, and Poplar trees some had Weeping Willow Trees shading the long front porches.

Now I will give a small history lesson on to why and where the farmhouses and barns were located in a special area on the deeded acreage of the early Pa, Dutch (German) farms.

Unlike the way the land of these former farms is now on the best most Perk approved land is used for housing development of these once beautiful scenic farms of my youth, the house and barn were located in the wetter acreage.

Why? Many wet areas were open back in the 1700’s as the Native Americans kept this open for their villages because they were near the springs and scrub trees that were easy to clear to place their temporary homes on. They would then clear the trees, plant their crops in those areas until the land was “worn out” then move their villages to the next wet area as they kept clearing and planting. When the immigrants arrived they too developed the land keeping the wetter areas for the homes and farm buildings as they were near the best water source and logically using the best soil for their crops and pastures. They were confined to the usual 100-150 acres deeded to them so they fertilized and rotated their crops to keep the soil fresh.

History lesson closed! Why would these trees around the farmhouses on this 15-minute ride I am always so anxious to take to Centerville that gets this 77-year-old remembering our area when it was truly beautiful?

Once again, I have done research and just plain logic on why they had “Certain Trees,” The big choices of trees in the past were Maple Trees. Maple Trees are early to blossom and loose their leaves late in the fall. The trees can be trimmed back and the canopy is lower than most giving cooling shade in the summer. The next tree of choice was the Poplar Tree. Popler Trees are quick growing have a wonderful root system and to the early German and Swiss immigrants who traveled North for boat passage

were a good omen as they had tulip flowers on them. They remembered seeing the vast tulip fields in Holland and Northern Germany as they went to the ports to come to the land of freedom-America. Ash Trees grew tall and were more risky for home destruction. They had less shade, but gave the home owners a warning of dying as they start dying from the top to bottom and having a good root system preventing them from early blow down as they were dying Oak trees, even though the wood is great for burning and is known as “The Mighty Oak” have a surface root system and have a greater chance to topple over in strong winds and very few people had them next to their homes. The “Pin” oak seemed to be the best for close to the house use. Pine trees are a hazard and were hardly ever used, as summer storms and fall hurricanes would cause the whole tree to fall on the buildings. All these trees not only helped for shade but also helped to hold the soil and water around the homestead. Around here, many of these regal stone homes now stand stark naked in amongst the homes built around them. Remember seeing “Weeping Willow” trees in front of your grandparents home? I do and we spent many hours swinging on the rope and board swing hanging from its bending lower branches.

Today we hang colorful “plastic” hummingbird feeders on narrow porches that barely protect use from the rain. When we had a “front” porch added to our home, we had it wide enough so we could be out when it rained and enjoy watching the weather. Back in the day, porches were draped in Wisteria or Trumpet vines from end to end. The hummingbirds were around constantly. Remember walking through the grape arbors in the back yard and plucking the purple grapes that you weren’t supposed to touch. The telltale skins that were spit out gave us away. They too are gone!

That 15-minute drive to Scenic Road to the Centerville Bulk Foods with its sky lights and gas light illuminated aisle still has all this and my heart yearns to see it again and again. Yes, shopping in that store after finding room to park our GMC amongst the horse and wagon regular patrons is interesting and economical.

My enjoyment is in seeing these farms that remind me of my early life in RURAL Upper Bucks County as more important! My hope is that progress and the new normal do not affect this area and it keeps its rural beauty. I also hope this article jars your memory of these more peaceful and less troublesome times.

Next time you go to Shady Maple, drive off the main road a bit and observe these memories as my wife (also our dog) and I do!

Dick Helm is a long time Quakertown area resident

and

regular

contributor

here

UBFP. Reach him at rbh9@verizon.net.

at

The Nuts and Bolts of a Durable Power of Attorney

BY ROBERT E. FRAVEL, ESQ. Without a doubt, one of the most commonly used estate planning documents is the Durable Power of Attorney. But what exactly is a Durable Power of Attorney and how does it work? Hopefully this article will clear up any questions surrounding the Durable Power of Attorney and help you decide if this is an estate planning document that would benefit your situation.

What is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a document that grants legal rights and authorities from one person (called the “principal”, to another person (called the “agent” or “attorney in fact”). The agent essentially steps into the shoes of the principal and acts for him or her on financial and business matters. The agent can do whatever the principal may do – withdraw funds from bank accounts, pay bills, trade stocks, cash checks, etc. – except as provided for by the actual power of attorney document. This is not an unfettered right however. The agent must manage the finances for the benefit of the principal.

When does the Power of Attorney take effect? The power of attorney will take effect as soon as it is signed by the principal.

However, a “springing” power of attorney will only take effect when the event described in the document occurs (this is usually the incapacitation of the principal).

Does the Principal lose his/her rights when he/she signs a Power of Attorney?

Absolutely not. Only a court can take away

your rights through a guardianship /conservatorship proceeding. A power of attorney simply gives your agent the ability to act along with the principal.

Can the Principal change his or her mind afterwards? Of course. The principal may revoke the Power of Attorney at any time by simply sending a letter to the agent expressing that their appointment as agent has been revoked. Once, the letter is received by the agent, he or she can no longer act under the authority of the Power of Attorney.

What happens if the Agent becomes incapacitated or refuses to act as Agent? I always advise my clients to name an alternate agent in their power of attorney. This is a good way to protect yourself in the event that your agent becomes incapacitated or no longer wishes to bear the responsibility of being your agent. If this happens, the principal’s alternate agent would step in and assume the rights and responsibilities provided for by the instrument.

A Durable Power of Attorney can be a very useful and powerful tool for the estate plan.

However, you should sit down with an experienced estate planning attorney to discuss whether or not having this instrument will benefit your individual situation. .

Robert E. Fravel, Esq. is a Bucks County attorney located at 123 N. Main Street, Suite 101B, in Dublin, Pennsylvania. He specializes in estate planning & administration, family law, and business law. To set up a consultation, call his office at (267) 227-9138 or visit his website at www.fravel-law.com

“The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer... like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning.” - Natalie Babbitt

Why Fake It? Shelli and I were having a discussion recently after getting “reacquainted “ as I like to call it, when she turned to me and said “I never understood why anyone would ever fake it!” Of course, she was speaking of intimate relations, but later in the day, I began to think of “Why fake it?” in a different context.

I’ve often thought that many times in my life I was faking it…not in that scenario …okay, maybe once…but at various times and in different situations in life.

I suppose many of us morph into different personalities, with different people, at different times, and so perhaps I’m not dissimilar to others.

I envy those who appear to be truly themselves at all times, but then again, are they really, or are they also simply readjusting to suit the situation ?

From earliest age, I have wanted to fit in… to be liked…actually, that has never changed… and so I would gain interest in whatever a friend was doing. Was that adapting by faking to be someone different, or simply developing a new interest that I was unaware of?

Perhaps a bit of both.

I’ve never really felt that I “fit in”, and always had to be someone else...with a bit of the original Johnno plugged in.

As David Bowie sang,

“So I turned myself to face me But I’ve never caught a glimpse Of how the others must see the faker I’m much too fast to take that test” I have something in common with Bowie!

Who knew??? Or does David Jones OAL have something in common with me? I think I like that better.

However, I imagine I am taking that test every day and facing me.

I often thought that at work…many times throughout my career…that I didn’t really know what I was doing, and was simply fortunate enough to be continually elevated in position based on timing, events, or personality.

My good friend tells me that is common, as someone who is self aware understands what they know…and more importantly…what they don’t know. My frailties cause me to question that more than is healthy or due.

As I think through this essay, I realize that situationally I may fake it, but deep down in my truer self, I never could.

So, the insecurities, the need for truth and honesty, the desire for love!, the ruminating about days of old, what if’s, and this constant inspection of myself…they are all part of me… who I really am…

Perhaps I’m not a faker after all.

John Schaninger is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and has lived in Upper Black Eddy for 12 years. Reach him at m12string@aol.com

6

• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2021

Zachary Keith Carper, 30, passed

~Obituaries~

havioral specialist for Horizons Behavioral away on Saturday June 26, 2021. He was Health in Perkasie, and lastly worked as a the loving son of Karin Lynn Howard, and consultant for the Law School Admission John Oliver Carper. He was a 2017 graduate Council in Newtown, PA. She enjoyed photography, traveling, mufrom UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business and studied in China, Italy and Switzerland. sic, and black licorice.

Rachael is survived by her son Braydon He was passionate about life and the philos“Bray” Glass, her daughter Ariya “Bear” ophies that attempt to define it.

In his spare time, Zach loved playing Murdoch, and many dear beings she tennis, cooking and discussions of theories called family.

Services will be private at the convenience with friends and family as well as traveling.

He was well traveled to many parts of the of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribuworld. Asian and Japanese culture were special to him. Zach was very loving and tions may be made to: Braydon and Ariya caring and always had time for others. He Experiential Fund c/o Univest – Vernfield also received several awards for his hos- Branch, 2870 Shelly Road, Harleysville, PA pitality and received employee of the year 19438. award from the prestigious hotel in San Susan Dale Hamilton, age 70, passed Francisco, CA. In addition to his parents, Zach is sur- away on July 1, 2021 at Grand View vived by sister, Lisa Carper, and brothers, Hospital in Sellersville. She was the loving wife to the late James Hamilton with whom John Aaron Carper and Jarrett Carper. she shared 30 years of marriage.

Born in Lawrence, MA, she was a daughRachael Noelle Simms, AKA Rach ter of the late John and Gladys (Sustak) or Ray, of Perkasie, PA, passed away on Petrovich.

Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Surviving are her children: Casey the age of 46. Her visit here Hamilton, wife Debbie, BJ Hamilton, wife in this dimension was done Sarah, Jade Wilhelm, husband John and and it was time for her to Kimberly Peeters, husband Sten, grandbegin her dream of interdi- children: Natalie, Grace, Alyssa, Abbie, mensional travels.

Korynn, Luke, Lillie, Alex and Caroline.

Rachael lived to make She was predeceased by brother: John. others laugh, especially herMemorial contributions can be made in self. Her laugh was infectious; just ask both her memory to: American Cancer Society, of her children.

P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK She (barely) graduated from Souderton 73123.

Area High School in 1992, attended Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Mansfield University earning a Bachelor’s Cremation Service, Ltd. (1800-FUNERAL). of Social Work degree in 1997 and Arcadia To view her online obituary, please visit University in 2001 earning a Master’s www.nauglefcs.com.

Degree in Special Education.

Rachael worked as a behavioral specialist Dorothy M. Wisler, 89, of for Indian Creek Foundation in Souderton, Quakertown, formerly of Spring Hills, as an autistic support teacher for Vernfield Florida died July 3, 2021 in her home.

Elementary School in Telford, as a direcShe was the wife of the late William H. tor of autism services and LEGO therapy Wisler, Jr. for Teamwork Wins in Pennsburg, PA, as Born in Milford Square she was the an adjunct professor at Gwynedd Mercy daughter of the late Clarence & Eva (Stull) University in Gwynedd Valley, PA, as an as- Undercoffler. sistant director and teacher for Foundations She was an Assembly Line worker for Behavioral Health in Doylestown, as a be- the former Delbar. She was also a mem-

ber of the former Women of the Moose in Quakertown.

She is survived by her children Charlene Dervrich, Skie Kramp (David), Sherrie Burke (John), Charles Dervrich (Cathy) and William Dervrich, Jr. Nine grandchildren Jeff Anderson, Tyler Dervrich, Sean Dervrich, Lauren Matthews, Jason Anderson, Kaitlyn Buskirk, Ryan Kramp, Joseph Anderson, Trey Dervrich. Eight great grandchildren and a sister-in-law Roberta Wisler.

Memorial contributions can be made to Last Chance Ranch 9 Beck Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951. (www.crstrunk.com)

Scott Moyer, 60, husband of Barbara Moyer of Pennsburg, PA died peacefully Sunday, July 4, 2021 in hospice care.

He and his wife celebrated 35 years of marriage in October 2020.

Born in Allentown, PA on August 13, 1960, he was the son of R. Wayne Moyer of Trumbauersville and the late Kay F. (Schwenk) Moyer.

He was a lifetime member of West Swamp Mennonite Church, Quakertown, PA serving as a trustee and served on the West Swamp Cemetery Committee.

Scott had served in Mennonite Disaster Service in Colorado and Tennessee and locally served Habitat for Humanity. He volunteered as a dedicated Honor Fleet truck driver for Wreaths Across America.

He was the owner of Esten Lumber Products.

Scott enjoyed sharing his love of hunting and fishing with family and friends. He loved traveling as a truck driver as well as family vacations. He was a loving husband and father.

Surviving along with his wife and father are daughters Kimberly (Moyer) Witt and husband Harry Witt, Jr. of Quakertown, PA and Kaitlin Moyer of Pennsburg, PA and sister Wanda Moyer of Trumbauersville, PA. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

Memorial contributions can be made to West Swamp Mennonite Church 2501 Allentown Road Quakertown, PA 18951.

Born in Milford Square he was the son of the late Wilmer F. & Blanche E. (Martin) Rush.

He was a cabinet maker before retiring from the family business, the former W. F. Rush.

He was a long time coach in Little League Baseball and Connie Mack Baseball. He also enjoyed all sports.

Lowell was a former board member for Frederick Mennonite Community and Camp Men-O-Lan. He was also a charter member of the Inception of the YMCA in Quakertown. He was a member of Zion Choral Society. He also enjoyed hunting.

Lowell attended Grace Bible Fellowship Church in Quakertown.

In addition to his wife he is survived by three sons Stephen L. (Rosemarie) of Milford Twsp., Randal L. (Joann) of Spinnerstown, and Rodney L. (Lynne) of Quakertown. A brother Arthur C. of Milford Twsp. Seven grandchildren Matthew (Missy), Heather Kauffman (Mike), Crista Weber (Bill), Tiffany Sigmans, Julia Vandenberg (Steve) Ben, and Emily. Seven great grandchildren Courtney, Lyndsey, Alayna, Lydia, Clint, Naomi, and Addison.

He was predeceased by a sister Dorothy Hoffman.

Services were held on Saturday July 17, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. in Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Allentown Rescue Mission 355 Hamilton St. Allentown, PA 18101 or to Victory Valley Camp 7352 Salem Bible Church Rd. Zionsville, PA 18092.

Frank J. Dorse, 97, of Ulster, PA formerly of Milford Square died July 11, 2021 in his daughter’s home.

He was the husband of the late Edna M. (Bingler) Dorse.

Born July 21, 1923, in Rockhill, PA he was the son of the late John & Sarah (Stahoviak) Dorse.

He retired in 1985 as a machinist for FMC in Colmar. Prior to that he worked for Turbo Machine in Lansdale.

Frank enjoyed playing and watching baseball, and played the game for 35 years.

He also enjoyed music especially Hillbilly, Country Western and Blue Grass.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. William A. Grant, 89, of Quakertown, PA, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July Army during WW II and was a POW during 6th 2021. Born January 12, 1932, he was the Battle of the Bulge and was a member of the son of Allen and Sonya (Ostrum) Grant. the Quakertown American Legion Post 242.

Frank is survived by two sons Bruce William worked for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation for many years, he then put Dorse (Moira), Jeffrey Cobb, three daughhimself through Penn State University. ters Diane Kline (Dean), Donna Bryner After graduation, he got a job as a banker (Brady) & Marie Frasier. Seventeen grandand worked many years until his retirement. children and fourteen great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter Patti He is survived by son, Chris of Quakertown, granddaughter Chelsea Ulooa. Anderson & 12 siblings. Services were held Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, on Thursday, July 15, 2021 in the C. R. July 13, 11:00 AM at Naugle Funeral & Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown, Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station PA 18951. (www.crstrunk.com) In lieu of flowers Memorial contribuRd., Quakertown, PA 18951, Friends may call from 10-11 prior to the service. tions can be made to Grand View Hospice Burial will follow at Lower Towamensing 700 Lawn Ave. Sellersville, PA 18960.

Cemetery, Palmerton, PA. Susan J. (Hadfield) Velders, 68, of Carolyn L. Long, 88 of Quakertown Coopersburg, PA passed away at St. Luke’s died Friday July 9, 2021, in Phoebe Richland Hospital-Fountain Hill, Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Born Pauline Harty on February Health Care Center.

She was the wife of Clair E. Long. They 26, 1953 she was the daughter of Arthur celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Warren Harty and Marion Calarino, then adopted with brother Ken by the Hadfields last December.

Born in Bethlehem, PA she was the - Caroline and Thomas.

Susan worked as a dog groomer until daughter of the late William L. and M. Inez her retirement. In her spare time, she en(Brown) Rupell.

She was a member of Trinity Great joyed playing games on her tablet, reading, doing crossword puzzles, volunteering at Swamp UCC in Spinnerstown.

In addition to her husband, she is survived Last Chance Ranch and sewing. She loved by two daughters Susan Roeder (Barry) and spending time at the beach, the boardwalk Carol Geiger (Tom). Four grandchildren and riding roller coasters at Great Adventure Michael Roeder (Gloria), Brian Roeder with her kids and grandkids. Above all, she (Trina), Matthew Geiger (Stephanie) and loved spending time with her family.

Susan is survived by, her children Kara Lett (Erik). Seven great grandchildren Lacey, Brent, Myles, Emily, Garrett, Luke, Michael and his fiancé Melissa, Christopher and Jenna. A sister Sandra Myers (Robert). and his wife Heather, and Diana, grandShe was predeceased by an infant son in children, Cassandra, Christopher Jr., and 1953 and three brothers, William, Roland Lisette, great-grandchildren, Luna Rose, and Nicholas, and siblings, Arthur, Sandy, and Gale.

Services were held on Wednesday July Linda, and Ken (born Dennis).

14, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) David W. McElwee, 54, of Green Lane 821 W. Broad St. Quakertown PA 18951. died July 17, 2021 in St. Luke’s Hospice Memorial contributions can be made to House, Bethlehem.

Trinity Great Swamp U. C. C. P.O. Box He was the husband of Tami (Harris) 494 Spinnerstown PA 18968.

McElwee and celebrated 21 years of marriage last October.

Born in Langhorne, Pa he was the son Lowell W. Rush, 88, of Quakertown died July 9, 2021 in St. Luke’s Hospice of Joan (Dornisch) McElwee and the late Joseph McElwee, Sr. House, Bethlehem.

He was a member and worked for He was the husband of Shelba J. (Propst) Rush. They were married 65 years last the Steamfitters Local Union 420 in Philadelphia.

March.

August 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

David enjoyed the outdoors and camping with his loving wife and dog Bella. He also had an adventurous side and spent many afternoons riding his Harley.

In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by his brother Joseph McElwee and his wife Pam, sister Susan Jurewicz and her husband Rick, his nephew and four nieces.

He was predeceased by his sister Kathy McElwee.

Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to any of the following foundations; amyloidosis.org or pibblespaws.wixsite.com

Thomas

Joseph

Rielli,

76, of Quakertown formerly of Philadelphia died July 14, 2021 in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem.

He was the husband of Linda (McKelvey) Rielli. They were married 49 years last September.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter Danielle Rielli, two sons Thomas W. (Sharon), & Nicholas. Two grandchildren Peyton & Carson.

Born in Philadelphia, Pa he was the son of the late Thomas C. & Jane (Cappiello) Rielli.

He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and served during Vietnam War. After proudly serving his county Thomas became the Operation Environmental Engineering Assistant for Cobham Defense Electronic Systems for 30 years until retiring.

As a true “Philly” guy, Tom loved the Philadelphia Eagles (except if they were losing, in which case he would turn the game off in the first quarter). He had a great sense of humor and could never pass on a good fart joke. He made others laugh and had the ability to embellish his stories with his wit and charm.

Tom was meticulous in nature, with both his appearance and his possessions. You would always see him well-groomed wearing an ironed polo shirt.

~Obituaries~

His greatest pride though was with his family, whom he loved dearly and spoke of highly. Tom was the husband, father and grandfather everyone could count on.

Memorial services were held on Thursday July 22, 2021 at 1:30 P. M. in the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. 821 West Broad Street, Quakertown PA 18951 (www.crstrunk.com).

Raymond Dietz, 81, of Quakertown died July 22, 2021 in Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown.

He was the husband of Donna M. (Mood) Dietz. They were married 59 years last April.

Born in Sellersville, Pa he was the son of the late William Henry & Stella (Frank) Dietz.

He was a retired material handler for TEVA Pharmaceutical in Sellersville.

He enjoyed all sports especially the Phillies and Eagles. He also enjoyed reading the Daily Newspapers.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Kevin A. Dietz, two sisters Mildred Wolf & Catherine Sloyer.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

John (Tom) Thomas Scholl , 65, of Sellersville died July 25, 2021 in his home.

Born in West Rockhill Township he was the son of Minnie V. (Johnson) Scholl and the late John A. Scholl.

He worked for the former Lehigh Valley Dairy in Lansdale. Prior to that he worked for the former Krupp Foundry in Quakertown.

In his younger years he was active in 4H winning Black Angus Steer Award. He enjoyed bowling and was a trapper of muskrats, and he raised rabbits. He was a fan of Eagles, Phillies and NASCAR. John was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church (Kellers Church) in Perkasie.

In addition to his mother he is survived by a brother James (Yvonne), four sisters Patti Goepfert, Gina Kidd (Mark), Barbara Thomas (Glenn), and Diane Thomas (Kevin). Numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 6:30 P.M. at St. Matthews Lutheran Church (Kellers Church) 3668 Ridge Rd. Perkasie, PA 18944. Call 6:00-6:30 P.M. in the church.

Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (crstrunk.com) Quakertown.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the church at the above address.

Arthur David McGrann, age 79, of

Quakertown, PA, passed away on Sunday July 25, 2021, at his home after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Norristown, PA, he was the son of the late James and Jane (Crozier) McGrann. He was the husband of the late Susan (Rissmiller) McGrann who died in 2004 and with whom he shared 41 years of marriage.

Arthur proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He then worked for many years as a line supervisor for Harriet Carter Gifts.

Arthur is survived by one daughter, Nancy Gross of East Greenville, PA; one son, William McGrann and wife Pamela of Quakertown, PA; and his grandchildren Ryan Keller and Carrie Haines. He was predeceased by his siblings, Eileen, James, and William.

Barbara M. Miller, 87, of Quakertown formerly of Trenton, NJ died July 26, 2021 in Independence Court Quakertown. Born in Trenton, NJ she was the daughter of the late John M. Miller, Jr and Gwendolyn S. (Mason) Landis.

Bobbie enjoyed traveling, gardening and spending hours researching her family genealogy. She attended Slackwood Presbyterian Church in NJ and worked most of her life

7

before retiring from ADR Inc of Trenton, NJ. Bobbie is survived by a sister Carol Linberger, 4 nephews and 4 nieces, 22 great nephews & nieces, as well as predeceased by a sister Janice Ryan.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Greenwood Cemetery 1800 Hamilton Ave. Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.

Arrangements are in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk. com) Quakertown.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the New Jersey Genealogy Society P.O. Box 1476 Trenton, NJ 08607.

Carol A. Sowa, 71, of Quakertown, passed away Tuesday July 27 2021, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th and Chew. Born in Glenside, PA, Carol was the daughter of the late James and Lorraine (Suha) Rogers. She was the husband of Robert S. Sowa, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage.

Carol worked for many years as a teaching aide for Quakertown Community School District. In her spare time, Carol loved gardening and cooking. She also enjoyed taking trips to casinos.

She is survived by husband Robert, daughter Aimee Currier wife of Robert of Perkiomenville, sons, Michael and wife Richelle of Collegeville, and Robert of Quakertown, brother James Rogers and wife Joanne, sister, Joan Bishop, grandchildren Courtney Kershner (Daniel), Ethan Sowa, and Kelly and Bailey Currier.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service.

8

• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2021

Tokyo Olympic Collectibles

American Legion Post 242 Update Charles Wismer, our Post Adjutant, gave me several reports for this issue. One report is that we had proceeds of around $4000.00 for our Veteran’s Drawing. About $300.00 of that was from tickets that were sent back with Post 242 listed as drawing recipient. He wishes to thank all the members and friends whom contributed in this worthy cause. These funds are used ONLY for Veteran’s justifiable needs as they face hardships or Veterans in Veteran Institutions. Charley told me to mention that if you know of any veteran, who is having a truly tough time, especially in this period of COVID-19 still lingering on, to call the Post and give us the pertinent information so we can help them.. We urge all to consider being vaccinated to reduce your chances of being seriously ill. His second report in on our record of membership renewals and new member sign-up. Last year 2020-21 we achieved 93% renewal record from the previous year.

Although this figure is great, considering the COVID-19 factor in this period, we were only a few renewals or new member sign-ups away from continuing the 100% record we had the previous year. He mentioned that membership forms from the State Legion were sent out and that we, as members should try to take care of our renewals right away so we can reach our membership goal number of 485 members. If we go over 500 members this would give your local Post 242 five delegates of voting power in the state legion instead of 4 as we currently have. The Legion has clout in numbers and was responsible for helping supporters of our

troops in Afghanistan being able to evacuate this year among many other legislative victories.

Our Post awards certificates to people or organizations that contribute their time and talent towards our community programs.

Les Walters told me he is preparing these certificates for outstanding volunteerism to Scout troops 16 (Zion Hill), 55 (Quakertown), 007 (Haycock) and Cub Scout Pack 55 (Quakertown) for their volunteering to place flags in our largest community cemetery in Quakertown before Memorial Day. We want to acknowledge by certificate and this mentioning in our Post Notes for this service before Memorial Day. This is one example on how the youth give their time and effort to those who gave their all for our country. Thank you very much for YOUR service!

Once again I want to stress to our membership— We are OPEN! The food is great, the facilities are much improved, and the camaraderie of sharing casual moments with fellow veterans is unique. We recently had election of officers and Ron Murray continues to be our Post Commander. As always we encourage attendance at our Post meetings that are held one time a month (Fourth Tuesday). Learn the workings of the Post, help to improve the Post through your participation in the discussions of happenings and vote, and get the satisfaction of being an active part in improving your Post and Community as part of a team of legionnaires. ~ For God and Country, Dick Helm

The 2020 Summer Olympic Games (Tokyo 2021) will be held in Tokyo, Japan and collectible objects from the XXXII Olympiad will soon be known as the collectibles of the future.

The inspirational and popular international multi-sport event will take place in Tokyo, Japan.

On a recent trip to Tokyo, I experienced that the great Japanese city is quite prepared to host the world even in the aftermath of a global pandemic. Shops are brimming with Olympic items and in Tokyo’s main and impressive Government Building, there is a fine exhibition about the history of the Olympic Games.

The exhibit geared to the general public features the Olympic Flag and the Tokyo 2021 mascots for the Summer Olympic and Summer Paralympic Games. The exhibit helps visitors learn about the history of the Olympic Games through signage and other didactic displays. Special items include the opening ceremony jackets to be worn by members of the Japanese Olympic Team.

These pieces of clothing were available at the exhibit and the jacket design was based on a traditional Asian kimono jacket or haori with an open front and large sleeves. Along with the haori jackets in the blue and white, the exhibit featured life-size stuffed animal mascots for the Olympic and Paralympic games and photo areas for Olympic themed selfies.

The highlight of the exhibition was the display of the beautiful and inspiring Olympic flag. The Olympic flag is raised at the opening ceremonies and waves throughout every Olympic Games. The flag was last handed over to Tokyo at the conclusion of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. The flag features the colorful and highly recognizable Olympic rings design on a white panel with fringe of the ring colors surrounding the perimeter. The flag was displayed in a large museum style see-through display case along with its wood storage/ traveling case decorated with engraved goldtone metal plaques from the previous Olympic Games held in Atlanta 1996, Athens 2000, Sydney 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. I expect that the interior of the case is lined to archival standards with an appropriate museum quality material that will keep the textile flag protected from the wood case’s off-gassing.

The most recognizable figure of the Tokyo

2021 Olympic Games are the anime-inspired Olympic mascot named Miraitowa (mirai meaning future and towa meaning eternity) created by artist Ryo Taniguchi. More than 2,000 mascot designs were submitted to the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Committee from Japanese artists. Designs were narrowed down to three finalists and the winner’s design was chosen

by Japanese elementary school children by a nationwide classroom vote. Ryo Taniguchi’s Miraitowa mascot design won with 109,041 votes. Collectibles at the Olympic Games will be varied including the traditionally traded Olympic pins, Tokyo Olympic sportswear, keychains and of course, small scale Miraitowa mascots toys.

When it comes to Olympic Games collectibles, the market is most active about two weeks prior to the current Olympic Games and continues throughout the Games. If you are considering liquidating your Olympic collection, plan to start your marketing efforts online now.

Online sales will be active since this is a major international event. For sellers, continue your marking efforts throughout the Games and end your Olympic collectibles sales about one week after the Games’ closing ceremonies have occurred. This will give you time to benefit from the worldwide press coverage associated with the lead up and events of this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games. By continuing the sales of your Olympic collectibles after the Olympic Games have closed, this will give latecomers a chance to buy your items after everyone else has gone home. With events like the Olympics and the sale of Olympic collectibles, you can’t expect buyers—online or offline--to be interested in these items weeks after the end of the competitions. So, start promoting Olympic objects early, ride the promotional wave during the Games and then give an extra week for buyers to purchase the leftover Olympic items.

By September of this year, the Olympics collectibles market including the Tokyo Olympics will cool significantly. After that, you’ll have to wait another four years for the next best sales opportunity of any Olympic objects.

Looking forward, Paris, France will host the Summer Olympics in 2024 and Los Angeles, California, USA will host the world for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Dr. Lori Verderame is the award-winning Ph.D. antiques appraiser on History channel’s #1 show, The Curse of Oak Island. Visit www.

DrLoriV.com and www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV or call (888) 431-1010.

“August is a gentle reminder for not doing a single thing from your new year resolution for seven months and not doing it for next five.” - Katherine Paterson

Buckygrams: butterfly, cicada, grasshopper, ladybug, mosquito, honeybee, yellow jacket, firefly, moth, Japanese beetle, caterpillar, snail Hidden Message: “Enjoy the tiny critters!” Bucky Block: All for one and one for all.

August 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

Quakertown Fire Department No. 1 held a delayed housing of their new 2019 Seagrave firetruck on July 10. The public was invited to hear local legislators, representatives from Quakertown Borough, Richland Township, and the fire department give remarks, followed by an invocation and then the firefighters “pushed” the truck into the firehouse. The Fire Department has had the new truck since August 2019, but dedication was delayed due to COVID restrictions. The $635,000 truck was paid for through fundraising efforts and funding by the Borough of Quakertown and Richland Township and is expected to give at least 20 years of service. photos by michele buono

(above) Quakertown Borough Council members Doug Propst, Jonathan Sell, and Borough Manager Scott McElree serve up pancakes to eager patrons to kick off the Borough’s Annual Community Day on July 4. (below left) Rep. Craig Staats presents a certificate to honor Duane Carpenter as 2021 Pennridge Citizen of the Year to his daughter, Angela Nace, and his friend Vicki Miller. Duane was a dedicated and active life member of the Perkasie Fire Company, where he currently served as the Fire Police Captain, Trustee and Engineer. He passed away on May 30. (below right) Popular country singer songwriter Chris Janson, performed at the amphitheatre at the Park at 4th in Quakertown in July as one of several headliners in the Sounds of Summer Concert series. (bottom) Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, State Rep. Craig Staats, State Sen. Steve Santisiero, and Robert Hipp of the Perkasie Rotary Club, with Miss Perkasie Sophia Johnson. photos by michele buono

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2021

I was reminded that August 11th in 2018 we had that horrible flood that my neighbors called a thousand year flood. It came through our barn where we eat and tore down our fences. I will never forget the unexpected help I received from my church the next day. I believe about 20 people showed up and by the end of the day our fences were up and the barn was power washed. Two days later we were back to using the barn again. We will always remember that kindness. I am glad many of the fire houses are doing their carnivals this month. Let’s get out there and support our great volunteer fire people. Here’s my dog brother Grady doing his part to promote fire people ~ Brandy

2021 Bronco Sport SUV

Pests Causing Property Damage?

4 Warning Signs to Look For

If you’ve noticed unusual signs of damage around your property, pests may be to blame. Rodents, insects and other types of pests can wreak havoc on properties and cause unforeseen damage that ends up resulting in costly repairs.

Here are four signs that are indicative of pests causing damage in your home: Unstable Floors The sudden feeling that the floors in your home are unstable could be a sign of a pest problem. This may be especially true if you have hardwood floors that are damaged because of termites. You might notice the boards curling on your floor as damage persists.

Flaking and crumbling may also become noticeable as your floors continue to deteriorate from the damage. Crushed-looking wood at structurally significant points can be another obvious sign of a pest problem.

Tap Test Failure Damage that’s impossible to see can sometimes be detected by performing a tap test on wood surfaces around your home. Wood that’s solid all the way through should produce a thudding sound when tapped, and any hollow sounds could mean that termites or other pests are wearing away at the wood. Hollow sounds also mean that significant portions of your wood have already been lost.

Electrical Problems If lights, appliances or other equipment around your home that’s powered by electricity start to fail, you might have a pest problem on your hands. Lights that dim or completely go out along with appliances that don’t have as much power or fail to turn on when plugged in could mean that pests are damaging the wires. Rodents are known to chew through wires, which can also create a fire hazard in your home.

Mud Tunnels Tubes that appear to be made of mud may be visible in your yard and even on the side of your home. These tunnels are often constructed by organ pipe mud dauber wasps to store their larvae. Termites are also known to build tunnels that look like mud but are made from a combination of soil and wood along with a substance consisting of their saliva and feces.

You might find these lining walls and floors, acting as a sure sign of infestation if you find them in your home.

Learning about the signs of pest damage will make it easier for you to act quickly to resolve the problem. Pest damage isn’t always obvious, and taking the time to perform a thorough inspection will allow you to stay on top of any situation that may arise.

Sue Deily has been a Realtor for 35 years, resides in the Upper Bucks County area and enjoys serving her clients in Bucks, Lehigh, and Montgomery Counties. Contact her at suesellshouses@gmail.com or 215-872-9865.

The last time I drove a Ford Bronco it was a subcompact Bronco II SUV, and it was over some white-knuckle terrain of the Red Rocks of Utah where Ford invited automotive journalists for a long-lead introduction of their newest SUV. After driving Ford’s all newly designed 2021 Bronco Sport SUV, only the name has stayed the same as this resurrected Bronco has even better off-road chops than its predecessor of yesteryear.

For one, it’s larger in size which makes for a better ride and handling. It parks easily, is fun to drive and during my weeklong test, it grabbed a lot of eyes.

Bronco is offered in two versions. There’s the robust off-road Bronco with two or four doors and the Bronco Sport 4-door. We tested the Bronco Sport Outer Banks version although Bronco can also be had in Base, Big Bend, Badlands and First Edition models.

Within the Outer Banks model, it came standard with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder. Yes, you read right. A three-cylinder that generates 181-hp and 190 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 26 city, 25-highway mpg with engine start/stop technology. It couples to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission with rotary gear selector.

There’s an optional 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that puts out 245-hp and 275 lb/ft of torque, also with an 8-speed auto transmission and start/stop feature.

So configured, the Outer Banks carries a maximum tow capacity of 2,000 pounds.

With a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, Ford says Bronco Sport can ford up to 17.7 inches of water.

Off-road wise, Bronco Sport has an approach angle of 21.7 degrees and departure angle of

30.7 degrees, allowing it to tackle some modestly tough terrain.

Need more capability? The Bronco has even better specs for serious off-roaders, of course at a larger price.

Bronco Sports’ 4WD system is called G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) that adjusts throttle input and transmission shift points depending on the mode selected. In the Bronco Sport it’s Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand. In Sport mode it increased engine rpms by 500 although performance wise, the difference between it and Normal weren’t that noticeable.

Speaking of performance, the little 3-banger had a linear application of power and torque. It was independently timed at 8.2 seconds for a 0-60 sprint. Not bad for a heavy (3,593 pound) SUV. After a comfortable 18-inch step-in into the Sports’ interior, you’re treated to comfy and nicely supportive heated perforated leatherette and cloth front seats and sufficiently padded rear seats. Thanks to its boxy design, Bronco

Sport had gobs of head, leg and should room fore and aft.

An 8-inch touchscreen serves the audio, rearview camera, apps like Travel Link and more.

A front view camera would be a nice addition since Bronco’s hood line is high and squared which the camera would allow checking the terrain for objects in front of the vehicle.

Then there’s Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite that provides a host of safety features including blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert,

forward collision warning, auto high beams and pre-collision alert with automatic emergency braking along with pedestrian detection. Ford engineers included it all.

Sports’ HVAC controls are large and easy to view and use. And below them is a wireless phone charger.

Bronco’s spacious cargo area has a rubberized cargo floor and a MOLLE system of straps for easier retrieval of baggage or gear.

There’re also deep, zippered pockets behind the front seat backs.

With the rear seats upright, the cargo area measured 34.5 inches deep, 42.5 wide and 34 high. Flip the 60/40 seatbacks and cargo loading depth increases to 64 inches. Ford says Bronco can accommodate a pair of upright mountain bikes (with the front wheels off and stowed). The cargo underfloor holds the spare within dense foam bins where small items can be stowed.

Equally impressive is that Ford designers included a separate opening rear hatch window.

I had that on my ’98 Ford Explorer Sport and it was especially handy when carrying lengthy items through the open window. Lift-over into the cargo area is a comfortable 29.5 inches which makes loading heavy, bulky items easier.

Shod with 18-inch Michelin tires, Bronco Sport has a compliant and supple ride with by christopher betz its photo High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension (H.O.S.S.) that employs coil springs and hydraulic gas pressurized shocks front and rear. It’s planted in sharp turns and parks easily with a tight turning radius, an admirable trait of many Ford vehicles.

Bronco Sport came with a myriad of standard features like active grille shutters, LED headlamps and taillamps, wireless phone charger, Sync3 infotainment system, tire pressure monitoring system, perimeter alarm, Ford CoPilot360 and much more.

Actually, there were no extra cost options only a delivery charge of $1,495 that took the base price of $26,660 to $28,155.

After a recent chip shortage, Bronco’s are now coming off the production line to a waiting list of 125,000 in-hand orders in the U.S. alone.

So if you want one, better see your Blue Oval dealer now. Bronco is an exciting new vehicle for Ford, plus they also look cool and macho..

Nick Hromiak is an automotive enthusiast and freelance writer. We look forward to bringing you his new column each month.

He can be reached at nhromiak@verizon.net.

August 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

11

Milford Fish, Game, & Forestry Assn.

Celebrates 60 Years of Public Service

The year 1961 was a busy year for me. In January of that year I was busy preparing my resume for possible employment after High School graduation in June. In the meantime my friend and neighbor, Ken Scheetz, and I went ice skating, after I finished work for a neighbor, Mr. Scully, down at Rush’s Dam. Because it was a Sunday afternoon, other people were also skating.

Jake Wimmer, a neighbor and fellow small game hunter, came skating up to us and asked if we would want to consider joining a new club that a bunch of people who frequented Shearer’s Sport Shop were trying to establish.

If so, we should come to the Sport’s Shop at night the next week to hear what was happening. As I stated in a past article, there were serious complaints from some new homeowners in Milford Township who wanted to restrict hunting in our township!

As it turned out, Milford Fish & Game was formed and chartered so individual voices to preserve our hunting heritage into a group strength unit was formed. I was too young to sign that charter, but am proud to say I have been a member since inception. Today I am proud to say that this organization that was formed to preserve hunting in our rural farming township that was known for its excellent pheasant population has become more than just another “Fish and Game Club.”

The pheasants are gone as well as the mostly agricultural society that generated this excellent form of hunting. The few lots where new houses were being built that were along the road that “After the War Builders” bought started the trend of what us old timers call Development turned into loss of some of our large parcels of land. Deer, that were rarely seen, now are the main source of hunting in our area. The once ever-flowing streams are now just barely moving in the summer months because of the obvious draw on the water table because of all the extra houses. Our township has taken steps to preserve the rural integrity of our area as best they can. They have pursued purchasing areas that are beneficial for natural functions through a special land preservation fund. Once again, this group of person’s back in 1961 helped to preserve land and improve habitat over the years.

In the title I stated above I mentioned 60 years of Public Service. Unlike many other outdoor clubs I was a former member of; this organization has blossomed into an organization that really cares about those who live in the area in many ways. Below I will list what they do for the community.

A few years back the idea of giving the remaining turkeys not won in our shoots to local families developed into a project of finding families in the local area who would have gone without a Thanksgiving Dinner. This program has developed into a special yearly program of

providing all-inclusive meals for quite a few families. Each year we hold a youth fishing contest, since the 1960’s for member’s children and a special registration for area children who want to fish. Again we offer “hunter safety” courses for future hunters since the state program’s inception. Our current shoots are not geared just for the experienced adult shooters; we have many unique youth shoots for the younger set. Bought a firearm for personal or home protection? We have programs to teach proper handling of firearms and proper step by step instructions on usage. When a prospective member approaches us on joining we interview those persons and require an orientation meeting before giving membership.

Each year we spend a vast amount of funds for security in our general club ground area and ranges to protect our facility and those using it. Safety! Safety!

Safety! These above factors have made our club attractive for “Family” memberships, as is told to us over and over again when new members are interviewed at a club meeting. We have preserved, through Land Preservation Rights, the many acres of land we own between Canary Road and Doerr Road in rural Milford Township. Now you know why I am proud of this organization that I was introduced to when just 17 years old.

At this time I want to make known that the club members and board of directors are putting together a special 60th anniversary picnic for members and their families to be held later on this year. Year’s back we would have a picnic in the summer at the club grounds for members and it was a huge success. This membership and their family get together will include a special meat menu and many unique sides and desserts in the old “Pa. Dutch family style” picnic. Cold drinks will be provided and those wanting to have adult drinks can BYOB as outlined in our one time a year bylaw approved function.

We ask members to keep an eye out for this picnic notification and be a part of this special occasion. So many of our functions are attended be just a certain amount of members.

In the family tradition that we are now known for, we want to encourage your attendance so we can all get to know each other. Many special games and eats are in the final planning state and we will also have that information posted before the picnic. Let us make this a special 60th Birthday “Family” celebration!

Pre-registration will be required so we have an idea on how much provided meat is required.

There will be no cost-just a possible covered dish and possibly a free will offering or special fund raising drawing for that day to cover expenses. Take time out to get to know your fellow members and past leaders of this wonderful organization. ~ 60 year member, Richard “Dick” Helm

Parvo – the Quiet but Deadly Virus Parvo is one of my least favorite viruses in dogs. It’s a horrible, relentless virus.

I HATE parvo. It strips away the joy for life and happy puppy energy from a baby, and leaves them sad, depressed, and fighting for their lives. Parvo is HIGHLY contagious – it is spread through feces of infected dogs, and can live in the soil or contaminated surfaces for months if not cleaned/disinfected properly. It causes horrible, profuse vomiting and diarrhea. In our dog rescue, Harley’s Haven, we unfortunately have to deal with it pretty regularly. Though our rescue partners down south do the best they can, the sad truth is that they deal with so much parvo, it is very difficult to avoid exposing young puppies who don’t yet have the immune system (or full vaccination coverage), to protect them from this deadly virus. There is no cure – with parvo you support them, and hope that their little immune systems can rally. The general statistics for survival with parvo are really bad – it is estimated that approximately 50% of puppies who contract it will eventually succumb to the virus. Thankfully at PRAH and HH, we have MUCH better statistics. We treat parvo often, and we haven’t lost a puppy to it in five years.

That is, until last week. If you follow our rescue at all, you have probably seen our constant updates on our ‘plant puppies’ litter. Of the 4 babies who arrived nearly 3 weeks ago, one of them succumbed to the virus, one has re-

mained healthy (thank goodness), and two have been fighting for their lives. The decision to let little Frydek go, was a really difficult one that we struggled with as a rescue, but we just could not watch him suffer any more, as his hopes of recovery dwindled. So after nearly 9 days of intensive care and hospitalization, we let him pass peacefully surrounded by those who loved him last week. It is a really tough virus to deal with, and it is so sad to watch these babies have to go through it. Though we are in this fight with them, come what may, I really wish we didn’t have to fight it.

If you have a dog – please talk to your vet about the parvo vaccine. It is so easily protected against with a vaccine that is only needed every 3 years (or possibly even less often if you do titers!), and it is extremely safe and effective. The virus itself is terrible, and I wish that we lived in a world where we didn’t have to deal with it at all, and that it had been eradicated. But until then, please vaccinate your dogs, be responsible, and protect them when you can.

Vaccines are so important, and necessary, to keep our pets happy and healthy for as long as we can! Stay safe out there – and head over to our rescue page, Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue, if you want to follow along with our parvo babies and cheer them on!!

Dr. Mehaffey and partner Dr. Jen Heller own and operate the Pennridge Animal Hospital on Ridge Road in Perkasie and can be reached at 267-272-9996. They also founded and run Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue.

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2021

Upper Bucks Area Places of Worship Bible Baptist Church

First United Church of Christ

Meets at HIghland Park Dining Hall 415 Highland Park Road Sellersville, PA 18960 484-523-3333 www.biblebaptistcares.org Pastor: Tom Harris Bible Study Hour 9:30 am, Morning Worship 10:30 am, Services interpreted for the deaf

Christ Church United Church of Christ 101 N. Main Street Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-538-0142 christchurch10@verizon.net www.christchurchisalive.org Pastor: David Heckler A friendly, welcoming church. Change fear into hope, doubt into faith. God is calling.

Join us at 11am Sunday. Halleleujah!

Christ’s Lutheran Church 1 Luther Lane Trumbauersville, PA 18970 215-536-3193 christselca@verizon.net www.christslutheran.com Interim Pastor: Rev. Susan Lang 9:00am Worship, 10:15 Sunday School Handicapped accessible, Family Friendly Church. Find us on Facebook!

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

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

BY PASTOR AXEL KAEGLER

Greetings Upper Bucks!

For the last few months, the Church Council at St. John’s in Spinnerstown has been focusing on prayers for the community as we approach the beginning of Autumn and the restarting of so many program years. My heart has particularly fallen on the everlasting value of the prayer Jesus taught the Church. “Our Father in heaven…”

There are countless insights we can gain from this prayer as we try to understand who we are, who God is, and who Jesus is. This first bit has a lot more than we are quick to notice. So much so that I think if we understand this first part correctly - we effectively pray the entire prayer. First off - notice how Jesus teaches us to use the word “Father,” (or more specifically “Abba”). He does not teach us to use the word “Master,” or anything particularly dignified or reverential. Now, Jesus didn’t teach in English - he taught probably in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. But the Evangelists make a particular point in using the word “Abba” here.

The theologian Gerhard Ebeling notes that “Abba” (while it is the standard word for “Father” in Hebrew) has important connotations of love and intimacy - the sort that a loving child has for a loving parent. We might actually better translate “Abba” in this context as “Dad.” It is one of the earliest words an infant can speak and come to understand since the sounds are so simple. Jesus and the Evangelists could have chosen other words - but they chose this one. Ebeling notes that when we take Jesus’ teaching of the Lord’s Prayer and couple it with Jesus’ broader teachings about prayer, children and childhood, we find a vivid picture of how we are to pray to God:

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

Good News Church

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

Grace Bible Fellowship Church

1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-6096 grace@quakertownbfc.org www.quakertownbfc.org Sr. Pastor: Ron Kohl Sunday School for all ages. 10:10am Morning Worship, Small group meetings 2nd & 4th Sundays 6:30pm; Tues: Ladies Bible Study 9:45am; Wed: AWANA (2 yrs - 6th grade) & Teens for Christ 6:30pm, Adult prayer meeting 6:45pm

Juniper Street Bible Church

317 Juniper Street Quakertown, PA 18951 267-373-9115 Pastor: Bob Stevenson www.juniperstreetbiblechurch.org Sunday worship 10am (also watch live on our Facebook page), Tuesday 7pm Bible study and prayer, Sunday 6pm Bible study and sharing will restart in Fall of 2021. We offer an invitation to you. Come and worship with us.

Morning Star Fellowship

429 S. 9th Street Quakertown, PA 18951 215-529-6422 Pastors: John & Theresa Decker www.mstarqtown.org Sunday Services at 9 am and 11 am. Our cafe is open with free coffee. Children’s Ministries provided. Celebrate Recovery on Tuesdays at 7 pm. Student Ministries on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. Weekly Connections. For updates and schedule changes, check our website. .

We are, as infants, babbling words that we do not yet fully understand. We are, as infants, making sense of an incomprehensible world that’s filled with our needs, and strange sounds, and confusing reactions. But as we learn to speak, we make one particular noise: “Abba” (consider “Dada”). Out of the darkness in which nothing - not even belief - is clear or has any form - the Lord, the creator of heaven and earth, and weal and woe, who made us and all that is around us recognizes that sound as a name and responds. It is a holy moment when a child and a parent recognize one another.

Jesus Christ is the voice of the Father, the face of the Father, the Word of the Father, greeting us with open arms as we toddle forward, and saying: “Here I am, my beloved children. Follow me!” He is lifting us up so that we may tug on his beard and know that we truly belong. This is what prayer looks like, and this is what life looks like in Christian faith. We go forward, through life and death, joy and grief, and everything in between - and find Jesus Christ leading us with love. We might not be particularly graceful, but we have faith in one who loves us. We may know that he is bringing us through and has gone before us, in his life, his execution, his descent into the grave, and his resurrection. Jesus is God’s response to us in prayer. And that is, as Ebeling notes, how we pray rightly. It’s not as much about us as it is about the one who loves us. I hope you find that as meaningful and as comforting as I do in these challenging times. For more insights in prayer from Gerhard Ebeling, feel free to look up his Nine Sermons on the Lord’s Prayer. And of course, “Pray then in this way: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name’” (Matthew 6:9). ~In Christ, Pastor Kaegler Axel Kaegler is the pastor at St John’s Lutheran Church in Spinnerstown. He can be reached at kaegax01@gmail.com

“When the sun is shining, I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.”

- Wilma Rudolf, champion 1956, 60 olympic sprinter

Palisades Community Bible Church

St. John’s Lutheran Church

8730 Easton Road Revere, PA 18953 610-847-2637 secretary@pcbchurch.com www.pcbchurch.com Pastor: Rev. Corbin Seltzer, Jr. Sunday School (all ages) 9:30am, Sunday Morning Worship 10:30am, Tuesday Prayer Meeting 7:00pm, Men & Ladies’ Bible Studies - see website. “Walk by Faith.” II Cor. 5:7

4 South Main Street • PO Box 459 Richlandtown, PA 18955 215-536-5027 Admin@stjohnsrpa.org www.stjohnsrpa.org Pastor: Rev Dr. David A Genszler In person worship service Sunday at 9:30 am, Watch our Worship Service anytime on stjohnsrpa.org/sermon or on Facebook.

Activity Center Rentals Open, Capacity 125, call 215-536-5027 to book.

Quakertown United Methodist Church 1875 Freier Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4992 barb@qumc.com www.qumc.com Pastor: Rev. Richard K. Brown II Sunday worship 8 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM Communion first Sunday of each month.

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

St. Isidore Roman Catholic Church 2545 West Pumping Station Rd Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536-4389 Pastor: Rev. Kenneth C. Brabazon izzyparoff@comcast.net www.stisidores.org Sunday Masses - 5:00pm Saturday evenings; 7:00am, 9:00am, & 11:00am on Sunday mornings; 1:00pm in Spanish Sunday afternoons

St. John’s Lutheran Church of Spinnerstown

1565 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Spinnerstown 18968 215-536-0734 stjohnsspinnerstown@gmail.com www.stjohnsofspinnerstown.org Pastor: The Rev. Axel Kaegler Outdoor Worship Service, 9:30 a.m. Sundays in tree-lined grove across from the church, weather permitting (inside if not), beginning June 20. Bring lawn chairs; PA guidelines on masks. Live-streamed on Facebook; video available on website..

St. John’s Lutheran Ridge Valley

910 Allentown Road, West Rockhill Twp 215-257-9643 stjohnsridgevalley910@gmail.com www.stjohnsridgevalley.com 8:30am Traditional - 10:15am w/praise band.

Grape juice & gluten-free wafers available.

Adult Forum 9:40, Handicapped accessible.

All invited and welcome to Share the Joy!

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Applebachsville

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

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ 104 Green Street Sellersville, PA 18960 215-257-7268 Pastor: Rev. Trudy Irving stacey@stpaulsucc.net www.stpaulsucc.net Sunday Worship 10:15 in Sanctuary

August 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

13

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

Think Local.

Play Local.

Be Local.

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

Have something to share with your community? Send it to us!

UBFP • 582 S. West End Blvd, Ste 2 • Quakertown, PA 18951 info@ubfp.org • fb.com/ubfreepress • www.ubfp.org

Cheery Chortle Contentment Funny Giggle Gleeful

Great Grin Guffaw Hilarious Huggable Humorous Jovial

Laughter Love Merry Mirth Peaceful Playful

Pleasant Silly Smily Terrific Tickle Wonderful

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• Upper Bucks Free Press • August 2021

Employment Opportunities

Biagioli Construction - Laborer/ Helper Wanted For Remodeling Looking for a self motivated person.

Experience not necessary, willing to train the right individual.

Must have reliable transportation.

Jbiagioli5775@gmail.com Spor’s General Store - Hiring various positions, ages 15 & up.

Contact: bspor@sporsgeneralstore. com or stop in the store at 22 W. Broad Street,Trumbauersville The Proper Brewing Co - Hiring Cook, Host, Runners, and Servers Contact:

Think Local. Buy Local. Be Local.

kris@theproperbrewing.com or stop in at 117 W. Broad Street,Quakertown New Vitae Wellness & Recovery - Join a Talented Team! Seeking Personal Care Aides & Medication Technicians for all shifts.

No experience necessary. We will train successful applicants. Please call (610) 928-5277 Earl’s Pub & Grill - Hiring Dishwasher, Host, and Servers. Call 215-538-2121 or stop in Wednesday - Sunday at 254 N. Main St, Trumbauersville.

August 2021 • Upper Bucks Free Press •

15

Abygail Jacobes Earns Medal at SkillsUSA Championship Abygail Jacobes, 17, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania recently participated in the SkillsUSA National Championships. This event, by invitation only, was for first place state medalists in 107 competition areas for career and technical students.

Abygail was a competitor in the National SkillsUSA Welding Sculpture Competition and was awarded the bronze medal. The SkillsUSA Championships, held virtually this year, took place June 14-24, 2021, as part of the SkillsUSA 57th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), a showcase of career and technical education students. More than 3,700 outstanding career and technical education students -- all state contest winners competed virtually in 107 different trade, technical and leadership fields.

Top student winners received gold, silver and bronze medallions. Many also received prizes such as tools of their trade and/or scholarships to further their careers and education. The SkillsUSA Championships is for high school and postsecondary/college-level students who are members of SkillsUSA. During the national competition, Abygail and other students across the country worked against the clock and each other, proving their expertise in occupations like electronics, computer-aided drafting, precision machining, medical assisting and culinary arts. All contests are run with the help of industry, trade associations, and labor organizations, and test competencies are set by industry. Mr. Ken Stockton of Jackson, NJ served as the local Certified Welding Inspector needed to assess Abygail’s sculpture for the virtual competition.

Abygail is a 2021 graduate of Quakertown Community High School and the Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS). Abygail has excelled in the Welding Technology program at UBCTS for the past three years most recently under the guidance of Welding instructor Joshua Kosak. During her senior year, Abygail was selected as an Elmer Gates Enterprise Award recipient and February Student of the Month at UBCTS. Abygail participated in the Cooperative Education program at UBCTS leading to employment as a

Welder at Klover Contracting of Quakertown, PA where she continues employment today.

SkillsUSA is a nonprofit partnership of education and industry founded in 1965 to strengthen our nation’s skilled workforce.

Driven by employer demand, SkillsUSA helps students develop necessary personal and workplace skills along with technical skills grounded in academics. This SkillsUSA Framework empowers every student to succeed at work and in life, while helping to close the skills gap in which millions of positions go unfilled.

Through SkillsUSA’s championships program and curricula, employers have ensured schools are teaching relevant technical skills, and with SkillsUSA’s new credentialing process, they can now assess how ready potential employees are for the job. SkillsUSA has membership nationwide in high schools, middle schools and colleges, covering over 130 trade, technical and skilled service occupations, and is recognized by the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor as integral to career and technical education. SkillsUSA receives in-kind and financial support from more than 650 national partners. They have served more than 13.8 million members since 1965. For more information: www.skillsusa.org.

Day by Day So, my motto the last month or so is to take it day by day. It just seems as though if I don’t stay in today, I am becoming overwhelmed by tomorrow and the next day and the next day. Just when it felt like things were settling down, we are now back in unsettling times.

Nothing everyone thinks like this about the current state of affairs with our country and COVID. However, for me and those I have relationships with we are feeling more unsettled again. As much as I would like things to go back to normal or feel like things are normal, they are not.

My life has not gotten any less overwhelming than before due to all of my responsibilities with myself and my family. I have only learned how to cope with these stressors better which is obviously a good thing and a blessing.

As much as I am an optimistic person there are definitely days that I have to reach deep inside to remind myself of all the things I know about creating balance in my life.

So, living by the principle to take each day as it comes

absolutely helps me to stay in today and worry about tomorrow when tomorrow arrives.

By no means am I perfect nor do I do it perfectly however I focus each day with a mindful attitude. I give myself permission to be in an uncomfortable mood and trust that I will work through it in whatever time frame it is going to be. Life for me is quite complicated right now. Some feelings and moods may take me hours or days until I am feeling like myself.

This is where the mindfulness comes into play for me. It is about recognizing the stressors in my life, where I need support, asking for help, talking about my struggles, having a plan and trusting the process.

The trick for me right now is finding the balance in my life, taking the time to breathe, laughing as much as I can and enjoying every moment. We can get so bogged down by our lives that we forget how short life is and what truly matters. Find what matters and hold on tight!! 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.

Looking to Fall Clean-Up! This year many of our gardens went beyond expectations for growth! Much rainfall in Spring has led to significant increases in size of many shrubs and perennials. I’ve talked to several gardeners who complain that their gardens are currently “out of control!” So, what to do?

First: evaluate the situation. You can’t fix it all now! Almost any shrub can withstand some pruning at any time of the year. You definitely want to remove broken or dead branches and those that are blocking pathways. But before you take the big loppers to your shrub, you should consult a pruning manual to find the best time for your particular plant. It is always a good idea to maintain records of the exact type of shrubbery you have planted to know the proper pruning season.. Hydrangeas are particularly unique as different varieties have very different pruning schedules; to prevent loss of blossoms, you must know what kind of hydrangea you are growing. Most shrubs cane be pruned in the dormant season (late winter), but some flowering shrubs can be pruned after flowering is complete. If you have plans to prune in winter, perhaps take photos now while your deciduous shrub is maintaining its leaves to get a good idea of how significant your cutback should be! As a rule of thumb, take out no more than 1/3 of the oldest stems to encourage new vibrant growth cut off crisscrossing branches to prevent rubbing, prune branches about ¼” above a node that will branch out to give the shrub a desirable bushy shape. Be sure your pruners and loppers are sharp and clean to give a nice cut that will be resistant to introduction of disease.

Perennials that are overgrown and unable to hold their own weight can be staked, but consider cutback as a way to give the plant more strength, bushiness, and a less spindly look.

The bonus to this effort is a healthier plant.

Plants need room for air to circulate among their leaves/branches. If too compacted, you will see die-out, fungus, or mildew forming and potentially destroying the plant. Even in late summer, for specific perennials, deadheading, headngback, thinning, and removing some excess growth may encourage another round of flowers this fall; albeit a less lush display, it is still a nice treat! For other perennials, you may have to wait until next spring to act on this advice, but again, snap a photo to remind yourself of the plants that have potential to outgrow their space and need spring shape-up!

Plan now if you’ll need to transplant shrubs or perennials this fall (usually a good time to allow roots to reestablish themselves) or next spring. Consider the plant’s potential size, scalability, and how it will coordinate with its neighboring plants. Variety of color, leaf shape and texture add to garden interest.

Before winter dormancy, many of your perennials will benefit from being cut back close to the ground: Iris, Bee Balm, Phlox, Lilies, Catmint, Columbine, Peonies, Solomon’s Seal, Yarrow, and Hosts should be cut to a few inches above the ground. Be especially cautious of Bee Balm and Phlox which may have become diseased with mildew this fall if in confined space—those cuttings should be trashed (not composted) to prevent perpetuating disease in the garden. If cutting diseased plants, be sure to clean your pruners with a 10% bleach solution after cutting. All cut foliage should be removed from the garden (and composted if not diseased) to prevent decaying in the garden.

But don’t clean out your perennial garden completely this fall; some perennials should not be cutback until Spring. The dying foliage or the plant may provide winter interest or a welcome habitat/food for beneficial wildlife as the seasons change. More importantly, the foliage may be needed to protect spring shoots,.

Leave coneflowers and black-eyed susans for birds to feed on seeds, Allow your sedums and ornamental grasses to provide winter interest to the garden as they can make a beautiful site under a blanket of snow. Heuchera foliage, and fern fronds will protect the crown of the plant in the winter and new shoots in early spring. If you planted annual flowers, leaving them on their own over winter may give you a bonus plant if they reseed themselves for next year!

Fall cleanup can sometimes seem daunting, but plan ahead; break it down into smaller tasks, start early with some pruning and thinning, and approaching the plan with good gardening techniques will give you rewards throughout the coming seasons and years.

Our Home Garden/Watershed hotline is currently open Monday through Friday 9-12 and 12-4! Calls and emails are being answered by trained Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards. Phone: 267-483-2020 Penn State Extension Bucks County Email: BucksMG@psu.edu Please mention that you heard about us in the Upper Bucks Free Press!

Stay cool this summer.

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Penn Foundation is the newest member of St. Luke’s University Health Network!

With Penn Foundation joining the Network, St. Luke’s now operates the largest nonprofit network of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services in eastern Pennsylvania. Additionally, our combined services will establish a complete continuum of care to treat patients with behavioral health and substance use disorders.

Penn Foundation is a nonprofit, community-based behavioral health provider with 25 behavioral health and substance use treatment programs that serve more than 17,000 individuals annually. It operates one of Pennsylvania’s first Opioid Use Disorder Centers of Excellence and is an Aetna Institute of Quality and an Independence Blue Cross Center of Distinction.

807 Lawn Avenue, Sellersville, PA 18960 • 215-257-6551 • sluhn.org/pennfoundation